Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Deathbird's appearance in the area raises questions and suspicion.
• Qin Ran interrogates Sakri, suspecting his unusual relationship with Deathbird.
• Qin Ran kills Abner and uses Sakri to force him into cooperation.
• Sakri reveals he's a spy for Forest City's God, sent to infiltrate Piercing Thorn.
• Qin Ran beats Sakri, venting his anger over Abner's death and their current predicament.
• Sakri proposes a plan involving an upcoming auction, hinting at an item Great Marsh desires.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran: Shows his wrath and desperation, revealing his genuine fury over Abner's death and their situation. He's willing to take risks to change their circumstances.
• Sakri: Despite being beaten, Sakri remains calm and reveals his true identity as a spy, demonstrating his loyalty to Forest City's God and his cunning.

Significant Themes

• Trust and alliance: Qin Ran and Sakri's relationship evolves from mistrust to a temporary alliance, based on Qin Ran's genuine anger and Sakri's perception of it.
• Power dynamics: The presence of powerful entities like Deathbird, Piercing Thorn, and Forest City's God influences characters' actions and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and Sakri: Their interaction shifts from hostility to a fragile alliance, with Qin Ran venting his anger on Sakri and Sakri remaining calm and cooperative, hoping to gain Qin Ran's trust.
• Qin Ran and Deathbird: Qin Ran's anger towards Deathbird for killing Abner hints at a potential conflict or misunderstanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Ran threatens Sakri for information about a map, but Sakri remains silent.
• Sakri offers to help Qin Ran expand his territory in exchange for Qin Ran's cooperation in a secret plan.
• Qin Ran feeds the Fire Crow an 'Essence of the Flame Vein,' causing it to evolve into a 'Fire Crow General.'
• Qin Ran receives a system notification, hinting at potential future developments.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran: Shows cunning and patience in dealing with Sakri, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different situations.
• Sakri: Reveals his ambition and willingness to manipulate others for his goals.
• Fire Crow: Evolves into a 'Fire Crow General,' gaining new abilities and becoming more formidable.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Both Qin Ran and Sakri use deceit to further their goals.
• Evolution and growth: The Fire Crow's evolution highlights the theme of growth and improvement through experience and resources.
• Ambition: Both main characters display a strong desire to achieve their goals, no matter the cost.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and Sakri: Their interaction is marked by tension and mistrust, with each trying to outmaneuver the other.
• Qin Ran and Fire Crow: Qin Ran's interaction with the Fire Crow shows his care and investment in his allies' growth.
• Sakri and his unknown accomplice: Sakri's phone call hints at a larger conspiracy involving other parties.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A special event, "Hasty Auction," is triggered, involving Qin Ran and Sakri, drawing attention from various beings and factions.
• Qin Ran plans to use this auction to further his own plans for the Piercing Thorn.
• The God of Forest City becomes a participant in the auction.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran shows strategic planning and adaptability by using the auction to his advantage.
• Great Marsh, the God of Flame City, reveals his protective nature towards Flame City but also hints at hidden motives.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Caution: Both Qin Ran and Great Marsh exhibit caution and suspicion, yet they are willing to trust each other to an extent.
• Power and Responsibility: Great Marsh's power and influence are evident, but he also bears the responsibility of protecting Flame City.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and Great Marsh: They exhibit mutual respect and understanding, despite their differences. They agree to cooperate, suggesting a potential alliance.
• Qin Ran and the Old Detective (Ouke): Qin Ran shows trust in Ouke, while Ouke remains loyal and protective of Flame City, even when faced with extraordinary beings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ethan Hunter's reputation as a "monster" spreads across Flame City.
• Qin Ran organizes an auction, inviting influential figures in Flame City.
• The auction venue is set up at Delin Street's Grand Theater, heavily guarded with mounted autocannons.
• Guests arrive, shocked by the venue's atmosphere and the presence of autocannons.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran becomes increasingly imposing and ruthless, instilling fear in his subordinates Kerry and Clay.
• Kerry and Clay grow more cautious and respectful towards Qin Ran, understanding the consequences of displeasing him.

