Ch. 261Almost died [bonus chapter for monthly votes]
Chapter Summary: “Almost Died”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Hu Da and Hu Er encounter Ah She, Little White, and Ah Kun, who excitedly describe a mysterious valley containing strange light, fragrance, and possible treasure.
- Although Hu Da senses danger, he agrees to investigate because he and Hu Er have been stuck at the High-Rank Beast General realm and hope the valley may contain a breakthrough opportunity.
- Near the valley, Hu Da detects an ancient, overwhelmingly powerful presence beneath the earth. The group decides to proceed cautiously and avoid further digging.
- Xu Feng returns to the temporary camp, realizes the five beasts have gone to the valley, and follows them. He identifies the location as a Gold Mark Land near Senior Yin’s territory and recognizes the underground ruins as resembling Senior Yin’s dwelling.
- Xu Feng finds the group underground just as his powerful spiritual probing awakens the buried entity. The mountain begins collapsing, and a gigantic dark-red claw attacks them.
- Xu Feng blocks the claw with his weapons and protective abilities, suffering internal injuries but buying time for everyone to flee.
- The creature attacks Ah She and Hu Er at the rear. They attempt to save one another, but both are seized. Xu Feng uses a dark-gold dagger to injure the claw and rescue them.
- Their escape route disappears, trapping them before the enormous vertical eye of the awakened being, who identifies itself as Blood Butcher.
- Xu Feng negotiates rather than fight. He invokes his master, Senior Yin, Great Xia’s power, his official status, and his connections to powerful clans to convince Blood Butcher that killing him would be costly.
- Blood Butcher agrees to spare them but demands either Xu Feng’s dagger or several companions as compensation. Xu Feng sacrifices the dagger, then cleverly provokes Blood Butcher into giving him a dark-red token as a “gift.”
- The group escapes to the surface alive. Later, Xu Feng examines the token and suspects it has an important but unknown purpose.
- Blood Butcher reveals privately that Xu Feng is surrounded by unusual karmic ties and may be useful in the future.
Character Developments
- Hu Da: Demonstrates caution, responsibility, and leadership. He initially considers abandoning the dangerous opportunity but chooses to investigate carefully. His concern for Hu Er and gratitude toward Xu Feng deepen his respect for Xu Feng.
- Hu Er: Remains impulsive and treasure-motivated, but shows courage and loyalty by pushing Ah She away from the attacking claw while trying to save him.
- Ah She: Displays strong instincts and loyalty toward Hu Er, attempting to protect and throw him clear of danger.
- Little White and Ah Kun: Their curiosity and excitement lead the group to the valley, but they become frightened once they sense the danger. They remain emotionally attached to Xu Feng after the escape.
- Xu Feng: Develops from a powerful protector into a skilled negotiator. He remains calm under extreme pressure, combines intimidation with diplomacy, sacrifices a weapon to save his companions, and even gains a valuable token from Blood Butcher.
- Blood Butcher: Introduced as an ancient, terrifying entity whose power far exceeds the Lord Grade. Though hostile, he proves intelligent, calculating, and interested in Xu Feng’s unusual background and potential.
Significant Themes
- Opportunity versus danger: The possible breakthrough opportunity draws the group toward a place where they nearly die.
- Leadership and responsibility: Hu Da and Xu Feng both prioritize protecting their companions, with Xu Feng ultimately taking responsibility for everyone’s survival.
- Courage and sacrifice: Hu Er and Ah She attempt to save each other, while Xu Feng gives up a valuable weapon to secure the group’s release.
- Power through intelligence: Xu Feng survives not by overpowering Blood Butcher, but by assessing the situation, exploiting the creature’s caution, and presenting a convincing political and personal threat.
- Hidden alliances and karmic connections: Xu Feng’s relationships with Senior Yin, Great Xia, and various ancient clans continue to draw him into increasingly significant encounters.
- The limits of appearances: Xu Feng’s persuasive speech appears to change Blood Butcher’s mind, but Xu Feng realizes the creature may never have intended to kill them and may instead be cultivating a future connection.
Important Character Interactions
- Hu Da and Hu Er debate whether to pursue the mysterious valley, highlighting their contrasting caution and impulsiveness.
- Hu Da establishes command over the three younger beasts and insists that the group retreat immediately if danger appears.
- Xu Feng reunites with the five explorers and urgently orders them to flee once he realizes the underground entity has awakened.
- Hu Er and Ah She protect one another during the attack, demonstrating their close bond.
- Xu Feng confronts Blood Butcher and uses a mixture of respect, veiled threats, political backing, and negotiation to prevent the group’s deaths.
- Xu Feng and Blood Butcher exchange a tense but increasingly strategic dialogue, ending with Blood Butcher giving Xu Feng the mysterious Blood Token.
- Afterward, Hu Da expresses sincere gratitude and admiration, while Xu Feng warns the group to keep the encounter secret and focuses on investigating the token.