Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen faces a Primordial Fierce Beast Bifang and its rider, a Dongyang Supreme Elder in the Creation Realm.
• Ye Zhen uses the Primordial Golden Crow Divine Staff, unleashing Sun Fire, which burns Bifang's leg.
• The Supreme Elder saves Bifang, and Ye Zhen tries to retrieve the Sun Fire but is stopped by the Golden Crow artifact spirit's demand for Origin Vital Blood.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his power and courage by facing a Creation Realm opponent and a Primordial Fierce Beast.
• The Dongyang Supreme Elder shows his prowess and concern for Bifang.
• The Golden Crow artifact spirit reveals its demanding nature and is punished by Ye Zhen.

Significant Themes

• Power and its responsible use (Ye Zhen's struggle with the artifact spirit's demands).
• Courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds (Ye Zhen facing the Supreme Elder and Bifang).
• The bond between a cultivator and their beast (the Supreme Elder's concern for Bifang).

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and the Dongyang Supreme Elder: Adversaries, with Ye Zhen showing respect for the Elder's power but not backing down.
• Ye Zhen and the Golden Crow artifact spirit: Initially at odds due to the spirit's demands, but Ye Zhen asserts his dominance.
• The Dongyang Supreme Elder and Bifang: The Elder shows concern and care for Bifang, indicating a strong bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen uses Nine Heavens Divine Lightning to weaken the Primordial Golden Crow artifact spirit, forcing it to submit.
• The Primordial Golden Crow artifact spirit reveals its desire to consume Bifang's primordial spirit power.
• Dongyang Lige, the former Third Grand Authority Priest and now Supreme Authority Priest, appears and attempts to restrain Ye Zhen and Princess Changle, violating the Ancestral God Hall Prohibitory Code.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his ruthlessness and determination, earning the respect and fear of the Primordial Golden Crow artifact spirit.
• The Primordial Golden Crow artifact spirit shows its greed for power and cunning in dealing with Ye Zhen.
• Dongyang Lige reveals his malicious intent and disregard for the Ancestral God Hall Prohibitory Code.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for control within the Ancestral God Hall.
• The ruthlessness and determination required to maintain power and order.
• The consequences of violating the Ancestral God Hall Prohibitory Code.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and the Primordial Golden Crow artifact spirit engage in a power struggle, with Ye Zhen ultimately asserting his dominance.
• Ye Zhen and Princess Changle stand united against Dongyang Lige's attempt to restrain them.
• Dongyang Lige's actions reveal the tension between him and Ye Zhen, as well as the potential danger Saint Priests pose to the Ancestral God Hall's order.

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Dongyang Lige, a Supreme Authority Priest, visits Fire Spirit Hall to challenge its new Hall Master, Ye Zhen.
• Dongyang Lige reveals he's on the brink of becoming a Creation Sacred Priest and wants to borrow the Primordial Golden Crow Divine Staff to accelerate his transformation using the Sun Fire within it.
• Ye Zhen refuses, leading to a tense standoff. Dongyang Lige and Dongyang Xiao, the Fourth Grand Authority Priest, pressure Ye Zhen, but he stands his ground.
• Ye Zhen uses the Earth Core Volcano Burst technique, which surprises Dongyang Xiao and hints at a connection to Si Chen.
• Ye Zhen asks Princess Changle about Si Chen after the incident.

2. Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his resolve and courage in protecting the Sun Fire and the Primordial Golden Crow Divine Staff, even against powerful opponents like Dongyang Lige.
• Dongyang Lige shows his ambition and willingness to bend rules to gain more power.
• Dongyang Xiao reveals his hypocrisy and bias in demanding selflessness from others while his family keeps the Kirin True Art secret.

3. Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within the Ancestral God Hall.
• The struggle between ambition and responsibility, as seen in Dongyang Lige's desire for more power and Ye Zhen's refusal to compromise his principles.
• The potential danger of secrets and hidden knowledge, as represented by the Earth Core Volcano Burst technique and the Kirin True Art.

