Ch. 961Correspondence Course

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Taint, having abandoned subtlety, forcefully invades the Rift World gate, causing the labyrinth to reveal its true nature.
  • The labyrinth is revealed to be a twisted version of the Pilgrim's Path, with no visible end and high resistance to physical and magical forces.
  • The Taint attempts to use past events to open the gate but is hindered by a hexagram fixed by the Tong Family.
  • The Taint summons an evil demon, Shrike, to brutally force open the gate using the lives of countless people as sacrifices.

Character Developments

  • Ji Jue's fear and PTSD are triggered when he senses an unclean presence, but he is relieved to find it's the Devil-Crafted Ball.
  • Ji Jue eagerly agrees to learn the ultimate form of Scene Tremor from the Devil-Crafted Ball, even as the Taint's actions escalate.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of escalation and desperation is evident as the Taint resorts to more extreme measures.
  • The theme of learning and growth is highlighted as Ji Jue eagerly seeks to learn a new technique from the Devil-Crafted Ball.

Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue interacts with the Devil-Crafted Ball, expressing his eagerness to learn the ultimate form of Scene Tremor.
  • The Taint interacts with the past, attempting to use it to open the Rift World gate.
  • The Taint interacts with Shrike, summoning it to force open the gate.

Ch. 962What a Sin!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Jue successfully activates the Scene Tremor sword, destroying the Foul Corruption Demon's labyrinth and forcing it to flee.
  • The Foul Corruption Demon leaves behind a residual image and escapes, evading Lou Suwen's pursuit.
  • Ji Jue returns to his Workshop, losing consciousness and activating an automatic swagger program.

Character Developments

  • Ji Jue demonstrates immense growth and power, successfully activating the Scene Tremor sword and defeating the Foul Corruption Demon.
  • Lou Suwen's health deteriorates, with his Underflow affliction flaring up during the battle.

Significant Themes

  • The power of determination and will, as seen in Ji Jue's ability to activate the Scene Tremor sword despite the immense pressure and pain.
  • The consequences of one's actions, as demonstrated by the Foul Corruption Demon's retreat after facing Ji Jue's power.

Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue and Lou Suwen share a moment of understanding and approval, with Lou Suwen acknowledging Ji Jue's prowess.
  • The Foul Corruption Demon and Ji Jue engage in a battle of wills, with the demon ultimately retreating in the face of Ji Jue's power.

Ch. 963Last words

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Jue is found unresponsive and drooling, with his body spasming, after the Haizhou Tech Expo.
  • Lou Feng finds a recording from Ji Jue, leaving instructions for Lou Feng to take over if Ji Jue can no longer fulfill his duties.
  • Ji Jue has been studying Scene Tremor's ultimate state and realizes he cannot replicate Ye Xian's version due to the differences between swordsmiths and the Nine Forms.
  • Ji Jue updates his schedule, planning to target the Gao Family for their Eternal Gate inheritance.

Character Developments

  • Lou Feng is initially angry and mocking but becomes serious and determined after seeing Ji Jue's condition and the recording.
  • Ji Jue is focused on studying Scene Tremor and becomes frustrated with his lack of progress. He starts planning to target the Gao Family.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of inheritance and responsibility is highlighted as Ji Jue leaves instructions for Lou Feng and plans to target the Gao Family for their inheritance.
  • The theme of personal growth and limitation is explored as Ji Jue struggles to replicate Scene Tremor's ultimate state and realizes he cannot copy Ye Xian's version.

Character Interactions

  • Lou Feng and Ji Jue's relationship is further developed as Lou Feng becomes more serious and determined after seeing Ji Jue's condition and the recording.
  • Ji Jue interacts with Ball Bro, who offers guidance and helps Ji Jue realize he cannot replicate Ye Xian's Scene Tremor.
  • Ji Jue's teammates support him and take care of the details while he focuses on studying Scene Tremor, showing their loyalty and respect for him.

