Ch. 421Ten Heads, Twenty Arms

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Xi Qi army rests temporarily after a bloody battle, with significant casualties, including Deng Jiugong and the Huang brothers.
  • Jiang Ziya leads the army eastward, with the Investiture of the Gods Platform absorbing the resentment qi from the battlefield, boosting the soldiers' morale.
  • In the Myriad Immortal Array, Yang He's life force is cut off, and he turns to stone. Shakyamuni's corpse begins to transform and attacks the True Immortals present.
  • Yang He merges his avatars and transforms into the Immaculate Ghost Buddha with ten heads and twenty arms. Shakyamuni's corpse shows signs of life.

Character Developments

  • Jiang Ziya: He remains solemn and determined, aware of the potential consequences after the Shang Dynasty falls. He delays the use of the Investiture of the Gods to prevent its fall onto the sacrificial altar.
  • Yang He/Immaculate Ghost Buddha: Yang He merges his avatars and transforms into the Immaculate Ghost Buddha, a powerful and unique form with ten heads and twenty arms. He shows no signs of disturbance from his previous experiences with the Malevolent Spirits of Lutai.
  • Shakyamuni: Shakyamuni's corpse undergoes a transformation and attacks the True Immortals. After Yang He's intervention, it shows signs of life and yang fire.

Significant Themes

  • The consequences of war and the cost of victory are highlighted through the Xi Qi army's heavy casualties and the soldiers' suppressed emotions.
  • The power of belief and morale is emphasized as the Xi Qi soldiers believe they are upholding righteous principles, boosting their morale despite the losses.
  • The transformation and merging of avatars represent Yang He's growth and power increase, while Shakyamuni's transformation and life force re-emergence hint at the potential consequences of meddling with the dead.

Character Interactions

  • Jiang Ziya and the Xi Qi army: Jiang Ziya leads the army eastward, with the soldiers' morale boosted by the Investiture of the Gods Platform. They believe in the righteousness of their cause and are willing to contribute their labor to the war effort.
  • Yang He and the True Immortals: Yang He's transformation into the Immaculate Ghost Buddha and his intervention in Shakyamuni's attack show his growing power and influence among the True Immortals.
  • Shakyamuni and the True Immortals: Shakyamuni's corpse attacks the True Immortals, causing them to withdraw from Leiyin Temple. His transformation and re-emergence of life force hint at the potential danger he poses.

Ch. 422Immaculate Ghost Buddha Becomes a Buddha

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yang He approaches Shakyamuni's corpse, sensing its immense power and influence.
  • The True Immortals discuss Yang He's actions, warning him not to interfere with Shakyamuni's enlightenment.
  • Yang He enters the Thunderclap Monastery, experiencing Shakyamuni's disgusting nature and witnessing his spiritual root.
  • Yang He attempts to connect with Shakyamuni's aura, leading to a decrease in his lifespan and cultivation realm.
  • The Immaculate Ghost Buddha's aura flickers and transforms, reaching the True Immortal Realm, and Yang He adapts to Shakyamuni's Dao field.

Character Developments

  • Yang He: Demonstrates his calm and collected demeanor despite the danger, showing disregard for his own life. He experiments with connecting to Shakyamuni's aura, leading to a significant decrease in his lifespan and cultivation realm. He ultimately achieves the True Immortal Realm for his Immaculate Ghost Buddha.
  • Shakyamuni: Remains a corpse but exerts an invisible influence, causing all food within a hundred meters to decay rapidly. His spiritual root is revealed to be composed of intertwined vines, and he is associated with the Seven Treasures, specifically gold.

Significant Themes

  • The power and influence of Sages, such as Shakyamuni and the Western Two Sages.
  • The potential dangers and rewards of interfering with a Sage's enlightenment.
  • The connection between Yang He's Immaculate Ghost Buddha and Shakyamuni's aura, leading to a decrease in lifespan and cultivation realm.
  • The adaptation to Shakyamuni's Dao field and the potential kinship between Yang He and Shakyamuni.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He and the True Immortals: The True Immortals warn Yang He not to interfere with Shakyamuni's enlightenment, while Yang He proceeds cautiously, testing Shakyamuni's aura and ultimately achieving the True Immortal Realm.
  • Yang He and Shakyamuni: Yang He attempts to connect with Shakyamuni's aura, leading to a decrease in his lifespan and cultivation realm. Despite this, he adapts to Shakyamuni's Dao field and senses a potential kinship.

