Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Ping'an (Ye Clan's patriarch) attends a Trade Fair in Lihuo Kingdom to acquire a defensive Sacred Artifact and a Saint Grade Alchemy Furnace.
• He learns that a Great Saint Grade Martial Artist will be present, along with the desired items.
• At the fair, Ye Ping'an trades his Dragon Annihilation Bow and compatible arrows for the 'Azure Fire True Spirit Furnace' from a Saint from the Vanilla Sect.

Character Developments

• Ye Ping'an demonstrates his patience, strategic thinking, and resourcefulness in obtaining the desired items.
• The disheveled young man from the Vanilla Sect shows his practicality and determination in trading up for a suitable weapon after becoming a Saint.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The importance of Sacred Artifacts and Saint Grade items in determining one's strength and status among Martial Artists.
• Trade and Exchange: The value of items and the art of negotiation in the Martial World.
• Resourcefulness: Adapting and making the most of available resources to achieve one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Ye Ping'an interacts with various Martial Artists at the Trade Fair, showcasing his network and influence.
• He successfully trades with the young man from the Vanilla Sect, demonstrating mutual respect and understanding of each other's needs.
• The Great Saint Grade Martial Artist who organized the event is mentioned, highlighting his role in facilitating such high-level trades.

Summary of “Two Qi Universal Bottle”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist attends a high-level trade fair and exchanges the Dragon Annihilation Bow for a Saint Grade Alchemy Furnace, judging the trade favorable because the bow was not especially useful to him.
• He becomes interested in an Earth Grade Low-Rank Sabre Technique, but cannot afford the exchange, reminding him of his lack of wealth and the need to earn more resources.
• He acquires the defensive Sacred Artifact Two Qi Universal Bottle by trading a Saint Grade First Rank Calamity Breaking Saint Pill and Heaven Grade treasure materials.
• The bottle possesses two abilities:
  • Fierce Baleful: Absorbs Resentful Energy and Killing Intent, restraining evil cultivators and creating a mist-like defensive cloud.
  • Universal: Automatically blocks incoming damage without requiring activation or consuming much Primal Force, though it cannot reflect or counter long-range attacks as the Six Harmonies Mirror can.
• Near the end of the fair, he also obtains medicinal seeds capable of growing into Yin Attribute Saint Herbs, intending to plant them in the Ghost Soul Cave.
• Over the following decades:
  • 3421: Zhang Tianhuo becomes increasingly skilled with the Azure Fire True Spirit Furnace and prepares to refine the Saint Grade Spirit Soul Pill.
  • 3453: The protagonist completes his first Mid-grade Heaven Grade painting, depicting a Demon Dragon. Its summoned creature possesses the attack power of an ordinary Late Infant God Realm martial artist. He gives it to his wife, Jiang Wen, for protection.
  • 3495: Zhang Tianhuo finally attempts to refine the Spirit Soul Pill, supported by three Heaven Grade Alchemists and carefully prepared restorative pills.
• After fifteen days, Zhang Tianhuo produces three pills. Only one is intact, while the other two are ruined.

Character Developments

• The protagonist becomes more conscious of his financial limitations and focuses on obtaining defensive treasures, medicinal resources, and improving his support network. He also shows continued concern for protecting his family while he is away.
• Zhang Tianhuo demonstrates exceptional diligence, caution, and technical growth. His meticulous preparation and refined control earn the respect of older Heaven Grade Alchemists. Despite his progress, he feels ashamed that his first Spirit Soul Pill attempt yields only one successful pill.
• Jiang Wen remains devoted to the protagonist and understands the burden he carries as the Ye Family’s main support. Although her cultivation and Bone Structure lag far behind his, she contributes through lineage affairs and accepts the Demon Dragon painting as a symbol of his care.
• The invited Heaven Grade Alchemists initially underestimate Zhang Tianhuo because of his youth but change their opinions after witnessing his skill.

