Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Le Yu realizes the power of the Book of the Dead, which can revive the recently deceased, and wonders if it could be used to revive the former emperor and usurp the throne.
• Le Yu studies Records of Emperor Gaozu and finds a passage about Emperor Gaozu and his three brothers stumbling into a celestial realm and receiving trials from immortals.
• Ming Shuiyun arrives and announces the second game's target: the Blood Essence Stone.
• Le Yu deduces that the Spirit Condensing Pill's requirement for the holder to enter the Imperial Academy is a game between the National Salvation and Relief Society and the Sword Bearer, with the students as pawns.

Character Developments

• Le Yu demonstrates his analytical skills and strategic thinking by deciphering the game's true purpose and the power dynamics between the National Salvation and Relief Society and the Sword Bearer.
• Ming Shuiyun displays her determination and possessiveness towards Qin Leyin, treating him as her prize and using him as a spell component.
• Li Ying shows fear towards something in the painting on the wall, hinting at a possible secret or threat.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: The National Salvation and Relief Society and the Sword Bearer use the students as pawns in their power struggle.
• The influence of myths and legends: Records of Emperor Gaozu uses mythical tropes to reinforce "Heaven's Mandate," and Le Yu studies it to gain insights into the Absolute Divine Weapons.
• Possessiveness and determination: Ming Shuiyun's love for Qin Leyin drives her to claim him as her prize and use him as a spell component.

Character Interactions

• Le Yu and Ming Shuiyun: Ming Shuiyun visits Le Yu frequently, treating him as a spell component and expressing her infatuation with Qin Leyin.
• Le Yu and the others: Le Yu shares his deductions about the game with his classmates, who listen attentively.
• Li Ying and Kui Nianruo: Li Ying shows fear towards something in the painting on the wall, while Kui Nianruo notices Li Ying's strange behavior but doesn't press the issue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ming Shuiyun, Le Yu, and others are on the sixth floor of the Platinum Tower, playing a game called 'Search for the Blood Essence Stone.'
• Le Yu discusses two strategies: focusing on influence building (first path) or actively seeking the Blood Essence Stone (second path), or pursuing both simultaneously.
• Le Yu wins the game using the Overlord card, which forces the Lord to kill a loyal subject, causing chaos and leading to everyone's death.
• Li Ying reveals she has a way to get close to the Blood Essence Stone, as she's now a low-level distributor for Spirit Condensing Pills.

Character Developments

• Le Yu: Shows strategic thinking and adaptability, willing to take risks. He's curious about the Blood Essence Stone and its potential to solve his benchwarmer problem.
• Ming Shuiyun: Trusts and supports Le Yu's decisions, showing strong loyalty and camaraderie.
• Li Ying: Reveals her entrepreneurial spirit and impulsive nature, buying Spirit Condensing Pills from a stranger without hesitation.

Significant Themes

• Strategy and Adaptability: Characters discuss and employ different strategies to gain an advantage in the game and the larger competition.
• Loyalty and Camaraderie: Ming Shuiyun's unwavering support for Le Yu highlights the importance of loyalty and teamwork among the characters.
• Risk and Reward: Characters weigh the risks and potential rewards of different paths, with Le Yu being more willing to take risks.

Character Interactions

• Le Yu and Ming Shuiyun: They have a close, trusting relationship, with Ming Shuiyun readily supporting Le Yu's decisions.
• Le Yu and Li Ying: Le Yu guides Li Ying on how to use the Overlord card, showing a mentor-like role. Li Ying, in turn, shares her unexpected connection to the Blood Essence Stone through her new business venture.
• Li Ying and Qian Yuya: Li Ying's impulsive decision to buy medicine from a stranger concerns Qian Yuya, highlighting his protective and cautious nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ying, a student at the Imperial Academy, sneaks out at night to meet with a secret society.
• She arrives at an abandoned teaching building, where she discovers a hidden underground passage leading to a basement.
• In the basement, she finds a Blood Essence Stone and meets other members of the secret society, who call themselves the Immortal Palace Project.

