Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Zhengqing's Azure Heaven Hegemonic Body is discovered by Fang Yaoyang.
• Fang Yaoyang wants to take Liu Zhengqing as his disciple to cultivate him for the Divine Fist Sect.
• Liu Zhengqing refuses, only wanting to follow Bi Changsheng.
• Bi Changsheng respects Liu Zhengqing's decision and doesn't persuade him.
• Fang Yaoyang continues to try and convince Liu Zhengqing, but to no avail.
• Bi Changsheng starts practicing Talisman drawing, aiming to create effective ones with spiritual liquid.

Character Developments

• Fang Yaoyang: Reveals his identity as a Supreme Elder of the Divine Fist Sect. He's persistent in trying to recruit Liu Zhengqing as his disciple.
• Liu Zhengqing: Shows strong loyalty and dedication to Bi Changsheng, refusing multiple offers to join the Divine Fist Sect.
• Bi Changsheng: Starts learning Talisman drawing, showing interest in the Divine Movement and Qi Absorption Talismans.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Dedication: Liu Zhengqing's unwavering loyalty to Bi Changsheng is a central theme.
• Cultivation and Ambition: Fang Yaoyang's desire to cultivate Liu Zhengqing to lead the Divine Fist Sect highlights the ambition and competition in the cultivation world.
• Personal Choice: Liu Zhengqing's decision to follow Bi Changsheng rather than join the Divine Fist Sect emphasizes the importance of personal choice and conviction.

Character Interactions

• Fang Yaoyang and Liu Zhengqing: Fang Yaoyang tries to persuade Liu Zhengqing to become his disciple, but Liu Zhengqing remains steadfast in his refusal.
• Bi Changsheng and Liu Zhengqing: Bi Changsheng respects Liu Zhengqing's decision and doesn't try to influence him.
• Bi Changsheng and Fang Yaoyang: They become more familiar, with Fang Yaoyang pestering Bi Changsheng to persuade Liu Zhengqing to join the Divine Fist Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng, disguised, attends a secret Cultivator ghost market in Ningyun City.
• He learns that the market sells both Cultivator and martial arts resources, with a 10% commission to the Divine Fist Sect.
• Bi Changsheng buys materials for refining Spirit Liquid and two books: "Miscellaneous Talks on Cultivation" and "Art of Calculation."
• Back at the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion, Bi Changsheng refines Spirit Liquid and successfully draws four Divine Movement Talismans.
• He tests the Talisman, finding it increases his speed by 20%.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng demonstrates resourcefulness and caution in the ghost market, showing growth in his understanding of the Cultivation world.
• He displays confidence in his Talisman-drawing skills and takes calculated risks, like buying books without knowing their full value.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Resources: The ghost market highlights the scarcity of Cultivation resources in Great Gan, contrasting with the abundance of martial arts resources.
• Risk and Reward: Bi Changsheng's decision to buy the books without knowing their full value reflects the theme of risk and potential reward in cultivation and business.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng interacts with stall owners, learning about the market and making purchases.
• He doesn't interact with any notable characters but observes others, showing his awareness of the hierarchical nature of the ghost market.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An Hexuan, head of Dan Cao Hall in Ningyun Prefecture, learns about the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion and its potential profit.
• He sends men to investigate and discovers a True Qi Realm late-stage expert is behind the pavilion, prompting him to seek help from Dan Cao Hall's Second Hall Master, Yang Chaoxing.
• Bi Changsheng prepares to leave for Jin'an Prefecture to complete a mission for the Demon Extermination Society, after detoxifying Fang Yaoyang and preparing his disciple, Liu Zhengqing.

Character Developments

• An Hexuan: Ambitions to gain power and status, willing to seek help despite losing personal credit.
• Bi Changsheng: Advances to True Qi Realm late-stage, prepares for Condensing Gang, and Little Black transforms into a formidable demon beast.
• Fang Yaoyang: Persistent in trying to recruit Liu Zhengqing as his disciple.
• Liu Zhengqing: Begins learning the "Vast Sea Fist" cultivation method.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power struggle (An Hexuan, Dan Cao Hall)
• Mentorship and discipleship (Fang Yaoyang, Liu Zhengqing)
• Preparation and growth (Bi Changsheng, Little Black)

