Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yan, with 100,000 immortal artifacts, appears and deters three Ascended Immortals.
• Chen Yan offers them a chance to submit or face annihilation; they comply.
• The battle ends, and Chenping Continent suffers catastrophic damage.
• Chen Yan visits Xingtian Gate, securing their submission.
• He meets Mister You at Tian Ding Mountain's ruins.

Character Developments

• Chen Yan demonstrates his power and authority, becoming the dominant force on Chenping Continent.
• The Ascended Immortals submit to Chen Yan, showing their vulnerability and lack of resistance.
• Mister You is revealed to be Fusheng Immortal Venerable, hinting at his true identity.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and submission: Chen Yan's display of power leads to the submission of other Ascended Immortals.
• Consequences of conflict: The battle of immortals results in widespread destruction and loss of life on Chenping Continent.
• Identity and secrets: Mister You's true identity is hinted at, suggesting a deeper story.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yan and the three Ascended Immortals: Chen Yan's power intimidates and subdues them, leading to their submission.
• Chen Yan and Mister You: They meet again, with Chen Yan inviting Mister You to take his position, hinting at their shared history and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yan discovers that Mister You has re-cultivated and has a 62,000-year memory gap.
• Fusheng City is revealed to be a contingency plan from Mister You 70,000 years ago, combining Weaving Dream Tower's illusion techniques with his own Dao Foundation.
• Chen Yan admits his ambition to integrate the Five Great Sects and rule Chenping Continent to face the coming enemy, 'that existence'.
• Chen Yan reveals his past journey to Tianji Continent and the Twelve Immortal Sects, and the impending calamity due to the collapse of Heaven and Earth Laws.
• A dark crack in the sky above Tian Ding Palace continues to expand, indicating the approaching calamity.

Character Developments

• Mister You: Shows surprise and displeasure at Chen Yan's poking at his sore spots, reveals his past contingency plan, and expresses curiosity about Chen Yan's ambitions.
• Chen Yan: Reveals his past journey and the true nature of the coming enemy, expresses his determination to integrate Chenping Continent's forces, and considers taking a Dao title.

Significant Themes

• The unknown past of Chenping Continent and the Twelve Immortal Sects.
• The impending calamity and the need to integrate forces to face it.
• The importance of a Dao title for a ruler in the Ascension Realm.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yan and Mister You: Engage in a conversation revealing their pasts, plans, and ambitions. Mister You teases Chen Yan about his ambitious nature, while Chen Yan shares his concerns about the coming enemy and the need to integrate Chenping Continent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The imperial edict of True Person Ducang, unifying Chenping Continent and aiming to re-establish the celestial order, has reached the Western Regions.
• Yun Ci Dynasty, bordering the Xuansheng Sect, has stabilized after the Chaos of Immortals.
• He Qingling, a disciple of the Xuansheng Sect and daughter of its Sect Master, visits Yulai Tower in Yun Jing, seeking information about the past events on Tian Ding Mountain.
• The storyteller recounts the battle on Tian Ding Mountain, where True Person Ducang fought against four opponents, including the Sect Master of Xuansheng Sect, and shattered the original order of Chenping Continent.

Character Developments

• He Qingling, now 21, has advanced her cultivation realm to Martial Spring Realm Late-stage and has potential to reach Qi Sea Realm before 25. She harbors strong dislike towards True Person Ducang.
• Zhao Chengli, head of the Zhao family and a cultivator at Qi Condensation Realm Late-stage, shows deference to He Qingling due to her status and influence.

Significant Themes

• The impact of True Person Ducang's actions on the cultivation world, causing anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
• The tension between the old order (represented by the Xuansheng Sect) and the new order (led by True Person Ducang).
• The power dynamics between cultivation sects and their influence on secular dynasties.

Character Interactions

• He Qingling and Zhao Chengli: Zhao Chengli greets He Qingling respectfully, showing deference to her status and influence.
• He Qingling and the storyteller: He Qingling listens to the storyteller's account of the battle on Tian Ding Mountain, expressing her disdain for True Person Ducang's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Qingling interrupts a storyteller in Yulai Tower, expressing her disinterest in hearing the same tales of True Person Ducang.
• The storyteller suggests telling a story about Li Haowen, the personal disciple of the Empty Mountain Sect's Elder, who is known for his deeds like slaying Ding the Bandit from a thousand miles away.
• In the Empty Mountain Sect, Li Haowen is informed by Elder Yue Chi that he will be transferred to Qingchan Peak as the training ground elder and eventually become the Martial Suppression Elder.
• Li Haowen expresses concern about gaining respect in his new position due to his reputation.
• Elder Yue Chi reveals that True Person Ducang, Chen Yan, will be visiting the Empty Mountain Sect in seven days.

