Ch. 81Stepping on the Clarifying Sect's Pride Beneath His Feet!
Chapter Summary: Stepping on the Clarifying Sect’s Pride Beneath His Feet!
Key Plot Points and Events
- Guangchengzi erupts with quasi-saint power and prepares to attack Jiang Yun with the Heaven-Overturning Seal.
- Jiang Yun remains calm and explains that he has not come to fight, but to return two treasures belonging to the Clarifying Sect: the Immortal-Slaying Sword and the Nine Dragons Divine Fire Cover.
- He publicly justifies killing Yuding Zhenren and Taiyi Zhenren, accusing Yuding of colluding with Outer-Realm Heavenly Devils and Taiyi of acting recklessly, violating karma, and conspiring with Corpse Ancestor Jiangchen against him.
- Jiang Yun declares that although the two disciples deserved death, he has no intention of coveting their treasures and has brought them back specifically for Saint Yuanshi.
- His action shocks the Primordial World. Observers recognize that “returning” the treasures is actually a calculated humiliation: he has killed Clarifying Sect disciples, then returned their weapons directly to their sect while forcing them to accept his moral justification.
- Guangchengzi loses control and attempts to attack Jiang Yun, but White Crane Boy intervenes with Primordial Celestial Worthy’s order for Jiang Yun to enter Jade Void Palace.
- Jiang Yun reveals that his visit was carefully planned. By presenting himself as a guest returning stolen treasures, he prevents the Clarifying Sect from attacking without damaging its reputation as the orthodox lineage of Pangu.
- Jiang Yun enters Jade Pure Hall, where Primordial Celestial Worthy, Guangchengzi, the surviving direct disciples, Vice Sect Leader Daoist Randeng, several other disciples, and Panwang Patriarch await him with intense hostility.
- Jiang Yun offers flawless formal greetings and returns the two treasures. Primordial Celestial Worthy accepts them but then coldly challenges Jiang Yun, asking whether he truly believes Tongtian’s protection and his accumulated Merit will prevent the saint from killing him.
Character Developments
- Jiang Yun demonstrates extraordinary composure, confidence, and strategic intelligence. Rather than relying on brute force, he uses etiquette, public opinion, and the Clarifying Sect’s concern for reputation to control the situation.
- He also shows that he is willing to confront powerful enemies openly while presenting his actions as lawful and morally justified.
- Guangchengzi becomes consumed by rage and humiliation. His inability to tolerate Jiang Yun’s provocation causes him to abandon caution and nearly attack despite the political consequences.
- Primordial Celestial Worthy is portrayed as proud, calculating, and deeply angered, though disciplined enough to suppress his immediate fury and summon Jiang Yun instead of allowing an impulsive battle.
- White Crane Boy acts as a frightened but obedient mediator, carrying out his master’s command and preventing Guangchengzi from escalating the conflict.
Significant Themes
- Pride and humiliation: Jiang Yun’s return of the treasures functions as a deliberate public insult, striking at the Clarifying Sect’s dignity more painfully than simply defeating its disciples.
- Justice versus political framing: Jiang Yun presents his killings as necessary acts of self-defense and restoration of order, forcing the Clarifying Sect to confront the accusations publicly.
- Reputation and restraint: The Clarifying Sect cannot attack Jiang Yun without undermining its image as the orthodox and righteous lineage.
- Cunning over force: Jiang Yun’s greatest weapon is not combat power but his ability to manipulate circumstances, morality, and public perception.
- Rivalry among the saints’ factions: The hostility reflects the widening conflict between the Interception Sect and Clarifying Sect, especially after Tongtian and Yuanshi’s relationship has fractured.
Character Interactions
- Jiang Yun and Guangchengzi engage in a tense confrontation, with Guangchengzi threatening violence and Jiang Yun calmly dismissing his anger.
- Jiang Yun publicly condemns the actions of Yuding and Taiyi, effectively placing the Clarifying Sect on trial before the entire Primordial World.
- White Crane Boy interrupts Guangchengzi and delivers Primordial Celestial Worthy’s order, preventing an immediate clash.
- Inside Jade Pure Hall, Jiang Yun maintains formal respect toward Primordial Celestial Worthy despite the surrounding killing intent.
- Primordial Celestial Worthy accepts the returned treasures but directly threatens Jiang Yun, setting the stage for a more serious confrontation between the saint and the Interception Sect disciple.