Summary: "The Banquet Begins"

Key Plot Points & Events

• At the City Lord's banquet, a burly man from the Divine Body Sect attempts to recruit Li Chungang, Han Paopao, and Han Qingxue for body tempering, praising their physical potential.
• The sword-robed recruiter from the Heaven Sword Sect smugly watches them refuse.
• Li Chungang politely declines, citing his existing commitment to the Heaven Sword Sect.
• The burly man departs but leaves an open invitation—if they're ever mistreated at Heaven Sword Sect, Divine Body Sect's doors remain open.
• The sword-robed man is furious at the poaching but can't act in such a public setting; he reassures the trio and promises they'll become direct disciples.
• The City Lord arrives with Xiao Huo Huo and two companions (who get front seats), officially beginning the banquet with a toast.
• The sword-robed man privately laments that Xiao Huo Huo's arrival earlier caused him to lose Xiao Xun'er and another talented recruit to the Shangqing Sacred Land—and thus lose his rewards, quota, and resources.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang: Demonstrates integrity and a firm Dao Heart—despite genuine temptation, he refuses to abandon his chosen path. He's also keenly perceptive, sensing the Heaven Sword Sect's internal instability beneath the recruiter's assurances.
• Sword-robed man (Heaven Sword Sect recruiter): Revealed to be an Outer Disciple whose primary motivation is personal gain (rewards, quota, resources) rather than genuine care for the recruits. He's pragmatic, frustrated, and envious of Xiao Huo Huo's status.
• Xiao Huo Huo: A disciple of the Shangqing Sacred Land, apparently talented enough to have been taken in immediately—though details remain vague. His group appears to be hiding their identities at the banquet.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Temptation: Li Chungang's refusal highlights the value of keeping one's word and maintaining a stable Dao Heart.
• Self-interest Behind Sect Recruitment: The sword-robed man's true motives (rewards and advancement) underscore that sect recruitment isn't purely altruistic.
• Power Dynamics: The chapter sketches the political landscape—Three Pure Ones and Twelve Witch Gods control Pangu Great World; sects compete openly for talent (even poaching in front of rivals).
• Concealment and Strategy: Xiao Huo Huo's group hiding their identities suggests the dangers of being seen as too talented.

Character Interactions

• Burly man (Divine Body Sect) vs. sword-robed man: Openly competitive—he poaches recruits right in front of the Heaven Sword Sect's recruiter, displaying arrogance.
• Sword-robed man → Li Chungang & company: Protective and reassuring outwardly, but internally calculating.
• Han Qingxue: Notices Xiao Huo Huo's arrival and questions whether he's the husband of Xiao Xun'er and the other woman.
• Li Chungang & companions: United in their decision; they reaffirm their commitment to Heaven Sword Sect together.
• City Lord: Brief but authoritative presence—opens the banquet with a toast wishing all candidates success in their sect assessments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The City Lord announces the start of the banquet, revealing that the prodigies present are the main focus.
• An illusory figure appears, delivering a Sermon that rapidly increases the cultivation of all present.
• Li Chungang's cultivation soars from Late Foundation Establishment to Middle Core Formation Realm.
• Many Ascenders, even those without cultivation methods, advance significantly.
• The Sermon ends abruptly, leaving many regretful.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang's cultivation advances rapidly, but he feels overshadowed by Xiao Huo Huo's potential.
• Xiao Huo Huo reaches Early Foundation Establishment Realm without a cultivation method.
• Han Paopao's cultivation also advances significantly, reaching Late Foundation Establishment Realm with the Beginner Qi Refinement Formula, surprising Li Chungang.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Dao and its ability to aid cultivation.
• The importance of aptitude and potential in cultivation.
• The regret of missed opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Li Chungang compares his progress to Xiao Huo Huo's, feeling inferior.
• Li Chungang is surprised by Han Paopao's cultivation advancement and suspects he's hiding something.
• The Cultivators express gratitude to the City Lord for the Fortuitous Encounter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The City Lord of the Heavenly City reveals that the Shangqing Sacred Land is recruiting, causing many cultivators present to express interest.
• The City Lord's offer includes the possibility of becoming an outer sect disciple, with the chance to advance to inner sect or even higher ranks, and the use of a teleportation array to enter the Shangqing Sacred Land.
• Many cultivators, including those who had already chosen other sects, decide to join the Shangqing Sacred Land instead, causing the recruiters from other sects to feel aggrieved but powerless to intervene.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang, despite being the Chaos Spiritual Root Transformation, is still uncertain about joining the Shangqing Sacred Land due to concerns about the final testing methods and the advantages of small sects.
• Han Paopao, who had initially chosen the Heaven Sword Sect, expresses his desire to become a menial worker in an Immortal Sect to maintain a low profile, revealing his fear of attracting attention.

Significant Themes

• The allure of Holy Lands compared to smaller sects, with the promise of greater resources and advancement opportunities.
• The importance of making wise choices in cultivation, as changing one's mind after making a commitment can have serious consequences.
• The fear of attracting unwanted attention and the desire to maintain a low profile, as seen in Han Paopao's character.

Character Interactions

• Li Chungang and Han Paopao discuss the Shangqing Sacred Land's recruitment, with Li Chungang expressing his suspicions about the true purpose behind it, and Han Paopao revealing his desire for a low-profile position.
• The cultivators present interact with the City Lord and the old man, expressing their willingness to join the Shangqing Sacred Land and registering for the opportunity to do so.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A white-haired, white-eyed woman (Moon Palace Envoy) arrives, freezing everyone present with her immense power.
• She identifies Chang Yue'er as having exceptional potential and offers her a place in the Moon Palace as an Inner Disciple.
• The Envoy also shows interest in Xiao Mei'er, offering her a similar position.

Character Developments

• Chang Yue'er: Recognized for her extraordinary potential, she joins the Moon Palace without hesitation.
• Xiao Mei'er: Initially torn between staying with her husband and joining the Moon Palace, she decides to join after learning about the safety and low competition within the Moon Palace.
• Xiao Huo Huo: Shows concern for his wife's safety and well-being, ensuring she will be in a safe and low-competition environment before agreeing to her joining the Moon Palace.

Significant Themes

• Power and Status: The Envoy's immense power and the Moon Palace's status above Immortal Sects highlight the importance of power and status in this world.
• Potential and Opportunity: The Envoy's offer to Chang Yue'er and Xiao Mei'er emphasizes the value of potential and the opportunities it can bring.

Character Interactions

• Chang Yue'er and the Envoy: The Envoy recognizes Chang Yue'er's potential and offers her a place in the Moon Palace, leading to a smooth interaction.
• Xiao Mei'er and Xiao Huo Huo: Xiao Mei'er seeks her husband's opinion before deciding to join the Moon Palace, showing their strong bond. Xiao Huo Huo, in turn, ensures her safety and well-being before agreeing.

