Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The blacksmiths, led by Eye Swollen, explain the operational rules of the Xi Chamber, including a 70/30 split, daily sign-in rewards, a merit system, a mission system, and a team system.
• They decide to attack the tombs one by one, starting with the Longevity Dynasty before the Xin Dynasty.
• Cultivators form teams, gather information, and enter the Longevity Dynasty instance.

Character Developments

• Wu Shengjing, a cultivator from the Religion of No Life, plans to infiltrate the Progenitor Demon Gods and spy for the Nine Grains Sage.
• Bai Xingling, a cultivator from the manor, teams up with Wu Shengjing and the God of Cookery for the instance.

Significant Themes

• Competition and individual ability in the face of shared rewards.
• The historical context and power dynamics of the Longevity Dynasty and the Religion of No Life.
• The theme of deception and double agents, as seen in Wu Shengjing's plans.

Character Interactions

• Eye Swollen interacts with the cultivators, explaining the rules and leading them into the Longevity Dynasty instance.
• Bai Xingling, Wu Shengjing, and the God of Cookery form a team and gather information together.
• The God of Cookery uses his charm to obtain information from a maiden in the instance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group learns about the Longevity Imperial Mausoleum, a cluster of tombs housing seven Sages, including the first Great Emperor Longevity.
• They realize the tombs' owners are hidden among the populace, and finding them is challenging.
• Wu Shengjing reveals he knows the location of the first Mother of No Life, a rival of Great Emperor Longevity.
• Bai Xingling and Wu Shengjing are revealed to be descendants of Great Emperor Longevity and the first Mother of No Life, respectively.
• Disaster Bringer leads the group to his organization, the Hall of Solace, to find clues about the tomb's owner.
• They decide to search for the tomb's owner among the Hall of Solace's clients.

Character Developments

• Bai Xingling: Shows leadership and strategic thinking, suggesting they find the tomb's owner first.
• Wu Shengjing: Reveals his connection to the first Mother of No Life and his plan to find her.
• Disaster Bringer: Shows his influence and power by leading the group to his organization. He also reveals his true nature as a calamity beast.
• Phoenix Yi: Shows her ambition and desire to win first place.
• God of Cookery: Remains mostly silent and follows the group, showing some envy of Disaster Bringer's power.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and Fate: The group's luck influences their journey, and they believe in being guided by fate.
• Power and Influence: Disaster Bringer's organization demonstrates his power and influence, contrasting with Phoenix Yi's lack of organization.
• Ambition vs. Tranquility: Disaster Bringer's peaceful, charitable organization contrasts with Phoenix Yi's ambition to win first place.

Character Interactions

• Bai Xingling and Wu Shengjing: They work together to find the tomb's owner, showing mutual respect and trust.
• Disaster Bringer and Phoenix Yi: They clash slightly in their goals, with Disaster Bringer preferring tranquility and Phoenix Yi seeking victory.
• Disaster Bringer and the God of Cookery: Disaster Bringer shows acceptance of the God of Cookery, seeing him as potentially helpful due to his auspicious luck.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Phoenix Yi and Disaster Bringer's group plan to block the tomb's entrance and capture Great Emperor Longevity's true form to end the tomb raid quickly.
• Other tomb-raiding teams make significant progress, causing unrest and demonic cultivator attacks within the Longevity Dynasty.
• The [Xi Chamber] becomes lively and prosperous, with a merit board and various shops opening, including a weapon shop by the Religion of No Life and a brothel by the Sect of Joyful Union.
• The Fallen Heavenly Demon of the Ancestor Fallen Sect sells Old Ancestors, provoking anger and mental attacks.

Character Developments

• Li Youzhu and Jiao Wuyu explore the [Xi Chamber], observing the activities of demonic cultivators and famous evil cult leaders.
• The Religion of No Life provokes the Xi Rong lineage by using names of their high-ranking officials for their weapons, suggesting infiltration of Xi Rong's intelligence.
• Yan Xia, a member of the Xi Rong lineage, watches the events unfold and reveals that the answer is right on the surface, hinting at the true identity of the Xi Rong lineage.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and provocation is prominent, with the Religion of No Life using the names of Xi Rong's high-ranking officials to taunt them.
• The theme of exposure and the inevitable discovery of secrets is explored, as the Xi Rong lineage's true identity is gradually revealed.

