Ch. 21Soul Ancestors Face Off, a Swift Crushing Victory
Key plot points and events
- Lin Chen is matched against Mo Feng, a level-41 Agility Attack Soul Ancestor renowned for his speed. Spectators expect Lin Chen’s Blue Silver Grass to be at a disadvantage.
- Mo Feng dismisses Lin Chen’s earlier victories as luck and launches a lethal surprise attack with his third soul skill.
- Lin Chen activates his life domain, which suppresses Mo Feng’s soul power and Martial Soul while enhancing Lin Chen’s perception. He evades the strike and tracks Mo Feng despite his speed.
- Mo Feng attacks from four directions using his fourth soul skill. Su Qingyuan strengthens Lin Chen’s defense with an Azure Lotus Shield, while Yue Huaxi’s silver mist disrupts Mo Feng’s vision and perception.
- Lin Chen combines Life Suppression with domain-enhanced Blue Silver Grass, destroys Mo Feng’s clones, and binds his real body, leaving him unable to use soul power. Mo Feng concedes, and Lin Chen advances to the tournament final.
- After the battle, Lin Chen feels his accumulated soul power nearing the Soul Elder breakthrough. He believes absorbing the five-thousand-year Life Spirit Deer Soul Ring will push him over the threshold.
- His final opponent is a level-43 Power Attack Soul Ancestor. Meanwhile, a shadowy figure leaves to contact the Spirit Hall, suggesting a plot against Lin Chen.
Character developments
- Lin Chen demonstrates calm confidence and increasingly sophisticated control of his domain. His victory over a higher-level opponent boosts his reputation and brings him close to a breakthrough.
- Mo Feng begins arrogant and certain of his superiority, but his confidence collapses after Lin Chen neutralizes his speed and defeats him.
- Su Qingyuan and Yue Huaxi show trust in Lin Chen and coordinate their abilities effectively when he calls for their support.
- Tang San grows more jealous and threatened as Lin Chen’s reputation rises, seeing Lin Chen’s strength overshadow the advantage of his twin Martial Souls.
Significant themes
- Skill and strategy overcoming raw advantage: Lin Chen counters Mo Feng’s superior rank and speed through domain control, perception, and teamwork.
- Confidence versus arrogance: Mo Feng’s contempt gives way to humility after a decisive defeat.
- Recognition and rivalry: Lin Chen’s success earns public admiration while intensifying Tang San’s resentment and drawing the attention of nobles.
- Rising stakes: Lin Chen’s approaching breakthrough and the looming final are shadowed by an emerging conspiracy.
Character interactions
- Su Qingyuan and Yue Huaxi warn Lin Chen about Mo Feng’s speed and stand ready to support him; he reassures them that the fight will help refine his control.
- Lin Chen and Mo Feng exchange taunts before the match, then their confrontation ends with Mo Feng admitting defeat.
- Lin Chen directs Su Qingyuan and Yue Huaxi during the battle, and they respond immediately with complementary defensive and obscuring skills.
- The crowd, academy officials, and nobles react to Lin Chen’s victory with awe and interest; Tang San responds with jealousy, while an unseen faction moves against Lin Chen.