Tongtian
Investiture of the Gods? To Hell with That—Nobody Gets to Play!Contents
- 1Biodata
- 2Background / History
- 3Personality
- 4Power Progression
- 5Abilities & Skills
- 5.1Saint-Level Power
- 5.2Swordsmanship and Sword Law
- 5.3Thirty-Six-Petaled Green Lotus
- 5.4Formation Law and Immortal Slaying Sword Formation
- 5.5Divination and Calamity Perception
- 5.6Disguise and Cultivation Suppression
- 5.7Mental Resistance and Seal Breaking
- 5.8Dao Comprehension
- 6Equipment / Weapons / Items
- 7Relationships
- 8Story Role / Major Arcs
- 8.1Departure and the Sect’s Dissolution
- 8.2Zixiao Palace Negotiations
- 8.3Battle in Chaos
- 8.4Secret Realm Harvest and Final Break with His Brothers
- 8.5Disguised Tests of His Disciples
- 8.6Golden Ao Island Formation Misunderstanding
- 8.7Recruiting the Destined Investiture Agent
- 8.8Pangu Secret Realm Seclusion and Eighth-Order Breakthrough
- 8.9Hongjun–Luohu Conflict and Sect Life
- 8.10Final Investiture Ceremony and the Fourth Calamity
- 9Notable Quotes
Contents
- 1Biodata
- 2Background / History
- 3Personality
- 4Power Progression
- 5Abilities & Skills
- 5.1Saint-Level Power
- 5.2Swordsmanship and Sword Law
- 5.3Thirty-Six-Petaled Green Lotus
- 5.4Formation Law and Immortal Slaying Sword Formation
- 5.5Divination and Calamity Perception
- 5.6Disguise and Cultivation Suppression
- 5.7Mental Resistance and Seal Breaking
- 5.8Dao Comprehension
- 6Equipment / Weapons / Items
- 7Relationships
- 8Story Role / Major Arcs
- 8.1Departure and the Sect’s Dissolution
- 8.2Zixiao Palace Negotiations
- 8.3Battle in Chaos
- 8.4Secret Realm Harvest and Final Break with His Brothers
- 8.5Disguised Tests of His Disciples
- 8.6Golden Ao Island Formation Misunderstanding
- 8.7Recruiting the Destined Investiture Agent
- 8.8Pangu Secret Realm Seclusion and Eighth-Order Breakthrough
- 8.9Hongjun–Luohu Conflict and Sect Life
- 8.10Final Investiture Ceremony and the Fourth Calamity
- 9Notable Quotes
Biodata
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Tongtian (通天) |
| Alias(es) | Saint Tongtian 46 |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Interception Sect (Jie Sect); Mystic Gate; originally one of the Three Pure Ones, before formally severing ties with Laozi and Yuanshi 1 43 46 89 |
| Occupation/Role | Leader of the Interception Sect before its dissolution; continues to lead its disciples and oversee its affairs afterward 1 2 114 161 190 |
| Cultivation Realm | Peak of the Eighth Order of the Saint Realm; already a Saint at his first appearance 1 190 |
| Status | Alive; on Golden Ao Island during the Interception Sect disciples’ simultaneous breakthroughs and Lu Feng’s transformation of the Chaos Bead 199 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 1, “Disbanding the Interception Sect” 1 |
Background / History
Tongtian saved Lu Feng’s life and brought him into the Interception Sect. Before revealing his identity, he performed divinations and refused Lu Feng’s request to become his disciple. Nevertheless, he later appointed Lu Feng deputy sect leader, and Lu Feng continued to regard him as his teacher 1 2.
After establishing a cultivation sanctuary on Golden Ao Island, Tongtian accepted successive generations of disciples while Lu Feng helped oversee the sect. Lu Feng remained for approximately one hundred thousand years, witnessing Duobao’s childhood and the Witch-Demon Tribulation. Tongtian spent many years in seclusion and entrusted the sect’s day-to-day affairs to him 1 2.
