Ch. 221The Witch's Message
Chapter Summary: “The Witch’s Message”
Key Plot Points and Events
- On the Snowfield, Su Wuming struggles to travel because the Frost Witch’s control over the snow and wind has intensified. The blizzard obstructs his vision and perception while the cold constantly erodes his body, forcing him to maintain his Force Field continuously.
- After several hours, he detects three Dry City Army soldiers approaching. Their synchronized movements and empty expressions reveal that their spirits have likely been assimilated by the Frost Witch.
- Su Wuming considers whether to kill or capture them. Remembering that assimilated people might be cured with a Golden Heart, he decides to capture them alive, despite not knowing how to use the Golden Heart himself.
- He realizes that the soldiers’ presence means Lin Pangpang’s group probably did not pass through that area, since they would have detected the assimilated Five-Star Gold experts.
- Su Wuming tests the soldiers’ remaining self-awareness with a code phrase. The middle soldier responds abnormally, ordering the others to capture Su Wuming and “see witch,” confirming their assimilation.
- Using Gravity Field—Giant’s Grip, Su Wuming restrains all three from a distance. When one attempts to use spatial movement, his Observation Haki detects the disturbance, allowing him to capture them before they can escape.
- He severely weakens the soldiers, binds them with Lin Pangpang’s spirit-infused rope, and strengthens the rope with a Golden Rank Armament Haki technique scroll. He then begins dragging them back.
- While traveling, Su Wuming reflects on the possibility of implanting a Golden Heart and gaining a second heart, but concludes that his body cannot support another Spirit Meridian because nine is already his limit.
- A voice apparently belonging to the Frost Witch suddenly addresses him from behind. Su Wuming is terrified because his Observation Haki failed to detect the speaker. However, he discovers that the voice is actually coming from the assimilated soldier in the middle, who is mimicking the Witch’s manner and speech.
Character Developments
- Su Wuming demonstrates increased combat ability and confidence. His upgraded Observation Haki enables him to detect and counter spatial movement, something he could not previously handle.
- He also shows a more compassionate side by choosing to capture the assimilated soldiers rather than kill them, hoping they may be cured.
- Despite his usual boldness and experience, Su Wuming becomes unusually frightened when he believes the Frost Witch has appeared behind him. This moment exposes both his lingering fear of the Witch and his embarrassment at losing composure.
- His thoughts about Golden Hearts, additional hearts, and Spirit Meridians reveal his continued interest in strengthening and optimizing his body, though he recognizes the limits imposed by his meridian resistance.
- The assimilated soldier displays little true individuality but retains enough awareness to imitate the Frost Witch’s voice and demeanor, suggesting that assimilation has not completely erased all independent behavior.
Significant Themes
- Assimilation and loss of identity: The soldiers’ empty spirits and unnatural behavior show the Frost Witch’s growing power and the danger of losing one’s individuality.
- Power versus compassion: Su Wuming has the strength to kill the soldiers but chooses capture, leaving open the possibility of restoring them.
- Growth through adaptation: Su Wuming’s enhanced Observation Haki allows him to overcome an enemy ability that once would have troubled him.
- Fear and self-awareness: Even a powerful and experienced fighter can be shaken by an unexpected threat. Su Wuming’s embarrassment emphasizes the contrast between his self-image and his instinctive reaction.
- The Frost Witch’s pervasive influence: Her presence is felt not only through the environment but also through the behavior and speech of those she has assimilated.
Character Interactions
- Su Wuming attempts to communicate with the three soldiers using a code phrase, but the middle soldier responds with an ominous command to capture him.
- He fights and restrains all three without allowing them to approach, then binds and transports them.
- The middle soldier later imitates the Frost Witch’s voice, frightening Su Wuming and briefly making him believe the Witch has appeared directly behind him.
- The encounter ends humorously when Su Wuming realizes he was frightened by one of his captives rather than by the Frost Witch herself.