Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo discovers a black shadow on the moon and a strange gray figure while using his Blood Essence Eye.
• He decides to find a way to obtain additional Bloodline Power to speed up his next transformation.
• Chen Mo enters the gray fog again and kills two Sika Deer, one large and one small, to obtain their living flesh.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's cultivation progresses, with eight out of twelve main meridians opened.
• He becomes more cautious and strategic in his actions, deciding to find a mentor to learn about the world's deeper secrets.

Significant Themes

• The exploration of the unknown and the risks involved.
• The importance of mentorship and learning from others' experiences.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with the Deer King and the Sika Deer, but no human interactions occur in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo successfully kills the Deer King and obtains its antlers in the gray fog.
• He also kills three other Plum Blossom Odd Deer and collects their living flesh.
• Chen Mo returns to his barracks and consumes the living flesh and antlers to replenish his Blood Essence power.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's strength has significantly increased after completing another Mortal Transformation.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking by prioritizing the weaker Odd Deer before facing the Deer King.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and power in the gray fog, reflecting Chen Mo's determination and resilience.
• The importance of strategy and planning in overcoming challenges.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with He Luoyun and Zhao Yu before leaving for Small Pao Town to confront his adoptive father.
• There's no significant interaction with other characters in this chapter, as it focuses on Chen Mo's solo mission in the gray fog.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo returns to the military camp, carrying three wooden boxes.
• He reveals to Sun Shouren that he has encountered the Shifting Seas and its creatures.
• Sun Shouren explains the nature of the Shifting Seas, its creatures, and how to disperse it using gongs and drums.
• He reveals that the Shifting Seas are growing stronger and will eventually consume the world, but this will take several hundred to a thousand years.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Shows courage in exploring the Shifting Seas and sharing his findings with Sun Shouren. He also demonstrates his analytical skills in piecing together the puzzle of the Shifting Seas.
• Sun Shouren: Reveals his knowledge about the Shifting Seas, showing his wisdom and experience. He also expresses his despair about the inevitable consumption of the world by the Shifting Seas.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival against the Shifting Seas, which is growing stronger and will eventually consume the world.
• The power of knowledge and understanding in facing the unknown and terrifying.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren: Their interaction is marked by trust and openness, with Chen Mo sharing his experiences and Sun Shouren revealing his knowledge about the Shifting Seas. They also share a sense of despair about the world's fate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo asks Sun Shouren about the effects of items from the Shifting Seas, revealing he has consumed some and experienced changes.
• Sun Shouren explains that these items, called Shen Ling, can enhance Blood Essence but must be compatible with the consumer's own Blood Essence. Incompatible Shen Ling can cause harm.
• Chen Mo reveals he can see Nether Lanterns and the Blood Moon, indicating his Blood Qi Eye has been activated, which surprises Sun Shouren.
• Chen Mo demonstrates his inner energy by shredding Xuan paper, further astonishing Sun Shouren.
• Chen Mo shows Sun Shouren two jade boxes containing items he wants to inquire about.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Shows rapid progress in his cultivation, activating his Blood Qi Eye and demonstrating inner energy. He also displays caution in revealing his strength.
• Sun Shouren: Realizes Chen Mo's exceptional talent and decides to nurture and guide him, seeing his growth as beneficial to himself and his relatives.

Significant Themes

• The power of Shen Ling and their compatibility with a martial artist's Blood Essence.
• The activation of the Blood Qi Eye and its implications.
• The importance of inner energy in the cultivation process.
• The potential benefits and risks of revealing one's strength.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren: Their relationship deepens as Sun Shouren becomes more invested in Chen Mo's cultivation due to his exceptional talent. They discuss cultivation matters and Chen Mo's recent experiences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo presents two jade boxes to Sun Shouren, containing a Blood Yuan Stone, a Yuan Zhen Stone, and a Human Infant Fruit (Human Face Fruit).
• Chen Mo recounts how he obtained these items from the Du Tian Dao Sect's smuggling operation.
• Sun Shouren identifies the stones and explains the Human Infant Fruit's effects and drawbacks.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his growing strength and resourcefulness by obtaining valuable items from the Du Tian Dao Sect.
• Sun Shouren shows his extensive knowledge about Shen Ling (spiritual stones) and the Human Infant Fruit.

