Ch. 21Physical Body Contest, Ju Liusun Takes the Field
Summary of "Physical Body Contest, Ju Liusun Takes the Field"
1. Key Plot Points
- After the Interception Sect wins the first contest (comprehension) through Xuan Liu, Supreme Elder Laozi announces the second contest: physical body strength.
- Laozi creates a special Body-Refinement Trial Platform where spells, divine abilities, and spiritual treasures cannot be used; only raw physical power matters.
- Long-Eared Fixed-Light Immortal of the Interception Sect volunteers to fight, motivated by jealousy over Xuan Liu’s praise and status.
- Tongtian Cult Master hesitates but approves after other Seven Attendant Immortals vouch for Long-Eared’s bodily strength.
- The Expounding Sect sends Ju Liusun, a peak Primordial Unity Golden Immortal, to oppose him.
- The chapter ends with both fighters on the platform, Ju Liusun confident of victory.
2. Character Developments
- Xuan Liu: Internally despises Long-Eared Fixed-Light Immortal, knowing from his future knowledge that Long-Eared will betray the Interception Sect during the Investiture of the Gods tribulation. He secretly hopes Long-Eared loses and suffers humiliation.
- Long-Eared Fixed-Light Immortal: Shows ambition, arrogance, and envy; his jealousy of Xuan Liu clouds his judgment, driving him to seek glory recklessly.
- Tongtian Cult Master: Cautious and somewhat uneasy about sending Long-Eared, but ultimately trusts his disciple’s claims.
- Ju Liusun: Portrayed as calm, physically formidable, and deeply loyal to the Expounding Sect’s orthodoxy.
3. Significant Themes
- Pride and Jealousy: Long-Eared’s envy of Xuan Liu leads him into a risky contest, foreshadowing his later betrayal.
- Sect Rivalry: The contest highlights the ongoing tension between the Expounding (Interception) and the Expounding (Chan/Explaining) Sects.
- Foreshadowing of Betrayal: Xuan Liu’s internal knowledge of Long-Eared’s future treason adds dramatic irony and tension.
- Test of Body vs. Mind: After the first mentally focused contest, the second tests physical discipline, contrasting different paths of cultivation.
4. Character Interactions
- Supreme Elder Laozi announces the contest with saintly authority, silencing the crowd.
- Long-Eared Fixed-Light Immortal eagerly petitions Tongtian; several fellow immortals (Black Cloud, Golden-Hoop, Qiu Shou) support him.
- Tongtian gives Long-Eared a stern order not to shame the sect.
- Primordial Heavenly Venerable sends Ju Liusun, who responds with a proud declaration.
- Xuan Liu observes silently, mentally condemning Long-Eared’s future treachery.