Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen descends into a deep pit, drawn by a powerful force.
• He discovers a vast cavern containing a pool of Seven-Colored Origin Flow, a legendary creation energy.
• The Myriad Dao Furnace in Lin Chen's Dantian reacts violently, desiring to devour the Origin Flow.
• The Origin Flow pool attacks Lin Chen with seven-colored liquid pillars.
• Lin Chen uses the Myriad Dao Furnace to devour the Origin Flow, causing his cultivation to advance rapidly.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates resilience and quick thinking in the face of danger.
• The Myriad Dao Furnace reveals its immense power and appetite for energy.

Significant Themes

• The allure and danger of immense power, represented by the Seven-Colored Origin Flow.
• The struggle between control and desire, as seen in Lin Chen's attempt to manage the Myriad Dao Furnace's hunger.

Character Interactions

• While there are no interactions with other characters in this chapter, the Myriad Dao Furnace can be considered an interactive entity, responding to Lin Chen's will and the presence of the Origin Flow.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen's consciousness drifts in an energy ocean while his body undergoes transformation.
• He breaks through to the Seventh Level of Divine Ability Realm under the influence of the Seven-Colored Origin Flow and the Myriad Dao Furnace's refinement.
• His physical body and Divine Soul undergo significant changes, with his Divine Soul condensing into a Soul Condensation Form with a Dao Seal.
• The Seven-Colored Origin Flow pool's remaining energy decreases, and the Myriad Dao Furnace stabilizes its absorption.
• The underground cavern suddenly shakes, and a powerful aura awakens from the Seven-Colored Origin Flow pool's bottom.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen's cultivation level increases, and he gains better control over his Myriad Dao Furnace.
• His Divine Soul evolves into a Soul Condensation Form, enhancing his Divine Soul abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Seven-Colored Origin Flow and its transformative effects on Lin Chen.
• The significance of the Seventh Level of Divine Ability Realm and the Soul Condensation Form.
• The potential danger from the awakening power in the Seven-Colored Origin Flow pool.

