Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen arrives at the Capital with the Dragon Tiger Escort Agency.
• He learns about the political climate and the threat from the Zhang family and Imperial Son-in-Law, Zhang Gaoqiu.
• Xie Lingyun, a powerful ally, picks him up in a luxurious carriage pulled by white tiger demons.
• Zhang Chen learns that many influential figures want him dead, including the Pacifying Border King's allies and the Eight Great Families.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen remains calm and composed despite the threats and dangers.
• Xie Lingyun demonstrates her power and influence by picking Zhang Chen up in a lavish manner.
• Zhang Gaoqiu is portrayed as a significant threat, using his status as Imperial Son-in-Law to gain support.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the Capital.
• The struggle for influence and control among the noble families and the royal court.
• Zhang Chen's precarious position and the need for allies and protection.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen interacts with Chen Ping, the leader of the Dragon Tiger Escort Agency, discussing their plans upon arrival in the Capital.
• Zhang Chen reunites with Xie Lingyun, who updates him on the political situation and offers her support.
• Zhang Chen learns about the threats against him from various powerful figures, including the Pacifying Border King's allies and the Eight Great Families.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen learns about his grandfather, Zhong Wu Bai, supporting him against the Northern Lands' envoy.
• Xie Lingyun takes Zhang Chen to the Inspectorate to reveal the truth about his father's demotion and the Zhang Family's betrayal.
• They discover that Zhang Chen's identity is a crucial node in the struggle between the Imperial Court and the Zhang Family.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen: Realizes the complexity of his identity and the delicate political situation. He also understands the true nature of the Eight Great Families and the Pacifying Border Prince's Mansion.
• Xie Lingyun: Shows her loyalty and support to Zhang Chen, revealing crucial information about his family's past.

Significant Themes

• Identity: Zhang Chen's identity is a central issue, affecting his actions and relationships within the Capital.
• Betrayal: The betrayal of Zhang Chen's father by a family member is a significant event that shaped the current political landscape.
• Power Struggles: The conflict between the Imperial Court, the Eight Great Families, and the Pacifying Border Prince's Mansion highlights the theme of power struggles.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun: They share a close bond, with Xie Lingyun acting as a mentor and confidante to Zhang Chen, providing him with vital information and guidance.
• Zhang Chen and Zhong Wu Bai: Though not present in this chapter, their relationship is mentioned, showing Zhong Wu Bai's support for Zhang Chen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen learns about the political maneuverings involving him, including the Great Interior Royal Family and the Eight Great Families' intentions to use him as a pawn.
• Zhang Chen decides to visit Old Master Zhong to secure a reliable identity in the Capital and gain support.
• Zhang Chen prepares gifts (elixirs that can advance cultivation to the Tenth Rank) for Xie Lingyun and Old Master Zhong to secure their support.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen: Realizes the political complexities and decides to use both sides against each other to weaken them before striking. Shows strategic thinking and confidence in his abilities.
• Xie Lingyun: Aids Zhang Chen, offering advice and support. Shows concern for Zhang Chen's well-being and safety.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuverings among the royal family and noble clans.
• The importance of cultivation and resources (like the elixirs) in gaining influence and power.
• Zhang Chen's growing confidence in his abilities and plans.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun: They discuss strategies and plans, with Xie Lingyun offering guidance and Zhang Chen making the final decisions.
• Zhang Chen and Old Master Zhong (implied): Zhang Chen plans to visit Old Master Zhong to gain his support, offering an elixir as a gift.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen arrives in the capital and seeks an audience with Zhong Wu Bai.
• Zhong Wu Bai agrees to support Zhang Chen's request before the Son of Heaven, but advises him to also persuade Grand Tutor Ji Shen.
• Zhang Chen offers Zhong Wu Bai a breakthrough elixir as a token of gratitude.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen: Shows respect and gratitude towards Zhong Wu Bai, and is willing to seek help from Grand Tutor Ji Shen.
• Zhong Wu Bai: Demonstrates his willingness to support Zhang Chen, despite the potential risks involved. He also shows caution and wisdom in advising Zhang Chen to seek additional support.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and friendship: Zhang Chen's visit and Zhong Wu Bai's immediate support highlight their strong bond.
• Power dynamics: The need to persuade Grand Tutor Ji Shen underscores the political complexities and the influence of key figures in the capital.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Zhong Wu Bai: Their interaction shows mutual respect and understanding, with Zhong Wu Bai treating Zhang Chen like family and Zhang Chen showing deference and gratitude towards Zhong Wu Bai.
• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun: Their dynamic is friendly and cooperative, with Xie Lingyun supporting Zhang Chen's actions and providing insightful input.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Wu Bai takes the elixir from Xie Lingyun and Zhang Chen to break through to the Tenth Rank.
• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun are attacked by the Great Black Dog in their carriage.
• The Great Black Dog is revealed to be an ancient demon and an old acquaintance of Zhang Chen.
• Ji Feihua, the Heaven's Chosen maiden and Ji family's granddaughter, arrives and apologizes for the Great Black Dog's behavior.
• Zhang Chen offers to heal Ji Feihua's injuries and bestow upon her great fortune.