When questioned by Hongjun, Tongtian explains that he encountered Lu Feng around the time he attained sagehood. His original divination of Lu Feng had produced only a blank, despite the latter apparently having ordinary origins and strength. Tongtian praises his perceptiveness but conceals some details of their first meeting from Hongjun 60.
Tongtian’s bond with Laozi and Yuanshi had endured for tens of millions of years or longer. They had once been inseparably close and survived life-threatening hardships together. Their later betrayal therefore remains painful even after he formally declares them enemies 89 114.
Personality
Tongtian places great importance on personal bonds, particularly his relationship with his elder brothers, Laozi and Yuanshi. Before departing for Zixiao Palace, he believes their presence will ensure the Interception Sect’s continued prosperity despite Lu Feng’s warnings. His later refusal to support them follows accumulated disappointment, rather than a sudden rejection of brotherhood 1 46 47.
He is fiercely protective of his disciples and unwilling to accept their sacrifice as a convenient solution for other sects. Although he has repeatedly tolerated disagreements with Yuanshi, the attempt to force the Interception Sect into the tribulation ends that tolerance. His anger brings out a cutting tongue, but he remains capable of restraint: he recognizes the Western Sages’ attempts to manipulate him and does not accept their invitation to join them 42 44 45 47 50.
In combat, Tongtian remains composed even under overwhelming pressure. His expression barely changes while countering Yuanshi’s attacks, including those strengthened by the Heavenly Dao’s aura 49 50.
His concern for his disciples is accompanied by an outdated understanding of their abilities. He initially believes that their straightforward personalities will leave them vulnerable to the allied sects’ schemes. Testing them in disguise reveals that they have become both powerful and resourceful, forcing him to reconsider this assessment 92 99 102 103.
Tongtian is also sensitive to his dignity as a master. He conceals his embarrassment over the disguised tests, boasts about his disciples’ need for guidance, and considers retreating into seclusion after Zhao Gongming sends him flying before an audience. Despite these frustrations, he takes genuine satisfaction in his disciples’ progress 99 106 118 119 120.
His desire to teach is sincere. After discovering that his existing disciples have already become exceptionally formidable, he decides to accept a new disciple so that he can experience nurturing someone from the beginning. Di Xin’s preference for Lu Feng instead leaves him deeply embarrassed 172 173.
The sect’s increasingly informal atmosphere frequently exposes Tongtian to teasing, especially from Lu Feng. He grumbles about disrespectful disciples but recognizes Lu Feng’s capability, strength, and influence. He eventually consoles himself that such an exceptional disciple is still his own 185 186 190.
Power Progression
| Stage / Realm | Advancement or demonstration | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Saint | Already holds Saint rank when summoned to discuss the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation | 1 |
| Saint; order unspecified | Overwhelms Yuanshi in Chaos with swordsmanship, Sword Law, Formation Law, and the Thirty-Six-Petaled Green Lotus | 49 50 |
| Saint; order unspecified | Deploys the full Immortal Slaying Sword Formation against four Saints and later uses it to destroy Lu Feng’s formations outside Golden Ao Island | 89 90 111 |
| Late Sixth Tier of the Saint Realm | Meditates in the Pangu Secret Realm after witnessing the opening of heaven and earth; his Dao comprehension and aura rise toward the sixth tier’s peak | 141 147 |
| Late Eighth Order of the Saint Realm | Breaks through during seclusion in the Pangu Secret Realm and emerges to protect Jiang Shang from Yuanshi | 152 153 |
| Peak of the Eighth Order of the Saint Realm | Uses the Demon Source Fruit given to him by Lu Feng to advance before the final Investiture of the Gods ceremony | 190 |
Abilities & Skills
Saint-Level Power
Tongtian’s strength is substantially greater than his elder brothers and many observers expect 49 50.
- His clashes with Yuanshi shatter space; they fight deep within Chaos because a battle in the Primordial World would endanger more than half its living beings 48 49.
- His cultivation aptitude is described as surpassing both Laozi’s and Yuanshi’s 49.