Character Interactions

• No significant interactions with other characters in this chapter, as Lin Chen is alone in the underground cavern.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An ancient, terrifying beast awakens in the Seven-Colored Origin Flow pool, reacting to Lin Chen's absorption of the origin power.
• The beast seals all exits, preventing Lin Chen from escaping.
• Lin Chen prepares to fight but senses a connection between the beast and his Myriad Dao Furnace.
• The beast agrees to let Lin Chen take half of the origin power but imposes a condition: Lin Chen must help anyone who arrives with an "Origin Dragon Token" to the best of his ability.
• After Lin Chen agrees, the beast seals the area and leaves, allowing Lin Chen to collect the origin power and depart.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates his resolve and caution, initially planning to escape but later accepting the beast's condition to gain the origin power.
• The ancient beast shows a complex reaction to the Myriad Dao Furnace, ultimately deciding not to kill Lin Chen due to this connection.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient beings and their connection to primal forces.
• The consequences of taking power that doesn't belong to one, in this case, the "karma" of helping the Origin Dragon Token holder.
• The importance of caution and assessment in the face of overwhelming power.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen interacts with the ancient beast, initially facing off against it but later communicating and making a deal.
• The Myriad Dao Furnace, though not physically present, plays a significant role in the beast's decision-making process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen successfully absorbs half of the Seven-Colored Origin Flow, as permitted by the Ancient Beast.
• He leaves the cavern after an hour, exiting the Seven-Colored Deep Pit.
• Outside the pit, trial participants have been waiting impatiently for a day and night, growing restless and jealous of Lin Chen's opportunity.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates his ability to control and benefit from the Myriad Dao Furnace, absorbing a massive amount of Origin Flow.
• He shows maturity and caution in handling the Ancient Beast and the Origin Flow, understanding the consequences of his actions.
• Other trial participants, like Shi Tai, Chu Yun Fei, Zhan Tai Ming Yue, Xiao Yi Feng, and Lei Qian Jun, reveal their impatience and eagerness to challenge Lin Chen upon his exit.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity and Consequence: Lin Chen gains a significant opportunity but understands the corresponding karma he must bear.
• Jealousy and Competition: Other trial participants' envy and desire to challenge Lin Chen highlight the competitive nature of the trial.
• Caution and Cunning: Lin Chen's careful approach to the Ancient Beast and the Origin Flow showcases his strategic thinking.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen's interaction with the Ancient Beast reveals his courage and respect for powerful entities.
• Outside the pit, trial participants' interactions with each other and with Lin Chen hint at the brewing conflict and tension among them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen's return from the deep pit stirs anticipation and greed among the gathered cultivators.
• Chu Yun Fei and Shi Tai demand to know what treasures Lin Chen found, threatening him.
• Shi Tai attacks Lin Chen, but he easily defeats Shi Tai with a single finger, injuring him severely.
• Lin Chen asserts his dominance, deterring others from challenging him.
• Xiao Yi Feng approaches Lin Chen, proposing they join forces for the remaining trial.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates immense growth in strength, establishing himself as a formidable opponent.
• Shi Tai's defeat serves as a warning to others, highlighting Lin Chen's power.
• Xiao Yi Feng reveals a more strategic side, seeking an alliance with Lin Chen.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Lin Chen's display of strength shifts the power balance, intimidating others.
• Greed and Covetousness: The cultivators' desire for Lin Chen's potential treasures leads to conflict.
• Alliances and Rivalries: Xiao Yi Feng's proposal hints at the complex relationships among the cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen vs. Shi Tai: Lin Chen's overwhelming victory highlights his power and Shi Tai's underestimation of him.
• Lin Chen vs. Xiao Yi Feng: Xiao Yi Feng's proposal for an alliance shows respect for Lin Chen's strength and a desire to cooperate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yi Feng, a Tai Yi Sect disciple, approaches Lin Chen, proposing an alliance for the final stages of the trial.
• Xiao Yi Feng warns of hidden powerhouses and potential changes at the final destination.
• Lin Chen agrees to consider cooperation if their goals align.
• Zhan Tai Ming Yue and Lei Qian Jun, other powerful participants, express caution about Xiao Yi Feng.
• Lin Chen decides to refine his absorbed energy and prepare for the final destination.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen shows political acumen by neither accepting nor rejecting Xiao Yi Feng's alliance, keeping his options open.
• Xiao Yi Feng displays sharp intelligence and strategic thinking, attempting to sway Lin Chen to his side.
• Zhan Tai Ming Yue shows concern for Lin Chen's safety, hinting at potential future interactions.
• Lei Qian Jun demonstrates his straightforward and confident nature, looking forward to a fight with Lin Chen.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and Trust: The chapter explores the dynamics of alliances in a competitive environment, with characters weighing the benefits and risks of cooperation.
• Uncertainty and Preparation: The final stages of the trial are presented as uncertain and potentially dangerous, requiring characters to prepare and adapt.
• Strength and Cunning: The chapter highlights the importance of both physical strength and strategic cunning in achieving success.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Xiao Yi Feng engage in a subtle power play, each trying to gauge the other's intentions.
• Lin Chen, Zhan Tai Ming Yue, and Lei Qian Jun exchange warnings and farewells, acknowledging each other's strength and potential as rivals.
• Lin Chen's interactions with other participants highlight his growing reputation and influence in the trial.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen enters a hidden cave for closed-door cultivation to refine the immense energy of the Seven-Colored Origin Flow absorbed earlier.
• He sets up simple formations at the cave entrance for protection.
• Over two days, he steadily refines the energy, advancing his cultivation from the early to the peak middle stage of the Seventh Level of Divine Ability Realm.
• Meanwhile, the trial secret realm becomes increasingly intense as the trial's end nears. Ancient ruins and Heaven-Piercing Blood Pagoda appear, attracting participants. News spreads about the "Final Destination," the Tongtian Platform, where the Heaven-Piercing Token will be competed for.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen's cultivation improves significantly, and his physical body becomes stronger and more resilient due to the refinement of the Seven-Colored Origin Flow energy.
• Other trial participants, like Xiao Yi Feng, Zhan Tai Ming Yue, and Lei Qian Jun, demonstrate their prowess and gather followers or make waves in the secret realm.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Lin Chen's dedication to refining his energy and advancing his cultivation is a central theme.
• Competition and Ambition: The intense atmosphere in the trial secret realm highlights the competitive nature of the trial and the participants' ambitions.

