Ch. 21Cutting Through Them Like Melons and Vegetables
Summary: Cutting Vegetables Like a Pro
Key Plot Points & Events
- Elder Xuan praises the freshmen to Yan Shaozhe but is distracted, craving the roasted Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear meat that "that brat" cooks for him. He leaves hastily, followed by Yan Shaozhe, leaving Du Weilun confused.
- The freshman assessment's first round concludes, serving to acclimate students to combat-based evaluation.
- Day 2 features four matches (two morning, two afternoon); Day 3 has five matches. Overall, the assessment spans three days, with teams accumulating wins.
- Yue Ling's team (Yue Ling, Ma Xiaotao, Gongyang Mo) wins all four matches on Day 2 with ease—opponents often forfeit on sight—achieving a 5-0 record.
- After re-drawing of lots, teams with five losses are eliminated. Yue Ling's team remains in District 33 and faces five new teams, including stronger two-ring and occasional three-ring opponents.
- In the first match of the second round, Yue Ling's team faces three students from Freshman Class 6 (two assault-type, one support-type, all two-ring). The enemies' support buffs their assault types while Yue Ling activates his soul skills and Gongyang Mo provides buffs; Ma Xiaotao conserves power.
Character Developments
- Ma Xiaotao: Bored and lazy during training, she finds the weak opponents tiresome and wishes for stronger challengers. Her dangerous evil fire must be deliberately held back by Yue Ling.
- Yue Ling: Demonstrated strategic leadership—takes direct control of matches, uses Ma Xiaotao as a "safety net," and actively observes opponents to plan countermeasures.
- Gongyang Mo: Playful and relaxed, enjoys free wins and food outings; serves as the team's trump card/buffer.
- Elder Xuan: Gluttonous and food-obsessed, but recognizes the students' potential—"they don't lose heart under pressure."
Significant Themes
- High-intensity competition: The assessment escalates rapidly (2→4→5 matches per day), testing endurance.
- Talent gap: Yue Ling's team vastly outclasses most freshmen; their exceptional record seeds them favorably.
- Restraint of power: Ma Xiaotao's volatile evil fire requires active management, highlighting the burden of great strength.
- Strategy over brute force: Observing opponents and conserving energy proves as important as winning itself.
Character Interactions
- Elder Xuan ↔ Yan Shaozhe: Brief exchange about the students' promise; Elder Xuan is mentally elsewhere (food).
- Ma Xiaotao ↔ Gongyang Mo: Playful bickering ("You jerk...") that Ma Xiaotao finds soothing rather than annoying.
- Zhou Yi ↔ Yue Ling's team: Congratulates their 5-0 record but warns that tomorrow's matches will be tougher, advising them to aim for the top 64 and the ranking tournament.
- Team dynamic: Yue Ling stands at the front with Ma Xiaotao and Gongyang Mo flanking him in a triangular formation, emphasizing Yue Ling's role as the field commander.