Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan meets a familiar immortal (a duplicate of the Sword Immortal) in the Inner Scenery Realm.
• The familiar immortal reveals she can't cross the barrier and will hibernate for three years.
• The Sword Immortal warns Wang Xuan about the dangers of the Inner Scenery Realm and the secrets it holds.
• The familiar immortal reveals the phrase "Old Covenant... Lock... True Word" before being struck by lightning and forced to leave.
• Wang Xuan wakes up and spars with Old Chen, who is pressuring him for information.
• Wang Xuan asks Old Chen to investigate the phrase "Old Covenant Lock True Word" and decides to leave for a year or two.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan becomes more aware of the complexity and danger of the situation left by the ancients and decides to investigate further.
• Old Chen becomes more cautious and concerned about the ancient people Wang Xuan interacts with, fearing the trouble they might bring.
• The Sword Immortal shows concern for Wang Xuan's safety and warns him about the dangers of the Inner Scenery Realm.

Significant Themes

• The complexity and danger of the ancient world and its secrets.
• The potential traps and schemes left by the ancients for future generations.
• The power dynamics and struggles among the ancient Immortal Lords.
• The importance of personal strength in facing future challenges.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and the Sword Immortal: They communicate through the barrier, with the Sword Immortal warning Wang Xuan about the dangers of the Inner Scenery Realm.
• Wang Xuan and Old Chen: They spar, with Old Chen pressuring Wang Xuan for information about the ancient people he interacts with. Wang Xuan asks Old Chen to investigate the phrase "Old Covenant Lock True Word."
• The Sword Immortal and her familiar immortal duplicate: They meet in the Inner Scenery Realm, with the familiar immortal revealing she can't cross the barrier and will hibernate for three years.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Old Chen shares his suspicions about the decline of the Old Arts path, attributing it to the blockage of secret paths like the Inner Scenery Realm and Heavenly Medicine.
• He discusses the evolution of the Old Arts path, from the Root Method of the Pre-Qin period, to the alchemy and Ascension of the Daoist practitioners, the Mind Fasting and Heel Breathing of early Taoism, the discovery of Path Seeking, and the development of Outer and Inner Elixir Arts.
• Wang Xuan learns about the different realms and levels of the Old Arts path, which are universally applicable from ancient to modern times.

Character Developments

• Old Chen: He has meticulously studied the Old Arts and has formed suspicions about the decline of the path. He shares his knowledge with Wang Xuan, hoping to help him avoid potential pitfalls.
• Wang Xuan: He is eager to learn about the history and realms of the Old Arts path to become stronger and explore its mysteries.

Significant Themes

• The decline and evolution of the Old Arts path over time.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to changes in the path.
• The exploration of secret paths and realms.

Character Interactions

• Old Chen and Wang Xuan: They engage in a conversation where Old Chen shares his knowledge and suspicions about the Old Arts path with Wang Xuan.
• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu: They listen to Old Chen's explanations together, with Qing Mu feeling apprehensive about the potential dangers Wang Xuan might face in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Old Chen reveals he's reached the 'mist' stage in the Old Arts domain.
• He explains the progression of realms: mist, Lantern Burning, Life Soil, and Herb Gathering.
• Old Chen shares his concerns about the road ahead after these four realms.
• He suspects the New Arts are a trap left by ancient cultivators.

