Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze faces a new type of creature, neither monsters nor shadow figures, with unknown origin and purpose.
• His clones, empowered by the Five Elements Spiritual Art, repel the creatures' attacks using various spells.
• The creatures' cries interfere with the clones' actions and thoughts, and their fusion creates a powerful entity.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates strategic thinking and caution, not underestimating the creatures despite his clones' initial success.
• The clones show unity, determination, and vigilance in the face of the creatures' change in behavior.

Significant Themes

• Power and Strength: The creatures' fusion results in a significant power increase, challenging Chen Ze and his clones.
• Adaptability: Chen Ze and his clones must adapt to the creatures' changing tactics and increasing strength.
• Caution and Vigilance: Despite initial success, Chen Ze remains cautious, highlighting the importance of vigilance in the face of uncertainty.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze communicates with his clones, providing guidance and encouragement, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
• The clones respond to Chen Ze's commands, demonstrating their trust in his leadership and their ability to work together effectively.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A powerful, fused Strange Creature threatens Chen Ze's clones, who struggle to maintain their spiritual power shields.
• Chen Ze summons 200 more clones from the Myriad Things Space to reinforce the defense.
• Chen Ze realizes the need for more clones to counter the creature's defenses and decides to redeem 1,000 more, consuming 852.95 million Points.
• Chen Ze visits the Beast Taming Garden, recruits the Jade Green Lion and other Sixth-order Monsters to aid his clones.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates strategic thinking and decisiveness in responding to the crisis.
• The clones show resilience and determination in facing overwhelming odds.
• The Jade Green Lion exhibits eagerness and loyalty in responding to Chen Ze's call for battle.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Persistence: The clones continue to fight despite the odds, and Chen Ze persists in finding solutions to counter the Strange Creature.
• Resource Management: Chen Ze's decision to redeem more clones highlights the importance of managing resources (in this case, Points) to overcome challenges.
• Loyalty and Trust: The Jade Green Lion's immediate response to Chen Ze's call underscores the bond between them.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and the clones: Chen Ze assesses the situation, makes decisions, and supports his clones, while they trust and follow his lead.
• Chen Ze and the Jade Green Lion: The Lion shows eagerness to fight alongside Chen Ze, demonstrating their strong bond and shared fighting spirit.
• The clones among themselves: They support each other, maintaining their defensive line despite the intense pressure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze's Jade Green Lion leads an army of Sixth-order Monsters and clones against the Strange Creature.
• The Monsters and clones use various elemental attacks (wind, fire, lightning, earth), but the Strange Creature's black scales deflect most damage.
• Chen Ze summons another thousand clones to reinforce the battle.
• Chen Ze sets up a Seventh-grade Nine Heavens Wind and Thunder Formation to suppress the Strange Creature.
• The combined assault of clones, Monsters, and the formation gradually weakens the Strange Creature.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness, using his clones and formations effectively.
• The Jade Green Lion shows exceptional agility and coordination with other Monsters.
• The Strange Creature reveals increased resilience and power after fusion, surviving intense attacks.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and Coordination: The clones, Monsters, and Chen Ze work together to overcome the Strange Creature's power.
• Adaptation and Persistence: Despite facing a formidable foe, Chen Ze adapts his strategy and persists in the battle.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and the Jade Green Lion coordinate their attacks, with the Lion focusing on disrupting the Strange Creature's movements.
• The Monsters and clones support each other, creating opportunities for stronger attacks.
• Chen Ze encourages his clones and Monsters, boosting their morale and attack intensity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Strange Creature's power surges, shedding scales that transform into a black energy vortex, hinting at another transformation or a more powerful attack.
• Chen Ze orders his monsters to retreat, as they can't be revived if killed.
• The Strange Creature transforms again, becoming even more powerful and unleashing a devastating black energy beam that decimates clones and injures monsters.
• Chen Ze attempts to stack formations (Nine Heavens Wind and Thunder, Hua Ling Seal) to restrain the Strange Creature, with limited success.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze shows concern for his monsters' safety and demonstrates strategic thinking in deploying formations.
• The Jade Green Lion and other monsters display loyalty and determination to fight for Chen Ze but ultimately retreat upon Chen Ze's orders.