Significant Themes

• The temptation of power and longevity, and the consequences of pursuing them through evil means.
• The value of Shen Ling and their uses in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo shares his experiences with Sun Shouren, showing trust and respect for his adoptive father.
• Sun Shouren provides guidance and knowledge to Chen Mo, reinforcing their bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo returns from the Shifting Seas with two Human Infant Fruits and other valuable items, including a deer antler and living flesh.
• Sun Shouren advises Chen Mo to keep the fruits hidden due to their connection to the Du Tian Dao Sect and the current political climate.
• Chen Mo reveals he ate the other deer antler and living flesh without any issues, impressing Sun Shouren.
• Sun Shouren decides to take Chen Mo to a Blessed Land in two days to exchange his unusable Yuan Zhen Stone and broaden his horizons.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his adaptability and fearlessness in consuming powerful Shen Ling, earning Sun Shouren's respect.
• Sun Shouren shows concern for Chen Mo's safety and well-being, cautioning him against reckless consumption of Shen Ling.

Significant Themes

• The value of items is not absolute and can change based on context and timing.
• The importance of caution and careful consideration in consuming powerful Shen Ling to avoid conflicts with one's own Blood Essence.

Character Interactions

• Sun Shouren and Chen Mo engage in a father-son-like conversation, with Sun Shouren providing guidance and Chen Mo showing respect and honesty.
• Sun Shouren shows approval of Chen Mo's actions, indicating a growing bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren travel to Xiaqi Valley, a blessed land hidden within a mountain valley.
• They meet Daoist Zhao, an elder of the Xiaqi Sect, who arranges accommodations for them.
• Sun Shouren explains that blessed lands are safe from the Shifting Seas during the day but not at night, and Qi Refiners need protection to leave.
• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren attend a private gathering hosted by the Xiaqi Sect, where they meet prominent figures and Chen Mo sells his Yuan Zhen Stone to purchase cultivation pills.
• After the gathering, they prepare to leave the Xiaqi Sect.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Shows curiosity and intelligence in understanding the nature of blessed lands and the differences between martial artists and Qi Refiners.
• Sun Shouren: Acts as a mentor to Chen Mo, explaining the intricacies of the cultivation world and introducing him to influential people.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and unpredictability of the Shifting Seas.
• The isolation of Qi Refiners within blessed lands due to their vulnerability outside.
• The exchange of resources and knowledge among prominent figures in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren: Foster father and son relationship, with Sun Shouren guiding Chen Mo through the cultivation world.
• Sun Shouren and Daoist Zhao: Acquaintances, with Daoist Zhao arranging accommodations for them and Sun Shouren introducing Chen Mo to him.
• Sun Shouren and Daoist Xuanming: Friends and equals, with Daoist Xuanming being the sect master of the Xiaqi Sect and Sun Shouren introducing Chen Mo to him.
• Chen Mo meets various prominent figures at the private gathering, expanding his network of contacts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Shouren advises Chen Mo not to venture into the Shifting Seas until he's used up his pills and Shifting Spirits.
• Chen Mo learns about the Du Tian Dao Sect's structure and a few of their techniques from the Purple-Robed Daoist's cultivation notes.
• He returns to the military camp to share this intelligence with Sun Shouren, who finds it valuable and promises to give Chen Mo credit for it later.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his initiative and intelligence by analyzing the Purple-Robed Daoist's notes and returning to share the information.
• Sun Shouren shows his wisdom and experience in handling the intelligence and advising Chen Mo on the Blood Ignition Method.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and structure within the Du Tian Dao Sect are revealed, highlighting the existence of a Dao Lord above the Ten Great Elders.
• The theme of intelligence gathering and its importance in strategic planning is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren interact as adoptive father and son, with Sun Shouren providing guidance and Chen Mo showing respect and initiative.
• The interaction between the two strengthens their bond and mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The book will be available on premium starting the next day at noon.
• The author encourages readers to support the book with their first subscription.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments as the chapter is a public announcement.

Significant Themes

• Support and engagement from readers.
• The importance of the first subscription for a book's success.

Character Interactions

• The author interacts with the readers, encouraging them to subscribe and support the book.

