Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Cong reveals his true face and breaks the seal on Wei Duo's dharma power.
• Misty Pavilion agents, a Spine Shatterer and a coachman, are captured and interrogated. They reveal they were ordered to investigate and potentially eliminate the group.
• Yuan Cong kills the Spine Shatterer and brings the coachman back to the city, planning to send a message to Southern Prefecture.
• A message from Southern Prefecture arrives, revealing that Shao Pingbo has returned to the Qi Capital, and Misty Pavilion might be assisting him.

Character Developments

• Yuan Cong demonstrates extraordinary strength and ruthlessness, killing a Misty Pavilion agent.
• Jia Wuqun realizes Yuan Cong is not Jian Shanyue and becomes more cautious and worried about the situation.
• Wei Duo becomes more involved in the dangerous events and starts to worry about the implications for the Shangqing Sect.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle for power between different factions (Misty Pavilion, Southern Prefecture, Jin Kingdom's court) is evident.
• Trust and Betrayal: Jia Wuqun's trust in Southern Prefecture is shaken as he realizes they might have withheld information about Misty Pavilion's involvement.
• Consequences of Actions: Yuan Cong's actions have serious consequences, potentially implicating the Shangqing Sect and drawing unwanted attention.

Character Interactions

• Jia Wuqun and Yuan Cong's relationship becomes more tense as Jia Wuqun grows suspicious of Yuan Cong's true identity and motives.
• Wei Duo becomes more involved in the group's decisions and actions, showing concern for the sect's reputation and his own safety.
• The captured coachman reveals information under duress, highlighting the power imbalance between captors and captive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Duo arranges for the group to leave the capital city using flying mounts, leaving the carriage with Song Kingdom spies.
• Niu Youdao and Yun Ji, disguised, travel to Demon Ridge City and retrieve a map from a Liuxian Sect shop.
• They find Zhao Xiongge, who reveals that Wu Chang is searching for the Demon Cult's secret codex, written by Li Ge, the founding empress of the Wu Dynasty.
• Niu Youdao deduces that the Demon Codex is with Zhao Xiongge, who neither confirms nor denies it.

Character Developments

• Niu Youdao demonstrates his cunning and resourcefulness, successfully finding Zhao Xiongge and extracting information.
• Zhao Xiongge reveals his past and his connection to the Demon Codex, showing his loyalty to Shangqing Sect despite the danger it puts him in.
• Yun Ji remains patient and uninquisitive, understanding Niu Youdao's secrecy.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and Deception: Characters use disguises, coded messages, and hidden locations to keep their actions secret.
• Power Struggles: The search for the Demon Codex highlights the power dynamics between Wu Chang, the Demon Cult, and the Nine Saints.
• Loyalty: Zhao Xiongge's actions show his loyalty to Shangqing Sect, even at great personal risk.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao and Yun Ji work together, with Yun Ji supporting Niu Youdao's decisions without question.
• Niu Youdao and Zhao Xiongge engage in a tense, secretive conversation, with Niu Youdao pressing for information and Zhao Xiongge reluctantly revealing details.
• The dynamic between Niu Youdao and Zhao Xiongge is complex, with a mix of trust, mutual respect, and tension due to their secrets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Youdao reveals he has a Boundless Fruit, which he obtained from the Boundless Garden in the Sacred Realm.
• Zhao Xiongge initially denies knowing about the Demon Codex, but later admits it exists.
• Niu Youdao offers the Boundless Fruit to Zhao Xiongge in exchange for a method to break the Ghost Face on Shang Shuqing's face, but Zhao Xiongge refuses it.
• Zhao Xiongge reveals that the Ghost Face is a military talisman capable of commanding an army of yin soldiers, and that Shang Shuqing holds this talisman.

Character Developments

• Niu Youdao shows his resourcefulness and determination in obtaining the Boundless Fruit, and his concern for Shang Shuqing's well-being.
• Zhao Xiongge demonstrates his integrity and selflessness by refusing the Boundless Fruit, understanding the risks it poses to others. He also shows his knowledge and wisdom in explaining the Ghost Face's true nature.

