Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Jingxuan secretly watches the Great Chu Treasure Ship's departure from the Imperial City.
• He meets Jiang Qihu on the city wall and reveals his intention to leave the Imperial City temporarily.
• Chen Jingxuan explains that he's leaving to resolve issues related to Tang Zhaizhu in the Daoist Sect.
• Jiang Qihu offers to accompany him but is persuaded to stay in the Imperial City.
• Chen Jingxuan demonstrates his supernatural power by immobilizing Jiang Qihu with a single pat on the shoulder.

Character Developments

• Chen Jingxuan: Reveals his hidden strength and determination to protect those he cares about, hinting at a complex past.
• Jiang Qihu: Shows loyalty and concern for Chen Jingxuan, but also impulsiveness and lack of political foresight.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the Great Chu Empire.
• The complex relationships between the main characters and their pasts.
• The theme of partings and reunions, hinting at potential long-term separations.

Character Interactions

• Chen Jingxuan and Jiang Qihu: Their interaction highlights their close master-disciple relationship, with Chen Jingxuan acting as a mentor and father figure to Jiang Qihu.
• Chen Jingxuan's words and actions towards Jiang Qihu emphasize his protective nature and wisdom, while Jiang Qihu's reactions show his loyalty and impulsiveness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Daoist Sect has been peaceful for a few days, but it's been troubled for the past year due to various disturbances.
• Only two Pavilion Masters, Candle Daoist and Perfected Person Xuanzhi, are present. The latter decides to leave the Daoist Sect temporarily.
• Perfected Person Xuanzhi entrusts the care of Qingnang Mountain to her disciple, Su Ye, and leaves, taking her hoe with her.

Character Developments

• Perfected Person Xuanzhi: Despite her humble appearance and farming lifestyle, she is a powerful cultivator who has been cultivating in seclusion for a hundred years. She demonstrates her strength by killing four Grand Venerables with her hoe in the past.
• Su Ye: Xuanzhi's disciple, who has been living with her on Qingnang Mountain. He is entrusted with the care of the mountain and its inhabitants when Xuanzhi leaves.

Significant Themes

• Peace and Tranquility vs. Disturbance: The Daoist Sect's recent peace is contrasted with the disturbances of the past year, highlighting the theme of tranquility being disrupted.
• Strength and Power: Xuanzhi's strength is emphasized, showing that power can be hidden in unexpected places, like a simple hoe.

Character Interactions

• Xuanzhi and Su Ye: Xuanzhi entrusts Su Ye with the care of Qingnang Mountain, showing her confidence in him. Su Ye is nervous but determined to fulfill his duties.
• Xuanzhi and the Old Ox: The old ox, a Demon Venerable in disguise, knows that Xuanzhi is going to fight someone. He offers to help but is bound by Xuanzhi's Demon Binding Rope.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Perfected Person Xuanzhi, the Longevity Hall Master, visits the forbidden area behind the mountain, aiming to see Grand Master Chongkan.
• He encounters Candle Daoist, the Incense Offering Pavilion Master, who tries to stop him but is gently subdued.
• Xuanzhi then faces Myriad Mysteries Pavilion Master, Yǎn Wēi Zhenren, who lets him pass but questions his cultivation progress.

Character Developments

• Perfected Person Xuanzhi shows his decisive and powerful side, revealing a cultivation realm far beyond what was known.
• Candle Daoist demonstrates his clear-headedness and self-awareness, understanding his limits and the importance of preserving relationships.
• Yǎn Wēi Zhenren shows caution and curiosity, questioning Xuanzhi about his cultivation progress.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and hierarchy within the Daoist Sect.
• The importance of relationships and decorum among sect members.
• The mystery surrounding Xuanzhi's cultivation and his true strength.

