Ch. 61Something's Wrong
Chapter Summary: “Something’s Wrong”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Chen An recalls the abilities of every Scale Blade and approaches the frightened Xu Xiaoyan. Misinterpreting his strange muttering and advance as threatening, Xiaoyan panics and attacks him with her ice staff.
- Chen An dodges her attacks and activates the exit function on her hand, forcing her to leave the Spirit Ascension Platform. He worries that he has frightened her and considers how he might explain himself later.
- He returns to Tang Wuling, Gu Yue, and Xie Xie, pretending that he barely survived an encounter with several Soul Masters. Tang Wuling believes him and checks him for injuries, while Gu Yue appears disappointed that he was not actually defeated. Chen An reveals the deception, and Tang Wuling reacts with relieved amusement.
- With most of the assessment completed and few dangerous Soul Master teams remaining, the group stops actively hunting. Chen An has already eliminated the major threats and allows the others to conserve energy.
- During the final twenty minutes, Chen An deliberately suppresses his strength and pretends to be exhausted. He gives Tang Wuling, Gu Yue, and Xie Xie opportunities to fight, gain experience, and demonstrate their abilities.
- As the Spirit Ascension Platform enters its increasingly dangerous riot phase, the four avoid further combat and rest until the assessment ends. They all leave the platform simultaneously.
- Director Long praises Zero Class’s performance and Wu Changkong’s instruction. Wu Changkong awards the entire group full marks for the first assessment.
- Afterward, Wu Changkong privately summons Chen An and questions him about his abnormal strength, spiritual power, physical abilities, and Soul Rings.
- Wu Changkong theorizes that Chen An’s Martial Soul is not merely fish scales but Dragon Scale, possibly an incompletely evolved dragon-related Martial Soul. He also notes the unusual affinity Chen An seems to share with other dragon-linked Soul Masters.
- Wu Changkong asks Chen An about Shrek Academy and his ambitions. Chen An explains that he mainly wants strength and resources to help Tang Wuling search for their missing parents.
- Although Wu Changkong does not press further, Chen An realizes that his teacher is highly perceptive and resolves to be more cautious.
Character Developments
- Chen An: Demonstrates overwhelming strength by clearing away the major threats, but also shows restraint and strategic awareness by allowing his teammates to develop. He successfully hides much of his true ability, though Wu Changkong begins to suspect that his Martial Soul and origins are unusual.
- Tang Wuling: Shows genuine concern for Chen An, immediately checking him for injuries when he returns. Her trust and emotional closeness with him become more apparent.
- Gu Yue: Continues to display her cool and somewhat detached attitude, even seeming disappointed when Chen An claims his enemies failed to defeat him.
- Xie Xie: Gains additional opportunities to fight and improve during the final stage of the assessment.
- Wu Changkong: Moves from simply evaluating Chen An’s performance to actively investigating his secrets. His observations reveal considerable knowledge of Martial Souls and unusual abilities.
- Xu Xiaoyan: Misunderstands Chen An’s intentions and is so frightened that she exits the platform immediately, creating an awkward future interaction between them.
Significant Themes
- Hidden power and secrecy: Chen An must conceal his extraordinary abilities and origins, even from allies and teachers.
- Trust and concern: Tang Wuling’s immediate concern contrasts with Chen An’s deception, highlighting both their closeness and the secrets he keeps from her.
- Growth through restraint: Rather than dominating the entire assessment, Chen An deliberately steps back so his companions can gain experience and prove themselves.
- Identity and destiny: Wu Changkong’s theory about Chen An’s Dragon Scale Martial Soul suggests that Chen An’s true nature may be connected to a larger mystery.
- Ambition and family: Chen An and Tang Wuling’s desire to become stronger is tied not merely to power, but to finding their missing parents.
Important Character Interactions
- Chen An frightens Xu Xiaoyan, then ejects her from the platform.
- Tang Wuling anxiously examines Chen An after believing he has been badly injured; their exchange ends with mutual amusement.
- Chen An coordinates the group’s final strategy by reducing his own contribution and supporting Tang Wuling, Gu Yue, and Xie Xie.
- Wu Changkong conducts a careful interrogation of Chen An, identifying his abnormal traits and probing his possible connection to dragon-type Martial Souls and Shrek Academy.