Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan and his team arrive in Shouyun County, finding it eerily desolate and tense due to recent disappearances.
• They visit Li Xiuzhu, a True Qi Realm martial artist, who is severely injured and poisoned by an unknown entity.
• Li Xiuzhu believes the entity was an Evil Warrior due to its use of martial arts.
• Li Yuan examines Li Xiuzhu's wounds and deduces that the opponent struck twice, indicating either immense speed or a strategic retreat.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan: Demonstrates his concern for Li Xiuzhu's well-being and takes charge of the situation, showing his leadership and strength.
• Li Xiuzhu: Reveals his humility and politeness despite his injuries, and shares valuable information about the entity's martial arts.
• Shi Lei: Shows signs of unease and frustration at the hostile reception from the locals, hinting at his usually calm demeanor.
• Mi Lan: Displays youthful resilience and disregard for the suspicious gazes of the locals.

Significant Themes

• Fear and Paranoia: The atmosphere in Shouyun County is permeated by fear and mistrust, with the locals treating outsiders with suspicion.
• Strength and Vulnerability: Despite their martial prowess, Li Xiuzhu's injuries highlight the vulnerability of even high-level cultivators against unknown threats.
• Mystery and Intrigue: The entity's identity, motives, and abilities are shrouded in mystery, driving the narrative forward.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Li Xiuzhu: Their interaction shows camaraderie and mutual respect, with Li Yuan taking charge of the situation and Li Xiuzhu warning him to be cautious.
• Li Yuan and his team: The team members show concern for Li Xiuzhu's condition and support Li Yuan's leadership.
• Locals and Li Yuan's team: The hostile reception from the locals highlights the tense atmosphere and the team's isolation in the face of the unknown threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Evil Creatures are causing trouble in Shouyun County, with entire households disappearing, and the county yamen struggles to handle it.
• The powerful Zhou Family, with a True Essence Realm ancestor, has over a hundred members disappear in Shouyun, drawing the attention of the Zhou Family head, Zhou Tu.
• Zhou Tu arrives in Shouyun, bringing six True Qi Realm martial artists, and pressures the county magistrate, Yu Chengan.
• Li Yuan, a new Special Capture Division steward, arrives in Shouyun to investigate the disappearances.

Character Developments

• Yu Chengan (County Magistrate): Struggles to handle the situation, fears losing his position, and is intimidated by Zhou Tu.
• Zhou Tu (Zhou Family Head): Demands answers and action, displays his power and influence, and clashes with Li Yuan.
• Li Yuan (Special Capture Division Steward): Arrives to investigate, remains calm and composed in the face of Zhou Tu's orders, and asserts his independence.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The strength of martial artists and the backing of powerful families dictate influence and status.
• Responsibility and Accountability: Yu Chengan feels pressured to resolve the issue to keep his position, while Li Yuan takes responsibility for investigating the disappearances.

