Work Text:
“And That's Why We Don't Joke About Necromancy” - The Documentary You Didn't Know You Needed In Your Life
April 21 2025
The idea behind “And That's Why We Don't Joke About Necromancy” is straightforward: the cameras follow a group of Chinese American cultivators as they prepare for an upcoming cultivation conference hosted in San Francisco. Each episode focuses on a different sect, and we get a rare back-stage glimpse into the inner workings of some of the most powerful and mysterious groups in the cultivation world.
But that summary doesn't do the documentary justice. The filmmakers use the framing of the cultivation conference to expose petty jealousy, family tension, and genuine tragedy, counterbalanced with some hilarious moments (not all of them intentional) and even a hint of romance.
If you don't know much about cultivation, well, you're not alone! While the major cultivation sects have been established in the US for several generations, they have largely kept themselves out of mainstream media.
The sects have historically not been interested in talking to outsiders and the kind of tell-all that this show easily could have been. But somehow the filmmakers resisted the urge to make everything cheap and drama-filled. What emerges is both a love letter to and scathing indictment of a deeply traditional society trying to find its place in the modern world.
As we watch, two characters become the clear focal points. Lan Zhan, or Hanguang Jun, is the embodiment of the good disciple, a rigid rule follower whose commitment to justice is only matched by his dislike of innovation. By contrast, Wei Ying, also known as the Yiling laozu, was thrown out of his original sect and lives “somewhere in the Midwest” with a ragtag group of outcasts who he supports with talisman work and the occasional spot of necromancy. The definition of an innovator and rulebreaker, he and Lan Zhan couldn't be more different. (He is, of course, the one who says the line that became the show’s title.)
But, over the course of six episodes, the easy categories become much more complicated and so much more interesting. By the time we get to the actual conference, the question of how all of these people will come together and what explosions will happen is just as riveting as your favorite big budget thriller. I laughed, I cried, and I came away with a deeper understanding and respect for my own history and culture.
*
Qing jie
April 25, 2025
11:45 am
[Link to article]
well, fuck
11:46 am
You literally signed up to be part of this documentary.
I watched you fill out the paperwork
What did you think would happen.
11:55 am
no one would watch it?? obviously????
now there are recaps
and people counting every time I pour my drink on my face accidentally
why are they so mean to meeee
12:02 pm
Oh boy
*
[unknown number]
April 26, 2025
7:15 am
Wei Ying?
11:12 am
uhhhh who is this?
11:12 am
Lan Zhan
11:12 am
Missed call
11:13 am
Missed call
11:13 am
I only want to talk
Episode One: In the Clouds
Excerpt from ATWWDJAN EP1 Recap
Posted by Melon enjoyer blog, May 15, 2025
Okay! I have never written a recap of a documentary before, but here we are! I read this post about how much xianxia and wuxia influenced the documentary crew and I wanted to see it for myself. And wow, yeah, they were not kidding!
Episode one starts with a long pan up a mountain somewhere in Northern California (I’m not being vague on purpose, that’s all we’re given). It’s the location of Cloud Recesses, the home of the Lan sect, originally from Gusu.
Then we get a nice sequence that shows the interior courtyards, where a bunch of the sect disciples are working on a drill. They’re overseen by Lan Zhan, one of the senior disciples, also known as Hanguang jun. The camera work is really cool here, with some shots that will be familiar if you’ve ever watched a c-drama–but it’s in real life!
We cut to a talking head interview, where Lan Zhan explains that the disciples are getting ready for the upcoming cultivation conference down in San Francisco. He apparently went to one of them as a teenager and it (direct quote) “altered the course of his own life,” so he hopes it will be a memorable experience for the kids too.
(side note: he actually talks this way the whole time. I don’t think it’s an act. HGJ is just Like That.)
*
The Best Wens
January 5, 2024
12:20pm
got a weird request today
NOT LIKE THAT
like, cultivation related
AGAIN.
NOT LIKE THAT
I see you typing, uncle four
12:21 pm
Uncle Four
Can you blame me?
12:22pm
yes
Wen Ning
what’s going on, wei ge??
thank you ning ning you are a precious sunflower and the only one who appreciates me
Granny
Exuse me!
12:23pm
Uncle Four
I appreciate that you’re always ridiculous
Qing jie
does this have something to do with the mysterious envelope that was just delivered?
12:24pm
how does some tv studio know our address anyway??
Granny
Qing qing, don’t forget to pick up ginger on your way home!!
12:25pm
Qing jie
yes, granny
Wei Ying? explain
OKAY
this tv studio sent me an email to the old address. like, I never check it. anyway
they’re doing a documentary about the cultivation conference and they want me to be in it!
12:26
Qing jie
is that a good idea?
probably not!
that’s why I’m telling you
like, should I say no?
12:29
Uncle Four
No, do it, get that money
Granny
Will they want US to be in it?
Wen Ning
I’m sure we can just opt out!
Wei Ying, you should do it!
it might be fun!
12:30
Qing jie
let’s talk tonight
12:31
ominous but okay sure
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, continued
Next, we get an interview with Lan Qiren, the respected elder teacher of the Lan sect. It takes place in his home on the sect property. Honestly, the atmosphere is super harmonious and peaceful, like a great place for a retreat if you need to get away for a while.
I'm typing the interview out word for word because there's some good stuff here!
Unseen interviewer: Are you looking forward to the conference, Lan laoshi?
LQR: It is always good to have the opportunity to teach.
Interviewer: That's right, you've been asked to give a guest lecture this year.
LQR: Mm. (Drinks from a really beautiful pale blue cup that catches the light; I'm assuming tea because no way it’s anything stronger)
Interviewer: Conferences like this are great opportunities to learn from the traditions and styles of other sects.
LQR (stiffly): I feel no need to look beyond the traditional teachings of our own sect.
Interviewer: Right. (Pause) Would you say that your nephews agree?
LQR's expression darkens and he looks away, choosing to remain silent.
*
Two Peas in a Pod
Podcast Transcript: Episode 135
May 2, 2025
Ouyang Zizhen: Welcome, welcome!
A-Qing: Hello, hello!
OYZ: I’m Ouyang Zizhen
AQ: And I’m A-Qing
OYZ: And with us today is a special guest, the one and only Yiling Laozu, Wei Ying!
AQ: He’s recently shot up the ranks of interesting, eligible, and questionable cultivators, after the And that’s why we don’t joke about necromancy documentary took over everyone’s brains, including ours!
OYZ: We were thrilled when he agreed to come on the podcast to talk about his cultivation, history with the sects, and inventions. Welcome, Wei Ying!
Wei Ying: Uh, yeah. Hi. Thanks for having me.
OYZ: First of all, can you explain some of the inventions we see on the show? How did you come up with the spirit lure flag, for example?
WY: Well, mostly there’s something that I need–like, with the spirit lure flag, we were living in a super haunted house and I figured that if we could lure all of the spirits to one location, it would make it easier for us to cleanse them.
AQ: When you say “we,” you’re talking about the Wens?
WY: I mean. Yeah.
OYZ: So, the inventions are mostly practical?
WY: For sure! And I think a lot of people could have come up with them. Honestly, I’m surprised they’re not already in existence!
AQ: One person we talked to said that you have an incredible creative and unique mind, which means that you see the possibilities differently than others.