4. Character Interactions

• Tension and conflict between Ye Zhen and the Dongyang Family, particularly Dongyang Lige and Dongyang Xiao.
• Ye Zhen and Princess Changle's relationship deepens as they work together and share secrets.
• Ye Zhen's respect and trust in Princess Changle grow as he seeks her help in understanding the history behind the Earth Core Volcano Burst technique.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Si Chen, a powerful figure in the Great Zhou Ancestral God Hall, is revealed to be still alive and potentially the key to removing Ye Zhen's Heart-Questioning Lock.
• Ye Zhen learns that Si Chen's whereabouts are unknown, and facing him directly is not an option.
• The Duke of Jing'an's daughter attempts suicide after her engagement to Ye Zhen is broken off.
• The Duke of Xinning Prefecture's family meeting ends with the decision to invite Ye Zhen back into the family.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Realizes the urgency of his situation with the Heart-Questioning Lock and considers seeking out Si Chen.
• Si Chen: Revealed to be alive and a crucial figure in Ye Zhen's plans.
• Duke of Jing'an: Regrets breaking off Ye Zhen's engagement to his daughter.
• Duke of Xinning Prefecture: Faces the wrath of the Gu Family's Old Ancestor for mishandling family affairs and losing Ye Zhen's favor.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the Ancestral God Hall and the Great Zhou Dynasty.
• The consequences of poor decision-making and the importance of family unity.
• The struggle between personal ambition and familial duty.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Princess Changle: Ye Zhen seeks information about Si Chen from Princess Changle.
• Duke of Jing'an and Duchess Jing'an: The Duke regrets breaking off Ye Zhen's engagement, while the Duchess is furious about their daughter's reputation.
• Gu Dachuan, Duke of Xinning Prefecture, Gu Chunzhi, and Gu Guangzhi: The Gu Family's Old Ancestor reprimands the family for their actions against Ye Zhen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen's appointment as Hall Master of Fire Spirit Hall causes a stir in Luoyi, solidifying the power of the interest group behind him.
• Ye Zhen and Gu Tieqi visit Gu Mansion to collect the debt from Marquis Chiping Gu Chunzhi.
• Gu Mansion's upper ranks, including Gu Dachuan, Gu Yan, Gu Guangzhi, and Gu Chunzhi, are present to discuss the matter.
• Gu Family offers a grand gesture to Gu Tieqi to settle the debt and bring him back into the family, including:
  • Retiring Gu Chunzhi and passing his title to his son.
  • Making Gu Tieqi a junior clan elder.
  • Providing resources for Gu Tieqi's residence and household.
  • Offering properties and businesses to support Gu Tieqi's household.
• Gu Chunzhi is taken away, and Heir Apparent Gu Guangzhi is punished with confinement.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: His influence grows with his new position, and he supports Gu Tieqi's decisions.
• Gu Tieqi: Struggles with his feelings towards the Gu Family and their offer, ultimately deciding to accept it.
• Gu Chunzhi: Loses his title and is confined after being used as a pawn by the Gu Family.
• Gu Guangzhi: Punished for his role in the previous events.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering within the nobility.
• The importance of family and blood ties in the Gu Family's decisions.
• The consequences of transgressions and the harsh punishments for nobles.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Gu Tieqi: They work together to collect the debt and support each other's decisions.
• Gu Family members: They interact to discuss and decide the fate of Gu Chunzhi and Gu Tieqi, showcasing their political maneuvering and manipulation.
• Gu Tieqi and Gu Chunzhi: Their interaction highlights the power imbalance and Gu Chunzhi's eventual downfall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Tieqi returns to Gu Mansion with conditions: his mother will live with him and he will only be a nominal Gu Family descendant.
• Gu Tieqi's conditions are accepted, and he destroys the debt jade slip.
• Ye Zhen is appointed Hall Master of Fire Spirit Hall and a second-rank Duke of a Prefecture.
• Dongyang Xiao is promoted to Second Grand Authority Priest, and Hai Fan is promoted to Ninth Grand Authority Priest, signaling changes due to Dongyang Lige's advancement to Sacred Priest.
• Ye Zhen takes over the Fire Spirit Hall, ordering the assembly of its top officials.

Character Developments

• Gu Tieqi grows up, prioritizing his mother's well-being and political cooperation over familial affection, becoming more iron-blooded.
• Ye Zhen feels homesick and reflects on his childhood, understanding Gu Tieqi's pain.

