Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng awakens in a dark underground chamber, finding the Sword Horn of the Flood Dragon missing.
• He discovers a dragon head phantom with a Sword Horn on his Flood Dragon Demon Servant's head.
• Gu Cheng decides to push his Dragon Slaying Sword Art to the Extreme Intent Realm.
• After years of cultivation, he creates the ultimate move "Ghost Slaying," which can destroy the world and slay ghosts and gods with a single strike.
• Upon using "Ghost Slaying," the underground secret chamber collapses, demonstrating its devastating power.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng's cultivation progresses significantly, reaching the Extreme Intent Realm in the Dragon Slaying Sword Art.
• He gains a better understanding of his Flood Dragon Demon Servant and its potential.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and the consequences of its use.
• The relationship between a cultivator and their cultivation tool/servant.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng interacts with his Flood Dragon Demon Servant, integrating their powers to create "Ghost Slaying."
• There are no other character interactions in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng successfully breaks through the limits of his Crimson Palace Heavenly Thunder Incantation, creating a new ultimate technique, 'Blood Kirin's Wrath.'
• He decides to target the Zheng family that night, but upon arrival, he finds someone else already attacking them.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng's power grows significantly with the creation of 'Blood Kirin's Wrath.'
• He becomes more aware of his actions' consequences, realizing that his interference in Xiao Yun's kills might have provoked retaliation.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its consequences is reinforced as Gu Cheng's actions stir reactions from others.
• The idea of extremes giving rise to their opposites is demonstrated in Gu Cheng's transformation of the Thunder Law into a malevolent demonic art.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng interacts with the Blood Lady, Feng Sanshi, and the Three-tailed Fox Demon through his memories, seeking advice on breaking through the limits of his Thunder Law.
• He indirectly interacts with Xiao Yun, as his actions have provoked a response from her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gray-robed Holy Envoy receives reports about the Rebirth Sect's recent activities in his hidden stronghold.
• He learns about Xue Dingshan's death and the mysterious black-clothed youth who killed him.
• The Rebirth Sect's mole in Iron Cloud City has been killed, and the Demon Suppression Bureau is still being misled.
• The [Blood Kirin] remains untraceable, and the Holy Envoy orders continued investigation.
• The Ninth Destiny appears, and the Holy Envoy reveals his plans for Iron Cloud City, including the involvement of demon tribes.
• He attempts to persuade the Ninth Destiny to join the Rebirth Sect, offering her near-infinite life, but she declines and disappears.

Character Developments

• The Gray-robed Holy Envoy demonstrates his cunning and manipulative nature, revealing his grand plans and connections with demon tribes.
• The Ninth Destiny shows her strategic thinking and concern for the Rebirth Sect's plans, but remains steadfast in her refusal to join the sect.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and control: The Holy Envoy manipulates various forces to further his goals, while the Ninth Destiny resists his attempts to control her.
• Power and ambition: Both characters display a desire for power, but their methods and motivations differ.
• Consequences of actions: The Holy Envoy's actions have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the Rebirth Sect but also other forces in the region.

Character Interactions

• The Gray-robed Holy Envoy interacts with his subordinate, receiving reports and issuing orders.
• He also interacts with the Ninth Destiny, attempting to persuade her to join the Rebirth Sect and discussing their plans for Iron Cloud City.
• The Ninth Destiny, in turn, questions the Holy Envoy about his plans and expresses her concerns, ultimately refusing his offer.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Gu Cheng begins cultivating the Yin Yang Absolute Immortal Hand, an innate-level martial art, but struggles due to lack of experience in fist and palm techniques.
• After 168 years, he breaks through to the 'Beginner' realm.
• In 178 years, he reaches 'Minor Accomplishment' after refining a demon core.
• In 193 years, he swallows an innate-level demon core for external assistance, leading to a 217-year illusion.
• After 413 years, he awakens from the illusion and refines the demon core, gaining the innate ability 'Water Control' and insights into fist and palm techniques.
• In 478 years, he reaches the 'Proficient' realm, and in 543 years, he masters the 'Yin Hand,' capable of breaking through any defense.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng's persistence and patience in cultivating the difficult martial art despite initial struggles.
• His realization of the potential in refining innate-level demon cores for divine abilities.
• His growth in understanding and proficiency of the Yin Yang Absolute Immortal Hand.