Character Developments

• He Qingling shows assertiveness and independence by interrupting the storyteller and expressing her preferences.
• Li Haowen demonstrates humility and self-awareness regarding his reputation and the challenges he might face in his new position.
• Elder Yue Chi displays concern and support for Li Haowen's career progression and acknowledges the importance of Ancestor Kong's decisions.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and politics within the Empty Mountain Sect, with Ancestor Kong holding significant influence.
• The reputation and respect of cultivators, as Li Haowen is concerned about gaining the respect of his peers.

Character Interactions

• He Qingling interacts with the storyteller in Yulai Tower, expressing her preferences and sparking interest in Li Haowen's deeds among the patrons.
• Li Haowen interacts with Elder Yue Chi, discussing his new position and the upcoming visit of True Person Ducang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• True Person Ducang (Chen Yan) visits Fengjian Valley, accompanied by its Ascended Immortal Sect Master, True Person Shuangyu (Yin Xia).
• Chen Yan requests three thousand Outer Court Disciples from Fengjian Valley to help repair Ducang Mountain.
• He also asks Yin Xia to promote the upcoming Du Cang Mountain Dao Discussion Assembly in the northern region of Chenping Continent.

Character Developments

• Chen Yan: Now an Ascended Immortal, he's calm and confident, no longer hiding his thoughts. He's determined to rebuild Ducang Mountain and establish the Du Cang Mountain Dao Discussion.
• Yin Xia: She's respectful and cooperative, agreeing to Chen Yan's requests. She's also concerned about the state of Chenping Continent's cultivation world post the Chaos of Immortals.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Ascension: Chen Yan's journey from a Qi Condensation Realm cultivator to an Ascended Immortal highlights the theme of cultivation and the pursuit of power.
• Rebirth and Change: Chen Yan's rebirth and his plans to rebuild Ducang Mountain and establish a new cultivation event signify change and renewal.
• Alliances and Cooperation: Chen Yan's visits to the Five Great Sects and his requests for assistance emphasize the importance of alliances and cooperation in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yan and Yin Xia: They interact respectfully, with Yin Xia showing deference to Chen Yan's power and influence. Their conversation is cordial yet purposeful, with Yin Xia agreeing to Chen Yan's requests without hesitation.
• Chen Yan and Fengjian Valley Elders: Although not directly interacting, the elders show respect and deference to Chen Yan, clearing a path for Yin Xia when he asks her to wait.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yan, now the Sect Master of Chenping Continent, reflects on his past actions during the Chaos of the Immortals and his decision not to kill any Ascension Realm cultivators.
• He warns True Person Yin Xia and the entire Chenping Continent to prepare for the worst, as no one knows what will happen.
• In Empty Mountain Sect, Elder Lin Qifeng asks Steward Zhao Bin to check on his pill furnace, revealing he spent 200,000 high-grade spirit stones on it as a gift for True Person Chen's visit.
• Zhao Bin suspects Lin Qifeng's funds and threatens to inform his Master, Yue Chi, about the 500,000 bad debts in the Pill Hall.
• Chen Yan, in a forest, speaks to the spirit of his deceased brother, expressing his understanding of his brother's actions and promising to walk the path ahead for him. He retrieves the Falling Star Sword.

Character Developments

• Chen Yan: Shows restraint and wisdom in his decision not to kill Ascension Realm cultivators during the Chaos of the Immortals, demonstrating his understanding of the importance of preserving the continent's strength. He also shows compassion and understanding towards his deceased brother.
• True Person Yin Xia: Remains silent and unsure of what to say when Chen Yan warns her about the potential dangers ahead.
• Lin Qifeng: Reveals his extravagant spending on a pill furnace, hinting at potential corruption or mismanagement in the Pill Hall.
• Zhao Bin: Shows maturity and responsibility in his role as Steward, questioning Lin Qifeng's spending and threatening to inform his Master about the bad debts in the Pill Hall.

Significant Themes

• Restraint and wisdom in leadership (Chen Yan's decision not to kill Ascension Realm cultivators)
• The importance of preserving strength and preparing for the worst (Chen Yan's warning to the Chenping Continent)
• Potential corruption and mismanagement within a sect (Lin Qifeng's extravagant spending and the bad debts in the Pill Hall)
• Brotherly love and understanding (Chen Yan's conversation with his deceased brother's spirit)