Ch. 964Counterattack and Reversal

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Federation's cities file hundreds of lawsuits against Vast Sea Alliance members, and prominent companies face scandals, leading to boycotts.
  • Wild Bazaar representatives Chen Xingzhou and Han Hui engage in a power struggle, causing internal turmoil.
  • Yacheng accuses East City of colluding with the Evil Transformation Cult, leading to a tense meeting in Central City.
  • The Lou Family demands the Xu Family return the King of Flies, leading to a heated confrontation.

Character Developments

  • Chen Xingzhou seeks to consolidate power within the Alliance by provoking Han Hui.
  • Han Hui fights to maintain his position and the Southeast Chamber of Commerce Alliance's interests.
  • Xu Lingwei faces public humiliation and must maintain composure as the Xu Family is accused of colluding with the Evil Transformation Cult.
  • Lou Feng leads the Lou Family's inquiry against the Xu Family, demanding answers for the King of Flies' death.

Significant Themes

  • Power struggles and retaliation within organizations (Wild Bazaar, Vast Sea Alliance, Southeast Chamber of Commerce Alliance).
  • Accusations and blame-shifting between cities and families (Yacheng vs. East City, Lou Family vs. Xu Family).
  • The consequences of past actions and secrets coming to light (Xu Family's involvement with the Thousand Isles Nether-Communion Lineage).

Character Interactions

  • Chen Xingzhou and Han Hui's conflict escalates, with both sides unwilling to back down.
  • Xu Lingwei and Lou Feng face off, with Lou Feng publicly humiliating Xu Lingwei.
  • The Federation's cities and families engage in political maneuvering and accusations, with each side seeking to gain an advantage.

Ch. 965nb

  • Key Plot Points and Events:
    • Lou Feng accuses the Xu Family of colluding with the Evil Transformation Cult, leading to a tense confrontation.
    • Lou Suwen and Xu Youquan negotiate, with the Xu Family agreeing to pay a hefty compensation to avoid further conflict.
    • The Federation Internal Revenue Service arrives in East City to investigate tax evasion, targeting Han Hui and East City.
    • Ji Jue sends a letter to Han Hui, mocking him with the character "nb" (meaning "idiot" or "fool").
  • Character Developments:
    • Lou Feng: Becomes increasingly aggressive and reckless in his pursuit of the Evil Transformation Cult and protection of the King of Flies project.
    • Lou Suwen: Maintains a calm and collected demeanor, using the opportunity to pressure the Xu Family into paying a significant compensation.
    • Xu Lingwei: Struggles to maintain his composure and dignity amidst the accusations and humiliation, ultimately signing a Spirit Contract to avoid further conflict.
    • Han Hui: Faces investigation and humiliation from Central City, leading to a breakdown after receiving Ji Jue's mocking letter.
  • Significant Themes:
    • The power dynamics and corruption within the Federation, as seen through the actions of Central Cities and the Federation Internal Revenue Service.
    • The consequences of reckless actions and the inability to control one's emotions, as demonstrated by Lou Feng and Han Hui.
    • The struggle for resources and influence, as exemplified by the conflict between the Lou and Xu Families, and the competition among Central Cities.
  • Character Interactions:
    • Lou Feng and Xu Lingwei: Engage in a heated exchange, with Lou Feng accusing the Xu Family and Xu Lingwei struggling to maintain his dignity.
    • Lou Suwen and Xu Youquan: Negotiate the terms of the compensation, with Lou Suwen using the opportunity to pressure the Xu Family.
    • Han Hui and Ji Jue: Engage in a written exchange, with Ji Jue mocking Han Hui and Han Hui breaking down as a result.

Ch. 966The Mastermind (Thanks to Hundred-Eyed One for the Alliance Leader)

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Han Hui feigns severe injuries and celestial decline to avoid pressure and buy time.
  • Chen Xingzhou and Han Hui secretly cooperate to spread news of Han Hui's condition.
  • The Federation and Empire launch a massive investigation into the Evil Transformation Cult after the Haizhou Tech Expo incident.
  • The investigation reveals that the Evil Transformation Cult has reformed and is planning something big, but Lu Changsheng's whereabouts remain unknown.

