Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an receives an Ominous Divination warning him about Chu Mu, a Spirit Plant Master.
• Li Chang'an suspects Chu Mu is connected to Black Wind Mountain's rogue cultivators.
• Chu Mu visits Li Chang'an, attempting to poison him again, but Li Chang'an captures him.
• Li Chang'an tortures Chu Mu, who reveals that Zheng Lingfeng ordered the poisoning to control Li Chang'an and investigate Zheng Qingqing.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an: Shows strategic thinking and ruthlessness in dealing with Chu Mu, proving he's not just an honest cultivator.
• Chu Mu: Reveals his true colors as a traitor, willing to poison others for personal gain.
• Zheng Lingfeng: Suspects Li Chang'an's relationship with Zheng Qingqing and tries to manipulate him.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Chu Mu betrays Li Chang'an, and Zheng Lingfeng suspects Li Chang'an's loyalty to the Zheng family.
• Manipulation: Zheng Lingfeng tries to manipulate Li Chang'an, while Li Chang'an manipulates Chu Mu into revealing the truth.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an vs. Chu Mu: Li Chang'an captures and tortures Chu Mu to extract information.
• Zheng Lingfeng's suspicion of Li Chang'an: Zheng Lingfeng suspects Li Chang'an's relationship with Zheng Qingqing and tries to control him.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Li Chang'an discovers Chu Mu's poisoning and interrogates him.
+ Li Chang'an learns about Zheng Lingfeng's involvement and decides to eliminate him.
+ Li Chang'an obtains various Spiritual Medicines from Chu Mu's Storage Bag, including a stalk of Calming Heart Bamboo and a Mid-grade First Tier Spiritual Plant Inheritance.
+ Li Chang'an completes the next stage of Body Refining, enhancing his physique to withstand attacks from the Second Layer of Qi Refining.
+ Li Chang'an learns from Luo Kun that he can trade for the remaining Spiritual Medicines and Demonic Beast Essence Blood needed for the next stage from Chen Qianya, Senior Chen Yuanshan's daughter.

Character Developments

+ Li Chang'an becomes more determined to eliminate Zheng Lingfeng due to the latter's interference and the high frequency of Ominous Divinations.
+ Li Chang'an's strength and physique continue to improve, allowing him to withstand stronger attacks.

Significant Themes

+ The internal strife of great clans and its consequences.
+ The importance of cultivation resources and the need to acquire them.
+ The dangers of underestimating one's enemies.

Character Interactions

+ Li Chang'an interacts with Chu Mu, extracting information and ultimately killing him.
+ Li Chang'an discusses cultivation resources with Luo Kun, learning about potential trade opportunities with Chen Qianya.
+ Zheng Lingfeng becomes increasingly suspicious of Chu Mu's disappearance and Li Chang'an's lack of reaction to the poisoning.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an trades smoothly with Chen Qianya, obtaining needed treasures.
• Li Chang'an attends a small trade fair, acquiring many treasures for body refining and trading an Azure Water Stone for a Calming Spirit Talisman.
• Chen Qianya arrives late to trade for the Azure Water Stone, finding it already taken by Li Chang'an.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates steady progress in cultivation and skillful trading.
• Chen Qianya struggles with drawing high-quality mid-grade talismans, affecting her mood.

Significant Themes

• The difficulty and challenges of cultivation.
• The importance of timely action and opportunity in obtaining desired treasures.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Chen Qianya have a brief, polite interaction at the trade fair, with Chen Qianya showing surprise at Li Chang'an's possession of a Calming Spirit Talisman.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an refuses to exchange the Azure Water Stone with Chen Qianya, despite her offers, as it has great value to him.
• The Profound Water Turtle breaks through to First-tier Late-stage under Li Chang'an's watch.
• A new divination result appears, predicting an attack by the Rogue Cultivator from Black Wind Mountain using a Minor Forbidden Array, which Li Chang'an will ultimately defeat.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates his resolve and independence by refusing to curry favor with Chen Qianya, showing that he values his own interests over potential gains from her.
• The Profound Water Turtle exhibits a strong, mutated Earth-grade bloodline, breaking through to First-tier Late-stage quickly and solidly.