Significant Themes

• The relentless power growth of the Strange Creature, challenging Chen Ze's abilities and resources.
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in the face of overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze interacts with the Jade Green Lion, showing concern for its safety and ordering it to retreat.
• The Jade Green Lion and other monsters show loyalty and determination to fight for Chen Ze but ultimately follow his orders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze considers exchanging for more clones to fight the powerful strange creature but realizes it's not a long-term solution.
• The strange creature attacks with relentless black beams, destroying many of Chen Ze's clones.
• Chen Ze remembers he has ninth-grade talismans in his Myriad Things Shop, which could potentially kill the strange creature.
• Chen Ze exchanges for various ninth-grade attack talismans and uses them against the strange creature, including Chaos Thunder Punishment, Blazing Sun Burning Heaven, and Mysterious Ice Destruction talismans.
• Despite the powerful talisman attacks, the strange creature remains resilient and continues to fight.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates strategic thinking by considering long-term solutions rather than immediate fixes.
• He shows determination and confidence in his abilities, ordering his clones to retreat and facing the strange creature alone.
• Chen Ze's resourcefulness is highlighted as he remembers and uses his ninth-grade talismans as a powerful weapon.

Significant Themes

• The theme of preparation and forethought is emphasized as Chen Ze's usual style is to fight unprepared, but he uses his talismans strategically in this battle.
• The power of ninth-grade talismans is showcased, equated to the strength of a Great Ascension Realm cultivator.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze interacts with his clones, ordering them to retreat and leave the battle to him.
• There's a clear antagonistic interaction between Chen Ze and the strange creature, with Chen Ze determined to kill it and the creature refusing to yield.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze defeats the Strange Creature using Ninth-grade Talismans after a fierce battle.
• Chen Ze passes the trial of the first level and finds an entrance to the next level.
• He enters the second level, which is a dim and quiet space with an unknown source of light.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates his strategic thinking and calmness under pressure, using talismans wisely.
• Chen Ze's clones show loyalty and determination, buying time for Chen Ze to prepare his counterattack.
• Wu Xu shows concern for Chen Ze's safety and the sect's well-being, despite his initial reluctance to enter the Secret Realm.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and strategic thinking in overcoming challenges.
• The power of unity and teamwork, as seen in Chen Ze's clones working together to buy time.
• The theme of responsibility and duty, as seen in Wu Xu's concern for the sect and his decision to check on the Secret Realm.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze interacts with his clones, showing concern for their well-being and acknowledging their contributions.
• Wu Xu interacts with Fu Min, showing embarrassment at being caught disobeying his own orders and concern for the sect's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Many disciples from Wu Xu's sect have disappeared inexplicably.
• Wu Xu suspects other forces might be involved.
• He orders a detailed search and sends people to scout other forces' movements.
• Chen Ze, in the Secret Realm's tower, encounters the mysterious old man who had initially refused to enter.

Character Developments

• Wu Xu: Shows concern for his sect's safety and is suspicious of other forces' involvement in the disappearances.
• Fu Min: Demonstrates loyalty and caution in handling the situation.
• Chen Ze: Shows courage and determination in facing the mysterious old man.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and mistrust among different forces.
• The mysterious old man's true intentions and his connection to the Secret Realm.

Character Interactions

• Wu Xu and Fu Min: Wu Xu entrusts Fu Min with the investigation, showing trust in his abilities.
• Chen Ze and the mysterious old man: Chen Ze stands his ground against the old man, showing no fear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze provokes the mysterious old man, who responds with powerful Spiritual Power attacks.
• Chen Ze uses a Ninth-grade Talisman to defend against the old man's attacks, remaining unharmed.
• The old man unleashes a barrage of Spells, sending Chen Ze flying but causing no significant damage.
• Chen Ze allows the old man to attack, conserving his strength and Ninth-grade Talismans.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates confidence and provokes the old man to test his strength and intentions.
• The old man shows surprise at Chen Ze's ability to withstand his attacks and uses this as an opportunity to probe Chen Ze's identity and purpose.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and provocation: Chen Ze uses his strength and confidence to taunt the old man, attempting to gain the upper hand.
• Resource management: Chen Ze conserves his Ninth-grade Talismans, understanding their value and the need to use them judiciously.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and the old man engage in a battle of wills, with Chen Ze provoking the old man to attack while he defends and conserves his strength.
• The old man becomes increasingly curious and suspicious about Chen Ze's identity and purpose, leading him to question Chen Ze directly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze appears before the Mysterious Old Man, who guards a tower filled with secrets and dangers.
• The old man attacks Chen Ze, who remains unfazed and questions the old man's motives.
• Chen Ze learns the tower is an Ancient Ruin, containing immense power and fatal dangers.
• The Mysterious Old Man warns Chen Ze about the tower's perils and offers to spare his life if he leaves.
• Chen Ze refuses to leave, insisting on uncovering the tower's secrets.
• The Mysterious Old Man reveals his intention to keep Chen Ze in the tower forever as a sacrifice.
• He unleashes a powerful attack using ancient runes, similar to those Chen Ze has encountered before.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates courage, curiosity, and determination in the face of danger, showing no signs of backing down.
• The Mysterious Old Man reveals his protective and secretive nature regarding the tower's mysteries, hinting at a hidden purpose.

