Ch. 1601Frenzied Ant Ancestor!
Chapter Summary: “Frenzied Ant Ancestor!”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Lei Liuchi and E Youwei, two powerful demons, discuss a young Human cultivator who bears the Qiongqi Ancestor emblem.
- E Youwei explains that both of them descend from demon kingdoms once ruled by Qiongqi, one of the Nine Primordial Fiends. In ancient times, all beings under Qiongqi’s command were required to obey anyone carrying his genuine emblem and power.
- Although Qiongqi’s protection once made these demon kingdoms effectively untouchable, the ancient fiend has disappeared after suffering severe injuries in a past battle. His current fate is unknown, and many believe he has died.
- Neither demon wishes to resume serving Qiongqi’s possible successor. They agree to treat the youth respectfully but maintain their distance, pretending not to recognize his identity.
- Their discussion is interrupted when a blood-armored demon soldier reports that someone is stealing the Hesitant Heavenly Thunder Saint Fruit, a legendary medicine guarded by Lei Liuchi’s Thunderfowl Fiendlands.
- Lei Liuchi initially dismisses the report, confident that his formations, three thousand thunder Dao soldiers, and the fruit’s own deadly power will destroy any thief.
- The soldier clarifies that this intruder is extraordinarily dangerous: he has already defeated dozens of demons, including several powerful King Demons, and claims to be the Six Paths Demon Ancestor.
- The intruder is now blocking the entrance, loudly threatening to slaughter all of Lei Liuchi’s offspring, causing Lei Liuchi to finally take the situation seriously.
Character Developments
- E Youwei is cautious and deeply fearful of Qiongqi’s lingering influence. Although he no longer wants to submit to Qiongqi’s successor, he remains respectful and warns Lei Liuchi not to speak irreverently about the ancient fiend.
- Lei Liuchi is proud, pragmatic, and openly resistant to restoring the old hierarchy. He believes their current status as powerful Demon Lords makes them independent of Qiongqi. However, his confidence and composure are shaken when the intruder threatens his children.
- The Six Paths Demon Ancestor is established as a violent, fearless, and immensely powerful figure. His ability to defeat numerous defenders and issue direct threats suggests that he may be a major force in the coming confrontation.
- The blood-armored soldier acts as the messenger who reveals the seriousness of the intrusion. His fear contrasts with Lei Liuchi’s initial arrogance.
Significant Themes
- The decline of ancient power: Qiongqi’s former dominance still commands fear, but the passage of time has weakened his influence and caused former subjects to question their obligations.
- Bloodline and inherited loyalty: The Qiongqi emblem carries ancestral authority, showing how ancient traditions and obligations remain embedded in demonic bloodlines.
- Fear versus independence: E Youwei and Lei Liuchi struggle between reverence for their former master and their desire to preserve their present power and dignity.
- Overconfidence and hidden danger: Lei Liuchi assumes the intruder will be destroyed like previous thieves, but the soldier’s report reveals that this enemy is fundamentally different.
- Family and vulnerability: Despite Lei Liuchi’s formidable status, the threat against his children exposes his deepest emotional weakness.
Character Interactions
- Lei Liuchi questions E Youwei about whether he acknowledged the bearer of Qiongqi’s emblem.
- E Youwei admits that he did not, arguing that Qiongqi’s age has passed and that the youth made no demands of them.
- The two demons agree to avoid serving or confronting the youth, choosing passive neutrality instead.
- E Youwei admonishes Lei Liuchi for disrespecting Qiongqi, warning that the ancient fiend might still perceive such insults.
- Their private discussion is interrupted by the soldier’s urgent report, shifting the scene from cautious political discussion to an imminent crisis.
- Lei Liuchi’s irritation at the interruption turns into anger when he learns that the intruder has threatened his offspring.