Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie meets with his master, True Man Miao, who praises his performance in the Secret Realm and rewards him with spirit stones and an invitation to a grand auction.
• Zhang Tie seeks out the Scripture Pavilion to research an ancient jade pendant he found, discovering it contains the God-Worshipping Script.
• After mastering the script, Zhang Tie activates the jade pendant, revealing the "Hidden Body Art" secret art.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates maturity and wisdom in his interaction with True Man Miao, understanding the value of spirit medicines and requesting spirit beast blood instead.
• Zhang Tie shows dedication and focus in learning the God-Worshipping Script and the "Hidden Body Art."

Significant Themes

• The importance of wisdom and adaptability in the cultivation world.
• The value of ancient knowledge and its practical applications.
• The significance of survival and self-preservation in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts respectfully with True Man Miao, demonstrating his understanding of the master-disciple relationship and the value of rewards.
• Zhang Tie's interaction with the Scripture Pavilion's keeper is not detailed, but he presents his token as a direct disciple, indicating his status and privilege.

Brief Overview

Zhang Tie meets with his master to discuss his performance in the Secret Realm and receives rewards. He then visits the Scripture Pavilion to research an ancient jade pendant, discovering a secret art called the "Hidden Body Art," which can alter his appearance and conceal his cultivation realm. This art will prove useful in the dangerous cultivation world, allowing him to disguise his identity when necessary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie completes the first two layers of the Hidden Body Art in three days.
• Duan Feng visits Zhang Tie, seeking spirit herbs from the Secret Realm. Zhang Tie gives him three boxes of second-grade spirit herbs.
• Zhang Tie completes the third layer of the Hidden Body Art, allowing him to conceal his cultivation level.
• Zhang Tie receives a sect mission notice and heads to the Mission Hall.
• Zhang Tie purchases a shovel-like magic artifact from the Artifact Refining Hall.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his rapid progress in cultivation, completing the Hidden Body Art's third layer in a month.
• Duan Feng shows interest in Zhang Tie's spirit herbs, indicating his ambition and greed.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Progress: Zhang Tie's rapid advancement in the Hidden Body Art highlights his potential and dedication to cultivation.
• Ambition and Greed: Duan Feng's interest in Zhang Tie's spirit herbs suggests his ambition and willingness to exploit his juniors.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Duan Feng interact, with Zhang Tie giving Duan Feng spirit herbs in exchange for future favors.
• Zhang Tie interacts with various sect hall officials, showing his respect and understanding of sect hierarchy and rules.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie visits the Artifact Refining Hall to purchase a high-quality shovel.
• He buys a Profound Iron shovel for 500 low-grade spirit stones.
• Zhang Tie returns to his cave dwelling to practice the Body Technique 'Savage Charge'.
• He struggles to grasp the technique's essence and fails to achieve the desired results.
• Zhang Tie meets with his mission team at the Hundred Flavors Immortal Pavilion.
• He arrives to find mission captain Lin Zhou and team member Tang Xiao'e already present.
• They wait for the final team member to arrive before discussing their mission.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his negotiation skills and knowledge of artifacts when purchasing the shovel.
• He shows determination and dedication in practicing 'Savage Charge', despite initial struggles.
• Lin Zhou displays patience and calmness in waiting for the final team member.
• Tang Xiao'e is introduced as a team member, with no significant character development in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Patience and Persistence: Zhang Tie's struggle to master 'Savage Charge' highlights the importance of patience and persistence in cultivation.
• Teamwork: The gathering of the mission team emphasizes the value of cooperation and unity in achieving common goals.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the young man in the Artifact Refining Hall, showcasing his knowledge and negotiation skills.
• He meets Lin Zhou and Tang Xiao'e, displaying respect and composure as a new member of their mission team.
• There's no significant interaction between Lin Zhou and Tang Xiao'e in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The team is sent to protect the Liu family, an immortal cultivation family, from the Three Corpses Gang, a group of rogue cultivators seeking revenge for the Liu family's killing of their second-in-command.
• The team sets off immediately, traveling by flying boat, and arrives at the Liu family's market town the next day.
• The Liu family head, Liu Sheng, welcomes them and discusses the plan to defend against the Three Corpses Gang.
• The team agrees to help Liu Sheng and his son, Liu Hong Fei, hold back the leader of the Three Corpses Gang for an hour while they deal with the other members.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhou: Shows calm and confident leadership, having a well-thought-out plan to deal with the Three Corpses Gang.
• Yu Dayao: Confident in his ability to handle the leader of the Three Corpses Gang, displaying a fierce and dominant cultivation technique.
• Tang Xiao'e: Expresses worry about the situation, showing a more cautious and caring side.