Character Interactions

• Xuanzhi and Candle Daoist: Despite their difference in cultivation level, they maintain a level of respect and decorum, with Xuanzhi showing restraint in his actions.
• Xuanzhi and Yǎn Wēi Zhenren: Their interaction is tense but respectful, with Yǎn Wēi Zhenren showing caution and curiosity about Xuanzhi's cultivation progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Perfected Person Xuanzhi meets Yǎn Wēi Zhenren, who reveals that daily cultivation involves simple tasks like farming and herding.
• Xuanzhi visits Grand Master Chongkan in the Back Mountain to discuss the Daoist Sect's Luck/Auspicious Qi, which has not flowed into Qingnang Mountain as expected.
• Chongkan refuses to disclose the whereabouts of the Luck/Auspicious Qi, leading to a tense confrontation between master and disciple.

Character Developments

• Perfected Person Xuanzhi: Xuanzhi demonstrates his wisdom and concern for the Daoist Sect's future, questioning Chongkan's actions and showing courage in challenging his master.
• Grand Master Chongkan: Chongkan reveals his ambition to take another step beyond the Yang Spirit, hinting at his desire for power and control.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Chongkan's actions suggest a desire for power, potentially at the expense of the Daoist Sect's principles.
• Loyalty and Dissent: Xuanzhi's actions show loyalty to the Daoist Sect's principles, even when it means challenging his master's authority.

Character Interactions

• Master-Disciple Relationship: The tension between Chongkan and Xuanzhi highlights the complex dynamics of their master-disciple relationship, with Xuanzhi questioning Chongkan's actions and Chongkan rebuking Xuanzhi for his presumption.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between Chongkan and Xuanzhi also reflects the power dynamics within the Daoist Sect, with Chongkan's Avatar serving as a symbol of his authority and Xuanzhi's challenge to that authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Perfected Person Xuanzhi faces Chong Kan's powerful palm strike, triggering a Yang Spirit Tribulation.
• Xuanzhi's jade hairpin, a gift from Chong Kan, breaks, signifying the release of his accumulated cultivation and the start of his tribulation.
• Xuanzhi's cultivation breaks through six realms in a single morning, reaching the Yang Spirit Sixth Heaven, an unprecedented feat.

Character Developments

• Perfected Person Xuanzhi: Xuanzhi's cultivation advances dramatically, and he reaches the Yang Spirit Sixth Heaven, becoming a Grand Master, the highest title in the Daoist Sect. His simple, dedicated life on Qingnang Mountain is revealed to have been a continuous cultivation journey.
• Chong Kan: Chong Kan, Xuanzhi's former master, is surprised by Xuanzhi's sudden advancement and the extent of his power.

Significant Themes

• The power of simplicity and dedication: Xuanzhi's unassuming life on Qingnang Mountain is revealed to have been a continuous cultivation journey, highlighting the power of dedication and simplicity.
• The importance of the ordinary: The Xuanzhi Herb, a common medicinal material, is essential in many alchemic formulas, reflecting the importance of the ordinary in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Candle Daoist and Yǎn Wēi Zhenren: The two discuss the unusual phenomena caused by Xuanzhi's advancement, with Yǎn Wēi Zhenren recognizing the significance of Xuanzhi's feat.
• Chong Kan and Xuanzhi: Chong Kan, Xuanzhi's former master, is surprised and impressed by Xuanzhi's sudden advancement, marking a shift in their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Perfected Person Xuanzhi successfully breaks through to the sixth level of the Yang Spirit realm, causing the Daoist Sect's great array to tremble.
• Grand Master Chongkan acknowledges Xuanzhi's aptitude and offers him the position of Sect Leader if he stops the conflict, but Xuanzhi declines.
• Xuanzhi and Chongkan engage in a fierce battle, with Xuanzhi managing to hold her own against Chongkan's eighth-level Yang Spirit power.

Character Developments

• Perfected Person Xuanzhi: Xuanzhi's breakthrough demonstrates her exceptional aptitude, proving that she is stronger than Chongkan's other disciples. She remains steadfast in her desire to protect Qingnang Mountain and the Daoist Sect's Luck/Auspicious Qi, even against her master.
• Grand Master Chongkan: Chongkan is surprised by Xuanzhi's breakthrough and offers her the position of Sect Leader, showing that he values her potential. However, he is determined to maintain control over the Daoist Sect and is willing to fight Xuanzhi to achieve this.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and its limits: The battle between Xuanzhi and Chongkan highlights the immense power of cultivation, as well as its limits when faced with personal convictions and loyalty.
• The importance of personal beliefs: Xuanzhi's unwavering commitment to protecting Qingnang Mountain and the Daoist Sect's Luck/Auspicious Qi demonstrates the power of personal beliefs and the lengths one will go to defend them.