Significant Themes

• Power and fear: Qin Ran's growing influence and the fear he instills in others.
• Greed and ambition: The guests' desire for wealth and status, and Qin Ran's desire for power and control.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran assigns tasks to Kerry and Clay, who carry them out diligently, showing their loyalty and fear of Qin Ran.
• Kerry and Clay interact, showing their rivalry and mutual understanding, as they prepare for the auction together.
• Qin Ran arrives at the venue, and Kerry and Clay show deference to him, highlighting the power dynamic between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The story begins in October, emphasizing the importance of voting with monthly tickets.
• Fat Dragon, a character in the story, is actively seeking votes, ensuring everyone has a guaranteed monthly ticket.
• The narrative encourages readers to check their ticket stash and use any available monthly tickets to vote for Fat Dragon.

Character Developments

• Fat Dragon: Shows initiative and determination in seeking votes, demonstrating a proactive approach to gaining support.

Significant Themes

• Voting and Participation: Emphasizes the importance of participating in the voting process, likely within the context of a game or community event.
• Support and Encouragement: Encourages readers to support Fat Dragon, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Character Interactions

• The narrative directly addresses the reader, creating an interactive and inclusive environment. It encourages readers to engage with Fat Dragon, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An auction begins with a bang, revealing a dragon-shaped golden crown encrusted with gems, suspected to be the legendary Crown of Ailiterjia.
• The crown sparks intense bidding, with prices rapidly escalating from ten million to forty million and beyond.
• Qin Ran, Sakri, and Clay are present, observing the scene. Qin Ran hires Kerry to conduct the auction.

Character Developments

• Kerry: Shows excitement and passion while auctioning the crown, demonstrating his potential as an auctioneer.
• Clay: Reveals his protective instincts and sharp instincts when he senses danger from Sakri, drawing his gun on him.
• Sakri: Reveals his dangerous side to Clay, indicating a shift in his demeanor from their previous meeting.

Significant Themes

• Power and Wealth: The crown's value is tied to its association with Ailiterjia, symbolizing power, wealth, and influence.
• Loyalty and Trust: Qin Ran values Clay's loyalty and simplicity, while Sakri questions Qin Ran's trust in his subordinates.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and Sakri: They discuss their plans for a crucial event at dawn, hinting at an upcoming operation.
• Clay and Sakri: Clay draws his gun on Sakri due to sensing danger, while Sakri remains calm and unperturbed.
• Qin Ran and Kerry: Qin Ran hires Kerry to conduct the auction, showing trust in his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An auction of Ailiterjia's treasures is held at Delin Street Grand Theater, with Kerry as the auctioneer.
• The final auction item is revealed to be a mysterious whisker, which transforms into a hundred-meter-long phantom.
• Becky, who had been cooperating with Kerry, suddenly turns against him, attacking Kerry and Clay.
• Kerry and Clay escape through a secret passage beneath the stage, triggering a bomb that destroys the stage but not the final auction item.
• The phantom appears, but its head is severed before it can speak.

Character Developments

• Kerry, initially uncomfortable on the auction stage, grows increasingly at ease and confident in his role as auctioneer.
• Becky reveals his true colors, betraying Kerry and attempting to eliminate him and Clay.
• Qin Ran, though not directly seen, is implied to be involved or aware of the situation, as Kerry looks toward the backstage area when panicked.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal: Becky's sudden betrayal highlights the theme of trust and loyalty in the underworld.
• Power and Control: The phantom's appearance and the guests' reaction to it underscore the theme of power and its ability to command submission.
• Secrets and Hidden Agendas: The secret passage and the final auction item's true form suggest that there are always hidden aspects and secrets in the world.

