Ch. 81Dao Ancestor Bestows Treasures, the Three Pure Ones Yield Treasures
Chapter Summary: "Dao Ancestor Bestows Treasures, the Three Pure Ones Yield Treasures"
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- The Dao Ancestor Hongjun declares that Dao has no seniority, elevating Lingxiao to a status equal to his own, causing shock among the six disciples (the Three Pure Ones, Jieyin, Zhunti, and Nuwa) and making Lingxiao's position even more transcendent among the three thousand Violet Firmament Guests.
- Hongjun begins bestowing treasures upon his six disciples for attaining the Dao:
- Laozi (Grand Pure One) receives the Taiji Diagram — an Innate Supreme Treasure formed from the face of the Heaven-Opening Axe, bearing the authority of "stabilization."
- Yuanshi (Jade Pure One) receives the Pangu Banner — an Innate Supreme Treasure formed from the blade of the Heaven-Opening Axe, bearing the authority of "breaking" and Pangu's killing power.
- Tongtian (Supreme Pure One) receives the Four Swords of Immortal Slaying (Slay, Massacre, Trap, Extinction) and the Immortal-Slaying Formation Diagram — the Primordial World's foremost killing formation, unbreakable without four Saints.
- Laozi and Yuanshi then voluntarily give Tongtian their Coiling Dragon Walking Stick and Three-Treasure Jade Ruyi (both Supreme-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures), completing the set of Three Treasures of the Green Lotus. Tongtian initially refuses but eventually accepts after Yuanshi's stern insistence.
- Amidst distribution, Lingxiao reflects on the possibility of reuniting the Three Treasures of Creation to restore the Heaven-Opening Axe, but dismisses the idea as impractical and refocuses on his own path combining Merit, Force, and Three Corpses severance.
2. Character Developments
- Lingxiao: His supreme status is cemented; he remains calm and philosophical about treasures, recognizing they ultimately serve only to protect one's Dao. He contemplates the Heaven-Opening Axe's reconstruction but pragmatically sets it aside.
- Tongtian: Shows humility and filial respect toward his elder brothers, initially refusing their gifts despite the tremendous value; he treasures their tokens deeply.
- Laozi and Yuanshi: Demonstrate selflessness and brotherly concern — Yuanshi even expresses genuine worry that the Immortal-Slaying Swords' killing intent could harm Tongtian's fortune during Corpse-Slaying.
- Minghe: His jealousy and ambition are highlighted — he covets the Pangu Banner and especially the Four Swords of Immortal Slaying, his blood-red eyes and heavy breathing revealing intense resentment that he was not chosen.
- Jieyin and Zhunti: Display greed and anticipation, their eyes "going straight" at the sight of supreme treasures.
- Xihe and Changxi: Remain completely calm, knowing these treasures are merely leftovers from what Lingxiao passed over.
3. Significant Themes
- The Dao has no seniority: Hongjun's explicit teaching that status comes from attainment, not hierarchy or age — formalities are meaningless before the Dao.
- Treasures as means, not ends: Lingxiao's internal reflection — treasures serve only to protect one's Dao; true cultivation relies on personal merit and foundation. Even Acquired Spiritual Treasures can ascend to Innate or Chaos-level status.
- Brotherhood and generosity: The Three Pure Ones exemplify kinship above material wealth; Yuanshi's concern shows love hidden behind sternness.
- Killing intent vs. harmony: The Immortal-Slaying Swords' lethal nature is subtly contrasted with the gentler Green Lotus treasures, hinting at future tensions (foreshadowing the Investiture of the Gods conflict).
4. Character Interactions
- Hongjun ↔ Disciples: The Dao Ancestor dispenses treasures with destiny-based assignments, while also moderating the awkward status problem between Lingxiao and his six disciples.
- Laozi & Yuanshi → Tongtian: The elder brothers give away Supreme-Grade Innate Spiritual Treasures; Yuanshi rebukes Tongtian's refusal with "an elder brother is like a father," forcing acceptance through stern affection.
- Minghe's reaction: His silent covetousness and clenched fists contrast with the Three Pure Ones' harmony, highlighting his solitary nature.
- Lingxiao's inner monologue: Connects the treasures to Pangu's legacy and his own future plans, revealing his strategic, long-term thinking.