Additional Details

• The book currently has around 50,000 collections, with an expected 5,000 first subscriptions at a 10:1 ratio.
• For every additional 500 subscriptions, an extra chapter will be added.
• Post-premium release, the daily minimum update will be 6,000 characters, with promised extra chapters on top of this.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo enters the Shifting Seas, a dangerous realm where Mirage Beasts reside.
• He learns about the nature of the Shifting Seas and their connection to the world outside.
• Chen Mo explores the Shifting Seas, killing a stray deer and obtaining a piece of living flesh.
• He decides to leave the Shifting Seas to avoid absorbing too much of its aura.
• Chen Mo plans to find a way to travel between military camps to hunt Mirage Beasts safely and reliably.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates courage and caution in exploring the Shifting Seas, showing his strategic thinking in planning future hunts.
• Zhao Yu shows care and consideration for Chen Mo's preferences in their daily life together.

Significant Themes

• The Shifting Seas represent the unknown and dangerous aspects of the world, contrasting with the safety and familiarity of the military camp and Zhun Niu Market.
• The theme of growth and improvement is evident in Chen Mo's cultivation and his increasing strength.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu's relationship is depicted as warm and caring, with Zhao Yu catering to Chen Mo's preferences in their shared meals.
• Chen Mo's adoptive father sends a letter, showing his role as a mentor and guide to Chen Mo's career and personal growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo returns to Small Pao Town with Zhao Yu, leaving her there before proceeding to the military camp.
• The army sets off in three days to Anyang Prefecture to encircle and suppress the Grand Heaven Dao, with only four hundred personal guards and eight hundred battle soldiers under Sun Shouren's command.
• The army arrives in Anyang Prefecture and encounters a rebel army of over three thousand, which they defeat with Chen Mo acting as the vanguard.
• The imperial army continues to engage in battles every one to two days, with Chen Mo leading the initial assault on a city.
• The imperial army converges before the Du Tian Dao Sect's Blessed Land, preparing for a full-scale assault.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's strength has increased significantly, surpassing two thousand jin.
• Sun Shouren is satisfied with the army's performance during their march to Anyang Prefecture.
• Mo Hu remains calm and composed upon seeing Chen Mo's true strength, being the only one besides Sun Shouren who knew about it.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the imperial court and the Du Tian Dao Sect.
• The importance of proper training and preparation in an army's combat effectiveness.
• The role of individual strength in battle, as demonstrated by Chen Mo's actions as the vanguard.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu part ways as he returns to the military camp.
• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren discuss the upcoming battle and Chen Mo's role as the vanguard.
• Chen Mo and Mo Hu interact briefly, with Mo Hu showing a hint of a smile upon seeing Chen Mo's true strength.
• Chen Mo leads the initial assault on a city, earning credit for his actions.

Plot Points and Events

• The chapter focuses on the siege of Star Luo Mountain, a Blessed Land occupied by the Grand Heaven Dao Sect.
• General Zhou Dong, a Fourth Rank official and Acquired Realm powerhouse, arrives with a plan to charge into the mountain and force the rebels out, with the help of two Foundation Establishment Grand Cultivators from the Directorate of Celestial Observation.
• Sun Shouren, Chen Mo's adoptive father, is part of this operation, leaving Chen Mo in charge of the camp.
• Chen Mo successfully defends the northwest mountain pass, killing or capturing rebels attempting to escape.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his leadership and combat abilities, earning respect from the soldiers.
• Sun Shouren shows trust in Chen Mo's capabilities by leaving him in charge of the camp.
• General Zhou Dong exhibits strategic thinking and confidence in his plan.