Character Developments

• Old Chen: He has made significant progress in his cultivation, reaching the 'mist' stage. He becomes more confident and insightful about the Old Arts and the potential danger of the New Arts.
• Wang Xuan: Ancestor Wang is determined to improve himself to beat up Old Chen and is intrigued by the potential connection between the Old Arts and the New Arts.
• Qing Mu: He becomes more aware of the importance of balancing the Old Arts and the New Arts in his cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The progression and mysteries of the Old Arts realms.
• The potential danger and true origins of the New Arts.
• The contrast between the Old Arts and the New Arts.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Old Chen: Their banter continues, with Wang Xuan feeling looked down upon by Old Chen, leading to a tense dynamic.
• Old Chen and Qing Mu: Old Chen advises Qing Mu to focus more on the Old Arts, causing Qing Mu to reevaluate his path.
• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu: They both listen to Old Chen's insights and share their thoughts on the Old Arts and the New Arts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan, Qing Mu, and Old Chen discuss the possibility of modern Super Battleships destroying Immortal Lords.
• They consider the consequences of destroying ancient temples and Ascenders' remnants in the present world.
• A powerful figure approaches Old Chen's residence, signaling an impending confrontation.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan becomes more confident in his abilities, expressing his fearlessness towards ancient or modern enemies.
• Old Chen reveals his eagerness for a fight and his knowledge of top-secret files about ancient incidents.
• Wang Xuan shows interest in exploring the Inner Scenery Realm further, despite its risks.

Significant Themes

• The power of modern technology versus ancient cultivation.
• The allure and danger of exploring unknown realms and mysteries.
• The potential consequences of interfering with ancient remnants in the present world.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan, Qing Mu, and Old Chen engage in a discussion about Immortal Lords and modern warfare.
• Wang Xuan and Old Chen share a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, with Old Chen acknowledging Wang Xuan's unique abilities.
• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu display a master-disciple bond, with Qing Mu supporting Wang Xuan's decisions and actions.
• Old Chen's anticipation for the approaching powerful figure hints at a potential alliance or conflict between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An assassin from the New Arts Domain attacks Chen Randeng's manor on a rainy night.
• The assassin uses magical means, firing explosive fireballs, and is equipped with advanced Super Material Armor that allows flight.
• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu engage in a shootout with Mecha, defending the manor and its guests.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his strength and spiritual domain prowess, proving himself to be a formidable force.
• Chen Randeng faces a powerful opponent and adapts his strategy mid-battle, showcasing his experience and resourcefulness.

Significant Themes

• The rapid advancements in the New Arts Domain, surpassing the Old Arts in some aspects.
• The use of advanced technology (Super Material Armor) to enhance physical abilities and combat effectiveness.
• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in the face of unexpected challenges.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu work together to defend the manor, demonstrating their teamwork and coordination.
• Wang Xuan interacts with Wu Chenglin and Wu Yin, showing his casual and humorous demeanor even in tense situations.
• Chen Randeng and the assassin engage in a fierce battle, revealing each other's strengths and strategies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu defend the manor against intruders, killing several New Arts practitioners, including a Quasi-Grandmaster wearing Super Material Armor.
• Wang Xuan demonstrates his power by shattering the opponent's armor and killing him in a fierce fight.
• The manor's inhabitants, including Wu Yin, Da Wu, Old Wu, and the Zhong Family, witness Wang Xuan's prowess and are shocked.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows his strength and skill, proving he's on the verge of becoming a real Grandmaster.
• Wu Yin: Remains calm and composed despite the chaos and danger.
• Da Wu: Is stunned by Wang Xuan's capabilities and begins to see him in a new light.
• Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng: Are impressed by Wang Xuan's strength and acknowledge his potential.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Old Arts and New Arts practitioners.
• The awe and fear inspired by Grandmasters and their capabilities.
• The rapid development of New Arts and the threat it poses to Old Arts practitioners.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu: Work together to defend the manor, showcasing their teamwork and trust in each other.
• Wang Xuan and the Quasi-Grandmaster: Engage in a fierce battle, highlighting Wang Xuan's skill and power.
• Wu Yin and Da Wu: Witness Wang Xuan's fight, leading to a shift in their perception of him.
• Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng: Observe Wang Xuan's prowess, leading to a change in their opinion of him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fierce battle takes place between Chen Randeng (Old Chen) and a golden-haired elder (top figure in the New Arts domain) behind the estate.
• The elder offers a truce, suggesting coexistence and cooperation, but Old Chen refuses, perceiving the elder's killing intent.
• The elder reveals he has obtained a mythical item, suspecting Old Chen has done the same, leading to a life-or-death battle.
• Wang Xuan faces two quasi-Grandmasters in Super Material Armor, one from the front and one from behind, putting him in a dire situation.