Character Interactions

• An Hexuan interacts with his subordinates, seeking their help and information.
• Bi Changsheng interacts with Fang Yaoyang, detoxifying him and giving him a cultivation method.
• Bi Changsheng interacts with Liu Zhengqing, preparing him for his absence and giving him a cultivation method.
• Fang Yaoyang interacts with Liu Zhengqing, trying to recruit him as his disciple.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng, a middle-aged man, arrives at a manor in Jin'an Prefecture, which is a disguised stronghold of the Yellow Heaven Cult.
• He infiltrates the manor, killing guards and cult members, including a True Qi Realm Elder.
• Bi Changsheng uses a Divine Movement Talisman to chase and eliminate remaining cult members.
• He discovers an underground entrance, finds a hidden underground palace, and eliminates more cult members.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng demonstrates his strength, skill, and ruthlessness in combat, proving himself a formidable opponent.
• The Yellow Heaven Cult members show fear and panic in the face of Bi Changsheng's onslaught.

Significant Themes

• The relentless pursuit of justice and elimination of evil, represented by Bi Changsheng's mission.
• The disparity in power and the resulting fear and intimidation, shown in the interactions between Bi Changsheng and the cult members.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng faces off against the Yellow Heaven Cult Elder, showcasing his superior strength and skill.
• Bi Changsheng chases and eliminates fleeing cult members, demonstrating his determination and ruthlessness.
• Bi Changsheng encounters and eliminates the guards of the underground palace, revealing his strategic thinking and caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng discovers an underground palace with imprisoned people, all elderly in appearance but actually youthful due to lifespan consumption for cultivating 'Creation Condensing Yuan' technique to produce 'Life True Water'.
• Bi Changsheng rescues them and learns about their plight. He takes the Cultivation Technique and sends them to the Demon Extermination Society.
• On his return journey, Bi Changsheng's Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion is targeted by a man who accuses their pills of causing his brother's cultivation deviation. He attacks Uncle Fu and Liu Zhengqing, and Little Black intervenes, but is no match for the man.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng: Shows heroic actions in rescuing the imprisoned people and takes interest in the 'Creation Condensing Yuan' technique.
• Liu Zhengqing: Displays concern for his father and bravery in confronting the man, but is injured. His desire for power grows.
• Little Black: Protects Uncle Fu and Liu Zhengqing, showing loyalty and bravery despite being seriously injured.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of unethical cultivation practices (consuming lifespan for cultivation).
• The power dynamics between cultivators and the importance of self-defense.
• The growth of Liu Zhengqing's desire for power and his sense of responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng interacts with the rescued people, learning about their plight and taking the Cultivation Technique.
• Liu Zhengqing and Little Black defend the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion together against the man, showcasing their bond and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng returns to Ningyun City and finds the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion under attack.
• A True Qi Realm late-stage expert (Bi Changsheng) intervenes, killing the leader of the attacking group.
• A Condensing Gang Realm Grandmaster (Yang Chaoxing) attacks Bi Changsheng, leading to a clash that devastates the area.
• Bi Changsheng kills the remaining attackers, and Yang Chaoxing reveals his identity.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng displays his anger and protective nature towards his friends and the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion.
• Bi Changsheng demonstrates his power, fighting off a Condensing Gang Realm Grandmaster's attack.
• Yang Chaoxing reveals his involvement in the attack and his hostility towards Bi Changsheng.