Significant Themes

• Trust and responsibility: Sun Shouren trusts Chen Mo with the camp, and Chen Mo takes on the responsibility seriously.
• Strength and power: Chen Mo's physical prowess allows him to handle the most dangerous situations.
• Strategic planning: General Zhou Dong's plan to charge into Star Luo Mountain shows the importance of strategy in warfare.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren: Their relationship deepens as Sun Shouren entrusts Chen Mo with the camp's command.
• Chen Mo and the rebels: Chen Mo demonstrates his combat prowess and mercy, giving the rebels a chance to surrender.
• Chen Mo and General Zhou Dong: Although they haven't interacted directly, Zhou Dong's regard for Chen Mo is evident in his plan to charge into Star Luo Mountain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo fights and defeats Feng Wu, a powerful rebel leader, and other enemies.
• Chen Mo retrieves valuable items from the defeated rebels, including Shen Ling and Blood Yuan Stones.
• A Foundation Establishment expert from the Directorate of Celestial Observation flees from Star Luo Mountain.
• Sun Shouren explains the situation on Star Luo Mountain, mentioning the descent of the Shifting Seas.
• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren retrieve corpses from the underground river, searching for valuable items.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his combat prowess and strategic thinking, earning respect and loyalty from his men.
• Sun Shouren shows his experience and wisdom, guiding Chen Mo and making decisions based on the situation.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the imperial court and rebel forces.
• The consequences of disrupting the natural order, as seen with the descent of the Shifting Seas.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in combat and decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren: The adoptive father-son relationship is strengthened as they work together, with Sun Shouren guiding Chen Mo and Chen Mo showing concern for Sun Shouren's well-being.
• Chen Mo and his men: Chen Mo's leadership and bravery inspire loyalty and respect from his men, who follow his orders without question.
• Chen Mo and the rebel forces: Chen Mo's combat skills and determination strike fear into the hearts of the rebel forces, causing them to flee or surrender.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo and his father, Sun Shouren, participate in the court's operation to suppress the Grand Heaven Dao.
• They discover a secret vault containing valuable items, including a powerful treasure bow called the Kui Bull Bow.
• After the operation, they return to Xingyuan Prefecture and receive imperial rewards.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo demonstrates his skill and daring by being the first to break into the Grand Heaven Dao's stronghold.
• Sun Shouren shows his affection and care for Chen Mo by giving him a significant portion of his spoils of war.

Significant Themes

• The theme of father-son bond is strengthened as Sun Shouren prioritizes Chen Mo's well-being and future.
• The importance of loyalty and service to the court is emphasized, as the soldiers are rewarded for their contributions.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren work together, with Sun Shouren guiding Chen Mo and ensuring he benefits from the operation.
• Zhou Dong, the commander of the operation, distributes the spoils of war fairly among the garrison commanders, including Sun Shouren.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Shouren is awarded the title of Baron of An'ye County with an annual stipend of eight hundred piculs.
• Chen Mo is promoted to Salt Transport Commissioner of Xingyuan Prefecture.
• Mo Hu receives a Spirit Nourishing Blood Pill as a reward.
• The military camp hosts a banquet for the soldiers, followed by the distribution of rewards and compensation for the fallen.
• Chen Mo helps manage the camp's defenses and night watch arrangements.

Character Developments

• Sun Shouren: Granted a noble title, ensuring prosperity for his descendants for five generations.
• Chen Mo: Promoted to Salt Transport Commissioner, allowing him to travel and gather Shen Ling.
• Mo Hu: Receives a pill that could help him condense inner energy, potentially increasing his strength significantly.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the imperial court and aristocratic families.
• The importance of noble titles and official ranks in Great Qian.
• The rewards and compensations for soldiers, highlighting the value of their service and sacrifice.

Character Interactions

• Sun Shouren and Chen Mo: Sun Shouren is proud of Chen Mo's achievements and treats him like a son. Chen Mo helps his adoptive father with various tasks.
• Sun Shouren and the soldiers: Sun Shouren cares for his soldiers' well-being, ensuring they receive their rewards and compensation, and even giving them advice on how to use their money wisely.
• Chen Mo and the soldiers: Chen Mo helps manage the camp's defenses and night watch arrangements, showing responsibility and care for his fellow soldiers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo successfully completes his transformation, reaching the peak of the Vein Opening Realm.
• He discovers he can now use his Nose Sense with the power of Blood Essence.
• Chen Mo tests the Kui Ox Treasure Bow and finds he can draw it with the help of inner energy.
• He decides to show the bow to his adoptive father, Sun Shouren, and asks to meet him in the martial arts hall after dinner.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's physical body and inner energy have significantly improved, allowing him to draw the Kui Ox Treasure Bow and manifest an inner energy gauze garment for defense.
• Sun Shouren shows understanding and consideration for Chen Mo's feelings by not taking the treasure bow for himself.