Significant Themes

• Political maneuvering and alliances (Gu Tieqi's conditions, Gu Family's acceptance, Ye Zhen's appointment).
• Loss of familial affection in great families (Gu Tieqi's realization).
• Power dynamics and changes within the Ancestral God Hall (Dongyang Lige's advancement, promotions, and the Fire Spirit Hall's vast jurisdiction).

Character Interactions

• Gu Tieqi and Gu Dachuan (Gu Tieqi's conditions, acceptance, and their new political relationship).
• Gu Tieqi and Ye Zhen (Gu Tieqi's emotional outburst, Ye Zhen's understanding and support).
• Ye Zhen and the Fire Spirit Hall officials (Ye Zhen's assumption of power, ordering their assembly).

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen discovers that the Dongyang Family controls nearly two-thirds of Fire Spirit Hall's upper ranks.
• Ye Zhen appoints Zou Hu as the new ritual guard commander.
• Ye Zhen orders an audit of Fire Spirit Hall's finances, intending to seal the warehouses and account books.
• Dongyang Shen, the Head of Household Affairs Priest, objects to the audit, leading to a confrontation with Ye Zhen.
• Ye Zhen severs Dongyang Shen's arm and orders him to be imprisoned.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his ruthless and decisive nature, immediately asserting his authority as the new Hall Master.
• Dongyang Shen shows defiance against Ye Zhen, leading to severe consequences.
• Dongyang Jin, though initially calm, becomes panicked when Ye Zhen attacks Dongyang Shen.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle: Ye Zhen's takeover of Fire Spirit Hall is met with resistance from the Dongyang Family, highlighting the theme of power struggle.
• Corruption: The Dongyang Family's control over Fire Spirit Hall's finances suggests corruption within the hall.
• Authority: Ye Zhen's appointment of Zou Hu and his order to audit the finances demonstrate his assertion of authority as the new Hall Master.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Dongyang Shen: Their interaction highlights Ye Zhen's ruthlessness and Dongyang Shen's defiance, leading to a violent confrontation.
• Ye Zhen and Dongyang Jin: Though initially calm, Dongyang Jin becomes flustered when Ye Zhen attacks Dongyang Shen, suggesting a power imbalance between them.
• Ye Zhen and Zou Hu: Their interaction shows Ye Zhen's trust in Zou Hu, appointing him as the new ritual guard commander.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen, the new Hall Master of the Fire Spirit Hall, begins his term by investigating the hall's finances and warehouses, suspecting embezzlement by the former and current Head of Household Affairs Priests.
• He orders a re-investigation of the case involving former Head of Household Affairs Priest Yu Bo'an and a thorough investigation of the current Head, Dongyang Shen, who tried to prevent the audit.
• Ye Zhen brings in clerks from the Zhenhai Army to assist in the audit and Heavenly Patrol Division investigators to reopen the case.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his assertive and decisive nature as the new Hall Master, willing to challenge the status quo and investigate suspected wrongdoings.
• Dongyang Jin, the Deputy Hall Master, shows reluctance to support Ye Zhen's decisions, preferring to report to higher authorities instead of taking action himself.
• Dongyang Shen, the Head of Household Affairs Priest, is suspected of having "a ghost in his heart," suggesting hidden intentions or corruption.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and abuse of power within the Fire Spirit Hall.
• Ye Zhen's determination to clean up the hall and establish his authority.
• The struggle for power and influence between Ye Zhen and the Dongyang Family.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen clashes with Dongyang Jin over the investigation, with Ye Zhen asserting his authority as the new Hall Master.
• Ye Zhen suspects Dongyang Shen of having nefarious intentions, leading to an investigation into his actions.
• Ye Zhen receives an oral decree from Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long, requiring his immediate presence in the imperial palace for a discussion.

