Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qingchun discovers Zhao Yuansi's poetry collection, which he finds disappointing, leading him to suspect that Li Xiuchang might be the true poet.
• Li Xiuchang's Golden Halberd Unicorn Beetle egg hatches, and he places the larva in a barrel of Spirit Wood shavings for nourishment.
• Li Xiuchang visits Senior Brother Zhang to have the "Illusion Skin" appraised and to learn Artifact Refining. Zhang Wanzhi agrees to teach him and advises him to start with forging iron.

Character Developments

• Su Qingchun's opinion of Zhao Yuansi's poetic abilities decreases after reading his poetry collection, leading him to suspect Li Xiuchang's involvement.
• Li Xiuchang decides to learn Artifact Refining from Senior Brother Zhang to better utilize his resources and avoid suspicion.
• Zhang Wanzhi is eager to teach Li Xiuchang Artifact Refining, as it is his strongest skill.

Significant Themes

• The theme of discovery and revelation is present as Su Qingchun uncovers Zhao Yuansi's poetry collection and Li Xiuchang learns about the true use of the Illusion Skin.
• The value of learning and skill development is emphasized as Li Xiuchang decides to learn Artifact Refining and Zhang Wanzhi encourages him to start with the basics.

Character Interactions

• Su Qingchun's interactions with Zhao Yuansi lead him to question Zhao's poetic abilities and suspect Li Xiuchang's involvement.
• Li Xiuchang's interaction with Senior Brother Zhang results in Zhang agreeing to teach him Artifact Refining and advising him on the initial steps.
• The relationship between Li Xiuchang and Senior Brother Zhang is further solidified as Zhang expresses his eagerness to teach Li Xiuchang his strongest skill.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang learns the Illusion Skin's true use and arranges for its refinement into a Disguise Magic Treasure.
• Wang Long purchases a Foundation Establishment Pill and enters seclusion.
• Li Xiuchang is tasked by Elder Xu to participate in the upcoming Four Great Immortal Sects Exchange Competition as a "diplomat" due to his good image and the favors owed to him by other sects.
• The rewards for the Hundred Arts Competition are revealed, with the first place in each competition receiving a Thousand Jun Stone from the Seal Heaven Sect.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang: Realizes the potential of the Illusion Skin and arranges for its refinement. Agrees to participate in the exchange competition as a diplomat. Sets goals for his Spirit Chef and Soul Manipulation skills to reach Tier 2 within eight months for the Hundred Arts Competition.
• Wang Long: Successfully purchases a Foundation Establishment Pill and enters seclusion to attempt Foundation Establishment.

Significant Themes

• Diplomacy and exchange between the Four Great Immortal Sects.
• The value and scarcity of unique resources like Thousand Jun Stone.
• Li Xiuchang's determination to improve his skills and secure the championship in the Hundred Arts Competition.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi: Discuss the refinement of the Illusion Skin and receive news about Wang Long's Foundation Establishment attempt.
• Li Xiuchang and Elder Xu: Li Xiuchang is tasked with participating in the exchange competition as a diplomat. They discuss the rewards for the Hundred Arts Competition.
• Li Xiuchang and the other sects' disciples: Li Xiuchang's good image and the favors owed to him by other sects are mentioned, highlighting his role as a diplomat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang visits Senior Brother Song Yu, who reveals he's preparing for a competition before attempting Golden Core formation.
• Li Xiuchang plans his future eight-month sprint, prioritizing Golden Core formation, the Annual Preaching Ranking, and nurturing his Golden Halberd Unicorn Beetle larva.
• He decides to delegate daily tasks to his subordinates and cultivate new geniuses to help with his workload.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang: Realizes the importance of delegation and plans to cultivate new geniuses to help with his tasks. He also decides to focus on Spirit Chef and Soul Manipulation arts for the next eight months.
• Senior Brother Song Yu: Preparing for the Four Great Immortal Sects exchange competition before attempting Golden Core formation.