Significant Themes

• The power of perseverance and dedication in cultivation.
• The benefits and risks of consuming demon cores beyond one's current level.
• The concept of 'true damage' or 'weakness attack' in martial arts.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng interacts with his past self through his thoughts and reflections during his cultivation journey.
• He doesn't interact with other characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his cultivation progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng finds the second volume of the "Blood Blade Scripture" and cookbooks belonging to the Blood Lady in a temple at Caomiao Village.
• Upon returning to Changle County, he finds Xu Nianxue waiting for him, who offers to help him bathe, but he declines.
• Gu Cheng gives Xu Nianxue a Mortal Breaking Realm Wolf Demon's Demon Core and a blood jade pendant from the Rebirth Sect.
• Xu Nianxue reveals that the Rebirth Sect was a demonic sect destroyed by the Demon Suppression Bureau, known for their evil methods of extending lifespan by transforming into Living Corpses.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng demonstrates his growth by killing a Mortal Breaking Realm Wolf Demon, showing he's not as weak as he initially seemed.
• Xu Nianxue shows concern for Gu Cheng's safety and reveals her mission to investigate the resurgence of the Rebirth Sect remnants.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of immortality and extended lifespan, even at the cost of humanity, is a central theme, as seen in the Rebirth Sect's methods and the allure they hold for some martial artists.
• The conflict between good and evil is evident in the contrast between the Demon Suppression Bureau's eradication of the Rebirth Sect and the remnants' resurgence.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Xu Nianxue's interactions show a growing familiarity and mutual respect, with Xu Nianxue becoming more open about her mission and Gu Cheng sharing his findings with her.
• Gu Cheng's indifference to Xu Nianxue's flirtatious advances highlights his focus on his goals and lack of romantic interest in her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tang Lingyu, a cultivation fanatic, meditates and cultivates while Gu Cheng thinks about his cultivation problems.
• Gu Cheng asks Tang Lingyu questions about his cultivation technique, showing remarkable comprehension speed.
• Gu Cheng achieves significant progress in his cultivation technique in just half an hour, surpassing Tang Lingyu's month-long progress.
• Tang Lingyu brings Dragon Blood Powder and advises Gu Cheng to refine the Dragon Turtle Demon Core for safer and faster absorption.
• Tang Lingyu reveals her purpose for visiting Gu Cheng: she needs his help to treat her father's severe Sea of Qi injuries using the 'Yin Yang Absolute Immortal Hand.'

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng: Shows exceptional comprehension and cultivation speed, feeling envy and resentment towards natural geniuses like Tang Lingyu.
• Tang Lingyu: Experiences self-doubt after seeing Gu Cheng's progress, but quickly regains her composure and determination. She shows affection towards Gu Cheng, addressing him as 'Lingyu.'

