Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie agrees to join Wuxiang City as a guest elder and receives an identity token and cave dwelling.
• He plans to hunt demon beasts at the beast tide to obtain Nascent Soul of demonic beast essence blood and earn combat contribution points.
• Zhang Tie encounters a late third-tier Four-winged Black Python and defeats it with his powerful physical attacks, earning respect from nearby cultivators.
• Over three months, Zhang Tie kills a total of five third-tier demon beasts, enhancing the city's morale.
• He calculates his contribution points, totaling 130,000, and decides to exchange them for an opportunity to visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple's scripture repository.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his immense physical strength and Azure Lightning talent, defeating a late third-tier demon beast.
• His reputation grows among the city's inhabitants, boosting their morale and confidence.
• Zhang Tie shows strategic thinking by planning to visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple to assess his cultivation systems' safety.

Significant Themes

• The power of physical cultivation and unique talents (Azure Lightning).
• The importance of reputation and morale in maintaining order and confidence during crises.
• The value of knowledge and information (visiting the scripture repository).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts briefly with two Core Formation cultivators, Bai Qi and Dong Xiu Ying, who assist him in watching the Four-winged Black Python's retreat.
• Zhang Tie meets Master Kongyun to exchange his contribution points for a visit to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie visits the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple to consult ancient cultivation system books.
• He teleports from Wuxiang City, using a Myriad Miles Telepathic Talisman and two thousand contribution points.
• Upon arrival, he consults books on Body Refining and Qi Refining cultivation systems for over 15 hours.
• He discovers valuable information and decides to rest in the temple's guest rooms before returning.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his determination and dedication to understanding ancient cultivation systems.
• Master Kongyun shows hospitality and assistance, facilitating Zhang Tie's teleportation.
• The white-bearded monk in the Scripture Depository maintains a calm and professional demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
• The value of ancient cultivation systems and their relevance to the present.
• The importance of contribution points in accessing resources and services.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with Master Kongyun, who assists him with teleportation arrangements.
• Zhang Tie interacts with the white-bearded monk, who facilitates his access to the desired books and settles the contribution points.
• Zhang Tie briefly interacts with a young monk on duty at the teleportation hall and another at the Scripture Depository.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie returns to his cave dwelling after his trip, recovers from divine sense loss, and reflects on his gains.
• He learns about ancient cultivation techniques, including the ancient Qi Refining method and body cultivation.
• Zhang Tie plans his cultivation path, deciding to improve his liquid mana quality and open more acupoints.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie gains a deeper understanding of cultivation systems, leading to a more informed cultivation plan.
• He becomes aware of the disparity between ancient and current cultivation strengths and realms.

Significant Themes

• The evolution of cultivation techniques over time, influenced by environmental changes and human innovation.
• The importance of understanding one's cultivation path and making informed decisions about it.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with no other characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his own cultivation journey and introspection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie, now known as Elder Han, is in seclusion, cultivating the Thousand Puppet Art.
• He successfully breaks through to the third level, significantly expanding his divine sense range and solidity.
• He then attempts to open the Spirit Nurturing Cauldron, inscribed with the God-Worshipping Script, and succeeds after an hour.
• The cauldron reveals a secret divine sense cultivation technique, the Soul Splitting Spirit Nurturing Art, which allows for the creation of multiple split divine senses.
• Half a year later, Zhang Tie invites Master Kongyun and Lan Xi to a banquet to celebrate his 100th birthday and discuss the impending final beast tide attack.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie (Elder Han): Successfully breaks through to the third level of the Thousand Puppet Art, expanding his divine sense range and discovering a new cultivation technique, the Soul Splitting Spirit Nurturing Art. He also decides to hunt more late-stage third-tier demon beasts during the final beast tide attack.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: Zhang Tie's continuous advancement in his cultivation journey, including breaking through to a new level and discovering a new technique.
• Preparation and anticipation: The impending final beast tide attack serves as a catalyst for Zhang Tie to prepare and plan for the future.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie, Master Kongyun, and Lan Xi: Zhang Tie invites them to a banquet to celebrate his birthday and discuss the upcoming beast tide attack. Their interaction highlights their camaraderie and mutual respect.

