Tongtian

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Tongtian (通天)
Alias(es)	Shangqing Tongtian; Sect Master Tongtian
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Formerly Sanqing and Xuanmen; Jie Sect; ally of the Witch Clan and Netherworld
Occupation/Role	Former Xuanmen Sage; leader of the Jie Sect; Xuanyuan's master; wielder of the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation
Status	Alive; severed his Heavenly Dao Saint Dao Fruit and Primordial Purple Qi, abandoning his saintly status and Xuanmen ties; loyal ally of the Witch Clan 68 74 75 92
First Appearance	Chapter 17 (mentioned); Chapter 18 (onscreen)

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal, Fourth Heaven	18	Achieves enlightenment and breaks through after being moved by “Houtu’s” defiant words and will.
Innate Undying True Spirit Reclaimed	68	The Heavenly Dao returns the wisp of his innate indestructible true spirit following Hongjun's lost wager, freeing Tongtian from that means of Heavenly Dao control.
Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal, First Heaven	74 92	His cultivation falls from the Fourth Heaven to the First Heaven after he severs his Saint Dao Fruit and destroys his Primordial Purple Qi; his realm remains unstable, though his sword intent grows stronger.

Background / History

Tongtian is one of the Sanqing and a direct disciple of Dao Ancestor Hongjun. He leads the Jie Sect, whose doctrine holds that while Heaven establishes forty-nine fixed outcomes, one escape remains to be seized; accordingly, his sect accepts disciples without regard to origin or background. 18 48

His doctrine places him at odds with Yuanshi’s Chan Sect, and the Sanqing’s famed brotherhood had already frayed after the three established separate sects and dojos. Tongtian nevertheless continued trying to preserve the relationship. 48

During the Wu-Demon conflict, Taiqing and Yuanshi call on him to break the Dutian God-Demon Array. Tongtian hesitates because the Wu clan has no prior enmity with the Jie Sect and because he admires Houtu’s willingness to resist an unjust decree. 17 18

After witnessing Hongjun's conduct and learning the future described in the Investiture of the Gods storybook, Tongtian abandons his identity as Shangqing and severs his bonds with the Sanqing and Xuanmen. He later renounces his Heavenly Dao Sage position altogether, choosing freedom from Heavenly Dao control despite the resulting collapse in cultivation. 51 61 74 75

Personality

Tongtian is principled, loyal, and emotionally direct. He respects Houtu’s defiance because it resonates with the Jie Sect’s belief in seizing a path beyond Heaven’s fixed order. 18

He is also deeply bound by duty: despite believing that aiding the Sanqing against the Wu clan goes against his true heart, he initially obeys Hongjun’s order and acts to save his brothers. 18 49

His patience has limits. Yuanshi’s repeated contempt and Chen Xuan’s revelations about Taiqing’s theft of Sanqing origin gradually push him into open anger and rebellion. 20 47 48

Once he recognizes that the Heavenly Dao Saint position is a shackle, Tongtian displays exceptional decisiveness and courage. He willingly sacrifices his Saint Dao Fruit and Fourth-Heaven cultivation rather than remain a puppet of the Heavenly Dao or a chess piece of the Profound Gate. 73 74 75

Tongtian is also frank and pragmatic in cooperation. He can scheme alongside Chen Xuan for the Jie Sect's interests and Xuanyuan's future, but remains concerned with the consequences of slaughter for the Human Clan's fortune. 118 126

Abilities & Skills

Immortal Slaying Sword Formation

Tongtian controls the formation through the Four Swords of Immortal Slaying and the Immortal Slaying Formation Diagram.

• Regarded as the foremost killing formation under the Heavenly Dao. 18 20
• Can wield the killing power of the Heavenly Dao and contend with the Dutian God-Demon Array. 18
• Its deployment blankets the battlefield with vast killing sword qi. 20
• Tongtian uses it against the Wu clan despite his reluctance. 19 20
• He later sets it up again before turning its force and sword toward Yuanshi. 50
• After abandoning his saintly status, he deploys it at the Netherworld Sea of Blood to trap Taiqing and Jieyin, severely injuring Jieyin in the process. 92 93
• He also uses the Four Swords and formation diagram while contending with Yuanshi, Taiqing, Jieyin, and Zhunti over Xuanyuan's discipleship. 118

Sword Dao

Tongtian possesses extraordinary natural talent in the Sword Dao and is regarded as standing above the Primordial World’s countless sword cultivators.

• His swordsmanship and sword intent remain formidable even after his cultivation falls to the First Heaven of Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal. 73 92
• Hongjun’s Zixiao Palace teachings and the path of severing the three corpses are implied to have diverted him from his original Sword Dao path. 73
• He teaches Xuanyuan the core methods of the Jie Sect and his own understanding of the Sword Dao, balancing the Dao of slaughter with the duty to protect living beings. 121

Dao Comprehension

“Houtu’s” words and unyielding resistance to fate trigger Tongtian’s sudden enlightenment.

