Ch. 21Fall of Luohu and Seclusion of the Three Tribes
Summary of Fall of Luohu and Seclusion of the Three Tribes
1. Key Plot Points & Events
- Hongjun’s Arrival & Departure: After a brief but catastrophic battle between Hongjun (a high-ranking innate deity) and Luohu (the Demon Ancestor), the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation dissipates, revealing Hongjun standing calmly. He departs without explanation, leaving behind a ripple of cosmic energy.
- Merit Descent: The Heavenly Dao rewards the innate deities present with merit, causing many to break through their cultivation bottlenecks. Kunpeng advances to the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm, while Mu Jizi nearly reaches the Quasi-Sage stage.
Destruction of the Three Tribes
- The Qilin Ancestor swears an oath to the Heavenly Dao, vowing peace and non-aggression. The Heavenly Dao accepts his sacrifice, dissolving his body and soul entirely.
- The Ancestral Dragon (of the Divine Dragon Clan) swears to govern the Four Seas and never seek dominance. He too is erased from existence.
- The Phoenix Ancestor swears to dwell peacefully in Phoenix Valley, and the Heavenly Dao preserves his soul rather than destroying it.
- End of the First Kalpa: The three tribes, once dominant, are wiped out, signaling the end of the first cosmic cycle. The world recovers, preparing for the Witch-Demon Kalpa.
2. Character Developments
- Hongjun: Appears as a mysterious, detached figure who seems to act as a harbinger of change. His presence and departure mark a turning point in the cosmic order.
- Luohu (Demon Ancestor): His defeat and destruction symbolize the Heavenly Dao’s judgment—those who defy the mandate of heaven face annihilation.
- Qilin Ancestor, Ancestral Dragon, Phoenix Ancestor: All three, once proud and powerful, now surrender their ambitions and accept their fate. Their oaths reflect humility, wisdom, and acceptance of cosmic law.
- Mu Jizi & Kunpeng: Witness the fall of the three tribes with sorrow rather than triumph, reinforcing their own cultivation goals. They recognize the fleeting nature of power and the necessity of becoming sages.
3. Significant Themes
- Cosmic Mandate & Heavenly Judgment: The Heavenly Dao is ruthless yet fair—those who defy its will (like Luohu) are erased, while those who submit (the three tribes) are spared in a symbolic way.
- The Fleeting Nature of Power: Even after tens of thousands of years of cultivation, the three tribes are no match for the cosmic forces. Strength without wisdom is meaningless.
- Acceptance & Sacrifice: The three ancestors surrender their pride and offer themselves as sacrifices for peace, showing that true strength lies in wisdom, not domination.
- Creation’s Whimsy: The world shifts unpredictably—Hongjun’s arrival, the merit descent, and the sudden end of the kalpa all suggest that human (or divine) efforts are insignificant in the grand scheme.
- The Path to Enlightenment: Mu Jizi and Kunpeng’s reactions highlight that cultivation is not just about power but understanding the universe’s indifference.
4. Character Interactions
- Hongjun & the Innate Deities: Hongjun’s presence shocks and unites the deities, but his departure leaves them in awe of his mysterious authority.
- The Three Ancestors & the Heavenly Dao: Their solemn oaths are not negotiations but acts of surrender, showing deep respect for cosmic law.
Mu Jizi & Kunpeng
- Sympathetic Mourning: They react with sighs and sorrow, not triumph, showing they see the three tribes’ fall as a tragedy, not a victory.
- Shared Reflection: Their exchange ("If one does not become a sage, one is ultimately nothing more than an ant!") reinforces their mutual understanding of the path ahead.
Final Note
This chapter marks the end of the first kalpa, setting the stage for the Witch-Demon Kalpa—a new era where the remnants of the old world must adapt or perish. The Heavenly Dao’s indifference and the cost of defiance are central themes, while the **three tribes’ seclusion