Character Interactions

• Kerry and Clay work together, with Kerry stopping Clay from drawing his gun initially and later pulling him into the secret passage.
• Becky's interaction with Kerry reveals his true intentions and the extent of his betrayal.
• The guests' reaction to the phantom shows their awe and submission in the face of power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A phantom head disappears, replaced by a swirling gray figure that terrifies everyone present.
• The gray figure, later revealed to be the God of Forest City, walks through the hall, causing everyone to lose consciousness.
• Becky, the leader of Piercing Thorn, is exposed and confronts the gray figure before collapsing.
• Great Marsh, the true ruler of Flame City, appears and engages in a conversation with the gray figure.
• Great Marsh sends the gray figure flying, revealing the God of Forest City's true face.
• Sakri, hidden, stabs Qin Ran, revealing his true intentions.

Character Developments

• The gray figure (God of Forest City) reveals his power and ambition, seeking to prove his strength to Great Marsh.
• Great Marsh shows his power and disdain for the God of Forest City's boasting.
• Sakri reveals his true allegiance, betraying Qin Ran.

Significant Themes

• Power and ambition: Both the God of Forest City and Great Marsh exhibit these traits, with the former seeking to prove himself and the latter showing his strength.
• Betrayal: Sakri's betrayal of Qin Ran highlights the theme of trust and loyalty in their relationship.

Character Interactions

• The God of Forest City and Great Marsh: Their interaction shows their history and the tension between them.
• Sakri and Qin Ran: Sakri's betrayal of Qin Ran reveals the hidden danger in their alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Fat Dragon, a main character, feels hungry and decides to go out in search of food.
• The chapter ends with a cliffhanger, indicating that the next update will continue the dragon's quest for a meal.

Character Developments

• Fat Dragon: The dragon's primary motivation is revealed to be hunger, showcasing its basic, instinctual nature.

Significant Themes

• Survival: The dragon's need to find food highlights the theme of survival and the struggle to meet basic needs.
• Anticipation: The cliffhanger ending creates a sense of anticipation for the next chapter.

Character Interactions

• There are no character interactions in this chapter, as the Fat Dragon is the only character present.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Ran is killed by Sakri, who uses his blood to nurture a mysterious seed.
• Sakri commits suicide, allowing the flower to consume his body.
• God of Forest City reveals that he has allied with Zhen to destroy Flame City's earth vein nodes, intending to weaken the Great Marsh.
• The Great Marsh reveals that he has left his body, and the person facing God of Forest City is an imposter.
• The imposter reveals his true identity and attacks God of Forest City, who is weakened and bound.

Character Developments

• Sakri: Sacrifices himself to nurture the flower, seeking atonement for his past actions.
• God of Forest City: Reveals his cunning and ruthlessness in his alliance with Zhen, but is caught off guard by the imposter's true identity.
• The Great Marsh: Shows composure and strategic planning, having anticipated God of Forest City's actions and prepared a countermeasure.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Sakri's suicide demonstrates the theme of sacrifice for atonement and a greater cause.
• Deception: The imposter's true identity and God of Forest City's underestimation of the Great Marsh highlight the theme of deception and its consequences.
• Power Dynamics: The shift in power dynamics between the Great Marsh and God of Forest City emphasizes the theme of power and its manipulation.

Character Interactions

• Sakri and Qin Ran: Sakri's actions are driven by his desire to atone for his past mistakes towards Qin Ran, even if it means sacrificing himself.
• The Great Marsh and God of Forest City: Their interaction reveals their strategic planning and underestimation of each other, leading to a shift in power dynamics.
• The Imposter and God of Forest City: Their interaction shows God of Forest City's shock and disbelief at the imposter's true identity and the subsequent attack.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Becky, riding a modified motorcycle, speeds towards his destination, wishing he could fly.
• He leads a mysterious gray figure to an alley in Flame City, where they enter a hidden underground corridor guarded by corpses.
• The gray figure is revealed to be the leader of Piercing Thorn, who senses Becky's betrayal and throws him at a stone door, destroying it.
• The door's destruction reveals the Great Marsh, and the leader of Piercing Thorn is sent flying, injured and confused.

