Ch. 1021Pressing the Attack

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ling Zhan, a job-changer from the lower realm, faces the Holy Light Guardian, a level 300 powerhouse.
  • Ling Zhan's skills suppress the Holy Light Guardian's healing, attributes, and abilities, making him nearly helpless.
  • Ling Zhan uses a combination of skills, including "Silencer" (silencing the Guardian for 2 seconds repeatedly), "Pierce the Deadly Thorn" (dealing significant damage), and "Inch Punch" & "Clothes-Bursting Technique" (shattering the Guardian's equipment).
  • Despite the Guardian's efforts, Ling Zhan defeats him in a prolonged, one-sided battle.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan demonstrates his overwhelming power and strategic use of skills, even against a much higher-level opponent.
  • The Holy Light Guardian shows resilience but ultimately succumbs to Ling Zhan's onslaught, revealing his reliance on skills and equipment.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of understanding and countering an opponent's abilities and strategies.
  • The role of equipment and skills in a job-changer's power, and the vulnerability when these are compromised.
  • The disparity in power between Ling Zhan and other characters, emphasizing his exceptional strength.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan vs. Holy Light Guardian: A one-sided battle where Ling Zhan dominates, showcasing his superior skills and strategy.
  • Meng Shuang, Changyue, and Yun Man: The divine beast girls watch the battle, expressing their shock and amusement at Ling Zhan's overwhelming power.

Ch. 1022Upper Realm! New Terra Realm!

  • Ling Zhan defeats the Holy Light Guardian in just 42 seconds, setting a new trial record.
  • He receives generous system rewards, including a level boost to 210, talent upgrades to Heavenly Void-rank, and Holy Resurrection Potions.
  • Ling Zhan and his divine beast companions enter the Gate of the Void, teleporting to the Upper Realm.
  • In the Upper Realm's New Terra Realm, Kester Harbor, nobles and job-changers gather to await ascenders from the lower realm, scouting for potential talent to serve their families.
  • The Upper Realm is divided into four universe domains, with humans considered the weakest race, primarily residing in the Old Terra Realm within the Fourth Universe Domain.

Ch. 1023Will! Assistant to Koste City's City Lord!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Gate of Realms opens every three years, allowing human leaders to select prodigies from lower-realm starfields.
  • Qin Fan, a human, breaks through level 300 and represents the Academy of True Knowledge in the Heavenly God Cup Trial Tournament.
  • Over a thousand ascenders from various races and lower-realm starfields arrive at Koste City through the Gate of Realms.
  • The ascenders, including Ling Zhan, are welcomed by Will, assistant to the City Lord, who informs them about the registration process for prominent families or associations within ten days.

Character Developments

  • Qin Fan emerges as a promising human ascender, breaking through level 300 and representing humanity in a prestigious tournament.
  • Ling Zhan, a newcomer ascender, arrives at Koste City with three divine beast maidens but remains largely unnoticed due to the established cliques among the ascenders.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle of humanity to rise against other races and the significance of breaking through level 300.
  • The vast difference in resources and support between the lower and upper realms, affecting ascenders' growth and development.
  • The importance of joining prominent families or associations in the upper realm for new ascenders to gain a foothold and receive support.

Character Interactions

  • The nobles and job-changers in Koste City eagerly await the arrival of new ascenders, viewing them as potential recruits for their families or associations.
  • Ling Zhan, upon arrival, is largely ignored by other ascenders due to his late arrival and the established cliques, but he is not bothered by this and enjoys the company of his divine beast maidens.
  • Will, assistant to the City Lord, welcomes the new ascenders and explains the registration process for prominent families or associations within the city.

Ch. 1024120 Billion! Rapid Progress!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ascenders are pressured to choose a faction within ten days or be expelled from Koste City.
  • A welcome banquet is held for Ascenders to meet prominent families and guilds.
  • Ascenders express caution about joining organizations due to potential soul contracts and being sent to the wilderness.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan remains indifferent and prefers to be alone, causing other Ascenders to perceive him as arrogant.
  • Yun Man expresses concern about the potential danger of not joining an organization.

Significant Themes

  • The pressure and caution Ascenders feel about choosing a faction and the potential consequences of not doing so.
  • Ling Zhan's independence and preference for solitude.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan interacts minimally with other Ascenders, preferring to be alone.
  • Yun Man, Meng Shuang, and Changyue follow Ling Zhan's lead and keep to themselves.
  • Ascenders discuss their concerns about the situation and express their opinions about Ling Zhan's behavior.