Significant Themes

• Resource management and unequal wealth: The protagonist must carefully trade valuable items and recognizes that his ambitions require greater financial strength.
• Protection and responsibility: His acquisition of the Two Qi Universal Bottle and creation of the Demon Dragon painting reflect his desire to safeguard himself and his loved ones.
• Dedication and mastery: Zhang Tianhuo’s advancement shows that talent matters, but discipline, preparation, and persistent effort are equally important.
• The burden of strength: Jiang Wen’s inability to match the protagonist’s cultivation highlights the widening gap between them and the pressure he bears as the Ye Family’s protector.
• Success through gradual progress: Even a highly skilled alchemist can fail partially when attempting a Saint Grade Pill, emphasizing that major achievements require repeated experimentation.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist negotiates with the Two Qi Universal Bottle’s owner, ultimately persuading him to accept the Calamity Breaking Saint Pill and additional treasure materials.
• He supports Zhang Tianhuo by providing the Azure Fire True Spirit Furnace, arranging assistance from three Heaven Grade Alchemists, and approving his careful preparations.
• He gives Jiang Wen the Demon Dragon painting, and she silently responds with affection and understanding of his protective intentions.
• After the Spirit Soul Pill refinement, the protagonist questions Zhang Tianhuo about the results, while Zhang Tianhuo kneels and apologizes for producing only one successful pill.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tianhuo successfully refines Saint Grade Pills on his first attempt, becoming a Saint Grade Alchemist.
• Three Heaven Grade Alchemists offer to learn from Zhang Tianhuo and help the Ye Family refine pills.
• Ye Tianhao consumes a Spirit Soul Pill, enhancing his soul strength and overall power.
• Ye Pingjing advances to the Infant God Realm mid-stage.
• Yang Ri and Yang Yue invite Ye Tianhao to explore a 'Spirit Ruins Secret Realm' in Sui State.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tianhuo: Proves his alchemy prowess by successfully refining Saint Grade Pills, attracting Heaven Grade Alchemists to learn from him.
• Ye Tianhao: Recognizes Zhang Tianhuo's talent and increases his cultivation resource allocation, later accepts Yang Ri and Yang Yue's invitation to explore the Spirit Ruins Secret Realm.
• Ye Pingjing: Advances to the Infant God Realm mid-stage, demonstrating her cultivation progress.

Significant Themes

• Talent and recognition: Zhang Tianhuo's alchemy talent is acknowledged and rewarded, while Ye Pingjing's cultivation progress is noted.
• Opportunity and risk: Yang Ri and Yang Yue seek Ye Tianhao's help to explore the Spirit Ruins Secret Realm, knowing it presents both danger and fortune.

Character Interactions

• Ye Tianhao and Zhang Tianhuo: Ye Tianhao supports and invests in Zhang Tianhuo's alchemy development, while Zhang Tianhuo shows humility and eagerness to learn.
• Ye Tianhao and the Heaven Grade Alchemists: Ye Tianhao offers them commission, but they refuse and instead offer to learn from Zhang Tianhuo.
• Yang Ri, Yang Yue, and Ye Tianhao: The brothers invite Ye Tianhao to explore the Spirit Ruins Secret Realm, seeking his protection and strength.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist enters the Spirit Ruins Secret Realm with the Yang Ri brothers.
• He uses the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard to determine the direction of the Great Saint Grade Plant Spirit.
• Over three days, he obtains numerous Heaven-grade and Saint-grade plant-type treasures, including the Peach Wood Heart and Heavenly Spirit Fruits.
• He encounters a group of plant spirits guarding three Great Saint Grade plant spirits and decides to ambush and harvest lone Saint-grade plant spirits.
• After nine days, he has harvested nine plant spirits and decides to leave with two days to spare before the secret realm closes.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates his divination skills using the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard and his ability to assess situations quickly.
• He shows strategic thinking in deciding to harvest lone Saint-grade plant spirits instead of risking a fight with the group.
• The protagonist's cultivation benefits from consuming the Heavenly Spirit Fruits and refining the Saint-grade Peach Wood Heart.

