Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Xingzhe is presumed dead after entering the ghost city but reappears unharmed, revealing he has cultivated [Heavy Origin] to a minor accomplishment level, allowing him to create a near-identical "Nine Heavens Divine Physique."
• Meng Xingzhe proposes using the Mountain Quelling Divine Palace's Three Mountains Lesser Heavenly Punishment Formation to suppress the ghost city.
• Red Banner Patriarch agrees, and Meng Xingzhe recruits Little Fortune Immortal Maiden, Xia Yuan Patriarch, and Vajra Patriarch to help set up the formation.
• Meng Xingzhe asks Zhenju Patriarch to use the Shadow-Tracking Treasure Mirror to monitor the ghost city.
• Meng Xingzhe sends off the other Dao Foundation cultivators, keeping only Jue Ming Wanderer to discuss the situation with Meng Nan.

Character Developments

• Meng Xingzhe: Shows his strategic thinking and consideration for others' safety by proposing the Three Mountains Lesser Heavenly Punishment Formation and arranging for the ghost city's monitoring. He also demonstrates his cultivation progress with [Heavy Origin].
• Meng Nan: Shows concern for his son's safety and apologizes to Jue Ming Wanderer for the delay in constructing the World-Crossing Treasure Raft.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Meng Xingzhe's progress with [Heavy Origin] and his newfound ability to create a "Nine Heavens Divine Physique" highlight the importance of cultivation and dedication.
• Teamwork and Cooperation: The formation of the Three Mountains Lesser Heavenly Punishment Formation emphasizes the power of unity and cooperation among cultivators.
• Responsibility and Sacrifice: Meng Nan's decision to prioritize his son's safety over the construction of the World-Crossing Treasure Raft demonstrates his willingness to make sacrifices for his family.

Character Interactions

• Meng Xingzhe and Meng Nan: The father-son duo works together to address the ghost city threat, showing their mutual respect and understanding.
• Meng Xingzhe and other Dao Foundation cultivators: Meng Xingzhe recruits and coordinates with other cultivators to set up the formation and monitor the ghost city, demonstrating his leadership and diplomatic skills.
• Meng Nan and Jue Ming Wanderer: Meng Nan apologizes to Jue Ming Wanderer for the delay in constructing the World-Crossing Treasure Raft, showing his consideration for others' feelings and the importance of maintaining relationships.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Xingzhe and Meng Santan have been attacking 'Changgu Ghost City' for eighteen years, but it remains unbroken.
• Meng Nan's cultivation has reached the fourth level of Qi Refining in nineteen years.
• Meng Nan warns the five Dao Foundation cultivators about the impending tribulation and advises them to evacuate.
• Meng Nan visits the construction site of the World-Crossing Treasure Raft, which is now abandoned.
• The Nine Luminaries Sect has successfully relocated all mortals from the South Frontier into Tribulation Crossing Immortal Cities.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan's cultivation has improved significantly, reaching the third realm of Qi Refining.
• Meng Xingzhe and Meng Santan have been tirelessly trying to rescue Meng Jian but have made little progress.
• The five Dao Foundation cultivators remain skeptical about the impending tribulation and decide to stay and investigate 'Changgu Ghost City.'