- He wounds Yuanshi and subsequently breaks through his defenses despite the Heavenly Dao’s aura strengthening him 49 50.
- Jieyin and Zhunti believe they would also struggle to withstand his final sword strike 50.
- His emergence at the eighth order shocks Taishang, Yuanshi, and Jieyin, who have struggled to advance their own cultivation 152 153.
- After reaching the eighth order’s peak, he and Nuwa are described as standing at the top in strength among the Six Sages 190.
- His power nevertheless remains substantially below Lu Feng’s by the closing stages of the Investiture of the Gods. He struggles to protect Golden Ao Island from the upheaval caused by Lu Feng’s annihilation strike during the Chaos Bead’s transformation 190 199.
Swordsmanship and Sword Law
Tongtian uses both the Immortal Slaying Sword and the Qingping Sword, switching to the latter when he stops holding back against Yuanshi 48 49.
- A casual swing of the Immortal Slaying Sword produces silver light that cleaves through the void 49.
- With the Qingping Sword, he shatters Yuanshi’s incoming attacks and strikes him from thirty-six directions, drawing golden Saint blood 49.
- His final strike combines the Laws of the Sword and Formations, tears through Chaos, and breaks the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi’s defensive radiance 50.
- He can connect his will to an ordinary acquired sword and channel his swordsmanship through it while testing Qiongxiao 102.
- He forms a silvery-white sword using Dao Principles as its edge, sword energy as its body, and spiritual energy as its hilt 107.
- Lu Feng regards his swordsmanship as supreme within the Primordial World, with hardly anyone possessing greater skill 108.
- He withstands repeated giant-sword attacks from five of Lu Feng’s killing formations, initially fighting them at seventy percent of their power. Their full activation confronts him with approximately ten thousand giant swords 108.
- When his conjured sword breaks, he switches to the Qingping Sword. His subsequent all-out strike embodies his sword comprehension, conviction, and Saintly might, cracking and breaching a formation’s boundary 109 110.
Thirty-Six-Petaled Green Lotus
An enormous thirty-sixth-grade azure lotus manifests behind Tongtian during battle. Each tier bears powerful sword intent 49.
- Its sword intent becomes thirty-six attacks against Yuanshi 49.
- As the lotus spins and its glow intensifies, Tongtian’s sword intent and the pressure on his opponent increase 50.
- Its light does not weaken under Yuanshi’s Heavenly Dao-enhanced pressure 50.
- During his disguised test of Qiongxiao, he forms a sword seal and manifests an azure-lotus phantom with his sword stroke 102.
Formation Law and Immortal Slaying Sword Formation
Tongtian possesses the Laws of Formations and combines them with his Sword Law in combat. During the dispute at Zixiao Palace, he considers deploying the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation but restrains himself because Hongjun is present 47 50.
- Formation Law contributes to the sword strike that penetrates Yuanshi’s defenses 50.
- In the initial battle with Yuanshi, he uses the Immortal Slaying Sword individually, rather than deploying the full formation 48 49.
- The full formation uses the Four Immortal-Slaying Swords and the Immortal Slaying Formation Diagram. It is described as the Primordial World’s foremost killing formation 89 111 124.
- Although the four swords are acquired spiritual treasures, the formation enables him to battle three Saints single-handedly; four Saints are required to break it 89.
- He deploys it when Laozi, Yuanshi, Jieyin, and Zhunti attack him together in Chaos 90.
- He destroys Lu Feng’s formations outside Golden Ao Island by expanding the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation within them, unleashing only a fraction of its power 111.
- He coordinates it with Lu Feng’s restraining formations to trap Yuanshi. Even before its full power is released, Yuanshi struggles against its attacks and fears severe damage 124 125 131.
- He can rapidly position the four swords by mental command, deploy the diagram, dismiss the formation, and retrieve its swords 153 154.
- He also establishes protective formations outside Golden Ao Island to limit environmental damage from powerful battles; these can withstand attacks from mighty quasi-sages 106.
Divination and Calamity Perception
Tongtian can divine heavenly secrets and sense approaching cosmic tribulations 2 7 33.
