Tongtian

Biodata

Power Progression

Background and History

Tongtian traveled the Primordial World with Laozi and Yuanshi as one of the Three Pure Ones. Unlike Yuanshi’s open disdain for rat spirits, Tongtian treated Lu Chen and Duobao warmly. After calculating that Duobao possessed a master-disciple fate with him, he accepted Duobao as his first disciple. When Lu Chen refused to be separated from Duobao, Tongtian accepted him as well and recognized him as the sect’s eldest disciple despite his later entry. 1 2

He brought both disciples to Kunlun Mountain and allowed them to cultivate according to their unusual habits, including living in dug-out holes. Tongtian passed down the Nine-Turn Origin Art and his formation insights, arranged for Lu Chen and Duobao to receive the Three Pure Ones’ teachings in alchemy and artifact refinement, and brought them to Hongjun’s lectures in Zixiao Palace. 3 5

Tongtian alone could hear Lu Chen’s unspoken inner thoughts. Initially bewildered by Lu Chen’s inexplicable knowledge, he came to rely on it when judging Hongjun’s teachings and the dangers of the Three Corpses Severance path. He refused to sever a corpse despite pressure from Laozi and Yuanshi, suspecting that Hongjun had hidden a flaw in the method. 3 4 6 11

When Lu Chen’s Great Luo tribulation escalated into the annihilating Dutian Divine Thunder, Tongtian chose to intervene despite suspecting Hongjun and the Heavenly Dao were responsible. His sword strike at the final bolt clarified his resolve and enabled his breakthrough into the Primordial Origin Golden Immortal realm. Though Lu Chen appeared to lose his Dao Fruit, Tongtian accepted the outcome as long as his disciple survived. 12 13

After Zhunti and Jieyin attempted to coerce Lu Chen in the West, Tongtian confronted both alone. He overwhelmed them and their Dao Corpses, destroyed Zhunti’s Good Corpse, and forced the pair—under Hongjun’s supervision—to swear a Heavenly Dao Oath never to scheme against Tongtian or his sect. 17 18 19 20

Following the rise of the other Sages, Tongtian established the Jie Sect on the principle of education without distinction. Rather than use the resulting merit to become a conventional merit-based Sage, he placed it into the Green Duckweed Sword and completed his own Sword Dao through Swordheart Clarity. He then entrusted Lu Chen with recruiting and administering the sect. 29 31

Tongtian later defended the Jie Sect’s interests against Yuanshi’s demands for its cave abodes, observed the Witch-Demon war with Lu Chen, and continued cultivating in seclusion while Lu Chen and Duobao managed the growing sect. 38 40 41 47

As conflict between the Chan Sect and Jie Sect escalated over Heavenly Court offices and the conduct of their disciples, Tongtian rejected Yuanshi’s attempt to discipline or absorb Jie Sect members. He concluded that Kunlun Mountain could no longer bear the fortune of the three sects and declared that the sects should separate. He subsequently relocated the Jie Sect to Golden Turtle Island and established Biyou Palace as its new center. 58 60

Tongtian increasingly treated Lu Chen as his chief strategist. He accepted Six Ears as a third-generation Jie Sect disciple through Lu Chen, consulted Lu Chen on whether the Jie Sect should participate in the Heavenly Court, and supported Lu Chen’s plan to fill nominal divine offices while preserving the sect’s independence. 52 53

Although Tongtian had become far more resolute in defending the Jie Sect, Laozi’s appeal to brotherly sentiment once persuaded him to remain uninvolved in a matter that endangered Lu Chen. Lu Chen’s direct challenge forced Tongtian to confront the conflict between familial loyalty and his duty as a sect master. Tongtian ultimately chose to prioritize his disciples and sect, resolving an emotional bottleneck in his Sword Dao. 70

When Hongjun reopened the Investiture List and Zhunti suggested using Jie Sect disciples to fill its divine positions, Tongtian openly refused. He severed Zhunti’s arm in Zixiao Palace as a warning, then returned to Biyou Palace and mobilized the Jie Sect against Haotian’s attempt to seize its Heavenly Court authority, merit, and fortune. 91 92

Tongtian later compelled Zhunti and Jieyin to retaliate against Haotian by offering to remove the lingering sword intent from Zhunti’s severed arm. During the ensuing Investiture crisis, he continued to rely on Lu Chen’s counsel, including supporting the Shang Dynasty despite Yuanshi’s objections and refusing to yield while the Jie Sect retained a second Primordial Unity expert. 94 137 144

After Lu Chen attained the Dao in Chaos and adopted the name Shi Chen, Tongtian immediately recognized him despite his transformed aura and appearance. He continued to seek Shi Chen’s strategic advice on the Investiture Catastrophe, even when Shi Chen proposed radical measures against Hongjun and the Heavenly Dao. 101 102