Character Interactions

• Xuanzhi and Chongkan: The master-disciple relationship between Xuanzhi and Chongkan is strained as they face off against each other. Despite their bond, they are willing to fight to the end to achieve their respective goals.
• Candle Daoist and Yǎn Wēi Zhenren: The two cultivators watch the battle between Xuanzhi and Chongkan with fascination, marveling at the power and mystery of Xuanzhi's cultivation. They discuss the nature of Xuanzhi's Dao, highlighting the enigma surrounding her cultivation method.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chong Kan recalls his past defeat at the hands of his senior brother, Master Xiaoyao, a century ago.
• Chong Kan uses the top-tier divine power, One Breath Transforms into Three Purities, against Xuanzhi.
• Xuanzhi withstands the divine power for over a hundred breaths but is eventually overwhelmed.
• Just as Xuanzhi is about to make her final attempt, a helper arrives.

Character Developments

• Chong Kan: Recalls his past struggles and acknowledges Xuanzhi's similarity to his senior brother. Uses his most powerful divine ability against Xuanzhi.
• Xuanzhi: Demonstrates her resilience and determination by enduring the Three Purities divine ability for over a hundred breaths.

Significant Themes

• The vast gap between cultivators, even at the same realm.
• The power of heritage and accumulated knowledge in the Daoist Sect.
• The importance of one's Dao and personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Chong Kan and Xuanzhi: Their battle highlights the difference in their cultivation and understanding of the Dao.
• Chong Kan's past with Master Xiaoyao: Chong Kan's memories of his senior brother influence his actions against Xuanzhi.
• Xuanzhi's unknown helper: The arrival of this helper suggests potential outside intervention or support for Xuanzhi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An ox demon, Old Ox, carrying Qingnang Mountain, crashes into the back mountain of the Daoist Sect, disrupting the ongoing battle and the deployment of the [Myriad Aspects] Dao Domain.
• Su Ye, Xuanzhi's disciple, arrives with Old Ox, expressing his desire to support his master.
• Grand Master Chongkan, Xuanzhi's master, gauges Old Ox's strength and discovers it has reached the Yang Spirit Realm.

Character Developments

• Old Ox: Revealed to be a powerful demon at the Yang Spirit Realm, capable of carrying Qingnang Mountain and challenging Grand Master Chongkan.
• Su Ye: Shows loyalty and bravery by joining the battle to support his master.
• Perfected Person Xuanzhi: Initially resigned to defeat, gains renewed confidence with Su Ye and Old Ox's arrival.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Friendship: Su Ye's and Old Ox's support for Xuanzhi demonstrates their loyalty and friendship.
• Power Dynamics: The battle highlights the power dynamics between disciples and masters, and the importance of home-field advantage in the Yang Spirit Realm.
• Unexpected Allies: Old Ox's arrival changes the dynamics of the battle, showing that unexpected allies can turn the tide.

Character Interactions

• Xuanzhi and Su Ye: Master and disciple share a complex emotional moment as Su Ye joins the battle, with Xuanzhi feeling both pride and concern.
• Old Ox and Chongkan: The ox demon and the grand master engage in a show of power, with Chongkan expressing interest in Old Ox's cultivation journey.
• Xuanzhi and Chongkan: The master-disciple pair's relationship is strained due to the challenge, but Chongkan's actions show he's not entirely unsympathetic to Xuanzhi's plight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grand Master Chongkan and Perfected Person Xuanzhi engage in a duel using their natal Grotto-Heavens.
• Chongkan uses his Avatar of Earth to attack Xuanzhi, who counters with her Qingnang Mountain Grotto-Heaven.
• Xuanzhi uses her divine powers to summon wind, rain, and thunder, while Chongkan uses his Human Avatar to attack Green Ox with the Myriad Aspects Great Dao.
• Xuanzhi intervenes to protect Green Ox, using her hoe to shatter Chongkan's Great Dao.