Significant Themes

• The value of self-interest and independence, as shown by Li Chang'an's refusal to exchange the Azure Water Stone.
• The power of ancient arrays, as demonstrated by the Cloud Mist Hidden Kill Formation's resistance to Forbidden Breaking Talismans and the Minor Forbidden Array.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Chen Qianya's interaction highlights their differing priorities and values, with Chen Qianya expecting Li Chang'an to curry favor with her, while Li Chang'an values the Azure Water Stone more than potential gains from their exchange.
• Li Chang'an's interaction with the Profound Water Turtle shows his care and attention to the Spiritual Beast's growth and well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liang Ying, a late Qi Refining stage cultivator, infiltrates Li Chang'an's courtyard to break his house-protecting array using a Minor Forbidden Array.
• Li Chang'an's array, however, is a Second-order Great Formation, which the Minor Forbidden Array cannot break.
• Li Chang'an's spirit pets and puppets ambush and defeat Liang Ying.
• Li Chang'an interrogates Liang Ying and learns that Black Wind Mountain's Great Leader wants to capture him due to a misunderstanding caused by Zheng Jinbao.
• A Gu worm, controlled by Black Wind Mountain's Fourth Boss, Mei Siniang, arrives and demands Li Chang'an to release Liang Ying. Li Chang'an kills Liang Ying instead.

Character Developments

• Liang Ying: Greedy and overconfident, Liang Ying underestimates Li Chang'an's strength and pays the price with his life.
• Li Chang'an: Li Chang'an demonstrates his strategic thinking and calm demeanor under pressure. He shows no mercy to his enemies and is willing to make tough decisions.
• Mei Siniang: As the Fourth Boss of Black Wind Mountain, she is skilled in Gu worm arts and is willing to negotiate to save Liang Ying, showing some level of loyalty to her fellow cultivators.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The strength of one's cultivation and the power of one's arrays determine the outcome of conflicts between cultivators.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Liang Ying's betrayal of Black Wind Mountain leads to his demise, while Mei Siniang's loyalty to her fellow cultivators motivates her to negotiate with Li Chang'an.

Character Interactions

• Liang Ying and Li Chang'an: Liang Ying underestimates Li Chang'an and attempts to take advantage of him, leading to his eventual defeat and death.
• Li Chang'an and Mei Siniang: Li Chang'an shows no mercy to Mei Siniang's demands, prioritizing his own safety over Liang Ying's life, demonstrating his ruthlessness and determination.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an kills Liang Ying and Mei Siniang, ending the threat from Black Wind Mountain Rogue Cultivators.
• Li Chang'an attempts to draw Fine High-Grade Talismans but fails.
• He learns about a Small Trade Fair with a special Secret Realm treasure, a stone stele with the inscription "Immortal Path Will Perish."
• Li Chang'an discovers he can buy a Decayed Token at the trade fair, containing a Second Tier Low Grade Formation, "Thundercloud Illusionary Annihilation Formation."