Significant Themes

• Talent vs. Effort: The chapter explores the contrast between Gu Cheng's natural genius and Tang Lingyu's hard work, with Gu Cheng feeling envy and resentment towards her ease of cultivation.
• Cultivation and Growth: Both characters experience growth in their cultivation and understanding of martial arts techniques.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Tang Lingyu: Their interaction shows a mix of teacher-student dynamics and mutual respect. Tang Lingyu addresses Gu Cheng as 'Lingyu' after recognizing his immense talent, showing affection and familiarity. Gu Cheng, in turn, shows understanding and willingness to help Tang Lingyu's father.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng returns to Iron Cloud City, landing in a luxurious courtyard gifted to him by Shen Ruyan.
• He meets with an old man in black, who delivers the Innate Demon Cores Gu Cheng had purchased and reveals that Shen Ruyan has remarried.
• Gu Cheng decides to refine the Flood Dragon Demon Servant using the Demon Cores.
• He successfully refines one Demon Core and gains a new divine ability, Innate · Scorching Light.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng shows indifference to the luxurious lifestyle and the maids' advances, indicating his growing maturity and focus on cultivation.
• Shen Ruyan's remarriage hints at her mysterious and potentially dangerous nature.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of wealth and power, as seen in Gu Cheng's initial discomfort with his lavish surroundings.
• The consequences of one's actions, as implied by Shen Ruyan's string of short-lived marriages.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng interacts with the maids, showing restraint and disinterest in their advances.
• He meets with the old man in black, who serves as a messenger and a source of information about Shen Ruyan.
• There's no direct interaction with Shen Ruyan, but her absence and remarriage are discussed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng successfully refines one-seventh of the Spirit Sea Flood Dragon's power into a Dragon Claw, which he names the "Dragon Martial Art."
• He decides to cultivate the "Four Spirits True Intent" using the Dragon Claw as a Demon Servant.
• After years of cultivation, he successfully connects with the Dragon Claw, making it an extension of his body.
• Gu Cheng decides to stay in Chongshan County to hunt demons for their Innate Demon Cores to replenish his resources and lifespan.
• Upon returning to Qingshan County, he finds the town tense and deserted due to the fall of the neighboring Ping'an County to an Innate Corpse King.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng's power grows significantly with the refinement of the Dragon Claw and his cultivation of the "Four Spirits True Intent."
• He becomes more determined to increase his strength and resources, deciding to hunt demons in Chongshan County.
• The waiter at the restaurant in Qingshan County shows concern for Gu Cheng's safety, indicating his growing familiarity and respect for the customer.

Significant Themes

• Power and its cost: Gu Cheng's newfound strength comes at a high price, both in resources and lifespan, highlighting the theme of power's cost.
• Fear and its impact: The fall of Ping'an County and the threat of the Corpse King bring fear to the people of Qingshan County, affecting their daily lives and decisions.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng interacts with the waiter at the restaurant, learning about the current state of Qingshan County and the fall of Ping'an County.
• The waiter shows concern for Gu Cheng's safety, indicating a growing bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng encounters Chen Xuejiao, a silver-haired woman with a life-bound magic sword, who tries to bully him. However, Gu Cheng's calm demeanor and the reaction of her sword hint at his hidden strength.
• The Demon Suppression Bureau's leaders, Fang Xu and Su Yanan, arrive and reprimand Chen Xuejiao for her behavior. They explain that the newcomers' assessment has begun to test their teamwork.
• The team sets off to Baihe County to investigate the disappearance of an Azure Water Demon Ape and eliminate rampaging demons in the area.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng: Shows calm and confidence in the face of Chen Xuejiao's provocation, hinting at his hidden strength and abilities.
• Chen Xuejiao: Initially arrogant and aggressive, she backs down after sensing Gu Cheng's hidden power.
• Fang Xu: Demonstrates his authority as the leader of the Demon Suppression Bureau, reprimanding Chen Xuejiao for her behavior.
• Su Yanan: Shows professionalism in explaining the mission details and recording the newcomers' information.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength and hidden abilities in the face of adversity.
• The dynamics of teamwork and competition within the Demon Suppression Bureau.
• The perils of underestimating one's opponents.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Chen Xuejiao: Their interaction highlights Gu Cheng's hidden strength and Chen Xuejiao's arrogance and eventual submission.
• Fang Xu, Su Yanan, and the newcomers: Their interaction establishes the hierarchy and expectations within the Demon Suppression Bureau.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng, acting as bait, is surrounded by three Mortal Breaking Realm demons and Yan Qingsong, who had lured him for a severely injured Innate Realm Great Demon (Turtle Lord) to feed on.
• The three demons reveal their true forms: a giant water snake, a giant river crab, and a giant bullfrog.
• Gu Cheng uses his divine sense to control the water in Water Cloud Marsh, breaking the demons' control over it.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng demonstrates his powerful divine sense and Qinggong.
• Yan Qingsong shows his cunning and willingness to betray his department for personal gain.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between demons and cultivators.
• The use of one's own kind as bait or sacrifice.
• The advantage of home turf and the danger of underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Yan Qingsong: Gu Cheng sees through Yan Qingsong's plan and mocks him, while Yan Qingsong underestimates Gu Cheng's strength.
• The three water demons: They initially underestimate Gu Cheng but later realize his power and join forces against him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng rides a Flood Dragon Demon Servant west, killing a mid-stage Qi Blood Realm Bear Demon.
• He gains a significant amount of lifespan (over 30,000 years) from his night's kills.
• He awakens the remnant soul of the Ninth Destiny, Su Jiuer, and interacts with her for over a thousand years.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng: He gains new insights into movement techniques, advancing his Carefree Wind Riding Art to a higher level, Ghostly Shadows. He also learns the Weapon Control technique, Crimson Ghost Manipulation, and gains classified intelligence about the Rebirth Sect and the Evil King Pavilion.
• Su Jiuer (Ninth Destiny): She initially appears cold and unyielding but gradually warms up to Gu Cheng, eventually sharing her assassination techniques, movement techniques, and classified information. She expresses affection for Gu Cheng and the Evil King Pavilion.

