Ch. 861The Rebel Ma Lie
Chapter Summary: “Ma Lie, the Rebel”
Key Plot Points and Events
- On the second floor of Nameless’s shop, the woman in white watches the ongoing battle in Arena No. 3 between Cheng Xuejie and Maria.
- The maid marvels at the strength of Nameless’s companions, noting that Lin Renmei had previously dominated opponents and that Cheng Xuejie is now revealing unexpectedly overwhelming power.
- The woman in white, impressed and seemingly attracted to Nameless, jokes—or half-seriously declares—that she will become his concubine if necessary, shocking her maid.
- Cheng Xuejie and Maria engage in a fierce close-quarters battle. Maria possesses immense physical strength and partial beastlike traits, including black scales and a dangerous tail.
- The referee struggles to maintain the arena’s barrier because the women’s repeated clashes consume enormous amounts of mana. He is forced to drink several expensive recovery potions and realizes he will suffer a major financial loss.
- Cheng Xuejie deliberately retreats to lure Maria into a corner. She then unleashes her technique, Imitation Fist—Dragon-Breaking Hand, concentrating her Bioforce Field into a powerful fist-shaped blade.
- When Maria attempts to counter with her tail, Cheng Xuejie pins it underfoot and lands a devastating blow to Maria’s abdomen, knocking her off the arena.
- Maria survives but leaves angrily, and no one else dares challenge Cheng Xuejie afterward.
- The narrative then shifts to a distant universe ruled by the Baisen Dynasty, a regime that has lasted tens of millions of years.
- The dynasty’s founder, Baipusen, is an ancient and brutally oppressive tyrant who still controls the government. His son, Prince Li Huansheng, governs the empire in his place and is equally cruel and sadistic.
- In the Imperial Capital, rebel warriors—including Ma Lie—are publicly impaled and left to die beneath the sun.
- Ma Lie recalls the rebels’ failed ten-year plan to smuggle Blast Ore Jade into the palace and destroy both Baipusen and Li Huansheng.
- Their operation had been carefully organized, yet they were inexplicably discovered just as they began planting the explosives. Ma Lie suspects betrayal but cannot determine whether there was a mole.
- As Ma Lie nears death, a dead chicken suddenly falls or lands in front of him, creating a mysterious interruption.
Character Developments
- Cheng Xuejie demonstrates that her strength is far beyond what observers expected. She combines calm tactical thinking with extraordinary control over her Bioforce Field and Psychokinesis.
- Maria is established as a powerful and experienced fighter with unusual beastlike abilities. Although defeated, she is not seriously injured, suggesting she remains formidable.
- The woman in white reveals a more pragmatic and emotionally affected side. Her willingness to become Nameless’s concubine contrasts with her previously proud and arrogant image.
- The referee is portrayed as competent but financially burdened by the battle, emphasizing how destructive the contest is even for those managing it.
- Ma Lie is characterized as a determined revolutionary. Even while dying, he does not regret opposing the dynasty and remains focused on the failed rebellion and the possibility of betrayal.
- Baipusen and Li Huansheng are presented as generations of tyrannical rulers whose cruelty has created repeated rebellions throughout the empire.
Significant Themes
- Hidden strength and underestimated individuals: Cheng Xuejie’s true abilities are revealed only when she enters combat, while the woman in white’s unexpected statement exposes hidden feelings and priorities.
- Strategy over brute force: Cheng Xuejie wins not simply through power but by baiting Maria into a disadvantageous position and timing her finishing technique precisely.
- Oppression and resistance: The Baisen Dynasty’s long rule is built on violence, slavery, and terror, naturally producing rebels willing to sacrifice their lives.
- The cost of conflict: The arena battle drains the referee’s resources, while Ma Lie’s rebellion costs the insurgents their lives after a decade of preparation.
- Mystery and fate: The unexplained discovery of the rebels’ plan and the sudden appearance of the dead chicken introduce an element of hidden intervention or supernatural coincidence.
Character Interactions
- The woman in white and her maid discuss the exceptional strength of Lin Renmei and Cheng Xuejie, with the maid expressing astonishment and the woman responding with a startling comment about becoming Nameless’s concubine.
- Cheng Xuejie and Maria exchange relentless attacks, with Cheng ultimately outmaneuvering and defeating her.
- Cheng Xuejie acknowledges Maria politely after the victory, saying, “You let me win,” while Maria responds with resentment and storms away.
- The referee is indirectly affected by the fighters’ battle, repeatedly spending mana to sustain the arena barrier.
- Ma Lie’s memories center on his fellow rebels and their coordinated attempt to destroy the imperial leadership, though their apparent betrayal remains unresolved.