Ch. 21What the God-Defying One Left Behind
Chapter Summary
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- The Eleven Ancestral Witches and Pan Xuan discover a massive black stone stele hidden within an abyss in the Western Extreme Lands.
- The stele is covered in ancient runes and emits an overwhelming aura of destruction, causing the abyss to tremble and collapse.
- Zhu Rong initially moves to inspect it, but Pan Xuan urgently stops him.
- Pan Xuan recognizes the object from his past-life memories as the Destruction Stele, the natal supreme treasure of Shen Ni, ruler of the Ferocious Beast Clan.
- The stele contains the purest destructive force and was once used by Shen Ni during the Ferocious Beast Calamity to devastate the Primordial World.
- Pan Xuan suspects the abyss was the former resting place of the stele and that the dense killing intent and powerful innate restriction were connected to its presence.
- Using the Righteous Vitality Formula, Pan Xuan purifies and examines the stele, ensuring that it contains no hidden traps or surviving techniques from Shen Ni.
- After confirming that the stele is ownerless and safe to take, the group decides to bring it back to Pangu Hall for study.
- Pan Xuan warns that breaking the restriction may alert the powerful being who created it. Di Jiang agrees, takes the stele, and orders the group to flee.
- The thirteen members escape eastward as the abyss collapses behind them and the restriction disappears.
- While traveling, Houtu asks Pan Xuan about the stele’s origins. He admits that he believes it is connected to the ancient Ferocious Beast Calamity.
2. Character Developments
- Pan Xuan demonstrates extensive knowledge from his previous life, recognizing the Destruction Stele and understanding its historical significance.
- His caution and foresight become central to the group’s survival. Rather than allowing the impulsive Zhu Rong to approach, he carefully investigates the treasure for traps and hidden dangers.
- Pan Xuan’s mastery of the Righteous Vitality Formula is highlighted as he uses it to suppress and purify the stele’s destructive aura.
- Di Jiang shows strong trust in Pan Xuan’s judgment. He accepts Pan Xuan’s warnings without argument and quickly makes the strategic decision to retreat.
- Zhu Rong is portrayed as bold and impatient, eager to claim the powerful treasure, though he ultimately follows Pan Xuan’s advice.
- Houtu displays concern for Pan Xuan and seeks to understand the secret behind the stele, strengthening their personal connection.
- The Ancestral Witches collectively recognize the stele’s value and its potential to greatly increase the Witch Clan’s strength.
3. Significant Themes
- Caution versus recklessness: Pan Xuan’s careful investigation contrasts with Zhu Rong’s impulsiveness, emphasizing that powerful treasures must not be approached carelessly.
- The dangers of ancient power: The Destruction Stele carries the legacy of Shen Ni and the Ferocious Beast Calamity, showing that remnants of ancient conflicts can still threaten the present.
- Strategic awareness and survival: Pan Xuan understands that obtaining the treasure is only part of the challenge; escaping before stronger enemies arrive is equally important.
- Power and responsibility: Although the stele could greatly strengthen the Witch Clan, its destructive nature and unknown history make possessing it dangerous.
- Trust and cooperation: The group’s survival depends on their willingness to trust Pan Xuan’s knowledge and Di Jiang’s leadership.
- The lingering influence of history: Past-life memories, ancient battles, and long-forgotten treasures continue to shape current events.
4. Character Interactions
- Zhu Rong wants to approach the stele, but Pan Xuan stops him and explains the danger.
- Pan Xuan carefully inspects the treasure while the Ancestral Witches wait, showing that they respect his judgment.
- Di Jiang supports Pan Xuan’s caution and later follows his advice to evacuate immediately.
- The group discusses taking the stele to Pangu Hall to investigate its nature and potential uses.
- Houtu stays beside Pan Xuan during their escape and gently asks about the stele, prompting him to reveal its connection to the Ferocious Beast Calamity.
- The Ancestral Witches’ shared interest in the stele reflects both their desire to strengthen the clan and their growing awareness of the dangers surrounding it.