Significant Themes

• The relentless pursuit of truth and justice, as seen in Meng Xingzhe and Meng Santan's efforts to rescue Meng Jian.
• The importance of preparation and foresight, as demonstrated by Meng Nan's warnings and the Nine Luminaries Sect's relocation efforts.
• The inevitability of fate and the helplessness of mortals in the face of calamity, as reflected in the characters' inability to prevent or control the great tribulation.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan interacts with the five Dao Foundation cultivators, warning them about the tribulation and advising them to evacuate.
• Meng Nan, Meng Xingzhe, and Meng Santan discuss the situation in 'Changgu Ghost City' and the impending tribulation.
• Meng Nan and Zhao Xiaoshuang discuss the current state of the South Frontier and their preparations for the tribulation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The six sects of the Central Plains have been preparing for the great tribulation with the "Tribulation Crossing Immortal City Plan" for centuries.
• 220 immortal cities have been built, each with intricate mechanisms and formations, interconnected but independent.
• Meng Nan and Zhao Xiaoshuang tour Qing Le Immortal City, discussing its defenses and preparations.
• Meng Nan remains uneasy about the cities' ability to withstand the tribulation.
• Zhao Xiaoshuang completes her Qi Refining cultivation, reaching the true peak and attaining an eight-hundred-year lifespan.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan: Continues to be cautious and worried about the impending tribulation, reflecting on his past lives.
• Zhao Xiaoshuang: Breaks through to the peak of Qi Refining, completing her mana and preparing for Dao Foundation Establishment.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and uncertainty: The six sects have prepared extensively, but Meng Nan remains uncertain about their ability to withstand the tribulation.
• Cultivation progress: Zhao Xiaoshuang's breakthrough highlights the slow but steady progress in cultivation, even amidst the looming calamity.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan and Zhao Xiaoshuang: The couple spends time together, discussing the city's defenses and cultivation progress, enjoying each other's company as the calamity approaches.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Xingzhe and Meng Santan leave Changgu Ghost City as the great calamity approaches.
• Red Banner Patriarch, Zhenju Patriarch, and others refuse to leave, hoping to claim secrets from the ghost city.
• Meng Xingzhe and Meng Santan arrive at Qing Le Immortal City, where Meng Nan confirms the calamity's arrival and uses [Deprivation] to seize true fires from the deceased.
• Meng Xingzhe dies, followed by Meng Nan's death at the hands of Meng Santan.

Character Developments

• Meng Xingzhe shows responsibility and concern for his family, but ultimately fails to protect them.
• Meng Santan's loyalty shifts, turning against her father in the final moments.
• Meng Nan's prophetic abilities are confirmed, and he uses [Deprivation] to gain mastery-level true fires.

Significant Themes

• The inevitability of fate and the consequences of defying it.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and the dangers of underestimating threats.
• The importance of family and the tragic consequences of familial betrayal.

Character Interactions

• Meng Xingzhe and Meng Santan work together to leave Changgu Ghost City but differ in their determination to rescue Meng Jian.
• Meng Nan, Zhao Xiaoshuang, and Meng Santan await the calamity together, with Meng Nan using his abilities to monitor the situation.
• Meng Santan's betrayal leads to Meng Nan's death, highlighting the fragility of trust and loyalty.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Meng Nan awakens in reality, reflecting on the events of the fifteenth life.
+ He realizes the 'Qing Le Immortal City' may be a trap, as it caused loved ones to turn against each other during the tribulation.
+ Meng Nan decides to focus on constructing the World-Crossing Treasure Raft to avoid the tribulation.
+ He retrieves the Windfire Spirit Pearl and sends it into Zhao Xiaoshuang's womb to nurture Meng Santan.
+ Meng Nan plans to help Qian Yu achieve Qi Refinement in the next life.
+ He completes the 'Activation Progress' and begins the sixteenth life.

Character Developments

+ Meng Nan becomes more determined to avoid the tribulation and uncover its cause.
+ Zhao Xiaoshuang is pregnant with Meng Santan for three years and six months.
+ Qian Yu's cultivation progress becomes a concern for Meng Nan.

Significant Themes

+ The tribulation's influence on people and places.
+ The potential conspiracy behind the 'Tribulation Crossing Immortal City' system.
+ The importance of family and friends.

Character Interactions

+ Meng Nan and Zhao Xiaoshuang discuss Santan's prolonged pregnancy.
+ Meng Nan reflects on his plans to help Qian Yu.
+ Meng Nan interacts with various Qi Refining Immortal Masters to increase his mana.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Nan, the Sect Master, is preparing for the launch of the World-Crossing Treasure Raft, which can accommodate a limited number of cultivators and mortals.
• The first batch of passengers is being registered, but some Qi Refining Immortal Masters within the Nine Luminaries Sect are unwilling to leave.
• Outside the sect, various factions are eager to secure spots on the raft.
• Meng Nan discovers that Tribulation Crossing Immortal Cities and ghost cities will block the raft's path, leading to its destruction and the deaths of all aboard.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan: He is determined to see the World-Crossing Treasure Raft project through despite the dangers. He learns crucial information about the obstacles the raft will face and decides to delay its activation to avoid an early death.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Caution: Meng Nan's desire to explore beyond the world is balanced by the need for caution, as he learns about the potential dangers.
• The Power of Knowledge: Gaining information about the tribulation's true nature allows Meng Nan to make informed decisions and potentially avoid disaster.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan and Huang Shixiong: Huang reports to Meng Nan about the registration progress and intelligence gathered from outside the sect.
• Meng Nan and the World-Crossing Treasure Raft: Meng Nan's interaction with the Information Panel and Death Log reveals the raft's fate and the obstacles it will face.