Chapter Summary: “Xiao Mei’er Leaves”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Huo Huo agrees that Xiao Mei’er should temporarily separate from him and join the Moon Palace, believing it will offer her greater opportunities for growth than entering the Shangqing Sacred Land with him.
• Concerned about her safety and future treatment, Xiao Huo Huo asks whether she will receive protection comparable to that of an Inner Disciple and how the Moon Palace compares in strength to the Shangqing Sacred Land.
• The Moon Palace envoy seals the hall with a barrier so that confidential information cannot be leaked.
• She reveals that each of the Moon Palace’s three Palace Masters is an Eighth-stage Daluo expert, comparable to the Shangqing Sacred Land’s Peak Masters. Working together, they can rival a Ninth-stage Daluo expert and even surpass the current Sacred Land Master.
• The envoy explains the upper limits of cultivation: Tenth-stage Daluo experts were rare supreme beings of the Ancient Era, the Eleventh Realm was reached only by the founders of the great powers, and the Twelfth Realm was attained only by legendary figures such as Great God Pangu.
• Convinced that the Moon Palace can provide Xiao Mei’er with more suitable techniques, inheritances, and resources, Xiao Huo Huo leaves the decision to her.
• Xiao Mei’er willingly agrees to join the Moon Palace. The envoy takes her and Chang Yue’er and announces that the Moon Palace’s disciple-selection process is complete.
• When the City Lord is released from the envoy’s freezing technique, he offers to report Xiao Mei’er’s departure to the Shangqing Sacred Land and potentially have her reclaimed.
• Xiao Huo Huo refuses, clarifying that Xiao Mei’er made the choice herself and that joining the Moon Palace is more beneficial for her. The City Lord accepts this explanation and agrees to let the matter rest.
• After the envoy departs, the hall returns to normal, and the other cultivators react with shock and fear after realizing how overwhelmingly powerful she was.

Character Developments

• Xiao Huo Huo demonstrates maturity and concern for Xiao Mei’er by prioritizing her long-term development over keeping the family together. He also shows sound judgment by avoiding a confrontation with the Moon Palace.
• Xiao Mei’er makes an independent decision about her future and confidently chooses the path that offers her the greatest potential for growth.
• The Moon Palace envoy is established as an extremely powerful and authoritative figure. She is cautious about protecting the Moon Palace’s secrets but remains direct and decisive.
• The City Lord initially appears ready to defend the Shangqing Sacred Land’s interests, but he quickly accepts the situation once he learns Xiao Mei’er left willingly.

Significant Themes

• Choosing the path best suited to one’s potential: Xiao Mei’er is encouraged to pursue a cultivation method and organization compatible with her abilities rather than follow Xiao Huo Huo blindly.
• Temporary separation for future strength: The chapter presents separation not as abandonment, but as a strategic step toward greater power and eventual reunion.
• Power hierarchy and hidden strength: The Moon Palace is revealed to possess strength comparable to, or greater than, the Shangqing Sacred Land, expanding the story’s understanding of the larger cultivation world.
• Personal choice versus institutional control: Although the Shangqing Sacred Land could theoretically intervene, Xiao Mei’er’s voluntary decision prevents the matter from becoming a forced dispute.
• Pragmatism over pride: Xiao Huo Huo chooses the option that benefits Xiao Mei’er rather than trying to preserve appearances or provoke conflict.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Huo Huo questions the envoy about the Moon Palace’s protection and strength, revealing his concern for Xiao Mei’er.
• He and Xiao Mei’er discuss her future, with Xiao Huo Huo encouraging her to decide for herself.
• Xiao Mei’er accepts the envoy’s invitation and leaves alongside her and Chang Yue’er.
• The envoy confronts the City Lord indirectly, dismissing any possible objection and challenging him to seek redress from the Moon Palace if necessary.
• The City Lord offers to help Xiao Huo Huo retrieve Xiao Mei’er, but Xiao Huo Huo declines and confirms that her departure was voluntary.
• The surrounding cultivators witness the aftermath and discuss the envoy’s terrifying strength.

Summary: “Li Yun’s Plan, Stowaways Appear”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chungang secretly lip-reads the Moon Palace woman’s explanation despite her Barrier, learning the true hierarchy of power in this world:
  • The Ten Kings are at the Daluo Twelve-Realm.
  • The Three Pure Ones and Twelve Witch Gods occupy the Eleventh Realm.
  • Holy Lords are Ninth-Realm Mythic Daluo, while peak masters are Eighth-Realm.
  • Mythic Daluo beings surpass the Hunyuan Wuji Sages of Li Chungang’s world and may possess enough power to destroy entire worlds.
• The revelation deeply shocks Li Chungang, forcing him to recognize how limited his previous understanding of cultivation and power had been.
• Han Paopao reveals that he also understood the conversation despite the isolation. The two acknowledge the terrifying strength of this world’s Daluo experts.
• Li Chungang realizes that Han Paopao likely has many hidden avatars scattered throughout the world. He proposes a secret cooperation: using those avatars to help him become a Lesser Child of Fortune.
• Li Chungang refuses to explain the full plan, saying they will discuss it after entering the Heaven Sword Sect. He hints that the plan could benefit both of them greatly.
• At midnight, the City Lord signals Li Chungang to take a pill and proceed toward the exit as the one-month period ends.
• Li Chungang notices several suspicious figures moving toward the entrance and correctly suspects that they are Stowaways attempting to escape.
• Two figures suddenly burst out through the exit, revealing Hunyuan Sage-level power. Their escape confirms Li Chungang’s suspicions.
• The cultivators in the Main Hall attempt to pursue them, but their spiritual power is suddenly sealed, leaving them helpless.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang: Gains a much clearer understanding of the immense power structure of the world and feels humbled by it. His shock quickly turns into strategic thinking as he identifies Han Paopao’s avatars as a potential resource. He also demonstrates sharp observation by detecting the hidden Stowaways before their escape.
• Han Paopao: Shows that he possesses concealed abilities, including a method of understanding conversations through the Barrier. His cautious and survival-focused nature remains evident, as Li Chungang suspects he has maintained many avatars for protection and preparation.
• The City Lord: Continues coordinating with Li Chungang behind the scenes, signaling when it is safe and necessary to act.
• The Stowaways: Two of them expose their true identities and power while attempting to flee, suggesting that other hidden Stowaways may still be present.

Significant Themes

• The vastness of power: Li Chungang learns that the strongest beings in this world exist far beyond the limits he previously understood, emphasizing the danger and scale of the cultivation hierarchy.
• Concealed strength and deception: Han Paopao’s hidden abilities, the Stowaways’ disguises, and Li Chungang’s secret cooperation all reinforce the importance of concealment.
• Strategic alliances: Li Chungang seeks to turn Han Paopao’s avatars into an advantage, showing that survival depends not only on personal strength but also on collaboration and planning.
• Vulnerability beneath power: Even powerful cultivators are rendered helpless when their spiritual energy is sealed, demonstrating that strength alone cannot guarantee safety.
• Survival and preparation: Han Paopao’s numerous avatars and cautious behavior reflect a worldview centered on contingency plans and avoiding unnecessary risks.

Character Interactions

• Li Chungang and Han Paopao privately compare what they learned about the Daluo Twelve Realms and recognize the seriousness of the situation.
• Li Chungang approaches Han Paopao with a mysterious proposal involving his avatars. Han Paopao is suspicious but listens because he trusts that the matter is important.
• The City Lord communicates directly with Li Chungang, directing him to take the pill and move toward the exit.
• Li Chungang observes the suspicious figures at the entrance and later watches as the two Stowaways reveal themselves and flee.
• The assembled cultivators react violently to the escape attempt, but their pursuit is stopped when their spiritual power is sealed.

