Heaven Official's Blessing: Vol. 1

Heaven Official’s Blessing explores complex themes of Redemption and Forgiveness and The Illusion of Truth through the characters of Xie Lian, Banyue, and General Pei Junior. These chapters reveal how perceptions of truth are often shaped by incomplete or misleading narratives while also highlighting how redemption is not easily granted, even to those who seek it. The novel challenges simplistic moral binaries, emphasizing that even well-intentioned actions can have disastrous consequences, while those deemed villains may have once acted out of necessity or coercion.

One of the most significant examples of Redemption and Forgiveness in these chapters is Banyue’s story, which challenges simplistic notions of guilt and betrayal. Initially condemned by Kemo as a traitor who opened the city gates to an invading army—leading to the massacre of her own people—Banyue appears to be an irredeemable figure. Kemo and his soldiers, once loyal to her, now exist as wrathful ghosts, convinced that she condemned them to endless suffering. However, as Xie Lian uncovers the truth, it becomes clear that Banyue’s actions were not motivated by malice but by a desperate attempt to protect as many people as possible. She is not a traditional betrayer, but a tragic figure caught between two worlds—her mixed heritage making her a perpetual outsider, even as she tried to act with compassion. Despite being ostracized for her mixed heritage, she once sought to aid both Banyue soldiers and the people of Yong’an, complicating the narrative of her supposed betrayal. 

She reflects on her choices with painful self-awareness: “I wanted to […] save the people […] But in the end, I destroyed the Kingdom of Banyue […] And it seemed no matter what I did … the results were all horrible […] I know I didn’t do things right, but can you tell me, where did I go wrong?” (389). Her remorse highlights the unintended consequences of her well-intentioned actions—knowing that Banyue’s downfall was inevitable and that its people planned to retaliate with suicide bombings, she chose to open the gates in an attempt to minimize casualties. Even in death, she sought to contain the lingering wrath of her fallen comrades by trapping them in the Sinners’ Pit, preventing them from harming others. The novel refuses to frame Banyue’s actions in black and white, instead illustrating the profound moral complexity of decision-making in times of war. Banyue’s story illustrates the complexity of redemption; rather than a simple act of atonement, it is an eternal struggle with guilt, self-doubt, and the pursuit of moral clarity. Through Xie Lian’s understanding and refusal to condemn her, the narrative suggests that true forgiveness does not erase mistakes. However, it acknowledges the difficulty of making the right choice in impossible circumstances.

This same theme of Redemption and Forgiveness extends to Xie Lian. His past actions, particularly his idealistic attempts to save people, are often dismissed as foolish or reckless. In these chapters, Fu Yao openly mocks Xie Lian’s tendency to put himself in danger for others, especially his willingness to help Banyue despite her alleged crimes. However, Xie Lian’s philosophy remains unchanged: He believes in helping those who need it, regardless of whether others perceive them as deserving. His unwavering compassion contrasts with the rigid morality of the other heavenly officials, who judge individuals based on status and political convenience rather than personal merit. Banyue, who has spent centuries trapped in Banyue Pass out of guilt, is an example of someone who seeks redemption but has no path to obtain it. Xie Lian, recognizing this, offers her a form of absolution simply by listening to her story and believing in her. This reinforces the novel’s recurring idea that redemption is not granted by divine judgment but by understanding and forgiveness from others. True justice, in this world, is not found in the mandates of Heaven but in the choices of individuals who defy cruelty with kindness.

The Illusion of Truth is another central theme that drives the events of these chapters. General Pei Junior (Pei Xiu) serves as a key figure in exploring this concept. For 200 years, he has manipulated the events at Banyue Pass, sacrificing travelers to appease the wrathful spirits of the fallen soldiers. Pei Xiu presents himself as a loyal subordinate to General Pei Senior and a dutiful cultivator, yet his actions reveal a ruthless pragmatism. He justifies the massacre of the Banyue people by claiming they were preparing fatal attacks using explosives, but as Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss, such justifications are often self-serving. This uncertainty reflects how those in power write history and shape narratives to absolve specific individuals while condemning others.

Furthermore, Pei Xiu’s long-standing deception as A-Zhao exemplifies the illusion of truth on a more personal level. By pretending to be a harmless, timid guide, he gains the trust of the merchant group, allowing him to manipulate events behind the scenes. His reveal as General Pei Junior is a shocking moment that forces the characters to reconsider everything they believe about their journey. This deception highlights a central idea in Heaven Official’s Blessing: Truth is often obscured, whether by intentional lies, personal biases, or incomplete knowledge. Pei Xiu’s ability to deceive others for so long shows how easily a determined being can manipulate perception, reinforcing the idea that truth is rarely as simple as it seems.

Hua Cheng also plays into the theme of The Illusion of Truth, though in a more ambiguous manner. Xie Lian confirms that Hua Cheng is the feared Ghost King, Crimson Rain Sought Flower. However, despite knowing his reputation, Xie Lian does not fear him. Hua Cheng’s actions contradict his fearsome legend—he protects Xie Lian, saves him from danger, and shows him nothing but respect. This contrast between Hua Cheng’s supposed monstrous nature and his actual behavior raises the question of whether truth is determined by reputation or by actions. Much like Banyue, Hua Cheng is an individual whose past and intentions remain shrouded in mystery, forcing Xie Lian to trust in what he has experienced rather than what others claim to be true.

The most intimate exploration of truth in these chapters comes from Xie Lian and Hua Cheng’s conversation at Puqi Shrine. For the first time, their dynamic shifts from unspoken tension to direct acknowledgment of Hua Cheng’s identity. Xie Lian recognizes that the way Hua Cheng calls him Your Royal Highness differs from others—instead of mockery or excessive reverence, it carries something else: admiration, devotion, and genuine respect. Despite his awareness of Hua Cheng’s power, Xie Lian chooses not to fear him, reinforcing his belief that judgment should be based on personal experience rather than hearsay.

Their discussion touches on Hua Cheng’s physical appearance, particularly his hesitance to reveal his true face. His question—“What if I were ugly?”—carries layers of meaning beyond the surface. It is not simply about physical appearance but about identity, perception, and whether someone can still be loved after revealing their true self. Xie Lian’s response is both simple and profound: He does not care. In this moment, the novel underscores the idea that true acceptance is based on understanding, not appearance or reputation. Hua Cheng’s offer to show Xie Lian his real face in the future, rather than immediately, signifies a deepening trust between them. The fact that he does not rush to prove himself reveals his desire to be seen as more than just a legend or a ghost king—he wants to be known as himself.

Ultimately, these chapters reinforce the novel’s broader message: that the divide between righteousness and corruption is not as clear-cut as mortals or gods would like to believe. Whether in Banyue, the Heavenly Realm, or the mortal world, power remains a force that can be twisted to serve the interests of those who wield it. Xie Lian’s refusal to accept surface-level truths, combined with his relentless pursuit of justice despite his lack of status, serves as a quiet rebellion against this cycle. Through him, the novel suggests that true wisdom comes not from authority or divinity, but from questioning the world’s accepted narratives and seeking the truth hidden beneath.