Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun's Merfolk clone initiates an attack on the Middle Land.
• The Three Pure Ones' disciples join the fight, attacking the Middle Land's forces.
• Li Qingyun returns to the physical world, repels the Middle Land's grand momentum, and escapes back to the Eastern Desolation.
• The Middle Land's forces retreat, ending the confrontation.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun demonstrates his power and determination, escaping from the Middle Land's forces.
• Jiang Wang and the other ancient clan Ancestral Return Realm cultivators are shocked and confused by Li Qingyun's escape.
• The Saint Venerable's decision to retreat leaves the Middle Land's forces uncertain about their future against Li Qingyun.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and conflict between the Eastern Desolation and the Middle Land.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent (as seen with the Middle Land's forces).
• The importance of strategic retreat and regrouping (as shown by the Saint Venerable's decision).

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun and the Middle Land's forces: Li Qingyun demonstrates his power and escapes, leaving the Middle Land's forces surprised and uncertain.
• Li Qingyun and Houtu: Li Qingyun encourages Houtu to cultivate diligently and warns her against disrupting her progress.
• The Middle Land's forces and the Saint Venerable: The Saint Venerable's decision to retreat leaves the Middle Land's forces uncertain about their future against Li Qingyun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Nine Heavens Azure Dao Lord contacts Chi Hun, Zhen Hui, and others, expressing goodwill, seeking them to relay messages to Li Qingyun.
• Opportunistic Dao Lords from other continents visit the Eastern Desolation Domain Temple, hoping to fill vacancies.
• Li Qingyun accepts some Fifth Fruit Dao Lords as disciples of the Three Pure Ones.
• Saint Venerable Limò distributes blood-colored bindings stones to Middle Land ancient clans to strengthen their forces.
• The Eastern Desolation Domain Temple faces a Great Ruin, but Dao Lord Masters manage it effectively.
• The Prefectural Temple withholds ascension slots from the Eastern Desolation.
• A Great Purge occurs in the Time Ruin Mother River, with less damage than the previous year.
• Miss Shi, the Incense Seller, visits the Guixu Three Pure Ones Temple, selling Binding Incense to the disciples of the Three Pure Ones.
• Li Qingyun attains the Nose Connection Fruit Position, comparable to the Seventh Fruit.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun demonstrates his appreciation for talent by accepting new disciples.
• Saint Venerable Limò shows desperation in distributing bindings stones and withholding ascension slots.
• Miss Shi maintains her vigilance and secrecy about the bindings.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue among Daoist factions.
• The struggle for resources and influence in the Time Ruin Mother River.
• The pursuit of cultivation and self-improvement by Li Qingyun.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun interacts with new disciples, showing appreciation for talent.
• Li Qingyun, through Soul-Qingyun, interacts with Miss Shi, trying to extract information about bindings.
• The Ancestral Temple's prejudice and dissatisfaction towards forces in the Time Ruin Mother River is highlighted.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun achieves the Sixth Fruit Position but keeps it secret to avoid provoking Limò.
• He decides to wait two years before revealing his power and challenging the Middle Land Prefectural Temple.
• Li Qingyun uses his Nose Connection Fruit to smell the Great Thousand World, detecting a "weird odor" connected to Wei Zu Tian, the Heaven Master.
• He discovers that all mortals and cultivators in small and medium worlds carry this weird odor, while natives of the Great Thousand World do not.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun becomes more determined to overthrow Limò and suppress the Middle Land Prefectural Temple.
• He learns about the true nature of the Great Dao distortion and the universe's chaos through the weird odor.
• Li Qingyun's understanding of his Nose Connection Fruit's abilities deepens, realizing it can detect unique "vitality" scents of sentient beings.