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an continues to improve his Talisman Drawing skills and Body Refining, reaching the peak of the seventh layer of Qi Refining.
• He becomes more cautious and vigilant, using divination before attending the trade fair.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and cultivation, with Li Chang'an seeking stronger Talismans and Arrays.
• The mysterious and dangerous nature of Secret Realms and their treasures.
• The enigma of the "Immortal Path Will Perish" stone stele, hinting at potential future threats or challenges to the Immortal Path.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an interacts with Luo Kun, who provides him with information about the trade fair and accompanies him there.
• Li Chang'an encounters other cultivators at the trade fair, discussing the mysterious stone stele.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an finds the Token indicated in the Hexagram Image, a rotten wooden Token with a Silver Dot, which he purchases for one Spirit Stone.
• He discovers that the Token is a storage treasure that can only be opened with Mental Energy.
• Li Chang'an meets Chen Qianya and trades Weak Water Spirit Sand for Boiling Blood Crystal.
• He later meets Chen Qianya again and they discuss Talisman Skill, with Chen Qianya acknowledging Li Chang'an's talent and agreeing to discuss Talisman Skill together in the future.
• Li Chang'an meets Wang Hu and gets introduced to Zhu Gang, the number one Beast Tamer of the Marketplace, who has Demonic Beasts nurtured to First-tier Peak and possesses rare Demonic Beast Essence Blood like that of the 'Blood Spirit Python'.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an continues to demonstrate his resourcefulness and determination in finding the Token and acquiring the Boiling Blood Crystal.
• Chen Qianya initially underestimates Li Chang'an's Talisman Skill but comes to acknowledge his talent after their discussion.
• Zhu Gang is introduced as a high-grade Beast Tamer with impressive Demonic Beasts and Essence Blood.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of treasure and resources to aid in cultivation and advancement.
• The value of knowledge and skill-sharing among cultivators.
• The importance of networking and building relationships with influential figures in the Cultivation World.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an interacts with the middle-aged cultivator selling the rotten wooden Token, negotiating the price and completing the transaction.
• Li Chang'an meets Chen Qianya twice, first trading Weak Water Spirit Sand for Boiling Blood Crystal, and later discussing Talisman Skill, leading to a mutual agreement to discuss the topic further.
• Li Chang'an meets Wang Hu and gets introduced to Zhu Gang, leading to a potential beneficial relationship for Li Chang'an's Body Refining stages.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an trades for various Demonic Beast Essence Blood at the Trade Fair.
• Zheng Lingfeng appears, hinting at a secret in the Stone Stele and harboring killing intent towards Li Chang'an.
• Li Chang'an activates the Thundercloud Illusionary Annihilation Formation in his courtyard.
• Li Chang'an's talisman-crafting skills improve, and he reaches the First-tier Mid-stage in Body Refining.
• Zheng Lingfeng visits Zhu Gang, asking if humans can be 'tamed' like beasts.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an's wealth and power grow as he obtains more resources and improves his skills.
• Zheng Lingfeng becomes more determined to eliminate Li Chang'an, seeing him as a threat and a potential source of wealth.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and wealth, and the consequences of unchecked ambition (Zheng Lingfeng's growing obsession with Li Chang'an).
• The duality of humans and beasts, reflected in Zheng Lingfeng's question to Zhu Gang.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an interacts with Luo Kun, Chen Qianya, and Zhu Gang, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect.
• Zheng Lingfeng interacts with Zhu Gang, attempting to manipulate him into aiding his plans against Li Chang'an.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Lingfeng wants Zhu Gang's help to control Li Chang'an to secure Foundation Establishment resources for himself.
• Zhu Gang agrees, tempted by Zheng Lingfeng's promise of a Second Tier Beast Taming Inheritance.
• Li Chang'an visits Zhu Gang frequently, unaware of the plot against him.
• Zhu Gang prepares to control Li Chang'an using a method similar to taming demonic beasts.
• Li Chang'an successfully creates a Premium Grade High-grade talisman and plans to sell them at the Black Market.
• A divination result warns Li Chang'an about Zhu Gang's impending attack.