Significant Themes

• The power of temptation and the ability to resist it, as seen in Zhao Xiongge's refusal of the Boundless Fruit.
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of timing, as discussed in the context of using the Boundless Fruit.
• The theme of military power and its control, as revealed in the true nature of the Ghost Face.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao and Zhao Xiongge engage in a tense negotiation, with Niu Youdao trying to barter the Boundless Fruit for information about the Demon Codex and a way to break the Ghost Face.
• Despite their initial mistrust, they eventually show mutual respect and understanding, with Zhao Xiongge revealing sensitive information about the Ghost Face to Niu Youdao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Youdao and Zhao Xiongge discuss the refinement of Crow Generals, which requires a drop of Shang Shuqing's blood.
• They reveal that there could be a hundred thousand Crow Generals, refined from loyal soldiers to the Shang clan who died in battle.
• The Crow Generals are currently sleeping and absorbing yin qi, and their awakening could bring great danger.
• The military tally is connected to Shang Shuqing's life, and her blood and qi are linked with the Crow Generals.
• Zhao Xiongge warns Niu Youdao that if Shang Shuqing uses the Crow Generals for evil, he might need to eliminate her.

Character Developments

• Niu Youdao: Realizes the magnitude of the secret Shang Shuqing holds and the potential danger it poses. He begins to question his loyalty and the extent of his control over Shang Shuqing.
• Zhao Xiongge: Reveals his regret in teaching the method of refining Crow Generals and expresses his concern about the potential consequences if the Crow Generals are awakened.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of hidden power and secrets.
• The struggle between loyalty and personal gain.
• The potential danger of unleashing ancient, powerful forces.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao and Zhao Xiongge: They share information and discuss the implications of the Crow Generals' existence, leading to a tense conversation about the potential need to eliminate Shang Shuqing.
• Niu Youdao and Shang Shuqing: Niu Youdao begins to question his relationship with Shang Shuqing and the extent to which he can control her, given the power she holds over the Crow Generals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xiongge reveals he refused to hand over the Business Mirror because he wanted to cultivate its art.
• He explains his past involvement with the Business Mirror, including his role in its theft and the subsequent pursuit by mysterious people.
• Zhao Xiongge believes Wu Chang set a trap using the Business Mirror to destroy Shangqing Sect and force him to hand over the secret within it.
• He warns Niu Youdao that Wu Chang has likely been using Chuan Ying to target him.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xiongge: Reveals his past actions and motivations, showing his determination to protect Shangqing Sect and his enduring resistance against Wu Chang.
• Niu Youdao: Realizes the extent of Wu Chang's schemes and decides to act against him, determined to find an opening to strike.

Significant Themes

• Endurance and resistance against overwhelming odds (Zhao Xiongge's struggle against Wu Chang).
• The consequences of past actions and the interconnectedness of events (the Business Mirror's role in the downfall of Shangqing Sect and the deaths of its members).
• The struggle between light and shadows, and the difficulty of acting openly against powerful enemies (Zhao Xiongge's predicament vs. Niu Youdao's newfound determination).

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xiongge and Niu Youdao: Zhao Xiongge shares his past with Niu Youdao, warning him about Wu Chang's schemes and encouraging him to be careful. Niu Youdao, now understanding the true extent of Wu Chang's power, decides to act against him.
• Wu Chang and Zhao Xiongge: Their long-standing conflict is further illuminated, with Wu Chang's schemes and Zhao Xiongge's enduring resistance highlighted.
• Niu Youdao and Wu Chang: Their indirect conflict is emphasized, with Niu Youdao now determined to find an opening to strike against Wu Chang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Youdao learns about the Boundless Fruit and its connection to the Sacred Rakshasa from Zhao Xiongge.
• Niu Youdao reveals that he has twelve Boundless Fruits and wants to distribute them to strengthen resistance against the Nine Saints.
• Zhao Xiongge, initially skeptical, agrees to help Niu Youdao after hearing his plans.
• Niu Youdao receives a secret letter informing him that the man from the previous chapter has escaped again.