Character Developments

• Li Ying: She demonstrates courage and determination by sneaking out at night to fulfill her mission. She also shows curiosity and awe when she encounters the Blood Essence Stone and the power it emits.
• Smile (the leader): He reveals the purpose of the assembly and the Immortal Palace Project, showing charisma and confidence in his vision.

Significant Themes

• The shift from Martial Arts to Immortal Cultivation: The society's focus on Immortal Cultivation suggests a change in the world's power dynamics.
• Persistence and daring: The society values these qualities in its members, as exemplified by Li Ying's actions and Smile's speech.

Character Interactions

• Li Ying interacts with the evil spirit mask, who leads her to the basement, and later with Smile, the leader of the society.
• The society members kneel in unison, showing respect and obedience to Smile and the cause they represent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces the concept of 'Immortal Cultivation,' a practice from ancient times that has been largely abandoned in the present.
• A mysterious figure, later revealed to be an 'Immortal,' presents a triangular object that radiates red light, claiming it can grant wishes and power.
• A newcomer named Mountain Bear attempts to seize the object but fails, demonstrating the Immortal's incorporeal and binding powers.
• Mountain Bear is killed for his disrespect, and another newcomer, Feixue, is promoted and gains the ability to attack from a distance after an 'upgrade ceremony.'
• The Immortal invites the newcomers to join the 'Immortal Palace Project,' offering them a chance to transcend their mortal bodies and achieve Immortal status.

Character Developments

• Li Ying: She is knowledgeable about Immortal Cultivation but is initially confused about the sudden shift from a goods pickup to an Immortal Cultivation event.
• Mountain Bear: He is greedy, impatient, and aggressive, leading to his demise. His actions reveal the power of the Immortal and the consequences of disrespect.
• Feixue: She is promoted from a Fifth-level Apprentice to a Fourth-level Disciple after the upgrade ceremony, gaining the ability to attack from a distance.
• The Immortal (Smiling Figure): He is powerful, enigmatic, and has a twisted sense of humor. He demonstrates his incorporeal and binding powers, as well as his ability to grant promotions and new abilities.

Significant Themes

• Transcendence: The Immortal Palace Project offers an opportunity to transcend one's mortal body and achieve Immortal status, reflecting the characters' desire for power and freedom.
• Power and Control: The Immortal demonstrates his power over the newcomers, both physically and through the promise of new abilities and promotions.
• Respect and Dissent: Mountain Bear's disrespect for the Immortal leads to his death, highlighting the importance of respect in this new context.

Character Interactions

• Li Ying and the Immortal: Li Ying is cautious and observant, trying to understand the Immortal's intentions and powers.
• Mountain Bear and the Immortal: Mountain Bear's greed and impatience lead to a confrontation with the Immortal, resulting in his death.
• Feixue and the Immortal: Feixue is eager to please the Immortal, demonstrating her new abilities after the upgrade ceremony.
• Newcomers and the Immortal: The newcomers are invited to join the Immortal Palace Project, reflecting their potential alliance with the Immortal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Smile reveals the Immortal Palace Project, aiming to make everyone immortal.
• The project requires a Divine Weapon, the Blood Essence Stone, to transcend human limits.
• Absorbing 'Immortal Blood' from the stone can increase physique and Mental Power beyond 100 points.
• Absorbing it five times sheds the mortal body and transforms one into an immortal.
• Smile explains the project's hierarchy and benefits: members contribute Vitality and Spiritual Energy, with a portion going to their superior and the Blood Essence Stone.
• The first five students to recruit ten subordinates can pre-advance to Fourth-level Disciple and receive their first Immortal Blood drop.

Character Developments

• Smile: Reveals itself as the mastermind behind the Immortal Palace Project, seeking to make everyone immortal.
• Gray Wolf, Li Ying, and Black Face: Decide to join the Immortal Palace Project, seeing the potential for eternal life.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Characters are driven by the desire for immortality and the power it brings.
• Hierarchy and benefits: The project's structure rewards those who contribute more and recruit more members.
• Sacrifice and reward: Members must contribute Vitality and Spiritual Energy, but receive Immortal Blood in return.

