Ch. 81Seven Lines in Parallel
Chapter Summary: “Seven Lines in Parallel”
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- A catastrophic wave of golden Dragon Runes sweeps across the continent, draining the Soul Power of nearly every living being. The population—including students, teachers, powerful Douluos, and State Preceptor En Ci—is rendered unconscious.
- Long Yue, the only person still awake at Monster Academy, spends himself rescuing and arranging the fallen students and teachers before collapsing from exhaustion.
- Huo Yuhao appears and immediately recognizes Long Yue’s hidden Mountain Dragon King bloodline. He asks for Ye Zhi, the bearer of the Seven-Treasure Glazed Pagoda, and takes her unconscious body.
- Huo Yuhao gives Long Yue the divine artifact “Blood of the Divine Dragon,” hoping the dragon-blooded boy can inherit it. The artifact does not respond, even after Huo Yuhao angrily declares that its original master and the Divine Realm have been destroyed.
- Long Yue nevertheless resolves to keep trying, showing determination despite confusion and fear.
- Huo Yuhao’s multiple avatars begin preparing for the next stage of the crisis:
- One works with Gu Yue and Na’er to activate a formation that will amplify elemental energy.
- Another plants Soul Tools throughout the ruined city, apparently establishing a large-scale formation or network.
- A third rapidly studies ancient formations and techniques, including the Seven Stars Lone Moon Formation.
- A fourth waits over the sea with the Demon God Bow, prepared to strike when given a signal.
- A fifth tends to Huo Yuhao’s injured Soul Spirits alongside Sea Princess, using the Sword of Life and divine power to heal them.
- On the main battlefield, Huo Yuhao faces the Golden Dragon King and Dark-Gold Dragon King. The Golden Dragon King challenges him directly, while the Dark-Gold Dragon King constructs two enormous Dragon Rune formations.
- Huo Yuhao does not attack. He remains still, waiting for the preparations of his other avatars and the right moment to act.
2. Character Developments
- Long Yue demonstrates exceptional responsibility and compassion by rescuing the unconscious members of Monster Academy despite being only sixteen and physically exhausted. His encounter with Huo Yuhao forces him to confront his concealed identity and immense potential as a Mountain Dragon King descendant.
- Long Yue’s initial awe and uncertainty gradually become determination. Although the divine artifact rejects him, he promises to do his best, suggesting the beginning of a new role in the struggle.
- Huo Yuhao is shown as exhausted and injured but still decisive, commanding, strategic, and willing to divide his consciousness among multiple avatars to manage the crisis. His anger at the unresponsive divine artifact reveals the enormous pressure he is under.
- Huo Yuhao’s actions also show his willingness to trust others: he relies on Long Yue, Gu Yue, Na’er, Sea Princess, and his various avatars to carry out essential tasks.
- Gu Yue and Na’er cooperate despite Gu Yue’s weakening condition, showing loyalty and resolve.
- The injured Soul Spirits remain unconscious and endangered, emphasizing the personal cost of the battle and Huo Yuhao’s determination to preserve them.
3. Significant Themes
- Responsibility amid catastrophe: Long Yue’s rescue efforts and Huo Yuhao’s emergency preparations show individuals continuing to act even after society has collapsed.
- Inheritance and succession: The Blood of the Divine Dragon represents the passing of power from a destroyed divine age to a possible new inheritor. Long Yue’s failure to be recognized highlights that inheritance cannot simply be forced.
- Sacrifice and survival: The destruction of the Divine Realm and the devastation of the city underline the enormous cost of the conflict. Huo Yuhao’s injured state and the wounded Soul Spirits further reinforce this theme.
- Preparation versus immediate action: Although the battlefield demands combat, Huo Yuhao chooses patience and coordination, relying on multiple simultaneous plans rather than rushing into another attack.
- The collapse of the old order: The Dragon Runes have neutralized almost the entire continent, while the destruction of the Divine Realm leaves Huo Yuhao as the only remaining god supporting the world.
- Hope in younger generations: Long Yue’s resolve suggests that the future may depend on new figures rather than the legendary heroes of the past.
4. Character Interactions
- Long Yue and Huo Yuhao: Huo Yuhao recognizes Long Yue’s secret bloodline and tests him with the divine necklace. Though his manner is blunt and impatient, he gives Long Yue an opportunity to assume responsibility. Long Yue responds with respect and determination.
- Huo Yuhao and Ye Zhi: Huo Yuhao retrieves Ye Zhi because her Seven-Treasure Glazed Pagoda is needed for support and amplification, making her an important part of his larger plan.
- Huo Yuhao, Gu Yue, and Na’er: Huo Yuhao instructs Gu Yue to channel all elemental amplification into him. Gu Yue accepts, while Na’er assists her despite the danger.
- Huo Yuhao and Sea Princess: Their avatars combine divine power with the Sword of Life to heal Huo Yuhao’s injured Soul Spirits.
- Huo Yuhao and the Dragon Kings: The Golden Dragon King taunts and challenges Huo Yuhao to continue fighting, while the Dark-Gold Dragon King calmly prepares complex formations. Huo Yuhao refuses to respond immediately, maintaining control and waiting for his strategy to be completed.