Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen decides to visit Five Immortal Island but hasn't committed to selling his goods there.
• He heads to Chaotic Void Island, a major market in the North Sea, to find Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for Little Demon.
• Upon arrival, he's swarmed by brokers vying for his business. He hires Big Ear, who charges three times the standard commission.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his discernment and caution in choosing a broker, not swayed by the crowd's enthusiasm.
• Big Ear shows confidence in his abilities but also a hint of disappointment when Ye Zhen initially questions his higher commission.

Significant Themes

• The importance of trade and markets in the Primordial Continent's economy and politics.
• The contrast between Great Zhou's strict control and the Four Seas Dragon Court's lax governance.
• The role of brokers in facilitating trade and the potential for exploitation.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen interacts with numerous brokers, ultimately choosing Big Ear.
• Big Ear shows initial disappointment but accepts Ye Zhen's decision to hire him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen, using the alias Di Kuohai, seeks heavenly spiritual treasures to replenish origin power.
• He hires a broker named Big Ear to guide him through the Chaotic Void Island market.
• Ye Zhen lists four rare Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures he has to sell: Crimson Yin Grass, Flowing Stone Vine, Three Flower Fairy Plum, and Plain Leaf Willow.
• Big Ear takes Ye Zhen to a scattered market where independent alchemists purchase spirit herbs.
• Ye Zhen sells a portion of his Crimson Yin Grass at the scattered market.
• Big Ear leads Ye Zhen to Tongtian Hao Merchant House, one of the ten most powerful merchants on Chaotic Void Island.
• The shopkeeper offers to buy Ye Zhen's Crimson Yin Grass at two High-grade Spirit Stones per stalk.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his caution and resourcefulness by being wary of thieves in the crowded market and using one of the Nine-Headed Worm's heads to defend himself.
• Big Ear shows his knowledge of the market and its workings, as well as his concern for Ye Zhen's safety.

Significant Themes

• The value of rare and sought-after items, and the potential wealth they can bring.
• The importance of caution and vigilance in crowded, potentially dangerous environments.
• The power dynamics and hierarchies within the market, with large merchants holding more influence and buying power.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Big Ear: Ye Zhen hires Big Ear as a broker, and they navigate the market together. Big Ear provides valuable information and advice, while Ye Zhen shows his resourcefulness and caution.
• Ye Zhen and the shopkeeper at Tongtian Hao Merchant House: They discuss the purchase of Ye Zhen's Crimson Yin Grass, with the shopkeeper offering a high price for the sought-after item.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen visits various trading houses on Chaotic Void Island to sell his Crimson Yin Grass, but finds the prices too low and the merchants manipulative.
• He discovers a notice at Dongsheng Trading House offering high prices for his herbs, but Big Ear warns him something is suspicious.
• Ye Zhen enters Dongsheng Trading House, and the shopkeeper, Shopkeeper Ma, offers a high price for a large quantity of Crimson Yin Grass.
• Ye Zhen is about to agree when Big Ear warns him again, and soon after, the Great Shopkeeper of Tongtian Trading House, Yan Chi, arrives, offering to buy from Ye Zhen.
• Ye Zhen realizes he's been manipulated and refuses Yan Chi's offer, leaving with Big Ear.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Shows determination to find a fair deal for his herbs, but also displays naivety in understanding the manipulative nature of the merchants.
• Big Ear: Demonstrates unusual abilities, such as sensing the arrival of Yan Chi, hinting at a mysterious power or knowledge.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception in business.
• The struggle for fair trade and profit.
• The power dynamics between buyers and sellers.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Big Ear: Ye Zhen initially distrusts Big Ear but relies on his warnings. Their relationship is not fully explored yet.
• Ye Zhen and Shopkeeper Ma: Ye Zhen is initially hopeful about the deal but grows suspicious and angry when he realizes the trap.
• Ye Zhen and Yan Chi: Ye Zhen is initially tempted by Yan Chi's offer but grows angry and distrustful when he realizes he's been manipulated.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen and Big Ear encounter Tongtian Trading House's Great Shopkeeper Yan, who tries to buy Ye Zhen's Crimson Yin Grass at a low price.
• Ye Zhen visits multiple merchants but finds them all offering low prices, likely due to Tongtian Trading House's interference.
• Ye Zhen offers Big Ear a reward to find a suitable customer for his goods.
• Big Ear's unusual knowledge about Ye Zhen's business volume raises Ye Zhen's suspicions.
• Great Shopkeeper Yan discusses his plans with Dongsheng Trading House's Shopkeeper Ma, revealing his intention to control the source of Crimson Yin Grass and Flowing Stone Vine.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Becomes more suspicious of Big Ear's true motives.
• Big Ear: Shows unusual knowledge about Ye Zhen's business, raising suspicions about his true identity.
• Great Shopkeeper Yan: Reveals his long-term strategy to control the source of rare spirit herbs, indicating his ambition and strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and competition among merchants in the market.
• The importance of controlling the source of valuable resources.
• The potential consequences of disrupting established monopolies.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Big Ear: Their relationship becomes more complex as Ye Zhen suspects Big Ear of hiding something.
• Great Shopkeeper Yan and Shopkeeper Ma: Yan reveals his long-term plans to Ma, showing their close relationship and Yan's dominance in their partnership.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Great Shopkeeper Yan Chi of the Tongtian Merchant House discusses a potential new Small World with his brother-in-law, Shopkeeper Ma, planning to use Ma's clan's people for the operation to keep it secret from their patron.
• Big Ear, eavesdropping, is shocked by this information but decides not to get involved due to the risk.
• Big Ear introduces Ye Zhen to a potential buyer, the Huayang Hao, but Ye Zhen notices something fishy about the situation.
• Ye Zhen meets Steward Hua of the Huayang Hao, who expresses interest in purchasing Crimson Yin Grass and Flowing Stone Vine. Ye Zhen is invited to a teahouse for negotiations.
• A woman, the Young Master of the Huayang Hao, enters the teahouse, expressing interest in purchasing a large quantity of Crimson Yin Grass.
• Great Shopkeeper Yan arrives at the teahouse, causing a commotion outside.

