Ch. 701Official business and personal matters (thanks to "Jian Hui" for the 70,000 book coin tip!)
Plot points and events
- After the Myriad Races Conference, the Golden Peng Emperor meets privately with Qin Shujian to discuss an alliance. The Golden Peng Tribe agrees to restrain the Demon Race and assist humanity, provided humanity helps it reclaim the Demon Emperor’s Throne from the Flood Dragon Race.
- Qin and the Golden Peng Emperor formalize their alliance with a Rules Oath. Soon afterward, the Demon Emperor ambushes the Golden Peng Emperor, using the Heavenly Demon Palace to prevent his escape.
- Qin intervenes, breaks the palace’s sealing force, and refuses to step aside because humanity and the Golden Peng Tribe are now allies. The Demon Emperor judges a fight too risky and withdraws. The Golden Peng Emperor recognizes the enormous gap between his half-immortal strength and a True Immortal’s power.
- The conference’s success raises humanity’s standing among the races. Though the world appears peaceful, the races secretly prepare for the coming Myriad Races Battlefield.
- Qin resumes cultivation in the Qianyuan World and finally mentors his disciple Ning Xuan. He answers Ning’s cultivation questions, assesses his swordsmanship, and demonstrates a profound sword-drawing technique. Ning studies the movement for a day and night, showing strong talent.
- Qin visits Xiao Chengfeng to discuss the battlefield. He asks Xiao to help defend humanity, but not to seize everything, so the other races won’t unite against them. Xiao agrees.
- Qin then asks Xiao about the Pursuer, whom Xiao seems to recognize, and the chapter ends before Xiao explains further.
Character developments and interactions
- Qin Shujian proves both a capable strategist and formidable protector: he secures the Golden Peng alliance, saves its emperor, and plans to use Xiao Chengfeng’s strength cautiously. As a teacher, he shows patience despite admitting he has neglected Ning Xuan.
- The Golden Peng Emperor reveals his ambition to restore his tribe’s former status by reclaiming the Demon Emperor’s Throne. His near-fatal encounter with the Demon Emperor makes him more aware of his limitations and grateful for Qin’s intervention.
- The Demon Emperor acts ruthlessly to prevent the Golden Peng Tribe from rising again, but avoids confronting Qin because he doubts he can win.
- Ning Xuan has advanced rapidly to the Spirit Martial Realm after consuming a Daoist’s Spirit God. He is eager to learn, disciplined, and talented enough to grasp the depth of Qin’s seemingly simple sword technique.
- Xiao Chengfeng shows concern for the consequences of overwhelming the other races and agrees to defend humanity. His reaction to “the Pursuer” suggests he knows of a significant mystery tied to Qin’s power.
Significant themes
- Alliances and political balance: Humanity gains a valuable ally, while Qin deliberately avoids provoking a united response from the other races.
- Power and its limits: The Golden Peng Emperor’s defeat illustrates the gulf between half-immortals and True Immortals; even Qin’s strength does not make a multi-front conflict risk-free.
- Legacy and ambition: The Golden Peng Tribe seeks to reclaim its lost throne, while Qin investigates the hidden origins of the Pursuer.
- Mentorship and cultivation: Ning’s rapid growth requires guidance, and Qin’s example shows that profound martial insight can be conveyed through even a simple movement.