Dinghai Fusheng Records Vol 3 Thoughts

Since I read volume one of Dinghai Fusheng Records, it’s been that series that I forget about until a new volume is out. Not because I don’t enjoy it, but because it’s been a bit of a slow crawl setting up a lot of pieces. And this isn’t a negative thing. I love Fei Tian’s writing and now having read many different series of his, I trust the process. I knew Dinghai Fusheng Records was at a breaking point and soon, the levy would break and it would flood my heart and thoughts. And now, we’ve arrived.

Like my Legend of Exorcism Volume 4 post, this is just a random list of thoughts about Xiang Shu and Chen Xing I need to put out into the universe! Volume 3 had me crying, screaming, and all of the theatrics. Of course, full spoilers ahead and some slight spoilers for Joyful Reunion (who the male lead is), Legend of Exorcism, and To Rule In a Turbulent World!

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Chen Xing

I love Chen Xing. I’ve loved him since volume one but I think he really shines in volume three. In this volume, he’s more explicitly aware about his feelings for Xiang Shu. This is causing a lot of turmoil for him because on one hand he wants to confess but also, he thinks he only has 2-3 years of his life left. He admits that he initially was attracted to Xiang Shu because he knew exorcists and protectors all fell in love and had that type of relationship. But as time goes on, he understands he’s falling for Xiang Shu because of him, not because of the expectation.

I feel for Chen Xing because he is also bound by this “duty” of his. He knows he will give up his life to protect others and although deep down he wants for more, he shoves those thoughts away. I also can tell he’s growing up through all of this. With acknowledging his real feelings for Xiang Shu, he’s also finally seeing Xiang Shu’s side of things. Towards the end of volume two, Xiang Shu finally opens up to Chen Xing about these “duties” and “responsibilities.” This is only expanded on in volume three, where we learn the origins of Xiang Shu’s mother.

At the end of the volume, we see Xiang Shu really start pushing Chen Xing to think outside his duties and consider what he really wants. Chen Xing is so kindhearted, he doesn’t even think he can think about himself. Besides, he’s known this has been his fate all his life. He’s making all these preparations alone for “after his death” as we see with Xiang Shan. I hope in volume four we see Xiang Shu confronting him on these beliefs and pushing him to put himself first.

Xiang Shu as a Male Lead

I really love Xiang Shu. Since I’ve been reading other works by Fei Tian, I can compare a few of the male leads, and Xiang Shu is SO different from them. In To Rule in a Turbulent World, we have Li Zhifeng who is initially aloof, but always treats You Miao with so much love and respect. Once he’s in love, he shows his affection physically. In Joyful Reunion, Wu Du starts off being a bit mean, but it’s easy to see how much of a front that is. He let’s down his guard pretty quickly and slowly starts being affectionate. In Legend of Exorcism, Li Jinglong is down bad from day one. He waste no time cozying up to Hongjun and letting his love be heard!

In Dinghai Fusheng Records, Xiang Shu couldn’t be any more different. He really hated Chen Xing at the beginning. He ties him up and beats him! Once he realizes he’s stuck with him for the foreseeable future, he doesn’t hold up in expressing his displeasure. Despite his reluctance, he feels the connection to Chen Xing and how they need to be together. It isn’t until volume three that we start seeing Xiang Shu start shifting from being reluctant to get closer, to actually feeling something for Chen Xing.

This is especially made clear after the battle that leaves Chen Xing in a coma for three months. During that time, Xiang Shu would not leave his side and took care of all his needs. Obviously someone who hates you isn’t doing all this, duty be damned! Xiang Shu is incredibly troubled because he’s finally putting together that Chen Xing is using his life source to power the Heart Lamp. He wants to forbid Chen Xing from using the Heart Lamp, but Chen Xing wont have it.

Coming to Terms

It’s also interesting to me how as they both come to terms with their feelings, they move in opposite directions. Chen Xing, not wanting to get his hopes up, only wants to talk about their plans and how to defeat the enemy. Meanwhile that is the last thing Xiang Shu wants to do. I feel that Xiang Shu is thinking of more with Chen Xing outside of everything, but because Chen Xing is so focused on the NOW and sacrificing himself, Xiang Shu doesn’t feel that Chen Xing is thinking of the same thing.

“Xiang Shu stared at him, stunned. “Is there no other desire in your heart?” he asked finally.”

Overall, I have been loving their relationship dynamic and the slow burn we’ve been witnessing. I love how in each of the Fei Tian series I’ve read, each couple is so different from each other. It makes reading all of these series simultaneously so much fun. The overall story of Dinghai Fusheng Records is so interesting and I love how it ramped up this volume. I am certain now that Xiang Shu has discovered how he can help Chen Xing recover from using his life source, he will not let that man die in 2-3 years!

Other Random Musings

• I CRIED when they said goodbye to Xiang Shan in volume 2 so I was sooooo happy that he’s come back and is now part of the crew! I also appreciated Feng Qianjun making that joke about Xiang Shan being their son!
• Speaking of Feng Qianjun, my heart BROKE over his fiancé, Gu Qing! This man lost his brother and now his fiancé?!?! Can he please be happy FOR ONCE?!?!!!
• Xie An being basically an exorcist super fan was such a great addition to the story. I (like everyone else) had my doubts about him, especially because he was just SO eager to be included. And of course, it turns out he’s the baddie who lures Shi Hai out. I’m so sorry Xie An, I was unfamiliar with your game!

Where to Buy Dinghai Fusheng Records Volume 3