Significant Themes

• Work-Life Balance: Li Xiuchang struggles with his heavy workload and decides to delegate tasks to his subordinates.
• Cultivation and Growth: Li Xiuchang plans his cultivation path and aims to improve his skills in various arts.
• Competition and Ambition: Li Xiuchang's ambition to reach the top of the Annual Preaching Ranking drives him to publish Preaching Posts.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang visits Senior Brother Song Yu, catching up and learning about his plans for the upcoming competition.
• Li Xiuchang interacts with his subordinates, deciding to delegate tasks and cultivate new geniuses to help with his workload.

Key Plot Points and Events

• "The Longest Man" (Li Xiuchang) returns to the Preaching Ranking, sharing ten new Spirit Delicacy recipes, aiming to climb the annual ranking.
• His posts attract significant attention, especially from Talisman Masters and female cultivators, leading to a surge in Dao Grains.
• Li Xiuchang secures third place on the annual ranking after a month, with over twelve thousand Dao Grains.
• Senior Brother Wang Long successfully reaches Foundation Establishment and holds a celebration banquet.
• The Golden Halberd Unicorn Beetle larva encounters some trouble in its development.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang: Becomes more influential among Talisman Masters and female cultivators. Secures third place on the annual Preaching Ranking.
• Su Qingchun: Learns to dispel malevolent energy, potentially becoming a Soul Master. Takes over managing the smoked meat production line.
• Senior Brother Wang Long: Successfully reaches Foundation Establishment and holds a celebration banquet.

Significant Themes

• Influence and popularity: Li Xiuchang's influence expands among different groups, leading to increased support and Dao Grains.
• Ambition and competition: Li Xiuchang's ambition drives him to climb the Preaching Ranking, facing competition from other top contenders.
• Personal growth: Su Qingchun's learning and development, as well as Senior Brother Wang Long's cultivation breakthrough, reflect personal growth and achievement.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Su Qingchun: Li Xiuchang teaches Su Qingchun to dispel malevolent energy, and Su Qingchun takes over managing the smoked meat production line.
• Li Xiuchang and Senior Brother Wang Long: Li Xiuchang attends Senior Brother Wang Long's celebration banquet and hands over the task of shipping goods to him.
• Li Xiuchang and the Preaching Ranking contenders: Li Xiuchang's progress on the ranking sparks a response from the top two contenders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang diagnoses the Golden Halberd Unicorn Beetle larva as malnourished.
• The larva grows rapidly and enters its second instar stage, requiring higher-quality food.
• Li Xiuchang seeks help from Beast Tamers on the Preaching Ranking to determine the best food for the larva.
• He receives advice from "Humble Poop Scooper," who suggests mixing Beast King Bone Powder with the larva's food.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang demonstrates his dedication and responsibility towards his spirit beast, showing growth in his Beast Taming skills.
• "Humble Poop Scooper" shows professionalism and thoroughness in her advice, taking Li Xiuchang's problem seriously.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding and meeting the specific needs of one's spirit beast.
• The role of resources in Beast Taming and the extravagance Li Xiuchang displays in caring for his spirit beast.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang interacts with several Beast Tamers on the Preaching Ranking, seeking their advice.
• "Humble Poop Scooper" provides detailed and helpful advice to Li Xiuchang, showing a willingness to help a fellow Beast Tamer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang posts ten more preaching posts, responding to his critics.
• He feeds the Golden Halberd Unicorn Beetle larvae with Beast King Bone Powder, discovering its immense appetite.
• Li Xiuchang forges a giant tray the size of an acre to accommodate the larvae's appetite.
• The Four Great Immortal Sects Exchange Competition begins, with Senior Brother Chu Ya participating.
• Liang Zaiping, Hong Yi, and Ye Zhixing from other sects visit Li Xiuchang.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang demonstrates his blacksmithing skills and resourcefulness in creating the giant tray.
• Senior Brother Chu Ya faces pressure to win the competition and bring honor to the Immortal Dust Sect.
• Liang Zaiping, Hong Yi, and Ye Zhixing gain a newfound respect for Li Xiuchang's cultivation age and achievements.