Chapter Summary: “Exterminate the Stowaways”

Key Plot Points and Events

• A poison planted in the wine incapacitates nearly everyone in the City Lord’s Residence, including the gathered Ascenders and Xiao Xun’er. Only Li Chungang, Xiao Huo Huo, the City Lord, and the old man remain unaffected.
• Li Chungang realizes that the two Stowaways who fled the residence are vulnerable. He decides to kill them first in order to gain rewards and potentially lure out the more powerful Stowaway skilled in spatial techniques.
• He informs the City Lord of his plan and openly reveals his identity as a Stowaway by releasing a pillar of red light.
• The City Lord seals the residence to prevent anyone from pursuing the attackers, orders the old man to protect the poisoned Ascenders, and then chases after the Stowaways himself.
• Inside the residence, the surviving Ascenders condemn the Stowaways, unaware of the full situation. The Heaven Sword Sect is especially distressed because the sword-robed man realizes that one of his newly recruited disciples, Li Chungang, is a Stowaway.
• Li Chungang finds the two escaped Stowaways weakened by the poison. He kills them instantly with his Low-Grade Divine Sword, reducing their bodies to dust.
• A golden beam descends from the heavens, transferring the two Stowaways’ power into Li Chungang. His cultivation rises from Core Formation Perfection through the Early Golden Elixir Stage to the Middle Golden Elixir Stage.
• He also receives a reward from the mysterious power associated with Pangu’s Will: one random draw for killing two Stowaways.
• Before Li Chungang can explore the possibility of repeatedly farming rewards by killing Stowaways, the Nine-Star Stowaway appears on a rooftop and angrily confronts him.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang: Reveals himself as a Stowaway and demonstrates his ruthless decisiveness by prioritizing the weakened fugitives. His successful killings greatly increase his cultivation and confirm that eliminating Stowaways grants both power and divine rewards. His ambition grows as he considers exploiting the reward system.
• The City Lord: Acts quickly to contain the crisis, protecting the poisoned Ascenders while personally pursuing the attackers. His reaction shows his sense of responsibility toward the city and the major sects.
• The sword-robed man: Suffers a major setback when he realizes Li Chungang was secretly a Stowaway. He fears punishment and disgrace because one of his recruits has compromised his sect’s quota and reputation.
• Han Paopao: Suspects that the situation is not as simple as it appears, suggesting he may be more perceptive than the others.
• Xiao Huo Huo and Xiao Xun’er: Xiao Xun’er is incapacitated by the poison but remains safe in Xiao Huo Huo’s arms, while Xiao Huo Huo is among the few unaffected individuals.
• The Nine-Star Stowaway: Finally appears as the spatial-technique expert the group had been trying to draw out. Though only at the Wuji Sage level, his powerful spatial aura marks him as a dangerous opponent.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and hidden identities: Li Chungang’s public revelation as a Stowaway overturns the assumptions of everyone who trusted or recruited him.
• Power gained through destruction: Killing the Stowaways directly strengthens Li Chungang, turning extermination into both a mission and a potential path to limitless advancement.
• Exploitation of rules and rewards: Li Chungang immediately considers whether Pangu’s reward system can be manipulated for endless benefits.
• Duty versus personal ambition: The City Lord focuses on protecting the larger group, while Li Chungang pursues his own targets and advancement.
• Fear and social consequences: The poisoned Ascenders react with anger and helplessness, while the sword-robed man fears the political and sect-related consequences of having recruited a Stowaway.

Character Interactions

• Li Chungang secretly coordinates with the City Lord, asking him to delay the enemies while Li handles the two fleeing Stowaways.
• The City Lord commands the old man to protect the incapacitated Ascenders before pursuing the attackers.
• The gathered Ascenders collectively denounce the Stowaways, not realizing that Li Chungang—connected to the Heaven Sword Sect—is one of them.
• Han Paopao and Han Qingxue react uneasily to Li Chungang’s betrayal, while the sword-robed man collapses in despair.
• After killing the two Stowaways, Li Chungang faces the newly arrived Nine-Star Stowaway, setting up the chapter’s next confrontation.

Chapter Summary: “Absolute Crushing”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chungang realizes that the hidden space-element expert has finally revealed himself. The man had been waiting to kill another Stowaway and become a Lesser Child of Fortune, but Li Chungang killed the target first, ruining his plan.
• The space-element expert explains that the poisoning at the City Lord’s Residence has weakened Lin City’s strongest experts, including the City Lord. He believes this gives him enough confidence to kill Li Chungang without fear of retaliation.
• The man questions Li Chungang about how he entered and escaped the City Lord’s Residence and assumes that Li Chungang was responsible for poisoning the banquet.
• Li Chungang denies involvement and mocks the idea, pointing out that if he possessed such a powerful poison, he would have poisoned Lin City’s entire water supply rather than limit it to the banquet.
• Realizing Li Chungang has no information about the poison, the man loses interest in questioning him and decides to kill him. He intends to use Li Chungang as the final opportunity needed to become a Lesser Child of Fortune and gain recognition from Pangu’s Will.
• Li Chungang attempts to defend himself with his divine sword, but his sword qi is effortlessly destroyed. The resulting shockwave sends him crashing into the ruins and leaves him nearly helpless.
• With the enemy preparing to finish him, Li Chungang desperately calls for the City Lord to intervene.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang: Demonstrates sharp insight by identifying the hidden enemy’s motives and recognizing that the man is trying to extract information about the poison. However, Li Chungang is severely weakened, having lost the Saint’s Power from his body, leaving him unable to fight effectively.
• The space-element expert: Reveals his ambition to become a Lesser Child of Fortune and gain Pangu’s Will’s protection. His confidence turns into rage when he discovers Li Chungang was not responsible for the poisoning. He views Li Chungang as both a threat and a necessary sacrifice for his advancement.
• The City Lord: Though absent from the immediate confrontation, the City Lord’s earlier poisoning plan continues to affect events by weakening Lin City’s experts. Li Chungang’s final plea suggests that the City Lord may have been waiting to intervene.

Significant Themes

• Fortune and destiny: Becoming a Lesser Child of Fortune grants enormous protection, making Li Chungang’s death highly valuable to the enemy.
• Power imbalance and vulnerability: Li Chungang’s cleverness cannot compensate for the overwhelming difference in strength between him and the space-element expert.
• Manipulation and mistaken assumptions: The enemy’s interrogation is driven by a false assumption that Li Chungang created the poison, while Li Chungang uses sarcasm to expose the flaw in that reasoning.
• Ambition and survival: The space-element expert is willing to kill Li Chungang to secure recognition and future protection, while Li Chungang fights desperately for survival.

Character Interactions

• Li Chungang and the space-element expert engage in a tense verbal exchange, with the enemy probing for information and Li Chungang refusing to reveal anything useful.
• The enemy’s attitude shifts from curiosity to open hostility after learning Li Chungang knows nothing about the poison.
• Their confrontation quickly becomes one-sided: Li Chungang’s sword attack is effortlessly neutralized, leaving him injured and dependent on the City Lord’s possible rescue.

