Chapter Summaries

Key plot points and events

• Yang Mei spends more than ten thousand years shaping the Netherworld’s eighteen levels of hell, with Xuanxiao’s help. Together they create Avici Hell, a prison where grave sinners are crushed by the pressure of space.
• After completing the hells, Yang Mei’s aura surges and he realizes he is on the verge of a breakthrough.
• Xuanxiao continues building the Netherworld: the City of Wrongful Deaths, the Bridge of Helplessness over the deadly Yellow Springs, the Three-Life Stone, and a pavilion where souls receive the Forget-Worry Elixir.
• A faint phantom currently serves the elixir, as no Meng Po exists yet. Beyond the bridge, Xuanxiao establishes the Six Paths of Samsara, where souls are reborn according to their deeds.
• With the Six Paths complete, the Netherworld stabilizes, signaling the Earthly Dao’s true awakening.

Character developments and interactions

• Yang Mei is exhausted but proud of his work. He interprets the labor as a deliberate test from Xuanxiao meant to push him toward a breakthrough, and thanks him with genuine respect.
• Xuanxiao praises Yang Mei, then privately thinks of him as a useful worker and hopes to assign him similar tasks again. He lets Yang Mei keep his flattering interpretation and encourages him to focus on breaking through.
• Their relationship mixes cooperation and trust with dramatic irony: Yang Mei sees benevolent guidance, while Xuanxiao privately admits he mainly wanted to avoid doing the work himself.

Significant themes

• Order and cosmic construction: The Netherworld is carefully organized to contain punishment, reflection, release, judgment, and rebirth.
• Labor and spiritual growth: Yang Mei’s exhausting work coincides with his imminent breakthrough, though whether Xuanxiao intended this remains uncertain.
• Letting go and renewal: The Three-Life Stone recalls past lives, while the Forget-Worry Elixir helps souls release their attachments before reincarnation.
• Karmic justice: The Six Paths assign rebirth according to each soul’s good and evil deeds.

Key plot points and events

• Xuanxiao’s work awakens the Earthly Dao and completes the Six Paths of Samsara. A passage opens between the Sea of Blood and the Netherworld Underworld, drawing in wandering souls so they can enter reincarnation.
• The Heavenly Dao announces the change across the Primordial World, and the Earthly Dao’s distinct aura spreads. Beings gain a clearer understanding of the Netherworld and the Six Paths.
• Merit is awarded for completing the Netherworld. Most goes to Xuanxiao, but he redirects his share into the Netherworld’s origin, strengthening it. Some merit helps Yang Mei overcome the resistance hindering his breakthrough.
• Yang Mei advances to the Primordial Daluo Golden Immortal realm. Xuanxiao asks him to oversee the newly completed Netherworld and discipline Xuanxiao’s twelve nephews. Yang Mei agrees.
• Xuanxiao leaves through the passage as similar gateways appear across the Primordial Wilderness, guiding the dead toward reincarnation.

Character developments and interactions

• Xuanxiao remains focused on the broader order of the world: he gives up his merit to strengthen the Netherworld and entrusts its protection to Yang Mei. He privately welcomes the practical benefit of having a powerful guardian.
• Yang Mei gains both a major cultivation breakthrough and a meaningful role. Grateful to Xuanxiao, he accepts responsibility and vows to honor his trust.
• Minghe recognizes his strong affinity with the Asura path. The chapter explains that Xuanxiao’s early awakening of the Earthly Dao altered the expected course: the Asura Clan will now arise naturally from the Earthly Dao rather than through Minghe’s creation, though Minghe remains especially suited to govern that path.
• Hongjun recognizes the awakening of the Earthly Dao and is impressed by Xuanxiao’s unexpected achievement.
• Xuanxiao senses apparent reluctance from the Earthly Dao as he departs, but believes it is only imitating emotion rather than truly feeling it.

Significant themes

• Balance and completion: The Earthly Dao and reincarnation fill a major gap in the Primordial World’s order.
• Merit and selflessness: Xuanxiao redirects his reward toward strengthening the realm instead of keeping it for himself.
• Changed destiny: Xuanxiao’s actions reshape the expected origin of the Asura Clan and alter established paths.
• Trust and reciprocity: Yang Mei’s breakthrough and new position deepen his gratitude and loyalty to Xuanxiao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuanxiao arrives at the Sea of Blood, freezing the battle between the Ancestral Witches.
• He offers to preach the Dao to Minghe and the Ancestral Witches for a thousand years.
• Xuanxiao's sermon covers various Great Daos, from Thunder to Slaughter, Blood, and more, ultimately converging with the Thunder Great Dao.
• The sermon lasts a thousand years, with Minghe and the Ancestral Witches gaining insights and enlightenment.

Character Developments

• Minghe: Gains a solid foundation in his cultivation, sorting out past flaws, though his realm doesn't advance.
• Ancestral Witches: Initially resistant, they eventually gain insights and enlightenment from Xuanxiao's sermon.
• Xuanxiao: Demonstrates his immense knowledge and power, showing he's a force to be reckoned with.

