Ch. 1621Heavenly Dao Is Ruthless
Chapter Summary: Heavenly Dao is Ruthless
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- Pan Gu's Fall: Gu Yongheng pierces the Eye of Heavenly Fate with the Strongest Sword, killing Pan Gu in a climactic strike. Pan Gu's dying act is to distribute all vacant Saint Positions outward, preventing Gu Yongheng from seizing them and further dismantling Heavenly Numbers' control over the Saint system.
- Pan Gu's Final Counterattack: Pan Gu manifests countless small eyes across all continents in both Netherworld and Yang Realm. These eyes explode, teleporting their power to Gu Yongheng's location. Pan Gu self-detonates at the Eye of Heavenly Fate, destroying the mountaintop and causing massive destruction. However, his dying attack fails to kill Gu Yongheng, who only suffers minor injuries.
- Gu Yongheng's Victory: After Pan Gu's death, Gu Yongheng absorbs the Black Qi filling the void left by the Eye of Heavenly Fate, fully regaining control over Heavenly Numbers. He declares himself ruler of the Great Chiliocosm World, with three hundred Demons and Ancestor Immortals pledging allegiance.
- New Alliances Forming: Zhong Shan and Lan agree to meet at the Ancient Family headquarters to lead a counterattack. Sword Pride joins them.
- Xuan Yuan's Return: In the Yang Realm's end of time and space, Xuan Yuan, creator of the Angel race, senses the crisis and decides to return to the Great Chiliocosm World with his wife.
2. Character Developments
- Pan Gu: Dies as a selfless sacrificial figure. Despite his weakened state, he orchestrates a final desperate assault, redistributes Saint Positions, and severs Heavenly Numbers' hold over them—leaving a legacy of resistance even in death.
- Gu Yongheng: Fully consolidates power as the supreme ruler of the Great Chiliocosm World. His character shows frustration that Pan Gu's preparations limited his gains (no Saint Positions left), but he remains arrogant and triumphant.
- Zhong Shan: Transformation from witness to avenger. His anger at Pan Gu's death crystallizes into resolute determination to lead the Great Chiliocosm World's fightback, displaying leadership and commitment to Pan Gu's dying wish.
- Lan: Shows shared resolve with Zhong Shan, her cold tone and Killing Intent revealing emotional investment beneath her composed exterior.
- Jun Tianxia: A dignified Saint humbled by powerlessness. He initially wants to rush out in fury but accepts Gu Xuanji's counsel to endure, swallowing his pride for a future pivotal counterattack.
- Bai Huang: Honors Pan Gu by pouring his last jar of "Great Bai Heavenly Brew" as a funeral tribute, showing deep respect and sorrow, elevating Pan Gu's worth above all others.
- Xuan Yuan: Reintroduced as a major power figure who chooses to abandon isolation and answer the world's need—signifying that old players are returning to the stage.
3. Significant Themes
- Sacrifice and Legacy: Pan Gu's death is framed as selfless—he turns "into fertile rain, nourishing the great earth." His gift of Saint Positions and severance of control ensures the future possibility of resistance.
- Heavenly Dao is Ruthless: The Cinnabar Golden Dragon explains that when a Saint falls, there are celestial omens—but not for Pan Gu. These omens are bestowed by Heavenly Numbers, not the Heavenly Dao. Since Pan Gu was Heavenly Numbers, it cannot mourn itself. This reinforces the theme of cosmic impartiality and the tragedy of those who embody it.
- Endurance Before Action: Gu Xuanji's advice to Jun Tianxia—"Quietly enduring is doing the most important thing"—contrasts with impulsive heroism, championing patience and strategic waiting for the decisive counterattack.
- Rise of Darkness, Hope for Reversal: Despite the bleak situation, multiple parties (Zhong Shan, Lan, Sword Pride, Xuan Yuan) prepare to act, signaling that Gu Yongheng's triumph is not final.
4. Character Interactions
- Jun Tianxia and Gu Xuanji: Tension between Jun Tianxia's desire to fight and Gu Xuanji's restraining hand. Gu Xuanji's firm grip and complex expression convince Jun Tianxia to hold back, establishing a mentor-student dynamic built on trust despite frustration.
- Bai Huang's Solitary Tribute: A poignant moment where Bai Huang addresses Pan Gu directly ("I think you are more worthy of drinking it than anyone else"), converting grief into a ceremonial act.
- Cinnabar Golden Dragon and Phoenix Matriarch: Dialogue contrasting Phoenix Matriarch's emotional outrage at the absence of celestial omens with the Cinnabar Golden Dragon's philosophical explanation of Heavenly Dao's nature. Their interaction serves to explain the chapter's thematic core.
- Zhong Shan, Lan, and Sword Pride: Brief but intense exchange of aligned resolve. Zhong Shan and Lan's mutual promise ("meet at the Ancient Family") marks a formal pact of vengeance.
- Gu Yongheng and Subordinates: The mass bowing of three hundred Demons and Ancestor Immortals reinforces Gu Yongheng's dominance, punctuated by Nan Batian's reluctantly joining the chorus.