Significant Themes

• Power and cultivation: Gu Cheng's increasing lifespan and new skills reflect his growing power.
• Trust and relationships: Su Jiuer's thawing attitude towards Gu Cheng highlights the theme of trust and friendship.
• Information and intelligence: Gu Cheng's acquisition of classified information about major powers suggests the theme of knowledge as power.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Su Jiuer: Their interactions span over a thousand years, with Gu Cheng gradually melting Su Jiuer's icy demeanor. They exchange techniques, and Su Jiuer eventually shares valuable information with Gu Cheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng learns about the Willow Tree Demon's healing ability and its impact on Liuchun County residents from Fang Xu and Su Yanan.
• He discovers that the Demon Suppression Bureau is investigating the disappearance of their captains, which might be linked to the Willow Tree Demon.
• Gu Cheng finds the Blood Lady's secret chamber filled with treasures, including the complete third volume of the Blood Blade Scripture and another cultivation method, the Heavenly Demon Blood Transformation Great Law.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng shows curiosity and determination in investigating the Willow Tree Demon and seeking out the Blood Blade Scripture.
• Fang Xu and Su Yanan reveal their professionalism and concern for the people, despite the harsh reality of their world.

Significant Themes

• The value of human life in a chaotic world of demons and martial arts.
• The struggle between personal gain and duty, as seen in the Demon Suppression Bureau's handling of the Willow Tree Demon.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng interacts with Fang Xu and Su Yanan, learning about the Willow Tree Demon and the Demon Suppression Bureau's investigations.
• Gu Cheng's internal monologue reveals his excitement and determination upon finding the cultivation methods.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng returns to the carriage after dealing with a trap, surprising Chu Yuntian with his stealth.
• Gu Cheng, Tang Lingyu, and Chu Yuntian travel to Hundred Beasts Villa's territory, reaching the Crimson Rock Mountain Range.
• A battle erupts in the deep forest near Crimson Rock City, prompting Chu Yuntian to rush to his clan's aid.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng demonstrates his powerful stealth technique, deepening Chu Yuntian's respect for him.
• Gu Cheng shows concern for Chu Yuntian's well-being, suggesting they prioritize Hundred Beasts Villa's crisis over enjoying local delicacies.
• Chu Yuntian reveals his impulsive side, rushing to aid his clan without waiting for Gu Cheng and Tang Lingyu.

Significant Themes

• The dense demonic aura of the Crimson Rock Mountain Range is beneficial for refining Demon Servants.
• The battle in the deep forest hints at deeper issues within Hundred Beasts Villa.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Tang Lingyu maintain a polite and respectful relationship, with Gu Cheng showing concern for her safety.
• Gu Cheng and Chu Yuntian's relationship grows more complex, with Chu Yuntian showing both reverence and impatience towards Gu Cheng.
• Tang Lingyu expresses confusion about Gu Cheng's decision to investigate the battle, showing her trust in his judgment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Wenying arrives at Hundred Beasts Villa during a blizzard, bringing news of Gu Cheng's promotion and a new mission.
• Gu Cheng is to be promoted to 'Wing General' after completing his mission, and will have the opportunity to choose a reward from the 'Exquisite Pavilion'.
• The mission involves assisting Hundred Beasts Villa against an intrusion of powerful demons in the Crimson Rock Mountain Range.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng: Shows maturity and calmness in receiving his promotion and mission. His potential is recognized and valued by the Demon Suppression Bureau.
• Xu Wenying: Demonstrates wisdom and shrewdness in guiding Gu Cheng and revealing the importance of the Exquisite Pavilion's treasures.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and reward for exceptional talent and service (Gu Cheng's promotion and mission).
• The value and history of the Demon Suppression Bureau's treasures (the Exquisite Pavilion).