Significant Themes

• The Power of the Dao: Xuanxiao's sermon showcases the vastness and interconnectedness of the Great Daos.
• Cultivation and Enlightenment: Minghe and the Ancestral Witches gain insights and enlightenment from Xuanxiao's preaching.
• Respect and Fear: The Ancestral Witches, despite their power, show deference to Xuanxiao, highlighting the hierarchy in their society.

Character Interactions

• Xuanxiao and Minghe: Xuanxiao offers to preach the Dao to Minghe, showing favor and mentorship.
• Xuanxiao and Ancestral Witches: Xuanxiao disciplines and teaches the Ancestral Witches, demonstrating his authority.
• Minghe and Ancestral Witches: Minghe marvels at the Ancestral Witches' change in demeanor before Xuanxiao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuanxiao, after his Great Dao sermon, leaves the Ancestral Witches in the Sea of Blood to purify its turbid energy.
• He effortlessly tears open space and retrieves Pangu Hall from Buzhou Mountain, moving it to the Sea of Blood for the Ancestral Witches.
• The relocation of Pangu Hall causes a massive disturbance on Buzhou Mountain, revealing Xuanxiao's immense power and shocking the cultivators there.

Character Developments

• Xuanxiao demonstrates his incredible power and nonchalance, tearing space and moving a massive palace effortlessly.
• The Ancestral Witches show filial affection towards Xuanxiao, appreciating his consideration in moving Pangu Hall for them.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and authority is emphasized through Xuanxiao's actions, highlighting his status as a founder of the Primordial Era and a wielder of the Great Dao's authority.
• The theme of family and connection is shown through the Ancestral Witches' affection for Xuanxiao and their reverence for Pangu Hall.

Character Interactions

• Xuanxiao interacts briefly with the Ancestral Witches, showing minimal emotion and mostly dismissive attitudes towards them.
• The Ancestral Witches express their gratitude and affection towards Xuanxiao, showing their respect and filial piety.
• The Three Pure Ones, Fuxi, and Nuwa discuss and react to Xuanxiao's actions, revealing their knowledge of his status and their pride in their connection to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tongtian suggests introducing Nuwa to the Dao Venerable (Xuanxiao), believing Xuanxiao prefers her temperament.
• Xuanxiao overhears their conversation and appears at Buzhou Mountain, punishing the Three Pure Ones and Fuxi for their speculations.
• Xuanxiao leaves the Pangu Hall for the Ancestral Witches to refine the Sea of Blood's impurities into artifacts.
• The Ancestral Witches argue over who will lead the Sea of Blood, leading to a chaotic battle.

Character Developments

• Tongtian shows pride in his observations, leading to Xuanxiao's punishment.
• Yuanshi considers changing his appearance to gain Xuanxiao's favor, but Xuanxiao threatens him against it.
• Fuxi fears Xuanxiao might take an interest in Nuwa and snatch her away.
• Nuwa is left unharmed and wonders if Xuanxiao favors her appearance.
• Xuanxiao shows his displeasure with the Three Pure Ones' speculations and leaves the Ancestral Witches to their chaos.

Significant Themes

• The Three Pure Ones' and Fuxi's fear and respect for Xuanxiao.
• Xuanxiao's disapproval of their speculations and attempts to manipulate his favor.
• The Ancestral Witches' chaotic and competitive nature.

Character Interactions

• Tongtian shares his observations about Xuanxiao's preferences, leading to a discussion among the Three Pure Ones and Fuxi.
• Xuanxiao punishes the Three Pure Ones and Fuxi for their speculations, showing his displeasure.
• The Ancestral Witches argue over leadership of the Sea of Blood, leading to a battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuanxiao, after settling the little ones, plans to return to the Primordial Realm for seclusion but remembers Mo Yuan, the Kirin he promised to take as his mount.
• Mo Yuan, despite his timid nature, has been enduring in the Thunder Marsh for years, awaiting Xuanxiao's return.
• Mo Yuan's experiences in the Thunder Marsh are revealed through Xuanxiao's time-traveling observation.

Character Developments

• Xuanxiao: Shows curiosity and amusement towards Mo Yuan's enduring situation. He decides to intervene after witnessing Mo Yuan's perseverance.
• Mo Yuan: Initially driven by the desire for a comfortable life as Xuanxiao's mount, he later faces his karma and endures the Thunder Marsh's perils, demonstrating unexpected resilience and determination.

Significant Themes

• Forgotten Promises: Xuanxiao's forgotten promise to Mo Yuan highlights the theme of forgotten promises and their consequences.
• Perseverance and Resilience: Mo Yuan's enduring struggle in the Thunder Marsh emphasizes the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Karma: Mo Yuan's entanglement with karma due to his clan's sins shows the inescapable nature of karma and its impact on one's life.