• Plot Events: Zhang Tie is summoned to defend the heavily pressured East Gate during a large-scale beast tide. He encounters three powerful demon beasts: a mid-third-tier Unicorn Bat, a late third-tier Green Giant Bird, and a late third-tier Black Giant Flood Dragon. Zhang Tie fights and temporarily defeats the Unicorn Bat, then engages in a fierce battle with the Green Bird. He is later called to the North Gate to defend against the Black Flood Dragon. A late third-tier Thundercloud Leopard appears, making the situation more challenging.
• Character Development: Zhang Tie demonstrates his strength and courage, fighting multiple powerful demon beasts single-handedly. He shows strategic thinking by trying to lure the demon beasts into a trap and using their pride against them.
• Themes: The theme of facing overwhelming odds is prominent. Zhang Tie's resilience and adaptability are highlighted as he fights against multiple powerful enemies.
• Character Interactions: Zhang Tie interacts with the demon beasts, trying to provoke them and gain an advantage. He also communicates with the cultivators on the city wall through sound transmission talismans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie faces three late-stage third-tier demon kings (Thundercloud Leopard, Azure Bird, Black Flood Dragon) during the beast tide.
• He defeats the Azure Bird and Black Flood Dragon, then scares off the Thundercloud Leopard.
• The beast tide ends, and Wuxiang City is saved.
• Zhang Tie receives an extra reward for his actions: a choice between a high-grade magic treasure, a Buddhist secret technique, or a spot in the Ten Thousand Buddhas Secret Realm.
• He chooses the spot in the Ten Thousand Buddhas Secret Realm.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates immense strength and courage, facing three powerful demon kings without fear.
• He shows strategic thinking and adaptability in battle, using the Black Flood Dragon as a weapon against the Thundercloud Leopard.
• Zhang Tie's decision to choose the Ten Thousand Buddhas Secret Realm spot shows his ambition and willingness to take risks.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Courage: Zhang Tie's fearlessness and power in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Adaptability: Zhang Tie's ability to think on his feet and use his environment to his advantage.
• Ambition: Zhang Tie's willingness to take risks for potential greater rewards.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the demon kings, showing no fear and using their attacks against them.
• He interacts with Master Kongyun, who provides guidance and advice, and reminds him of the benefits of exchanging contribution points for demonic beast essence blood.
• Zhang Tie's actions inspire the people of Wuxiang City, showing his role as a protector and hero.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie prepares resources for cultivation breakthroughs and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Secret Realm.
• He exchanges contribution points for demonic beast essence blood and plans to break through acupoints and cultivation stages.
• Zhang Tie decides to cultivate the Void Sword Qi and refine puppets, seeking materials from the Treasure Light Merchant Guild.
• He visits the guild and meets Liu Chunfeng, who helps him acquire necessary materials.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates meticulous planning and resourcefulness in preparing for future challenges.
• Liu Chunfeng, a young Core Formation cultivator, shows professionalism and efficiency in handling Zhang Tie's transaction.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and planning: Zhang Tie's careful preparation for future events highlights the importance of foresight and strategic thinking.
• Cultivation and growth: Zhang Tie's focus on improving his cultivation and skills emphasizes the continuous development of one's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Liu Chunfeng: Their interaction is professional and cordial, with Liu Chunfeng showing deference to Zhang Tie's status while efficiently assisting him with his needs.
• Zhang Tie and the cultivators in the guild: The cultivators on the first floor recognize and respect Zhang Tie, showing his growing reputation and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie sells various materials and treasures to the Treasure Light Merchant Guild, receiving 364,000 mid-grade spirit stones and exchanging sound transmission jade slips with Liu Chunfeng.
• Zhang Tie visits Master Kongyun at the City Lord's Mansion, seeking information about a treasure with engraved sword intent.
• Master Kongyun introduces Zhang Tie to Wan Shuiliu, a renowned sword cultivator, who agrees to exchange a Sword Testing Stone with his sword intent markings for a Lihuo Pill that increases the Core Formation success rate by 30%.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his generosity and straightforwardness in business dealings, earning respect from Liu Chunfeng.
• Zhang Tie shows his interest in the Way of the Sword and his ambition to improve his cultivation, impressing Master Kongyun and Wan Shuiliu.
• Master Kongyun shows favor towards Zhang Tie, helping him connect with Wan Shuiliu.
• Wan Shuiliu reveals his expertise in sword cultivation and his willingness to share his knowledge with Zhang Tie.