Character Interactions

• Li Youzhu and Jiao Wuyu discuss the possible reasons behind the Religion of No Life's knowledge of Xi Rong's high-ranking officials.
• The Xi Rong lineage members react to the provocation by the Religion of No Life, with Yan Xia revealing that the answer is right on the surface.
• The blacksmiths in the Sword Forging Manor discuss their schemes and the natives' reactions, with Ning Zheng expressing displeasure at their behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Zheng docks the pay of the blacksmiths for their misdeeds and warns them against further interference.
• He plans to conquer the Imperial Mausoleum Adventure Town, the Longevity Dynasty instance, soon.
• The God of Cookery, while working at the Hall of Solace, discovers a potential lead in the form of a distraught woman searching for her stolen child.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng demonstrates his authority and determination to conquer the tomb.
• The God of Cookery shows his analytical skills and dedication to his work at the Hall of Solace.

Significant Themes

• Power and Authority: Ning Zheng's actions reflect his power and authority over the blacksmiths and his determination to conquer the tomb.
• Charity and Benevolence: The Hall of Solace's charitable work is highlighted, showing their commitment to helping those in need.

Character Interactions

• Ning Zheng interacts with the blacksmiths, teaching them a lesson and warning them against further interference.
• The God of Cookery interacts with various clients at the Hall of Solace, including a woman who may be related to the Mother of No Life.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The God of Cookery confronts Li Rouhua, who is revealed to have a demonic cultivator's tattoo on her body.
• Li Rouhua shares her past, revealing a story of deception and hardship in her pursuit of cultivation.
• Her partner, Xu You, died during a demon hunting trip, leaving Li Rouhua pregnant and heartbroken.

Character Developments

• Li Rouhua: Initially portrayed as a demonic cultivator, she is revealed to be a victim of circumstances, driven to desperation by her hardships. She is soft-hearted and timid but also resilient.
• Xu You: A genius with a Low-grade Spiritual Root, he overcomes numerous obstacles to improve his life and that of Li Rouhua. His death serves as a turning point in Li Rouhua's life.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Manipulation: The old man who checked spiritual roots and the shop owner who exploited Xu You's labor are examples of how people manipulate others for personal gain.
• The Struggle for Survival: Li Rouhua and Xu You's journey highlights the harsh realities of life for cultivators with Low-grade Spiritual Roots.
• The Dream of Cultivation: The storybook tales of cultivation contrast with the harsh realities faced by Li Rouhua and Xu You, emphasizing the gap between dreams and reality.

Character Interactions

• Li Rouhua and Xu You: Their relationship is one of mutual support and love. Despite facing numerous setbacks, they encourage each other and work together to improve their lives.
• Li Rouhua and The God of Cookery: The God of Cookery's initial confrontation with Li Rouhua turns into a sympathetic exchange as he listens to her story and offers to help her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The God of Cookery empathizes with Li Rouhua's tragic past.
• Li Rouhua reveals she used Xu You's talisman to re-tattoo their child's brain onto her belly, becoming pregnant again.
• The God of Cookery identifies Li Rouhua as the Mother of No Life.
• The city's scenery changes, reflecting Li Rouhua's memories and descent into madness.
• Li Rouhua repeatedly sews back her deceased children, attempting to improve their potential and fulfill her late husband's dream.
• She eventually becomes a tyrant, using her son's power to overthrow dynasties.
• Phoenix Yi and Disaster Bringer arrive, witnessing the truth about Great Emperor Longevity and Mother of No Life.

Character Developments

• Li Rouhua: Initially a grieving widow, she becomes obsessed with reviving her deceased husband's dream, leading to her descent into madness and tyranny.
• The God of Cookery: Realizes the truth about Li Rouhua and witnesses her tragic journey.