- He performs divinations before declining Lu Feng’s request for discipleship 2.
- He and Yuanshi sense the approaching Investiture of the Gods Calamity more strongly than Laozi and Nuwa 7.
- Concealed heavenly secrets prevent him from investigating both the Jade Void Palace theft and his own sect’s circumstances 33.
- His first divination concerning Lu Feng returns a blank 60.
- Hongjun plans to use Heavenly Dao power to block his perception of the Interception Sect while others attempt to reassemble it 51.
- He recognizes rare law auras in his disciples’ techniques, although Qiongxiao’s devouring law is unfamiliar to him 98 102.
- He senses the saintly confrontation outside Golden Ao Island upon completing his Pangu Secret Realm seclusion 152 153.
- He senses the dense tribulation qi heralding the fourth Calamity and later detects the simultaneous saintly breakthroughs near Lu Feng’s cave 197 199.
Disguise and Cultivation Suppression
Tongtian can conceal his identity and suppress his apparent cultivation to test his disciples 94 102 106.
- He initially presents himself at the middle stage of the Daluo Golden Immortal realm, expecting that level to be appropriate for testing their progress 94.
- Against stronger disciples, he progressively raises the cultivation he is using, reaching the mid-quasi-sage stage against Qiongxiao and eventually leaking a trace of Saint power 102 103 104.
- At Nuwa’s suggestion, he magically assumes Yuanshi’s appearance. Lu Feng recognizes him despite the disguise but continues pretending that Yuanshi has intruded 106 108.
Mental Resistance and Seal Breaking
Mighty Shockwave’s mind-bewitching technique temporarily affects Tongtian while his spiritual power is sealed. It induces him to bow and briefly allows Mighty Shockwave to ride on his neck. Tongtian regains his senses, forcibly breaks some of the seals, and retaliates with the Qingping Sword 96.
He also recognizes Qiongxiao’s soul-targeting secret art and withdraws his gaze rather than carelessly expose himself to it. While confident in his Saint-level protection, he acknowledges that such techniques can still affect him 102.
Dao Comprehension
Witnessing Pangu opening heaven and earth and killing the opposing gods and demons profoundly broadens Tongtian’s horizons. He meditates where Pangu stood, deepens his understanding of Dao principles, and advances from the late sixth tier to the late eighth order of the Saint Realm during his seclusion 141 147 152.
Equipment / Weapons / Items
- Immortal Slaying Sword — His opening weapon against Yuanshi in Chaos; later put away in favor of the Qingping Sword. He also wields it upon emerging from the Pangu Secret Realm 48 49 153.
- Qingping Sword — His innate treasure, which feels more natural for him to wield than the Immortal Slaying Sword. It delivers his thirty-six-direction assault and his decisive strike against Yuanshi. It is also identified as the treasure with which he attained his Dao 49 50 109.
- Four Immortal-Slaying Swords — The Immortal Slaying, Immortal-Killing, Immortal-Trapping, and Immortal-Severing Swords. These acquired spiritual treasures occupy the formation’s four directions 89 124.
- Immortal Slaying Formation Diagram — Used with the four swords to establish the full Immortal Slaying Sword Formation 111 124 153.
- Conjured Spiritual-Energy Sword — A weapon formed from spiritual energy, sword energy, and Dao Principles while trapped in Lu Feng’s illusion formation. It eventually shatters under the killing formations’ attacks 107 109.
- Pangu Banner — Borrowed from Lu Feng after its theft from Yuanshi. Tongtian brings it out after dismissing the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation during the later confrontation with Yuanshi 127 154.
- Pangu Secret Realm Keys — Two keys given to him by Lu Feng, who explains that the realm can lead him to Pangu’s inheritance 134.
- Harvested Spiritual Roots and Spirit Herbs — Collected with Nuwa from the ancient Chaos Secret Realm to improve his disciples’ cultivation 66 74 79 104.
- Demon Source Fruit — Given to him by Lu Feng and consumed to reach the peak of the eighth order of the Saint Realm 190.
