Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Hongyang boasts about his role in defending Taize Town from Zombie Giants.
• Two massive Zombie Giants (an ape-like one and a spider-like one) suddenly appear near Taize Town, causing panic.
• Lin Zhiluo, who had been testing the capabilities of his newly summoned Demon Gods, dismisses them after the battle.
• Gu Zhuang discovers a detailed map of the area beyond the High Wall in an Ocean Behemoth Illustrated Guide.

Character Developments

• Shen Hongyang is revealed to be a coward who only boasts about his bravery.
• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his strategic thinking and care for his team's well-being by arranging Demon God Cores for Da Sha and Ghost Child.
• Gu Zhuang shows initiative in finding useful information in the book.

Significant Themes

• Bravery vs. Cowardice: Shen Hongyang's cowardice is contrasted with Lin Zhiluo's strategic planning and care for his team.
• Strength through Teamwork: Lin Zhiluo's team grows stronger with the addition of the Demon Gods, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

Character Interactions

• Shen Hongyang's boasting is exposed when he flees at the sight of the Zombie Giants.
• Lin Zhiluo tests and cares for Da Sha and Ghost Child by arranging Demon God Cores for them.
• Gu Zhuang shares his discovery of the map with Lin Zhiluo, showing their cooperative relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo, Gu Zhuang, and Gu An return to Taize Town after defeating Wu Jia and looting his treasury.
• Gu Zhuang reveals they stole a Life Fragment, which replenished his lost life force.
• They begin mass-producing books and announcements to instill new ideas in Taize Town.
• News of Wu Jia's hidden treasures in the Tia Main City causes a stir, distracting other families.
• Lin Zhiluo studies the looted books, learning to create the Eight Demon Formation and Demon God Necklace, and obtaining a Demon God Atlas.

Character Developments

• Gu Zhuang accepts Lin Zhiluo's ideas and becomes a supporter of establishing a new nation.
• Gu An initially struggles to accept the events but eventually comes around.
• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness in manipulating the Tia Empire's turmoil.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence, both within the Tia Empire and among the various families.
• The use of knowledge and information as a tool for manipulation and control.
• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in the face of changing circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Gu Zhuang and Gu An's relationship strengthens as they work together to promote Lin Zhiluo's ideas.
• Lin Zhiluo manipulates the Tia Empire's turmoil to his advantage, demonstrating his strategic prowess.
• Lin Zhiluo's actions indirectly cause the various families to fight over Wu Jia's supposed treasures, further destabilizing the empire.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo wakes up early, uses his "Super Surprise" Golden Finger to create a "Cloud-Piercing Arrow," which has a powerful taunting effect on the same race within a 1000-meter radius.
• He checks his attributes: Strength, Spirit, Constitution, and Agility have increased by 50 points each due to consuming "Body Strengthening Pills."
• Lin Zhiluo visits the Gu Family's old mansion to find Gu Zhuang, Shou Hong, Song Cheng, and Xu Guan planning the Mountain-Sea High Wall's construction.
• They discuss holding a Thought Progress Conference and Shou Hong and Song Cheng plan to visit Blackwater Town to persuade the Yan Family to join them.
• Lin Zhiluo decides to leave the High Wall to investigate the Zombie Giants, despite the risks.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo's attributes have significantly increased, making him stronger.
• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his concern for humanity's survival, further solidifying his leadership role.
• Gu Zhuang, Shou Hong, Song Cheng, and Xu Guan show loyalty and respect for Lin Zhiluo, following his lead.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and the need to protect humanity from external threats (Zombie Giants).
• The importance of unity and shared ideology in achieving common goals.
• The power of advanced thinking and progressive ideas in rallying support and inspiring action.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo interacts with Gu Zhuang and the other Demon God Controllers, demonstrating his leadership and concern for humanity's survival.
• Gu Zhuang, Shou Hong, Song Cheng, and Xu Guan show deference to Lin Zhiluo, highlighting his growing influence and respect among his allies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo leaves the Mountain-Sea High Wall to establish the nation, warning about increasing Zombie Giant activity and encouraging the propagation of Yazi Sect teachings.
• He activates two tasks upon leaving the High Wall: 'Beyond the High Wall' and 'Death Hunt', offering significant rewards for killing Zombie Giants and Ocean Behemoths.
• Lin Zhiluo flies towards the Silver Feather Ruins, the capital of the Silver Feather Empire, destroyed by a Zombie Giant, with a known trace of Zombie Giant activity.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his leadership and determination in founding the nation, showing concern for humanity's well-being.
• He exhibits strategic thinking and planning in his approach to the tasks and the hunt for Zombie Giants and Ocean Behemoths.