Character Developments

• Zhu Gang: Becomes willing to betray Li Chang'an for the promise of a Second Tier Inheritance, showing his ambition and lack of conscience.
• Li Chang'an: Continues to improve his talisman crafting skills, demonstrating his dedication and proficiency. He remains unaware of Zhu Gang's betrayal.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Conscience: Zhu Gang's ambition leads him to betray Li Chang'an, while Li Chang'an's dedication to his craft shows his integrity.
• Trust and Betrayal: The chapter explores the theme of trust and its betrayal, as Zhu Gang, whom Li Chang'an trusted, plans to harm him.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Gang and Zheng Lingfeng: They form an alliance to control Li Chang'an, with Zheng Lingfeng offering Zhu Gang a Second Tier Inheritance in exchange for his help.
• Li Chang'an and Zhu Gang: Despite Zhu Gang's plot against him, Li Chang'an remains friendly and trusting towards Zhu Gang, unaware of his betrayal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an begins to trust Zhu Gang due to their cooperative relationship.
• Zhu Gang attacks Li Chang'an, driven by Zheng Lingfeng's commission and the promise of a Second-tier Beast Taming Inheritance.
• Li Chang'an uses an illusion to trick Zhu Gang, revealing that he was aware of Zhu Gang's betrayal all along.
• Zhu Gang is severely injured and captured by Li Chang'an.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an: Shows cunning and strategic thinking, using an illusion to outmaneuver Zhu Gang. He remains calm and composed even when Zhu Gang attacks him.
• Zhu Gang: Reveals his true colors, prioritizing personal gain over their cooperative relationship. He shows remorse and tries to plead for forgiveness when captured.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: Zhu Gang's betrayal highlights the dangers of trusting others too easily, while Li Chang'an's use of an illusion shows the importance of caution.
• Greed: Zhu Gang's desire for the Second-tier Beast Taming Inheritance leads him to betray Li Chang'an, illustrating the destructive power of greed.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Zhu Gang: Their relationship shifts from cooperative to adversarial as Zhu Gang betrays Li Chang'an. Li Chang'an's use of an illusion to capture Zhu Gang shows his superiority in cunning and strategy.
• Zheng Lingfeng (off-screen): Zheng Lingfeng's commission drives Zhu Gang's actions, creating tension between Li Chang'an and Zhu Gang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an discovers Zhu Gang's deception and confronts him within the Thundercloud Illusionary Annihilation Formation.
• Zhu Gang admits his mistake and tries to appeal to Li Chang'an's emotions, but to no avail.
• Li Chang'an seizes Zhu Gang's Storage Bag and Spirit Beast Bag, finding a vast amount of treasures, including Spirit Stones, High-grade Magic Tools, Demonic Beast Essence Blood, and a High-grade First Tier Beast Taming Inheritance.
• Li Chang'an also finds a Record of Taming Monsters, which contains information about Demonic Beasts whose essence blood he needs for his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates his growing maturity and ruthlessness in dealing with Zhu Gang, showing no mercy despite Zhu Gang's pleas.
• Zhu Gang's greed and desperation lead him to make poor decisions, ultimately resulting in his demise.

Significant Themes

• Greed and its consequences: Zhu Gang's greed for power and wealth leads him to make poor decisions, resulting in his downfall.
• The value of treasures: The vast amount of treasures Zhu Gang possesses highlights the importance of wealth and resources in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Zhu Gang: Their interaction showcases the power dynamics between them, with Li Chang'an holding the upper hand and Zhu Gang desperate and pleading.
• Li Chang'an and his spirit beasts: Li Chang'an shares some of the treasures with his spirit beasts, demonstrating his care for them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an kills Zhu Gang and releases his spirit beasts, keeping only Da Huang and the Profound Water Turtle.
• He sells Zhu Gang's treasures at the Black Market and modifies his High-grade Puppets to Premium Grade.
• Li Chang'an receives news about True Person Yellow Crane taking disciples and decides to prepare for the sixth stage of body refining.
• He sets out to hunt demonic beasts for their essence blood and successfully obtains five kinds, only needing the Shadowless Sparrow's essence blood to complete the list.
• Li Chang'an chases the Shadowless Sparrow to a cave abode with a protective formation.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates his ruthlessness and efficiency in dealing with Zhu Gang and his spirit beasts.
• He shows patience and careful planning in his actions, such as waiting for an auspicious day to hunt demonic beasts.
• Li Chang'an's skills in the Dao of Puppets reach the end of the First Tier.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ruthlessness: Li Chang'an's actions show that he is willing to do whatever it takes to gain power and protect himself, even if it means being ruthless.
• Preparation and Patience: Li Chang'an's careful planning and preparation are crucial to his success.
• Adaptability: Li Chang'an adapts his strategies based on the situation, such as changing his approach when dealing with the Shadowless Sparrow.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an interacts with Xu Fugui through letters, with Xu Fugui providing him with useful information.
• Li Chang'an has no interaction with other characters in this chapter, as he is primarily focused on his own goals.

