Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye, a transmigrator, wakes up in a morgue-like room, belonging to the Divine Concealment Sect's Corpse Refining Courtyard.
• He discovers he has the same name as the body's original owner, Li Ye, who was once the sect's Holy Son but had fallen to the status of a Corpse Incinerator due to a decline in cultivation.
• Li Ye encounters a corpse that starts to transform, and he successfully incinerates it, absorbing a white mist that enhances his physical strength.
• After completing his task, he is praised by the leading black-clothed academician and paid for his work.

Character Developments

• Li Ye (Transmigrator): Realizes his predicament and decides to make the best of his situation, showing determination and adaptability.
• Li Ye (Original Owner): Was once a prodigy but fell due to a cultivation decline, leading to a loss of status and eventually, depression.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and its importance in this world.
• The consequences of a cultivation decline and loss of status.
• The transmigration trope and the protagonist's acceptance of his new reality.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye (Transmigrator) interacts with the corpse, successfully incinerating it and absorbing its essence.
• Li Ye (Transmigrator) has a brief interaction with the leading black-clothed academician, who praises his work and pays him for his services.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye, a man from the 21st century, transmigrates to a cultivation world and becomes a Corpse Incinerator in the Divine Concealment Sect's Corpse Refining Courtyard.
• He discovers that the Corpse Incineration Furnace he's using is a "divine artifact" from his previous life.
• Li Ye encounters a corpse with signs of corpse transformation and, after incinerating it, sees Images of the deceased's life and gains a new ability, "Words Manifest Reality."

Character Developments

• Li Ye: Initially fearful and cautious, he adapts to his new environment and gains a new ability, becoming more confident.
• The Black-Clad Academicians: They view Li Ye as an ominous presence and avoid interacting with him.

Significant Themes

• The power of words and persuasion (represented by Li Ye's new ability).
• The consequences of one's actions (illustrated by the Youth's life and death).
• The fear and superstition surrounding death and the undead.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye has minimal interaction with others, as he keeps a low profile. The Black-Clad Academicians avoid him due to his role and the potential danger it poses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye discovers his ability, Words Manifest Reality, can be practical by causing an iron nail to explode.
• He contemplates the outside world and the Holy Son's past.
• The next morning, Li Ye encounters other corpse incinerators who gather to listen to the Divine Concealment Sect's Ritual Music for a new Holy Son.
• Zhou Bao offers to sell Li Ye a Corpse Suppressing Incantation for twenty copper coins.

Character Developments

• Li Ye begins to accept his new identity and considers helping the Holy Son find his killer.
• Zhou Bao is revealed to be a skilled salesman, trying to sell Li Ye the Corpse Suppressing Incantation.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of the world and the struggles of its inhabitants.
• The contrast between the prosperous Divine Concealment Sect and the impoverished corpse incinerators.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye meets and interacts with other corpse incinerators, learning about their backgrounds and current lives.
• Li Ye and Zhou Bao engage in a negotiation over the Corpse Suppressing Incantation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Bao sells Li Ye the Corpse Suppressing Incantation for five copper coins.
• Li Ye is tasked with incinerating a Fierce Corpse that has completed its Corpse Transformation.
• Li Ye uses the Corpse Suppressing Incantation to immobilize the Fierce Corpse and successfully incinerates it.
• Li Ye breaks through to the first layer of the Body Tempering Realm after consuming the Corpse Incineration Furnace's reward.

Character Developments

• Li Ye demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination by purchasing the Corpse Suppressing Incantation and using it effectively against the Fierce Corpse.
• Li Ye breaks through to the first layer of the Body Tempering Realm, showcasing his cultivation progress and potential.

