Ch. 121Beast Tide!
Chapter Summary: “Beast Tide!”
Key plot points and events
- Tang Shuo and Dugu Bo encounter Shui Bing’er and the injured members of Skywater Academy after their teacher sacrificed herself while protecting them from spirit beasts.
- Shui Bing’er reveals that the Far North’s core region contains the legendary Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Marrow, a treasure capable of restoring flesh, reviving the dead, and replenishing depleted life essence.
- She explains that the Ice Marrow lies within the Ice Eye, which is guarded by the Far North’s Three Heavenly Kings. Access reportedly requires recognition from the Ice God’s Tear, a divine relic said to open the passage to the Ice Eye.
- Skywater Academy possesses only a fragment of the Ice God’s Tear, located in its forbidden grounds. Although the fragment cannot open the Ice Eye, it resonates faintly with the Far North’s core and may provide Tang Shuo with an important clue.
- Tang Shuo decides to accompany the Skywater Academy students back to their academy so he can investigate the fragment.
- Before they depart, a massive explosion erupts from the core region. A blood-red, destructive aura spreads across the ice plains, causing spirit beasts to flee.
- A previously unknown army of dark-crimson, crystal-armored, ape-like spirit beasts emerges from the horizon, bringing chaos and signaling a major crisis in the Far North.
Character developments
- Tang Shuo becomes intensely interested in the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Marrow because of its ability to restore life essence, suggesting it may be connected to his personal goals or concerns. His calm demeanor remains intact, but he immediately begins planning how to investigate the Ice God’s Tear.
- Shui Bing’er demonstrates courage and composure despite the loss of her teacher and the danger surrounding her team. She serves as the source of crucial information about the Far North and gains relief at the prospect of Tang Shuo escorting them.
- Dugu Bo remains skeptical and sarcastic about the legends of the Ice God and the divine relic, though he is also curious about the mysterious treasures.
- The Skywater Academy students are shown to be traumatized and vulnerable after their teacher’s death, becoming increasingly frightened as the new beast threat appears.
Significant themes
- Sacrifice and survival: The death of Skywater Academy’s teacher emphasizes the dangers of the Far North and the lengths required to protect the next generation.
- Legend versus reality: The Ice God’s Tear and Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Marrow initially sound mythical, but the fragment’s resonance suggests that the legends may be genuine.
- Pursuit of life and power: The Ice Marrow’s ability to restore life essence makes it an immensely valuable treasure and gives Tang Shuo a strong personal motivation.
- The arrival of a greater threat: The blood-red aura and unknown spirit-beast army abruptly transform the chapter from an exploration of ancient secrets into an immediate survival crisis.
Character interactions
- Tang Shuo questions Shui Bing’er about her team, their teacher, and their destination, while she respectfully answers despite being intimidated by his strength.
- Shui Bing’er’s information about the Ice Marrow and Ice God’s Tear captures Tang Shuo’s attention and changes his plans.
- Dugu Bo interrupts to challenge the credibility of the legends, providing a skeptical contrast to Tang Shuo’s practical interest.
- Tang Shuo offers to escort the students to Skywater Academy, and Shui Bing’er gladly accepts, viewing his protection as a guarantee of their safe return.
- Their tentative departure is interrupted by the appearance of the strange beast tide, uniting the group in fear and alertness.