Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang fly with their swords, with Xu Ying's sword energy surging uncontrollably due to the Sword Box's energy.
• They discover a small hill with ancient trees and stone statues, which emit a strange cacophony of sounds.
• Xu Ying's spiritual sense is nearly annihilated by an abnormal force emanating from the statues, which he sees as heavenly gods observing him.
• Zhou Qiyun reveals that this place, the Temple of Heavenly Gods, is the path to the Underworld Court and leads them up the hill, shielding them from the heavenly gods' influence.
• They encounter countless writhing corpses influenced by the heavenly gods, and Xu Ying worries about the Plague Gods remembering him.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying's spiritual sense is severely weakened, and he faces the threat of heavenly gods.
• Zhou Qiyun reveals his unfathomable cultivation and protects the group from the heavenly gods' influence.
• Yuan Weiyang recognizes Zhou Qiyun's power and compares it to the Supreme Dao Great Sage Emperor.

Significant Themes

• The power of heavenly gods and their influence on the mortal world.
• The connection between the Underworld Court and the mortal realm.
• The consequences of interfering with heavenly gods (as seen with the writhing corpses).

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang discuss their experiences with flying swords and propose improvements.
• Xu Ying seeks Yuan Weiyang's help to stabilize his spiritual sense.
• Zhou Qiyun leads the group up the hill, shielding them from the heavenly gods' influence.
• Xu Ying worries about the Plague Gods remembering him, showing his concern for his past actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying feels watched by stone statues in the Heavenly God Hall.
• The Plague God's statue comes to life, and other statues follow suit.
• Xu Ying is accused of his past crimes by the celestial gods.
• The Heavenly Dao World finds no right to punish Xu Ying for his past lives.
• Xu Ying is escorted out of the Heavenly God Hall unharmed.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying remains calm and defiant in the face of celestial judgment.
• The Great Bell reveals its concern for Xu Ying and suggests visiting Xu Family Village.
• Zhou Qiyun is surprised and disbelief at Xu Ying's emergence from the Heavenly God Hall.

Significant Themes

• The impartiality and selflessness of the Heavenly Dao World.
• The mystery surrounding Xu Ying's past lives and his connection to the Heavenly Dao World.
• The nature of places of Ascension and their connection to the Heavenly Dao World.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and the Great Bell discuss the Taiyi Guiding Technique and Xu Ying's past lives.
• Zhou Qiyun, Yuan Weiyang, and Yuan Qi wait outside the Heavenly God Hall for Xu Ying's fate.
• Xu Ying and Zhou Qiyun have a brief exchange after Xu Ying's emergence from the Heavenly God Hall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying is cleared of all charges by the Temple of Heavenly Gods.
• Xu Ying and his group reach the Underworld Heavenly Court, witnessing its grandeur and vibrancy.
• They encounter Earth Gods delivering messages and Underworld Gods reacting to their arrival.
• Upon reaching the Senluo Hall, they are greeted by a show of respect and delicacies.
• The Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court, a Ghost Immortal, confronts Kinoe, leading to a clash of powers.
• The Great Bell, carrying Xu Ying and others, is forced to flee the Underworld Court.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying maintains his innocence and seeks to understand more about Heavenly Gods.
• Zhou Qiyun (Kinoe) shows his power and ambition, aiming to overthrow the Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court.
• The Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court reveals his Ghost Immortal status and confronts Kinoe.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the mortal world, the Underworld, and the Heavenly Dao World.
• The struggle for power and influence, as seen in the confrontation between Kinoe and the Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court.
• The consequences of actions and the potential for redemption, as seen in Xu Ying's case.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying interacts with Zhou Qiyun (Kinoe), Yuan Qi, and Yuan Weiyang, seeking their knowledge and advice.
• Zhou Qiyun (Kinoe) confronts the Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court, showcasing his power and ambition.
• Xu Ying and the others are oppressed by the power clash between Kinoe and the Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court, leading to the Great Bell's escape.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang escape from Zhou Qiyun with the help of the Great Bell.
• They encounter a group of little ghost babies in a willow forest, which attack Yuan Qi, Uncle Xiao, and Yuan Weiyang.
• Xu Ying ejects his soul from his body and uses its power to scare off the ghost babies.
• In the Underworld Court, Zhou Qiyun reaches the Treasure Hall of Senluo and confronts the Son of Heaven.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying's soul becomes stronger, allowing him to protect his companions from the ghost babies.
• Yuan Qi, Uncle Xiao, and Yuan Weiyang are temporarily defeated by the ghost babies due to their lack of soul-related defenses.
• Zhou Qiyun's strength is acknowledged by the Son of Heaven, who considers abdicating to him.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power dynamics: The ghost babies prey on the weak, fearing those who are strong. Xu Ying's powerful soul allows him to protect his companions.
• Tribulation and ascension: Zhou Qiyun's goal is to undergo tribulation and ascend, reflecting the theme of seeking higher power and enlightenment.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang work together to escape Zhou Qiyun.
• Xu Ying protects Yuan Qi, Uncle Xiao, and Yuan Weiyang from the ghost babies.
• Zhou Qiyun and the Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court discuss the possibility of Zhou Qiyun ascending to the position of Son of Heaven.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Qiyun meets the Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court, who warns him about the dangers of ascension and the power of heavenly tribulations.
• Zhou Qiyun learns that the Underworld's invasion of the Mortal Realm is not orchestrated by the Underworld Court, and they are also troubled by it.
• Zhou Qiyun decides to proceed with his ascension plans despite the warnings.
• Xu Ying and his group encounter a flock of crows and a giant, skeletal bird (Three-legged Golden Crow) dragging the Underworld sun.
• They later encounter Wuchang ghosts, who absorb the Yang energy of the ghost children hanging from the willow trees.