Character Developments

• Niu Youdao: Shows his strategic thinking and willingness to work with others for a greater cause. He reveals his identity and plans to Zhao Xiongge, demonstrating trust and confidence.
• Zhao Xiongge: Initially suspicious of Niu Youdao, he eventually agrees to help after understanding Niu Youdao's intentions. This shows Zhao Xiongge's loyalty and commitment to resisting the Nine Saints.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: Both characters show a level of trust in each other, leading to a potential alliance.
• Resistance against the Nine Saints: The theme of resistance is further emphasized as Niu Youdao shares his plans to strengthen their forces.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao and Zhao Xiongge: Their interaction shows a shift from initial suspicion to mutual trust and understanding, leading to a potential alliance.
• Niu Youdao and Yun Ji: They maintain their relationship as master and disciple, with Yun Ji providing updates on the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shao Pingbo learns that Misty Pavilion is backing Shao Pingbo, causing him alarm.
• Niu Youdao and Yun Ji receive news that Misty Pavilion's people have been killed, and Jia Wuqun has gone into hiding. They decide to investigate and split up to cover more ground.
• Consort Lan tries to comfort Taishu Huan'er, who is upset about the reversal of her marriage agreement with Shao Pingbo.
• Shao Pingbo receives a visit from the shopkeeper, who reveals that Jia Wuqun has disappeared, along with Misty Pavilion's people sent to find him. He warns Shao Pingbo to be cautious.
• Shao Pingbo learns that Wei Duo and Jian Shanyue (Yuan Cong) were involved in the incident and suspects a connection to Niu Youdao. The shopkeeper warns him about his younger sister, Liu'er.

Character Developments

• Shao Pingbo: Realizes the gravity of the situation with Misty Pavilion and becomes more cautious. Suspects Niu Youdao's involvement and starts to worry about his younger sister, Liu'er.
• Niu Youdao: Shows concern for Misty Pavilion's people being killed and decides to investigate personally. He also takes precautions to protect Zi Pingxiu.
• Taishu Huan'er: Struggles with the reversal of her marriage agreement and seeks revenge against Shao Pingbo.
• The Shopkeeper: Reveals his concern for Misty Pavilion's reputation and warns Shao Pingbo to be careful. He also keeps a close eye on Liu'er.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue: The chapter highlights the power struggle between Shao Pingbo and other forces, as well as the consequences of crossing Misty Pavilion.
• Trust and suspicion: Characters grapple with trust issues, leading to paranoia and caution, as seen in Shao Pingbo's suspicion of Niu Youdao and the shopkeeper's warning about Liu'er.

Character Interactions

• Shao Pingbo and the Shopkeeper: Their interaction reveals the shopkeeper's concern for Misty Pavilion's reputation and his warning to Shao Pingbo to be cautious.
• Niu Youdao and Yun Ji: They work together to investigate the incident involving Misty Pavilion's people and Jia Wuqun.
• Consort Lan and Taishu Huan'er: The mother-daughter interaction shows Taishu Huan'er's distress and Consort Lan's attempts to comfort her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shao Pingbo receives a warning from the shopkeeper, telling him to avoid contacting him as much as possible.
• The Qi army makes a brief probing attack on the Jin army's forward position, then retreats.
• Gao Pin, the Jin army's commander, expresses concern about Shao Pingbo's safety and fears he might defect to another kingdom.
• In Jin, several officials who were students of Shao Pingbo are arrested or impeached, causing Taishu Xiong to become furious.
• Jia Wuqun, in hiding, discusses his plan to target Shao Pingbo's students to wear him down, as they are his weakness.