Character Developments

• Great Shopkeeper Yan Chi: Shows ambition and cunning, willing to use others to secure a potential new Small World for himself.
• Shopkeeper Ma: Revealed to be mediocre but loyal to his brother-in-law.
• Big Ear: Shows caution and self-preservation, deciding not to get involved in the new Small World matter despite knowing about it.
• Ye Zhen: Becomes suspicious of Big Ear's connections and the Huayang Hao's intentions.
• The Young Master of the Huayang Hao: Revealed to be a woman, shows interest in purchasing large quantities of Crimson Yin Grass.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences (Yan Chi's desire for the new Small World)
• Trust and loyalty (Yan Chi's use of Shopkeeper Ma)
• Self-preservation and caution (Big Ear's decision not to get involved)
• Deception and hidden intentions (Ye Zhen's suspicions about Big Ear and the Huayang Hao)

Character Interactions

• Yan Chi and Shopkeeper Ma: Yan Chi shares his plans with Ma, showing trust but also using him for his clan's resources.
• Big Ear and Ye Zhen: Big Ear introduces Ye Zhen to the Huayang Hao, but Ye Zhen becomes suspicious of Big Ear's connections.
• Ye Zhen and Steward Hua: They discuss the potential sale of Crimson Yin Grass and Flowing Stone Vine.
• The Young Master of the Huayang Hao and Ye Zhen: The Young Master expresses interest in purchasing a large quantity of Crimson Yin Grass from Ye Zhen.
• Great Shopkeeper Yan and the teahouse: Yan arrives at the teahouse, causing a commotion outside, potentially disrupting Ye Zhen's negotiations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Chi, the Great Shopkeeper of Tongtian Trading House, arrives at the tea house where Ye Zhen is staying, having learned that Ye Zhen has Crimson Yin Grass.
• Yan Chi meets Hua Changjun, a high-ranking noble, who is also interested in Ye Zhen's Crimson Yin Grass.
• Yan Chi threatens Hua Changjun with a boycott if she interferes with his business with Ye Zhen, leading her to leave.
• Yan Chi offers Ye Zhen a generous price for the Crimson Yin Grass and bribes him, misjudging Ye Zhen's identity.
• Ye Zhen sells 28,000 stalks of Crimson Yin Grass to Yan Chi, and they agree to future transactions.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Remains cautious and calculating, misleads Yan Chi about his identity and the amount of Crimson Yin Grass he has.
• Yan Chi: Initially stingy and threatening, becomes overly generous and sincere upon learning of Ye Zhen's connection to Hua Changjun, misjudging Ye Zhen's importance.

