Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shaohao's reign brings prosperity to the Human Race, with auspicious signs and the descent of Golden Light of Merit.
• The Merit is divided, with most going to Shaohao and some to contributors like Chen Song and Guang Chengzi. Maitreya receives barely any.
• Maitreya, disheartened, leaves after Shaohao's abdication to Zhuanxu.
• Zhuanxu ascends, facing a chaotic domain with external sprites interfering in Human affairs.
• Zhuanxu plans to "Sever the Connection Between Heaven and Earth" to assert Human independence.
• Medicine Master arrives, offering his medical skills to help Zhuanxu's cause.

Character Developments

• Shaohao: Proves to be a wise and just ruler, leading the Human Race to prosperity.
• Maitreya: Struggles with feelings of inadequacy and resentment after receiving little Merit.
• Zhuanxu: Shows pragmatism and determination in facing the challenges of his reign.
• Medicine Master: Initially gains respect for his medical skills but begins to mix personal beliefs into his treatments.

Significant Themes

• The distribution and significance of Merit in the Human Race's development.
• The struggle for independence and self-reliance in the face of external interference.
• The potential consequences of mixing personal beliefs with professional duties.

Character Interactions

• Shaohao and Maitreya: Shaohao's Merit completion highlights Maitreya's lack, causing him to leave.
• Zhuanxu and Medicine Master: Zhuanxu welcomes Medicine Master's help, but his methods later cause concern.
• Medicine Master and the tribesmen: Medicine Master's initial success in treating illnesses leads to growing unease due to his philosophical interpretations of ailments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Song learns about Medicine Master's heretical teachings, blaming illnesses on patients' karma or inner demons.
• Chen Song decides to challenge Medicine Master's theories using Shen Nong's divine sense.
• Chen Song manifests Shen Nong's spirit at the Zhuanxu tribe's altar, refuting Medicine Master's theories and imparting practical medical knowledge to the tribespeople.

Character Developments

• Chen Song demonstrates his dedication to preserving Shen Nong's medical legacy and his willingness to challenge false teachings.
• The tribespeople show their reverence for Shen Nong and their eagerness to learn practical medical knowledge.

Significant Themes

• The importance of practical medical knowledge over superstition and false teachings.
• The reverence for life and the body as a gift from heaven and earth.
• The power of knowledge and education in empowering people.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song interacts with Big White, his spirit beast companion, showing his impatience and determination.
• The tribespeople interact with the manifested Shen Nong, showing their devotion and eagerness to learn.
• Zhuanxu, the tribe leader, interacts with the ministers, showing his respect and surprise at the manifestation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Earth Emperor manifests, shocking the crowd and invalidating Medicine Master's theories.
• Daoist Duobao arrives with the Illustrated Manual of Myriad Herbs and Spirits, further undermining Medicine Master's influence.
• Guang Chengzi refutes Medicine Master's philosophical theories, advocating for human self-reliance and earthly endeavors.
• Zhuanxu successfully implements "Severing the Connection Between Heaven and Earth," gaining significant merit.
• Medicine Master's reputation is ruined, and he flees in disgrace.

Character Developments

• Medicine Master's theories are discredited, leading to a loss of reputation and influence.
• Zhuanxu gains merit and establishes the Human Race's autonomy.
• Guang Chengzi solidifies his position as a righteous and wise figure.
• Chen Song continues to manipulate events from afar, gaining merit without direct combat.

Significant Themes

• The conflict between human self-reliance and otherworldly dependence.
• The power of knowledge and education in shaping societies.
• The struggle between different philosophical and religious beliefs.