Character Developments

• Becky: Reveals his ambition to become powerful and above all others, justifying his betrayal. His true intentions are exposed, leading to his demise.
• Leader of Piercing Thorn: Shows his cunning and strength, seeing through Becky's plan and defeating him. He is injured by the stone door's destruction, revealing a vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Becky's desire for power drives him to betray his superior, while the leader of Piercing Thorn's power allows him to see through Becky's scheme.
• Betrayal and Consequences: Becky's betrayal leads to his immediate and gruesome death, highlighting the severe consequences of such actions.
• The Weak and the Strong: Both Becky and the leader of Piercing Thorn believe in the natural order of the strong dominating the weak, with the weak serving the strong.

Character Interactions

• Becky and the Leader of Piercing Thorn: Their interaction reveals the leader's cunning and Becky's overconfidence and underestimation of his superior.
• Becky and the Great Marsh (off-screen): Becky's betrayal of the Great Marsh is implied, showing the lack of loyalty among his subordinates.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Great Marsh reveals to Piercing Thorn leader that he's been tricked into attacking a fake earth-vein node in Flame City.
• Piercing Thorn leader is captured by Great Marsh's dragon-serpent phantom.
• Qin Ran kills God of Forest City, but his body liquefies and tries to engulf Qin Ran. Qin Ran uses his Demon Burning Technique and Plague Knight Body-Tempering Art to evaporate and absorb the liquid God.
• God of Forest City reappears with his elite followers, surrounding Qin Ran.

Character Developments

• Great Marsh shows his strategic prowess and knowledge of Flame City's layout, outsmarting Piercing Thorn leader.
• Qin Ran demonstrates his power and versatility, defeating God of Forest City and dealing with his unique liquid form.
• Piercing Thorn leader shows resilience and a desire for revenge, despite being captured.

Significant Themes

• Deception and strategy: Great Marsh uses his knowledge of Flame City and Piercing Thorn leader's lack of understanding to set a trap.
• Power and adaptability: Qin Ran's unique abilities allow him to counter God of Forest City's liquid form.
• Resilience and determination: Both Piercing Thorn leader and God of Forest City show unwavering resolve, even in the face of defeat.

Character Interactions

• Great Marsh and Piercing Thorn leader: Great Marsh outsmarts and captures Piercing Thorn leader, revealing his true intentions.
• Qin Ran and God of Forest City: Qin Ran defeats and absorbs God of Forest City, but he reappears with his followers, setting up a tense standoff.
• Qin Ran and his cavalry: Qin Ran's cavalry arrives just as God of Forest City's followers surround him, indicating potential reinforcements and a shift in power dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Ran, using his radiance, summons Burning Dawn, a powerful cavalry force, to ambush the Forest City elites surrounding him.
• The Forest City elites, armed with guns and grenades, fail to harm the Burning Dawn knights due to their magical armor.
• The Burning Dawn knights swiftly defeat the Forest City elites, and their leader, the God of Forest City, is shocked by their appearance and power.
• Qin Ran's Deathbird companion arrives, and he uses the radiance left behind by the God of Forest City's death to power up.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran demonstrates his ability to summon powerful forces and use radiance to boost his allies' strength, revealing his status as a formidable opponent.
• The God of Forest City shows his ability to grant power to his subordinates but is shocked and ultimately defeated by Qin Ran's radiance.

Significant Themes

• The theme of radiance is central to this chapter, representing power, strength, and divine influence.
• The contrast between the Forest City elites' reliance on guns and grenades and the Burning Dawn knights' reliance on ancient combat techniques and magical equipment highlights the theme of tradition versus modernity.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran interacts with his Burning Dawn knights, using them to swiftly defeat the Forest City elites.
• The God of Forest City interacts with his Forest City elites, attempting to boost their strength and morale before his eventual defeat.
• Qin Ran's Deathbird companion arrives, showing its loyalty and support for Qin Ran.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Ran, after slaying the God of Forest City, absorbs the divine radiance, which begins to purify the chaos and darkness within him, except for the part in his brain.
• Half of the remaining divine radiance escapes, and Qin Ran follows its trail.
• Tanya, in Luo Sheng Temple, learns about Qin Ran's God-slaying feat and becomes a God herself.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran: He continues to explore the changes brought by slaying a God, focusing on the purification of his body and mind.
• Tanya: She evolves from a half-baked fortune-teller to a God, driven by her desire to call Qin Ran by his name again.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of slaying a God and becoming a God.
• The pursuit of power and status to maintain relationships (Tanya's desire to become a God to call Qin Ran by his name).

