Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shuidao and Jade Lady (his Virtual Realm) arrive in the forest, where he meets the injured Golden Scorpion (Scorpion Woman's true form).
• Li Shuidao offers the Golden Scorpion a choice: leave or become his Companion. She chooses to stay, and he heals her.
• Li Shuidao, Zhao Ling'er, and Li Tianjue meet at the Jade Void Temple. Li Shuidao demands compensation for Zhao Ling'er's injuries, leading to a power struggle.
• Li Tianjue agrees to Zhao Ling'er's demands: she can secretly punish clan members with Li Shuidao's authorization.
• Li Shuidao studies the 'Dragon Subduing Art' given to Zhao Ling'er, recognizing its connection to the Azure Sea Sect.
• Li Shuidao plans his cultivation path, aiming to control his sea territory and confront Venerable Qian Yuan Wei Qiankun.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: He continues to grow more powerful, absorbing the Scorpion Woman's Virtual Realm and reaching the Fourth Tier. He also solidifies his control over the Li family.
• Zhao Ling'er: She gains the 'Dragon Subduing Art' and Li Shuidao's recognition, becoming more confident and powerful.
• Li Tianjue: He reluctantly agrees to Li Shuidao's demands, losing some control over the Li family.
• Jade Lady/Golden Scorpion (Jin Niang): She becomes Li Shuidao's Companion, recovering from her injuries.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and control: Li Shuidao's growing power allows him to assert control over the Li family and its members.
• Compensation and justice: Li Shuidao demands compensation for Zhao Ling'er's injuries, highlighting the theme of justice and fairness.
• Cultivation and growth: Characters continue to grow and develop their skills, with Li Shuidao planning his cultivation path.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Li Tianjue: Their power struggle leads to Li Shuidao gaining more control over the Li family.
• Li Shuidao and Zhao Ling'er: They grow closer, with Li Shuidao supporting Zhao Ling'er's demands and planning their cultivation paths together.
• Li Shuidao and Jade Lady/Golden Scorpion: Li Shuidao heals and takes the Golden Scorpion as his Companion, showing his ability to nurture and control.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shuidao, a cultivator in the Virtual Realm, leaves to explore the real world's Gobi Desert.
• He encounters a caravan led by Wei Jingtai and his granddaughter, Wei Wenshan, who initially refuse him entry due to security concerns.
• Wei Wenshan, intrigued by Li Shuidao, invites him to join the caravan after he buys a Cloud Camel with a Mid-grade Spirit Stone.
• The caravan reaches an oasis at night, where Li Shuidao and Wei Wenshan share a meal. Wei Wenshan tries to gather information about Li Shuidao's potential backup, suspecting him of being a bandit cultivator.
• Li Shuidao asks about the dangers in the desert, and Wei Wenshan mentions the 'Desert Death Trap,' a Virtual Realm where cultivators disappear.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: He leaves the Virtual Realm to seek the Great Dao in the real world, showing curiosity and interest in the Desert Death Trap.
• Wei Wenshan: She initially suspects Li Shuidao of being a bandit cultivator but invites him into the caravan. She reveals her knowledge of the Desert Death Trap, hinting at her experience and wisdom.

Significant Themes

• The Great Dao: Li Shuidao's quest to understand the Great Dao between heaven and earth drives his actions.
• Trust and Suspicion: Wei Wenshan's initial suspicion of Li Shuidao highlights the theme of trust and suspicion in their interactions.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Wei Wenshan: Their interactions reveal their curiosity and interest in each other, with Wei Wenshan trying to gather information about Li Shuidao while he seeks knowledge about the desert's dangers.
• Wei Wenshan and Wei Jingtai: The old man's concern for his granddaughter's safety is evident in his refusal to let Li Shuidao join the caravan initially, showing his protective nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shuidao expresses curiosity about the Desert of Desolation to Wei Wenshan.
• A group of figures in black attack the caravan, using poisoned arrows.
• Li Shuidao saves the caravan by providing an antidote, earning their trust.
• The caravan enters the desert, and Li Shuidao decides to follow them secretly.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao shows his resourcefulness and concern for others by saving the caravan.
• Wei Wenshan is cautious and protective of her caravan, showing leadership and responsibility.
• Li Shuidao demonstrates his curiosity and determination to explore the desert.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Li Shuidao's actions earn him trust, but Wei Wenshan remains vigilant.
• The allure of the unknown: Li Shuidao's curiosity about the desert drives his actions.
• Danger and survival: The caravan faces threats from bandits and the harsh desert environment.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Wei Wenshan: They form a tense alliance, with Wei Wenshan suspicious of Li Shuidao's true intentions.
• Li Shuidao and the caravan: Li Shuidao's actions save the caravan, earning him their gratitude and trust.
• Wei Wenshan and the caravan: Wei Wenshan shows concern for her caravan's safety and well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Li Shuidao absorbs Desert Giant Toads and tadpoles to enrich his virtual realm, understanding the importance of both quantity (magic power) and quality (high-level power).
2. He saves a caravan from robbers and a desert demon, using his power subtly without revealing himself.
3. Li Shuidao retrieves the "Heart of Flowing Sand" artifact from the caravan, which allows control over flowing sand.
4. He refines the artifact by having his Golden Giant Scorpion absorb it, causing the scorpion to transform into a scorpion-woman hybrid.