Chapter Summary: “The Killing Trap Takes Shape, the Truth Revealed”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The suspected Nine-Star Stowaway realizes that the City Lord has not appeared to help Li Chungang and assumes Li is truly alone and vulnerable.
• The City Lord suddenly activates Space Lock, sealing the entire area and preventing the Stowaway from using the Law of Space to escape.
• Li Chungang reveals that the City Lord has a strong motive to intervene: the Stowaway had killed nine people in Lin City and threatened the city’s reputation by rising to power there.
• The City Lord then appears and exposes the central deception: Li Chungang is not actually a Stowaway. His red pillar of light was artificially created by a special pill as part of a coordinated plan.
• The City Lord’s Residence had deliberately used Li as bait in a long-prepared Fishing Operation to lure the Nine-Star Stowaway into the open.
• The old man arrives with a large force of Lin City cultivators, who reinforce the Sealing Space Formation and make escape impossible.
• The trapped Stowaway finally understands that both the City Lord’s “poisoning” incident and Li Chungang’s appearance were staged to draw him out. He angrily accuses Li of being a pawn.
• The truth is publicly confirmed, shocking Han Paopao, the sword-robed man, and the other arriving cultivators. Li Chungang is praised for helping expose a major threat to Lin City.
• The City Lord orders the Stowaway’s suppression and launches a massive golden palm attack against him.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang is revealed to be a willing participant in the City Lord’s plan rather than a genuine Stowaway. His composure and mocking attitude show that he knew the trap had succeeded.
• The City Lord is shown to be calculating and strategic. He had prepared the operation in advance and was willing to use deception to protect Lin City’s dignity and eliminate the Nine-Star Stowaway.
• The Nine-Star Stowaway shifts from arrogance and confidence to panic and fury once his escape routes are sealed. He recognizes too late that he has been manipulated.
• The old man and Lin City’s cultivators actively support the City Lord, reinforcing the formation and demonstrating the city’s united response to the threat.
• Han Paopao, the sword-robed man, and the others experience shock upon learning that Li was never a Stowaway, forcing them to reevaluate their assumptions about him.

Significant Themes

• Deception and strategic planning: The entire confrontation is revealed to be a carefully constructed trap, with false clues and staged events used to manipulate the enemy.
• Appearance versus reality: Li’s red pillar resembles a Stowaway’s sign but is only an imitation, emphasizing that outward appearances can be misleading.
• Collective defense and civic pride: The City Lord acts to preserve Lin City’s reputation and prevent an enemy from gaining power through violence within the city.
• Arrogance leading to downfall: The Stowaway’s confidence causes him to pursue Li and fall directly into the prepared trap.
• Trust and hidden alliances: Li’s apparent isolation conceals his cooperation with the City Lord, revealing that the true balance of power was hidden from everyone watching.

Character Interactions

• The Stowaway taunts Li and questions why the City Lord would help another supposed Stowaway.
• Li counters by explaining the City Lord’s political and strategic reasons for intervening.
• The City Lord directly mocks the Stowaway’s assumptions and reveals Li’s true identity and role.
• The Stowaway condemns Li as a pawn after realizing he has been deceived.
• The old man publicly confirms Li’s role in the Fishing Operation, changing the surrounding cultivators’ perception of him.
• The City Lord ends the revelation by ordering the attack and personally striking at the trapped enemy.

Chapter Summary: “Slaying the Nine-Star Stowaway”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Nine-Star Stowaway launches a deadly attack, forcing the City Lord to defend himself with overwhelming power.
• The Stowaway uses Dimensional Space Slash, but the City Lord’s giant hand seal easily withstands and shatters it.
• The City Lord follows with a golden spike that pierces the Stowaway’s shoulder, destroys his bones, and leaves him severely weakened and near death.
• Li Chungang is shocked that a powerful Wuji Sage-level Stowaway has been defeated so effortlessly.
• The City Lord reveals that he has only recently entered the Divine Realm, yet his strength is sufficient to suppress even a near-peak Wuji Sage.
• Li Chungang realizes the Pangu Great World is far more powerful than the lesser worlds he had considered visiting. He decides to contact his True Body and have it come to this world instead.
• The City Lord instructs Li Chungang to deliver the final blow, explaining that killing this Stowaway will bring his total to seven and allow him three reward draws.
• Li Chungang executes the wounded Stowaway, cutting off his head and destroying his divine soul.
• Pangu’s Will announces that Li Chungang has advanced to a Seven-Star Stowaway and gained two additional reward-draw attempts.
• Li Chungang eagerly returns to the City Lord, expecting him to honor his promise and help secure Li Chungang’s status.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang: His understanding of the world’s power structure changes dramatically after witnessing the City Lord’s strength. He becomes more cautious and strategic, deciding to bring his True Body into the Pangu Great World. His confidence also grows after personally killing the Nine-Star Stowaway and advancing in rank.
• The City Lord: He is revealed to be a newly entered Divine Realm expert with exceptional combat ability. He also demonstrates political awareness, viewing Li Chungang and Xiao Huo Huo as potential future allies because of their immense potential.
• The Nine-Star Stowaway: His arrogance and formidable status collapse quickly under the City Lord’s attack. Despite his furious final curses, he is helpless and completely killed by Li Chungang.
• Xiao Huo Huo: Though absent from the action, his importance is emphasized through the City Lord’s fear of alienating both him and Li Chungang, since both are seen as future figures of great influence.

Significant Themes

• Overwhelming strength and hidden power: The City Lord’s modest cultivation level conceals combat strength capable of defeating a much higher-ranked opponent.
• Strategic alliances: The City Lord values Li Chungang and Xiao Huo Huo not only for their current abilities but for their future potential.
• The dangers of the wider world: Li Chungang recognizes that the Pangu Great World offers greater opportunities and dangers than the lower realms.
• Progress through achievement: Killing powerful Stowaways directly improves Li Chungang’s status, rewards, and future prospects.
• Pragmatism and political calculation: Both Li Chungang and the City Lord make decisions based on long-term benefits rather than immediate emotions.

Character Interactions

• The City Lord demonstrates his superiority while Li Chungang watches in disbelief and respectfully asks about his cultivation.
• After learning the City Lord’s true strength, Li Chungang apologizes for his earlier disrespect and begins treating him as a powerful senior.
• The City Lord encourages Li Chungang to finish off the wounded Stowaway, linking the execution to Li Chungang’s advancement and reward opportunities.
• The Stowaway curses Li Chungang before dying, but Li Chungang interrupts him and decisively delivers the killing blow.

Chapter Summary: The City Lord Takes a Stand

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chungang reports to the City Lord that the Nine-Star Stowaway has been killed and asks about the promise made to him.
• The City Lord removes the barrier around the battlefield, allowing the surrounding Cultivators to approach and learn what truly happened.
• He publicly clarifies that Li Chungang is not a Stowaway. Instead, Li was deliberately used as bait and risked his life to lure out the Nine-Star Stowaway.
• The City Lord explains that Li’s apparent Stowaway aura came from a special pill. The pill successfully concealed his real identity, and the assembled Cultivators confirm this through Divine Sense examinations.
• The crowd praises Li Chungang for protecting Lin City’s honor and preventing the Stowaway from becoming a Lesser Child of Fortune.
• The City Lord explains why a Stowaway Lesser Child of Fortune is considered dangerous: although such a person may eventually benefit the Pangu Great World, they cannot be controlled, may refuse to cooperate, or could eventually betray it.
• Li Chungang presses the City Lord to fulfill his promised reward and provide him with official backing.
• The City Lord announces that he will make a formal public declaration concerning Li Chungang, beginning an official introduction intended to establish Li’s legitimacy across the Eastern Wasteland.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang gains public recognition as a hero rather than a suspected Stowaway. His successful mission greatly strengthens his position and gives him an opportunity to secure protection from the Shangqing Sacred Land.
• Li remains cautious and strategic. He willingly allows the Cultivators to inspect him, knowing the pill’s aura concealment will protect his secret identity.
• He also thinks ahead about his true body and future cultivation, hoping that understanding the Holy Land’s monitoring system will allow him to preserve and integrate his power later.
• The City Lord demonstrates political authority and support for Li. He not only explains the truth but deliberately makes the matter public so that the various sects cannot continue targeting or restricting Li.
• Xiao Huo Huo, Xiao Xun’er, Han Paopao, the sword-robed man, and the other Cultivators react with surprise and curiosity, gradually accepting Li’s innocence and contribution.