Summary of Key Points

Plot Points and Events

• Meng Nan, having lost his memories but gained foresight, decides to postpone the World-Crossing Treasure Raft's departure for 25 years to strengthen the raft and weaken the force of the blockade.
• He reveals the existence of Changgu Ghost City as the first step in breaking the calamity.
• Meng Nan leads a group of Dao Foundation cultivators, demons, and devils to investigate Changgu Ghost City, but initial attempts to probe it fail.
• The Ghost-Eyed Demon King attempts to investigate using his Ghost Eyes but is dragged into the city.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan: Shows wisdom and foresight in planning to postpone the raft's departure and destroy Changgu Ghost City.
• Meng Jian: Demonstrates his prowess with the Heavenly Eye but is unable to fully investigate the ghost city.
• Meng Santan: Shows eagerness and skill but fails to uncover the city's secrets using the Shadow-Tracking Treasure Mirror.
• Ghost-Eyed Demon King: Shows confidence in his Ghost Eyes but meets an unknown fate after being dragged into the city.

Significant Themes

• Foresight and planning: Meng Nan's decision to postpone the raft's departure shows the importance of careful planning and foresight in overcoming challenges.
• Strength in unity: The gathering of Dao Foundation cultivators, demons, and devils to investigate the ghost city highlights the power of unity in facing common threats.
• The unknown and its dangers: The ghost city's mysterious nature and the Ghost-Eyed Demon King's fate serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by the unknown.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan interacts with various characters, including his children Meng Jian and Meng Santan, to persuade them and others to support his plan.
• The gathering of powerful cultivators allows for cooperation and information exchange, but also competition and rivalry, as seen with the Ghost-Eyed Demon King's attempt to outdo others.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Nan and others discover Changgu Ghost City, which devours the Ghost-Eyed Demon King.
• Meng Nan reveals his plan to use the Golden Blade Heaven-and-Earth Purifying Divine Incantation to destroy the ghost city, recruiting cultivators worldwide to help.
• Meng Nan focuses on cultivation, advancing his mana, Dao attainment, and techniques while teaching his disciples.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan: Advances his cultivation, Dao attainment, and techniques. He also teaches his disciples and prepares for the ghost city's destruction.
• Zhao Xiaoshuang: Reaches the peak of Qi Refining and the fourth realm of Dao attainment, nearing Foundation Establishment.
• Meng Santan: Not mentioned in this chapter.
• Meng Jian: Not mentioned in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and advancement: Meng Nan focuses on improving his cultivation, mana, Dao attainment, and techniques.
• Time and urgency: Seven years have passed, and only eighteen years remain until the tribulation. The urgency to destroy the ghost cities increases.
• Unity and cooperation: Meng Nan recruits cultivators worldwide to help destroy the ghost cities, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan interacts with Zhenju Patriarch, discussing Changgu Ghost City and its nature.
• Meng Nan teaches his disciples, guiding them in their cultivation and techniques.
• Huang Shixiong comes to Meng Nan with news of the assembled Qi Refining cultivators, ready to attack Changgu Ghost City.

Key Plot Points

• Meng Nan leads eight hundred Qi Refining cultivators, including Jin Tan, to Changgu Ghost City.
• The cultivators plan to use the Golden Blade Heaven-and-Earth Purifying Divine Incantation to break into the city.
• Tiezhong Patriarch unfurls the Immortal-Slaying Scroll to form a Great Light Formation, integrating the cultivators and enhancing their incantation.

Character Developments

• Jin Tan's potential in the Golden Blade Heaven-and-Earth Purifying Divine Incantation is recognized by Meng Nan, leading to a heart-to-heart conversation between them.
• Tiezhong Patriarch sees this battle as an opportunity to gain insights into a higher realm of the Formation Dao.