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and Tanya: Though not physically present together, their fates intertwine as Tanya becomes a God due to Qin Ran's actions.
• Kena and Tanya: Kena tries to warn Tanya about the implications of Qin Ran becoming a God, but Tanya remains optimistic and determined.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Fat Dragon wakes up feeling unwell after an afternoon nap, likely due to the sudden change in Beijing's weather.
• He decides to take the day off from work, apologizing to his colleagues.

Character Developments

• Fat Dragon shows responsibility and self-awareness by recognizing his need for rest and not pushing himself when unwell.
• He demonstrates consideration for his colleagues by apologizing for his absence.

Significant Themes

• Health and Well-being: Fat Dragon prioritizes his health, understanding that taking a sick day is necessary to recover and prevent further illness.
• Responsibility: He takes responsibility for his actions and their impact on others, showing respect for his colleagues' time and work.

Character Interactions

• Although not explicitly stated, Fat Dragon's decision to take a sick day implies interaction with his colleagues, as he feels the need to apologize for his absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tanya, the half-baked diviner, suddenly emits a powerful aura, causing the half-demon to retreat.
• Tanya sees a scene and rushes out, encountering Qin Ran, who is calm but intimidating.
• Qin Ran examines Tanya's straw doll, [Sorrow of Fortune Devouring], which has the ability to 'devour' the target's luck and transform it into a special power for the user.
• Qin Ran returns the doll to Tanya, acknowledging her help but not wanting to take advantage of her.

Character Developments

• Tanya becomes Transcendent and reaches Entry Rank, her aura becoming clearer and more powerful.
• Qin Ran shows surprise at Tanya's transformation and the power of her Bloodline.
• Qin Ran demonstrates his integrity by not taking advantage of Tanya's naivety.

Significant Themes

• Power and Luck: The chapter explores the theme of power and luck, with the straw doll [Sorrow of Fortune Devouring] having the ability to 'devour' luck.
• Integrity and Honesty: Qin Ran's actions highlight the theme of integrity and honesty, as he acknowledges Tanya's help but does not take advantage of her.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and Tanya: Qin Ran interacts with Tanya, acknowledging her help and showing surprise at her transformation. Tanya, in her excitement, speaks in her royal persona but stops when Qin Ran frowns.
• Qin Ran and the Half-Demon: The half-demon is intimidated by Qin Ran's aura and bows to him, but Qin Ran ignores her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An elderly monk visits Qin Ran at Luo Sheng Temple, revealing he knows about Tanya's divine lineage and her connection to Lord Great Marsh.
• Qin Ran is invited to a simple vegetarian breakfast with the monk, Tanya, and Kena.
• Tanya and Kena's playful interaction during breakfast leads to a chase outside.
• Qin Ran, driven by Gluttony, finishes Tanya's portion and asks for more, much to the monk's amusement.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran: Shows appreciation for simple food and displays Gluttony's influence.
• Tanya: Reveals her divine lineage and exhibits her playful, carefree nature.
• The elderly monk: Demonstrates wisdom, understanding, and patience, revealing he knows about Tanya's past and her connection to Lord Great Marsh.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Camaraderie: Tanya's introduction of Qin Ran to the monk and her playful interaction with Kena highlight their growing bond.
• Acceptance of the Past: The monk's understanding and acceptance of Tanya's divine lineage and her mother's past reflect the theme of embracing one's history.
• Simplicity and Contentment: The simple vegetarian breakfast and Qin Ran's enjoyment of it emphasize the theme of finding satisfaction in simple pleasures.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and the Monk: They engage in polite conversation, with Qin Ran showing respect and the monk demonstrating wisdom and understanding.
• Tanya and Kena: Their playful interaction showcases their close relationship and Tanya's carefree attitude.
• Qin Ran and Tanya: Tanya's introduction of Qin Ran to the monk and her later chase with Kena highlight their growing friendship, with Tanya treating Qin Ran like an old friend despite their brief time together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Ran's chaos and darkness are further depleted by Gluttony's rampage and the activation of secret art runes.
• A thread of darkness separates from Qin Ran's mind, replenishing the chaos and darkness within him.
• Qin Ran decides to wear down the chaos and darkness steadily, bit by bit.
• Great Marsh advises Qin Ran to put down his guard and offers to help him leave Flame City for Luo Sheng Temple.
• Great Marsh brings the leader of Piercing Thorn and the Scale with embedded Gems as payment for their previous collaboration.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran shows determination and patience in dealing with his internal chaos and darkness.
• Great Marsh reveals his desire to help Qin Ran leave Flame City, indicating a shift in his priorities.
• Qin Ran remains wary of Great Marsh, despite their alliance.

