Ch. 301Scumbag Ye Fan
Chapter Summary
Key plot points and events
- Jiang Ming reflects on Central Emperor Xiang Yufei’s extraordinary talent: he has both a Human King Body and a Supreme Bone. Qishi Mansion has spent three ancient Medicine Kings to prolong his life, and Jiang Ming thinks he might make a worthwhile friend.
- Qishi Mansion announces that it has accepted 726 disciples, far more than in previous years. Its recruits are exceptionally powerful, and the Immortal Mansion World Secret Realm is set to provide them with major opportunities.
- Jiang Ming waits outside Qishi Mansion for Yan Ruyu and the Yaochi Sacred Maiden, while Big Black Dog and Nannan enjoy themselves inside. The dog causes trouble, but Nannan’s pleas—and the elders’ reluctance to offend Jiang Ming—keep him out of trouble.
- Through his Wind-Listening Ear, Jiang Ming learns that Ye Fan has arrived under the alias Ye Zhetian and is flirting with Qi Huoshui. Jiang Ming privately jokes that Ye Fan’s romantic history makes him far less innocent than himself.
- Jiang Ming sends several Dao Palace Totem Deities to enter Qishi Mansion by challenging its gatekeepers:
- The Azure Dragon Totem, under the name Chen Zhan, defeats a powerful elder and is admitted.
- The White Tiger Totem, calling itself Dugu Baitian, overwhelms another gatekeeper and enters.
- The Qilin Totem also injures its opponent and gains entry.
- The public challenges demonstrate that exceptionally strong newcomers can still join Qishi Mansion after the official recruitment period. Jiang Ming’s Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise Totems are absent, occupied elsewhere.
Character developments
- Jiang Ming continues to build his strength and influence indirectly through his Totem Deities. He has gained valuable inheritances and opportunities, and now uses his avatars to secure places in Qishi Mansion.
- Central Emperor Xiang Yufei is presented as a potentially formidable figure whose talents have persuaded Qishi Mansion’s elders to invest heavily in keeping him alive.
- Ye Fan is portrayed as a skilled, confident flirt with a growing list of romantic entanglements.
- The Azure Dragon Totem has become especially capable, carrying major inheritances from Great Saint Cai Duyi, including the complete Dao Scripture and several Nine Secrets. It has been accepted as Cai Duyi’s disciple.
- The White Tiger Totem has strengthened itself by refining White Tiger True Blood, while the Qilin Totem proves its combat ability through its transformations and techniques.
- Big Black Dog and Nannan have developed a playful routine: he causes trouble, and she tries to protect him from the consequences.
Significant themes
- Talent and opportunity: Qishi Mansion prizes demonstrated combat ability, and the chapter suggests that strength can open doors even after formal rules have closed them.
- Preparation through inheritance: Jiang Ming’s Totems accumulate distinct techniques and powers, showing the value of gathering knowledge and building multiple paths to strength.
- Reputation and appearance: New identities allow Jiang Ming’s Totems to act independently and create public impressions separate from him.
- Playful subversion: Jiang Ming repeatedly bends expectations—whether through aliases, powerful avatars, or the contrast between his own self-image and Ye Fan’s romantic exploits.
Character interactions
- Jiang Ming considers approaching Central Emperor but recognizes that Qishi Mansion’s elders would likely guard him closely.
- Nannan repeatedly intervenes when Big Black Dog gets into trouble, while the elders tolerate the dog’s antics because of his connection to Jiang Ming.
- Ye Fan’s flirtation with Qi Huoshui prompts Jiang Ming to compare their romantic reputations.
- Jiang Ming’s Totems confront Qishi Mansion’s gatekeepers; the elders initially challenge them, then admit them after witnessing their overwhelming strength.