Character Interactions

• Although Lin Chen is in secluded cultivation, the interactions among other trial participants are implied, showing alliances, rivalries, and individual actions towards the final goal of obtaining the Heaven-Piercing Token.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen heads towards the central area of the secret realm to reach the Tongtian Platform before it closes.
• He encounters two members of the Heavenly Wolf Alliance (late Sixth Level of Divine Ability Realm) who attempt to rob him.
• Lin Chen defeats them effortlessly, absorbing one's spiritual energy and killing the other.
• A mysterious ghost-masked figure appears after Lin Chen leaves, intrigued by his strength.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates his formidable combat skills, strong physique, and ability to absorb others' spiritual energy.
• The ghost-masked figure is introduced, hinting at his interest in Lin Chen and his knowledge of other powerful trial participants.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: Lin Chen's strength and prowess are emphasized, as he easily defeats higher-level opponents.
• Intrigue and Uncertainty: The ghost-masked figure's appearance adds an element of mystery and foreshadows potential future conflicts or alliances.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen interacts with the Heavenly Wolf Alliance members, showing no mercy in defeating them.
• The ghost-masked figure observes Lin Chen, indicating potential future interaction between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen and other top-tier geniuses reach the Tongtian Platform, where the Heaven-Piercing Tokens are located.
• The Tongtian Platform's activation reveals three Heaven-Piercing Tokens and three Dragon Gates, with only those who pass through a gate being qualified to touch the tokens.
• The ancient voice announces the final stage rules: no limits on life or death, no restrictions on methods, and failure means annihilation.
• A fierce battle for the Dragon Gates and Heaven-Piercing Tokens ensues.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen remains calm and composed, aware of the danger posed by the masked figure.
• Other geniuses like Xiao Yi Feng, Zhan Tai Ming Yue, Lei Qian Jun, and Wang Yue display their determination and ambition.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the Fittest: The final stage emphasizes strength and ruthlessness, with no room for mercy or alliances.
• Opportunity and Sacrifice: The Heaven-Piercing Tokens represent a once-in-a-lifetime chance, but obtaining one requires risking everything.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and the masked figure exchange a tense, silent standoff, foreshadowing a future confrontation.
• Other geniuses clash openly, each determined to secure a Heaven-Piercing Token for themselves.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen chooses the left Dragon Gate, a deep, dark vortex emitting a heart-stopping suction force and spewing black shadows with strong Soul Power.
• The area is chaotic with cultivators fighting each other and the shadows, trying to reach the gate.
• Lin Chen enters the fray, killing two cultivators with ease.
• Mo Jue, a demonic prodigy, attacks Lin Chen with a powerful demonic technique, but Lin Chen's Myriad Dao Furnace devours it, and he kills Mo Jue with a single punch.
• Lin Chen walks towards the Dragon Gate vortex, leaving a trail of defeated shadows and cultivators, then steps into the vortex.

Character Development

• Lin Chen demonstrates his formidable physical combat power and soul cultivation, instilling fear in his opponents.
• Mo Jue shows his prowess as a demonic prodigy but is ultimately no match for Lin Chen.

Significant Themes

• Cruelty of the Rules: The trial is a life-or-death struggle where only one can pass through the Dragon Gate.
• Power and Fear: Lin Chen's strength instills fear in his opponents, demonstrating the power dynamics at play.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen faces off against two cultivators initially, killing them with ease.
• He encounters Mo Jue, who attacks him with a powerful demonic technique, leading to a clash between their techniques.
• Other cultivators watch Lin Chen's progress with shock, awe, and fear, some trying to attack him but ultimately backing off.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen enters the Dragon Gate vortex and finds himself in a gray, hazy space with a bluestone path and illusions.
• He encounters and overcomes illusions based on his past (Qingyang City) and his worries (Liu Qingqing in danger).
• After breaking through several illusions, he reaches an ancient stone platform with the Heaven-Piercing Token and a gate of light.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen's Dao Heart becomes stronger and clearer with each illusion he breaks.
• He gains a deeper understanding of power and the Dao.
• His determination and resolve are reinforced.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Dao Heart and willpower in overcoming temptations and illusions.
• The importance of self-awareness and not being swayed by primal desires.
• The concept of trials as opportunities for growth.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen interacts with illusions of his past and worries, but no other characters are present.
• His inner dialogue and resolve are the primary interactions in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen faces the final trial before obtaining the Heaven-Piercing Token, the Dragon Soul Will.
• The trial involves a terrifying pressure and a dragon's roar targeting Lin Chen's Divine Soul.
• Lin Chen endures the trial, and his Divine Soul improves significantly after the baptism of the Dragon Soul Will.
• He successfully obtains the Heaven-Piercing Token and proceeds towards the gate of light.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates remarkable resilience, determination, and willpower in facing the Dragon Soul Will trial.
• His Divine Soul becomes more condensed, pure, and powerful after the trial.
• He shows respect and gratitude towards the senior who created the trial.

