Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an is targeted by Cao Shaolin using a Black Cloud Sealing Heaven Formation and two Premium Grade Offensive Puppets.
• Cao Shaolin tries to persuade Li Chang'an to cooperate and attack Zheng Qingqing, promising to spare his life and offer him a position in the Cao Family.
• Zheng Qingqing breaks through the Five Elements Mutual Generation Formation and destroys the puppets surrounding her, revealing her true strength.
• Li Chang'an dodges the puppets' attacks using an Evasion Technique, avoiding any harm.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an remains calm and composed under pressure, showing no signs of urgency or fear.
• Cao Shaolin underestimates Zheng Qingqing's strength based on false information from Zheng Lingfeng.
• Zheng Qingqing demonstrates her formidable strength, easily destroying the puppets.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Cao Shaolin's attempt to manipulate Li Chang'an highlights the theme of trust and betrayal, as Li Chang'an refuses to cooperate despite the threat to his life.
• True strength: Zheng Qingqing's hidden strength reveals the theme of true power and the dangers of underestimating one's opponents.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Cao Shaolin: Li Chang'an remains nonchalant and uncooperative, refusing to bow to Cao Shaolin's threats and promises.
• Zheng Qingqing and Li Chang'an: Zheng Qingqing shows concern for Li Chang'an's safety, quickly coming to his aid once she breaks free from her attackers.
• Zheng Qingqing and Cao Shaolin: Zheng Qingqing's overwhelming strength puts Cao Shaolin at a disadvantage, forcing him to reassess his plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cao Shaolin, a young master of the Cao Family, uses numerous puppets to attack Zheng Qingqing in the Treasure Distribution Tower.
• Zheng Qingqing easily defeats Cao Shaolin's puppets, revealing she's close to Foundation Establishment.
• After the battle, Zheng Qingqing breaks the Black Cloud Sealing Heaven Formation and disperses it.
• Li Chang'an buys a Barren Profound Crystal from Zheng Qingqing using a Gray Marrow Crystal.
• Zheng Qingqing realizes Li Chang'an's wood might not be Huonan Wood but Phoenix Blood Wood.

Character Developments

• Zheng Qingqing: Shows exceptional strength, nearing Foundation Establishment. She's calm, strategic, and focused on her cultivation.
• Li Chang'an: Proves his business acumen by buying valuable materials at cheap prices. He's resourceful and quick-witted.
• Zheng Songfeng: Initially misjudges the wood Li Chang'an bought. He's experienced but can be mistaken.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Power: The struggle between the Zheng and Cao Families highlights the importance of cultivation power and resources.
• Business Acumen: Li Chang'an's actions emphasize the value of understanding and exploiting market dynamics.
• Mistakes and Learning: Zheng Songfeng's misjudgment shows that even experienced cultivators can make mistakes and learn from them.

Character Interactions

• Zheng Qingqing and Li Chang'an: They discuss Foundation Establishment and Li Chang'an buys a valuable crystal from Zheng Qingqing.
• Zheng Qingqing and Zheng Songfeng: They discuss the battle and Li Chang'an's wood. Zheng Qingqing shows understanding and patience, while Zheng Songfeng feels vexed and embarrassed.

Plot and events

• Li Chang’an attends the scheduled Auction but finds no bargains, having already bought the worthwhile items beforehand. He purchases the final treasures needed for the Eighth Stage of Body Tempering.
• He continues his routine of Qi and Body Refining and Alchemy. Within nine months, he advances to refining Tier 1 high-grade Pills—a remarkably fast achievement—but remains frustrated by his weaker cultivation talent and the lack of known methods to improve spiritual roots.
• Over the following months, he sells Pills, talismans, and Puppets in the Black Market, guided safely by his divination ability.
• A new divination predicts that a Rogue Cultivator will attack him after following him from the Black Market, and that defeating the attacker will earn him a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s favor. Li Chang’an prepares carefully, disguising his aura and using a speed Puppet to conduct the sale.
• A black-robed man follows him far from the market and invites him to Black Wind Mountain. Li Chang’an pretends to know the mountain’s Great Leader, then launches an ambush with his Ghost Needle, Yellow Sand Dog, and Puppet.
• The attacker is Liu Lu, Black Wind Mountain’s Second Boss. Li Chang’an quickly traps and defeats him, taking his storage pouch. Liu Lu reveals that the Great Leader has gone to Yellow Crane Immortal City to seek Foundation Establishment.
• As Li Chang’an questions Liu Lu about the Great Leader’s whereabouts, an unseen woman suddenly appears and asks where in the city the man is. Neither cultivator noticed her arrival.

