Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng uses the powerful move 'Blood Hell Burning Heaven', burning a massive amount of Blood Essence, to defeat the Blood God created by Chen Changqing and Zhou Qiaonian.
• Han Zheng's group captures or executes the remaining members of the Tianluo Martial Sect and the Tianluo City Demon Extermination Division.
• They discover evidence of the Tianluo Martial Sect's collusion with the Blood Demon Sect and learn that the Tianluo Martial Sect's cultivation methods have issues.
• Han Zheng decides to raid the Tianluo Martial Sect directly and return to the Capital City.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates his immense power, solidifying his status as a formidable martial artist.
• Xiang Yuangong shows his competence in interrogations and investigations.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Blood Hell Burning Heaven move and its limitations.
• The consequences of colluding with evil forces, as seen in the Tianluo Martial Sect's decline.
• The importance of evidence and the sensitivity of implicating high-ranking officials.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Bu Tiange's interaction shows their understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses.
• Han Zheng and Xiang Yuangong's interaction demonstrates their trust and cooperation, with Xiang Yuangong providing valuable information to Han Zheng.
• The relationship between Chen Changqing and Pei Yingqiu (Prince Liang's consort) is hinted at, suggesting a potential connection between the Tianluo Martial Sect and the Capital City's influential figures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng returns to the Capital City's Demon Extermination Division headquarters with the Jing'an Guard and remnants of the Tianluo Martial Sect and Blood Demon Sect, causing a stir.
• He Tianxiong, a Commander, watches Han Zheng's return with disdain, while Li Zongyuan, the Central Commander, advises caution against provoking Han Zheng.
• Han Zheng reports his findings from Tianluo City to Grand Governor Qi Zhangwu, including the capture of Blood Demon Sect remnants and the request for Bu Tiange to become a Demon Slayer.
• Qi Zhangwu reveals his intention to inform the Emperor about Princess Consort Liang's possible connection to the Blood Demon Sect.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Gains prestige and merit, attracting attention and envy within the Demon Extermination Division.
• He Tianxiong: Struggles with his pride and resentment towards Han Zheng, who is rising faster than expected.
• Li Zongyuan: Shows wisdom and caution, advising He Tianxiong not to provoke Han Zheng.
• Qi Zhangwu: Becomes genuinely angry upon learning about the Blood Demon Sect's involvement and the betrayal of Commander Zhou Qiaonian, deciding to inform the Emperor.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and struggles within the Great Zhou's high echelons.
• The Demon Extermination Division's role in protecting the Great Zhou and eradicating demons, while trying to avoid internal power struggles.
• The consequences of colluding with the Blood Demon Sect and the potential backlash from the Demon Extermination Division.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Qi Zhangwu: Han Zheng reports his findings to Qi Zhangwu, who shows approval and support for Han Zheng's actions.
• He Tianxiong and Li Zongyuan: He Tianxiong expresses his disdain for Han Zheng, while Li Zongyuan advises caution and shows wisdom in handling the situation.
• Qi Zhangwu and Han Zheng: Qi Zhangwu reveals his intention to inform the Emperor about Princess Consort Liang, showing his anger towards those who collude with the Blood Demon Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng's second visit to the imperial palace is to meet Emperor Ji Taichang.
• Ji Taichang summons Prince Liang (Ji Yuanfang) after hearing about the Tianluo Martial Sect's annihilation.
• Ji Yuanfang is accused of having ties to the Tianluo Martial Sect through his consort, a former disciple of the sect's master.
• Ji Taichang warns Ji Yuanfang but takes no further action due to lack of evidence.
• Han Zheng is praised by Ji Taichang and promised a reward by Qi Zhangwu.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Proves himself capable and loyal, impressing both Ji Taichang and Qi Zhangwu.
• Ji Taichang: Shows wisdom and restraint in handling the delicate political situation, aware of Ji Yuanfang's influence but unable to act without evidence.
• Ji Yuanfang: Maintains a facade of innocence but is clearly displeased with the accusations, hinting at potential guilt.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The struggle for power and influence within the royal family and the government.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: The complex dynamics of loyalty and betrayal among family members and political allies.
• Evidence and Justice: The importance of evidence in maintaining justice and the consequences of acting without it.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Ji Taichang: Han Zheng impresses Ji Taichang with his efficiency and loyalty, earning the Emperor's praise and recognition.
• Ji Taichang and Ji Yuanfang: Tension and underlying conflict between the Emperor and Prince Liang, hinting at deeper issues.
• Han Zheng and Qi Zhangwu: Qi Zhangwu teases Han Zheng about his flattery skills, showing a more casual side to their relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Prince Liang (Ji Yuanfang) meets with Princess Consort Liang (Pei Yingqiu) to discuss the annihilation of the Tianluo Martial Sect and the Duke of Wei's Estate by the Demon Extermination Division.
• Ji Yuanfang vows to find an opportunity to kill Han Zheng, the new Grand Commander of the Demon Extermination Division's Jing'an Guard.
• Han Zheng returns to the Demon Extermination Division and learns from Yan Xuankong that Ji Yuanfang was the one who colluded with the Black Mountain Old Demon to gravely injure him sixty years ago.
• Han Zheng decides to go into seclusion to cultivate and exchanges for a Blood Scripture fragmented scroll, evolving it into "Blood God Transformation."