Character Interactions

• Chen Yan and True Person Yin Xia: Chen Yan warns Yin Xia about the potential dangers ahead, showing a level of respect and trust in her.
• Lin Qifeng and Zhao Bin: Lin Qifeng asks Zhao Bin for help with his pill furnace, revealing his extravagant spending and hinting at potential corruption. Zhao Bin, in turn, threatens to inform his Master about the bad debts in the Pill Hall.
• Chen Yan and his deceased brother's spirit: Chen Yan expresses his understanding of his brother's actions and promises to walk the path ahead for him, demonstrating their strong brotherly bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• True Person Ducang (Chen Yan) visits the Empty Mountain Sect, causing a flurry of activity, especially in the Outer Court, as they prepare for his arrival.
• Chen Yan's visit is purely routine, with no intention of going to the Outer Court. He plans to visit the Five Great Sects, borrow manpower for Ducang Mountain, and discuss the upcoming Dao discussion.
• At the Empty Mountain Sect, Chen Yan is greeted by the Sect Master, True Person Kong Yang, and over a thousand cultivators on Kongyuan Mountain.

Character Developments

• Chen Yan: He has grown significantly in power and status, now an Ascension Realm cultivator and a likely candidate for Sect Master of Chenping Continent. His presence instills fear and awe in the Empty Mountain Sect cultivators.
• Fu Qian, Bai Qiming, Chu Xiyao: They have lost their influence and power within the sect. Fu Qian and Bai Qiming are discarded by Kong Yang, while Chu Xiyao, though still an Elder, feels the vast gap between herself and Chen Yan.
• Kong Yang: The Sect Master appears thinner and more haggard, likely due to the immortal rebellion two years ago.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The difference in cultivation realms and power is starkly shown, with Chen Yan's presence causing fear and awe. Political maneuvering is futile against absolute strength.
• Change and Time: Twenty years have passed, and the characters have changed significantly. Fu Qian and Bai Qiming have fallen from power, while Chen Yan has risen to become a mighty figure.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yan and Kong Yang: Though not explicitly shown, there's tension between them, likely due to Kong Yang's past actions against Chen Yan and his friends.
• Chen Yan and Chu Xiyao: A glance from Chen Yan freezes Chu Xiyao's True Qi and Qi Sea, demonstrating the vast gap between them.
• Chen Yan and Lin Qifeng: Chen Yan nods towards Lin Qifeng, acknowledging his master.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Yang visits Kong Yang to discuss matters related to Chenping Continent's future.
• Kong Yang requests three Outer Court Disciples from Kong Yang to help repair Du Cang Mountain and asks for support in promoting the upcoming Du Cang Mountain Dao Discussion Assembly.
• Kong Yang also requests the return of the Gui Xu Pagoda to True Person Liang.
• Kong Yang reveals his severe Dao Rhyme erosion and asks Chen Yan to guide the Empty Mountain Sect after his death.

Character Developments

• Kong Yang: He has accepted that his feelings for Cheng Ziying were illusions and now focuses solely on his cultivation path. He acknowledges the impending threats to Chenping Continent and is willing to cooperate with Chen Yan.
• Chen Yan: He has become more reserved and strategic, focusing on repairing Du Cang Mountain and preparing for future threats. He agrees to guide the Empty Mountain Sect after Kong Yang's death.

Significant Themes

• The illusionary nature of past emotions and the pursuit of the immortal path as the only righteous path for cultivators.
• The impending threats to Chenping Continent and the need for unity among its cultivators.
• The acceptance of death and the desire for guidance after one's passing.

Character Interactions

• Kong Yang and Chen Yan: They maintain a respectful and formal demeanor, acknowledging their past connections but focusing on the current issues at hand. They agree to cooperate for the betterment of Chenping Continent.
• Kong Yang and Cheng Ziying: They are no longer emotionally attached, recognizing their past feelings as illusions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Yang's remaining lifespan is only a few hundred years, a brief moment for an Ascension Realm cultivator.
• Chen Yan promises to guide the Empty Mountain Sect and asks for a person in return.
• Kong Yang reveals that Chen Yan wants a disciple named Qiguan Jin from Mingxiao Peak.
• Chen Yan plans to upgrade the Mountain Shaking Bell into an immortal artifact in three days.
• Mirage Palace's rebuilding will take at least five thousand years due to its location and resources.

Character Developments

• Kong Yang shows understanding and acceptance of his limited lifespan.
• Chen Yan demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in rebuilding Du Cang Mountain and managing its resources.
• Qiguan Jin is revealed to be a talented individual whom Chen Yan values for his management skills.

Significant Themes

• Lifespan and Mortality: The brevity of lifespan for cultivators in the Ascension Realm emphasizes the urgency and importance of their actions.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Kong Yang, Chen Yan, and other cultivators highlight the power dynamics and alliances among the Ascension Realm cultivators.
• Rebuilding and Management: The focus on rebuilding Du Cang Mountain and managing its resources underscores the practical challenges faced by cultivators in maintaining their sects.

