Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Shenxiu studies the scarce information about Dharma Bodies and Corpse Release Immortals in "Nine Steps to Immortality Exam".
• He learns that the second pass involves complete control over immortalization (body) and purification of the mind (Dao Heart).
• The final description of Corpse Release Immortals is simply 'Death', suggesting true and absolute death.
• Zhong Shenxiu considers that this pass might be a clear path for him due to his Divine Ability of Nine Deaths Returning Life.
• The fifteenth day of the seventh month arrives, and the Old Emperor of Yanhan begins the Heavenly Sacrifice ceremony, marking the end of the Supreme Emperor's Orthodoxy.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu becomes more knowledgeable about the cultivation path and considers his unique advantage in the form of his Divine Ability.
• The Old Emperor of Yanhan shows determination and preparedness for the Heavenly Sacrifice ceremony, indicating his commitment to ensuring the success of the ritual.

Significant Themes

• The theme of death and rebirth is emphasized, with Corpse Release Immortals requiring a true and absolute death to ascend.
• The conflict between the human way and the Heavenly Dao is highlighted, as the Old Emperor submits to Heaven, marking the end of the Supreme Emperor's Orthodoxy.

Character Interactions

• The interactions between Zhong Shenxiu and the text "Nine Steps to Immortality Exam" drive his understanding and consideration of his path.
• The Old Emperor's interaction with Heaven during the ceremony signifies the shift in power dynamics and the end of an era.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The old beggar, Heaven Cry Demonic Lord, uses the Great Sorrow Heavenly Cry Scripture to cause mass fainting and death in Changluo city.
• The Imperial Dharma Body with Nine Dragons Coiling emerges from the imperial palace to counter Heaven Cry Demonic Lord.
• Heaven Cry Demonic Lord transforms into his Six Annihilations Demonic Physique, causing further destruction.
• The Five Lotus True Lady of the Five Lotus Sect appears, attacking the Imperial Dharma Body with her Scattering Flowers Heavenly Maiden Dharma Body.
• Other sect leaders, including the Six Paths Samsara True Body, the Sea of Blood, and the Dijiang True Body, also appear, engaging in a massive clash of Dharma Bodies.
• Master Xiaoyuan and Baoxiang Arhat create a Two Realms Vajra Sarira Garbha Great Barrier to protect the city's inhabitants.
• Sect Ancestor-level figures from the Three Immortal Sects of the Sea also join the fray.

Character Developments

• Heaven Cry Demonic Lord demonstrates his power and ruthlessness, seeking an excuse to kill people.
• True Monarch Zhang remains calm and composed, ordering the ritual and protecting the Altar of Heaven.
• The Five Lotus True Lady shows determination for revenge against the Imperial Court.
• The various sect leaders reveal their Dharma Bodies and engage in combat, showcasing their power and intentions.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of Dharma Bodies, which can cause mass destruction and death.
• The political intrigue and power struggles among the various sects and the Imperial Court.
• The theme of revenge and the lengths to which people will go to achieve it.

Character Interactions

• Heaven Cry Demonic Lord and the Imperial Dharma Body clash, with Heaven Cry Demonic Lord gaining the upper hand initially but later facing disadvantages due to the Imperial Court's advantage in the location.
• The Five Lotus True Lady's appearance and attack on the Imperial Dharma Body, causing collateral damage among the civil and military officials.
• The various sect leaders' Dharma Bodies clash, with the Two Realms Vajra Sarira Garbha Great Barrier protecting the city's inhabitants from the fallout.
• The Sect Ancestor-level figures from the Three Immortal Sects of the Sea join the battle, further escalating the conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Old Emperor performs a Heavenly Sacrifice on the Altar of Heaven, hoping for divine intervention.
• A powerful Primordial Spirit attempts to destroy the Imperial City, but is annihilated by a Corpse Release Immortal.
• Two Corpse Release Immortals, one from the Second Yanhan Empire and another from the Six Paths of Demonic Sect, clash, causing a natural disaster that leaves a thousand miles of scorched earth.
• Rogue cultivators swarm towards the Imperial City, drawn by the promise of treasure, despite the danger.
• Zhong Shenxiu, a spectator, senses impending disaster and flees, witnessing the approaching calamity.

Character Developments

• The Old Emperor is shown to be desperate and near-mad, seeking divine intervention to save his empire.
• Zhong Shenxiu demonstrates his wisdom and caution, prioritizing his safety while observing the chaos.
• The Fourth Prince is filled with trepidation and anticipation, feeling the cold gazes of his brothers.