Character Developments

• Grand Master Chongkan shows his anger and determination, using his full power against Xuanzhi.
• Perfected Person Xuanzhi demonstrates her growth and mastery over her Grotto-Heaven, effectively countering Chongkan's attacks.
• Green Ox shows bravery and determination in facing Chongkan's attack but is ultimately saved by Xuanzhi.

Significant Themes

• The power of natal Grotto-Heavens and the importance of mastering one's own domain.
• The struggle between two powerful figures, each with their unique strengths and techniques.
• The theme of protection and loyalty, as Xuanzhi defends Green Ox.

Character Interactions

• Chongkan and Xuanzhi engage in a tense and powerful duel, showcasing their skills and determination.
• Xuanzhi protects Green Ox, highlighting their bond and Xuanzhi's role as a mentor and protector.
• Green Ox and Chongkan have a tense confrontation, with Green Ox showing courage in the face of Chongkan's power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Grand Master Chongkan attacks Old Ox with the Myriad Aspects Great Dao.
• Perfected Person Xuanzhi defends Old Ox, splitting the Myriad Aspects Great Dao.
• Chongkan summons the Celestial Persona Avatar, which condenses the Great Dao of the seven Sanctuaries into a sword.
• Xuanzhi and Old Ox, with Qingnang Mountain, charge towards the Celestial Persona Avatar.

Character Developments

• Old Ox shows courage and defiance, standing up to Chongkan despite the power difference.
• Perfected Person Xuanzhi demonstrates unwavering loyalty and protection towards Old Ox and Qingnang Mountain.
• Grand Master Chongkan reveals his immense power and control over the Daoist Sect's heritage.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and protection (Xuanzhi towards Old Ox and Qingnang Mountain)
• Power and control (Chongkan's dominance over the Daoist Sect)
• Defiance in the face of adversity (Old Ox's actions)

Character Interactions

• Old Ox and Perfected Person Xuanzhi: They understand each other without needing words, working together to defend Qingnang Mountain.
• Grand Master Chongkan and Perfected Person Xuanzhi: Chongkan is irritated by Xuanzhi's defiance and protection of Old Ox, leading to a confrontation.
• Old Ox and Grand Master Chongkan: Old Ox's insults provoke Chongkan, leading to the summoning of the Celestial Persona Avatar.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Jingxuan arrives at the Daoist Sect's main sect under a moonlit sky.
• The sect's atmosphere is solemn, and signs of a recent battle are evident, with disciples repairing the mountain gate's stone pillars.
• Chen Jingxuan learns that a fight occurred within the sect and that the mountain gate's grand formation was damaged.
• He enters the sect unnoticed by the busy disciples, who are repairing damaged grand formations.
• Candle Daoist, injured, awaits him at the foot of the seven Pavilion Mountains.

Character Developments

• Chen Jingxuan demonstrates his power by controlling young Daoist priests with golden threads, showing his ability to manipulate and extract information.
• Candle Daoist reveals he was involved in a "farce" within the sect, implying he played a role in the recent battle.

Significant Themes

• The power struggle within the Daoist Sect is further emphasized, with the recent battle hinting at internal conflicts.
• Chen Jingxuan's visit to the sect, despite knowing the risks, suggests his determination to resolve the situation, possibly involving Tang Doudou.

Character Interactions

• Chen Jingxuan and Candle Daoist meet secretly, with Candle Daoist revealing he was waiting for Chen Jingxuan on his master's orders.
• Chen Jingxuan expresses concern for Candle Daoist's injuries, showing a level of care and respect for the older Daoist.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Jingxuan and Candle Daoist investigate the disturbance in the back mountain, finding evidence of a powerful demon beast's presence.
• Chen Jingxuan meets Grand Master Chongkan, who reveals that Perfected Person Xuanzhi and the green ox have been imprisoned in Heaven's Origin for their actions.
• Chongkan shows Chen Jingxuan Tang Fengshu, who is being punished in Heaven's Origin, revealing that he used the 'Mind Cage' technique on her.