Chapter Summary: “An Unexpected Windfall”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang’an uses a puppet to enter the Cave Mansion’s formation and deploys a Minor Forbidden Array, cutting off the mansion’s access to spiritual energy.
• With the Protective Formation disabled, the Shadowless Sparrow attempts to flee, then attacks when escape becomes impossible. Li Chang’an kills it with the Beast Annihilation Shuttle.
• He searches the deceased cultivator’s storage bag and initially finds little, assuming the owner was a failed Foundation Establishment cultivator.
• He discovers a rare Wood-element High-grade Spell, the Minor Yi Wood Sword Formation, which becomes an important addition to his combat abilities.
• After returning to the Marketplace, Li Chang’an learns that the Zheng Family will hold another auction. This auction allows cultivators to submit items for sale and is expected to become an annual event.
• He encounters Zheng Lingfeng, who remains secretly impatient that Zhu Gang has not yet gained control over him. Zheng Lingfeng continues pretending to be friendly and chooses not to act prematurely.
• Li Chang’an begins cultivating the Minor Yi Wood Sword Formation. Although he lacks enough genuine swords, he successfully substitutes sword qi, forming a basic three-sword formation.
• He then experiments with using three high-grade Mysterious Sword Talismans as temporary swords. The experiment succeeds, producing a powerful one-use Sword Formation.
• Li Chang’an tests the formation against Da Huang, his First-tier Peak Spiritual Beast. The attack breaks through Da Huang’s layered defenses, though Li Chang’an stops it before causing injury.

Character Developments

• Li Chang’an: Becomes more cautious and resourceful, using formations, puppets, talismans, and spiritual beasts in combination. The Minor Yi Wood Sword Formation significantly strengthens his personal offensive power, addressing his previous dependence on puppets and beasts.
• Da Huang: Has grown rapidly through the treasures obtained from Zhu Gang’s storage bag and is now comparable to a Ninth Layer Qi Refining cultivator. His defensive capabilities are shown to be substantial, though the Sword Formation can still seriously pressure him.
• Zheng Lingfeng: Reveals his continued suspicion and hostility toward Li Chang’an. He is relying on Zhu Gang’s gradual manipulation rather than taking immediate action, believing that prolonged interaction will eventually lower Li Chang’an’s guard.
• Zhu Gang: Though absent from the chapter, his influence remains important through the treasures used to cultivate Da Huang and his ongoing attempt to befriend and control Li Chang’an.

Significant Themes

• Unexpected opportunity and preparation: Li Chang’an’s hunting trip unexpectedly yields both a valuable spell and useful insight, showing how preparation allows him to capitalize on chance discoveries.
• Pragmatism over idealism: The Shadowless Sparrow’s death reinforces the idea that some demonic beasts cannot be tamed and must be eliminated when the opportunity arises.
• Resourcefulness and adaptation: Li Chang’an overcomes his lack of Precious Swords by substituting sword qi and then talismans, demonstrating flexible problem-solving.
• Hidden danger and deception: Zheng Lingfeng’s outward friendliness contrasts with his secret plans, emphasizing the threat posed by seemingly ordinary relationships.
• Gradual accumulation of strength: Rather than relying on a single breakthrough, Li Chang’an steadily improves through spells, formations, spiritual beasts, treasures, and tactical experimentation.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang’an confronts and kills the Shadowless Sparrow after disabling the Cave Mansion’s protective formation.
• He indirectly benefits from the deceased cultivator’s legacy by acquiring the Minor Yi Wood Sword Formation.
• Zheng Lingfeng notices Li Chang’an but maintains a false appearance of friendliness while secretly waiting for Zhu Gang’s plan to succeed.
• Li Chang’an tests his newly developed Sword Formation against Da Huang in a controlled sparring match, stopping the attack at the moment it becomes dangerous.