• Zhang Tie: Shows interest in the flying boat and is more at ease after hearing the plan, displaying a mix of curiosity and caution.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Power: The characters' cultivation levels and techniques are crucial to their roles and confidence in facing the threat.
• Teamwork and Strategy: The team's success depends on their ability to work together and execute a well-planned strategy.
• Responsibility and Protection: The team's mission is to protect the Liu family, highlighting their role as guardians and the importance of fulfilling their duty.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhou and Tang Xiao'e: Lin Zhou reassures Tang Xiao'e about the plan, showing a caring and understanding side.
• Lin Zhou and Yu Dayao: They work well together, with Lin Zhou delegating the leader of the Three Corpses Gang to Yu Dayao, showing trust in his abilities.
• Liu Sheng and Lin Zhou: They discuss the plan to defend against the Three Corpses Gang, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Liu Hong Fei and the team: Liu Hong Fei is responsible for settling the team, showing hospitality and respect towards them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Three Corpses Gang approaches after six days of peace.
• The Liu family's defensive array activates, revealing a critical situation.
• Both sides clash outside the array; Liu Sheng and Yu Dayao battle the First Boss and his zombie.
• Lin Zhou, Tang Xiao'e, and Zhang Tie face off against the Third and Fourth Bosses and their zombies.
• Lin Zhou defeats the Fourth Boss using a powerful artifact, while Zhang Tie practices and defeats his two zombies using Savage Charge.
• Lin Zhou and Tang Xiao'e support Liu Sheng and Yu Dayao, but Lin Zhou is critically injured by an unknown attacker.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his combat prowess and understanding of Savage Charge.
• Lin Zhou showcases his strength and strategic thinking, but suffers a severe injury.
• Liu Sheng and Yu Dayao engage in a fierce battle, revealing their skills and resilience.
• The Three Corpses Gang's bosses display their power and desperation.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and cooperation among cultivators.
• The importance of strategic planning and adaptability in combat.
• The dangers and consequences of underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie, Lin Zhou, and Tang Xiao'e work together to face the Three Corpses Gang.
• Liu Sheng and Yu Dayao fight side by side against the First Boss and his zombie.
• Lin Zhou and Tang Xiao'e support each other in their respective battles.
• The Three Corpses Gang's bosses coordinate their attacks, but ultimately face defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Dayao, an inner disciple, ambushes the Liu Family with the Three Corpses Gang.
• Tang Xiao'e, a fellow disciple, escapes using a secret technique.
• Zhang Tie witnesses the attack and flees, killing the Third Boss along the way.
• Yu Dayao pursues Zhang Tie, offering him a deal to join the Three Corpses Gang in exchange for his soul blood.
• Zhang Tie engages in a fierce battle with Yu Dayao, the First Boss, and a Bronze Corpse.
• Zhang Tie uses his speed and strength to outmaneuver and temporarily incapacitate his enemies.
• Zhang Tie escapes, and the Three Corpses Gang annihilates the Liu Family, taking women under twenty years old captive.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: Demonstrates exceptional combat skills, speed, and strength, revealing his late-stage Marrow Forging Realm cultivation. He shows resilience and calmness under pressure.
• Yu Dayao: Reveals his true colors as a traitor, colluding with the Three Corpses Gang for personal gain. He's desperate to obtain a treasure from the Liu Family to aid his Core Formation.
• The Liu Family: Once a respected Foundation Establishment family, they are now wiped out, with only women under twenty taken captive.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal: Yu Dayao's betrayal of the sect and his fellow disciples for personal gain.
• Power and Greed: Yu Dayao's desire for power and the Liu Family's wealth drive the plot.
• Survival: Zhang Tie's struggle to survive the ambush and his desperate journey back to the sect.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Yu Dayao: They engage in a tense standoff, with Yu Dayao trying to persuade Zhang Tie to join him, and Zhang Tie refusing, leading to a fierce battle.
• Zhang Tie and the Three Corpses Gang: Zhang Tie fights against the three bosses and their Bronze Corpse, showcasing his combat skills and speed.
• Zhang Tie and the Liu Family: Although not directly interacting, Zhang Tie's escape and the Three Corpses Gang's annihilation of the Liu Family are connected through the plot.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie successfully activates the sound transmission talisman, reporting the Liu family incident to his master and senior brother.
• He reflects on the need for long-distance travel means and defensive techniques against ranged attacks.
• Upon returning to the sect, he learns that the Liu family has been massacred, and Yu Dayao and the First Boss of the Three Corpses Gang are wanted.
• Zhang Tie finds a book, "Three Corpses Method," in the Third Boss's storage bag, detailing a secret art for corpse refinement.
• Zhang Tie plans to go to Beast Taming City to open a talisman shop and later search for third-tier spirit beast blood.
• He decides to first visit Crimson Fire City to attend a super auction.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie shows maturity and responsibility in reporting the Liu family incident.
• He demonstrates self-awareness and proactivity in identifying his cultivation needs and planning his next steps.
• Zhang Tie's curiosity and ambition are evident in his decision to attend the super auction and open a shop in Beast Taming City.

