Ch. 21Choosing the Third Soul Ring
Plot points and events
- Chen Mo publicly turns Park Guk-chang’s accusations against him, asking whether Park has been stealing students from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy. Jing Hongchen backs him up and threatens to take the matter to the emperor.
- Jing incapacitates Park and his companions with a controlled soul-cannon blast, then prepares to bring them to the palace for judgment. Chen Mo supplies the device they used to infiltrate the academy and urges Jing to preserve surveillance recordings and improve security.
- The next day, Chen Mo tells Meng Hongchen he is unharmed. He plans to return to his sect during the break, visit his master, and hunt for his third soul ring.
- Chen Mo identifies a Spirit Vein Brocade-Scale Python—a highly intelligent, mental-attribute soul beast living in the Star Dou Great Forest—as his target.
- Meng proposes a wager: if Chen Mo passes the Level 2 Soul Engineer examination before the end of the next term, she will give him a mystery reward. Two days later, Chen Mo leaves for his sect. The chapter ends by noting that Huo Yuhao is having a difficult time at Shrek Academy.
Character developments and interactions
- Chen Mo shows quick wit and confidence, using Park’s own accusations to expose the weakness of his position. He also remains playful with Jing Hongchen, jokingly claiming Jing begged him to become a disciple.
- Jing Hongchen protects Chen Mo, takes charge of the intruders, and promises to seek an official resolution. His banter with Chen Mo reveals both familiarity and affection beneath his stern act.
- Meng Hongchen expresses genuine concern for Chen Mo and shows her fondness by sharing food and hoping he will stay in Mingdu. She eagerly arranges a future visit and challenges him with a new wager.
- Park Guk-chang loses control of the situation after his accusations are turned back on him and is taken into custody with his companions.
Significant themes
- Justice and accountability: The conflict shifts from personal accusations to an official investigation backed by evidence.
- Talent, ambition, and mentorship: Chen Mo’s rapid progress and multiple mentors remain central to his path.
- Friendship and growing affection: Meng’s concern, generosity, and eagerness to spend time with Chen Mo suggest a closer bond.
- Humor amid danger: Chen Mo’s irreverent jokes lighten the aftermath of a serious attempted abduction and attack.