Ch. 21Song Yiling Seeks Friendship, Two Hundred Thousand Origin Stones!
Chapter Summary: “Song Yiling Seeks Friendship, Two Hundred Thousand Origin Stones!”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Lin Feng awakens 145 Tier-Five Spirit Swords in the Sword Tempering Pool, causing a massive disturbance and shocking everyone present.
- The other Inner Disciples receive no rewards because the Sword Tempering Pool considers the gap between their talent and Lin Feng’s to be enormous. Elder Zhu explains that the pool gave all its recognition and rewards to Lin Feng alone.
- Lin Feng’s achievement is revealed to be extraordinarily rare. Even a single Tier-Five Spirit Sword would be remarkable, while Lin Feng awakens more than a hundred.
- Song Yiling approaches Lin Feng after realizing his potential and attempts to establish a relationship with him.
- Lin Feng reveals that he comes from an ordinary cultivation clan and has no powerful elder backing him.
- Song Yiling gives Lin Feng a spatial ring containing 200,000 Low-Grade Origin Stones as a gift. Lin Feng accepts because his newly awakened Desolate Ancient Sacred Body requires enormous amounts of origin energy.
- Before leaving, Lin Feng gives Elder Zhu Origin Stones to repay the elder from the Cultivation Arts Pavilion.
- Elder Zhu confirms to Song Yiling that Lin Feng won the disciple assessment, defeated the Wei, Xu, and Chen Clan disciples while fighting above his realm, and possesses three layers of Sword Intent.
Character Developments
- Lin Feng: His extraordinary sword talent is publicly confirmed. His awakening of 145 Tier-Five Spirit Swords establishes him as a potential Core Disciple and one of the most exceptional sword cultivators in the inner sect. Despite receiving attention and wealth, he remains calm, practical, and focused on cultivation rather than social advancement.
- Song Yiling: Initially curious and competitive, Song Yiling becomes deeply impressed by Lin Feng and recognizes the value of befriending him before he grows stronger. Her generous gift shows both her wealth and her intention to win his goodwill.
- Elder Zhu: Acts as the knowledgeable authority who explains the Sword Tempering Pool’s judgment and confirms Lin Feng’s accomplishments. He accepts Lin Feng’s repayment with approval.
- Other Inner Disciples: Experience shock, envy, and frustration. They realize that Lin Feng’s talent far surpasses theirs and that they failed to receive the pool’s recognition.
Significant Themes
- Extraordinary talent and recognition: The chapter emphasizes how overwhelming ability can distinguish one person from an entire group.
- The value of alliances: Song Yiling understands that befriending a rising genius early can be strategically important, especially when Lin Feng lacks a powerful background.
- Humility and focus: Lin Feng does not become arrogant or distracted by praise, gifts, or status. He accepts useful resources but remains intent on returning to cultivation.
- Background versus potential: Although Lin Feng comes from an ordinary clan, his talent is powerful enough to attract the attention of influential figures.
- Unequal rewards: The Sword Tempering Pool rewards those it recognizes most strongly, leaving the other disciples to confront the gap between their abilities and Lin Feng’s.
Character Interactions
- Elder Zhu publicly questions Lin Feng about awakening Tier-Five Spirit Swords, and Lin Feng confirms it.
- The disciples challenge Elder Zhu about receiving no rewards, prompting his explanation that their talent was insignificant compared with Lin Feng’s.
- Song Yiling politely introduces herself, praises Lin Feng, and presents him with 200,000 Origin Stones to begin building a friendship.
- Lin Feng accepts her gift without excessive enthusiasm and later repays Elder Zhu, revealing his pragmatic but honorable nature.
- Song Yiling privately asks Elder Zhu about Lin Feng’s background and achievements, learning that he defeated several powerful clan disciples and possesses three layers of Sword Intent.