Character developments and interactions

• Li Chang’an demonstrates growing confidence and caution: he prepares thoroughly for the predicted encounter and uses deception, traps, and multiple powerful assets to win quickly. His Alchemy talent continues to flourish, though he still envies those with stronger cultivation aptitude.
• Liu Lu shifts from would-be attacker to desperate captive. Recognizing Li Chang’an, he realizes he is facing the cultivator responsible for the losses Black Wind Mountain has suffered and gives up information in hopes of survival.
• The mysterious woman enters abruptly at the end, suggesting an interest in the Black Wind Mountain leader and creating a new, unresolved complication.
• Li Chang’an’s thoughts turn from the immediate reward of a Foundation Establishment favor to the danger of the Great Leader potentially becoming a Foundation Establishment enemy.

Significant themes

• Preparation and strategic advantage: Li Chang’an’s divination, disguise, and coordinated use of his resources make an ambush manageable.
• Talent versus effort: His rapid progress in Alchemy contrasts with his disappointment in his cultivation talent and his search for ways to improve his spiritual root.
• Escalating conflict and security: Foundation Establishment connections can offer protection, but the possibility of a powerful enemy reaching that stage raises the stakes.
• The decline of the Cultivation World: Li Chang’an reflects that legendary geniuses recorded in ancient legacies seem absent from the present era.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an encounters Pei Yingyao, a Mid Foundation Establishment Sword Cultivator and disciple of True Person Yellow Crane, who is hostile towards Black Wind Mountain.
• Pei Yingyao takes Liu Lu, the Second Boss of Black Wind Mountain, for questioning, leaving Li Chang'an with a Jade Token for future aid.
• Li Chang'an discovers valuable treasures in Liu Lu's Storage Bag, including a Dark Nether Water Bead that accelerates his Profound Water Turtle's growth.
• The Profound Water Turtle grows to First-tier Peak and lends its mana to Li Chang'an, helping him reach the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining.
• Li Chang'an attempts to draw Tier 2 Talismans, showing significant improvement but still failing.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an gains the favor of a powerful Foundation Establishment cultivator, Pei Yingyao, and acquires a valuable Jade Token.
• The Profound Water Turtle grows stronger and helps Li Chang'an advance in cultivation.
• Li Chang'an's Talisman Drawing skills improve significantly.

Significant Themes

• The importance of one's own cultivation versus reliance on external objects.
• The advantages and risks of Spiritual Beast mana borrowing.
• The dedication and perseverance required for skill improvement (Talisman Drawing).

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an interacts with Pei Yingyao, showing respect and deference to her power and status.
• Li Chang'an communicates with the Profound Water Turtle, ordering it to lend its mana and expressing concern for its safety during a potential breakthrough.
• No other significant interactions occur in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an successfully creates a Second Tier Low Grade talisman, the Wind Transformation Talisman, becoming a Tier 2 Talisman Master.
• He attempts to create a Three-Sword Formation using Blood Sword Talismans, which proves to be powerful and difficult to control.
• Li Chang'an receives a divination result that predicts he will kill Cao Shaolin, a Foundation Establishment Seed of the Cao Family, and obtain the Purple Jade Ginseng herb.
• Zheng Gan, controlled by Li Chang'an, delivers a Blood Heart Fruit to Cao Shaolin at Clear Heart Pool.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an's talisman crafting skills improve, allowing him to create more powerful talismans and sword formations.
• Cao Shaolin, despite being a Foundation Establishment Seed, is cautious and avoids entering Clear River Market due to his previous failure.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: Li Chang'an's new talismans and sword formations grant him more power and control over situations.
• Caution and preparation: Both Li Chang'an and Cao Shaolin exhibit caution in their actions, with Li Chang'an preparing for a potential confrontation and Cao Shaolin avoiding Clear River Market.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an, through Zheng Gan, interacts with Cao Shaolin, setting the stage for a potential confrontation.
• Zheng Lingfeng interacts with Zheng Gan, unaware of the latter's true allegiance, and sends him to deliver the Blood Heart Fruit to Cao Shaolin.