Character Developments

• Ji Yuanfang is revealed to be a cunning and calculating individual with a hidden agenda, even colluding with the Black Mountain Old Demon sixty years ago.
• Pei Yingqiu expresses her desire for revenge against those who contributed to the destruction of the Tianluo Martial Sect and the death of her master.
• Han Zheng shows no intention of provoking Ji Yuanfang but acknowledges that they will likely cross paths again.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the imperial family.
• The consequences of past actions and the desire for revenge.
• The pursuit of cultivation and self-improvement.

Character Interactions

• Ji Yuanfang and Pei Yingqiu discuss their plans for revenge against the Demon Extermination Division and Han Zheng.
• Han Zheng and Yan Xuankong discuss Ji Yuanfang's past actions and the potential danger he poses.
• Han Zheng decides to cultivate in seclusion, showing his dedication to improving his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng learns that the Blood God Transformation is inferior to Blood Hell Burning Heaven in ultimate burst power but superior in power variations and is less extreme.
• Han Zheng plans to break through all his Dan Hai Realm Cultivation Methods to the True Core Realm using the Gluttonous Crucible.
• He discovers that refining the Blood God Seed, formed from a drop of essence blood from the Netherworld Blood God, is impossible with his current knowledge.
• Han Zheng visits Wen Tingyun at the God Seeking Guard to seek help in refining the Blood God Seed.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng shows determination in advancing his cultivation and seeking new knowledge.
• Wen Tingyun demonstrates her expertise in ancient texts and secret arts, revealing her frustration with the elusive secret of becoming a God.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and knowledge, with Han Zheng seeking to advance his cultivation and refine the Blood God Seed.
• The futility of attempting to become a God, as discussed by Wen Tingyun, highlighting the unattainable nature of certain goals.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Wen Tingyun meet to discuss the Blood God Seed, with Wen Tingyun sharing her knowledge and frustration about the quest for godhood.
• Han Zheng interacts with an elderly Demon Extermination Captain at the God Seeking Guard, who guards the entrance and reports Han Zheng's arrival to Wen Tingyun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Tingyun reveals that the Blood God Seed is useless to the God Seeking Guard but can be refined by the Heavenly Supervision Division.
• Han Zheng and Wen Tingyun visit the Heavenly Supervision Division to seek help in refining the Blood God Seed.
• The Heavenly Supervision Division is revealed to monitor celestial phenomena for signs of the Great Tribulation of the End of Dharma.

Character Developments

• Wen Tingyun: Shows her knowledge and connections within the Heavenly Supervision Division, demonstrating her resourcefulness and strategic thinking.
• Han Zheng: Exhibits curiosity and understanding towards the Heavenly Supervision Division's role and history.

Significant Themes

• The interconnectedness and interdependence of the Three Divisions of the Great Zhou.
• The tension between the practical and the esoteric, represented by the Demon Extermination Division and the Heavenly Supervision Division, respectively.