Significant Themes

• Protectiveness and Loyalty: Bi Changsheng's anger and actions highlight his loyalty to his friends and the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion.
• Power Dynamics: The clash between Bi Changsheng and Yang Chaoxing underscores the power dynamics in Ningyun City and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng interacts with the attackers, showing no mercy.
• Bi Changsheng clashes with Yang Chaoxing, revealing the latter's involvement in the attack.
• The onlookers react to the events, showing their fear and awe of the powerful experts involved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng encounters Yang Chaoxing, a Condensing Gang Realm Grandmaster, who demands the Crimson Blood Pill recipe.
• Bi Changsheng, despite being in the True Qi Realm, decides to confront Yang Chaoxing.
• Bi Changsheng burns 300 years of his lifespan using Jade Burn, boosting his power to match Yang Chaoxing's.
• Bi Changsheng uses the Self-Sacrificing Sword technique, killing Yang Chaoxing and leaving a thousand-meter sword mark on Sajin Street.
• Bi Changsheng visits Dan Cao Hall, kills everyone involved in the plot against the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion, and destroys the hall, vowing to do the same to Dan Cao Hall's headquarters if they don't provide a satisfactory explanation within ten days.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng demonstrates immense power and determination, willing to sacrifice his lifespan to protect the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion and its people.
• Yang Chaoxing, the Condensing Gang Realm Grandmaster, underestimates Bi Changsheng and pays the ultimate price for his arrogance.
• An Hexuan, the person in charge of Dan Cao Hall in Ningyun Prefecture, confesses to the plot against the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion to spare Dan Cao Hall further trouble.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: Bi Changsheng's immense power allows him to protect the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion, but it also leads to significant destruction and loss of life.
• Sacrifice: Bi Changsheng is willing to sacrifice his lifespan and even his life to protect what he believes in.
• Arrogance and underestimation: Yang Chaoxing's arrogance and underestimation of Bi Changsheng lead to his downfall.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng and Yang Chaoxing: Their confrontation leads to Yang Chaoxing's death and Bi Changsheng's vow to destroy Dan Cao Hall.
• Bi Changsheng and An Hexuan: An Hexuan confesses to the plot against the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion to Bi Changsheng, hoping to spare Dan Cao Hall further trouble.
• Fang Yaoyang, the Supreme Elder of the Divine Fist Sect, witnesses the incident but decides not to intervene, realizing the extent of Bi Changsheng's power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ximen Xue (Bi Changsheng) defeats Yang Chaoxing, a Condensing Gang Realm Grandmaster, using his True Qi Realm late-stage cultivation, causing a sensation throughout Great Gan.
• Bi Changsheng compensates and reconstructs shops affected by the destruction of Dan Cao Hall.
• Bi Changsheng studies and practices the 'Creation Condensing Yuan Skill', condensing Life True Water, and discovers its healing and plant-promoting effects.
• Bi Changsheng studies the 'Yi Calculation Scripture' but hasn't yet understood its purpose.
• Liu Zhengqing asks Bi Changsheng for permission to take Old Man Fang as his teacher to better assist Bi Changsheng.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng: Shows growth in his cultivation, understanding new skills, and maintaining his compassionate and respectful nature towards his followers.
• Liu Zhengqing: Expresses his desire to better assist Bi Changsheng, demonstrating loyalty and determination.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: Bi Changsheng's continuous learning and improvement in his skills.
• Loyalty and determination: Liu Zhengqing's desire to better serve Bi Changsheng.
• Respect and understanding: Bi Changsheng's acceptance of Liu Zhengqing's decision to take Old Man Fang as his teacher.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng and Liu Zhengqing: Their conversation demonstrates their mutual respect and understanding, with Bi Changsheng supporting Liu Zhengqing's decision to take Old Man Fang as his teacher.
• Bi Changsheng and Little Black: Bi Changsheng provides Life True Water to Little Black, showing his care for his companions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng's identity as Ximen Xue spreads across Great Gan after killing Yang Chaoxing.
• Emperor Gan Tianyu learns about Ximen Xue's feat but deems him currently non-threatening.
• The Yellow Heaven Cult's leader, Li Tianhua, is aware of Ximen Xue's actions and sees him as no immediate threat.
• Major forces in Great Gan are impressed by Ximen Xue's achievement but consider him currently insignificant.
• The Divine Fist Sect, however, takes notice and orders its disciples not to provoke Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion members.

Character Developments

• Emperor Gan Tianyu: Shows his political acumen by focusing on more pressing matters than Ximen Xue.
• Li Tianhua: Confident in his upcoming breakthrough and the Yellow Heaven Cult's future dominance.
• Fang Yaoyang: Recognizes Ximen Xue's potential and orders his sect not to provoke him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering among Great Gan's forces.
• The impact of cultivation realm on one's influence and threat level.
• The potential consequences of underestimating opponents.