Character Interactions

• Kong Yang and Chen Yan: Their conversation reveals their shared history and mutual respect, as well as Chen Yan's desire to rebuild Du Cang Mountain and his request for Qiguan Jin.
• Chen Yan and the Five Great Sects: Chen Yan's visits to the Four Great Sects and his requirement for Chenping Continent to have Five Great Sects show his influence and strategic thinking in maintaining the balance of power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sun Devouring True Person escapes the Mirage Palace with the Thousand Cloud Blade, leaving no survivors.
• Chen Yan plans to visit the Western Regions of Chenping Continent, returning the Gui Xu Pagoda to Liang Huan and seeking answers about the Weaving Dream Tower's illusions.
• Chen Yan revisits his former residence on Kongyuan Mountain, now occupied by an ordinary Inner Sect Disciple.
• Chen Yan encounters Lin Qifeng, his former Master, who gives him a gift and mentions the death of many old friends in the Sect.

Character Developments

• Chen Yan reflects on his past and the changes in the Sect, recalling deceased friends and considering the current state of the Empty Mountain Sect.
• Lin Qifeng remains respectful and humble towards Chen Yan, acknowledging their past relationship while understanding the hierarchy and rules of the Sect.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and the changes it brings to people and places.
• The importance of personal connections and history in the face of the Sect's hierarchy and rules.
• The heartlessness of the Immortal Path, as mentioned by Lin Qifeng, reflecting the harsh realities and sacrifices cultivators must make.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yan and Lin Qifeng's interaction is cordial yet distant, reflecting their changed roles and the passage of time. They discuss the past, Lin Qifeng's well-being, and the death of old friends.
• Chen Yan's encounter with the current resident of his former home serves as a reminder of the transience of life and the constant cycle of change in the Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Bo'an, a cultivator from Mirage Palace, meets a young cultivator in a plain Daoist Robe who reveals himself to be True Person Ducang (Chen Yan).
• Xiao Bo'an, who mastered the Weaving Dream Tower's illusion technique, Weaving Dream Night Sky Observation, knows his time to face consequences has come.
• True Person Ducang, now governing Chenping Continent, has come to judge Xiao Bo'an, not for his actions, but for his illusionary arts.

Character Developments

• Xiao Bo'an: Realizes his past actions have led to this confrontation; accepts his fate but tries to negotiate.
• True Person Ducang (Chen Yan): Maintains a calm and collected demeanor; reveals he's not acting on personal grudges but based on principles.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of Actions: Xiao Bo'an's past choices have led him to this moment of reckoning.
• Power Dynamics: The difference in power between Xiao Bo'an and True Person Ducang is stark, reflecting the theme of power imbalances in the cultivation world.
• Legacy and Tradition: Xiao Bo'an's loyalty to Mirage Palace and his desire to pass down its secret arts highlight the importance of legacy and tradition.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Bo'an vs. True Person Ducang: Xiao Bo'an tries to reason with True Person Ducang, but the latter remains firm in his principles, leading to a tense standoff.
• Xiao Bo'an's Internal Struggle: Xiao Bo'an grapples with his past actions and the impending consequences, revealing his complex emotions and thoughts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Bo'an, a young cultivator from Mirage Palace, encounters a mysterious young cultivator in a plain Daoist robe.
• The young cultivator reveals he knows about Weaving Dream Tower's Night Sky Observation Heavenly Mirror and its evolution over time.
• Xiao Bo'an realizes the young cultivator's identity as Fu Sheng, the Ascension Reincarnation of Immortal Venerable.
• Fu Sheng transports Xiao Bo'an to a prison cell, ending his reign as the most talented illusionist disciple of Mirage Palace.
• Chen Yan, on Du Cang Mountain, reveals to Fu Sheng that Lin Qifeng's (Yan Yunhe's) Karma thread characteristics match those of Supreme Saint of Imperial Void Bai Chen.

Character Developments

• Xiao Bo'an's confidence is shaken as his true identity is revealed, and he is eventually captured.
• Fu Sheng demonstrates his power and knowledge, confirming his identity as an Ascension Reincarnation.
• Chen Yan shows his ability to peek into heavenly secrets and reveals crucial information about Yan Yunhe's past.

Significant Themes

• The power of illusion and its potential for both good and harm.
• The consequences of actions from the past catching up with characters.
• The interconnectedness of characters through their Karma threads.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Bo'an and Fu Sheng: Xiao Bo'an underestimates Fu Sheng, leading to his capture.
• Chen Yan and Fu Sheng: Chen Yan shares vital information with Fu Sheng, showing trust and understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Empty Mountain Sect's history and rise to prominence are detailed, with key figures Li Xuanyin and Yan Yunhe playing significant roles.
• Yan Yunhe, a prodigious cultivator, single-handedly created the sect's complete cultivation system and resisted external threats, leading to the sect's status as one of the Five Great Sects.
• Chen Yan and Mister You discover that Yan Yunhe is the Supreme Saint of Imperial Void, Bai Chen, who split his existence into karma threads across the domain world, potentially as a desperate measure against an unknown force.