Significant Themes

• Trust and legitimacy: Li must prove that he belongs in the world despite being secretly connected to the Stowaway issue. Public recognition becomes essential to his survival.
• Political control versus individual power: The authorities do not reject Lesser Children of Fortune themselves; they fear those whose power and loyalty cannot be controlled.
• Sacrifice and reward: Li’s dangerous role as bait earns him both admiration and a promised political advantage.
• Identity and concealment: The special pill allows Li to hide his true nature, emphasizing the tension between his public identity and private goals.
• Institutional prejudice and pragmatism: Stowaways are judged not only by their actions but by the potential threat they pose to the established order.

Character Interactions

• Li Chungang respectfully but insistently confronts the City Lord about the promised reward.
• The City Lord publicly defends Li and presents him as a hero to the assembled Cultivators.
• Han Paopao and the sword-robed man question Li about the incident, while Li defers to the City Lord’s explanation.
• The Cultivators examine Li with Divine Sense and then express their gratitude.
• The City Lord explains the political danger of Stowaway Lesser Children of Fortune to Li, Xiao Huo Huo, and the others.
• The chapter ends as the City Lord places a hand on Li’s shoulder and begins formally introducing him to representatives of the Eastern Wasteland’s various powers, signaling a major public endorsement.

Chapter Summary: “Protective Talisman Secured”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The City Lord reveals that Li Chungang possesses a Chaos Spiritual Root, explaining why little information about him circulated and why the Pangu Great World previously rejected or suppressed his existence.
• Li Chungang had cooperated with the City Lord and the Shangqing Sacred Land to lure out and kill the Nine-Star Stowaway.
• As a result, the Shangqing Sacred Land publicly acknowledges Li Chungang as one of its accepted lifeforms. This removes the restrictions on his cultivation and guarantees that he will not be expelled from the Eastern Wasteland, even if he reaches the Daluo realm or higher.
• His new status also grants him access to resources and treatment matching his exceptional potential, with further rewards expected from the Shangqing Sacred Land.
• The banquet concludes, and the sect leaders leave to report the news and prepare their respective sects.
• Before departing, Li Chungang gives Xiao Huo Huo a Jade Talisman containing his power, allowing communication and tracking. More importantly, its Space-Time Power can create an unstable escape tunnel if Xiao Huo Huo faces mortal danger.
• The Shangqing elder immediately takes Xiao Huo Huo and Xiao Xun’er back to the Holy Land, emphasizing their importance to its future.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang: Gains official protection and legitimacy from the Shangqing Sacred Land. Although he understands that the Holy Land’s support is partly motivated by its interest in Xiao Huo Huo, he accepts the arrangement without complaint. He also demonstrates foresight and genuine concern by giving Xiao Huo Huo a life-saving talisman.
• Xiao Huo Huo: Becomes increasingly important to the Shangqing Sacred Land as a possible future Child of Fortune. He accepts Li Chungang’s gift and maintains a respectful relationship with him.
• The City Lord: Confirms Li Chungang’s new status and formally closes the banquet after ensuring the political matter has been settled.
• The sword-robed man: Reassures Li Chungang that his new status will greatly increase the resources and rewards available to him.
• The Shangqing elder: Acts decisively to protect Xiao Huo Huo and Xiao Xun’er, recognizing their importance to the Holy Land’s future.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and legitimacy: Official acknowledgment transforms Li Chungang from a suppressed outsider into a protected and valued figure.
• Political alliances and hidden motives: The Shangqing Sacred Land’s support is presented as both repayment for Li Chungang’s assistance and a strategic effort to recruit and secure Xiao Huo Huo.
• Mutual benefit versus genuine loyalty: Li Chungang recognizes that he is partly being used as a means to influence Xiao Huo Huo, yet he still chooses to cooperate.
• Protection and responsibility: The Jade Talisman symbolizes Li Chungang’s willingness to safeguard Xiao Huo Huo despite their uncertain future.
• The importance of future potential: Several characters make decisions based not only on present achievements but also on Xiao Huo Huo’s expected future significance.

Character Interactions

• The City Lord explains Li Chungang’s origins and new protection to the sect leaders, who react with surprise and approval.
• Han Paopao praises Li Chungang for accomplishing such an important feat quietly, while the sword-robed man emphasizes the benefits of his new status.
• Li Chungang and Xiao Huo Huo exchange respectful farewells, with Li Chungang giving him the protective talisman.
• The City Lord and the Shangqing elder discuss whether to remain or depart; the elder chooses to leave immediately to protect Xiao Huo Huo and Xiao Xun’er.
• The elder then personally escorts Xiao Huo Huo and Xiao Xun’er back to the Shangqing Sacred Land.

Chapter Summary: “Han Paopao’s Question”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After returning to the Heaven Sword Sect’s encampment, Han Paopao and the sword-robed man reflect on the night’s dangerous events: Xiao Xun’er and another woman’s departure, the Stowaways’ infiltration of the banquet, the drugging attempt, and Li Chungang’s killing of a Nine-Star Stowaway.
• The sword-robed man questions how Li Chungang was allowed to kill such a valuable Stowaway. He suspects that Li’s connection to the Shangqing Sacred Land played a major role, since Nine-Star Stowaways are normally protected and can only be killed under very specific circumstances.
• Li Chungang refuses to explain immediately, promising to reveal the truth the next day. He is waiting for Xiao Huo Huo and the others to reach the Shangqing Sacred Land, where they will be protected and unable to expose his secrets.
• Everyone retires for the night. Han Qingxue separates from Li Chungang and Han Paopao, while Han Paopao invites Li Chungang into his residence for a private discussion.
• Han Paopao seals the room with a roulette formation and criticizes Li Chungang for taking such a dangerous gamble. Li Chungang calmly argues that the enormous rewards justified the risk.
• Han Paopao asks why Li Chungang did not join the Shangqing Sacred Land despite his close ties to it. He reveals that Li’s Blood Exchange would make him difficult to detect unless he held a very high position within the Holy Land.
• Li Chungang explains that he prefers to remain hidden and grow safely within a smaller faction. He also admits that he needs Han Paopao’s help with an important matter.
• Han Paopao quickly realizes that Li Chungang’s request concerns his multiple avatars, ending the chapter on an implied plan involving them.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang: Becomes increasingly calculating and confident. He remains secretive about his connection to the Shangqing Sacred Land and carefully times the release of information. His primary goal is to hunt three more Stowaways and potentially become a Lesser Child of Fortune, but he recognizes that cooperation with Han Paopao would be more efficient than acting alone.
• Han Paopao: Shows himself to be perceptive, cautious, and knowledgeable about Blood Exchange and Holy Land detection methods. He recognizes the danger Li Chungang took and quickly deduces that Li is interested in his avatars.
• Sword-robed man: Acts as a representative of the Heaven Sword Sect, concerned about the implications of Li Chungang’s actions and the possible hidden dangers connected to the Shangqing Sacred Land.
• Han Qingxue: Remains quiet and distant after the night’s events, leaving without engaging in the discussion.