Character Developments

• Zhong Wu Bai shows impatience and eagerness to break through to the Tenth Rank.
• Zhang Chen demonstrates his connection with the Great Black Dog and his ability to heal Ji Feihua.
• The Great Black Dog reveals its true nature as an ancient demon and its history with Zhang Chen.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient demons and their connection to the Immortal Dao.
• The potential for great fortune and growth in the face of adversity.
• The consequences of Zhong Wu Bai's impatience and eagerness for power.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun work together to deal with the Great Black Dog.
• Zhang Chen and the Great Black Dog reunite and have a tense interaction.
• Ji Feihua meets Zhang Chen and expresses her desire for healing and growth.
• The Great Black Dog and Ji Feihua form a bond, with the dog referring to her as its "benefactor."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen offers to teach the Great Black Dog (Howling Sky Divine Lord) the Mysterious Art Transformations in exchange for the dog's cooperation.
• They gamble on Zhang Chen's ability to find a Pan Peach from the Queen Mother of the West. If Zhang Chen wins, he gets the Mysterious Art Transformations; if he loses, he becomes the dog's human pet.
• They return to the Inspectorate, and Zhang Chen examines Ji Feihua's injuries.
• Zhang Chen and the Great Black Dog have a physical altercation, with Xie Lingyun getting involved and being 'marked' by the dog.
• Zhang Chen pulls the dog away and threatens to eat roasted dog meat if it misbehaves.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen shows cunning and determination in his dealings with the Great Black Dog, aiming to gain its cooperation and techniques.
• The Great Black Dog, despite its loss of cultivation, remains arrogant and obnoxious, marking Xie Lingyun as its human pet.
• Xie Lingyun initially tries to help the Great Black Dog but ends up getting marked by it, leading to a physical altercation.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Zhang Chen tries to manipulate the Great Black Dog into cooperating with him, while the dog attempts to assert its dominance over Xie Lingyun.
• The consequences of arrogance: The Great Black Dog's overconfidence and obnoxious behavior lead to it being threatened with being eaten.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and the Great Black Dog: They engage in a physical altercation and a game of wits, with Zhang Chen trying to manipulate the dog into cooperating.
• Xie Lingyun and the Great Black Dog: Xie Lingyun initially tries to help the dog but ends up getting marked by it, leading to a physical altercation.
• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun: They work together to pull the Great Black Dog away, with Zhang Chen threatening to eat roasted dog meat if it misbehaves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen and the Great Black Dog (Howling Sky Divine Lord) reach an agreement; the Dog eats a nine-thousand-year-old Pan Peach, revealing the location of the Mysterious Art Transformations.
• Zhang Chen obtains the Mysterious Art Transformations and the complete 'Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art' cultivation method.
• Zhang Chen discovers the Great Black Dog is actually a puppy in disguise.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen: Obtains the complete 'Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art' cultivation method, learns about the Great Black Dog's true form.
• Great Black Dog (Howling Sky Divine Lord): Reveals its true form as a puppy after eating the Pan Peach.
• Xie Lingyun: Discovers the Great Black Dog's true form, learns about Zhang Chen's plan to help Ji Feihua and her own cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and deception: The Great Black Dog's true form and intentions.
• Cultivation and power: Zhang Chen's pursuit of the complete 'Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art' and his plans to help Xie Lingyun and Ji Feihua.
• Fortune and opportunity: The Pan Peach's role in revealing the Mysterious Art Transformations and the potential benefits for Xie Lingyun and Ji Feihua.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and the Great Black Dog: Bargain, reveal secrets, and interact playfully.
• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun: Share information about the Great Black Dog's true form, discuss plans to help Ji Feihua and Xie Lingyun's cultivation.
• Zhang Chen and Ji Feihua (off-page): Zhang Chen plans to help Ji Feihua resolve her illness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen returns to the Capital and meets Xie Lingyun, who updates him on his younger siblings' whereabouts.
• Zhang Chen decides to help Ji Feihua, a fallen Heaven's Chosen, to resolve her calamity.
• Zhang Chen discovers that Ji Feihua's soul is occupied by a wisp of a True Spirit from the Primordial Era, which is connected to the giant hand in his Ice Hell.
• Zhang Chen helps Ji Feihua expel the True Spirit, and she gains a trace of its extreme cold Source, enhancing her future prospects.
• Ji Feihua awakens with a unique Frost Domain, containing an anomaly that Zhang Chen's Frost Domain lacks.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen: Shows compassion and selflessness by helping Ji Feihua despite the risks. He also demonstrates his powerful abilities and understanding of his Ice Hell and Frost Domain.
• Ji Feihua: Overcomes her calamity and gains a unique Frost Domain, enhancing her potential as a cultivator.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: Zhang Chen and Ji Feihua's meeting is seen as fateful, and their encounter with the ancient True Spirit hints at a larger destiny.
• Power and responsibility: Zhang Chen's growing strength comes with the responsibility to help others, as seen in his decision to aid Ji Feihua.
• Transformation and growth: Both Zhang Chen and Ji Feihua undergo transformations, with Ji Feihua gaining a unique Frost Domain and Zhang Chen gaining a better understanding of his Ice Hell and its inhabitants.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun: They catch up on events and discuss Zhang Chen's plan to help Ji Feihua.
• Zhang Chen and Ji Feihua: Zhang Chen helps Ji Feihua expel the True Spirit occupying her soul, leading to her awakening with a unique Frost Domain. Their interaction is brief but significant, as it sets the stage for their future relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen treats Ji Feihua's cold affliction, resolving it and returning their clothes.
• Zhang Chen asks Ji Feihua to deliver an invitation to the Old Grand Tutor and to take the Great Black Dog with them.
• Two powerful cultivators in the Capital simultaneously break through to the Tenth Rank, causing anomalies in the sky.
• Du Guqiu, a high-ranking official, leaves the Imperial Palace to investigate the anomalies.
• Zhang Gaqi and Zhang Shenqi discuss the fate of Zhang Chen, with Zhang Shenqi advocating for his handover to the Pacifying Border King.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen: Shows kindness and responsibility by treating Ji Feihua and returning their clothes. He also displays foresight by using the Great Black Dog as an 'outside card' for future use.
• Ji Feihua: Shows gratitude and eagerness to repay Zhang Chen, accepting the Great Black Dog and the invitation to deliver.
• Zhang Gaqi: Displays familial loyalty and anger at the suggestion of handing over Zhang Chen.
• Zhang Shenqi: Shows political pragmatism and prioritizes the safety of the Eight Great Families over Zhang Chen's life.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Responsibility: Zhang Chen's actions towards Ji Feihua.
• Political Pragmatism: Zhang Shenqi's decision to prioritize the Eight Great Families' safety over Zhang Chen's life.
• Familial Loyalty: Zhang Gaqi's defense of Zhang Chen.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Ji Feihua: Zhang Chen treats Ji Feihua's cold affliction, and Ji Feihua expresses gratitude and eagerness to repay him.
• Zhang Gaqi and Zhang Shenqi: They clash over the decision to hand over Zhang Chen, with Zhang Gaqi prioritizing familial loyalty and Zhang Shenqi prioritizing political pragmatism.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Gaqi and Zhang Shenqi argue about Zhang Chen's fate; Zhang Shenqi wants him killed for the greater good of the Eight Great Families.
• Two cultivators break through to the Tenth Rank, Zhong Wu Bai and Xie Lingyun, causing a stir in the Capital.
• Ji Feihua returns home and seeks her grandfather, Ji Shen, to help Zhang Chen.