Character Interactions

• Medicine Master's theories are challenged and refuted by the Earth Emperor, Duobao, and Guang Chengzi.
• Zhuanxu, Guang Chengzi, and Duobao work together to implement Zhuanxu's plan, gaining merit and recognition.
• Medicine Master seeks solace from Maitreya after his defeat.
• Maitreya and Medicine Master report their failures to Saints Jieyin and Zhunti, seeking justice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhunti and Jieyin discuss the failure of Maitreya and Medicine Master in enlightening Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun, leading to the loss of two Imperial Tutor positions.
• Zhunti suggests using Lu Ya, a former Demon Race Crown Prince, for the task, but Maitreya and Medicine Master express concerns about his temperament.
• Zhunti and Jieyin decide to let Maitreya try again, dismissing Lu Ya's request for the position.
• Lu Ya, feeling humiliated and underestimated, decides to go into seclusion for cultivation.

Character Developments

• Zhunti and Jieyin: They show hesitation in using Lu Ya due to his aggressive nature, prioritizing stability over potential merit.
• Maitreya and Medicine Master: They feel relieved and joyful about maintaining their positions, despite their previous failures.
• Lu Ya: He feels humiliated and angry at being overlooked, but he controls his emotions and decides to cultivate in seclusion.

Significant Themes

• Trust vs. Caution: Zhunti and Jieyin's caution in using Lu Ya highlights their concern about trust and control within their teachings.
• Temperament vs. Ability: The discussion revolves around whether Lu Ya's aggressive nature is suitable for the gentle approach required in enlightening the Human Race.

Character Interactions

• Zhunti and Jieyin: They discuss and make decisions together, showing a united front despite their initial hesitation.
• Maitreya and Medicine Master vs. Lu Ya: There's an underlying tension and competition between the established disciples (Maitreya and Medicine Master) and the newcomer (Lu Ya).

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Ya leaves the Western Teachings' Grand Hall, humiliated and determined to seek revenge.
• Maitreya is tasked by Zhunti to teach Emperor Yao, focusing on the concept of 'All beings are equal'.
• Emperor Yao, worried about floods and the people's suffering, meets Maitreya and discusses the concept.
• Chen Song learns of Maitreya's new strategy and sends Guang Chengzi to counter it with the 'Royal Way' theory.

Character Developments

• Lu Ya: Becomes disillusioned with the Western Teachings after feeling humiliated, plans to seek revenge and find another path.
• Maitreya: Changes his approach to teaching Emperor Yao, focusing on philosophical concepts rather than skills, showing growth in strategy.
• Emperor Yao: Demonstrates his concern for the people's welfare and willingness to abdicate the throne to a virtuous successor.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and betrayal: Lu Ya's humiliation leads him to plot revenge against the Western Teachings and Chen Song.
• Philosophy and governance: Maitreya and Guang Chengzi engage in a philosophical debate regarding the governance of the empire.
• Equality and hierarchy: The Western Teachings' concept of 'All beings are equal' is challenged by the Mystic Gate's 'Royal Way' theory.

Character Interactions

• Lu Ya and the Western Teachings: Lu Ya feels humiliated and excluded, leading to a rift between him and the Western Teachings.
• Maitreya and Emperor Yao: Maitreya teaches Emperor Yao the Western Teachings' concept of 'All beings are equal', attempting to influence his governance.
• Chen Song and Guang Chengzi: Chen Song sends Guang Chengzi to counter Maitreya's teachings, demonstrating their alliance against the Western Teachings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Guang Chengzi refutes Maitreya's "All beings are equal" theory with his "Heavenly Dao Order Theory" and "Royal Way Abdication Theory," convincing Emperor Yao and the ministers.
• Emperor Yao abdicates to Emperor Shun, who continues to govern diligently.
• Medicine Master tries to guide Emperor Shun towards "renouncing the world to cultivate" under the guise of filial piety, but fails.
• Guang Chengzi counters Medicine Master's argument with the "Great Filial Piety" theory, emphasizing responsibility to the nation.
• Emperor Shun fulfills his Merit, and Heavenly Dao Merit descends, with Guang Chengzi receiving a significant portion.
• The Western Teachings' attempts to influence the first four emperors fail.