Character Developments

• Chen Jingxuan demonstrates his keen perception and calm demeanor, guessing the events that transpired between Xuanzhi, the green ox, and Chongkan.
• Chongkan shows his stern and unyielding side, imprisoning Xuanzhi and Qingniu, and punishing Tang Fengshu without remorse.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics within the Daoist sect, with Chongkan's authority and the consequences of defying him.
• The use of force and control over one's subordinates, as seen in Chongkan's use of the 'Mind Cage' on Tang Fengshu.

Character Interactions

• Chen Jingxuan and Candle Daoist: They work together to investigate the disturbance, with Candle Daoist guiding Chen Jingxuan and revealing what he can.
• Chen Jingxuan and Chongkan: They have a tense interaction, with Chen Jingxuan pressing Chongkan for information and ultimately demanding Tang Fengshu's release.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yǎn Wēi Zhenren and Candle Daoist discuss Chen Jingxuan's cultivation level, suspecting he's a Yang Spirit.
• Chen Jingxuan confronts Chong Kan at the top of the Back Mountain, revealing he's advanced to the Yang Spirit Realm.
• Chen Jingxuan proposes a deal: Tang Fengshu gives up her position as All-Under-Heaven Pavilion Master and leaves the Daoist Sect, and he will give up the position of State Preceptor and leave the Great Chu Imperial City.

Character Developments

• Yǎn Wēi Zhenren: Realizes the world has many extraordinary figures and that he may not be the strongest among the Pavilion Masters.
• Chen Jingxuan: Advances to the Yang Spirit Realm, shows strategic thinking and selflessness in his deal with Chong Kan.
• Chong Kan: Underestimates Chen Jingxuan's capabilities and seriousness, begins to reassess him.

Significant Themes

• The reversal of the great tide and the appearance of new Yang Spirits.
• The challenges and responsibilities that come with power and position.
• The importance of time and preparation in cultivation and decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Yǎn Wēi Zhenren and Candle Daoist: Discuss Chen Jingxuan's cultivation level, revealing Yǎn Wēi's introspection about his place among the Pavilion Masters.
• Chen Jingxuan and Chong Kan: Face off at the top of the Back Mountain, with Chen Jingxuan proposing a deal that shows his understanding of Chong Kan's desires and his own limitations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Jingxuan meets Grand Master Chongkan, who reveals that the Daoist Sect has been orchestrating events for ten years to control the Celestial Globe and install Yan Xie as the National Preceptor.
• Chen Jingxuan decides not to fight and lets Grand Master Chongkan have the position of National Preceptor.
• Grand Master Chongkan releases Tang Fengshu from the Mind Cage, but her soul remains under its control for another twelve hours.
• Chen Jingxuan decides to leave the Imperial City and asks Grand Master Chongkan for a place to go.

Character Developments

• Chen Jingxuan accepts the situation calmly and decides to leave the Imperial City gracefully.
• Grand Master Chongkan is revealed to be the mastermind behind the scenes, manipulating events for the Daoist Sect's benefit.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Grand Master Chongkan's actions highlight the theme of power and manipulation, as he orchestrates events to achieve his goals.
• Acceptance of fate: Chen Jingxuan's calm acceptance of his situation and decision to leave the Imperial City reflect the theme of accepting one's fate.

Character Interactions

• Chen Jingxuan and Grand Master Chongkan: Their interaction reveals the power dynamics between them, with Grand Master Chongkan holding the upper hand due to his manipulation of events.
• Chen Jingxuan and Tang Fengshu: Chen Jingxuan's concern for Tang Fengshu's well-being is shown as he supports her and sends Primordial Qi into her body to help her recover.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ancestor Qin visits Yan Xin at the Carp Pavilion, revealing he's nearing death.
• The Holy Empress wants to restart the Moonshadow Grotto-Heaven without using the four Dragon Veins.
• Ancestor Qin believes the Holy Empress has cultivated to the tenth level of the Yang Spirit Realm and has evidence of the Immortality Tree's revival.