Character Interactions

• Wen Tingyun and Han Zheng: They work together to seek help from the Heavenly Supervision Division, showcasing their partnership and mutual respect.
• Wen Tingyun and Wei Tianqi (Elder of the Heavenly Supervision Division): They have a friendly, almost familial relationship, with Wei Tianqi trying to recruit Wen Tingyun to the Heavenly Supervision Division.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng seeks Wei Tianqi's help to refine the Blood God Seed.
• Wei Tianqi reveals that the divine blood must be reduced in power for Han Zheng to refine it safely.
• Wei Tianqi requires the Mysterious Yin Pearl for the refinement process.
• Han Zheng agrees to Wei Tianqi's terms.

Character Developments

• Wei Tianqi demonstrates his expertise in researching secret arts and destiny.
• Han Zheng shows decisiveness and trust in Wen Tingyun.

Significant Themes

• The immense power gap between humans and gods or demons.
• The importance of trust in relationships.
• The value of rare treasures and resources in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Wen Tingyun acts as a mediator and introducer between Han Zheng and Wei Tianqi.
• Han Zheng expresses his trust in Wen Tingyun, strengthening their bond.
• Wei Tianqi and Han Zheng engage in a professional and business-like exchange.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng has one month to find the Mysterious Maiden Pearl but finds it's not available at the Demon Extermination Division's Treasury.
• He learns it was exchanged for by an official from Demon Suppressing Pass and is now part of their great formation, making it unretrievable.
• Han Zheng seeks Liu Yuan's help to find the pearl in underground auction houses in the Capital City.
• They visit the Crystal Palace, the largest underground auction house, where Han Zheng finds the Mysterious Maiden Pearl listed for the next auction.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng shows determination in finding the Mysterious Maiden Pearl despite obstacles.
• Liu Yuan demonstrates knowledge of the Capital City's underworld and willingness to help Han Zheng.

Significant Themes

• The scarcity and high demand for rare treasures like the Mysterious Maiden Pearl.
• The Capital City as a hub for trading valuable and secretive items.
• The ruthless and greedy nature of underground auction houses, taking a 20% commission from both buyers and sellers.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng interacts with the Black Armored Guard at the Treasury, learning about the pearl's exchange.
• Han Zheng seeks Liu Yuan's help, showing trust in his knowledge of the Capital City's underworld.
• Han Zheng and Liu Yuan visit the Crystal Palace, where they learn about the upcoming auction and its rules.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng attends an underground auction at the Crystal Palace.
• The auction features various high-value items, including a young lady from a noble family being sold.
• The Mysterious Yin Pearl, a valuable treasure, is the last item up for auction, with a starting bid of 100,000 Origin Crystals.
• Han Zheng engages in a bidding war with another party, ultimately winning the Mysterious Yin Pearl for 500,000 Origin Crystals.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates his determination and wealth by outbidding others for the Mysterious Yin Pearl.
• Qian Duoduo, the auctioneer, shows his cunning and satisfaction with the high commission earned from Han Zheng's purchase.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and power dynamics in the cultivation world.
• The commodification of individuals, as seen in the auction of the young lady.
• The allure and value of rare treasures like the Mysterious Yin Pearl.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Liu Yuan discuss the bidding process and the potential danger of being robbed after the auction.
• Han Zheng and the unknown bidder engage in a silent bidding war, with the unknown bidder showing displeasure at Han Zheng's determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng wins the bid for the Mysterious Maiden Pearl at an auction.
• The auction house representative, Qian Duoduo, offers to exchange the pearl for cultivation methods, valuing them at six hundred and ten thousand Origin Crystals.
• The Mysterious Maiden Pearl is stolen by an unknown bidder who resorted to violence within the auction house.
• Han Zheng demands the identity of the thief, but Qian Duoduo refuses, citing the auction house's rules.
• Han Zheng assaults Qian Duoduo and three True Core Realm Martial Artists who attempt to subdue him.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates immense strength and combat prowess, easily defeating True Core Realm Martial Artists.
• Qian Duoduo is revealed to be a True Core Realm Martial Artist but is no match for Han Zheng.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of defying them (Han Zheng's actions against the auction house and its representatives).
• The value of items and the lengths people will go to obtain them (the Mysterious Maiden Pearl's allure and the thief's actions).