Key Plot Points

• Li Chang'an discovers the power of his talisman sword formations and decides to cultivate the Minor Yi Wood Sword Formation to major accomplishment.
• Zheng Qingqing visits Li Chang'an to deliver an invitation to the Auction and to ask if he has any items to auction.
• Li Chang'an provides Zheng Qingqing with some useless treasures, including a Shadowless Sparrow corpse, for the Auction.
• Li Chang'an learns about the Auction Items and decides to bid on some Foundation Establishment Pill auxiliary herbs.
• Mo Qingxue, a young lady from the Puppet-Making Mo Family, visits Li Chang'an to purchase the Shadowless Sparrow corpse privately and offers him a favor in exchange for breaking the Auction rules.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an becomes more determined to cultivate his talisman sword formations and plans to use them strategically at the Auction.
• Zheng Qingqing remains composed after losing her position in the Marketplace and is still involved in the Auction preparations.
• Mo Qingxue is introduced as a cold and emotionless young lady from a powerful family, willing to offer a favor to Li Chang'an for breaking the Auction rules.

Significant Themes

• The power of talisman sword formations and their potential as a trump card.
• The Auction as a significant event that can bring opportunities and challenges.
• The influence and power dynamics of the Seven Great Families in the Southern Region of Zhao Kingdom.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Zheng Qingqing maintain a friendly relationship, with Zheng Qingqing still treating Li Chang'an with respect and consideration.
• Li Chang'an meets Mo Qingxue for the first time, and they establish a connection through the favor she offers him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mo Qingxue, a highly talented cultivator with an Ice spiritual root, leaves after giving Li Chang'an a Mo Family Token, which can be exchanged for a Foundation Establishment cultivator's assistance.
• Zheng Lingfeng, anxious to curry favor with Mo Qingxue, learns about Li Chang'an's favor and becomes jealous and murderous.
• Zheng Lingfeng fails to find Zhu Gang, who was supposed to eliminate Li Chang'an, and seeks help from his grandfather, Zheng Songcheng.
• Zheng Songcheng decides to personally handle Li Chang'an, dismissing the array protecting his residence as a minor obstacle.

Character Developments

• Mo Qingxue: Her status and talent are revealed. She's a 'Golden Core Seed' with an Ice spiritual root, making her cultivation speed exceptional.
• Zheng Lingfeng: His jealousy and desire for power grow, leading him to seek help from his grandfather to eliminate Li Chang'an.
• Zheng Songcheng: He shows confidence in his strength and dismisses Li Chang'an as a threat, deciding to intervene personally.

Significant Themes

• Talent and cultivation speed: Mo Qingxue's talent is emphasized, contrasting with Li Chang'an's slower progress.
• Jealousy and desire for power: Zheng Lingfeng's feelings of envy and his eagerness to gain power and status drive his actions.
• The importance of status and connections: Zheng Lingfeng's reliance on his grandfather's power highlights the significance of one's background and connections in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Mo Qingxue and Li Chang'an: Their interaction is brief but significant, with Mo Qingxue giving Li Chang'an a favor that could greatly benefit him.
• Zheng Lingfeng and Zheng Songcheng: Their interaction shows Zheng Lingfeng's dependence on his grandfather's power and Zheng Songcheng's confidence in his own strength.
• Zheng Lingfeng and Zhu Gang: Zheng Lingfeng's failed attempts to find Zhu Gang and his growing frustration with Zhu Gang's disappearance highlight the tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an attempts to master the Minor Yi Wood Sword Formation, failing multiple times before succeeding.
• Zheng Songcheng, Zheng Lingfeng's grandfather, visits Li Chang'an's residence to pressure him into supporting Zheng Lingfeng's Foundation Establishment.
• Li Chang'an, protected by his arrays, remains unfazed and unyielding, leading Zheng Songcheng to leave without achieving his goal.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates remarkable resilience and determination in mastering the sword formation, showing his growth as a cultivator.
• Zheng Songcheng reveals his pride and overconfidence, underestimating Li Chang'an and the power of his arrays.