Significant Themes

• The destruction and remnants of human empires due to the Zombie Giant threat.
• The potential for new human settlements outside the High Wall.
• The importance of information and knowledge, as Wu Jia had hidden the existence of Zombie Giants.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo interacts briefly with Gu Zhuang, Shou Hong, Da Sha, and Ghost Child, delegating tasks and expressing his intentions.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, but Lin Zhiluo's actions and decisions impact the Yazi Sect and humanity as a whole.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo explores the Silver Feather Empire's ruins, finding no recent Zombie Giant traces but signs of past human activity.
• He reaches the Silver Feather Statue, noting its destruction and impact zones on its abdomen.
• Lin Zhiluo uses his 'Blood-colored Pupils' to inspect the statue's interior, finding nothing unusual.
• He decides to examine the area beneath the statue, spending hours searching through the debris.
• Lin Zhiluo rests for the night at the ruins, ordering Da Sha and Ghost Child to continue exploring and collecting materials.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his caution and thoroughness in investigating the statue's destruction.
• He shows concern for his subordinates' rest, ensuring they have time to recover before resuming tasks.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the decay of once-great civilizations (Silver Feather Empire's ruins).
• The power of Zombie Giants and their potential threat.
• The importance of thorough investigation and attention to detail in uncovering truths.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo interacts with Da Sha and Ghost Child, giving them orders and showing consideration for their rest.
• No other characters appear in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo discovers an anomaly near the Silver Feather Statue, leading him to find a hidden bottle buried underground.
• The bottle is invisible under his Perspective ability and immune to it, containing a small amount of strange gray liquid.
• A panel appears when he looks at the liquid, displaying garbled text with recognizable words like "Zombie", "Extreme", and "God".
• The Doomsday Game system issues a quest to collect ten milliliters of the gray liquid for analysis, promising a substantial reward.
• Zombie Giants appear on the mountains in the distance, signaling a new threat.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his meticulous observation skills and analytical thinking, leading him to uncover the hidden bottle.
• He shows caution and restraint when dealing with the unknown gray liquid, choosing not to open it rashly.
• His curiosity and determination are piqued by the mysterious bottle and its contents, driving him to investigate further.

Significant Themes

• The unknown and mysterious, represented by the hidden bottle and its gray liquid.
• The power of observation and analysis, showcased by Lin Zhiluo's ability to uncover the anomaly and deduce its significance.
• Caution and restraint in the face of the unknown, demonstrated by Lin Zhiluo's decision not to open the bottle immediately.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo interacts with the Doomsday Game system, which provides him with a quest related to the gray liquid.
• He does not interact with any other characters in this chapter, as he is alone when making his discovery and facing the new threat of the Zombie Giants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo retrieves a mysterious grey liquid from a bottle buried beneath the Silver Feather Statue, which attracts a horde of Zombie Giants.
• Over thirty Zombie Giants descend upon the Silver Feather Ruins, causing significant destruction.
• Lin Zhiluo summons his minions, including the Zombie Cat, War Soul, Roaring Behemoth, Iron Fist Behemoth, Da Sha, and Ghost Child, to combat the Zombie Giants.
• Lin Zhiluo personally engages in battle, using his enhanced attributes and skills to efficiently dispatch several Zombie Giants.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his growth and increased power, handling Zombie Giants more easily than before.
• Da Sha and Ghost Child showcase their abilities and teamwork, effectively dealing with the Zombie Giants.
• The Zombie Cat, War Soul, Roaring Behemoth, and Iron Fist Behemoth prove their worth as formidable minions.

Significant Themes

• The power of teamwork and strategic planning is highlighted as Lin Zhiluo's minions work together to combat the Zombie Giants.
• Lin Zhiluo's growth and increased strength emphasize his development as a character.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo interacts with his minions, coordinating their actions and leading them in battle.
• Da Sha and Ghost Child work together, showcasing their compatibility and complementary skills.
• Lin Zhiluo and his minions exhibit a strong bond, fighting together against the Zombie Giants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo kills three Zombie Giants in a single exchange.
• Ten remaining Zombie Giants call for reinforcements, leading to the appearance of three more powerful Zombie Giants: two Bronze and one Silver.
• Lin Zhiluo fights against the Silver Zombie Giant and kills a Bronze Zombie Giant with a single strike.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his formidable strength and combat skills, even against powerful enemies like the Silver Zombie Giant.
• The subordinates under Lin Zhiluo's command show improved teamwork and coordination in battle.