Significant Themes

• Greed vs. Caution: The protagonist balances the desire for more treasures with the need for caution, ultimately deciding to leave with time to spare.
• Preparation and Opportunity: The protagonist's preparation with the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard and his ability to recognize opportunities (like ambushing lone plant spirits) contribute to his success.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with the Yang Ri brothers, guiding them to search in different directions and advising them to leave the secret realm on time.
• Although not present in this chapter, the protagonist's interactions with the plant spirits highlight his ability to assess and adapt to dangerous situations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist arrives at Jing State's Flame Holy Land to meet Gongshu Hu, who is refining an artifact and can't meet immediately.
• The protagonist explores Jing State for three months, finding no remarkable treasures.
• After three months, the protagonist returns to meet Gongshu Hu, who agrees to elevate the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard to a Sacred Artifact.
• Gongshu Hu selects materials for the elevation, including five Saint Grade materials.
• Three years later, Gongshu Hu completes the elevation, adding a new ability, 'Win Half a Move', to the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard.

Character Developments

• The protagonist reflects on luck and realizes the importance of extraordinary fortune for high realm achievements.
• Gongshu Hu is shown to be a skilled Artifact Refiner but also somewhat deceitful, overhyping the new ability of the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard.

Significant Themes

• Luck and fortune play a significant role in achieving high realms and finding treasures.
• The value of one's own strength over others' praise.
• The difficulty and cost of elevating artifacts to Saint Grade.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Gongshu Hu meet and discuss the elevation of the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard.
• The protagonist reflects on their past experiences and realizations about luck and strength.
• The protagonist feels frustrated with the new ability 'Win Half a Move', finding it less useful than expected.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Ye Chen returns from Yangzhou Prefecture with an Earth Grade Low-Rank Sabre Technique Martial Skill for his father.
• Ye Chen's adventures and discoveries in the Inheritance Secret Realm.
• Zhang Tianhuo refines High-grade Heaven Grade "Great Yi Jing Spirit Pill" and later "Spirit Soul Pills" for the protagonist.
• Yan Jin obtains a Sacred Artifact in Bamboo State, leading to a pursuit by the Green Bamboo Sect's Saint, Yao Kuo.
• The protagonist uses the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard to aid Yan Jin and confronts Yao Kuo.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen demonstrates filial piety and growth by bringing back a valuable Martial Skill and showing understanding of his father's teachings.
• Zhang Tianhuo advances his cultivation realm and refines more potent pills, showcasing his potential as a Half-Saint.
• Yan Jin's cautious nature and resourcefulness in dealing with danger.
• Yao Kuo's greed and willingness to kill for the Sacred Artifact.

Significant Themes

• Filial piety and family bonds (Ye Chen's actions).
• The power of knowledge and strategic thinking (the protagonist's use of the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard).
• Greed and its consequences (Yao Kuo's pursuit of the Sacred Artifact).

Character Interactions

• The protagonist teaches Ye Chen about the Thousand Mountains Twilight Snow Martial Skill, fostering a mentoring relationship.
• Yan Jin contacts the protagonist for help, highlighting their friendship and trust.
• The confrontation between the protagonist and Yao Kuo showcases the former's power and willingness to protect his allies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Jin, grateful for your help, decides to gift you his Saint Artifact but fears being targeted if he keeps it.
• You arrange for Xu Yuehua to forge three Half-Saint Artifacts in exchange for Yan Jin's Saint Artifact.
• After the exchange, you test the Saint Artifact's abilities, discovering it can refine Demonic Beasts into powerful materials.

Character Developments

• Yan Jin grows more grateful and decides to gift you the Saint Artifact to ensure his safety.
• Xu Yuehua improves her forging skills and expresses interest in you, but you remain uninterested.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and reciprocity: Yan Jin's gratitude and desire to repay you drive his decision to gift the Saint Artifact.
• Power dynamics: The Saint Artifact's power attracts unwanted attention, highlighting the dangers of possessing such artifacts.
• Self-control: You resist accepting the Saint Artifact initially, demonstrating your integrity and self-control.

