Ch. 21Battle Saint Ape Storms the Star Dou Great Forest, Dragon God Claw vs. Ruyi Jingu Bang!
Key plot points and events
- The Battle Saint Ape enters the Star Dou Great Forest to meet the Three-Eyed Golden Lion, the Emperor Auspicious Beast.
- The Scarlet King, her assigned guardian, attacks him. The ape easily overpowers him, using three summoned monkeys to beat him while he eats a peach.
- Di Tian and the other Ferocious Beasts arrive. Xiong Jun attacks with his powerful Sky-Rending Claw, but the Battle Saint Ape stops it with one palm, leaving only faint marks.
- Di Tian invokes the Dragon God’s authority and summons the Dragon God Claw to deter the intruder.
- The Battle Saint Ape rejects the Dragon God’s claim over him, identifies himself as a being of the Phoenix God’s lineage, and reveals his own divine weapon: the Ruyi Jingu Bang. Its aura overwhelms the Dragon God Claw and forces Di Tian backward.
Character developments and interactions
- The Battle Saint Ape is playful and condescending toward the Scarlet King, but his ease in defeating the assembled Ferocious Beasts reveals immense confidence and power. He insists he is independent of the Dragon Clan.
- The Scarlet King shifts from guarding the Auspicious Beast to fearing for his life after realizing how vast the gap between him and the ape is. He hopes Di Tian will rescue him.
- Xiong Jun attacks boldly with his signature technique, then retreats in terror when it fails to harm the ape.
- Di Tian initially relies on his status and the Dragon God’s decree, but escalates to using the Dragon God Claw when the ape proves too formidable. The Ruyi Jingu Bang’s power leaves him shaken and questioning the Phoenix God’s true nature.
- The ape’s encounter with the group is defined by a clash of authority: Di Tian claims the Dragon God’s command over Soul Beasts, while the ape asserts the superiority and independence of the Phoenix God’s lineage.
Significant themes
- Power and hierarchy: The scene repeatedly contrasts cultivation ranks, reputations, and actual fighting strength.
- Competing divine legacies: The Dragon God’s authority and artifact are challenged by the Phoenix God’s influence and the ape’s weapon.
- Pride and intimidation: The Ferocious Beasts’ confidence gives way to fear as the Battle Saint Ape effortlessly defeats their strongest attacks.
- Protection and intrusion: The Scarlet King’s duty to guard the Auspicious Beast sparks the conflict, though the ape’s intentions toward her remain unresolved.