Key Plot Points

• Li Chang'an ambushes Cao Shaolin using Blood Sword Talismans.
• Cao Shaolin attempts to flee but is relentlessly pursued by Li Chang'an.
• Cao Shaolin reveals his identity and begs for mercy, but Li Chang'an kills him.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates his powerful cultivation (Ninth Layer of Qi Refining) and spellcasting abilities, proving himself a formidable opponent.
• Cao Shaolin, despite being a Foundation Establishment Seed, is unable to withstand Li Chang'an's onslaught and dies.

Significant Themes

• The power of hidden cultivation and unexpected strength.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemies.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Cao Shaolin's chase and final confrontation.
• Cao Shaolin's realization of Li Chang'an's true strength and his desperate attempt to beg for mercy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an kills Cao Shaolin, takes his treasures, and escapes.
• Cao Zhengxiong, the Cao Family's Foundation Establishment Ancestor, arrives and is enraged by Cao Shaolin's death.
• Li Chang'an hides underground to avoid pursuit and examines the loot.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates his cunning and ruthlessness in killing Cao Shaolin and taking his treasures.
• Cao Zhengxiong shows his protective nature towards his clan's prodigies and his anger at Cao Shaolin's death.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and resources between clans and sects.
• The value of Spiritual Medicines and Artifacts in cultivation.
• The risks and rewards of cultivator actions.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Cao Shaolin's interaction is brief but intense, leading to Cao Shaolin's death.
• Cao Zhengxiong's arrival and reaction to Cao Shaolin's death show his strong connection to his clan's prodigies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an completes his Body Refining cultivation to the seventh stage and breaks through to the seventh layer of Qi Refining.
• He learns about an upcoming auction in Yellow Crane Immortal City, where four Blood Dragon Vines will be sold, a crucial ingredient for his Foundation Establishment Pill.
• He trades with Zheng Qingqing for treasures needed for his Body Refining cultivation and learns that she too is going to the immortal city to attempt Foundation Establishment.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an's cultivation advances significantly, with both his Body Refining and Qi Refining reaching new stages.
• Zheng Qingqing, now on friendly terms with Li Chang'an, is planning to attempt Foundation Establishment.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Advancement: Li Chang'an's continuous breakthroughs highlight the theme of persistent effort and growth in cultivation.
• Opportunity and Ambition: The auction in Yellow Crane Immortal City represents an opportunity for Li Chang'an to acquire crucial resources, fueling his ambition for Foundation Establishment.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an interacts with Zheng Qingqing, leading to a beneficial trade and shared plans to travel to the immortal city, fostering their friendly relationship.
• Li Chang'an's Spiritual Beasts, Da Huang and Little Black, accompany him and are mentioned to be preparing for their own advancements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an and Zheng Qingqing plan to travel together to Yellow Crane Immortal City.
• Li Chang'an receives a 'Greatly Ominous' divination result, warning of an ambush by two Foundation Establishment cultivators (Cao Family Ancestor and Five Poisons Rogue Cultivator).
• They decide to delay their departure to avoid the ambush.
• After seven days, they set out again with false information given to the Zheng Family Internal.
• The journey is smooth, as predicted by a 'Neutral' divination result.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an shows concern for Zheng Qingqing's safety and demonstrates his strategic thinking in avoiding the ambush.
• Zheng Qingqing shows trust in Li Chang'an and follows his advice, displaying her cleverness in understanding the potential betrayal within her family.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and trust within families (Zheng Family Internal).
• The importance of caution and preparation in cultivator life.
• The power of divination in predicting and avoiding danger.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Zheng Qingqing grow closer as they share stories and face potential danger together.
• Zheng Qingqing's trust in Li Chang'an deepens as he helps her avoid the ambush.
• Li Chang'an's concern for Zheng Qingqing's safety shows his growing regard for her as a friend and ally.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an and Zheng Qingqing arrive at Yellow Crane Immortal City.
• Li Chang'an meets Xu Fugui, who has improved significantly in cultivation and appearance.
• Li Chang'an meets Xu Fugui's senior brothers and sister, and they have a meal together.
• Mo Chen, Xu Fugui's second senior brother, seeks Huang Feng's help to turn their master against Xu Fugui.

Character Developments

• Xu Fugui has improved his cultivation to the sixth layer of Qi Refining and has a better appearance, reflecting his improved life in the immortal city.
• Mo Chen is jealous of Xu Fugui's treatment by their master and seeks to undermine him.