Significant Themes

• The destructive pursuit of power and resources, exemplified by the Liu family massacre.
• The importance of adaptability and proactivity in cultivation, as shown by Zhang Tie's reflections on his weaknesses and plans for improvement.
• The consequences of greed and unchecked ambition, as seen in the actions of Yu Dayao and the Three Corpses Gang.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with his master and senior brother through sound transmission talismans, keeping them informed about the Liu family incident.
• His reflections on his experiences and plans for the future show his independent thought process and decision-making.
• Zhang Tie's interactions with other cultivators in the sect, such as those in the Mission Hall, are brief but informative, providing him with updates on the Liu family situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie arrives in Crimson Fire City, the largest city in the Crimson Fire Kingdom, known for its super auction.
• He finds all inns fully booked, so he hires a local guide, Liu San, and a beast carriage to explore the city.
• Zhang Tie visits the Myriad Treasures Business Firm, where he learns they have third-tier spirit beast blood, a crucial resource for his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in finding a guide and exploring the city despite challenges.
• Liu San shows his knowledge of the city and eagerness to please, hoping for a reward.

Significant Themes

• The coexistence of cultivators and mortals in the city.
• The importance of resources and treasures for cultivation progress.
• The strict rules and enforcement in the city, particularly the prohibition on fighting and flying.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with Liu San, hiring him as a guide and rewarding him with a spirit stone.
• At the Myriad Treasures Business Firm, Zhang Tie interacts with two women: a young girl who greets him and a woman in green who assists him in finding the desired item.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie visits the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild in Crimson Fire City.
• He inquires about the price of third-tier low-grade spirit beast blood and Foundation Establishment Pills.
• The woman informs him about an upcoming auction featuring Foundation Establishment Pills.
• Zhang Tie asks about cultivation techniques for refining demonic beast essence blood.
• He is shown four techniques: Blood Refining Soul Solidifying Art, Spirit Blood Returning to Origin Method, Profound Yin Blood Transformation Technique, and Purple Lightning Blood Devouring Art.
• Zhang Tie purchases three bottles of third-tier low-grade spirit beast blood, the Purple Lightning Blood Devouring Art book, a thousand talisman crafting papers, and ten bottles of cinnabar.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his calm and composed demeanor despite the high prices of the items he's interested in.
• The woman from the merchant guild shows professionalism and knowledge about the items she's selling.

Significant Themes

• The high cost of cultivation resources, particularly third-tier low-grade spirit beast blood and Foundation Establishment Pills.
• The rarity and value of cultivation techniques tailored for specific cultivation paths, like the Purple Lightning Blood Devouring Art for body refiners.
• The potential dangers and challenges of cultivating using techniques like the Purple Lightning Blood Devouring Art.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the woman from the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild, asking about prices, techniques, and auction information.
• The woman provides information, makes recommendations, and offers a VIP token to Zhang Tie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie leaves the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild and arrives at the Yan Fire City Commerce Management Office.
• He decides to lease a shop for three years to sell talismans.
• The shop is located in a mixed residential area for mortals and cultivators.
• Zhang Tie hires a furniture maker to prepare essential furniture and daily necessities for his shop and living quarters.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his decisiveness and practicality in leasing the shop and arranging for furniture.
• The stout middle-aged man at the Commerce Management Office shows eagerness and flattery in his dealings with Zhang Tie.