Significant Themes

• The distortion of the Great Dao and the chaos of the universe.
• The truth about the weird odor and its connection to Wei Zu Tian.
• The power dynamics between Li Qingyun and Limò, and the Middle Land Prefectural Temple.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun interacts with Yuan Han, his disciple, who brings him the Prefectural Temple's Imperial Edict.
• Li Qingyun communicates with his Senior Sister, Jade Furnace Dao Lord, using his divine sense to ask about his strange smell.
• Li Qingyun senses Limò's powerful fishy and blood energies, along with the strange odor, from the Middle Land Prefectural Temple.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun expands his "sense of smell" using his wish power, revealing the pollution and stench across multiple continents, including the Great Thousand Ancestral Temple.
• He discovers that the Great Thousand World is heavily polluted and that all Dao Lords are "stinking existences."
• Li Qingyun learns that the Great Thousand Guǐ Dao path involves accepting the truth that existence is strangely smelly, with the Body Root Fruit being the peak of this realization.
• The Great Ruin in the Eastern Desolation causes damage, with Dao Lords from the South Sea and North Desert striking adjacent temples, leading to the deaths of Louse Tribe mountain folk.
• Li Qingyun decides to confront Miss Shi, the Incense Seller, about the bindings' mysteries.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun becomes more determined to overthrow the Great Thousand World's order and achieve self-transcendence after learning the truth about the Dao path.
• He grows more resolute in his mission to restore order and save Dao Lords from eternal damnation.

Significant Themes

• The truth about existence and the Great Dao path.
• The consequences of accepting the truth and the struggle against corruption.
• The struggle against the Great Thousand World's order and the desire for freedom and ease.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun interacts with Miss Shi, the Incense Seller, in his mind, planning to confront her about the bindings' mysteries.
• Li Qingyun expounds the Twelve Chapters of the Dao De Jing to his disciples, revealing his presence in the Three Pure Ones Temple after a long absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jade Pure Primordial Dao Ancestor (Li Qingyun) preaches to his disciples about purifying their "body's odor" and "source odor" to escape Heavenly Secrets.
• Miss Shi, the Incense Seller, arrives at the Three Pure Ones Temple, sensing Li Qingyun's purity and lack of "monstrous" odor.
• Li Qingyun invites Miss Shi to the rear hall for a conversation after the sermon.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun reveals his Jade Pure Primordial Saint Body, showing his disciples his true form and inspiring them.
• Miss Shi, cautious and reserved, is intrigued by Li Qingyun's lack of "monstrous" odor and accepts his invitation to talk.

Significant Themes

• Purity vs. Corruption: Li Qingyun's purity contrasts with the "monstrous" nature of other Dao Lords, reflecting the theme of corruption in the Great Thousand World.
• Identity and Belonging: Miss Shi's struggle to find someone like her, a "true human," highlights the theme of identity and belonging in a world dominated by "monsters."

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun and Miss Shi: They interact for the first time, with Li Qingyun inviting Miss Shi to talk, sensing a potential connection between them. Miss Shi accepts, cautiously intrigued by Li Qingyun's lack of "monstrous" odor.
• Li Qingyun and his disciples: Li Qingyun preaches to his disciples, inspiring them with his Jade Pure Primordial Saint Body and teaching them about purifying their "body's odor" and "source odor."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun offers ten Jade Pearls to Miss Shi in exchange for the secrets of the Binding Patterns, but she refuses due to her family's ancestral teachings.
• Li Qingyun threatens Miss Shi and her stone turtle companion, but she remains resolute, leading to a tense standoff.
• Li Qingyun eventually lets Miss Shi go, and she flees with her stone turtle, leaving behind a trail of bindings to confuse pursuers.
• Li Qingyun follows them, using his understanding of the bindings and his Merfolk clone to track them.
• Miss Shi and her stone turtle return to a desolate valley filled with tombs, where she visits her grandfather's grave.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun: Shows determination in obtaining the Binding Patterns secrets, displays cold and threatening behavior, but ultimately lets Miss Shi go.
• Miss Shi: Demonstrates stubbornness and bravery in protecting her family's secrets, shows fear and relief upon escaping Li Qingyun.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family and ancestral teachings (Miss Shi's refusal to share the Binding Patterns secrets).
• The power dynamics between individuals and the consequences of defying authority (Li Qingyun's threat and Miss Shi's defiance).
• The isolation and loneliness of Miss Shi, the last remaining member of her family.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun and Miss Shi: Their interaction is tense, with Li Qingyun initially trying to coerce Miss Shi into sharing the secrets, but ultimately letting her go.
• Miss Shi and her stone turtle: They show a strong bond, with the stone turtle trying to protect Miss Shi and both of them fleeing together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi He visits her ancestor's grave in Stone Valley, a desolate graveyard.
• Li Qingyun, the Jade Pure Primordial Sect Master, is already inside Shi He's stone house, having followed her.
• Li Qingyun has Shi He's ancient leather book, which she tears up and swallows to prevent him from reading it.
• Li Qingyun reveals he knows about the Great Thousand realm's past, including the Shi Clan's history.
• Shi He challenges Li Qingyun to copy a complex character for 'Binding' to prove his knowledge and good intentions.