Character Developments

• Zhang Gaqi shows concern for his nephew, Zhang Chen, while Zhang Shenqi prioritizes the Eight Great Families' stability.
• Ji Feihua is grateful to Zhang Chen for curing her chronic illness and wants to help him, despite her grandfather's caution.
• Xie Lingyun, after breaking through to the Tenth Rank, is embarrassed about her see-through clothes and scolds Zhang Chen.

Significant Themes

• Family Loyalty vs. Greater Good: Zhang Gaqi and Zhang Shenqi debate whether to prioritize family or the stability of the Eight Great Families.
• Gratitude and Repayment: Ji Feihua feels indebted to Zhang Chen and wants to help him, while her grandfather warns against getting involved.
• Power and Status: The breakthroughs of Zhong Wu Bai and Xie Lingyun cause a stir, with dignitaries rushing to pay respects, highlighting the importance of power and status in the Capital.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Gaqi and Zhang Shenqi argue about Zhang Chen's fate, revealing their differing priorities.
• Ji Feihua seeks her grandfather's help for Zhang Chen, showing her gratitude and defiance against her grandfather's caution.
• Xie Lingyun and Zhang Chen interact, with Xie Lingyun scolding Zhang Chen for seeing her in a compromising position.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xie Lingyun, now at the Tenth Rank, meets with Zhou Qiucheng, her master's teacher.
• Zhou Qiucheng visits Xie Lingyun to discuss Zhang Chen's identity issue.
• Grand Tutor Ji Shen and his granddaughter visit, seeking Zhang Chen's help for Ji Feihua's illness.
• Xie Lingyun presents a plan to resolve Zhang Chen's identity issue, involving Grand Tutor Ji Shen's cooperation.

Character Developments

• Xie Lingyun: She has broken through to the Tenth Rank, demonstrating her exceptional cultivation progress. She shows concern for Zhang Chen's well-being and is willing to go to great lengths to help him.
• Zhou Qiucheng: He reveals that he knows about a newly created world and its potential opportunities for cultivation. He shows concern for Zhang Chen's safety and wants to help him secure a legitimate identity.
• Zhang Chen: He expresses confidence in his abilities and reveals that his cultivation has advanced significantly. He is willing to take risks to test the Human King's attitude towards him.
• Grand Tutor Ji Shen: He is grateful to Zhang Chen for curing Ji Feihua's illness and is willing to cooperate with Xie Lingyun's plan to help Zhang Chen.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Loyalty: Xie Lingyun and Zhou Qiucheng demonstrate their loyalty to Zhang Chen, willing to help him despite the risks involved.
• Power and Influence: The characters' ranks and positions in society significantly impact their decisions and actions, with higher ranks often commanding more respect and influence.
• Opportunity and Risk: The potential opportunities in the newly created world come with significant risks, reflecting the characters' willingness to take calculated risks for potential gains.