Character Developments

• Shao Pingbo: Becomes more isolated and displeased, showing his growing frustration and desperation.
• Gao Pin: Shows concern for Shao Pingbo's safety and the potential impact on the war effort if he defects.
• Jia Wuqun: Demonstrates his strategic prowess by planning to target Shao Pingbo's students to wear him down.
• Taishu Xiong: Becomes furious upon learning about the arrests of Shao Pingbo's students, indicating his support for Shao Pingbo.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences: Shao Pingbo's grand ambitions have led him to isolate himself and make enemies at court.
• Strategic planning: Jia Wuqun's strategic thinking is shown in his plan to target Shao Pingbo's students to wear him down.
• Power dynamics: The power struggle at court is evident in the arrests of Shao Pingbo's students and Taishu Xiong's reaction.

Character Interactions

• Shao Pingbo and Shao Sansheng: Shao Pingbo shares his frustration with Shao Sansheng, showing his growing desperation.
• Gao Pin and his deputy: Gao Pin discusses his concerns about Shao Pingbo with his deputy, showing his awareness of the political situation.
• Jia Wuqun, Niu Youdao, and Yuan Cong: Jia Wuqun discusses his plan with Niu Youdao and Yuan Cong, demonstrating their close collaboration.
• Taishu Xiong and the officials: Taishu Xiong's fury at the arrests of Shao Pingbo's students shows his support for Shao Pingbo and his displeasure with the officials who targeted them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Youdao interrogates Yuan Cong about Misty Pavilion's involvement.
• They discover a captured man who refuses to talk, even under torture.
• Niu Youdao uses a clever method to narrow down the search area for the missing Misty Pavilion personnel.
• Jia Wuqun suspects Niu Youdao has sent people to the Prime Minister's side and begs for mercy.
• Niu Youdao sends a message to the Prince, assuring Jia Wuqun that the Prince will not betray the loyal and righteous.

Character Developments

• Niu Youdao demonstrates his intelligence and strategic thinking in narrowing down the search area.
• Jia Wuqun shows his loyalty and concern for the Prime Minister and his family, going so far as to beg Niu Youdao for mercy.
• Niu Youdao reveals his commitment to justice and fairness, promising to protect the loyal and righteous.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty: Jia Wuqun's unwavering loyalty to the Prime Minister and his family is a central theme.
• Intelligence and Strategy: Niu Youdao's clever method of narrowing down the search area highlights the importance of intelligence and strategy in achieving goals.
• Justice and Fairness: Niu Youdao's promise to protect the loyal and righteous suggests that justice and fairness are valued in this world.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao and Jia Wuqun: Niu Youdao's respect for Jia Wuqun's intelligence and Jia Wuqun's loyalty to the Prime Minister lead to a tense but ultimately respectful interaction.
• Niu Youdao and Yuan Cong: Niu Youdao's interrogation of Yuan Cong reveals the latter's dedication to his mission and his willingness to cooperate with Niu Youdao.
• Jia Wuqun and Yuan Cong: Jia Wuqun's use of Yuan Cong as a medium for communication highlights his resourcefulness and adaptability in difficult situations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jia Wuqun, the Chancellor, is taken away by Niu Youdao to protect him from Southern Prefecture's retaliation.
• Niu Youdao reveals his plan to eliminate Shao Pingbo, fearing that Misty Pavilion will trace them back to Purple Gold Cave.
• Shao Pingbo, upon learning of the retaliation against his students, decides to return to the Capital City, despite his poor health.
• Shao Pingbo visits Zhao Gongquan to apologize for his son's death, but is met with hostility and physical abuse.

Character Developments

• Jia Wuqun: Shows concern for his students' safety and understands the risks involved in protecting them.
• Niu Youdao: Demonstrates strategic thinking and willingness to take risks to protect his interests and those of Purple Gold Cave.
• Shao Pingbo: Shows remorse for his actions and is willing to humble himself to make amends, despite his pride and anger issues.
• Zhao Gongquan: Grieving for his son, displays anger and resentment towards Shao Pingbo and is unwilling to forgive him easily.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of misusing power.
• Remorse and the struggle to make amends.
• Grief and the desire for justice.

