Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng successfully breaks through to the late Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm, mastering several powerful techniques, but his satiety points are depleted.
• Han Zheng searches the Treasury's records for any demons related to pain sensation but finds no significant leads.
• Han Zheng shares a meal with Su Wuming, a fellow Black Armored Guard known for his extraordinary bad luck.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: He is satisfied with his recent breakthroughs but is still unable to break through the pain sensation barrier. He shows curiosity and understanding towards Su Wuming's situation.
• Su Wuming: Despite his bad luck, Su Wuming has cultivated to the peak of the Late Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm and is one of the four strongest young cultivators in their division. He is also known for being a good person.

Significant Themes

• Bad Luck: The theme of bad luck is prominent in this chapter, with Su Wuming's misfortunes serving as a stark contrast to Han Zheng's recent successes.
• Perseverance: Despite his constant setbacks, Su Wuming continues to cultivate and face his challenges head-on, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Su Wuming: Although they share a meal, there's no direct interaction between them. However, Han Zheng learns about Su Wuming's background and misfortunes from Yang Tianqi.
• Han Zheng and Yang Tianqi: Yang Tianqi shares information about Su Wuming with Han Zheng, revealing the latter's history and the division's perception of him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng is tasked with an annihilation mission by Wen Tingyun, targeting the Feng Family in Xilin County.
• Su Wuming is also assigned a similar mission, but he keeps his distance from Han Zheng due to his belief in his bad luck.
• Han Zheng infiltrates the Yichun Courtesan House to find Feng Jinglin, the fourth son of the Feng family, and kills him with a single saber strike.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates his strategic thinking and patience in planning his mission, understanding the importance of completing it thoroughly.
• Su Wuming shows his concern for others' well-being by keeping his distance from Han Zheng to avoid bringing him bad luck.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Misfortune: Su Wuming's belief in his bad luck and its potential impact on others is a recurring theme.
• Power and Dominance: The Feng family's rapid increase in strength and their subsequent dominance over Xilin County highlight the influence of power dynamics.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Su Wuming interact briefly before their respective missions, with Su Wuming keeping his distance due to his belief in his bad luck.
• Han Zheng encounters Feng Jinglin at the Yichun Courtesan House, leading to a confrontation and Feng Jinglin's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng kills Feng Jinglin, a peak Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm martial artist, using his Terrifying Purgatory Ghost King Aspect, gaining 400 Vitality Essence.
• Han Zheng leaves Feng Jinglin's head at the city gate and scares Yueqin, a courtesan, by releasing her from acupoint seals.
• News of Feng Jinglin's death spreads, causing celebration among other powers in Xilin County.
• The Feng family investigates Feng Jinglin's death, finding no clear leads, and decides to investigate further.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows his powerful Terrifying Purgatory Ghost King Aspect, which exploits an opponent's deepest fears. He understands the power of the unknown in instilling fear.
• Feng Jingyuan: Shows strong grief and anger over his brother's death, prioritizing family and willing to take action against those responsible.
• Feng Jingqi: Shows a lack of grief for his brother's death, indicating a strained relationship with Feng Jinglin.
• Feng Jingyi and Feng Jingqiao: Have differing opinions on the cause of Feng Jinglin's death, leading to a heated argument.

Significant Themes

• Fear: Han Zheng uses fear as a weapon, and the unknown is shown to be the most profound source of fear.
• Family: The Feng family's bond is emphasized, with Feng Jingyuan valuing his brothers above all else.
• Power and Revenge: The Feng family's rise in power has led to resentment from other powers in Xilin County, setting the stage for potential revenge.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Yueqin: Han Zheng shows a moment of kindness to Yueqin, releasing her from acupoint seals but also leaving her terrified.
• Feng Jingyuan, Feng Jingqi, Feng Jingyi, and Feng Jingqiao: The brothers argue over the cause of Feng Jinglin's death, highlighting their differing perspectives and priorities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Feng family, a clan of less than ten direct descendants and several dozen collateral disciples, mobilizes to find Feng Jinglin's killer.
• Feng Jingqiao, the third son, leads a search party but is ultimately killed by Han Zheng, along with his retainers.
• The Feng family receives the news and decides to stay together and seek help rather than flee.