Character Developments

• Emperor Yao: Abdicates to Emperor Shun, focusing on flood control and earning admiration for his Merit.
• Emperor Shun: Demonstrates filial piety and wise governance, fulfilling his Merit.
• Guang Chengzi: Strengthens his position as a moral authority, receiving Heavenly Dao Merit for solidifying the "Royal Way" theory and "Great Filial Piety" theory.
• Maitreya and Medicine Master: Fail to influence the emperors and return to the West defeated.

Significant Themes

• The importance of order and stability in society.
• The responsibility of rulers to their people and the nation.
• The contrast between personal liberation and responsibility to others.

Character Interactions

• Guang Chengzi refutes Maitreya's and Medicine Master's arguments, strengthening his position and influence.
• Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun interact with Guang Chengzi, learning from his theories and fulfilling their Merits.
• Maitreya and Medicine Master fail to influence Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun, leading to their defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emperor Shun completes his merit, marking the final stage of the Five Emperors era and Yu the Great's flood control.
• Chen Song visits Zhao Gongming on Emei Mountain to warn him about potential interference from the Western Teachings during Yu the Great's flood control.
• Chen Song gives Zhao Gongming a Communication Jade Talisman to call for help if needed.

Character Developments

• Chen Song: Shows his strategic and caring side, warning Zhao Gongming about potential obstacles and providing support.
• Zhao Gongming: Realizes the complexity of flood control and the potential interference from the Western Teachings. He becomes more vigilant and prepared.

Significant Themes

• Brotherhood and Support: Chen Song's visit emphasizes the importance of support and unity among the Intercepting Sect disciples.
• Caution and Vigilance: Zhao Gongming learns the importance of being cautious and vigilant in the face of potential challenges.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song and Zhao Gongming: Chen Song's visit shows his concern for Zhao Gongming's mission and his willingness to provide support. Zhao Gongming appreciates Chen Song's advice and offers to call for help if needed.
• Chen Song and Big White: Their dynamic shows Chen Song's playful and sometimes cruel nature towards Big White, but also his reliance on the dog for transportation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Great Wilderness faces catastrophic floods, causing widespread suffering.
• Emperor Shun appoints Gun to manage the floods, but his "blocking" strategy fails after nine years.
• Gun is executed, and his son Yu inherits the responsibility to control the floods.
• Zhao Gongming, a Mystic Gate immortal, arrives to assist Yu, advocating for a "channeling" approach.
• Yu and Zhao Gongming survey the flooded areas for thirteen years, preparing for a large-scale flood-control project.
• Upon reaching the Huai River, they encounter a demonic force, revealed to be Wuzhiqi, one of the Four Monkeys of Chaos.

Character Developments

• Yu: Shows unwavering determination and perseverance in managing the floods, learning from his father's mistakes. He grows in wisdom and strength over the thirteen years of surveying.
• Zhao Gongming: Demonstrates his power and wisdom, guiding Yu and aiding in flood control. He shows admiration for Yu's dedication.

Significant Themes

• Natural Disaster vs. Human Resilience: The floods represent a natural disaster that challenges the human race's resilience and resourcefulness.
• Wisdom and Perseverance: Yu's journey emphasizes the importance of wisdom (learning from mistakes) and perseverance in overcoming challenges.

Character Interactions

• Yu and Zhao Gongming: They form a strong partnership, with Zhao Gongming guiding and aiding Yu, while Yu shows dedication and learns from Zhao Gongming's wisdom.
• Yu and his father, Gun: Yu learns from his father's failed strategy, leading to his own approach to flood control.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The flood control team encounters a formidable obstacle at the Huai River, with dense demonic energy and a chilling aura.
• Zhao Gongming, despite Yu's caution, engages the demon Wuzhiqi, leading to a fierce battle.
• Zhao Gongming's reckless and powerful fighting style initially suppresses Wuzhiqi, but the demon's cunning and environment-based attacks wound him.
• Zhao Gongming retreats and calls for backup, transforming the battle into a group effort.

