Ch. 221Don’t Mess with Those Who Protect the Fair Lady
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Kong Jiao and the others investigate the place where Huangfu Wuqin’s tracking signal disappeared. They find the area completely swept clean, with even the lake’s loaches gone.
- The scale of the destruction proves that Huangfu was attacked using power beyond the Wheel-Ascension Realm. Since the Flood-Dragon Baleful Essence prevents Life-Palming Realm experts from entering Azure Lake Blessed Land, the group concludes that Mountain-Settling Sect used a Life-Palming-grade talisman or treasure.
- They realize Mountain-Settling Sect deliberately captured Huangfu Wuqin alive rather than killing her. Kong Jiao connects this to Ling Xi’s earlier attempt to bring him back to the sect and concludes that Mountain-Settling Sect intends to possess Huangfu Wuqin’s body.
- The group understands that both Mountain-Settling Sect and Cangwu Sect’s actions against each other have already begun a covert war, leaving no room for reconciliation.
- Kong Jiao resolves to rescue Huangfu Wuqin. Since Azure Lake Blessed Land will not open again for over twenty days, there is still time to search for her.
- Zhai Qingning proposes contacting all Cangwu Sect disciples in the Blessed Land, while Han Honghua promises to mobilize the Mosheng Sect disciples as well.
- Han Honghua confirms that Mosheng Sect has chosen to support Cangwu Sect. This significantly strengthens Cangwu’s position against Mountain-Settling Sect.
- Kong Jiao then proposes a far more aggressive plan: instead of waiting for an inevitable battle after leaving the Blessed Land, they should eliminate all Mountain-Settling Sect disciples inside it.
- Shangguan Yuzhou, Zong Changsong, and finally Zhai Qingning agree, accepting that the conflict has reached the point where they must either refrain entirely or carry the fight through to the end.
Character Developments
- Kong Jiao: His normally restrained emotions break through when Huangfu Wuqin is endangered. He becomes decisive, openly murderous toward Mountain-Settling Sect, and assumes leadership of the Cangwu disciples. His motivation is partly sectarian, but Zhai Qingning recognizes that his rage is primarily driven by his concern for Huangfu.
- Huangfu Wuqin: Though absent, her past care for Kong Jiao is emphasized. Her capture reveals her importance as both Huangfu Ying’s daughter and someone deeply valued by Kong Jiao.
- Han Honghua: Demonstrates loyalty and decisiveness by immediately agreeing to help organize the Mosheng Sect’s search effort. She also confirms her sect’s political alliance with Cangwu Sect.
- Zhai Qingning: Acts as the group’s rational strategist, identifying the logistical difficulty of the search and the political consequences of slaughtering Mountain-Settling Sect’s disciples. Ultimately, she accepts Kong Jiao’s resolve and recognizes him as truly resembling his master.
- Zong Changsong: Provides authoritative knowledge about the power of Life-Palming talismans and the Blessed Land’s opening rules. Though initially conflicted, he supports Kong Jiao’s decision.
- Shangguan Yuzhou: Quickly and firmly backs Kong Jiao, showing loyalty and willingness to confront Mountain-Settling Sect directly.
- Ling Xi: Remains an injured but significant threat. Kong Jiao intends to kill him if they encounter him during the rescue mission.
Significant Themes
- Protection and loyalty: Kong Jiao’s determination to save Huangfu Wuqin reflects his desire to repay the care she has shown him.
- Escalation of sect conflict: The hidden struggle between Cangwu Sect and Mountain-Settling Sect transforms into open warfare, with Mosheng Sect’s support shifting the balance.
- Political consequences of personal emotion: Kong Jiao’s personal anger toward those who captured Huangfu influences a decision that could affect the future of all three sects.
- Ruthlessness and resolve: The chapter emphasizes that once reconciliation becomes impossible, hesitation may be more dangerous than decisive action.
- The “flower’s guardian” motif: The closing line suggests that Huangfu Wuqin is the “flower,” while Kong Jiao is her fiercely protective guardian. Provoking her has awakened a dangerous side of him.
Character Interactions
- The group cooperatively analyzes the traces of Huangfu Wuqin’s disappearance and debates how Mountain-Settling Sect captured her.
- Kong Jiao explains his earlier encounter with Ling Xi, allowing the others to infer Mountain-Settling Sect’s likely plan to possess Huangfu’s body.
- Zhai Qingning and Han Honghua strengthen the rescue plan by arranging support from Cangwu and Mosheng Sect disciples.
- Kong Jiao tests Han Honghua’s loyalty by asking whether Mosheng Sect has formally chosen Cangwu’s side; her confirmation boosts the group’s morale.
- Kong Jiao challenges his three fellow disciples to support an all-out attack. Shangguan Yuzhou immediately agrees, Zong Changsong follows after hesitation, and Zhai Qingning accepts after weighing the broader consequences.
- The chapter ends with Zhai Qingning recognizing that Kong Jiao’s ruthless decision is not merely for the sect—he is acting as Huangfu Wuqin’s protector.