Significant Themes

• Desperation and Despair: The Old Emperor's Heavenly Sacrifice and the Primordial Spirit's suicidal attack highlight the desperation of those facing imminent defeat.
• Greed and Ambition: Rogue cultivators risk their lives for potential treasure, showing the allure of power and wealth.
• Power Imbalance: The clash between Corpse Release Immortals and the subsequent natural disaster emphasize the vast difference in power between tiers of cultivators.

Character Interactions

• The Fourth Prince feels the animosity of his brothers, hinting at potential internal conflict within the royal family.
• Zhong Shenxiu interacts with his second Primordial Spirit, showing his connection to Dragon Tiger Mountain.
• Zhong Shenxiu and Great Cultivator Zhang Taichu have a brief exchange, showing the former's disregard for martial law and the latter's disapproval.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with Zhong Shenxiu (disguised as Su Daozhi) being accused of being a spy by the Zhang family.
• A mysterious figure passes by, affecting the Zhang family members and causing them to mutate and disintegrate.
• A massive attack on the Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect by rogue cultivators and demonic cultivators begins, led by six Demonic Path Primordial Spirits.
• Zhong Shenxiu reveals his true form, a three-headed, six-armed demonic Primordial Spirit, and captures Zhang Taichu.
• Zhong Shenxiu's true body arrives, attacking the sect's mountain gate with an Immortal Slaying Flying Sword, while his second Primordial Spirit attacks from within, breaking the sect's defenses.
• The sect's mountain-protecting formation is broken, and the attackers swarm into the Dragon Tiger Sect.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu: Reveals his true identity and power, demonstrating his strength and cunning.
• Zhang Taichu and the Zhang family: Their true forms are revealed, and they are defeated by Zhong Shenxiu.
• Chen Wenji: Survives the initial attack and witnesses Zhong Shenxiu's true power.

Significant Themes

• Deception and true identity: Zhong Shenxiu's true form and intentions are revealed.
• Power dynamics: The balance of power shifts as the sect's defenses are breached.
• Betrayal and revenge: Zhong Shenxiu's actions can be seen as a form of revenge against the sect that wronged him.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu vs. the Zhang family: Zhong Shenxiu easily defeats the Zhang family members, revealing his true power.
• Zhong Shenxiu vs. the Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect: Zhong Shenxiu's attack on the sect demonstrates his strength and cunning.
• Chen Wenji and Sima Shu: The two survivors witness Zhong Shenxiu's attack and must navigate the chaos that follows.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Shenxiu, a half-step Dharma Body cultivator, joins the attack on the Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect, shattering its mountain gate with a single sword strike.
• The sect's defenses crumble, and disciples flee, including Chen Wenji and Sima Shu.
• Zhong Shenxiu heads straight for the Taiyin Cave, seeking the sect's true treasures and inheritances.
• He encounters a Primordial Spirit, Zhang Xuanzhi, who uses the Nine Pure Immortal Light. Zhong Shenxiu uses a hidden sword to injure him and enters the Taiyin Cave.
• Inside the cave, Zhong Shenxiu finds a black gate that requires a specific cultivation technique's aura and bloodline verification to open. He uses Zhang Taichu to unlock it.
• He discovers the 'Taiyin Refinement Chapter,' the method for achieving immortality as a Dharma Body, which is the essence of the Supreme One Dragon Tiger Governing True Seal Divine Method.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu demonstrates his power and strategic thinking, using his second Primordial Spirit to enhance his abilities and employing a hidden sword to injure Zhang Xuanzhi.
• Chen Wenji and Sima Shu, initially determined to defend the sect, decide to flee when the mountain gate is breached.
• Zhang Xuanzhi, a Primordial Spirit of the Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect, is injured by Zhong Shenxiu but manages to escape.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and immortality drives characters' actions, leading to conflict and betrayal.
• The importance of bloodline and specific cultivation techniques for unlocking secrets and achieving immortality is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu and Zhang Xuanzhi clash, with Zhong Shenxiu gaining the upper hand.
• Chen Wenji and Sima Shu decide to flee together as the sect falls.
• Zhong Shenxiu uses Zhang Taichu to unlock the black gate, demonstrating his ruthlessness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect is devastated, with Star Palace destroyed and True Sun Hall exploded.
• Rogue cultivators and demonic disciples loot the sect's treasures.
• Old Ancestor Heavenly Spider obtains the Supreme Dragon Tiger Calamity Suppressing Marvelous Scripture and shares a copy with Zhong Shenxiu.
• The Demonic Heresy Path attacks Changluo, turning officials into zombie monsters and destroying the Altar of Heaven.
• True Monarch Zhang uses the Twelve Yuan Chen Cosmic God Light to rewind time, saving the Altar of Heaven but not the Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect.
• The ceremony at the Altar of Heaven is completed, and the three great suns shine brightly in the sky.