Significant Themes

• Finding one's path and potential in cultivation.
• The power of unity and cooperation among cultivators.
• The pursuit of higher realms and enlightenment in the Dao.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan guides and praises Jin Tan, showing his care and high expectations for his disciple.
• Tiezhong Patriarch and Meng Nan collaborate to lead the cultivators in the Great Light Formation, demonstrating their trust and respect for each other's abilities.
• The Dao Foundation cultivators and Qi Refining Immortal Masters work together, showcasing their unity and shared goal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• After 21 years, the Great Light Formation finally destroys Changgu Ghost City.
• Meng Nan reveals that there are more ghost cities, causing concern and doubt among cultivators.
• Some Dao Foundation cultivators and Qi Refining Immortal Masters express unwillingness to continue attacking ghost cities without clear evidence or benefits.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan: Struggles to convince cultivators to continue attacking ghost cities, feeling helpless due to lack of tangible gains.
• Jin Tan: Shows signs of gaining insight into the Golden Blade Heaven-and-Earth Purifying Divine Incantation as Changgu Ghost City falls.

Significant Themes

• The importance of tangible benefits and gains in motivating cultivators.
• The difficulty in convincing others to act based on uncertain or intangible threats.
• The connection between ghost cities and the impending great calamity.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan interacts with Dao Foundation cultivators and Qi Refining Immortal Masters, trying to persuade them to continue attacking ghost cities.
• Jin Tan's sudden insight into the Golden Blade Heaven-and-Earth Purifying Divine Incantation draws the attention of everyone present, including Meng Nan.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Nan introduces the concept of 'extraordinary arts' and 'Method-Comprehending Dao Foundation' to the cultivators.
• Jin Tan, Meng Nan's disciple, attains sudden enlightenment and reaches the peak of the Golden Blade Heaven-and-Earth Purifying Divine Incantation, hinting at a potential breakthrough to the Dao Foundation realm.
• Meng Nan uses the destruction of ghost cities as a pretext to encourage cultivators to continue their efforts, suggesting that it may aid in their cultivation and Foundation Establishment.
• The Eastward Demon King and other Foundation Establishment cultivators decide to stay, hoping for potential benefits from destroying more ghost cities.
• Meng Nan uses the Five Ghost Refining Heaven-Shrinking Shadow-Piercing Art to locate another ghost city, leading the group to Lacquer Wu Mountain, where they find the second ghost city buried deep underground.

Character Developments

• Jin Tan: Attains sudden enlightenment and reaches the peak of his cultivation art, hinting at a potential breakthrough to the Dao Foundation realm.
• Meng Nan: Uses the destruction of ghost cities as a pretext to encourage cultivators and maintain their interest in the cause.
• The Eastward Demon King and other Foundation Establishment cultivators: Decide to stay, hoping for potential benefits from destroying more ghost cities.

Significant Themes

• The power of extraordinary arts and the potential of the 'Method-Comprehending Dao Foundation.'
• The use of pretexts and incentives to maintain cultivators' interest and motivation.
• The exploration of the unknown and the potential benefits of destroying ghost cities.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan and Jin Tan: Teacher and disciple, with Meng Nan guiding and encouraging Jin Tan's cultivation.
• Meng Nan and the Eastward Demon King: Meng Nan uses the Demon King's greed to maintain his interest in the cause.
• The Foundation Establishment cultivators and Meng Nan: They interact with Meng Nan, seeking his guidance and hoping for potential benefits from destroying ghost cities.

Summary: Chapter — "Halt, Intruders! Immortals and Buddhas Fill the Sky!"