Ch. 1025I Have No Plans to Join Any Association or Organization

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Divine Beast girls and Ling Zhan attend an Ascender welcome banquet at Koste Hotel.
  • The guests, including the City Lord's assistant Will, scrutinize the Ascenders, aiming to recruit them into their organizations.
  • Ling Zhan learns about the Upper Realm's dynamics, including Qin Fan's exceptional achievements and the distinction between the Old and New Terra Realms.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan maintains his aloof and reserved demeanor, showing no interest in joining any organization.
  • The Divine Beast girls, though captivating, are not significantly developed in this chapter.

Significant Themes

  • The Upper Realm's hierarchical society, where powerful families and organizations hold significant influence.
  • The discrimination against human job-changers, despite Qin Fan's recent accomplishments.
  • The importance of identity passes and safe zones in the Upper Realm.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan politely declines the guests' invitations to join their organizations.
  • The guests appraise the Ascenders, treating them like potential recruits or merchandise.
  • Ling Zhan and the Divine Beast girls enter the banquet together, drawing attention due to their appearance and the rarity of human Ascenders.

Ch. 1026You Look Down on Me

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ling Zhan declares he won't join any association, organization, or noble household at the banquet.
  • Will, the Deputy City Lord, takes offense and confronts Ling Zhan.
  • Meng Shuang, Ling Zhan's beast pet, insults Will, escalating the situation.
  • Will demands Ling Zhan hand over Meng Shuang and threatens expulsion and pursuit by Level 300 experts.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan remains calm and composed, showing no fear despite the threats.
  • Meng Shuang demonstrates a straightforward and fearless personality.
  • Will reveals his arrogant and tyrannical nature, abusing his power as Deputy City Lord.

Significant Themes

  • Power dynamics and corruption in the Upper Realm.
  • The struggle of newly ascended beings to maintain their independence and dignity.
  • The dehumanization of beast pets and their lack of rights.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan and Will's confrontation highlights the power imbalance and tension between them.
  • Meng Shuang's interaction with Will showcases her bravery and loyalty to Ling Zhan.
  • The other ascenders' reactions reveal their fear and willingness to compromise to maintain their safety and interests.

Ch. 1027Waiting for the Hunt

Chapter Summary: “Waiting for the Hunt”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The ascenders at Will’s banquet believe Ling Zhan should sacrifice Meng Shuang, whom they regard as merely a pet, to preserve their own safety.
  • Ling Zhan rejects this logic and refuses to abandon Meng Shuang or his other two divine beast companions, Yun Man and Changyue.
  • Will, enraged by Ling Zhan’s defiance, uses his authority as Koste City’s Deputy City Lord to expel Ling Zhan and the three girls from the city.
  • Will then openly hires thirty Level 300 adventurers to hunt down and kill the expelled group, ordering them to return with their heads within an hour.
  • The order serves as a warning to the other ascenders: Will wants them to understand that defiance may result in expulsion and exposure to danger outside the safe zone.
  • Believing Ling Zhan to be a weak Level 200 Beast Tamer, the adventurers confidently pursue him.
  • Outside the city, Ling Zhan deliberately travels ten kilometers into the forest and waits in an open clearing for the hunters to arrive.
  • The chapter ends as the thirty adventurers reach the clearing and realize that Ling Zhan has not fled but has calmly prepared to confront them.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan: Demonstrates firm loyalty, confidence, and independence. He refuses to compromise his principles or abandon companions who have treated him sincerely. His decision to wait for the hunters suggests he intends to counterattack rather than merely survive.
  • Meng Shuang: Remains completely loyal to Ling Zhan despite being the reason for the conflict. His presence gives her confidence, and she shows no fear after expulsion.
  • Yun Man and Changyue: Follow Ling Zhan’s lead without hesitation. Their exchanged glances indicate that they understand his plan and trust his ability to protect them.
  • Will: Reveals himself as arrogant, vindictive, and politically manipulative. He uses Ling Zhan as an example to intimidate the remaining ascenders and relies on his legal status and position within the city for protection.
  • The thirty adventurers: Underestimate Ling Zhan and his companions because of their apparent levels and presumed Beast Tamer class. Their confidence begins to falter when they find the group waiting for them.

