Ch. 1721Holding Fast to the Pass
Key Plot Points and Events
- Dandu, the Investigation Bureau director, suspects Wei An and the Dao Lodge, but also seeks their help.
- The Dao Lodge is ordered to leave, but Dandu delays the eviction.
- Dandu meets Wei An in secret, revealing that the Municipal Office might have undergone spiritualization rituals, and Linhui City could face the same fate as Yunan City.
- Dandu suggests the Dao Lodge temporarily relocate to an Investigation Bureau estate outside the city.
- The Municipal Office begins expelling the Dao Lodge, signaling an imminent threat.
- Tong He and Zhi Yao discuss their stance on the upcoming conflict, with Zhi Yao advocating for supporting the Daoist, Zhang.
Character Developments
- Dandu: Struggles with his loyalty to the Municipal Office and his duty to protect the city, ultimately deciding to help the Dao Lodge.
- Wei An: Realizes the severity of the situation and agrees to temporarily relocate the Dao Lodge.
- Tong He: Initially hesitant, he eventually agrees to meet and support the Daoist, Zhang, at Zhi Yao's insistence.
- Zhi Yao: Shows strong intuition and conviction, advocating for supporting the Daoist, Zhang, based on her spiritual intuition.
Significant Themes
- The struggle between bureaucracy (Dandu) and spiritual power (the Dao Lodge and the Great Spirits).
- The conflict between maintaining the status quo (the Municipal Office) and seeking change (the Dao Lodge and the common people).
- The tension between personal emotions and duty (Tong He and Dandu).
Character Interactions
- Dandu and Wei An: Dandu seeks Wei An's help, revealing his suspicions about the Municipal Office and the impending threat to Linhui City.
- Tong He and Zhi Yao: They discuss their stance on the upcoming conflict, with Zhi Yao advocating for supporting the Daoist, Zhang, and Tong He eventually agreeing to meet him.