1. Key Plot Points & Events

• The Ghost City Revelation: The second ghost city, "Renxu," is found. Red Banner Patriarch's mention of ancient place names triggers Meng Nan's realization: both the 220 immortal cities and the ghost cities are named after ancient locations. He concludes that ghost cities were once immortal cities—transformed after calamities—implying an unseen force (a "giant invisible hand") controls heaven and earth, cities, and even the calamities themselves. He keeps this connection secret to avoid panic.
• Second Ghost City Assault: Using the established method (Tiezhong Patriarch, Immortal-Slaying Scroll, Great Light Formation, 17 Dao Foundation cultivators, 30,000 Qi Refining masters), they breach a second ghost city. Four more years pass; three ghost cities have been destroyed in total (over 25 years).
• Time Jump: It is now Immortal Calendar Year 194, the eve of the great calamity's descent. Meng Nan is 25 years old (lifespan 25/30), at Qi Refining Level 6 with 200 years of mana, and has attained the third realm of Dao attainment (Mystic Radiance). His skills: alchemy and artifact refinement at first-rank advanced; talisman and formation at first-rank intermediate.
• The Salvation Society Plot: Meng Nan, through the secret Salvation Society (the "evil path" organization he controls), has planted agents in all 220 Tribulation Crossing Immortal Cities. They carry seven kinds of thunder/fire explosives (Azure Fire Thunder, Thunderclap Pellets, Three Heroes Water Thunder, etc.—700-800 explosive devices per city).
• The Ascension: The World-Crossing Treasure Raft ascends. Jumps 1-6 pass smoothly. During the seventh jump, all 220 Immortal Cities manifest in the void as a sealing formation against the raft—but they've already been bombed simultaneously by the Salvation Society, so they explode and the blockade fails instantly.
• The Eighth Jump: 417 ghost cities (not the expected 400, suggesting two more were destroyed off-screen) form a sealing formation. The raft, somewhat strengthened, smashes through after four collisions, breaking it by a hair's breadth.
• Cliffhanger Conclusion: Beyond the ghost cities, there are no chains—instead, the void contains "immortals and Buddhas filling the sky." An inaudible yet overwhelming roar of "Halt!" paralyzes everyone on the raft, including Meng Nan and Meng Xingzhe. The chapter ends with Meng Nan thinking: "Figures! Immortal light! It's immortal Buddhas filling the sky!"

2. Character Developments

• Meng Nan: Has grown to Qi Refining Level 6, progressing steadily but slowly in Mystic Radiance cultivation. He shows deep anxiety—his low spirits stem not from abstract concern for the world, but from the real threat of losing Zhao Xiaoshuang, Meng Xingzhe, Meng Jian, Meng Santan, and all others if the ascension fails. He believes he'll likely take the "Art-Transcending Dao Foundation" path himself in the future, studying Jin Tan as a case study.
• Jin Tan: Remains at the fourth layer/second realm, stuck for four years on the "Art-Transcending Dao Foundation" path. He has perfected the Golden Blade Heaven-and-Earth Purifying Divine Incantation but cannot advance beyond it—he can see the destination but not the road. His position as the world's first example makes the path uniquely difficult with no precedent to follow.
• Meng Jian: Has changed direction after failing to find a Dao Foundation vessel. Using his innate divine ability (Heavenly Eye) as his foundation, he seeks a unique path resembling the "Art-Transcending Dao Foundation" but based on a divine ability rather than an esoteric art. He shows compassion, grieving the fate of mortals who will die in the calamity despite the destruction of the Immortal Cities.
• Meng Santan: Excited and eager for the destruction of the Immortal Cities, reveling in the irony that the Nine Luminaries Sect (the righteous leader) secretly controls the Salvation Society (the evil path) fighting itself. Her Foundation Establishment path revolves around the innate Windfire Wheels (fused with the Windfire Spirit Pearl in the womb); her path is easier than Jin Tan's or Meng Jian's, but she lacks accumulation and experience.
• Zhao Xiaoshuang: Remains a supportive presence, comforting Meng Nan when he's weighed down by anxiety.
• Meng Xingzhe: Has sat motionless for decades, half-asleep, fused with the Divine Ash Cauldron and the World-Crossing Treasure Raft itself. His aura is obscure; his cultivation level unknown.

3. Significant Themes

• The Hidden Manipulation of Reality: The chapter deepens the cosmic horror theme—immortal cities and ghost cities are both named after ancient places, implying a single unseen force created the system of cities, the calamities, and possibly everything else. Heaven and earth appear to be "kneaded and crushed" like clay by something inscrutable.
• Salvation as Trap: The Tribulation Crossing Immortal Cities—presented as the world's final hope and greatest protection—are actually traps connected to the calamity. Meng Nan dares not reveal this truth because the psychological weight of destroying hope would be worse than acting in secret. He must "act, not speak."
• The Difficulty of Innovation: Jin Tan's Art-Transcending Dao Foundation exemplifies the theme that creating new paths in cultivation is extraordinarily difficult—no precedent, no guidance, only trial and error. This parallels Meng Nan's own struggle to break free of the world's hidden system.
• Deception as Strategy: The Nine Luminaries Sect is simultaneously the leader of the righteous path AND the secret master of the evil path's largest organization. The entire world's politics is revealed as a stage managed by Meng Nan.
• Impending Doom: Despite destroying three ghost cities (out of four hundred-plus), the ascension's success remains uncertain—a "cup of water against a cartload of firewood."