Significant Themes

• Obsession and its consequences: Li Rouhua's single-minded pursuit of her husband's dream leads to her descent into madness and tyranny.
• The cost of cultivation: The harsh reality of cultivation, where not everyone can succeed, is a recurring theme.
• The cycle of life and death: Li Rouhua's repeated attempts to revive her children highlight the futility of defying nature's cycle.

Character Interactions

• The God of Cookery and Li Rouhua: The God of Cookery listens to Li Rouhua's story and eventually identifies her as the Mother of No Life.
• Li Rouhua and her children: Li Rouhua's interactions with her children, both living and deceased, drive her descent into madness.
• Phoenix Yi and Disaster Bringer: They arrive to witness the truth about Great Emperor Longevity and Mother of No Life, providing a contrasting perspective to the God of Cookery.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter reveals the origin and significance of the Longevity Dynasty, which marks the beginning of dynasties focused on serving the common people.
• Li Rouhua, the Mother of No Life, is shown in a dreamlike state, recounting her life story and seeking help to understand her obsession.
• She reveals that she gave birth to Great Emperor Longevity, a monster formed from countless brains, and later attempted to create a more perfect infant, hinting at Nine Grains' origin.
• The chapter ends with the emergence of the seven Great Emperors from Li Rouhua's womb, leading to a confrontation.

Character Developments

• Li Rouhua: Her past actions and motivations are revealed. She expresses regret for her actions and seeks understanding of her obsession.
• Great Emperor Longevity: Implied to be a monstrous being, a 'False Human Emperor,' and potentially Nine Grains' brother.
• The seven Great Emperors: They are revealed to be children who never grew up, still residing in their mother's womb.

Significant Themes

• The cyclical nature of life and obsession.
• The consequences of power and control.
• The origin and evolution of dynasties and their impact on society.

Character Interactions

• Li Rouhua interacts with the observers, seeking their help to understand her obsession.
• The seven Great Emperors interact with the observers, leading to a confrontation.
• The Human Ancestor is mentioned to have been secretly contacted by Li Rouhua, hinting at a past alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Phoenix Yi confronts the past Great Emperor Longevity, revealing their secret of being infant bodies due to their family's flaw.
• The Longevity Royal Family's history and dynamics are exposed, including their mother's role and her eventual death leading to their downfall.
• The seven infant emperors reveal their power, with the first-generation Great Emperor Longevity infant demonstrating their Ten Bodies Martial Saint ability.
• Phoenix Yi, Disaster Bringer, and Xin Xichen team up to attack the infant emperors, isolating their battle from the outside world.

Character Developments

• Phoenix Yi: Shows surprise and coldness towards the infant emperors, revealing her strategic mind and awareness of their threat.
• The Infant Great Emperors: Display their power and arrogance, revealing their unique abilities and connection to their mother.
• Li Rouhua: Shows hatred towards her sons, indicating her willingness to betray them.
• Xin Xichen: Joins the fight, bringing Dao Yue Niang's Dharma appearance, and strategizes with Phoenix Yi and Disaster Bringer.

Significant Themes

• The curse of the Longevity Royal Family's flaw, preventing growth and reproduction.
• The power dynamics and infighting within the royal family.
• The isolation and secrecy of the battle, reflecting the characters' desire to keep their true abilities and intentions hidden.

Character Interactions

• Phoenix Yi and the Infant Great Emperors: Engage in a tense standoff, with Phoenix Yi provoking them and the infants revealing their power.
• Phoenix Yi, Disaster Bringer, and Xin Xichen: Team up to fight the infant emperors, demonstrating their strategic alliance and shared goals.
• Li Rouhua and her sons: Show a strained relationship, with Li Rouhua expressing her hatred towards her sons and potentially betraying them.
• Bai Xingling, Wu Shengjing, and Ning Zheng: Frustrated outsiders who are excluded from the battle, reflecting their powerlessness in the face of the main characters' actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Great Emperors of Longevity are battling against Xin Xichen, Disaster Bringer, and Phoenix Yi.
• Ning Zheng is intrigued by the battle but decides not to intervene.
• The Sword Forging Manor next door also explodes, hinting at another significant event.
• The martial world speculates about the battle's outcome and the potential identity of the remaining two infants.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng shows restraint and strategic thinking by not interfering in the battle, instead planning to collect a toll fee if Xin Xichen's group wins.
• The martial world characters engage in speculative discussions about the battle and the potential emergence of the Nine Infants.

