Ch. 401Wenren Qingyue's Challenge
Plot and key events
- Wen Lie meets Chen Lie in the Sumeru Illusion Realm and challenges him to a rematch. She lost to him earlier in the Virtual Duel Arena and has remained determined to settle the score.
- Wenren offers an SSSS-Rank martial art as a prize, but Chen Lie instead demands Super Blood-Tempering Spirit Liquid for a Twelfth Blood Tempering. Wen Ruying, a respected Starry Sky University student, agrees to guarantee payment.
- Wenren and Chen Lie fight on a summoned Duel Platform. Though she has completed two Blood Temperings and uses advanced Canglong Star martial arts, Chen Lie—who has completed three—relies on his exceptional physique, blood-qi, and combat instincts rather than an extensive martial-arts repertoire.
- Chen Lie keeps Wenren under pressure, breaks through her techniques, and knocks her off the platform. He reminds her of the promised reward; she is stunned by how decisively she lost.
Character developments and interactions
- Chen Lie remains calm and uninterested in proving himself, accepting only when offered a valuable reward. His strength surprises Wenren and the watching crowd, especially given his relatively limited martial-arts training.
- Wenren Qingyue is proud, competitive, and still frustrated by her earlier defeat. She fights seriously, but her confidence gives way to disbelief after losing again.
- Wen Ruying tries to rein in Wenren’s challenge, then stands surety for her promise.
- Mu Yunyao and Mu Yunze recognize Wenren’s stature and discuss how Chen Lie’s exceptional Strength Value may reflect years of cultivation at the Blood-Qi Stage.
Significant themes
- Talent versus raw foundation: Wenren’s sophisticated techniques cannot overcome Chen Lie’s superior physique, blood-qi, and strength.
- Pride and perseverance: Wenren seeks a rematch to overcome the mental burden of defeat, but must confront the limits of her confidence.
- Reputation and trust: Chen Lie insists on a credible guarantee before accepting the wager, while Wen Ruying’s status lends the promise weight.