Character Developments

  • Han Hui demonstrates his political acumen by lying flat and avoiding conflict, aiming to rebuild his credit and power.
  • Chen Xingzhou shows his willingness to cooperate with Han Hui, prioritizing the outcome over personal enmity.
  • Ji Jue maintains his indifference and focus on business, refusing to get involved in the conflict between Han Hui and Chen Xingzhou.
  • Lu Changsheng's absence and the loyalty of captured Evil Transformation Cult members hint at his continued influence and manipulation.

Significant Themes

  • Political maneuvering and power struggles within the underworld.
  • The resilience and adaptability of the Evil Transformation Cult.
  • The search for Lu Changsheng and the anticipation of his next move.

Character Interactions

  • Han Hui and Chen Xingzhou secretly cooperate, showing a temporary truce in their enmity.
  • Ji Jue maintains his distance from the conflict, focusing on business and avoiding involvement.
  • Captured Evil Transformation Cult members display unwavering loyalty to Lu Changsheng, even under torture and mind reading.

Ch. 967Wildfires Cannot Be Extinguished

Summary: "Wildfires Cannot Be Extinguished"

1. Key Plot Points & Events

  • The Lu Changsheng Legend Revisited: The chapter opens by recapping Lu Changsheng's infamous career — from harvesting hundreds of thousands into Sin Corruption and becoming Sacrificial Master Saint, to orchestrating the Quancheng disaster, escaping the Sky Overseer, breaking the Celestial Origin Dual Poles' blockade, obtaining the Imperial Jade Seal at Ancient Beginning Temple, and collapsing the Federation-Empire dual blockade in White State. He has become a legendary figure of terror.
  • The Panic Over Lu Changsheng: The Evil Transformation Cult's bizarre movements have resurfaced, causing mass PTSD throughout the present world. All factions (Security Bureau, Confidentiality Bureau, Federation, Empire, Flawless Temple, Wolf Nest) have launched frantic searches. Lu Changsheng's bounty has ballooned to nearly a hundred million with prestigious rewards, yet no one has collected a cent. This has also caused collateral damage — innocent splinter cults are being crushed under excessive crackdowns.
  • Ji Jue's Reward: Lü Yingyue visits Ji Jue at Coast Industry in New Spring to deliver a reward for his role in stabilizing the Quancheng disaster: a one-year, top-tier shipping lane usage permit from the Present World Maritime Joint Association (valid for all routes, with priority and fleet escorts during disasters).
  • The Stolen Calamity Seeds: Lü Yingyue reveals the true crisis — multiple calamity seeds have been stolen across the present world: Flame Tide (already vanished), plus Sky Rift, Ten Thousand Dissolutions, and Time Difference. The Empire is covering up, but the Evil Transformation Cult is clearly responsible.
  • The Calamity Seed Explanation: Lü Yingyue explains that calamity seeds are like the Waste Ruins Lineage's Masterwork Dust — eternal disasters tied to the present world itself. They cannot be fully destroyed; they may reappear with Vortex shifts. Even "extinguished" seeds can rekindle into new calamities or catalyze worse corrupted demons. "Dead ashes rekindling" is the core warning.

2. Character Developments

  • Ji Jue: The protagonist, a shrewd, self-deprecating figure who plays the "slacker" while being capable and duty-bound. He accepts rewards pragmatically, acknowledges his teacher's role in his success, and takes responsibility seriously — promising absolute protection of the Quancheng calamity seed. His reputation has grown enough that mentorship of figures like Lou Feng and An Ran is credited to him.
  • Lü Yingyue: A retired but influential Garrison Chief, perceptive and plain-spoken. She acts as an envoy for Locksmith, delivers rewards, offers mentorship, and quietly warns of dangers. Her tone suggests deep history with Ji Jue and his teacher. She's willing to joke about "finding more Evil Transformation Cults" to help him.
  • Devil-Crafted Ball: A sentient Xian-rank creation, cautious and reluctant to engage with Lü Yingyue, shows personality and self-awareness.