Significant Themes

• The power of arrays and formations in cultivation, highlighting Li Chang'an's strategic prowess.
• The importance of resilience and perseverance in cultivation, as seen in Li Chang'an's repeated attempts to master the sword formation.
• The dangers of underestimating one's opponents, exemplified by Zheng Songcheng's failed attempt to intimidate Li Chang'an.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Zheng Songcheng engage in a battle of wills, with Li Chang'an maintaining his composure and refusing to back down, ultimately leading Zheng Songcheng to retreat.
• Li Chang'an and Da Huang work together, with Da Huang keeping an eye on Zheng Songcheng after he leaves.

Summary: “Finding Another Bargain”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang’an successfully masters the Minor Yi Wood Sword Formation, discovering that the technique is exceptionally compatible with him.
• He tests the formation using nine Spirit Sword Talismans. Its power is so great that it shakes the Thundercloud Illusionary Annihilation Formation and appears capable of defeating nearly any opponent below Foundation Establishment.
• With the Sword Formation for offense, Puppets for defense, and his nearly mastered Evasion Technique for escape, Li Chang’an feels that his combat abilities are becoming well-rounded. Nevertheless, he reminds himself that without Foundation Establishment, he is still vulnerable.
• His daily divination reveals an auspicious opportunity: purchasing an ordinary-looking Mid-grade First Tier Talisman Brush at the Auction will allow him to uncover a hidden Second-tier Talisman Brush.
• Li Chang’an decides to attend the Auction but sends five Mid-grade First Tier Puppets under different identities rather than exposing his true body.
• The Auction, presided over by Zheng Songcheng, begins with the sale of the Zheng Family’s Spirit Burst Pills, which can temporarily increase a cultivator’s strength at the cost of bodily harm.
• Li Chang’an competes for and acquires two supplementary ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill:
  • The Seven Nights Flower, purchased for 350 Spirit Stones.
  • The Jade Ling Fruit, purchased for 230 Spirit Stones.
• When the unremarkable Talisman Brush appears, few bidders show interest. Li Chang’an buys it for 160 Spirit Stones, confident that it is the brush indicated by his divination.

Character Developments

• Li Chang’an grows significantly more powerful and versatile. His mastery of the Sword Formation greatly improves his offensive strength, while his Puppets and Evasion Technique complete his basic combat strategy.
• He demonstrates increased caution and strategic thinking by using multiple Puppets and false identities at the Auction instead of personally appearing.
• Despite his growing power, Li Chang’an remains disciplined and humble, recognizing that he must still reach Foundation Establishment before he can truly consider himself secure.
• His ability to plan ahead is shown through his effort to gather materials for the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and versatility: Success depends not on a single powerful technique but on balancing offense, defense, and escape.
• Caution amid growing strength: Li Chang’an refuses to become complacent, understanding that Qi Refining remains inadequate compared with Foundation Establishment.
• Fortune and opportunity: Divination guides him toward a valuable hidden treasure, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and exploiting rare chances.
• Strategic concealment: His use of Puppets and separate identities reflects the dangers of revealing one’s abilities and resources.
• Progress toward Foundation Establishment: The Auction marks another practical step in Li Chang’an’s long-term cultivation goals.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang’an has no major direct confrontation with other characters, but he competes indirectly with other Auction attendees.
• He uses aggressive bidding to discourage rivals from pursuing the Seven Nights Flower, ultimately securing it when the remaining bidder backs down.
• Zheng Songcheng acts as the Auction host and introduces the various items, including the Spirit Burst Pills, Foundation Establishment ingredients, and Talisman Brush.
• The interactions are primarily transactional and strategic, with Li Chang’an carefully concealing his identity and intentions while manipulating the bidding atmosphere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an successfully buys eight Foundation Establishment Pill Auxiliary Herbs at an auction, including the expensive Seven Nights Flower and the cheap Green Bamboo Liquid.
• He discovers a hidden Second-tier Talisman Brush, the Clear Heart Talisman Brush, which aids in calming the mind and drawing talismans.
• Li Chang'an begins the sixth stage of Body Refining and asks Xu Fugui to help find treasures for Da Huang's Tier 2 breakthrough.
• A new divination result reveals that Li Chang'an will encounter Zheng Songcheng at the Black Market, leading to a conflict where he can slay Zheng Songcheng and obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill's main herb, Dream Soul Grass.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an's cultivation progresses, and he gains a powerful tool in the Clear Heart Talisman Brush.
• Zheng Songcheng is introduced as an enemy, an Elder of the Zheng Family and a potential obstacle to Li Chang'an's path to Foundation Establishment.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and resources for cultivation advancement, as seen in Li Chang'an's acquisition of the Clear Heart Talisman Brush and his quest for the Foundation Establishment Pill's main herb.
• The importance of preparation and caution in facing powerful enemies, as demonstrated by Li Chang'an's careful planning before confronting Zheng Songcheng.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an communicates with Xu Fugui regarding treasures for Da Huang's breakthrough and updates on the Black Market.
• Li Chang'an interacts with Zheng Songcheng, leading to a potential conflict as foretold by the divination result.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zheng Songcheng, a peak Qi Refining cultivator and Zheng Family Elder, kills a cultivator in a valley outside the Black Market to obtain Dream Soul Grass.
• Li Chang'an, in a Mid Qi Refining Puppet Body, buys a Blazing Profound Crystal in the Black Market, but Zheng Songcheng tries to snatch it, leading to a dispute.
• They are forced to take their fight outside the market by an unknown voice.
• Li Chang'an uses his superior speed to flee while provoking Zheng Songcheng, who pursues him relentlessly.