Character Developments

• Shi He: Shows fear and desperation initially but gains composure and courage, challenging Li Qingyun.
• Li Qingyun: Demonstrates calmness, knowledge, and sincerity, expressing his desire to understand the realm's past.

Significant Themes

• The past and present of the Great Thousand realm.
• The struggle between humans and other beings.
• The importance of knowledge and understanding.

Character Interactions

• Shi He and Li Qingyun's interaction is tense initially, with Shi He fearing Li Qingyun's intentions. However, Li Qingyun's calm demeanor and knowledge of the past lead Shi He to challenge him, showing a glimmer of trust.
• Li Qingyun's presence in Shi He's stone house implies a breach of her personal space, adding tension to their interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun attempts to decipher an ancient character related to the Binding Patterns, which represents a trace of the Haotian Realm's ancient meaning.
• Shi He, the last human, watches Li Qingyun, ready to detonate a desolate qi pill if he shows any signs of not being human.
• After two hours, Li Qingyun successfully replicates the character "Binding," proving his understanding of the Binding Patterns.
• Over the next two days, Li Qingyun learns about the history and mysteries of the Binding Patterns from Shi He.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun demonstrates his exceptional talent and aptitude, mastering the Binding Patterns in just two days.
• Shi He acknowledges Li Qingyun as a descendant of Ancestor Binding Heaven's blood and teaches him about the Binding Patterns.

Significant Themes

• The rise and fall of civilizations and the impact of change on a world's inhabitants.
• The power of knowledge and understanding, as demonstrated by Li Qingyun's ability to replicate the ancient character and grasp the Binding Patterns.
• The importance of heritage and lineage, as seen in the story of the humans and their connection to Ancestor Binding Heaven.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun and Shi He interact as teacher and student, with Shi He teaching Li Qingyun about the Binding Patterns and Li Qingyun leaving behind techniques to help Shi He advance in her cultivation.
• Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and a sense of camaraderie, as they both recognize the value of the knowledge they share.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun discovers that Shi He's stone book contains supreme techniques that could potentially restore humanity's power.
• He senses a faint, almost imperceptible life in a small grave in the eighth ring, a nascent aura of new life, Shi Xiao Chong.
• Li Qingyun shares information about the Cave Tribe, suggesting Shi He could meet his disciple, a Cave Tribe member, at the Three Pure Ones Temple in Guixu.
• He decides to leave Stone Valley, feeling he doesn't belong there despite the lessened repulsion from the space.