3. Significant Themes

  • The Wildfire Metaphor: Natural disasters cannot be truly extinguished — only contained. Calamity seeds are likened to wildfires in dry land: you control the fuel, not the fire itself.
  • Permanent Vigilance: The world lives under the shadow of Lu Changsheng — "Guard against it relentlessly. Never let up!" Fear of what might happen outweighs evidence of what hasn't.
  • The Impossibility of Final Solutions: Ji Jue's question "Is there no way to eliminate them completely?" is answered with a resounding no — destruction only invites recurrence. Sealing and management are the only strategies.
  • Political Realism: Rewards are calculated, incentives are manipulative, and allies speak in subtext. The old powers "calculate every last detail" even when granting favors.
  • Dead Ashes Rekindling: The central dread — what was thought extinguished can reignite, and the cycle of disaster may never truly end.

4. Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue & Lü Yingyue: A warm, unceremonious meeting of allies. She arrives announced by Yu Shu, takes the best seat, drinks his whiskey, needles him about slacking, then delivers both reward and warning. He matches her casual tone while probing for information. There's clear mutual respect born of shared history.
  • Ji Jue & Devil-Crafted Ball: He treats the sentient Orb as a partner, crediting it (and his teacher) with the Quancheng success. Devil-Crafted politely declines Lü Yingyue's offer of a drink, citing its creator's wishes — adding a layer of humorous tension.
  • Off-screen references: Lou Feng (now notorious as "Three-Phase Mad Dog" after a public rampage, to his family's delight), Lou Family's Old Bastard, An Ran, Tong Ting (wanting to enroll "Hua Hua" in Ji Jue's training), and Locksmith (too busy to visit personally).

Closing Note

Ji Jue watches Lü Yingyue leave, contemplates the storm clouds and falling rain against the oppressive heat, and muses: "The weather was dry, the land parched — wildfires sprang up everywhere. Even if rain fell for a while, what could it really save?" He decides to return to Tide Sound, haunted by the fragility of all containment efforts.

Ch. 968Fight!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Jue returns to Yacheng and surprises Gloria, who reveals there are other women interested in him.
  • Ji Jue and Ye Chun have a standoff, leading to a silent agreement to fight.
  • Ye Xian, back in the Workshop, reflects on Ji Jue's rapid progress and her own teaching methods.
  • Ji Jue and Ye Chun spend the afternoon eating and arguing about food, much to Ye Xian's dismay.

Character Developments

  • Ji Jue remains focused on his studies but is also drawn into Ye Chun's world of food and leisure.
  • Ye Chun shows a more playful side when with Ji Jue, contrasting with her usual serious demeanor.
  • Ye Xian struggles with Ji Jue's rapid progress and his disregard for her teaching plans.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle between tradition and innovation in Ji Jue's approach to learning Scene Tremor.
  • The tension between Ji Jue and Ye Xian, with Ye Xian feeling challenged by Ji Jue's talent and progress.
  • The contrast between Ji Jue and Ye Chun's carefree attitude and Ye Xian's seriousness.

Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue and Ye Chun's dynamic is playful and competitive, with both trying to outdo each other in their food choices and preferences.
  • Ji Jue and Ye Xian's relationship remains tense, with Ji Jue often disregarding Ye Xian's teaching methods and Ye Xian feeling frustrated by Ji Jue's rapid progress.
  • Gloria's interaction with Ji Jue is sweet and affectionate, showing Ji Jue's softer side.

Ch. 969Seeking Guidance

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Jue visits Ye Xian to seek guidance on Scene Tremor and his Nine Forms studies.
  • Ji Jue shows Ye Xian his Chengying trial model, which she praises as "not bad" despite its flaws.
  • Ye Xian advises Ji Jue to begin work on Gong Bu and Tai'a after completing the basic mastery of the Nine Forms.
  • Ji Jue asks Ye Xian about his observations on Scene Tremor, hinting at its difficulty and his struggle to understand it.

Character Developments

  • Ji Jue: Struggles with understanding Scene Tremor, seeks guidance from Ye Xian, and receives praise for his Chengying trial model.
  • Ye Xian: Provides guidance to Ji Jue, praises his progress, and warns him about the dangers of pursuing perfection in everything.

