Well, it could be through intense conflicts, evil characters, or tragic events that constantly push the plot into darker territories.
The main ways a story becomes dark are by having characters face extreme hardships, showing the cruel side of human nature, or presenting a world filled with violence and despair. These elements combine to create a dark atmosphere and storyline.
Chapter 140, "Mining Competition, The Hunt Begins [3-in-1 Mega Chapter]", is the clearest early answer because it turns Cold Beasts's situation into a concrete plot event. The setup is All camp members, from now on, no contribution points will be given..., but the pressure keeps building through The Logging Team members must bring back at least ten thousand pounds....
Chapter 225, "Council at Long Mountain, Li Xuanling's Decisive Action (Part 2)", is the clearest early answer because it turns Li Xuanyan's situation into a concrete plot event. Early on, What Fourth Brother said makes sense, I agree too." In fact, in Li.... By the end, It is no longer appropriate for me to remain in the main seat." None....
Chapter 95, "Camp Supply Station and Craftsmen Workshop", is the clearest early answer because it turns Cheng Feng's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on Four major challenges, the first three, according to Xia Hong, are... and ending on Just as the two left, Xia Chuan and Yuan Cheng came looking for him....
Chapter 217, "Hesitation, Departure, and Sending Word", is the clearest early answer because it pushes Alliance Leader Order into a new phase or setting. It opens with Hive Station, Top Floor of the Main Building Above the spacious grand... and closes on Moreover, the eldest son's Alliance Leader Order clearly states that.... The key payoff is that the chapter closes with "But Leader, Hou Tong's attitude today was quite unpleasant.
Chapter 122, "Finally Started to Withdraw [Three in One]", is the clearest early answer because it turns Xia Hong's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with Everyone, find your targets, quickly!" Though the white fog was... and follows through with Before crafting those three Ten Thousand Pounds Iron Embryo Bows for....
Chapter 151, "Pioneering, The Growth of Xia Chuan [sorry, late]", is the clearest early answer because it turns Xia Hong's situation into a concrete plot event. A useful checkpoint is the way the scene starts with Establishing the Pioneer Department opens a new path for advancement;... and follows through with They truly wanted to see if the people from the Mirror Immortal Camp....
Chapter 138, "The Bizarre Mirror Immortal Gu, Cold Resistance Level? [3 in 1]", is the clearest early answer because Yuwen Hu finally turns buildup into a real advancement. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on Mirror Immortal Camp, inside a wooden house next to the bamboo... and ending on After a reproachful remark, he saw the Cold Beast Blood and brush on....
Chapter 230, "Next Step, Surrender, Set Out for Yang Lu", is the clearest early answer because it turns Yuan Cheng's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter gives readers a real answer by opening on What are your thoughts on the next steps?" Xia Chuan sat at the head... and ending on No one knows the situation at Yang Lu, where their station is, how....
Chapter 169, "Trade, Bamboo Silk, Regaining Focus", is the clearest early answer because it turns Great Xia's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from Xia Hong nodded, a smile appearing on his face, "It's fine." Hearing... to Casualties were only about ten people at most.. What makes it stick is that it converts Great Xia into a tangible resource or opportunity, which changes the balance of leverage for Xia Chuan and the surrounding arc.
Chapter 166, "Broken Defense of Mirror Immortal", is the clearest early answer because it turns Xia Hong's situation into a concrete plot event. The chapter turns that into something concrete by moving from They all held large blades, their faces expressionless, looking like... to Over a hundred people charging, Xia Hong calmly broke through the.... What makes it stick is that the chapter closes with "Brother, the solidified fire oil can only suppress them, it seems not enough to kill them.