Significant Themes

  • Loyalty versus self-preservation: The chapter contrasts the ascenders’ willingness to sacrifice a weaker companion with Ling Zhan’s refusal to abandon those loyal to him.
  • Power and intimidation: Will uses public punishment and hired killers to reinforce his authority and frighten potential challengers.
  • Integrity and reciprocity: Ling Zhan explains that he returns the sincerity shown to him, presenting loyalty as a personal principle rather than an attempt to appear morally superior.
  • Underestimation and hidden strength: The hunters assume that levels and class labels reveal the group’s true danger, while Ling Zhan’s calm preparation hints that appearances are misleading.
  • Reversal of power: Will believes he has forced Ling Zhan into a hopeless situation, but Ling Zhan’s decision to wait for the hunters suggests that the supposed prey may become the predator.

Character Interactions

  • Will and Ling Zhan clash directly when Will demands that Ling Zhan abandon Meng Shuang. Ling Zhan responds with open defiance, prompting Will to expel him.
  • Will manipulates the banquet’s other guests by turning Ling Zhan’s punishment into a public warning.
  • Meng Shuang asks Ling Zhan where they should go after expulsion, and her calm question reflects her trust in him.
  • Ling Zhan orders the group to wait in the forest, and Yun Man, Changyue, and Meng Shuang silently accept his plan.
  • The hunters arrive expecting an easy victory but are unsettled when they discover that their targets have deliberately remained in place.

Ch. 1028Lethal Pressure-Point Strike! Sparks Fly!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • A group of job changers, led by a middle-aged man, confronts Ling Zhan and his divine beast girls (Changyue, Yun Man, and Meng Shuang).
  • The job changers plan to capture the girls and sell them to a brothel, as they lack identity passes, making them displaced people without legal status in the upper realm.
  • The job changers attack, but Yun Man steps forward to defend Ling Zhan, with Changyue and Meng Shuang ready to fight as well.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan: Remains calm and composed, allowing his divine beast girls to handle the situation.
  • Divine Beast Girls (Changyue, Yun Man, and Meng Shuang): Show confidence and eagerness to fight, revealing their hidden strength.
  • Job Changers: Reveal their malicious intentions and underestimate their opponents, displaying arrogance and greed.

Significant Themes

  • Power dynamics and social status in the upper realm, where displaced people without identity passes are vulnerable to exploitation.
  • The dangers of underestimating one's opponents, as seen in the job changers' overconfidence.
  • The importance of unity and teamwork, as shown by the divine beast girls' willingness to defend each other and Ling Zhan.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan and his divine beast girls: Display a strong bond and mutual trust, with the girls eager to protect Ling Zhan.
  • Job changers: Interact with each other with a sense of camaraderie, but also display internal power dynamics and competition, as seen in the shifty-eyed job changer's attempt to claim Changyue for himself.

Ch. 1029Moonless Night

Key Plot Points and Events

  • A ratkin job-changer attempts to attack Changyue but fails, realizing she's not as weak as she seems.
  • Changyue traps him using 'Moon Cage' and prepares to fight.
  • The ratkin uses his strongest skill, 'Shadow Theft of Heaven', but can't escape the cage.
  • Changyue reveals her true strength on a full-moon night, causing her power to soar.
  • The ratkin's companions hesitate to save him, fearing Changyue's power.
  • Changyue uses 'Moonless Night', plunging the area into darkness and defeating all the job-changers.

Character Developments

  • Changyue: Reveals her true strength and power on a full-moon night, showing she's not as weak as her level suggests.
  • Ratkin Job-Changer: Realizes his mistake in underestimating Changyue, regrets his actions, and is eventually defeated.
  • Other Job-Changers: Show hesitation and fear in facing Changyue, prioritizing their own safety over saving their companion.

Significant Themes

  • Underestimation of opponents leading to danger.
  • Fear and hesitation in the face of overwhelming power.
  • The importance of unity and teamwork in combat.

Character Interactions

  • Changyue vs. Ratkin Job-Changer: Changyue's power and composure vs. the ratkin's underestimation and eventual defeat.
  • Job-Changers vs. Changyue: The job-changers' hesitation and fear in facing Changyue, prioritizing their own safety over helping their companion.
  • Changyue vs. Other Job-Changers: Changyue's calm and powerful display of strength vs. the job-changers' fear and disunity.

