Ch. 1Epilogue: The Saints Bid Farewell
Key Plot Points and Events
- The chapter begins with a bard in a restaurant narrating the origin of the thirty-three Imperial Passes, which were opened after a great battle between the Great Desolation and outer realm gods.
- Bai Jin, now the Dao Ancestor, is in the restaurant with his junior sisters. He receives a summons from the Saints, who have gathered to bid him farewell as they plan to travel the chaos.
- The Saints reveal that the Dao Ancestor, Bai Jin's Martial Grandfather, had left the Great Desolation after the great battle and did not merge with the Dao as Bai Jin had been led to believe.
- The Saints entrust the Great Desolation to Bai Jin and prepare to leave. However, Empress Nuwa and Empress Pingxin reveal that Bai Jin had given them the same gifts, leading to a tense confrontation between the two Empresses and Bai Jin.
Character Developments
- Bai Jin: He is now the Dao Ancestor, responsible for the Great Desolation. He is shown to be humble and respectful towards his elders, despite his new status. He also demonstrates a sense of foreboding when he realizes the potential consequences of his actions.
- The Saints: They are preparing to leave the Great Desolation to travel the chaos. They express pride and satisfaction in Bai Jin's growth and responsibility.
- Empress Nuwa and Empress Pingxin: They are shown to be competitive and somewhat petty, with a long-standing rivalry. They are upset to discover that Bai Jin gave them the same gifts.
Significant Themes
- Legacy and Responsibility: The Saints entrust the Great Desolation to Bai Jin, highlighting the theme of passing on responsibility and legacy.
- Consequences of Actions: Bai Jin's actions, though well-intentioned, have unintended consequences, as seen in the confrontation between Empress Nuwa and Empress Pingxin.
- The Past and the Present: The chapter explores the relationship between the past (the great battle and the Saints' departure) and the present (Bai Jin's new role and the Saints' farewell).
Character Interactions
- Bai Jin and the Saints: There is a clear sense of respect and affection between Bai Jin and the Saints. They interact as equals, with the Saints showing pride in Bai Jin's growth.
- Empress Nuwa and Empress Pingxin: Their interaction highlights their competitive nature and long-standing rivalry. They also show a sense of camaraderie in their shared annoyance with Bai Jin.
- Bai Jin and the Empresses: Bai Jin's interaction with the Empresses shows his attempts to defuse the situation, despite his growing anxiety.