WY (flustered): Uh, what? That sounds way too nice. Who was that?
OYZ: Oh, we can’t reveal our sources!
AQ: laughs
OYZ: laughs
OYZ: Let’s move on to your background. We saw some segments that suggested you were a disciple with the Jiang sect as a youngster.
AQ: Youngster, honestly, Zizhen.
OYZ: I stand by it
WY: Yes, I grew up in the Jiang sect. Jiang Fengmian and Yu furen took me in after my parents passed away.
AQ: And you grew up alongside Jiang Yanli and current Sect Leader Jiang Cheng, right?
WY: Yes.
OYZ: But you ended up leaving the sect?
WY: I don’t–I don’t think I can talk about that part of it.
AQ: Can’t or won’t?
WY: silence
OYZ: Hey, A-Qing, give him a break. It’s a tough subject.
AQ: Okay, fine. Let's move on to your last cultivation conference. I hear it ended with a bit of a bang!
WY: Ah, yeah. I guess you could say that. It's kind of embarrassing now, to be honest. I was a lot younger and I didn't understand much about how the world works.
OYZ: We spoke to someone who was there and they said you were unfairly blamed for a lot of the turmoil.
WY: I don't–that's all in the past now. I don't think about it that often.
AQ: So when you got the invitation to attend the most recent conference…
WY: laughs Yeah, total shock. I didn't think I'd ever get invited back. But it was good. I reconnected with some old friends and got some new ideas for talismans.
OYZ: Any drama?
WY: I think a few people weren't thrilled that I was there. I don't know. That's not something I can focus on.
AQ: So what's next for you, now that the documentary has aired?
WY: Just keep on going, I guess. Hopefully we'll get some new opportunities to show what we can do.
OYZ: All right, that was Wei Ying! Infamous cultivator and honestly, sweet guy. Qing'er, any last thoughts?
AQ: My dads always say that a pure heart is the best way to prove your enemies wrong. But I don't know, revenge is pretty great too.
OYZ: You heard the lady! That's all this week. We'll be back next time with a new surprise guest! Let's just say, he brings the light.
*
Instagram post
[Image shows several people sitting on a couch in a living room, with several bowls on a low coffee table before them. One is a man in his mid-fifties, with a grave expression. Two are men in their mid-thirties, with identical and yet completely distinct smiles. A man and woman sit with their arms around each other, beaming. In the foreground, a teenager grins into the camera, holding up two fingers in a peace sign, while he takes the selfie.]
jingyiiiiiii292929
viewing party at my place!!! @zewujun @lan_qiren
April 30, 2025
Liked by lan_qiren, zewujun, and others
lan_qiren VERY NICE PHOTO
lan_qiren PLEASE SEND IT TO ME
zewujun can't wait for the next episode!
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, continued
The episode ends with Hanguang Jun again, but this time, the camera follows him as he talks to his brother, Sect Leader Lan Huan, about the upcoming conference. There's tea drinking, and some obvious tension about things that aren't clear yet.
For instance, Sect Leader Lan really likes a guy named Jin Guangyao, while Hanguang jun seems to be more conflicted. Sect Leader Lan brings up the question of Sect Leader Nie’s health and they’re both concerned that he seems to be poorly.
Despite the tension, there’s also obviously a lot of care and shared history between the brothers. The camera lingers on a photo of the two of them with a young woman, standing on a beach, and we see them pass each other peanuts and sliced vegetables with comfortable ease. When they say goodnight, Lan Huan gives his brother a hug and Hanguang jun pats his back briefly, which seems to be the way they communicate affection.
Then we follow Hanguang Jun back to his house, which is set up on the hillside. The camera stays outside, but we see a framed shot through the open door as Hanguang jun takes off his official robes and bows to a small ancestral altar with a photo we can't make out. (I tried SO hard.)
Then he pulls out a phone and makes a call, standing to slide the door shut. The last shot is of the closed door, but we hear the audio pickup as Hanguang jun says, “Wei Ying, I don't know if this is still your number. It has been fifteen years now, and I still keep leaving you these messages.”
OKAY TRAGIC PAST ALERT. First of all, from what I can tell, Wei Ying is kind of notorious in cultivation circles for his controversial path of cultivation. How did he and Hanguang jun meet? Were they friends? Did Lan Zhan know he was still mic'd up when he made that call??
Also, on a less emotional note, love love love the framing in this sequence. This is another moment where the documentary felt so much like a c-drama that it was almost easy to forget that these are real people!
Great stuff, A+. I'll be back next time when we catch up with the Nies!
*
Lan Zhan
May 6, 2025
9:56pm
hey Lan Zhan
sorry to bother you
Wei Ying?
9:58p
yeah its me
can we meet up sometime? I'd like to talk
Episode Two: Keeping Up with the Nies
Excerpt from ATWWDJAN EP2 Recap
Posted by Melon enjoyer blog, May 17, 2025
Episode 2 opens with a fun callback to some classic cdrama episodes–we follow one of the junior Nie sect disciples as she gets up, gets dressed, and starts her day with training. Along the way, we’re introduced to several people who we’ll need to keep track of for later.
First, there’s the Sect Leader, Nie Mingjue. He seems like a strong, grumpy guy who could honestly obliterate the world if he smiled. (He’s hot. That’s what I’m saying. Super hot.) Then we have his younger brother, Nie Huaisang, who floats around the place making art and talking about how much he likes birds. He’s wild and kind of hilarious. Finally, there’s Nie Zonghui =who honestly seems like the only competent one out of the group. He’s definitely the one trying to organize the trip from the Nie compound to the cultivator conference.
On the surface, this plot of this episode is straightforward. The Nies are a powerful sect, but maybe not as politically savvy as some of the others, and they’ve been heavily affected by the early deaths of the last few sect leaders. They live in a remote area of Oregon and don’t have the deep resources to call on when it comes to things like arranging transportation and lodging for a whole sect. The obvious tension comes from the way that Nie Zonghui has to finesse the pride of his sect leader and also actually get them to the cultivator conference without bankrupting the whole sect.
But there are hints that there’s something darker and deeper going on here. At one point, we see Nie Mingjue stumble and catch himself against a wall after going on a rant about loyalty and dishonor. He holds one hand to his heart and appears to be struggling to catch his breath. Nie Huaisang is also caught, apparently unaware of the camera, whispering to one of the other disciples behind an ornate fan. When they break apart, the camera follows the disciple as he heads down a hallway and to a small outbuilding marked Authorized Personnel Only.
So what’s up with all of that? Honestly, the episode left me with more questions than answers, and we haven’t even gotten to the issue of who upset Nie Mingjue so much that he looked like he was two seconds away from qi deviation.
*
Excerpt from a social media thread by radish head
How the Nie sect’s traditional cultivation differs from other sects, a 🧵1/?
radish head | May 8, 2025
Listen, like most of us, I’ve been absolutely gobbling up ATWWDJAN, a fascinating documentary about the US-based cultivation sects. It’s been hard to explain the politics of the sects to outsiders, just based on how unknown it is as a tradition 2/?
radish head | May 8, 2025
But the documentary has changed all of that! I’m thrilled that more people are learning about the traditions and cultural significance of the cultivation world 3/?
radish head | May 8, 2025
That being said, with so many new folks joining in, I think some of the more subtle nuances about the Nie sect’s cultivation are getting lost 4/?
radish head | May 8, 2025
So not to be all “in this essay, I will…” but in this essay, I absolutely will lay out some of the cultural and historical differences between the Nie sect and the other cultivation sects we see in the doc 5/?
radish head | May 8, 2025
*
January 11, 2024
Nie bro
10:12am
Wei xiongggggg
ummmmm hi?