Character Developments

• Feng Jingyuan, the eldest, becomes more determined to protect the family's foundation and status, even in the face of danger.
• Feng Jingyi, the second son, shows fear and suggests fleeing but is overruled by Feng Jingyuan.
• Feng Jingqiao, the third son, is cautious and wise but ultimately falls to Han Zheng's strength.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of colluding with demons for power.
• The struggle between maintaining a family's status and ensuring its survival.
• The gambler's mindset of Feng Jingyuan, who refuses to admit defeat until the end.

Character Interactions

• Feng Jingyuan and Feng Jingyi have a tense exchange about whether to flee or stay and fight.
• Feng Jingqiao's interaction with Han Zheng results in his death, highlighting Han Zheng's formidable strength.
• The Feng family's retainers are killed without much resistance, showing their lack of power compared to the main family members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Feng family is targeted by an unknown assailant, causing fear and uncertainty.
• Feng Jingyuan decides to seek help from demons, despite Feng Jingqi's warnings about the risks.
• Feng Jingyuan sends twelve disciples to deliver messages to the demons, but they are all killed by Han Zheng.
• Feng Jingyuan considers escaping but is unsure of where to go or what to take.

Character Developments

• Feng Jingqi: Showcases his level-headedness and wisdom, contrasting with his younger appearance and the impulsiveness of his brothers.
• Feng Jingyuan: Struggles with the decision to seek help from demons, showing a degree of cleverness but also indecision and fear.
• Feng Jingyi: Demonstrates cowardice and lack of backbone, prioritizing his own safety over the family's well-being.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the unknown: The Feng family's fear stems from their lack of knowledge about their enemy.
• Desperation: The Feng family's situation has become so dire that they consider seeking help from demons.
• Indecision: Feng Jingyuan's struggle to make a decision highlights the complexity of their situation.

Character Interactions

• Feng Jingqi vs Feng Jingyuan: Feng Jingqi tries to dissuade Feng Jingyuan from seeking help from demons, but Feng Jingyuan overrules him.
• Feng Jingyuan vs Feng Jingyi: Feng Jingyuan and Feng Jingyi agree on seeking help from demons but have different priorities—Feng Jingyuan thinks about the family's future, while Feng Jingyi only considers his own safety.
• Han Zheng vs Feng Family: Han Zheng's relentless pursuit and killing of Feng Family disciples create a sense of impending doom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng, a member of the Demon Extermination Division, infiltrates the Feng Family, who have colluded with demons.
• He confronts Feng Jingqi, the fourth brother, who reveals that the Feng Family obtained elixirs from a demon to boost their strength.
• Han Zheng offers Feng Jingqi a way out: help destroy his family and repent to live, or refuse and die with them.
• Feng Jingqi reveals that the demon they collaborated with is the Scorpion Charm Lady, a great demon of the Profound Gang Realm with a poisonous scorpion tail.
• Han Zheng decides to eliminate the Scorpion Charm Lady due to its ability related to pain sensation.
• Feng Jingyuan, the eldest brother, decides to flee with the Feng Family disciples, but Han Zheng intercepts them, announcing the Feng Family's annihilation.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows calm and calculated demeanor, using psychological manipulation to offer Feng Jingqi a way out. He demonstrates his power and determination to carry out the mission.
• Feng Jingqi: Initially terrified, he struggles with his loyalty to his family and his desire to survive. Ultimately, he chooses to survive, revealing crucial information about the demon.
• Feng Jingyuan: Realizes the severity of the situation and decides to flee with the Feng Family disciples, but his attempt to escape is thwarted by Han Zheng.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Self-Preservation: Feng Jingqi's struggle between his loyalty to his family and his desire to survive.
• Consequences of Actions: The Feng Family's collusion with demons leads to their imminent destruction.
• Power and Manipulation: Han Zheng's use of power and psychological manipulation to achieve his goals.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Feng Jingqi: Han Zheng manipulates Feng Jingqi into revealing information about the demon and offering him a way out, demonstrating his calm and calculating nature.
• Feng Jingyuan and Feng Family Disciples: Feng Jingyuan decides to flee with the Feng Family disciples, showing his desperation to save his family, but their attempt to escape is thwarted by Han Zheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng, from the Demon Extermination Division, confronts Feng Jingyuan, patriarch of the Feng family, who is accused of colluding with demons.
• Han Zheng offers the Feng family a chance to surrender peacefully, but they refuse, leading to a battle.
• Feng Jingyuan, despite his strength, is no match for Han Zheng's power and is eventually killed.
• Han Zheng kills all other Feng family members, leaving Feng Jingqi, a collateral branch, alive to announce the family's crimes publicly.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Demonstrates his immense power, deep foundation, and ruthless efficiency in annihilating the Feng family. He shows mercy to Feng Jingqi, indicating a level of strategic thinking and understanding of human nature.
• Feng Jingyuan: Initially defiant, he eventually shows fear and desperation as he realizes the extent of Han Zheng's power. His death marks the end of the Feng family's dominance in Xilin County.
• Feng Jingqi: Initially timid and cowardly, he shows ruthlessness in killing his own brother, Feng Jingyuan. After the annihilation, he publicly denounces the Feng family's crimes, marking a turning point in his character.