Character Developments

• Zhou Qiyun: He remains determined to ascend despite the risks and warnings from the Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court.
• Xu Ying: He recognizes the Wuchang ghosts and understands their nature, growing more cautious.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and risks of ascension.
• The power dynamics between the Mortal Realm, the Underworld, and other forces.
• The absorption of Yang energy by Wuchang ghosts, highlighting the struggle for power and resources.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Qiyun and the Son of Heaven of the Underworld Court: They engage in a conversation that reveals the Son of Heaven's perspective on ascension and the Underworld's invasion.
• Xu Ying and the Wuchang ghosts: Xu Ying recognizes the Wuchang ghosts and understands their nature, leading to a tense moment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying uses his Heavenly Eye to reveal the true forms of Wuchang Ghosts, discovering that many are fake, Nu Masters wearing Wuchang Masks.
• The group is attacked by both fake and real Wuchang Ghosts using soul-targeting Nu Arts.
• Xu Ying defends the group, revealing his true spirit and using the great bell to overpower the Wuchang Ghosts.
• The fake Wuchang Ghosts retreat, and Xu Ying suggests the group wear Wuchang Masks to infiltrate their ranks.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying demonstrates his power and strategic thinking, saving the group and devising a plan to infiltrate the enemy.
• Yuan Weiyang shows her swordsmanship and quick thinking, helping to defend the group.
• Uncle Xiao reveals his strength and concern for Yuan Qi, showing a warmer side to his usually cold demeanor.
• Yuan Qi shows his loyalty and bravery, willing to transform into a Wuchang Ghost to follow Xu Ying's plan.

Significant Themes

• The power of deception and disguise, as seen with the fake Wuchang Ghosts and the group's decision to wear Wuchang Masks.
• The importance of unity and teamwork, as the group works together to defend against the Wuchang Ghosts.
• The theme of transformation, both physical (as the group transforms into Wuchang Ghosts) and mental (as they adapt to the situation and change their plan).