Character Interactions

• Xuanxiao and Mo Yuan: Their interaction is limited to Xuanxiao's observations and Mo Yuan's internal monologues about Xuanxiao. Their relationship evolves from Xuanxiao's initial amusement to a sense of curiosity and potential intervention.
• Mo Yuan and Shi Qilin: Though not physically present, Shi Qilin's actions and words influence Mo Yuan's decisions and actions, driving him deeper into the Thunder Marsh.

Chapter Summary: Mo Yuan, Master of Overthinking

Key Plot Points and Events

• In Thunder Marsh, Mo Yuan hears the Sound of the Great Dao announcing Xuanxiao’s establishment of the Lightning Tribulation and Longevity Tribulation. He assumes this means Xuanxiao will soon return to accept him as a mount.
• Mo Yuan notices that the divine thunder now contains tribulation power, which loosens the Karma binding his primordial spirit and strengthens his cultivation. He mistakenly believes Xuanxiao deliberately enhanced the trial to temper him.
• Encouraged by this interpretation, Mo Yuan stops fleeing from the lightning and deliberately exposes himself to increasingly powerful thunder. The tribulation power cleanses his Karma and helps him break through into the Primordial Golden Immortal realm.
• Convinced that the deepest part of Thunder Marsh is the final test, Mo Yuan enters the core region despite its overwhelming danger. He is nearly destroyed by a massive bolt of Nine Heavens Divine Thunder but forces himself to continue.
• Xuanxiao, observing through the Mirror of Time, is impressed by Mo Yuan’s unexpected determination. He appears in Thunder Marsh, disperses the surrounding lightning, and accepts Mo Yuan as his mount—while quietly concealing that there had never been an intentional trial.
• Two bolts of divine thunder, Dutian Divine Thunder and Chaos Divine Thunder, reveal that they have developed full consciousness. Xuanxiao invites them to become his Daoist attendants, and they willingly agree.
• Xuanxiao brings Mo Yuan and the two thunder spirits back to Primordial Hall. Mo Yuan is assigned a side hall to recover, while Xuanxiao prepares to enter seclusion and attempt a breakthrough to the second level of the Primordial Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Character Developments

• Mo Yuan: Begins as a fearful, overly cautious figure but becomes extraordinarily determined once he believes enduring Thunder Marsh will earn Xuanxiao’s approval. His tendency to overinterpret events turns an accidental benefit into a supposed deliberate test. After becoming Xuanxiao’s mount, he is delighted by the protection and abundant spiritual energy of Primordial Hall, immediately returning to his preferred goal of “lying flat.”
• Xuanxiao: Initially views accepting Mo Yuan as a mount as a casual decision, but develops genuine respect after witnessing Mo Yuan’s perseverance. He is amused by Mo Yuan’s elaborate misunderstandings and finds his foolishness entertaining rather than troublesome.
• Dutian Divine Thunder and Chaos Divine Thunder: Progress from unconscious or semi-conscious forces into beings with complete awareness. Their affection for Xuanxiao leads them to become his attendants, marking the beginning of their personal cultivation paths.

Significant Themes

• Misunderstanding and overthinking: Mo Yuan repeatedly assigns intentional meaning to accidental events, believing ordinary changes in Thunder Marsh are carefully designed trials.
• Perseverance and reward: Although Mo Yuan’s interpretation is incorrect, his willingness to endure suffering produces real benefits, including the cleansing of Karma, a major breakthrough, and acceptance by Xuanxiao.
• Fate and fortunate coincidence: Xuanxiao’s new tribulation system unintentionally gives Mo Yuan exactly the tempering he needs, turning coincidence into opportunity.
• Seeking powerful protection: Mo Yuan’s ambition is less about domination than finding a secure backer who will allow him to live peacefully. His success reflects the idea that courage, even when motivated by self-interest, can lead to unexpected advancement.
• Master-and-servant bonds: Xuanxiao’s acceptance of Mo Yuan and the thunder spirits creates a growing household around Primordial Hall, built on loyalty, recognition, and mutual benefit.

Character Interactions

• Mo Yuan’s imagined relationship with Xuanxiao as a demanding but rewarding master drives his actions throughout Thunder Marsh.
• Xuanxiao watches Mo Yuan’s struggle with amusement, then validates his mistaken belief in the “trial” by formally accepting him.
• Mo Yuan immediately pledges absolute loyalty, seeing Xuanxiao as the greatest protector in the Primordial Wilderness.
• The two thunder spirits display childlike affection toward Xuanxiao, and he responds by giving them a place at his side as Daoist attendants.
• By the end, Xuanxiao treats Mo Yuan and the thunder spirits as members of his personal domain, while Mo Yuan settles happily into his new life of protection and cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Di Jun and Tai Yi, brothers and Grand Luo Golden Immortals, aim to unify all living beings in the Primordial World.
• They travel to recruit various races but face rejection due to the races' self-confidence and lack of threat from the Witch Clan.
• Di Jun and Tai Yi find the weak races they recruit to be burdensome and ineffective.
• Di Jun considers changing their strategy to target Innate Divine Beings instead.