Character Interactions

• You and Yan Jin: Yan Jin's gratitude and your friendship lead to the Saint Artifact exchange.
• You and Xu Yuehua: Xu Yuehua's interest in you is rebuffed, maintaining a professional relationship.
• You and the Saint Artifact: Your curiosity and desire to understand its capabilities drive you to test the artifact's powers.

Summary of "The Three Refinements Qiankun Pagoda"

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist discovers the Qiankun Pagoda's refining techniques: Demon Refining, Ghost Refining, and Devil Refining.
• He tests the Demon Refining on his mount, suppressing it effortlessly.
• He tests the Ghost Refining on Infant God Realm Ghost Souls, refining one into a faint cyan gas that enhances the soul but has side effects.
• He conducts experiments on Demonic Beasts, Ghost Souls, and a Half-Saint Martial Artist to understand the effects of the refined gases.
• He names the pagoda "The Three Refinements Qiankun Pagoda" and continues refining Ghost Souls to enhance his soul.

Character Developments

• The protagonist shows ingenuity and caution in testing the pagoda's abilities.
• The Half-Saint Martial Artist demonstrates resilience and honesty in sharing his refinement experience.
• The protagonist's soul strengthens with each successful refinement.

Significant Themes

• The power of refinement: The pagoda's abilities allow the protagonist to harness and enhance the strengths of Demonic Beasts and Ghost Souls.
• Risk and reward: The refinement process carries risks, such as madness or loss of identity, but also offers significant benefits.
• Patience and perseverance: The protagonist persists in his experiments and refinements, even when progress seems slow.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with his mount, Demonic Beasts, Ghost Souls, and Martial Artists to test and understand the pagoda's abilities.
• He collaborates with a Half-Saint Martial Artist to test the effects of the refined gas on a human subject.
• He communicates with Martial Artists to capture Ghost Souls for refinement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist enhances his divine soul by refining Ghost Species condensed gas but decides to refine it less frequently to avoid straining his body.
• He learns that Ghost Species condensed gas is difficult to sell due to its demanding refinement process, while demonic beast blood essence has more market appeal.
• The protagonist looks forward to the Demonic Beast Tide to obtain Yao Saint blood essence for significant cultivation benefits.
• In the year 4,932, a Great Saint Grade Corpse King emerges from a connected Corpse Soul World, causing a massacre in Bamboo State. Lihuo Kingdom's Great Saints intervene and plan to exterminate the Corpse Soul World.
• The protagonist decides to enter the First-Order Corpse Soul World before Lihuo Kingdom's martial artists to kill Great Saint Grade Corpse Souls and obtain valuable resources.

Character Developments

• The protagonist's divine soul strengthens with each refinement of Ghost Species condensed gas.
• Ye Mingyue, a friend of the protagonist, breaks through to the Early Spirit Condensation Realm.
• The protagonist's son, Ye Ping'an, advances to the Late Infant God Realm and begins preparing for a Half-Saint breakthrough.
• The protagonist's father, Ye Changming, returns from a Secret Realm expedition and breaks through to the Early Infant God Realm.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: The protagonist's divine soul strengthens, and other characters make advancements in their cultivation realms.
• Opportunity and Risk: The protagonist weighs the opportunities and risks of entering the Corpse Soul World, ultimately deciding to enter for potential gains.
• Resource Acquisition: The protagonist seeks valuable resources like Yao Saint blood essence and Corpse King venom to aid his cultivation and refine artifacts.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with Ye Mingyue, gifting him a Mid-grade Heaven Grade Six Yang Longevity Pill to extend his life.
• The protagonist receives clan intelligence about the Corpse Soul World incident and decides to enter the world before Lihuo Kingdom's martial artists.
• The protagonist encounters a Saint Grade Corpse King and decides to engage it in combat.

