Ch. 21Why the Hell Would I Still Fight My Fourth Brother for the Throne?
Key plot points
- Du Busi quickly moves the entire Body Sect—hundreds of disciples—to the Sun Moon Empire after meeting Kong Deming.
- Prince Purple Brilliant Xu Chengjing, who has been watching the new compound, summons his son Xu Tiance to learn what is happening there.
- Xu Tiance reveals that Kong Deming and Du Busi hit it off and that, at Kong’s urging, the Body Sect has relocated to the empire.
- Xu Chengjing is thrilled by the political and military advantage this could bring. Xu Tianran, however, suspects the move has a hidden cause.
Character developments and interactions
- Xu Chengjing sees the Body Sect’s arrival as a chance to strengthen the empire—and his own future rule. His ambition quickly overtakes his surprise.
- Xu Tianran initially acts like a caring elder brother, while Xu Tiance recognizes the performance and plays along. Once he hears the news, Xu Tianran analyzes it cautiously rather than celebrating.
- Xu Tianran reasons that the Body Sect’s opposition to Soul Tools makes its move especially strange. He suspects the sect may have been drawn by someone with a Body Martial Soul, and wonders whether Xu Tiance has a second one.
- Xu Tiance tells his father the truth about the relocation but leaves the deeper mystery unresolved. His calm disclosure contrasts with Xu Chengjing’s excitement and Xu Tianran’s growing alarm.
Significant themes
- Power and ambition: Xu Chengjing imagines the empire—and himself—rising to continental dominance.
- Political suspicion: A seemingly advantageous alliance prompts Xu Tianran to search for hidden motives.
- Succession rivalry: Xu Tianran fears that if Xu Tiance has both a Body Martial Soul and powerful institutional backing, competing with him for the throne may be hopeless.