Significant Themes

• Risk versus reward: Li Chungang knowingly takes immense risks because the potential gains—Divine Artifacts, Stowaway points, and access to greater fortune—are extraordinary.
• Secrecy and strategic deception: Li carefully withholds information until his allies and enemies are positioned where they cannot threaten him.
• Safety versus power: The chapter contrasts the protection and resources of major Holy Lands with the freedom and concealment offered by smaller sects.
• Trust and cooperation: Although Li Chungang is pursuing his own objectives, he recognizes that forming a practical alliance with Han Paopao may be more effective than relying solely on himself.
• Hidden identities and survival: Blood Exchange, avatars, and concealed Stowaway identities emphasize the importance of remaining undetected in a world where discovery can mean death.

Character Interactions

• The sword-robed man confronts Li Chungang about the suspicious circumstances surrounding the Nine-Star Stowaway’s death, but accepts Li’s refusal to answer for now.
• Han Paopao and Li Chungang share a private conversation in which Han warns him about his reckless behavior and questions his decision not to join the Shangqing Sacred Land.
• Li reveals that he values concealment over access to powerful institutions and hints that he needs Han Paopao’s assistance.
• Han Paopao immediately understands that Li intends to make use of or possibly hunt his avatars, suggesting that the two may soon negotiate a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Chapter Summary: “Han Paopao’s Choice”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chungang reveals that he needs three more Stowaway kills to qualify as a Lesser Child of Fortune, whose status would grant significant benefits.
• Han Paopao suggests that Li should instead pursue the higher position of Child of Fortune by exploring the Eastern Wasteland’s secret realms and forbidden lands for opportunities.
• Li rejects this idea, explaining that he is only an incarnation, not his True Body. He considers becoming a Lesser Child of Fortune through the quickest available method more suitable for this incarnation, while reserving greater opportunities for his True Body.
• Han Paopao realizes that Li is an incarnation and understands that their cautious approaches and willingness to use incarnations are similar.
• Han offers one of his other incarnations in the Heaven Sword Sect as a potential Stowaway target, but explains that his remaining incarnations are inaccessible because neither of them can leave the sect.
• Han proposes investigating Han Qingxue and searching for another hidden Stowaway within the Heaven Sword Sect. If successful, Li could obtain the three kills he needs.
• Li accepts that this investigation is currently their only viable plan.
• When Li offers compensation, Han refuses, stating that he values the future alliance with Li and the powerful figure behind him more than any material reward.
• After Li leaves, Han reflects excitedly that his path is not solitary and that he may have found an important future ally.
• Back at his residence, Li orders the drawing of three rewards. A mysterious force then locks onto his existence, and three white orbs of light appear before him.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang is shown to be pragmatic and highly cautious. He prioritizes the immediate advancement of his incarnation while protecting the interests and opportunities of his True Body.
• Han Paopao demonstrates strategic insight, recognizing Li’s incarnation status and adjusting his plans accordingly. He chooses long-term alliance-building over short-term personal gain.
• Han also becomes more optimistic about his own future after realizing that he has found someone who shares his cautious methods and may become a powerful ally.

Significant Themes

• Caution and preparation: Both characters avoid unnecessary risks and use incarnations to gather intelligence and develop safely.
• The value of future potential: Han emphasizes that future strength and alliances matter more than present possessions or rewards.
• Identity and hidden power: Li’s incarnation status reveals that his apparent strength may not represent his true capabilities, increasing Han’s respect and interest.
• Mutual benefit and alliance-building: Their agreement is based less on a direct transaction than on the possibility of a lasting relationship between their True Bodies and factions.

Character Interactions

• Li directly explains his goal, while Han challenges him to aim higher.
• Li’s revelation about being an incarnation changes Han’s understanding of him and strengthens their sense of similarity.
• Han offers assistance through his incarnations and suggests Han Qingxue as another possible target.
• Li and Han establish cooperation based on trust and future advantage rather than immediate payment.
• Their parting leaves Han encouraged and Li focused on drawing the rewards needed for his advancement.

Chapter Summary: “Pangu’s Will’s Rewards”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chungang receives three powerful rewards from Pangu’s Will and senses that one of them contains the energy his True Body needs to perfect itself.
• The first reward, Origin Exchange, allows him to replace his current origin with another of equal grade that is compatible with the Pangu Great World.
• Li Chungang immediately exchanges his Chaos Golden Bamboo origin for a Chaos Jade origin, eliminating the hidden dangers and possible suppression caused by having an origin foreign to the Pangu Great World.
• The new Chaos Jade origin grants him two traits:
  • Heart of Flawlessness, which prevents Qi Deviation and protects him from heavenly demons.
  • Luminous Sword Heart, highly suited to his sword cultivation.
• The second reward is a Bloodline Evolution Pill, capable of raising a bloodline by one grade. Although it could strengthen Li Chungang’s Space-Time Bloodline, he saves it for his True Body, which possesses an incomplete Pangu bloodline.
• The third reward is a Traversal Gate, allowing travel to lower realms. Each activation requires a year of preparation, and the traveler may remain in the lower realm for only twenty-four hours.
• Li Chungang realizes the gate may eventually allow him to bring his True Body into the Pangu Great World, though he must first prepare a suitable identity and safeguards.

Character Development

• Li Chungang becomes increasingly confident and excited as the rewards resolve several of his major weaknesses.
• He shows strategic restraint by saving the Bloodline Evolution Pill for his True Body rather than using it on himself.
• His determination to bring his True Body into the Pangu Great World strengthens, but he also recognizes the need for careful preparation before acting.

Significant Themes

• Eliminating hidden flaws: The rewards address Li Chungang’s origin, bloodline, and future mobility, making his cultivation path more secure.
• Compatibility and belonging: Replacing his foreign origin with Chaos Jade symbolizes his growing integration into the Pangu Great World.
• Preparation versus haste: Although Li Chungang gains the means to summon his True Body, he understands that acting prematurely could be dangerous.
• Destiny and assistance: Pangu’s Will appears to provide rewards specifically tailored to Li Chungang’s needs, suggesting a purposeful connection between them.

Character Interactions

• Li Chungang’s primary interaction is with Pangu’s Will, whose silent judgment and rewards deeply affect him.
• He also reflects on Shangqing Sacred Land, recognizing that Pangu’s Origin Exchange is more reliable than the protection and endorsement offered by the sect.
• His decisions throughout the chapter are strongly shaped by concern for and plans involving his True Body, emphasizing their close connection and shared future.