Character Developments

• Yan Yunhe is revealed to be the legendary Supreme Saint of Imperial Void, Bai Chen, indicating his true power and intentions.
• Chen Yan, now in the Ascension Realm, gains understanding of karma and recognizes Bai Chen's karma threads in Yan Yunhe.
• Mister You, despite his reduced cultivation, maintains his wisdom and strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• The power and influence of legendary cultivators on the Chenping Continent.
• The mystery surrounding the Supreme Saint of Imperial Void, Bai Chen, and his motivations.
• The unknown force preventing cultivators from reaching the True Purity Realm.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yan and Mister You work together to uncover the truth about Bai Chen and discuss the upcoming Ducang Mountain Dao Discussion.
• The relationship between Yan Yunhe and the other sect leaders, particularly True Person Jingchen, Qiu Siruo, is explored, highlighting his influence and apprehension he instilled in them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Five years after the Chaos of Immortals, Du Cang Mountain is being rebuilt and extravagantly upgraded by Chen Yan, using vast amounts of precious resources like Immortal Infusing Jade and Starfall Iron.
• The Du Cang Mountain Dao Discussion is approaching, with one month left until its official start.
• Chen Yan reveals his plan to transform Du Cang Mountain into a sacred land of Cultivation surpassing Tian Ding Mountain's prime.
• He expresses concern about the disarray of Heaven and Earth Laws on Chenping Continent and the potential erosion of Dao Rhyme, urging the True Lords to preserve their strength.

Character Developments

• Chen Yan: Shows ambition and resourcefulness in rebuilding Du Cang Mountain and preparing for potential threats.
• Gu Jing and Qiu Siruo: Accept the reality that Tian Ding Mountain's era is over and seem resigned to Chen Yan's leadership.
• Kong Yang: Implied to be one of the True Lords receiving the Purple Mansion Record.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power dynamics among cultivators.
• The importance of resources and wealth in the cultivation world.
• Preparation for and anticipation of potential threats or disasters.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yan interacts with the six reincarnated bodies of Ascension Realm cultivators, acknowledging their greetings and expressing his plans and concerns.
• Qiguan Jin, an Elder from the Mingxiao Sect, interacts with Xingtian Gate Outer Court Disciples, showing concern for the construction process and the materials being used.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yan, after multiple reincarnations, possesses four powerful cultivation methods: Hidden Immortal Art, Purple Mansion Record, Great Evolution Art, and Void Annihilation Method.
• Chen Yan decides to impart Purple Mansion Record to the six Ascension Realm cultivators in Chenping Continent to reduce backlash effects and stabilize their foundations.
• The Du Cang Mountain Dao Discussion, the largest such event in Chenping Continent's history, is about to commence with all seven Ascension Realm cultivators and half of the Supreme Elders from the Four Great Sects attending.

Character Developments

• Chen Yan, now in the Ascension Realm for five years, feels his Dao Rhyme wearing away, highlighting the finite lifespan of Ascension Realm cultivators (around 100,000 years).
• He Qingling, despite not shining at the last Heavenly Peak Dao Seeking, still harbors regret and ambition.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Longevity: The chapter explores the limits of cultivation and the inevitable wear and tear of Dao Rhyme, emphasizing the finite lifespan of even the most powerful cultivators.
• Destiny and Secrets: Chen Yan's mysterious past and sudden ascension fuel speculation about his destiny and the secrets he carries.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yan interacts with the six other Ascension Realm cultivators by imparting the Purple Mansion Record cultivation method to them.
• He Qingling, though not directly interacting with other characters in this chapter, is positioned to potentially cross paths with them at the upcoming Du Cang Mountain Dao Discussion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Qingling, joyful about meeting Chu Xiyao, is about to depart with the Xuansheng Sect's flagship to Ducang Mountain.
• She encounters her father, He Chenjie, who scolds her for speaking disrespectfully about Li Haowen.
• Liu Puzhong, the Supreme Elder of the Xuansheng Sect, intervenes and admonishes both He Qingling and He Chenjie.

Character Developments

• He Qingling: Shows immaturity and impulsiveness, but also respect for her role model, Chu Xiyao. She's rebellious towards her father but fears disappointing her grandfather, Liu Puzhong.
• He Chenjie: Maintains a stern demeanor as Sect Master but shows a softer side when scolding He Qingling. He's respectful towards Liu Puzhong.
• Liu Puzhong: Displays wisdom and impartiality, acting as a mediator between He Qingling and He Chenjie. He shows affection towards He Qingling and has high hopes for her.

