Ch. 2721Did You Only Come to Scrounge a Meal, Senior?
Chapter Summary: “Is Senior Just Here to Sponge a Meal?”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Nether Son and Hua Yunfei discuss why Nether Lord once slapped Nether Son and seemingly prevented him from becoming a World Lord. Hua Yunfei suggests the punishment may have been intended to protect him.
- Hua Yunfei explains the nature of World Lords: they possess independent, highly advanced worlds or universes, gaining certain advantages but also suffering unique risks and burdens.
- Jian Yi learns about World Lords for the first time and wonders whether he might create his own heaven and earth. Hua Yunfei clarifies that World Lords are not automatically stronger than other cultivators.
- Nether Son realizes that Nether Lord may himself be a World Lord through his control of the Dark World, though he is uncertain whether Nether Lord has told him the complete truth. He decides to ask him later, despite the possibility of being slapped again.
- Tianming Wuji privately begins questioning whether the Dragon Ancestor is also a World Lord and why the Dragon Ancestor encouraged him to follow that path while Nether Lord discouraged Nether Son.
- Nether Son proposes celebrating their victory with a feast, though Tianming Wuji points out that Nether Son mainly wants to eat.
- During the meal, Battle Ancestor unexpectedly appears, having been present from the beginning without anyone noticing. He eats casually and reveals that he came not only for the food but also to warn them.
- Battle Ancestor instructs them not to discuss World Lords or speculate about powerful figures carelessly. He warns that even the forces protecting them may be unable to save them from the consequences.
Character Developments
- Nether Son: Begins reconsidering Nether Lord’s past actions, interpreting the slap as possible protection rather than hostility. His curiosity about becoming a World Lord grows, but so does his suspicion that Nether Lord has concealed important information.
- Hua Yunfei: Acts as the group’s source of knowledge and offers balanced explanations about World Lords. He is also protective of Jiang Ruoyao and hopes she avoids becoming entangled in the dangers associated with World Lords, ominousness, and curses.
- Jian Yi: Reveals how isolated his life as a Rogue Cultivator has been. His lack of knowledge contrasts with his formidable experience and survival-based sword dao. The feast also shows his gradual comfort with the group.
- Tianming Wuji: Starts questioning the Dragon Ancestor’s motives and whether his own path toward becoming a World Lord carries hidden implications.
- Jiang Ruoyao: Shows no desire to become a World Lord, and Hua Yunfei reassures her that her strength does not require such protection.
- Battle Ancestor: Appears carefree and unceremonious while eating, but his final warning establishes that he is keenly aware of dangerous secrets and the risks of careless discussion.
- Big Pretty: Provides comic relief through his enormous appetite, continuing to eat after everyone else has finished.
Significant Themes
- Protection versus restriction: Nether Lord’s refusal to let Nether Son become a World Lord may be an act of love and protection rather than oppression.
- The dangers of knowledge: Discussing powerful beings and forbidden truths can attract disastrous consequences, even when done privately.
- Different paths to power: Becoming a World Lord offers advantages but also brings curses, ominousness, and responsibilities; greater power is not automatically better.
- Hidden motives and incomplete truths: Nether Lord, the Dragon Ancestor, and other supreme figures may conceal their real intentions, leaving younger cultivators to interpret their actions.
- Found family and fellowship: The victory feast strengthens the group’s camaraderie, especially as Jian Yi becomes more comfortable around them.
- The contrast between appearance and power: Battle Ancestor behaves like an unrefined diner, despite being an immensely powerful and intimidating figure.
Character Interactions
- Nether Son relies on Hua Yunfei to interpret Nether Lord’s intentions and accepts the possibility that the slap was meant to help him.
- Hua Yunfei explains World Lords to Nether Son and Jian Yi while subtly discouraging Jiang Ruoyao from pursuing that path.
- Jian Yi’s questions expose the information gap between Rogue Cultivators and those from powerful inheritances.
- Nether Son teases and argues with Tianming Wuji about the feast, while Tianming recognizes his true motive.
- The group shares a relaxed celebratory meal, with Big Pretty and Jian Yi standing out for their enthusiasm.
- Battle Ancestor’s sudden arrival shifts the mood from casual celebration to serious caution, ending the chapter with a warning about the peril of discussing World Lords and other supreme beings.