Significant Themes

• The power of preparation and having the right tools (Corpse Suppressing Incantation) at the right time.
• The dangers and rewards of cultivating in this world, as seen through Li Ye's encounter with the Fierce Corpse and his subsequent breakthrough.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Bao and Li Ye's interaction highlights Li Ye's determination and Zhou Bao's shrewdness in selling the Corpse Suppressing Incantation.
• The Black-Clad Academicians' reactions to Li Ye's successful incineration of the Fierce Corpse and his subsequent breakthrough showcase their surprise and respect for his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye successfully completes his first Corpse Incineration, attracting the attention of the Black-Clad Academicians.
• He encounters a Fierce Corpse on Back Mountain and uses Zhou Bao's Corpse Suppressing Incantation to subdue it.
• The Corpse Incineration Furnace manifests and incinerates the Fierce Corpse, granting Li Ye the skill 'Hand of Earth'.
• News of Butcher's death spreads, and Li Ye realizes the harsh reality of the Corpse Incinerators' lives.
• Over time, Li Ye advances to the Body Tempering Third Layer, and the Corpse Incinerator circle experiences a significant turnover.

Character Developments

• Li Ye gains confidence and skill in Corpse Incineration, advancing in cultivation and discovering new abilities.
• He becomes more reserved and mysterious in the eyes of the newer Corpse Incinerators.

Significant Themes

• The harsh and dangerous life of Corpse Incinerators.
• The power and mystery of the Corpse Incineration Furnace.
• The importance of cultivating skills and advancing in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye interacts with the Black-Clad Academicians, who are initially suspicious but ultimately leave him alone.
• He has no significant interactions with other Corpse Incinerators, maintaining a low profile.
• Li Ye reflects on the deaths of his colleagues, feeling a sense of loss and resignation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye, a transmigrated man, receives a roasted chicken and Nu'er Hong wine, hinting at an impending danger.
• A beautiful female corpse is brought to Li Ye's incineration hall, which turns out to be a Corpse Cultivator, not a Fierce Corpse.
• The Female Corpse awakens and attacks Li Ye, displaying powerful Corpse Cultivator abilities.
• Li Ye uses the Corpse Suppressing Incantation to temporarily restrain the Female Corpse, but she breaks free.
• Black-Clad Academicians outside prepare to intervene as strange celestial phenomena occur.

Character Developments

• Li Ye shows courage and resourcefulness, using the Corpse Suppressing Incantation and his words to subdue the Female Corpse temporarily.
• The Female Corpse, despite being a Corpse Cultivator, displays fear and vulnerability when faced with Li Ye's threats.

Significant Themes

• The theme of death and the undead is prominent, with the Female Corpse's awakening causing fear and unease.
• The contrast between Li Ye's calm and resourcefulness and the Female Corpse's ferocity highlights the theme of resilience against overwhelming odds.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye interacts with the Female Corpse, initially showing curiosity and then fear, before using his words and the Corpse Suppressing Incantation to subdue her.
• The Black-Clad Academicians outside prepare to intervene, showing their role in maintaining order and protecting Li Ye, despite their initial lack of faith in his survival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye encounters a female corpse in the corpse-burning furnace who reveals her past life through visions.
• The corpse was a cultivator who sought revenge against the Demonic Path for her sister's death and perished in the process.
• Li Ye gains two levels of Body Tempering cultivation and an enhanced Corpse Suppressing Incantation from the corpse.
• Liu Sanshou, another Corpse Incinerator, dies while on duty.
• Zhou Bao shares information about the Night Roaming God, a renowned thief who operates at night.

Character Developments

• Li Ye gains a deeper understanding of the cruel world he's in after witnessing the female corpse's tragic past.
• Zhou Bao expresses his desire to master the Corpse Suppressing Incantation and refuses Li Ye's offer to leave the mountain, showing determination.

Significant Themes

• The cruelty and harshness of the world, as seen through the female corpse's life and death.
• The importance of survival and self-preservation, highlighted by Li Ye's focus on increasing his chances of survival in the corpse-burning room.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye and Zhou Bao share a moment of camaraderie as they pay respects to Liu Sanshou and discuss their situations.
• Li Ye offers Zhou Bao his earnings, showing concern for his well-being, but Zhou Bao refuses, displaying his resolve to stay and master his incantation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye receives a roast chicken with a note containing information about a transformed corpse named Zhou Lie.
• Night Roaming God, a notorious criminal, is pursued by a young man from the Divine Concealment Sect in Yang City.
• Li Ye successfully refines Zhou Lie's corpse, obtaining the 'Nine Heavens Crimson Thunder Art' cultivation method.