10:13am
It’s me!
Nie Huaisang!
yes, I know
we just haven't talked in a while
Listen. I have a favor to ask
NOPE
You don’t even know what it is yet!!!!!
buddy. I have known you for way too long to fall for any of it
10:14am
This is mean. This is bullying
Of your old friend
(me)
yes it is
:( :( :(
did you just type those out like an old man?
January 12
12:17am
FINE what was the favor?
12:20am
Now I don’t know if I feel like telling you
oh my god
Okay fine. I have a friend who wants to make this documentary about the conference
And I think you should be in it
what???????
why?????>??????
they actually sent me an email already
and it seems like a terrible idea
12:21am
Nooooo it’s so brilliant!
Listen, you can be super vague about your location and shit
But ge is helping organize and it’s all about innovations in cultivation and you KNOW you need the good press
Like if you can get invited, you’ll get so much exposure and your talismans are the shit
You KNOW THEY ARE
I can see you typing, don’t try to be all weird and humble just because you were raised to think you’re a constant inconvenience
12:24am
wow what the fuck
12:26am
seriously
12:31am
I’m not apologizing for saying the truth
I’ll think about it
that’s literally the best I can do right now
because like
I’m still me
and they all still hate me
so i’m not sure all this “good press” is going to happen
plus it’s not like it’s just me who has to be okay with it
12:32am
I know, I know
And if you really don’t want to, that’s fine, but don’t discount yourself just because you know
12:33am
okay
thanks
12:35am
np!!!
Seriously though, you’re buying all my drinks at the conference <3
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, continued
As the camera follows the members of the Nie sect around, it becomes pretty apparent that everyone here is keeping a secret.
Nie Mingjue disappears into the sect doctor's office and we can only hear a muffled discussion, with the sect leader’s voice going louder and louder. When the interviewers ask about it, he chews on his moustache and then says, “None of your business.”
Nie Huaisang, his younger brother, comes across as very charming in a flighty kind of way. But in the shot of the sect eating dinner–the longest in the whole episode–he sometimes gives his brother or another disciple a sharp look that's downright cutting. The cameras catch it, even if he tries to hide behind a fan.
The rest of the sect seems to be determined to pretend that nothing is wrong. But that gets harder to keep up as the narrative circles around a former sect member who’s mysteriously absent. When the interviewer attempts to ask about him, they get a variety of answers:
NMJ: None of your business
NHS: who? I don't know who you're talking about.
Nie disciple 1: He was ungrateful anyway
Nie disciple 2: He was always nice to me, but…(shrugs)
And who is this mysterious guy? Well, the episode very deliberately doesn't answer that question. His absence colors everything that happens, as the disciples constantly say things like, “Oh, where would he have put that ledger?” or “If Meng Yao were here.” But at the same time, none of them will talk about him, and they don't seem to miss him as much as the functions he performed for the sect.
Intriguing.
*
May 17, 2025
Lan Zhan 🐇🍵🎵💙
4:06pm
omg if wq asks me one more time about the needles that went missing from her bag I am going to flat out scream
we live with like fifteen other people bro!!!!!
4:07pm
Why are you calling Wen Qing your bro?
THAT’S what you focus on??
okay
wild behavior but sure
go off, i guess
4:08pm
It doesn’t seem very respectful, considering her status in your community
lan zhaaannnnnnn
you know me. do I seem like the respectful type?
In certain circumstances, yes
uh okay sure
You respect your sister
well of course. have you met her?
4:09pm
not respecting her is just one of the many crimes that one guy I refuse to name has committed
Also fighting you at summer camp when we were fourteen?
ALSO THTAT
fuck that guy
anyway, what are you up to today?
4:10pm
talking to you
hahaha jokes
why does no one else know you’re funny, hgj? seems like a missed opportunity for lan sect outreach and recruitment
I choose to share my humor only with those who understand it
hahahahah
That was not a joke, Wei Ying
4:12pm
OKAY MOVING ON
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, continued
Nie Mingjue seems a little uncomfortable as the sole focus of the camera, although in the candid shots, he appears to be extremely confident and competent (and hot. Sorry, it had to be said. Like, hot damn, Sect Leader Nie!). Anyway! Who said that?
Interviewer: You’ve been the leader of the Nie sect since your father passed away, correct?
NMJ: Yes, that’s true.
Interviewer: You were pretty young at the time. It must have been hard to take on the burden of leading the sect and raising your younger brother.
NMJ: No.
Interviewer, surprised: No?
NMJ: Love isn’t a burden.
(respectful moment of silence for this very beautiful sentiment; your recapper wipes away a single tear)
Interviewer: Well, you should be proud of the community you’ve built up here. Is there something you think makes the Nie sect special?
NMJ, thinking about it: We’re good to keep as friends. We reward loyalty and hard work. And we understand that the world is what is it is.
Interviewer: Would you say that you want to honor your family’s legacy with your work here?
NMJ, expression unreadable: There are many ways I want to honor my family.
Interviewer: And do you have any thoughts you’d like to share on seeing Jin Guangyao again after his defection from your sect?
NMJ: No.
Interviewer: No?
NMJ: Nothing I want to share.
Episode Three: Lotus Blooms
Excerpt from ATWWDJAN EP3 Recap
Posted by Melon enjoyer blog, May 19, 2025
First things first, Sect Leader Jiang can get it.
Okay, no, let me back up.
The third episode opens with a cool aerial shot coming in over a lake toward the main buildings of Lotus Pier. We see some of the sect disciples in small boats and they all stop and wave to the camera, which is just so cute. It also establishes the way the Jiang Sect interacts. They're kind of blunt and fiery, with lots of big personalities, but also I feel like everyone would give you a really good hug if you needed one. But then they'd also pinch you and tell you to stand up straight.
Anyway, the sect is busy getting ready for the cultivation conference. Several of the senior disciples meet to discuss who exactly is representing the sect and who will be staying home. We haven't seen these kinds of discussions in the series yet, and I'm honestly not sure if it's a symbol of the way this specific sect functions, or if that's just an editing choice.
Also interesting: like the Nie sect, the Jiang sect is missing a big part of their leadership. Unlike the Nies, absolutely everyone is happy to talk about Wei Wuxian, the former head disciple who has abandoned them for a life of necromancy and shacking up with some of the Jiangs’ mortal enemies.
Absolutely everyone except Sect Leader Jiang. The disciples shut up about Wei Ying the moment he walks in the room. This kind gesture doesn't actually help Sect Leader Jiang, who walks around with a frown and looks visibly tense the entire time. If he needs a massage, I volunteer!
*
Excerpt from Cultivation Monthly, May 2025 editions
“You just keep going”: At home with Sect Leader Jiang
After the airing of And That’s Why We Don’t Joke About Necromancy, there's been a renewed interest in the recent history of the Jiang sect here in the US. With several generations established in their southern Californian base, the sect combines a open attitude towards the modern world with deep respect for the traditions of the past. I sat down with current Sect Leader, Jiang Cheng, at his Lotus Pier residence to discuss grief, innovation, and the challenges of leadership.