Significant Themes

• Respect and Disrespect: He Qingling's lack of respect for Li Haowen contrasts with her admiration for Chu Xiyao and Liu Puzhong's concern for her actions.
• Family Dynamics: The complex relationship between He Qingling, He Chenjie, and Liu Puzhong is explored, showing the mix of affection, respect, and tension within their family.
• Power and Status: The characters' positions within their sects and the cultivation world at large influence their behavior and interactions.

Character Interactions

• He Qingling and He Chenjie: Their argument highlights their strained relationship, with He Qingling's impulsiveness clashing with He Chenjie's sternness.
• He Qingling and Liu Puzhong: Their interaction shows a more affectionate and respectful dynamic, with Liu Puzhong acting as a mentor and guide for He Qingling.
• He Qingling, He Chenjie, and Liu Puzhong: The three interact in a power dynamic, with Liu Puzhong acting as the authority figure, He Chenjie as the stern parent, and He Qingling as the rebellious child.

Key plot points and events

• Du Cang Mountain ferry port is exceptionally crowded with cultivators arriving for the Heavenly Peak Dao Seeking. The unusually large number of Upper Three Realms experts makes it a rare spectacle, though the port remains orderly.
• A grand ferry ship belonging to Dream Luo Palace arrives, drawing attention to the sect’s long-running dispute with Mirage Palace.
• Three hundred years earlier, a Dream Luo Palace prodigy lost a seemingly won match to a Weaving Dream Tower disciple after making a basic mistake. Dream Luo Palace’s supporters have since implied that Mirage Palace used forbidden illusion arts, though the sect has never made a direct accusation.
• Dream Luo Palace has turned the incident into a lasting grievance: its representatives have forfeited before the first round of every Heavenly Peak Dao Seeking since. This has bolstered the prodigy’s reputation and the sect’s standing, while leaving Mirage Palace unable to challenge the narrative.
• Dream Luo Palace’s senior leaders and more than a hundred disciples disembark. The young disciples notice the respect shown to their elders and become increasingly self-important.

Character developments and interactions

• Chen Yan, viewing the old controversy from Mirage Palace’s perspective, regards Dream Luo Palace’s portrayal of its prodigy as shameless self-promotion. He sees Mirage Palace as having no reason to cheat and being unable to respond effectively to Dream Luo Palace’s indirect protest.
• Dream Luo Palace’s prodigy is presented as a celebrated “tragic hero,” his fame magnified by the controversy.
• Dream Luo Palace’s young disciples arrive as favored talents and interpret the crowd’s deference to their sect as confirmation of their own importance.
• The port’s cultivators respond to the Dream Luo Palace delegation with awe, while the arriving sect leaders project restrained but formidable power.

Significant themes

• Reputation and propaganda: Dream Luo Palace turns an ambiguous defeat into a powerful public narrative.
• Resentment and indirect conflict: Rather than openly accuse Mirage Palace, Dream Luo Palace sustains its protest through repeated forfeits.
• Power and status: The concentration of elite cultivators makes even formidable experts seem less imposing, while public reverence encourages the young disciples’ arrogance.
• The limits of influence: Mirage Palace believes the story is unfair but cannot easily intervene in a distant region where Dream Luo Palace has political and geographical advantage.

Chapter Summary: “True Persons Arrive”

Key Plot Points and Events

• A disturbance breaks out among the young disciples of Dream Luo Palace at the Du Cang Mountain ferry landing. Their behavior becomes so disruptive that a Dream Luo Palace elder moves to intervene.
• Before he can restore order, a terrifying spiritual pressure descends on the area. He Zongzhou, the Supreme Martial Suppression Elder of Empty Mountain Sect, arrives wearing the token marked “Empty Mountain Martial Guardians. Supreme Authority.”
• Luan Ci, Dream Luo Palace’s leading Divine Ability Realm cultivator, respectfully greets He Zongzhou, but He refuses to return the courtesy because of his contempt for Dream Luo Palace.
• He Zongzhou suppresses the unruly Dream Luo Palace disciples with a glance, cutting off the flow of their true qi and leaving them helpless. He orders Luan Ci to control his people, instantly restoring order throughout the ferry landing.
• The chapter recalls the earlier Falling Sword Mountain Range incident, revealing that the supposed “great demon’s egg” was actually the corrupted Dao Foundation of the Falling Star Sword Immortal, Su Hongzhen. The truth remains known only to a few powerful Ascension Realm cultivators.
• As He Zongzhou departs, another commotion begins: several renowned figures are announced to be arriving—True Person Ducang, Chen Yan; True Person Caiyun, Kong Yang; and True Lord Ling Xuan, Gu Jing.
• The three powerful cultivators enter the area together. Kong Yang is visibly suffering from the erosion of his Dao Rhyme, and Gu Jing offers to use his Withered Prosperity Dao to relieve the condition, but Kong Yang politely refuses.
• He Zongzhou formally welcomes the three arriving figures as “True Persons,” signaling their exceptional status and the importance of their arrival.

