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Chapter 8 Oh heavenly politics Some interesting things to think about in this chapter, historically Chinese civilization did begin to hybridize Buddhism and Taoism around this point in history. The blending was partly due to the invasion of barbarian tribes from the steppes with a need to unify various systems together to act as a counterweight. They incorporated mixed belief systems similar to how Romans adopted Egyptian gods or Persian deities in the Middle East, while still worshipping native pantheon or the Olympian pantheon. A key thing to consider here is the inherent issue between Taoism and Buddhism, Taoism is a belief in restraint versus Buddhism is a belief in relieving suffering. The idea of vanquishing evil and demons was inherent in both faiths, but a caveat is Taoist would wait and evaluate the situation fully before action, while an unorganized Buddhist religion without a central authority at the time would push for immediate action. People assume Buddhism is a pacifistic religion, but it really depends on your interpretation of what "ending suffering" means, especially without rules on how far you can take the cause. In India during the height of Buddhism, leaders were slaughtering foes under the belief that they were ending suffering "for their people". What better way to end a cycle of war than to wipe out entire kingdoms that opposed you? (The Buddha would probably have been horrified at what his followers did in his name and beliefs). Under such ideas, genocide doesn't seem wrong or cruel. Taoism is a religion of compromised action, seeking to make decisive action impactful, but as a belief system, it has several issues that most scholars in Dynastic China have noted that lead to corruption. Finally, within this framework of beliefs and the bureaucracy that I am describing, there is the ever-present issue of Confucianism. I don't mention it by name, but it is present in all areas of life and manner of ideals. During this period, a breakdown of civil society led to the problems inherent in nations such as Jin Dynasty that appear in the Heavenly Court, reflecting current social mores, Confucian ethics have failed to live up to the promise. In order to maintain the status quo, leaders compromise their ethics further weakening systems and ideas in favor of greater conflict and self-destructive tendencies. Beyond the social/theological concepts I added to the story, the overall plot is getting more intricate. Xu Xiwang, despite being only a teenager, is now branded for death due to continuing injustice against his ancestors and perpetrated by a system that cannot accept their error. The alliance of the Taoist Heavenly Court and Fahai Buddhist may preserve the status quo, but it creates new victims. You can be assured Xiwang isn't the only one to face issues in this alliance. For Characters, I wanted to show off Hua Cheng's intelligent and witty side that he exhibits in the novels. It would be such a charming idea to think that he inspired Sun Wukong later to be the wise-cracking Monkey King in the centuries after this time. Wukong himself is learning and gathering knowledge through observation, just as any student of Taoism would, at according to the Tao Te Ching. An interesting thing to consider as a difference between Western magic and Eastern magic user training, the Taoist idea is that a student learns through observation rather than going to class at Hogwarts to do spells and charms While Wukong may not be taught in the traditional sense "magic" like western stories, he's learning "magic" through observing the practice of it. That's the first level of magical training, then the next is surpassing what you have seen to improve it. Eastern magic is based on self-learning and ingenuity with basic philosophical guidance. Don't be surprise to see Wukong experiment with magic soon.

A bit of both, I am continuing the story from TGCF/Heaven Official's Blessing and tying HuaLian (Xie Lian and Hua Cheng) story as prequel to Journey to the West, plus adding a little real Chinese history for the formation of Northern and Southern Dynasty era/Sixteen Kingdoms era. I'm one of the few Chinese gay authors on GA with that kind of background knowledge in classical mythology and modern Wuxia/Xianxia fantasy genres, but I am hoping I can inspire others to come and open up the world to some wonderful stories and concepts.

Chapter 8 Knowing neither of them could, or even would, raise a sword to Hua Cheng and Xie Lian, both odd-looking youths dropped their weapons obediently. Hua escorted them and Xie Lian, along with Wukong and the squirming white snake in his arms, away from the main retinue to be out of earshot of the mortals. Some may have heard Qianliyan’s bold announcement, but after the loss of their former capital, Chang’an, and so much in the north, madness was rampant among the refugees. Lady Liu add

Jensen and Nolan are a cute couple, they make such an interesting pair based on their backgrounds. It's an intriguing story that takes normal concepts in gay fiction, then reverses them in a meaningful way that shows off both characters. Jensen is a refreshing reversal of the stereotype, he might be young, but he's successful, mature, and secure. In contrast, Nolan is older, weary of relations due to his ex-husband infidelity, and insecure financially or career-wise. If this were a heterosexual romance, Nolan reminds me of an ex-housewife who is trying to get her life back, while her young wealthy and virile supportive male lover is trying to prove his devotion to her. While this concept has been done countless times in heterosexual romance fiction, it's refreshing to finally see a talented author like @Mrsgnomiebring the concept into gay fiction with fleshed-out characters and concepts.