Significant Themes

• The theme of preparation and planning is evident as Zhang Tie sets up his shop and arranges for necessary items.
• The contrast between the mortal and cultivator worlds is shown through the mixed residential area.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the stout middle-aged man at the Commerce Management Office, showing little emotion and making decisions quickly.
• He also interacts with the furniture shop owner and his apprentice, demonstrating his clear and direct communication style.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie opens the "Seven Profound Talisman Shop" in Crimson Fire City, selling various talismans from first-tier low-grade to first-tier high-grade.
• Three members of the city's patrol team visit the shop, demanding tax payment of five low-grade spirit stones monthly.
• Zhang Tie sells high-grade talismans to the patrol team members, making a profit.
• At night, Zhang Tie purifies the blood essence of a giant green snake he killed in the Secret Realm, using the Purple Lightning Blood Devouring Art.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his composure and calmness in dealing with the patrol team, showing maturity and patience.
• Zhang Tie displays his determination and focus in purifying the blood essence, indicating his dedication to cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Zhang Tie's dedication to purifying blood essence shows his commitment to improving his cultivation.
• Business and Profit: Zhang Tie's shop and his transactions with the patrol team highlight the theme of making a profit through business.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the patrol team members, showing respect and politeness while conducting business.
• Zhang Tie's interaction with the giant green snake is one-sided, as he purifies its blood essence for his own benefit.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie successfully extracts essence blood from the giant snake, but impurities remain in his body.
• He learns he needs a Lightning Aversion Seal and to reach the Aperture Opening Realm to remove impurities.
• Zhang Tie starts his shop, expecting slow business, but high-grade talismans sell out quickly.
• He discovers the Indestructible Pearl can help absorb spirit beast blood and expel impurities.
• Zhang Tie earns over 2,600 low-grade spirit stones in a month and fully charges the Indestructible Pearl.
• He plans to experiment with absorbing unpurified spirit beast blood but delays it due to an upcoming auction.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie becomes more patient and persistent in his cultivation and business.
• He learns to adapt and innovate, considering direct absorption of unpurified spirit beast blood.

Significant Themes

• Patience and persistence in cultivation and business.
• Adaptability and innovation in facing new situations.
• The value of low-grade spirit stones and their role in Zhang Tie's cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with customers in his shop, though no significant interactions are mentioned in this chapter.
• He continues to develop his business independently, with no notable interactions with other characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie visits the Myriad Treasures Business Firm to purchase supplies and a second-tier demon beast carcass.
• He buys a Fire Cloud Snake carcass for four hundred low-grade spirit stones.
• Zhang Tie returns home to draw first-tier high-grade talismans, achieving a near-perfect success rate.
• He plans to use the talismans to fund his experiments and attempt drawing second-tier talismans.
• Zhang Tie attends an auction at the Myriad Treasures Tower, using an invitation from True Person Jing Ling.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his adaptability and resourcefulness in acquiring necessary materials for his experiments.
• He shows dedication and skill in improving his talisman drawing abilities.
• The proprietress in red displays professionalism and attentiveness in her role.

Significant Themes

• The importance of resources and materials in cultivation and experimentation.
• The value of perseverance and practice in honing skills.
• The hierarchy and exclusivity within the cultivation world, as seen in the auction's entry requirements.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the proprietress in red at the Myriad Treasures Business Firm, showcasing his new appearance and negotiating for supplies.
• At the Myriad Treasures Tower, he interacts with the proprietress in red again, presenting his invitation and being led to his private room by a maid.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie attends an auction at the Myriad Treasures Tower, where rare treasures are presented to cultivators.
• The auction begins with Foundation Establishment Pills, with a total of three bottles containing twenty-seven pills.
• The first pill is bought by Zhang Tie for 5,000 low-grade spirit stones, while the rest fetch prices ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 low-grade spirit stones.
• A high-grade spirit artifact, the Profound Ice Soul Severing Sword, is presented next, with a starting bid of 10,000 low-grade spirit stones.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his wealth and status as a Core Formation True Person by buying a Foundation Establishment Pill without hesitation.
• True Person Jiu, the auctioneer, shows his eagerness to please the crowd and maintain a lively auction atmosphere.