Character Interactions

• Yu Chengan and Zhou Tu: Yu Chengan is intimidated by Zhou Tu, while Zhou Tu pressures Yu Chengan for results.
• Li Yuan and Zhou Tu: Li Yuan remains calm and assertive in the face of Zhou Tu's orders, refusing to be treated as a subordinate.
• Li Yuan and Yu Chengan: Li Yuan and Yu Chengan discuss the situation in Shouyun, with Li Yuan gaining a clear understanding of the current state.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan and his team encounter Zhou Tu, head of the Zhou family, backed by a True Essence Realm martial artist.
• Zhou Tu demands Li Yuan's cooperation, leading to a tense standoff.
• Li Yuan demonstrates his strength and Martial Dao True Intent, overpowering Zhou Tu and his subordinates.
• Li Yuan humiliates Zhou Tu, who vows revenge on behalf of the Duan Family.
• Li Yuan decides to investigate the Duan Family next.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan: Shows his immense strength and Martial Dao True Intent, demonstrating his superiority over Zhou Tu.
• Zhou Tu: Reveals his overbearing nature and fiery temper, but is easily overpowered by Li Yuan.
• Ao Shaoguang: Realizes Li Yuan's exceptional talent and strength, feeling both admiration and concern.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: Li Yuan's physical strength and Martial Dao True Intent showcase his dominance over Zhou Tu.
• Pride and Humility: Zhou Tu's overconfidence leads to his downfall, while Li Yuan remains humble despite his power.
• Revenge and Consequences: Zhou Tu's vow of revenge foreshadows potential future conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan vs. Zhou Tu: Their confrontation highlights the vast difference in their strength and demeanor.
• Li Yuan and Ao Shaoguang: Ao Shaoguang admires Li Yuan's abilities but also worries about the consequences of his actions.
• Li Yuan and his team: The team members discuss Li Yuan's prowess and express their eagerness to follow him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan investigates the Shouyun population disappearance, focusing on the Zhou Family's disappearance.
• He visits the Duan, Gu, and Bai families, influential local families comparable to the Zhou Family.
• Li Yuan suspects that the mastermind behind the disappearances is local and powerful.
• No useful information is obtained from the Duan Family, but Li Yuan suspects they are hiding something.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan demonstrates his determination and intelligence in investigating the case.
• Duan Changlin, head of the Duan Family, shows caution and willingness to bribe Li Yuan.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and rivalries among local families.
• Corruption and the potential for local officials to be involved in wrongdoing.
• The struggle between justice and self-preservation.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan interacts with Duan Changlin, trying to extract information while Duan Changlin attempts to evade and bribe him.
• Li Yuan's subordinates accompany him, showing respect and deference to his leadership.
• Li Yuan and his subordinates discuss their findings over dinner, revealing Li Yuan's insight that one of the families they visited has a problem.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan visits major families in Shouyun, sensing something unusual about the Bai family head, Bai Zhongrong.
• Li Yuan suspects the Bai family knows about the Zhou family's disappearance.
• Li Yuan and his team settle in Shouyun County, near Li Xiuzhu's location for protection.
• Li Yuan secretly follows a mysterious figure from the Bai family who absorbs people using a pocket Rune Artifact.
• The mysterious figure is confronted by a Zhou family disciple in the True Qi Realm.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan demonstrates his keen senses and ability to perceive emotions, hinting at his growth as a character.
• Bai Zhongrong shows signs of nervousness and hiding something.
• The mysterious figure from the Bai family reveals their sinister actions, suggesting they are involved in the disappearances.

Significant Themes

• Secrecy and Deception: The mysterious figure's actions and the Bai family's behavior highlight the theme of hidden agendas and deception.
• Trust and Loyalty: Li Yuan's decision to protect Li Xiuzhu showcases his loyalty and trustworthiness.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan interacts with various family heads, sensing their unusual behavior.
• Li Yuan follows the mysterious figure, leading to a confrontation with a Zhou family disciple.
• Li Yuan and Li Xiuzhu display a bond of trust and camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Tu and his clan's investigators discover that the victims are mostly martial artists, leading them to set up surveillance in prominent martial artists' homes.
• They catch a shadowy figure attempting to kill an Inner Force Realm martial artist and engage in a fierce battle.
• The shadowy figure, revealed to be Patriarch Bai, uses an Explosive Secret Technique to escape but is severely injured and struck back by Li Yuan at the courtyard entrance.

Character Developments

• Zhou Tu demonstrates his leadership and combat skills, coordinating his disciples and displaying concern for their safety.
• Patriarch Bai shows exceptional speed and combat prowess but is ultimately no match for Li Yuan's power.
• Li Yuan reveals his immense strength and speed, easily injuring Patriarch Bai with a single palm strike.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its consequences is highlighted as Patriarch Bai's actions lead to severe repercussions.
• The importance of vigilance and preparedness is shown through the Zhou family's stakeouts and Li Yuan's timely intervention.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Tu and his disciples work together to capture Patriarch Bai, showcasing their teamwork and coordination.
• Li Yuan's arrival and intervention demonstrate his power and authority, striking fear into Patriarch Bai and the Zhou family disciples.
• Li Yuan's question to Patriarch Bai, "Why the hasty departure?" suggests a history or connection between them, hinting at potential future revelations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan exposes Bai Zhongrong, the head of the Bai Family, as the man in black.
• Bai Zhongrong escapes using a Teleportation Talisman after handing over the captives but before Zhou Tu and Li Yuan can capture him.
• The Zhou Family secures the Bai Family mansion to prevent anyone from escaping and to gather information on Bai Zhongrong's whereabouts.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan demonstrates his intelligence and martial arts prowess by tracking Bai Zhongrong and exposing him.
• Zhou Tu's resentment towards Li Yuan lessens after Li Yuan helps the Zhou Family by preventing Bai Zhongrong's escape. He begins to see Li Yuan as a potential ally.
• Bai Zhongrong's wife, Niu Ying, is interrogated and reveals information about her husband's activities.