Character Developments

• Zhao Gongming: Demonstrates immense power and ferocity but also recklessness and a lack of strategic planning. He learns to retreat and call for help when overwhelmed.
• Wuzhiqi: Revealed as a ten-thousand-year-old demon with immense power and cunning, capable of utilizing the Huai River's environment to its advantage.

Significant Themes

• Brute Force vs Strategy: Zhao Gongming's initial reliance on brute force fails against Wuzhiqi's cunning and environment-based attacks, highlighting the importance of strategic planning.
• Teamwork vs Lone Heroics: Zhao Gongming's call for backup shifts the battle dynamic, emphasizing the power of collective effort.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Gongming and Wuzhiqi: Their intense, brutal battle showcases their power and ferocity, but also their differences in fighting style and strategy.
• Zhao Gongming and Chen Song: Zhao Gongming's call for help to Chen Song demonstrates their brotherly bond and the importance of backup in dire situations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Song, Big White, and the other disciples rush to aid Zhao Gongming, who is being beaten by the one-legged monkey, Wuzhiqi, at the Huai River.
• Chen Song, Guang Chengzi, Duobao, and Zhao Gongming form a peculiar "rescue team" with mixed intentions and charge towards the Huai River.
• Upon arrival, they find Wuzhiqi still fighting Zhao Gongming. Chen Song proposes they form the Three Talents Formation to subdue the demon.

Character Developments

• Chen Song: Shows concern for his junior brother, Zhao Gongming, and takes the lead in forming the rescue team. He also exhibits a strategic mind, suggesting the Three Talents Formation.
• Zhao Gongming: Despite being injured, he maintains his arrogance and recklessness, asking for help but still trying to save face.
• Wuzhiqi: Reveals his ferocity and dominance over the Huai River, but also shows caution when facing multiple powerful opponents.

Significant Themes

• Fellowship and Mutual Aid: The disciples rush to help Zhao Gongming, demonstrating the bond between fellow disciples.
• Power Dynamics: The shift in power dynamics is evident as Wuzhiqi faces multiple powerful opponents, changing his initial arrogant stance.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song and Zhao Gongming: Chen Song shows concern for Zhao Gongming, while Zhao Gongming relies on Chen Song's help but maintains his pride.
• Chen Song, Guang Chengzi, Duobao, and Zhao Gongming: The four disciples work together, with Chen Song taking the lead in strategizing and the others following suit.
• Wuzhiqi and the Disciples: Wuzhiqi's interactions with the disciples shift from arrogance to caution as he faces their combined power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Song and his team successfully subdue Wuzhiqi, the demonic monkey causing trouble in the Huai River, using a combination of force and persuasion.
• Wuzhiqi agrees to assist Great Yu and the flood control team after Chen Song presents him with two options: death or redemption.
• The flood control project progresses rapidly with Wuzhiqi's help, but a new challenge arises: the need for precise measurement and positioning to manage the vast flood.

Character Developments

• Wuzhiqi: Initially arrogant and defiant, Wuzhiqi's pride is humbled after his defeat. He decides to cooperate with Great Yu's team, showing a willingness to change and adapt.
• Chen Song: Chen Song demonstrates his strategic thinking and persuasive skills, successfully convincing Wuzhiqi to join their cause. He also shows his ability to inspire and lead others.
• Zhao Gongming: Zhao Gongming's brash and impatient nature is further emphasized, contrasting with Chen Song's calm and calculated approach.