Significant Themes

• The terrifying power of the Zombie Giants, especially the special existences among them (Bronze, Silver, and Golden).
• The importance of teamwork and coordination in battles against powerful enemies.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo and his subordinates work together to fight against the Zombie Giants, with Lin Zhiluo taking on the most powerful enemies.
• The Roaring Behemoth, Conndas, uses its Quake-Shattering Howl to briefly restrict the Silver Zombie Giant, aiding Lin Zhiluo in his fight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Silver Zombie Giant awakens and attacks Lin Zhiluo.
• Lin Zhiluo uses a strategic counterattack, creating an Ice Element ball enhanced by [Elemental Amplification] inside the giant's mouth, causing significant damage.
• Lin Zhiluo uses the Jiuli Blade with [Jiuli Shatter] and [Jiuli Slash] techniques, ultimately decapitating the Silver Zombie Giant.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and powerful combat skills.
• The Silver Zombie Giant shows its ferocity and strength but ultimately falls to Lin Zhiluo's tactics.

Significant Themes

• Strategy and adaptability in combat.
• The power of elemental amplification and combination.
• The importance of seizing opportunities in battle.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo and the Silver Zombie Giant engage in a one-sided battle, with Lin Zhiluo using the giant's actions to his advantage.
• The Demon King Phantom assists Lin Zhiluo in his attacks, demonstrating their cooperative relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo defeats a Level 75 Silver Zombie Giant and a Bronze Zombie Giant, gaining 45,700 experience points and 30,500 Gold Coins.
• He opens a Diamond Grade treasure chest, expanding his Storage Space by 10.4 cubic meters and finding a Zombie Giant Variant Virus and a silvery-white stone.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his combat skills and strategic thinking, quickly defeating powerful enemies.
• Da Sha and the Ghost Child show resilience and recover from their injuries and mental fatigue.

Significant Themes

• The importance of seizing opportunities in combat (as shown by Lin Zhiluo's victory over the Silver Zombie Giant).
• The benefits of careful planning and calculation (as seen in Lin Zhiluo's strategy to defeat the Bronze Zombie Giant).

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo cares for Da Sha and the Ghost Child, ensuring they recover after the battle.
• Lin Zhiluo works efficiently with his team, allowing them to hold their own against the Zombie Giants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo finds a green liquid vial, which is a 'Giant-Body Virus Potion'.
• The potion temporarily grants a 'Giant Body' and 'Silver Body' talent, increases attributes, and allows flight, but has severe side effects like body damage, potential zombie infection, and mental power reduction.
• Lin Zhiluo decides the potion is best suited for Da Sha, a zombie-type player, due to his high compatibility with the Zombie Virus.
• Lin Zhiluo also finds a 'Silver Secret Stone' that reduces skill consumption and increases skill effectiveness when embedded in equipment.
• He embeds the stone into his 'Elemental Wings', causing a strange reaction but successfully enhancing the wings' skills.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his caution and strategic thinking by deciding not to use the potion himself due to its risks and choosing the best use for it with Da Sha in mind.
• Da Sha is implied to have low mental power, making the potion's side effects less impactful on him.

Significant Themes

• Risk vs. Reward: Lin Zhiluo weighs the benefits and drawbacks of the potion, ultimately deciding against using it himself due to the high risks involved.
• Adaptability: Da Sha's compatibility with the Zombie Virus highlights the importance of adaptability in the Doomsday Game.

Character Interactions

• Although not physically present, Da Sha's character is discussed and considered by Lin Zhiluo, showing a level of thoughtfulness and consideration for his teammate's abilities and limitations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo discovers that his damaged equipment can be repaired using gemstones, increasing their power.
• He returns to the Silver Feather Ruins with a Zombie Variant Virus for Da Sha and Ghost Child to consume, boosting their levels.
• Da Sha and Ghost Child absorb the virus, leading to significant growth and level increases.
• Da Sha gains a new ability, 'Gigantic Body', due to his high compatibility with the virus.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo: Realizes the potential of repairing his damaged equipment and decides to exploit the Dungeon further with his 'Lucky Blessing' option.
• Da Sha: Grows significantly in size and strength, reaching level 48 and gaining the 'Gigantic Body' ability.
• Ghost Child: Levels up to 46 and shows improved efficiency in absorbing the virus, but doesn't gain any new abilities.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Opportunity: Lin Zhiluo's 'Lucky Blessing' option and the unexpected repair of his equipment highlight the role of luck in his progress.
• Growth and Adaptation: Da Sha and Ghost Child's rapid growth and adaptation to the Zombie Variant Virus emphasize their potential and compatibility with the virus.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo shares the Zombie Variant Virus with Da Sha and Ghost Child, demonstrating his willingness to help them grow stronger.
• Da Sha and Ghost Child absorb the virus simultaneously, showing a sense of camaraderie and mutual support in their growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Da Sha inherits a new talent, "Gigantic Body," an Epic Grade ability that enhances strength, constitution, and allows his body to expand in combat.
• Lin Zhiluo realizes that Da Sha's new talent is similar to the Titan Zombie they encountered earlier.
• Lin Zhiluo decides to change his itinerary, aiming to visit the Glazed Ruins and farm Origin Coins for the "Limit Break" Golden Finger.
• He discovers that a group of Zombie Giants had been wandering aimlessly and were drawn to the Silver Feather Ruins by the gray liquid. He fears they might reach the Tia Empire's high wall.

