Ch. 21The True Immortal Teng Snake
Key plot points and events
- Li Ming travels through the cosmos to find the remains of the Crippled Immortal. Along the way, he passes a once-thriving planet now ruined by a battle between at least Quasi-Emperors.
- He reaches a vast black ocean where his divine sense is sharply limited. A Quasi-Venerable octopus, caught spying on him, explains that the True Immortal’s corpse has become dangerously active: over a thousand years ago, it began emitting Immortal Light, and explorers seeking treasure were devoured.
- The octopus reluctantly guides Li Ming to the corpse. They pass many bodies whose life essence has been drained.
- Li Ming discovers that the supposed remains of a Crippled Immortal are actually those of a complete True Immortal: a gigantic Teng Snake. It begins to awaken, drawing blood essence from living beings across the world.
- A vast formation, which Li Ming believes Lingbao Tianzun created, binds the corpse. Nevertheless, a new spirit awakens inside it and rapidly reaches Ultimate Dao Supreme strength.
- The Teng Snake attacks Li Ming, but the Bronze Immortal Hall blocks its blows and wounds it. The Teng Snake recognizes the hall as an Immortal Weapon from the Immortal Domain and tries to bargain with Li Ming, promising passage to the Road to Immortality if he frees it.
Character developments
- Li Ming is confident in his Supreme-level power but remains cautious when he encounters an unknown place that limits his senses. He investigates calmly, then relies on the Bronze Immortal Hall when confronted by the awakened Teng Snake.
- The Quasi-Venerable octopus shifts from terrified captive to reluctant guide. After Li Ming releases him, greed and desperation—his cultivation has stalled and his lifespan is short—lead him to remain nearby in hopes of gaining a reward.
- The Teng Snake’s newly awakened spirit reveals itself as powerful, predatory, and calculating. After failing to overpower Li Ming, it switches from violence to persuasion, offering immortality as an inducement.
Significant themes
- The peril and indifference of the cosmos: Worlds can flourish and then become lifeless ruins, while even powerful cultivators face dangers beyond their control.
- The danger of ambition and greed: Earlier explorers died seeking treasure, and the octopus risks remaining near the corpse in hopes of personal gain.
- Death, persistence, and transformation: Though the True Immortal’s original spirit is gone, its body has developed a new consciousness and is attempting to live again.
- Power and temptation: The Teng Snake’s promise of entry to the Immortal Domain tests whether Li Ming will trust a dangerous enemy for the sake of transcendence.
Character interactions
- Li Ming intimidates the octopus into answering questions and guiding him, then dismisses him once they reach the corpse.
- The octopus warns Li Ming about the corpse’s danger, but Li Ming proceeds regardless.
- Li Ming and the Teng Snake clash directly; when the Bronze Immortal Hall protects him, the creature recognizes the weapon and tries to recruit him rather than continue attacking.
- The chapter ends with Li Ming facing the Teng Snake’s offer, leaving unresolved whether he will trust it or keep it bound.