Significant Themes

• The importance of connections and status in business dealings.
• The ruthlessness of merchants in pursuing profit.
• The power dynamics between different factions and individuals.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Yan Chi: Initially hostile due to Yan Chi's underhanded tactics, they reach a mutually beneficial agreement after Yan Chi realizes Ye Zhen's potential value.
• Hua Changjun and Yan Chi: They clash over Ye Zhen's Crimson Yin Grass, with Yan Chi threatening a boycott to secure the deal for himself.
• Hua Changjun and Ye Zhen: They do not interact directly in this chapter, but Hua Changjun's presence influences Yan Chi's behavior towards Ye Zhen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Chi, the Great Shopkeeper of Tongtian Merchant House, learns that Ye Zhen (Shopkeeper Di) has already contacted the Hua Family fleet, threatening Tongtian's interests.
• Yan Chi suspects the broker, Big Ear, of intervening and decides to monitor Ye Zhen's departure and capture Big Ear afterward.
• Shopkeeper Ma of Dongsheng Trading House arrives to assist Yan Chi in capturing Ye Zhen.
• Ye Zhen meets with Hua Changjun, who reveals that the Hua Family can purchase up to 150,000 Crimson Yin Grass plants annually.
• Ye Zhen learns from Hua Changjun that he could establish sales channels himself by leveraging his family's spirit-herb resources.

Character Developments

• Yan Chi: Becomes increasingly desperate to maintain Tongtian's interests and decides to capture Ye Zhen to uncover his secrets.
• Ye Zhen: Realizes the potential of establishing his own sales channels for his family's spirit-herb resources.

Significant Themes

• The importance of sales channels and market control in the cultivation world.
• The potential for individuals to build their own empires using unique resources.

Character Interactions

• Yan Chi and his subordinates: Yan Chi consults with his managers and decides to involve Shopkeeper Ma in capturing Ye Zhen.
• Ye Zhen and Hua Changjun: They discuss the possibility of a long-term trade relationship, with Hua Changjun revealing valuable insights to Ye Zhen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen meets Hua Changjun at a teahouse, who expresses interest in buying Crimson Yin Grass and advises Ye Zhen to establish his own sales channels.
• Ye Zhen decides to build his own sales channels to absorb the immense resources from the True Profound Continent.
• Ye Zhen leaves Chaotic Void Island, and Big Ear warns him about bandits targeting wealthy merchants.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Realizes the benefits of establishing his own sales channels and decides to do so.
• Big Ear: Warns Ye Zhen about bandits targeting wealthy merchants, hinting at potential danger from Tongtian Trading House.

Significant Themes

• The double-edged sword of wealth and power: Possessing valuable resources brings trouble and attracts unwanted attention.
• Caution and preparedness: Ye Zhen must be careful and prepared for potential threats when establishing his sales channels.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Hua Changjun: They meet and discuss business opportunities, with Hua Changjun advising Ye Zhen to establish his own sales channels.
• Ye Zhen and Big Ear: Big Ear warns Ye Zhen about bandits targeting wealthy merchants, possibly hinting at Tongtian Trading House's intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Big Ear flees Chaotic Void Island using his innate divine ability to listen for pursuers.
• Tongtian Trading House dispatches 50 pursuit teams to catch him.
• Big Ear is attacked by an aquatic demon and captured by two Spirit-Connecting Realm martial artists.
• Big Ear uses his divine ability to send a distress signal to Ye Zhen, who is nearby.
• Ye Zhen hears the signal and heads towards Big Ear.
• Big Ear reveals to Ye Zhen that Great Shopkeeper Yan is plotting against him and the Small World.

Character Developments

• Big Ear demonstrates his unique divine ability, showing resilience and resourcefulness even after capture.
• Ye Zhen shows curiosity and willingness to help, despite not wanting to meddle in others' affairs.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Fortune: Big Ear's bad luck in being caught by pursuers is contrasted with Ye Zhen's timely arrival.
• Desperation and Resourcefulness: Big Ear's dire situation forces him to use his divine ability in innovative ways.
• Trust and Betrayal: Big Ear's revelation about Great Shopkeeper Yan's plot highlights the theme of trust being broken.