Ch. 423Tathagata Buddha Is My Brother

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yang He successfully refines the Buddha fruit position, gaining ten heads and twenty arms, but they remain unresponsive due to his mistrust of Buddhism.
  • Shakyamuni enters enlightenment, his body transforming grotesquely, and a colossal entity emerges from his mouth, the true Shakyamuni.
  • The Three Pure Ones intervene, preventing Shakyamuni's full enlightenment, and the Golden Buddha Infant is born.
  • The Golden Buddha Infant attempts to possess Bixiao, but Yang He's Black Cat swallows it, allowing the cat to advance to the True Immortal Realm.
  • Yang He decides to use Shakyamuni's enlightenment to comprehend Buddhist Dharma.

Character Developments

  • Yang He: Becomes more unrestrained, decides to use Shakyamuni's enlightenment for his own gain.
  • Shakyamuni: Enters enlightenment, becomes the Golden Buddha Infant, but is not fully awakened.
  • Bixiao: Briefly regains consciousness, feeds the Black Cat with Five-Colored Divine Light.
  • Black Cat (Ha Ji Mi): Advances to the True Immortal Realm after consuming the Golden Buddha Infant.

Significant Themes

  • The consequences of mistrust and lack of integration in cultivation.
  • The potential benefits and dangers of enlightenment.
  • The struggle for power and control among cultivators.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He observes Shakyamuni's enlightenment with interest and a hint of envy.
  • The Three Pure Ones intervene to prevent Shakyamuni's full enlightenment.
  • Yang He and Bixiao work together to control the Golden Buddha Infant, with Yang He ultimately using it for his own cultivation.
  • Yang He's relationship with the Black Cat deepens as the cat gains a significant advantage from the situation.

Ch. 424Five Aggregates, Three Souls Secret Tantra

Key Plot Points and Events

  • A five-colored egg formed by Yang He, Shakyamuni, and a cat affects Leiyin Temple, causing it to become the Immaculate Temple.
  • Duobao Daoist observes the changes and decides to befriend Yang He in Buddhism for survival.
  • Yang He, in a state similar to consuming a Dao Fruit, refines his Three-Headed, Six-Armed Dharma Body, which transforms into a Buddhist divine ability, the Three-Faced, Six-Armed Black Buddha Demon Subduing Venerable.
  • He creates a new lineage, the Secret Continuation of the Five Aggregates and Three Souls, which transforms the soul and five internal organs into Buddhas.
  • Shakyamuni's backlash causes Leiyin Temple to shrink, and the Three Pure Ones' dojos merge into a boundless, viscous gray-black 'ocean'.
  • Yang He's permanent character is possessed by Daji and Hu Ximei, and he inherits the gains of the Immaculate Ghost Buddha, including the Immaculate Buddha Body and the ability to create monk-ghosts.

Character Developments

  • Duobao Daoist realizes the severity of the situation and decides to befriend Yang He for survival.
  • Yang He creates a new Buddhist lineage and gains the ability to create monk-ghosts.
  • Shakyamuni's backlash increases, putting Leiyin Temple in grave danger.

Significant Themes

  • The power struggle between Sages and the consequences of their actions on the mortal realm.
  • The transformation of Yang He's cultivation methods and lineage due to his connection with Shakyamuni and Buddhism.
  • The theme of survival and adaptation in the face of overwhelming power, as seen in Duobao Daoist's decision to befriend Yang He.

Character Interactions

  • Duobao Daoist and Yang He: Duobao Daoist decides to befriend Yang He due to his skill in playing mind games and the potential danger he poses.
  • Yang He and Shakyamuni: Yang He's cultivation methods are influenced by Shakyamuni's enlightenment, leading to the creation of a new Buddhist lineage.
  • Yang He and his permanent character: Yang He notices that his permanent character is possessed by Daji and Hu Ximei, but he decides to leave them their corpses.
  • Yang He and the Three Pure Ones: Yang He observes the Three Pure Ones' dojos merging into a boundless, viscous gray-black 'ocean', causing him to feel a sense of dread.

