Chapter Summaries

Kou Ying asked Kaitis to capture a [Void Order] member alive, then questioned the captive about the group’s motives. The captive revealed what the [Void Order] knew and believed about Kou Ying before the interrogation continued.

• Kou Ying asked Kaitis to capture a [Void Order] member, and Kaitis returned half an hour later with one bound and gagged.
• Kou Ying used his shadow to remove and replace the captive’s apple, then accused him of plotting unrest and trying to seize the Americas’ weapons systems.
• The Void Cultist mocked Kou Ying as a mere shadow of Kou Cheqie'er and claimed Kou Cheqie'er had betrayed the [Void Order] by abandoning its ideals.
• The Void Cultist revealed that the [Void Order] knew of Kou Ying, lacked Kou Cheqie'er's technology, and believed Kou Ying was a clone created by him.

Kou Ying interrogated a Void Cultist, learned the Order’s plans, and survived the cultist’s explosive death while worrying that the world might discover his identity. In North Russia, Mu Bingge learned that the [Abyssal Erosion] remnants’ power had made her its successor and that she was destined to become a water Calamity if the Present World fell.

• Kou Ying used Truth-Telling Shadow to learn that the [Void Order] planned to attack the Americas’ weapons systems, strengthen Man-Made Calamity, and investigate or destroy him.
• The Void Cultist revealed that the [Void Order]’s core force was in the Forbidden Zone, then exploded; Kou Ying protected himself with shadow and survived.
• Kaitis checked on Kou Ying, who resolved to prevent anyone from forcing him off the team if his identity became public.
• Mu Bingge asked the [Stillwater King] why the [Abyssal Erosion] remnants had willingly died by her hand.
• The [Stillwater King] told Mu Bingge that she had become [Abyssal Erosion], and that she was destined to become the King of All Waters if the Present World fell.

Mu Bingge reported that killing the Calamities had shown her memories of the previous world, Sintar, and shared the discovery with her five teammates. The group began comparing what they knew about Sintar and [Tempest Fiend], but the reason he had repeatedly allowed himself to be killed remained unresolved.

• Mu Bingge told Morkov she had seen memories while killing the Calamities, had reached the fifth order, and would submit a report.
• Morkov showed Mu Bingge news about her teammates, and she messaged the group to ask if they were there.
• The teammates noticed Mu Bingge seemed troubled, and she asked to explain what had happened over a video call.
• Mu Bingge revealed that the Calamities who followed [Abyssal Erosion] were remnants of the destroyed world Sintar, which had faced similar threats to the Present World.
• Mu Bingge said Sintar's first slain Calamity was [Tempest Fiend], and Wan Lan theorized that he had deliberately allowed himself to be killed in multiple worlds.

Wan Lan revealed that [Wind and Thunder King] had defected, and Mu Bingge shared what she had learned about [Abyssal Erosion] and the destruction of Sintar. The group reflected on the Calamities’ origins and their own progress before Ye Buyu warned that trouble would come in six months.

• Wan Lan told the group that [Wind and Thunder King] had joined their side and that [Tempest Fiend] might have willingly sacrificed himself.
• Wan Lan revealed that she had investigated [Abyssal Erosion], [Earthshaker], the [Void Order], the [Whale of Wailing], and the Construction Engineering Institute.
• Mu Bingge explained that the previous [Abyssal Erosion] had become a Calamity to protect Sintar’s survivors and that [Stillwater King] might carry memories from successive [Abyssal Erosion] successors.
• Lou Guanshan suggested that becoming a Calamity could be a voluntary exchange that gave someone power to protect their people, easing Mu Bingge’s doubts.
• Mu Bingge said she had broken through to the next order, and the others shared their own progress toward advancement.
• Ye Buyu said she would reach the fifth order during the Awakened League and warned that [Seedling Eater] or [Eternal Frozen Silence] would cause trouble in six months.

Ye Buyu warned that a Level Ten Calamity would attack the Present World in six months at the earliest, and that a major event would occur at the Awakened League in five months. Her companions reacted by urgently seeking training and advancement, while Slyder and Kaitis struggled to process the warning.

• Ye Buyu told Su Wuwei, Lou Guanshan, Mu Bingge, Wan Lan, and Kou Ying that a Level Ten Calamity was the conservative estimate for an attack in six months and reminded them that the Awakened League was five months away.
• Mu Bingge asked Commander Morkov to spar with her so she could gain experience fighting higher-order combatants.
• Wan Lan told Slyder about the coming Calamity, the Awakened League, and the destroyed world Sintar, leaving him stunned before he demanded an explanation.
• Su Wuwei asked Yang You to spar so he could advance, and Yang You agreed to help him train.
• Kou Ying presented Kaitis with a training plan and explained that he was rushing to improve because a Level Ten Calamity might attack in six months; Kaitis was alarmed by the warning.