Significant Themes

• The theme of curiosity and its consequences is explored as Chen Ze's desire to uncover the tower's secrets drives the plot.
• The power of ancient artifacts and their potential dangers are highlighted.
• The theme of trust and deception is present as Chen Ze tries to persuade the old man to reveal the truth, while the old man remains suspicious of Chen Ze's intentions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and the Mysterious Old Man engage in a tense standoff, with Chen Ze trying to provoke the old man into revealing more about the tower.
• Their interaction is marked by mutual distrust and hostility, with the old man viewing Chen Ze as a threat and Chen Ze trying to expose the old man's secrets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze's clones, previously exhausted, fully recover and emerge from the Clone Resting Room.
• Chen Ze activates his clones and sets up two Seventh-grade Formations: the Hua Ling Seal Formation and the Nine Heavens Wind and Thunder Formation, trapping and weakening the mysterious old man.
• The old man is shocked and tries to break free, but Chen Ze's clones attack him in unison, forcing him to divide his attention.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates his strategic prowess and resourcefulness by using formations and clones in combination to counter the old man's Spiritual Power.
• The mysterious old man shows surprise and unease, realizing that he has underestimated Chen Ze and lost control of the situation.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The old man's confidence wanes as Chen Ze's true strength is revealed, shifting the power balance between them.
• Adaptability: Chen Ze's ability to adapt and use his resources strategically is highlighted, contrasting with the old man's initial overconfidence.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and the old man engage in a battle of wits and power, with Chen Ze taunting the old man to provoke a reaction and gain more information.
• Chen Ze's clones work together seamlessly, demonstrating their coordination and reinforcing Chen Ze's overall strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mysterious Old Man faces a large number of Chen Ze's clones, feeling strained despite his high cultivation.
• He uses a powerful defense, reflecting the clones' attacks, and then employs a secret technique, a black mist, to corrode the clones and formations.
• Chen Ze's clones adapt to the mist and continue their assault, wearing down the old man.
• The old man uses vital blood to boost his power, pushing back the clones, but they quickly regroup.
• The old man notices familiar faces among the clones, causing him to question Chen Ze about their presence.

Character Developments

• The Mysterious Old Man shows his power and desperation, using vital blood to boost his strength.
• Chen Ze demonstrates his strategic thinking, using formations and clones to wear down the old man.

Significant Themes

• The power of numbers and persistence (clones wearing down the old man).
• The desperation and resourcefulness of a cornered opponent (the old man using vital blood).

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and the old man's battle continues, with neither gaining a clear upper hand.
• The old man's confusion and anger at seeing familiar faces among the clones hints at a past connection with them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze uses his clones to surround and attack the Mysterious Old Man, who retaliates with powerful blood mist attacks and a black vortex.
• Chen Ze uses a Ninth-grade Talisman to dispel the vortex, but the old man reveals a final, devastating attack using blood-colored runes, exploiting the clones' vulnerability after the Invincible Golden Body's effect ends.
• Chen Ze steps in to protect his clones using a Ninth-grade Talisman's shield, then launches a counterattack using multiple Ninth-grade Talismans.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness, using his clones effectively and deploying Ninth-grade Talismans judiciously.
• The Mysterious Old Man reveals his true power and cunning, using a hidden attack to turn the tide of battle.