Character Developments

• Di Jun: Struggles with self-doubt about his chosen path but remains determined to find a solution.
• Tai Yi: Frustrated with the current situation, he suggests targeting Innate Divine Beings but acknowledges the challenges in persuading them.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for dominance in the Primordial World.
• The importance of timing and relevance in leadership, as Di Jun's plan seems outdated in the current era.
• The concept of 'survival of the fittest,' with stronger races rejecting Di Jun's proposal while weaker ones accept it reluctantly.

Character Interactions

• Di Jun and Tai Yi: The brothers discuss their setbacks and strategize, showing a united front despite their differing views on the current situation.
• Di Jun and the races/Innate Divine Beings: Di Jun faces rejection from both powerful and weak races, highlighting his struggle to gain influence in the Primordial World.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Di Jun and Tai Yi propose a cooperative alliance with other races instead of subjugation, to gain their trust and eventually lead them.
• They successfully recruit Bai Ze, an influential peak Grand Unity Golden Immortal, to their cause.
• Over a hundred years, they form the 'Demon Alliance', attracting many races and Innate Divine Beings, with Di Jun and Tai Yi as 'Demon Venerables'.
• The alliance grows powerful, with ten 'Demon Commanders' at the peak of Grand Unity Golden Immortal.
• Di Jun secretly plans to consolidate power and transform the alliance into the 'Demon Race' under his control.

Character Developments

• Di Jun demonstrates strategic thinking and political acumen, aiming to lead the alliance.
• Tai Yi shows loyalty and trust in Di Jun's plans, following his lead.
• Bai Ze, initially reluctant, joins the alliance, showing intelligence and pragmatism.
• The Three Pure Ones discuss the Demon Alliance, with Laozi acknowledging Di Jun's ambition.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Di Jun's plans to control the alliance.
• Ambition and its consequences: Di Jun's desire to lead and unify the Primordial Era.
• Trust and cooperation: Di Jun's strategy to gain allies through cooperation rather than subjugation.

Character Interactions

• Di Jun and Tai Yi: Brothers working together, with Di Jun leading strategically and Tai Yi following loyally.
• Di Jun and Bai Ze: Di Jun persuades Bai Ze to join, demonstrating his persuasive abilities.
• The Three Pure Ones: Discuss the Demon Alliance, with Laozi acknowledging Di Jun's ambition and Yuanshi dismissing it.

Key plot points and events

• Hongjun appears above the Nine Heavens amid extraordinary signs: purple qi, golden lotuses, auspicious clouds, immortal music, and the manifestation of Dao laws.
• He announces that he has become a Sage, revealing a realm beyond Daluo Golden Immortal. He invites those destined to listen to his preaching at the Chaos Purple Cloud Palace in thirty thousand years.
• His immense pressure sweeps across the Primordial World, leaving countless beings awed and eager to learn about the Sage realm.
• Di Jun, who had been preparing to establish the Demon Race, postpones his plans. He decides to investigate Hongjun’s power and intentions, then leads Tai Yi and the Ten Great Demon Marshals toward Zixiao Palace.
• Beings from across the Primordial World also head for the Nine Heavens, hoping either to see Hongjun or gain insight from his future preaching.
• Near Buzhou Mountain, some beings mistake Hongjun for the owner of a mysterious hand that once appeared there. The narration clarifies that the hand belonged to Xuanxiao, a Primordial Daluo Golden Immortal—not a Sage.

Character developments

• Hongjun establishes himself as the first publicly recognized Sage and announces his role as a teacher of the Great Dao.
• Di Jun shifts from ambitious expansion to cautious assessment. Though he suppresses his anger, he remains suspicious and determined to judge Hongjun’s authority for himself.
• Tai Yi worries about the Demon Race’s plans and follows Di Jun’s orders.
• Bai Ze and the other Demon Marshals accept Di Jun’s decision and accompany him.

Significant themes

• A new limit to cultivation: Hongjun’s arrival overturns the widespread belief that Daluo Golden Immortal is the highest attainable realm.
• Power and authority: Hongjun’s display of force commands worship, while Di Jun questions what justifies his claim to teach and influence all beings.
• Ambition checked by change: The appearance of a greater power forces Di Jun to delay his political plans.
• Uncertainty and misinterpretation: The beings of the Primordial World struggle to understand what they witnessed and draw a mistaken connection between Hongjun and Xuanxiao.

Character interactions

• Tai Yi asks Di Jun whether they should proceed with establishing the Demon Race; Di Jun orders a delay and directs him to summon the marshals.
• Di Jun tells the Demon Marshals they will go to Zixiao Palace, and they comply without objection.
• Across the world, beings discuss Hongjun’s identity, status, and relationship to the earlier mysterious hand.