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Qian Duoduo: A tense standoff turns into a physical altercation when Han Zheng demands information and Qian Duoduo refuses.
• Han Zheng and the True Core Realm Martial Artists: Han Zheng effortlessly defeats them, showcasing his superior strength.
• Liu Yuan and Han Zheng: Liu Yuan remains passive, allowing Han Zheng to handle the situation alone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng, after obtaining cultivation methods from the Crystal Palace, discovers his Mysterious Pearl was stolen by the Black Feather Tower.
• Qian Duoduo, the Crystal Palace's True Core Realm Martial Artist, reveals the Black Feather Tower's involvement and warns about their power.
• Han Zheng decides to confront the Black Feather Tower, suspecting they harbor remnants of the Blood Demon Sect.
• He mobilizes the Jing'an Guard and seeks Bu Tiange's assistance, planning to attack the Black Feather Tower.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Demonstrates extraordinary strength and confidence, deciding to confront the powerful and mysterious Black Feather Tower.
• Qian Duoduo: Reveals the Black Feather Tower's involvement and expresses fear of both Han Zheng and the Black Feather Tower.
• Liu Yuan: Warns Han Zheng about the Black Feather Tower's power and influence, but ultimately follows Han Zheng's orders.
• Bu Tiange: Shows interest in the Capital City's underground forces and agrees to help Han Zheng, displaying a casual and laid-back attitude.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The Black Feather Tower's power and influence are emphasized, contrasting with Han Zheng's determination to confront them.
• Underground vs. Official: The Demon Extermination Division, representing official power, is pitted against the Black Feather Tower, an underground force.
• Confidence vs. Caution: Han Zheng's confidence in his abilities is juxtaposed with Liu Yuan's caution and concern about the Black Feather Tower.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Qian Duoduo: Qian Duoduo reveals the Black Feather Tower's involvement and is beaten by Han Zheng.
• Han Zheng and Liu Yuan: Liu Yuan warns Han Zheng about the Black Feather Tower and mobilizes the Jing'an Guard upon Han Zheng's orders.
• Han Zheng and Bu Tiange: Han Zheng seeks Bu Tiange's assistance, and Bu Tiange agrees, showing interest in the Capital City's underground forces.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng and his team arrive at the Black Feather Ninth Tower, suspecting it of harboring remnants of the Blood Demon Sect.
• Helian Yuanwu, the tower's master, denies involvement but is attacked by Han Zheng.
• A fierce battle ensues; Helian Yuanwu uses his ultimate technique, the 'Golden Peng,' but Han Zheng counters with his Bloodline Power and Dragon Tiger Profound Qi, defeating Helian Yuanwu.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Demonstrates his aggressive nature and immense power, surpassing the True Core Realm. He's determined to eliminate any threat to the Imperial Court.
• Helian Yuanwu: Initially confident and defiant, he becomes desperate and uses his ultimate technique when faced with defeat. His loyalty to his subordinates is shown when he's willing to take the blame for the tower's actions.

Significant Themes

• Power and Corruption: The Black Feather Tower's open operation in the heart of the city highlights the corruption and power dynamics within the Capital City.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Helian Yuanwu's loyalty to his subordinates contrasts with the Black Feather Tower's pragmatic approach to business and promotion.
• Good vs. Evil: Han Zheng represents the Imperial Court's righteousness, while Helian Yuanwu, despite his Buddhist cultivation method, is portrayed as an evil force due to his past as a notorious bandit.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Helian Yuanwu: Their battle represents a clash of ideologies and power. Han Zheng's aggressive pursuit of justice contrasts with Helian Yuanwu's pragmatic survival instincts.
• Helian Yuanwu and his subordinates: Their relationship shows loyalty and mutual respect, with Helian Yuanwu willing to take the blame to protect them. However, the Black Feather Tower's pragmatic nature suggests this loyalty might not be reciprocated.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng, seeking the thief of his Mysterious Pearl, confronts Helian Yuanwu, the Ninth Black Feather Tower's lord.
• Han Zheng severely injures Helian Yuanwu but spares him to notify others and force out the thief.
• Han Zheng and his men proceed to the Fifth Black Feather Tower, led by Minghui, a former Vajra Prajna Temple disciple.
• Minghui, despite his strength (Half-step Yang God Realm), struggles against Han Zheng's power.
• Bu Tiange, initially disinterested, intervenes when a mysterious youth and an old man arrive to aid Minghui.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Demonstrates immense strength, calm demeanor, and strategic thinking in dealing with the Black Feather Towers.
• Helian Yuanwu: Beaten and humiliated, he's left to notify others, showing resilience and hatred towards the real culprit.
• Minghui: Despite his violent nature, he initially tries diplomacy but ultimately fights Han Zheng, revealing his strength and past.
• Bu Tiange: Initially disinterested in the fight, he intervenes when a powerful opponent arrives, showing his value as an ally.