Significant Themes

  • The difficulty and complexity of mastering advanced techniques (Scene Tremor).
  • The importance of seeking guidance and learning from others.
  • The dangers of pursuing perfection in everything (as seen in Jianyuan's example).

Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue and Ye Xian: Ji Jue seeks Ye Xian's guidance, and she provides advice and praise for his progress. Their interaction shows a teacher-student relationship built on mutual respect and understanding.

Ch. 970Heavenly Mandate as the Path

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Ji Jue learns about Heavenly Mandate and its role in determining a Chosen One's status.
+ Ye Xian reveals that Ji Jue has been chosen by the Path of Revolution, a lofty and powerful Heavenly Mandate.
+ Ji Jue realizes that he has been unconsciously following the Path of Revolution all along.
+ Ye Xian warns Ji Jue about the dangers and responsibilities of pursuing Heavenly Mandate.

Character Developments

+ Ji Jue gains a deeper understanding of his path and the consequences of his actions.
+ Ye Xian shows concern for Ji Jue's well-being and future, revealing her caring side.

Significant Themes

+ The power and danger of Heavenly Mandate.
+ The responsibility and consequences of pursuing a path.
+ The importance of understanding one's own will and actions.

Character Interactions

+ Ji Jue and Ye Xian have a serious discussion about Ji Jue's path and the nature of Heavenly Mandate.
+ Ji Jue and the rice bug share a meal, showcasing their friendship and shared love for food.

Ch. 971Make It Bigger and Stronger!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Haizhou Tech Expo's impact continues, with companies racing to sell their new products, driving market share and territory conquest.
  • Coast Group's products soar due to Sirius's success and the benefits of Coast membership.
  • Competitors struggle, and some are eliminated from the market.
  • Sirius's download, installation, and retention rates break records, expanding its user base beyond the Federation.
  • The Paradise System's computational burden increases, nearing its limit, requiring an upgrade.

Character Developments

  • Chen Xingzhou's influence grows as he covers expenses for the Southeast Chamber of Commerce Alliance, making him indispensable.
  • Ji Jue faces the challenge of upgrading the Paradise System and considers capturing another Celestial Being to serve as a server.

Significant Themes

  • The power of convenience and membership in driving market decisions and customer loyalty.
  • The limits of technology and the need for continuous upgrades and innovation.
  • The consequences of thorough actions and the challenges they pose.

Character Interactions

  • Chen Xingzhou's support for the Southeast Chamber of Commerce Alliance strengthens his position and influence.
  • Ji Jue interacts with Isis and the Workshop Spirit, discussing the Paradise System's upgrade and the possibility of capturing another Celestial Being.

Ch. 972Far-Off Worries, Near-Term Troubles

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Jue regrets not leaving Han Hui some room to maneuver, hindering his current plans.
  • Ji Jue devises a plan to spread news of a cure for Rock Blight to lure Han Hui out.
  • Ji Jue receives updates on various projects and operations, including the Leviathan Base's site selection.
  • Ji Jue suspects that the Empire and the Federation are preparing for war.
  • Ji Jue orders the sixth and seventh batches of bait to be prepared, increasing their quantity.

Character Developments

  • Ji Jue becomes more determined to catch Han Hui and continues to strategize.
  • Ji Jue's suspicion of an impending war between the Empire and the Federation grows.

Significant Themes

  • Regret and its consequences.
  • Strategic planning and adaptability.
  • The potential for war and its implications.

Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue interacts with Isis, his AI assistant, discussing various projects and news updates.
  • Ji Jue considers the actions of Han Hui, the Empire, and the Federation, trying to anticipate their next moves.

Ch. 973Hornet's Nest

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The operations team discovers that the target location is a major hideout of the Evil Transformation Cult, with multiple Fiendified Ones and a high-ranking Heart Pivot present.
  • Li Yunqing, the commanding captain, launches a direct assault, using his Celestial Origin to suppress the enemy and freeze the town's residents.
  • The operations team raids the warehouse, but Zhou Richang falls into an illusion and attacks his teammates, causing chaos within the team.
  • The enemy reveals their true power, using the Original Vow to trap the team members in illusions and transform the environment into a grotesque landscape.
  • Tong Hua uses her records to break the illusions and temporarily suppress the enemy, but she runs out of records and cannot maintain the effect.