4. Character Interactions

• Meng Nan & Jin Tan: Master-disciple discussion about the Art-Transcending Dao Foundation. Jin Tan reports being blocked in all directions; Meng Nan encourages him ("There is no need to rush"), noting he might walk the same path in the future. Meng Nan deliberately avoids adding worry, dismissing Jin Tan with reassurance.
• Meng Nan, Meng Jian & Santan: Family conference. Santan excitedly reports the bombing preparations are complete; she relishes the "spectacle." Meng Jian sighs over the tragedy of destroying the system that was humanity's last hope. The contrast between Santan's free-spiritedness ("life and death are decreed by fate") and Meng Jian's compassion ("unable to bear seeing the people suffer") is highlighted.
• Meng Nan & Zhao Xiaoshuang: Zhao Xiaoshuang offers comfort when she senses Meng Nan's low spirits. He admits he doesn't truly care about the world's masses—his real fear is losing her and the others if the ascension fails. His forced smile reveals his depth of attachment and anxiety.
• The Ascension: All fourteen Dao Foundation cultivators (including Jue Ming Wanderer, Rain Lotus Immortal Maiden, Tiezhong Patriarch, Silver Dragon Goddess, etc.) are stationed at their posts. When the Immortal Cities and Ghost Cities appear, the Dao Foundation cultivators finally understand the full picture—they look at Meng Nan with churning emotions, realizing the Immortal Cities were a trap.

• Meng Nan survives the destruction of the World-Crossing Treasure Raft and witnesses the immortals and Buddhas filling the skies, causing despair and shock.
• He realizes that the immortals and Buddhas have been manipulating the tribulations and blocking any attempts to leave the world, leading to his despair.
• Meng Nan decides to proceed on two fronts: searching for methods to avoid disaster and evade tribulation, and continuing the construction of the World-Crossing Treasure Raft.
• He considers the purpose of the immortals and Buddhas but finds no clear answer, leading to more questions and uncertainty.
• Meng Nan plans his next life, deciding to head for Qing Le Mountain in the Dragon Ridge Mountain Territory to start anew.
• He reflects on the techniques he has Deprived and chooses to keep Major Mastery [Heavy Origin] and Minor Mastery [Windfire Wheels] under Deprivation, discarding other techniques.
• Meng Nan sets off for Dragon Ridge Mountain Territory the next morning, using his Minor Mastery [Windfire Wheels] to travel swiftly.
• He defines the combat power of cultivators based on their mastery of extraordinary arts, creating ranks from 'Ordinary' to 'Emperor' (Half-Step Dao Foundation).

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Nan's seventeenth life begins, and he arrives at Qing Le Mountain, where he settles and begins mining spirit sand.
• Meng Nan rapidly increases his mana by suppressing and devouring heavenly demons, reaching the sixth layer of Qi Refinement.
• Three cultivators from beyond the heavens, Tan Si, Shen Bufu, and Chai Wendao, arrive in Baoyang Kingdom.
• Meng Nan is ambushed and killed in the original timeline, but in this life, he sets up an array trap with the help of other Dao Foundation cultivators and captures the three intruders.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan: He continues to grow stronger, reaching the sixth layer of Qi Refinement and completing the activation progress. He demonstrates his strategic prowess by setting up an array trap to capture the intruders.
• Tan Si, Shen Bufu, and Chai Wendao: They are revealed to be cultivators from beyond the heavens, sent to capture Meng Nan and his family. They are captured and suppressed by Meng Nan's array.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and resources is a central theme, with Meng Nan and the intruders both seeking to gain the upper hand.
• The concept of fate and destiny is explored through the idea of the "heaven-and-earth tribulation" and Meng Nan's repeated lives.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan interacts with various Dao Foundation cultivators, including Tiezhong Patriarch, Rain Lotus Immortal Maiden, and Daoist Zuo Xiao, who help him set up the array trap.
• Meng Nan communicates with Tan Si, seeking information about the "Immortals and Buddhas Filling the Heavens" and the "Heaven-and-Earth Calamity."
• Tan Si, Shen Bufu, and Chai Wendao work together, using their combined strength to try and capture Meng Nan.