Significant Themes

• The importance of resources and preparation, as seen in Li Xiuchang's foresight with the giant tray.
• The pressure and expectations placed on prodigies, exemplified by Senior Brother Chu Ya's situation.
• The value of cultivators based on their age and cultivation level, as demonstrated by the visitors' shock upon learning Li Xiuchang's age.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang interacts with Liang Zaiping, Hong Yi, and Ye Zhixing, sharing tea and conversation.
• The visitors express their surprise and admiration for Li Xiuchang's cultivation achievements at such a young age.
• The visitors' thoughts briefly turn to poaching Li Xiuchang for their own sects due to his potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Wanzhi publicly forms a High-grade Golden Core (likely eight or nine turns), causing a stir among visiting cultivators from other sects.
• Zhang Wanzhi hosts a three-day banquet to celebrate his Golden Core formation, attended by many Outer Sect disciples and cultivators from other sects.

Character Developments

• Zhang Wanzhi: Shows off his powerful cultivation base and charisma, impressing visiting cultivators and displaying his strategic thinking in showing off at opportune moments.
• Li Xiuchang: Continues to support and assist Zhang Wanzhi, demonstrating his culinary skills and business acumen by providing high-quality Spirit Delicacies for the banquet.
• Chen Changsheng and Mo Tu: Display their refined demeanor and broad perspectives, impressing visiting cultivators and hinting at their extraordinary nature despite their low-key personas.

Significant Themes

• The Immortal Dust Sect's hidden talents and the rigid rules that filter out exceptional cultivators into the Outer Sect.
• The importance of timing and opportunity in showcasing one's abilities, as demonstrated by Zhang Wanzhi's strategic breakthrough.
• The power dynamics and social hierarchy within the cultivation world, with Outer Sect disciples generally having lower status but potentially harboring exceptional talents.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Wanzhi interacts with visiting cultivators, showcasing his charisma and social skills, and forging connections with them.
• Li Xiuchang, Chen Changsheng, and Mo Tu interact with visiting cultivators, impressing them with their refined demeanor and broad perspectives, despite not intending to do so.
• Zhang Wanzhi ropes in Chen Changsheng and Mo Tu for his celebration, further demonstrating his influence and connections within the sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Wanzhi's Golden Core banquet lasts for three days, attracting attention across the sect.
• The Four Great Immortal Sects' exchange competition concludes, with the Sword Seeking Sect winning, and the Immortal Dust Sect securing second place.
• Mo Youjian, the champion, requests to experience the Immortal Dust Sect's Preaching Ranking instead of receiving his rewards, but Elder Xu refuses.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang's Spirit Chef Arts advance significantly due to the intense cooking during the banquet.
• Mo Youjian demonstrates his straightforward nature and high ambitions by requesting to experience the Preaching Ranking.
• Elder Xu shows his determination to protect the Immortal Dust Sect's image by refusing Mo Youjian's request.

Significant Themes

• The importance of reputation and image in the cultivation world, as seen in Elder Xu's refusal to let outsiders access the Preaching Ranking.
• The pursuit of exceptional talent and its recognition, as seen in Mo Youjian's background and achievements.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi interact as friends and disciples, with Li Xiuchang supporting Zhang Wanzhi's celebration.
• Mo Youjian interacts with Elder Xu, demonstrating his straightforwardness and high ambitions.
• Elder Xu interacts with the other sect elders, proposing to admit Zhang Wanzhi into the Inner Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Wanzhi, an Outer Sect disciple, achieves a High-grade Golden Core at 101, catching the attention of Inner Sect elders.
• Elders debate whether to make an exception for Zhang Wanzhi, with some suggesting he join the Inner Sect or take an elder as a master.
• Zhang Wanzhi is approached by an Inner Sect elder but is hesitant to accept their offer.
• Li Xiuchang's cultivation and Spirit Chef Arts progress, and his malevolent spirits' strength improves.