Chapter Summary: Great Saint Grade Corpse King

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist continues exploring the Corpse Soul World, obtaining significant treasures:
  • A Saint Grade ghost soul refined into condensed ghost species gas.
  • Four portions of Saint Tier Azure Soul Water from an underground Dark River.
  • Three Saint Grade Corpse Kings, whose Corpse Poison, teeth, and other valuable materials are harvested.
  • Corpse Soul Crystals, Yin Condensing Grass, medicinal herbs, and dozens of Three Spirits Realm ghost souls.
• As more Azure Continent Martial Artists enter the Corpse Soul World, high-level resources become increasingly scarce. However, the protagonist remains far more efficient than other cultivators because of his Double Pupils and ability to absorb all the spoils alone.
• In the final years before the world’s closure, the protagonist encounters a Great Saint Grade Corpse King hunting five Saint Grade Martial Artists from the Misty Sect of Lihuo Kingdom.
• He intervenes by using the Two Qi Universal Bottle to absorb the Corpse King’s Killing Intent and Resentful Energy, weakening its aura and speed. He then attempts to restrain it with the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard and Heavenly Mechanism Grand Disk, but the Corpse King breaks free.
• Despite warnings that the enemy is a Great Saint rather than an ordinary Saint, the protagonist confronts it directly. He reveals his Double Pupils and uses condensed Divine Light to break through the Corpse King’s defenses, severely impairing it.
• After a two-hour battle, aided by the five Lihuo Kingdom Saints, he successfully kills the Great Saint Grade Corpse King and prepares to harvest its exceptionally valuable body.

Character Development

• The protagonist demonstrates major growth in strength. Although still only in the Saint Realm, his enhanced Source Power, refined Glazed Golden Silk Gu, Double Pupils, Extreme Cold Domain, sacred artifacts, and saber allow him to defeat a Great Saint-level opponent.
• His confidence and composure have increased considerably. He ignores the other Saints’ warnings and calmly takes the initiative against an enemy far above his apparent cultivation level.
• He also shows a stronger willingness to help others, choosing to rescue the Misty Sect Martial Artists because of their reputation for righteousness and their past assistance to people from other nations.
• The five Lihuo Kingdom Saints gain a much higher opinion of him. They previously knew him as someone capable of contending with a Great Saint, but now recognize him as someone who can kill one while remaining in the Saint Realm.

Significant Themes

• Strength beyond cultivation level: The protagonist’s victory highlights how techniques, treasures, special abilities, and accumulated resources can allow someone to overcome a major realm gap.
• Righteousness and reciprocity: His decision to aid the Misty Sect reflects the importance of remembering those who help others and returning goodwill.
• Scarcity and competition: As more cultivators enter the Corpse Soul World, its treasures become less plentiful, emphasizing the temporary nature of opportunity and the competition among explorers.
• Fortune and preparation: The protagonist’s careful preparation—especially obtaining the Two Qi Universal Bottle, Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard, and other powerful treasures—proves essential to defeating the Corpse King. His rare encounter with the Great Saint at the world’s closing is also portrayed as an extraordinary stroke of luck.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist encounters numerous Azure Continent cultivators but remains far more capable than them, since most require groups to defeat even Saint Grade corpse souls.
• He intervenes on behalf of the five Misty Sect Saints, creating an alliance during the battle.
• The Lihuo Kingdom Martial Artists initially fear for his safety and warn him to flee, believing he is only a Saint facing a Great Saint.
• After witnessing his Double Pupils and combat ability, they recognize his identity and assist from the perimeter, helping him finish the weakened Corpse King.
• Their admiration and respect for him rise dramatically after the victory, as he surpasses their expectations and achieves an extraordinary cross-realm kill.