Character Developments

• Shi He: Realizes the preciousness of the techniques in the stone book and hopes they can help restore humanity's power. She also reveals her pessimism about Shi Xiao Chong's survival and subtly considers Li Qingyun as a potential mate to continue the human bloodline.
• Li Qingyun: Shows understanding and compassion towards Shi He's plight but remains firm in his decision not to leave descendants in Stone Valley. He shares information about the Cave Tribe to help Shi He.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and power in a post-apocalyptic world.
• The search for identity and belonging, both for Li Qingyun and Shi He.
• The potential for new life and hope, represented by Shi Xiao Chong.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun and Shi He: They share information and insights, with Shi He hoping for Li Qingyun's help and Li Qingyun offering guidance and support. Their interaction is marked by mutual respect and understanding.
• Shi He and the spectral wind: The wind seems to communicate with Shi He, hinting at the influence of Ancestor Binding Heaven on Stone Valley, which Shi He is unaware of.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun returns to the Eastern Desolation Domain's regional temple, aware that he's being watched by Saint Venerable Limò.
• Limò sends Dao Lords to infiltrate the temple, but they're eliminated by the Merfolk clone.
• Li Qingyun teaches Houtu the character "缧" (binding) to help her advance to Ancestral Return Stage Two.
• The Merfolk clone makes progress in taming the blood-colored bindings, approaching Ancestral Return Stage Four.
• Li Qingyun's cultivation advances towards the Seventh Fruit Position, "Heavenly Eye Fruit."
• The Eastern Desolation Domain's temples gain strength, attracting more Dao Lords to pledge allegiance.
• The Eight Sons of Lingbao discuss their cultivation, with Zhen Hui revealing he's sensed the opportunity for the Fourth Fruit.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun's influence grows, attracting more Dao Lords and strengthening the temples under his protection.
• Houtu shows progress in understanding the bindings, copying the character "缧" successfully.
• The Merfolk clone advances in taming the blood-colored bindings, nearing Ancestral Return Stage Four.
• Zhen Hui is close to achieving the Fourth Fruit Position.
• The Eight Sons of Lingbao become more united and supportive of each other's cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: Li Qingyun's growing power and influence are reflected in the increasing number of Dao Lords pledging allegiance to him and the temples' advancement.
• Cultivation and Advancement: Characters' cultivation levels and advancements are central to the plot, with Li Qingyun, Houtu, and the Merfolk clone all making progress.
• Alliances and Unity: The Eight Sons of Lingbao's unity and support for each other highlight the importance of alliances in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun interacts with Houtu, teaching her about the bindings and helping her advance.
• The Eight Sons of Lingbao engage in "group chats" to discuss their cultivation and share insights.
• Li Qingyun's disciples and the Eight Sons of Lingbao show loyalty and support for him, reflecting his growing influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Louse Tribe families, including the Tushan, Ling, and Chi clans, have prospered under Li Qingyun's guidance, gaining significant influence in the Eastern Desolation.
• Li Qingyun achieves the Seventh Fruit Position, becoming a Saint Venerable, but keeps it hidden.
• He sends Tushan Wenshan and Merfolk Quan Lei to the Ancestral Temple to seek support and clarify the competition for the position of Continent Lord.
• Jiang Wang and an Old Ancestor of the Qi Family from the Limò Prefectural Temple set out to intercept them, unaware of Li Qingyun's Merfolk clone's advancement to Ancestral Return Realm Stage Four.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun: Advances to the Seventh Fruit Position (Saint Venerable) and sends representatives to the Ancestral Temple to seek support.
• Tushan Wenshan: Grows in confidence and ambition, understanding the power dynamics and the value of the gifts to be offered to the Saint Ancestors.
• Merfolk Quan Lei: Secretly advances to Ancestral Return Realm Stage Four, becoming a formidable force.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and ambition: Li Qingyun's ambition grows as he achieves the Seventh Fruit Position, and he seeks to consolidate his power and challenge Limò.
• The value of gifts and offerings: The Saint Ancestors' high standards and the value of the gifts to be offered to them highlight the vast power gap between Li Qingyun and the top-tier figures in the Great Thousand.
• The competition for the position of Continent Lord: Li Qingyun seeks to clarify the competition for the position of Continent Lord, indicating his intention to challenge Limò's authority.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun and Tushan Wenshan: Li Qingyun gives Tushan Wenshan instructions and shows confidence in his abilities, while Tushan Wenshan demonstrates his understanding of the power dynamics and the value of the gifts to be offered to the Saint Ancestors.
• Li Qingyun and Merfolk Quan Lei: Li Qingyun sends Merfolk Quan Lei to accompany Tushan Wenshan to the Ancestral Temple, indicating his trust in Quan Lei's strength and his intention to protect Tushan Wenshan.
• Jiang Wang and the Old Ancestor of the Qi Family: They set out to intercept Tushan Wenshan and Merfolk Quan Lei, demonstrating their loyalty to Limò and their ignorance of Li Qingyun's Merfolk clone's advancement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun adapts to the divine power of the Heavenly Eye Fruit, which allows him to see the true form of beings and the structure of the world.
• He observes Tushan Wenshan, revealing him to be a "blood louse in human form," and witnesses Houtu's cultivation and true form.
• Li Qingyun sees the true forms of Jade Furnace Dao Lord and the cultivators in the mortal world, including Zhu Yuyan, who is preparing for her ascension.
• He decides to ascend at the end of the year and proclaims his decree.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun gains a new Fruit Position, the Heavenly Eye, which allows him to see the true nature of reality.
• Tushan Wenshan is revealed to be a blood louse in human form, showing his true nature as a Louse-born.
• Houtu demonstrates her extraordinary talent in bindings, advancing to Ancestral Return Stage Two in a short period.
• Zhu Yuyan reaches Grand Perfection in the Sever Self Realm, preparing for her ascension.