Significant Themes

• The theme of hidden power and unknown abilities is emphasized, with characters wanting to know more about the Great Emperors of Longevity's divine abilities.
• The idea of contingency plans for the future is explored, with the Great Emperors aiming to live out a second life as the Nine Infants.

Character Interactions

• Ning Zheng's internal monologue reveals his thoughts and plans regarding the battle.
• The martial world characters engage in group discussions, speculating about the battle's outcome and the potential emergence of the Nine Infants.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Zheng waits outside the protective shield for the battle results, growing suspicious as the fight inside lasts for days with no sign of ending.
• Inside, the tomb raiders (Xin Xichen, Disaster Bringer, and Phoenix Yi) defeat the seven Great Emperors Longevity and plan to smuggle their treasures out.
• They decide to take the treasures in two batches, first the royal family's treasures, and later the embers of the infant Great Emperors.
• They start burning the infants and tallying their spoils, making occasional noises on the protective shield to disguise their activities.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng becomes increasingly suspicious of the tomb raiders' prolonged battle and starts to suspect their intentions.
• The tomb raiders, especially Xin Xichen, demonstrate their strategic prowess and ruthlessness in planning to smuggle the treasures out.
• The God of Cookery, though not directly involved in the planning, shows disapproval of their actions.

Significant Themes

• Greed and its consequences: The tomb raiders' desire for the treasures leads them to attempt a sneaky escape with the loot.
• Trust and deception: Ning Zheng's trust in the tomb raiders is betrayed, highlighting the theme of deception in their actions.
• Power dynamics: The power struggle between the tomb raiders and the tomb's owner is evident, with the raiders trying to outsmart the owner to secure the treasures.

Character Interactions

• Ning Zheng and the tomb raiders: Ning Zheng's suspicion grows as the tomb raiders' true intentions are revealed.
• The tomb raiders (Xin Xichen, Disaster Bringer, and Phoenix Yi): They work together to plan and execute their smuggling strategy, showcasing their unity and trust in each other.
• The God of Cookery and the tomb raiders: The God of Cookery disapproves of the tomb raiders' actions, highlighting the theme of disapproval and betrayal of trust.

Ning Zheng's Perspective

I've been watching Xin Xichen and his crew for a while now, and I must admit, their attempts to smuggle goods out of the Longevity Imperial Mausoleum have been... creative. Some might even say brilliant. But alas, they've been caught every single time.
I activated my divine ability, the [Gazing at Luck Pupil], to detect any heavenly materials or earthly treasures with significant energy. It cost me 10 million luck value, but it was worth it. I couldn't let Xin Xichen and his crew get away with their sneaky tricks.
I've seen them try to hide things in all sorts of places – under their skin, in their spatial subspaces, even using some sort of technique to form nodes to jump. But every time, they've been discovered.
I've had to shatter their Dharma Aspects as punishment, and I've confiscated 100% of their gains. I know it's harsh, but rules are rules. They knew the risks when they decided to try and sneak through.
I must admit, I've been impressed by Xin Xichen's determination. He's changed his methods seven or eight times, and each time, he's come up with something new and unexpected. But unfortunately for him, my divine ability has been up to the task.
I've had to slap his face hard a few times, but I hope he learns his lesson. Next time, he should follow the proper channels and be honest about his findings. That way, he won't lose 100% of his gains, and he won't have to face the consequences of his actions.
As for the rest of you, let this be a lesson. The Longevity Imperial Mausoleum is not a place to be trifled with. Follow the rules, and you'll be rewarded. Try to cheat, and you'll face the consequences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The cultivators smuggle resources from the Longevity Imperial Mausoleum, keeping 30% and handing over 70%.
• They secretly hide the weakened Great Emperors of Longevity and the Mother of No Life for later retrieval.
• The blacksmiths at the Sword Forging Manor strip the cultivators of their Dharma Aspects upon exit, causing them to self-destruct rather than face humiliation.
• The blacksmiths discover the top-tier materials from the cultivators' storage rings, planning to forge a Nation-Suppressing Immortal Artifact and potentially a True Self Mastery immortal artifact for the Transforming Self Realm.
• They also discuss retrieving the hidden Great Emperor Longevity and using the Mother of No Life's divine ability to create a new infant Great Emperor Longevity.