• Breaks through to the Fourth Heaven of Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal. 18
• Recognizes that he owes “Houtu” a profound karmic debt for the breakthrough. 18 19
• Continues to contemplate Chen Xuan’s warning that the Wu clan’s present may foreshadow the Jie Sect’s future. 19 29 49
• Through the Investiture of the Gods script and later events, recognizes that Heavenly Dao sainthood and Primordial Purple Qi function as instruments of control. 64 73 74

Severing Saintly Status

Tongtian ultimately destroys the foundation of his Heavenly Dao Sage status to free himself from the Profound Gate.

• Reclaims his wisp of innate indestructible true spirit after it is released by the Heavenly Dao. 68
• Identifies the Primordial Purple Qi as both proof of sainthood and a Heavenly Dao shackle after it causes backlash when he attacks Hongjun. 73 74
• Uses sword qi to sever his own Saint Dao Fruit, then crushes the Primordial Purple Qi. 74
• Loses his Fourth-Heaven Hunyuan cultivation and falls to the First Heaven, but declares all karmic ties with the Profound Gate and Heavenly Dao severed. 74 75

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Four Swords of Immortal Slaying — Four ancient swords used to establish the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation. 18 20
• Immortal Slaying Formation Diagram — Formation diagram paired with the Four Swords; said to originate from the primordial chaos membrane. 18
• Qingping Sword — Tongtian’s Dao-proving divine sword; surrendered to “Houtu” as compensation during the Sanqing’s agreement. Chen Xuan later returns it in exchange for Tongtian’s Supreme Pure One origin, and Tongtian subsequently returns it to Chen Xuan after severing his past karmic ties with the Profound Gate. 26 27 53 87
• Primordial Chessboard — Used by Tongtian and Hongjun during their four-hundred-scheme chess game, through which they test and discuss their respective Dao comprehension. 54

Relationships

• Dao Ancestor Hongjun — Former master. Tongtian initially obeys Hongjun despite intense reluctance, but becomes increasingly resistant to being treated as a tool or chess piece. After reclaiming his true spirit and recognizing the restraints of Heavenly Dao sainthood, he severs his ties to Hongjun and seeks to oppose him. 18 49 64 68 74
• Taiqing — Eldest brother among the Sanqing. Tongtian respects him until Chen Xuan reveals that Taiqing allegedly stole the Sanqing origins; he then demands an explanation. Taiqing’s attempts to shield Yuanshi further confirm Tongtian’s decision to cut ties with the Sanqing. 47 48 51
• Yuanshi — Elder brother and frequent ideological opponent. Yuanshi’s insults, pressure, and dismissive attitude intensify Tongtian’s anger; Tongtian ultimately points his sword at him. Their hostility continues as they compete over the Human Clan’s fortune and Xuanyuan’s discipleship. 20 48 50 51 118 126
• Houtu / Chen Xuan — Initially opponents by circumstance. Tongtian admires “Houtu’s” resistance to fate, credits her words for his breakthrough, and feels indebted to her. Chen Xuan’s revelation of the Investiture of the Gods script helps Tongtian recognize the fate awaiting him and the Jie Sect; Tongtian later pledges loyalty to the Witch Clan and cooperates with them. 18 19 49 53 68 126
• Jie Sect — His sect and foremost concern after learning its predicted fate in the Investiture of the Gods storybook. Tongtian’s rejection of the Profound Gate and his pursuit of Human Clan fortune are motivated by protecting and securing the Jie Sect’s future. 48 49 50 75 118
• Xuanyuan — Disciple and future Human Emperor. Tongtian successfully accepts Xuanyuan as his disciple after Chen Xuan makes the child choose his own master, then teaches him the Jie Sect’s methods and Sword Dao. 119 121
• Chi You — Cooperating participant in Tongtian and Chen Xuan’s plan for Xuanyuan. Tongtian supports the staged conflict between Xuanyuan and Chi You to consolidate the Human Clan and secure Xuanyuan’s position as Human Emperor. 126

Story Role / Major Arcs

Intervention in the Wu-Demon Conflict

Tongtian is summoned when Taiqing and Yuanshi cannot withstand the Dutian God-Demon Array. He delays because he cannot reconcile aiding his brothers with his respect for Houtu and the Jie Sect’s ideals. 17 18

Houtu’s words lead to his breakthrough, but Hongjun orders him to support the Sanqing. Tongtian apologizes to Houtu and enters the conflict with the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation. 18 19 20

Sanqing Compensation and the Array’s Destruction

During negotiations, Tongtian accepts that he must offer compensation and gives up the Qingping Sword, considering it an acceptable price for avoiding further disaster. 26 27

He later survives the destruction of the Dutian God-Demon Array under the protection of the Immortal Slaying Formation, though he is heavily injured. He regrets that he has neither repaid Houtu’s favor nor understood her warning about the Jie Sect’s future. 29

Rift Among the Sanqing

Chen Xuan obtains Taiqing’s One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones and exposes the alleged origin theft behind its cultivation. Tongtian confronts Taiqing directly, while Yuanshi’s defense of Taiqing further damages their relationship. 46 47 48