The study where we met is a beautiful, tranquil room, full of exposed wood beams and sunlight from the big picture windows looking out over the private lake that has given the sect’s residence its name. Sect Leader Jiang wore a deep purple shirt and charcoal slacks. In all honesty, he wasn’t the easiest interview subject, as he took a while to warm up to me. But by the end of our conversation, I think he was comfortable enough to talk about some of the more painful moments in his life, including the loss of his parents and the defection of his former chief disciple and adopted brother, Wei Ying.
*
😻🍲best jiejie
August 7, 2019
4:01pm
ying'r don't forget to pick up the cold medicine on your way home!
got it jiejie
is this brand okay?
yes!
4:02pm
I might be home late
okay!
5:02pm
I didn't think you meant this late
5:32pm
Wei Ying?
[missed call]
[missed call]
6:03pm
Wei Ying please pick up
no matter what's wrong, we'll figure it out
August 9, 2019
2:34am
sorry jiejie
[missed call]
[missed call]
[missed call]
6:05am
please please just call us back
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, cont'd
As the film crew makes their way through Lotus Pier, we see a number of places where there's ongoing construction. When an interviewer asks one of the senior disciples about this, it turns out that a major storm struck the residence a few years ago, right after the previous sect leader and his wife died. With the precarious future of the sect, the major banks refused to lend enough to cover rebuilding and the sect was forced to cut corners or close off whole buildings.
There's clearly more to the story, but this episode leaves the question of what exactly happened up in the air. Instead, it focuses on the pride that the disciples of the sect clearly feel for their home and their sect leader. Jiang Cheng has managed to revive membership in his sect and rebuild his home over the last five years, which would be impressive for anyone.
But then we find out in an interview with the Jiang doctor that he was only eighteen when he lost his parents, and nineteen when his senior disciple/foster brother defected and his beloved older sister left to get married. When we then cut to Sect Leader Jiang sitting with the disciples, but alone at the head table, his perma-frown suddenly makes a lot more sense.
*
From [email protected]
September 1, 2019
Subject: Hey asshole
I know you don’t even check this email anymore, so I can say whatever I want to.
And what I want to say is, what the fuck? How could you do this? We lost a-ma and a-die and you just abandon us? Do you know how much time jie has spent crying? Would you even care if you did?
Let me be clear. I don’t give a fuck what you do anymore. Shack up with the Wens, wander around, make yourself notorious. Whatever. None of it matters to me. But don’t ever think you can break my sister’s heart like this and show up with no consequences. Don’t think you can abandon the sect like this and still have a place here.
—--
Sent from my iPhone
Jiang Cheng
Sect Leader, Jiang Sect
Lotus Pier
*
[Page in a notebook shows a handwritten list of recipes]
Family Favorite Recipes
2018
- Twice-Cooked Pork – Nainai’s recipe
- Pork and Lotus Soup (especially Wei Ying!) (2021 version, cut down on peppers for Zixuan)
- Buckwheat noodles – try adding more vegetables next time! (2020 version, still just okay)
- Pork & mustard green congee – A-Cheng liked this one a lot
*
Instagram post
[Photo of a hand-carved lotus symbol, held in someone’s hand, against a background of warm gold wood.]
jiangling98 found this in da-shixiong’s old room
October 10, 2021
Liked by yanli.jiang and others
yanli.jiang: omg, can you send it to me?
cheng.jiang: jie, why would you want that
yanli.jiang: just in case
jiangling98: of course!
*
Lan Zhan 🐇🍵🎵💙
May 30, 2025
7:32am
Good morning, Wei Ying
I know you are likely not awake yet
Actually for once you’re wrong!!
7:33am
And not even because I never went to sleep ahah
I know thats what you thought lan zhan
But you would be WRONG
Its because my jiejie is going to call soon!
I havent talked to her in so long
I’m really nervous
I know she says shes not mad
but id be mad at me, you know?
7:34am
anyway its just kind of scary
Wei Ying, your sister loves you
Ahahaha
But like
Should she???
Wei Ying
No i know i know
Its just a lot
Can you send me bunny photos pls?
7:35am
I am respectfully requesting them
[photo][photo]
Here is Jingyi with the bunnies yesterday
He’s so cute!
The bunnies are too!
im glad you get to teach thr babies, Lan Zhan
7:36am
I am very proud of him
yeah you are! okay okay, jie is calling so I gotta go bye
8:46am
[missed call]
oh shit youre probably in class or something
Anyway, it went pretty well but we def both dried
CRIED
8:47am
I might still be a little shaky
Maybe should takes nap??
Not used to being awake this early and now i feel that i have had a whole days emotions already
This is exhausting, lan zhan
is this how you always feel???
Anyway
8:48am
We can talk later, just didn’t want you to worry
Not that youre worrying but you know, just in case
Okay bye
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, cont'd
At the very end of the Lotus Pier episode, we go back to the long exterior shots of the residence. Someone says–I think someone we haven’t heard before??-- “Yes, Lotus Pier is a special place. Sometimes I dream about going back and swimming in the lakes or running down the hallways. And it’s always like I never left, like everyone is still there and nothing ever changed.”
And then the camera continues over the residence and drops down to a shot of the disciples packing up their bags for the conference before fading to black! Cool and not at all emotionally devastating!!
Next time: we visit the Jin sect
Episode Four: Peacocks and Peonies
Excerpt from ATWWDJAN EP4 Recap
Posted by Melon enjoyer blog, May 21, 2025
Oh my. Where to even start with this one?
Well, I guess the beginning of the episode is as good a place as anywhere, and that means Jin Guangshan. We open with an interview, set against the backdrop of Jin Guangshan's study, which is…quite a place. There are gilded shelves, a pale gold silk wallpaper with a lighter pattern of peonies, and books lining the shelves, along with a display case of sect history artifacts. It's impressive, although I personally suspect that those books have never been read.
Jin Guangshan sits behind his desk, which features a traditional calligraphy set carved from jade, plus an ultramodern sleek computer. The other interviews in the series have been in intimate, personal settings, and it's fascinating to me that the Jin sect is already shown to be a little ostentatious and maybe a little too wealthy?
Like, the Lans clearly have old money, and the Nies and Jiangs have the power that comes with being a sect, but the Jins are rich-rich and they're not going to let you forget it.
The interview starts with some softball questions about Jin Guangshan's time as sect leader and what he's most proud of. He smiles and says that he's brought prosperity to his sect and family. The interviewer asks about his son, Jin Zixuan, and grandson, Jin Ling. We see a photo from a recent Jin family event: Madame Jin, Jin Zixuan and his wife (sect leader Jiang’s sister! She can also get it!!) and their baby son.
Jin Guangshan gives some vague answers about being so proud of his lineage and his descendants. And, maybe it's just foreshadowing, but I couldn't help the sense that he doesn't actually know anything specific about his family, aside from their existence.
Then the interviewer says, “But Jin Zixuan isn't your only child, correct?” And the camera catches the frozen expression on Jin Guangshan's face perfectly.