Character Interactions

• Smile and the newcomers: Smile explains the project's details, and the newcomers decide to join.
• Gray Wolf, Li Ying, and Black Face: They interact briefly, all deciding to join the project together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Imperial Academy's Immortal Palace Project is introduced, promising immortality to all members.
• New members, including Li Ying, agree to join, understanding they'll be exploited but accepting it for the chance at immortality.
• Members offer Vitality and Spiritual Energy to the Blood Essence Stone, which drains them significantly, requiring Spirit Condensing Pills to recover.
• Smile, the project's mastermind, disappears the Blood Essence Stone after the offering, emphasizing its mysterious nature.

Character Developments

• Li Ying: Joins the Immortal Palace Project, experiences the draining process, and understands the project's exploitative nature.
• Smile: Reveals himself as the project's orchestrator, displaying his manipulative and mysterious nature.

Significant Themes

• Greed and ambition: Members are driven by the desire for immortality and power, willingly accepting exploitation.
• Exploitation and manipulation: Smile uses the members' greed to his advantage, exploiting their Vitality and Spiritual Energy.
• The cost of ambition: The draining process leaves members physically and spiritually exhausted, highlighting the high cost of pursuing immortality.

Character Interactions

• Li Ying and Smile: Li Ying interacts with Smile for the first time, feeling his gaze and understanding his manipulative nature.
• Gray Wolf and Smile: Gray Wolf asks Smile if he's the last to leave, showing his curiosity and willingness to engage with Smile.

Summary

Li Ying, a student from Shuiyun Palace, attempts to escape the Imperial Academy after learning about the Immortal Palace Project. She encounters her Ethereal combat arts teacher, Ying Sheng, who tries to kill her to prevent her from revealing the project to Shuiyun Palace. Ying Sheng is an agent of another Sword Master's supporter, aiming to eliminate Li Ying to maintain the project's secrecy. Li Ying manages to escape Ying Sheng's initial attack but is cornered in an alley by both Ying Sheng and Su Qian, another combat arts teacher. Just as Ying Sheng is about to deliver the final blow, Li Ying calls out for help, and a red-haired figure, later revealed to be Po Houlong, a powerful individual, arrives to save her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Le Yu faces off against Su Qian and Ying Sheng, two Imperial Academy combat arts instructors, who attack him in an alley.
• Le Yu uses his skills and weapons to defeat Ying Sheng and force Su Qian to retreat.
• Su Qian takes Li Ying hostage, but Le Yu kills her to prevent Su Qian from using her as a shield.
• The Feathered Forest Commander, Su Qian's brother, arrives with the Yulin Imperial Guards, but Le Yu escapes into the Imperial Academy.

Character Developments

• Le Yu demonstrates his combat prowess and ruthlessness, killing Ying Sheng and Li Ying without hesitation.
• Su Qian and Ying Sheng show their desperation and willingness to fight to the death.
• Li Ying shows her loyalty and willingness to sacrifice herself for Le Yu.

Significant Themes

• The ruthlessness and desperation of martial artists in life-and-death situations.
• The disparity between those who have experienced life-and-death combat and those who haven't.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Le Yu vs. Su Qian and Ying Sheng: A fierce battle where Le Yu's skill and ruthlessness are pitted against the instructors' desperation and teamwork.
• Le Yu vs. Li Ying: Le Yu's ruthless decision to kill Li Ying to prevent her from being used as a shield.
• Le Yu vs. The Feathered Forest Commander: A tense standoff where Le Yu's calm demeanor and quick thinking allow him to escape into the Imperial Academy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qian, an Imperial Academy combat arts teacher and son of the powerful Su Yulou (Earl Yanxia, Broken Sword Martial Pillar, and commander of the Left Army), is found dead, killed by Qin Leyin.
• News of the murder spreads rapidly, causing concern and anticipation of a storm, as Su Yulou is known for his martial prowess and influence.
• Students at the Imperial Academy react to the news, with some expressing worry for Qin Leyin, others offering help, and some accusing Qin Leyin of wrongdoing.

