Ch. 41Dao Ancestor Hongjun
Key Plot Points and Events
- Hongjun finishes his sermon, and the Duke of the East and the Queen Mother of the West complete their cultivation, advancing to the late stage of Great Luo Golden Immortal.
- Hongjun appoints them leaders of all male and female immortals under heaven, granting them treasures and Heavenly Dao offices, which boosts their fortune and strength.
- Hongjun reveals that all three thousand Great Daos can lead to sainthood and uses the Jade Creation Disc to share incomplete imprints of these Daos with the attendees.
- The Duke of the East addresses Hongjun as the Dao Ancestor, and the crowd reluctantly follows suit, acknowledging Hongjun's compassion and teachings.
- Hongjun announces that the next lecture will be held in three thousand years, teaching the methods of attaining the Dao and achieving sainthood.
Character Developments
- The Duke of the East: Advances in cultivation, becomes the leader of all male immortals, and receives the Dragon Head Staff. He initiates the address of Hongjun as the Dao Ancestor.
- The Queen Mother of the West: Advances in cultivation, becomes the leader of all female immortals, and receives the Western Plain Cloud Banner and an Innate Ren Water Peach Tree. Her resentment toward Hongjun dissipates.
- Wu Tian: Comprehends the incomplete imprints of the "Path of the Physical Body" and the "Path of the World" from the Jade Creation Disc.
Significant Themes
- The Path of Immortality vs. other Daos: Hongjun reveals that all three thousand Great Daos can lead to sainthood, challenging the notion that the Path of Immortality is the only way.
- Power and Authority: Hongjun's authority over the Heavenly Dao grows as more beings acknowledge him as the Dao Ancestor.
- Respect and Acknowledgment: The crowd reluctantly acknowledges Hongjun as the Dao Ancestor, showing the power dynamics and respect in their society.
Character Interactions
- The Duke of the East and the Queen Mother of the West interact with Hongjun, receiving appointments and treasures, and expressing gratitude.
- Wu Tian and his companions remain silent but observant, not acknowledging Hongjun as the Dao Ancestor.
- The crowd interacts with Hongjun, expressing thanks and acknowledging him as the Dao Ancestor, albeit reluctantly.