Character Interactions

• Big Ear and Ye Zhen: Despite not knowing each other well, Big Ear reaches out to Ye Zhen for help, and Ye Zhen responds to the plea.
• Big Ear and Tongtian Trading House: Big Ear's capture by Tongtian Trading House's martial artists highlights the power imbalance between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen saves Big Ear from eight mid- to late-stage Spirit-Connecting Realm martial artists sent by the Tongtian Trading House.
• Ye Zhen kills all eight martial artists with ease, demonstrating his formidable power.
• Ye Zhen learns from Big Ear that Great Shopkeeper Yan is plotting against him and the brand-new Small World behind him.
• Ye Zhen discovers Big Ear's innate divine ability, which allows him to hear sounds within a ten-thousand-mile radius, ignoring barriers like spiritual power and soundproof barriers.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Shows his immense combat strength, capable of killing mid- to late-stage Spirit-Connecting Realm martial artists with ease.
• Big Ear: Reveals his unique innate divine ability and provides crucial information to Ye Zhen.

Significant Themes

• Power and Strength: Ye Zhen's overwhelming power instills fear in his enemies and earns him respect.
• Information and Knowledge: Big Ear's ability to overhear conversations provides valuable information, highlighting the importance of intelligence gathering.
• Trust and Loyalty: Ye Zhen's actions save Big Ear, fostering a sense of loyalty and gratitude in the boy.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Big Ear: Ye Zhen saves Big Ear, and in return, Big Ear shares vital information about Yan Chi's plot. Their interaction establishes a dynamic of protection and gratitude.
• Ye Zhen and the Spirit-Connecting Realm Martial Artists: Ye Zhen's powerful display of strength intimidates and eliminates the enemy martial artists, showcasing his dominance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen learns about Primordial Human Bloodlines from Mirage Dragon Primordial Spirit A-Chou.
• A-Chou suggests that Big Ear Nie Ting might possess a Primordial Bloodline due to his innate divine ability.
• Ye Zhen decides not to eliminate Nie Ting due to his potential and unique ability.
• Ye Zhen uses the Soul Binding Technique on Nie Ting to control him.
• Ye Zhen plans to deal with Yan Chi and Shopkeeper Ma, who know about the potential Small World behind him.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Shows hesitation in eliminating Nie Ting due to his potential and ability. Decides to control him instead.
• Nie Ting (Big Ear): Reveals his real name and nickname. Shows intelligence by volunteering to be controlled by Ye Zhen.
• Yan Chi (Great Shopkeeper Yan): Inferred the existence of a new Small World behind Ye Zhen. Becomes a potential threat that Ye Zhen needs to eliminate.

Significant Themes

• The power of Primordial Human Bloodlines and their potential.
• The importance of keeping secrets and the consequences of information leakage.
• The value of unique abilities and the decision to cultivate or eliminate based on potential.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Mirage Dragon Primordial Spirit A-Chou: A-Chou provides Ye Zhen with information about Primordial Human Bloodlines and helps him make a decision about Nie Ting.
• Ye Zhen and Nie Ting: Ye Zhen decides not to eliminate Nie Ting and instead controls him using the Soul Binding Technique. Nie Ting shows loyalty by volunteering to be controlled.
• Ye Zhen and Yan Chi: Ye Zhen plans to eliminate Yan Chi and Shopkeeper Ma to prevent information about the potential Small World behind him from leaking further.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Great Shopkeeper Yan Chi is furious about the escape of the captured group, including Big Ear.
• He orders a thorough investigation and increased surveillance on market cities.
• Ye Zhen infiltrates Chaotic Void Island with Big Ear and discovers the heavily guarded Tongtian Merchant House.
• Ye Zhen decides to keep watch on Yan Chi and waits for an opportunity to strike.
• Yan Chi leaves the Tongtian Merchant House to spend the night at Xiang'er's place.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Demonstrates his strategic thinking and patience in planning to assassinate Yan Chi.
• Big Ear (Nie Ting): Shows his loyalty and usefulness to Ye Zhen by providing crucial information about Yan Chi's whereabouts.