Significant Themes

• Power and Strength: The chapter emphasizes the characters' power levels and their importance in the conflict.
• Strategy and Cunning: Han Zheng's approach to dealing with the Black Feather Towers showcases his strategic thinking.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: The actions of Minghui and Bu Tiange highlight themes of loyalty (to their respective towers) and past betrayals.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Helian Yuanwu: Han Zheng's overwhelming power and Helian Yuanwu's humiliation set the stage for the following events.
• Han Zheng vs. Minghui: Their battle showcases both characters' strengths and reveals Minghui's past.
• Bu Tiange's intervention: Bu Tiange's involvement highlights his power and his loyalty to Han Zheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Feather Tower sends reinforcements, including the notorious 'Thousand-Faced Ghost King' Sikong Ming and 'Heavenly Evil Sword Demon' Dugu Sheng.
• Han Zheng remains unfazed and decides to take what he wants by force.
• Sikong Ming reveals his potent and insidious Sky-Sealing Yin Corpse Poison, aiming to kill Han Zheng.
• Minghui burns his Blood Essence and withstands Han Zheng's attacks to bring Sikong Ming close enough to use his poison.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates his formidable strength and calm demeanor under pressure.
• Sikong Ming shows his cunning and ruthless nature, using underhanded methods to gain an advantage.
• Minghui reveals his desperation and determination to protect Black Feather Tower, pushing himself to his limits.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for influence in the Jianghu.
• The use of underhanded methods and their consequences.
• The importance of one's own path and principles in cultivation (as shown in Bu Tiange's and Dugu Sheng's sword dao).

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Sikong Ming: Sikong Ming attempts to use his poison to kill Han Zheng, but Han Zheng's resilience surprises him.
• Minghui and Han Zheng: Minghui struggles against Han Zheng's immense pressure, ultimately bringing Sikong Ming close enough to use his poison.
• Bu Tiange and Dugu Sheng: Bu Tiange challenges Dugu Sheng to a duel, criticizing Dugu Sheng's focus on collecting sword manuals rather than cultivating his own sword dao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng's immunity to the Sky-Severing Yin Corpse Poison surprises Sikong Ming and Minghui.
• Han Zheng manifests the Dragon Tiger Profound True Dao Body, representing Yin and Yang, and invulnerability to evil and poisons.
• Han Zheng incapacitates Minghui and kills Sikong Ming, absorbing his Vitality Essence.
• Bu Tiange defeats Dugu Sheng, shattering his sword dao.
• Han Zheng decides to observe the Black Feather Tower's reaction before continuing his actions.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Demonstrates his immunity to poisons and the power of his Dragon Tiger Profound True Dao Body. He shows mercy to Dugu Sheng but not to Sikong Ming, displaying a mix of ruthlessness and leniency.
• Sikong Ming: Realizes the futility of his Sky-Severing Yin Corpse Poison against Han Zheng and is eventually killed.
• Bu Tiange: Defeats Dugu Sheng, shattering his sword dao and causing him to leave in disarray.
• Dugu Sheng: Loses his confidence in his sword dao after being defeated by Bu Tiange.