Character Interactions

• Emperor Gan Tianyu and Ying Yi: The emperor receives reports from his commander, showing their hierarchical relationship.
• Li Tianhua and Wen Chengzhou: The cult leader discusses plans with his subordinate, demonstrating their mutual respect and understanding.
• Fang Yaoyang's order to his disciples: Shows his protective stance towards Ximen Xue and the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng, disguised as Ximen Xue, visits the Demon Extermination Society to collect the second layer of the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Great Law.
• He meets Ying Tianqing, the president of the Demon Extermination Society, who personally delivers the cultivation method.
• Ying Tianqing warns Bi Changsheng about the lifespan cost of using the second layer.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng's reputation grows after killing Grandmaster Yang Chaoxing, leading to increased popularity of the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion.
• Bi Changsheng's self-sufficiency in resources reduces his dependence on pill refinement, leading him to limit sales at the pill pavilion.
• Ying Tianqing shows respect and caution towards Bi Changsheng, recognizing his potential and talent.

Significant Themes

• The theme of reputation and its consequences, as Bi Changsheng's actions have drawn attention and admiration from the martial artists in Ningyun City.
• The theme of caution and responsibility, as Ying Tianqing warns Bi Changsheng about the risks of using the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Great Law's second layer.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng and Dong Yuanwei interact briefly, with Dong Yuanwei showing respect and awe towards Bi Changsheng.
• Bi Changsheng and Ying Tianqing have a detailed discussion about cultivation, with Ying Tianqing expressing surprise at Bi Changsheng's comprehension and insights.
• Bi Changsheng's interactions with the customers of the Crimson Blood Pill Pavilion show his growing reputation and influence in Ningyun City.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dan Cao Hall, one of the two powerful entities in Nanji Prefecture, is in turmoil due to the death of their Second Hall Master, Yang Chaoxing, at the hands of Ximen Xue (Bi Changsheng).
• Ba Ziming, the sole remaining Condensing Gang Realm Grandmaster and First Hall Master of Dan Cao Hall, decides to overlook Yang Chaoxing's death but warns Ximen Xue that he will show the might of Dan Cao Hall if Ximen Xue continues to be unreasonable.
• Bi Changsheng, unaware of Dan Cao Hall's decision, prepares for life-burning cultivation to break through to the Condensing Gang Realm.
• Fang Yaoyang visits Bi Changsheng and successfully persuades Liu Zhengqing to become his disciple.
• Bi Changsheng offers two Condensing Gang Pills to Fang Yaoyang in exchange for the right to view the cultivation techniques and books in the Divine Fist Sect's Scripture Pavilion.

Character Developments

• Ba Ziming shows his authority and strategic thinking by deciding to overlook Yang Chaoxing's death to avoid further conflict with Ximen Xue.
• Bi Changsheng demonstrates his generosity and trust in Liu Zhengqing by offering him Condensing Gang Pills as a disciple-accepting gift.
• Fang Yaoyang shows his eagerness to accept Liu Zhengqing as a disciple and his willingness to make deals with Bi Changsheng.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and politics within sects and factions.
• The value of Condensing Gang Pills and the desire to obtain them.
• The importance of mentorship and discipleship in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Ba Ziming interacts with the other members of Dan Cao Hall, showing his authority and making a decision regarding Ximen Xue.
• Bi Changsheng interacts with Fang Yaoyang, offering Condensing Gang Pills in exchange for access to the Divine Fist Sect's Scripture Pavilion.
• Liu Zhengqing interacts with Fang Yaoyang, accepting him as a master after receiving assurance that Fang Yaoyang will help improve his strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng refines 'Return Origin Pills' to prepare for his breakthrough.
• He successfully breaks through to the Condensing Gang Realm using the second layer of the Heavenly Demon Disintegration Great Law.
• Bi Changsheng estimates his current strength to be equivalent to a mid-Condensing Gang Realm martial artist.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng's cultivation level increases significantly, and he gains a deeper understanding of his foundation and the gap between realms.
• Uncle Fu expresses worry about Liu Zhengqing's departure, showing his parental affection.