Character Developments

  • Li Yunqing shows his power as a transcendent rank Celestial Origin user but struggles against the enemy's illusions and transformations.
  • Zhou Richang falls into an illusion and attacks his teammates, revealing the danger of underestimating the enemy.
  • Tong Hua demonstrates her ability to use records to break illusions but has limited strength and resources.

Significant Themes

  • The danger of underestimating the enemy and the importance of thorough preparation.
  • The power of illusions and transformations in combat, and the difficulty of countering them.
  • The limits of individual strength and the need for teamwork and resources.

Character Interactions

  • Li Yunqing and Tong Hua work together to counter the enemy's illusions but struggle against their power.
  • Zhou Richang's actions cause chaos within the operations team, highlighting the danger of falling into an illusion.
  • The enemy's use of the Original Vow reveals their true power and forces the team to adapt their strategy.

Ch. 974Reinforcements

Key Plot Points and Events

  • An Ran, Tong Hua's subordinate, awakens the mechanical beasts he had prepared, which are a mix of wolf-like and other animal forms, to attack the warehouse district.
  • The High Priest within the warehouse attempts to use illusions and Corruption to counter the mechanical beasts but fails.
  • An Ran transforms into his Rebirth Form, Lihen Form, and charges into the warehouse, using the Sword Chapter: Shenren Chang.
  • The High Priest is about to be killed by An Ran when a blurry figure, later revealed to be a Supreme Lord, appears and saves him.
  • Kunwu's guardian, Sky Rift, arrives and attacks the Supreme Lord and the High Priest. The Supreme Lord flees, taking the High Priest and the sacrifices with him.
  • Sky Rift discovers a tiny fissure, suggesting a worm-like creature's involvement.

Character Developments

  • An Ran demonstrates his power and strategy by controlling the mechanical beasts and using his Rebirth Form to attack the warehouse.
  • The High Priest shows his desperation and cowardice as he tries to save himself but fails to protect his followers.
  • The Supreme Lord reveals his power and indifference to his followers' lives.
  • Sky Rift shows his strength and determination in pursuing the enemy.

Significant Themes

  • Power and Control: Characters use their power to control others and situations, with An Ran controlling the mechanical beasts, the High Priest attempting to control the situation, and the Supreme Lord ultimately controlling the outcome.
  • Desperation and Cowardice: The High Priest's actions show his desperation to save himself and his cowardice in abandoning his followers.
  • Indifference: The Supreme Lord's indifference to his followers' lives highlights the callousness of powerful entities.

Character Interactions

  • An Ran and the Mechanical Beasts: An Ran demonstrates his control over the mechanical beasts, treating them as extensions of himself.
  • The High Priest and the Supreme Lord: The High Priest's relationship with the Supreme Lord is one of dependence and desperation, with the Supreme Lord ultimately saving him but showing indifference to his followers.
  • Sky Rift and the Supreme Lord: Sky Rift pursues the Supreme Lord, showing determination and strength, while the Supreme Lord shows contempt and indifference.

Ch. 975More

Key Plot Points and Events

  • A waxen figure, Beiling, emerges in a strange, empty space, complaining about the destruction of his cult's efforts in Kunwu.
  • Beiling argues with Residual Worm, a bizarre entity, about the latter's incompetence and the cult's losses.
  • Residual Worm reveals that time is on their side and demands more sacrifices.
  • The Evil Transformation Cult causes chaos across the Federation, targeting observation outposts, shantytowns, and even New Spring.
  • Ji Jue receives a Level One Alert: Old Third and Youngest (numbers A006 and A007) have gone missing.