Then! Then!! The camera cuts to a photo of Jin Guangshan with a woman who is clearly not his wife, and then a man who says, “I'm Jin Guangyao and these are my parents. And then we get another photo of Jin Guangshan with a skinny kid, and another person, who says, “I'm Mo Xuanyu, and that's me with my dad.” And finally, a photo of a little girl walking toward her mother, and then a woman who says, “I'm Qin Su, and this is a photo of me with my mother. My father, the man who raised me, took it, but the man who got my mother pregnant was Jin Guangshan.”
And then we get a shot of Jin Zixuan, Jin Guangyao, Mo Xuanyu, and Qin Su standing next to each other. There's definitely a family resemblance, I think!
So.
That's where the episode starts.
*
Excerpt from “Secrets of the Jin Sect Revealed!”
Cultivators Weekly: June 3, 2025
By Wang Lingjiao
People have said that there’s something fishy about the Jin sect. Where did Jin Guangshan come from? How did he end up as the most celebrated cultivator in the US? What secrets is he hiding?
Well, thanks to the documentary that everyone has been talking about (yes, And That’s Why We Don’t Joke About Necromancy!) Jin Guangshan’s secrets have been exposed! From corruption to affairs to secret children, the juicy truth has come out!
What were some of the warning signs along the way?
*
She Can Do It
Podcast Transcript: Episode 24
June 5, 2025
Host 1: Hello, friends, and welcome back to She Can Do It, a podcast talking about the female experience. With us today is Qin Su, the surprise star of a recent documentary about Chinese American cultivation sects. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us!
Host 2: Before we get started, a brief disclaimer that this podcast does touch on sensitive subjects, including sexual assault, infidelity, and attempted incest. Please skip it if you need to and we’ll see you back next time.
Host 1: With that, welcome, Qin Su!
Qin Su, softly: Thank you so much for having me.
Host 2: So, let’s start with your childhood. Where did you grow up and what was your family situation like?
Qin Su: Yes, of course. I’m an only child. My parents are associates of Jin Guangshan’s and he made the arrangements to bring them over from China before I was born. My father runs a small shipping company and is a devoted cultivation student in his spare time.
Host 1: And your mother?
Qin Su: She really pitched in through my whole childhood to make ends meet. She’d do any kind of odd jobs she could get her hands on, whether it was cleaning, helping at a Chinese grocery store or restaurant, or working as an assistant to Madame Jin.
Host 1: So, the Jin family was a part of your childhood?
Qin Su: Yes, definitely. I didn’t visit them that often, but Sect Leader Jin would come by our house and have tea with my parents pretty regularly. I always knew that he had been very helpful in my parents’ immigration and, later on, in arranging jobs for them and helping me go to good schools.
Host 2: It sounds like you were raised to be very grateful to Jin Guangshan. So, when did the idea of you marrying one of his children arise?
Qin Su: I think it first came up when Jin Zixuan had separated from Jiang Yanli, who he was informally engaged to.
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, cont'd
Here’s an interesting point to consider: of the major sects we’ve seen so far, three of them have lost one of their senior disciples. This episode doesn’t dwell on that so much, but a couple of the Jin disciples mention that Senior Sister Luo Qingyang was the best at packing for conferences. Everyone kind of stops and makes a weird face right at the camera, and then Jin Guangyao comes in and the moment passes.
No one explains who Luo Qingyang is, but we follow Jin Guangyao as he organizes the sect's appearance at the cultivation conference. And eventually, the camera shows us a photo of him smiling, next to Nie Huaisang and Nie Mingjue!
Yes! You read that right!
Jin Guangyao is the missing Nie sect disciple!!!
How did he end up here? Why won't Sect Leader Nie talk about it? Well, those are great questions! Wouldn't it be nice if they were answered?!
*
June 8, 2025
Lan Zhan 🐇🍵🎵💙
3:25pm
Hello, Wei Ying
hello lan zhan
whats the occasion??
3:26pm
I will be in your area next month for a work commitment and I wondered if you might be willing to meet me for a meal
My treat, of course
3:27pm
ummmm sure??
I mean I'd love to see you but
But?
oh nothing
just like, I don't want your uncle to yell at you haha
He has already expressed his opinion several times
3:28pm
oh shit
I'm guessing that didn't go well
but sure if you still want to
I do
[location pin]
that's way too fancy lan zhan!!!
3:29pm
Mm
I know thats you disagreeing but I promise they wouldn't even let me in the door
this place is good! [location pin]
3:32pm
Fine. I will see you there, 6pm on the 1st
*
January 30, 2024
family
10:10pm
Jin Zixuan
hey fam, I have a favor to ask
a friend of mine is making a documentary about cultivation and wants to include a section about us
10:12pm
Mo Xuanyu
what do you mean about us?
like
10:14pm
Jin Zixuan
about dad and shit yeah
Qin Su
do they actually know what that means?
Jin Zixuan
believe me, I wouldn’t trust anyone else
but in this case, yes
10:15pm
Qin Su
hmm
I’d have to think about it
Jin Zixuan
of course
and it’s not all or nothing
A-Yao? what do you think?
10:16pm
Jin Guangyao
I’m with A-Su. not sure yet
Mo Xuanyu
would it actually change anything? or would everyone just know our family secrets?
Jin Zixuan
he wouldn’t be able to pretend he’s a good parent anymore
not if we actually back each other up
Qin Su
that makes it sound like we do need to all speak up
10:17pm
MXY
not necessarily
I mean, as long as none of us go running to the press to contradict everyone else
Jin Zixuan
right
although of course it would help
the more of us who speak out
Jin Guangyao
and what about your mom?
Jin Zixuan
I’ll deal with my mom
Jin Guangyao
right.
10:18pm
Jin Zixuan
she’s gotten a lot better lately
and I’m not above using A-Ling as leverage
10:19pm
although now that he’s older, he has a right to his own opinion too
Yanli made me say that part
I’m still not above using him as leverage
especially since he hates visiting my parents lol
10:20pm
Qin Su
I’m going to sleeep on it and get back to you
Jin Zixuan
take as much time as you need, A-Su! <3
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, cont'd
Despite all of the wtf moments in this episode (of which there are many!!!) it ends with a different tone than the rest of the family drama. We get a long shot, beginning at the door of the disciples’ dormitories, and continuing across the courtyards and training pavilions, down a long path that winds under some trees. It’s all very first person, like we’re seeing exactly what the person holding the camera is.
And then, we turn a corner and there’s another courtyard with a set of patio furniture. Jin Zixuan and his siblings are sitting there, talking and laughing, and as we watch, a kid comes out, holding a plate of grilled fish, with Jin Zixuan’s wife walking just behind him. She looks up and notices the person behind the camera and her first reaction is to smile and wave, which makes Jin Zixuan look over. He smiles too and we see a hand raised to wave back before the episode ends.
Next time: we finally find out what all the necromancy is about!
Episode 5: Fruit Wine and Fierce Corpses
Excerpt from ATWWDJAN EP5 Recap
Posted by Melon enjoyer blog, May 23, 2025
The opening scene of this episode shows a very nervous Jin sect disciple getting off their sword at the end of a path. A handpainted wooden sign reads Little Radish Farm, with little radishes painted as a border. Seems cute! but the disciple gives it a dubious look before sighing and setting off down the path.