Character Developments

• Old Chen: Shows determination and cold indifference, refusing to back down from the battle. He reflects on his recent actions and decides to call himself Chen Life Soil.
• Wang Xuan: Demonstrates his power by shattering a suit of Super Material Armor with his bare hands using the Golden Book's Body Arts. He faces a new threat from a hidden assassin.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Both Old Chen and the golden-haired elder fear exposure of their true strength, leading to targeting by various factions.
• Survival and determination: Both Old Chen and Wang Xuan face life-threatening situations and show unwavering resolve to fight for their lives.
• Trust and betrayal: Wang Xuan is targeted by a hidden assassin, highlighting the lack of trust and the presence of betrayal among the guests.

Character Interactions

• Old Chen vs. Golden-haired Elder: A tense standoff turns into a fierce battle, with both parties refusing to back down. They share a mutual respect for each other's power but remain determined to eliminate the other.
• Wang Xuan vs. Two Quasi-Grandmasters: Wang Xuan faces a dire situation, with two powerful enemies attacking him simultaneously. He demonstrates his power and determination but also faces a new threat from a hidden assassin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan is shot multiple times by an assassin using ordinary firearms during a gathering.
• Despite the injuries, Wang Xuan survives and feigns death to stall for time and recover.
• Qing Mu, Wang Xuan's apprentice, prepares to eliminate the top figure in the New Arts field using a spaceship.
• Wang Xuan pursues and disables the assassins, then faces two powerful enemies who aim to kill him.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates his resilience and skill in Old Arts, withstanding gunshots and displaying advanced Body Arts.
• Qing Mu shows concern for Wang Xuan's safety and determination to protect him.
• The antagonists, particularly the golden-haired elder and the two powerful enemies, reveal their intent to eliminate Wang Xuan due to his threat in the Old Arts field.

Significant Themes

• The clash between Old Arts and New Arts/technology, with the latter being dominant in the current era.
• The struggle for power and influence among different factions, with the Zaibatsu holding a strong position.
• The pursuit of secret paths and legendary techniques in the Old Arts field.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu's master-apprentice bond is evident in their concern for each other's safety and determination to protect one another.
• The antagonistic forces, such as the golden-haired elder and the two powerful enemies, cooperate to eliminate Wang Xuan, highlighting their shared threat perception.
• Representatives from various organizations witness the events, showcasing their neutrality or sympathy towards Wang Xuan but ultimately aligning with the dominant technological forces.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan faces three powerful enemies, including two in Super Material Armor.
• He uses Zhang Daoling's Body Arts to shatter the first opponent's armor.
• Wang Xuan is severely injured but manages to hold out for 24 seconds before counterattacking.
• He kills the armored opponent and pursues the remaining two, ultimately defeating them.
• Wang Xuan escapes into the rain, leaving behind a shocked audience.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates incredible resilience and power, pushing his limits and using the Body Arts to great effect.
• The three opponents underestimate Wang Xuan initially but come to realize his potential threat.
• Zhong Cheng and Wu Yin are impressed by Wang Xuan's prowess and consider the possibility of him becoming a Grandmaster in his early twenties.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Old Arts and the Body Arts recorded in the Golden Book.
• The threat posed by the New Arts domain and their advanced technology (Super Material Armor).
• The potential for a young Grandmaster to approach the realm of myth.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan faces off against three powerful enemies, showcasing his skill and determination.
• Zhong Cheng and Wu Yin watch the battle and discuss Wang Xuan's potential.
• The three opponents work together to capture or kill Wang Xuan but ultimately fail.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan survives a deadly battle against powerful enemies, including quasi-Grandmasters, and kills several.
• Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng discuss Wang Xuan's potential and his battle in the rain.
• Old Chen (Chen Randeng) defeats the number one figure in the New Arts Domain, the golden-haired old man, in a fierce battle at the Reed Pond.
• Qing Mu, Wang Xuan, and Chen Life Soil (Old Chen) meet to discuss the aftermath of the golden-haired old man's death and Wang Xuan's actions.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan demonstrates exceptional combat skills and resilience, surviving against formidable opponents and killing several quasi-Grandmasters.
• Old Chen reveals his true strength and defeats the golden-haired old man, showing his growth and power.
• Zhong Qing shows concern for Wang Xuan's potential and his battle, indicating her interest in him for her exploration team.

