Ch. 281Three Years Flew By, Bound for the Ancient Road
Chapter Summary: “Three Years Flew By, Setting Out for the Ancient Road”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Over three years on Ziwei, Jiang Yun strengthens Dao Origin Heavenly Palace and greatly expands the Source Ring network. He also visits major sects, demon forces, overseas cultivators, and Source Arts families, collecting scriptures and learning Ziwei’s unique cultivation techniques.
- Jiang Yun undergoes an unprecedented Dao-Slaying tribulation. The Heavenly Punishment contains Taiyin, Sun, Five Elements, Chaos, and humanoid lightning manifestations modeled after young Great Emperors.
- He displays a new level of power by merging his Primordial Spirit with a supreme sword embryo and unleashing an ultimate-speed sword strike. He destroys the humanoid tribulation figures and absorbs the remaining tribulation energy into his body, Primordial Spirit, and Source World.
- Jiang Yun successfully advances to the Half-Saint realm with almost no injury. The remnants of the tribulation further expand the Source World and increase the range of the Source Ring network.
- He discovers that Ziwei is gradually approaching a connection with Big Dipper through the Source Rings. However, because his master’s Divine Light Platform left no coordinates, the group must determine how to access the Starry Sky Ancient Road.
- The group discusses several possible routes, including Big Dipper’s Human Race Ancient Road and paths controlled by the Dragon, Fire Qilin, and other races. Jiang Yun decides that the Human Race Ancient Road is the best choice, especially because it crosses more inhabited worlds where he can search for Supreme Ancestral Dragon Veins.
- Before departing, Jiang Yun plans to say farewell to Yi Qingwu and Yin Luoyang and settle Dao Origin Heavenly Palace’s affairs.
Character Developments
- Jiang Yun becomes dramatically stronger. His Chaos Green Lotus Immortal King Bloodline continues to improve, reinforcing his already exceptional physiques and origins. His tribulation demonstrates that he is progressing far beyond ordinary Dao-Slaying cultivators and may eventually challenge the achievements of legendary figures such as Wushi Great Emperor.
- Yan Ruyu and Dragoness both successfully enter the Dao-Slaying/King realm. Yan Ruyu’s breakthrough is aided by her comprehension of the complete Chaos Green Lotus Heavenly Art, obtained by Jiang Yun.
- Yi Qingwu and Yin Luoyang grow closer to Jiang Yun over the years and become important figures within Dao Origin Heavenly Palace. They remain embarrassed and anxious about their relationship with him, particularly because Jiang Shuanglan and the other women seem aware of it.
- Jiang Shuanglan demonstrates maturity and tolerance. She understands Jiang Yun’s relationships with Yi Qingwu and Yin Luoyang and helps maintain harmony among the women rather than creating conflict.
- Dao Origin Heavenly Palace’s disciples gain greater loyalty and respect for Jiang Yun after witnessing his tribulation. Yin Luoyang deliberately arranges for them to observe it, both for their cultivation insight and to discourage disloyalty after Jiang Yun leaves.
- Xia Jiuyou, Huolin’er, Xia Weier, and the others become eager to enter the Starry Sky Ancient Road. Huolin’er particularly looks forward to meeting and overpowering her brother, Huo Qizi.
Significant Themes
- The value and passage of time: The opening emphasizes that time is abundant to the universe but precious to individuals. The characters’ rapid cultivation and approaching departure reinforce the urgency of their lives.
- Power and destiny: Jiang Yun’s extraordinary tribulation establishes him as an unprecedented prodigy whose future may surpass even the greatest emperors.
- Loyalty and leadership: Jiang Yun’s cultivation is tied to the growth and protection of Dao Origin Heavenly Palace. His strength intimidates potential traitors, while his Source World and Source Rings provide the faction with long-term stability.
- Relationships and acceptance: Jiang Shuanglan’s tolerance toward Jiang Yun’s other relationships highlights trust, emotional maturity, and the importance of harmony within the group.
- Exploration and advancement: The decision to enter the Starry Sky Ancient Road marks a transition from preparation on Ziwei to a wider journey across the universe.
- Accumulation and resourcefulness: Jiang Yun absorbs the remnants of his tribulation rather than wasting them, reflecting his practical nature and his goal of continuously developing the Source World.
Important Character Interactions
- Jiang Yun’s long association with Yi Qingwu and Yin Luoyang deepens into romantic relationships, while Jiang Shuanglan and the other women gradually become aware of the situation.
- Jiang Shuanglan openly invites Yi Qingwu and Yin Luoyang to travel with them, but they decline because they feel their cultivation is insufficient and believe Ziwei still needs them.
- Yi Qingwu and Yin Luoyang privately worry that Jiang Shuanglan knows about their relationship with Jiang Yun, though the group largely responds with goodwill.
- The women watch Jiang Yun’s tribulation and are stunned by his effortless destruction of the lightning Great Emperors.
- After the tribulation, Yin Luoyang organizes the disciples’ return and discreetly avoids an emotional farewell with Jiang Yun and the others.
- The group debates their route into the Ancient Road, with Jiang Yun ultimately favoring the Human Race route for practical and strategic reasons.