Significant Themes

• Power and Immunity: Han Zheng's Dragon Tiger Profound True Dao Body grants him immunity to poisons and evil, emphasizing the power of his cultivation method.
• Futility of Boasting: Sikong Ming's overconfidence in his Sky-Severing Yin Corpse Poison leads to his downfall.
• Mercy and Ruthlessness: Han Zheng shows mercy to Dugu Sheng but kills Sikong Ming, illustrating the duality of his character.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Sikong Ming & Minghui: Han Zheng's power and immunity to poisons lead to his victory, while Sikong Ming's overconfidence contributes to his defeat.
• Bu Tiange vs. Dugu Sheng: Bu Tiange's sword dao defeats Dugu Sheng, shattering his confidence in his own sword dao.
• Han Zheng and Bu Tiange: They work together against the Black Feather Tower, with Han Zheng deciding their next course of action.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Feather Tower, once a small temple, rose to prominence after its abbot, Huai Rang, pledged allegiance to the tower's mysterious leader.
• The tower suffers a significant loss with the destruction of two branch towers and the death of a tower lord, Sikong Ming, in a single day.
• The tower's leader learns that Huai Rang stole the Mysterious Female Pearl from the Crystal Palace auction, provoking the Demon Extermination Division.
• The tower's leader decides not to return the pearl, fearing repercussions from the intended recipient and the potential destruction from a conflict with the Demon Extermination Division.
• The tower's leader plans to invite the Second Prince, Ji Xuanjing, to mediate the situation with Han Zheng of the Demon Extermination Division.

Character Developments

• Huai Rang: The abbot of White Horse Futu Temple and the Grandmaster of the First Black Feather Tower. His carelessness in stealing the Mysterious Female Pearl leads to significant consequences, causing the tower's leader to lose trust in him.
• Han Zheng: A Grand Supervisor of the Demon Extermination Division, known for his fierce actions and strength. He is determined to retrieve the stolen Mysterious Female Pearl.
• The Lord of Black Feather Tower: The mysterious leader of Black Feather Tower. He is powerful, ruthless, and values his relationships and promises. He is willing to invite the Second Prince to mediate the situation but is reluctant to pay a high price.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: The tower's leader wields significant power and influence, able to command respect and fear from his subordinates and consider inviting a prince to mediate a dispute.
• Consequences of Carelessness: Huai Rang's carelessness in stealing the pearl leads to severe consequences, including the destruction of two branch towers and the death of a tower lord.
• Loyalty and Trust: The tower's leader values loyalty and trust, and Huai Rang's actions have shaken this, leading to a loss of confidence in him.

Character Interactions

• Helian Yuanwu, Minghui, and Dugu Sheng kneel before the tower's leader, expressing their concerns and resentment towards Huai Rang.
• The tower's leader interacts with Huai Rang, expressing his disappointment and reprimanding him for his carelessness.
• Han Zheng and the Demon Extermination Division interact with the Black Feather Tower, leading to a mediation attempt involving the Second Prince, Ji Xuanjing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Second Prince, Ji Xuanjing, is revealed to be the one summoned by Black Feather Tower.
• Han Zheng and his companions meet Ji Xuanjing and the Black Feather Tower Master, Sheng Tian'an, at Heavenly Star Tower.
• Han Zheng learns that Sheng Tian'an is the son of a disgraced noble family and has a personal history with Ji Xuanjing.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows confidence and calm in the face of the Second Prince, indicating his lack of fear for the royal family's power dynamics.
• Ji Xuanjing: Demonstrates a kind and sincere demeanor, trying to mediate the situation between Han Zheng and Black Feather Tower.
• Sheng Tian'an: Reveals his true identity as the son of a disgraced noble family, harboring resentment towards Han Zheng for bringing up his past.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and politics within the royal family.
• The consequences of backing the wrong side during a succession struggle.
• The tension between underground organizations and the official court.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Ji Xuanjing: Han Zheng shows respect but not fear towards Ji Xuanjing, while Ji Xuanjing tries to maintain a friendly demeanor.
• Han Zheng vs. Sheng Tian'an: Tension arises between Han Zheng and Sheng Tian'an due to their personal histories and differing positions in the capital's power dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sheng Tian'an, leader of Black Feather Tower, agrees to apologize to Han Zheng for stealing his Mysterious Pearl, but Han Zheng insists on getting the pearl back.
• Sheng Tian'an's subordinate, Huai Rang, cuts off his own hand as an apology, but Han Zheng still demands the pearl.
• Sheng Tian'an loses his temper, and Han Zheng threatens to fight him, leading Sheng Tian'an to warn Han Zheng about the deep connections he has in the Capital City.
• Han Zheng reveals that Black Feather Tower harbors criminals and announces his intention to kill Sheng Tian'an.