Significant Themes

• Patience and Planning: Ye Zhen's careful observation and strategic thinking are key to his success.
• Loyalty and Trust: Big Ear's loyalty to Ye Zhen is rewarded, and they form a reliable partnership.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Big Ear: Their teamwork and understanding are crucial for gathering information and planning their next move.
• Yan Chi and Shopkeeper Ma: Their relationship is one of trust, with Yan Chi relying on Shopkeeper Ma for updates and action.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Chi, the Great Shopkeeper of Tongtian Trading House, takes his daily stroll, enjoying the respect he commands.
• He reflects on his desire to maintain this respect year-round, seeing the Small World behind Ye Zhen as a means to achieve this.
• Ye Zhen infiltrates Yan Chi's private residence, using illusions to capture him.
• Ye Zhen interrogates Yan Chi about his deduction of the Small World and the extent to which he shared this information.

Character Developments

• Yan Chi: Reveals his ambition to maintain his respected status and uses his business acumen to deduce the existence of a new Small World behind Ye Zhen. He attempts to negotiate with Ye Zhen for his life and offers to help manage the Small World.
• Ye Zhen: Shows strategic thinking and patience in interrogating Yan Chi, revealing his understanding of the potential threat posed by Yan Chi's knowledge. He demonstrates his resolve to protect his interests, even at the cost of eliminating potential threats.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Power: Both Yan Chi and Ye Zhen exhibit ambition, with Yan Chi seeking to maintain his power and status, and Ye Zhen aiming to protect and expand his interests.
• Trust and Betrayal: The theme of trust and betrayal is evident in Yan Chi's offer to help Ye Zhen, which Ye Zhen ultimately rejects due to the potential risk of betrayal.
• Information and Knowledge: The value of information and knowledge is highlighted, with Yan Chi's deduction of the Small World's existence driving the plot and Ye Zhen seeking to control the flow of this information.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Yan Chi: Their interaction is marked by tension and power dynamics, with Ye Zhen interrogating Yan Chi and ultimately deciding to eliminate him due to the risk he poses.
• Yan Chi and his subordinates: Yan Chi's relationship with his subordinates is one of command and respect, with them greeting him deferentially during his stroll.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ma Shen, a shopkeeper, is on Chaotic Void Island for pleasure when his jade pendant, a distress signal, explodes, alerting guards.
• Four Mystic Palace Realm guards rush to save Great Shopkeeper Yan Chi, who is being attacked by Ye Zhen.
• Ye Zhen easily defeats the four guards using his Battle Soul Blood Banner, Nine-Headed Worm, and Cloud Winged Tiger King Xiao Mao.
• Fifty World King Realm Enshrined Experts arrive, and Ye Zhen escapes before they can reach him.
• The Third Island Master is alerted, and Chaotic Void Island is sealed off.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his immense power and strategic thinking, defeating four powerful guards and escaping from fifty World King Realm experts.
• Great Shopkeeper Yan Chi shows desperation and attempts to bargain with Ye Zhen, revealing his knowledge of Tongtian Trading House's secrets.
• Ma Shen is a pleasure-seeking shopkeeper who is connected to Yan Chi and has a distress signal pendant.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of overstepping boundaries (Ye Zhen's actions and the Third Island Master's reaction).
• The importance of secrets and the measures taken to protect them (Yan Chi's False Tooth and the guards' response).
• The rules and consequences of breaking them on Chaotic Void Island.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Yan Chi: Ye Zhen captures and interrogates Yan Chi, leading to Yan Chi's death and the alerting of guards.
• Ma Shen and Yan Chi: Ma Shen is Yan Chi's brother-in-law and has a distress signal pendant connected to the guards.
• Ye Zhen and the World King Realm Enshrined Experts: Ye Zhen escapes before they can reach him, and they are left searching for clues.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen rescues Big Ear Nie Ting and escapes Chaotic Void Island amidst a sudden fire and island-wide search.
• Ye Zhen discovers that the Spirit Void Fruit has improved Big Ear's innate divine ability, suggesting he might possess the Primordial Human Bloodline.
• Ye Zhen soul-searches Great Shopkeeper Yan Chi, obtaining valuable commercial secrets and customer records of Tongtian Trading House, but misses information about Yan Chi's brother-in-law, Ma Shen.
• A fire breaks out at Tongtian Trading House's accounting room, destroying records and causing internal chaos.
• Ma Shen is heavily guarded by experts at his residence, suggesting he might be aware of the situation.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen: Shows concern for his subordinate, Big Ear, and is pleased with the Spirit Void Fruit's effect on him. He becomes more determined to establish his own sales channels using the obtained commercial secrets.
• Big Ear Nie Ting: Realizes Ye Zhen's good intentions and becomes more loyal. His innate divine ability improves after consuming the Spirit Void Fruit, hinting at a possible Primordial Human Bloodline.
• Great Shopkeeper Yan Chi: Cooperates with Ye Zhen too late, leading to his death. His soul holds valuable information but also crucial missing details.
• Ma Shen: Becomes heavily guarded, suggesting he might be aware of the situation or have important information.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and trust between master and subordinate (Ye Zhen and Big Ear).
• The value of information and secrets in business (Tongtian Trading House's commercial secrets).
• The importance of timing and opportunity (the fire at Tongtian Trading House).
• The power of bloodlines and innate abilities (Big Ear's improvement after consuming the Spirit Void Fruit).