Significant Themes

• Intelligence and observation: Li Yuan's ability to deduce Bai Zhongrong's identity highlights the importance of keen observation and critical thinking.
• Alliance and cooperation: Zhou Tu and Li Yuan, despite their initial conflict, begin to see the value of working together against a common enemy.
• Information control: The Zhou Family's swift action in securing the Bai Family mansion emphasizes the importance of controlling information and potential witnesses.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Zhou Tu: Their initial conflict subsides as they realize they are on the same side, and Zhou Tu begins to see Li Yuan as a valuable ally.
• Li Yuan and Bai Zhongrong: Li Yuan's exposure of Bai Zhongrong leads to the latter's escape but sets the stage for further pursuit.
• Zhou Tu and the Zhou Family disciples: Zhou Tu orders his family's disciples to secure the Bai Family mansion, showing his leadership and authority.
• Ao Shaoguang and Niu Ying: Ao Shaoguang's interrogation of Niu Ying reveals crucial information about Bai Zhongrong's activities, demonstrating the effectiveness of interrogation techniques.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Zhongrong, a True Qi Realm martial artist, discovers an inheritance that allows him to create "Corpse Ascendants" through live sacrifice.
• He has been abducting people for months, refining them to strengthen his ancestor, who is becoming a Corpse Ascendant.
• The Shouyun County officials learn about Bai Zhongrong's actions and decide to involve Li Yuan, seeking his assistance.
• Li Yuan, along with Zhou Tu, Li Xiuzhu, and five hundred troops, sets out to confront Bai Zhongrong.

Character Developments

• Bai Zhongrong: He becomes more ruthless and power-hungry, willing to sacrifice anyone to achieve his goal of becoming a Corpse Ascendant.
• Li Yuan: He remains calm and responsible, agreeing to help despite the danger.
• Li Xiuzhu: Despite his injuries, he insists on joining the mission to avenge his squad and prove his worth.

Significant Themes

• Power and Corruption: Bai Zhongrong's desire for power leads him to commit heinous acts.
• Responsibility and Duty: Li Yuan feels it's his duty to help, even when facing a dangerous enemy.
• Revenge and Redemption: Li Xiuzhu seeks revenge for his squad and redemption for his past mistakes.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Zhou Tu: They work together, with Zhou Tu showing respect and politeness towards Li Yuan.
• Li Yuan and Li Xiuzhu: Li Yuan expresses concern for Li Xiuzhu's well-being, while Li Xiuzhu is determined to prove himself.
• Bai Zhongrong and his captives: Bai Zhongrong shows no mercy, casually sacrificing people to strengthen his ancestor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Martial artists, including Li Yuan and Zhou Tu, find Bai Zhongrong in a valley with kidnapped civilians.
• They discover a giant blood pool with a hidden entity, later revealed to be a Jade Armored Corpse.
• The Jade Armored Corpse emerges from the blood pool, and Bai Zhongrong tries to curry favor, but the creature kills and devours him.
• The martial artists attack the Jade Armored Corpse to prevent it from growing stronger by consuming more flesh.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan demonstrates his perception and strategic thinking by understanding the nature of the blood pool and the entity within.
• Bai Zhongrong's greed and desperation for power lead to his demise.
• Ao Shaoguang recognizes the Jade Armored Corpse and alerts the others.

Significant Themes

• Greed and desperation for power lead to self-destruction (Bai Zhongrong).
• The danger of underestimating or misidentifying one's enemies (Jade Armored Corpse).
• Unity and quick action are necessary to face overwhelming threats (martial artists' response to the Jade Armored Corpse).

