Chapter 22 Summary and Analysis – Immortal

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

A week passes as Liyen balances court duties, training with the God of War, and late-night study. Though exhausted, she finds herself drawn to Zhangwei, learning combat and magic. She questions her own worthiness for the throne. During a training session on a river rock, Zhangwei tests her balance. When a fly distracts her, she falls into the water. Pretending to drown, Zhangwei tricks her into a rescue, then kisses her under the water. They surface, and Liyen rejects him, citing her engagement to Chengyin and the immortal-mortal divide. Zhangwei argues but ultimately accepts. As they part, strange magic and unfamiliar birds approach Kunlun, hinting at an unknown threat.

Key Events

Liyen juggles morning court, afternoon training with Zhangwei, and evening work on state affairs, feeling inadequate despite her efforts.
Zhangwei teaches Liyen about magical Talents (Air, Water, Fire, Earth, Life, Mind) and the link between environment and magic.
Liyen shares her fear of being unworthy of the throne; Zhangwei assures her that wanting to be worthy makes her worthy.
A full day of training on a river rock tests Liyen’s balance and focus; she falls into the water after being distracted by a fly.
Zhangwei pretends to drown, luring Liyen to rescue him; he catches her and kisses her passionately underwater.
The kiss breaks Liyen’s emotional barriers; she pushes him away on the bank, refusing his advances because of her engagement and the impending mortality gap.
Zhangwei insists she doesn’t love Chengyin, and Liyen retorts that he knows nothing about their bond; she labels Zhangwei’s actions as a potential scheme for the Divine Pearl Lotus.
Zhangwei angrily denies any trick; his shield suddenly drops as strange magic and flocks of orange-crested birds approach from the direction of Kunlun.
Zhangwei reveals he has never sensed magic like this before; an unknown someone is coming toward them.

Character Development

Liyen: Her physical and emotional vulnerability deepens. She acknowledges her attraction to Zhangwei yet clings to her duty as Lady of Tianxia. Her fear of being a fleeting mortal love drives her rejection. The chapter shows her growth in combat skill but also her internal conflict between desire and responsibility.
Zhangwei (God of War): He reveals a patient teacher and a man capable of deep emotion. His pretended drowning trick demonstrates both playfulness and a calculated desire to break Liyen’s walls. His anger at her accusation of trickery highlights his genuine feelings and his own vulnerability.
Chengyin (mentioned): Referred to as Liyen’s fiancé, but their bond is asserted as deep. The chapter does not feature him present.
Yifei: Minor appearance as Liyen’s servant who brings breakfast.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The River as Boundary and Test: The river training symbolizes the edge between control and surrender. Balancing on the rock represents Liyen’s attempt to maintain emotional and political stability; falling into the water signifies her loss of restraint.
Immortal–Mortal Divide: The central obstacle in Liyen and Zhangwei’s relationship. Liyen’s speech about aging while he remains unchanged underscores the theme of unequal lifespans.
Magic and Elemental Knowledge: The discussion of Talents links each character’s homeland to their proficiency, reflecting how environment shapes power—a motif that will likely recur.
Trickery vs. Truth: Zhangwei’s feigned drowning mirrors earlier deceit in their relationship. Liyen’s accusation forces him to defend his sincerity, reinforcing the theme of trust.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 22 is a turning point in the emotional arc between Liyen and Zhangwei. Their underwater kiss dissolves the last of Liyen’s pretense, yet her subsequent rejection sets a clear boundary. The chapter also advances the plot by introducing an unknown magical presence approaching Kunlun, escalating the danger and foreshadowing a shift in the story’s conflict. Liyen’s growth as a warrior is demonstrated, and her motivation to protect her kingdom is reaffirmed, making her eventual choices more consequential.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Liyen reject Zhangwei’s romantic advance despite clearly feeling attracted to him?
Answer: Liyen cites her engagement to Chengyin, the immortal-mortal lifespan gap (she will age while he remains unchanged), and her duty as Lady of Tianxia. She fears being a temporary love in Zhangwei’s long life and refuses to risk her kingdom for a reckless affair.
What does Zhangwei’s pretended drowning reveal about his character and his strategy toward Liyen?
Answer: Zhangwei’s trick shows his willingness to use deception to break down Liyen’s emotional walls, but his anger at being accused of a scheme reveals that his feelings are genuine. The act is both playful and calculated, aiming to create a shared vulnerability that might lead to intimacy.
What new threat is introduced at the end of the chapter, and how does it affect the immediate situation?
Answer: Strange magic and flocks of unfamiliar birds (pale feathers, orange crests) approach Kunlun. Zhangwei drops his protective shield and admits he has never felt magic like this before. The unknown arrival threatens the safety of both Liyen and Zhangwei, as they do not know whether the being is hostile or aware of Zhangwei’s presence.