Character Developments

1. Li Shuidao: Shows his power and subtlety in saving the caravan, demonstrating his ability to act covertly. He also displays his understanding of the importance of both magic power quantity and quality.
2. Wei Jingtai and Wei Wenshan: Show their combat prowess and strategic thinking, but are ultimately no match for Li Shuidao's power.

Significant Themes

1. Power and its Levels: The chapter emphasizes the difference between magic power quantity (which virtual realm cultivators can quickly accumulate) and high-level power (which is difficult to increase). Golden Core cultivators can more easily increase their power level but accumulate magic power less easily.
2. Subtlety vs. Brute Force: Li Shuidao's actions show that subtlety and indirect intervention can be more effective than brute force, especially when dealing with multiple opponents or complex situations.

Character Interactions

1. Li Shuidao and the Desert Demon: Li Shuidao's interaction with the desert demon (and later its Bald Man avatar) shows his power and subtlety, as he first saves the caravan and then pursues and captures the demon.
2. Li Shuidao and the Golden Giant Scorpion: Li Shuidao's interaction with the Golden Giant Scorpion shows his understanding of the five elements and his ability to help his magical creatures grow stronger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jin Niang, with Li Shuidao's aid, advances to Third Order and gains new powers from the "Heart of Flowing Sand."
• Li Shuidao tests Jin Niang's new abilities and finds them satisfactory.
• Li Shuidao decides to use the Wei Family Caravan as bait to lure out a powerful Exotic Beast, the Desert Black Sandstorm.
• He joins the caravan, intimidates the leader, Wei Jingtai, and takes control of the group.
• The caravan reaches an oasis, where Li Shuidao heals Wei Jingtai and gains his loyalty.
• Caravan members are inspired by Li Shuidao's leg technique and decide to practice it together.

Character Developments

• Jin Niang: Advances in cultivation, gains new powers, and becomes one of Li Shuidao's Golden Jade Ladies.
• Li Shuidao: Demonstrates his formidable strength and strategic thinking, taking control of the caravan to achieve his goals.
• Wei Jingtai: Initially proud and defiant, he is humbled by Li Shuidao's power and becomes subservient.
• Wei Wenshan: Remains silent and follows Li Shuidao's orders, showing no open resistance.
• Caravan Members: Inspired by Li Shuidao's leg technique, they decide to practice it together, showing a newfound unity and determination.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Li Shuidao's strength allows him to take control of the caravan and manipulate its members to achieve his goals.
• Loyalty and Submission: Wei Jingtai and the caravan members submit to Li Shuidao after witnessing his power, demonstrating the theme of loyalty born of fear and awe.
• Ambition and Scheming: Li Shuidao's plan to use the caravan as bait to lure out the Desert Black Sandstorm showcases his ambitious and cunning nature.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Jin Niang: Master and servant, with Li Shuidao guiding Jin Niang's cultivation and testing her new abilities.
• Li Shuidao and Wei Jingtai: Initially adversaries, they become master and servant after Li Shuidao demonstrates his power and heals Wei Jingtai.
• Wei Jingtai and the Caravan Members: Wei Jingtai's authority is challenged and eventually usurped by Li Shuidao, leading to a shift in the caravan's dynamics.
• Caravan Members among themselves: United by their shared experience and inspiration from Li Shuidao, they decide to practice his leg technique together, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shuidao leads a caravan through the desert, aiming to encounter a vulture Exotic Beast.
• A half-human, half-scorpion Yao monster begins stalking the caravan.
• The caravan encounters a series of mysterious, mobile "oases" with food and water.
• A Black Storm hits, and Li Shuidao accidentally leads the caravan into the storm, potentially towards a Desert Death Trap.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: Initially confident and mysterious, he reveals his lack of desert knowledge and gets the caravan lost. He maintains a facade of control but struggles with the caravan's safety and his own limitations.
• Wei Jingtai: A desert native, he becomes increasingly worried and skeptical about Li Shuidao's leadership.
• Wei Wenshan: Wei Jingtai's sister, she also grows distrustful of Li Shuidao and expresses her concerns openly.
• The Caravan Members: They initially trust Li Shuidao but become disillusioned and fearful as their journey goes awry.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Leadership: Li Shuidao's questionable decisions and lack of desert knowledge erode the caravan's trust in him, raising questions about his leadership capabilities.
• Survival and Perseverance: The caravan faces numerous challenges, from the Yao monster to the Black Storm, testing their resilience and will to survive.
• Luck and Fortune: Li Shuidao's strategy to encounter the vulture Exotic Beast relies on luck, and the caravan's survival hinges on chance encounters with "oases."