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang work together to defend the group, showcasing their compatibility and trust in each other's abilities.
• Uncle Xiao and Yuan Qi's relationship deepens as they show concern for each other's safety and well-being.
• The group's dynamic shifts as they decide to wear Wuchang Masks, with Xu Ying taking the lead and the others following his plan, demonstrating their trust in his judgment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group, disguised as Wuchang ghosts, enters the Underworld to plunder Yang energy.
• They encounter the Zhou Family Ancestor, Zhou Qiyun, who joins them.
• They reach the Cangwu Abyss, where Xu Ying sees strange, moving rocks and a colossal eye using his Heavenly Eye.
• They climb out of the abyss using threads and are pulled up to Mount Jiuyi, where they hear the Emperor's voice.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying: Shows curiosity and bravery by using his Heavenly Eye to peer into the abyss.
• Zhou Qiyun: Reveals he has experienced terrifying phenomena while comprehending the Great Dao.
• Yuan Weiyang: Shares that he has entered the Dao once while cultivating.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and mysteries of the Underworld.
• The power and consequences of delving into the Great Dao.
• The connection between the Underworld and the Mortal Realm.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Zhou Qiyun: Xu Ying is initially wary of Zhou Qiyun but later accepts his help. Zhou Qiyun, despite his initial threats, aids Xu Ying and his companions.
• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang: They maintain a friendly and supportive relationship, with Yuan Weiyang saving Xu Ying from falling into the abyss.
• Zhou Qiyun and the Emperor: Zhou Qiyun is surprised and shocked to learn that the Emperor is in Cangwu Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang find themselves in a lake, having been transported from the Cangwu Abyss. They realize they're on a cliff guarded by the Capital City's Golden Armored Guards.
• They discover that the Cangwu Abyss has only one bank, and the other bank isn't in Mount Jiuyi. They also find that the mountain has changed, becoming much taller and more majestic.
• They witness a Phoenix flying towards the summit, accompanied by various divine birds. They rush to the summit to comprehend the Phoenix's Dao Manifestation.
• At the summit, they find a Phoenix Tree and notice that all the surrounding mountains have their peaks tilted towards Mount Jiuyi.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang show curiosity and eagerness to learn about the Phoenix's Dao Manifestation.
• Zhou Qiyun, the Cangwu Sect's leader, is revealed to be a powerful figure with a mysterious past. He's aware of the Emperor's presence in Yongzhou and seems conflicted about it.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the imperial court, noble families, and martial arts sects.
• The struggle between the Emperor's desire for longevity and the common people's suffering.
• The reverence for Mount Jiuyi, symbolizing power and respect.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang work together to understand their new surroundings and seek opportunities for cultivation.
• Zhou Qiyun's absence raises questions about his intentions and whereabouts.
• The Emperor's presence in Yongzhou is discussed by palace officials, revealing the political intrigue and power plays at the imperial court.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying and the group arrive at Mount Jiuyi, which reveals its true form, shocking everyone.
• Xu Ying enters a state of enlightenment, observing the hundred thousand mountains and the Phoenix Tree.
• He experiences illusions while in this state, feeling pulled into an abyss and rescued by Yuan Qi.
• A maiden in green clothes, who had been bathing, approaches the Phoenix Tree.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying: Shows signs of enlightenment and spiritual growth, experiencing visions and illusions.
• Yuan Qi: Demonstrates loyalty and quick thinking, helping Xu Ying in his vision.
• The Great Bell: Provides guidance and insights about enlightenment and the Dao.

Significant Themes

• Enlightenment and the Dao: Xu Ying's experience emphasizes the importance of observation and connection with nature for spiritual growth.
• Illusions and Reality: The line between Xu Ying's visions and reality blurs, raising questions about perception and truth.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Yuan Qi: Their bond deepens as Yuan Qi helps Xu Ying in his vision.
• Xu Ying and the Great Bell: The bell provides guidance and analysis, aiding Xu Ying's understanding of his experience.
• Xu Ying and the maiden: A potential encounter is hinted at, with the maiden approaching the Phoenix Tree.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying encounters a girl named Xiao Die while she's bathing, leading to a misunderstanding and a fight.
• Xiao Die's martial arts techniques are accompanied by celestial phenomena, akin to divine abilities.
• Xu Ying uses his divine ability, Contemplation of Jiuyi, to subdue Xiao Die and force her to retreat.
• Xu Ying learns about divine birds with awakened bloodlines protecting a Phoenix.
• He decides to retreat but is stopped by the Phoenix, who recognizes him from three thousand years ago.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying: Shows his prowess in martial arts and divine abilities, demonstrating his strength and caution.
• Xiao Die: Reveals her powerful martial arts and unusual abilities, displaying her strength and naivety.
• Phoenix: Shows intelligence and the ability to awaken the bloodlines of other birds, indicating its power and wisdom.