Significant Themes

• Ruthlessness and Mercy: Han Zheng's actions embody these contrasting themes. He is ruthless in his annihilation of the Feng family but shows mercy to Feng Jingqi, highlighting the complex nature of his character.
• Consequences of Actions: The Feng family's decision to collude with demons leads to their complete annihilation, serving as a stark reminder of the consequences of one's actions.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Feng Jingyuan: Their battle highlights the power disparity between them, with Han Zheng's strength far surpassing Feng Jingyuan's, despite the latter's Half-step Profound Gang Realm cultivation.
• Feng Jingqi vs. Feng Jingyuan: Feng Jingqi's betrayal and killing of his brother, Feng Jingyuan, showcases the level of desperation and ruthlessness he is willing to stoop to in order to survive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Feng Family's downfall serves as a warning to other powers in the county, demonstrating the Demon Extermination Division's resolve against demon collusion.
• Han Zheng and Su Wuming independently investigate a demon in the ruins of Desolate City, both sensing the other's presence upon arrival.
• They decide to team up, sharing their findings about the demon and its plan to manipulate minor aristocratic families.
• They enter Desolate City, facing a swarm of scorpions and encountering the demon, a Great Demon in its prime Profound Gang Realm.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows confidence in his abilities and disbelief in fate, offering to team up with Su Wuming despite his reputation for bad luck. He underestimates Su Wuming's ferocity in action.
• Su Wuming: Reveals his fierce and direct approach to missions, charging into the enemy's territory alone. He expresses his refusal to accept his fate of bad luck and continues to cultivate and eliminate demons.