Significant Themes

• The immense gap between realms in martial arts (True Qi vs. Condensing Gang).
• The power of life-consuming cultivation and the mysterious energy it generates.
• The mainstream of cultivation vs. martial arts in this world.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng informs Uncle Fu and Little Black about his successful breakthrough.
• Bi Changsheng decides to fulfill his promise to Dan Cao Hall, setting up a confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng (disguised as Ximen Xue) travels to Dan Cao City using his newfound ability to fly, a skill he developed after breaking through to the Condensing Gang Realm.
• In Dan Cao City, Ba Ziming, the First Hall Master of Dan Cao Hall, prepares for Ximen Xue's arrival, inviting two powerful Condensing Gang Realm martial artists for assistance.
• Ximen Xue sends a box to Dan Cao Hall, claiming it's a "grand gift," which Ba Ziming decides to open despite the presence of Gang Qi on the box.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng demonstrates his growth by mastering flight and using it to travel swiftly.
• Ba Ziming shows caution and preparedness, inviting powerful allies to face Ximen Xue.
• Shen Taihe and Qi Yuanji, the invited allies, show confidence in their abilities but also vigilance against Ximen Xue.

Significant Themes

• The power and prestige of Condensing Gang Realm martial artists.
• The tension and anticipation of a looming confrontation.
• The importance of caution and preparedness in the face of uncertainty.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng (as Ximen Xue) interacts with Dan Cao Hall through the mysterious box, creating tension and anticipation.
• Ba Ziming, Shen Taihe, and Qi Yuanji interact, showing their dynamics as allies preparing for a threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ba Ziming receives a box from Ximen Xue, suspecting it's a trap.
• Upon opening the box, a powerful Sword Qi is released, destroying Dan Cao Hall and most of Dan Cao City.
• Bi Changsheng, the instigator, reveals he had sealed a Self-Sacrificing Sword in the box using a Qi Absorption Talisman.
• Bi Changsheng loots the Dan Cao Hall headquarters' Scripture Pavilion and leaves, marking the end of Dan Cao Hall.

Character Developments

• Ba Ziming, Qi Yuanji, and Shen Taihe die, regretting their actions.
• Bi Changsheng breaks through to the Condensing Gang Realm and demonstrates his power and cunning.

Significant Themes

• Pride and hubris lead to downfall (Ba Ziming, Qi Yuanji, Shen Taihe).
• Cunning and strategic planning can overcome powerful opponents (Bi Changsheng).
• The destructive power of advanced cultivation techniques and artifacts.

Character Interactions

• Ba Ziming's arrogance leads to his demise, as he refuses to bow to Ximen Xue.
• Bi Changsheng's actions indirectly cause the deaths of Ba Ziming and others, demonstrating his disregard for their lives.
• Bi Changsheng's interaction with the Dan Cao Hall headquarters is one of looting and destruction, showing his lack of respect for the organization and its members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng (disguised as Ximen Xue) annihilates Dan Cao Hall's headquarters, causing a sensation throughout Great Gan.
• News of Ximen Xue's Condensing Gang Realm breakthrough and his solo defeat of three Condensing Gang Realm experts spreads rapidly.
• Factions disassociate themselves from Qi Yuanji and Shen Taihe, fearing Ximen Xue's retribution.
• Dan Cao Hall's branch stores are swallowed by rivals after losing their headquarters' backing.
• The Ten Great Powers and the imperial court monitor Ximen Xue's movements due to his displayed strength.

Character Developments

• Ximen Xue (Bi Changsheng): Gains immense prestige and is considered on par with peak Condensing Gang Realm martial artists.
• Qi Yuanji and Shen Taihe: Their factions disown them, fearing Ximen Xue's retribution.
• Fang Yaoyang: Realizes the hopelessness of his disciple Liu Zhengqing surpassing Ximen Xue.

Significant Themes

• Strength and prestige: Ximen Xue's power and achievements earn him widespread respect and fear.
• Consequences of actions: Qi Yuanji and Shen Taihe face repercussions for aiding Dan Cao Hall.
• Faction dynamics: Factions distance themselves from problematic members to protect their interests.

