This chapter introduces the concept of **“Delegated Awe”** (代位敬畏), a staple literary device in Xianxia. We don’t see the power of the Marquis of Anchan directly; instead, we see it through the fawning terror of General Dong, the elite Zifu-soldier escort, and the immediate, instinctive submission of a local clan. The warship itself—a high-grade organ-mechanism construct rather than a mere boat—is another form of this delegated power. The Northmont clan’s ability to casually dispatch a vessel full of Zifu Disciples proves their overwhelming status. Contrast this with the earlier struggle of the Ji Clan against a single Wanxiang Adept. The scene brilliantly demonstrates that in this world, there are levels of power that can’t be fought, only navigated politically. Also, note the specific term **“Yinglong Guard”** (应龙卫). The Yinglong is a winged rain dragon from Chinese mythology. In the Grand Xia Dynasty, the Yinglong Guard is the Emperor’s elite Immortal corps, a symbol of ultimate state authority. A member of the Yinglong Guard carries more weight than a hundred local warlords.
Share to
Definition
This chapter introduces the concept of **“Delegated Awe”** (代位敬畏), a staple literary device in Xianxia. We don’t see the power of the Marquis of Anchan directly; instead, we see it through the fawning terror of General Dong, the elite Zifu-soldier escort, and the immediate, instinctive submission of a local clan. The warship itself—a high-grade organ-mechanism construct rather than a mere boat—is another form of this delegated power. The Northmont clan’s ability to casually dispatch a vessel full of Zifu Disciples proves their overwhelming status. Contrast this with the earlier struggle of the Ji Clan against a single Wanxiang Adept. The scene brilliantly demonstrates that in this world, there are levels of power that can’t be fought, only navigated politically. Also, note the specific term **“Yinglong Guard”** (应龙卫). The Yinglong is a winged rain dragon from Chinese mythology. In the Grand Xia Dynasty, the Yinglong Guard is the Emperor’s elite Immortal corps, a symbol of ultimate state authority. A member of the Yinglong Guard carries more weight than a hundred local warlords.
Story context
The Ji Clan has just survived the carnage of Oxhorn Mountain, but there’s no time to breathe. An unexpected warship from the Marquis of Anchan’s estate—featuring the **Northmont** clan crest—arrives before the Grand Xia Dynasty’s envoy can even reach Swallow Mountain. The envoy, **Northmont Baiwei**, is no brute. He’s a sharp, cautious young noble who already knows everything about Ji Ning’s exploits. The meeting is tense but polite: Baiwei claims the elemental ore vein under the noses of the Grand Xia’s bureaucracy, offers the clan a thirty percent share, and then—in a move that will make any Xianxia reader’s heart race—asks everyone to leave. Except Ji Ning. The private audience that follows shows Baiwei’s true hand: respect, a token of friendship, and a subtle recruitment to the glittering, cutthroat world of Anchan City. But just as the conversation mellows into music and wine, a cold voice from outside shatters the peace. **The Yinglong Guard has arrived**, and the target is the Ji Clan.
Why it matters
Get ready, because the whole game has just changed. The map is expanding past the Swallow Mountain region. Northmont Baiwei is a breath of fresh air after the endless scheming of Snowdragon Mountain—a noble who *listens* and *investigates* rather than just posturing. This chapter is a masterclass in Xianxia political worldbuilding: a simple change in the owner of a resource can rewrite a clan’s entire fate. Pay close attention to Ji Ning’s calm demeanor in front of Baiwei; he’s learning to play the game of the high and mighty, and he’s a natural. But the real question for the next chapter is: **Who sent the Yinglong Guard?** Is it a legitimate investigation into the Snowdragon Mountain massacre? Or is it a move from the remnants of the sect to use state power as a final, vengeful weapon? The warship of the Marquis vs. the elite guard of the Emperor… the Ji Clan is now a pawn caught between two titans.
Quick facts
Source novel
Desolate Era
First appearance
The Envoy from Marquis Anchan
Chapter references
1
Type hints
Desolate Era, Xianxia, Ji Ning
Guide tags
Clan Politics, New Ally, Yinglong Guard
Appears in chapters
Jump back into the novel from the exact chapter references used to build this glossary page.