The Present World Union received news that [Seedling Eater] and [Eternal Frozen Silence] would remain dormant for six months before likely attacking, while other reports deepened the Secretariat’s worries about Hold Up the Heavens. Ye Buyu entered seclusion to advance, but Little Whale told her that reaching the Fifth Order would require far more energy than her prepared materials could provide.

• The Secretariat learned that [Seedling Eater] and [Eternal Frozen Silence] would remain dormant for six months before probably launching an all-out attack, and it reviewed reports about damaged Calamity territories, [Wind and Thunder King]'s surrender, and the destroyed world Sintar.
• The Secretary-General ordered the Doomsday Observatory to monitor the two Calamities, the Four Nations to prepare for disaster, and observers to keep watch on Hold Up the Heavens during the five months before the Awakened League.
• Ye Buyu entered a sealed room to reach the Fifth Order, while Lou Guanshan wished her luck.
• Little Whale summoned Ye Buyu to the Mindscape and offered materials from a Level Ten Calamity and a Level Eleven Calamity.
• Ye Buyu rejected the dangerous materials, but Little Whale explained that her three paths required far more energy than her own supplies could provide.

Ye Buyu received materials from Little Whale to help her advance, while Little Whale reflected on the approaching Myriad Worlds Silent Palace. At the palace, the [King of Withering and Flourishing] summoned Qin Yue to enforce their old agreement and announced that the [Withered Glory Theatre] would host the Present World Awakened League, leaving Qin Yue stunned by the revelation that Hold Up the Heavens had been his target long before their agreement.

• Ye Buyu restrained herself from attacking Little Whale and left the Mindscape to focus on advancing.
• Little Whale gazed toward the Myriad Worlds Silent Palace and wondered whether the long wait was finally about to yield a result.
• Qin Yue met the [King of Withering and Flourishing], who reminded him of their agreement and said Qin Yue must host an event.
• The [King of Withering and Flourishing] declared that the [Withered Glory Theatre] would take charge of the Present World Awakened League and offer its winners access to the Story Corridor.
• Qin Yue asked whether Hold Up the Heavens had been the target from the beginning, and the [King of Withering and Flourishing] confirmed it, hinting that his interest began even earlier.

Qin Yue agreed to let the [King of Withering and Flourishing] serve as an honorary organizer for the Awakened League, while insisting the Present World retain control. The Horizon Team returned from the Third Zone, learned about Hold Up the Heavens’ recent feats, and began preparing for the league in five months.

• Qin Yue accepted the [King of Withering and Flourishing]'s offer under strict conditions, and the king privately hinted at a long-awaited performance and his desire to trouble Hold Up the Heavens.
• The Horizon Team returned to their base after a mission and bickered over their friendly-fire mishaps on the way inside.
• Wei Changming told the team to rest and regroup before the Awakened League, and Guan Xiaomei looked forward to facing their rivals again.
• Shi Can told the Horizon Team that Hold Up the Heavens was already dealing with eighth-tier combatants and urged them to check the latest news.
• The Horizon Team read about Hold Up the Heavens' exploits and reacted with amazement at Wan Lan, Mu Bingge, and Kou Ying.

Shi Can signed Wei Changming and the other five up for the Awakened League and subjected the training-base students to the Principals’ special training. Five peaceful months later, the league’s announcement revealed [Withered Glory Theatre] as an honorary host, and Si Erweiqi asked Slyder to attend on New Rome’s behalf.

• Shi Can revealed that she had entered Wei Changming and the other five in the Awakened League’s team competition and arranged special training for them.
• Shi Can extended the Principals’ training to the other students, and the base became known as the Crying Base after months of howling.
• After five quiet months, the Present World Union Secretariat announced that [Withered Glory Theatre] would be an honorary host of the Awakened League.
• Awakened competitors and representatives from around the world gathered ahead of the league, puzzled by [Withered Glory Theatre]’s involvement.
• Si Erweiqi asked Slyder to go to the league, saying he would feel more at ease with [Withered Glory Theatre] involved.

The Awakened League competitors left their various posts and traveled toward the competition, while Ye Buyu escaped the Scholars’ Association by jumping from a warship. She and Su Wuwei spotted each other as they passed in the sky, leaving their reunion to chance.