Additional Details

• Ye Zhen plans to "slowly nibble away" at the Dongyang Family's influence within the Fire Spirit Hall while buying time to focus on his cultivation and breakthrough to the Dao Realm.
• Ye Zhen uses Dongyang Shen's essence blood to attempt to strengthen his bloodline and potentially mitigate the danger posed by the Heart-Questioning Lock.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen meets with Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long at East Arrival Pavilion, who questions him about the Zhenhai Army's maneuvers through the Devil Race's heartland.
• Ji Long reveals he knows about Ye Zhen's Small World that can carry and traverse with a vast number of living beings.
• Ji Long expresses interest in using the Small World for strategic purposes but is disappointed when Ye Zhen reveals it's fused into his bloodline and has severe side effects.
• Ji Long orders Ye Zhen to quickly complete his tasks at Fire Spirit Hall and lead the Zhenhai Army on campaign.
• Ji Long secretly orders the awakening of a Saint Realm retainer.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Realizes the danger he's in and the potential loss of his foundation in court. He starts making preparations for a rainy day.
• Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long: Shows his ruthless side, willing to sacrifice Ye Zhen and his army for strategic gain. He orders the awakening of a powerful retainer.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the imperial court.
• The ruthlessness of an emperor in pursuit of his goals.
• The potential consequences of keeping secrets and the danger of being too successful.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long: Their relationship sours as Ji Long pressures Ye Zhen for his Small World, leading to Ye Zhen's realization of his precarious position.
• Grand Supervisor of the Inner Palace Yu Chaoen: Attempts to protect Ye Zhen but ultimately fails. He's ordered by Ji Long to awaken a Saint Realm retainer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dongyang Shen, the current Head of Household Affairs Priest of Fire Spirit Hall, is stripped of his post and exiled for embezzlement and favoritism.
• Dongyang Jin, Fire Spirit Hall's First Deputy Hall Master, initially intends to object but is silenced when Ye Zhen presents evidence of wrongdoings by other high-ranking priests.
• Ye Zhen compromises with Dongyang Jin, allowing Dongyang Shen's removal in exchange for not pursuing the other priests' cases.
• Ye Zhen moves into his Duke of North Sea Prefecture's Mansion and begins focusing on his personal affairs.
• Ye Zhen secretly explores Dragon Roaming Plain, where he discovers a connection to the dragon soul within him.