Character Developments

• Old Ancestor Heavenly Spider reveals his true form and obtains a valuable cultivation method, but shares it with Zhong Shenxiu.
• Zhong Shenxiu obtains the complete Supreme Dragon Tiger Calamity Suppressing Marvelous Scripture and declines Old Ancestor Heavenly Spider's invitation to join the Demonic Heresy Path.
• True Monarch Zhang uses his divine ability to save the Altar of Heaven but accepts the impending fall of the Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect.
• Er Ha, a dog from the Quanrong tribe, awakens his bloodline divine ability and cultivates a new divine ability, becoming a powerful figure among the Quanrong.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of entanglement with worldly power, as seen in the Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect's involvement with the Imperial Court.
• The transient nature of power and fortune, illustrated by the sect's sudden downfall and the looting of its treasures.
• The theme of time manipulation and its limitations, demonstrated by True Monarch Zhang's divine ability.

Character Interactions

• Old Ancestor Heavenly Spider and Zhong Shenxiu interact, with the former sharing a cultivation method with the latter, revealing his cunning and willingness to yield when necessary.
• True Monarch Zhang and his Martial Uncle, the Corpse Release Immortal, are entangled in a battle, with the latter unable to save the sect due to the limitations of True Monarch Zhang's divine ability.
• Er Ha, now a Divine Ability dog, interacts with the dissipating black mist, showing his excitement and newfound power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Old Emperor's Heavenly Sacrifice to eliminate the black mist succeeds, but the borders of the Second Yanhan Empire disappear, leaving it vulnerable to external threats.
• The Six Paths of Demonic Sect, Immortal Sects, and Dharma Bodies cease their attacks and retreat, acknowledging the change in the Heavenly Dao.
• The Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect faces a tribulation, with many cultivators turning into bugs and being consumed by other bugs.
• The Fufeng Protectorate knights encounter a group of Western knights, led by a Dragon Knight, marking the first contact with the Western nations.

Character Developments

• The Old Emperor is disappointed and shocked by the consequences of his Heavenly Sacrifice.
• True Lady Wulian mocks the Old Emperor's actions and their consequences.
• The Fourth Prince fears for his father's mental state.
• Sima Shu and Chen Wenji survive the Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect's tribulation.
• The cavalry captain of the Fufeng Protectorate is shocked and overwhelmed by the encounter with the Western knights.

Significant Themes

• The irony and unpredictability of the Heavenly Dao.
• The consequences of the Old Emperor's actions and the vulnerability of the Second Yanhan Empire.
• The first contact with the Western nations, foreshadowing potential conflicts.

Character Interactions

• The Old Emperor and True Lady Wulian exchange words, highlighting the latter's mockery and the former's disappointment.
• The Fourth Prince and the Old Emperor, showing the son's concern for his father's well-being.
• Sima Shu and Chen Wenji, demonstrating their survival skills and quick thinking.
• The cavalry captain and the Dragon Knight, marking the first interaction between Eastern and Western forces.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The black mist, which had been encircling the Yanhan Empire, suddenly disappears, revealing the presence of Western nations expanding eastward.
• Zhong Shenxiu, after obtaining benefits from the Supreme Dragon Tiger Sect, leaves without looking back, heading towards the Fufeng Protectorate.
• The Quanrong Tribe, led by Er Ha and Huang Xie, is fleeing towards the Fufeng Protectorate when they are attacked by a pack of werewolves. Zhong Shenxiu intervenes and saves them, using the Boundless Pearl to temporarily house the Quanrong people.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu: He continues to demonstrate his power and resourcefulness, using the Boundless Pearl to safely relocate the Quanrong people. He also shows strategic thinking by considering the Western nations as a potential option for his future plans.
• Er Ha: Despite his initial idiotic behavior, Er Ha shows growth by attaining a Divine Ability and trying to protect his people. However, he still retains some of his comedic traits, such as his immediate fawning over Zhong Shenxiu upon recognizing him.