Significant Themes

• Power and strength: The characters' abilities and combat skills are tested and proven in various battles.
• Hidden potential: Wang Xuan's true capabilities are revealed, and Zhong Qing recognizes his potential.
• Consequences and aftermath: The characters discuss the potential fallout from the golden-haired old man's death and Wang Xuan's actions.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng discuss Wang Xuan's battle and potential, with Zhong Qing warning her brother not to rummage through her things.
• Wang Xuan and Old Chen (Chen Life Soil) meet after their respective battles and discuss the aftermath and potential consequences.
• Qing Mu, Wang Xuan, and Chen Life Soil meet to strategize and plan for the future, acknowledging the changes in their situations due to recent events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan gets shot, but survives due to wearing three bulletproof vests.
• Old Chen decides to go to the capital for secret talks about cooperation, while Wang Xuan stays behind.
• A spaceship crashes in the suburbs, suspected to be destroyed by Qing Mu.
• Old Chen discovers a hidden short sword (Bronze Dagger) inside the broken snow-white sword.
• Wang Xuan sees golden light in the clouds, but others can't see it.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows resilience and resourcefulness by wearing bulletproof vests to survive being shot. He also demonstrates his determination to protect the Sword Immortal by choosing to go to a small Taoist Temple and light a green lamp.
• Chen Life Soil (Old Chen): Reveals his strategic thinking and influence by planning to have secret talks with relevant parties. He also shows his expertise in weapons by forging a new weapon for Wang Xuan from the snow-white sword's material.
• Qing Mu: Shows loyalty and dedication to Old Chen by escorting him and being ready to fight against the New Arts field. He also demonstrates his strength by potentially destroying the spaceship.

Significant Themes

• Survival and resilience: Wang Xuan's ability to survive being shot highlights the theme of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
• Power and influence: Old Chen's planned secret talks and Qing Mu's actions against the New Arts field emphasize the theme of power and influence in the story's world.
• Mysterious forces: The appearance of the Bronze Dagger and the golden light in the clouds hint at the existence of mysterious forces or phenomena in the story's universe.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Old Chen: Their interaction revolves around Old Chen's decision to go to the capital and Wang Xuan's decision to stay behind. They also collaborate to examine the broken sword and discover the Bronze Dagger.
• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu: Their interaction is focused on Wang Xuan's concern for Qing Mu's well-being and Qing Mu's loyalty to Old Chen. They also work together to investigate the golden light in the clouds.
• Old Chen and Qing Mu: Their interaction revolves around Old Chen's decision to go to the capital and Qing Mu's role in escorting him. They also collaborate to examine the broken sword and discuss the potential of the snow-white sword's material for forging new weapons.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Old Chen and Qing Mu observe a mysterious golden light in the sky, suspected to be Heavenly Medicine.
• Wang Xuan, under the guise of practicing, observes the sky for Heavenly Medicine, gaining respect from onlookers.
• Olesha's death is announced, causing a stir among powers and leading to demands for an investigation.
• Guests at the manor leave to attend Olesha's memorial service, while Old Chen considers sending a wreath.

Character Developments

• Old Chen: Shows excitement and eagerness at the possible appearance of Heavenly Medicine. He displays knowledge about its mysterious nature and secret paths.
• Qing Mu: Becomes more cautious and aware of the potential danger from powers seeking revenge for Olesha's death.
• Wang Xuan: Maintains his facade of a dedicated cultivator, gaining respect from others. He shows interest in Zhong Cheng's secret manual.