Character Developments

• Li Ye demonstrates his skills in Corpse Transformation and gains a new cultivation method.
• Zhou Lie, the transformed corpse, is revealed to be a violent-tempered constable with immense strength.
• Night Roaming God shows exceptional combat skills and speed, evading capture from the Divine Concealment Sect's disciple.

Significant Themes

• The power of Corpse Transformation and the danger it poses if not controlled.
• The struggle between law enforcement (Divine Concealment Sect) and crime (Night Roaming God).
• The importance of cultivation methods for personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye interacts with the Black-Clad Academicians, who seem to be monitoring him.
• Night Roaming God interacts with the Divine Concealment Sect's disciple, showcasing their combat skills and determination to capture or kill each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye retrieves Captain Zhou Lie's corpse before the Ashes Yamen arrives.
• Li Ye survives another encounter with a Corpse Transformation, further astonishing the Black-Clad Academicians.
• Li Ye practices the Nine Heavens Crimson Thunder Art, advancing to the sixth layer of the Body Tempering Realm.
• Zhou Bao successfully subdues a Fierce Corpse using the Corpse Suppressing Incantation.
• An Immortal from the Divine Concealment Sect arrives at the Corpse Refining Courtyard, announcing an impending Corpse Transformation.

Character Developments

• Li Ye continues to demonstrate his exceptional survival skills and cultivation progress.
• Zhou Bao shows courage and resourcefulness in handling a Fierce Corpse and gains respect from the Corpse Incinerators.
• The new Corpse Incinerators share their backstories, revealing the harsh realities of the Great Gan Dynasty.

Significant Themes

• Survival and Adaptation: Characters like Li Ye and Zhou Bao show resilience and adaptability in the face of danger and adversity.
• Cultivation and Growth: Li Ye's progress in the Nine Heavens Crimson Thunder Art highlights the importance of diligent practice and self-improvement.
• The Divine Concealment Sect's Prestige: The arrival of the Immortal from the Divine Concealment Sect underscores the sect's transcendent status and influence.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye interacts with the new Corpse Incinerators, learning about their backgrounds and gaining their respect.
• Zhou Bao shares his experience with the Corpse Incinerators, fostering camaraderie and mutual support.
• The Immortal from the Divine Concealment Sect arrives, demanding the Corpse Incinerators' assistance, demonstrating the sect's authority and expectation of deference.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Yu, a former True Disciple of the Divine Concealment Sect, visits Li Ye, now a Corpse Incinerator.
• Li Ye learns about the new Holy Son, Junior Disciple, and Qin Yu's recent kill, Night Roaming God.
• Li Ye obtains the Swift Wind Leg technique from Night Roaming God's corpse.
• Li Ye tells Qin Yu not to visit again, wanting to be forgotten.
• A rebel Lieutenant General's corpse is sent to the sect, posing a high risk of Corpse Transformation.

Character Developments

• Li Ye: Accepts his new role as a Corpse Incinerator, focusing on his path to immortality. He obtains a new technique and continues to cultivate the Nine Heavens Crimson Thunder Art.
• Qin Yu: Struggles with Li Ye's fall from grace, feeling helpless and bitter. He respects Li Ye's wishes and decides not to visit again.

Significant Themes

• Fall from grace and acceptance: Li Ye's journey from the Holy Son to a Corpse Incinerator explores the theme of accepting one's fate and finding a new purpose.
• Friendship and loyalty: Qin Yu's unwavering support for Li Ye, even after his fall, highlights the theme of loyalty and brotherhood among friends.
• The consequences of one's actions: The backstory of Night Roaming God and the rebel Lieutenant General shows how one's actions can lead to tragic consequences.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye and Qin Yu: Their reunion is filled with emotion, as Qin Yu struggles to accept Li Ye's new status, while Li Ye tries to push Qin Yu away to protect him.
• Li Ye and the Esteemed Deacon: Though not present in this chapter, their relationship is mentioned as the Esteemed Deacon is aware of Li Ye's situation and has been preparing the other leaders for potential losses among the Corpse Incinerators.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye encounters a powerful rebel general's corpse that has undergone corpse transformation.
• The corpse, an Iron Corpse, is incredibly strong and fast, but Li Ye manages to kick it into the corpse incineration furnace.
• Li Ye absorbs the corpse's power and breaks through to the Eighth Layer of Body Tempering.
• Zhou Bao visits Li Ye and invites him for a drink before leaving Divine Concealment Sect.