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Zhou Tu work together to infiltrate the cave and face the threat.
• Bai Zhongrong interacts with the Jade Armored Corpse, expecting protection but receiving death instead.
• Ao Shaoguang provides crucial information to the group, aiding their response to the Jade Armored Corpse.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A rare and powerful zombie, the Jade Armored Corpse, appears, stronger than a Corpse Fiend.
• A group of True Qi Realm martial artists struggle to subdue it, suffering injuries.
• Li Yuan intervenes, using his strength and skills to force the Jade Armored Corpse out of the cave, severing its connection to a power-amplifying blood pool.
• Li Yuan defeats the Jade Armored Corpse with a single sword strike, demonstrating his True Essence Realm cultivation and exceptional swordsmanship.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan: Shows off his immense strength, skill, and cultivation level, proving himself to be a formidable opponent even to powerful zombies.
• Zhou Tu: Realizes Li Yuan's true strength and is shocked by his abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation: Li Yuan's True Essence Realm cultivation allows him to easily defeat the Jade Armored Corpse.
• The danger of underestimating opponents: The martial artists initially underestimate the Jade Armored Corpse due to their lack of knowledge about it.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan vs. Jade Armored Corpse: Li Yuan demonstrates his superior strength and skill, easily defeating the powerful zombie.
• Zhou Tu and Li Yuan: Zhou Tu is impressed by Li Yuan's abilities and begins to see him as a more formidable opponent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan single-handedly defeats the Jade Armored Corpse, saving the day.
• Over a hundred survivors are rescued from the cave, mostly ordinary people, with heavy casualties among martial artists.
• The Shouyun Zhou Family suffers immense losses, falling to a third-rate family status.
• The Bai Family is brought to justice for their crimes.
• Li Yuan receives a hundred taels of gold from the Zhou Family as a token of gratitude.
• Li Yuan and his team return to Jiujiang Commandery, successfully completing their mission.
• Li Yuan receives six hundred contribution points and an additional thousand for the Jade Armored Corpse remains.
• Li Yuan decides to cultivate the Yellow Springs Burial Sword Art.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan demonstrates his strength and heroism by defeating the Jade Armored Corpse, earning respect and gratitude from the Zhou Family.
• Zhou Tu shows foresight and appreciation for Li Yuan's help, mending their relationship with a generous gift.
• Li Xiuzhu is injured and remains in Shouyun, showing responsibility and dedication to his duties.
• Chu Han expresses satisfaction with Li Yuan's performance and offers additional rewards.