Character Developments

• Dongyang Shen's corruption and subsequent punishment highlight the consequences of abuse of power.
• Dongyang Jin's initial defiance and eventual compromise show his political acumen and willingness to protect his faction's interests.
• Ye Zhen demonstrates his political prowess by outmaneuvering Dongyang Jin and reclaiming authority in Fire Spirit Hall.
• Ye Zhen's determination to explore Dragon Roaming Plain reveals his curiosity and resolve in pursuing personal goals.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and its consequences, as seen through Dongyang Shen's downfall.
• Political maneuvering and compromise, exemplified by Ye Zhen and Dongyang Jin's interaction.
• Personal ambition and pursuit of knowledge, shown by Ye Zhen's secret exploration of Dragon Roaming Plain.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Dongyang Jin engage in a tense standoff, ultimately leading to a compromise that benefits both parties.
• Ye Zhen's subordinates, such as Zou Hu and Liu Feng, carry out his orders, demonstrating their loyalty and efficiency.
• The dragon soul within Ye Zhen reacts to the environment on Dragon Roaming Plain, hinting at a connection between Ye Zhen and the location.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen discovers the true potential of the Black Dragon Hegemony Body from the Primordial Black Dragon's inheritance.
• He finds that the Black Water Dragon Soul in his Black Water Dao Palace absorbs dragon soul aura from beneath Dragon Roaming Plain, growing rapidly.
• An inner demon invades Ye Zhen, causing him to feel irritated and bloodthirsty, but the Heart-Questioning Lock incinerates it.
• Ye Zhen realizes the Black Water Dragon Soul has absorbed baleful aura, causing it to turn vicious and malicious.
• The Battle Soul Blood Banner purifies the Black Water Dragon Soul, removing the Negative Energies.
• Ye Zhen continues to absorb dragon soul aura, increasing the Black Water Dragon Soul's size significantly.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Realizes the true power of his cultivation method and gains a new understanding of his Black Water Dragon Soul.
• Ah Chou (Mirage Dragon Primordial Spirit): Gets whipped by Little Demon for not warning Ye Zhen about the dangers of absorbing the dragon soul aura.
• Little Demon: Stands up for Ye Zhen and punishes Ah Chou for his mistake.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and its potential.
• The dangers of absorbing Negative Energies and the importance of purification.
• The role of the Heart-Questioning Lock in protecting Ye Zhen from inner demons.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Ah Chou: Ye Zhen sets up Ah Chou to take a beating from Little Demon, then helps him understand the true power of the Battle Soul Blood Banner.
• Little Demon and Ah Chou: Little Demon punishes Ah Chou for not warning Ye Zhen about the dangers of absorbing the dragon soul aura.
• Ye Zhen and his artifact spirits: They watch Ah Chou get whipped, but none of them intervene, finding it amusing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen triggers a hidden formation, the Primordial Earthly Human Dao Great Formation, while exploring the mansion, suffering severe injuries.
• Two World King Realm guards inspect the area but find nothing unusual.
• The artifact spirit of the Primordial Golden Crow Divine Staff reveals knowledge of the formation's origins after being threatened by Ye Zhen.
• Little Demon bullies the Primordial Golden Crow's artifact spirit for not protecting Ye Zhen earlier.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his power and ruthlessness, willing to threaten his own artifact spirit to gain information.
• Little Demon shows her protective nature towards Ye Zhen and her dominance over the other artifact spirits.
• The Primordial Golden Crow's artifact spirit shows a desire to gain influence and protect Mirage Dragon Primordial Spirit Ah Chou, but ultimately fails to do so.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics among artifact spirits and their relationship with Ye Zhen.
• The ruthlessness and determination of Ye Zhen in pursuing his goals.
• The hidden dangers and secrets within the Duke's mansion.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen interacts with his artifact spirits, threatening the Primordial Golden Crow to reveal information and allowing Little Demon to bully the Primordial Golden Crow.
• The Primordial Golden Crow attempts to befriend Mirage Dragon Primordial Spirit Ah Chou but fails, leading to further bullying from Little Demon.
• The two World King Realm guards interact, showing caution and thoroughness in their inspection but ultimately failing to find anything unusual.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Primordial Earthly Human Dao Great Formation, suppressing Great Zhou's national fortune, was built using the flesh, primal souls, and power of tens of thousands of Archaic Dragon Clan members.
• Ye Zhen discovers a crack in the formation, from which dragon soul aura is leaking. He decides to absorb this aura to strengthen his Black Water Dragon Soul.
• Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long orders Tong Fu, disguised as a Heaven Temple Grand Divine Master, to capture Ye Zhen and seize his strategic spatial supreme treasure.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen shows integrity by not entering the formation to avoid harming Great Zhou's foundation, but still absorbs the leaking dragon soul aura.
• Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long demonstrates his cold and calculating nature, ordering Ye Zhen's capture and the framing of a murderer.
• Tong Fu, the old man in a green python-patterned robe, shows his prowess by transforming into a Heaven Temple Grand Divine Master and attacking Ye Zhen.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of exploiting and suppressing other beings for personal gain, as seen in the creation of the Primordial Earthly Human Dao Great Formation.
• The tension between Ye Zhen's ambition and his sense of integrity, shown in his decision to absorb the leaking dragon soul aura but not enter the formation.
• The cold and calculating nature of power, as demonstrated by Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long's orders.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and the Primordial Golden Crow discuss the Primordial Earthly Human Dao Great Formation and its potential crack.
• Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long and Yu Chaoen discuss Ye Zhen's capture and the framing of a murderer.
• Tong Fu, disguised as a Heaven Temple Grand Divine Master, attacks Ye Zhen at the North Sea Prefecture Duke's Mansion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An assassin, later suspected to be a Creation Realm Divine Being, attacks the North Sea Prefecture Duke's Mansion, targeting Ye Zhen.
• The assassin uses a powerful palm strike to capture Ye Zhen alive, aiming to obtain the spatial treasure inside him and, if possible, Ye Zhen's Yuan Spirit.
• The attack destroys the study where Ye Zhen cultivates, but Ye Zhen is not present. A clone left behind is annihilated.
• The assassin retreats after realizing Ye Zhen is not there. The mansion is sealed, and an investigation begins.