Character Developments

• Xin Xichen, Disaster Bringer, and Phoenix Yi are humiliated and forced to self-destruct rather than face the blacksmiths' taunts.
• The blacksmiths, particularly Xin Xichen, grow more confident and cunning in their plans.

Significant Themes

• Hypocrisy and double standards in morality and ethics, as seen in the blacksmiths' actions.
• The value and scarcity of resources, particularly those from the Transforming Self Realm.
• The power of foreshadowing and the potential use of the Mother of No Life's divine ability.

Character Interactions

• The cultivators and blacksmiths interact with tension and hostility, leading to the cultivators' humiliation and self-destruction.
• The blacksmiths discuss their plans and strategies, revealing their cunning and ambition.
• The God of Cookery infiltrates the protagonist's team, providing valuable information to the blacksmiths.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xin Xichen, the main body of the Disaster Bringer, feels the loss of his Dharma Aspect and acknowledges the skill of the ancient Demon Gods.
• The Great Emperor Longevity's Embers, the most valuable item, is sealed and hidden in an Imperial Mausoleum.
• Ning Zheng sees the task to find and decipher the Great Emperor Longevity's hiding place, requiring 200 million luck value.
• Bai Xingling reports the battle to his Master, the painter, who reveals that Great Emperor Longevity was a fake identity he created.
• The painter gives Bai Xingling an item to complete his immortal spiritual root and hints at releasing another figure from his paintings.

Character Developments

• Xin Xichen: He acknowledges his loss to the ancient Demon Gods but remains rational and determined to surpass them.
• Dao Yue Niang: She becomes more spirited and might be fully awakening.
• Ning Zheng: He considers spending 200 million luck value to get Nine Infants but decides to wait due to potential dangers.
• Bai Xingling: He receives an item from his Master to complete his immortal spiritual root, bringing him closer to the One Heart Realm.
• The Painter (Bai Xingling's Master): He reveals more about his past and plans to release another figure from his paintings.

Significant Themes

• Loss and Learning: Xin Xichen acknowledges his loss and learns from it, driving him to improve.
• Opportunity and Risk: Ning Zheng weighs the opportunity to gain powerful items against the risks of spending all his luck value.
• Identity and Legacy: The painter's revelation about Great Emperor Longevity raises questions about his current situation and legacy.

Character Interactions

• Xin Xichen and Dao Yue Niang: They discuss their loss and the potential of the Great Emperor Longevity's Embers.
• Ning Zheng and himself: Ning Zheng debates with himself about spending his luck value.
• Bai Xingling and his Master: They discuss the battle and Bai Xingling's progress, with the Master revealing more about his past and plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Longevity Imperial Mausoleum has been partially excavated, with the core owners (Great Emperors) captured.
• The Four Seas Dynasty's ruler, Phoenix Yi, joined forces with the Human and Ghoul races to attack the tomb but received only 30% of the spoils.
• The East Sea's Grand Steward, Yan Shuang Ying, is tasked with dispatching cultivators to divide the spoils and clear the Longevity Imperial Mausoleum.
• The Ember Calamity's evolutionary stages are discussed: Extinction, Aberration, Great Unification, and Genesis.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng, the ruler of the Four Seas Dynasty, shows authority and presence in managing court affairs.
• Yan Shuang Ying, the Grand Steward, demonstrates responsibility and efficiency in handling tasks.
• Phoenix Yi, the leader of the Demon Race, is portrayed as strategic and powerful, joining forces to attack the ancient tomb.