Character Developments

• He Zongzhou is established as an immensely powerful and highly authoritative figure. His spiritual pressure alone intimidates cultivators across all realms, and his contempt for Dream Luo Palace is made clear through his refusal to return Luan Ci’s greeting.
• Luan Ci displays extreme humility before He Zongzhou, despite being a Divine Ability Realm cultivator himself. His submission emphasizes the vast difference in authority and standing between them.
• The young Dream Luo Palace disciples are humbled and frightened after being effortlessly suppressed. Their arrogance and disorder vanish immediately.
• He Qingling gains a deeper understanding of the gulf between ordinary Divine Ability Realm cultivators and the supreme figures of the Five Great Sects. Witnessing He Zongzhou’s power leaves a strong impression on her.
• Kong Yang is shown to be physically and spiritually weakened by the erosion of his Dao Rhyme, though he maintains composure and refuses assistance.
• Gu Jing demonstrates a change in outlook. Having accepted that Tian Ding Mountain’s former age cannot be restored, he has become more cooperative with the Five Great Sects and actively offers aid to Kong Yang.

Significant Themes

• Authority and hierarchy: The chapter emphasizes that cultivation realm alone does not determine status. He Zongzhou’s seniority, sect affiliation, and official authority make him vastly superior to other Divine Ability Realm cultivators.
• The power of reputation and symbolism: His ancient token commands respect even before he acts, demonstrating how institutional authority can be as influential as personal strength.
• Contempt for hypocrisy: Dream Luo Palace’s reputation-building schemes are portrayed as transparent and disgraceful to the major sects, contrasting with the sect’s public image as an oppressed victim.
• The burden of the past: The reference to Su Hongzhen and the Falling Sword Mountain Range hints at unresolved history and the sacrifices made to preserve the dignity of former heroes.
• Decline and acceptance: Kong Yang’s deteriorating condition and Gu Jing’s acceptance of Tian Ding Mountain’s decline reflect the themes of aging, irreversible change, and adapting to a transformed world.

Character Interactions

• He Zongzhou and Luan Ci: Their exchange is formally respectful on Luan Ci’s side but cold and dismissive on He Zongzhou’s. He’s refusal to return the bow communicates his disdain for Dream Luo Palace.
• He Zongzhou and the Dream Luo Palace disciples: His silent suppression and brief command demonstrate overwhelming dominance without requiring violence.
• He Qingling and He Zongzhou: Though they do not directly speak, He Qingling observes him closely and is deeply affected by his presence.
• Gu Jing and Kong Yang: Gu Jing offers to ease Kong Yang’s suffering with his Dao, showing goodwill and a more conciliatory attitude. Kong Yang declines, maintaining dignity and emotional restraint.
• He Zongzhou and the arriving True Persons: He formally greets Chen Yan, Kong Yang, and Gu Jing, marking their arrival as a significant gathering of powerful figures.

Chapter Summary: “Meeting an Old Acquaintance”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The commotion at the ferry landing on Du Cang Mountain settles into an oppressive silence as the cultivators present realize that an Ascension Realm expert is about to appear.
• Ascension is described as the ultimate goal of the cultivation world. In over one hundred thousand years, only thirty-one cultivators from Chenping Continent had reached that realm.
• The arrival of a thirty-second Ascension Realm cultivator—True Person Ducang—is therefore an extraordinary event. Ducang is regarded as the strongest and most influential of the continent’s seven current Ascension Realm cultivators.
• Three figures in white Daoist robes approach the landing:
  • Chen Yan, True Person Ducang and leader of Chenping Continent
  • Kong Yang, True Person Caiyun of the Empty Mountain Sect
  • Gu Jing, True Lord Ling Xuan of Tian Ding Mountain
• Although the three appear like ordinary young men with no detectable aura, the gathered cultivators immediately recognize their identities and bow deeply in greeting.
• The crowd parts to allow the three powerful cultivators to pass. Their overwhelming status is emphasized by the extraordinary reverence shown by everyone present.
• He Qingling, a young Qi Sea Realm cultivator from the Xuansheng Sect, watches their approach. She is too inexperienced to use Spiritual Sense and is unable to see clearly at first.
• Qingling has previously disliked Chen Yan because stories portrayed him as the figure who defeated the other six Ascension Realm cultivators during the Chaos of Immortals, seemingly crushing the ambitions of the established heroes.
• However, when Chen Yan finally approaches and she sees his face, her former dislike disappears, replaced by intense nervousness and shock.
• The chapter ends abruptly as Qingling recognizes Chen Yan—or realizes that he is someone familiar to her.