Character Developments

• Tong Fu, the assassin, is revealed to be a Creation Realm Divine Being who has recently awakened. He is cunning and strategic, leaving clues to divert attention towards the Heaven Temple.
• Ye Zhen remains unfazed and safe, communicating with Wang Baimu through a special method. He suspects the assassin might be a Creation Realm Divine Being.
• Wang Baimu, Ye Zhen's personal guard commander, demonstrates loyalty and quick thinking, immediately attempting to contact Ye Zhen after the attack.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the Great Zhou Dynasty and the Heaven Temple.
• The ruthlessness and high stakes of the assassination attempt, indicating the seriousness of the conflict.
• The theme of trust and suspicion, as Ye Zhen struggles to determine the true culprit behind the attack.

Character Interactions

• Tong Fu's interaction with the Heavenly Patrol Generals and the Fire Spirit Hall Sun Priest is brief but reveals his strategic thinking and the power of his cultivation.
• Wang Baimu's interaction with Ye Zhen shows his loyalty and quick thinking, as he immediately attempts to contact Ye Zhen after the attack.
• Big Ear Nie Ting's interaction with Ye Zhen hints at a potential lead in the investigation, suggesting the attack might have originated from within the Luoyi Imperial Palace.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pig Three, a writer, has his stitches removed after surgery, expecting to recover quickly.
• Reality proves more challenging; he experiences increased discomfort and slower recovery than anticipated.
• He hasn't updated his work in 19 days, the longest stretch in nine years, causing him distress.

Character Developments

• Pig Three: Realizes the extent of his injury and the time required for recovery, leading to frustration and impatience.
• He reaffirms his dedication to his work and his desire to resume updates as soon as possible.

Significant Themes

• Patience and perseverance in the face of slow recovery and setbacks.
• The importance of work and routine in one's life and identity.
• The disconnect between expectations and reality.

Character Interactions

• Pig Three interacts with his readers (brothers and sisters), expressing his gratitude for their concern and support during his recovery.
• His communication with them is one-sided, through his updates, reflecting his desire to maintain his connection with them despite his absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long slaps Tong Fu, a Creation Realm Divine Being, for being deceived by a clone.
• Ji Long suspects foul play and considers punishing Yu Chaoen.
• Grand Celestial Master Wu reports the assassination of high-ranking officials in Luoyi's inner city.
• Ji Long orders a joint investigation and instructs Ye Zhen not to grow suspicious.
• Ye Zhen overhears part of their conversation and learns about the assassination attempt.
• Ye Zhen enters the Primordial Earthly Human Dao Great Formation, absorbing its dragon soul aura.

Character Developments

• Benevolent Sovereign Ji Long: Shows his ruthless side, willing to dispatch a Creation Realm Divine Being to kill Ye Zhen.
• Ye Zhen: Feels betrayed and disappointed by Ji Long's actions, decides to absorb the dragon soul aura from the formation.
• Tong Fu and Yu Chaoen: Both fear for their lives and try to appease Ji Long.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Ye Zhen feels betrayed by Ji Long, while Tong Fu and Yu Chaoen try to maintain their loyalty.
• Power dynamics: Ji Long's power and status are evident in his treatment of Tong Fu and Yu Chaoen.
• Trust and suspicion: Ji Long's suspicion of Yu Chaoen highlights the lack of trust among the characters.

Character Interactions

• Ji Long and Tong Fu: Ji Long slaps Tong Fu in anger, showing his dominance.
• Ji Long and Yu Chaoen: Ji Long suspects Yu Chaoen of wrongdoing, putting him in a difficult position.
• Ye Zhen and Ji Long: Ye Zhen feels betrayed by Ji Long's attempt on his life, leading him to absorb the formation's power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen enters the Primordial Earthly Human Dao Great Formation, discovering a vast, dense ocean of dragon soul aura and numerous Archaic Dragon Corpses.
• He realizes that the formation's purpose is to suppress Great Zhou's national destiny.
• Ye Zhen finds that the formation runes are cracking, leading to the leakage of dragon soul aura, which he uses to strengthen his Black Water Dragon Soul.
• He discovers Ten Thousand Year Dragon Soul Grass, Crystal Dragon Blood Stone, and Vengeful Spirit Beads growing around the dragon corpses, which he harvests.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his caution, restraint, and adaptability in the face of the formation's vastness and danger.
• He shows his knowledge of the formation's history and the rarity of the treasures he finds.