Character Developments

• Ancestor Qin: Accepts his impending death, shares insights about the Yang Spirit Realm's tenth level, and expresses confidence in his disciple, Xiao Wu.
• Yan Xin: Struggles to believe the Holy Empress's claims about reviving the Moonshadow Grotto-Heaven without the Dragon Veins.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of immortality and longevity.
• The importance of legacy and succession.
• The struggle between progress and tradition.

Character Interactions

• Ancestor Qin and Yan Xin: Their long-standing rivalry is put aside as they discuss the future of Great Chu and the Moonshadow Grotto-Heaven. Ancestor Qin invites Yan Xin to join him in visiting the Holy Empress at Moonshadow Grotto-Heaven.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Xie, hidden in a secluded residence, uses a thread to investigate the Koi Pavilion and finds it empty, indicating Yan Xin has left the Imperial City.
• An unknown figure, also cloaked in black robes, reveals himself, having been waiting for Yan Xie. They plan to retrieve something together.
• Jiang Qihu, feeling melancholic, visits the Chen Estate and shares his frustrations with Sang Zheng about the current state of the Imperial City Bureau and his lack of support from the Ren Shou Palace.
• The Snow Master appears at the Chen Estate and reveals that Yuan Jimo, the former Little National Preceptor, is alive and back in the Imperial City.

Character Developments

• Yan Xie: Revealed to be younger and more energetic when stepping out of the shadows, suggesting he has been concealing his true appearance and vitality.
• Jiang Qihu: Struggles with the weight of his responsibilities and the lack of support from the Ren Shou Palace, leading to feelings of depression and frustration.
• The Snow Master: Shows concern for Jiang Qihu's well-being and reveals crucial information about Yuan Jimo's return.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the changes it brings (Yan Xie's transformation, Jiang Qihu's struggles).
• The burden of responsibility and the lack of support from higher authorities (Jiang Qihu's frustration with the Ren Shou Palace).
• The consequences of past actions and the return of old threats (Yuan Jimo's reappearance).

Character Interactions

• Yan Xie and the unknown figure: They seem to have a shared goal and a history together, as they plan to work together to retrieve something.
• Jiang Qihu and Sang Zheng: Jiang Qihu confides in Sang Zheng about his frustrations, and they share a drink together.
• Jiang Qihu and the Snow Master: The Snow Master appears unexpectedly and reveals important information to Jiang Qihu, showing concern for his well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Jimo, believed dead, is revealed to be alive and in the Imperial City Bureau dungeon.
• Yuan Jimo ambushes the returning Brahma Sound Temple delegation, but the ambush fails.
• Yuan Jimo confronts Copper Bone, an Imperial City Bureau special executive who had defected to the Scripture Pavilion, and kills him.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qihu: Realizes the gravity of the situation and the potential threat to his position as Chief of the Imperial City Bureau.
• Yuan Jimo: Returns from the Qu River, alive and seeking revenge. He is more ruthless and calculating than before.
• Copper Bone: Betrays Yuan Jimo and defects to the Scripture Pavilion, but ultimately meets his end at Yuan Jimo's hands.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and its consequences: Copper Bone's betrayal of Yuan Jimo leads to his eventual demise, highlighting the theme of reaping what one sows.
• Power dynamics: The struggle for power between Yuan Jimo and Jiang Qihu intensifies, with Yuan Jimo's return threatening Jiang Qihu's position.
• Revenge: Yuan Jimo's primary motivation is revenge against those who wronged him, including Jiang Qihu and the Scripture Pavilion.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qihu and Yuan Jimo: Their rivalry escalates as Yuan Jimo returns, setting the stage for a potential showdown.
• Yuan Jimo and Copper Bone: Their interaction highlights the consequences of betrayal, with Yuan Jimo's cold-blooded execution of Copper Bone serving as a warning to others.
• Copper Bone and Jiang Qihu: Jiang Qihu's past advocacy for Copper Bone adds complexity to the situation, as Copper Bone's betrayal and subsequent death reflect poorly on Jiang Qihu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Jimo, presumed dead, returns to the Imperial City Bureau and publicly executes Copper Bone, his former right-hand man.
• Yuan Jimo forces the secret agents to make a choice between him and Jiang Qihu, with most opting to return to Yuan Jimo's side.
• Yuan Jimo appoints He Yong as the Warden of the Earth Prison and Xu Huan as the Special Enforcer, demonstrating his power and generosity.
• Jiang Qihu receives a message via the Qing Province Token that the Jiang Family estate is under attack.