Significant Themes

• The value of connections and networking in the cultivation world, as seen through Zhang Tie's relationship with Master Kongyun.
• The importance of generosity and reciprocity in cultivator interactions, as demonstrated by Zhang Tie's exchange with Wan Shuiliu.
• The pursuit of knowledge and improvement in cultivation, shown by Zhang Tie's desire to study sword intent.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Liu Chunfeng: A polite and respectful business transaction, leading to an exchange of sound transmission jade slips.
• Zhang Tie, Master Kongyun, and Wan Shuiliu: A friendly and mutually beneficial exchange of information and treasures, fostering a good relationship between the three cultivators.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie spends five years comprehending sword intent from the Sword Testing Stone in his cave dwelling.
• After five years, he successfully comprehends a type of water sword intent, which slows down everything within its range while leaving his attacks unaffected.
• Zhang Tie then decides to break through to the Core Formation stage. He consumes seven bottles of mid-stage third-tier demonic beast essence blood and successfully forms his Golden Core, a divine ability called "Devour" that allows him to trap and absorb targets, gaining their memories.
• After forming his core, Zhang Tie senses nearby third-tier demon beasts approaching and quickly leaves the area.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie's understanding of sword intent deepens, leading to a breakthrough in his comprehension.
• Zhang Tie successfully forms his Golden Core, demonstrating his growth in power and control over his abilities.

Significant Themes

• Patience and perseverance (Zhang Tie spends five years comprehending sword intent)
• Growth and development (Zhang Tie's breakthrough in comprehension and cultivation)
• Power and control (Zhang Tie's newfound ability to devour and absorb others)

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with no other characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his personal growth and cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A humanoid tiger-headed demon beast investigates Zhang Tie's cultivation spot but leaves confused.
• Zhang Tie successfully enters Core Formation, discovering cyan lightning threads and black mists in his bloodline.
• Zhang Tie refines the Taixu Sword Embryo into a golden flying sword named "Years of Peace."
• He begins cultivating the Taixu Sword Qi secret technique, which allows sword qi to be released from the void around the enemy.
• After eight months, Zhang Tie masters the technique, able to release silent, traceless sword qi.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie successfully enters Core Formation and becomes a sword cultivator with his own flying sword.
• He demonstrates strong divine sense and mana, making the refinement process smoother.

Significant Themes

• The power of divine sense and mana in cultivation and artifact refinement.
• The unique characteristics of sword cultivators and their flying swords.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to new techniques and environments.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the humanoid tiger-headed demon beast, although indirectly and without confrontation.
• Zhang Tie's relationship with his flying sword, "Years of Peace," deepens as he cultivates the Taixu Sword Qi technique.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie realizes he needs to accelerate his plans and decides to cultivate the Soul Splitting Spirit Nurturing Technique.
• He successfully divides and refines a portion of his divine sense and consciousness, experiencing intense pain.
• After recovery, he refines two third-tier late-stage puppet beasts: an Azure Bird and a Black Flood Dragon.
• Zhang Tie begins cultivating the Nine Revolutions Undying Body, absorbing third-tier late-stage demonic beast essence blood.
• He receives a mission from Master Kongyun, requiring him to leave the city within a month.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his resilience and determination by enduring the excruciating pain of soul splitting and refining his divine sense.
• He shows responsibility and commitment by accepting the mission from Master Kongyun without hesitation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perseverance and determination in cultivation and facing challenges.
• The consequences and benefits of pushing one's limits, as seen in Zhang Tie's soul splitting and refinement process.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with Master Kongyun through sound transmission jade slips, showing their mentor-student relationship and communication.
• Zhang Tie's interaction with the middle-aged man in black at the City Lord's Mansion displays his confidence and assertiveness, hinting at potential future rivalries or alliances.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie arrives at a reception hall where several late Core Formation cultivators have gathered for a dangerous mission. Now stronger through body-and-technique cultivation, a powerful puppet beast, and a Spirit Transformation-level life-saving attack, he behaves far more confidently than before.
• He immediately clashes with a hostile middle-aged cultivator carrying a green-glowing gourd. Their confrontation is stopped by Master Kongyun, who urges them to cooperate because they will soon be traveling together.
• Master Kongyun reveals the mission: investigate a spatial ruin deep in the Myriad Monster Mountain Range, believed to be the ancient Spirit Medicine Garden of the Taixu Sword Sect.
• The garden may contain countless spirit medicines more than ten thousand years old, including some over one hundred thousand years old. The Taixu Sword Sect was once one of the world’s strongest sects, possessing Spirit Transformation ancestors.
• Zhang Tie is startled by the revelation because he believes the garden’s entrance was destroyed, making its supposed rediscovery seem unlikely.
• The cultivators question why such a valuable location would be assigned to Core Formation experts instead of Nascent Soul cultivators. Master Kongyun explains that the original messenger’s soul lamp shattered, leaving the information unverified and raising the possibility of a trap.
• Despite the danger, the group agrees to gather again in three days and depart together.
• Afterward, Master Kongyun privately asks Zhang Tie to form an alliance. Zhang Tie agrees, provided he prioritizes his own safety, and asks for an honest estimate of the mission’s authenticity.
• Kongyun says the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple has privately confirmed the information but believes the chance that the ruin is truly the Taixu Sword Sect’s Spirit Medicine Garden is only about fifty percent.
• Zhang Tie then visits the Baoguang Business Firm to prepare. He buys puppet-beast materials and teleportation talismans and asks about Star Iron and fourth-tier demonic beast essence blood.
• Fourth-tier essence blood is nearly unavailable on the market and requires enormous contribution points, while Star Iron is also extremely expensive. Zhang Tie regrets not having been wealthy enough to obtain it during a previous auction.
• He returns to his cave dwelling and spends the remaining three days studying array formations and preparing for the expedition.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie displays a major increase in confidence and combat strength. He is no longer intimidated by late Core Formation cultivators and is willing to confront them directly.
• He remains cautious beneath his outward confidence, carefully questioning the mission’s reliability and prioritizing survival.
• Zhang Tie’s goals become clearer: he is seeking resources to refine his natal flying sword and strengthen his puppet beasts.
• Master Kongyun acts as the group’s mediator and organizer. He is calm, diplomatic, and comparatively transparent with Zhang Tie, privately acknowledging the mission’s risks.
• The unnamed gourd-bearing cultivator is aggressive and proud but ultimately accepts the mission.
• Master Kongyuan, the scarred monk, is suspicious and openly voices the possibility that the group is being used as expendable scouts.
• The beautiful woman, Benefactor Chen, demonstrates intelligence and caution by immediately challenging the official explanation for the mission.

