Ch. 361Lan Xuanyu: "Isn't the Spirit Ascension Platform meant to be blown up?"
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Electrolux performs the replacement of Wang Dong’er’s Clear Sky Hammer martial soul. He drives a greatsword into her body, causing extreme spiritual and physical pain.
- Huo Yuhao assists by transferring part of the pain into himself through his Spirit Eye, allowing Wang Dong’er to endure the procedure.
- The transformation succeeds. Wang Dong’er receives a new martial soul combining Ultimate Ice and undead power, with the five original ten-thousand-year soul rings now infused with gray-blue energy. Electrolux names it Frostmourne.
- Wang Dong’er believes the new martial soul may be an effective counter to Tang San. Huo Yuhao invites her to join the Spirit Pagoda, regarding her primarily as a weapon against Tang San and the Clear Sky Sect.
- Wang Dong’er asks whether Huo Yuhao would have accepted her if she had not once been arrogant toward him. He tells her they are destined to remain distant, but she interprets this as a partial rather than absolute rejection and continues to harbor feelings for him.
- Meanwhile, Lan Xuanyu secretly enters the Spirit Pagoda headquarters in Ming Capital after escaping the Clear Sky Sect’s removal from the competition. He is shocked by the organization’s enormous wealth, advanced technology, and apparent harmony between humans and soul beasts.
- Determined to help Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect—and obtain Immortal Spirit Qi—Lan Xuanyu pays the costly entrance fee and qualifies for the Spirit Ascension Platform using a disguised Earth Dragon martial soul.
- He enters the platform, which takes the form of a semi-real miniature world modeled on the Star Dou Great Forest. Despite the danger and the possibility of injuries affecting his real body, Lan Xuanyu eagerly prepares to cause destruction.
- At the same time, Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao discuss Yan Shaozhe’s past prejudice against Lan Fozu and the need for Shrek to reconsider its rigid attitude toward Evil Soul Masters.
- Huo Yuhao suddenly senses that the Spirit Ascension Platform has been destroyed, strongly implying that Lan Xuanyu has begun his attack.
Character Developments
- Wang Dong’er: Endures the painful martial-soul replacement and gains a much stronger, dual-attribute martial soul. Her romantic feelings for Huo Yuhao remain unresolved; she interprets his refusal to fully reject her as hope.
- Huo Yuhao: Demonstrates emotional detachment toward Wang Dong’er, viewing her largely as a strategic asset against Tang San. However, he willingly shares her pain and shows trust and affection toward Ma Xiaotao. His confidence in the Spirit Pagoda is challenged by its apparent destruction.
- Electrolux: Displays his technical mastery by creating Frostmourne, though he criticizes Wang Dong’er’s relatively weak willpower during the procedure.
- Lan Xuanyu: Becomes more independent and determined after realizing he cannot rely on others. His hatred of Huo Yuhao and loyalty to the Tang Sect, Shrek, and his own Dragon God identity drive him to attack the Spirit Pagoda.
- Ma Xiaotao: Shows maturity and understanding by recognizing why Huo Yuhao defended Lan Fozu. She supports his criticism of Shrek’s treatment of Evil Soul Masters while still wishing to visit her teacher, Yan Shaozhe.
Significant Themes
- Power and transformation: Wang Dong’er’s painful conversion symbolizes the extreme sacrifices required to obtain greater power.
- Instrumentalization of people: Huo Yuhao views Wang Dong’er primarily as a tool against Tang San, highlighting the chapter’s morally detached approach to relationships and warfare.
- Unresolved love and emotional distance: Wang Dong’er remains attached to Huo Yuhao despite his insistence that they should remain apart.
- Ideological conflict: The chapter contrasts Huo Yuhao’s inclusive cooperation between humans and soul beasts with Lan Xuanyu’s belief that Huo Yuhao has usurped a role that belongs to the Dragon God.
- Prejudice and reform: Ma Xiaotao and Huo Yuhao question Shrek’s simplistic condemnation of Evil Soul Masters.
- Historical disruption: Lan Xuanyu’s presence in the past and his destruction of the Spirit Ascension Platform threaten to alter the development of the Spirit Pagoda and the future of the Douluo Continent.
Character Interactions
- Electrolux and Wang Dong’er: Electrolux performs the transformation and names her new martial soul, while Wang Dong’er expresses gratitude and respect.
- Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong’er: Huo Yuhao helps her survive the procedure, then rejects the possibility of a close relationship. Wang Dong’er nevertheless remains hopeful and emotionally attached.
- Lan Xuanyu and the Spirit Pagoda staff: The staff treat him courteously and explain the platform’s risks, while he privately resents the high fee and views the organization as a threat.
- Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao: They share an intimate moment and discuss Yan Shaozhe’s actions. Ma Xiaotao reassures Huo Yuhao that she understands his motives and supports his criticism of Shrek’s prejudice.
- Huo Yuhao and Lan Xuanyu: Though they do not meet directly, their conflict drives the chapter. Lan Xuanyu enters the Spirit Ascension Platform specifically intending to undermine Huo Yuhao’s creation, and the chapter ends when Huo Yuhao realizes the attack has succeeded.