Ch. 21Warming Tea
Chapter Summary: “Warming Tea”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Fang Yang hosts fellow disciples in his modest residence, using Cloud Mist Tea instead of wine as a gesture of respect.
- During the gathering, he learns important information about the Yaoguang Sacred Land, including rumors about the current Yaoguang Holy Son and the requirements for becoming a Candidate Holy Son.
- There are three paths to becoming a Candidate Holy Son:
- Being recommended by a Supreme Elder and passing the three-tier, twelve-stage trial.
- Cultivating a phenomenon in the Four Extremities Realm and passing the six-tier, twenty-four-stage trial.
- Defeating an existing Candidate Holy Son of the same or a lower realm and taking their position.
- Fang Yang decides to pursue the fastest method. Although his ultimate goal is to challenge the Yaoguang Holy Son, he chooses Candidate Holy Son Li Rui as his immediate target.
- Li Rui is a first-level Four Extremities cultivator who has cultivated the Divine Light Glazed World phenomenon. Fang Yang believes he can defeat him despite having only recently entered the realm.
- Fang Yang abruptly leaves the tea gathering to challenge Li Rui, astonishing the other disciples. They remain behind, expecting either a quick return or the possibility of his defeat.
- At Ruiguang Peak, Li Rui and his companions criticize Fang Yang for advancing too quickly and allegedly neglecting his foundation.
- Li Rui privately feels dissatisfied with their judgment, recognizing that surviving two consecutive Heavenly Tribulations is evidence of extraordinary strength rather than weakness.
- Fang Yang arrives and formally requests Li Rui’s guidance, provoking Li Rui’s anger. Li Rui confronts him, implying that Fang Yang’s recent breakthrough has made him arrogant.
- The chapter ends as the impending confrontation is established. Fang Yang’s confidence is supported by his mastery of the Primordial Sacred Light Art, Yaoguang Footwork, and the powerful Yellow Mud Hand.
Character Developments
- Fang Yang: Displays confidence, decisiveness, and strategic ambition. He is not satisfied with merely becoming a Candidate Holy Son and intends eventually to claim the Holy Son position. His rapid advancement is balanced by genuine preparation: his exceptional comprehension and use of Divine Spring water and Bodhi Leaves have allowed him to master his techniques despite his recent breakthrough.
- Li Rui: Revealed as proud and status-conscious. He is angered that a newly advanced junior would challenge him, though he also shows enough discernment to recognize that Fang Yang’s achievements are extraordinary.
- The tea-gathering disciples: Act as sources of information and represent the broader sect’s interest in Fang Yang. They admire his talent but worry that his confidence may become recklessness.
- Li Rui’s companions: Underestimate Fang Yang and interpret his rapid progress as unstable cultivation, reinforcing the chapter’s contrast between conventional wisdom and Fang Yang’s exceptional abilities.
Significant Themes
- Confidence versus arrogance: Fang Yang’s willingness to challenge Li Rui may appear reckless, but the narrative suggests that his confidence is justified by his preparation and talent.
- Rapid advancement and foundations: Other cultivators believe breakthroughs require long periods of stabilization, while Fang Yang’s unusual comprehension allows him to advance rapidly without neglecting his techniques.
- Competition and ambition: Positions within the Sacred Land are won through strength, making advancement a direct contest among disciples. Fang Yang views the Candidate Holy Son position as a stepping stone toward greater power.
- Hidden ability versus public judgment: The disciples judge Fang Yang based on his age and recent breakthrough, failing to understand the depth of his preparation.
- Social networks and information: The tea gathering demonstrates how conversation, hospitality, and informal alliances provide valuable intelligence about the sect’s hierarchy and opportunities.
Character Interactions
- Fang Yang respectfully hosts and drinks tea with the gathered disciples, using courtesy to encourage them to share information.
- The disciples praise and advise Fang Yang while subtly questioning whether he should challenge Li Rui immediately.
- Fang Yang politely ignores their hesitation and announces that he will return shortly after defeating or challenging Li Rui.
- Li Rui’s companions disparage Fang Yang in his absence, calling him immature and short-sighted.
- Li Rui rejects their criticism internally but becomes furious when Fang Yang arrives at his peak and formally asks for a confrontation.
- The chapter closes with Fang Yang and Li Rui facing one another, setting up their battle over the Candidate Holy Son position.