Significant Themes

• Expansion and Conquest: The disappearance of the black mist leads to the revelation of Western nations expanding eastward, threatening the Yanhan Empire and the Quanrong Tribe.
• Cultural Identity and Belief: The werewolves' attack on the Quanrong highlights the theme of cultural identity and the tragic consequences of being a spiritual slave to a belief.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu and Er Ha: Zhong Shenxiu's intervention saves the Quanrong, and Er Ha immediately recognizes him as 'Master', showing their hierarchical relationship.
• Er Ha and the Werewolves: The werewolves' attack on Er Ha and the Quanrong highlights the conflict between different cultural groups and belief systems.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Wei, now a grown woman, reunites with Er Ha, a Divine Ability great dog from her childhood.
• Zhong Shenxiu (disguised as Su Daozhi) arrives, revealing that the black mist around Fufeng Protectorate has dissipated, making the region unsafe.
• The Grand Protector mobilizes an army to defend the borders, but Zhong Shenxiu predicts they'll be cannon fodder.
• Zhong Shenxiu decides to relocate the clan to escape the war. He uses a Soul Searching Whip to interrogate three Divine Ability Werewolves, learning about the Western nations and the Kingdom of Clement.
• The Grand Protector's army is annihilated, and the enemy legion is moving towards Fufeng City.

Character Developments

• Su Wei has grown into a bright young woman, still affectionate towards Er Ha.
• Zhong Shenxiu, in Su Daozhi's appearance, shows concern for the clan's safety and helps them prepare to leave.
• The three Divine Ability Werewolves, captured by Zhong Shenxiu, reveal information about the Kingdom of Clement and its powerful forces.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Central Plains and the Western nations, with the Kingdom of Clement being a significant force.
• The worship of gods and the Gate of Ten Thousand Doors in the Western nations, contrasting with the Immortal Path in the Central Plains.
• The impending war and the clan's decision to relocate, highlighting the theme of survival and adaptation.

Character Interactions

• Su Wei and Er Ha's reunion, showcasing their long-standing bond.
• Zhong Shenxiu's interaction with the three Divine Ability Werewolves, demonstrating his power and willingness to interrogate them for information.
• Zhong Shenxiu's decision to help the clan relocate, showing his commitment to his promises and relationships.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Lightning Legion, led by Westerners, invades Fufeng City, employing enslaved werewolves and gnomes as auxiliary troops.
• A mysterious storm suppresses Daoist Magic within the city.
• Zhong Shenxiu, witnessing the invasion, decides to leave for the Kingdom of Clement to the west.
• He senses a great battle erupting in Fufeng City, likely involving a high-ranking expert from the Kingdom of Clement.
• Zhong Shenxiu crosses the desolate land previously shrouded in black mist, now marked by signs of marching troops.
• He enters the Kingdom of Clement, a hostile kingdom protected by a Great Existence.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu, despite his power, chooses to leave Fufeng City due to the overwhelming strength of the enemy and the dangers within their ranks.
• He decides to explore the Western occult system and avoid major wars in Clement until Yanhan counterattacks.
• Zhong Shenxiu disguises himself as a Westerner to infiltrate Clement, altering his appearance and preparing to avoid churches and prayer ceremonies.

Significant Themes

• The clash between Eastern and Western cultivators, with each side having unique strengths and weaknesses in their magical systems.
• The protracted war that is expected to cripple the Fufeng Protectorate and surrounding provinces.
• The importance of disguise and adaptation to navigate hostile environments.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu interacts with no one in this chapter, as he is alone in his journey west.
• His thoughts and decisions drive the narrative, with no other characters present.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Johann, a displaced farmer, decides to leave his hometown for the royal capital, Carlesdon, seeking a better life.
• He encounters Levi, a traveler, at the steam train station, who offers to help him buy a ticket.
• Johann agrees, hoping Levi's presence will help him pass as someone other than a vagrant.

Character Developments

• Johann: Starts as a simple farmer, driven from his land by the mechanical revolution. He's determined to find a better life in the city but feels inferior to Levi due to his lack of education and social standing.
• Levi (Zhong Shenxiu): Introduced as a traveler, he's polite, confident, and comes from a higher social background than Johann. He's going to Carlesdon to learn about the ongoing steam revolution and doesn't judge Johann's background.

