Ch. 21Whale Rubber Secured
Chapter Summary: “Whale Rubber Secured”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Feng Tianyu’s transfer to the Soul Guidance Department is confirmed. Mu En assigns him to study Soul Tool techniques under Qian Duoduo, the department’s vice dean and a Level 8.5 Soul Engineer.
- Qian Duoduo warmly accepts Feng Tianyu and Grey Wolf, expressing interest in the unprecedented detached martial soul and promising to teach them everything possible during the three-year study period.
- Feng reminds Yan Shaozhe about the whale rubber promised by Mu En. Although reluctant, Yan is forced to provide it in Mu En’s presence.
- Yan gives Feng ten portions of whale rubber more than three thousand years old. The materials cost the academy 800,000 Gold Soul Coins internally and would be worth over three million on the open market.
- Feng believes consuming the whale rubber will significantly strengthen his body martial soul and allow him to attempt absorbing a Soul Ring exceeding one thousand years for his second ring.
- Qian Duoduo takes Feng to the Soul Guidance Department. Along the way, Feng explains that Zhou Yi’s unreasonable behavior drove him to the library, where he developed an interest in Soul Tool techniques.
- Qian Duoduo outwardly condemns Zhou Yi but privately celebrates that her actions have pushed an exceptionally talented student toward the Soul Guidance Department.
- Feng sees the department’s gray, heavily fortified teaching building, which is divided into a crafting area and a testing area. Qian Duoduo explains that thick cast-iron walls protect craftsmen from the dangerous noise and experiments.
- Rather than tour the testing area, Feng asks for help softening the whale rubber. Qian Duoduo offers to use his Level 8 Soul Guidance Furnace, whose flames are stronger than those of an ordinary Soul Douluo.
Character Developments
- Feng Tianyu: Demonstrates foresight and determination by securing the promised whale rubber before leaving Yan Shaozhe’s supervision. He remains focused on strengthening Grey Wolf and balancing Soul Power cultivation with Soul Tool studies.
- Qian Duoduo: Becomes Feng’s enthusiastic mentor and immediately recognizes the value of his innate full Soul Power and intelligent detached martial soul. He is delighted to gain such a rare talent for the Soul Guidance Department.
- Yan Shaozhe: Is shown as miserly, resentful, and deeply biased in favor of the Martial Soul Department. He reluctantly spends a fortune on Feng’s resources and becomes increasingly hostile toward Qian Duoduo.
- Mu En: Continues to support Feng and emphasizes that Shrek should invest in talent regardless of departmental affiliation. He also criticizes Yan Shaozhe’s inability to overcome departmental prejudice.
- Grey Wolf: Gains access to formal Soul Tool training, an unusual opportunity for a detached martial soul.
Significant Themes
- Departmental rivalry and sectarian prejudice: The conflict between the Martial Soul and Soul Guidance Departments is central. Mu En believes academy interests should come before departmental loyalty, while Yan Shaozhe treats Feng’s transfer as a loss.
- Investment in talent: The academy’s willingness to spend enormous resources on Feng highlights his exceptional potential and the importance of nurturing gifted students.
- Adaptability and unconventional cultivation: Feng’s detached martial soul cannot follow ordinary paths, so Soul Tool techniques and body enhancement become essential parts of his development.
- Mentorship and opportunity: Qian Duoduo’s welcoming attitude contrasts with the Martial Soul Department’s restrictive environment, suggesting that Feng may thrive under new guidance.
- Ambition versus resentment: Feng focuses on growth, while Yan Shaozhe remains consumed by departmental rivalry and financial loss.
Character Interactions
- Mu En formally entrusts Feng to Qian Duoduo, creating a cooperative relationship between them.
- Qian Duoduo greets Feng and Grey Wolf with genuine enthusiasm, while Feng responds respectfully and accepts him as his future teacher.
- Feng directly confronts Yan Shaozhe over the whale rubber, forcing him to honor Mu En’s promise.
- Mu En silently pressures Yan to comply and later criticizes his narrow-minded leadership.
- Qian Duoduo mocks Yan’s gloomy reaction and reminds him that Feng still belongs to the Martial Soul Department for now, setting up a future contest over which department Feng will ultimately choose.
- Feng and Qian Duoduo leave together for the Soul Guidance Department, marking the beginning of Feng’s new training path.