Ch. 301Is This Still Human?
Chapter Summary: Is This Still Human?
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- The tournament’s later qualifying rounds proceed rapidly, with most matches ending within a few moves.
- Several Grandmaster Realm fighters demonstrate overwhelming strength:
- Lei He of Kunlun Martial Academy defeats a peak Hua Jin opponent in a single sword strike.
- Ruan Jingming of Xingguang Martial Academy defeats his opponent with two powerful uses of the Five Wheels Vajra Palm.
- As more Grandmaster Realm fighters appear, the spectators and competitors become increasingly focused on the finals. Ding Bingxiu grows nervous about facing stronger opponents.
- Fang Mo enters the Fifth Group and is matched against Bagemu, a massive late-stage Hua Jin martial artist from the northern region of Beimo.
- Bagemu carries a Crescent Moon Blade and boasts about defeating peak Hua Jin fighters. He mocks Fang Mo’s Tai Chi Fist as slow and ineffective.
- Bagemu deliberately offers Fang Mo the first attack, intending to exploit Fang Mo’s opening. However, Fang Mo draws his Dark Gold Star Steel Blade with extraordinary speed.
- Bagemu reveals that he is far faster and more skilled than his appearance suggests, responding with his own rapid blade technique.
- At the moment their weapons are about to clash, Fang Mo redirects Bagemu’s blade with a precise tap, using his opponent’s momentum against him. He then places his blade against Bagemu’s throat.
- Bagemu immediately admits defeat. Fang Mo withdraws his weapon without injuring him, leaving only a pale mark on his neck.
- Bagemu is shaken by Fang Mo’s frightening precision and wonders whether Fang Mo is still human.
- From the chairman’s platform, Gu Liangyunzong recognizes Fang Mo’s resemblance to his former junior sister, Xiao Shuang. He considers meeting Fang Mo but decides to watch him longer.
- The chapter ends as Fang Mo returns to the resting area and Ding Bingxiu prepares for his own match.
2. Character Developments
- Fang Mo: Demonstrates exceptional sword speed, tactical awareness, control, and composure. His victory shows that his strength is not merely raw power; he can precisely manipulate an opponent’s momentum and stop just short of causing fatal injury.
- Bagemu: Initially appears to be a crude, overconfident brute, but reveals himself to be cunning and highly skilled. Despite his hidden speed and experience with the Drawing Sword Technique, he is completely outmaneuvered by Fang Mo and becomes deeply intimidated.
- Ding Bingxiu: His confidence declines as he witnesses the growing number of powerful Grandmaster Realm fighters. He remains concerned for Fang Mo but recognizes the danger of underestimating opponents.
- Gu Liangyunzong: Shows strong emotional interest in Fang Mo after recognizing his resemblance to Xiao Shuang. His reaction hints at a significant connection between Fang Mo and his past.
- Ye Qiuchen: Understands his master’s emotional state and suggests arranging a meeting, indicating his awareness of the unresolved history surrounding Xiao Shuang.
3. Significant Themes
- Precision versus brute force: Fang Mo defeats a physically stronger opponent through timing, redirection, and exact control rather than overwhelming strength.
- Appearances can be deceptive: Bagemu looks slow and unsophisticated but is actually fast and calculating. Conversely, Fang Mo’s seemingly simple attack conceals highly advanced technique.
- The gap between realms: The presence of Grandmaster Realm fighters emphasizes how much stronger and more imposing they are than ordinary Hua Jin martial artists.
- Mastery and restraint: Fang Mo’s ability to stop his blade without even cutting Bagemu’s skin demonstrates an extraordinary level of discipline and control.
- Identity and hidden connections: Gu Liangyunzong’s recognition of Xiao Shuang in Fang Mo suggests that Fang Mo’s family history will become important.
- Human limits: Bagemu’s question—“Is this still human?”—captures the chapter’s portrayal of Fang Mo as possessing almost superhuman skill.
4. Character Interactions
- Fang Mo and Bagemu: Their exchange begins with Bagemu mocking Tai Chi Fist and boasting about his blade. Fang Mo responds calmly, accepts the challenge, and defeats him in a single decisive exchange. Bagemu’s confidence turns into fear and respect.
- Ding Bingxiu and Qu Jiang: Ding Bingxiu initially assumes Bagemu is foolish for allowing Fang Mo to attack first, while Qu Jiang warns him not to underestimate Bagemu’s proven ability.
- Gu Liangyunzong and Ye Qiuchen: Ye Qiuchen asks for his master’s opinion of Fang Mo. Gu Liangyunzong reveals that Fang Mo resembles Xiao Shuang, while Ye Qiuchen recognizes how emotionally significant the encounter is.
- Fang Mo and the spectators: Fang Mo’s technique shocks the audience, who realize that his apparent advantage came from anticipating Bagemu’s movement and controlling the battle with extraordinary precision.