Ch. 221A Big Surprise
Chapter Summary: “A Big Surprise”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Lin Feng explains that he is seeking the Scripture Repository/Book Pavilion to obtain manuals that can improve his abilities. His companions reassure him that they will help him find whatever he needs.
- As they explore the secret realm, they find only ordinary heavenly treasures. Lin Feng has little use for them, but Xu Ping, Xu Mao, and the other disciples consider them valuable and begin collecting them.
- Other sect disciples deliberately keep their distance from Lin Feng and his group, fearing that becoming too close to them would obligate them to surrender any treasures they discovered.
- The group notices that they may be trapped in a repeating area of the forest. Xu Mao recognizes a particular tree and vine that they have already encountered, suggesting they have been walking in circles.
- When Lin Feng approaches the suspicious location, an unseen force pulls him, Xu Ping, and Xu Mao into a vortex.
- They are transported from the lush forest into a vast yellow-sand desert, a dramatic change that leaves them confused and cautious.
- Lin Feng theorizes that the desert is an illusion within an illusion, possibly a trial guarding both the Book Pavilion and the heavenly treasures. He offers to continue forward or search for an exit, leaving the choice to his companions.
- Xu Ping and Xu Mao affirm their trust in Lin Feng and follow him despite the danger.
- An unusual beast secretly watches them after their arrival. It comments that visitors have not appeared for a long time and seems pleased that the place may become more lively.
- Lin Feng senses something strange and looks back, but the creature has disappeared. Xu Ping and Xu Mao notice nothing unusual, leaving the mysterious presence unexplained.
Character Developments
- Lin Feng remains confident and resourceful. He is primarily interested in manuals, but because of his overwhelming strength and system-assisted abilities, he is not dependent on finding them. He also shows concern for his companions and respects their choices.
- Xu Ping acts as a practical and supportive senior figure. He stops Xu Mao from becoming overly pessimistic and encourages everyone to gather useful treasures and improve their cultivation.
- Xu Mao is outspoken and observant. Although he frequently complains and doubts their progress, his recognition of the repeated tree and vine proves valuable, as it reveals the forest’s illusion or looping structure.
- The other disciples are intimidated by Lin Feng and his group. Their cautious distance reflects both admiration and fear of losing treasures to people they consider far more powerful.
- The strange beast is introduced as a mysterious observer connected to the desert trial or secret realm. Its playful comments suggest that it may understand the realm’s mechanisms and anticipate future events.
Significant Themes
- Trust in the face of uncertainty: Xu Ping and Xu Mao continue following Lin Feng despite not understanding the desert or the possible trial.
- Strength and responsibility: Lin Feng’s exceptional power makes him the natural leader, but he does not force his companions to follow him; instead, he gives them a choice.
- Illusion and hidden danger: The repeating forest, mysterious vortex, and sudden desert shift suggest that appearances in the secret realm cannot be trusted.
- Different ideas of value: Lin Feng considers ordinary treasures useless, while Xu Ping, Xu Mao, and the other disciples see them as important resources for cultivation.
- Companionship and lively group dynamics: Xu Mao’s complaints, Xu Ping’s corrections, and Lin Feng’s amused reactions create a more relaxed and humorous atmosphere despite the growing danger.
Character Interactions
- Lin Feng reassures his companions about finding the Scripture Repository, while they promise to help him.
- Xu Mao worries that the group may have entered the wrong place, but Xu Ping silences his pessimism and tells him to collect the heavenly treasures.
- Xu Mao’s observation about the repeated tree alerts the group to the forest’s abnormal nature.
- Xu Ping and Xu Mao immediately grab Lin Feng when the vortex appears, preventing him from being separated.
- After arriving in the desert, Lin Feng explains his theory and allows the others to decide whether to proceed. Their response confirms their faith in him.
- Lin Feng later questions them about the strange presence he senses, but neither companion detects anything, emphasizing the difference between his perception and theirs.