Significant Themes

• Mystery and Unpredictability: The appearance of Heavenly Medicine and Olesha's death highlight the unpredictable nature of fate.
• Power Dynamics: The reactions to Olesha's death underscore the influence and power of the New Arts Domain and the potential backlash against Qing Mu.
• Appearance vs. Reality: Wang Xuan's facade of a dedicated cultivator contrasts with his true intentions, while Zhong Cheng's seemingly pure heart hides his scheming nature.

Character Interactions

• Old Chen and Qing Mu: They work together to observe the Heavenly Medicine, with Old Chen sharing his knowledge and Qing Mu showing caution.
• Wang Xuan and Zhong Cheng: Wang Xuan snatches Zhong Cheng's secret manual, showing interest in it despite his initial disregard for Zhong Cheng.
• Wang Xuan and Little Zhong: Wang Xuan agrees to look at Zhong Cheng's secret manual, possibly to impress Little Zhong, who is present.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Qing, the Zhong family's young heir, is initially upset when she sees Wang Xuan looking at a secret manual, thinking it contains inappropriate content.
• Wang Xuan, however, is actually looking at a scripture left by Chen Tuan, a renowned Taoist master.
• Zhong Qing misunderstands the content of the scripture and attacks Wang Xuan, but later apologizes when she realizes her error.
• Wang Xuan, Old Chen, and Qing Mu study the scripture and discover it contains a story about gathering herbs.
• They decide to approach the Heavenly Medicine amidst the lightning storm, as it's shaking and unstable.

Character Developments

• Zhong Qing: Initially impulsive and aggressive, she later apologizes and shows understanding when she realizes her mistake.
• Wang Xuan: Demonstrates his seriousness and respect for ancient scriptures, showing he's not just a lecherous character.
• Old Chen: Shows his knowledge and respect for Chen Tuan's scriptures, and his determination to approach the Heavenly Medicine.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstandings leading to conflict and resolution.
• Respect for ancient knowledge and scriptures.
• Determination and perseverance in the face of danger.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Qing and Wang Xuan: Initially hostile, their interaction leads to Zhong Qing's realization of her mistake, and she apologizes.
• Wang Xuan and Old Chen: They study the scripture together, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng: Zhong Qing beats Zhong Cheng for his actions, showing her protective nature towards her family's secrets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonists encounter a mysterious Heavenly Medicine, a Golden Plum tree, within a storm of lightning in the clouds.
• They attempt to harvest the Heavenly Medicine using the spaceship's mechanical arm but fail as the tree seems to lack a physical body.
• The group decides to investigate local legends and rumors about the Heavenly Medicine to find a solution.
• The Heavenly Medicine starts to solidify and manifest more physically.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows curiosity and determination in harvesting the Heavenly Medicine, suggesting they investigate local legends and rumors.
• Chen Life Soil (Old Chen): Recalls his knowledge about the Heavenly Medicine from the Daoist Ancestral Court, revealing its mysterious nature and the potential involvement of a peerless female demon immortal.
• Qing Mu: Demonstrates his piloting skills and experience, expressing his desire to venture into deep space.