Significant Themes

• Pragmatism vs. Idealism: Wuzhiqi's decision to join Great Yu's team illustrates the theme of pragmatism over idealism. He chooses to cooperate for his own benefit rather than clinging to his pride.
• Teamwork and Unity: The successful subjugation of Wuzhiqi highlights the importance of teamwork and unity. Each member of Chen Song's team plays a crucial role in the victory.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song and Wuzhiqi: Chen Song's calm and persuasive demeanor contrasts with Wuzhiqi's initial arrogance, leading to a power dynamic shift.
• Chen Song and Zhao Gongming: The interaction between Chen Song and Zhao Gongming showcases their contrasting personalities and approaches to problem-solving.
• Great Yu and Chen Song: Great Yu seeks Chen Song's help in solving a technical problem, acknowledging his expertise and importance to the flood control project.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Song, tasked with finding a divine artifact to aid in water management, remembers the Treasure Distribution Cliff from the Dao Ancestor's Zixiao Palace.
• He decides to ask the Dao Ancestor for a piece of the Cliff to create the needed artifact.
• Chen Song and Big White travel to Purple Heaven Palace, where Chen Song dramatically pleads for the Dao Ancestor's help.
• The palace gate opens, and the Dao Ancestor addresses Chen Song as "little pine tree," indicating their familiarity.

Character Developments

• Chen Song demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in seeking the best solution for water management, even if it means asking the Dao Ancestor for help.
• Big White shows fear and hesitation when facing the Dao Ancestor's residence but follows Chen Song's lead.
• The Dao Ancestor is revealed to be aware of Chen Song's presence and addresses him casually, suggesting a prior relationship.

Significant Themes

• The power of divine artifacts and their role in aiding the Great Wilderness.
• The benevolence and compassion of the Dao Ancestor, who is willing to help those in need.
• Chen Song's resourcefulness and determination in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song and Big White: Chen Song leads the way, and Big White follows, expressing fear and hesitation but ultimately complying with Chen Song's decisions.
• Chen Song and the Dao Ancestor: Chen Song dramatically pleads for help, while the Dao Ancestor addresses him casually, indicating familiarity and acknowledging his presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Song, seeking a divine artifact to control floods, visits Hongjun Dao Ancestor.
• Chen Song, using his "thick skin" and persuasive arguments, convinces the Dao Ancestor to give him a fragment of the Treasure Distribution Rock.
• Chen Song returns to Kunlun Mountain, planning to refine the stone into a divine artifact with Lord of the Beginning's help.

Character Developments

• Chen Song: Demonstrates his cunning, persuasiveness, and determination in pursuing his goals, even if it means bending the truth.
• Hongjun Dao Ancestor: Revealed to be more approachable and understanding than initially thought, as he aids Chen Song despite his initial reluctance.
• Lord of the Beginning: Maintains his stern and unapproachable demeanor, but his interest is piqued by Chen Song's urgent visit.

Significant Themes

• Thick skin (persistent, shameless determination) as a positive trait, used to achieve noble goals.
• The power of persuasion and negotiation in achieving one's aims.
• The importance of skilled craftsmen (like Lord of the Beginning) in creating powerful artifacts.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song and Hongjun Dao Ancestor: Chen Song uses his charm and persuasive skills to convince the Dao Ancestor to help him.
• Chen Song and Lord of the Beginning: Chen Song seeks his second martial uncle's help in refining the stone, showing respect and deference despite their differing personalities.
• Chen Song and Big White: Chen Song interacts with Big White as a companion, using it as a sounding board for his plans and showing affection towards it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Song presents the remnant of the Treasure Distribution Rock to Lord of the Beginning, seeking his help in refining it into divine artifacts for flood control.
• Lord of the Beginning agrees and spends 49 days refining the stone, creating four powerful divine iron rods: Sky-Supporting White Jade Pillar, Sea-Supporting Purple-Gold Beam, As-You-Wish Iron Rod Soldier, and As-You-Wish Golden Cudgel.
• Chen Song delivers the divine iron rods to the flood control site, causing excitement among Zhao Gongming, Duobao, Great Yu, and Wuzhiqi.