Significant Themes

• Defiance against fate: Both Han Zheng and Su Wuming refuse to accept fate as predetermined, choosing to cultivate and defy the heavens.
• Teamwork and trust: Han Zheng's willingness to team up with Su Wuming, despite his reputation, highlights the importance of trust and mutual respect among martial artists.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Su Wuming meet at Desolate City, deciding to team up due to their shared goal of investigating and defeating the demon.
• They exchange information about the demon and its plan, showing mutual respect and trust in each other's abilities.
• Their interaction reveals their shared disdain for fate and commitment to their mission, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng and Su Wuming encounter Scorpion Charm Lady, who tries to recruit them to join her instead of fighting.
• Scorpion Charm Lady reveals that the Black Mountain Demon King is about to emerge, implying heavy casualties for the Demon Extermination Division.
• Han Zheng and Su Wuming refuse to join her, leading to a fierce battle.
• Han Zheng uses his Mountain Moving skill to strip Scorpion Charm Lady's Blood Essence, followed by Su Wuming piercing her scorpion pincer.
• Scorpion Charm Lady counterattacks with her scorpion stinger, poisoning Han Zheng.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows his strategic thinking by using Mountain Moving to strip Scorpion Charm Lady's Blood Essence, weakening her. He also demonstrates his loyalty and concern for Su Wuming by taking the hit meant for him.
• Su Wuming: Reveals his fierce and desperate fighting style, burning his Blood Essence to its limit for a powerful attack. He also shows concern for Han Zheng's safety.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Brotherhood: Han Zheng and Su Wuming fight together, with Han Zheng taking a hit meant for Su Wuming, showing their bond and concern for each other.
• Power and Weakness: Scorpion Charm Lady, despite her ferocious appearance, is weakened by Han Zheng's Mountain Moving skill, highlighting the importance of strategy and adaptability.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Su Wuming: They fight as a team, with Su Wuming providing cover for Han Zheng to use his Mountain Moving skill, and Han Zheng later taking a hit meant for Su Wuming.
• Han Zheng and Scorpion Charm Lady: They clash directly, with Han Zheng using his skills to weaken Scorpion Charm Lady, while she tries to recruit him and later poisons him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng encounters Scorpion Charm Lady, a great demon of the early-stage Profound Gang Realm.
• Han Zheng resists Scorpion Charm Lady's potent scorpion venom using his immense Bloodline Power and Dragon Elephant Prison Suppression Power.
• Han Zheng uses Abhidharma Asura Slash to defeat Scorpion Charm Lady, obtaining 1,500 Demonic Essence.
• Han Zheng finds the Poison Stake that Fells Horses, a special item that can restore his pain sensation.
• Han Zheng and Su Wuming return to the Demon Extermination Division, where they receive 600 Merit Points each for their mission.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng demonstrates his powerful Bloodline Power and Dragon Elephant Prison Suppression Power, further showcasing his strength.
• Su Wuming expresses gratitude to Han Zheng for saving his life and offers his assistance in the future.
• Wen Tingyun acknowledges Han Zheng's exceptional performance and his rapid promotion within the Demon Extermination Division.

Significant Themes

• The theme of facing and overcoming adversity is evident in Han Zheng's and Su Wuming's determination to fight against demons despite the risks.
• The theme of friendship and loyalty is seen in Su Wuming's offer to help Han Zheng after he saved his life.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Su Wuming form a bond after Han Zheng saves Su Wuming from Scorpion Charm Lady's attack.
• Han Zheng and Su Wuming work together to defeat Scorpion Charm Lady, showcasing their teamwork and trust in each other.
• Han Zheng and Wen Tingyun have a professional interaction, with Wen Tingyun acknowledging Han Zheng's achievements and awarding him Merit Points.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng reaches the late Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm but hasn't broken through to the Water-Fire Immortal Robe realm.
• He uses the Gluttonous Crucible to fuse the Source of Pain Sensation and the Poison Stake that Fells Horses, obtaining the secret technique "God-Piercing Thorn."
• Han Zheng finally enters the Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm Perfected and forges the Water-Fire Immortal Robe.
• He plans to break through to the Profound Gang Realm and seeks experience notes from Sister Taozi.
• Han Zheng is promoted to Squad Leader and receives the Golden Patterned Profound Armor.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng's cultivation progresses, and he gains a new secret technique, God-Piercing Thorn.
• Han Zheng understands the true nature of the Gluttonous Crucible, realizing that it's not just a tool for sacrifice but a loan shark that requires repayment.
• Han Zheng's reputation grows within the Demon Extermination Division, earning him the nickname "Demon Extermination Division's Twin Fiend" alongside Su Wuming.