Character Developments

• Li Ye demonstrates his strength and skill, handling the powerful corpse with ease.
• Zhou Bao shows growth in his cultivation, having encountered and subdued Fierce Corpses, but decides to leave Divine Concealment Sect due to the dangers.

Significant Themes

• The power of authority, wealth, and beauty can corrupt even the most loyal individuals, as seen in the rebel general's life imprint.
• The dangers and challenges faced by cultivators, as shown by both Li Ye and Zhou Bao's encounters with powerful corpses.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye and the Black-Clad Academicians have minimal interaction, with the Academicians showing some surprise but maintaining their cold attitude towards Li Ye.
• Li Ye and Zhou Bao's interaction shows a growing friendship, with Zhou Bao inviting Li Ye for a drink before leaving Divine Concealment Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye accompanies Zhou Bao to Licheng city.
• They encounter a brothel, Yihongyuan, where they learn about a man who has been crippled.
• They arrive at Hongbin Tower, a renowned restaurant, where Li Ye decides to treat Zhou Bao to a farewell banquet.
• Li Ye and Zhou Bao are initially mistaken for beggars but reveal their status as martial artists.
• They meet Chen Hong, the proprietor of Hongbin Tower.

Character Developments

• Li Ye shows his wealth and status, revealing he has silver notes and gold ingots.
• Zhou Bao expresses his admiration for Li Ye's actions and plans to follow Li Ye's example.
• Zhou Bao reveals his past as a Corpse Incinerator and his lack of business acumen.

Significant Themes

• Social status and class differences, as seen in the contrast between the prosperous north of the city and the poverty in the south, as well as the treatment of Li Ye and Zhou Bao at the brothel and Hongbin Tower.
• Friendship and camaraderie, as shown by Li Ye's desire to treat Zhou Bao to a farewell banquet and Zhou Bao's admiration for Li Ye.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye and Zhou Bao's friendship deepens as they explore the city together.
• Li Ye and Zhou Bao's interaction with the proprietor, Chen Hong, shows their newfound status and respect in the city.
• The women at Yihongyuan and the other patrons at Hongbin Tower initially dismiss Li Ye and Zhou Bao due to their appearance but later show them respect when they reveal their martial arts prowess.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye and Zhou Bao visit Hongbin Tower, where they insult the shopkeeper's Braised Beef.
• The shopkeeper, Chen, becomes hostile, and thugs surround them.
• A noblewoman, the General's wife, vouches for Li Ye's knowledge of seasonings.
• Li Ye offers Chen his Eight Treasure Chicken recipe in exchange for silver.

Character Developments

• Li Ye demonstrates his knowledge of cooking and assertiveness in the face of adversity.
• Zhou Bao shows loyalty to Li Ye but is initially overwhelmed by the situation.
• Shopkeeper Chen transitions from hostility to respect and eagerness to learn from Li Ye.

Significant Themes

• The importance of knowledge and expertise in gaining respect and power.
• The value of honesty and integrity in business, as seen in Chen's apology and eagerness to learn from Li Ye.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye and Zhou Bao work together to challenge Chen's cooking, with Li Ye taking the lead.
• Li Ye interacts with the General's wife, using her influence to convince Chen of his knowledge.
• Chen interacts with Li Ye, initially hostile but later eager to learn from him and make amends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye leaves Hongbin Tower after sharing recipes with the manager.
• Li Ye and Zhou Bao plan to collect and sell valuable plants before they become scarce.
• Li Ye buys a house in the south of the city for Zhou Bao's business.
• Li Ye returns to the Corpse Refining Courtyard and cremates a Taoist priest who was expelled from his sect for misdeeds.

Character Developments

• Li Ye: Shows his knowledge of cooking and business, plans to help Zhou Bao but keeps his long-term goal of cultivation a secret.
• Zhou Bao: Realizes Li Ye's family had a prosperous past, becomes more determined to succeed in business with Li Ye's help.