Significant Themes

• Strength and heroism: Li Yuan's actions showcase his power and bravery, earning him respect and recognition.
• Gratitude and reciprocity: Zhou Tu's gift to Li Yuan highlights the importance of acknowledging and rewarding help.
• Wealth and power: The Zhou Family's wealth is demonstrated through their generous gift, while Li Yuan's power is shown through his martial prowess.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Zhou Tu: Their initial disagreement is resolved through Li Yuan's actions, leading to a mended relationship and a generous gift from Zhou Tu.
• Li Yuan and Li Xiuzhu: Li Xiuzhu's injury and personal matters lead to a temporary separation from Li Yuan, but they plan to reunite soon.
• Li Yuan and Chu Han: Li Yuan's successful mission and the valuable Jade Armored Corpse remains earn him additional rewards and Chu Han's satisfaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan begins cultivating the peerless martial art, [Yellow Springs Burial Sword Art], after stabilizing his True Essence Realm.
• The sword art has two chapters: the [Burial Sword Chapter] for swordsmanship and cultivating Sword Intent, and the [Burial Self Chapter] for transforming one's body to create a Yellow Springs Sword Bone, enhancing power but posing significant risks.
• Li Yuan plans to use [Divine Wisdom] to upgrade the cultivation technique to the perfected state, minimizing risks.
• Li Yuan practices the sword art diligently, reaching the initiated, proficient, master, and minor accomplishment levels over several days.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan demonstrates dedication and determination in his cultivation, facing the dangerous [Burial Self Chapter] without fear.
• Li Yuan's understanding and control of the sword art deepen as he practices, leading to improved sword techniques and manifestations of the Yellow Springs.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and its consequences, as seen in the dangerous but tempting [Burial Self Chapter].
• Dedication and perseverance in cultivation, as shown by Li Yuan's relentless practice.
• The extraordinary nature of peerless martial arts, as exhibited by the Yellow Springs Burial Sword Art's divine and wondrous phenomena.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan interacts with the system, which provides information and prompts about his cultivation progress.
• Li Yuan's interactions with the sword art itself deepen as he practices, leading to improved mastery and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan comprehends the Yellow Springs Sword Intent, elevating his swordsmanship to Great Accomplishment.
• Li Yuan reflects on the Shouyun incident and realizes he's overlooked something.
• He remembers that Li Xiuzhu, a key figure, did nothing during the battle against Bai Zhongrong and the Jade Armored Corpse, instead emanating malice towards Li Yuan.
• Li Yuan decides to investigate Li Xiuzhu's recent activities and apprehend him if necessary.
• Upon arriving at the Special Capture Division, Li Yuan learns that Li Xiuzhu has been killed.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan: He continues to grow stronger, comprehending a new sword intent. He also demonstrates keen observational skills and intuition, noticing the anomalies in Li Xiuzhu's behavior.
• Li Xiuzhu: His suspicious actions during the Shouyun incident are revealed, suggesting he may be involved in a larger conspiracy.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Li Xiuzhu's potential betrayal highlights the theme of trust and its fragility, even among colleagues.
• Power and responsibility: Li Yuan's growth in power also brings greater responsibility, as he must now investigate potential threats within his own organization.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Li Xiuzhu: Their relationship is strained due to Li Xiuzhu's suspicious actions, and Li Yuan decides to investigate him.
• Li Yuan and Chu Han: They meet at the Special Capture Division, and Chu Han informs Li Yuan about Li Xiuzhu's death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan arrives at the Special Capture Division to find Li Xiuzhu already dead.
• Li Xiuzhu was killed by a Ghost Specter during an ambush while returning from Shouyun County.
• Li Yuan decides not to investigate further due to the sensitive nature of Li Xiuzhu's identity and the potential issues within the Special Capture Division.
• You Cang and Jiang Cailiang are sent to retrieve Li Xiuzhu's body.
• Li Yuan returns to his lodging and continues practicing the Yellow Springs Burial Sword Art.
• After half a month of diligent practice, Li Yuan breaks through to the Perfected realm of the first volume, gaining full control over the Yellow Springs Sword Essence and Intent.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan's resolve to become stronger hardens due to Li Xiuzhu's death and the potential dangers lurking.
• Li Yuan successfully controls the Yellow Springs Sword Essence and Intent, reducing the risk of practicing the Yellow Springs Burial Sword Art.

