Ch. 481Dream Realm (10)
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- Gao Jing finds Uncle Qiu dying from severe mastiff wounds and saves him using Healing Potions stored in Copper Anchor’s storage, restoring him from the brink of death.
- Uncle Qiu explains that the hunting party was ambushed by Nightmare Mastiffs during a hunt; three hunters died, and the survivors hid in a cave, using Flame Powder to hold off the beasts.
- Gao Jing reveals he has completed the Sacrificial Fire Trial and is now a Flamebearer, explaining his transformed appearance and new power.
- The hunters bring back over thirty Nightmare Beast corpses to Great Stone Village, causing an uproar and a celebratory bonfire.
- Gao Jing does not join the celebration because he senses a distant, malicious gaze from the darkness, warning him of a greater enemy; he decides he needs more strength before his final trial.
- The next morning, Gao Jing goes to the sacrificial hall, where the High Priest, Priests Ming Zhen and Ji Yun, six of seven Flamebearers, and many apprentices are gathered. Jin Xiong is there, staring provocatively at Gao Jing.
- Priest Ming Zhen says an old matter must be settled first. Jin Teng, Jin Xiong’s father, tells Gao Jing not to hold Jin Xiong’s past disrespect against him—but his tone is arrogant, not apologetic.
- Gao Jing calmly asks, “What if I insist on holding it against him?” Jin Teng angrily responds, “Are you asking to die?” The High Priest tries to intervene with “You two—” and the chapter ends on a cliffhanger with a loud
Bang!
2. Character Developments
- Gao Jing: Now a Flamebearer in the Legendary realm, he has regained his past memories and abilities. He is calm, assertive, and unwilling to bow to seniority or intimidation. He prioritizes preparation for a coming conflict over celebration.
- Uncle Qiu: Brought back from death; his survival shows both Gao Jing’s compassion and the potency of the healing potions.
- Jin Xiong: Still defiant and unrepentant, now emboldened by his father’s presence.
- Jin Teng: Arrogant, protective of his son, and dismissive of Gao Jing’s new status. He sees Gao Jing as an inferior and reacts with hostility when challenged.
3. Significant Themes
- Life and death in the Land of Eternal Night: Death is common, but Gao Jing’s potions bring miraculous recovery, highlighting how extraordinary his resources and power are.
- Respect, hierarchy, and power: Tension between earned status (Gao Jing) and inherited/established status (Jin Teng and Jin Xiong). Gao Jing refuses to accept false courtesy.
- Impending danger: The mysterious malicious gaze suggests a hidden, powerful antagonist and foreshadows a larger conflict beyond the village.
4. Character Interactions
- Gao Jing and Uncle Qiu: A reunion marked by Gao Jing saving Uncle Qiu’s life and revealing his new identity as a Flamebearer.
- Gao Jing and the hunters: They are awed by his strength and grateful for his aid; their attitude toward him shifts completely.
- Gao Jing and Jin Teng/Jin Xiong: A direct confrontation. Jin Teng demands forced reconciliation, but Gao Jing refuses to accommodate, leading to open hostility and a possible violent clash interrupted by the High Priest.