Chapter Summary: Arrival at Heaven Sword Sect

Key Plot Points and Events

• After seven days of observation, Li Chungang, Han Paopao, and Han Qingxue are gathered by the sword-robed man and taken from Lin City.
• The man summons a large flying vessel, activates its barrier, and transports them toward Heaven Sword Sect. The journey is expected to take half a day.
• Han Paopao explains that Li Chungang’s actions at the City Lord’s Residence caused Heaven Sword Sect to accelerate the departure of the inspected Ascenders.
• The next round of testing will take place inside Heaven Sword Sect, removing the risk of further “Stowaway” incidents affecting Lin City.
• Li Chungang realizes that there may be more hidden Stowaways throughout the world—and possibly within Heaven Sword Sect itself. He speculates that Han Paopao’s clone may not be the only one and might therefore avoid being sacrificed.
• Han Paopao and Han Qingxue express dissatisfaction with the weak Beginner Qi Refinement Formula and hope to obtain stronger cultivation techniques and pills.
• After half a day, the group arrives at Heaven Sword Sect, an enormous sect centered around a cloud-piercing sword-shaped peak and surrounded by eight floating immortal islands.
• Li Chungang senses numerous powerful cultivators within the sect, including Immortal Realm and Divine Realm experts.
• At the sect’s summit, they see many other flying vessels and newcomers. The sword-robed man explains that Heaven Sword Sect recruits Ascenders from dozens of cities, not only Lin City.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang: Becomes increasingly observant and suspicious regarding the wider Stowaway situation. His actions have had consequences beyond Lin City, accelerating the recruitment process and potentially affecting the fate of hidden Stowaways. He also begins assessing Heaven Sword Sect’s overall strength.
• Han Paopao: Shows gratitude toward Li Chungang for indirectly allowing him to leave Lin City sooner. He remains ambitious, eager to obtain better cultivation resources, and privately feels the pressure of Li Chungang’s rapidly advancing cultivation.
• Han Qingxue: Becomes more openly involved in the conversation and expresses her desire for stronger techniques and pills. She also demonstrates caution upon seeing the large number of powerful newcomers.
• The sword-robed man: Acts as their escort and guide, transporting them safely while revealing information about Heaven Sword Sect’s recruitment system.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of individual actions: Li Chungang’s actions at the City Lord’s Residence trigger changes affecting many Ascenders and the broader handling of Stowaways.
• Hidden identities and suspicion: The possibility of numerous undiscovered Stowaways creates uncertainty, especially regarding Heaven Sword Sect and Han Paopao’s clone.
• Power and cultivation resources: The characters recognize that their current techniques and realms are inadequate, motivating them to seek stronger methods and pills.
• A vast and competitive world: Heaven Sword Sect’s immense scale, powerful experts, and recruitment from many cities emphasize how broad and dangerous the cultivation world is.
• Growing companionship: The three newcomers deliberately converse and begin to overcome their earlier distance, forming a more cooperative relationship.

Character Interactions

• Han Paopao thanks Li Chungang for helping speed up their departure, prompting Li Chungang to reconsider the implications of the Stowaway incident.
• Li Chungang, Han Paopao, and Han Qingxue bond through a discussion about cultivation techniques and resources.
• Han Qingxue’s concern about the many newcomers leads the sword-robed man to explain Heaven Sword Sect’s extensive recruitment network.
• The chapter ends with the trio entering a vast sect filled with other talented Ascenders, setting up future competition and testing.

Chapter Summary: “Mutual Scheming, the White-Haired Youth”

Plot and events

The sword-robed guide who brought Li Chungang, Han Paopao, and Han Qingxue to the Heaven Sword Sect leaves immediately after helping them reach the registration plaza. The three register their origins as ascenders from Lin City and receive temporary identity tokens. They learn that they will soon undergo a potential test and be assigned according to their aptitude. Li Chungang realizes the guide had already fulfilled his quota by bringing them there and therefore had no reason to remain or assist them further.

The white-haired youth

The group notices the same guide enthusiastically escorting a white-haired youth into the plaza, treating him with obvious respect. This contrasts sharply with his indifferent attitude toward Li Chungang’s group and suggests that the youth possesses exceptional talent. Han Paopao investigates and discovers that the youth has SSS-grade potential. He was originally intended to enter the Shushan Immortal Sect directly, but because he fell slightly short of its requirements, he was sent to the Heaven Sword Sect for further training.

Character development and interactions

Han Paopao becomes frustrated by the group’s comparatively poor treatment and seeks information about the white-haired youth. Li Chungang remains observant and composed, correctly interpreting the guide’s behavior and the implications of the registration system. Han Qingxue proposes that the three maintain contact after being separated by their potential-based assignments, arguing that cooperation will help them survive and gather information in the unfamiliar sect.

Hidden schemes and distrust

Although Li Chungang agrees outwardly, he distrusts Han Qingxue’s sudden friendliness. He suspects she may be trying to gain his confidence so she can kill him and increase her standing as a Lesser Child of Fortune. As a Stowaway, Han Qingxue lacks protection from the Shangqing Sacred Land, while Li Chungang has already killed seven Stowaways, making him a valuable target. Li Chungang privately decides that while she may be plotting against him, he is likewise prepared to eliminate her.

Themes

The chapter emphasizes survival through political calculation, the importance of talent in sect hierarchies, concealed motives, and mutual exploitation. It also establishes the competitive nature of the Heaven Sword Sect, where aptitude determines status and relationships may conceal deadly intentions.

Chapter Summary: “Changes to the Disciple-Acceptance Ceremony”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Chungang, Han Qingxue, and Han Paopao learn that the white-haired newcomer possesses SSS-grade potential and cultivates the dangerous Ruthless Sword Dao.
• His talent is not considered a flaw; rather, his unusual cultivation path makes him difficult for the Shushan Immortal Sect to manage. He was therefore sent to the subordinate Heaven Sword Sect, where his overwhelming potential justifies protecting him despite the risks.
• The Ruthless Sword Dao is explained as a path that suppresses emotional and social bonds. Unless its practitioner genuinely recognizes someone, relationships may not restrain him from killing them.
• Because no one in the Heaven Sword Sect can properly become the youth’s master, the sect has altered its traditional disciple-acceptance process:
  • All newcomers will live and cultivate together on a specially prepared Sword Peak.
  • They will not immediately be assigned to one of the Eight Peaks or accept masters.
  • They may choose a peak master—or return to Shushan Immortal Sect—only after reaching the Immortal Realm or after the white-haired youth leaves.
• The sect master and the Eight Peak Masters appear and formally announce the new system.
• New disciples will begin as Outer, Inner, or Direct Disciples based on their own performance rather than immediate appointment.
• Cultivation dwellings with strong spiritual energy are limited. Disciples must compete to claim and defend them. Losing a challenge means surrendering the dwelling, status, and resources, with a one-month restriction before challenging again.

Character Developments

• Li Chungang becomes wary and serious after realizing the implications of the youth’s talent and Ruthless Sword Dao. He prefers to remain inconspicuous and is troubled by the forced competition among newcomers.
• Han Qingxue reacts positively to the shared Sword Peak arrangement, recognizing that having everyone concentrated in one place may make her future plans easier.
• Han Paopao provides crucial information about the new arrangements. Although outwardly energetic, he also feels reluctant and helpless because the newcomers are being forced into a competitive environment.
• The white-haired youth is established as the central disruptive figure: his talent is so exceptional that the Heaven Sword Sect has changed its long-standing rules around him.
• The Heaven Sword Sect’s leadership appears dissatisfied and constrained, since accommodating the youth has disrupted the sect’s traditional structure and disciple-selection process.