Character Developments

• Yuan Jimo: Reveals his ruthlessness and cunning, regaining control of the Imperial City Bureau without bloodshed.
• Jiang Qihu: Remains calm and composed, but shows unease when he learns about the attack on the Jiang Family estate.
• He Yong and Xu Huan: Defect from Jiang Qihu's side to Yuan Jimo's, demonstrating the power dynamics within the Imperial City Bureau.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: Yuan Jimo's return demonstrates his unyielding grip on power, while Jiang Qihu's lack of action shows his disinterest in the power struggle.
• Loyalty and betrayal: The secret agents' defection from Jiang Qihu to Yuan Jimo highlights the fluid nature of loyalty in the face of power and self-interest.
• The weight of responsibility: Jiang Qihu's unease suggests that he feels a greater responsibility towards his family than his role as a secret agent.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Jimo and Jiang Qihu: Their silent standoff represents the power struggle between them, with Yuan Jimo ultimately regaining control.
• Yuan Jimo and the secret agents: Yuan Jimo's interactions with the secret agents demonstrate his ability to manipulate and control, using fear and generosity to secure their loyalty.
• Jiang Qihu and the Jiang Family: Jiang Qihu's reaction to the attack on the Jiang Family estate shows that his loyalty to his family is stronger than his commitment to his role as a secret agent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Manor is under attack by remnants of the Chu Family colluding with powerful demons.
• The assault is led by Chu Xiu, who is seated beneath twelve void portals, sending a tide of locust demons to besiege Qingyang City.
• Qingyang City's defenses are activated, including array patterns and Essence Cannons, to repel the invasion.

Character Developments

• Jiang Qihu, realizing the true purpose of Yuan Jimo's visit, leaves the Imperial City Bureau to return to Qing Province.
• Jiang Lie, the patriarch of the Jiang Family, remains calm and composed amidst the chaos, recognizing the attack as revenge.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Chu Xiu's actions are driven by a desire to avenge the fall of the Chu Family during the Carp Tide City incident.
• Defense and Resilience: The Jiang Family and Qingyang City's cultivators work together to defend their city against the demonic invasion.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Qihu and Yuan Jimo: Jiang Qihu realizes Yuan Jimo's true intentions and leaves to protect his family and Qing Province.
• Jiang Lie and Jiang He: Jiang Lie shares his understanding of Chu Xiu's motives with Jiang He, and they prepare to defend Qingyang City together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Lie, a valiant old general, leads the defense of Qingyang City against a locust demon tide.
• Chu Xiu, a traitor, uses a Sun-Eating Scroll to manifest the power of the Sun-Eating Grand Venerable, causing a devastating attack on Qingyang City.
• The city's protective array is shattered, leading to widespread destruction and chaos.

Character Developments

• Jiang Lie: Proves his bravery and skill in battle, but is overwhelmed by the Sun-Eating Grand Venerable's manifestation.
• Chu Xiu: Reveals his true allegiance and uses a Sun-Eating Scroll to manifest the Grand Venerable's power, leading to the destruction of Qingyang City.
• Jiang He: Recognizes the danger and orders an evacuation, showing quick thinking and responsibility.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and its consequences (Chu Xiu's actions lead to the destruction of Qingyang City).
• The power of ancient artifacts and scrolls (the Sun-Eating Scroll manifests the power of a Demon Realm Grand Venerable).
• The fragility of human constructs (the city's protective array is easily shattered, leading to widespread destruction).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Lie and Chu Xiu: The old general confronts Chu Xiu, trying to understand his motives, but Chu Xiu remains silent and unyielding.
• Jiang He and Jiang Lie: The two brothers work together to defend Qingyang City, with Jiang He ordering an evacuation when the city's protective array is about to fail.
• Jiang Qihu and Qingyang City: The young man arrives at the outskirts of Qingyang City to find it destroyed, highlighting the personal loss he suffers due to Chu Xiu's actions.