Relationships
- Lu Feng — His rescued protégé and deputy sect leader. Tongtian never formally accepts him as a disciple, but Lu Feng calls him Teacher. Tongtian eventually recognizes that Lu Feng’s warnings were correct 1 2 44 48. Their later relationship combines trust, teasing, and frequent damage to Tongtian’s dignity. Lu Feng provides the Pangu Secret Realm keys and Demon Source Fruit, takes responsibility for defending the sect during his seclusion, and eventually far surpasses him in cultivation 134 161 185 186 190.
- Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi — His second elder brother. Their longstanding disagreements become an open rupture when Yuanshi nominates the Interception Sect for the tribulation; Tongtian later overwhelms him in combat 42 44 47 50. Tongtian formally severs their bond before the Heavenly Dao and subsequently opposes him as an enemy, trapping him in the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation and protecting Jiang Shang from his intervention 89 124 153.
- Taishang Laozi — His eldest brother. Tongtian initially trusts his fairness, then concludes that Laozi’s mediation repeatedly sacrifices his interests to preserve Yuanshi’s position 1 43 46. Laozi participates in Hongjun’s attempt to reassemble the Interception Sect and later joins the four-Saint confrontation. Tongtian’s Heavenly Dao-witnessed oath explicitly ends their brotherhood 51 52 89 90.
- Hongjun — His teacher and the authority presiding over the tribulation discussions. Hongjun initially favors making the Interception Sect bear the calamity, but rules it ineligible after discovering its dissolution and later permits the battle in Chaos 43 48. He subsequently schemes to reassemble the sect while blocking Tongtian’s perception, questions him about Lu Feng, and investigates the sect’s unexplained changes. Tongtian later consults Lu Feng on navigating the conflict involving Hongjun’s faction and Luohu 51 60 92 161.
- Jieyin and Zhunti — Rival Saints who initially pressure his sect to face the calamity, then encourage his break with Yuanshi. Tongtian recognizes their opportunism and does not accept their recruitment offer 7 45. They later unite with Laozi and Yuanshi against him. When Jieyin threatens him over Zhunti’s Primordial Spirit being drawn into the Investiture of the Gods List, Tongtian challenges him to enter the sword formation and mocks his refusal 89 90 153.
- Nuwa — A fellow Saint who initially remains outside the sectarian dispute. She favors Tongtian’s chances against Yuanshi but is still astonished by his actual strength 47 48 50. She later chooses to support him, accompanies him to gather resources, and stands with the Interception Sect against the opposing Saints. Their friendship also involves teasing: she engineers his disguised return to Golden Ao Island and the ensuing misunderstanding with Lu Feng 66 74 79 92 106 153. Tongtian privately considers her a suitable match for Lu Feng 74.
- Duobao — A disciple whose childhood Lu Feng witnessed under Tongtian’s leadership. Tongtian later instructs him to help arrange the recruitment of a new disciple and appoints him to lead those remaining on Golden Ao Island during the final Investiture ceremony 2 172 190.
- Qiongxiao — A disciple whose mastery of devouring law and unexpectedly high cultivation astonish him. During his disguised test, her tactics force him to raise his power toward the Saint Realm 102 103 104.
- Jinguang Xian — A disciple Tongtian remembers as honest and guileless. His new divine weapons, law mastery, and unconventional fighting methods surprise and ultimately please his master 98 99 100.
- Mighty Shockwave / Tiger Monster — A disciple whose enormous improvement contrasts with Tongtian’s memory of his ordinary bloodline and poor aptitude. His attempt to turn the disguised Tongtian into a human pet infuriates his master 96 99 102.
- Zhao Gongming — A disciple whom Tongtian asks to demonstrate his full strength. Zhao Gongming sends him flying in a single strike during the cultivation-suppressed test, creating a public embarrassment 118 119 120.
- Jiang Shang — The destined agent of the Investiture of the Gods whom Lu Feng plans to recruit into the Interception Sect. Tongtian protects him from Yuanshi and instructs him to continue the investiture without worrying about the opposing Saints 120 153.