Ch. 425The Three Pure Ones, Two Sages, and Nuwa Were All His Masters

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yang He exchanges for the Silver Spiritual Root and Mount Lingjiu, expanding his immortal body's reach and refining the Acquired Supreme Treasure.
  • He decides to leave the Immaculate Ghost Buddha's Nine Lives Body for now.
  • Daji, possessing Shen Gongbao's body, enters Leiyin Temple and encounters Daoist Lu Ya, who seems to know about Yang He's incarnations.
  • Yang He's third incarnation, the Immaculate Ghost Buddha, manifests in the Myriad Transformations Heaven Spiritual Root.

Character Developments

  • Yang He continues to strengthen his immortal body and refine his treasures, preparing for the confrontation with the Deep Layer Great Master.
  • Daji, possessing Shen Gongbao, becomes more fearful and desperate, seeking refuge with Buddhism to escape Yang He's potential pursuit.

Significant Themes

  • The power and influence of the Three Pure Ones, Two Sages, and Nuwa as masters.
  • The spread of Buddhism and its believers, contrasting with the Immaculate Buddha Body's direct influence.
  • The fear and danger associated with the Deep Layer Great Master and the Immaculate Ghost Buddha's Nine Lives Body.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He interacts with his spiritual roots and treasures, further refining his power.
  • Daji encounters Daoist Lu Ya, who seems to recognize Shen Gongbao's body and is aware of Yang He's incarnations.
  • The Immaculate Ghost Buddha manifests in the Myriad Transformations Heaven Spiritual Root, indicating Yang He's continued development.

Ch. 426Advance Investiture of the Gods

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Shakyamuni achieves enlightenment, becoming a True Immortal, and attempts to devour Yang He's spiritual root.
  • The Western Two Sages intervene, binding Shakyamuni and allowing him to regain control.
  • Buddhism decides to withdraw from the Myriad Immortal Array in three days, and Shakyamuni offers to take some Immortals as disciples.

Character Developments

  • Shakyamuni: Achieves enlightenment, gains control over his actions, and becomes a True Immortal.
  • Yang He: Becomes a True Immortal and faces the threat of Shakyamuni's enlightenment.
  • Hu Ximei: Attempts to join Buddhism but is killed by Yang He.

Significant Themes

  • The consequences of enlightenment and the struggle for power between different factions.
  • The interconnectedness of the Myriad Immortal Array and the Investiture of the Gods.
  • The desperation of characters facing the impending doom of Leiyin Temple.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He and Shakyamuni: Yang He faces the threat of Shakyamuni's enlightenment and must defend himself.
  • Yang He and Hu Ximei: Yang He kills Hu Ximei after she attempts to join Buddhism.
  • The Western Two Sages and Shakyamuni: They intervene to help Shakyamuni regain control over his actions.

Ch. 427Immaculate Buddha Who Completed the Investiture of the Gods

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Shakyamuni Buddha and Yang He (Immaculate Buddha) meet at Leiyin Temple.
  • Shakyamuni probes Yang He about the Pure Land.
  • The Investiture of the Gods Tribulation begins, causing black rain and water to submerge the world.
  • True Immortals start laughing maniacally and suffer physical distortions, entering the Pure Land.
  • Only Shakyamuni and Yang He remain.

Character Developments

  • Shakyamuni's true nature is revealed; he's not as compassionate as he seems.
  • Yang He maintains his composure amidst chaos, showing resilience.
  • Bixiao and the Black Cat, both mounts of True Immortals, reveal their new Buddhist names and meet their ends.

Significant Themes

  • The duality of Shakyamuni's character: compassionate on the surface, manipulative within.
  • The power and danger of the Pure Land, which causes True Immortals to lose control.
  • The theme of transformation and change, as characters take on new identities and meet their fates.

Character Interactions

  • Shakyamuni and Yang He's tense exchange, hinting at their hidden agendas.
  • The True Immortals' interactions show their loss of control and descent into madness.
  • Bixiao and the Black Cat's final moments with Yang He, showing a sense of affection and fear.

Ch. 428Investiture of the Gods Begins

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yang He exchanges for the Buddha Mother Great Illuminator King (a black cat) and the Remains of Shakyamuni, which grow and multiply.
  • The Investiture of the Gods ceremony begins early, with Jiang Ziya initiating it in Chaoge City.
  • A massive black vortex opens in the sky, and immortal music resonates, signaling the arrival of deities from the Heavenly Court.