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and the Caravan Members: Their relationship evolves from initial trust and admiration to doubt, fear, and resentment as Li Shuidao's decisions put them in danger.
• Wei Jingtai and Wei Wenshan: The siblings discuss their concerns about Li Shuidao's leadership and support each other through the caravan's trials.
• The Caravan Members among themselves: They share their fears, doubts, and frustrations, leading to a growing sense of unease and discontent within the group.

Plot Points and Events

• Li Shuidao uses Jin Niang as bait to lure the Vulture Exotic Beast.
• The Vulture Exotic Beast's Virtual Realm is a desert with a whirlwind and a palace containing treasures.
• Li Shuidao defeats the Vulture Exotic Beast and absorbs its Virtual Realm, gaining its treasures and cultivation methods.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao demonstrates his strength and cunning in luring and defeating the Vulture Exotic Beast.
• Jin Niang shows her loyalty and power in protecting the merchant caravan.
• The merchant caravan members show fear and unease but remain compliant under Jin Niang's threat.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators and exotic beasts, with Li Shuidao ultimately dominating.
• The value of treasures and cultivation methods in the cultivation world.
• The illusory nature of the Virtual Realm and the real world.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and the Vulture Exotic Beast have a direct, violent confrontation.
• Li Shuidao and the merchant caravan members have no direct interaction, with Jin Niang acting as the intermediary.
• Jin Niang threatens and warns the merchant caravan members, maintaining order and compliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shuidao, in seclusion, cultivates the Five Elements Five Poisons Absolute Array.
• The Old Ancestor of the Abyss from the Yang Clan of Cangzhou visits, offering a trace of the Great Five Elements Power in exchange for the Desolate Demon cultivation method.
• Li Shuidao and the Old Ancestor of the Abyss clash, revealing their powers: Desolate Demon Power and Abyss Power, respectively.
• They exchange the Great Five Elements Power trace and the Desolate Demon Secret Arts.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: Shows his confidence in his powers, reveals his ambition to ascend, and displays his interest in the Heavenly Cripple Poison Fire.
• Old Ancestor of the Abyss: Shows his greed for the Desolate Demon cultivation method and reveals Heavenly Cripple Old Man's whereabouts.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Both characters display their desire for power and ambition to improve their cultivation.
• Exchange and compromise: They engage in a transaction, exchanging what each possesses for what the other desires.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Old Ancestor of the Abyss: They engage in a polite yet tense conversation, revealing their true intentions and powers, ultimately leading to an exchange.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• True Lord Lingjian announces her ascension to the Upper Realm.
• Li Shuidao visits Lingjian before her ascension ceremony.
• Lingjian holds an ascension ceremony, attracting many cultivators, including Wei Qiankun and Purple Sun Divine Lord He Shiyong.
• Purple Sun Divine Lord demands Lingjian delay her ascension by thirty years.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao expresses his affection for Lingjian and his desire to ascend to meet her.
• Lingjian shows determination and confidence in her ascension.
• Wei Qiankun is surprised by Li Shuidao's cultivation progress.
• Purple Sun Divine Lord reveals his authority and forcefulness.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between life and death in cultivation.
• The unknown and uncertainty of the Upper Realm.
• The power dynamics and politics among cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Lingjian express their love and support for each other.
• Wei Qiankun and Li Shuidao exchange meaningful smiles, hinting at past history.
• Lingjian and Purple Sun Divine Lord have a tense interaction, with Lingjian standing her ground against his demands.