Character Developments

• Zhang Wanzhi: Struggles with the attention and offers from Inner Sect elders, realizing he may have drawn too much attention to himself.
• Li Xiuchang: Advances his cultivation to the peak of Foundation Establishment and improves his Spirit Chef Arts to the Second Tier.
• Chen Changsheng: Taunts Zhang Wanzhi about his high-profile behavior and offers little help when Zhang Wanzhi seeks advice.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of drawing attention to oneself (Zhang Wanzhi's situation).
• The importance of focus and dedication in cultivation (Li Xiuchang's progress).
• The tension between maintaining a low profile and achieving success (Chen Changsheng's and Zhang Wanzhi's differing views).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Wanzhi seeks advice from Mo Tu and Chen Changsheng about the Inner Sect's offer.
• Chen Changsheng taunts Zhang Wanzhi about his high-profile behavior and the potential consequences.
• Mo Tu offers minimal help, telling Zhang Wanzhi to choose between joining the Inner Sect or taking a master.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang learns about Zhang Wanzhi's situation and ponders about the Immortal Dust Sect's Outer Sect.
• Li Xiuchang excels in the Second-grade Spirit Planter assessment, earning a perfect score and rewards.
• Rumors spread about the Immortal Dust Sect's Outer Sect being the true powerhouse, igniting curiosity and anticipation.
• Sword Seeking Sect disciples and elders invite Immortal Dust Sect's Outer Sect disciples for a friendly match, offering Divine Sword Heart-Questioning spots as rewards.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang: He continues to demonstrate his exceptional talent in Spirit Plant cultivation, earning rewards that will significantly improve his Medicine Fields. He also expresses his disinterest in becoming an offering, indicating his contentment with his current status.
• Sword Seeking Sect disciples and elders: They show determination and straightforwardness, pushing for a friendly match with the Immortal Dust Sect's Outer Sect disciples to clear their sect's name.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Potential: Li Xiuchang's Spirit Plant talent is further highlighted, and the Immortal Dust Sect's Outer Sect is portrayed as a place of hidden potential.
• Reputation and Prestige: The Sword Seeking Sect's reputation is challenged by the rumors, leading to their desire to prove their strength through a friendly match.
• Opportunity and Rewards: The Divine Sword Heart-Questioning spots serve as a significant reward, enticing the Immortal Dust Sect to participate in the friendly match.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Yan Song: Yan Song observes Li Xiuchang's assessment and offers words of encouragement, while Li Xiuchang remains humble and focused on his own goals.
• Sword Seeking Sect disciples and Immortal Dust Sect elder: The straightforward Sword Seeking Sect disciples and elders interact with the Immortal Dust Sect elder, pushing for a friendly match and offering rewards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Immortal Dust Sect elders discuss a rumor that their Outer Sect is more powerful than the Inner Sect, sparked by encounters with Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi.
• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi are invited by Elder Xu to participate in a friendly match with the Sword Seeking Sect's Inner Sect disciples, with rewards including the Divine Sword Heart-Questioning opportunity.
• Li Xiuchang initially refuses but changes his mind upon learning the reward's value and potential resale price.
• Zhang Wanzhi agrees to go if Li Xiuchang does, and Elder Liu is assigned to escort them.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang: Shows initial disinterest in the friendly match but changes his mind upon learning the potential profit from the reward. He is focused on his Golden Core formation and the upcoming Hundred Arts Competition.
• Zhang Wanzhi: Agrees to go to the Sword Seeking Sect if Li Xiuchang does, showing loyalty and camaraderie. He is more cautious and reserved when entering the Inner Sect, suggesting he has reasons to be wary there.
• Elder Liu: Initially nervous about teaching Zhang Wanzhi but finds it surprisingly easy and enjoyable, with Zhang Wanzhi often understanding concepts before she can explain them fully.