Ch. 1030Counterkill

Here is a concise summary of the chapter:

1. Key Plot Points & Events

  • The banquet ends successfully. All Ascenders sign roughly five-year cooperation agreements with magic associations or adventurer guilds; the five human Ascenders all get contracts.
  • Will is pleased: he earned about 500,000 Holy Coins, a substantial sum in Koste City. The chapter briefly explains that Holy Coins are high-value Upper Realm currency, distinct from Holy Crystals.
  • Will grows anxious as the class changers he sent to hunt Ling Zhan do not return after two and a half hours.
  • Eventually, his assistant reports that Saxes and the other pursuers were found dead, hung on the main road outside the city gates.
  • Realizing Ling Zhan (a Level 200+ Ascender) slaughtered Level 300 class changers, Will understands he has offended an exceptionally talented enemy.
  • Instead of apologizing, Will orders all associations in Koste City to send their top combat forces the next morning to hunt Ling Zhan, dragging other guilds into the conflict.
  • Meanwhile, Ling Zhan’s group has already reached a town called Helen.

2. Character Developments

  • Will (Deputy City Lord): Shows arrogance and pride, prioritizing his dignity over reconciliation. He is pragmatic in a ruthless way but also increasingly paranoid, comparing Ling Zhan to the human Qin Fan. He decides to escalate rather than seek peace.
  • Ling Zhan (off-screen): Demonstrated extreme combat ability and tactical ruthlessness by counterkilling and humiliating his pursuers. He is already moving efficiently to a safe location.
  • The assistant: Portrayed as fearful and subordinate, suffering Will’s frustration via a slap; offers cautious advice but quickly yields to Will’s decisions.

3. Significant Themes

  • Alliances and Coercion: Ascenders are forced into long-term contracts, with associations testing their potential over five years.
  • Power and Reputation: Will’s refusal to apologize highlights how pride and face can drive disastrous decisions.
  • Escalation of Conflict: Instead of de-escalating, Will chooses to escalate, risking a larger war against a formidable enemy.
  • Value of Currency/Resources: The explanation of Holy Coins underscore the economic stakes of the Upper Realm.

4. Character Interactions

  • Will interacts mainly with his assistant: he orders him to send an elite team, receives the bad news, asks for advice, slaps him, and issues orders for a mass hunt.
  • The assistant’s cautious suggestion to apologize is dismissed by Will, who then forces the assistant to agree to continued pursuit.
  • The broader interaction is indirect: Will’s actions are all reactions to Ling Zhan’s off-screen counterkill, setting up an escalating confrontation.

Ch. 1031Forced Sale

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ling Zhan arrives in Helen Town, a bustling town outside a safe zone, to exchange upper-realm Holy Coins.
  • He attempts to sell a three-star Holy Artifact, the "Sun-Moon Heartguard Mirror," worth around five thousand Holy Coins.
  • The Frogfolk shop owner offers a low price of one thousand Holy Coins, then increases it to two thousand, but Ling Zhan is not satisfied.
  • The shop owner threatens Ling Zhan, implying that he can force the sale as they're not in a safe zone.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan demonstrates his negotiation skills and determination, refusing to sell the item at a low price.
  • The Frogfolk shop owner, Toad Three, shows his greed and willingness to exploit job-changers outside safe zones.

Significant Themes

  • The exploitation of job-changers without identity passes in towns outside safe zones.
  • The importance of Holy Coins for transactions and survival in the upper realm.
  • The lack of law enforcement and safety in wilderness towns, encouraging unscrupulous behavior.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan and Toad Three engage in a tense negotiation, with Toad Three attempting to force a sale.
  • Toad Three implies that he has hired muscle (job-changers above level 300) to back up his threats.

Ch. 1032Kuna

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ling Zhan and his group encounter Toad Three, a frogman, who tries to force them into a business deal.
  • Toad Three, backed by local law enforcement, bullies job-changers outside the safe zone.
  • Kuna, a fire fox girl with an identity pass, intervenes and scolds Toad Three for his actions.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan remains calm and composed in the face of Toad Three's bullying.
  • Kuna demonstrates her strong sense of justice and willingness to stand up for the weak.

Significant Themes

  • The harsh reality outside safe zones, where the weak are prey to the strong.
  • The corrupt nature of law enforcement, which can be bought off with protection money.
  • The struggle between justice and corruption, represented by Kuna and Toad Three.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan and his group face off against Toad Three and his thugs.
  • Kuna confronts Toad Three, showing no fear despite his higher level.
  • Toad Three's enemy, a female frogman, reports him to Kuna, leading to her intervention.