Character Developments

• Qin Leyin: Despite killing a prominent figure, Qin Leyin remains confident in his actions, suggesting he has a plan or justification.
• Su Yulou: As the powerful father of the deceased, Su Yulou's reaction is anticipated, and his potential response could significantly impact the story.
• Ming Shuiyun: She maintains a confident demeanor despite the situation, indicating her trust in Qin Leyin's abilities and plans.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The story highlights the influence of martial artists and military figures in Yan Capital, with Su Yulou's status as a prime example.
• Consequences of actions: Qin Leyin's decision to kill Su Qian has far-reaching implications, affecting not only himself but also those around him, particularly Ming Shuiyun and the Shuiyun Palace.

Character Interactions

• Ming Shuiyun and her peers (Qian Yuya, Kui Nianruo, Lin Xue, Qin Yueshi): They discuss the situation, express concern for Qin Leyin, and consider ways to help, demonstrating their loyalty and camaraderie.
• Ming Shuiyun and Li Ying: Ming Shuiyun visits Li Ying in the Medical Officer Department, where they overhear Li Ying making a suggestive remark to Qin Leyin, hinting at a potential relationship or misunderstanding between them.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Le Yu is accused of murdering Su Qian and Ying Sheng by the Ministry of Justice.
• Cha Huan, the Principal, dismisses Le Yu as the Acting Principal.
• Le Yu is threatened by the Minister of Justice, Zhong Shujun, and the Judges.

Character Developments

• Le Yu remains calm and composed despite the accusations and threats.
• Cha Huan stands up for Le Yu, indicating he believes in his innocence.
• He Lei, the Vice Principal, is revealed to be manipulative and power-hungry, trying to use the situation to his advantage.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within the court and nobility.
• The struggle between justice and political maneuvering.
• The consequences of acting on one's principles in a corrupt system.

Character Interactions

• Le Yu and Cha Huan: Cha Huan supports Le Yu, showing trust in his character and actions.
• Le Yu and He Lei: Tension and conflict arise between them, with He Lei trying to undermine Le Yu's position.
• Le Yu and Zhong Shujun: Le Yu remains composed and confident in the face of Zhong Shujun's threats, indicating he is not intimidated by the Minister of Justice's authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Lei and Zhong Shujun discuss their failed attempt to manipulate Qin Leyin against Cha Huan and Su Qian.
• Cha Huan and Le Yu discuss the Immortal Blood and the impending threat from the National Salvation and Relief Society.

Character Developments

• He Lei: Shows anger and frustration at being outmaneuvered by Cha Huan and Qin Leyin.
• Zhong Shujun: Remains calm and analytical, revealing his understanding of the complex political dynamics at play.
• Cha Huan: Expresses mild interest in the Immortal Blood but decides not to get involved in Le Yu's plans.
• Le Yu: Confident in his ability to handle the situation, ready to switch identities if necessary, and seeks Cha Huan's protection.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering within the Imperial Court.
• The consequences of defying the established order and the potential backlash.
• The allure of immortality and the risks involved in pursuing it.

Character Interactions

• He Lei and Zhong Shujun: Discuss their failed attempt to manipulate Qin Leyin and their next steps.
• Cha Huan and Le Yu: Discuss the Immortal Blood and the impending threat from the National Salvation and Relief Society, with Cha Huan deciding not to get involved in Le Yu's plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Pearl Prefecture, the second most important city in Morning Wind District, is militarized by the Coastal Army.
• Lan Yan, a formidable general, single-handedly defeats four Pinnacle Realm martial artists, including Keda Ya, who commits suicide in fear.
• Lan Yan confronts Lu Heng, Lu Zhong's son, and Gao Jin, the White Night Walker, in the Prefectural Governor's Mansion.
• Lin Linlin, an Assassin leader, reveals he's been hired by Lan Yan to help Lu Heng regain power, but ultimately sides with Lan Yan.
• Lan Yan seizes control of Morning Wind District, with the support of the Coastal Army.
• A merchant from the Azure region offers a substantial down payment to Lan Yan and Lin Linlin for a future mission, with the goal of targeting Yan Capital.