Character Developments

  • Yang He continues to accumulate power and knowledge, exchanging for Buddhist artifacts and considering the implications of the Investiture of the Gods.
  • Bigan, now a ghost immortal, is powerless to stop the Investiture of the Gods and laments the Great Shang's fate.
  • Jiang Ziya, driven by his duty, initiates the Investiture of the Gods despite its potential risks.

Significant Themes

  • The struggle between humans and ghosts, and the consequences of their coexistence.
  • The power of belief and its influence on the world, as seen in the Investiture of the Gods ceremony.
  • The tension between duty and personal desires, as exemplified by Jiang Ziya and Bigan.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He interacts with the black cat, now titled Buddha Mother Great Illuminator King, and considers its future role.
  • Jiang Ziya and Bigan's paths diverge as Jiang Ziya initiates the Investiture of the Gods, leading to the fall of the Great Shang and Bigan's despair.
  • The Heavenly Court deities arrive, signaling their involvement in the Investiture of the Gods and the upcoming changes in the world.

Ch. 429The End of All Things, Guixu

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Myriad Immortal Array is filled with boundless black water, and the Three Pure Ones stand motionless in its center.
  • Surviving immortals, mostly Grand Unity Golden Immortals, struggle to protect themselves using their Dao fields.
  • Daoist Lu Ya, on a gourd, is at ease despite the challenging conditions.
  • Leiyin Temple is destroyed, and Yang He's avatar is nowhere to be found, suggesting he has ascended to the Pure Land.
  • The Three Corpses Daoist's aura suddenly vanishes, and Yang He reappears using the Five-Colored Divine Light.
  • A colossal creature in the black water, comparable to the Three Pure Ones, is revealed.
  • The black water begins to change, with specks floating upwards, and the Three Pure Ones become clearer.

Character Developments

  • Daoist Lu Ya remains calm and collected despite the dire situation, showing his strength and experience.
  • Yang He demonstrates his resourcefulness and adaptability by using the Five-Colored Divine Light to return and cling to Daoist Lu Ya's coattails.
  • The Three Pure Ones are revealed to be trapped in the black water, hinting at their vulnerability.

Significant Themes

  • The cyclical nature of life and death, represented by Guixu, the end of all things.
  • The struggle for survival and power among immortals.
  • The consequences of one's actions and the interconnectedness of the world.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He and Daoist Lu Ya interact, with Yang He seeking information and Daoist Lu Ya providing cryptic answers.
  • The Earth God attempts to approach Daoist Lu Ya but is consumed by the black water.
  • The fake immortals struggle and are eventually consumed by the black water, suggesting a larger force at work.

Ch. 430Grand Void Patrol Corpse Skeleton Celestial Venerable

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Investiture of the Gods begins, with the Three Pure Ones standing at the vertices of the Myriad Immortal Array.
  • Nezha leads the Xi Qi army to victory in Chaoge City, while Jiang Ziya confronts Bigan on Lutai.
  • Bigan commits suicide, his soul returning to the Investiture of the Gods.
  • Jiang Ziya ascends to the Investiture of the Gods Platform and begins the sealing process.
  • The living immortals are asked if they wish to accept the seal, with Yang He and Daji declining.

Character Developments

  • Yang He is named Grand Void Patrol Corpse Skeleton Celestial Venerable, a unique and powerful position in the Heavenly Court.
  • Jiang Ziya, driven by fear and desperation, becomes the executor of the Investiture of the Gods, sealing the immortals and gods.

Significant Themes

  • The consequences of immortality and the burden of divine power.
  • The cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, reflected in the Investiture of the Gods ceremony.
  • The tension between the desire for power and the fear of the unknown, exemplified by Jiang Ziya's actions.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He and Daoist Lu Ya: Lu Ya encourages Yang He to accept his new position, revealing that he knows about the Heavenly Court's true intentions.
  • Jiang Ziya and Bigan: Their interaction highlights the desperation and fear driving Jiang Ziya's actions.
  • Yang He and Daji: Daji's fear of Yang He's power and influence is further emphasized when he is named a Celestial Venerable.