Character Interactions

• Ximen Xue (Bi Changsheng) and Dan Cao Hall: Ximen Xue single-handedly destroys Dan Cao Hall's headquarters, causing its branches to fall.
• Factions and Qi Yuanji/Shen Taihe: Factions disown Qi Yuanji and Shen Taihe to avoid Ximen Xue's wrath.
• Ximen Xue (Bi Changsheng) and Qi Yuanji's faction: Ximen Xue accepts their apology, showing leniency due to their sincerity and lack of personal grudge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng, now 18, catches a fish in a mountain pond near the Divine Fist Sect.
• He returns to his mountain courtyard, where he lives to avoid attention and study cultivation techniques.
• Bi Changsheng plans to travel outside Ningyun Prefecture soon.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng has reached the late Condensing Gang Realm in cultivation and has made progress in understanding the path of martial artists.
• His comprehension/aptitude has improved significantly due to the Yi Suan Jing technique.
• Little Black has reached the mid-Qi Refining stage, and Liu Zhengqing is likely attempting to break through to the Qi and Blood Realm.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Bi Changsheng's relentless cultivation and study have led to significant improvements in his strength and understanding of martial arts.
• Isolation and Focus: Bi Changsheng chooses to live in seclusion to avoid distractions and focus on his cultivation and studies.
• Personal Growth: Bi Changsheng's journey emphasizes his continuous self-improvement and pursuit of knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng interacts briefly with Uncle Fu and Little Black upon returning home.
• He mentions Liu Zhengqing, showing his awareness of his apprentice's progress.
• There's no significant interaction with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng decides to travel due to a bottleneck in his martial arts and to investigate Xingling Mountain mentioned in the Yi Suan Jing.
• He enters Duan Prefecture, witnessing the severe drought's impact on crops and farmers.
• Arriving at South Bank Town, he learns about an upcoming River God sacrifice and the town's reliance on the South Dragon River.
• Bi Changsheng overhears townspeople discussing the River God Temple's increasing demands and influence.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng shows concern for the suffering of the drought-stricken farmers but feels helpless to intervene.
• The townspeople of South Bank Town display a mix of fear, reverence, and resentment towards the River God Temple.

Significant Themes

• Natural Disaster and Human Response: The drought's impact on the land and people, and their desperate attempts to cope.
• Power and Corruption: The River God Temple's growing influence and demands, reflecting potential corruption and abuse of power.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng eavesdrops on two townspeople discussing the River God Temple's increasing demands and the upcoming River God sacrifice, providing him with valuable information.
• The townspeople's conversations reveal their mixed feelings towards the River God Temple, highlighting the complex dynamics between them and the temple.

The middle-aged man swiftly stepped forward, positioning himself between the great snake and the child. With a calm and collected demeanor, he raised his right hand, and a brilliant flash of light enveloped the snake's head, halting its attack mid-strike.
The great snake let out a deafening hiss, its eyes filled with pain and anger. It tried to pull back, but the light held it firmly in place, preventing it from moving any further.
The middle-aged man turned to the priestess, his gaze stern and unyielding. "Enough with this charade. I know your true intentions, and I will not allow you to use these innocent lives for your own gain."
The priestess's eyes narrowed, her expression turning cold. "You dare interfere with the River God's will? Very well, if you insist on protecting these children, then you shall face the consequences."
The middle-aged man did not flinch. "I am ready for whatever you throw at me. But know this, I will not stand by and watch you sacrifice these children to gain power."
The great snake, still held in place by the man's light, thrashed and hissed, trying to break free. The priestess raised her hands, and the air around her began to crackle with energy. "Very well, then. Let us see who is more powerful, the River God's chosen vessel or a mere cultivator like you."
As the priestess prepared to unleash her power, the middle-aged man's expression remained unchanged. "I am ready for whatever you have to offer. But know this, I will not let you harm these children."
The great snake, still held in place by the man's light, thrashed and hissed, trying to break free. The priestess raised her hands, and the air around her began to crackle with energy. "Very well, then. Let us see who is more powerful, the River God's chosen vessel or a mere cultivator like you."
As the priestess prepared to unleash her power, the middle-aged man's expression remained unchanged. "I am ready for whatever you have to offer. But know this, I will not let you harm these children."
The great snake, still held in place by the man's light, thrashed and hissed, trying to break free. The priestess raised her hands, and the air around her began to crackle with energy. "Very well, then. Let us see who is more powerful, the River God's chosen vessel or a mere cultivator like you."
As the priestess prepared to unleash her power, the middle-aged man's expression remained unchanged. "I am ready for whatever you have to offer. But know this, I will not let you harm these children."
The great snake, still held in place by the man's light, thrashed and hissed, trying to break free. The priestess raised her hands, and the air around her began to crackle with energy. "Very well, then. Let us see who is more powerful, the River God's chosen vessel or a mere cultivator like you."
As the priestess prepared to unleash her power, the middle-aged man's expression remained unchanged. "I am ready for whatever you have to offer. But know this, I will not let you harm these children."
The great snake, still held in place by the man's light, thrashed and hissed, trying to break free. The priestess raised her hands, and the air around her began to crackle with energy. "Very well, then. Let us see who is more powerful, the River God's chosen vessel or a mere cultivator like you."
As the priestess prepared to unleash her power, the middle-aged man's expression remained unchanged. "I am ready for whatever you have to offer. But know this, I will not let you harm these children."
The great snake, still held in place by the man's light, thrashed and hissed, trying to break free. The priestess raised her hands, and the air around her began to crackle with energy. "Very well, then. Let us see who is more powerful, the River God's chosen vessel or a mere cultivator like you."
As the priestess prepared to unleash her power, the middle-aged man's expression remained unchanged. "I am ready for whatever you have to offer. But know this, I will not let you harm these children."
The great snake, still held in place by the man's light, thrashed and hissed, trying to break free. The priestess raised her hands, and the air around her began to crackle with energy. "Very well, then. Let us see who is more powerful, the River God's chosen vessel or a mere cultivator like you."
As the priest

