Ch. 221Another Netherworld Poison Flame
Chapter Summary: “Another Netherworld Poison Flame”
- Destruction of the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect: After Xie Tianxiao’s devastating attack, the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect is completely destroyed. Witnesses from the Chuyun Empire are stunned by the scale of his power, which resembles divine miracles. Xie, however, pays no attention to their reactions.
- Xie Tianxiao and Xiao Yi Xian’s reunion: Xiao Yi Xian thanks Xie Tianxiao for protecting her, revealing that she heard his earlier words while recovering. Xie calls her his “wife,” causing her to blush, but she no longer rejects the title as she might have in the past. Their conversation shows growing emotional closeness and mutual acceptance.
- Discussion of Xiao Yi Xian’s isolation: Xie learns that the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect and members of the Soul Hall targeted Xiao Yi Xian because of her Woeful Poison Body and conflicts with their people. He is surprised to discover that she never established the Poison Sect and has instead lived and trained alone for several years. Xiao explains that few people would willingly associate with someone whose body contains deadly poison, indirectly highlighting her loneliness.
- Invitation to return to the Central Plains: Xie urges Xiao Yi Xian to stop wandering alone and return with him to the Central Plains, admitting that he missed her. She teasingly remarks on his newfound ability to sweet-talk her, while he observes that she has also become gentler and less argumentative. Xiao ultimately agrees to return, confirming that her current, more peaceful self suits her better.
- Xiao Yi Xian’s hidden residence: Before leaving, Xiao takes Xie to the poisonous valley where she has been living. The area is filled with toxic plants, insects, snakes, miasma, and a small cottage, reflecting both her nature and her isolated lifestyle.
- Discovery of the Netherworld Poison Flame: Xie senses a Heavenly Flame within the mist: a beautiful purple-and-green butterfly-like Netherworld Poison Flame. Xiao reveals that she found it in a poisonous swamp near the Chuyun-Mulan border and brought it back for him, knowing that he needed Heavenly Flames. She had concealed it within a poisonous-miasma barrier.
- Xie captures the flame: The Netherworld Poison Flame attempts to flee, but Xiao’s barrier temporarily traps it. As the barrier begins to fail, Xie uses spatial power to compress and subdue the flame effortlessly, transforming it into a cluster of purple fire in his palm. His overwhelming Dou Sheng strength contrasts with Xiao’s more limited power.
- Unanswered question: Xie is puzzled by how Xiao, only a One-Star Dou Zong, managed to capture and transport the dangerous Heavenly Flame without being harmed. The chapter ends as he asks her how she accomplished this.
Character Development and Interactions
- Xie Tianxiao is shown as fiercely protective, emotionally sincere, and increasingly affectionate toward Xiao Yi Xian. His immense strength allows him to destroy the sect and effortlessly subdue the Heavenly Flame.
- Xiao Yi Xian has become less defensive and argumentative, openly accepting Xie’s affection and agreeing to accompany him. Despite her lonely life, she demonstrates thoughtfulness by securing the Netherworld Poison Flame for him.
- Their relationship develops from teasing familiarity into a more openly affectionate partnership, with themes of loyalty, acceptance, and shared future plans.
Significant Themes
- Protection and belonging: Xie wants Xiao to leave her isolated life and return to a community where she is valued.
- Acceptance of dangerous nature: Xiao’s Woeful Poison Body has caused her to live alone, but Xie accepts her completely and even calls her his wife.
- Power and sacrifice: Xie’s overwhelming strength contrasts with Xiao’s vulnerability, while Xiao’s effort to obtain the Heavenly Flame shows that she contributes to their relationship through care and sacrifice.
- Transformation through companionship: Xiao’s softened personality and willingness to return with Xie suggest that affection and trust have helped her move beyond her former isolation.