Character Interactions

• Jia Wuqun and Niu Youdao: Jia Wuqun expresses gratitude towards Niu Youdao for protecting him and his students, while Niu Youdao reassures him and shares his plans.
• Shao Pingbo and Shao Sansheng: Shao Pingbo's determination to return to the Capital City is met with concern from Shao Sansheng, who later supports him despite the humiliation they face.
• Shao Pingbo and Zhao Gongquan: Their interaction is marked by hostility and violence, as Zhao Gongquan vents his grief and anger on Shao Pingbo, who is determined to make amends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shao Pingbo visits Zhao Residence to negotiate for the release of the captured students.
• Zhao Gongquan, enraged by Shao Pingbo's role in his son's death, attacks him but hesitates to kill him due to political implications.
• Shao Pingbo threatens Zhao Gongquan with Blackwater Bureau's intervention if he's not released.
• Zhao Gongquan agrees to release the students if Shao Pingbo marries the Seventh Princess to clear her name.

Character Developments

• Shao Pingbo demonstrates his calm and strategic thinking under pressure, even willing to make a significant personal sacrifice to save the students.
• Zhao Gongquan shows his ruthlessness and willingness to use others for his gain, but also his political acumen in understanding the consequences of killing an Imperial Court official.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and political intrigue within the Imperial Court.
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of making amends.
• The theme of sacrifice for a greater cause.

Character Interactions

• Shao Pingbo and Zhao Gongquan's tense negotiation highlights their contrasting personalities and motivations.
• Shao Pingbo's interaction with Shao Sansheng shows their close bond and understanding, with Shao Sansheng's concern and willingness to stand by his master despite the circumstances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shao Pingbo and Shao Sansheng discuss the Zhao family's demands and the potential consequences.
• Shao Pingbo decides to marry the Seventh Princess to secure the safety of the students from Northern Province.
• Shao Pingbo meets with the emperor, who initially berates him but eventually agrees to the marriage after hearing about the students' accomplishments.

Character Developments

• Shao Pingbo: Shao Pingbo demonstrates his determination to protect the students from Northern Province, even at the cost of marrying the Seventh Princess. This shows his growth as a leader who prioritizes the greater good over personal humiliation.
• Taishu Xiong (the Emperor): The emperor shows his concern for his daughter's well-being but ultimately prioritizes the kingdom's needs. He also displays interest in the talented students from Northern Province.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice for the greater good: Shao Pingbo's willingness to marry the Seventh Princess to protect the students highlights the theme of personal sacrifice for the greater good.
• Talent and potential: The students from Northern Province, with their diverse skills and accomplishments, emphasize the theme of recognizing and nurturing talent.

Character Interactions

• Shao Pingbo and Shao Sansheng: The two discuss the situation and Shao Pingbo's decision to marry the Seventh Princess, showing their close relationship and mutual understanding.
• Shao Pingbo and Taishu Xiong: Their interaction reveals the emperor's initial anger and later agreement to the marriage, as well as his interest in the students from Northern Province.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Taishu Xiong, the emperor, decides to support Shao Pingbo's marriage proposal to the Seventh Princess.
• Shao Pingbo publicly proposes marriage, and the court officials approve, reversing their previous stance.
• The students involved in the previous incident are cleared of charges and reinstated.
• Tao Lüe, the chief eunuch, apologizes to Zhao Gongquan for Shao Pingbo's actions, but also issues a veiled threat.
• Niu Youdao receives news about Shao Pingbo's marriage proposal and the students' reinstatement. He also learns about Zi Pingxiu's family being sent away.
• Sha Rulai reports to Niu Youdao about three missing Misty Pavilion members, including Qin Yaoguang, a money house manager.

Character Developments

• Taishu Xiong: The emperor shows his support for Shao Pingbo's marriage proposal, indicating his desire to maintain balance among court factions.
• Shao Pingbo: He publicly proposes marriage to the Seventh Princess, demonstrating his determination to protect the students.
• Tao Lüe: The chief eunuch apologizes to Zhao Gongquan but also warns him, showing his power and influence.
• Zhao Gongquan: He understands the threat from Tao Lüe and is angered by Shao Pingbo's use of his Blackwater Bureau identity.
• Niu Youdao: He receives updates on the situation in the Jin Kingdom and plans his next steps.
• Sha Rulai: He provides Niu Youdao with information about the missing Misty Pavilion members.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering among court officials.
• The influence of the Blackwater Bureau and its chief eunuch, Tao Lüe.
• The protection of the students and the lengths Shao Pingbo will go to for them.

