Ch. 722I'm Dongshan!
Key plot points and events
- Cui Dongshan arrives at Luopo Mountain and jokingly declares that the three realms have agreed to his plans. He spars theatrically with Zhou Mili, then checks that she is happy despite the prospect that the mountain’s growing responsibilities may leave her with less company. She admits she would like her friends to visit at least once or twice a year.
- Cui Dongshan tells Chen Warm Tree that Chen Lingjun is detained at the Thunder God Residence on Infant Mountain after joining a friend in a fight. The fight followed the sect’s mistreatment of commoners and its refusal to accept responsibility. Chen Lingjun remains in good spirits, protected by influential allies who have appealed on his behalf.
- The chapter reviews the political significance of the Grand River’s new divine appointments—the Spirit Source Duke and Dragon Pavilion Marquis—and the broader negotiations surrounding the Confucian Temple’s recognition of them.
- Cui Dongshan speaks privately with Mi Yu, confronting him about how fear for his elder brother Mi Hu changed his once-reckless fighting style. Their exchange becomes heated, but Cui Dongshan explains that he wants Mi Yu’s deep resentment acknowledged before it grows dangerous. Mi Yu agrees to watch himself, and the two settle into an uneasy but genuine understanding.
- In Qilong Alley, Cui Dongshan confronts Jia Sheng over his reluctance to let his gifted disciple, Tian Jiu’er, contribute her Spirit Spring. He orders a measured arrangement that protects her cultivation and pays her fairly. Jia Sheng’s deference, though comically self-serving, reflects his attachment to his disciples and his caution about Luopo Mountain’s expectations.
- Cui Dongshan asks Chang Ming to act as Luopo Mountain’s Discipline Patriarch and gives her responsibility for handling several newcomers and troublesome affairs. He also explains that his human-skin body is meant to help manage the last true dragon of Pearl Cave Heaven, while consumption remains a worst-case contingency.
- During a walk with Chang Ming, Cui Dongshan recalls his long history with the world’s notorious heretical cultivators and with figures such as Zuo. He reveals little about his thoughts at the old schoolhouse, then visits Liu Xianyang, teasing him about his apparent romantic prospects with She Yue.
- Cui Dongshan warns Liu Xianyang not to interfere in She Yue’s search for Liu Cai. Afterward, he recognizes the frightening implication: Liu Cai may be connected to an elaborate scheme by Zou Zi, involving Chen Ping’an and the idea of becoming—and later killing—“the one.”
- Cui Dongshan seeks Li Xisheng’s help in confronting Zou Zi’s design. Li refuses to act simply for Chen Ping’an’s sake and urges Dongshan to trust his teacher rather than assume the worst. He sends two golden creatures into the Grand River to transform into dragons, then departs. Cui Dongshan returns to Luopo Mountain, still angry and anxious, but determined to remain himself: “I am Dongshan.”
Character developments
- Cui Dongshan shows his usual comic, provocative manner, but it masks careful attention to others and serious strategic thinking. He protects Little Millet, confronts Mi Yu’s buried pain, safeguards Jiu’er, and tries to prevent future dangers. His final insistence on being “Dongshan,” not merely part of Cui Chan’s schemes, highlights his struggle for an independent identity.
- Zhou Mili (Little Millet) remains innocent and humorous, but reveals her fear of losing time with friends. Her confidence depends on Chen Ping’an’s presence, though she is slowly growing braver. Her warmth and loyalty are evident in her concern that Mi Yu and Cui Dongshan not fight.
- Mi Yu is forced to face the guilt and fear behind his retreat from combat. Though angry at Dongshan’s bluntness, he recognizes the concern behind it and accepts the need to guard against his resentment.
- Jia Sheng is exposed as selfish and slippery, yet also more humane than his boasting suggests. He has not sold Jiu’er for profit and does care for both disciples, though his harsh treatment and manipulative speech complicate that affection.
- Chang Ming accepts a greater disciplinary role and demonstrates sound judgment. She is willing to ask difficult questions and take on work that Cui Dongshan would rather avoid.
- Liu Xianyang remains cheerful and irreverent, but shows enough sense to heed Cui Dongshan’s warning about Liu Cai and She Yue.
- Li Xisheng is calm and principled. Rather than simply following Dongshan’s fears, he insists on trust in Chen Ping’an and patience before acting.
Significant themes
- Care expressed through conflict: Cui Dongshan’s teasing and harsh words often serve as a way to expose pain, set boundaries, or protect others.
- Belonging and identity: The chapter contrasts family and friendship with genuine closeness, while Cui Dongshan insists on being his own person rather than merely an extension of Cui Chan.
- Power, responsibility, and restraint: Luopo Mountain’s influence brings obligations—protecting disciples, managing allies, and responding carefully to political and spiritual crises.
- Human flaws and moral complexity: The discussion of fictional worlds, Jia Sheng’s contradictions, and Mi Yu’s fears challenges idealized ideas of flawless heroes and villains.
- Trust versus calculation: Cui Dongshan’s suspicion of Zou Zi’s scheme clashes with Li Xisheng’s call to trust Chen Ping’an and avoid acting on worst-case assumptions.
- Giving and valuing: The Spirit Spring arrangement reinforces the idea that what people earn or give themselves is more meaningful than what they receive freely.
Character interactions
- Cui Dongshan and Little Millet: Playful sparring and jokes lead to a sincere conversation about loneliness and friendship.
- Cui Dongshan and Chen Warm Tree: He shares news about Chen Lingjun, while she contributes small but revealing stories about Little Millet’s affection for Zuo.
- Cui Dongshan and Mi Yu: Their argument brings Mi Yu’s hidden grief into the open and ends with mutual, if grudging, acceptance.
- Cui Dongshan and Jia Sheng: A comic confrontation turns into a serious intervention on Jiu’er’s behalf, balancing discipline with compensation and protection.
- Cui Dongshan and Chang Ming: Their walk combines strategic planning, personal histories, and an exchange of trust as she takes on disciplinary duties.
- Cui Dongshan and Liu Xianyang: Their familiar banter gives way to a serious warning about Liu Cai and the dangers of intervention.
- Cui Dongshan and Li Xisheng: Dongshan seeks decisive help, while Li counsels restraint, challenging his distrust without dismissing the danger.