Character Developments

  • Beiling: A middle-aged man with a mean and haggard appearance, he is a leader or high-ranking member of the Evil Transformation Cult. He is impatient, aggressive, and concerned with the cult's losses and the need for more sacrifices.
  • Residual Worm: A mysterious entity with a muddled voice and a bizarre appearance, it is connected to the cult's activities and demands more sacrifices for its consumption.
  • Ji Jue: The leader of the Doomsday Train's Workshop, he is resourceful, connected, and willing to use his resources to help combat the Evil Transformation Cult. He is also protective of those under his care, as shown by his reaction to Old Third and Youngest's disappearance.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle between the Evil Transformation Cult and the authorities, with the cult causing chaos and the authorities trying to contain it.
  • The cult's need for sacrifices and the consequences of their actions on innocent people.
  • The theme of time and patience, with Residual Worm stating that time is on their side and Ji Jue's frustration at the cult's actions.

Character Interactions

  • Beiling and Residual Worm: They argue and blame each other for the cult's losses, demonstrating a lack of unity and cooperation within the cult's higher echelons.
  • Ji Jue and Tong Hua: They discuss the cult's activities and Ji Jue's willingness to help the Security Bureau, showing a level of cooperation between them.
  • Ji Jue and the missing numbers (Old Third and Youngest): Ji Jue's reaction to their disappearance shows his concern and protectiveness towards them.

Ch. 976Level-One Anomaly

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Lu Cai and Lu Xing skip school to confront bullies, leading them to an abandoned warehouse.
  • They discover a horrifying scene inside the warehouse and flee, only to encounter a mysterious figure.
  • Lu Xing uses a gun given by his brother to defeat the figure, but they are surrounded by a wriggling mist.
  • Lu Xing is swallowed by the mist, and Lu Cai is sent back home by him.
  • Ji Jue uses a turtle shell to trace the events and finds a lead, deciding to pursue it alone.

Character Developments

  • Lu Cai demonstrates her bravery and determination, protecting her brother and confronting the mysterious figure.
  • Lu Xing shows his resourcefulness and quick thinking, using the gun to save them and pushing Lu Cai away to safety.
  • Ji Jue shows his responsibility and decisiveness, immediately pursuing the lead and assuring his family of his safety.

Significant Themes

  • Bravery and Determination: Lu Cai and Lu Xing show courage in the face of danger, highlighting the theme of determination in the face of adversity.
  • Family and Protection: The siblings' actions demonstrate their love and protection for each other, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
  • The Unknown and Fear: The mysterious figure and the wriggling mist represent the unknown and the fear it instills, challenging the characters to confront their fears.

Character Interactions

  • Lu Cai and Lu Xing: The siblings work together to face the danger, showing their trust and reliance on each other.
  • Ji Jue and Lu Feng: Ji Jue reassures his brother, Lu Feng, about the situation, demonstrating their close bond and mutual trust.
  • Ji Jue and Tong Ting: Ji Jue seeks help from Tong Ting, showing their friendship and mutual respect.

Ch. 977Carriage

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Jue receives a message about a Level-one anomaly and decides to investigate despite the risks.
  • He activates the Myriad Manifestations Engine and travels to another carriage, which is revealed to be part of a train filled with Fiendified Ones and worms.
  • Ji Jue encounters and eliminates several cultists, including an Assistant Priest, who reveals that they are on a train headed to a station for some grand plan.

Character Developments

  • Ji Jue demonstrates his determination and resolve to face and resolve the situation, even at great personal risk.
  • The Assistant Priest shows fanaticism and defiance even in the face of death, revealing the extent of the Evil Transformation Cult's brainwashing and the cultists' loyalty to their cause.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of determination and resolve is highlighted through Ji Jue's actions, showing his commitment to facing and resolving the situation at hand.
  • The theme of fanaticism and brainwashing is explored through the Assistant Priest's character, illustrating the extent to which the Evil Transformation Cult controls its followers.

Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue interacts briefly with the Assistant Priest, who reveals information about the train's purpose before being eliminated.
  • Ji Jue also encounters and eliminates several other cultists and Fiendified Ones on the train, demonstrating his power and resolve.

Ch. 978Visitors

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Jue arrives at Ruyue Station, a station with no registration records and an abnormal status.
  • He encounters an urban legend curse triggered by his gaze, manifesting as countless plastic mannequins.
  • Ji Jue uses the One Foot Rod, a Deepdark Masterwork, to dispel the curse.
  • He throws a Deepdark Token, freezing the Evil Transformation Cult members present.