• Slyder complained to Si Erweiqi about being assigned missions involving Hold Up the Heavens while Wan Lan looked forward to seeing her teammates.
• Lou Guanshan left Frontline after his comrades wished him luck, and Mu Bingge departed Viksu Academy after her teachers and students came to see her off.
• Kou Ying traveled toward the competition, while Su Wuwei asked Yang You to take him to the Space Elevator and exchanged a farewell with Wang Jianshe.
• Ye Buyu refused the Scholars’ Association’s pleas to stay and jumped from the warship, while Huang Songming told Newmanda to fix the association’s superstitious atmosphere.
• Ye Buyu and Su Wuwei saw each other as the Space Elevator passed her in the clouds.

Ye Buyu arrived at the Awakened League venue expecting a smooth start, only to be singled out in a bizarre ceremony staged by [Withered Glory Theatre]. The chapter left her mortified as Narrator Eight introduced her to the stunned crowd as a celebrated Theatre actor and leader of young people.

• Ye Buyu parachuted safely onto the venue grounds and received her contestant number from a robot.
• The robot pulled out a fan and handkerchief, danced to festive music, and accompanied a huge live projection of Ye Buyu.
• Su Wuwei photographed the spectacle, while Mu Bingge, Slyder, Wan Lan, Kou Ying, and Lou Guanshan reacted to Ye Buyu's embarrassing welcome.
• Narrator Eight appeared at the venue and introduced Ye Buyu as a Hall of Fame Leading Actor of the Theatre and an outstanding leader of young people.

The Narrators continued exposing and praising Hold Up the Heavens members, increasing hostility toward the team during the opening ceremony’s preparations. Humiliated, Ye Buyu tried to withdraw, but Lan Huaiyu stopped her and learned she planned to poison the [Withered Glory Theatre].

• Ye Buyu destroyed her projection, and Qin Yue told the staff to keep watching the Narrators despite their disruptive behavior.
• The Narrator introduced Kou Ying and Mu Bingge, then lavishly praised Lou Guanshan while Wan Lan and Su Wuwei used the distraction to leave.
• Number Nine replaced the frustrated Number Eight and told contestants and spectators to take their seats for the opening ceremony in half an hour.
• Ye Buyu decided to quit the competition, but Lan Huaiyu caught up with her and asked why she was leaving.
• Ye Buyu told Lan Huaiyu she hated the [Withered Glory Theatre] and was going to poison them.

Ye Buyu decided to confront the [Withered Glory Theatre] after it appeared beside the competition venue, while the Principals and other contestants headed there to watch. As Narrator Nine provoked hostility toward Hold Up the Heavens, Wan Lan attacked her and challenged the Narrators, and someone else joined her.

• The [Withered Glory Theatre] appeared beside the venue, and Ye Buyu chose not to withdraw from the competition and went to confront it.
• Lan Huaiyu, Lei Ming, Zhao Zhe, and Ding Ruixue decided to follow Ye Buyu and watch what happened.
• Slyder let Wan Lan leave, and Kou Ying also went toward the theatre as contestants gathered outside.
• Narrator Nine barred uninvited people from entering and defended the [Withered Glory Theatre]'s recognition of Hold Up the Heavens.
• Wan Lan shot Narrator Nine across the cheek and accused the Narrators of provoking hostility toward Hold Up the Heavens.
• An unidentified voice agreed with Wan Lan and declared they would face the Narrators to the end.

Lou Guanshan, Wan Lan, Su Wuwei, and Mu Bingge reunited at the Awakened League and waited for Kou Ying and Ye Buyu to arrive. Ye Buyu appeared to attack [Withered Glory Theatre], leaving the Narrator laughing and singing like a happy cucumber.

• Lou Guanshan arrived at [Withered Glory Theatre], where contestants demanded an explanation from the Narrator about the theatre's presence at the Awakened League.
• Lou Guanshan reunited with Wan Lan and Su Wuwei, and Mu Bingge joined them after revealing her improved Breath Without a Trace.
• Su Wuwei shared the group's location with Kou Ying and Ye Buyu, and the friends discussed their strength, alternate identities, and Wan Lan's connection to the [Wind and Thunder King].
• Ye Buyu messaged that she would poison someone before joining them, and a blast sent green smoke billowing in front of [Withered Glory Theatre].
• The Narrator rolled out of the smoke, laughing and singing, “I'm a cucumber, a happy cucumber~.”

Ye Buyu sneaked into the [Withered Glory Theatre] and poisoned three Narrators after they targeted Hold Up the Heavens. She warned Number Eleven Narrator to tell their King to stop stirring up hostility, then escaped with Kou Ying, suspecting the targeting could put her team at a disadvantage.