Character Developments

• Chen Song: Proves to be clever and persuasive, successfully convincing Lord of the Beginning to refine the stone. He also demonstrates his loyalty to the task, delivering the divine artifacts promptly.
• Lord of the Beginning: Shows his skill and dedication in artifact refining, creating four powerful divine iron rods. He also displays his detachment from worldly affairs, leaving after completing the task.
• Zhao Gongming: Shows enthusiasm and greed for the divine artifacts, eager to claim one for himself.
• Duobao: Displayed his expertise in artifact appraisal, praising the craftsmanship and suggesting improvements. He also shows eagerness to study one of the divine iron rods.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Dedication: Chen Song's loyalty to the task of flood control and Lord of the Beginning's dedication to his craft are highlighted.
• Greed and Envy: Zhao Gongming and Duobao's eagerness to claim the divine artifacts for themselves contrast with Chen Song's selflessness in obtaining them for the greater good.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song and Lord of the Beginning: Chen Song flatters and persuades Lord of the Beginning to refine the stone, while Lord of the Beginning remains calm and focused on his task.
• Chen Song and the Immortal Masters: Chen Song's arrival with the divine iron rods causes excitement and greed among Zhao Gongming, Duobao, Great Yu, and Wuzhiqi, leading to a humorous scene as they vie for the artifacts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Song distributes divine artifacts to his team for flood control: [Sea-Supporting Purple-Gold Beam] to Wuzhiqi, [As-You-Wish Golden Cudgel] to Yu the Great, and [Sky-Supporting White Jade Pillar] & [As-You-Wish Iron Rod Soldier] to Duobao.
• Ao Guang, the East Sea Dragon King, arrives with dragon tribes to assist in flood control.
• The team works together to clear water channels, suppress water eyes, and divert floodwaters, with Yu the Great leading the efforts using the Golden Cudgel.
• After months of work, the floods are completely quelled, and the Great Wilderness begins to recover.
• Heavenly Dao merit descends upon the team for their successful flood control efforts.

Character Developments

• Wuzhiqi gains a powerful tool in the Purple-Gold Beam, which helps it feel more connected to its Huai River origin and reduces its resentment towards Chen Song.
• Yu the Great gains the Golden Cudgel, which significantly enhances his ability to control the floods and measure water depths.
• Chen Song demonstrates his leadership and strategic planning in organizing the flood control efforts.
• Ao Guang shows loyalty and willingness to follow Chen Song's orders.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and division of labor: The team's success relies on each member's unique abilities and cooperation.
• Recognition and reward: The Heavenly Dao merit descending upon the team highlights the importance of their efforts and the rewards that follow.
• Transformation and growth: The characters' abilities and understanding evolve as they face and overcome the challenges of flood control.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song interacts with his team, distributing divine artifacts and giving orders.
• Wuzhiqi and Yu the Great receive their respective divine artifacts from Chen Song.
• Ao Guang arrives and pledges his support to Chen Song and the team.
• The team works together, with Yu the Great leading the efforts, to control the floods.
• Chen Song and Big White observe the progress and discuss the team's success.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The flood control effort concludes successfully.
• Xuanhuang Merit descends, rewarding those who participated.
• Yu the Great becomes the Water Virtue Saint King and ascends to the Fire Cloud Cave.
• The Mystic Gate members share their gains and depart.
• In the Western Pure Land, Daoist Jieyin and Zhunti envy the East's success and lament their own lack of achievements.

Character Developments

• Yu the Great: Becomes a Merit Quasi-Saint (equal to a Sub-Saint) and ascends as the Water Virtue Saint King.
• Zhao Gongming: Advances significantly in cultivation and receives the most Merit after Yu the Great.
• Chen Song, Guang Chengzi, Duobao: Each receives a substantial share of Merit and express their gratitude to Chen Song.
• Daoist Jieyin & Zhunti: Feel envious and frustrated due to the West's lack of achievements compared to the East.