Significant Themes

• The chasm between cultivation realms: The gap between Body Integration and Spirit Severing realms is vast and nearly insurmountable, as seen in the clones' struggle against the old man.
• Resource management: Chen Ze's use of Ninth-grade Talismans highlights the importance of conserving and deploying resources wisely in critical situations.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and his clones work together, demonstrating a sense of unity and mutual protection.
• The Mysterious Old Man's interactions with Chen Ze show his growing frustration and desperation as Chen Ze continually adapts and counterattacks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze uses three Ninth-grade Talismans (Flame, Frost, Geng Metal) to attack the Mysterious Old Man, who defends with a blood mist barrier.
• The old man is injured but counters with a powerful, forbidden energy from the tower's depths.
• Before the attack can be unleashed, a mysterious power from the tower's core intervenes, stopping the old man and sending him crashing into the wall.
• An ancient voice, the Tower Spirit, reveals itself, warning them about the tower's instability and the consequences of their conflict.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates his resolve and strategic thinking, using Ninth-grade Talismans and commanding his clones effectively.
• The Mysterious Old Man shows desperation and a willingness to self-destruct to achieve his goals.
• The Tower Spirit is revealed to be an ancient, majestic entity with the power to intervene in the conflict.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: The characters' use of powerful forces (Ninth-grade Talismans, forbidden energy) leads to potential destruction of the tower.
• Greed and desperation: The Mysterious Old Man's desire for the tower's secrets drives him to the brink of self-destruction.
• Ancient power and wisdom: The Tower Spirit represents an ancient, wise force that can intervene in current events.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and the Mysterious Old Man engage in a tense standoff, with Chen Ze provoking the old man and the old man threatening Chen Ze.
• The Tower Spirit intervenes, warning both parties and showing disapproval of their actions.
• The Mysterious Old Man expresses anger and disbelief at the Tower Spirit's intervention, showing a breakdown in their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Tower Spirit intervenes, chastising the Mysterious Old Man for his impure intentions and lack of respect for the tower's purpose.
• Chen Ze and the Mysterious Old Man learn that the tower contains a powerful inheritance, obtainable only by passing rigorous trials.
• The Mysterious Old Man reveals he's been trapped in the tower for countless years, unable to reach the final level and obtain the inheritance.
• The Tower Spirit reveals that the trial for the current level tests one's inner obsessions and courage, resisting temptation and maintaining one's original heart.
• The Mysterious Old Man is enraged upon learning he was merely a part of the trial and that Chen Ze now has the chance to pass the final trial.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze: Realizes the gravity of the situation and the power of the Tower Spirit. He decides to follow the Tower Spirit's instructions to avoid causing further damage.
• Mysterious Old Man: Becomes increasingly desperate and enraged as he realizes his years of effort may have been in vain. His obsession with the tower's inheritance is further emphasized.

Significant Themes

• Greed and Obsession: Both the Mysterious Old Man and Chen Ze are drawn into the tower by their desire for power, but the Mysterious Old Man's obsession has consumed him.
• Purpose and Intentions: The Tower Spirit emphasizes the importance of pure intentions and respect for the tower's purpose, contrasting with the Mysterious Old Man's selfish desires.
• Cause and Effect: The Tower Spirit suggests that the Mysterious Old Man's experiences in the tower have been a process of self-tempering, with consequences stemming from his actions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and the Mysterious Old Man: Their conflict deepens as the Mysterious Old Man becomes increasingly desperate and enraged, while Chen Ze remains determined to complete the trials.
• Chen Ze and the Tower Spirit: Chen Ze shows respect and deference to the Tower Spirit, understanding that it holds the key to the tower's secrets and trials.
• Mysterious Old Man and the Tower Spirit: The Mysterious Old Man's frustration and anger towards the Tower Spirit grow as he feels manipulated and disrespected.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze and the Mysterious Old Man are informed by the Tower Spirit that they must next face an illusory realm where they will confront their deepest desires and fears.
• Chen Ze expresses confidence in his ability to overcome the illusions, but the Tower Spirit warns him about the extraordinary nature of the illusions.
• Chen Ze and the Mysterious Old Man enter the illusion realm, but Chen Ze's clones do not follow. Chen Ze decides to have his clones return to the Myriad Things Space to recover.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze remains confident and determined, even when facing the unknown challenges of the illusion realm.
• The Mysterious Old Man expresses doubt and disdain towards Chen Ze's abilities, showing his competitive nature and desire to outdo Chen Ze.

Significant Themes

• Confronting Oneself: The illusions in the realm are based on the characters' deepest desires and fears, forcing them to confront their inner selves.
• Confidence vs. Caution: Chen Ze's confidence in his abilities is challenged by the Tower Spirit's warning, raising questions about overconfidence and the need for caution.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze vs. Mysterious Old Man: The two characters continue to engage in a rivalry, with the Mysterious Old Man trying to undermine Chen Ze's confidence and Chen Ze ignoring the old man's taunts.
• Chen Ze and the Tower Spirit: Chen Ze seeks information and guidance from the Tower Spirit, showing respect and a willingness to learn. The Tower Spirit, in turn, provides helpful advice and warnings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Mysterious Old Man enters an illusion that takes him through his life's regrets.
• He revisits his past love, her death, and the sect's destruction.
• He recalls missing an opportunity to become a disciple of a powerful cultivator.
• He experiences a humiliating defeat in a martial arts competition.
• He returns to his childhood village, recalling happier times.

Character Developments

• The Old Man's past is revealed, showing his love, loss, pride, and regret.
• His pride and stubbornness led to missed opportunities and failures.
• His experiences have left him with self-doubt, dejection, and resentment.

Significant Themes

• Regret and its consequences.
• The importance of seizing opportunities.
• The contrast between past happiness and present sorrow.
• The impact of pride and stubbornness on one's life.