Character Developments

• Lan Yan: Demonstrates exceptional combat skills and strategic prowess, solidifying his power in Morning Wind District. He is revealed to be cunning and manipulative, using others to achieve his goals.
• Keda Ya: Initially a formidable general, he is reduced to a terrified and defeated figure after encountering Lan Yan.
• Lu Heng: Betrays his father's legacy by colluding with the White Night Demon and is ultimately manipulated by Lan Yan.
• Lin Linlin: An Assassin leader who remains neutral until the end, choosing to side with Lan Yan based on the highest bidder.

Significant Themes

• Power and Manipulation: Lan Yan's rise to power is marked by his ability to manipulate and outmaneuver his opponents.
• Money and Influence: The merchant from the Azure region represents the influence of wealth, using it to hire powerful individuals for his goals.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Characters like Lu Heng and Keda Ya grapple with loyalty to their superiors and ultimately face consequences for their choices.

Character Interactions

• Lan Yan vs. Keda Ya: Lan Yan's overwhelming power and presence instill fear in Keda Ya, leading to his defeat and eventual suicide.
• Lan Yan vs. Lu Heng and Gao Jin: Lan Yan outsmarts Lu Heng and Gao Jin, turning Lin Linlin's allegiance against them.
• Lan Yan and Lin Linlin: They form an alliance based on mutual benefit, with Lin Linlin agreeing to work with Lan Yan on a future mission targeting Yan Capital.

Title: "Your friend Buqi Shixian has sent a lame invitation"

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter is set in the context of the annual Listen·V·Day event in the Sleepless City.
• Buqi Shixian, a character known for his eccentricity, sends an unusual and unenthusiastic invitation to the event.

Character Developments

• Buqi Shixian: His invitation reflects his lack of interest or enthusiasm for the event, hinting at potential character development in his motivations and feelings.

Significant Themes

• Lack of Enthusiasm: The invitation's tone suggests a theme of disinterest or apathy, which could be a reflection of Buqi Shixian's personal feelings or a commentary on the event itself.
• Expectations vs. Reality: The invitation's description of the event as "time to fall short" could imply a theme of unmet expectations or the disparity between anticipation and reality.

Character Interactions

• Although this chapter is primarily focused on Buqi Shixian's invitation, it implies an interaction with the recipient(s) of the invitation, who are not explicitly mentioned in the text. The recipient(s) might react to the unusual invitation, leading to further interactions and developments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Le Yu is appointed as 'Vice Principal', causing discontent among some teachers and students.
• Yan Yi, a legendary crafting master, expresses her displeasure with Le Yu's appointment.
• Le Yu defends his position, citing his contributions to the Academy.
• Yan Yi warns Le Yu about Principal Cha's methods of control and influence.
• Le Yu receives a 'Good Luck' card from the Immortal Palace Project, indicating he's been targeted.

Character Developments

• Le Yu: Shows confidence in his abilities and lack of concern for the Vice Principal title, but is targeted by the Immortal Palace Project.
• Yan Yi: Expresses her disapproval of Le Yu's appointment and reveals insights into Principal Cha's methods of control.
• Qin Yueshi and Ming Shuiyun: Show concern for Le Yu's well-being and safety, especially regarding the Sword Quest for Succession.
• Li Ying and Kui Nianruo: Display fear and unease, possibly due to Le Yu's mention of death or the Immortal Palace Project.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: The appointment of Le Yu as Vice Principal highlights the power dynamics within the Imperial Academy and Principal Cha's methods of control.
• Ambition vs. Humility: Le Yu's confidence in his abilities contrasts with Yan Yi's humility, reflecting on their differing views on success and recognition.
• Death and Mortality: Le Yu's frequent mention of death and his limited lifespan adds a layer of tension and urgency to the story.