Character Developments

  • Ji Jue demonstrates his power and nonchalance in the face of danger, showing no fear of the urban legend curse or the cult members.
  • The High Priest of the Evil Transformation Cult appears, revealing his four-eyed form.

Significant Themes

  • The power of Ji Jue's gaze and his ability to dispel curses.
  • The theme of facing one's fears and the past, as Ji Jue confronts the urban legend curse.
  • The theme of power and its consequences, as the Deepdark Token freezes the cult members.

Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue interacts with the urban legend curse, ultimately dispelling it.
  • He confronts the High Priest of the Evil Transformation Cult, freezing him with the Deepdark Token.
  • The mutilated head in Ji Jue's hand laughs maniacally and curses him, but is ultimately burned to ashes.

Ch. 979Deepdark's Granddad Is the Real Granddad!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • An old hen transforms into a duck, revealing the Deepdark Token.
  • Ji Jue, a Secluded Master from Deepdark, reveals his identity.
  • The Myriad Spirits Society, an Unending orthodox branch of the Evil Transformation Cult, reveals themselves.
  • Ji Jue and the Society's leaders engage in a tense standoff, with Ji Jue demanding to see the decision-makers.
  • Ji Jue is led through a maze-like station, stalling for time to pinpoint coordinates.
  • Ji Jue is brought to a secret rite site, where he sits in the center of the rite without knowing its significance.

Character Developments

  • Ji Jue demonstrates confidence and assertiveness, using the Deepdark ID to his advantage.
  • The Myriad Spirits Society leaders show unease and disdain towards Ji Jue, underestimating him.

Significant Themes

  • The power dynamics between Deepdark and the Evil Transformation Cult.
  • The manipulation of outsiders by the cult for their own purposes.
  • The use of stalling tactics and deception in negotiations.

Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue confronts the Myriad Spirits Society leaders, demanding respect and answers.
  • The Society leaders attempt to intimidate Ji Jue with their power and influence.
  • Ji Jue remains unfazed, using his knowledge and resources to outmaneuver them.

Ch. 980If there's a box, hit it!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Jue, the Secluded Envoy, confronts the High Priests of the Myriad Spirits Society, accusing them of stealing Deepdark's technology and causing chaos.
  • He reveals that he knows about the engine they created, which is a flesh-and-blood machine that causes destruction and suffering.
  • Ji Jue demands that they pay Anvil Elder's dues, but the High Priests refuse to make a decision, claiming they are acting under orders.
  • Ji Jue, enraged by their evasiveness, attacks without warning, using his powers to grievously wound the youth-like High Priest and Motu, and completely annihilate the old woman High Priest.

Character Developments

  • Ji Jue: He initially appears arrogant and aggressive, but his actions reveal a calculated strategy to provoke the High Priests into a corner, forcing them to act rashly and give him an excuse to attack.
  • The High Priests: They are initially confident and dismissive of Ji Jue, but as the situation escalates, they become increasingly confused and desperate, ultimately leading to their downfall.

Significant Themes

  • Manipulation and deception: Ji Jue uses his words and actions to manipulate the High Priests into reacting impulsively, revealing their true nature and giving him an opening to attack.
  • Power dynamics: The High Priests initially believe they hold the upper hand due to their position and authority, but Ji Jue's actions demonstrate that power can be turned against those who wield it.
  • The consequences of one's actions: The High Priests' decision to steal Deepdark's technology and create the flesh-and-blood engine has led to widespread destruction and suffering, ultimately resulting in their own demise.

Character Interactions

  • Ji Jue vs. The High Priests: Ji Jue's interactions with the High Priests are marked by provocation and manipulation, as he seeks to expose their true nature and gain an advantage in their confrontation.
  • The High Priests among themselves: The High Priests initially present a united front, but as the situation becomes more dire, they begin to turn on each other, questioning who activated the Secret Rite and who is responsible for their predicament.
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