Ch. 321Stone Monkey Had Yet to Leave the Sea, but the Dragon Palace and Netherworld's Old Debts Went Ahead
Key Plot Points and Events
- Ao Bing marries into the Vermilion Bird lineage, causing his status to surpass his father Ao Guang.
- Xuanxiao, Ao Bing's master, orders the East Sea Dragon Palace treasury to be sent as Ao Bing's dowry.
- In the Underworld, Tathagata (Duobao) bargains with Dijiang (Great Emperor Fengdu) and Golden Peng to create a scenario where the Underworld suffers losses from the Stone Monkey, allowing them to settle old debts and extract concessions from Buddhism.
Character Developments
- Ao Bing's marriage elevates his status, potentially leading to future power dynamics within the Dragon Palace.
- Xuanxiao demonstrates his foresight and influence, orchestrating events from behind the scenes.
- Duobao reveals his true intentions as the Buddha of Buddhism, aiming to weaken Buddhism for Master Tongtian.
- Dijiang and Golden Peng show opportunism, agreeing to the plan to settle their clan's debts and gain concessions.
Significant Themes
- Power dynamics and status within the supernatural hierarchy.
- Manipulation and deception in political intrigue.
- The consequences of past actions and debts (both literal and metaphorical).
Character Interactions
- Xuanxiao and Ao Guang: Master-disciple relationship, with Xuanxiao guiding Ao Bing's career and Ao Guang following his master's orders.
- Duobao, Dijiang, and Golden Peng: Negotiations and deals between powerful figures, with Duobao manipulating the situation to benefit the Intercepting Sect and Buddhism's enemies.