Significant Themes

• The cyclical nature of evolution and life, as outlined in the Ember Calamity's stages.
• The struggle for resources and power, exemplified by the competition over the Longevity Imperial Mausoleum's spoils.
• The consequences of extinction and the emergence of new life, reflected in the Ember Calamity's impact on the ecosystem.

Character Interactions

• Ning Zheng interacts with his ministers, delegating tasks and seeking their input on matters of state.
• Yan Shuang Ying and Ning Zheng collaborate to manage the Longevity Imperial Mausoleum's excavation and division of spoils.
• Phoenix Yi's actions reflect her alliance with the Human and Ghoul races, demonstrating cooperation among different races.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the four stages of the species' evolution: Extinction Stage, Aberration Stage, Great Unification Stage, and Genesis.
• The Extinction Stage has begun, leading to the collapse of the ecological chain in the wild.
• The East Sea Dynasty and other factions have established shelters to survive the "Evolutionary Winter."
• The False Humans are conducting experiments to fuse their cubs with Ember, aiming to create new powerful life forms.
• Ning Zheng reflects on the Ghoul King identity as a ticket to the new era and the competition among top experts.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng shows concern for the survival of old races in the new era and reflects on the Ghoul King identity.
• The Giant Shell Holy Son displays confidence in the East Sea Dynasty's preparations for the Extinction Stage.
• The False Humans are portrayed as restless and ambitious, seeking to benefit from evolution.

Significant Themes

• Evolution and survival: The chapter emphasizes the struggle for survival in the face of evolutionary changes and the need to adapt to new eras.
• Competition and ambition: The False Humans' actions and Ning Zheng's reflections on the Ghoul King identity highlight the competitive nature of survival and the desire for power and advantage.

Character Interactions

• Ning Zheng interacts with his ministers, discussing preparations for the Extinction Stage and the False Humans' activities.
• Ning Zheng sees off Sun Moon Su Yu Niang and Ning Jiaojiao, who are heading out for Ember exploration.
• Ning Zheng reflects on his own cultivation progress and the competition among top experts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Zheng successfully enters the One Heart Six Orifices Realm after three days of effort.
• The outside world has been chaotic due to food hoarding and grave digging by factions.
• Ning Zheng realizes that the One Heart Six Orifices Realm is not the limit; there's a seventh cycle missing.
• He deduces that the seventh cycle is the spiritual root cycle, which Xin Xichen has hidden.
• Ning Zheng decides to open the seventh cycle and aims for the perfect Five Elements spiritual root cycle.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng's cultivation advances to the One Heart Six Orifices Realm, and he gains insight into the hidden seventh cycle.
• He becomes more determined to cultivate to perfection and is willing to spend resources to achieve it.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivating all cycles, including the heart, for immortality.
• The concept of information monopoly and its consequences in the cultivation world.
• The pursuit of perfection in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Ning Zheng interacts with the academic powerhouse Xin Xichen indirectly through his deductions about the hidden seventh cycle.
• He decides to keep the information about the seventh cycle to himself, similar to other major powers, to maintain an advantage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Zheng, after his breakthrough, browses the game forum and finds a thought-provoking post discussing the role of blacksmiths in causing world chaos.
• The post argues that blacksmiths' troublemaking has accelerated historical disasters and eruptions of ancient poisons.
• The post sparks a heated debate among players about their actions, with some defending their role as saviors and others admitting their destructive impact.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng shows interest in the philosophical debate among players, indicating his desire for more stimulating challenges.
• Players begin to reflect on their actions and consider the consequences of their troublemaking.

Significant Themes

• The role of blacksmiths in shaping the world's history and causing chaos.
• The debate between causing immediate pain for long-term gain versus maintaining peace and stability.
• The concept of self-reflection and acknowledging past mistakes.