Significant Themes

• The theme of seeing reality clearly is central to this chapter, with Li Qingyun's new Fruit Position allowing him to see the true forms of beings and the structure of the world.
• The duality of appearance and reality is explored, with characters having true forms that differ from their outward appearances.
• The theme of ascension and the consequences of cultivating to high levels is also present, with Li Qingyun and Zhu Yuyan preparing for their respective ascensions.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun observes several characters without their knowledge, revealing their true forms and gaining insights into their cultivation and nature.
• Li Qingyun interacts with Houtu, Jade Furnace Dao Lord, and Zhu Yuyan through his Heavenly Eye, though they are unaware of his presence.
• Tushan Wenshan reacts to Li Qingyun's decree, revealing his true nature and inner turmoil.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun, the Eastern Desolation Domain Lord, decides not to intervene in Zhu Yuyan's Ascension due to his relationship with the Limò Prefectural Temple and the involvement of the Moon Yin Palace's lineage.
• Li Qingyun activates his Heavenly Eye Fruit status and enters the true Black and Gray World, gaining insights about Ancestor Binding Heaven.
• He encounters a familiar, colossal ancient corpse of a woman (Qionghua) in a phoenix coronet and robes, with a rift in her brow.
• Li Qingyun takes a Yin jade hairpin from the corpse, inscribed with "Qiong Hua," triggering memories of an illusion from his past.
• Qionghua's corpse disappears, and Li Qingyun decides to help her if an opportunity arises.
• He continues exploring Black Mountain, encountering a Six-Fruit corrupted being that flees upon seeing him.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun: He gains insights into Ancestor Binding Heaven and decides to help Qionghua if given the chance. He also shows disdain for lower-level corrupted beings.
• Qionghua: Her past as a powerful cultivator is revealed, and she leaves behind a hairpin that Li Qingyun takes.

Significant Themes

• Fate and connections: Li Qingyun and Qionghua's paths cross multiple times, suggesting a mysterious fate between them.
• Power dynamics: Li Qingyun's power growth is evident as he no longer fears lower-level corrupted beings.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun interacts with Qionghua's corpse, taking her hairpin and deciding to help her if he can.
• He encounters a Six-Fruit corrupted being that flees from him, showing his growing power and reputation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun enters the Black Mountain void and clears corrupted beings, advancing his Jade Pure Essence.
• He checks the progress of refining the Black Tower artifact, which has advanced by about one-seventh.
• Li Qingyun hypothesizes that the Black Mountain range is the corpse of Ancestor Binding Heaven, and the embedded artifacts like the Black Tower and the broken sword are Outer-Heaven Dao Artifacts.
• He decides to refine the broken sword, the Heaven-Pacifying Sword, and imprint his Jade Pure mark on all Outer-Heaven Dao Artifacts within reach.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun's cultivation advances, and he gains a new refining method for the Four Immortal Slaying Swords.
• He feels inspired by the Heaven-Pacifying Sword's aura, regaining his heroism and dominance.

Significant Themes

• The Great Thousand as a cage and the end of the Dao path as death.
• The power and significance of the Heaven-Pacifying Sword.
• The connection between Li Qingyun and the Outer-Heaven Dao Artifacts.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun interacts with corrupted beings, defeating them and absorbing their corruption to advance his cultivation.
• He communicates with a remnant consciousness within the Heaven-Pacifying Sword, learning about its origin and purpose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun encounters the lingering will of the Hanging Sword Heaven Master, who possesses the Heaven-Pacifying Sword. The will is vast and proud, refusing repayment for its kindness and destroying a portion of Li Qingyun's Jade Pure runes.
• In the Dark Moon Continent, the ancestors of the Moon Yin Palace discuss Zhu Yuyan's upcoming ascension and her potential Commended Jade Body. They consider leveraging their relationship with Li Qingyun for Zhu Yuyan's benefit.
• The delegation from the Eastern Desolation Domain temple, led by Tushan Wenshan, travels to pay respects at the Ancestral Temple. Their slow progress is due to Tushan Wenshan's low cultivation level and fear of water.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun gains insight into the pride and arrogance of the Great Thousand Heaven Masters.
• Zhu Yuyan is about to ascend, showing her growth and potential.
• Tushan Wenshan's low cultivation level and fear of water are highlighted, showing his limitations.