• Number Nine Narrator was taken away after behaving bizarrely, and Number Eight took over the show.
• A grenade from behind exploded near Number Eight, who collapsed and sobbed that he was a mushroom.
• Ye Buyu shot at Number Ten Narrator, then poisoned him with a bullet that turned a corner and made him kneel and crawl away.
• Number Eleven Narrator questioned Ye Buyu, who refused to come out and threatened the King if he continued targeting Hold Up the Heavens.
• Ye Buyu escaped through the shadows with Kou Ying and explained that she had acted to prevent her team from becoming a target of hostility or accusations of collusion with Calamities.

Ye Buyu reunited with the Hold Up the Heavens Team and they headed to the Opening Ceremony, where they discovered that [Withered Glory Theatre] had assigned them six conspicuous golden seats at the front. The other competitors resented the special treatment, leaving Ye Buyu ready to respond with poison as her teammates urged her to stay calm.

• Ye Buyu and Kou Ying agreed that the team needed to distance itself from [Withered Glory Theatre] because several teammates had ties to Calamity.
• Ye Buyu and Kou Ying reached the meeting point under Dark Shadow and reunited with Mu Bingge, Wan Lan, Su Wuwei, and Lou Guanshan.
• Su Wuwei admitted that he had taken photos of the team, then promised to delete them under their disapproving stares.
• Wan Lan noticed Ye Buyu's reference to the [King of Withering and Flourishing] and reminded her that her Alternate Identities were not mysterious to her.
• The six entered the Venue for the Opening Ceremony and ran into Wei Changming and the Horizon Team, who warned them that competitors resented their special seats.
• Ye Buyu threatened to poison the other competitors, but Lou Guanshan and Wan Lan escorted her to the six golden chairs at the front.

The Awakened League opening ceremony began with [Withered Glory Theatre] drawing hostility toward Hold Up the Heavens and demonstrating its mysterious reach across the Present World. The chapter ended as Number Seven introduced a dance performed by Calamities.

• Hold Up the Heavens rose above the other contestants on golden seats, and Ye Buyu lamented the spectacle while Su Wuwei admired the view.
• The contestants turned their attention toward Hold Up the Heavens, and Mu Bingge suspected that the ceremony had more surprises in store.
• Number Seven appeared as host, announced the League’s three competition stages and hidden grand prize, and said [Withered Glory Theatre] had set up screens throughout the Present World.
• Qin Yue questioned staff about their inability to detect the source of the worldwide screens and concluded that [Withered Glory Theatre]’s strength needed reassessment.
• Number Seven introduced the God-Praying Dance, and several grotesque Calamities began performing in silence.

Ye Buyu and the Hold Up the Heavens Team joined the Calamity Orchestra, but their participation turned the performance into a frantic, uncontrollable musical sprint. The Calamities collapsed afterward, leaving the venue and the Present World speechless.

• Number Seven announced the Calamity Orchestra and handed instruments to Contestants, including cymbals to Ye Buyu and Lou Guanshan.
• Kou Ying recognized the piece and signaled the others to follow his lead as the music began speeding up.
• Ye Buyu and Lou Guanshan crashed their cymbals faster and faster, driving the musicians and other Contestants to struggle to keep up.
• Number Seven lost control of the performance as the accelerating music overwhelmed the Calamities and choir.
• The performance ended with the Calamities collapsing, while the audience, staff, and Present World watched in stunned silence.

Number Seven and the [Withered Glory Theatre] performed their prepared finale after the orchestra was incapacitated, using music to convey the rise and fall of civilizations. The performance ended with the words “We exist, we existed,” and the audience answered with applause.

• Number Seven announced that the Opening Ceremony might end early after the orchestra was wiped out, but a Contestant demanded that the theatre perform its remaining act.
• Number Seven agreed to present the finale, and three Narrators took the stage to conduct the instruments without musicians.
• The music settled the Contestants and drew them into a sweeping account of civilizations flourishing and collapsing, while Number Seven sang of their fading history.
• Number Seven ended the performance with “We exist, we existed,” and the audience broke into applause.
• The Narrators bowed, and Ye Buyu read their smiles as a sign of their resolve not to yield to Fate.

The Awakened League began with a one-on-one arena competition, and Ye Buyu learned that winning first place could help her uncover the truth about the Withered Glory Theatre. She defeated Cheng Wei quickly in her opening match, while Kou Ying also entered the first round.

• Ye Buyu said the group needed to win the competition to enter the Withered Glory Theatre and learn more about its King and the world.
• Number Seven ended the Opening Ceremony, explained the solo arena rules, and announced that the first ten contestants left standing would earn points.
• Ye Buyu and Kou Ying drew separate first-round opponents and bumped fists before heading to their arenas.
• Cheng Wei attacked Ye Buyu with a stunning tiger's roar, but she shot him and forced him to kneel with her ability.
• Ye Buyu used Compulsory Cost to make Cheng Wei leave the arena, winning their match.