Key Plot Points and Events

• A middle-aged cultivator, believing the giant snake to be at a lower cultivation level, attacks it but retreats when he realizes the snake's true power.
• The snake, enraged, attacks the townspeople, prompting Bi Changsheng to intervene.
• Bi Changsheng, using his advanced cultivation and divine abilities, wounds the snake and forces it to retreat into the river.
• Bi Changsheng uses a powerful, lifespan-consuming technique to strike at the snake's location underwater, temporarily disconnecting the South Dragon River.

Character Developments

• The middle-aged cultivator is revealed to be overconfident and hasty in his judgment, leading to his retreat.
• Bi Changsheng demonstrates his growth in power and control over his divine abilities, showing no mercy to the snake but also displaying restraint in not pursuing it rashly.

Significant Themes

• The theme of overconfidence and its consequences, as seen in the middle-aged cultivator's actions.
• The theme of power and its responsible use, as shown in Bi Changsheng's decision to intervene and his restraint in pursuing the snake.

Character Interactions

• The middle-aged cultivator and the giant snake: The cultivator underestimates the snake, leading to a tense standoff before his retreat.
• Bi Changsheng and the giant snake: Bi Changsheng wounds the snake and forces it to retreat, showing his superior power and control.
• Bi Changsheng and the townspeople: Bi Changsheng's intervention saves the townspeople from the snake's wrath, establishing him as a protector figure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bi Changsheng (disguised as Ximen Xue) slays the great serpent River God with a single sword strike, severing the South Dragon River.
• The river reunites shortly after, but a thousand-meter-long sword mark remains as evidence.
• Bi Changsheng's display of power shocks the residents of South Bank Town and a middle-aged man who had initially tried to flee.
• The temple keeper of the River God Temple orders her followers to kill Bi Changsheng, but they refuse and turn against her.
• Bi Changsheng kills the temple keeper and her followers for their evil deeds.
• Bi Changsheng uses a Water Repelling Talisman to enter the river and retrieve the great serpent's corpse.

Character Developments

• Bi Changsheng: Proves his immense power and righteousness by slaying the evil River God and punishing the temple keeper and her followers.
• The middle-aged man: Recognizes Bi Changsheng as Ximen Xue and is astonished by his rapid growth and power.
• The temple keeper: Initially kind-hearted but corrupted by power, she eventually meets her demise due to her evil deeds.

Significant Themes

• Power and corruption: The temple keeper's rise to power and subsequent descent into evil highlight the dangers of unchecked ambition.
• Righteousness vs. evil: Bi Changsheng's actions demonstrate his commitment to justice and punishment of wrongdoers.

Character Interactions

• Bi Changsheng and the middle-aged man: The man is shocked by Bi Changsheng's power and decides not to provoke him in the future.
• Bi Changsheng and the temple keeper: Bi Changsheng shows no mercy in punishing the temple keeper for her evil deeds.
• The temple keeper and her followers: The followers turn against the temple keeper after the River God's death, showing their loyalty was based on fear and self-interest.