- Houtu — Recognizes that Hongjun’s faction is plotting against him and is shocked by his formal severance of brotherhood. Tongtian later accompanies her to investigate an apparent manifestation of Pangu’s aura, which proves to be Lu Feng’s impersonation 56 89 168.
- Di Xin — A prospective disciple whom Tongtian hopes to recruit because of his bearing, position as Human Emperor, and blessed fortune. Di Xin instead reveals that he wants Lu Feng as his master, frustrating Tongtian’s plans 173.
- Luohu — A figure in the conflict with Hongjun whom Tongtian discusses with Lu Feng and Nuwa. Tongtian’s later visit to him alarms Hongjun and prompts accusations from Yuanshi 161 190.
Story Role / Major Arcs
Departure and the Sect’s Dissolution
- Hongjun summons Tongtian and the other Saints to discuss the approaching Investiture of the Gods Tribulation 1.
- Tongtian leaves despite Lu Feng’s warning, trusting Laozi and Yuanshi. In his absence, Lu Feng dissolves the Interception Sect to protect its disciples 1 2.
- At Zixiao Palace, pressure from Yuanshi and the Western Sages makes Tongtian realize that the discussions are targeting his sect 7.
Zixiao Palace Negotiations
| Event | Tongtian’s response | Chapter |
|---|---|---|
| Yuanshi blames the Interception Sect for the Jade Void Palace theft | Attempts divination, but cannot uncover the theft or his sect’s circumstances | 32 33 |
| Yuanshi and the Western Sages nominate his sect for the calamity | Rejects their reasoning and challenges Yuanshi’s claim that the calamity would “cleanse” his disciples | 42 |
| Laozi supports Yuanshi | Recognizes that both elder brothers have sided against him | 43 |
| Hongjun announces that the Interception Sect has disbanded | Learns of the dissolution only after spending a hundred years at Zixiao Palace | 43 |
| Yuanshi seeks his support against the Western Teachings | Refuses and instead recommends the Chan Sect for the tribulation | 44 45 46 |
| Laozi invokes their shared Mystic Gate roots | Proposes that Laozi’s Human Sect share the calamity with the Chan Sect | 47 |
| Hongjun questions him about the dissolution and the sect’s administration | Explains that he did not order the dissolution and had entrusted Lu Feng with managing the sect; withholds some details concerning Lu Feng | 60 |
| Hongjun gives Yuanshi the Investiture of the Gods List and God-Beating Whip and forbids Saints from taking the field | Recognizes the opposing sects’ advantage and resolves to strengthen his disciples | 87 |
Battle in Chaos
- With reconciliation impossible, Laozi requests a battle and Hongjun approves. Yuanshi confronts Tongtian while the other Saints watch 48.
- Tongtian initially fights with the Immortal Slaying Sword. After Yuanshi attacks from behind with the Three Treasures Jade Ruyi, he switches to the Qingping Sword and wounds him 49.
- Yuanshi draws on the Heavenly Dao’s aura, but Tongtian’s lotus-empowered sword strike breaks through his defenses and strikes his body. His overwhelming performance leaves the observers stunned and Zixiao Palace silent 50.
- The initial battle does not settle the tribulation’s assignment. Hongjun instead arranges an attempt to reassemble the Interception Sect while keeping Tongtian’s perception blocked 50 51.
Secret Realm Harvest and Final Break with His Brothers
- Hongjun directs Tongtian to investigate a Secret Realm dating from the Dragon-Han Calamity 60.
- Tongtian intends to obtain spiritual roots and treasures for his disciples, believing the sect does not grow innate spiritual roots. Nuwa’s knowledge of Golden Ao Island leads her to question how little he knows about its resources 66.
- He and Nuwa gather the realm’s abundant spiritual roots and herbs. She declines a share and instead asks him to arrange a favor from Lu Feng, which he agrees to do 74 79.