Significant Themes

• The mysterious nature of the Heavenly Medicine and its connection to the mortal world.
• The struggle between humans and the forces of nature, represented by the lightning storm.
• The potential influence of the peerless female demon immortal on the appearance of the Heavenly Medicine.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Qing Mu discuss their shared desire to pilot spaceships into deep space.
• Wang Xuan, Old Chen, and Qing Mu brainstorm about the possible reasons for the Heavenly Medicine's appearance and how to harvest it.
• Old Chen shares his knowledge about the Heavenly Medicine with Wang Xuan and Qing Mu, revealing its connection to the Daoist Ancestral Court and the potential involvement of a peerless female demon immortal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan, Qing Mu, and Old Chen chase after a Heavenly Medicine that appears amidst lightning clouds.
• They decide not to forcefully approach the medicine, letting nature take its course.
• The Ghost Monk appears in their dreams, trying to pick the Heavenly Medicine but is repelled by lightning.
• Wang Xuan attempts to trigger his Super-Sense state to capture the Heavenly Medicine but fails.
• The Heavenly Medicine exhibits extraordinary changes, healing their injuries and enhancing their physical abilities.
• They decide to approach the Heavenly Medicine, with Wang Xuan practicing the Golden Body Art and nearing the seventh level.
• They flee when Wang Xuan senses his Inner Scenery Realm, narrowly escaping a lightning storm.
• Wang Xuan taunts the red-clothed female demon immortal, who appears in the clouds, hearing his words.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Attempts to trigger his Super-Sense state, practices the Golden Body Art to the late stage of the sixth level, and narrowly escapes the lightning storm.
• Qing Mu: Pilots the spaceship, fleeing when Wang Xuan senses danger.
• Old Chen: Warns about the danger of the Heavenly Medicine, feels the approach of danger.
• Ghost Monk: Appears in their dreams, tries to pick the Heavenly Medicine but is repelled.
• Red-clothed female demon immortal: Interferes with their minds, hears Wang Xuan's taunt, and appears in the clouds.