Key Plot Points

• Purple Sun Divine Lord disrupts the Tianmiao Grand Ceremony, revealing that all Formless True Lords must wait thirty years to ascend.
• True Lord Yun Jian is killed, and his world is destroyed.
• True Lord Lingjian's Natal Flying Sword is destroyed to prevent her from ascending for thirty years.
• Purple Sun Divine Lord decrees that anyone who ascends before thirty years will be stopped by him.
• Li Shuidao, Wei Qiankun, Purple Cloud Pill Saint, and Jade Spring Qin Immortal decide to visit Cloud Sea Fate Master Shangguan Wenbin in the Penglai Immortal Sea to seek answers about the ascension delay.
• True Lord Lingjian and Old Ancestor of the Abyss remain to investigate other means of discovering the truth.

Character Developments

• Purple Sun Divine Lord: Shows immense power and ruthlessness, revealing his intention to control ascension.
• True Lord Lingjian: Loses her Natal Flying Sword but maintains composure, showing resilience.
• Li Shuidao: Takes the initiative to find answers, demonstrating leadership and determination.
• Wei Qiankun, Purple Cloud Pill Saint, Jade Spring Qin Immortal: Show commitment to uncovering the truth behind the ascension delay.
• True Lord Yun Jian: Dies tragically, highlighting the danger and power dynamics among cultivators.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Purple Sun Divine Lord's actions emphasize the power dynamics and control among cultivators.
• Ascension and Fate: The uncertainty and importance of ascension are central to the plot, with characters trying to understand and control their fate.
• Unity and Cooperation: Characters band together to face the common threat, showing the importance of unity and cooperation among cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Purple Sun Divine Lord: Li Shuidao attempts to reason with Purple Sun Divine Lord, showing his diplomatic skills and understanding of the situation.
• True Lord Lingjian and Purple Sun Divine Lord: True Lord Lingjian faces off against Purple Sun Divine Lord, demonstrating her courage and determination.
• Li Shuidao, Wei Qiankun, Purple Cloud Pill Saint, Jade Spring Qin Immortal: These characters work together to find answers, showing unity and cooperation in the face of uncertainty.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Four Formless True Lords (Venerable Qian Yuan, Purple Cloud Pill Saint, Jade Spring Qin Immortal, and Li Shuidao) search for Cloud Sea Fate Master Shangguan Wenbin.
• They find him on Penglai Immortal Island, where he guards an ancient stone tablet with a mysterious inscription.
• Yun Xiaoling, a Third Order cultivator, is with Shangguan Wenbin. She recognizes Li Shuidao and reveals he cultivates the Desolate Demon technique.
• Tensions rise when Li Shuidao admits to using Desolate Demon cultivation but claims he's not fully committed to it.
• Wei Qiankun suggests Li Shuidao demonstrate his Desolate Demon technique to prove it's not dangerous.
• Li Shuidao attacks Wei Qiankun with the Five Poisons Imprisoning God Curse, but Wei Qiankun counters with the Golden Mountain Pressing Down technique.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: Reveals his connection to the Desolate Demon technique, causing concern among the other cultivators. He demonstrates his power and willingness to fight.
• Wei Qiankun: Shows his strength and dominance as a Formless True Lord, using the Golden Mountain Pressing Down technique to suppress Li Shuidao.
• Yun Xiaoling: Reveals her past with Li Shuidao and fears for her safety, considering fleeing. She admires Wei Qiankun's power.
• Shangguan Wenbin: Remains neutral, observing the situation. He hints that Li Shuidao might not be easily defeated.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and its consequences (Li Shuidao's Desolate Demon cultivation).
• Trust and suspicion among cultivators (Li Shuidao's relationship with the others).
• The struggle between personal gain and collective good (Wei Qiankun's desire for Li Shuidao's cultivation technique vs. the threat of the Desolate Demon).

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao vs. Yun Xiaoling: Their past history is revealed, with Yun Xiaoling expressing fear and suspicion of Li Shuidao.
• Li Shuidao vs. Wei Qiankun: Their conflict escalates into a battle, with Wei Qiankun using his powerful technique to suppress Li Shuidao.
• Yun Xiaoling vs. Shangguan Wenbin: They discuss the situation, with Yun Xiaoling seeking advice on whether to flee. Shangguan Wenbin reassures her but hints at Li Shuidao's potential victory.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Qiankun, a Formless True Lord, is killed by Li Shuidao using the Five Poisons Imprisoning God Curse.
• Wei Qiankun's Virtual Realm self-destructs after his death.
• Li Shuidao recounts his experiences in the Immortal Path Secret Realm to Shangguan Wenbin.
• Shangguan Wenbin reveals that the Desolate Demon seeks High-Tier Cultivators as resources for cultivation.
• They discuss strategies to notify the Immortal Realm and have them deal with the Desolate Demon.
• Shangguan Wenbin performs a divination and reveals that the strategy is feasible but risky.
• They decide to gather at the Qionghua Secret Realm thirty years later when the Immortal Realm sends cultivators down.