Significant Themes

• Power and Strength: The characters' martial arts abilities and divine powers highlight the theme of strength and its various forms.
• Misunderstandings and Trust: The initial misunderstanding between Xu Ying and Xiao Die explores the theme of trust and its importance in relationships.
• Ancient Bloodlines and Awakening: The awakening of ancient bloodlines in birds and the Phoenix's ability to awaken them delves into the theme of ancient power and its reemergence.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Xiao Die: Their initial misunderstanding leads to a fight, showcasing their strength and pride. However, Xiao Die's threat to castrate Xu Ying highlights her naivety and lack of understanding of the consequences of her actions.
• Xu Ying and the Phoenix: The Phoenix's recognition of Xu Ying from three thousand years ago hints at a past connection and potentially a deeper relationship between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying encounters a Chicks Phoenix on a phoenix tree, who claims he is three thousand years old.
• The Phoenix asks for Xu Ying's help, but he refuses, suspecting she's lying.
• A powerful enemy approaches, and the Phoenix prepares for battle.
• A massive, flesh-and-blood creature attacks the mountain, targeting the Phoenix and the divine birds.
• The Chicks Phoenix defeats the creature, and the flesh-and-blood pythons wither and die.
• The Phoenix thanks Xu Ying for his help, though he doesn't recall assisting her.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying: Becomes more cautious and discerning, refusing to believe the Phoenix's claims without evidence.
• Chicks Phoenix: Reveals her true strength and determination in battle.
• Guo Xiao Die: Shows her obsession with capturing Xu Ying.
• Yuan Weiyang: Stands by Xu Ying's side during the attack, indicating his loyalty and friendship.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Xu Ying's initial distrust of the Phoenix highlights the theme of discerning truth from lies.
• Power and vulnerability: The Phoenix's strength is revealed, yet she is also vulnerable and in need of help.
• Friendship and loyalty: Yuan Weiyang's actions demonstrate his loyalty to Xu Ying.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and the Chicks Phoenix: Their interaction is tense and distrustful, with Xu Ying refusing to help her initially.
• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang: They stand together against the attack, showing camaraderie and trust.
• Guo Xiao Die and Xu Ying: Guo Xiao Die's obsession with capturing Xu Ying creates tension between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Phoenix Tree's tribulation causes destruction, with the Phoenix disappearing and many Nu Masters losing their lives.
• The couple (the beautiful woman and her husband) and Xu Ying, along with Guo Xiao Die and Yuan Weiyang, search for the source of the strange flesh and blood.
• They discover a lake leading to the Cangwu Abyss, which takes them to a hall embedded in the mountainside, where they find the Holy Sage Emperor and Zhou Qiyun.