Significant Themes

• Rarity breeds value: Li Ye uses this principle to plan his business strategy.
• Karma: The Taoist priest's misdeeds catch up with him, leading to his downfall.
• Ambition vs. Contentment: Li Ye chooses to return to the dangerous Corpse Refining Courtyard to pursue cultivation, while Zhou Bao is content with their newfound wealth.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye and Zhou Bao: They work together to plan and execute their business venture, with Li Ye acting as the mastermind and Zhou Bao as the executor.
• Li Ye and the Taoist priest: Although they never interacted directly, Li Ye witnesses the priest's life and misdeeds through the cremation process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye inherits fortune-telling skills from the Taoist priest.
• He burns corpses in the corpse-burning furnace, gaining divine abilities and advancing in Body Tempering cultivation.
• Two corpses with signs of 'ejaculation' are sent to the furnace. Li Ye suspects a Snake Demon's involvement.
• Li Ye breaks through to the Ninth Layer of Body Tempering, reaching a strength of one ton.
• He visits Zhou Bao, who has successfully harvested and dried bay leaves, cinnamon, and wild star anise, and is preparing to sell them to major restaurants.
• Li Ye refuses Zhou Bao's invitation to join his business, instead giving him a copy of the Divine Concealment Sect's Body Tempering secret manual and recipe.

Character Developments

• Li Ye continues to advance in his cultivation, reaching a significant milestone in Body Tempering.
• Zhou Bao transforms from a refugee into a successful businessman, hiring people and managing his new enterprise.
• Li Ye demonstrates his kindness and wisdom by helping Zhou Bao and warning him about the dangers of Yihongyuan.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and advancement in martial arts.
• The dangers and temptations of wealth and power.
• The importance of genuine friendship and helping others.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye and Zhou Bao's friendship deepens as Li Ye helps Zhou Bao establish his business and warns him about potential dangers.
• Li Ye's interactions with the Black-Clad Academicians remain brief and transactional, focused on his work at the corpse-burning furnace.
• Li Ye's suspicion of the Snake Demon's involvement in the corpses' deaths hints at a potential future conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye returns to his duties at the Corpse Refining Courtyard, handling corpses and making progress in his cultivation.
• A giant white snake, revealed to be Yun Yue, the Courtesan of Yihongyuan, wreaks havoc in Licheng City.
• Experts from the Divine Concealment Sect, including Qin Yu and Lin Jing, attempt to subdue the snake.

Character Developments

• Li Ye: He continues to improve his cultivation, feeling the urge to increase his workload to break through to the Qi Gathering Realm. He suspects the snake's true intentions and predicts its imminent departure.
• Qin Yu: He has broken through to the first level of the Object Manipulation Realm, showing significant improvement in his strength.
• Lin Jing: She is one of the Divine Concealment Sect's eight true disciples, ranking sixth. She demonstrates her concern for Qin Yu's safety.

Significant Themes

• The duality of appearance and reality, as Yun Yue's true form is revealed.
• The consequences of reckless actions, as the snake's rampage through Licheng City causes destruction and loss of life.
• The struggle between humans and supernatural creatures, as the experts attempt to subdue the snake.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye observes the scene from a distance, showing no immediate intention to intervene.
• Qin Yu and Lin Jing work together to stall the snake, demonstrating their teamwork and concern for each other's safety.
• The various experts in Licheng City unite to face the common threat posed by the giant snake.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A great snake, a Demon, is about to undergo a transformation that could threaten the human city.
• Jiang Ming, the new Holy Son of the Divine Concealment Sect, arrives and kills the great snake with a single strike from his Heaven Severing Sword.
• Qin Yu and Lin Jing, wanting to find their missing Senior Brother, try to persuade the Sect Master to reveal his whereabouts but are unsuccessful and get thrown out of the main hall.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ming has advanced rapidly in his cultivation, reaching the seventh level of the Object Manipulation Realm in just six months.
• Qin Yu and Lin Jing show rebellious behavior towards the Sect Master, prioritizing their loyalty to their missing Senior Brother over sect hierarchy.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Seniority: Qin Yu and Lin Jing's unwavering loyalty to their Senior Brother, even defying the Sect Master, highlights the importance of seniority and bonds within their group.
• Power and Responsibility: The great snake's threat to the human city and Jiang Ming's intervention emphasize the responsibility that comes with power.