Significant Themes

• The allure and danger of the Heavenly Medicine.
• The power of the red-clothed female demon immortal and her interference with their minds.
• Wang Xuan's determination to protect his Inner Scenery Realm.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan, Qing Mu, and Old Chen work together to decide their course of action regarding the Heavenly Medicine.
• Wang Xuan and the Ghost Monk interact in a dream, with the Ghost Monk beating Wang Xuan.
• Wang Xuan taunts the red-clothed female demon immortal, who hears him and appears in the clouds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The trio returns to the manor after a narrow escape from a Demon Immortal.
• Wang Xuan sheds his skin, indicating significant improvement in his physique.
• Old Chen reveals he has become younger due to practicing secret arts.
• Wang Xuan asks about Old Chen's cultivation progress, who admits he's not yet at the Lantern Burning domain.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows significant improvement in both physique and spirit. He's close to entering the Master domain.
• Qing Mu: Has gained immense benefits and is close to becoming a Quasi-Master.
• Old Chen: Has become younger and is envious of Wang Xuan's progress. He assesses Wang Xuan's current state and identifies the need for Master Consciousness.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Master Consciousness in combat, which allows for more efficient and artistic use of strength.
• The combination of conventional and unconventional tactics as the true path.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Old Chen discuss Wang Xuan's shortcomings and the importance of Master Consciousness in combat.
• Wang Xuan and Old Chen discuss the 'divine snatch' technique, with Wang Xuan suggesting it as a spiritual strike within unconventional tactics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan understands the Grandmaster's consciousness and leaves the ward, only to find Old Chen looking radiant upon his return.
• An old confidante, Guan Lin, visits the manor. She is much younger than expected and has a close relationship with Old Chen.
• Wang Xuan is sent to attend Olesha's memorial service, where he encounters various influential figures from the Old and New Arts fields.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Shows maturity and understanding, acting as a representative for the Old Arts field at the memorial service.
• Old Chen: Revealed to have a close, long-term relationship with Guan Lin, who has not aged due to a rare flower he picked for her.
• Guan Lin: Assertive and perceptive, she stands up for Old Chen and Qing Mu against pressure from certain individuals.
• Zhong Cheng: Injured after a sparring session with his sister, Zhong Qing, he tries to mediate a meeting between Wang Xuan and his sister.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Old and New Arts fields, with the latter currently dominant.
• The importance of confidantes and their roles in supporting and protecting one another.
• The consequences of one's actions and the need to take responsibility, as seen in Wang Xuan's decision to attend the memorial service.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Old Chen: Wang Xuan is surprised by Old Chen's relationship with Guan Lin, leading to a moment of understanding between them.
• Guan Lin and Qing Mu: Guan Lin addresses Qing Mu as 'Little Qing,' demonstrating a close, familiar relationship with him.
• Wang Xuan and Zhong Cheng: Despite Zhong Cheng's injuries, Wang Xuan shows concern and humor, while Zhong Cheng tries to facilitate a meeting between Wang Xuan and his sister.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Cheng asks Wang Xuan for guidance on practicing Old Arts, revealing that the Zhong family possesses vast collections of ancient manuals, sect-ancestral arts, and possibly Golden Bamboo Slips linked to the Transcendent Immortals.
• Wang Xuan explains that Old Arts cannot be mastered through shortcuts. Practitioners must understand a scripture’s historical background, the creator’s state of mind, and the spirit embodied in the technique.
• Using the Serpent Crane Eight Scattered Hands as an example, Wang Xuan teaches Zhong Cheng to recreate the mindset and atmosphere surrounding Zhang Daoling’s inspiration: supreme confidence, restrained power, tragic killing intent, and effortless calm.
• Wang Xuan demonstrates the technique, shattering a massive ornamental stone and convincing Zhong Cheng that his explanation is profound.
• Zhong Cheng offers to share the scripture Wang Xuan wanted, though he only remembers part of it and will send the complete version after returning to New Star.
• Instead of sending the scripture immediately, Zhong Cheng sends five candid photographs of his sister, Zhong Qing, apparently trying to use her images as an additional favor or bargaining tool.
• Zhong Cheng praises Wang Xuan, suggests he may eventually enter the Mythical Domain, and asks him to guide him in the future once he gains access to his family’s ultimate secret arts.
• Zhong Qing discovers that Zhong Cheng has sent Wang Xuan pictures of her and becomes furious, realizing her brother has once again “sold her out” for the sake of Old Arts.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan presents himself as calm, knowledgeable, and generous, but internally recognizes that he is manipulating Zhong Cheng’s eagerness. He gives just enough instruction to gain access to the Zhong family’s scriptures.
• Wang Xuan’s combat understanding is emphasized: he does not merely copy techniques but interprets their historical and psychological essence, allowing him to display them with overwhelming force.
• Zhong Cheng is revealed as an unusual young heir. Unlike peers who pursue advanced technology and battleships, he longs for immortality and mastery of ancient cultivation arts.
• Zhong Cheng is sincere in his desire to improve but also politically calculating, using his family’s immense collection to entice Wang Xuan into cooperation. His admiration for Wang Xuan grows after the demonstration.
• Zhong Qing remains an important off-screen presence and is portrayed as the sharper, more formidable sibling. Her anger at Zhong Cheng’s behavior reinforces their familiar but exasperating brother-sister dynamic.