Significant Themes

• Power and Safety: Li Yuan realizes the need to become stronger to ensure his safety and break through schemes and tricks.
• Risk and Control: The perilous nature of the Yellow Springs Burial Sword Art is emphasized, and Li Yuan's successful control over its power highlights the importance of mastery.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Chu Han interact briefly, with Chu Han informing Li Yuan about Li Xiuzhu's death and arranging for the retrieval of his body.
• Li Yuan's internal dialogue reveals his thoughts and decisions, showing his cautious and strategic nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan decides to transform the bone at the tip of his right index finger into the Yellow Springs Sword Bone using the Burial Self Chapter.
• During the refinement process, Li Yuan experiences a vision of the Yellow Springs, a river filled with sorrowful faces, and faces attempting to drag him in.
• A Palace Attire Woman, with one side of her face beautiful and the other terrifying, emerges from the Yellow Springs and approaches Li Yuan.
• The Palace Attire Woman touches Li Yuan's face and whispers "Ghost Country Divine Palace" into his ear before vanishing.
• Li Yuan successfully refines the Yellow Springs Sword Bone and decides to investigate its power.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan demonstrates his determination and focus by successfully refining the Yellow Springs Sword Bone despite the distractions and dangers.
• The Palace Attire Woman is introduced as a mysterious, powerful, and potentially dangerous entity from the Yellow Springs.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of the Yellow Springs and its connection to the living world.
• The potential consequences of meddling with forces beyond one's understanding.
• The theme of duality is reflected in the Palace Attire Woman's appearance, with one side beautiful and the other terrifying.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan interacts with the Palace Attire Woman, who touches him affectionately but does not harm him. Li Yuan ignores her to focus on refining his sword bone.
• Li Yuan's interaction with the Palace Attire Woman raises questions about her intentions and the meaning of her words, "Ghost Country Divine Palace."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan, a cultivator in the True Essence Realm, demonstrates his prowess by slicing a hundred feet into the earth with a single strike using his Sword Aura.
• He successfully masters the Yellow Springs Burial Sword Art by amplifying his sword techniques tenfold with the Yellow Springs Sword Bone.
• Li Yuan theorizes about refining a second Yellow Springs Sword Bone to further enhance his power.
• He begins refining a second Yellow Springs Sword Bone, successfully amplifying his sword techniques by 30%.
• Li Xiuzhu, a Steward of the Special Capture Division, is killed by Ghost Specters, and her remains are retrieved and buried with honors.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan continues to grow stronger, mastering the Yellow Springs Burial Sword Art and refining multiple Yellow Springs Sword Bones, pushing the limits of his cultivation.
• Li Yuan's comprehension and cultivation speed improve as he masters more martial arts.
• Li Xiuzhu's death does not affect Li Yuan emotionally, indicating his growing detachment and focus on his own path.

Significant Themes

• Power and Growth: Li Yuan's relentless pursuit of strength and mastery over his cultivation techniques.
• Risk and Reward: Li Yuan's willingness to take risks, such as refining multiple Yellow Springs Sword Bones, to gain greater power.
• Detachment: Li Yuan's growing emotional distance from others, as seen in his reaction to Li Xiuzhu's death.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan interacts briefly with You Cang and Jiang Cailiang, helping retrieve Li Xiuzhu's remains but showing little emotional involvement.
• Li Yuan's internal struggle with the Palace Attire Woman is hinted at, but no direct interaction occurs in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A global event, the "Ghost Tide," is approaching, caused by a strange power eruption that spawns numerous evil creatures, primarily Ghosts.
• The Zong family, a prominent Spirit Master clan, detects this impending disaster using their Star Gazing Jade Plate.
• The Zong family sends Zong Yuhu, a talented Spirit Master, to assist in Jiujiang Commandery, where the Ghost Tide is expected to strike first.

Character Developments

• Zong Yuhu: A young, powerful Spirit Master sent to aid in the Ghost Tide crisis. He is revealed to be as talented as Zong Lin.
• Li Yuan: Recognizes Zong Yuhu as a fellow genius Spirit Master and feels relieved to have his help in facing the Ghost Tide.

Significant Themes

• Disaster and calamity (Ghost Tide)
• Strength and unity in facing adversity
• The importance of Spirit Masters in protecting the populace

Character Interactions

• Zong Zhang (Zong family elder) sends Zong Yuhu to assist in Jiujiang Commandery.
• Li Yuan and Zong Yuhu meet, recognizing each other's potential and strengthening their resolve to face the Ghost Tide together.
• Dong Yuezhen breaks through to the True Qi Realm, causing celebration at the Zhengyang Martial Arts School, which Li Yuan attends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A new ghost tide is approaching Jiujiang Commandery, with ghosts being more dangerous than zombies due to their immunity to physical attacks.
• Qi Zhengyang, the head of Zhengyang Martial Arts School, prepares his disciples for the ghost tide.
• Dong Yuezhen breaks through to the True Qi Realm, strengthening the martial arts school's defenses.
• Li Yuan, now with enhanced sword techniques due to refining Yellow Springs Sword Bones, plans to investigate the Special Capture Division during the ghost tide.

Character Developments

• Qi Zhengyang: Shows leadership and concern for his disciples' safety as the ghost tide approaches.
• Dong Yuezhen: Breaks through to the True Qi Realm, demonstrating her potential and growth.
• Li Yuan: Continues to refine Yellow Springs Sword Bones, increasing his strength, and plans to unmask the mastermind behind the inheritance issues during the ghost tide.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of ghost tides, highlighting the need for unity and preparation among the city's defenders.
• The power dynamics within Jiujiang Commandery, with Li Yuan's growing strength challenging Chu Han's position as the strongest martial artist.
• The investigation into Bai Zhongrong's inheritance, which could potentially expose hidden dangers within the Special Capture Division.