Character Interactions

• The Old Man interacts with his past self, his love interest, and his friends.
• His relationships are marked by love, loss, and missed opportunities.
• His interactions with his past self highlight his regrets and self-blame.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The story begins with a man reminiscing about his childhood in a snowy village, filled with joy and innocence.
• He recalls springtime activities like sowing seeds and wearing flower crowns, symbolizing growth and life.
• The idyllic life is disrupted by a sudden attack on the village by evil cultivators, leading to the death of his family and friends.
• Driven by anger and hatred, he embarks on a journey to become strong and avenge them, facing numerous challenges and setbacks.
• Despite achieving great success in cultivation, he cannot find the culprits and is left with unvented hatred and self-blame.
• The man is now trapped in an illusion, reliving his past, and struggling to find a path to liberation.

Character Developments

• The protagonist transitions from an innocent child to a driven cultivator seeking revenge, and finally to a tormented individual trapped in his past.
• His heart, once filled with joy and hope, becomes burdened with anger, hatred, and regret.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the loss of innocence.
• The consequences of obsession and unaddressed emotions.
• The struggle between reality and illusion.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with his family, friends, and fellow villagers, forming strong bonds that are later shattered by the tragedy.
• His interactions with the old folks in the village expose him to ancient stories and mysteries, sparking his curiosity and longing for the unknown.
• The evil cultivators' attack leads to a complete change in his life path, driving him towards a pursuit of power and revenge.

Brief Reference

• The chapter is a flashback to the protagonist's past, detailing his idyllic childhood, the tragic event that changed his life, and his subsequent journey driven by revenge.
• The story explores themes of loss of innocence, the consequences of obsession, and the struggle between reality and illusion.
• The protagonist's character develops from an innocent child to a tormented individual, burdened by past regrets and unaddressed emotions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze faces an illusion of his best friend, who died in his previous life.
• The illusion tries to trick Chen Ze into believing it's real, using their shared memories.
• Chen Ze struggles but ultimately resists the illusion, using the power of the Heavenly Eye to break free.
• He returns to the tower, having passed the Illusion trial, and reflects on the Tower Spirit's capabilities.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates resilience and determination in resisting the illusion.
• Chen Ze's past is revealed, showing his deep bond with his best friend.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between reality and illusion.
• The power of memory and its influence on one's psyche.
• The theme of loss and moving on.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze interacts with the illusion of his best friend, who tries to manipulate his emotions.
• Chen Ze's internal struggle is depicted, showcasing his mental fortitude.
• The Tower Spirit observes Chen Ze's trial, expressing relief and approval upon his success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ze completes the illusion trial and learns it reflects his inner emotions and obsessions.
• He learns about the next trial's risks and opportunities from the Tower Spirit.
• Chen Ze enters a portal and finds himself in a hall with a statue and an ancient book containing the tower's runes.
• Upon touching the book, he receives a flood of information about the runes, allowing him to understand and manipulate them.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze gains confidence in his ability to understand and use the tower's runes after studying the ancient book.
• The Mysterious Old Man is not mentioned to have passed the illusion trial yet, but he can still participate in the final trial.

Significant Themes

• Self-discovery and understanding one's inner emotions and obsessions.
• The coexistence of risks and opportunities in facing challenges.
• The power of knowledge and understanding in overcoming obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze interacts with the Tower Spirit, asking about the next trial and the Mysterious Old Man's status.
• Chen Ze's thoughts reveal his curiosity and eagerness to face the Mysterious Old Man again, indicating a growing confidence in his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The hall starts shaking violently, and the statue awakens, emitting a powerful ancient aura.
• Chen Ze decides not to summon his clones due to their weakened state and the statue's immense pressure.
• The Mysterious Old Man arrives, having passed the illusion trial.
• The statue roars and raises its arm, threatening both Chen Ze and the Mysterious Old Man.
• The Mysterious Old Man warns Chen Ze to hand over what he's obtained, but Chen Ze refuses.
• The statue's pressure intensifies, forcing both to focus on it instead of their rivalry.

Character Developments

• Chen Ze demonstrates caution and strategic thinking, deciding not to summon his clones prematurely.
• The Mysterious Old Man shows confidence in his abilities and knowledge of the tower, planning to take the inheritance by force if necessary.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient artifacts and the danger they pose.
• The tension between Chen Ze and the Mysterious Old Man, with both aiming for the tower's inheritance.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ze and the Mysterious Old Man face off, with the Mysterious Old Man demanding Chen Ze hand over what he's obtained.
• Both characters must now focus on the statue's threat, putting their rivalry on hold.