Significant Themes

• The power of inner energy and its applications, such as defense and strength augmentation.
• The importance of mentorship and guidance in martial arts cultivation, as seen in Chen Mo's decision to show the bow to his adoptive father.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo shows the Kui Ox Treasure Bow to Sun Shouren, who declines to take it, demonstrating his wisdom and consideration.
• Chen Mo asks to meet Sun Shouren in the martial arts hall, indicating he has questions about his martial arts cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo learns three martial arts stances (Greedy Wolf, Seven Kill, Army Breaker) from Sun Shouren, which supplement his Greedy Wolf Seven Kill Fist.
• Sun Shouren explains that Acquired Realm experts can harness the power of heaven and earth by opening the middle and upper dantian.
• Chen Mo is promoted to the seventh-rank Salt Transport Commissioner but will still concurrently hold the position of Salt Transport Envoy for Zhun Niu Market.
• Chen Mo exchanges sixty-three captured talismans for a Blood Yuan Stone and four bottles of Blood Nourishing Pills at Xiaqi Valley.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: Shows curiosity and asks Sun Shouren about the Acquired Realm, demonstrating his eagerness to learn and grow stronger.
• Sun Shouren: Reveals his longing for the Acquired Realm and the difficulties in achieving it, showing his ambition and determination.

Significant Themes

• The importance of personal cultivation and growth in the martial world.
• The power dynamics and unwritten rules of officialdom, contrasting with the straightforward nature of martial arts cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Sun Shouren: Foster father and son have a heart-to-heart conversation about martial arts and Chen Mo's new post, deepening their bond.
• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu: Their reunion is filled with joy and concern, highlighting their close relationship and mutual support.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo, now the Salt Transport Commissioner, takes office and inspects his jurisdiction.
• He receives bribes totaling over twenty thousand taels of silver.
• He learns the location of Ningye Prefecture, where his relatives live.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo: He demonstrates his diligence and responsibility by promptly inspecting his jurisdiction and managing his duties. He also shows consideration for Zhao Yu's well-being and future.
• Zhao Yu: She shows care and affection for Chen Mo, preparing a hearty meal for him after his return. She also expresses her willingness to accompany him to Ningye Prefecture or marry him.

Significant Themes

• Power and Wealth: Chen Mo's new position brings him significant wealth and influence, highlighting the corrupt nature of the system and the power dynamics at play.
• Relationships and Commitment: Chen Mo's relationship with Zhao Yu evolves, forcing him to confront the reality of their situation and make a decision about their future together.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu: Their relationship deepens as Chen Mo considers her feelings and future. They discuss the possibility of traveling to Ningye Prefecture together or getting married.
• Chen Mo and He Luoyun: Chen Mo rewards He Luoyun for his assistance, entrusting him with the business of two former private salt dealers who fled. This interaction solidifies their relationship and shows Chen Mo's trust in He Luoyun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu spend their first night together.
• Chen Mo retrieves their official marriage certificates from the market's yamen.
• Chen Mo leaves for the San Jiao Kou military camp to enter the Shifting Seas.

Character Developments

• Zhao Yu: Becomes more comfortable and confident in her relationship with Chen Mo, showing initiative and affection.
• Chen Mo: Continues to explore and adapt to his new abilities, planning for future improvements in strength and resources.

Significant Themes

• Relationship and intimacy between Chen Mo and Zhao Yu.
• Chen Mo's exploration of his abilities and the Shifting Seas.
• The practicality and value of official documents like marriage certificates.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo and Zhao Yu: Their relationship deepens, with Zhao Yu showing more affection and Chen Mo being more considerate of her needs.
• Chen Mo and the Shifting Seas creatures: Chen Mo encounters a headless, heavily armored giant with a rotating eye on its chest, which he prepares to fight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Mo enters a Shifting Seas and encounters a powerful one-eyed iron-armored giant.
• He defeats the giant and evolves a silver-white treasure bead from its remains.
• Chen Mo discovers the treasure bead can transform into various weapons and armor, but it's heavy and requires intense concentration to control.

Character Developments

• Chen Mo's strength is confirmed to be top-tier in the Xingyuan Prefecture.
• He gains a new weapon, the silver-white treasure bead, which expands his combat capabilities.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of Shifting Seas.
• The value and uniqueness of evolved Shen Ling.
• Chen Mo's continuous growth and adaptation to new challenges.

Character Interactions

• Chen Mo interacts with Zhao Yu, his adoptive sister, who manages the household and cooks for him.
• There's no other significant interaction in this chapter.