Ch. 1701Venturing into the Tiger's Den
Chapter Summary: “Venturing into the Tiger’s Den”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Xiao Ying and the Great Huan delegation arrive at Irkutsk Imperial City with only about 2,300 guards, a surprisingly small escort given the danger and political tension surrounding the visit.
- The Mongol Faction, led by the Four Heroes and Four Braves, surrounds and escorts the delegation—not to imprison or intimidate them, but to protect them from possible attacks within the city.
- The group travels through Irkutsk Imperial City, a heavily fortified city divided into five layers, toward the Mongol capital’s inner districts.
- At the third layer, Xiao Ying meets Genghis Khan, the future founder of the Mongol Celestial Dynasty, along with Luo Tian God Emperor, Princess Yunmiao, Hades, Long Changqiu, and other immortal gods.
- Xiao Ying subtly attempts to recruit or influence Genghis Khan, questioning why a legendary figure from the Divine Land would establish himself in foreign territory. Genghis Khan claims not to understand the implication and sincerely denies coveting anything beyond his current position.
- Luo Tian God Emperor mocks Xiao Ying, prompting Xiao Ying to retaliate by repeatedly emphasizing the title “Radiant God Emperor,” alluding to Luo Tian’s painful inability to advance further along the Dao of Light while the Light Immortal Venerable remains alive.
- Luo Tian threatens Xiao Ying by invoking his mastery over life and death and his ability to prevent resurrection. Xiao Ying responds with open contempt, daring Luo Tian to challenge him while mocking his title and courage.
- Genghis Khan intervenes before the confrontation escalates, appealing for harmony and guiding the Great Huan delegation onward.
- The delegation is housed in an enormous castle complex beside the Forbidden Palace. Once their hosts and guards leave, the Great Huan members become suspicious of the arrangement.
- Heavenly Empress Lü Zhi concludes that the vast residence may be intended to contain or limit the damage from an impending battle. She believes Genghis Khan and the Mongol officials show little direct hostility, but the Descended Immortal Gods clearly harbor murderous intentions.
Character Developments
- Xiao Ying displays extreme confidence, political sharpness, and verbal aggression. He tests Genghis Khan’s loyalties while deliberately provoking Luo Tian God Emperor, showing that he is willing to exploit his rival’s deepest insecurity.
- Genghis Khan is presented as outwardly humble, courteous, and approachable, yet his piercing gaze and natural authority reveal his extraordinary ability. He appears genuinely neutral toward Xiao Ying, though his true intentions remain uncertain.
- Luo Tian God Emperor is shown to possess immense pride but also practical restraint. Although provoked, he refuses to duel Xiao Ying because he lacks confidence in the Pangu World and fears that Xiao Ying might truly kill him.
- Heavenly Empress Lü Zhi demonstrates keen political and military judgment. She distinguishes Genghis Khan’s attitude from that of the hostile immortal gods and immediately recognizes the castle’s possible strategic purpose.
- The Great Huan delegation shifts from formal diplomacy to heightened suspicion once left alone in their assigned residence.
Significant Themes
- Diplomacy masking hostility: The Mongol Faction’s courtesy may serve both diplomatic and strategic purposes, reflecting the uncertainty between hospitality and entrapment.
- Confidence versus caution: Xiao Ying’s boldness contrasts with Luo Tian’s unwillingness to risk a direct confrontation, emphasizing the difference between boasting and genuine power.
- Political allegiance and manipulation: Xiao Ying probes whether Genghis Khan can be won over, while Genghis Khan’s apparently sincere neutrality leaves his real position ambiguous.
- The burden of reputation and destiny: Luo Tian’s title as the “Radiant God Emperor” represents both glory and limitation, since his path is blocked by the existing Light Immortal Venerable.
- The danger of entering enemy territory: The chapter’s setting reinforces the idea that the Great Huan delegation has knowingly entered a fortified stronghold where any apparent protection could become containment.
Character Interactions
- Xiao Ying and Genghis Khan: Their exchange is courteous on the surface but contains strategic probing. Xiao Ying hints that Genghis Khan should not pursue distant or dangerous ambitions, while Genghis Khan responds with disarming sincerity.
- Xiao Ying and Luo Tian God Emperor: Their interaction is openly hostile. Luo Tian issues a veiled warning, and Xiao Ying answers with increasingly pointed mockery, attacking Luo Tian’s title, limitations, and reluctance to fight.
- Genghis Khan and the Great Huan delegation: Genghis Khan treats them with marked respect, personally greeting and escorting them, suggesting either genuine courtesy or a carefully managed diplomatic performance.
- Lü Zhi and the Great Huan group: Lü Zhi interprets the surrounding circumstances for the others, warning them that the greatest threat likely comes from the Descended Immortal Gods rather than Genghis Khan himself.