Plot Points and Events

• Three cultivators from beyond the heavens, Tan Si, Shen Bufu, and Chai Wendao, are trapped in the secret realm.
• They reveal that the realm is an island cut off from the world, and the calamity is caused by a sinister dragon's upheaval.
• Meng Nan and others learn about the 'immortals and Buddhas' suppressing the sinister dragon and the method to escape the realm.
• Negotiations between the two groups stall due to lack of trust.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan: Gains knowledge about the true nature of the realm and the calamity. He becomes more determined to find a way out.
• Tan Si, Shen Bufu, and Chai Wendao: Despite being trapped, they remain composed and cautious, revealing only what they deem necessary.

Significant Themes

• Truth vs. Deception: Tan Si and the others reveal the truth about the realm, but withhold the method to escape, highlighting the theme of trust and deception.
• Power Dynamics: The power balance shifts as Meng Nan and others learn more about the realm and its dangers, affecting their interactions with Tan Si and the others.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan and Tan Si: They engage in a dialogue where Tan Si reveals the truth about the realm, while Meng Nan tries to negotiate a way out.
• Meng Nan and others vs. Tan Si and others: Both groups try to outmaneuver each other, with Meng Nan's group trying to gain trust and information, and Tan Si's group trying to withhold crucial information while ensuring their survival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The World-Crossing Treasure Raft is repaired, and the group attempts to ascend again, but fails.
• Meng Nan tries to negotiate with Tan Si's group to reveal the method of breaking free from the realm in exchange for their release.
• Meng Nan reveals the secrets behind his children's divine powers and the origin of his sect's Qi Refinement disciples.
• Meng Nan shares his experiences in other worlds through the Demon God Token.
• Tan Si's group escapes from the Divine Ash Cauldron.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan becomes more open about his secrets, aiming to gain Tan Si's trust.
• Tan Si and his group remain cautious and skeptical of Meng Nan's claims.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Meng Nan tries to build trust with Tan Si's group, while they remain wary and suspicious.
• The value of secrets and information: Meng Nan reveals his secrets, while Tan Si's group hoards their knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan and Tan Si's group: They engage in a delicate dance of negotiation, with Meng Nan trying to gain their trust and Tan Si's group remaining guarded.
• Meng Nan and other Dao Foundation cultivators: They support Meng Nan's attempts to negotiate with Tan Si's group, hoping to find a way out of the realm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Nan's cultivation progress continues, nearing the end of the first small map and approaching the Golden Profound Realm.
• The story prepares to introduce more complex factions, prodigies, and geniuses in the upcoming realm.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan remains focused on improving his cultivation and combat power, eager to leave the broken island and make a name for himself in the Golden Profound Realm.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: Meng Nan's persistent pursuit of power and influence.
• Exploration and expansion: Meng Nan's anticipation of entering the Golden Profound Realm and the opportunities it presents.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan's interactions with other characters are limited, as he primarily focuses on his own cultivation and preparation for the upcoming realm.
• Author interaction: The author engages with readers, seeking their opinions on the writing style and asking for support through subscriptions and votes.

Upcoming Events

• Meng Nan will enter the Golden Profound Realm, where he will strive to improve his cultivation, combat power, wealth, influence, reputation, impact, and overall status.
• The second skill after [Deprivation] will be introduced in the twentieth life.