Significant Themes

• The auction highlights the value and scarcity of resources in the cultivation world, with Foundation Establishment Pills and high-grade spirit artifacts being highly sought after.
• The competition among cultivators is emphasized, with rogue cultivators and sect members vying for the same resources.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with a maid-like girl who serves as his guide and explains the auction rules to him.
• Zhang Tie does not engage with other cultivators directly but observes the auction from his private box.
• True Person Jiu interacts with the crowd, announcing the auction items and encouraging bids.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The auction of high-grade spirit artifacts and rare materials, including a Profound Ice Soul Severing Sword, a White Bone Shield, and Star Iron.
• Zhang Tie's interest is piqued by the Star Iron, but he doesn't bid due to the high prices.
• The auction of various magical treasures, formations, pills, and a fourth-tier spirit beast blood.
• The grand finale items include a Thousand Mile Teleportation Talisman.

Character Development

• Zhang Tie becomes increasingly bored with the auction until the Star Iron is presented, which excites him.
• Zhang Tie learns about the power and value of the Star Iron and the Thousand Mile Teleportation Talisman.
• Zhang Tie realizes the need for powerful strength and careful concealment to possess good resources in the cultivation world.

Significant Themes

• The value and rarity of cultivation resources.
• The importance of strength and concealment in the cultivation world.
• The allure and danger of ancient secret realms.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the auctioneer, True Person Jiu, through his private room.
• Zhang Tie observes the bidding behavior of other cultivators in private rooms, including Nascent Soul True Monarchs.
• Zhang Tie doesn't engage in bidding wars due to the high prices and the presence of powerful cultivators.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fierce auction takes place with three highlight items: a teleportation talisman, a defensive grand array, and a longevity-extending spirit medicine.
• Blood Corpse True Monarch, a Nascent Soul cultivator, attempts to intimidate other bidders but is challenged by Dao Guang True Monarch.
• Zhang Tie leaves the auction early due to a foreboding feeling.
• Blood Corpse True Monarch steals the Longevity Fruit and flees, leading to a battle with three other Nascent Soul cultivators, resulting in numerous casualties among lower-level cultivators.

Character Developments

• Blood Corpse True Monarch: Revealed to be ruthless and cunning, with a dark past involving the massacre of his family and the refinement of his enemies' bodies and souls into powerful artifacts.
• Zhang Tie: Shows prudence and intuition by leaving the auction before the chaos ensues.

Significant Themes

• Greed and temptation (the desire for the Longevity Fruit leading to conflict and violence).
• Power dynamics (the clash between sects and individuals, with Nascent Soul cultivators holding significant influence).
• Consequences of actions (the collateral damage caused by the battle between Nascent Soul cultivators).

Character Interactions

• Blood Corpse True Monarch and Dao Guang True Monarch: Engage in a bidding war and indirectly threaten each other.
• Zhang Tie and the old man in gray: Share information about the auction incident and Blood Corpse True Monarch's past.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie decides to experiment with directly consuming demon beast blood using his Nine Revolutions Undying Body.
• He purchases third-tier low-grade and mid-grade spirit beast blood from the Myriad Treasures Business Firm.
• Zhang Tie successfully refines the blood of a second-tier low-grade Fire Cloud Snake and then consumes the third-tier spirit beast blood, making significant progress in his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates caution and prudence in his cultivation plans, prioritizing his safety and progress.
• He shows determination and resolve in his cultivation, facing challenges head-on and learning from his experiences.