Character Interactions

• Xie Lingyun and Zhou Qiucheng: They show mutual respect and understanding, working together to help Zhang Chen.
• Zhang Chen and Zhou Qiucheng: They share a close bond, with Zhou Qiucheng expressing concern for Zhang Chen's safety and offering him opportunities within the Academy.
• Xie Lingyun and Grand Tutor Ji Shen: They maintain a respectful and cooperative relationship, with Xie Lingyun presenting a plan to resolve Zhang Chen's identity issue and Grand Tutor Ji Shen agreeing to cooperate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen, Xie Lingyun, and Ji Shen discuss strategies to secure Zhang Chen's legitimate identity and protect him from the Eight Great Families.
• Du Guqiu, the Grand Eunuch, visits Zhang Chen and promises to help him and the escort agency.
• Zhang Chen decides to help Bai Cang, a pawn against the Great Victory Royal Family, by creating an opportunity for him to meet the Great Victory Human King.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen: Shows strategic thinking and concern for his allies, such as Bai Cang. He also demonstrates his understanding of the complex political landscape and the limits of his relationships with powerful figures like Du Guqiu.
• Xie Lingyun: Breaks through to the Tenth Rank in cultivation, making her the foremost among the younger generation. She shows concern for Zhang Chen's well-being and advises him to prepare for the upcoming court session.
• Du Guqiu: Despite his help, Zhang Chen remains cautious about his loyalty, understanding that Du Guqiu's primary allegiance is to the royal family.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and loyalty: Zhang Chen's relationships with Zhong Xiang, Xie Lingyun, and Du Guqiu highlight the complexities of loyalty and friendship in the face of political intrigue.
• Power dynamics: The interactions between Zhang Chen, Xie Lingyun, Ji Shen, and Du Guqiu illustrate the shifting power dynamics within the Imperial Court and the Great Victory Royal Family.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun: They discuss strategies and share a mutual understanding, with Xie Lingyun showing concern for Zhang Chen's well-being.
• Zhang Chen and Du Guqiu: Despite their past friendship, Zhang Chen remains cautious about Du Guqiu's loyalty, understanding that the Grand Eunuch's primary allegiance is to the royal family.
• Zhang Chen and Bai Cang: Zhang Chen decides to help Bai Cang, showing his strategic thinking and willingness to support his allies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gong Chun, believed to be dead, appears leading the Five City Patrols to arrest Zhang Chen at the Inspectorate.
• Xie Lingyun defends Zhang Chen, stating he's lawfully detained for a case, driving Gong Chun away.
• Zhang Gaqi, Zhang Chen's Fourth Uncle, visits the Inspectorate to urge Zhang Chen to leave the Capital.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen: Shows surprise at Gong Chun's survival, remains calm and collected, and decides to confront the Gong Family.
• Xie Lingyun: Demonstrates her power and influence, protecting Zhang Chen and advising him on the Capital's dangers.
• Gong Chun: Reveals his audacity and desperation to kill Zhang Chen, but backs down when faced with Xie Lingyun's authority.
• Zhang Gaqi: Shows genuine concern for Zhang Chen's safety, urging him to leave the Capital to avoid danger.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and influence within the Capital and the Great Victory Dynasty.
• The struggle for survival and the need to confront enemies head-on.
• The importance of family and loyalty, as seen in Zhang Gaqi's actions.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun: They work together, with Xie Lingyun protecting Zhang Chen and providing advice.
• Zhang Chen and Gong Chun: Their animosity is clear, with Gong Chun trying to arrest Zhang Chen and Zhang Chen deciding to confront the Gong Family.
• Zhang Chen and Zhang Gaqi: They share a familial bond, with Zhang Gaqi genuinely concerned for Zhang Chen's safety and urging him to leave the Capital.

Zhang Chen refused Zhang Gaqi’s pleas to abandon his feud with the Zhang Family, while Xie Lingyun pledged the Xie Family’s full support. As the capital prepared for a court debate that could secure Zhang Chen’s pardon, Gong Chun and Zhang Shenqi began plotting to draw him out and kill him.

• Zhang Gaqi urged Zhang Chen to retreat from the conflict, but Zhang Chen rejected the offer and warned that anyone who came after him would die.
• Xie Lingyun promised that the Xie Family would stand with Zhang Chen, and Zhang Chen declared he would show no mercy to anyone who interfered.
• After seven days, Xie Lingyun told Zhang Chen that the Great Victory Human King would consider pardoning him if he awakened the Zhang Family bloodline and suppressed an uncanny entity.
• Zhang Chen agreed to the condition and asked Xie Lingyun to bring the Pacifying Border King's consort to the court assembly, concealing his suspicion that Fox Spirit possessed her.
• Gong Chun told Zhang Shenqi that the Human King planned to pardon Zhang Chen, and they discussed forcing him out of the Inspection Directorate so they could eliminate him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Shenqi and Gong Chun discuss using Zhang Chen's siblings as bait to lure him out of the Inspectorate.
• Zhang Shenqi agrees to help with information but refuses to actively participate in abducting the children.
• Zhang Chen meets Xie Lingyun and Xie Xuan, who plan to break through to the Tenth Rank before entering the palace.
• Xie Xuan successfully breaks through to the Tenth Rank, causing a sensation at the Royal Palace.
• Zhang Chen is led to wait in a side hall of the court assembly, observing the ministers.
• The Human King grants the Xie Family a Waterside Pavilion Manor and the right to collect Incense from all over the world.
• Gong Chun reports to the Human King about Zhang Chen's return and requests his execution.