Significant Themes

• Risk versus opportunity: The possibility of obtaining ancient spirit medicines powerful enough to aid Core Formation or Spirit Transformation makes the expedition extremely attractive despite the likelihood of traps and demonic threats.
• Cultivation as defiance: The cultivators justify taking risks by viewing cultivation as an attempt to “go against the heavens” and pursue immortality.
• Trust and uncertainty: No one fully trusts the mission’s information, and alliances are formed mainly as safeguards against unknown dangers.
• Preparation and resource scarcity: Powerful cultivation materials are extraordinarily expensive or inaccessible, showing how wealth, contribution points, and connections affect advancement.
• Growth in strength and confidence: Zhang Tie’s changing attitude reflects his broader development from cautious survival toward calculated assertiveness.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and the gourd-bearing cultivator exchange threats before Master Kongyun intervenes.
• Benefactor Chen challenges Kongyun’s explanation, forcing him to admit that the mission may be a trap.
• Master Kongyuan further intensifies the suspicion by accusing the organizers of using Core Formation cultivators as “testers.”
• Kongyun privately approaches Zhang Tie afterward, seeking a dependable alliance.
• Zhang Tie accepts but makes clear that the alliance is conditional on self-preservation and honest information, establishing a cautious partnership rather than full trust.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie and his companions arrive at a spatial rift leading to a Spirit Medicine Garden.
• The rift is concealed by formations and is slowly repairing itself.
• Zhang Tie sends his Golden-eyed Eagle puppet beast into the rift, discovering a Ghost-head Bee nest and a Spirit Medicine Pavilion.
• The group discusses whether to enter the space, with some wanting to retreat due to the danger.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his resourcefulness and strategic thinking by using his puppet beast to scout the space.
• The middle-aged man with the gourd reveals his knowledge of a potent poison, Dream-Drunk Powder, to incapacitate the Ghost-head Bees.
• Master Kongyun shows diplomatic skills in managing the group's dynamics and decision-making process.