Significant Themes

• The struggle and progress in cultivation, with each stage presenting new challenges and insights.
• The consequences of one's actions, as seen in the Gluttonous Crucible's true nature and the impact of Han Zheng's past sacrifices.
• The importance of reputation and recognition within the Demon Extermination Division, as demonstrated by Han Zheng's new nickname.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng interacts with Sister Taozi, exchanging merit points for experience notes and new clothes.
• Han Zheng meets Yang Tianqi and the Ye Liuyun siblings, who congratulate him on his promotion and invite him to dinner to celebrate.
• The Ye Liuyun siblings express their gratitude to Han Zheng for their survival during their previous mission together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng finds Wen Tingyun's notes on the Profound Gang Realm, which emphasize the crucial role of True Essence.
• Han Zheng enters the Gluttonous Crucible to nurture his True Essence with True Qi, achieving resonance after many attempts.
• Han Zheng tries to grow his True Essence but finds the process slow and Satiety-consuming. He plans to accumulate merit points for a direct breakthrough.
• Han Zheng and the Ye siblings, along with Yang Tianqi, go to the Brocade Pavilion for dinner. They discuss the recent disappearances in Kaiping Prefecture.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng understands the intricacies of the Profound Gang Realm and begins his cultivation journey.
• Ye Liuyun shows affection towards his sister, Ye Caiyun, revealing a softer side.
• Han Zheng appreciates the prosperity of Kaiping Prefecture, contrasting it with his hometown, Black Stone County.

Significant Themes

• The importance of True Essence in the Profound Gang Realm and the challenges of cultivating it.
• The disparity between prosperous cities and less fortunate areas, reflecting the inequality in the Great Zhou.
• The threat of the Incense Cult and the potential danger lurking in seemingly peaceful cities.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng interacts with the Ye siblings and Yang Tianqi, learning about Kaiping Prefecture and its recent issues.
• Ye Liuyun and Ye Caiyun's sibling bond is highlighted, with Ye Liuyun showing concern and indulgence towards his sister.

Summary of "Old Acquaintance in Black Stone County"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng and the Ye siblings dine at the luxurious Jinxiu Workshop, where they enjoy exquisite dishes.
• Guo Zhen, jealous and resentful of Han Zheng's promotion, plots against him from the second floor.
• Guo Zhen, Lin Qing, and Song Tianqing meet at a banquet organized by Guo Zhen, discussing business deals.
• Guo Zhen confronts Yang Tianqi, leading to a fight that Han Zheng intervenes in.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows humility and understanding towards Ye Caiyun's background, exhibits strong martial prowess, and demonstrates his ability to handle complex situations.
• Ye Caiyun: Reveals her love for fine dining and shows impatience but also warmth and camaraderie.
• Guo Zhen: Exhibits jealousy, resentment, and a tendency to hold grudges, showing his immature and vengeful nature.
• Yang Tianqi: Gains confidence and stands up to Guo Zhen, showing growth and change.