Significant Themes

• Pride and arrogance among powerful cultivators.
• The importance of connections and relationships in cultivation and ascension.
• The challenges and limitations of low cultivation levels.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun interacts with the lingering will of the Hanging Sword Heaven Master, learning about their pride.
• The ancestors of the Moon Yin Palace discuss Zhu Yuyan's ascension and her potential Commended Jade Body, considering Li Qingyun's connection.
• Tushan Wenshan interacts with Li Qingyun, showing his fear of water and low cultivation level during their journey.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang, seeking revenge against Li Qingyun and the Merfolk, leads a group of powerful Louse Tribe figures to ambush them.
• The group includes Qi Lianshan, a newly advanced Ancestral Return Realm Stage Three cultivator, who considers himself the strongest in the Middle Land's Ancestral Return Realm.
• Li Qingyun's Merfolk clone, Tushan Wenshan, and others are traveling upstream to deliver a "grand gift" when they are intercepted by a group of Mother River wanderers.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang: Still harbors deep resentment towards Li Qingyun and the Merfolk, driven by a desire for revenge.
• Qi Lianshan: Has gained confidence and power after consuming the Saint Venerable's blood-colored bindings stone, positioning himself as the leader of the operation.
• Tushan Wenshan: Struggles with the pressure of the river water, revealing his fear and vulnerability.
• Yu Guinong: Shows sycophancy towards Tushan Wenshan, seeking favor from the Tushan Clan.
• Zhu Er: Expresses dissatisfaction with Li Qingyun's Merfolk clone, revealing his gluttonous craving for Louse Tribe blood food.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and resentment (Jiang Wang's motivation)
• Power dynamics and ambition (Qi Lianshan's rise and Jiang Wang's decline)
• Fear and vulnerability (Tushan Wenshan's reaction to danger)
• Sycophancy and favor-seeking (Yu Guinong's behavior)
• Gluttony and craving (Zhu Er's desire for blood food)

Character Interactions

• Jiang Wang and Qi Lianshan: There's tension between them, with Qi Lianshan subtly suppressing Jiang Wang.
• Li Qingyun's Merfolk clone and Tushan Wenshan: The clone shows concern for Tushan Wenshan's well-being but is also aware of his strategic value.
• Li Qingyun's Merfolk clone and Zhu Er: The clone reprimands Zhu Er for his gluttonous craving, showing a stern attitude.
• Tushan Wenshan and Yu Guinong: Yu Guinong flatters Tushan Wenshan, seeking favor from the Tushan Clan.
• The ambush: The Mother River wanderers intercept Li Qingyun's group, setting up a tense confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Merfolk, led by Quan Lei (Li Qingyun's clone), are pursued by Jiang Wang and Qilian Shan, along with other Louse Tribe experts.
• They are ambushed by a group of wandering Dao Lords from the Mother River.
• A fierce battle ensues, with the Merfolk demonstrating overwhelming power.
• The Eight-armed Naga (Quan Lei's clone) easily defeats Jiang Wang and Qilian Shan, scattering their true forms.
• The remaining Middle Land Ancestral Return Realm powerhouses flee in terror.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun's Merfolk Clone (Quan Lei): Proves to be incredibly powerful, capable of defeating Ancestral Return Realm Stage Three opponents with ease.
• Jiang Wang: Despite being the former number one of the ancient Middle Land clans, he is quickly defeated and scattered by Quan Lei's clone.
• Qilian Shan: Attempts to replace Jiang Wang as the strongest but is also easily defeated and killed by Quan Lei's clone.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Merfolk's display of power shifts the balance, instilling fear and causing enemies to flee.
• Betrayal and Revenge: The Middle Land powers had betrayed the Merfolk, leading to this confrontation.