Character Developments

• Wei Qiankun's overconfidence leads to his demise at Li Shuidao's hands.
• Li Shuidao reveals his past experiences and seeks Shangguan Wenbin's help to understand the Desolate Demon's purpose.
• Yun Xiaoling becomes a potential threat due to her knowledge of the situation and is placed under Li Shuidao's watch.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and power among cultivators.
• The consequences of overconfidence and underestimation of enemies.
• The search for hope and a way out of their current predicament.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Wei Qiankun's battle showcases Li Shuidao's strength and cunning.
• Li Shuidao, Yun Xiaoling, Jade Spring Qin Immortal, and Purple Cloud Pill Saint discuss strategies to deal with the Desolate Demon.
• Shangguan Wenbin provides guidance and reveals crucial information, but also expresses his concern about their slim chances of survival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Desolate Demons, native cultivators, were brought to counter the Immortal Realm.
• The Immortal Path Ancient City was destroyed by immortals, but the Immortal Path Secret Realm preserved the means to contact the Desolate Demons.
• Li Shuidao and Yun Xiaoling negotiate a deal: she teaches him the Azure Sea Sect's cultivation technique, and in exchange, he agrees to teach her the Desolate Demon Cultivation Technique in the future.
• Li Shuidao offers the Desolate Demon Cultivation Technique to the Purple Cloud Pill Saint and the Jade Spring Qin Immortal in exchange for exotic beasts.
• Li Shuidao meets Shangguan Wenbin, the Cloud Sea Fate Master, and they discuss the cultivators' plight and the possibility of survival without ascending.
• Li Shuidao asks Shangguan Wenbin to help him find a turtle-backed Exotic Beast, but Shangguan Wenbin warns him that the Exotic Beast will sense any malicious intent.
• Li Shuidao threatens Shangguan Wenbin, giving him ten breaths to decide whether to help him or be absorbed himself.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: He is desperate for resources to increase his power and is willing to make deals with others to achieve his goals. He is also ruthless and determined, as shown in his threat to Shangguan Wenbin.
• Yun Xiaoling: She is willing to teach Li Shuidao the Azure Sea Sect's cultivation technique in exchange for the opportunity to learn the Desolate Demon Cultivation Technique in the future.
• Shangguan Wenbin: He is a Cloud Sea Fate Master who understands fate and can seek advantage and avoid harm. However, he is also aware of the limitations of his abilities and the importance of hard power.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for resources between cultivators, immortals, and demons.
• The importance of understanding fate and calculating one's chances of survival.
• The limitations of calculation and the importance of hard power.
• The ruthlessness and determination of cultivators in their pursuit of power.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Yun Xiaoling: They negotiate a deal, with Yun Xiaoling teaching Li Shuidao the Azure Sea Sect's cultivation technique in exchange for the opportunity to learn the Desolate Demon Cultivation Technique in the future.
• Li Shuidao and the Purple Cloud Pill Saint/Jade Spring Qin Immortal: They discuss a deal where Li Shuidao offers the Desolate Demon Cultivation Technique in exchange for exotic beasts.
• Li Shuidao and Shangguan Wenbin: They discuss the cultivators' plight and the possibility of survival without ascending. Li Shuidao later threatens Shangguan Wenbin, giving him ten breaths to decide whether to help him or be absorbed himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shuidao forces Shangguan Wenbin to hand over his Virtual Realm to save his life.
• Shangguan Wenbin agrees, transforming into an Exotic Beast with the help of a Spirit Soul Crystal.
• Li Shuidao absorbs Shangguan Wenbin's Virtual Realm, expanding his own to eight million mu.
• Shangguan Wenbin, now a Fourth Tier turtle-backed monster, asks Li Shuidao to take him to the Upper Realm after Li Shuidao takes his Virtual Realm.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: Shows ambition and ruthlessness in expanding his power, demonstrating his willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.
• Shangguan Wenbin: Accepts his fate but doesn't give up without a fight. He shows wisdom and resilience, transforming into an Exotic Beast to preserve a part of his consciousness and human identity.
• Yun Xiaoling: Displays concern and unwillingness to see her friend suffer, but is unable to help due to being trapped by Li Shuidao's curse.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: Both Li Shuidao and Shangguan Wenbin are influenced by their understanding of fate and destiny. Li Shuidao uses it to justify his actions, while Shangguan Wenbin accepts it but still tries to change his circumstances.
• Power and Weakness: The strong prey on the weak is a recurring theme. Li Shuidao's strength allows him to dominate others, while Shangguan Wenbin's weakness leads to his subjugation.
• Ambition and Resilience: Li Shuidao's ambition drives him to expand his power, while Shangguan Wenbin's resilience leads him to find ways to preserve his identity and consciousness even in the face of defeat.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Shangguan Wenbin: Li Shuidao uses his power to force Shangguan Wenbin to comply with his demands, while Shangguan Wenbin tries to negotiate and preserve his identity.