The camera follows along a wooded hillside and down into a little valley, where there are a couple of buildings grouped around a central yard. Several people are working there, but they all drop what they're doing to stare at the poor Jin disciple.
Then one of them, a tiny woman, yells, “Wei Ying!”
There's a brief pause before a tall figure in a black t-shirt and jeans appears in the doorway of one of the buildings. “What, Qing jie? I was working?”
The woman nods toward the Jin disciple and Wei Ying sighs and comes over.
“I, um, have an invitation for you?” the disciple squeaks out, holding up a fancy piece of paper with the Jin peonies all over it.
Wei Ying frowns and takes it. “Huh,” he says. Everyone else crowds around to rear over his shoulder. The camera pans over them so we can clearly see that one is an old grandmother, one a teenage boy, and several are middle aged aunties and uncles. They all look perfectly ordinary, although a little weather-beaten. Then there's the tiny woman, who waits until everyone else is done reading before she holds out a hand for the paper.
The only person who seems unusual is a tall man who stands towards the back of the group, quiet and solemn. He has long hair and is also dressed in black, but his neck is covered with dark branching lines. They might be tattoos, except that when he looks at the camera, his eyes are all black, pupils and irises both strange and almost inhuman.
But when he speaks, his tone is clear and gentle. “I think you should go, Wei Ying.”
“The invitation is for all of us,” Wei Ying, infamous for his ghost-path cultivation, tells Wen Ning, his most notorious work.
Wen Ning just shrugs. “We have tea,” he tells the Jin disciple. “Would you like it hot or iced?”
I know this isn't the most proper thing to say, but I'm not a cultivator, so fuck it: I kind of love Wen Ning.
*
Two Peas in a Pod
Podcast Transcript: Episode 142
June 20, 2025
Ouyang Zizhen: Welcome, welcome!
A-Qing: Hello, hello!
OYZ: I’m Ouyang Zizhen
AQ: And I’m A-Qing
OYZ: Today’s interview is one of our favorites so far, right, A-Qing?
AQ: Absolutely. I think he’s a little bit scared of us, though.
OYZ: No, no.
Uncle Four: Um, maybe a little bit. Is this thing working? (he taps the microphone, suspiciously)
AQ: Oh, yeah, it’s on, Uncle!
OYZ: Do you want to tell us a little bit about who you are?
UF: Sure, people usually call me Uncle or Uncle Four, because I’m the fourth of five brothers.
AQ: Holy shit.
OYZ: Wow.
UF: My mom is quite a strong person.
OYZ: Yeah, I’d guess so!
AQ: So, how did you come to live on Little Radish Farm?
UF: Well, that’s a sad story, really. We were living out East with some of our distant relatives who’d arranged for everyone to come over here from China. It was my parents, my brothers and their families, and my cousins, Wen Qing and Wen Ning. But we all started getting sick. My father died, and several of my brothers, and even some of their children.
OYZ, choked up: That’s awful.
AQ: What happened?
UF: We didn’t know. And then my mom got sick. And we went to the relatives, Wen Ruohan and Wen Chao and asked them for help because we didn’t know what else to do. But Wen Ruohan said he couldn’t help us, and the next time we went to beg him again, the whole building was shut up and closed, like nothing had ever been there.
AQ: We now know that Wen Ruohan was using a combination of forbidden cultivation and old fashioned money laundering to try to increase his power and buy himself the secrets of eternal life.
OYZ: We also know it didn’t end very well for him.
UF: It didn’t end very well for us either.
*
Instagram post
[Photo shows Wen Qing, Wei Ying, and a younger teenager, all holding harvest baskets overflowing with vegetables and herbs. The teenager is beaming, while Wen Qing and Wei Ying look more serious]
littleradishfarms: visit us at the farmers market this week for all this bounty and more! did you know we offer demonstrations of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture? sign up to learn the basics or enjoy the fresh produce and our renowned customer service! (thanks to yuanyuan for always providing the smiles!)
yanli.jiang: Zixuan has a meeting in Chicago on Friday so we'll be there!!!
wen.qing: thank you for your support
yllz: jiejie!!!! don't make me cry!!!!!
cheng.jiang: if jies coming, I guess I will too
yanli.jiang: yay! post-meeting road trip! you know you want to spoil a-ling, didi!!
cheng.jiang: I already said I was coming didn't I? you don’t have to keep convincing me jie
yllz: awwwww
cheng.jiang: shut up
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, continued
For the first time in the whole series, we get to see one of the famous cultivator sect night hunts. This one starts with a text message and Wei Ying hurrying to find Wen Ning. The two of them consult in a whisper and then sneak out of the compound. The camera cuts to Wen Qing, fully awake, standing in the doorway of one of the houses and rolling her eyes. Clearly, she’s the one in charge here, no matter what the boys might think. She follows them at a short distance as they disappear down a winding gravel road that leads to an abandoned stone quarry. The quarry is deliciously spooky at night, with moonlight glimmering on the water that’s filled the dug-out earth. Wen Ning and Wei Ying stand at the top of the quarry and consult again, while Wen Qing takes up a hidden spot at the far end and waits.
Then we hear the sound of a flute being played and Wen Ning goes into what I can only describe as battle mode. Like, full on Hulks out. It’s weird, when we’ve gotten so used to the sweetest bean in the whole world! And now he’s a killing machine. Wei Ying throws some talismans down at the water and we gradually see ghostly figures rising out of the water. Wen Ning roars and glides down to fight them. Wei Ying plays his flute while dark clouds of energy shoot out at the ghosts.
One of the cameras is clearly approaching their vantage point, because then we get a close up shot of Wei Ying letting his flute fall and slumping against a nearby tree. The camera person must make a noise, because he visibly startles, and then straightens up and winks. He whistles sharply. Wen Ning appears suddenly, back to his usual self, and grabs Wei Ying’s arm.
“And that’s why we don’t joke about necromancy,” Wei Ying says in a chipper voice, before he completely passes out.
“Jiejie!” Wen Ning yells. Wen Qing comes over, as she was clearly expecting to do all along, and takes Wei Ying’s pulse.
“What the fuck is wrong with him,” she mutters, and sticks him with a bunch of acupuncture needles. “Let’s go home, didi.”
Wen Ning lifts Wei Ying with no visible effort (okay, Wei Ying is like a little string noodle of a man, BUT STILL) (hot!!!) (who said that) and they head back down the path towards their little village.
*
Lan Zhan 🐇🍵🎵😍🥰
June 29, 2025
10:49am
good morning lan zhan!!!
I am now awake
you've probably been up for hours
10:50am
Yes
Good morning, Wei Ying 💙
11:24am
so are you shocked at all the wickedness haha
11:25am
You have made a very beautiful community in difficult circumstances
But I know you don't like compliments
So yes
I am very shocked.
11:26am
UGH
what am I supposed to say about that???
come on
did your uncle say anything when you got home?
11:27am
I don't want the two of you to have a bunch of conflict
that's no fun for anyone
11:39am
Thank you, Wei Ying
But we're fine
He was concerned to hear that you have all been living in such harsh conditions
11:40am
it's not THAT bad
just reclaiming post industrial land
I mean, between the cultivation and the regenerative gardening, it's basically fine!!