Character Interactions

• Xu Wenying and Gu Cheng: Xu Wenying shares valuable information and advice with Gu Cheng, showing approval and support for his potential.
• Gu Cheng and Tang Lingyu: Tang Lingyu shows envy and admiration for Gu Cheng's rapid advancement and opportunities.
• Xu Wenying and Tang Lingyu: Xu Wenying acknowledges Tang Lingyu's presence and understands her relationship with Gu Cheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng, a powerful cultivator, approaches a clearing in the ancient forest where four demons and a corpse (later revealed to be an Innate Realm Corpse King) are gathered.
• The four demons are revealed to be Innate Stage Great Demons: Three-Eyed Black Dog, Great-Horned White Deer, Green Ox, and Eagle.
• Gu Cheng engages in a battle with the four demons, demonstrating his immense strength and defense.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng: Shows exceptional combat skills, defense, and divine sense, revealing himself as a formidable opponent.
• Wei Qianxun (not directly involved in the fight): Recognizes Gu Cheng as a threat and is fearful of him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The four demons, despite their strength, are no match for Gu Cheng, highlighting the power imbalance.
• Fear and uncertainty: The demons, especially the White Deer, express fear and disbelief at Gu Cheng's power.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng vs. Four Demons: Gu Cheng demonstrates overwhelming power, easily overpowering the four demons.
• Wei Qianxun and the Four Demons: Wei Qianxun seeks information about Gu Cheng from the demons, showing his caution and awareness of the threat Gu Cheng poses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng arrives at the Demon Suppression Bureau headquarters with Wang Lin.
• He learns about the final assessment, which involves going on a mission with an elder.
• Top fifty newcomers can receive an Armory Secret Token, and top five can get a 'mysterious reward.'
• Gu Cheng meets his roommate, Cao Jianxin, a one-armed swordsman with exceptional skills.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng: Shows eagerness to pass the assessment and obtain the Armory Secret Token for the second volume of the Hundred Refinements of the Azure Dragon.
• Cao Jianxin: Revealed to be the same person Gu Cheng saved in Changle County. He has made significant progress in his cultivation and swordsmanship.

Significant Themes

• Competition and talent: The Demon Suppression Bureau is filled with talented individuals, making competition fierce.
• Rewards and incentives: The bureau uses rewards like the Armory Secret Token and 'mysterious reward' to motivate colonels.

Character Interactions

• Wang Lin and Gu Cheng: Wang Lin guides Gu Cheng and shares information about the assessment and the bureau.
• Gu Cheng and Cao Jianxin: They meet as roommates, and Cao Jianxin invites Gu Cheng to spar, but Gu Cheng declines. They recognize each other from their past encounter in Changle County.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng returns after a few days, bringing breakfast as usual, and finds Xu Nianxue has finished copying the 'Crimson Palace Heavenly Thunder Incantation' manual.
• Gu Cheng learns about the Thunder Law's rarity and its potential consequences.
• Gu Cheng is summoned to the Demon Suppression Bureau, where Centurion Zhao informs them about Centurion Zheng's death and the Rebirth Sect's resurgence.
• Gu Cheng is assigned to patrol the outer regions of Black Wind Mountain.

Character Developments

• Xu Nianxue: Shows honesty and integrity by revealing her family's secret technique to Gu Cheng.
• Gu Cheng: Demonstrates his growing influence and importance within the Demon Suppression Bureau.

Significant Themes

• The value of honesty and integrity (Xu Nianxue's actions).
• The consequences of keeping secrets and the importance of trust (Gu Cheng's initial suspicion about Xu Nianxue's intentions).
• The dangers of demons and evil cultivators (the Rebirth Sect's actions and the Demon Suppression Bureau's response).