Key plot points and events

• Fuxi and Nuwa sense the immense pressure of Hongjun’s newly revealed power. Its resemblance to Xuanxiao’s aura convinces them that Hongjun’s upcoming sermon at Zixiao Palace is too important to miss, so they set out to attend.
• Fuxi wonders whether the Three Pure Ones will go. He suspects their reverence for Xuanxiao—and their pride—might make them dismiss Hongjun’s sermon, while Nuwa thinks they will likely attend.
• Nuwa privately considers using her appearance, which she believes Xuanxiao favors, to win his guidance. She even imagines having Fuxi adopt the same appearance too, making him inexplicably uneasy.
• The Three Pure Ones react angrily to Hongjun’s grand entrance and announcement that he will preach to all beings. Yuanshi and Tongtian consider confronting him, but Laozi warns that Hongjun is far beyond their strength.
• Tongtian and Yuanshi repeatedly look for ways to challenge Hongjun, including recruiting allies or calling on Xuanxiao if they lose. Laozi finally puts a stop to their schemes with a stern warning.

Character developments and interactions

• Fuxi and Nuwa agree to pursue the opportunity, though Nuwa’s thoughts reveal her playful, scheming side and her strong desire for Xuanxiao’s attention. Fuxi remains unaware of her plan.
• Yuanshi and Tongtian show how fiercely loyal they are to Xuanxiao: they treat Hongjun’s public sermon as an affront to their uncle and are eager to defend his standing, even recklessly.
• Laozi serves as the cautious elder brother, recognizing the danger and trying to restrain the other two. His threat of discipline proves more effective than his arguments about Hongjun’s power.
• The siblings’ exchanges highlight contrasting temperaments: Fuxi is reflective, Nuwa opportunistic, Tongtian impulsive, Yuanshi protective but hotheaded, and Laozi practical and authoritative.

Significant themes

• Unequal opportunity and status: Nuwa envies the advantages of the Three Pure Ones, whose connection to Xuanxiao may make opportunities others desperately pursue seem unnecessary.
• Loyalty and reverence: The Three Pure Ones’ devotion to Xuanxiao shapes their judgment of Hongjun and fuels their desire to defend their uncle’s prestige.
• Pride versus prudence: Yuanshi and Tongtian want to act on outrage, while Laozi emphasizes the limits of their strength.
• Comic scheming and sibling dynamics: Nuwa’s plan involving Fuxi and the brothers’ fear of Laozi’s “big brother’s love” provide humor amid the chapter’s discussion of powerful figures and cultivation.

Key plot points and events

• The Ancestral Witches, enraged by the disturbance Hongjun caused, want to confront him. Yang Mei stops them with a powerful slap and warns them that Hongjun is a Heavenly Dao Sage and far beyond their ability to challenge.
• Yang Mei explains that Hongjun’s display was meant to establish his authority, and says Xuanxiao has likely already heard about it. The Ancestral Witches settle down when reminded that Xuanxiao might punish them.
• The Sea of Blood now houses the Asura Clan and the Witch Clan. The Asura help maintain the Underworld, while the Witch Clan was created by the Ancestral Witches to help consume the growing filth in the Sea of Blood.
• Yang Mei encourages Minghe to attend Hongjun’s sermon, but Minghe refuses, saying Yang Mei is already his master in his heart.
• Moved by Minghe’s loyalty, Yang Mei formally accepts him as a disciple and gives him the Supreme Grade Innate Spirit Treasure, the Void Heaven and Earth Pagoda.
• After taking Minghe as his disciple, Yang Mei finds that his lingering sense of separation from the Primordial World has disappeared.

Character developments and interactions

• Yang Mei shifts from weary disciplinarian of the reckless Ancestral Witches to an affectionate teacher. He formally recognizes Minghe as his disciple and rewards his devotion.
• Minghe shows deep loyalty and humility, choosing Yang Mei over the opportunity to hear Hongjun’s sermon. He is delighted by the acceptance but initially reluctant to take such a valuable gift.
• The Ancestral Witches remain impulsive and defiant, but obey Yang Mei once he invokes Xuanxiao. Their encouragement of Minghe shows their closeness to him.
• Yang Mei and the Ancestral Witches have a strained but familiar relationship: he repeatedly restrains them, while they grudgingly accept his authority.

Significant themes

• Loyalty and belonging: Minghe’s heartfelt devotion earns him formal recognition, while Yang Mei’s new bond with him seems to make the Primordial World accept him.
• Power and restraint: The Ancestral Witches’ anger cannot overcome the difference in power between them and Hongjun; Yang Mei urges them to recognize their limits.
• Duty and cooperation: The Witch Clan’s creation reflects the Ancestral Witches’ determination to fulfill their assigned task of cleansing the Sea of Blood.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A massive disturbance in the Primordial World alerts Xuanxiao, who was cultivating in the Primordial Realm.
• Hongjun, newly ascended to Sainthood, feels a sudden sense of crisis.
• A lightning bolt, emanating from Xuanxiao's unconscious reaction to Hongjun's Saintly pressure, strikes Hongjun, injuring him severely.
• Hongjun orders his Daoist attendants, Haotian and Yaochi, to guard Zixiao Palace for the next 30,000 years, barring entry to anyone, including themselves.
• Xuanxiao, emerging from his cultivation, learns about Hongjun's ascension and his unintentional strike. He decides to visit Hongjun in the Heavenly Dao Origin Space but encounters resistance from the Heavenly Dao.