Significant Themes

• Old Arts versus technological civilization: In a future dominated by deep-space travel, black technology, and super battleships, ancient cultivation manuals have become rare treasures sought by those who still believe in transcendence.
• The importance of spirit and context in martial practice: True mastery requires more than mechanically following written instructions; the practitioner must understand the creator’s mentality, historical circumstances, emotional force, and intended atmosphere.
• Manipulation and mutual benefit: Wang Xuan and Zhong Cheng both attempt to gain something from the other. Wang Xuan uses instruction to obtain scriptures, while Zhong Cheng offers access to his family’s resources in hopes of receiving future guidance.
• Longing for transcendence: Zhong Cheng’s dream of immortality contrasts with the technological ambitions of his era and establishes him as an eccentric “oddball” among wealthy heirs.
• Appearance versus reality: Zhong Cheng appears innocent and sincere, but Wang Xuan recognizes that his friendliness conceals calculation. Similarly, Wang Xuan’s solemn instruction is partly genuine insight and partly a successful bluff.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan and Zhong Cheng develop a relationship based on admiration, bargaining, and concealed maneuvering. Zhong Cheng seeks Wang Xuan’s expertise, while Wang Xuan seeks access to rare scriptures.
• Their discussion of the Serpent Crane Eight Scattered Hands becomes both a lesson and a performance: Wang Xuan’s eloquence and demonstration leave Zhong Cheng awestruck.
• Zhong Cheng attempts to deepen their alliance by promising future access to the Zhong family’s secret arts and asking Wang Xuan not to forget him if he reaches the Mythical Domain.
• Zhong Cheng’s decision to send pictures of Zhong Qing introduces comic tension and exposes his willingness to exploit his sister in pursuit of cultivation knowledge.
• Zhong Qing’s discovery of the photos ends the chapter on an implied confrontation, highlighting the siblings’ recurring conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan sends a photo of Zhong Qing to her brother, Zhong Cheng, who is slapped by her for doing so.
• An elder from the Zhong Family praises Wang Xuan's insights into the Old Arts.
• Zhong Cheng plans to use Zhong Qing and a secret scripture to lure Wang Xuan, but she opposes this.
• Wang Xuan attends Olesha's memorial service, where he faces hostility from the New Arts domain.
• Representatives from various Zaibatsu discuss the mysterious secret land and its dangers.
• Two Grandmasters from the New Arts domain request help from middle-aged men to send Wang Xuan to his death in the secret land.
• Wang Xuan is blocked from entering the memorial service but eventually gains entry with the help of a Grandmaster from the New Arts domain, Sun Chuan.

Character Developments

• Zhong Qing: Shows her strength and disapproval of her brother's schemes.
• Zhong Cheng: Reveals his manipulative nature and fear of his sister.
• Wang Xuan: Maintains his composure and calm in the face of hostility, displaying his mental domain's partial formation.
• Sun Chuan (Grandmaster of the New Arts domain): Attempts to mentally suppress Wang Xuan but fails, indicating Wang Xuan's growing power.

Significant Themes

• The conflict between the Old Arts and New Arts domains.
• The allure and danger of the mysterious secret land.
• The manipulation of others for personal gain (Zhong Cheng's scheme).

Character Interactions

• Zhong Qing and Zhong Cheng: Sibling conflict and power dynamics.
• Wang Xuan and the New Arts domain representatives: Hostility and tension.
• Sun Chuan and Wang Xuan: Mental clash, with Wang Xuan holding his ground.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Xuan, a prodigy from the Old Arts field, stands at the entrance of a memorial hall, his radiant appearance contrasting with the gloomy atmosphere inside.
• He faces off against two Grandmasters from the New Arts field, Sun Chuan and Zhou Wei, leading to a silent mental confrontation.
• Wang Xuan, despite being younger and having just entered the Grandmaster realm, overpowers Sun Chuan, causing him to kneel.
• Sun Chuan and Zhou Wei attempt a sneak attack, but Wang Xuan counters, causing them both to suffer backlash.
• The crowd is astonished by Wang Xuan's display of power, realizing he has become a formidable Grandmaster.

Character Developments

• Wang Xuan: Proves his strength and potential by overpowering two veteran Grandmasters upon entering the Grandmaster realm. Shows mercy during the confrontation but is not afraid to defend himself when attacked.
• Sun Chuan and Zhou Wei: Reveal their willingness to use underhanded tactics to suppress Wang Xuan. Suffer defeat at his hands, demonstrating their limitations despite being established Grandmasters.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Old and New Arts fields, with Wang Xuan representing the potential resurgence of the Old Arts.
• The importance of mental cultivation and the mental domain in the cultivation world.
• The shock and awe caused by Wang Xuan's rapid rise and formidable strength.

Character Interactions

• Wang Xuan vs. Sun Chuan and Zhou Wei: A tense mental confrontation leads to a display of Wang Xuan's superior strength and the two Grandmasters' underhanded tactics.
• Old Wu and Zhong Cheng: Discuss Wang Xuan's rise to power, with Old Wu expressing surprise and Zhong Cheng expressing excitement and admiration.
• Zhong Cheng also teases Zhong Qing about Wang Xuan, suggesting she consider him as a romantic interest.