Ch. 21What Did It Mean That Bibi Dong Had Liked Tang Hao Too?
Chapter Summary
Tang Hao reveals the tragic history of Tang San’s parents. Ah Yin, a powerful Blue Silver Emperor, was ambushed by Qian Xunji and two other Spirit Hall experts. Although he fought his way out, he was badly wounded. Tang Hao found him dying in a cave, but Ah Yin refused to flee, believing Spirit Hall would eventually find them. To protect Tang Hao and their unborn child, he sacrificed himself, giving her his hundred-thousand-year soul ring, soul bone, and cultivation. His final words were for her to live well.
Pregnant and pursued by Spirit Hall, Tang Hao used the power Ah Yin left behind to fight off her attackers. She eventually escaped with Tang San and hid in Holy Soul Village under a false identity, but the ordeal left her physically and emotionally broken. She admits that she still desires revenge, though Qian Xunji is already dead—killed by Bibi Dong, who betrayed him to seize power.
Tang Hao warns Tang San that Bibi Dong is ruthless and ambitious, willing to use even his own daughter as a tool. However, she then awkwardly reveals that Bibi Dong once fell in love with her at first sight and tried to bring her back to Spirit Hall as his consort. Tang Hao rejected him by attacking his followers with the Clear Sky Hammer. Bibi Dong did not retaliate and never pursued her again.
Tang San is overwhelmed by the revelations about his parents, Spirit Hall, and his mother’s unexpected romantic history. He responds with disbelief and exhaustion, wondering what kind of absurd world he lives in. Unbeknownst to them, Su Yang has overheard the entire conversation and is equally stunned by the melodramatic secrets of the continent’s most powerful figures.
After Tang Hao leaves, Tang San remains on the hillside, staring at Old Jack’s letter questioning where he got a father. Though the information is difficult to process, he recognizes that he cannot dwell on it and must continue cultivating.
Character Developments and Interactions
- Tang Hao: Reveals her grief, devotion to Ah Yin, fierce protectiveness toward Tang San, and lingering desire for revenge. Her embarrassment over Bibi Dong’s past confession adds a humorous and humanizing contrast to her tragic history.
- Ah Yin: Is portrayed as loving, self-sacrificing, and powerful, choosing death to protect Tang Hao and their unborn child.
- Tang San: Learns the truth about his parents and gains a more complicated understanding of Spirit Hall and Bibi Dong. His shock and frustration highlight how destabilizing these revelations are.
- Bibi Dong: Is characterized as both ruthless and strangely restrained: he betrayed Qian Xunji for power but did not retaliate when Tang Hao rejected him.
- Su Yang: Acts as an amused outsider, overhearing the confession and reacting to the absurdity of the continent’s hidden romantic and political drama.
Significant Themes
- Sacrifice and devotion between lovers and family members
- The lasting psychological scars of violence and persecution
- Revenge versus survival and moving forward
- The contrast between tragic backstory and comic absurdity
- The gap between public reputations and private emotions
- The burden of inherited conflict placed on the next generation