Character Developments

• Hongjun: Ascends to Sainthood, feels threatened by an unknown force, and sustains severe injuries. He becomes secretive and concerned about his prestige as a Saint.
• Xuanxiao: Successfully crosses two heavens in his cultivation and unintentionally strikes Hongjun. He decides to visit Hongjun but faces resistance from the Heavenly Dao.

Significant Themes

• Power and Prestige: Hongjun's ascension to Sainthood brings him power but also attracts unknown threats, highlighting the delicate balance of power in the Primordial World.
• Unpredictability of the Heavenly Dao: The Heavenly Dao's actions, such as allowing Hongjun's Saintly might to cover the entire Primordial World, have unintended consequences, like disturbing Xuanxiao's cultivation.
• Fate and Responsibility: Xuanxiao tries to justify his actions by blaming the Heavenly Dao, showing his reluctance to take responsibility for striking Hongjun.

Character Interactions

• Hongjun and Xuanxiao: Though not directly interacting in this chapter, their actions and thoughts reveal a complex relationship. Xuanxiao unintentionally injures Hongjun, while Hongjun feels threatened by an unknown force, which he suspects could be Xuanxiao or Yang Mei.
• Hongjun and his Daoist Attendants (Haotian and Yaochi): Hongjun gives them strange orders to guard Zixiao Palace, showing his growing secrecy and concern about his injuries. Haotian and Yaochi, though confused, obey Hongjun's orders without question.

Chapter Summary: “Make Me Drive the Dao Venerable Out!?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuanxiao attempts to enter the Heavenly Dao Origin Space, but the Heavenly Dao refuses to let him in.
• Impatient, Xuanxiao uses the Nine Heavens Destruction Halberd, infused with Thunder Great Dao energy, to tear open a passage through space.
• He casually forces his way into the Heavenly Dao’s core domain, despite its supposedly impenetrable defenses.
• Hongjun, who is inside recovering from severe injuries previously caused by Xuanxiao, senses his arrival and becomes terrified.
• The Heavenly Dao urges Hongjun to drive Xuanxiao out. Hongjun is incredulous, knowing that he is vastly weaker and has no realistic chance of opposing the Dao Venerable.
• Xuanxiao enters and casually observes the Origin Space, commenting that it is unimpressive.
• He notices Hongjun’s injuries and heals him with lightning containing the Life Great Dao rather than destructive power.
• Xuanxiao explains that Hongjun’s injuries were accidental: while cultivating, he sensed Hongjun’s Sage aura as a provocation and instinctively attacked.

Character Developments

• Xuanxiao: Demonstrates overwhelming confidence and power by forcibly entering the Heavenly Dao’s Origin Space. Despite his intimidating strength, he is casual, curious, and relatively gentle. He also shows mastery of both the Thunder and Life Great Daos.
• Hongjun: Becomes increasingly fearful and helpless, realizing that neither he nor the Heavenly Dao can easily control Xuanxiao. His injuries are fully healed, but he is emotionally devastated upon learning that his suffering resulted from an accidental reflex rather than deliberate hostility.
• The Heavenly Dao: Is portrayed as proud and defensive of its Origin Space, treating Xuanxiao’s arrival as an invasion. Despite its immense authority within the space, it is unable to prevent him from entering because of his special status.

Significant Themes

• Overwhelming power and casual dominance: Xuanxiao treats the Heavenly Dao’s most secure domain as though it were barely protected.
• Miscommunication and unintended consequences: Hongjun believes he may have offended Xuanxiao, but the attack was merely an unconscious reaction during cultivation.
• Power imbalance and helplessness: The Heavenly Dao expects Hongjun to remove an entity far beyond his strength, highlighting the absurdity of his situation.
• Benevolence alongside terrifying strength: Xuanxiao can inflict devastating damage but also effortlessly heals those harmed by his power.
• Humorous contrast: The Heavenly Dao’s demand that Hongjun expel Xuanxiao creates an exaggerated, almost impossible task that leaves Hongjun resigned and exasperated.

Character Interactions

• Xuanxiao confronts the Heavenly Dao by breaking into its Origin Space after being denied entry.
• The Heavenly Dao pressures Hongjun to remove Xuanxiao, while Hongjun internally protests that such a demand is impossible.
• Hongjun respectfully greets Xuanxiao despite his fear.
• Xuanxiao heals Hongjun and apologizes for injuring him.
• Hongjun reacts with shock and despair when he learns that his injuries were caused accidentally, making his ordeal seem even more absurd.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuanxiao visits Hongjun after his breakthrough to the Saint realm.
• Xuanxiao enters the Heavenly Dao Origin Space, where he finds the source of Calamity Qi.
• Xuanxiao recognizes the Calamity Qi source as connected to a Divine Ability taught by his elder brother.
• Xuanxiao and Hongjun discuss their methods of Attaining Dao.