11:41am
“basically” is doing a lot of work in that sentence
lol
we're really fine zhanzhan!!!! but if you're worried you can come and check anytime
11:42am
I will, thank you
*
Excerpt from blog post
Reexamining the ghost path
June 30, 2025
It's long been held that the ghost or demonic path of cultivation will lead to ruin. Traditional cultivation welcomes many paths, unless they stray too far from the accepted median. Or maybe unless the person walking them becomes too powerful (Wen Ruohan) or too corrupt (Jin Guangshan). Of course, the cultivation world was willing to overlook the flaws in both of these examples for decades. It wasn't until the depths of their crimes came to light that we were willing to judge them.
Wei Ying, formerly a member of the Jiang sect, has been condemned by the cultivation world at large for his wicked tricks, including inventing new talismans and following the ghost path. His inventions include the spirit lure flag, the compass of evil, etc, etc. In his time as an independent cultivator, he's shown the breadth of his creativity and genius. In fact, many of these inventions have crept into the traditional sects, although no one wants to talk about their origins.
So yes, maybe he's raised a fierce corpse or two. Who hasn't?
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, continued
Next, we get an interior shot in one of the compound buildings, a little office stuffed with notebooks, worn out paperbacks, and neatly arranged packets of seeds.
Interviewer, off screen: It's been several years since you've seen anyone from your old sect. Are you excited to attend the conference and meet up with them again?
Wei Ying: Oh, um. Well, yes, I'm excited, but kind of nervous too, you know? They had to deal with a lot of [bleep] because of me and…I haven't really done much to make up for that.
Interviewer: What kind of crap have they had to deal with?
Wei Ying: I mean, the whole reputation of the sect took a nose dive. Not a great look when your first disciple turns into a demonic cultivator and runs off with some of your family's worst enemies.
Interviewer: So you've kept up with the news from the Jiang sect?
Wei Ying, surprised: Oh, yeah, of course. In the end, they're still my—I still care about them a lot.
Then we cut to a group of the Wens sitting under a tree, sharing a pot of tea. Granny Wen says, “I know Wei Ying won't abandon us, but I worry about him seeing the Jiangs again.”
Wen Qing nods. “He was so upset when he left. I don't think it'll be easy for him.” She glances down at the table and grimaces.
Wen Ning (a babie!) says, “I'm sure Wei ge will be okay. He's done a lot of work to heal himself too.”
They all sigh and stare at each other. None of them look all that convinced.
We cut back to the interview with Wei Ying again.
Interviewer: Would you ever consider going back to the Jiang sect?
Wei Ying: What? No!
Interviewer, clearly startled: Really?
Wei Ying: No, this is home now. Even though it's not where any of us thought we'd end up, it's good here. We're doing our best with the scraps the world gave us, and I think that's pretty cool.
How is the episode with a fierce corpse and a demonic cultivator the most wholesome in the whole series?? Honestly, I just want to pinch everyone's cheeks and make Wen Qing take a nap.
Episode 6: Rivers and Lakes
Excerpt from ATWWDJAN EP6 Recap
Posted by Melon enjoyer blog, May 25, 2025
Hard to believe that it's the last episode already! 😭😭😭
We open with a nice pov sequence, following Hanguang jun as he gets up and gets ready for the first day of the cultivation conference. It's weird to remember how formal he seemed at the beginning of the series–the fact that he's interviewed several times throughout the series really brings his perspective alive. He pauses for just a moment at the door and takes a long, slow breath before stepping out into the morning air.
The camera keeps following him while we get a voiceover narration about the cultivation conference and its traditional roots. Hanguang jun arrives at an open pavilion at exactly the same time as two other groups: the Jiang sect delegation, led by scowling hottie Sect Leader Jiang, and what looks like the Wen+Wei group from the previous episode.
Everyone stops abruptly and stares at each other! You can feel the tension through your screen! Sect Leader Jiang turns around and strides away without saying another word, while Hanguang jun says, “Wei Ying?” in, like, the smallest saddest voice imaginable.
Okay, it was kind of clear that they had to know each other, based on the storyline, but. Clearly they KNOW EACH OTHER.
Wei Ying, meanwhile shifts around uncomfortably and says, in the most unconvincing way, “Oh, hahaha, Lan Zh–Hanguang jun–I’m not sure–”
Fortunately, Wen Qing obviously has more common sense in her pinky than Wei Ying has in his entire body. “Yes, we were invited to attend,” she says.
There's a long silence during which everyone just stares at each other. Then Lan Zhan says, “Good,” and gestures for the rest of them to go ahead of him into the pavilion. Which they do, with Wei Ying giving him some incredibly obvious glances over his shoulder.
You know what? I'm just going to say it. This is Art.
*
July 8, 2025
Together Forever
8:01pm
Jiang Cheng
here's your photo, jie
[Photo of a wide table at a dim sum restaurant. Several people are just visible at the edges of the shot, which is centered on Jiang Cheng, Jiang Yanli, and Wei Ying, leaning into each other. Jiang Yanli is beaming with happiness. Jiang Cheng looks annoyed but is smiling anyway. Wei Ying is grinning and holding rabbit ears up behind Jiang Cheng’s head as if he won't be caught and smacked 2 seconds later]
Jiang Yanli
yayyy thank you didi!!!
8:03pm
Wei Ying
lol
[Wei Ying has updated the photo for your group]
8:04pm
[Jiang Cheng has updated the photo for your group]
8:05pm
[Wei Ying has updated the photo for your group]
Jiang Yanli
boys, really??
8:06pm
Jiang Cheng
sorry jie
Wei Ying
sorry jie
Jiang Yanli
🥰
oh here's a photo of A-Ling learning how to ride a bike!
[photo of a five year old kid on a bike with training wheels scowling ferociously at the camera]
8:07pm
Wei Ying
wow you can really see his family resemblance huh
8:08pm
Jiang Cheng
WEI YING
Wei Ying
bro I didn't even say he looked like you. guilty conscience right there.
8:09pm
Jiang Yanli
BOYS. BEHAVE.
8:10pm
several people are typing
*
Lan Zhan 🐇🍵🎵😍🥰💕💙🤍
July 14, 2025
9:40am
Good morning, Wei Ying
9:41am
gooood morning!!!
how is the illustrious hanguang jun this am??
Wei Ying
Lan Zhan
I can hear you sighing across most of a continent 😂
Mm
9:42am
hey but seriously how are you? are you recovering okay from the night hunt? I texted your uncle but he just said you were “fine” and also “how did you get this number?”
How did you get his number?
9:43am
lan ZHAN
he's your emergency contact on the official paperwork
I see
ugh. do you need me to show up on your doorstep looking pitiful and forlorn?
9:44am
asking how my lan zhan is??
If you want
☺️
are you for real right now
you and your blushing face emoji!!! wtf!!!!
9:45am
You said “my lan zhan”
omg
I am fine, Wei Ying. It was a scary moment but I'm sorry I called you in such a panic
9:46am
nononono you did it and it's fine. no take backs.
I always want to be the first person you call
god what is wrong with me today??
