Ch. 81Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform
Plot points and events
- Li Qingyue tells Leng Xiaoyue to spread the Faith of Abundance openly throughout Eastsea City, especially among people previously treated at the hospital, whom the Power of Abundance has already affected.
- Leng Xiaoyue warns that attracting attention from the Federation could bring severe consequences. Li Qingyue dismisses the danger and says creating wider disorder may help conceal him—particularly as he expects the Qiangu Family to target him.
- Li Qingyue reveals that Leng Yaozhu has left, removing an important protection. Leng Xiaoyue fears he has been abandoned, but Li insists she focus on recruiting Believers. She agrees and plans to expand the Faith beyond the city as well, potentially drawing the Tang Sect into the conflict.
- Three days later, Li joins Wu Changkong for entry into the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform. Wu will accompany him without taking part in the hunt. The others will enter the Primary Platform.
- At the Spirit Pagoda, Mo Qing receives the group without disclosing Li and Wu’s identities. Wu advises the others to record their experiences for later review. Li and Wu then enter stasis pods together, set to arrive side by side.
Character developments and interactions
- Li Qingyue shows increasing confidence and ambition, choosing deliberate exposure and confusion over caution. He expects danger after Leng Yaozhu’s departure but remains outwardly unconcerned. He also dislikes Leng Xiaoyue questioning his orders.
- Leng Xiaoyue remains fiercely loyal and worried for Li’s safety. Though she raises practical concerns, she submits when she senses his impatience and commits to carrying out his plan.
- Wu Changkong supports Li by accompanying him into a far more dangerous area, while maintaining the boundary that he will not hunt on Li’s behalf.
- Xie Xie is less anxious than before but worries about entering the Primary Platform without Li, given his relative weakness. Li considers but rejects making him a Believer, unwilling to risk harming Xie Xie’s future development.
Significant themes
- Faith and power: The Faith of Abundance is being expanded as a means of gaining influence and control.
- Risk versus concealment: Li knowingly provokes a larger conflict, believing widespread disorder will make him harder to identify.
- Loyalty and authority: Leng Xiaoyue’s devotion is tested by her fear for Li, while Li expects obedience from his Emanator.
- Growth and vulnerability: The Spirit Ascension Platform exposes the gap between Li’s strength and the dangers he must face, making Wu’s protection important.