Character Developments

• Hongjun becomes more cautious and humble after experiencing Xuanxiao's power.
• Hongjun shifts the blame for the commotion during his breakthrough to the Heavenly Dao.
• Xuanxiao shows a more playful and carefree side, making jokes and teasing Hongjun.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators and the Heavenly Dao.
• The relationship between Divine Abilities and the Calamity Qi.
• The importance of discussing and learning from each other's Dao paths.

Character Interactions

• Hongjun and Xuanxiao's relationship evolves from initial tension to mutual respect and willingness to learn from each other.
• Hongjun feels intimidated by Xuanxiao's power but also admires his strength.
• Xuanxiao shows a mix of seriousness and playfulness in his interactions with Hongjun.

Chapter Summary: “Who Would Listen to a Lecture?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• While Hongjun and Xuanxiao discuss the Dao, the Five Spirits Guardians—Luohu, Ancestral Dragon, Yuanfeng, Shi Qilin, and Gui Mi—hold a private meeting.
• The Five Spirits Guardian Great Array allows the five Primordial Golden Immortals to wield power comparable to Primordial Grand Luo Golden Immortals, though none has truly broken through to that realm.
• Luohu spends most of his time in the Demon Realm, cultivating by experiencing and manipulating the emotions and desires of living beings through Heart Demon Tribulations. His demonic path is based on emotion, contrasting with Hongjun’s path of detachment.
• Ancestral Dragon, Yuanfeng, and Shi Qilin remain in their respective regions, converting Chaos Spiritual Qi to nourish the Primordial World and atone for the karma accumulated by their clans. Their Three Clans are declining, but their fate is far better than in Xuanxiao’s memories.
• Gui Mi does not attend with his true body, remaining at his northern dojo in cultivation. When awakened, however, he proves to be unexpectedly sharp-tempered and quick-spoken.
• Luohu gathers the group to discuss Hongjun’s successful attainment of sainthood and his plan to give lectures. He argues that they should refuse to attend, since doing so would mean acknowledging Hongjun’s superiority.
• The others publicly agree, and the gathering ends with everyone apparently resolved not to go.
• Privately, Ancestral Dragon, Yuanfeng, and Shi Qilin all intend to attend. They believe Hongjun’s lecture may provide the final insight needed for them to break through to the Primordial Grand Luo Golden Immortal realm.

Character Developments

• Luohu: His cultivation philosophy is clarified. Rather than pursuing detachment like Hongjun, he follows the path of emotion, using the Demon Realm and Heart Demon Tribulations to understand the seven emotions and six desires. He also displays pride and competitiveness toward Hongjun.
• Ancestral Dragon, Yuanfeng, and Shi Qilin: They acknowledge their failure in the earlier Dao struggle but remain determined to advance. Their apparent agreement with Luohu hides their pragmatic desire to seize any opportunity for breakthrough.
• Gui Mi: His personality is revealed to be very different from his sleepy appearance. While sluggish and slow-talking when half-asleep, he becomes impatient, blunt, and irritable when fully awake.
• Hongjun: Though absent from the meeting, his sainthood has transformed the balance of power and provoked mixed feelings of admiration, regret, and rivalry among the Five Spirits Guardians.
• Xuanxiao: His presence in the wider discussion is important because his existence, like Hongjun’s rise, represents a powerful variable that the Heavenly Dao must account for.

Significant Themes

• The Dao Struggle: Cultivation is presented as an ongoing struggle between different Dao paths. Even those who may fail must continue pursuing what they believe to be correct.
• Victor’s Perspective: The chapter challenges the tendency to judge failed pioneers as foolish. The Three Clans, Luohu, and others were exploring unknown paths, and their failures could only be understood in hindsight.
• Different Paths, Similar Goals: Hongjun’s path of detachment, Luohu’s emotional demonic path, and the Three Clans’ attempt to merge with Heaven and Earth all represent different approaches to attaining the Dao.
• Pride Versus Opportunity: The characters claim they will not submit to Hongjun by attending his lecture, but their private thoughts reveal that advancement matters more than wounded pride.
• Atonement and Decline: The Three Clans’ efforts to nourish the Primordial World show their attempt to repay their accumulated karma, even as their influence gradually fades.
• Hidden Intentions: The meeting humorously emphasizes the gap between what characters say publicly and what they truly plan to do.

Character Interactions

• Luohu takes the leadership role, summoning the others and proposing a united refusal to attend Hongjun’s lecture.
• Yuanfeng reflects on Hongjun’s success and recognizes that the Three Clans’ path and Hongjun’s path shared certain principles, despite their different methods.
• Shi Qilin expresses the group’s sense of failure, prompting Gui Mi to sharply separate himself from them.
• Gui Mi’s sudden change from slow and sleepy to blunt and impatient surprises Luohu and the others, creating the chapter’s main comedic exchange.
• Although Ancestral Dragon, Yuanfeng, and Shi Qilin support Luohu openly, they privately share the same calculation: listening to Hongjun may be too valuable an opportunity to ignore.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hongjun and Xuanxiao engage in a 29,900-year debate, mutually benefiting from their exchange.
• Xuanxiao clarifies misconceptions about Hongjun's Three Corpses method and dismisses speculations about its flaws.
• Only one year remains until Hongjun's lecture, and many Innate Divine Beings gather outside Zixiao Palace.
• Hongjun discovers that the Three Pure Ones, crucial for his unification with the Dao, have no intention of attending his lecture.