Character Developments

• The couple: They survive the tribulation and, driven by curiosity and the need to find answers, decide to search for Xu Ying and the source of the strange flesh.
• Xu Ying: He gains the Azure Sky Incantation from Guo Xiao Die and learns about its mental cultivation method. He also encounters the Holy Sage Emperor and Zhou Qiyun in the hall.
• Guo Xiao Die: She trades her Guo Family's Cloud Ladder Heavenly Skill for Xu Ying's Sword Control Technique. She's brave and straightforward, leading the group to explore the Cangwu Abyss.
• Holy Sage Emperor: He is revealed to be in the hall, standing before a physical deity. He recognizes Xu Ying and seems hostile towards him.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity and the pursuit of truth: The characters' desire to uncover the mystery behind the strange flesh and blood drives the plot forward.
• Power and danger: The exploration of the Cangwu Abyss reveals the presence of powerful entities, highlighting the risks involved in seeking knowledge and power.
• Cultivation and its consequences: The Azure Sky Incantation's mental cultivation method emphasizes the importance of mental strength in cultivation, with potential dangers if not properly handled.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Guo Xiao Die: They trade secret techniques, showing mutual respect and a willingness to learn from each other.
• Xu Ying and the Holy Sage Emperor: Their encounter is tense, with the Emperor displaying hostility towards Xu Ying.
• The couple and Xu Ying: They search for Xu Ying together, showing a level of trust and camaraderie.
• Uncle Xiao and Yuan Weiyang: Uncle Xiao guards Yuan Weiyang, showing his loyalty and protective nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Holy Sage Emperor and Zhou Qiyun clash over their views on Qi Refiners and the path to immortality.
• An ancient Qi Refiner's corpse is found in a shrine, with talismans sealing his body.
• Xu Ying reveals that the Qi Refiner was sealed to prevent a Heavenly Demon from entering his body.
• The Heavenly Demon, residing in the Qi Refiner's corpse, attacks the Holy Sage Emperor and Zhou Qiyun inside the Demon Suppressing Hall.
• Both experts emerge injured but alive, with Zhou Qiyun blaming Xu Ying for the danger they faced.

Character Developments

• The Holy Sage Emperor: Reveals his knowledge of Qi Refiner techniques and his cultivation of Yang Qi, hinting at his willingness to adopt unorthodox methods.
• Zhou Qiyun: Shows vulnerability and near defeat, challenging his image as an invincible Nuo Immortal.
• Xu Ying: Demonstrates his intelligence and resourcefulness, using his knowledge to manipulate the situation and avoid danger.

Significant Themes

• The clash between traditional and unorthodox cultivation paths.
• The consequences of seeking immortality and eternal life.
• The power dynamics between the Holy Sage Emperor and Zhou Qiyun.

Character Interactions

• The Holy Sage Emperor and Zhou Qiyun: Their tense interaction highlights their differing views and the potential for conflict between them.
• Xu Ying and Zhou Qiyun: Xu Ying's actions and words push Zhou Qiyun to his limits, revealing the latter's vulnerabilities.
• Xu Ying and the Holy Sage Emperor: Their exchange underscores the Emperor's awareness of Xu Ying's rebellious nature and his decision not to act against him at that moment.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Qiyun and the Holy Sage Emperor leave for the Heavenly Demon Battlefield, leaving Xu Ying and his group in the Tai Xu Cave Heaven.
• Xu Ying and his group discover that the cave heaven is an Ascension Ground, with numerous lightning-struck pits from ancient Qi Refiners' tribulations.
• Xu Ying activates the Taiyi Guiding Technique and the Azure Sky Oration, displaying remarkable power and comprehension.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying: Shows immense talent and power, comprehending seven out of eight moves of the Azure Sky Oration. He also considers becoming a live-in son-in-law to the Guo family but ultimately rejects the idea.
• Guo Xiao Die: Becomes infatuated with Xu Ying's wild charm and offers to introduce him to her sister.
• Yuan Weiyang: Remains lost in thought, ignoring Guo Xiao Die's advances.

Significant Themes

• Power and ambition: Xu Ying's display of strength and his consideration of becoming a live-in son-in-law to gain power.
• Talent and potential: Xu Ying's remarkable comprehension of the Azure Sky Oration.
• Dependence vs. independence: Xu Ying's initial consideration of living under someone else's thumb and his eventual rejection of the idea.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Guo Xiao Die: Guo Xiao Die becomes infatuated with Xu Ying, offering to introduce him to her sister. Xu Ying considers the offer but ultimately rejects it.
• Xu Ying and Yuan Weiyang: Yuan Weiyang warns Xu Ying against living under someone else's thumb, influencing Xu Ying's decision.