Significant Themes

• Status and Power: The importance of one's background and status is emphasized, with Guo Zhen's actions driven by his desire to prove himself to his family.
• Jealousy and Resentment: Guo Zhen's feelings of envy towards Han Zheng's success lead him to lash out and cause trouble.
• Growth and Change: Yang Tianqi's transformation from a timid individual to one who stands up for himself highlights the theme of personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Ye Siblings: They share a friendly and familial dynamic, with Han Zheng showing understanding and respect towards Ye Caiyun.
• Guo Zhen and Lin Qing/Song Tianqing: Guo Zhen uses his connections to facilitate a business deal between Lin Qing, Song Tianqing, and Qi Sheng, strengthening his ties with them.
• Guo Zhen and Yang Tianqi: Their confrontation highlights the change in Yang Tianqi's attitude and Guo Zhen's resentment, leading to a physical altercation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng demonstrates his increased strength by easily overpowering Guo Zhen, who had previously humiliated him.
• Qi Sheng, a friend of Guo Zhen, intervenes and scolds Han Zheng for disrespecting Guo Zhen's seniority.
• Lin Qing and Song Tianqing, former acquaintances from Black Stone County, arrive and are surprised to see Han Zheng.
• Han Zheng demands an apology from Guo Zhen for offending a superior, leading to a tense standoff.
• Song Tianqing, feeling disrespected, draws his sword and prepares to fight Han Zheng.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows significant growth in strength and confidence, no longer tolerating disrespect. He stands up for his brother and demands respect from Guo Zhen.
• Guo Zhen: Despite his arrogance, he's no match for Han Zheng's increased power. His pride is humiliated in front of others.
• Lin Qing: Maintains his polite and peacemaker demeanor, trying to mediate the conflict. He's surprised by Han Zheng's change in attitude.
• Song Tianqing: Feels disrespected by Han Zheng and is ready to fight to regain his dignity. He's proud and assertive, showing no fear of Han Zheng.

Significant Themes

• Respect and Seniority: Han Zheng challenges the notion of seniority by demanding respect based on his new status in the Demon Extermination Division.
• Growth and Change: Han Zheng's growth in strength and confidence is evident, contrasting with the stagnant arrogance of Guo Zhen and Song Tianqing.
• Dignity and Honor: Both Han Zheng and Song Tianqing are willing to fight to protect their dignity and honor.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Guo Zhen: Han Zheng asserts his dominance over Guo Zhen, demanding an apology and humiliating him in front of others.
• Han Zheng vs. Lin Qing: Han Zheng shows no respect to Lin Qing, dismissing his attempts to mediate and questioning his interference.
• Han Zheng vs. Song Tianqing: Tension builds between them as Song Tianqing feels disrespected and prepares to fight Han Zheng.
• Song Tianqing vs. Lin Qing: Lin Qing tries to reason with Song Tianqing, but Song Tianqing is too angry to listen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng, using the Song Family's Heavenly Saber techniques, spars with Song Tianqing, a disciple of the Cangshan Sword Sect.
• Han Zheng, despite being in the Innate Realm, matches and eventually overpowers Song Tianqing, who is in the Xiantian Mortal Transformation Realm Perfected.
• Song Tianqing uses his ultimate move, the Dragon Slaying Sword of Fighting and Killing, but Han Zheng counters with the Abhidharma Asura Slash, forcing a Profound Gang Realm martial artist to intervene.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Demonstrates immense growth, reaching the Half-step Profound Gang Realm and showcasing powerful saber techniques.
• Song Tianqing: Realizes the gap in strength between him and Han Zheng, experiences fear and desperation, and burns his Blood Essence to use his ultimate move.