- After returning to the negotiations, Tongtian is stopped by the four rival Saints, who accuse him of stealing their treasures. He rejects the accusation and summons the Four Immortal-Slaying Swords 86 87 88.
- In Chaos, he challenges all four opponents and swears before the Heavenly Dao that Laozi and Yuanshi are no longer his brothers, but enemies 89.
- The four Saints attack together, and Tongtian deploys the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation 90.
- After returning to the Primordial World, he thanks Nuwa for supporting him and resolves to return to Golden Ao Island to oversee and strengthen his disciples 92.
Disguised Tests of His Disciples
- Tongtian suppresses his apparent cultivation to the middle Daluo Golden Immortal stage and pursues Mighty Shockwave, intending to test the sect’s progress 94.
- Mighty Shockwave’s mental technique briefly compels him to bow and serve as a mount. Tongtian breaks free, releases some sealed power, and retaliates by slicing away his fur 96 97.
- Jinguang Xian intervenes. His spear, shield, law mastery, and deceptive attacks overturn Tongtian’s expectations of the formerly guileless disciple 98 99 100.
- Qiongxiao’s arrival reveals another dramatic advancement. Tongtian raises his displayed cultivation to fight her, but her devouring law and tactics eventually force him to leak Saint-level power 102 103 104.
- Having learned that his disciples are far less vulnerable than he assumed, Tongtian nevertheless resolves to examine the others and provide special training using his harvested herbs 104.
- Later, a public test of Zhao Gongming ends with Tongtian being sent flying in one strike while his cultivation is suppressed. He considers seclusion to allow the embarrassment to fade 118 119 120.
Golden Ao Island Formation Misunderstanding
- Nuwa persuades Tongtian to return disguised as Yuanshi and test his disciples again. Meanwhile, Lu Feng has established eighteen killing formations and a deceptive formation displaying the Jade Void Palace plaque 106.
- Seeing damaged terrain, destroyed protective formations, and the plaque, Tongtian believes the Chan Sect has attacked the island. He charges into the array in anger 106.
- Trapped in an illusion formation, he summons a sword made from spiritual energy and Dao Principles to force his way through 107.
- Lu Feng recognizes his master but maintains the deception, activating five sword formations and eventually unleashing their full power 108.
- Tongtian’s conjured sword breaks under the onslaught. He draws the Qingping Sword, while Lu Feng adds three void-flame formations targeting the soul 109.
- Believing Laozi and Yuanshi are responsible, Tongtian pours his sword comprehension and conviction into an all-out strike that breaches a formation’s boundary 109 110.
- He ultimately deploys the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation and destroys the surrounding arrays. Qiongxiao and the others arrive and greet him as their master 111.
- During the subsequent conversation, Lu Feng attributes the island’s formations to Nuwa. Tongtian acknowledges that the dissolution prevented further trouble, mourns his brothers’ betrayal, and plans to preach and guide his disciples 114.
- Lu Feng then leads him to his cave, where the enormous stockpile of spirit herbs and dense spiritual energy astonish him 114 115.
Recruiting the Destined Investiture Agent
- Lu Feng asks Tongtian about the Investiture of the Gods List, God-Beating Whip, and destined agent. He proposes recruiting the man fishing by the Wei River, using Ji Fa to avoid alerting the Chan Sect 120.
- Yuanshi arrives and accuses Tongtian and Lu Feng of stealing the man chosen by destiny 123.
- Tongtian deploys the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation while Lu Feng’s restraining formations prevent Yuanshi from escaping 124.
- Lu Feng steals Yuanshi’s Pangu Banner and offers Tongtian the damaged Taiji Talisman Seal and Qiankun Fan while Yuanshi remains endangered inside the formation 127.
- Tongtian increases the formation’s power at Lu Feng’s urging. Hongjun appears as Yuanshi faces the threat of further harm 130 131.
Pangu Secret Realm Seclusion and Eighth-Order Breakthrough
- Tongtian discovers that Lu Feng has reached the third stage of the Saint Realm. Lu Feng gives him two Pangu Secret Realm keys and assures him that he will handle the hostile Golden Immortals gathering outside Golden Ao Island 134.