Ch. 431Netherworld Sea-Patrolling Ghost Yuan True Lord

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yang He completes his tribulation and ascends to the Great Luo Heaven, guided by the Thirty-Six Heavens.
  • The Investiture of the Gods ceremony proceeds, conferring immortal positions on various individuals.
  • Daji's attempt to possess her physical body fails, and her consciousness is extinguished.
  • Shen Gongbao is enfeoffed as the Netherworld Sea-Patrolling Ghost Yuan True Lord, subordinate to Yang He's Corpse Celestial Venerable.

Character Developments

  • Yang He ascends to a higher realm and receives a new title, the Corpse Celestial Venerable.
  • Daji's consciousness is extinguished after her failed attempt to reclaim her body.
  • Shen Gongbao receives the title of Netherworld Sea-Patrolling Ghost Yuan True Lord.

Significant Themes

  • The consequences of one's actions and karma, as seen in Daji's failed attempt to possess her body and Shen Gongbao's new role.
  • The hierarchy and power dynamics within the Heavenly Court, as seen in the conferring of immortal positions and the subordination of the Ghost Yuan True Lord to the Corpse Celestial Venerable.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He acknowledges Daoist Lu Ya but is ignored in return.
  • Yang He is pleased with Shen Gongbao's new title but realizes the implications of having a subordinate.
  • The Yang Family's Ten Sons are conferred the title of Guardian Great General of the Lingxiao Palace.
  • Daoist Priest Qingfeng is enfeoffed as the Four Seasons Rotating Heavenly Monarch, subordinate to Yang He.

Ch. 432A Family of the Dou Department

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yang He returns to the Main World and reflects on the Ghost True Lord's immortality.
  • He unleashes his Corpse Immortal and Puppet Immortal arts, demonstrating increased power.
  • Yang He finds an Investiture of the Gods fragment and suspects a second ceremony in the Main World.
  • He enters the Myriad Ghost Array as a soldier to observe the final stages of the Investiture of the Gods ceremony.

Character Developments

  • Yang He: Reflects on his growth and the instability of his body and soul after the Resident Characters' ascension.
  • Yang Ren (Jiazi Grand Commander): Enfeoffed as a Grand Commander, showing his loyalty and wisdom.
  • Nezha: Plans to cultivate arduously to catch up to Yang He's progress.
  • Yang Jian, Huang Tianhua, and Lei Zhenzi: Discuss Yang He's entanglements and express disbelief at his appearance in the mortal world.

Significant Themes

  • The power and instability of Yang He's immortality.
  • The consequences of the Investiture of the Gods ceremony for the heavenly soldiers and generals.
  • The inevitability of heavenly tribulations for immortals.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He interacts with his fellow disciples, expressing his desire for them to stay in the mortal world after becoming immortal.
  • Nezha, Yang Jian, Huang Tianhua, and Lei Zhenzi discuss Yang He's entanglements and his unexpected appearance.
  • Nezha receives Daoist Rādharana's Sarira and an immortal-becoming method from Yang He.

Ch. 433The Sky Has Fallen

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Investiture of the Gods ceremony concludes, with 373 official gods replaced.
  • Ji Fa begins a sacrifice to heaven and earth at the Nuwa Palace.
  • Yang He senses an impending disaster and observes the sky falling, revealing the Three Pure Ones pulling down the Six Heavens of Desire.
  • The world of legends undergoes drastic changes, and the continents begin to tear apart, forming the Four Continents of Journey to the West.
  • Hundreds of immortal corpses fall into the Guixu, with their necks bent at a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree angle.

Character Developments

  • Jiang Ziya is severely weakened and mentally affected after the ceremony, muttering to himself and refusing to leave the Nuwa Palace.
  • Yang He becomes increasingly anxious and concerned as he witnesses the sky falling and the Three Pure Ones' actions.
  • Yang Jian tries to support Yang He and asks about the situation but is left bewildered.

Significant Themes

  • The consequences of the Investiture of the Gods ceremony and the Heavenly Court's internal strife.
  • The power and will of the Three Pure Ones, and their intention to fill the Guixu.
  • The drastic changes in the world of legends and the formation of the Four Continents of Journey to the West.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He and Yang Jian discuss the situation and the potential disaster.
  • Jiang Ziya is isolated and unresponsive, fixated on the Nuwa Palace.
  • Ji Fa performs the sacrifice, unaware of the impending cataclysm.
  • The Three Pure Ones appear briefly, pulling down the heavens without interacting with the characters.

