Ch. 521Meeting Again at the Kunlun Ruins and Taking Stock of the Journey's Gains
Key plot points and events
- After a year apart, Main Body Gu Chen returns to the Chaoge Imperial Palace and reunites with his Mortal Body.
- Main Body Gu Chen gives his counterpart storage rings filled with resources and materials collected during his journey through the Starry Sky.
- He then takes Yingyue to the Kunlun Ruins. The Nine Heavenly Realm Gates’ guardians recognize him as Haotian, the Heavenly Emperor, and celebrate his return, hoping the Primordial Heavenly Court will soon reopen.
- Gu Chen and Yingyue enter the Prototype of the Thirty-Six Heavens, where he plans to assess his gains and begin restoring the Ancient Heavenly Court.
Character developments
- The two Gu Chens reveal their contrasting natures: the Main Body is austere and detached, while the Mortal Body embraces comfort and worldly pleasures. Despite their differences, they cooperate and share the journey’s spoils.
- Yingyue sees the contrast firsthand and is puzzled by the Mortal Body’s reputation versus his lazy manner. At the Kunlun Ruins, she also notices the guardians’ speculation about her connection to Gu Chen.
- The guardians’ reverence confirms Gu Chen’s identity and importance as the returning Heavenly Emperor.
Significant themes
- Duality and selfhood: The two versions of Gu Chen share a face but embody opposing relationships to mortal desires.
- Reputation and deterrence: Gu Chen’s past victories have kept the Blue Star Continent peaceful in his absence.
- Duty and restoration: The guardians’ long vigil and Gu Chen’s return point toward reviving the Primordial Heavenly Court.
- Gossip amid grandeur: Even ancient, fearsome guardians indulge in romantic speculation, providing a comic contrast to the solemn setting.
Character interactions
- The Mortal Body teases the Main Body about bringing Yingyue, while the Main Body reacts with exasperation to his counterpart’s indulgence.
- Main Body Gu Chen rewards the Mortal Body with the resources he gathered.
- The Kunlun guardians greet Gu Chen with devotion and openly wonder whether Yingyue is a goddess or the reincarnated Queen Mother; Gu Chen ignores their gossip and proceeds through the gate with her.