Character Developments

• Sheng Tian'an: Initially willing to compromise, he becomes angry and threatening when Han Zheng refuses to back down.
• Han Zheng: Shows unyielding determination to retrieve the Mysterious Pearl, even when faced with Sheng Tian'an's threats and Ji Xuanjing's mediation.
• Ji Xuanjing: Attempts to mediate the conflict but becomes displeased with Han Zheng's ingratitude and unyielding stance.

Significant Themes

• Ingratitude vs. Gratitude: Han Zheng's refusal to accept Sheng Tian'an's apology and Ji Xuanjing's offer of compensation highlights the theme of ingratitude, while Sheng Tian'an's initial willingness to compromise and Ji Xuanjing's mediation emphasize the importance of gratitude.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between Han Zheng, Sheng Tian'an, and Ji Xuanjing showcases the complex power dynamics within the Capital City, with each character leveraging their influence and connections.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Sheng Tian'an: The tense standoff between Han Zheng and Sheng Tian'an escalates, with Han Zheng's unyielding stance pushing Sheng Tian'an to threaten him.
• Ji Xuanjing vs. Han Zheng: Ji Xuanjing's attempts to mediate the conflict are met with Han Zheng's unyielding determination, leading Ji Xuanjing to become displeased with Han Zheng's behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng publicly attacks Sheng Tian'an in front of Ji Xuanjing, offending the Second Prince.
• Sheng Tian'an reveals his Black Feather Wild Goose Feather Saber and creates an area of extreme darkness.
• Han Zheng and Bu Tiange attack together, but their powers are absorbed by Sheng Tian'an's saber.
• Yan Xuankong explains that Sheng Tian'an's Devouring Yuan Absolute Saber can absorb and use power up to the user's realm, with excess power causing backlash.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng becomes more confident in his abilities and understanding of the Martial Path.
• Sheng Tian'an demonstrates his formidable strength and the unique abilities of his Devouring Yuan Absolute Saber.
• Bu Tiange shows his prowess but retreats when faced with Sheng Tian'an's powerful attack.

Significant Themes

• The dangers of overconfidence and underestimating opponents.
• The importance of understanding one's own limits and the rules of the Martial Path.
• The consequences of disregarding the bigger picture and causing trouble in public.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Bu Tiange work together to attack Sheng Tian'an but struggle against his unique saber technique.
• Ji Xuanjing is disrespected by both Han Zheng and Sheng Tian'an, leading to his displeasure.
• Yan Xuankong provides insight into the Devouring Yuan Absolute Saber's abilities and limitations, showing his knowledge and experience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sheng Tian'an, a Yang God Realm Grandmaster, attacks Han Zheng and Bu Tiange, who are at the True Core Realm.
• Han Zheng and Bu Tiange defend against Sheng Tian'an's Devouring Yuan Absolute Saber using the Blood God Transformation and the Origin of Sword Dao.
• Sheng Tian'an's saber backfires due to the power of Divinity in the Blood God Transformation, which he can't control.

Character Developments

• Sheng Tian'an shows his true strength and ambition, aiming to announce his return to the Capital City.
• Han Zheng demonstrates his evolution of the Blood Scripture, transforming into a Blood God phantom.
• Bu Tiange reveals his condensed Origin of Sword Dao, showcasing his unique power.

Significant Themes

• The power of Divinity, which transcends individual strength and cannot be controlled by those who don't comprehend it.
• The struggle between ambition and restraint, as seen in Sheng Tian'an's desire to assert his power despite his sensitive position.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Bu Tiange work together to defend against Sheng Tian'an's attack, showcasing their trust and understanding of each other's abilities.
• Ji Xuanjing observes the battle, hoping for Sheng Tian'an's victory due to Han Zheng's unruliness.
• Sheng Tian'an and Ji Xuanjing have a distant cousin relationship, with Sheng Tian'an's personality changing significantly after the Duke An's Estate suffered a great calamity.