Significant Themes

• Social Change: The mechanical revolution has disrupted traditional farming life, leading to displacement and poverty for many farmers like Johann.
• Class Divide: The interaction between Johann and Levi highlights the class divide between the working class (farmers) and the upper class (nobles and educated individuals).
• Opportunity and Aspiration: Johann's journey to Carlesdon represents his aspiration for a better life, while Levi's presence offers an opportunity for Johann to blend in and avoid the stigma of being a vagrant.

Character Interactions

• Johann and Levi: Their interaction is marked by Johann's inferiority complex and Levi's kindness. Levi offers help to Johann without any judgment, while Johann sees Levi as a potential means to an end.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Johann, a young man from the countryside, boards a steam train to Carlesdon, his seat upgraded to second-class by Zhong Shenxiu.
• The train journey is long and boring, with Johann growing anxious about his future.
• Zhong Shenxiu and Johann share the carriage with two other passengers: a well-dressed young gentleman named Cree, and a young woman in a plaid dress.
• Cree offers advice to Johann about finding work and education in Carlesdon.

Character Developments

• Johann: He's a naive, uneducated young man from the countryside, eager for a better life in the city but unaware of the challenges ahead. He's determined but lacks confidence and knowledge about urban life.
• Zhong Shenxiu: He's knowledgeable about city life and offers practical advice to Johann. He's also observant, noticing the security measures at the train station and the passengers in their carriage.
• Cree: He's a well-educated, polite, and dignified young gentleman who offers Johann advice based on his experiences and knowledge of Carlesdon's job market.

Significant Themes

• Education and Social Mobility: Johann's lack of education limits his job prospects in the city, highlighting the importance of education for social mobility.
• The Struggle of the Working Class: Johann's journey reflects the struggles of the working class, with Cree's advice emphasizing the need for hard work and perseverance.
• The City vs. The Countryside: The contrast between Johann's countryside life and the complexities of city life is explored, with Johann's naivety and eagerness clashing with the harsh realities of urban life.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu and Johann: Zhong Shenxiu acts as a mentor figure to Johann, offering practical advice and encouragement.
• Cree and Johann: Cree offers Johann advice based on his experiences, acting as a guide to the complexities of city life.
• Johann and the Young Woman: The young woman in the plaid dress shows interest in Johann, but their interaction is minimal in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Shenxiu observes a group of Eastern Cultivators fleeing from an old man with a 5th Order professional status.
• The old man uses a Sun's Flame divine ability, killing several cultivators, and captures one named Wang Tonggu.
• On the steam train, Eastern Cultivators attack, aiming to hijack it. Zhong Shenxiu watches as an Extraordinary battle unfolds.
• A Cultivator is killed by a group of Extraordinary individuals using a combination of abilities, including a firearm.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu remains calm and detached throughout the events, showing no intention to intervene.
• Wang Tonggu's mental state deteriorates under the old man's influence, developing a second personality.
• The young woman traveling with Zhong Shenxiu expresses concern for her safety when the attack begins.

Significant Themes

• The clash between Eastern and Western Cultivators/Extraordinaries, showcasing their unique abilities and methods.
• The power dynamics between the two groups, with the Western Extraordinaries appearing more organized and formidable.
• The mental and psychological aspects of Cultivators under stress, as seen with Wang Tonggu.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu observes the battle but does not participate, showing no clear allegiance to either side.
• The young woman and Cree discuss the situation, expressing their confusion and concern.
• The group of Extraordinary individuals work together to take down the Cultivator, demonstrating their teamwork and coordination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A mysterious Extraordinary saves the passengers from a dangerous situation.
• Zhong Shenxiu, an Eastern cultivator, observes and analyzes the differences between Eastern and Western cultivation systems.
• The passengers learn about Extraordinarys, their origins, and the path to becoming one from Cree.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu: He remains observant and analytical, comparing Eastern and Western cultivation systems.
• Cree: He shares his knowledge about Extraordinarys, their origins, and the path to becoming one, revealing his expertise on the subject.
• Johann and Lily: They express interest in learning more about Extraordinarys, indicating their curiosity and ambition.