Significant Themes

• The perception and reality of the Immortal Dust Sect's Outer and Inner Sects' strengths.
• The value of opportunities and rewards in cultivation, with Li Xiuchang's decision to participate driven by the potential profit.
• Loyalty and camaraderie between Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi: They discuss their summons by Elder Xu and Li Xiuchang tests Zhang Wanzhi's reaction to entering the Inner Sect. They decide to go to the Sword Seeking Sect together.
• Li Xiuchang and Elder Xu: Li Xiuchang initially refuses to go to the Sword Seeking Sect but changes his mind upon learning the reward's value. Elder Xu is understanding and accommodating.
• Elder Liu and Zhang Wanzhi: Elder Liu finds teaching Zhang Wanzhi surprisingly easy and enjoyable, with Zhang Wanzhi often grasping concepts before she can explain them fully.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang decides to participate in a friendly match at the Sword Seeking Sect, delaying his Golden Core breakthrough to maintain fairness.
• The match rules prohibit certain items and elixirs, forcing Li Xiuchang to rely on his mana and spells.
• Li Xiuchang buys a top-grade magic tool cleaver and seeks spell guidance from Chen Changsheng.
• Chen Changsheng teaches Li Xiuchang two spells: "Black Bee Technique" and "Charcoal Array."
• Chen Changsheng also shares a unique escape spell, "Send Enemy a Thousand Miles."
• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi travel to the Sword Seeking Sect on the sect's flying Spirit Treasure, "Immortal Cloud."

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang shows determination to win for his sect's honor, despite the challenges posed by the match rules.
• Chen Changsheng demonstrates his thorough teaching method, focusing on Li Xiuchang's understanding and mastery of spells.

Significant Themes

• The importance of fairness and sportsmanship in cultivator duels.
• The value of thorough learning and understanding in spellcasting.
• The disparity in wealth and resources between individual cultivators and sects.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang seeks guidance from Chen Changsheng, showing respect for his senior brother's knowledge.
• Chen Changsheng teaches Li Xiuchang without reservation, demonstrating his willingness to help his junior brother.
• Zhang Wanzhi accompanies Li Xiuchang, showing his support and camaraderie.
• Elder Liu, the sect's elder, shows professionalism in her duties, piloting the "Immortal Cloud" to transport disciples to the Sword Seeking Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi arrive at the Sword Seeking Sect for a friendly match.
• Li Xiuchang raises his superficial cultivation level to Mid Foundation Establishment to conceal his true strength.
• The upcoming match between Li Xiuchang and a Sword Seeking Sect disciple attracts significant attention and betting.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang shows maturity and confidence in his decisions, such as raising his cultivation level and betting on his victory.
• Zhang Wanzhi displays his trust in Li Xiuchang by betting on his win.
• Yue Chongshan and Chen Gao show their support for Li Xiuchang by betting on him and visiting him before the match.

Significant Themes

• The power of rumors and their impact on expectations and anticipation.
• The importance of self-confidence and trust in one's abilities.
• The role of competition in proving one's worth and reputation.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi interact as friends and teammates, supporting each other before the match.
• Li Xiuchang, Yue Chongshan, and Chen Gao reunite and show camaraderie through betting and conversation.
• Li Xiuchang and the Sword Seeking Sect disciples prepare for their match, with the Sword Seeking Sect offering Li Xiuchang the choice of opponents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang requests a Late Foundation Establishment opponent, causing tension with the Sword Seeking Sect.
• He defeats Yu Feng easily using his Charcoal Array and Charcoal Bees technique.
• Cui He challenges Li Xiuchang after the match, offering Spirit-Infused Gold as a wager.
• Li Xiuchang accepts, defeats Cui He quickly using his cleaver, and ends the match in a few breaths.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang demonstrates his strength, humility, and determination to finish tasks quickly.
• Yu Feng and Cui He show resilience and determination, but are outmatched by Li Xiuchang.
• Zhang Wanzhi feels envy towards Li Xiuchang's accomplishments.