Significant Themes

• Greed vs. Caution: Characters weigh the potential rewards against the risks, with some prioritizing caution and others greed.
• Teamwork and Cooperation: The group must work together to decide their course of action and divide potential rewards.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and the middle-aged man with the gourd have a tense interaction, each trying to secure the best deal for themselves.
• Master Kongyun mediates between the group members, trying to keep the peace and make a collective decision.
• The scar-faced monk expresses his frustration with the group's greed, highlighting the tension within the group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Master Kongyun proposes that Zhang Tie takes the first treasure from the pavilion due to his contributions.
• The group successfully enters the Spirit Medicine Garden after administering a powerful poison to the Ghost-head Bees.
• They discover the Spirit Medicine Pavilion, which is protected by a fourth-tier low-grade formation.
• After breaking the formation, they find the first floor filled with gardening tools, the second floor with books on spirit herb cultivation, and are blocked by an invisible barrier on the stairs to the third floor.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his value and is respected by the group.
• Master Kongyun shows leadership and wisdom in decision-making.
• The man surnamed An reveals his expertise in poisons.
• The scar-faced monk displays his robust physique and strength.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and cooperation are essential for overcoming challenges.
• Respect and recognition are given to those who contribute significantly.
• The power of poisons is highlighted, showing their importance even among cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Master Kongyun have a mutual respect, with the latter valuing Zhang Tie's contributions.
• The man surnamed An and the middle-aged beautiful woman are cautious and calculating, revealing their intentions only when necessary.
• The scar-faced monk is straightforward and shows no hesitation in action.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group encounters a restriction at the Spirit Medicine Pavilion.
• Zhang Tie uses his formation skills to break the restriction.
• Inside the pavilion, they find six boxes containing spirit medicine-related treasures.
• The treasures are: Five Elements Spirit Soil, Five Elements Spirit Tree root, Lightning Origin Fruit core, Wind Origin Fruit core, Ice Origin Fruit core, and an unidentifiable piece of black wood.
• They decide to divide the treasures based on their preferences.
• Zhang Tie chooses the black wood, and the others select their preferred items.
• They proceed to the second floor to transcribe books, and later, each cultivator decides to explore the garden independently.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his knowledge of formations, further revealing his hidden abilities.
• Master Kongyun shows wisdom and fairness in handling the treasure distribution.
• The other cultivators display varying levels of greed, anticipation, and satisfaction with their chosen treasures.

Significant Themes

• Greed and Anticipation: The cultivators' desire for the treasures and their expectations of what they might find.
• Mystery and Anticipation: Zhang Tie's choice of the black wood, which holds a sliver of mystery, reflects his anticipation of its potential value.
• Wisdom and Fairness: Master Kongyun's handling of the treasure distribution shows his wisdom and fairness.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and the Rest: Zhang Tie's actions and choices surprise the others, making them increasingly view him as unfathomable.
• Master Kongyun and the Rest: Master Kongyun's leadership and fairness in the treasure distribution earn him respect from the others.
• The Cultivators Among Themselves: The cultivators' interactions reveal their individual preferences and attitudes towards the treasures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie discovers a hidden spirit medicine garden, protected by a light barrier.
• He uses his Void Sword Qi to break the barrier and enters the garden.
• Inside, he finds three boxes containing valuable items: jade slips with maps and information, a Soul-Hosting Wood, a Life-Generating Spirit Liquid Bottle, and a supreme-grade earth spirit stone.
• Zhang Tie decides to find the Dragon Blood Tree first, as it holds the greatest value for him.
• He uses his Dantian Ring's Devour ability to absorb the spiritual energy from the ten-thousand-year-old spirit medicines in the garden, refining about one-tenth of it.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his powerful divine sense and Void Sword Qi, allowing him to break through the barrier easily.
• He shows resourcefulness and strategic thinking in deciding to find the most valuable item first and in using his Devour ability to absorb the spirit medicines' energy.
• Zhang Tie's Dantian Ring grows in size and strength after refining the absorbed spiritual energy, bringing him closer to breaking through to the early Core Formation stage.

Significant Themes

• The value and importance of ancient resources and treasures.
• The strategic use of resources and the prioritization of goals.
• The power of absorption and refinement, as demonstrated by Zhang Tie's Devour ability and his Dantian Ring.