Character Developments

• Da Sha's strength and abilities significantly improve with the new "Gigantic Body" talent.
• Lin Zhiluo shows strategic thinking and adaptability in planning their next move.

Significant Themes

• The attraction of Zombie Giants to the gray liquid and its potential abundance in the Glazed Ruins.
• The urgency of protecting the Tia Empire's high wall from potential Zombie Giant threats.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo and Da Sha interact briefly, with Lin Zhiluo expressing satisfaction with Da Sha's growth.
• Lin Zhiluo and Da Sha, along with Ghost Child, work together to investigate the origin of the Zombie Giants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo travels towards the Glazed Ruins, luring and defeating Zombie Giants along the way using a gray liquid.
• He encounters a higher than usual ratio of Bronze Zombie Giants, suggesting a population boom over the past century.
• Lin Zhiluo enters the Glazed Ruins, finding it overgrown but devoid of recent Zombie Giant activity.
• He inspects the ruins, searching for areas targeted by Zombie Giants, potentially containing the gray liquid.
• Lin Zhiluo reaches the Ke-Wu Sacred Ground, discovering a well-preserved Sanctuary with a statue of the Glazed God.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his strength and resourcefulness, handling multiple Zombie Giant waves single-handedly.
• He shows caution and thoroughness in exploring the Glazed Ruins, actively seeking information and potential dangers.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and its effects on the world (the Glazed Empire's ruins, Zombie Giant population boom).
• The power of resources and preparation (Lin Zhiluo's use of the gray liquid to lure and defeat Zombie Giants).

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo interacts indirectly with the Zombie Giants, using them as a resource to test his strength and gather information.
• He also interacts with the Glazed Empire's past through its ruins and the statue of the Glazed God.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo is in the Glazed Ruins, a forbidden zone destroyed over a century ago by the Zombie Giant.
• He finds a remarkably clean statue of the Glazed God, which is unusual given the ruins' state.
• He discovers human footprints near the statue, indicating a recent visitor.
• A mysterious figure, Qi Yuanwu, emerges from the shadows, revealing himself as the recent visitor.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates his analytical skills and calm demeanor in exploring the ruins.
• Qi Yuanwu is revealed to be a unique being with a Legend Grade talent, Void Body, and an Epic Grade talent, Human-Zombie Symbiosis, making him a hybrid of human and zombie.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the decay of once-great civilizations.
• The power of unique talents and their potential consequences.
• The contrast between appearance and reality, as seen in Qi Yuanwu's body and face.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo and Qi Yuanwu's initial interaction is tense, with Lin Zhiluo considering dismantling the statue and Qi Yuanwu trying to stop him.
• Lin Zhiluo's Danger Perception doesn't trigger with Qi Yuanwu, indicating that Qi Yuanwu isn't an immediate threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo, a master of deception, meets Qi Yuanwu on Tanmu Planet.
• Lin Zhiluo manipulates Qi Yuanwu into believing he's a messenger from the Glazed God.
• Lin Zhiluo uses deception and suggestion to extract information from Qi Yuanwu.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo: Proves his mastery in deception and manipulation.
• Qi Yuanwu: Reveals his tragic past and becomes more open with Lin Zhiluo.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Lin Zhiluo uses these to gain information and control Qi Yuanwu.
• Belief and faith: Qi Yuanwu's devotion to the Glazed God makes him vulnerable to Lin Zhiluo's deception.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo and Qi Yuanwu: Lin Zhiluo manipulates Qi Yuanwu, making him believe he's a divine messenger, while Qi Yuanwu, in his desperation and loneliness, opens up to Lin Zhiluo.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qi Yuanwu, a half-human, half-zombie, shares his life story with Lin Zhiluo, revealing his fear of being seen as a monster by humans and his desire to help them.
• Lin Zhiluo manipulates Qi Yuanwu into revealing valuable information about the Zombie Giant and Ocean Behemoths.
• Lin Zhiluo convinces Qi Yuanwu that he is still human and should help humanity, recruiting him for his mission to hunt Ocean Behemoths and obtain Demon God Cores.