Character Developments

• Zhang Shenqi shows reluctance to harm his own family members, prioritizing his position and reputation within the Zhang Family.
• Xie Xuan and Xie Lingyun display their power and influence by breaking through to the Tenth Rank together, gaining favor with the Human King.
• Gong Chun demonstrates his ambition and willingness to manipulate others to achieve his goals.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering within the court.
• The importance of family and reputation in maintaining one's position and influence.
• The pursuit of cultivation and personal growth, even at the cost of personal relationships.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Shenqi and Gong Chun discuss their plans, with Zhang Shenqi initially refusing to participate but later agreeing to provide information.
• Zhang Chen meets Xie Lingyun and Xie Xuan, offering an elixir to help Xie Xuan break through to the Tenth Rank and gaining their favor.
• The Xie Family father and daughter interact with the Human King, receiving rewards and recognition for their cultivation achievements.
• Gong Chun reports to the Human King about Zhang Chen, attempting to sway the king's opinion against him.

Zhang Chen appeared before the Great Victory Human King and exposed the Pacifying Border Prince's Mansion's plans to rebel, seeking to clear himself of the charge of abandoning his post. The Human King accepted his account, but Zhang Shenqi and the Eight Great Families demanded Zhang Chen's execution because of his father's crimes.

• Gong Chun and members of the Eight Great Families urged the Great Victory Human King to execute Zhang Chen, and Zhang Shenqi also called for his nephew's death in the name of royal law.
• At Zhou Qiucheng's request, the Human King summoned Zhang Chen to court, where Zhang Chen asked to confront the Pacifying Border King's consort, Zhang Xiaolan.
• Zhang Xiaolan entered and used her Fox Clan charm arts to captivate the court, but Zhang Chen resisted the allure with the Eye of Heavenly Punishment.
• Zhang Chen accused the Pacifying Border Prince's Mansion of plotting rebellion with the Demon Race and explained how he had thwarted its schemes and fled the north.
• The Human King accepted Zhang Chen's account and said secret reports confirmed it, but Zhang Shenqi and the Eight Great Families renewed their calls for Zhang Chen's execution over his father's rebellion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen faces execution due to the Pacifying Border King's threat.
• Court officials from the Eight Great Families request Zhang Chen's execution.
• Xie Lingyun, Xie Xuan, Zhong Wu Bai, and Grand Tutor Ji Shen defend Zhang Chen, arguing for his merits and the consequences of execution.
• The Great Victory Human King decides to pardon Zhang Chen's crimes if he achieves extraordinary merit within three years; otherwise, he will face punishment for both old and new offenses.
• Zhang Chen acknowledges his ancestors and returns to the Zhang family, knowing the Great Victory Son of Heaven's scheme to use him and the Eight Great Families' desire for his demise.
• Chu Mingyue, filled with hatred, threatens Zhang Chen.
• Xie Lingyun and Zhang Chen discuss their next course of action, with Zhang Chen planning to respond to the Eight Great Families' actions.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen: Shows resilience and strategic thinking, understanding the Great Victory Son of Heaven's scheme and planning to use him as well. He decides to respond to the Eight Great Families' actions.
• The Great Victory Human King: Reveals his manipulative nature, using Zhang Chen as a pawn to potentially eliminate the Eight Great Families.
• Chu Mingyue: Demonstrates his hatred for Zhang Chen, threatening him openly.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and power struggles within the court and the Yellow Heaven Dao.
• The consequences of actions and the importance of reciprocation in the face of adversity.
• The tension between the Great Victory Dynasty and the Pacifying Border Prince's Mansion, with the Demon Clan lurking nearby as a potential threat.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen interacts with Xie Lingyun, discussing their next course of action and gaining new insights about the Yellow Heaven Dao.
• Zhang Chen faces off against the Eight Great Families, understanding their desire for his demise and planning his response.
• Zhang Chen encounters Chu Mingyue's hatred, with Chu Mingyue threatening him openly.
• The Great Victory Human King manipulates the situation, using Zhang Chen as a pawn in his scheme.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen plans revenge against the Zhang Family for trying to kill him.
• Xie Lingyun advises him to enter the Academy first, accumulate resources, and wait for the right moment.
• Zhong Wu Bai, the old master of the Zhong Family, invites Zhang Chen to stay with them, offering protection and a place to live.
• Zhang Gaqi and Zhang Shenqi attempt to intercept Zhang Chen, but he refuses to speak with them.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen remains determined to seek revenge against the Zhang Family but also shows restraint and strategic thinking, planning to join the Academy first.
• Xie Lingyun demonstrates concern for Zhang Chen's safety and well-being, showing a growing bond between them.
• Zhong Wu Bai shows kindness and support towards Zhang Chen, hinting at a potential match with his niece, Zhong Xiang.
• Zhang Gaqi reveals his fear of Zhang Chen's return causing internal strife within the Zhang Family, hinting at Zhang Shenqi's questionable ascension to power.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and the consequences of past actions.
• The importance of patience and strategic planning.
• The complexity of family dynamics and power struggles.
• The potential for alliances and support from unexpected sources.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Xie Lingyun: They show mutual respect and understanding, with Xie Lingyun offering advice and Zhang Chen showing appreciation.
• Zhang Chen and Zhong Wu Bai: They establish a friendly relationship, with Zhong Wu Bai offering help and Zhang Chen showing gratitude.
• Zhang Chen and Zhang Gaqi/Zhang Shenqi: Tension and unresolved issues remain between them, with Zhang Chen refusing to engage in conversation and Zhang Gaqi showing concern for the potential fallout of Zhang Chen's return.