Character Interactions

• Qi Zhengyang and Dong Yuezhen: Qi Zhengyang praises Dong Yuezhen's breakthrough and acknowledges Li Yuan's role in her progress.
• Li Yuan and Dong Yuezhen: Li Yuan congratulates Dong Yuezhen on her breakthrough, and she expresses her gratitude for his guidance.
• Li Yuan and Qi Zhengyang: They discuss the defense strategy for the approaching ghost tide, with Li Yuan planning to assist where needed.
• Zong Yuhu and the crowd: Zong Yuhu admires Chu Han's Martial Dao True Intent, but the crowd's attention is drawn to Li Yuan, hinting at the shift in power dynamics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan experiences a ghost tide for the first time, facing various types of ghosts like Meat Mountain Ghosts, Cauldron Body Hungry Ghosts, and Rakshasa Ghosts.
• Li Yuan uses his Martial Dao True Intent, [Dragon's Bloodshed], killing over three hundred ghosts in one strike.
• The city's defenders, including martial artists and Spirit Masters, fight against the ghosts, with Li Yuan occasionally intervening to reduce the pressure.
• Li Yuan detonates [Dragon's Bloodshed], killing over a thousand ghosts and causing the ghost horde's momentum to falter.
• Despite the defenders' efforts, the defensive formation on the city wall develops cracks, allowing some ghosts to slip through.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan demonstrates his formidable power, shocking the onlookers and revealing his true strength.
• Chu Han, another martial artist with Martial Dao True Intent, feels pressured by Li Yuan's strike.
• Zong Yuhu, a newcomer Spirit Master, is impressed by Li Yuan's power and realizes his exceptional status.
• Zong Wencheng, Zong Lin, and Zong Yuhu showcase their strength, contributing significantly to the ghost killing spree.

Significant Themes

• The power of Martial Dao True Intent against ghosts is highlighted, with Li Yuan's [Dragon's Bloodshed] proving extremely lethal.
• The importance of teamwork and combined effort is shown as various martial artists and Spirit Masters work together to fend off the ghost tide.
• The relentless nature of the ghost horde is emphasized, as even with significant casualties, they continue to press forward and breach the city's defenses.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Chu Han, as the only two martial artists with Martial Dao True Intent, indirectly compare their strengths.
• Li Yuan saves a soldier from a Blazing Ghost, demonstrating his concern for the common people's safety.
• The Spirit Masters, including Zong Wencheng, Zong Lin, and Zong Yuhu, work together with the martial artists to defend the city, showcasing their camaraderie and teamwork.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yuan demonstrates his powerful swordsmanship, the Flying Cloud Lightning Strike, killing hundreds of Evil Ghosts with a single strike.
• The East City Wall withstands the initial ghost tide attack with minimal casualties, thanks to Li Yuan's intervention.
• Li Yuan and Chu Han check on other city walls. Li Yuan visits the South City Wall, where he finds the situation well-handled by the Zhengyang Martial Arts School and Dong Yuezhen.
• The first day of the ghost tide passes with no further attacks. The Special Capture Division decides to search for the source of the strange power causing the ghost tide.

Character Developments

• Li Yuan's martial arts skills, comprehension of Martial Dao True Intent, and swordsmanship are recognized and admired by others.
• Dong Yuezhen shows significant growth, appearing heroic and extraordinary after entering the True Qi Realm.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and cooperation among martial artists in defending against the ghost tide.
• The importance of identifying the source of the strange power to mitigate the ghost tide's impact.

Character Interactions

• Li Yuan and Chu Han work together to ensure the safety of the city walls.
• Li Yuan interacts with the Zhengyang Martial Arts School disciples, highlighting the contrast between his current prowess and his past status as a Body Tempering Realm disciple.
• The Special Capture Division's high-ranking officials and Spirit Masters collaborate to decide on a plan to find the source of the strange power.