Significant Themes

• Growth and Rivalry: Han Zheng's growth challenges Song Tianqing's perception of their rivalry, causing him to question his own abilities.
• Power Dynamics: The intervention of a Profound Gang Realm martial artist highlights the power dynamics between realms and the respect given to higher-level cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Song Tianqing: Their spar reveals Han Zheng's growth and Song Tianqing's overconfidence, leading to a tense and dangerous exchange.
• Lin Qing and Ye Liuyun: They attempt to intervene but are stopped by each other, showing their alliance and mutual respect.
• Qi Sheng: He spots someone and descends, hinting at potential future interactions or conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng and Song Tianqing's fight is interrupted by Fei Zhengchun, Deputy Sect Master of Danyang Sect, who sides with Song Tianqing due to his sect's business ties with Cangshan Sword Sect.
• Han Zheng retreats with his team, and Song Tianqing is chastised by Lin Qing for his impulsiveness.
• Fei Zhengchun offers to supply medicinal pills to Cangshan Sword Sect, inviting Lin Qing and Song Tianqing to stay at Danyang Sect, but they decline.
• Guo Zhen apologizes to Song Tianqing and Lin Qing, and they advise him against Han Zheng.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows arrogance and ruthlessness, but retreats when faced with Fei Zhengchun.
• Song Tianqing: Impulsive and proud, struggles to accept his losses to Han Zheng.
• Lin Qing: Strategic and manipulative, advises Song Tianqing and Guo Zhen, gaining their gratitude.
• Fei Zhengchun: Interferes unfairly to protect Song Tianqing, showing the power of Danyang Sect.
• Guo Zhen: Feels indebted to Song Tianqing and Lin Qing, vowing to get justice for Song Tianqing against Han Zheng.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and rivalries between sects, based on business and power dynamics.
• The importance of reputation and face in the martial arts world.
• The ruthlessness and cunning of martial artists in their competition and alliances.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Song Tianqing: Their rivalry continues, with Song Tianqing losing again.
• Lin Qing and Song Tianqing: They work together, with Lin Qing advising Song Tianqing and gaining his trust.
• Fei Zhengchun and Han Zheng: Fei Zhengchun interferes, showing the power of Danyang Sect and the importance of their alliance with Cangshan Sword Sect.
• Guo Zhen, Song Tianqing, and Lin Qing: Guo Zhen feels indebted to Song Tianqing and Lin Qing, vowing to help Song Tianqing against Han Zheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng decides to investigate the Danyang Sect for colluding with demons after sensing sinister Corpse Qi on Fei Zhengchun.
• Han Zheng, Ye Liuyun, and others form a group to confront the Danyang Sect, which has two Profound Gang Realm martial artists.
• Guo Zhen returns to the Demon Extermination Division and tries to stop Han Zheng but fails.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng shows increased confidence and assertiveness, willing to confront powerful sects to fulfill his duties.
• Ye Liuyun demonstrates his influence and network within the Demon Extermination Division, rallying Black Armored Guards for the mission.
• Guo Zhen's fear and desperation become apparent as he tries to stop Han Zheng and later lodges a complaint against him.

Significant Themes

• Duty and Justice: Han Zheng's decision to investigate the Danyang Sect is driven by his sense of duty to exterminate demons and suppress the martial world.
• Power Dynamics: The chapter explores the power dynamics within the Demon Extermination Division, with Squad Leaders having autonomy to act against problematic sects.
• Revenge and Retribution: The title "Revenge Is Not Delayed" suggests that Han Zheng is seeking retribution against the Danyang Sect for their interference.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Ye Liuyun work together, with Ye Liuyun providing information and rallying support, while Han Zheng leads the mission.
• Han Zheng and Su Wuming form an alliance, with Su Wuming agreeing to help Han Zheng without hesitation.
• Guo Zhen's interaction with Han Zheng highlights the growing tension between them, with Guo Zhen trying to stop Han Zheng's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Zheng leads the Demon Extermination Division to the Danyang Sect, suspecting their involvement with demons.
• The Danyang Sect's Deputy Sect Leader, Fei Zhengchun, blocks their entry, denying any wrongdoing but showing signs of nervousness.
• Han Zheng and Su Wuming demonstrate extraordinary strength, easily overpowering Fei Zhengchun and pushing into the sect after an unknown voice from within orders them to let the Demon Extermination Division search.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows decisive leadership and exceptional combat skills, suspecting the Danyang Sect's involvement with demons.
• Fei Zhengchun: Initially defiant, but after Han Zheng and Su Wuming's display of power, he becomes anxious and fearful, ultimately allowing the Demon Extermination Division to search the sect.
• Su Wuming: Reveals his strength, reaching the Half-step Profound Gang Realm, and fights alongside Han Zheng, showcasing their formidable teamwork.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Han Zheng's strength and determination allow him to push through the Danyang Sect's resistance, highlighting the importance of power in the martial world.
• Trust and Suspicion: Han Zheng's suspicion of the Danyang Sect drives the plot, while Fei Zhengchun's nervous behavior increases suspicion and tension.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng and Fei Zhengchun: Their interaction is marked by tension and mistrust, with Han Zheng pressing for an investigation and Fei Zhengchun trying to prevent it, ultimately giving in to an unknown force within the sect.
• Han Zheng and Su Wuming: They fight side by side, demonstrating their strong partnership and complementary fighting styles.
• Ye Liuyun and Han Zheng: Ye Liuyun shows concern for Han Zheng's safety, hinting at their close relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Danyang Sect, despite its small size and lack of cultivation diligence, possesses powerful elixirs, allowing most disciples to reach the Innate Realm.
• The sect's true secret is revealed: the sect leader, Chu Zhengxu, has been refining himself into a Corpse Demon using the blood of captured young men and women.
• Han Zheng and his team discover this and confront Chu Zhengxu, leading to a battle within the sect.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Shows his true strength, using the 'Nine Transformations of the Ape Demon, Mountain Moving' technique to severely injure Fei Zhengchun.
• Chu Zhengxu: Revealed to be the mastermind behind the Corpse Demon refinement, driven by a desire for power and lifespan.
• Fei Zhengchun: Cooperated with Chu Zhengxu for power, but regrets his actions when the plan goes awry. He's severely injured by Han Zheng.