Ch. 434Ashes Scattered (End of the Investiture of the Gods Arc)

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The destruction of Great Shang leads to an increase in yin qi, causing chaos in Chaoge City.
  • The citizens of Chaoge City begin to ghostify and commit mass suicide, only to resurrect as Malevolent Spirits.
  • The capital of Great Shang, Chaoge City, is reduced to an empty city, with its citizens becoming part of Guixu (the sixth layer of hell).
  • Malevolent Spirits start to appear more frequently, threatening the surviving mortals.
  • Ji Fa, the last king of Shang, goes mad and is eventually abandoned by his people.
  • Jiang Ziya chooses to stay in Chaoge City to protect the remaining mortals, while Yang Jian and others enter secluded cultivation.
  • Over time, Chaoge City becomes a ruin, renamed Haojing, and is eventually forgotten by the world.
  • An ascetic monk arrives in Haojing, bringing Buddhism to the remaining mortals, but is later revealed to be a Malevolent Spirit in disguise.

Character Developments

  • Ji Fa: Becomes increasingly mad and delusional, eventually losing the support of his people.
  • Jiang Ziya: Chooses to stay in Haojing to protect the remaining mortals, demonstrating his compassion and dedication.
  • Yang Jian and others: Enter secluded cultivation, preparing to face the growing threat of Malevolent Spirits.
  • The ascetic monk: Initially appears to be a kind and benevolent figure, but is later revealed to be a Malevolent Spirit in disguise, feeding on the elderly people of Haojing to regain his youth.

Significant Themes

  • The cycle of life and death, and the struggle for survival in a world overrun by Malevolent Spirits.
  • The decline of the Shang dynasty and the rise of Buddhism, reflecting the changing dynamics of power and belief in the lore world.
  • The consequences of human actions and the karmic retribution that follows, as seen through the ascetic monk's true nature.

Character Interactions

  • Jiang Ziya and Yang Jian: Jiang Ziya entrusts the protection of the mortals to Yang Jian and the others before they enter secluded cultivation.
  • The ascetic monk and the elderly people of Haojing: The ascetic monk initially appears to be a great benefactor, accumulating merit through his kindness and benevolence. However, he is later revealed to be feeding on the elderly people of Haojing, highlighting the deception and danger hidden beneath his seemingly pious exterior.

Ch. 435Golden Cicada, Come from Hell

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Tsering, a frail boy, lives with his father in a remote grassland, awaiting his mother's return.
  • Tsering has been practicing a secret technique, Cicada Molting, to bring his parents back to life.
  • After a year, Tsering successfully brings back his father, but the dummy that appears is a strange, white-robed monk, not his father.
  • The monk, who introduces himself as Golden Cicada, drains Tsering's life force.
  • Tsering, in his final moments, reveals he's an ancient immortal and banishes Golden Cicada.

Character Developments

  • Tsering: Starts as a frail, hopeful boy, transforms into an ancient immortal with immense power.
  • Tsering's Father: Initially present but unaware of Tsering's condition, later revealed to be a dummy created by Tsering.
  • Golden Cicada: A mysterious, powerful entity who descends to the mortal realm, seeking ancient immortals.

Significant Themes

  • Reincarnation and the afterlife: Tsering's desire to bring his parents back to life drives the plot.
  • The power of belief and imagination: Cicada Molting relies on the cultivator's imagination to create a dummy.
  • The consequences of defying the natural order: Golden Cicada's descent and Tsering's transformation hint at potential repercussions.

Character Interactions

  • Tsering and his Father: Their relationship is strained due to Tsering's secret practice and his father's obliviousness.
  • Tsering and Golden Cicada: Their interaction is brief but intense, ending with Tsering banishing Golden Cicada.
  • Tsering and the Bodhi Tree: Tsering prays to the Bodhi Tree daily, suggesting a spiritual connection.