Character Developments

• Hongjun: Confident in his lecture's appeal to Dao-seekers, he's initially shocked and distressed when he learns the Three Pure Ones won't attend.
• Xuanxiao: Disapproves of Hongjun's scheme involving the Three Pure Ones, he's calm and calculating, using his nephew's situation to pressure Hongjun.

Significant Themes

• The path of cultivation and its challenges.
• The consequences of Hongjun's scheme and the potential risks of unifying with the Heavenly Dao.
• The power dynamics between Hongjun and Xuanxiao.

Character Interactions

• Hongjun and Xuanxiao: Their interaction is tense yet respectful, with Xuanxiao using his nephew's situation to pressure Hongjun into negotiating.
• Hongjun and the Innate Divine Beings: Though not directly interacting, Hongjun is confident in the appeal of his lecture to these beings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hongjun seeks Xuanxiao's help to persuade the Three Pure Ones to listen to the Dao.
• Xuanxiao agrees but sets conditions: the Three Pure Ones' willingness must be complete, and he wants control over their true spirits.
• Hongjun agrees to Xuanxiao's conditions.
• Xuanxiao asks for three top-tier Innate Supreme Treasures (Taiji Diagram, Pangu Banner, Heaven and Earth Cauldron) as additional conditions.
• Hongjun agrees to give up the treasures in exchange for a chance to interact with the Three Pure Ones.

Character Developments

• Hongjun shows decisiveness and willingness to make sacrifices for his plan to merge with the Dao.
• Xuanxiao reveals his desire for power and influence, seeking to control the Three Pure Ones and acquire valuable treasures.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Hongjun, Xuanxiao, and the Three Pure Ones.
• The importance of the Three Pure Ones' role as Saints of the Primordial World.
• The value of Spiritual Treasures and their potential to influence decisions.

Character Interactions

• Hongjun and Xuanxiao engage in a negotiation where each party seeks to gain an advantage.
• Hongjun's urgency to interact with the Three Pure Ones contrasts with Xuanxiao's leisurely attitude.
• Xuanxiao's request for Spiritual Treasures highlights the power imbalance between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hongjun, accompanied by Xuanxiao, visits the Three Pure Ones at Kunlun Mountain.
• Hongjun invites the Three Pure Ones to attend his lecture at Zixiao Palace, offering a Saint's position in exchange.
• The Three Pure Ones discuss Hongjun's offer in private, weighing the pros and cons.

Character Developments

• Hongjun: Shows determination and sincerity in inviting the Three Pure Ones, demonstrating his understanding of their importance and his respect for Xuanxiao.
• The Three Pure Ones: Display their unity and mutual respect, with Laozi taking the lead in decision-making. They show curiosity and caution regarding Hongjun's offer.

Significant Themes

• The value and nature of Sainthood: Hongjun's offer raises questions about the true worth and implications of becoming a Saint.
• The connection between the Three Pure Ones and Sainthood: The brothers feel an inexplicable link between their Dao and the Saint's position.

Character Interactions

• Xuanxiao and the Three Pure Ones: Xuanxiao acts as a neutral introducer, showing respect for his nephews' autonomy while subtly influencing their decision.
• Hongjun and the Three Pure Ones: Hongjun's persistence in inviting the Three Pure Ones, despite their initial refusal, shows his respect and determination. The Three Pure Ones, in turn, show curiosity and caution towards Hongjun's offer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Three Pure Ones (Tongtian, Yuanshi, and Laozi) discuss the offer of one Saint position to listen to Hongjun's Dao teachings.
• Tongtian suggests they ask for three positions, interpreting Xuanxiao's (Second Uncle) subtle expressions.
• Hongjun agrees to give three Saint positions but conditions it on attending all three of his lectures.
• The Three Pure Ones agree, and they all depart for Saint's Zixiao Palace.

Character Developments

• Tongtian demonstrates his cunning and manipulative nature, trying to please Xuanxiao and secure more benefits.
• Hongjun shows his strategic thinking and acting skills, agreeing to the Three Pure Ones' demands while ensuring they listen to his teachings.
• Xuanxiao remains mostly passive, observing the interactions and thinking about the Primordial Era's developments.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and power dynamics among the characters.
• The importance of understanding and interpreting subtle cues.
• The Three Pure Ones' naivety and Hongjun's cunning.

Character Interactions

• Tongtian tries to assert his understanding of Xuanxiao, leading the Three Pure Ones.
• Hongjun and the Three Pure Ones negotiate and agree on terms.
• Xuanxiao observes the interactions, thinking about the Primordial Era's changes.