Ch. 161Conversation
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Hei Qing brings Zi Yan and Qin Chen’s group before Zhu Li, the Ancient Dragon Clan’s Third Elder, on Dragon Island.
- Zhu Li warmly welcomes Zi Yan home and thanks Qin Chen for returning her and restoring the clan’s royal bloodline.
- Zi Yan confronts Zhu Li about abandoning her in the past. Zhu Li insists that the Ancient Dragon Clan never willingly abandons its members but refuses to explain further because the circumstances remain complicated.
- Zhu Li privately discusses the clan’s secrets with Zi Yan, asking Qin Chen and the others to leave. Qin Chen tactfully agrees, earning Zhu Li’s respect.
- Hei Qing escorts Qin Chen, Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, Heavenly Flame Venerable, and the others around Dragon Island. They observe its rich medicinal resources, rare Dragon Saliva Grass, powerful dragon heritage, and the massive spatial rifts left by past destruction.
- After several hours, the group reaches an ancient stone residence, where Zi Yan is waiting after her conversation with Zhu Li.
- Zi Yan reveals that Zhu Li has told her the Ancient Dragon Clan is in crisis: its ancestors have departed, Dragon Island has split apart, and she must help shoulder the responsibility of restoring the clan and eventually becoming Dragon Emperor.
- Zi Yan angrily realizes that returning home does not mean enjoying her inheritance; instead, she has returned to clean up the clan’s enormous mess.
Character Developments
- Zi Yan: Her excitement at returning home turns into anger, confusion, and a sense of betrayal. She learns that her royal status carries heavy responsibilities and that she may be expected to unify and restore the Ancient Dragon Clan.
- Qin Chen: He demonstrates maturity, tact, and emotional support. He respects the clan’s secrecy, avoids interfering in Zhu Li and Zi Yan’s private discussion, and remains attentive to Zi Yan’s feelings.
- Zhu Li: He is deeply moved by Zi Yan’s return but remains burdened by guilt and hidden concerns. Though outwardly warm, he privately treats Zi Yan as the clan’s future hope and believes she must eventually become Dragon Emperor.
- Hei Qing: He acts as a welcoming guide and reassures Qin Chen’s group that the Ancient Dragon Clan considers them friends. He also develops admiration for Qin Chen’s composure and accomplishments.
- Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, and the others: Their extraordinary identities and abilities impress Zhu Li, who recognizes their rarity and strength.
Significant Themes
- Burden of heritage: Zi Yan’s royal bloodline gives her authority but also imposes the responsibility of saving her declining clan.
- Belonging and abandonment: Zi Yan struggles with why she was separated from the Ancient Dragon Clan and whether she was truly forgotten.
- Duty versus personal desire: Zi Yan would prefer freedom and companionship with Qin Chen, but her position may require her to sacrifice those wishes for the clan.
- Trust and restraint: Qin Chen earns Zhu Li’s approval by recognizing boundaries and refusing to pry into confidential matters.
- Strength and origins: Qin Chen’s rise is emphasized as especially remarkable because he lacks a powerful bloodline or special constitution, unlike many ancient-clan geniuses.
Character Interactions
- Zhu Li and Zi Yan share an emotionally charged reunion, with Zi Yan demanding answers and Zhu Li responding with guarded sincerity.
- Zhu Li and Qin Chen establish mutual respect: Zhu Li thanks him for helping Zi Yan, while Qin Chen responds respectfully and gives him privacy.
- Hei Qing reassures Qin Chen that Zi Yan will not be harmed and treats the group as honored friends of the clan.
- After Zi Yan returns to the residence, the other women deliberately leave Qin Chen alone with her. Qin Chen gently encourages her to express her anger and confusion, allowing Zi Yan to reveal the full weight of the responsibility placed upon her.