Significant Themes

• Exceptional talent and institutional compromise: The sect is forced to reshape its rules to accommodate someone whose potential outweighs ordinary concerns.
• Dangerous power without emotional restraint: The Ruthless Sword Dao raises questions about whether immense talent can be safely controlled.
• Competition and survival: Status, resources, identity, and cultivation opportunities must be earned and defended through strength.
• Loss of personal choice: The newcomers cannot select masters or leave freely, showing how larger forces determine their opportunities.
• Hierarchy and unequal value: The Heaven Sword Sect’s willingness to tolerate potential casualties highlights the different value placed on ordinary disciples versus a once-in-a-generation prodigy.

Character Interactions

• Li Chungang and Han Qingxue question Han Paopao about the white-haired youth’s origins and potential.
• Han Paopao explains the youth’s Ruthless Sword Dao and why Shushan sent him to the Heaven Sword Sect.
• Li Chungang and Han Paopao recognize that the new communal arrangement is likely caused by the youth’s presence, though both dislike the resulting competition.
• Han Qingxue sees practical advantages in the new arrangement, contrasting with the men’s concerns about exposure and conflict.
• The sect master addresses all newcomers alongside the Eight Peak Masters, formally establishing the rules of the revised ceremony and the competitive system governing the new Sword Peak.

Chapter Summary: The Bearing of a Great Emperor: Wang Teng

Plot and Events

The Heaven Sword Sect begins its true entrance examination, ending the newcomers’ hopes of quietly cultivating in the sect’s best cave residences. The superior residences require constant competition and monthly challenges, meaning disciples must continually defend their status and resources instead of focusing solely on cultivation. Twelve examiners appear with bronze mirrors to test, register, and issue tokens to the entrants.

Wang Teng’s Examination

A white-haired young man named Wang Teng is tested first. The bronze mirror reveals that he is an awakened member of the God Race with an unawakened Void God Body and Heavenly God Bloodline, earning an extraordinary SSS rating. Li Chungang recognizes him as someone with the potential to become a “Child of Fortune” or future great emperor. Because Wang Teng’s latent potential is so dangerous, Li Chungang and Han Paopao decide it is safest to avoid provoking him.

Li Chungang’s Examination

When Li Chungang is tested, his results differ sharply from his previous records. He is identified as having a Chaos Jade origin, a half-awakened Innate Sword Body, and an unverified special bloodline, receiving an SS rating. His former Space-Time Bloodline can no longer be properly identified, causing suspicion among the examiner and his companions.

Character Developments

Li Chungang demonstrates caution and composure, immediately recognizing Wang Teng’s potential threat and choosing avoidance over confrontation. He also calmly explains the unusual changes in his origin and bloodline, attributing them to rewards granted by Pangu’s Will after helping kill multiple Stowaways. Han Paopao supports Li Chungang’s account, confirming his achievements and reinforcing their trust.

Character Interactions

The sect master and examiners impose the examination without consulting the disciples. Li Chungang, Han Paopao, and Han Qingxue remain together in line. Han Paopao alerts Li Chungang when Wang Teng reaches the testing area, while the examiner questions Li Chungang about his altered identity. Han Paopao intervenes to testify on Li Chungang’s behalf, mentioning his connection to the Lin City Lord and the Shangqing Sacred Land.

Major Themes

The chapter emphasizes the harsh competition underlying sect life, where cultivation resources must be defended through continuous combat. It also highlights hidden potential and destiny, contrasting Wang Teng’s overwhelming future prospects with Li Chungang’s mysterious, increasingly unclassifiable abilities. Trust, secrecy, and the dangers of revealing one’s true origins are also central concerns.

Chapter Summary: Promise of a Supreme Immortal Artifact

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Heaven Sword Sect accepts that Li Chungang’s extraordinary potential is genuine, especially now that the flaw in his Chaos Spiritual Root has been removed and his bloodline power has emerged. His potential is judged to be at least SSS level and possibly SSR, comparable to a Child of Fortune.
• The sect master registers Li Chungang as a Direct Disciple, granting him the associated cultivation resources.
• Because the Shushan Immortal Sect has ordered the Heaven Sword Sect to reserve the best mountain peaks for Wang Teng, Li Chungang cannot freely compete for a superior residence. He may choose where to live but must remain within the designated mountain area.
• Li Chungang accepts the arrangement but protests that he should not be forced to participate in monthly battles for cultivation residences. He argues that doing so would waste his time and hinder his progress.
• As compensation, he requests a cave-heaven Immortal Artifact. The sect master agrees and offers the Qinghua Immortal Abode, a Supreme Immortal Artifact capable of supporting cultivation up to the Divine Realm.
• Satisfied, Li Chungang pledges loyalty to the Heaven Sword Sect and agrees to remain there.
• The sect master then takes Li Chungang and Wang Teng to the Scripture Repository to select cultivation techniques. The chapter ends as Li Chungang senses Wang Teng’s open hostility toward him.

Character Development

• Li Chungang demonstrates pragmatism, confidence, and strategic thinking. Rather than openly challenging the sect’s restrictions, he negotiates valuable compensation and secures both high-level resources and a peaceful cultivation environment.
• His acceptance of the Qinghua Immortal Abode strengthens his connection to the Heaven Sword Sect. His promise not to betray the sect suggests the beginning of genuine loyalty, though he remains focused primarily on his own cultivation.
• The sect master and eight Peak Masters shift from viewing Li Chungang as a troublesome newcomer to recognizing him as a potentially invaluable future powerhouse. They are eager to cultivate him and benefit from his eventual rise.
• Wang Teng is further elevated as the Shushan Immortal Sect’s favored Child of Fortune. His protected status also creates resentment and tension, particularly with Li Chungang, who dislikes having his opportunities restricted because of Wang Teng.
• Han Paopao, Han Qingxue, and the other newcomers remain in the background, continuing their testing and registration.

Significant Themes

• Talent and destiny: Li Chungang’s restored spiritual root and bloodline place him among the most promising figures in the world, raising questions about whether he may rival or surpass Wang Teng.
• Institutional favoritism and power: The Heaven Sword Sect must obey the Shushan Immortal Sect’s supreme order, even at the cost of sacrificing its own disciples’ interests.
• Negotiation over confrontation: Li Chungang gains major advantages by calmly bargaining instead of directly rebelling against the rules.
• Loyalty and belonging: The sect hopes Li Chungang’s direct admission and favorable treatment will create a lasting bond, contrasting with Wang Teng’s weaker connection as someone imposed upon the sect by an outside power.
• Rivalry and hidden conflict: The chapter establishes growing hostility between Li Chungang and Wang Teng, suggesting a future clash between two possible Children of Fortune.

Character Interactions

• The sect master formally welcomes Li Chungang as a Direct Disciple and explains the restrictions imposed by the Shushan Immortal Sect.
• The eight Peak Masters silently consider competing to become Li Chungang’s master, recognizing his immense potential, but are prevented from doing so by the sect master’s explanation of the order.
• Li Chungang challenges the fairness of the arrangement and successfully negotiates the Qinghua Immortal Abode.
• After Li Chungang pledges loyalty, the sect master responds enthusiastically and escorts both Li Chungang and Wang Teng to obtain cultivation techniques.
• The final hostile exchange is nonverbal: Li Chungang notices Wang Teng glaring at him, confirming the beginning of their antagonistic relationship.