Significant Themes

• The power of will and determination in overcoming challenges.
• The importance of a stable and resilient Dao Heart.
• The benefits of trials and tribulations in improving one's cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Although there are no interactions with other characters in this chapter, Lin Chen's internal struggle and growth are highlighted.
• His silent conversation with the Dragon Soul Will and the senior who created the trial is notable.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen successfully emerges from the Dragon Gate Trial, becoming the first to do so.
• The Tongtian Platform's atmosphere freezes as cultivators react to Lin Chen's emergence.
• The Golden Sun Saint Son also emerges from the middle Dragon Gate, confirming he has a Heaven-Piercing Token.
• The final Dragon Gate dissipates without anyone emerging, leaving the third Heaven-Piercing Token unclaimed.
• The Tongtian Hall's entrance opens, signaling the end of the trial for those without a Heaven-Piercing Token.
• Lin Chen and the Golden Sun Saint Son approach the Tongtian Hall entrance together.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates his strength by surviving the Dragon Gate Trial and obtaining a Heaven-Piercing Token.
• The Golden Sun Saint Son proves himself as a formidable opponent by also obtaining a Heaven-Piercing Token.
• Xiao Yi Feng and Wang Yue show respect and wariness towards Lin Chen, acknowledging his strength.
• Other top geniuses like Li Xuan Dao and Su Mu Qing survive but haven't obtained a Heaven-Piercing Token.

Significant Themes

• Strength and survival: Only those who prove their strength and survive the trials can advance.
• Competition: The cultivators are in a constant state of competition, vying for the Heaven-Piercing Tokens.
• Uncertainty: The future and destination of the Heaven-Piercing Tokens remain uncertain, adding an element of mystery.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Xiao Yi Feng acknowledge each other, showing mutual respect and wariness.
• Lin Chen and Wang Yue exchange greetings, with Wang Yue showing admiration and helplessness towards Lin Chen's strength.
• Lin Chen and the Golden Sun Saint Son share a tense moment as they both approach the Tongtian Hall entrance, signaling an upcoming confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen and the Golden Sun Saint Son enter a strange, starlit realm through a portal in the Tongtian Hall.
• They find two ancient stone platforms with light masses above them: 'Source of Sharp Gold' (offensive power) and 'Essence of Wood Life' (Dao comprehension).
• An ancient voice explains the masses' benefits and sets a three-day time limit for comprehension.
• Both choose their respective masses and begin cultivation.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen: Strengthens his Soul Power and deepens his understanding of the Great Dao, particularly wood-elemental principles, enhancing his Myriad Dao Fusion Art.
• Golden Sun Saint Son: Refines his combat skills and divine abilities, advancing towards the late-stage Seventh Level of Divine Ability Realm.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of personal Dao and growth.
• Compatibility of cultivation methods with available resources.
• The passage of time and its impact on cultivation progress.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and the Golden Sun Saint Son choose their respective paths without interference, showing mutual respect for each other's choices.
• They exchange satisfied glances after their successful inheritances, acknowledging each other's progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen is teleported to Tianshu City, the unified reception point for the Top Trialists of the Hundred Cities in the Eastern Domain, using the Heaven-Piercing Token.
• He finds himself in a vast, grand plaza surrounded by majestic palaces, filled with dense Spiritual Qi that aids cultivation.
• Cultivators in green robes welcome them, register the Heaven-Piercing Tokens, and issue temporary identity jade tokens.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen realizes the significance of the Heaven-Piercing Token and the vastness of the Eastern Domain, igniting his fighting spirit and determination.
• He expresses a strong desire to find Liu Qingqing, showing his caring and responsible nature.

Significant Themes

• The theme of continuous growth and challenge is reinforced as Lin Chen enters a new stage with higher peaks to climb.
• The importance of personal connections and relationships is highlighted when Lin Chen thinks about finding Liu Qingqing.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen interacts with the cultivators in green robes, learning about Tianshu City and the Eastern Domain.
• He doesn't encounter any other trial winners or sect representatives yet, but the stage is set for future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen arrives in Tianshu City and stays at Yuelai Inn after finding it affordably priced.
• He visits the Myriad Treasures Pavilion to inquire about Liu Qingqing's whereabouts, providing details about her to the external affairs manager, Liu Ming, for a fee of 300 mid-grade spirit stones.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen: He shows determination in finding Liu Qingqing, despite the challenges and expenses involved. He also demonstrates resourcefulness, considering ways to earn money in Tianshu City.
• Liu Ming: The external affairs manager of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, he appears professional and knowledgeable about the vast network of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.