Character Interactions

• Taishu Xiong and Shao Pingbo: The emperor supports Shao Pingbo's marriage proposal, further elevating his status.
• Tao Lüe and Zhao Gongquan: The chief eunuch apologizes to Zhao Gongquan but also issues a warning, showing the tension between them.
• Niu Youdao and Sha Rulai: They meet secretly to discuss the situation and plan their next steps.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Youdao reveals to Sha Rulai that Ao Feng, Ye Nian's disciple, is his man and has stolen all twelve Boundless Fruits.
• Niu Youdao plans to help Ao Feng escape Boundless Garden but fears that if he can't keep his promise, Ao Feng might expose him.
• Niu Youdao decides to accelerate his plans and asks Sha Rulai to spread information inside the Sacred Realm to ignite conflict among the Nine Saints.
• Niu Youdao confirms that the driver he captured is from Misty Pavilion and kills him to prevent any further information leakage.
• Niu Youdao decides to let Shao Pingbo go and focuses on finding the bigger fish behind him, asking Jia Wuqun to keep an eye on Shao's movements.
• Niu Youdao asks Jia Wuqun to arrange a place for the Shangqing Sect in Song Kingdom after Wei Kingdom's fall.

Character Developments

• Niu Youdao: Shows his strategic thinking and willingness to sacrifice smaller objectives for larger goals. He's also willing to take risks and make tough decisions.
• Sha Rulai: Reveals his knowledge of Misty Pavilion and his understanding of the power dynamics within the cultivation world.
• Jia Wuqun: Shows loyalty to Niu Youdao and Prince Ning, agreeing to keep an eye on Shao Pingbo and arrange for the Shangqing Sect.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances within the cultivation world.
• The consequences of keeping secrets and the importance of trust.
• The willingness to sacrifice smaller objectives for larger goals.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao and Sha Rulai: They share information and plan their next moves together, showing a level of trust and understanding.
• Niu Youdao and Jia Wuqun: They discuss the situation and Niu Youdao gives Jia Wuqun tasks to complete, showing his leadership and Jia Wuqun's loyalty.
• Niu Youdao and the driver: Their interaction shows Niu Youdao's ruthlessness and determination to uncover the truth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Youdao, Yuan Cong, and Jia Wuqun leave the Capital City.
• Tao Lüe, the Chief Eunuch of the Imperial Palace, visits Shao Pingbo at the Shao Residence, delivering medicine and probing his intentions.
• Shao Pingbo reveals he plans to stay in the Capital City and be his prince consort, shocking Shao Sansheng.
• Gong Lince, Sect Master of Purple Gold Cave, visits Xi Haitang, Sect Master of Myriad Beasts Sect, with Niu Youdao in disguise.
• Niu Youdao reveals he stole a Boundless Fruit from the Sacred Realm and offers it to Xi Haitang, asking if he dares to die alongside him.

Character Developments

• Shao Pingbo shifts his strategy, deciding to focus on being his prince consort and dissolve hostility from the Imperial Court.
• Niu Youdao, presumed dead, returns and offers Xi Haitang a Boundless Fruit, indicating he plans to challenge the Sacred Realm again.

Significant Themes

• Strategic shifts and adaptability in the face of changing circumstances.
• The consequences of defying the powerful and the need for caution.
• The allure of power and the risks associated with pursuing it.

