Ch. 121A single-plank bridge, the Netherworld Origin
Chapter summary
Key events
- Lin Tian surveys his origin-law paths, considering both which are unclaimed and which have the most powerful rivals he might eventually devour and refine.
- He discovers that more than a dozen Great Luo Golden Immortals have entered the origin of strength, largely because he shared its Heaven-Opening Mark with First Qilin and the Xuan Yuan Human Race.
- Lin Tian realizes the origin of strength has become a fiercely contested path. First Qilin is positioned to prey on future entrants, while the adaptable Xuan Yuan clan may develop the path in unexpected ways.
- Lin Tian then investigates the netherworld origin and is shocked to find its competition is even fiercer. By examining the River of Time, he identifies seventeen great beings who followed that path, with its earliest known practitioner appearing when Pan Gu created the world.
- He concludes that at least three netherworld-origin practitioners have reached the Chaos Great Encompassing Golden Immortal realm. Though the path is not among his main intended pursuits, he resolves to study it seriously.
Character developments and interactions
- Lin Tian’s strategic, opportunistic nature is clear: he evaluates rival cultivators as potential future resources, while also planning how to benefit from the paths he has spread.
- He claims to treat his followers mercifully and says he would not destroy the Xuan Yuan clan, even though its members may compete with him.
- First Qilin and the Xuan Yuan Human Race emerge as potential forces shaping the origin-of-strength path; their future rivalry with other practitioners is anticipated rather than shown directly.
Significant themes
- Competition and cultivation: Powerful Dao paths become crowded battlegrounds where advancement may mean devouring rivals.
- Unintended consequences: Lin Tian’s decision to share the Heaven-Opening Mark has helped create the very competition he now assesses.
- Hidden history and danger: The unexpectedly ancient and powerful netherworld-origin practitioners hint at deeper forces and concealed histories in the Primordial World.
- Strategic curiosity: Lin Tian’s surprise turns into an interest in investigating a path he had previously neglected.