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Big Ear Nie Ting: Their relationship deepens as Big Ear becomes more loyal to Ye Zhen, who shows concern for his well-being.
• Ye Zhen and Great Shopkeeper Yan Chi: Despite Yan Chi's cooperation, Ye Zhen does not trust him and proceeds with the soul search, leading to Yan Chi's death.
• Ma Shen and the experts: Ma Shen's heavy guarding by experts hints at a possible interaction or awareness of the situation with Ye Zhen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shopkeeper Ma Shen is secretly gathering information about Tongtian Trading House, suggesting he's involved in the recent events.
• Chaotic Void Island reopens after a day, but the investigation into the fire and Yan Chi's murder continues, causing tension on the island.
• Ye Zhen realizes that the possibility of people deducing he has a new Small World behind him is inevitable, posing a significant threat to his plans.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen becomes increasingly concerned about the potential consequences of his actions and the risks involved in his plans.
• Shopkeeper Ma Shen is revealed to have been involved in embezzling funds from Tongtian Trading House with Yan Chi.

Significant Themes

• Greed and Ambition: Ma Shen and Yan Chi's embezzlement highlights the corrupting influence of greed and ambition.
• Inevitability and Human Nature: Ye Zhen grapples with the inevitability of his situation and the potential consequences of human greed and curiosity.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and Big Ear Nie Ting: Their partnership deepens as Big Ear provides crucial information that helps Ye Zhen understand the situation and find a solution.
• Shopkeeper Ma Shen and Yan Chi: Their past actions and relationship are revealed, showing how their greed led to the current situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fleet from Huiguang Trading Ship approaches Chaotic Void Island and encounters a battle between a Soul Demon and a fleeing man.
• The fleeing man reveals that he knows a method to cultivate Crimson Yin Grass on a large scale, which was developed by the Devil Race.
• The Soul Demon kills the man and takes his Innate Soul, disappearing into the seabed.
• News of the large-scale cultivation method spreads rapidly, causing a stir in the market towns and affecting the business of Tongtian Trading House.
• Ye Zhen, who had orchestrated the event, decides to move forward with his plans to establish a golden route and build his own sales channels, starting with choosing a suitable island market town.

Character Developments

• The Soul Demon: Reveals his cunning by publicly exposing the secret to draw attention and spread the news, then disappears.
• The fleeing man: Dies after revealing the secret cultivation method, likely knowing it would lead to his death.
• Ye Zhen: Successfully spreads the rumor to shift blame onto the Devil Race, removing a potential threat and paving the way for his business plans.

Significant Themes

• Information control and manipulation: Ye Zhen uses the Soul Demon and the fleeing man to spread the news about the cultivation method, demonstrating his strategic thinking.
• Market dynamics: The revelation of the large-scale cultivation method causes a stir in the market, affecting various trading houses and their business strategies.
• Trust and suspicion: The Devil Race's involvement in the cultivation method raises doubts and suspicions, but the news spreads rapidly, overshadowing initial skepticism.