Ch. 436New Resident Character

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The chapter begins six months after the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation. Yang He has been in seclusion, refining two supreme treasures: the Universe Ruler and the Hun Yuan Golden Dou.
  • Yang He learns that cultivators from the Deep Grand Si are replacing ghost gods and suspects that the monk from the tribulation is the reincarnation of Golden Cicada.
  • He tasks the Fuyang Merchant Association with preventing a mystical method from spreading across the grasslands.
  • Yang He attempts to cultivate to the next realm but encounters an issue with the innate five qi, causing the roots of the Myriad Transformations Tree to decay.
  • He realizes that the Heavenly Dao in the Main World seems to be losing control and that cultivating spiritual roots and Dao fields might be a mistake.
  • Yang He plans to find a master and learn in Journey to the West, hoping to sense the other fragments of his panel through the completed lore.

Character Developments

  • Yang He: He continues to grow stronger, successfully mastering the Universe Ruler. He also learns about the potential issues with the Heavenly Dao and the cultivation system.
  • Chen Qian: Though not present, he is mentioned as being tasked with visiting the grassland tribes.

Significant Themes

  • The weakening Yin and Yang separation and the increasing influence of the Deep Grand Si.
  • The potential issues with the Heavenly Dao and the cultivation system in the Main World.
  • The importance of strength and preparation in facing external threats.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He and Chen Qian: Yang He tasks Chen Qian with preventing the spread of a mystical method.
  • Yang He and the Myriad Transformations Tree: Yang He's attempt to cultivate causes the tree's roots to decay.
  • Yang He and the panel: Yang He generates and fuses new permanent characters, including Chime-Striking Boy, which is derived from Shakyamuni's remains.

Ch. 437The Lore of the Heaven-Wrecking Ghost

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Yang He generates a permanent character, the Chime-Striking Boy, who is revealed to be a demon.
  • Yang He learns about the upcoming "Great Conjunction" and the gathering of mundane items for the South Heaven Gate.
  • He enters the Havoc in Heaven allusion and finds the Peach Garden abandoned, with Heavenly Soldiers committing suicide.
  • A Heavenly Soldier warns Yang He to die before it's too late, then kills himself.

Character Developments

  • Yang He's understanding of demons deepens; he realizes that demons are birds or beasts that cultivate by absorbing yin qi while alive.
  • The Heavenly Soldiers' suicides suggest they are aware of an impending disaster and are trying to prevent it.

Significant Themes

  • The theme of cultivation and the absorption of yin qi is further explored, with the revelation that demons are cultivating beings.
  • The theme of impending disaster and the urgency of action is emphasized through the Heavenly Soldiers' suicides.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He interacts with a dying Heavenly Soldier who warns him about an impending disaster.
  • Yang He's permanent characters, the Corpse Celestial Venerable and the Nuo Xiang Ghost, are mentioned but not directly interacted with.

Ch. 438The Heavenly Court Cannot Do Without the Corpse Venerable

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Heavenly Soldiers' corpses transform into peach trees, producing human-faced peaches of immortality.
  • Yang He, as Corpse Celestial Venerable, encounters the Plain-Clad Immortal Maiden, who is picking the peaches without harvesting them.
  • Yang He escapes the Peach Garden, discovering a decaying peach tree branch with hanging immortal maiden corpses and Heavenly Soldiers performing a suppression ritual led by Junior Brother Qingfeng.

Character Developments

  • Yang He (Corpse Celestial Venerable) demonstrates caution and strategic thinking, deciding not to consume the peach of immortality and escaping the Peach Garden.
  • The Plain-Clad Immortal Maiden is revealed to be a corpse, further emphasizing the corruption within the Heavenly Court.
  • Junior Brother Qingfeng is shown leading a suppression ritual, indicating his involvement in the Heavenly Court's current state.

Significant Themes

  • Corruption and Decay: The transformation of Heavenly Soldiers into peach trees and the decaying peach branch symbolize the corruption and decay within the Heavenly Court.
  • The Price of Immortality: The human-faced peaches of immortality, despite their benefits, come at a cost, as seen in the transformation of the Heavenly Soldiers and the immortal maidens.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He (Corpse Celestial Venerable) interacts with the Plain-Clad Immortal Maiden, demonstrating his ability to assess situations and make strategic decisions.
  • Junior Brother Qingfeng interacts with the Heavenly Soldiers, leading the suppression ritual, which hints at a power struggle within the Heavenly Court.

