Ch. 1181Xing Tian and Haotian
Chapter Summary: “Xing Tian and Haotian”
Key Plot Points and Events
- The Jade Emperor, Haotian, arrives at the Lunar Star with Xing Tian, Hou Yi, and Chang’e present.
- Xing Tian immediately confronts Haotian over their old grudge. He recalls how Haotian once used the Haotian Mirror to weaken him, behead him, and suppress his head beneath Changyang Mountain.
- Haotian refuses to apologize. Instead, he defends his actions by invoking the conflict over the Human Emperor, arguing that Chi You and the Witch Clan had attempted to usurp humanity’s legitimate lineage. He portrays Xing Tian’s defeat as justified punishment and even calls it an act of mercy.
- Haotian’s insulting and politically calculated speech enrages both Xing Tian and Hou Yi. Hou Yi launches a surprise attack, which Haotian barely blocks with the Haotian Mirror and imperial dragon aura.
- Haotian accuses Hou Yi of shamelessly attacking from ambush, but this condemnation provokes the surviving Ancestral Witches—Houtu, Xuan Ming, Zhu Jiuyin, and Gonggong.
- The four Ancestral Witches attack Haotian from across realms with enormous manifestations of earth, decay, time, and water. Haotian’s mirror cannot fully withstand their combined power; he vomits blood and is badly shaken.
- The Ancestral Witches warn Haotian never to insult the Witch Clan again before withdrawing.
- Emboldened by their intervention, Xing Tian declares that the old and new grievances must be settled. He charges Haotian with Gan Qi, and the two engage in a fierce duel of axe against sword.
- The heavenly soldiers and gods stand by rather than help Haotian, many secretly pleased to see him humiliated because of his domineering treatment of the various immortal factions.
- Queen Mother of the West arrives and orders the gods to rescue Haotian. Hou Yi prevents them from intervening by threatening them with his legendary Sun-Shooting Bow and arrows.
- The chapter ends when a mournful crow sounds and a torrent of crimson-gold fire descends toward the Lunar Star, introducing a new and dangerous threat.
Character Developments
- Haotian: Revealed as forceful, politically skilled, and verbally ruthless rather than timid. He confidently justifies his past actions and uses heavenly law, human legitimacy, and the Witch Clan’s defeat to undermine Xing Tian. However, his arrogance leaves him vulnerable: his insults unite the surviving Ancestral Witches against him, and his authority is weakened when the heavenly court refuses to defend him.
- Xing Tian: Remains driven by vengeance and honor. His hatred of Haotian has not diminished after his resurrection, and he openly seeks to settle their old grudge. He is fearless, even declaring that he would fight a Saint if necessary.
- Hou Yi: Demonstrates both lethal capability and unwavering loyalty to Xing Tian and the Witch Clan. His sudden attack on Haotian and later threat against the heavenly gods show his willingness to confront the entire Heavenly Court.
- The Ancestral Witches: Act collectively to defend the dignity of the Witch Clan. Their overwhelming attack proves that, despite the clan’s decline, its surviving leaders remain terrifying powers.
- Queen Mother of the West: Acts decisively to defend Haotian’s position as Heavenly Emperor. Her anger toward the passive court reveals her practical sense of duty and concern for heavenly order.
- The Heavenly Gods: Their reluctance to intervene exposes their resentment toward Haotian and the fragility of his political authority.
Significant Themes
- Honor and vengeance: Xing Tian’s confrontation is rooted in the unresolved humiliation of his beheading and suppression.
- Political power and rhetoric: Haotian uses history, morality, and heavenly authority as weapons, attempting to define the Witch Clan as both illegitimate and ungrateful.
- Decline versus enduring power: Although the Witch Clan has fallen from its former dominance, the Ancestral Witches remain powerful enough to intimidate the entire Heavenly Court.
- Authority without loyalty: Haotian holds the title of Co-Lord of the Three Realms, but the gods’ refusal to assist him shows that formal authority does not guarantee genuine allegiance.
- Old grudges shaping present conflicts: Past wars, betrayals, and punishments continue to drive current political and personal confrontations.
- The danger of arrogance: Haotian’s sharp words gain him an advantage rhetorically but ultimately provoke a devastating attack and worsen his position.
Character Interactions
- Xing Tian and Haotian: Their exchange is openly hostile, with Xing Tian demanding repayment for his former defeat and Haotian responding with calculated insults and justification.
- Hou Yi and Haotian: Hou Yi attacks Haotian without warning and later blocks the heavenly court from aiding him, making their antagonism clear.
- Ancestral Witches and Haotian: The four Witches intervene as a united force, punishing him for insulting their clan and warning him against repeating the offense.
- Xing Tian and Hou Yi: They cooperate closely. Hou Yi supports Xing Tian’s confrontation, while Xing Tian jokingly tells him to watch as he teaches Haotian a lesson.
- Queen Mother of the West and the Heavenly Court: She rebukes the gods for standing idle and commands them to protect Haotian, but Hou Yi’s threat prevents them from acting.
- Haotian and the Heavenly Gods: Their relationship is shown to be strained. Though they nominally serve him, many secretly resent him and take pleasure in his humiliation.