Significant Themes

• The immensity and complexity of Tianshu City, contrasting with Lin Chen's previous experiences in smaller cities.
• The vast disparity in wealth and cultivation levels among individuals in Tianshu City, highlighting the challenges Lin Chen faces.
• The importance of information and resources in the cultivation world, as Lin Chen struggles to find Liu Qingqing without adequate funds.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen interacts with the fat innkeeper and sharp waiter at Yuelai Inn, demonstrating his calm and collected demeanor despite his financial constraints.
• Lin Chen's interaction with the maid and Liu Ming at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion showcases his polite yet firm approach in seeking information, despite his lower status in Tianshu City.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen inquires about Liu Qingqing at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, but they find no record of her.
• Steward Liu mentions a group that entered the Eastern Profound Territory secretly three months ago, possibly including women, but their information is highly classified.
• Lin Chen sells some low-grade monster materials to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion for 1500 Low-grade Spirit Stones.
• Lin Chen decides to take on missions at the Tianshu Mercenary Guild to earn money.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen's determination to find Liu Qingqing remains strong, despite the lack of concrete information.
• He becomes more resourceful, selling monster materials to make ends meet.

Significant Themes

• The vastness and complexity of the world, making it difficult to find a single person.
• The struggle to survive and make a living in the Eastern Profound Territory, especially for those without powerful backing.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen interacts with Steward Liu of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, who provides him with the limited information they have about Liu Qingqing.
• Lin Chen observes the rough and tough mercenaries at the Tianshu Mercenary Guild, contemplating joining their ranks to earn money.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Chen enters the Tianshu City Mercenary Guild, aiming for B-grade tasks.
• He accepts an escort mission for the Flying Phoenix Merchant Team to Luoxia Town, led by Zhao Sanniang.
• On the third day, the merchant team is ambushed by bandits from Black Dragon Village.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen demonstrates confidence and calmness in his new role as a mercenary.
• Zhao Sanniang shows her experience and leadership as she senses danger and prepares her team for battle.

Significant Themes

• The harsh and dangerous nature of the martial world, as seen in the mercenary guild and the bandit ambush.
• The importance of reputation and trust in the martial world, as seen in Zhao Sanniang's caution towards Lin Chen.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Zhao Sanniang meet for the first time, with Zhao Sanniang expressing caution and Lin Chen showing confidence.
• The bandit leader from Black Dragon Village interacts with Zhao Sanniang, showing his arrogance and disrespect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Black Dragon Stronghold bandits attack the Flying Phoenix Merchant Team.
• Zhao Sanniang, the team leader, fights the bandit leader but can't gain the upper hand.
• Lin Chen observes, then swiftly kills two minor bandit leaders, causing the bandits to falter.
• The bandit leader attacks Lin Chen, who easily defeats and kills him, scattering the remaining bandits.
• The merchant team pursues the fleeing bandits, and Lin Chen is thanked by Zhao Sanniang.

Character Developments

• Zhao Sanniang shows her strength as a seventh-layer Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator but is shocked by Lin Chen's prowess.
• Lin Chen demonstrates his formidable combat skills, killing multiple enemies with ease, revealing his true strength.
• The hired mercenaries realize their underestimation of Lin Chen and are now wary of him.

Significant Themes

• The theme of strength and power, with Lin Chen's actions showing that strength commands respect and can change perceptions.
• The theme of appearances being deceptive, as Lin Chen's ordinary appearance belies his immense power.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Sanniang and Lin Chen's initial interactions show her scrutiny of him, which changes to respect and gratitude after seeing his strength.
• Lin Chen and the bandit leader's interaction shows Lin Chen's indifference and calm in the face of danger.
• The mercenaries' interactions with Lin Chen shift from disdain to fear and awe after witnessing his power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team's atmosphere changes due to Lin Chen's presence; guards and mercenaries now respect him.
• Zhao Sanniang warns Lin Chen about Long Xiaotian, leader of Black Dragon Village, and his powerful subordinates.
• At night, Black Dragon Village attacks the caravan post; Long Xiaotian leads the assault with the Three Great Vajras.
• The caravan is outnumbered and struggles against the bandits; Lin Chen prepares to face Long Xiaotian.

Character Developments

• Lin Chen maintains his composure and confidence, showing no fear against Long Xiaotian.
• Zhao Sanniang demonstrates her leadership and concern for her team's safety.
• Long Xiaotian reveals his ruthless and vengeful nature, prioritizing his brother's death over negotiation.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Lin Chen's strength commands respect, while Long Xiaotian's power fuels his arrogance and thirst for vengeance.
• Justice vs. Profit: Zhao Sanniang wants to avoid conflict for the caravan's safety and profit, while Lin Chen is willing to fight for justice.

Character Interactions

• Lin Chen and Zhao Sanniang: They share a mutual respect, with Zhao Sanniang admiring Lin Chen's skills and courage.
• Lin Chen and Long Xiaotian: They are set on a collision course, with Long Xiaotian seeking revenge and Lin Chen prepared to face him.
• Black Dragon Village and the Caravan: The two groups are in direct conflict, with the caravan struggling against the bandits' superior numbers and strength.