Character Interactions

• Le Yu and Yan Yi: Their interaction highlights their differing views on success and recognition, with Yan Yi expressing her disapproval of Le Yu's appointment.
• Le Yu and Qin Yueshi/Ming Shuiyun: Their interaction shows the concern and care they have for Le Yu's well-being and safety.
• Le Yu and the group: The group's reaction to Le Yu's appointment and his mention of death reveals their acceptance of his eccentric behavior and their shared history.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The second issue of Peerless Ranking features Chen Fengbao, a rebel leader, sparking curiosity and fear among the people of Yan Capital.
• Le Yu uses the Peerless Ranking to incite conflict between martial artists, aiming to create more rivals for Lan Yan.
• Le Yu plans to infiltrate the Immortal Palace Project to investigate its true intentions and the nature of Immortal Blood.

Character Developments

• Le Yu demonstrates strategic thinking and manipulation skills by using the Peerless Ranking to create rivalries and by planning to infiltrate the Immortal Palace Project.
• Li Ying shows her greed and eagerness for power, wanting to join the Immortal Palace Project to gain Immortal Blood.
• Ming Shuiyun, Qian Yuya, and others express interest in joining the Immortal Palace Project to obtain Immortal Cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Greed and ambition: Characters are driven by the desire for power and Immortal Blood, leading them to join the Immortal Palace Project.
• Manipulation and strategy: Le Yu uses the Peerless Ranking and the Immortal Palace Project to manipulate characters and further his goals.
• Rivalries and conflict: Le Yu creates rivalries between martial artists, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Le Yu interacts with his classmates, discussing the Immortal Palace Project and their plans to join it.
• Le Yu manipulates the Peerless Ranking to create rivalries between martial artists.
• Li Ying, Ming Shuiyun, and Kui Nianruo pull Lin Xue aside to discuss something related to a painting in the room.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Le Yu teaches a class about Yin Minghong's strategy, 'Killing by Order.'
• Mietangya approaches Le Yu, seeking information about the Blood Essence Stone.
• Le Yu reveals he's going to a gathering hosted by the Blood Essence Stone's owner.
• Le Yu encounters Nieruo, and they both deny investigating the Blood Essence Stone.
• Le Yu arrives at the abandoned teaching building and encounters two familiar figures in black robes.
• A short figure in a black robe approaches, revealing that all three know each other.

Character Developments

• Le Yu maintains his facade as Qin Leyin, gaining the Principal's appreciation and students' admiration.
• Mietangya's appearance and behavior change significantly, likely due to Ming Dailan's influence.
• Le Yu remains cautious and guarded, even with 'Yin,' revealing his true intentions only after considering the potential risks and benefits.

Significant Themes

• Deception and trust: Le Yu uses deception to gain information and protect himself, while also trying to discern the truth from others.
• Identity and disguise: Characters use various disguises and identities to hide their true selves and intentions.
• Power dynamics: Characters navigate complex power dynamics, both within the Academy and in their interactions with each other.

Character Interactions

• Le Yu and Mietangya: Le Yu tries to extract information from Mietangya, while Mietangya seeks information about the Blood Essence Stone. Their interaction is marked by mutual suspicion and guardedness.
• Le Yu and Nieruo: They encounter each other and both deny investigating the Blood Essence Stone, indicating a level of mutual understanding and caution.
• Le Yu, the two robed figures, and the short robed figure: Their encounter at the abandoned teaching building reveals a web of interconnected relationships and shared secrets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ming Shuangli, disguised, attends the Immortal Palace Project meeting.
• She asks 18 questions about the project, aiming to expose potential issues.
• Smile refuses to answer, labeling her as a saboteur.
• Ming Shuangli proposes an alliance with Twin Carp Palace for the Immortal Palace's growth.
• An unknown figure, later revealed to be Cha Huan, arrives late, causing a stir.

Character Developments

• Ming Shuangli: Shows her strategic and persuasive skills, aiming to align the Immortal Palace with Twin Carp Palace for her benefit.
• Nieruo: Remains loyal and protective of Ming Shuangli.
• Smile: Reveals his consideration for expanding the Immortal Palace's influence and potential alliance with the Imperial Court.
• Cha Huan: Arrives late, maintaining his mysterious demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances: Ming Shuangli's proposal highlights the importance of strategic alliances for the Immortal Palace's growth and influence.
• Trust and deception: Smile's initial refusal to answer Ming Shuangli's questions, and Cha Huan's disguise, emphasize the lack of trust and the need for deception in their interactions.