• Yun Xiaoling and Shangguan Wenbin: Yun Xiaoling is disappointed in Shangguan Wenbin's decision to comply with Li Shuidao's demands but is unable to help him due to being trapped.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shuidao absorbs Shangguan Wenbin's Virtual Realm, expanding his own.
• Yun Xiaoling is captured and forced to teach Li Shuidao the Azure Sea Sect's core cultivation technique, Tidal True Law.
• Li Shuidao attempts to take an octopus as a Companion but faces resistance, leading to a series of natural selections.
• After half a year, Li Shuidao successfully takes an intelligent octopus named Junjie as a Companion.
• Li Shuidao also takes a wise Nine Palaces Turtle named Zhiji as a Companion to stabilize his Virtual Realm.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: Shows determination in learning the Azure Sea Sect's cultivation technique and takes steps to strengthen his Virtual Realm.
• Yun Xiaoling: Initially defiant, she eventually surrenders the Azure Sea Sect's core technique under Li Shuidao's pressure.
• Shangguan Wenbin: Now a Nine Palaces Turtle, he accepts his fate and advises Yun Xiaoling to do the same.
• Junjie (Octopus): Proves to be intelligent and gentle, becoming Li Shuidao's new Companion.
• Zhiji (Nine Palaces Turtle): Wise and adept at avoiding harm, it agrees to become Li Shuidao's Companion.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and Fate: Characters accept or defy their fates, shaping their actions and decisions.
• Power and Control: Li Shuidao seeks to control his Virtual Realm and its inhabitants, facing resistance and needing to employ natural selection.
• Cultivation and Growth: Characters strive to improve their cultivation, with Li Shuidao learning a new technique and taking new Companions.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Yun Xiaoling: Li Shuidao forces Yun Xiaoling to teach him Tidal True Law, while she initially resists but eventually complies.
• Li Shuidao and Junjie/Zhiji: Li Shuidao takes Junjie and Zhiji as his Companions, expanding his influence and control within his Virtual Realm.
• Shangguan Wenbin and Yun Xiaoling: They share a past, with Yun Xiaoling expressing her frustration at Shangguan Wenbin's decision to abandon his cultivation and transform into a turtle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A gathering of Formless True Lords at the Cloud Expanse Sword Sect to discuss a plan against the impending ascension calamity.
• Li Tianjue, a new Formless True Lord, is introduced, with ties to Li Shuidao.
• Li Shuidao's whereabouts remain unknown, and his potential cultivation techniques are sought.
• Twenty-eight years pass, and the opening of the Qionghua Secret Realm approaches. Li Shuidao's whereabouts remain a mystery.
• Li Shuidao cultivates the Tidal True Method and Black Tortoise Armor, strengthening his Virtual Realm.
• Li Shuidao parts ways with Yun Xiaoling and enters his Virtual Realm, where he absorbs a new world, increasing its size to fifteen million mu.
• He discovers a peculiar book in the absorbed world, revealing a new clue about the Qionghua Secret Realm and Abyssal Power.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: Continues to cultivate and strengthen his Virtual Realm, remains elusive, and discovers a new clue about the Qionghua Secret Realm.
• Yun Xiaoling: Decides to stay behind rather than enter Li Shuidao's Virtual Realm, expressing her feelings for him.
• Shangguan Wenbin: Transforms into a turtle and assists Li Shuidao, later helping him deduce the new clue.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and strength: Characters strive to improve their cultivation and combat strength to face the ascension calamity and the challenges within the Qionghua Secret Realm.
• Elusiveness and secrets: Li Shuidao's whereabouts and cultivation techniques remain elusive, fueling curiosity and greed among other cultivators.
• Cooperation and unity: Formless True Lords gather to discuss a plan, highlighting the importance of cooperation and unity against common threats.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and Yun Xiaoling: They express their feelings for each other, but Li Shuidao refuses to take Yun Xiaoling into his Virtual Realm due to the risks involved.
• Li Shuidao and Shangguan Wenbin: They work together to deduce the new clue from the peculiar book, showcasing their trust and cooperation.
• Formless True Lords: They gather to discuss a plan, but their intentions and motivations vary, with some seeking Li Shuidao's help and others hoping to benefit from his conflict with Purple Sun Divine Lord.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A gathering of over ten Formless True Lords on Ice Fire Island to discuss the impending ascension tribulation.
• Li Shuidao's arrival, promising unity to break through obstacles and achieve true freedom.
• In the Immortal Realm, the Heavenly Origin Sect guards a Demon Suppressing Furnace that produces half-human, half-Mo monsters, valuable for refining spatial treasures.
• The Purple Sun Gate cultivators attempt to release an Abyss Demon from the Qionghua Secret Realm to take over the world.
• True Lord Lingjian tries to ascend, but is stopped by Li Shuidao and a mysterious, powerful figure.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: Revealed to be the Purple Shadow Mysterious Guest, he arrives to help the cultivators and demonstrates immense power.
• True Lord Lingjian: Shows initiative and audacity by attempting to ascend first, but is stopped by Li Shuidao.
• Purple Sun Gate Cultivators: Reveal their true forms as Desolate Demons and their intention to conquer the world.
• Mysterious Figure: A powerful entity with a giant hand, capable of crushing Desolate Demons with ease.