Character Interactions

• Shao Pingbo and Tao Lüe: Shao Pingbo subtly reveals his plans to Tao Lüe, who understands the implications but cannot openly object.
• Xi Haitang and Niu Youdao: Xi Haitang is shocked by Niu Youdao's return and the offer of a Boundless Fruit, hinting at a potential alliance or challenge against the Sacred Realm.
• Shao Pingbo and Shao Sansheng: Shao Pingbo's decision to stay in the Capital City surprises Shao Sansheng, who is unaware of his true intentions.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Xi Haitang, Sect Master of Myriad Beasts Sect, initially refuses to accept a Boundless Fruit from Niu Youdao, fearing the consequences.
• Niu Youdao reveals that the Boundless Garden's fruits were stolen long ago, and the current fruits are fakes.
• Xi Haitang agrees to accept the fruit after Niu Youdao persuades him and reveals his plan to use the Butterfly Dream Illusory Realm as a hiding place if exposed.
• Niu Youdao and Xi Haitang meet Sect Master Du Yunsang of Skywalking Sect and former Sect Master Wen Hua, offering a Boundless Fruit in exchange for allowing one of his people to slap Wen Hua's daughter in public.

Character Developments

• Xi Haitang initially shows caution but eventually accepts the Boundless Fruit, demonstrating his ambition and desire for power.
• Niu Youdao displays his cunning and persuasive skills, manipulating Xi Haitang and Wen Hua to serve his purposes.
• Wen Hua, despite his dignity and authority, is vulnerable to blackmail due to his daughter's actions and his desire to protect her.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences: Xi Haitang's desire for power leads him to accept the Boundless Fruit, knowing the risks involved.
• Manipulation and blackmail: Niu Youdao uses these tactics to gain favor with Xi Haitang and Wen Hua.
• Family and honor: Wen Hua's actions are driven by his desire to protect his daughter's honor and maintain his family's reputation.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao and Xi Haitang: Niu Youdao manipulates Xi Haitang into accepting the Boundless Fruit and agreeing to his plan.
• Xi Haitang and Wen Hua: Xi Haitang acts as a go-between for Niu Youdao and Wen Hua, facilitating their meeting and the exchange.
• Niu Youdao and Wen Hua: Niu Youdao blackmails Wen Hua into agreeing to his demand, using the Boundless Fruit as leverage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author posts a standalone chapter asking for monthly votes after a long time, expressing apprehension about the high vote rankings and not wanting to waste readers' money.
• Readers, enthusiastic and organized, repeatedly urge the author to post such a chapter.

Character Developments

• The author reveals their thin-skinned nature and reluctance to ask for votes directly, showing a humble and self-aware side.
• Readers are portrayed as passionate, dedicated, and well-organized, willing to support the author financially.

Significant Themes

• Humility and self-awareness: The author's reluctance to ask for votes directly and their concern for readers' money reflect these themes.
• Reader-author relationship: The chapter highlights the mutual respect and support between the author and readers.

Character Interactions

• The author and readers interact through the author's post and readers' responses, with the author expressing their feelings and readers encouraging and supporting them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Youdao offers Wen Hua a Boundless Fruit in exchange for his daughter's humiliation.
• Niu Youdao reveals he faked his death and escaped the Sacred Realm with the Boundless Fruit.
• Wen Hua accepts the Boundless Fruit after considering its risks and benefits.
• Niu Youdao asks Wen Hua for Heaven Sword Talismans as self-defense.
• Wen Hua gives Niu Youdao a stack of Heaven Sword Talismans, causing Xi Haitang to covet them.
• Xi Haitang tries to negotiate with Niu Youdao for some talismans but fails.

Character Developments

• Niu Youdao: Shows generosity and cunning by offering a Boundless Fruit to Wen Hua, revealing his escape from the Sacred Realm, and asking for Heaven Sword Talismans. He demonstrates his determination to protect himself and his willingness to share risks with Wen Hua.
• Wen Hua: Initially shocked and suspicious, Wen Hua accepts the Boundless Fruit after weighing its potential benefits and risks. He shows a willingness to take risks and considers Niu Youdao's offer of Heaven Sword Talismans.
• Xi Haitang: Covets the Heaven Sword Talismans given to Niu Youdao and tries to negotiate for some, revealing his desire for powerful tools despite being the Sect Master of Myriad Beasts Sect.