Significant Themes

• Merit and Reward: The chapter emphasizes the distribution of Merit based on each character's contribution to flood control.
• Destiny and Fate: The Mystic Gate's prosperity is attributed to their seizing the initiative and enjoying the Human Race's Destiny, while the West's shallow foundations are highlighted.
• Jealousy and Frustration: The feelings of envy and powerlessness experienced by Daoist Jieyin and Zhunti contrast with the jubilation in the East.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song and the Mystic Gate: They express their camaraderie and commitment to working together in the future.
• Yu the Great and the Human Race: Yu the Great bids farewell to his people and ascends, leaving behind a grateful populace.
• Daoist Jieyin and Zhunti: They share their frustration and lament their disciples' lack of achievements, highlighting the West's stagnation compared to the East's prosperity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Western Teachings suffer a significant loss of Merit due to the Mystic Gate's success in flood control.
• Daoist Jieyin and Zhunti, frustrated and aggrieved, visit the Dao Ancestor Hongjun to complain about the Mystic Gate's actions.
• The Dao Ancestor rebukes them for their incompetence and lack of achievements, warning them to focus on their own cultivation and sect development.
• Yu the Great's son, Qi, seizes power and establishes the Xia dynasty, marking the end of the Five Emperors era.

Character Developments

• Daoist Jieyin and Zhunti: They become increasingly desperate and resentful towards the Mystic Gate, leading them to make a futile complaint to the Dao Ancestor.
• Chen Song: He grows more confident and smug, embracing his role as a "salted fish" and leaving political matters to the Xia family.

Significant Themes

• Merit and Karma: The amount of Merit one gains is determined by their contributions and efforts, reflecting the fairness of the Heavenly Dao.
• Cultivation and Responsibility: The Dao Ancestor emphasizes the importance of self-cultivation and guiding others to goodness, rather than engaging in infighting.
• Political Power Struggles: The shift from the Five Emperors era to the Xia dynasty highlights the constant power struggles and ambitions within the Great Wilderness.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song and Big White: Chen Song interacts with Big White as a companion, often using him as a sounding board for his thoughts and actions.
• Daoist Jieyin and Zhunti: Their interaction reveals their growing frustration and desperation, leading them to make a futile complaint to the Dao Ancestor.
• The Dao Ancestor and Jieyin/Zhunti: The Dao Ancestor's interaction with Jieyin and Zhunti serves as a warning against their incompetence and lack of achievements, emphasizing the importance of self-cultivation and sect development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Xia Dynasty is established and the Nine Provinces are pacified.
• Chen Song returns to Shouyang Mountain, reflecting on his earned Merit and future cultivation plans.
• The Xia Dynasty lasts for several hundred years, with Chen Song occasionally observing human affairs.
• The Shang Dynasty is established, marking a change of dynasty.
• Chen Song begins to sense an oppressive, obscure aura in the world, hinting at an upcoming tribulation.
• Tensions rise among the Three Teachings, with outer disciples of the Intercepting Sect expressing dissatisfaction with the Heavenly Origin Sect.

Character Developments

• Chen Song becomes more introspective and concerned about the upcoming tribulation, showing a deeper understanding of the world's changes.
• Big White remains playful and greedy, but also shows signs of growth by noticing changes in its cultivation.
• Guang Chengzi maintains his dignified posture and steady cultivation, becoming more like the Heavenly Origin Sect's First Senior Brother.
• Duobao continues to collect treasures, and his Cave Abode is almost overflowing.
• Zhao Gongming returns to Emei Mountain Luofu Cave for seclusion, advancing his cultivation.
• Junior sisters like Saint Mother Wudang and Saint Mother Guiling visit Chen Song, bringing homemade snacks.
• Laozi, Lord of the Beginning, and Sect Master Tongtian continue their respective activities, with signs of increased intensity or change.
• Outer disciples of the Intercepting Sect express dissatisfaction with the Heavenly Origin Sect, hinting at growing tensions among the Three Teachings.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the changes it brings, both in the human world and the cultivation world.
• The upcoming tribulation and the unsettling aura that precedes it, reflecting the instability and uncertainty in the world.
• The growing tensions among the Three Teachings, highlighting the potential for conflict and the need for unity in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song interacts with his junior brothers, including Zhao Gongming, Duobao, and Guang Chengzi, showing a sense of camaraderie and shared history.
• Chen Song observes the activities of his Master, Martial Uncle, and Grand Master, indicating a sense of responsibility and concern for their well-being.
• Junior sisters like Saint Mother Wudang and Saint Mother Guiling visit Chen Song, showing a friendly and familial relationship.
• Chen Song overhears a conversation between Duobao and outer disciples of the Intercepting Sect, highlighting the growing tensions among the Three Teachings.
• Chen Song reflects on his past experiences and future plans with Big White, showing a deep bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Song is summoned to Purple Heaven Palace, where the Dao Ancestor Hongjun announces the need to establish the Investiture of the Gods to stabilize the Heavenly Cycle.
• The Three Pure Ones and other Saints refuse to take responsibility for filling the list, passing the buck to each other.
• Dao Ancestor Hongjun tasks Chen Song with assisting the Three Pure Ones and establishing regulations for the Investiture of the Gods.
• Chen Song is "invited" out of Purple Heaven Palace with the Investiture of the Gods and God-Beating Whip, left to deal with the situation.
• The Two Saints of the West, Zhunti and Jieyin, quickly leave, leaving Chen Song with his three Masters.