Significant Themes

• Unity vs. Individualism: Li Shuidao emphasizes unity to overcome obstacles, while True Lord Lingjian acts independently.
• Power and Control: The struggle for power and control is evident in the Purple Sun Gate's attempt to conquer the world.
• Cunning and Deception: The half-human, half-Mo monsters are cunning and skilled at disguise, reflecting the theme of deception.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and True Lord Lingjian: Li Shuidao stops Lingjian's ascension, showing his power and authority.
• Purple Sun Gate Cultivators and the Mysterious Figure: The cultivators are easily defeated by the mysterious figure, highlighting the power gap between them.
• Cultivators and the Ascension Platform: The cultivators gather at the Ascension Platform, symbolizing their shared goal of ascending to the Upper Realm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Abyssal Giant Demon is fully released, causing the Qionghua Secret Realm to collapse.
• Li Shuidao and other cultivators escape through a chaotic opening in the sky.
• Li Shuidao, the first to rush out, leads the others towards the opening.
• The opening closes after the last cultivator enters, leaving behind the battle between the Abyssal Giant Demon and the Heavenly Origin High Cultivator.
• In the Immortal Realm, Li Shuidao escapes from the Demon Suppressing Furnace, while the other cultivators are captured or sealed.
• Venerable Ancestor Yuxu, the Body Integration Realm cultivator, protects the Demon Suppressing Furnace but loses track of Li Shuidao.
• Li Shuidao escapes, taking the lid of the Demon Suppressing Furnace.
• Immortal Venerable Yunyi realizes the lid is missing and is reprimanded by Venerable Ancestor Yuxu.
• In the Heavenly Origin Sect Ancestral Hall, Immortal Venerable Yunyi assigns tasks to find Li Shuidao.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: Shows determination and cunning in his escape, taking the lid of the Demon Suppressing Furnace.
• Venerable Ancestor Yuxu: Initially careless, later regrets not pursuing Li Shuidao, and assigns tasks to find him.
• Immortal Venerable Yunyi: Realizes the lid's importance after being reprimanded, and assigns tasks to find Li Shuidao.
• Feng Wuhen: Offers a strategic plan to find Li Shuidao, showing wisdom and foresight.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for freedom and escape from imprisonment, as seen in the cultivators' escape from the Qionghua Secret Realm and Li Shuidao's escape from the Demon Suppressing Furnace.
• The consequences of carelessness and underestimation of opponents, shown in Venerable Ancestor Yuxu's and Immortal Venerable Yunyi's reactions to Li Shuidao's escape.
• The power dynamics and hierarchy within the Heavenly Origin Sect, evident in the interactions between Venerable Ancestor Yuxu, Immortal Venerable Yunyi, and the other cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao interacts with the other cultivators as they escape through the opening, showing unity and determination.
• Venerable Ancestor Yuxu interacts with Immortal Venerable Yunyi, reprimanding him for his carelessness and assigning tasks to find Li Shuidao.
• Immortal Venerable Yunyi interacts with the cultivators in the Heavenly Origin Sect Ancestral Hall, assigning tasks and expressing his displeasure at their earlier inaction.
• Feng Wuhen interacts with Immortal Venerable Yunyi, offering a strategic plan to find Li Shuidao and showing wisdom and foresight.