- Inside the realm, Tongtian witnesses Pangu cleaving Chaos with the Heaven-Opening Divine Axe while the Three Thousand Gods and Demons attack. He sits down to comprehend the Great Dao 141.
- His cultivation is identified as late Saint Realm Tier Six as his understanding and aura continue to rise 147.
- While the Interception Sect faces renewed intervention from the opposing Saints, Tongtian remains at a critical point in his breakthrough 152.
- He reaches the late eighth order, senses the danger outside Golden Ao Island, and emerges through a nether gate 152 153.
- He intercepts Yuanshi’s approach toward Jiang Shang, orders Jiang Shang to continue the Investiture of the Gods, and deploys the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation 153.
- Jieyin declines his challenge to enter the formation, instead holding Duobao back while Taishang occupies Nuwa 153.
- Tongtian later dismisses the sword formation and brings out the Pangu Banner borrowed from Lu Feng 154.
- At the end of the confrontation, he kills Guangchengzi and Daoist Yu Ding as they flee. Jiang Shang collects their true spirits into the Investiture of the Gods List, and Tongtian orders the return to the island 159.
Hongjun–Luohu Conflict and Sect Life
- Tongtian convenes the disciples, Nuwa, Jiang Shang, and Ji Fa in Biyou Palace, announcing that the investiture will proceed when the time is right 161.
- He and Nuwa ask Lu Feng how to deal with Hongjun’s allied Saints. Lu Feng advises against helping either Hongjun’s faction or Luohu, while suggesting that they can still negotiate a deal 161.
- Tongtian and Houtu investigate an apparent Pangu aura. Lu Feng’s impersonation initially deceives Tongtian before he recognizes his disciple 168.
- Feeling deprived of the opportunity to train his already-formidable disciples, Tongtian decides to take a new disciple. His attempt to recruit Di Xin fails when Di Xin reveals that he is seeking Lu Feng instead 172 173.
- Lu Feng presents the stolen Zixiao Palace plaque as a gift, alarming Tongtian. He then explains that he has brought Luohu into play to keep Hongjun occupied, startling his master again 186.
Final Investiture Ceremony and the Fourth Calamity
- Hongjun learns that Tongtian has visited Luohu, and Yuanshi accuses him of plotting against their teacher. The Four Saints vow to stop him while anticipating the merit intended for the Interception Sect 190.
- Lu Feng gives Tongtian a Demon Source Fruit, allowing him to reach the peak of the eighth order. Tongtian appoints Duobao to lead the disciples remaining behind and departs for the Heavenly Court with Lu Feng, Nuwa, and Jiang Shang 190.
- A fourth Calamity subsequently manifests. Tongtian senses its tribulation qi, and Lu Feng later admits that his activities with Luo Lian helped create the karmic debt that triggered it 197.
- Back on Golden Ao Island, Tongtian and Nuwa sense several disciples attaining sainthood together near Lu Feng’s cave 199.
- Tongtian struggles to protect the island as Lu Feng destroys the Chaos Bead’s inner world and releases an annihilation strike 199.
- Lu Feng reconstructs the bead as the Primordial Chaos Bead, establishes its Dao, receives the newly saintly disciples’ Primordial Spirits into it, and advances into the Primordial Unity Heavenly Dao Realm 199.
Notable Quotes
“Why should our Interception Sect take on something none of you are willing to do?” 42
“What, you, Yuanshi, are allowed to shove my Interception Sect out to face the calamity, but I, Tongtian, am not allowed to recommend your Chan Sect?” 47
“From this day forth, I, Tongtian, sever all ties with the Two Saints of the Mystic Gate, Taishang Laozi and Heavenly Venerable Yuanshi.” 89
“Should we meet again, we shall be enemies, not brothers. Let the clear heavens and earth bear witness!” 89
“Attend to your Investiture of the Gods. Leave everything else to me!” 153
“If you have the courage, enter the formation. I'll be waiting for you inside!” 153