Ch. 439Corpse Celestial Venerable Had It Too Hard

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Peach Garden is divided into three sections, each with peaches that ripen at different intervals (3000, 6000, and 9000 years) and grant varying immortality benefits.
  • Yang He, an immortal, struggles with the temptation of the peaches, especially those from the back section that promise longevity equal to heaven and earth.
  • The Heavenly Court immortals, led by Daoist Priest Qingfeng, are wary of the Peach Garden and use a living stake (Yang He's corpse) to suppress the malevolent spirits (Taiyin Metamorphosis) that appear after immortals die.
  • The immortals attempt to suppress the Taiyin Metamorphosis, but the Immortal Maiden Corpses, hanging from the peach trees, beg for help, claiming they're still alive.
  • The Corpse Celestial Venerable's power is activated, absorbing General Sun's vital blood to suppress the Taiyin Metamorphosis. The Plain-Clothed Immortal Maiden, now distorted and grotesque, appears from the mist, seeking the ripe peaches.

Character Developments

  • Yang He: Struggles with temptation, reveals his junior brother's use of his corpse for the living stake, and discovers the Heavenly Court immortals' unusual bodies.
  • Daoist Priest Qingfeng: Shows expertise in formation arrays, fear of the Taiyin Metamorphosis, and respect for Corpse Celestial Venerable.
  • General Sun: Displayed fear of Corpse Celestial Venerable, orders suicidal Heavenly Soldiers, and assists Daoist Priest Qingfeng.
  • Immortal Maiden Corpses: Initially lifeless, they suddenly come to life, expressing fear and desperation, and are eventually suppressed.

Significant Themes

  • Temptation and self-control (Yang He's struggle with the peaches)
  • The consequences of immortality and the afterlife (Taiyin Metamorphosis)
  • The power dynamics and fear of Corpse Celestial Venerable
  • The unusual nature of the Heavenly Court immortals' bodies

Character Interactions

  • Yang He and his junior brother (implied interaction through the use of Yang He's corpse)
  • Daoist Priest Qingfeng and General Sun (cooperation in suppressing the Taiyin Metamorphosis)
  • The Immortal Maiden Corpses and the Heavenly Court immortals (interaction through the corpses' desperate pleas for help)
  • Corpse Celestial Venerable and the Heavenly Court immortals (fear and respect shown by the immortals)

Ch. 440Senior Brother, You're Back

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Plain-Clad Immortal Maiden, now a monstrous entity, attacks the Heavenly Soldiers and Daoist Priest Qingfeng in the Peach Garden.
  • Yang He, possessing a Heavenly Soldier, reveals himself and sacrifices himself to dispel the Plain-Clad Immortal Maiden's curse.
  • Daoist Priest Qingfeng and General Sun escape the Peach Garden, carrying the Corpse Celestial Venerable's coffin.
  • They return to the Haoting Xiaodu Heaven, where Yang He's residence, the Void Xuanxu Mansion, is located.

Character Developments

  • Yang He (Senior Brother): Possesses a Heavenly Soldier to return to the Heavenly Court, revealing his presence and sacrificing himself to save everyone.
  • Daoist Priest Qingfeng: Realizes that the Heavenly Soldier was possessed by his senior brother, Yang He. He escapes the Peach Garden with Corpse Celestial Venerable's coffin.
  • General Sun: Discovers an extra Heavenly Soldier in their ranks, realizing the infiltration. He covers Daoist Priest Qingfeng's escape.

Significant Themes

  • Sacrifice: Yang He's selfless act to save his friends and the Heavenly Court.
  • Redemption: Yang He's return, though brief, offers a chance for redemption and recognition.
  • Loyalty: The Heavenly Soldiers' loyalty, despite the danger, and General Sun's decision to cover Daoist Priest Qingfeng's escape.

Character Interactions

  • Yang He and Daoist Priest Qingfeng: Senior brother and junior, their bond is evident as Qingfeng recognizes Yang He's presence and acts to protect him.
  • General Sun and Daoist Priest Qingfeng: They work together to escape the Peach Garden, showing mutual respect and understanding.
  • Yang He and the Plain-Clad Immortal Maiden: Their interaction reveals the extent of the curse and Yang He's determination to break it.
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