Significant Themes

• The importance of relationships and networking in the cultivation world.
• The pursuit of immortality and resources as the ultimate goal of cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an reunites with Xu Fugui, who is happy to see him and eager to show off his new life.
• Mo Chen seeks Huang Feng's help to turn their master against Xu Fugui, revealing his jealousy and desire for power.
• Huang Feng agrees to help Mo Chen, seeing Li Chang'an as an obstacle to his own goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Fugui introduces a new Spirit Meal, 'Jade Branch Tree', to Li Chang'an at Yuelai Restaurant.
• Immortal City Enforcers arrive, seeking Li Chang'an for colluding with Rogue Cultivators.
• Xu Fugui defends Li Chang'an, blocking the Enforcers from entering.
• Li Chang'an's fellow disciples, including Tang Suran and Gu Shanxing, try to persuade Xu Fugui to let the Enforcers take Li Chang'an.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an: His past is revealed to be more complex than initially thought, with possible ties to Rogue Cultivators.
• Xu Fugui: Stands up for Li Chang'an, demonstrating loyalty and belief in his big brother's innocence.
• Huang Feng (Enforcer Captain): Shows determination in upholding the law, even against powerful cultivators like Li Chang'an.
• Tang Suran & Gu Shanxing: Try to reason with Xu Fugui, showing concern for the restaurant and their Master's reputation.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Law: Xu Fugui's loyalty to Li Chang'an conflicts with the Enforcers' duty to uphold the law.
• The Past's Impact on the Present: Li Chang'an's past actions may have consequences in the present, challenging his current identity.

Character Interactions

• Xu Fugui & Li Chang'an: Their brotherly bond is tested as Li Chang'an's past comes to light.
• Xu Fugui & Enforcers: Xu Fugui's defiance against the Enforcers highlights the power dynamics between cultivators and the law.
• Xu Fugui, Tang Suran, & Gu Shanxing: The three disciples discuss how to handle the situation, showing their differing views and priorities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huang Feng, a Golden Core True Person's grand-disciple and Immortal City Enforcer, accuses Li Chang'an of colluding with Rogue Cultivators.
• Two captured Rogue Cultivators identify Li Chang'an as their accomplice.
• Li Chang'an maintains his innocence and awaits the arrival of a friend who can prove his innocence.
• A powerful Foundation Establishment cultivator, Pei Yingyao, arrives, revealing herself as Li Chang'an's friend.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an remains calm and composed despite the accusations, indicating his confidence in his innocence and the arrival of his friend.
• Huang Feng shows his narrow-mindedness and eagerness to implicate Li Chang'an.
• Xu Fugui struggles between loyalty to Li Chang'an and his master, Wang Fu'an.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and friendship (Li Chang'an's trust in his friend, Xu Fugui's loyalty to Li Chang'an)
• Power dynamics and corruption (Huang Feng's abuse of power, the fear of the Black Prison)
• The consequences of false accusations (potential imprisonment and torture in the Black Prison)

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Huang Feng: Li Chang'an maintains his innocence, while Huang Feng grows increasingly hostile.
• Li Chang'an and Xu Fugui: Li Chang'an reassures Xu Fugui that help is coming, while Xu Fugui struggles with his loyalty to Li Chang'an and his master.
• Huang Feng and Pei Yingyao: Huang Feng bows to Pei Yingyao, acknowledging her superior strength and status.
• Tang Suran, Mo Chen, and Gu Shanxing: They warn Xu Fugui to step aside, fearing implication in the matter and potential harm to the restaurant and their master.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pei Yingyao, a Foundation Establishment cultivator and disciple of True Person Yellow Crane, arrives at Yuelai Restaurant to support Li Chang'an.
• She silences the two Rogue Cultivators involved in framing Li Chang'an by killing them and burning their bodies.
• Huang Feng, the Immortal City Enforcer leading the operation, is severely injured by Pei Yingyao after trying to shift blame.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an gains the protection of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, boosting his status in Immortal City.
• Huang Feng's reputation is tarnished, and he suffers severe injuries, marking a significant setback in his career.
• Pei Yingyao demonstrates her power and influence, striking fear into those around her.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchies within the cultivation world, where the strong are respected and feared.
• The consequences of abusing authority and framing others, as seen in Huang Feng's downfall.
• The importance of connections and backing in the cultivation world, as Li Chang'an's friendship with Pei Yingyao saves him from a dire situation.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Pei Yingyao: Their interaction solidifies their bond, with Pei Yingyao offering her protection and Li Chang'an expressing gratitude and respect.
• Pei Yingyao and Huang Feng: Their interaction showcases Pei Yingyao's power and lack of mercy, as she severely injures Huang Feng for his insubordination.
• Xu Fugui and the other Immortal City Enforcers: They are intimidated by Pei Yingyao's presence and realize the gravity of the situation, leading to a shift in their attitudes toward Li Chang'an.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an's identity as Pei Yu's disciple is revealed, saving him from being sent to the Black Prison.
• Li Chang'an sets up powerful formations to protect his new residence.
• He picks up a bargain, a second-tier treasure, in the immortal city's Trading Area.
• He continues searching for treasures suitable for the Profound Water Turtle's advancement, including the Cold Nether Pill.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates his calm and collected demeanor, even in tense situations.
• Xu Fugui shows growth and maturity, understanding the importance of caution in dealing with others, like his second senior brother, Mo Chen.

