Ch. 581This One's on Lin Feng
Chapter Summary: “This One Was on Lin Feng”
Key Plot Points and Events
- The chapter opens with Mark nervously trying to escape after apparently providing a service or prank that displeased Lin Feng. Lin Feng stops him by placing a hand on his shoulder and insists that Mark stay so he can “properly thank” him, implying Mark is in trouble.
- The narrative then rewinds to the battle in a devastated star system, where Lin Jili and Tony are fighting The Ancient One’s group, particularly Hela and the powerful souls she released from the Realm of the Dead.
- Lin Jili struggles to defeat Hela despite her immense power. Her attacks are largely direct and destructive, while the incorporeal souls are immune to her ordinary energy blasts.
- Frustrated, Lin Jili considers destroying the entire star system and restoring it afterward. Tony objects because he is still inside the system, but Lin Jili assures him that she can protect him.
- Lin Jili begins charging an enormous energy sphere and asks Tony to hold off the souls for ten seconds. Tony agrees, prioritizing survival over his pride.
- Tony’s attacks pass harmlessly through the souls. JARVIS explains that his current weapons cannot damage soul entities, while his strongest cannon is unavailable because it is still cooling down and would risk destroying his armor and symbiote.
- JARVIS then detects that Lin Jili’s energy sphere contains enough power to destroy more than one star system. Tony becomes increasingly alarmed when Lin Jili admits she is only “trying to make absolutely sure” the blast will be sufficient.
- Lin Jili releases the attack, first surrounding Tony with a protective barrier and telling him to close his eyes. The chapter ends as an overwhelmingly bright explosion erupts through space.
Character Developments
- Lin Feng: His influence over Lin Jili is revealed to be partly responsible for her simplistic combat style. Although she possesses the power of a Cosmic Cube, she lacks the experience and guidance needed to use her abilities creatively or efficiently.
- Lin Jili: She demonstrates extraordinary power but also immature judgment and limited combat strategy. Her confidence, recklessness, and childlike certainty lead her to consider annihilating an entire star system as a practical solution. She nevertheless shows genuine concern for Tony by shielding him before releasing her attack.
- Tony: Tony is forced into a humiliating defensive role. His weapons are ineffective against the souls, and his strongest cannon is unavailable, causing him to rely on Lin Jili for protection. Despite his frustration and wounded pride, he willingly risks himself to buy her time.
- Mark: In the opening scene, Mark appears frightened and evasive after upsetting Lin Feng, suggesting he has done something suspicious or foolish and is now facing Lin Feng’s retaliation.
Significant Themes
- Power versus control: Lin Jili has near-limitless energy but lacks the experience and discipline to use it responsibly.
- The influence of mentors and companions: Lin Feng’s own reliance on brute force has shaped Lin Jili’s underdeveloped fighting style.
- Pride versus survival: Tony sets aside his dignity and obeys Lin Jili because staying alive matters more than maintaining his status as “Great Teacher Tony.”
- Reckless destruction and unintended consequences: Lin Jili treats the destruction and restoration of a star system casually, while Tony recognizes the potentially catastrophic danger of her actions.
- Comedy amid cosmic danger: The chapter balances an apocalyptic battle with humorous exchanges, especially Tony’s panic over Lin Jili’s uncertain assurances and his inability to damage the souls.
Character Interactions
- Lin Feng confronts Mark in a deceptively polite but threatening manner, preventing him from fleeing.
- Lin Jili and Tony argue over her plan to destroy the star system, with Tony acting as the cautious voice of reason.
- Tony attempts to fight Hela’s souls but is rendered ineffective, prompting sarcastic criticism from Lin Jili and technical warnings from JARVIS.
- Lin Jili ultimately takes responsibility for protecting Tony, surrounding him with a barrier before unleashing her dangerously excessive attack.