The chapter is set in a bustling town by a river, where a wanted poster for a mysterious Yao (a supernatural creature) is causing a stir. A merchant family, led by Li Fuchang, is interrogated by Cultivators at the pier due to the wanted poster. Among them is Afu, a mute servant who is initially suspected of being the Yao. After passing the inspection, the family boards a merchant ship, but Afu is later approached by a mysterious man in green who reveals that Afu is indeed the Yao. The man in green uses a divination tool to determine Afu's future, predicting that he will face danger and must go to the mountains to find what he desires. Meanwhile, Li Fuchang is murdered in the city, and his daughter Li Wan'er seeks refuge at her cousin Jia Yilin's mansion. Jia Yilin offers to help find the murderer and later offers to stay overnight to protect Li Wan'er, but she politely declines.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. The wanted poster for the Yao causes tension at the pier.
2. Afu is suspected of being the Yao but passes the Cultivators' inspection.
3. The mysterious man in green reveals Afu's true identity and predicts his future.
4. Li Fuchang is murdered in the city.
5. Li Wan'er seeks refuge at Jia Yilin's mansion.
6. Jia Yilin offers to help find the murderer and later offers to stay overnight to protect Li Wan'er.

Character Developments

• Afu: Initially portrayed as a dull-witted mute servant, he is revealed to be the Yao and possesses supernatural abilities. He is determined to follow his predicted path.
• Li Wan'er: Struggles with the sudden loss of her father and seeks help from her cousin Jia Yilin. She is strong-willed and grateful for her cousin's support.
• Jia Yilin: Shows concern and willingness to help Li Wan'er find her father's murderer. He is also interested in Li Wan'er romantically.

Significant Themes

1. Supernatural elements and the coexistence of mortals and supernatural creatures.
2. The consequences of deception and hiding one's true identity.
3. Grief, loss, and the struggle to find justice.
4. Family bonds and the support they provide in times of crisis.

Character Interactions

• Afu and the mysterious man in green: The man in green reveals Afu's true identity and predicts his future, setting Afu on his path.
• Li Wan'er and Jia Yilin: Li Wan'er seeks help from her cousin Jia Yilin after her father's murder. Jia Yilin offers his support and later expresses romantic interest in Li Wan'er.
• Li Fuchang and Li Wan'er: Their close father-daughter bond is highlighted through Li Fuchang's death and Li Wan'er's grief and determination to find his murderer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Virtual Realm, created by Li Shuidao, is a vast, half-real and half-illusory world, with a fragile World Wall that can be breached by Third Order Yao Beasts.
• A Canopy, borrowed from Heavenly Origin Sacred Mountain, floats above the Virtual Realm's sky, slowly merging with the World Wall to strengthen it.
• Li Shuidao, the only cultivator of the "Path of the Virtual Realm," must communicate with fellow cultivators to avoid a dead end in his cultivation.
• In the real world, Li Wan'er seeks refuge at Jia Mansion after her father's death. Steward Liu dies mysteriously, and Li Wan'er suggests her maidservant Xiaocui manage the kitchen's affairs.
• Jia Zhurui and Jia Yilin discuss their plans to marry Li Wan'er and take over the Li Family's assets, hoping to gain the support of Li Fusheng, the cultivator in the family.

Character Developments

• Li Shuidao: Realizes the importance of communicating with fellow cultivators to avoid a cultivation dead end.
• Li Wan'er: Shows resilience and resourcefulness in managing the kitchen's affairs and securing a position for her maidservant Xiaocui.
• Jia Zhurui: Reveals his ambition to use Li Wan'er and the Li Family's assets to elevate the Jia Family's status.
• Jia Yilin: Demonstrates impatience and eagerness to marry Li Wan'er, showing a lack of respect for his father's advice.

Significant Themes

• The importance of communication and interaction in cultivation and personal growth.
• Ambition and its consequences, as seen through Jia Zhurui and Jia Yilin's plans to take over the Li Family's assets.
• Resilience and resourcefulness in the face of adversity, as shown by Li Wan'er.

Character Interactions

• Li Shuidao and the Virtual Realm: Li Shuidao's cultivation is intrinsically linked to the Virtual Realm, and its changes reflect his own transformation.
• Li Wan'er and Jia Zhurui: Li Wan'er seeks refuge at Jia Mansion, and Jia Zhurui shows concern for her well-being while plotting to take over her family's assets.
• Jia Zhurui and Jia Yilin: Father and son discuss their plans to marry Li Wan'er and take over the Li Family's assets, revealing their ambition and lack of scruples.