Definition
A great power of the Three Realms, often associated with the Black Tortoise, one of the Four Symbols of Chinese constellations. He is a master of water and defensive mysteries.
Xuanwu the Grand Emperor
A great power of the Three Realms, often associated with the Black Tortoise, one of the Four Symbols of Chinese constellations. He is a master of water and defensive mysteries.
Story context
Well, fellow Daoists, the moment of truth has arrived. Crimsonbright Daofather has spoken, and the name he chose wasn’t Ji Ning. Ouch. That one stings. After all that build-up—the perfect score, the unstoppable sword-intent, the overwhelming victories—our protagonist gets passed over for the quiet, humble boy with the strange vitality. This chapter is a masterclass in how the Xianxia world’s most brutal lottery works. Talent and achievement matter, sure, but the whims of a being who has lived for countless Chaos Cycles matter more. The Xia Emperor masterfully teases the reveal, and when it lands, the emotional ripple effect across the hall is palpable. Ji Ning doesn’t crumble, though. He takes the hit, recovers in the span of a breath, and immediately congratulates the winner. That’s the Dao-heart of a monster, right there. And just when you think the bad news is over, we learn that even the slovenly man—the Black-White College’s own eccentric—has been secretly claimed by Xuanwu the Grand Emperor. The game board of the Three Realms keeps getting more interesting.
Why it matters
This is the chapter where the story reminds us that Ji Ning is still climbing, not already at the top. If you expected a clean, easy path to absolute power, this is a healthy dose of reality. But this is also a crucial character-defining moment. Watch how Ji Ning handles this loss. His composure, his quick recovery, and his immediate shift to practical planning (asking about the slovenly man’s identity) shows a maturity beyond his cultivation years. The setup for the next few chapters is also clear: Ji Ning needs a new master. With the promise of a Pure Yang True Immortal as a teacher, his growth isn’t stunted—it’s just taking a different, arguably more interesting, path. The dual revelations of this chapter (Woodpass and the slovenly man) set the stage for the Black-White College to become a powerhouse nursery, producing geniuses for the upper echelons of the Three Realms. Buckle up.
Quick facts
Source novel
Desolate Era
First appearance
The Daofather's Choice
Chapter references
1
Type hints
Ji Ning loses, Mu Northson becomes Daofather disciple, Crimsonbright Daofather
Guide tags
Xianxia, Progression Fantasy, Tournament Arc
Appears in chapters
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