9:47am
Nothing is wrong with you
I want to be the first person you call too
you are!!!
well, maybe jiejie first but then you
As is only right and proper
see??? you get it 💕
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, continued
After that excruciatingly awkward Jin family dinner (seriously, YIKES), the shot cuts to Wei Ying, lounging against a column, watching the sun set over the private beach. He's drinking something from a flask when Sect Leader Jiang walks by and hesitates for a minute. The way the camera is angled, we can see what Wei Ying can't: the conflict on Sect Leader Jiang’s face. It's the kind of deep emotional feeling you can only have for someone who's always going to be part of your life, even in their absence.
(Yes, I might be over identifying slightly with the leader of one of the more important cultivation sects. It's fine! I'm fine!! Haha.)
Anyway, Sect Leader Jiang puts his cute lil scowl back on and walks over to Wei Ying, who jumps about a foot in the air when Sect Leader Jiang clears his throat.
“Ahhh! Jiang Cheng!!!!!” he yells. Then he makes a face and bows and says, very properly, “Deepest apologies, Sect Leader Jiang.”
“Shut up,” Jiang Cheng says, scowling harder (I'm going with his name now. Easier to type). His frowny face has intensified. “What's this Sect Leader Jiang shit? Where did these manners come from?”
“Uh, your mom, mostly,” Wei Ying says. Then he winces, like he knows he's touching a sore spot.
But weirdly enough, Jiang Cheng doesn't get mad. Instead he says, “You never told me why you left.”
Wei Ying looks flat out panicked. He backs up a step and Jiang Cheng steps forward, until he's pressed up against the column and can't go any farther.
“Wei Ying,” Jiang Cheng says. The camera is close enough to catch the way he's clenching his jaw.
“Well, you know,” Wei Ying says. “Hahaha, these things happen.”
There's kind of a long, deadly silence at this point. No one seems very happy.
“Wei ge was trying to protect you,” another, unexpected voice says. Jiang Cheng turns around to find Wen Ning standing there.
“What?” Jiang Cheng asks, in a totally different voice.
“Wen Ning! Shut up!” Wei Ying snaps.
Wen Ning, because he is the best bro/fierce corpse, ignores him. “He knew that as long as he stayed with the Jiang sect, the Jins would always be looking for a way to take you down.”
“Wen Ning!”
“And we needed help too,” Wen Ning says. “I don't think we would have made it without him.”
Jiang Cheng says, still through gritted teeth, “And why didn't he just tell us.”
Wen Ning shrugs. “Because if he left first, you couldn't ask him to go? Because he never knows when people love him? I don't know.”
“Hey!” Wei Ying objects. “Stop being mean to me!”
Wen Ning smiles, just a little bit. “No, sorry, Wei ge, I can't do that.”
Jiang Cheng is now frowning thoughtfully while Wei Ying buries his face in his hands and screams a little bit.
*
May 5, 2025
[unknown number]
5:35pm
hi jingyi!!!
it's me, wen yuan, from the conference?
5:37pm
omg bro!!!!!
hows it going?
5:38pm
hahaha pretty good
my aunt is about to murder wei ge tho
dude
the fact that u call wei ying wei ge is straight up wild to me
5:39pm
nah if you hang out with him long enough youll learn that hes just a massive dumbass
I mean sweet guy
but has either no thoughts or too many no in between
5:40pm
lol
can relate.
ikr? anyway, auntie qing is over him leaving his talismans everywhere and maybe poisoning everyone with cinnabar? words are going to be HAD let me tell you
5:41pm
thats hilarious
the biggest excitement here all day was when hgj got caught TEXTING DURING MORNING MEDITATION
hanguang jun?????
5:42pm
BRO YES
and the weirdest part is that lan shifu is this giant hardass but he just got frowny eyebrows and stroked his beard a lot instead of yelling and throwing an inkstone
5:43pm
wild
oh, auntie is knocking on wei ge's door
hes answering
I am living for this play by play
5:55pm
yuan’r??
5:56pm
sorry sorry
it was a whole thing
wei ge started crying and apologized and auntie qing was like what the fuck wei ying? and he was like, what if I never do anything useful ever again? and we were all like what the fuck?? and then he told us that he was planning to sell some of his talismans to get us back into the cultivation world so we could stop living out here
5:58pm
and then we all yelled at him a lot because we LIKE living out here
literally I barely remember what it was like before we moved
sorry you didn't ask for a while novel.
dude no
this is wild
did he think you were going to kick him out??
5:59pm
oh …
yeah probably
hes been abandoned a lot
6:00pm
:(
:(
shit this turned into a bummer
sorry
nah, all good I just expected the funny kind of drama
6:01pm
hey, what colleges are you applying to?
omg dont get me started!!!!
*
Instagram post
[Photo of Jin Ling being pushed on a swing by Wen Ning]
[Photo of Mo Xuanyu and Wei Ying sitting at a picnic table and talking. Wei Ying is laughing, while Mo Xuanyu is smiling more quietly]
[Photo of Wei Ying hugging Jiang Yanli while she has an arm around Jin Ling. Wei Ying and Jiang Yanli are beaming. Jin Ling is scowling.]
[Photo of Jiang Cheng with the exact same expression as Jin Ling in the last photo]
[Photo of Jiang Cheng and Wen Qing walking on a wooded path, smiling and waving at the camera]
yanli.jiang the best time is spent with the ones you love
July 17, 2025
*
From Cultivator to Filmmaker: My Unlikely Journey
By Luo Qingyang
The documentary, And That’s Why We Don’t Joke About Necromancy, which has been released lately, is the result of several years of planning and work and several months of filming. But in another sense, it's the result of my entire life, from my childhood in a minor cultivation sect in the Northeast to being a disciple with the Jin sect, to my leaving the sect and focusing on creating short films that portray the realities of the cultivation world.
I think that, because I've lived within the system of the sects and also left them behind, I have a unique perspective when it comes to portraying the nuances of this world. Tell-all-exposes are possible, certainly–and there is a lot of hypocrisy and corruption to be exposed and fixed. But I wanted to show the other side as well: the deep loyalty and commitment to helping others that makes the whole thing worth trying to save. This is a piece of art that I made out of love and anger, and the two can't be unraveled.
I hope that this complex approach comes through for the viewers, along with some of the rich relationships between individuals and families.
At the end of the day, no matter how I feel about the cultivation world, I wouldn't be who I am without it. Making ANTWWDJAN was only possible because of that, and because certain people were so generous about letting us film their lives in all of that complexity.
To everyone who has watched and talked about and recapped this film, thank you. To my family, who has supported me every step of the way, all of my love.
Luo Qingyang
*
Excerpt from Episode Recap, continued
It's the end of the conference and the end of the show. The last meal has been eaten and the closing remarks have been given and another cultivation conference is over. We get a shot of the empty hall and all the waiters and junior disciples coming in to start cleaning up. Then the camera switches to the exterior stairs, where we find Lan Zhan and Wei Ying standing and staring into each others’ eyes.
(I swear I am not reading too much into this!!)
“So, Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying says at last.
“Mm,” Lan Zhan says.
“I guess this is it,” Wei Ying says. “It was good to see you.”
“Yes,” Lan Zhan says.
“Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying says, kind of sighing. “You know I have to go.”
“Mm.”
“But…if you ever find yourself in our neck of the woods…”
“We will meet again soon,” Lan Zhan promises.
“We will,” Wei Ying says. Then he smiles, and his face shines with happiness as bright as the sun.