Appearance

Tongtian manifests in human form. He first appears as a young Daoist and is later described wearing green robes; his presence carries increasingly oppressive sword intent after his advances in the Sword Dao. 1 28 29

• Human-shaped Dao body 1
• Green robes 28 29
• Carries the Green Duckweed Sword 13 18
• Sword Dao breakthrough leaves a sword-scar-like imprint between his brows 29
• His Sage-level Sword Qi can create overwhelming pressure and pain even before he attacks. 70 91

Personality

Tongtian is notably warm, receptive, and generous toward disciples. He accepts Duobao and Lu Chen without prejudice, defends their unconventional choices on Kunlun Mountain, and shares his own innate inheritance with them. 1 3 5

He is emotionally attached to his disciples and regards threats against them as personal offenses. Lu Chen’s tribulation drives him to oppose the apparent will of Hongjun and the Heavenly Dao, while Zhunti and Jieyin’s coercion of Lu Chen prompts Tongtian to pursue their deaths before accepting an oath that protects the Jie Sect. 13 18 19

His Sword Dao changes him from hesitant and concerned with brotherly ties into someone direct, uncompromising, and willing to sever enemies without regard for nominal shared lineage. Nevertheless, he remains capable of restraint: he ultimately accepts Hongjun’s settlement with the Western pair and later refuses Yuanshi’s request because it would harm his own disciples rather than merely to spite his brother. 18 20 41

Tongtian’s lingering attachment to Laozi and Yuanshi remains his greatest emotional weakness. When Lu Chen confronts him over placing familial sentiment above the Jie Sect’s safety, Tongtian recognizes that this indecision has constrained both his leadership and his Sword Dao. His eventual choice to place his disciples first makes him firmer and more independent. 70

He has also become politically sharper and more shameless in dealing with enemies. He intimidates the Western Sages into acting against Haotian, offering Zhunti’s own severed arm as payment for their cooperation, while relying on his overwhelming strength to prevent refusal. 94

Despite his confidence and occasional ruthless actions, Tongtian remains deeply dependent on Lu Chen—later Shi Chen—as a strategist. He values his disciple’s judgment enough to tolerate severe criticism and radical proposals that would once have been unthinkable to him. 92 101 102

Abilities & Skills

Sword Dao

Tongtian’s primary path is the Sword Dao. His breakthroughs come from personal conviction and sword comprehension rather than the Three Corpses path or merit-based Sainthood. 13 29

• Reached Primordial Origin Golden Immortal by striking at Lu Chen’s final thunderbolt. 13
• Achieved Swordheart Clarity by trusting only himself and the sword in his hand. 29
• Reached the Fourth Heaven of Primordial Unity after resolving the conflict between brotherly affection and his responsibility to the Jie Sect. 70
• His Primordial path grants combat power beyond comparable Three Corpses cultivators. 18 19
• Suppressed Zhunti, Jieyin, and their four Dao Corpses alone despite their Mid-Quasi-Saint cultivation. 18
• Can release azure Sword Qi capable of breaking high-level defensive treasures and barriers. 17 18
• Severed Zhunti’s arm within Zixiao Palace as a warning against proposing Jie Sect disciples for the Investiture List. 91
• His sword intent can remain embedded in wounds for ages, obstruct healing even through Heavenly Dao power, and can later be withdrawn at his discretion. 91 94
• Can use supreme sword intent to conceal heavenly secrets and prevent hostile deduction. 94

Formation Dao

Tongtian is skilled in formations and passed his own formation insights to Lu Chen and Duobao. 5

• Recognized the All-Heaven Star Formation as incomplete during the Witch-Demon conflict. 38
• Identified its missing foundations: full stellar power, Stellar Banners, and Lunar Star support. 38
• Uses formation knowledge as part of his broader cultivation inheritance. 5
• Possesses the Four Swords of Execution and the means to deploy the Executioner Immortal Sword Formation against powerful enemies. 18 92

Teaching and Dao Comprehension

Tongtian is an accomplished teacher who provides cultivation methods, specialized teachings, and individual guidance suited to his disciples’ aptitudes. 2 5 29

• Transmitted the Nine-Turn Origin Art, his innate legacy, to Lu Chen and Duobao. 5
• Passed the Shangqing Sword Canon directly to Lu Chen and Duobao. 31
• Guided Lu Chen toward the Devouring Path rather than the Sword Dao. 29
• Supported Duobao’s choice of Three Corpses Severance while promising to investigate how to perfect the method. 29 31
• Continued personally instructing Duobao in Three Corpses Severance after the Jie Sect relocated to Biyou Palace. 60
• Structured the Jie Sect’s direct and outer disciple hierarchy. 31
• Accepted Six Ears as a grand-disciple through Lu Chen and bestowed the Tranquility Pearl upon him. 52 53
• Entrusted Lu Chen with major sect decisions, including recruitment, Heavenly Court participation, and the distribution of Human Race opportunities. 29 53 61