Plot Points and Events

• The group cultivates in the Tai Xu Cave Heaven, where a day equals half a year to a year of cultivation outside.
• An old man warns them about vengeful spirits that appear at night in the cave heaven.
• They return to Cangwu Abyss and witness Nu Masters entering the Underworld to collect Yang Qi.
• Guo Xiao Die discovers the value of the Imperial Sword Art she traded for and seeks her aunt's help to understand it.
• Xu Ying finds Guo Xiao Die naked in his bed and throws her out, pondering the dangers of the Cangwu Abyss.
• A mysterious girl visits Xu Ying, reminding him of their appointment from the previous day.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying's cultivation improves significantly due to the cave heaven's effects and his understanding of the Dragon Snake Awakening Technique.
• Guo Xiao Die learns the basics of Qi Gathering with Yuan Weiyang's help and begins to understand her feelings for Xu Ying.
• Guo Xiao Die's aunt, Li Yingzhu, and uncle, Guo Yue, scheme to arrange a marriage between Guo Xiao Die and Xu Ying for political gain.

Significant Themes

• The value of time and cultivation in the cave heaven vs. the outside world.
• The dangers and mysteries of the Cangwu Abyss, which hinder Daoist cultivation and pose a threat to those who enter the Dao.
• The power dynamics and competition within the Underworld, mirroring the mortal realm.
• The political machinations of noble families and the use of marriage alliances for gain.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Guo Xiao Die's relationship becomes more complex, with Guo Xiao Die developing feelings for Xu Ying, while Xu Ying remains oblivious.
• Li Yingzhu and Guo Yue scheme together to arrange a marriage between Guo Xiao Die and Xu Ying.
• The mysterious girl's visit to Xu Ying hints at a potential romantic interest or plot development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying meets Xiao Fengxian, the Chicks Phoenix, and she leads him to her palace in the Phoenix Tree.
• The Heavenly Demon possessing Xu Ying reveals itself and threatens Xiao Fengxian.
• Xu Ying's seal activates, and he recalls memories of his parents and Xu Family Village, but the details keep shifting.
• Xiao Fengxian attempts to reveal the true nature of Xu Ying's seal using her Seven-Colored Divine Mirror but encounters an entity invading from within the mirror.

Character Developments

• Xu Ying: He remains calm and collected even when faced with the Heavenly Demon's threat. He also shows kindness towards Xiao Fengxian, not understanding the extent of his actions.
• Xiao Fengxian: She reveals her true form and displays her immense power. She becomes increasingly serious and cautious as she tries to uncover the truth about Xu Ying's seal.
• The Heavenly Demon: It shows its cunning and vengeful nature, trying to possess Xu Ying for revenge. It also reveals that it has been dormant within Xu Ying since the fire at Xu Family Village.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between good and evil, represented by Xiao Fengxian and the Heavenly Demon.
• The power of memory and truth, as Xu Ying struggles to recall his past and Xiao Fengxian tries to reveal the truth about his seal.
• The consequences of one's actions, as the Heavenly Demon seeks revenge for its previous defeat.

Character Interactions

• Xu Ying and Xiao Fengxian: They interact briefly, with Xu Ying showing kindness towards Xiao Fengxian and her trying to help him uncover the truth about his seal.
• The Heavenly Demon and Xiao Fengxian: They are natural enemies, destined to fight until one of them dies. The Heavenly Demon threatens Xiao Fengxian, leading to a confrontation between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author, Zhai Zhu, struggles with writer's block and health issues (urticaria) after completing "Walking the Abyss."
• Zhai Zhu starts a new book, "Choose a Day to Ascend," with a new writing style, revising the manuscript 14 times.
• The book is released on paid shelves, receiving better-than-expected performance and reader enthusiasm.
• Zhai Zhu encourages readers to subscribe and vote for the book to reach the summit of the bestseller charts.

Character Developments

• Zhai Zhu: Struggles with self-doubt and anxiety about the new writing style, but gains confidence from reader support.