Significant Themes

• The power of connections and backing in the cultivation world (Li Chang'an's relationship with Pei Yu).
• The importance of caution and vigilance in dealing with others (Li Chang'an's warning to Xu Fugui about Mo Chen).

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Xu Fugui's brotherly relationship strengthens as they share concerns and advice.
• Li Chang'an and Chu Daniu catch up, with Li Chang'an expressing support for Chu Daniu's new mentor.
• Li Chang'an and Xu Fugui discuss the Cold Nether Pill, with Xu Fugui bringing promising news.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an attends a Small Trade Fair, where he meets Zhou Xuan, a Beast Tamer from the Zhou family, and purchases a Cold Nether Pill.
• Li Chang'an buys several pills to aid Demonic Beasts' advancement and a Tier 2 treasure, Sea Blue Marrow, to increase the success rate of breakthroughs.
• Li Chang'an meets his neighbors, Wang Dong (Artifact Refiner) and Ye Luo (Spirit Planter Master), and trades with Ye Luo for Spiritual Medicines.
• Xu Fugui informs Li Chang'an about a Foundation Establishment spiritual item up for exchange, which could help Tang Suran treat her injuries.
• Huang Feng, injured by Pei Yingyao, plots against Li Chang'an with his senior brother, Huang Liang, who suggests hiring an assassin from Black Wind Mountain.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an continues to expand his network and resources, demonstrating his strategic thinking and determination to help his Demonic Beast, Little Black.
• Zhou Xuan shows arrogance due to his family background but is willing to help Li Chang'an, indicating a potential ally.
• Huang Feng is cautious and afraid after his previous defeat, while Huang Liang is more calculating and ruthless.

Significant Themes

• The importance of connections and networking in the cultivation world.
• The ruthless nature of competition among cultivators.
• The value of favors and debts in cultivator society.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an interacts with various cultivators, demonstrating his ability to build relationships and make deals.
• Huang Feng and Huang Liang discuss their plans against Li Chang'an, highlighting their enmity and willingness to use underhanded methods.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an visits Yuelai Restaurant to potentially obtain a Foundation Establishment spiritual item, the Seven-leaf Colorful Lotus, from his Eldest Senior Sister, Tang Suran.
• Tang Suran, who found the Lotus, is poisoned and seeks a suitable cultivator to use it, increasing their chances of successful Foundation Establishment.
• Several cultivators, including Gu Shanxing, express interest in the Lotus. After consideration, Tang Suran gives it to Gu Shanxing due to his higher cultivation level and better prospects.
• Tang Suran gifts Li Chang'an a map to the Ancient Wood Secret Realm, where more Foundation Establishment spiritual items might be found.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an remains calm and composed, accepting that he's not the best candidate for the Lotus and focusing on his own cultivation progress.
• Tang Suran shows wisdom and responsibility in choosing the best candidate for the Lotus, prioritizing the item's effective use.
• Gu Shanxing demonstrates determination and confidence in his pursuit of the Lotus.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Opportunity: The Lotus's distribution highlights the importance of talent and timing in cultivation progress.
• Responsibility and Wisdom: Tang Suran's decision-making showcases the responsibility of a senior cultivator and the wisdom to make the most of resources.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Xu Fugui: Li Chang'an maintains a relaxed attitude, while Xu Fugui is more invested in obtaining the Lotus for Li Chang'an.
• Tang Suran and Gu Shanxing: Tang Suran chooses Gu Shanxing for the Lotus, believing him to be the better candidate, and Gu Shanxing vows to use it to help Tang Suran.
• Li Chang'an and Gu Shanxing: There's a subtle rivalry between them, with Gu Shanxing more confident in his prospects and Li Chang'an accepting his lower chances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an learns about a Foundation Establishment cultivator who will go mad due to fear of death, similar to a Senior he met before.
• He decides not to attend the Foundation Establishment cultivator's Birthday Banquet to avoid potential danger.
• Li Chang'an is invited to the banquet by Zhou Xuan, who offers him an opportunity to obtain a Mysterious Crystal, a precious Water-element treasure.
• Li Chang'an declines the invitation due to his 'illness' from a failed breakthrough.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an shows caution and wisdom in avoiding potential risks.
• Zhou Xuan displays ambition and opportunism, aiming to profit from the situation.