Character Interactions

• Ming Shuangli and Nieruo: Nieruo protects Ming Shuangli, while she strategizes to benefit them both.
• Ming Shuangli and Smile: They engage in a verbal sparring match, with Ming Shuangli attempting to expose Smile's plans and influence his decisions.
• Cha Huan's arrival causes a stir, hinting at his unique relationship with the other characters and his potential involvement in their plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A new member, 'Youth', joins the Immortal Palace Project, referred by 'Demoness'.
• Li Ying secretly recruits six students for the project without informing Le Yu.
• Li Ying requests and receives Immortal Blood from Sir Smile.

Character Developments

• Li Ying: Shows determination and ambition, willing to take risks for power and control over her destiny. She's no longer content with being ordinary and wants to fight against fate.
• Le Yu: Remains calm and collected despite Li Ying's actions, understanding her feelings and motives. His favorability towards Li Ying drops from 'Trust' to 'Friendly'.
• Cha Huan (Youth): Joins the Immortal Palace Project with enthusiasm and grand aspirations.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Contentment: Li Ying's growing ambition contrasts with her previous contentment with a stable merchant life.
• Power and Control: Li Ying's desire for power to control her own destiny is a driving force behind her actions.
• Trust and Betrayal: Li Ying's actions betray Le Yu's trust, highlighting her lack of faith in others and her determination to rely on herself.

Character Interactions

• Li Ying and Le Yu: Their relationship is strained due to Li Ying's secret actions, leading to a decrease in Le Yu's favorability towards her.
• Li Ying and Sir Smile: Li Ying interacts with Sir Smile to obtain Immortal Blood, showing her determination and resolve.
• Li Ying and Cha Huan: They interact briefly, with Cha Huan expressing his enthusiasm for the Immortal Palace Project, while Li Ying remains focused on her goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ying activates the Blood Essence Stone, gaining new abilities.
• Smiling explains the Immortal Palace Project's promotion system, requiring Vitality and Spiritual Energy offerings.
• Le Yu discovers the Blood Essence Stone's true purpose: leaving soul imprints for tracking.

Character Developments

• Li Ying demonstrates her newfound power, impressing others.
• Le Yu gains insight into the Blood Essence Stone's true function and the Society's scheme.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of immortality and its cost.
• Manipulation and hidden agendas within the Immortal Palace Project.

Character Interactions

• Smiling and Li Ying: Smiling guides Li Ying, and she shows off her new abilities.
• Le Yu and Smiling: Le Yu grows suspicious of Smiling and the Blood Essence Stone.
• Le Yu and Cha Huan: Le Yu worries about Cha Huan's intentions towards Smiling.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cha Huan, the Headmaster, demonstrates his power by draining everyone's strength with a Blood Essence Stone and creating an exit passage.
• He allows everyone to leave, warning them not to follow each other maliciously.
• Cha Huan and Le Yu leave together, with Cha Huan pretending to be weakened.
• Le Yu tells Cha Huan about the Blood Essence Stone's properties and the National Salvation and Relief Society's potential threat.

Character Developments

• Cha Huan: Shows his power and confidence, revealing his past tribulations and belief in his abilities. He expresses concern for Le Yu's safety.
• Le Yu: Expresses anxiety about the situation and concern for Cha Huan's safety. He questions Cha Huan's composure and seeks reassurance.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the use of power.
• Trust and loyalty among characters.
• The consequences of one's actions and the potential threats they pose.

Character Interactions

• Cha Huan and Le Yu: They walk out together, with Le Yu supporting Cha Huan. Le Yu shares his concerns and questions Cha Huan's calm demeanor. Cha Huan reassures Le Yu and expresses his confidence in handling the situation.
• Cha Huan and the others: Cha Huan displays his power and authority, warning the others not to follow each other maliciously. He shows concern for Le Yu's safety by implying he would rather the National Salvation and Relief Society target him first.