Defection

After Chen Xuan gives him the Investiture of the Gods storybook, Tongtian learns of a future in which the Jie Sect is devastated, its disciples perish or are enslaved, and he himself is confined after taking the Saint-Slaying Pill. 49 50

Tongtian swears never to enter the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation. Although he briefly submits to Hongjun’s command, Chen Xuan swears on the Great Dao that the storybook is true; Tongtian ultimately sets up the Immortal Slaying Formation but turns his sword on Yuanshi instead. 49 50

Tongtian demands that Yuanshi apologize, and when neither Yuanshi nor Taiqing meaningfully yields, he cuts a portion of his robe to symbolize the severance of the Three Pure Ones’ bond. He leaves the battlefield and declares that only Sect Master Tongtian of the Jie Sect remains. 51 52

Repayment of Karmic Debt

Following Chen Xuan’s acquisition of Taiqing and Yuanshi’s origins, Tongtian voluntarily severs a strand of his own Supreme Pure One origin to complete Chen Xuan’s set. He considers one karmic debt repaid, while Chen Xuan returns the Qingping Sword as a separate exchange for the origin. 53

Tongtian continues to acknowledge that Chen Xuan’s warning and the advance knowledge of the Investiture of the Gods script were an immense favor that allowed him to see through the Profound Gate’s future designs. 53 64

Liberation from the Heavenly Dao

Tongtian’s distrust of Hongjun deepens when Hongjun personally moves to suppress Houtu and the Witch Clan. He concludes that Hongjun’s treatment of the Witch Clan validates the future shown by the Investiture of the Gods script. 61

When Chen Xuan’s wager compels the Heavenly Dao to release Tongtian’s innate indestructible true spirit, Tongtian regains a measure of freedom and pledges loyalty to the Witch Clan. 68

After the Primordial Purple Qi restrains him during his attempted attack on Hongjun, Tongtian realizes that his saintly status remains a Heavenly Dao shackle. He severs his Saint Dao Fruit and crushes the Primordial Purple Qi, sacrificing most of his cultivation to permanently leave the Profound Gate and Heavenly Dao. 73 74 75

Defense of the Netherworld

Despite having fallen to the First Heaven of Hunyuan Daluo Golden Immortal, Tongtian comes to the Netherworld Sea of Blood to aid the Witch Clan. He wounds Jieyin, activates the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation, and traps Taiqing and Jieyin, openly opposing the Profound Gate Sages. 92 93

Master of Xuanyuan

When Xuanyuan is reincarnated as the third Human Emperor, Tongtian recognizes the importance of the Human Clan’s fortune to the Jie Sect. Before acting, he consults Chen Xuan in the Netherworld, then travels to the Youxiong Tribe to accept Xuanyuan as his disciple. 118

Taiqing, Yuanshi, Jieyin, and Zhunti attempt to seize Xuanyuan for their own sects, but Chen Xuan forces the decision back to Xuanyuan himself. Xuanyuan chooses Tongtian, who brings him to Jinao Island and trains him in Jie Sect teachings and the Sword Dao. 119 121

Scheme for the Human Emperor

After Xuanyuan completes his studies, Tongtian warns him that his path of slaughter may damage the Human Clan’s fortune. He then joins Chen Xuan in arranging a trial through which Xuanyuan can unify the Human Clan without losing the legitimacy of the Human Emperor position. 126

Under their plan, Chi You reincarnates into the Jiuli Tribe, establishes the Nine Li Alliance, and becomes Xuanyuan’s evenly matched opponent at Zhuolu. Tongtian supports the scheme as a way to consolidate Xuanyuan’s authority, expose hidden threats, and secure fortune for the Jie Sect. 126

Notable Quotes

“The Great Dao has fifty, and the heavens create forty-nine, which is the fixed number, with one escaping.” 18

“In this life, I, Tongtian, will absolutely not sign the Investiture of the Gods! I swear I will not enter the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation!!!” 49

“Today, I, Tongtian, refuse to be manipulated by the Heavenly Dao, and I refuse to become a chess piece of the Profound Gate.” 74

“From this day onward, I, Tongtian, have no further karmic ties with the Profound Gate or the Heavenly Dao!!” 74

Trivia

• Tongtian’s breakthrough is received with celebration by the Sanqing and Demon clan, but he himself regards it as an unrepayable debt to “Houtu.” 18
• He is described as being the only Sanqing member who would lose only one supreme Innate Spiritual Treasure—the Qingping Sword—under the compensation arrangement. 26
• Chen Xuan accidentally gives him Battle Through the Heavens before handing over the intended Investiture of the Gods storybook. 49
• Tongtian symbolically cuts his robe when leaving Taiqing and Yuanshi, representing the end of the Three Pure Ones’ brotherhood. 51
• Although he abandons his Heavenly Dao Sage status, his sword intent is described as stronger than ever when he later arrives at the Sea of Blood. 74 92
• He seeks Chen Xuan’s understanding before attempting to accept Xuanyuan as a disciple, unlike the Profound Gate Sages who move to seize the Human Emperor’s fortune for themselves. 118 119