Significant Themes

• The vast difference in strength between Li Xiuchang and his opponents.
• Li Xiuchang's desire to complete tasks quickly and efficiently.
• The tension and animosity between the Immortal Dust Sect and the Sword Seeking Sect.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Yu Feng: Li Xiuchang easily defeats Yu Feng, showing the vast difference in their strength.
• Li Xiuchang and Cui He: Li Xiuchang quickly defeats Cui He, ending the match in a few breaths.
• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi: Zhang Wanzhi feels envy towards Li Xiuchang's accomplishments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang consecutively defeats two Foundation Establishment elites from the Sword Seeking Sect, causing a stir among the cultivators.
• Zhang Wanzhi's match against Zuo Hanguang, a top Sword Seeking Sect prodigy, begins.
• Zhang Wanzhi wins the match in a single move, surprising everyone.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang gains recognition and respect for his strength and prowess.
• Zhang Wanzhi reveals his hidden strength and talent, catching everyone off guard.
• Zuo Hanguang, despite his confidence, is defeated by Zhang Wanzhi.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Immortal Dust Sect and the Sword Seeking Sect shift due to Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi's victories.
• The importance of hidden strength and talent in cultivator society.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi's friendship and mutual support are highlighted.
• The cultivators from different sects react to Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi's victories, with some expressing shock, curiosity, and even infatuation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Wanzhi defeats Zuo Hanguang, the Sword Seeking Sect's prodigy disciple, with a single move, shocking the audience.
• The Immortal Dust Sect's disciples, Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi, win the Divine Sword Heart-Questioning trials, earning them a slot each.
• Li Xiuchang attempts the Divine Sword Heart-Questioning trial, but the process is not as straightforward as he expected.

Character Developments

• Zhang Wanzhi's prowess in the Spear Dao is revealed, surprising the elders and cultivators present.
• Li Xiuchang decides to attempt the Divine Sword Heart-Questioning trial despite not being a sword cultivator.

Significant Themes

• Talent and diligence: Zhang Wanzhi's victory is attributed to his persistent comprehension of the Spear Dao over eighty years.
• Humility: Zhang Wanzhi remains humble despite his accomplishments, attributing his success to diligence.
• Opportunity and risk: Li Xiuchang decides to attempt the Divine Sword Heart-Questioning trial, knowing it might not benefit him but also poses no harm.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Wanzhi and Li Xiuchang: Their friendship is evident as they discuss the Divine Sword Heart-Questioning trial, with Zhang Wanzhi providing guidance to Li Xiuchang.
• Elder Xiang and Elder Liu: They discuss Zhang Wanzhi's potential and decide to help him after his impressive victory.
• Li Xiuchang and the Heart-Questioning Sword: Li Xiuchang interacts with the Heart-Questioning Sword, experiencing the trial's initial phase.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang finds himself in a vast, empty white space with a giant stone tablet and an iron sword.
• He realizes he's trapped and must learn the sword techniques on the tablet to escape.
• After much struggle and fluctuating mental state, he masters the first stance.
• He understands he must break the tablet to escape and decides to find his own method.
• He begins treating the sword as a cleaver and creates his own "Equality Saber" technique.
• After mastering the Equality Saber, he breaks the tablet, regains his memories, and the Sword Seed transforms into a cleaver phantom.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang's state of mind improves through practicing swordsmanship, learning patience and calmness.
• He discovers his unique approach to cultivation and creates the Equality Saber technique.
• His understanding of his own path and determination grows.

Significant Themes

• Patience and perseverance in cultivation.
• Finding one's own path and method in cultivation.
• The importance of adaptability in cultivation.
• The concept of equality and treating all things as ingredients (reflected in the Equality Saber).