Significant Themes

• The power and consequences of ancient formations and their creators.
• The passage of time and the decay of even the most powerful structures.
• The rarity and value of the treasures found in the formation.

Character Interactions

• None in this chapter; Ye Zhen acts alone throughout.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen gathers treasures from the Primordial Earthly Human Dao Great Formation, including Ten Thousand Year Dragon Soul Grass and Crystal Dragon Blood Stones.
• The Black Water Dragon Soul within Ye Zhen's Black Water Dao Palace expands significantly, enhancing his spiritual power and physical body.
• Ye Zhen attends the morning court to address the previous night's assassination attempt.
• The Heavenly Patrol Division attributes the assassination to the Devil Race, specifically a Shadow Demon, to avoid implicating the Heaven Temple.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen's Black Water Spiritual Power becomes much more potent due to the growth of the Black Water Dragon Soul.
• Ye Zhen is more cautious about using the Mirage Dragon Pearl's Temporal Space due to the Heart-Questioning Lock's restriction.

Significant Themes

• The power of treasures and their impact on cultivation and healing.
• The political intrigue and manipulation among the nobles and the Heaven Temple.
• The consequences of violating political rules and the importance of maintaining order.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen interacts with various nobles at the morning court, feeling awkward due to the unfamiliar greetings.
• Grand Celestial Master Wu Yu presents evidence and conjectures about the assassination, attempting to pin the blame on the Devil Race.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen meets Pill King Shuilian within the Mirage Dragon Pearl Temporal Space.
• Pill King Shuilian has spent over a thousand years researching pills within the hundredfold Temporal Space, with only 60 out of 100+ disciples remaining alive.
• Pill King Shuilian has successfully deciphered the Spirit Nurturing Pill formula but hasn't mass-produced it yet.
• Ye Zhen wants to refine and sell Spirit Nurturing Pills for profit but is cautious due to their high value.
• Pill King Shuilian presents Ye Zhen with four types of pills refined from Ten Thousand Year Dragon Soul Grass: Dragon Soul Primordial Spirit Stabilizing Pill, Dragon Soul Spirit Nurturing Pill, and two types of Crystal Dragon Blood Stone pills. The fourth pill, the Vengeful Spirit Bead, is highly toxic and dangerous.

Character Developments

• Pill King Shuilian has reached World King Realm Ninth Heaven Peak after a thousand years of cultivation but hasn't broken through to the Dao Realm yet.
• Ye Zhen is cautious about the potential profits and risks of selling Spirit Nurturing Pills.

Significant Themes

• The importance of time in cultivation and research.
• The value and scarcity of high-tier Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures.
• The risks and rewards of using powerful, dangerous items like the Vengeful Spirit Bead.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Pill King Shuilian discuss the pills' effects and uses.
• Pill King Shuilian warns Ye Zhen about the dangers of the Vengeful Spirit Bead.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen visits Third Grand Authority Priest Kan Mo and Ninth Grand Authority Priest Hai Fan, offering them rare Dragon Soul Primordial Spirit Stabilizing Pills.
• Kan Mo, recuperating from severe injuries, accepts the pills, understanding the debt he incurs.
• Hai Fan refuses the pill initially but accepts after Ye Zhen reveals its additional benefits and asks to borrow the Water Spirit Hall's hall-suppressing treasure, the Primordial Black Dragon Horn, for three days.
• Ye Zhen receives an urgent message from Wang Baimu about Duke of Xinning Prefecture Gu Yan's visit.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness by offering the pills and asking for the treasure, gaining favor with Kan Mo and Hai Fan.
• Kan Mo shows vulnerability and desperation in his desire to recover, hinting at his fear of becoming a cripple.
• Hai Fan displays caution and pragmatism, weighing the risks and benefits before accepting Ye Zhen's offer.

Significant Themes

• The importance of the primordial spirit in martial arts cultivation.
• The desperation and lengths to which martial artists will go to recover from injuries.
• The delicate balance of favors and debts in political alliances.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen interacts with Kan Mo and Hai Fan, using gifts and favors to gain their support and trust.
• Kan Mo and Hai Fan both show initial reluctance but eventually accept Ye Zhen's offers, indicating their desperation and the power of his gifts.
• Ye Zhen's interactions hint at his growing political acumen and understanding of the court's dynamics.