Character Interactions

• None in this chapter; Zhang Tie acts alone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie reaches the Spirit Medicine Garden, finding a vast number of ten-thousand-year spirit medicines.
• He decides to fill his storage artifacts with these medicines and use the rest to improve his Core Formation cultivation.
• Zhang Tie locates and retrieves the Dragon Blood Wood Heart, a spirit tree's heart with immense spiritual energy.
• He devours the heart, which turns his blood brown and increases his Core Formation cultivation.
• After a month, Zhang Tie discovers seven more medicine gardens and fills his storage artifacts.
• He decides to wait before breaking through to the middle Core Formation stage to ensure safety.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie's cultivation advances, and his physical appearance changes due to the Dragon Blood Wood Heart's influence.
• His divine sense improves, allowing him to scan a larger area.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and advancement in power.
• The importance of resources (spirit medicines) for cultivation.
• Patience and strategic planning in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with no other characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his cultivation and exploration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie hides in the mountains, waiting for the spatial rift to close.
• An, another cultivator, emerges from the rift, but is captured and killed by three monks (Xuan Hui, Xuan Se, and Xuan Du) who extract information from him.
• Xuan Hui and Xuan Se enter the Spirit Medicine space, while Xuan Du guards the rift.
• Three demon beasts (Hu Bai, Hu Ling, and Old Turtle) plan to ambush the monks as they exit the rift.
• Xuan Du uses the Immovable Golden Bell to protect himself when attacked by the demon beasts.
• Xuan Hui and Xuan Se return from the Spirit Medicine space, and Xuan Du tricks them into being killed by the demon beasts.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: Remains hidden and doesn't engage in the conflict.
• An: Captured and killed by the monks for information.
• Xuan Hui, Xuan Se, and Xuan Du: Reveal their cunning and ruthless nature, prioritizing personal gain over their fellow monk's safety.
• Hu Bai, Hu Ling, and Old Turtle: Demon beasts who outsmart and ambush the monks, showing their strategic thinking and teamwork.

Significant Themes

• Greed and ambition: The monks and demon beasts both prioritize personal gain, leading to betrayal and violence.
• Deception and trickery: Both sides use deception to gain an advantage, with the demon beasts ultimately outsmarting the monks.
• The power of cultivation: The monks' and demon beasts' abilities are showcased, highlighting the importance of cultivation in their world.

Character Interactions

• Monks (Xuan Hui, Xuan Se, and Xuan Du): Initially appear to work together but ultimately betray each other for personal gain.
• Demon Beasts (Hu Bai, Hu Ling, and Old Turtle): Work together, using their unique abilities to outsmart and defeat the monks.
• Zhang Tie: Remains hidden and doesn't interact with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Monk Xuan Hui and Xuan Se's physical bodies are destroyed by transformed demon beasts, but their Nascent Souls survive.
• The demon beasts, initially disguised, attack the monks, leading to a fierce battle.
• Zhang Tie, unaware of the events, confirms the closure of a spatial rift and cultivates in various Spirit Medicine Gardens for eleven years.
• Zhang Tie uses a one-way teleportation array to travel to the Western Buddhist Kingdom.
• In a restaurant, Zhang Tie learns about recent major events from a middle-aged man.

Character Developments

• Monk Xuan Hui and Xuan Se: Their physical bodies are destroyed, but they survive as Nascent Souls, demonstrating their resilience and power.
• Zhang Tie: He cultivates for eleven years, reaching the late stage of Core Formation and improving his cultivation base significantly.

Significant Themes

• Survival and resilience in the face of adversity, as shown by the monks and Zhang Tie.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents, as seen in the monks' battle against the demon beasts.

Character Interactions

• Monk Xuan Hui and Xuan Se: They work together to defend against the demon beasts' attack, showcasing their teamwork and brotherhood.
• Zhang Tie and the middle-aged man: They share a table and discuss recent events, highlighting Zhang Tie's curiosity and the middle-aged man's willingness to share information.

Key Plot Points

• Zhang Tie learns about the Crimson Moon Legacy, a once-every-three-hundred-years event where cultivators below Core Formation can participate for legacies.
• The event will occur within the next six months in the border region between the Death Desert and the Western Buddhist Kingdom.
• Zhang Tie decides to try his luck in the Crimson Moon Legacy Secret Realm.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie shows curiosity and interest in the Crimson Moon Legacy.
• Zhang Tie decides not to pursue the spirit medicine garden in the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple's territory due to safety concerns.

Significant Themes

• The ruthlessness of cultivators and the weak being trampled upon.
• The importance of seizing opportunities in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie meets Zhao Tian'ao and Zhao Shan in a tavern, learning about the Crimson Moon Legacy from them.
• Zhang Tie decides to leave after learning what he needs, bidding farewell to Zhao and Shan.