Character Interactions

• Although there's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, Li Xiuchang's inner dialogue and reflections reveal his thought processes and growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang regains his memories and understands the true nature of his trial with the Heart-Questioning Sword.
• The trial's sword technique was an illusion to test Li Xiuchang's Sword Dao talent and mental state.
• Li Xiuchang's unique "Equalizer Dao" led to an unconventional trial, resulting in a "Cleaver trial" and the formation of a "Cleaver Heart" seed.
• Li Xiuchang passes the trial and gains the Heart-Questioning Sword's recognition.
• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi return to the Immortal Dust Sect.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang: Comprehends his unique "Equalizer Dao" and receives a "Cleaver Heart" seed, deciding to forge a Cleaver Natal Magic Treasure in the future.
• Zhang Wanzhi: Recognizes Li Xiuchang's unique Dao and suggests he focus on cultivating it.
• Song Yu: Arrives at the Sword Seeking Sect after his journey, feeling disheartened upon learning that Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi had already avenged the Immortal Dust Sect's previous loss.

Significant Themes

• The Heart-Questioning Sword's trial tests the trial-taker's Sword Dao talent and mental state.
• Li Xiuchang's unique "Equalizer Dao" leads to an unconventional trial and outcome.
• The pressure and expectations surrounding the upcoming exchange competition.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi: Discuss Li Xiuchang's unique Dao and his future cultivation path.
• Li Xiuchang and Elder Xiang: Li Xiuchang declines Elder Xiang's invitation to participate in the exchange competition.
• Song Yu and his sect friends: Song Yu expresses his ambition to win the exchange competition, only to learn that Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi had already taken the spotlight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang studies his Dao Heart Seed, which transforms into various weapons, inspiring him to name his future Dao Heart the "Heart of Myriad Daos."
• Li Xiuchang returns to the Immortal Dust Sect and begins forming his Golden Core in the Earth-grade Medicine Field.
• He successfully condenses a nascent Golden Core after compressing his mana and undergoes Core Tribulations to improve its quality.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang demonstrates his dedication to cultivation and self-improvement by attempting the riskier "Thirty-Six Transformations of the Golden Core" method.
• Zhang Wanzhi feels overlooked upon their return, contrasting Li Xiuchang's single-minded focus on cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of diligence, hard work, and challenging oneself in cultivation.
• The idea that one's cultivation method and foundation can greatly influence the quality and strength of one's core.
• The concept of equal opportunity and potential in cultivation, reflecting Li Xiuchang's "Dao of Equality."

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang and Zhang Wanzhi return to the sect together, but Li Xiuchang's focus on cultivation contrasts with Zhang Wanzhi's desire for recognition.
• Li Xiuchang's interaction with his Dao Heart Seed shows his introspection and understanding of his cultivation path.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Xiuchang successfully endures 27 Heavenly Tribulations, achieving a ninth-grade Golden Core.
• He attempts to push his Golden Core's quality further with additional Heavenly Tribulations.
• The 28th Heavenly Tribulation causes cracks in his Golden Core, but he repairs it.
• The 36th Heavenly Tribulation's power increases drastically, threatening his Golden Core.
• Li Xiuchang decides to create a backup Golden Core in his second Dantian as insurance.
• After enduring the 36th Heavenly Tribulation, his Golden Core shrinks and becomes transparent, forming a "Carat Golden Core" or "Diamond Core."
• Li Xiuchang attempts to further strengthen his Golden Core with additional tribulations but fails.

Character Developments

• Li Xiuchang demonstrates resilience and determination in enduring Heavenly Tribulations.
• He shows strategic thinking in creating a backup Golden Core as insurance.
• His ambition grows as he attempts to push his Golden Core's quality beyond the known limits.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and determination in the face of challenges.
• Ambition and the pursuit of excellence.
• The importance of preparation and insurance in uncertain situations.

Character Interactions

• Li Xiuchang interacts with the Heavenly Dao, which he perceives as trying to hinder his progress.
• He also interacts with his own ambition and determination, pushing himself beyond known limits.