Ch. 1033Hunted Down

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Kuna, the deputy captain of Helen Town's law enforcement team and the mayor's daughter, intervenes when a merchant, Toad Three, tries to bully Ling Zhan and his group.
  • Toad Three attempts to buy Ling Zhan's Sun-Moon Heartguard Mirror for a low price, but Ling Zhan refuses to sell.
  • Kuna scolds Toad Three for his bullying behavior and makes him return the mirror.
  • Ling Zhan and his group reveal that they are being hunted down by powerful people from the upper realm because they refused to join an association.

Character Developments

  • Kuna demonstrates her strong sense of justice and willingness to protect the weak, even against powerful figures like Toad Three.
  • Ling Zhan shows his determination and self-discipline, refusing to be swayed by Kuna's admiration or Toad Three's threats.
  • Meng Shuang displays her loyalty and protectiveness towards Ling Zhan, standing up to Toad Three and explaining their situation to Kuna.

Significant Themes

  • Justice vs. Corruption: Kuna's sense of justice is pitted against the corrupt behavior of Toad Three and the powerful figures hunting Ling Zhan's group.
  • Strength vs. Power: Kuna's position as the mayor's daughter and deputy captain gives her power, while Ling Zhan's group relies on their strength and determination to resist oppression.

Character Interactions

  • Kuna and Ling Zhan: Kuna is immediately drawn to Ling Zhan's appearance and bearing, while Ling Zhan remains polite but distant.
  • Meng Shuang and Toad Three: Meng Shuang stands up to Toad Three, showing no fear despite his threats.
  • Ling Zhan and his group: Ling Zhan's group works together, with Meng Shuang explaining their situation to Kuna and Yun Man and Changyue supporting Ling Zhan.

Ch. 1034Legal Citizen Qualification Trial Tournament

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ling Zhan refuses Kuna's offer to help obtain an identity pass, preferring to rely on his own abilities.
  • Toad Three reveals that to become a legal citizen, one must participate in the annual Legal Citizen Qualification Trial Tournament.
  • The tournament is described as brutal, intense, and filled with underhanded methods, with no level restrictions.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan demonstrates his independent and cautious nature, refusing to owe favors and preferring to rely on his own strength.
  • Kuna shows curiosity and willingness to help, despite Ling Zhan's refusal.
  • Toad Three reveals his knowledge of the Upper Realm's political and social structure, and his disdain for Ling Zhan's self-confidence.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle for survival and resources in the Upper Realm.
  • The importance of identity and status in society.
  • The dangers and ruthlessness of competition.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan politely declines Kuna's offer, maintaining his independence.
  • Kuna expresses curiosity about Ling Zhan's decision.
  • Toad Three mocks Ling Zhan's self-confidence, revealing his own understanding of the Upper Realm's power dynamics.

Ch. 1035Teaming Up

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ling Zhan decides to participate in the Citizen Qualification Trials to obtain an identity qualification certificate.
  • Kuna, the mayor's daughter, offers to help Ling Zhan by providing dungeon tickets and forming a party for him.
  • Ling Zhan agrees, and they head to Helen Town's safe zone.
  • Ling Zhan is observed curiously by the non-human residents due to his lack of an identity pass.
  • Kuna arranges a room for Ling Zhan at a tavern and buys dungeon tickets for him.
  • The next day, Kuna returns with three Forest Spirit Clan teenagers (Asude, Sankui, and Arya) to form a party for the dungeon run.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan shows determination and willingness to improve his strength by participating in the trials and running dungeons.
  • Kuna demonstrates kindness and helpfulness by assisting Ling Zhan despite his low level.
  • Toad Three shows envy and malice towards Ling Zhan, planning to report him to the deputy city lord of Koste City.
  • The Forest Spirit Clan teenagers show initial mistrust and indifference towards Ling Zhan due to his human race and low level.

Significant Themes

  • The decline of the human race and their low status in the New Terra Realm.
  • The importance of identity qualification certificates for legal citizenship and access to certain areas.
  • The curiosity and mistrust towards Ling Zhan due to his human race and lack of an identity pass.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan and Kuna: They interact positively, with Kuna offering help and Ling Zhan accepting it gratefully.
  • Ling Zhan and Toad Three: Toad Three shows envy and malice towards Ling Zhan, while Ling Zhan remains indifferent.
  • Ling Zhan and the Forest Spirit Clan teenagers: The teenagers initially show mistrust and indifference towards Ling Zhan, but they agree to form a party with him for the dungeon run.