Significant Themes

• The perilous nature of the cultivation world and the importance of caution and preparation.
• The vast difference between the strengths of demon beasts at different tiers.
• The potential benefits and risks of consuming unrefined demon beast blood.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the shopkeeper at the Myriad Treasures Business Firm to purchase the spirit beast blood.
• He briefly considers seeking information from Senior Brother Duan about formations before entering the Myriad Monster Mountain Range.
  Zhang Tie's successful experiment with consuming third-tier spirit beast blood spurs him to plan his future cultivation steps, including completing the reforging of his meridians, attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, and preparing for his journey into the Myriad Monster Mountain Range. His confidence in his cultivation journey grows, envisioning a future where he becomes the foremost immortal in the world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie starts crafting second-tier talismans to save money and gain a new skill.
• He studies a booklet obtained from the black market, focusing on the Spirit Concealment Talisman.
• Zhang Tie spends four months practicing, eventually succeeding in drawing the Spirit Concealment Talisman with a 10% success rate.
• Over nine years, he collects eight bottles of third-tier low-grade spirit beast blood and reaches the peak of the Vessel Forging Realm.
• Meanwhile, external events include the Blood Corpse True Monarch's revenge spree against the Yan Fire Sect and demon beast riots in the East Sea.

Character Development

• Zhang Tie's mental power significantly improves due to his relentless talisman practice.
• He grows physically, becoming over seven feet tall with a robust and refined physique at 25 years old.
• Zhang Tie's determination and perseverance are evident in his continued pursuit of crafting second-tier talismans despite the challenges and high costs.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and Determination: Zhang Tie's relentless pursuit of mastering second-tier talisman crafting despite failures and high costs.
• Personal Growth: Zhang Tie's mental and physical development over the nine years.
• External Conflicts: The events happening outside of Zhang Tie's immediate circle, such as the Blood Corpse True Monarch's revenge spree and the demon beast riots in the East Sea.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with customers at his shop, offering generous deals and making them "overjoyed."
• He visits various merchant guilds to inquire about third-tier spirit beast blood, interacting with their members.
• Zhang Tie doesn't have any significant interactions with other characters in this chapter, as the focus is on his personal development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie reflects on recent events, including the impending end of the Beast Taming Sect's guardian demon beast's lifespan and the increased demand for artifact-refining and formation materials.
• Zhang Tie sells his crafted second-tier talismans, earning over 140,000 low-grade spirit stones, bringing his total to nearly 200,000.
• He visits the Scripture Pavilion and copies several books about demon beasts and the Myriad Monster Mountain Range.
• Zhang Tie seeks advice from his Senior Disciple Brother, Mo Feng, regarding Foundation Establishment.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie has made significant progress in talisman crafting, now able to draw second-tier talismans with varying success rates.
• He has earned a substantial amount of spirit stones from selling talismans but needs more for his practice and upcoming journey.
• Zhang Tie plans to attempt Foundation Establishment, having only one Foundation Establishment Pill.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and thoroughness in cultivation and life decisions.
• The importance of mentors and seeking advice (Zhang Tie's visit to Mo Feng).
• The consequences of failure in cultivation (severe injuries or death).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with Senior Disciple Brother Mo Feng, seeking his advice on Foundation Establishment.
• Mo Feng provides guidance and support to Zhang Tie, offering access to the sect's Core Formation cultivation room.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie visits his senior brothers and sisters but finds none of them in their cave dwellings.
• He encounters his Master's attendant who gives him a storage bag containing a third-tier mid-grade formation disk, a puppet art inheritance book, and a sound transmission talisman from his Master.
• Zhang Tie deduces that a major event, possibly a sect war, is about to happen in the sect.
• He decides to leave the sect to avoid trouble but is stopped by a Joyful Union Sect cultivator and taken back to White Cloud Sect.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie becomes more suspicious and cautious due to the strange events happening in the sect.
• He shows wisdom in deciding to leave the sect to avoid potential danger.
• The Master and Senior Disciple Brother's hints about Zhang Tie's safety suggest they have his best interests at heart.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Zhang Tie's trust in his Master and Senior Disciple Brother is tested as he tries to understand their true intentions.
• Self-preservation: Zhang Tie's focus shifts from cultivation to ensuring his own safety amidst the brewing storm in the sect.
• The power of deduction: Zhang Tie uses his intelligence to piece together clues and make informed decisions.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with his Master's attendant, who gives him the storage bag and hints at the impending danger.
• He encounters a Joyful Union Sect cultivator who stops him from leaving the sect, revealing that a gathering is taking place outside White Cloud Sect.
• Zhang Tie's interactions with these characters highlight his growing awareness of the potential threat and his determination to protect himself.