Significant Themes

• Alliance and Trust: Qin Ran and Great Marsh form an alliance, but Qin Ran remains cautious due to past experiences.
• Patience and Perseverance: Qin Ran demonstrates these qualities in his approach to dealing with his chaos and darkness.
• Power Dynamics: Great Marsh's offer to help Qin Ran leave Flame City highlights the power imbalance between them.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and Great Marsh discuss their next collaboration and the unexpected success of their previous one.
• Qin Ran remains guarded, despite Great Marsh's attempts to reassure him.
• Great Marsh offers advice to Qin Ran, showing a level of investment in their alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Ran receives a Legendary Tier equipment, [Great Marsh's Scale], from the Great Marsh.
• The scale grows and shrinks, turning crimson, and displays its attributes and special effects.
• Qin Ran is underwhelmed by the scale's usefulness for his current self.
• The Great Marsh offers the Fire Crow an opportunity to break through its inherent limitations, but Qin Ran must give up the scale.
• Qin Ran decides to help the Fire Crow and tosses the scale to it. The Fire Crow begins its advancement.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran demonstrates his loyalty and care for his companions, prioritizing the Fire Crow's growth over his own gains.
• The Great Marsh shows its understanding of Qin Ran's nature and appreciates his straightforwardness.

Significant Themes

• Qin Ran's loyalty and care for his companions.
• The Great Marsh's envy of Qin Ran's bond with the Fire Crow.
• Qin Ran's decision to prioritize his companion's growth over his own gains.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and the Great Marsh engage in a conversation where the Great Marsh expresses its appreciation for Qin Ran's honesty and lack of hypocrisy.
• Qin Ran decides to help the Fire Crow advance, demonstrating his care and loyalty towards his companion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Ran meets Great Marsh, the "God of Flame City," who expresses envy of Fire Crow's power.
• Great Marsh reveals he wants to break through his limitations and seeks Qin Ran's cooperation.
• Qin Ran learns Great Marsh needs to retrieve an item from a dangerous place left by his father.
• Qin Ran kills the leader of Piercing Thorn, triggering system notifications about a 'Bloodline Limit' Special Event and 'Change of Forest City's Master' Special Event.
• Qin Ran obtains an item from the leader of Piercing Thorn's power, but it doesn't make him a God.

Character Developments

• Qin Ran shows strategic thinking and calmness under pressure.
• Great Marsh reveals his ambition to break through his limitations and seeks Qin Ran's help.
• The leader of Piercing Thorn shows cowardice and desperation in the face of death.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and the pursuit of power.
• Cooperation and alliances for mutual benefit.
• The consequences of one's actions and the system's rules.

Character Interactions

• Qin Ran and Great Marsh discuss their future cooperation.
• Qin Ran shows no mercy to the leader of Piercing Thorn, reflecting his ruthless nature.
• Fire Crow demonstrates loyalty to Qin Ran by descending onto his shoulder after the leader's defeat.