Significant Themes

• The differences between Eastern and Western cultivation systems: Eastern cultivators are well-rounded, while Western Extraordinarys specialize in specific roles.
• The path to becoming Extraordinary: It involves obtaining knowledge of a 1st Order, training, meeting promotion requirements, and 'taking up a post.'
• The importance of knowledge and education: Johann's inability to read highlights the significance of learning and access to information.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu and Cree: They engage in a conversation about Extraordinarys, with Cree sharing his knowledge and Zhong Shenxiu listening attentively.
• Cree, Johann, and Lily: Cree explains the origins and path to becoming Extraordinary, while Johann and Lily ask questions, revealing their curiosity and ambition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Johann expresses his admiration for Gale, hoping to follow in his footsteps to become a noble.
• Klee discusses the occult market in Cariston, its risks, and the high cost of occult knowledge.
• Zhong Shenxiu offers Gold Pounds to Klee in exchange for information about major families' and churches' tiers.
• Klee shares information about the Medici Family's tiers and the military's tiers, up to Legendary (Tier 5).

Character Developments

• Johann: Dreams of becoming a noble like Gale but realizes the challenges and costs of occult knowledge.
• Klee: Shows expertise in occult knowledge but admits limitations in his understanding of higher tiers.
• Zhong Shenxiu: Demonstrates his wealth and willingness to buy information, challenging Western gift-giving norms.

Significant Themes

• The allure and cost of occult knowledge.
• The different paths to power and nobility in the occult system.
• The challenges of accessing higher-tier information and the secrecy surrounding it.

Character Interactions

• Johann and Ms. Lily express disappointment in Klee's acceptance of Zhong Shenxiu's money.
• Zhong Shenxiu shares his Gold Pounds with Johann and Ms. Lily, inviting them to listen to Klee's information.
• Klee shares his knowledge of the occult tiers with Zhong Shenxiu, Johann, and Ms. Lily.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Shenxiu and Johann arrive in Carlesdon, the capital of the Kingdom of Clement.
• Zhong Shenxiu observes the city's industrialization and reflects on the balance of power between the East and West.
• Zhong Shenxiu leaves Johann to fend for himself, advising him to find accommodation in the East Yorkshire District.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu: He demonstrates his strategic thinking and understanding of political and military dynamics, showing his maturity and wisdom.
• Johann: He faces the harsh reality of life in Carlesdon, experiencing the stark contrast between the wealthy and the impoverished, and the harsh conditions of the East Yorkshire District.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between the extraordinary and ordinary people.
• The balance of power between the East and West, with a focus on the role of cultivators in warfare.
• The harsh reality of life for the poor and marginalized.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu and Cree: They part ways, with Cree providing directions for Johann to find him later.
• Zhong Shenxiu and Johann: Zhong Shenxiu advises Johann on how to find accommodation and leaves him to navigate the city independently.
• Johann and the citizens of Carlesdon: Johann encounters the stark contrast between the wealthy and the impoverished, experiencing the harsh living conditions of the East Yorkshire District.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Shenxiu, disguised as Levi Mojito, discusses Carlesdon's social stratification with his maid, Millie.
• He reads a newspaper reporting the dissipation of the black mist in the East and the planned Homestead Act.
• Zhong Shenxiu visits Cree at the Medici Royal Academy, and they plan to explore the Occult at the Flea Market.
• On their way, they encounter a traffic jam and an explosion, revealing a clash between constables and Extraordinary individuals.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu maintains his disguise as Levi Mojito, showing interest in the Occult to blend in with high society.
• Cree, Zhong's acquaintance, is curious about the Occult and willing to accompany Zhong to the Flea Market.
• Johann, mentioned by Cree, is struggling in Carlesdon and seeks Cree's help.

Significant Themes

• Social inequality: The conversation between Zhong and Millie highlights the stark contrast between the rich and the poor in Carlesdon.
• The allure of the East: The newspaper report and the planned Homestead Act suggest the potential for wealth and opportunity, but also hint at the dangers and struggles awaiting those who venture there.
• The Occult: Zhong's interest in the Occult is a driving force for his actions, and it's also a theme that connects him with high society.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu and Millie: Their conversation reveals Millie's cautious and submissive demeanor, as she's aware of her precarious position as a maid.
• Zhong Shenxiu and Cree: Their meeting at the academy shows their shared interest in the Occult and their willingness to explore it together.
• Zhong Shenxiu and Cree discuss Johann's situation, showing Zhong's willingness to help and Cree's concern for his friend.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Shenxiu and Cree visit the Flea Market, known for its diverse crowd and criminal haven, but with surprisingly good public order.
• They learn about a dangerous female criminal at large, with a bounty for information leading to her capture.
• They enter a shop called "Weeping Rose," known for selling mystical knowledge and housing a "Cursed Object of the Dead."
• The shop's witch explains that cursed objects are special mystical items with potent negative effects, and the shop's Skull prevents unauthorized book flipping.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu: Shows interest in purchasing high-tier mystical knowledge and sequence chains.
• Cree: Envies Zhong Shenxiu's goal of becoming an Extraordinary, feels inferior at the Royal Academy, and is fascinated by the Cursed Object of the Dead but can't afford it.