Character Interactions

• Quan Lei vs Jiang Wang & Qilian Shan: Quan Lei's clone demonstrates his superiority, defeating both Jiang Wang and Qilian Shan with ease.
• Merfolk vs Wandering Dao Lords: The Merfolk's power is so overwhelming that the Dao Lords flee without putting up much of a fight.
• Middle Land Powerhouses: They show cowardice and panic, fleeing in terror after witnessing the defeat of their leaders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Wang, a powerful Louse Tribe cultivator, is killed by the Merfolk Demon "Quan Lei" (Li Qingyun's clone).
• The Merfolk Demon collects the corpses of the Louse-born cultivators, including Jiang Wang and Qilian Shan, as "blood food" sacrifices.
• Saint Venerable Limò, ruler of Langtian Continent, witnesses the event and is filled with hatred and resentment.
• The Merfolk Demon berates Limò, showing no respect for his authority.
• The Merfolk Demon, along with Tushan Wenshan and other Eastern Desolation envoys, crosses the Mother River and enters the Ancient Saint Continent.
• The Three Pure Ones Temple attacks and eliminates several temples along the Time Ruin Mother River.

Character Developments

• Jiang Wang's overconfidence and rash actions lead to his demise.
• Li Qingyun's Merfolk clone demonstrates immense power and confidence, challenging the authority of Saint Venerable Limò.
• Saint Venerable Limò is shown to be weakened and unable to retaliate against the Merfolk Demon.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different races and factions in the Great Thousand realm.
• The exploitation of lower-tier cultivators as "blood food" or human sacrifices by higher-tier cultivators.
• The theme of overconfidence leading to downfall, as seen in Jiang Wang's character.

Character Interactions

• The Merfolk Demon "Quan Lei" (Li Qingyun's clone) interacts with Saint Venerable Limò, displaying disrespect and challenging his authority.
• The Merfolk Demon interacts with Tushan Wenshan and other Eastern Desolation envoys, showing a protective and guiding role.
• The Merfolk Demon's interaction with the Hundred Saints Great Temple hints at the reverence and power of the ancient saints enshrined within.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun's Merfolk clone arrives at the Hundred Saints Great Temple in the Ancient Saint Continent.
• He discovers the Merit Hall, where human sacrifices are made to the Ancestral Temple.
• The Eastern Desolation delegation, led by Tushan Wenshan, arrives to pay respects to the Ancestral Temple and meets Ji Wine Master, who sends them to wait at the Wannian Inn.
• Li Qingyun and the delegation stay at the Wannian Inn for half a month, with Tushan Wenshan trying to secure an audience with the Ancestral Temple.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun's disgust and anger grow as he witnesses the human sacrifices and the Ancestral Temple's manipulation.
• Tushan Wenshan becomes increasingly worried about their expenses and tries to negotiate with the inn's manager.

Significant Themes

• The corruption and hypocrisy of the Ancestral Temple and the Louse Tribe's civilization.
• The contrast between the Ancient Saint Continent's majestic image and its true, bloody reality.
• The manipulation and exploitation of living beings by the Ancestral Temple.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun's clone interacts with Ji Wine Master, showing respect but feeling disgust and anger.
• Tushan Wenshan and Yu Guinong interact with Ji Wine Master and the inn's manager, trying to secure an audience and negotiate expenses.
• Li Qingyun's clone interacts with Tushan Wenshan and the others, leading them and showing disdain for their potential curiosity in human sacrifice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qingyun's merfolk clone visits the Hundred Saints Great Temple, noticing the absence of the human ancestor god statue.
• The clone learns about the true purpose of the Ancestral Temple and the fate of those who pay respects there.
• The Eastern Desolation delegation's turn to pay respects is approved, and they join the queue at the Hall of Ascending Heaven.
• Li Qingyun's clone senses danger and activates his blood bindings to deter the Temple Keepers.

Character Developments

• Li Qingyun's merfolk clone displays emotional depth when seeing the ancestor god statues.
• Li Qingyun, through his clone, understands the true nature of the Ancestral Temple and the fate of those who go there.
• Shopkeeper Ji shows a mix of greed and pity, understanding the fate of those who pay respects but continues to profit from them.

Significant Themes

• The true power dynamics and corruption within the Ancient Saint Continent's hierarchy.
• The deception and manipulation of the various races by the Ancestral Temple.
• The theme of sacrifice and the true cost of petitions.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingyun's clone interacts with the Temple Keepers and Shopkeeper Ji, learning about the true purpose of the Ancestral Temple.
• The clone's display of power and the activation of his blood bindings deter the Temple Keepers from approaching him.