Perception of Lu Chen’s Inner Thoughts

Tongtian is uniquely able to hear Lu Chen’s inner voice; no other character is shown sharing this ability. Its exact cause is not explained. 3 4

• Heard Lu Chen’s advice during Duobao’s transformation tribulation. 3
• Learned fragments of Lu Chen’s knowledge about Hongjun, future events, and the Western Sect. 6 7
• Used Lu Chen’s thoughts to question the Three Corpses Severance method without revealing his secret to Laozi or Yuanshi. 11 14
• Learned that Lu Chen had restored his cultivation, concealed the Heaven-Devouring Treasure Vase, and possessed profound Devouring Law comprehension, though Lu Chen remained unaware that his secrets had been exposed. 66
• Continued to recognize Lu Chen’s inner nature after his transformation and renaming as Shi Chen. 101

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Green Duckweed Sword — Tongtian’s primary sword and the treasure used to suppress the Jie Sect’s fortune. It was upgraded into a Primordial Supreme Treasure after being refined with Primordial Chaos Purple Qi and other materials. 16 18 29
• Four Swords of Execution — Four swords summoned alongside the Green Duckweed Sword when Tongtian prepared to kill Zhunti and Jieyin. Together, they can form the Executioner Immortal Sword Formation. 18 92
• Jade Disc of Creation — Borrowed from Lu Chen to aid his comprehension of the Sword Dao before his final breakthrough. 28 29
• Sword Talismans — Three talismans containing Tongtian’s full-strength sword strikes, given to Lu Chen for protection in the West. 20
• Tranquility Pearl — A treasure Tongtian bestowed on Six Ears upon accepting him into the Jie Sect’s third generation. 53

Relationships

• Lu Chen / Shi Chen — Disciple, eldest senior brother of the Jie Sect, and Tongtian’s most trusted representative and strategist. Tongtian repeatedly protects him, entrusts him with sect recruitment and administration, and hears his inner thoughts. After Lu Chen attains the Dao and becomes Shi Chen, Tongtian recognizes him immediately and continues to seek his advice during the Investiture crisis. 2 13 29 31 101 102
• Duobao — First disciple and later second senior brother of the Jie Sect. Tongtian accepted him after calculating their master-disciple fate, guided his Three Corpses cultivation, and relied on him to help lead the Jie Sect in Lu Chen’s absence. 1 29 31 60 92
• Laozi — Eldest brother and fellow member of the Three Pure Ones. Laozi often mediates disputes between Tongtian and Yuanshi, though their cultivation paths diverge. Laozi’s appeals to brotherly sentiment once swayed Tongtian, but Tongtian later resolved to place the Jie Sect’s interests first. 5 11 41 47 70
• Yuanshi — Second brother and increasingly estranged sect rival. Their relationship worsens after Tongtian protects Jie Sect resources, surpasses Yuanshi through the Sword Dao, and ultimately removes the Jie Sect from Kunlun Mountain. 29 41 47 58 60
• Hongjun — Teacher and Dao Ancestor. Tongtian becomes suspicious of Hongjun’s teachings, defies the apparent will of the Heavenly Dao to save Lu Chen, and later challenges Hongjun’s Investiture arrangement by refusing to sacrifice Jie Sect disciples. 11 13 19 91
• Jieyin and Zhunti — Fellow disciples under Hongjun and enemies of Tongtian’s sect. Tongtian maimed their Dao foundations, compelled them to swear not to scheme against him or his disciples, and later intimidated them into acting against Haotian. 18 19 20 94
• Haotian — Heavenly Emperor whose attempts to reclaim Heavenly Court authority and use the Investiture List threaten the Jie Sect’s positions, merit, and fortune. Tongtian regards him as an enemy of the sect and employs the Western Sages to warn and pressure him. 91 92 94
• Six Ears — Grand-disciple through Lu Chen. Tongtian recognizes the Six-Eared Macaque’s exceptional potential, rejects Yuanshi’s demand that he be crippled, and grants him the Tranquility Pearl. 52 53
• Fuxi — Grand-disciple through Duobao. Tongtian recognizes the karmic significance of Fuxi’s reincarnation and leaves Lu Chen to resolve the matter of the child’s identity. 64
• Jie Sect disciples — Sect master and protector. Tongtian delegates daily governance to Lu Chen and Duobao but refuses to sacrifice disciples’ cave abodes, Heavenly Court offices, merit, or fortune to outside demands. 31 41 91 92

Notable Quotes

“Since you wished to bully the weak with your strength, you must pay the price!” 18

“I am Upper Pure One Tongtian. Of the Great Dao’s fifty, Heaven derives forty-nine; all things between heaven and earth possess a single thread of vitality. I am willing to seize that thread of vitality for all living beings.” 29

“Believe not in heaven, understand not the Dao, believe only in oneself, believe only in the three-foot blade in one’s hand.” 29

“Traitorous disciple, I will not give you that chance!” 70