Significant Themes

• Fear of death and its influence on one's mind and actions.
• The pursuit of power and wealth, even at the risk of one's life.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Zhou Xuan: Zhou tries to persuade Li to attend the banquet, but Li declines due to his 'illness'.
• Li Chang'an and Xu Fugui: Li warns Xu not to attend the banquet due to his premonition of danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• News of the Zhou family elder's sudden madness and killing spree at the Birthday Banquet reaches Yuelai Restaurant.
• Xu Fugui, who didn't attend the banquet, is shocked and grateful for Li Chang'an's earlier caution.
• Li Chang'an learns about the incident from Wang Dong and decides to investigate further.
• Zhou Xuan, who attended the banquet, survives but is traumatized. He tells Li Chang'an that the Zhou family elder's Mysterious Crystal is with his maternal uncle, who wants an Azure Dew treasure in exchange.

Character Developments

• Xu Fugui reflects on his underestimation of Li Chang'an's wisdom and experience.
• Li Chang'an demonstrates his calm and calculated approach to situations.
• Zhou Xuan shows his resourcefulness and eagerness to please Li Chang'an for personal gain.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of cultivators, even at high levels.
• The value of caution and wisdom in decision-making.
• The importance of connections and favors in cultivation society.

Character Interactions

• Xu Fugui and Li Chang'an: Xu Fugui realizes Li Chang'an's wisdom and is grateful for his caution.
• Li Chang'an and Wang Dong: They discuss the incident, and Wang Dong admires Pei Yingyao's skill.
• Li Chang'an and Zhou Xuan: Zhou Xuan tells Li Chang'an about the Mysterious Crystal's whereabouts and the required exchange, showing his eagerness to please Li Chang'an.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an attends the Auction at Yellow Crane Immortal City.
• The Auction features rare treasures, including a Pulse Protecting Pill, a Five-Colored Stone (Foundation Establishment spiritual item), and four Blood Dragon Vines (key ingredient for the Foundation Establishment Pill).
• Li Chang'an's divination reveals he will buy a golden Buddha statue containing a Second-grade Spirit Tool, the Spirit Severing Bowl, at a low price.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an shows restraint in bidding, focusing on strategic spending.
• Sima Rui, True Person Yellow Crane's Sixth Disciple, presides over the Auction, displaying his influence and power.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and resources (Foundation Establishment Pill ingredients, Spirit Tools) drives cultivators' actions.
• Cooperation and competition coexist among cultivators, as seen in the bidding for the Blood Dragon Vine.

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an interacts with the crowd, observing their excitement and competition for the Blood Dragon Vine.
• Sima Rui engages the audience, skillfully managing the Auction's atmosphere.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chang'an attends the Auction of Yellow Crane Immortal City.
• He successfully bids for the first Blood Dragon Vine for 6,000 Spirit Stones.
• He also wins a Buddha Statue for 160 Spirit Stones, suspected to be related to the Hexagram Image.
• Zheng Qingqing, disguised, competes with Li Chang'an for a Bodhi Incense, which they decide to share.
• The final Blood Dragon Vine sells for 6,900 Spirit Stones.
• Zheng Qingqing plans to attempt Foundation Establishment the next day.

Character Developments

• Li Chang'an demonstrates his determination and strategic thinking in bidding.
• Zheng Qingqing shows her resolve and preparation for Foundation Establishment.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic bidding in auctions.
• The resolve and preparation required for major cultivation breakthroughs (Foundation Establishment).

Character Interactions

• Li Chang'an and Zheng Qingqing interact through voice transmission during the auction, showing mutual respect and cooperation.
• Li Chang'an and Zheng Qingqing meet after the auction to split the Bodhi Incense, reinforcing their alliance and friendship.