Character Developments

• Zheng Songcheng: Shows his ruthless and arrogant nature, disregarding the rules of the Black Market and underestimating Li Chang'an due to his low cultivation.
• Li Chang'an: Demonstrates his cunning and provokes Zheng Songcheng to buy time and find a suitable place to fight.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The strength of one's cultivation determines their status and influence, with peak Qi Refining cultivators being the dominant force.
• Greed and ambition: Zheng Songcheng's desire for the Blazing Profound Crystal leads him to disregard the rules and underestimate his opponent.
• Cunning and strategy: Li Chang'an uses his intelligence and knowledge of Zheng Songcheng's reputation to outmaneuver him.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Zheng Songcheng: Their interaction is marked by tension and provocation, with Li Chang'an using Zheng Songcheng's arrogance and greed against him.
• Li Chang'an and the Black Market stall owners: Li Chang'an haggles with the stall owners, showing his practical nature and resourcefulness.
• Li Chang'an and the unknown voice: The voice from the Black Market forces them to take their fight outside, showing the market's rules and the speaker's authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an successfully ambushes Zheng Songcheng using the Nine Spirit Sword Talismans, defeating him with two powerful Sword Formations.
• Zheng Songcheng dies, and Li Chang'an takes his Storage Bag, finding a stalk of Dream Soul Grass inside.
• News of the battle reaches the Black Market and Clear River Market, causing cultivators to flee in fear and Zheng Lingfeng to rejoice at the news of the Dream Soul Grass.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates his powerful combat abilities, proving himself a formidable opponent even against peak Qi Refining cultivators.
• Zheng Songcheng's underestimation of Li Chang'an leads to his demise, highlighting the danger of underestimating one's enemies.
• Zheng Lingfeng's joy at receiving the Dream Soul Grass hints at his ambition and desperation to advance in cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The power of preparation and surprise attacks, as seen in Li Chang'an's successful ambush.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemies, illustrated by Zheng Songcheng's defeat.
• The pursuit of cultivation and its importance to cultivators, shown through Zheng Lingfeng's reaction to the Dream Soul Grass.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Zheng Songcheng's final confrontation showcases the vast difference in their combat abilities and the futility of Zheng Songcheng's attempts to defend against Li Chang'an's attacks.
• Zheng Lingfeng's reaction to the news of the Dream Soul Grass hints at his relationship with Zheng Songcheng and his eagerness to improve his cultivation.