Ch. 21Dragon Core's Savage Aura: I Think I'm a Little Dead...
Key plot points and events
- Mu En’s long-dormant Dragon Core aura awakens when Gao Ren’s Pure World Overlord’s Leg tries to purify it. The aura fights back, erupting from Mu En as a gigantic, suffering White Dragon.
- Mu En destroys the dragon’s manifestation with a beam of golden light. The Dragon Core’s savage aura is finally purified, and Mu En keeps the Core itself.
- Mu En reveals that the Dragon Core—not Du Bisou’s attack—was what truly ruined his body. Its aura had lain hidden for decades before damaging his spine when he was weakest.
- Though the aura is gone, Mu En’s spine cannot safely be reset: his bones have long since healed incorrectly, and the procedure could kill him. He chooses to remain as he is and continue guarding Shrek.
- Gao Ren offers to seek powerful healing resources for Mu En, including help from an Emerald Swan. Mu En refuses to let him abase himself before Soul Beasts for his sake.
- Yan Shaozhe and Qian Duoduo arrive after the spectacular event. Mu En orders an emergency Sea God Pavilion meeting and tells Gao Ren to attend.
Character developments and interactions
- Mu En is freed from the Dragon Core’s ongoing torment and regains a stronger, more authoritative presence. He accepts that his disability may be permanent, prioritizing his remaining duty to Shrek over personal recovery.
- Gao Ren shows gratitude and loyalty by offering to find a cure, but Mu En firmly protects his dignity and insists that he never sacrifice his self-respect.
- Xuan Zi witnesses the purification and recognizes the Dragon Core. He shares Gao Ren’s hope that Mu En might recover.
- Yan Shaozhe and Qian Duoduo respond with alarm to the citywide display, then obey Mu En’s urgent summons.
Significant themes
- Duty over personal gain: Mu En rejects a potentially life-restoring use of the Dragon Core, intending to preserve it for a younger cultivator.
- Dignity and mutual respect: Mu En refuses to let Gao Ren humble himself before Soul Beasts to heal him.
- Endurance and acceptance: Even after the source of his suffering is removed, Mu En accepts the lasting damage and chooses to keep serving Shrek.
- The cost of power: The Dragon Core’s immense potential comes with a dangerous, persistent aura that nearly destroys its bearer.