Zhang Chen returned to the capital with Zhong Wu Bai and was welcomed into the Zhong Family, while Zhang Gaqi failed to persuade him to reconsider. In his guest room, Zhang Chen raised his Invisibility Talisman to law grade and began strengthening the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art, but its enormous point costs and the worsening upheaval made him reluctant to spend his reserves.

• Zhang Chen called Zhang Gaqi a fool caught between ideals and reality, then admitted he might have to destroy his enemies rather than risk his own life.
• Zhang Gaqi resolved to persuade Zhang Chen to change his mind, while Zhang Shenqi dismissed the effort and left.
• Zhong Wu Bai brought Zhang Chen to the Zhong Family residence, introduced him to the family, and hosted him at a lengthy banquet before settling him in a guarded guest room.
• Zhang Chen dissolved the Queen Mother of the West's tomb jade and other supplies to raise the Invisibility Talisman to law grade, gaining a powerful invisibility technique that failed when he attacked or used energy.
• Zhang Chen upgraded the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art to first order but lacked enough points to advance it further, and he kept his pills and pan peaches in reserve for the worsening upheaval.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Chen aims to advance his Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art to the third stage to unlock the Transformation Technique.
• He consumes elixirs to increase his Experience Points, reaching the third stage.
• Zhang Chen demonstrates his Transformation Technique, turning into various objects, but it has a flaw: it breaks if the attack power exceeds the limit.
• Zhang Chen realizes that his internal Mana and the Heaven and Earth Essence have reached a delicate balance, causing distress about future breakthroughs.
• He decides to visit the Zhang Family to reclaim his honor after consolidating his new cultivation level.

Character Developments

• Zhang Chen advances his cultivation, gaining new abilities and insights.
• He becomes more confident and assertive, showing less deference to Zhong Wu Bai.
• Zhang Chen's cultivation secrets are hinted at, but he remains guarded about them.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and its challenges: Zhang Chen faces new obstacles in his cultivation journey, particularly the delicate balance of his internal Mana and the Heaven and Earth Essence.
• Power dynamics: Zhang Chen's increased cultivation power shifts the balance of power between him and Zhong Wu Bai.
• Secrecy and trust: Zhang Chen is secretive about his cultivation progress, while Zhong Wu Bai respects his privacy, highlighting the delicate nature of their relationship.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Chen and Zhong Wu Bai: Their interaction reveals Zhang Chen's newfound confidence and Zhong Wu Bai's respect for his cultivation secrets. They discuss Zhang Chen's plan to visit the Zhang Family, with Zhong Wu Bai offering support and advice.
• Zhang Chen and the maids/servants: Zhang Chen's interaction with the maids and servants is minimal, with them merely bringing food and showing deference to him.