Jensen and Nolan are a cute couple. Jensen might have a lot of means, but he's such an innocent guy. Some gay guys like older mature men, which is kind of nice to see in a narrative. The traditional roles of an older financially secure partner with a younger insecure partner are juxtaposed in a nice way

(Richard Gillespie) I’m dating a James Bond villain. With everything going on, my mind just focused on this superfluous concept. It’s absurd to be picturing Ken Savage stroking a white cat, laughing maniacally. It must be the surreal facts about what he has just done. Ken, up until this point, was always a humble and unpretentious guy. He wasn’t showy like a lot of the tech billionaires with new high-concept inventions. From new electric car batteries, photoelectric cells, and communic

It's really good, I think Dodgers did a great job on that story with his insights and language of the queer subculture in England. You can feel the oppressive and hopelessness in the story at various points, but it's emblematic of a culture that persecuted people for their nature.

Very good selection, I only have @Mrsgnomie story left to read. Based on the responses, I know most folks started with her story (No one paces themselves anymore ).

PS: @Dodger It's implied, but is Dennis his partner in the end? It seems they have sexual chemistry, he's understanding and willing to help him be a good husband for Maude, while being his lover on the side. Michael/Michelle's story is so tragic, I wonder if she ever found love or absolution for what he did.

To sum this story, "Never Forget" would be the most appropriate words for this brilliant story. All these characters are interesting from Anthony's pragmatic approach to the tragic tale of Michael, who underwent forceful chemical castration, to the evil treacherous Larry. Time cannot heal all wounds, without forgetting what you have lost or what you had to do in order to survive.

I must say you have pique my interest and touched my spirit. This story is ambitious and beautiful with all the shades of humanity I particularly enjoy your character and the subculture references. Queer history is one of those things not many people look into, but it's a good reminder for where we as a community have been under oppression and survived.

A sweet story of love aged like fine wine, with so many references to things past and battles won after such a long life together.

I love this tender love story of two partners recalling their love through simple conversations.

@northieshared an intimate part of his journey and life with readers. This is a nice autobiographic piece.

Thank you for sharing and it's amazing how the simplest connection can really open the world to folks, like GA itself.

I love the interactions between these characters, @Carlos Hazday can you tell me where I should start in reading the background for your characters and stories? Is there a recommended chronological list?

These poems are best described as "Impressions" of life and moments, filled with emotions like anger and hope. It's a nice short read.

Appreciate the idea of condensing a date into short verses, my dates recently are mainly online as so few gay guys are interested in contact or coffee

This poem gives me hope and I only wish the same for all those lonely guys seeking someone who completes them.

Deep and tragic truth about modern corporate cultures with no loyalty to those who made their businesses great in the first place

Oof, this is the poem for bitter breakups, great emotional depth

Cute poem, I wish I could find a man to spend 10 years with and 10 years more after that and 10 years...you get the idea

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52384070-omega-s-traitor In this book, the two authors’ merging of Omegaverse and gay fantasy writing styles finally synthesized into something unique. We have real stakes in this book, an introduction to magical lore, fascinating characters like Lincoln and Sasha, plus a very fun rescue-adventure subplot involving the Dragons and their foes, the Illuminati-like Templars. I had mentioned previously that it took them until this point to finally settle into

I know what I will be doing this weekend

Chapter 7 Fear is a tangible thing, Xie Lian has encountered this spirit many times in his journeys across the world with Hua Cheng. It is not a spirit like the Reverend of Venerable Words, who haunts its prey with self-fulfilling prophecies, but something innate within each human being. Xie Lian knew he had nothing to fear from these mortals as they could not harm him, but he feared for the two youths in his charge. In theory, Wukong should not be harmed easily by mortal weapons, because h