Character Interactions

• The Soul Demon and the fleeing man: Their interaction reveals the secret cultivation method and sets the stage for the news to spread.
• Ye Zhen and Big Ear Nie Ting: Ye Zhen rewards Nie Ting with a Spirit Void Fruit, demonstrating his generosity and further solidifying Nie Ting's loyalty.
• Ye Zhen and the Nine-Headed Worm: Ye Zhen gives the worm a Spirit Void Fruit, showing his casual attitude towards the precious resource and his control over his Demonic Servant.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen selects Lone Dragon Island, 600,000 miles from Manifestation Water Mansion, for his island market, considering its distance from Chaotic Void Island and its proximity to his forces.
• He plans to establish the market with the help of the Three Saints of Sky Wing Island and Instructor Liao Feibai, while keeping the relationship between the island and Manifestation Water Mansion secret.
• Ye Zhen decides to obtain ownership of Lone Dragon Island through both the original owner and the water lord, to avoid future trouble.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates strategic thinking and long-term planning in choosing the island market's location and obtaining ownership.
• The Three Saints of Sky Wing Island show loyalty and eagerness to support Ye Zhen's plans.
• Instructor Liao Feibai is revealed to have formidable combat power, despite her cultivation not being particularly high.

Significant Themes

• Strategic planning and long-term vision in business and power dynamics.
• The importance of location and proximity to one's forces in establishing a foothold.
• The need to consider both immediate and future potential issues when making decisions.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen discusses and plans with his three elder brothers (Sea Pacifier, Sea Overturner, and Sea Breaker).
• He consults with Instructor Liao Feibai and Gai Jun about the island market's establishment.
• Ye Zhen interacts with the locals on Lone Dragon Island, the Overseas Remnants, and learns about their customs and population.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen discovers Lone Dragon Island's large human population and plans to organize an army.
• Ye Zhen meets with the Grand Clan Head and elders of Lone Dragon Island's seven clans.
• Ye Zhen buys three-quarters of the island's land for ten million Mid-grade Spirit Stones and sets three conditions.
• A treaty is signed, and Ye Zhen hires five thousand laborers, mostly Dao Entry and Spirit-Connecting Realm cultivators.
• Ye Zhen leaves for Yuan Xin Water Mansion to secure official ownership of Lone Dragon Island.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his negotiation skills and strategic thinking in dealing with the island's clans.
• Grand Clan Head Chu Shengtin shows willingness to cooperate and considers the benefits for his clan.

Significant Themes

• The power of organization and cooperation in humans, contrasting with the individual strength of demons.
• The potential wealth and risks that come with establishing a market on Lone Dragon Island.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen interacts with the Grand Clan Head and elders, negotiating terms and setting conditions.
• Ye Zhen leaves Gai Jun, Instructor Liao Feibai, and the Nine-Headed Worm in charge of Lone Dragon Island's construction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Zhen arrives at Yuan Xin Water Mansion to purchase Lone Dragon Island.
• He is initially stopped and harassed by aquatic clansmen but uses his Black Dragon Pressure to subdue them.
• Ye Zhen meets Yuan Xin Water Lord Dang Xiao and discusses the purchase of Lone Dragon Island.
• Dang Xiao demands an exorbitant price and a share of the marketplace's profits, leading to a stalemate in negotiations.
• Dang Xiao threatens to make an enemy of Sky Wing Merchant House and orders his men to capture Ye Zhen.

Character Developments

• Ye Zhen demonstrates his power and authority, using his Black Dragon Pressure to intimidate the aquatic clansmen.
• Yuan Xin Water Lord Dang Xiao is revealed to be greedy and unyielding in negotiations, ultimately leading to a confrontation with Ye Zhen.

Significant Themes

• Greed and corruption among powerful figures.
• The struggle for resources and control in the North Sea.
• The determination of Sky Wing Merchant House to establish a marketplace on Lone Dragon Island.

Character Interactions

• Ye Zhen and the aquatic clansmen: Ye Zhen uses his power to subdue the clansmen and make a statement.
• Ye Zhen and Yuan Xin Water Lord Dang Xiao: The two engage in tense negotiations, leading to a breakdown in communication and a threat of violence.