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Xu Nianxue: Their relationship deepens as they discuss the Thunder Law, with Xu Nianxue showing trust in Gu Cheng.
• Gu Cheng and Lin Qingyan: They acknowledge each other's presence and status during the Centurion meeting.
• Gu Cheng and Centurion Zhao: Centurion Zhao shows trust in Gu Cheng by discussing a private matter with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng, after defeating Li Yunhe, is given a new residence by the Demon Suppression Bureau.
• Gu Cheng cooks a meal for Tang Lingyu, who is impressed by his culinary skills.
• Tang Lingyu reveals the origin and importance of the 'Hundred Refinements of the Azure Dragon' technique, which requires a 'True Dragon Pearl' for advancement to the Innate Realm.
• The 'True Dragon Pearl' is connected to the Water Settling Pearl, a Supreme Treasure lost in Tianshui Prefecture, which is needed for cultivating the technique and managing floods.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng: Shows his cooking skills, expresses concern for Tianshui Prefecture's safety, and considers stagnating his Qi Refinement cultivation to focus on other paths.
• Tang Lingyu: Reveals her knowledge about the 'Hundred Refinements of the Azure Dragon' and the Water Settling Pearl, shows concern for Gu Cheng's cultivation progress.

Significant Themes

• The power and rarity of the 'True Dragon Pearl' and its connection to the Water Settling Pearl.
• The difficulty and non-human nature of the 'Hundred Refinements of the Azure Dragon' technique.
• The potential danger to Tianshui Prefecture if the Flood Dragon Palace obtains the Water Settling Pearl.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Tang Lingyu: Share a meal, discuss cultivation, and express concern for each other's progress. Tang Lingyu reveals secrets about the 'Hundred Refinements of the Azure Dragon' to Gu Cheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng and Ximen Yu sign life-and-death agreements for their music duel.
• The match's rules are announced, including the prize: the ancient zither 'Withered Wood Dragon's Roar' and the 'Dragon Slaying Sword Art'.
• The duel begins, and Ximen Yu starts playing his Qin, enchanting the audience and creating an illusion filled with venomous snakes for Gu Cheng.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng: Shows determination and composure in the face of the life-and-death agreement and the challenging match.
• Ximen Yu: Demonstrates his musical prowess and uses it to create illusions, showcasing his cunning and manipulative nature.

Significant Themes

• The power of music and its ability to influence emotions and create illusions.
• The seriousness and potential danger of the music duel, despite its seemingly elegant nature.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Ximen Yu: Their interaction is tense and hostile, with Ximen Yu trying to provoke Gu Cheng, while Gu Cheng remains composed and focused.
• Tang Lingyu and Venerable Ling Que: They discuss the match, with Ling Que expressing concern for Gu Cheng due to the Ximen Family's illusions.
• Chen Youdao: He watches the match with malice, confident that Gu Cheng will lose.
• Lady Tianyin: She listens to the Qin music, showing interest in the match but not revealing her thoughts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gu Cheng encounters a stone statue in the training ground that turns out to be Venerable Qinglian, a powerful expert who had slain the Old Flood Dragon King two hundred years ago.
• Venerable Qinglian reveals that he was taken to Thousand Sword Mountain in Yanzhou as a 'security guard' for 240 years after being healed by an unknown expert.
• He gives Gu Cheng a half-refined Supreme Demon Servant, a crystal ball containing a terrifying black flood dragon's soul, to complete its refinement.

Character Developments

• Gu Cheng: Initially arrogant due to his recent strength surge, he becomes more respectful and humble when facing Venerable Qinglian. He demonstrates sharp thinking and composure.
• Venerable Qinglian: Initially aloof and powerful, he shows appreciation for Gu Cheng's talent and humility, treating him amiably. He reveals his past and offers guidance to Gu Cheng.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between experts and the consequences of debt or obligation.
• The value of humility and respect in the face of superior power.
• The importance of completing unfinished tasks or legacies.

Character Interactions

• Gu Cheng and Venerable Qinglian: Their interaction is respectful yet amiable, with Venerable Qinglian treating Gu Cheng as a prodigy and offering guidance, while Gu Cheng shows deference and curiosity.
• Venerable Qinglian and the unknown expert: Their relationship is one of debt and obligation, with the expert saving Venerable Qinglian's life in exchange for 240 years of service.