Character Interactions

• Ning Zheng interacts with the players through the game forum, observing their debates and reflections.
• Players engage in heated discussions, arguing different perspectives on their role in the world's chaos.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Blacksmiths discuss refocusing on development and technology after tomb raiding.
• Ning Zheng plans four projects: researching Transforming Self Realm materials, updating the Eye of Appraisal, creating a longevity infant emperor, and implementing assembly line factories.
• Ning Zheng finds Adventure Town's warehouse rich with resources, enough for dozens of Transforming Self Realm cultivators.
• The Longevity Tomb is declared closed, with the remaining buildings intended for housing a large population.
• Sword Forging Manor is considered for relocation to the Chronicle of Ages, but Ning Zheng is hesitant due to safety and attention concerns.
• Ning Zheng inspects research projects, including the Demon Fetus and True Self Mastery immortal artifact.
• Oumi Jiang is tasked with the Five Elements Exotic Spiritual Root project.
• A New Year celebration is planned for the next day.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng shows strategic planning and caution in managing his force's resources and safety.
• Blacksmiths demonstrate unity and focus on development and technology.
• Jiu Cai Rong exhibits boldness in proposing relocation and responsibility in managing the force's affairs.
• Oumi Jiang shows dedication and confidence in taking on the Five Elements Exotic Spiritual Root project.

Significant Themes

• Resource management and distribution.
• Balancing combat and development.
• Safety and security concerns.
• Strategic planning and decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Ning Zheng interacts with various leaders and members of his force, showing interest in their projects and providing guidance.
• Jiu Cai Rong and Ning Zheng discuss the force's future and the possibility of relocating to the Chronicle of Ages.
• Ning Zheng and Oumi Jiang discuss the Five Elements Exotic Spiritual Root project.
• The blacksmiths discuss their plans and concerns among themselves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Sword Forging Manor celebrates the New Year with a grand event, the King's Versus Match, a 5v5 competition using standardized magic artifacts.
• The event is designed to train lower-class cultivators, improve their combat experience, and provide entertainment.
• The competition involves coordinating with ember minions, buying equipment, and pushing down the enemy's defense towers.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng, the sect master, shows concern for his disciples' well-being and allows them time off to rest and celebrate the New Year.
• The blacksmiths, despite being at the Great Perfection of the Five Bodies Realm, enthusiastically participate in the competition, showcasing their enjoyment and camaraderie.

Significant Themes

• The event highlights the balance between work and leisure, with Ning Zheng ensuring his disciples have time to rest and celebrate.
• It also emphasizes the importance of training and honing skills in a fun and engaging manner.
• The use of standardized magic artifacts democratizes powerful equipment, making it accessible to the lower classes.

Character Interactions

• Ning Zheng interacts with the blacksmiths, showing understanding and support for their enjoyment of the competition.
• The blacksmiths engage in friendly banter and teamwork during the event, demonstrating their bond and shared enthusiasm.
• An old man, previously seen playing chess with Ning Zheng, participates incognito, showcasing his youthful spirit and love for competition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Bone Demon Royal City hosts a New Year celebration and competition lasting seven days.
• The competition includes team matches and solo matches, with participants using standardized equipment.
• The event successfully lifts the tense atmosphere in the city and gains popularity across the East Sea.

Character Developments

• Ning Zheng, the Emperor, enjoys the competition and acknowledges its benefits.
• Blacksmith participants, like Labi Xiaoxin, showcase their skills and teamwork.
• Human race cultivators, led by King Xinyi and Xinyi Yun, observe the competition and recognize its strategic value.

Significant Themes

• The importance of teamwork and individual adaptability in combat.
• The role of standardized equipment in popularizing knowledge about weapons and strategies.
• The value of competitive events in fostering skills and morale.

Character Interactions

• Blacksmiths form teams and assign roles, demonstrating camaraderie and strategic thinking.
• Ning Zheng watches the competition, showing interest and approval.
• Human race cultivators discuss the competition's merits, indicating potential collaboration or learning.