• Key Plot Points and Events:
  • Tan Si, Shen Bufu, and Chai Wendao, having broken through to the second or third realm of Dao Foundation, run rampant in the realm, defeating numerous Dao Foundation cultivators.
  • Meng Nan, Meng Jian, and Meng Santan are forced to flee using the Divine Ash Cauldron.
  • Meng Xingzhe, Meng Nan's incarnation, admits his incompetence in refining the Divine Ash Cauldron.
  • Meng Santan dissolves the Nine Luminaries Sect to save herself and Zhao Xiaoshuang.
  • Meng Nan reveals that the tribulation will descend in fourteen years, putting pressure on Meng Xingzhe to defeat Tan Si and the others.
  • Meng Nan suggests surrendering as the only way to save the family.
• Character Developments:
  • Meng Xingzhe feels ashamed for his inability to refine the Divine Ash Cauldron and protect his family.
  • Meng Santan shows remorse for dismissing the Nine Luminaries Sect's disciples but remains pragmatic about their survival chances.
  • Meng Nan shows concern for his family's safety and the impending tribulation.
• Significant Themes:
  • The power dynamics between cultivators and the consequences of underestimating one's enemies.
  • The importance of family and the lengths one would go to protect them.
  • The inevitability of change and the need to adapt to new circumstances.
• Character Interactions:
  • Meng Xingzhe and Meng Nan discuss the Divine Ash Cauldron and the family's situation.
  • Meng Santan and Zhao Xiaoshuang express their concerns for the Nine Luminaries Sect's disciples.
  • Meng Nan and Meng Xingzhe discuss the possibility of defeating Tan Si and the others within fourteen years.
  • Meng Nan suggests surrendering as a last resort to save the family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Xingzhe decides to surrender to Tan Si's group to learn how to break out of the secret realm, while the rest of his family chooses to hide and cultivate.
• Meng Nan, hidden within the Divine Ash Cauldron, waits for five years before sending Meng Xingzhe to seek out Tan Si's group.
• Meng Xingzhe is captured after a fierce battle.
• Fourteen years pass, and the world is in turmoil due to Tan Si's group's actions. The end-of-age calamity descends.
• Meng Nan visits Tan Si's group, revealing the true purpose of his arrival.
• Chai Wendao tortures Meng Nan using the 'Little Plum Blossom Flesh-and-Bone Execution Method.'
• Meng Nan activates the 'wicked dragon turning over' and 'great calamity descending' stages of his [Deprivation] technique, killing Tan Si, Shen Bufu, and Chai Wendao, as well as the Traveler.

Character Developments

• Meng Xingzhe demonstrates his resolve and decisiveness by choosing to surrender to gain information.
• Meng Nan shows his cunning and patience in waiting for the right moment to strike.
• Chai Wendao reveals his ruthless and manipulative nature in torturing Meng Nan.
• The Traveler shows relief and regret before his death, hinting at his complex emotions and past actions.

Significant Themes

• The theme of sacrifice for the greater good is evident in Meng Xingzhe's decision to surrender and Meng Nan's plan to infiltrate Tan Si's group.
• The theme of the consequences of one's actions is shown through the end-of-age calamity and the deaths of Tan Si, Shen Bufu, and Chai Wendao.
• The theme of the power of knowledge and information is demonstrated by Meng Nan's use of the intelligence gathered from Meng Xingzhe's capture.

Character Interactions

• Meng Xingzhe interacts with his family, showing his determination and resolve.
• Meng Nan interacts with Tan Si's group, revealing his true intentions and activating his technique.
• Chai Wendao interacts with Meng Nan, torturing him and revealing crucial information.
• The Traveler interacts with Meng Nan, showing his emotions before his death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Meng Nan ends his seventeenth life and reflects on his progress.
• He decides to focus on mastering the 'Little Plum Blossom Flesh-and-Bone Execution Method' before opening the eighteenth life.
• Qian Yu, a cultivator Meng Nan has been guiding, encounters danger and is captured by demons, leading her to a mining pit where she must mine spirit sand to survive.

Character Developments

• Meng Nan: He has reached the third cultivation realm (Mystic Radiance) and seventh level of mana in this life. He has also gained a new technique, the 'Little Plum Blossom Flesh-and-Bone Execution Method,' through Deprivation.
• Qian Yu: She is captured and forced to mine spirit sand, which Meng Nan believes will help her grow rapidly in cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and progress: Meng Nan reflects on his cultivation journey and the difficulty of advancing in cultivation.
• Growth through adversity: Qian Yu's predicament is seen as an opportunity for rapid cultivation growth.
• Guidance and mentorship: Meng Nan continues to guide and support Qian Yu, demonstrating his commitment to helping her grow.

Character Interactions

• Meng Nan and Qian Yu: Meng Nan continues to support and guide Qian Yu, even arranging for her to face challenges that will help her grow.
• Meng Nan and the demons of Cang Mountain: Meng Nan uses the demons to create a unique cultivation environment for Qian Yu.