Significant Themes

• Risk and Reward: Both Wen Hua and Niu Youdao consider the potential risks and benefits of their actions, ultimately deciding to take risks for possible rewards.
• Generosity and Greed: Niu Youdao demonstrates generosity by offering Boundless Fruits to Xi Haitang and Wen Hua, while Xi Haitang reveals his greed when he tries to negotiate for Heaven Sword Talismans.
• Power and Self-Defense: Both Niu Youdao and Wen Hua seek powerful tools like Heaven Sword Talismans to protect themselves, highlighting their desire for self-preservation and power.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao and Wen Hua: They engage in a negotiation where Niu Youdao offers a Boundless Fruit in exchange for Wen Hua's acceptance of his daughter's humiliation. Wen Hua accepts the fruit after considering its risks and benefits, and they agree to share risks and join hands if needed.
• Xi Haitang and Niu Youdao: Xi Haitang covets the Heaven Sword Talismans given to Niu Youdao and tries to negotiate for some, but Niu Youdao refuses, leading to a tense exchange between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dan Hailong and his wife, Jin Feng, visit the Skywalking Sect to meet the Sect Master of the Myriad Beasts Sect.
• Niu Youdao, under the alias Wu, meets Dan Hailong and his wife, not revealing his true identity.
• Wen Hua, the Sect Master, is concerned about a possible connection between Niu Youdao and Dan Hailong due to Niu Youdao's past relationship with Black Peony, Dan Hailong's former wife.

Character Developments

• Niu Youdao (Wu): Maintains his alias and keeps his true identity hidden. He is calm and collected, showing no immediate reaction to meeting Dan Hailong.
• Dan Hailong: Polite and respectful, he tries to ingratiate himself with Xi Haitang. He is curious about Niu Youdao's true identity but does not press the issue.
• Wen Hua: Worried about the potential connection between Niu Youdao and Dan Hailong, he warns Dan Hailong to be careful.

Significant Themes

• Identity and Deception: Niu Youdao uses an alias to hide his true identity, while Dan Hailong is known by his reputation and connections.
• Power Dynamics: The characters' positions and relationships are influenced by their power and status, with Niu Youdao, Xi Haitang, and Wen Hua holding significant power.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao (Wu) and Dan Hailong: They meet for the first time since Black Peony's death. Niu Youdao is calm and collected, while Dan Hailong is polite but curious.
• Wen Hua and Dan Hailong: Wen Hua warns Dan Hailong to be careful, hinting at the potential danger from Niu Youdao.
• Dan Hailong and Xi Haitang: Dan Hailong tries to ingratiate himself with Xi Haitang, showing off his knowledge and connections.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Niu Youdao (disguised as Wu) and Dan Hailong walk alone, away from the group.
• Niu Youdao asks Dan Hailong if he knows Black Peony.
• Dan Hailong reveals that Black Peony was his former wife.
• Niu Youdao implies he wants to teach Dan Hailong a lesson on Black Peony's behalf.
• Dan Hailong reveals that Black Peony is dead and hints at her shameful past.

Character Developments

• Dan Hailong: Reveals his fear of losing his status and power, his past with Black Peony, and his current life at Skywalking Sect.
• Niu Youdao (disguised as Wu): Shows determination to uphold his promise to Black Peony.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and revenge: Dan Hailong's betrayal of Black Peony and her friends, and Niu Youdao's desire for revenge.
• Power dynamics: Dan Hailong's fear of losing his power and status, and Niu Youdao's use of his power to pressure Dan Hailong.
• The past's influence on the present: Dan Hailong's past actions continue to affect his present life and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Niu Youdao and Dan Hailong: Niu Youdao uses Dan Hailong's fear of losing his power and status to pressure him into revealing information about Black Peony's past.
• Dan Hailong and Black Peony: Dan Hailong reveals his past betrayal of Black Peony and her friends, and his current fear of their potential retaliation.