Character Developments

• Qi Yuanwu: Realizes his true identity as a human and decides to help humanity, driven by a desire to redeem himself and prove his worth.
• Lin Zhiluo: Proves himself to be a skilled manipulator, using his charisma and persuasive speech to recruit Qi Yuanwu for his mission.

Significant Themes

• Identity: Qi Yuanwu's struggle with his identity as a half-human, half-zombie and his eventual acceptance of his humanity.
• Manipulation and Persuasion: Lin Zhiluo's use of subtle questioning and persuasive speech to influence Qi Yuanwu's actions.
• Redemption: Qi Yuanwu's desire to redeem himself by helping humanity, driven by guilt over his past actions and fear of being seen as a monster.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo and Qi Yuanwu: Lin Zhiluo manipulates and guides Qi Yuanwu, helping him come to terms with his identity and recruiting him for his mission. Qi Yuanwu, in turn, shares valuable information and agrees to help Lin Zhiluo, driven by a desire to prove himself and redeem his past actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qi Yuanwu leads Lin Zhiluo to his underground residence in the Li Ruins.
• Qi Yuanwu shows Lin Zhiluo his collection of relics from his past life.
• Qi Yuanwu gives Lin Zhiluo two Demon God Cores and a bottle of Grey Liquid.

Character Developments

• Qi Yuanwu: His fluency in speech improves due to his interactions with Lin Zhiluo. He shows pride in his accomplishments but remains humble and focused on helping humanity.
• Lin Zhiluo: Realizes Qi Yuanwu's true value as a "walking treasure trove" due to the flawless Demon God Cores and the Grey Liquid.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Grey Liquid: Its ability to attract Zombie Giant creatures and, when mixed with a giant's blood, mask one's aura.
• The value of Qi Yuanwu: Lin Zhiluo initially sees Qi Yuanwu as a free henchman but later recognizes his true worth.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo and Qi Yuanwu: Lin Zhiluo continues to manipulate Qi Yuanwu, while Qi Yuanwu remains loyal and eager to help humanity, even without understanding the true value of the items he gives to Lin Zhiluo.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo successfully obtains a complete Demon God Core and the remaining Grey Liquid.
• He leaves Qi Yuanwu to rest and plans to hunt the Ocean Behemoth together the next day.
• Lin Zhiluo discovers that Da Sha and Ghost Child are still a day's journey away from the Glazed Ruins.
• They have a luxurious breakfast before setting off to hunt the Ocean Behemoth.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo: He feels pleased with his progress and luck. He shows consideration for Qi Yuanwu's feelings by setting up a separate table for him during breakfast.
• Qi Yuanwu: He is deeply moved by Lin Zhiluo's kindness, feeling grateful and determined to repay him. He is overwhelmed with emotion while eating, crying tears of joy.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude and Repayment: Qi Yuanwu's strong sense of gratitude towards Lin Zhiluo and his determination to repay him.
• Kindness and Consideration: Lin Zhiluo's thoughtfulness in setting up a separate table for Qi Yuanwu, showing understanding of his emotions.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo and Qi Yuanwu: They share a meal together, with Qi Yuanwu expressing his gratitude and determination to Lin Zhiluo. Lin Zhiluo shows consideration for Qi Yuanwu's feelings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhiluo and Qi Yuanwu leave the Glazed Ruins and head towards the Sea of Despair.
• They wait near the shore for an Ocean Behemoth, using the Grey Liquid to attract one.
• An adult Long-Necked Behemoth appears, lured by the Grey Liquid.
• Lin Zhiluo and Qi Yuanwu prepare to ambush the Behemoth, but are interrupted by unexpected arrivals.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhiluo demonstrates strategic thinking and resourcefulness in luring the Behemoth.
• Qi Yuanwu shows confidence in his combat abilities and loyalty to Lin Zhiluo.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between humans, Zombie Giants, and Ocean Behemoths.
• The strategic use of resources and environment to gain an advantage in combat.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhiluo and Qi Yuanwu work together, with Lin Zhiluo taking the lead in strategy and Qi Yuanwu showing confidence in their combined strength.
• Their partnership is tested when unexpected arrivals disrupt their plans.