Character Interactions

• Qin Yu and Lin Jing: The two show unity and support for each other, working together to try and find their Senior Brother.
• Qin Yu and the Sect Master: Their interaction shows Qin Yu's rebellious nature and the Sect Master's authority, but also Qin Yu's disregard for the latter due to his loyalty to his Senior Brother.
• Jiang Ming and the Great Snake: Jiang Ming's arrival and quick defeat of the great snake demonstrate his power and the respect he commands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The battle with the snake demon in Li City has made Jiang Ming, the new Holy Son of the Divine Concealment Sect, famous.
• In the Corpse Refining Courtyard, the heads of the twelve Corpse Incineration Halls draw lots to determine which courtyard will handle the snake demon's corpse.
• Wu Qing, head of the Third Courtyard, draws the lot again, assigning the snake demon's corpse to his courtyard.
• Li Ye, the Corpse Incinerator of the Third Courtyard, is given a roast chicken as his last meal before facing the snake demon's corpse.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ming's fame and reputation grow after his heroic deed in Li City.
• Wu Qing's bad luck continues as he draws the lot for the snake demon's corpse again.
• Li Ye remains determined and calm, accepting his fate without complaint.

Significant Themes

• Luck and fate: Wu Qing's constant misfortune in drawing the lots, and Li Ye's acceptance of his situation.
• Power and responsibility: The Divine Concealment Sect's Holy Son gains fame and power, while Li Ye faces the consequences of his role as a Corpse Incinerator.

Character Interactions

• The heads of the Corpse Incineration Halls tease and joke with each other, lightening the mood before the serious task at hand.
• Wu Qing shows a rare moment of concern for Li Ye, warning him to be quick in handling the snake demon's corpse.
• Li Ye demonstrates his resilience and determination, facing his fate with composure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye enters the Corpse Burning Hall and finds a large, dead white snake with a fatal wound caused by Junior Brother Jiang Ming's Heaven Severing Sword.
• He burns the snake in the corpse furnace, which shows him the snake's life history, and then rewards him with two beams of misty light, each containing cultivation energy.
• Li Ye absorbs these energies and breaks through to Body Tempering Layer Ten, then unexpectedly breaks through again to the Qi Gathering stage.

Character Developments

• Li Ye demonstrates his bravery and curiosity when facing the giant snake and his determination to improve his cultivation.
• The white snake's life story reveals her long cultivation journey and struggle for survival.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and growth in the cultivation world.
• The power of cultivation and its rewards.
• The concept of 'Samsara' and the cycle of life and death.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye interacts with the white snake's life imprint, learning about her history.
• Li Ye's internal dialogue with himself reflects his thoughts and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Ye absorbs the cultivation from the Snake Demon, rapidly advancing his Body Tempering stage.
• He breaks through to the 11th layer of Body Tempering, surpassing the typical progression to the Qi Gathering stage.
• Li Ye encounters two foreign cultivators from the Great Jin Kingdom, who attempt to kill him. He defeats them using his Hand of Earth and Swift Wind Leg techniques.
• Li Ye discovers that the foreigners had artifacts on them, which he misses the opportunity to retrieve as they are consumed by his Corpse Burning Furnace.

Character Developments

• Li Ye's cultivation progresses significantly, reaching the 11th layer of Body Tempering, which is unusual and puzzling to him.
• Li Ye demonstrates his power and confidence in battle, easily defeating two Qi Gathering stage cultivators.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and its stages (Body Tempering, Qi Gathering).
• The value and importance of artifacts in cultivation.
• The conflict between the Great Gan Dynasty and the Great Jin Kingdom.

Character Interactions

• Li Ye interacts with the Black-Clad Academicians, who show concern for his well-being and provide him with compensation for his service.
• Li Ye encounters and defeats the two foreign cultivators, showcasing his strength and determination.
• Li Ye communicates with the foreigners using a Western accent from his past life, indicating his adaptability and resourcefulness.