Significant Themes

• Innovation and change: Zhai Zhu's desire to avoid repetition and mediocrity, and to keep improving.
• Reader support: The importance of readers' encouragement and votes in the book's success.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with readers, expressing their thoughts, struggles, and hopes for the new book.
• Readers respond positively, encouraging Zhai Zhu and voting for the book.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kinoe saves Xiao Fengxian from a seal backlash, using his Cloud Ladder Heavenly Talent and Imperial Sword Art.
• Xiao Fengxian reveals she was sealed three thousand years ago and woke up in an unfamiliar world.
• She confirms seeing Kinoe three thousand years ago, suggesting he's at least that old.
• Xiao Fengxian flees, pursued by a mysterious force using giant chess pieces.
• An old man and woman playing chess on a mountain stop the pursuit, revealing they control the chess pieces.
• Xu Ying meets the sorrowful old man again, who forces him to drink Meng Po's Soup, causing him to fall asleep.
• The Great Bell arrives, waking Xu Ying up, much to the old man's distress.

Character Developments

• Kinoe: Realizes he might be from three thousand years ago, struggles with his identity and memories.
• Xiao Fengxian: Shows her past and reveals she was sealed, displays her keen senses and agility.
• Xu Ying: Drinks Meng Po's Soup, falls asleep, and later wakes up unharmed.
• The sorrowful old man: Uses Meng Po's Soup to make Xu Ying sleep, reveals more about the world's history.

Significant Themes

• Identity and memory: Kinoe struggles with his past and true identity.
• Power and control: The old man and woman manipulate the chess pieces, showcasing their immense power.
• Seals and their consequences: Xiao Fengxian and Kinoe experience the effects of seals.

Character Interactions

• Kinoe and Xiao Fengxian: They share their pasts, and Xiao Fengxian helps Kinoe before leaving.
• Xu Ying and the sorrowful old man: They meet again, and the old man forces Xu Ying to drink Meng Po's Soup.
• The old man and woman playing chess: They control the chess pieces, revealing their power and connection to the world's events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Ying drinks ten bowls of Meng Po's Soup but doesn't forget his past memories, indicating the soup's failure.
• Zhou Qiyun, a powerful cultivator, reveals his ambition to ascend and threatens anyone who interferes with his plans.
• The worried old man, along with two others, encounters Zhou Qiyun and suffers severe injuries in their attempt to stop him.
• The trio reports the failure of Meng Po's Soup to the Earth God temple but receives a response that it will take several years for a decision.

Character Developments

• Zhou Qiyun: Shows immense power and ambition, revealing his desire to ascend and his willingness to eliminate anyone who stands in his way.
• The worried old man: Demonstrates his concern for Xu Ying's safety and his determination to protect him, even at the cost of his own injuries.
• Xu Ying: Struggles with the loosening of his seal and expresses his desire to help Zhou Qiyun ascend so they can be free.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against fate and destiny: Xu Ying's seal and Zhou Qiyun's ambition highlight the characters' attempts to defy their predetermined paths.
• The consequences of ambition: Zhou Qiyun's pursuit of power and ascension leads to him threatening and harming others.
• The power of connections and alliances: The worried old man's alliance with the other two cultivators allows them to temporarily stand against Zhou Qiyun, but they ultimately fail.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Qiyun and the worried old man: Zhou Qiyun's power and ambition are revealed as he easily overpowers the worried old man and his allies.
• Xu Ying and the Great Bell: Xu Ying shares his experiences and concerns with the Great Bell, who offers guidance and support.
• The worried old man and the other two cultivators: The trio works together to confront Zhou Qiyun but suffers severe injuries and ultimately fails to stop him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The narrator discovers that the Great One, Zhai Cai, has rewarded them with one hundred million point coins, unbeknownst to them.
• The narrator expresses their gratitude and inability to repay such kindness, vowing to work harder and write more to show their appreciation.

Character Developments

• The narrator: Expresses humility and determination, showing a strong work ethic and appreciation for recognition.

Significant Themes

• Gratitude: The narrator feels immense gratitude towards Zhai Cai for the reward.
• Recognition: The reward serves as recognition of the narrator's work, motivating them to improve further.
• Humility: The narrator acknowledges their limitations and expresses a desire to repay the kindness through hard work.

Character Interactions

• The narrator interacts with the Great One, Zhai Cai, indirectly through the reward system. The narrator's response shows respect and appreciation for Zhai Cai's support.