Character Developments

• Chen Song: Reluctantly takes on the responsibility of managing the Investiture of the Gods, feeling overwhelmed and like a scapegoat.
• Dao Ancestor Hongjun: Shows his authority and impartiality by passing the responsibility to Chen Song and the Three Pure Ones.
• The Three Pure Ones (Laozi, Lord of the Beginning, Sect Master Tongtian): Refuse to take responsibility, each giving reasons why their disciples are unsuitable for the Heavenly Court.
• The Two Saints of the West (Zhunti, Jieyin): Display their cunning by quickly leaving to avoid involvement in the matter.

Significant Themes

• Buck-Passing: The main theme of the chapter is the Three Pure Ones and other Saints passing the responsibility for the Investiture of the Gods to each other, ultimately leaving Chen Song to deal with it.
• Power Dynamics: The chapter highlights the power dynamics within the Mystic Gate and the Great Wilderness, with the Dao Ancestor Hongjun holding the highest authority.
• Responsibility and Burden: Chen Song unwillingly takes on the heavy responsibility of managing the Investiture of the Gods, feeling like a scapegoat.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song interacts with his Masters (Laozi, Lord of the Beginning, Sect Master Tongtian) and the Two Saints of the West, with each party trying to avoid taking responsibility for the Investiture of the Gods.
• Chen Song is left to deal with the situation alone after the Two Saints of the West leave, highlighting his reluctant role as the scapegoat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Song, holding the Investiture of the Gods and the God-Beating Whip, returns to the Three Pure Ones' old residence on Kunlun Mountain with the Three Pure Ones.
• Chen Song sends an urgent message to Guang Chengzi and Duobao, summoning them to Kunlun Mountain.
• Chen Song reveals the plan to turn the tribulation into an opportunity by actively seeking divine positions in the Heavenly Court.

Character Developments

• Chen Song: Shows initiative and strategic thinking, presenting a plan to turn the tribulation into an opportunity.
• The Three Pure Ones: Realize the severity of the internal conflicts within the Mystic Gate and agree to Chen Song's plan.

Significant Themes

• The tribulation and the Investiture of the Gods: The main challenge that the characters must face and overcome.
• Internal conflicts within the Mystic Gate: A growing problem that threatens the unity and strength of the sect.
• Turning adversity into opportunity: Chen Song's plan reflects this theme, showing how the characters can make the best of a bad situation.

Character Interactions

• Chen Song and the Three Pure Ones: Chen Song presents his plan to the Three Pure Ones, who listen attentively and agree to his proposal.
• Chen Song, Guang Chengzi, and Duobao: Chen Song summons them to Kunlun Mountain to discuss the tribulation and his plan.
• The Three Pure Ones among themselves: They express their thoughts and concerns about the internal conflicts within the Mystic Gate and Chen Song's plan.