Ch. 1036Three Dungeons! A Special BOSS Spawns

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ling Zhan joins a party of four teenagers (Asude, Sankui, Arya, and Kuna) for dungeon delving, despite being the lowest level (210) among them.
  • The party enters Helen Town's Secret Realm Hall, where they have reserved three dungeons suitable for levels 200 to 300: Fallen Angel Ruins (five-star gold), Dark Valley (nine-star silver), and Annihilation Swamp (nine-star silver).
  • A staff member warns Kuna about a high chance of a special, difficult BOSS spawning in the Fallen Angel Ruins, but Kuna confidently declines a [Party Supporter].

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan remains calm and composed despite being belittled and excluded by his party members, showing resilience and indifference to their opinions.
  • Kuna stands up for Ling Zhan when he's targeted, demonstrating loyalty to her friend.
  • Asude, Sankui, and Arya initially exclude Ling Zhan but later back down when Kuna threatens to disband the party.

Significant Themes

  • Social Status and Power Dynamics: Kuna's status as the mayor's daughter grants her privileges and respect from others, while Ling Zhan's lack of status makes him an easy target for disrespect.
  • Confidence and Hubris: Kuna's confidence in her party's abilities borders on hubris, as she declines a [Party Supporter] despite the warning about a difficult BOSS.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan and Kuna's friendship is established as Kuna defends him against her party members.
  • Asude, Sankui, and Arya initially exclude Ling Zhan but later back down due to Kuna's threat and their own desire to maintain their party.
  • The staff member tries to persuade Kuna to take a [Party Supporter] but ultimately gives in to her wishes to avoid trouble.

Ch. 1037Fallen Angel Ruins!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Kuna's team enters the Fallen Angel Ruins dungeon without a party supporter, causing a stir among the Job-Changers.
  • The dungeon's difficulty is high due to the monster levels being at their peak (above Level 270), and the special Boss is maxed out at Level 300.
  • The team encounters corrupted angels as the first monsters, which attack without hesitation.

Character Developments

  • Kuna shows leadership and responsibility, prioritizing the dungeon clearance over the commotion caused by their entry.
  • Arya demonstrates her support role, providing shields for her teammates but not for Ling Zhan and his contracted divine beasts.
  • Sankui takes the frontline position, showing bravery and determination.

Significant Themes

  • Proving Oneself: The team seeks to clear the dungeon despite the high difficulty and the lack of a party supporter, aiming to prove their capabilities.
  • Teamwork and Trust: The team members work together, with Arya providing support and Sankui taking the lead in defense.
  • Adversity: The dungeon's environmental debuff suppresses the team's attributes by 20%, adding to the challenge they face.

Character Interactions

  • Kuna, Asude, and Arya work together as a team, with Kuna leading and Arya providing support.
  • Sankui and Arya have a friendly rivalry, with Sankui teasing Arya about not providing buffs to Ling Zhan and his divine beasts.
  • Ling Zhan and his divine beasts are initially excluded from the team's protection, highlighting the tension between them and the main team.

Ch. 1038Encountering Disdain

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ling Zhan and his team are underestimated and treated as freeloaders by Asude, Arya, Sankui, Yun Man, Changyue, and Meng Shuang.
  • The team struggles through the Fallen Angel Ruins dungeon, facing stronger monsters than usual, causing them to strain and pale by the second stage.
  • The team takes a break on the rest floor, with Asude and Arya expressing their frustration and dissatisfaction with Ling Zhan's presence.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan remains calm and composed, showing maturity and patience despite the underestimation.
  • Asude, Arya, and Sankui struggle with their roles, revealing weaknesses in their skills and mental resilience.
  • Kuna performs reasonably well as a Mage, but still has room for improvement.
  • Arya shows leadership and initiative by suggesting to kick Ling Zhan out and recruit a capable fighter.

Significant Themes

  • Underestimation and prejudice against Ling Zhan's team.
  • The challenges and difficulties of the Fallen Angel Ruins dungeon.
  • The importance of team coordination and individual skill in dungeon challenges.

Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan's team is disdained by Asude, Arya, and Sankui.
  • Asude, Arya, and Sankui struggle to communicate their frustrations and concerns about Ling Zhan's presence.
  • Arya and Asude stand up to Kuna, expressing their dissatisfaction with Ling Zhan and the team's current state.

Ch. 1039Better Die in There

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The team discusses whether to continue with Ling Zhan, who is not strong enough for the dungeon. Arya, Asude, and Sankui decide to leave.
  • Kuna decides to continue with Ling Zhan alone, despite the danger. Yun Man, Meng Shuang, and Changyue choose to stay with her.
  • Kuna's mother, Lydia, arrives and tries to convince Kuna to leave the dungeon. However, Kuna and her team proceed to the third stage.
  • The audience and the departed team members (Arya, Asude, Sankui) expect Kuna's team to face great danger and possibly fail.

Character Developments

  • Ling Zhan shows determination to level up on his own, despite the risks.
  • Kuna demonstrates loyalty and concern for Ling Zhan, willing to face danger with him.
  • Meng Shuang shows confidence and arrogance, underestimating the dungeon's difficulty.
  • Lydia shows concern for her daughter's safety but is displeased with Kuna's decision.

Significant Themes

  • Loyalty and Friendship: Kuna's decision to stay with Ling Zhan despite the danger.
  • Hubris: Meng Shuang's overconfidence in her abilities.
  • Consequences of Decisions: The team faces potential danger due to their choice to continue with Ling Zhan.

Character Interactions

  • Kuna and Ling Zhan: Kuna apologizes for not being able to help Ling Zhan level up, but Ling Zhan doesn't want her to apologize.
  • Kuna and Meng Shuang: Kuna is surprised by Meng Shuang's confidence and lack of fear.
  • Lydia and Kuna: Lydia tries to convince Kuna to leave the dungeon, but Kuna disobeys her.
  • Arya, Asude, and Sankui: They leave the dungeon together and mock Kuna's team's decision to continue.

Ch. 1040A Shocking Scene

Summary: "A Shocking Scene"

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ling Zhan leads his contracted divine beasts into the third floor of the Secret Realm, heading toward the Fallen Angel Palace. Kuna follows nervously.
  • They encounter a level 280 elite monster, the Blazing Flame Fallen Angel, which is receiving a 50% combat boost because it is "Fallen Day."
  • The audience watching outside and Kuna all believe the group is doomed due to the massive level gap (Ling Zhan's team appears far weaker).
  • Kuna's mother, Lydia, resents Ling Zhan for dragging her daughter into danger.
  • Yun Man (one of Ling Zhan's divine beasts) steps forward alone to face the monster. Kuna tries to pull her back, but Meng Shuang stops her, insisting Yun Man is confident.
  • The monster awakens and unleashes a berserk, screen-covering flame attack.
  • Yun Man simply clenches her fist and says "Return" — causing the entire firestorm to instantly shrink back into the monster's body, leaving the audience, Kuna, and even the monster itself completely stunned.

2. Character Developments

  • Yun Man: Revealed to possess overwhelming, seemingly command-like authority over fire; calm and expressionless even against a far superior enemy.
  • Kuna: Shifts from anxious doubt to total shock; her worldview about power gaps is shaken. She is also shown preparing to burn an advanced teleportation talisman to save everyone, revealing her protective nature.
  • Ling Zhan: Stays utterly calm and speaks little, reinforcing the mystery of his strength and the power of his contracted beasts.
  • Meng Shuang: Shows complete trust in her comrades, acting as a reassuring voice for Kuna.

3. Significant Themes

  • Subverting expectations: The audience, Kuna, and even the monster are proven wrong about who is "weak."
  • The power of divine beasts: Yun Man's effortless control over an elite monster's attack hints that true strength defies normal level comparisons.
  • Misjudgment and reliance on appearances: Observers measure threat by stats alone, foreshadowing the overturned understanding of all class changers.

4. Character Interactions

  • Ling Zhan ↔ Kuna: He ignores her concerns and pushes forward; she initially trusts his confidence but remains doubtful.
  • Kuna ↔ Meng Shuang: Meng Shuang physically blocks Kuna's intervention and reassures her to watch calmly.
  • Yun Man ↔ Blazing Flame Fallen Angel: A one-sided confrontation where Yun Man effortlessly negates the monster's ultimate attack.
  • Off-screen audience ↔ Ling Zhan (via Lydia): The crowd judges the group doomed; Lydia resents Ling Zhan for endangering her daughter.
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