Ch. 381I Believe You
Chapter Summary: “I Believe You”
1. Key Plot Points and Events
- After an unknown amount of time trapped in the Void Rift, Lu Shaolin is suddenly thrown into a modern urban world.
- He lands in front of a white sedan in a residential complex. The driver angrily threatens to run him over, so Lu Shaolin disables the car with one spear strike, crushing its hood and knocking off its front tires. He deliberately spares the driver to avoid unnecessary trouble.
- A young boy mistakes Lu Shaolin for Superman and excitedly asks whether he is going to save the world. Lu Shaolin humorously agrees before leaving.
- Lu Shaolin discovers that this is not his original world: the country is called Dragon Nation rather than Tang Nation.
- He reflects bitterly on how Demon Heaven manipulated him and vows to return, reach Sacred Grade, and take revenge on the immortal cultivators who deceived him.
- Since he has no identification, phone, or modern clothing, Lu Shaolin sells a gold bar from his System Space. The shopkeeper offers 450 Dragon Yuan per gram, but can initially provide only 20,000 yuan in cash. Lu Shaolin accepts the partial payment and trusts the shopkeeper to prepare the remainder.
- He heads to a shopping mall to purchase ordinary clothes, but his appearance and intimidating aura attract widespread attention. Several women ask for his VX contact information, while others photograph him.
- Meanwhile, footage of Lu Shaolin destroying the car with his spear is sent to a mysterious government department. Minister Meng Jianguo watches the video, suggesting that authorities have begun investigating him.
2. Character Developments
- Lu Shaolin: Remains powerful, composed, and socially unfamiliar with modern life. He demonstrates restraint by not killing the abusive driver, showing awareness that violence could create complications. Despite his cold demeanor, he is kind toward the child and plays along with the boy’s heroic image of him. His anger toward Demon Heaven deepens, strengthening his desire for revenge.
- The child: Views Lu Shaolin as a superhero and responds with admiration and trust, bringing out Lu Shaolin’s gentler side.
- The sedan driver: Is aggressive and arrogant, but becomes frightened and helpless after Lu Shaolin effortlessly destroys his vehicle.
- The gold-shop owner: Initially surprised by Lu Shaolin’s gold and unusual request for cash, but becomes extremely cautious after witnessing his supernatural strength. He agrees to pay him and prepare the remaining money.
- Minister Meng Jianguo: Is introduced as a senior figure in a mysterious department. His viewing of the video establishes that Lu Shaolin’s arrival has attracted official attention.
3. Significant Themes
- Displacement and alienation: Lu Shaolin returns to a modern world but realizes it is not his own, leaving him emotionally isolated and uncertain of his place.
- Power versus restraint: Although Lu Shaolin possesses overwhelming strength, he avoids killing and limits his response to disabling the driver’s car.
- The contrast between worlds: His supernatural abilities, ancient clothing, spear, and lack of technological knowledge clash sharply with modern urban society.
- Trust and deception: Lu Shaolin has been betrayed or manipulated by Demon Heaven, yet he chooses to trust the shopkeeper, suggesting that his experiences have not completely destroyed his willingness to believe others.
- Heroism and perception: The child sees Lu Shaolin as a superhero, while adults view him as strange or threatening. The chapter explores how different people interpret his appearance and actions.
- Consequences of public power: Lu Shaolin’s attempt to blend into society immediately fails when witnesses record his abilities, setting up conflict with government authorities.
4. Character Interactions
- Lu Shaolin confronts the enraged driver, responding to verbal abuse with a single controlled display of force.
- He shares a brief, warm exchange with the child, encouraging the boy’s heroic admiration before departing.
- Several young women approach Lu Shaolin for his VX contact information, highlighting his striking appearance and his inability to navigate modern technology.
- Lu Shaolin negotiates with the gold-shop owner, calmly using his strength to prove the gold’s authenticity and secure immediate cash.
- His public actions are observed indirectly by Minister Meng Jianguo, establishing an impending confrontation between Lu Shaolin and the modern authorities.