Significant Themes

• Power and Lifespan: Chu Zhengxu's desire for these leads him to extreme measures, sacrificing himself and others.
• Consequences of Actions: Fei Zhengchun's cooperation with Chu Zhengxu leads to the destruction of the Danyang Sect and his own severe injury.
• Revelation of Secrets: The true nature of the Danyang Sect is revealed, leading to a confrontation with Han Zheng and his team.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Fei Zhengchun: Han Zheng severely injures Fei Zhengchun, revealing his true strength and causing Fei Zhengchun to regret his actions.
• Han Zheng, Su Wuming, and Ye Liuyun vs. Chu Zhengxu: The trio works together to fight against Chu Zhengxu, with Han Zheng focusing on Fei Zhengchun while Su Wuming and Ye Liuyun attack Chu Zhengxu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Zhengxu, now a Corpse Demon, withstands attacks from Ye Liuyun and Su Wuming, forcing Han Zheng to engage him.
• Han Zheng discovers a weakness in Chu Zhengxu's Corpse Demon form: his head remains human, causing him to react strongly to fear.
• Han Zheng uses the Terrifying Purgatory Ghost King Aspect to instill fear in Chu Zhengxu, then uses the God-Piercing Thorn to cause excruciating pain.
• Han Zheng defeats Chu Zhengxu with the Abhidharma Asura Slash and Vajra Mingwang, Demon Subduing and Evil Extermination.
• Wen Tingyun and Guo Zhen arrive with the Demon Extermination Division, finding the Danyang Sect's true nature.

Character Developments

• Han Zheng: Demonstrates his strength and strategic thinking, defeating Chu Zhengxu despite his formidable Corpse Demon physique.
• Chu Zhengxu: Reveals his fear of death, leading to his downfall. His actions show his disregard for the Danyang Sect's foundation.
• Wen Tingyun: Shows a calm and collected demeanor upon discovering the Danyang Sect's true nature.

Significant Themes

• Fear: Fear is a powerful weapon, as demonstrated by Han Zheng's use of the Terrifying Purgatory Ghost King Aspect and Chu Zhengxu's fear of death.
• Appearance vs. Reality: The Danyang Sect's true nature is revealed, challenging the initial perception of it as an innocent sect.

Character Interactions

• Han Zheng vs. Chu Zhengxu: A fierce battle between Han Zheng's strategic thinking and martial prowess against Chu Zhengxu's formidable Corpse Demon physique.
• Wen Tingyun vs. Guo Zhen: Wen Tingyun's calm reaction contrasts with Guo Zhen's shock and disapproval of the Demon Extermination Division's actions.