Character Developments

• Chen Yan: His reputation as the most powerful and authoritative figure in Chenping Continent is reinforced. His calm, ordinary appearance contrasts sharply with the awe and fear he inspires.
• He Qingling: She shifts from distant resentment and curiosity to overwhelming nervousness upon seeing Chen Yan directly. Her reaction suggests a personal connection or past acquaintance that has not yet been revealed.
• Kong Yang and Gu Jing: Their presence alongside Chen Yan demonstrates their high standing, though they are still treated as secondary to him in authority and perceived power.
• The cultivation community: The gathered cultivators display a collective mixture of reverence, fear, and fascination toward the rare appearance of Ascension Realm figures.

Significant Themes

• The distance between ordinary cultivators and the highest realms: Ascension is portrayed as an almost mythical achievement, emphasizing the immense gulf between the majority of cultivators and the continent’s supreme experts.
• Power and reputation: Chen Yan’s historical deeds have shaped how others perceive him, even those who have never met him.
• Appearance versus reality: The three Ascension Realm cultivators look like ordinary mortals, demonstrating that true power need not be externally visible.
• The burden of legends: Qingling’s dislike of Chen Yan is based on stories and simplified narratives, but her direct encounter complicates that judgment.
• Anticipation and revelation: The chapter builds suspense around Chen Yan’s identity and ends at the moment Qingling recognizes him, creating a strong cliffhanger.

Character Interactions

• The cultivators collectively greet Chen Yan, Kong Yang, and Gu Jing with the highest formal bow permitted by cultivation-world etiquette.
• Chen Yan’s relationship with the other Ascension Realm cultivators is indirectly recalled through the earlier Chaos of Immortals, when defeated enemies knelt before him in submission.
• Qingling observes the three powerful figures from within the crowd and cautiously responds to their approach.
• The most important interaction is the silent, newly revealed encounter between Qingling and Chen Yan, whose face triggers an immediate and unexplained emotional reaction in her.

Key plot points and events

• At the Du Cang Mountain ferry, He Qingling recognizes True Person Ducang, Chen Yan, as the “Bao Kai” she encountered years earlier at Canyang Sword Manor. Chen Yan recognizes her under the name “He Xiyao,” which she had used because she admired Chu Xiyao.
• He Qingling is overwhelmed by the encounter. Her father, Xuansheng Sect Master He Chenjie, urges her to greet Chen Yan. Chen Yan casually tells Kong Yang that Qingling admires the Empty Mountain Sect, nods to her, and moves on.
• Du Cang Mountain has been transformed into a grand cultivation center, its jade-paved paths speeding cultivation. The Empty Mountain Sect occupies a compound there for the Dao Discussion.
• Kong Yang, appearing composed, coughs and briefly causes black rifts to form behind him—signs that Dao Rhyme is eroding him faster than expected. He uses the Purple Mansion Record to slow the damage and privately wonders how long he can endure.
• He Qingling’s brief exchange with Chen Yan attracts attention. Leaders of powerful sects visit He Chenjie, hoping to benefit from the apparent favor. Sect Master Jiang of Jutao Mountain even asks to introduce Qingling to his promising disciple; He Chenjie politely declines, citing her fatigue.

Character developments and interactions

• He Qingling is shaken by discovering that Chen Yan is the person from her past. Her admiration for the Empty Mountain Sect is revealed to have shaped the false name she once used. By the end, she watches her father receive visitors with wistfulness.
• Chen Yan treats the recognition as a minor incident, offering Qingling only a brief acknowledgment, but that small gesture has major consequences for her family.
• He Chenjie is protective of his daughter and handles the sudden attention from other sect leaders diplomatically.
• Kong Yang maintains his emotionless exterior despite worsening physical and spiritual deterioration; his summons to someone at the end suggests he is taking further action, though the visitor’s purpose is not revealed.
• Sect Master Jiang approaches He Chenjie with friendly courtesy, but his matchmaking request also reflects the political interest sparked by Chen Yan’s attention.

Significant themes

• Power and unintended influence: A casual nod from a powerful figure can alter how others treat someone.
• Admiration and identity: Qingling’s past admiration for Chu Xiyao shaped the name she used and now connects her to Chen Yan.
• Hidden decline beneath composure: Kong Yang’s calm demeanor contrasts with the visible signs of his worsening erosion.
• Cultivation as privilege and spectacle: Du Cang Mountain’s resources draw cultivators from across the region, turning even a brief visit into an opportunity for advancement and networking.