Significant Themes

• Social Inequality: The Flea Market caters to both the impoverished and the wealthy, reflecting the stark social divide.
• Cunning and Deception: Hawkers and roadside stalls are mentioned as easy targets for cheating, and the witch's ambiguous answers about the Skull's negative effects hint at potential deception.
• Ambition and Limitations: Cree's envy of Zhong Shenxiu's goal and his own limited means highlight the theme of ambition being constrained by circumstances.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu and Cree: Zhong Shenxiu follows Cree's lead in the Flea Market, but they have different goals and means. Cree feels inferior to Zhong Shenxiu and is envious of his ambition.
• Zhong Shenxiu and the Witch: Zhong Shenxiu is direct in his request for knowledge, while the witch is mysterious and evasive about the Skull's negative effects.
• Cree and the Witch: Cree is fascinated by the Cursed Object of the Dead but can't afford it, leading to a moment of sadness and regret.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Shenxiu, under the alias Levi Mojito, visits a witch shop to buy a secret ritual book.
• He purchases the 'Secret Rituals of Sacrifice' and learns about various hidden existences and their rituals.
• The witch offers him the 1st Order profession 'Spirit Child' for 300 Gold Pounds, which he buys.
• After leaving the shop, Zhong Shenxiu offers Cree the 'Spirit Child' profession for 80 Gold Pounds.
• In the carriage, Zhong Shenxiu reveals an invisible woman who had been following them, introducing himself as a Believer of The Hidden and suggesting cooperation.

Character Developments

• Zhong Shenxiu (Levi Mojito): Shows his ability to detect hidden entities and his willingness to cooperate with those against the kingdom.
• Cree: Struggles with financial issues and is determined to work hard to save up for the 'Spirit Child' profession.

Significant Themes

• The power of hidden existences and their rituals.
• The value of knowledge and professions in this world.
• The struggle of the common people, as seen through Cree's financial difficulties.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu interacts with the witch, learning about hidden existences and purchasing the 'Spirit Child' profession.
• He offers the 'Spirit Child' profession to Cree at a reduced price, showing kindness and generosity.
• In the carriage, Zhong Shenxiu interacts with the invisible woman, revealing her presence and suggesting cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhong Shenxiu, a Zhong (East) infiltrator, meets Zhu Qingliu, a Flowing Water Sword Sect cultivator, on the run from Western Extraordinaries.
• Shenxiu offers to help Zhu Qingliu escape pursuit by using his abilities to cover her tracks and provide her with a safe place to stay.
• Fereau, a Western Extraordinary specializing in divination, leads a team to pursue Zhu Qingliu but falls victim to a curse, along with his team.
• An old man, a Demigod, arrives at the scene and senses that something has interfered with his divination intuition.

Character Developments

• Zhu Qingliu: Shows caution and wariness, reveals she's a sword cultivator with a natural sword seed, and has lasted long in infiltration due to luck, experience, and a steadfast Dao heart.
• Zhong Shenxiu: Demonstrates his knowledge of Western Extraordinary systems, his ability to cover tracks, and his calm and collected demeanor.
• Fereau: Shows overconfidence and lack of caution, leading to his downfall.

Significant Themes

• The differences between Eastern and Western Extraordinary systems, particularly in divination.
• The dangers and challenges of infiltration and espionage.
• The consequences of overconfidence and underestimating one's enemies.

Character Interactions

• Zhong Shenxiu and Zhu Qingliu: They establish a tentative alliance based on mutual need and shared enemy. Shenxiu offers help, and Zhu Qingliu, while cautious, accepts.
• Fereau and his team: They underestimate the enemy and fail to heed the first lesson of the Occult, leading to their demise.
• The old man Demigod and the unknown enemy: The old man senses that something has interfered with his divination intuition, hinting at a powerful enemy at work.