At this point, I don’t know how Shen Qiao (SQ) hasn’t turned vindictive toward life and humanity, given all the betrayal he has faced. I know I would (proving Yan Wushi’s belief altogether lol). Though he wouldn’t be SQ if he didn’t stubbornly stick to his principles.
HE DOESN’T DESERVE TO DIE HERE, NOT LIKE THIS.”
Despite the sting of Yan Wushi’s betrayal fresh on his heart, Shen Qiao rushes to save him from certain death only to arrive a moment too late—or so it seems. As rumor of Yan Wushi’s demise spreads far and wide, the winds of change stir across the land. Meanwhile, Shen Qiao seeks to heal Yan Wushi’s grave injuries, and realizes that his understanding of the Demon Lord runs only skin-deep. Yet fate does not allow the pair to remain idle for long.
When an old friend reveals his true nature, Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi have no choice but to aid him on a perilous mission. Only this time, humans aren’t the only monsters to fear. (via Seven Seas)
This volume is Shen Qiao’s Phoenix era, and I love that for him. In the previous volumes, I kept getting frustrated every time people looked down on him. Book 3 shows his rise to power once more, a full-blown rise-from-the-ashes arc. What I love about SQ is that he may grow stronger and wiser, but deep down, he’s still Shen Qiao. His magnanimity and moral compass remain intact. He is this still and serene figure in the midst of a storm.
In the same vein, Yan Wushi may have been ill this volume, but his distrust of humanity remains the same. Ever suspicious, ever distrustful. But it’s fun to read the different versions of him because you can’t tell what he’s going to show you next. He’s as eccentric and maddening as his full personality.
Volume 3 feels like a callback to Volume 1 with the reappearance of Chen Gong. Back in the first book, I wondered why this random passerby (okay, he played a big role, but I’m so irked with him that I tried to forget he ever existed) had to get his own chapter, complete with backstory. Now, I know. I’m not exactly thrilled that he’s back. For all the betrayal he did against Shen Qiao, he still turned out to be a rich man’s boy toy? And then acts all high-and-mighty? Wow. The nerve.
Middle book of the series, and I absolutely love it! Mostly for the Shen Qiao x Yan Wushi scenes. There’s never a dull moment with these two. I can’t wait to start QQ 4!
How about you? Have you read this book? What did you think about it? How do you feel about the many versions of Yan Wushi? How about Chen Gong?
Series: Thousand Autumns (Qian Qiu) (千秋)
Written by: Meng Xi Shi (梦溪石)
Translation: Faelicy
Adaptation: Harry Caitlin
Cover and Interior Art: Me.Mimo
Color Illustration: Ning
Available at: JJWXC (Chinese), Seven Seas Danmei (English)