Ch. 61Hongjun Joined with the Dao to Complete the Heavenly Dao, and Jieyin Promised the Lordship of Mount Sumeru
Key Plot Points and Events
- Hongjun, the Dao Ancestor, merges with the Heavenly Dao to perfect it and guard the Primordial World's foundation eternally.
- The Purple Cloud Palace, where Hongjun lectured, disappears without a trace.
- Donghua, Taizhen, and Kong Xuan prepare to leave, but Daoist Jieyin and Zhunti stop them, expressing gratitude for Donghua's help in the far north.
- Jieyin and Zhunti invite Donghua to become the Lord of the West, but he declines, citing his commitment to the far north.
- Donghua leaves, and Jieyin and Zhunti discuss his potential threat to their plans for the West.
Character Developments
- Hongjun: Merges with the Heavenly Dao, fulfilling his mission and leaving a lasting impact on all beings.
- Donghua: Demonstrates compassion and steadfastness in his mission to repair the far north, declining Jieyin and Zhunti's invitation to focus on his task.
- Jieyin and Zhunti: Reveal their ambition for the West, showing their determination to restore its vitality, even if it means betraying others.
Significant Themes
- Merit and Karma: Hongjun's selfless act of merging with the Heavenly Dao to benefit all beings showcases the power of Merit. Meanwhile, Jieyin and Zhunti's invitation to Donghua highlights the potential Karma involved in their plans.
- Ambition vs. Steadfastness: Jieyin and Zhunti's ambition for the West contrasts with Donghua's steadfast commitment to his mission in the far north, illustrating the different paths one can take in pursuit of goals.
Character Interactions
- Hongjun and All Beings: Hongjun's declaration and subsequent merging with the Heavenly Dao leave a profound impact on all beings, demonstrating his role as a guiding and protective figure.
- Donghua and Jieyin/Zhunti: Donghua's interaction with Jieyin and Zhunti reveals their ambition for the West and his own commitment to his mission, leading to a respectful but firm decline of their invitation.
- Jieyin and Zhunti: The two discuss Donghua's potential threat to their plans, showing their united front and shared ambition for the West.