Chapter Summary: “Nether Soul Stone”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After defeating the Great Saint-level Corpse King, the protagonist distributes the remaining Corpse King materials among the five Misty Palace Martial Artists he rescued.
• He gives them the materials despite being entitled to keep everything, hoping to build goodwill and establish sources of information in the Lihuo Kingdom, where the Ye Family’s intelligence network is weak.
• Impressed by his generosity and righteous conduct, the five Misty Palace disciples reveal the location of the Corpse King’s residence.
• Before traveling there, the protagonist uses the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard to divine the journey’s fortune and danger. The result predicts a substantial harvest without significant risk.
• At the Corpse King’s residence, he discovers two Female Corpse Kings guarding the area. After defeating them, he stores their materials in his Sleeve Universe.
• His most valuable discovery is a fist-sized Nether Soul Stone, a derivative—or Sub-Origin—of the First-order Corpse Soul World’s World Origin.
• He determines that the Corpse King likely became unusually powerful by relying on the Nether Soul Stone’s pure Killing Intent, Resentful Energy, and yin energy.
• The protagonist considers three possible uses for the stone:
  1. Use it to accelerate the cultivation of Corpse Soul beings.
  2. Absorb it directly as extremely pure Source Power.
  3. Offer it to the Human Realm in exchange for greater fortune and protection.
• Since he is not a Corpse Soul being and the stone is too small to provide much benefit through the Human Realm, he chooses to absorb it directly and strengthen his Source Power Embryo.
• Before refining the stone, he examines the remaining treasures, including five Saint Grade treasures and several rare spiritual herbs.
• The most valuable herb is the Rotten Bone Spirit Flower, which can help refine the Saint Tier Grade Three Destiny Refining Heart Pill, a pill capable of assisting Great Saint Realm experts in breaking through to the Saint Monarch Realm by reducing the difficulty of their mental-state tribulation.

Character Development

• The protagonist is portrayed as calculating but principled. He gives away valuable materials not out of weakness, but to cultivate relationships and expand his intelligence network.
• His trust in the Misty Palace disciples grows after realizing they could have secretly taken the Corpse King’s treasures but chose to reveal the location instead.
• He demonstrates caution by using divination before entering the Corpse King’s residence, even though he believes the disciples are honest.
• His resourcefulness is emphasized through his analysis of the Nether Soul Stone and his careful selection of the most advantageous method of using it.
• His extensive knowledge of cultivation resources allows him to immediately recognize the value of the herbs and pills he discovers.

Significant Themes

• Strategic generosity: Acts of kindness can also serve practical purposes, such as building alliances and gathering intelligence.
• Trust and righteous conduct: The Misty Palace disciples’ refusal to betray the protagonist reflects the moral standards of major righteous sects.
• Resource optimization: The protagonist evaluates treasures based on how well they fit his cultivation path rather than simply choosing the most impressive option.
• World-level power and origins: The Nether Soul Stone introduces the idea that worlds possess Origins and that derivative fragments can influence cultivation, fortune, and even protection from a larger realm.
• Cultivation bottlenecks: The importance of the Destiny Refining Heart Pill highlights how a practitioner’s State of Mind can be as decisive as physical power when breaking through major realms.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with the five Misty Palace Martial Artists as both their rescuer and benefactor. His gift of the remaining materials earns their admiration.
• Their exchange becomes mutually beneficial: they receive valuable resources, while he gains information about the Corpse King’s residence and potentially future cooperation.
• The protagonist’s inner reflections contrast his pragmatic worldview with the Misty Palace disciples’ apparently straightforward righteousness.
• His discovery of the two Female Corpse Kings introduces a strange relationship dynamic within the Corpse King’s domain, though he ultimately assumes they were likely subordinates rather than attempting to understand their exact connection.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist discovers and collects the final two Top-grade Saint Tier Treasures from the Corpse King:
  • Gravewood, useful for refining Yin-attribute Sacred Artifacts and improving a Flying Boat’s concealment.
  • Earth Core Spirit Quenching Milk, an extremely rare underground treasure that the Corpse King possessed but did not know how to use.
• After thoroughly searching the Corpse King’s territory with his Double Pupils, the protagonist leaves to find a secure place to refine the Nether Soul Stone.
• He realizes that a portable formation would make future secluded cultivation much easier and decides to commission two Saint-grade formations once he returns to the Human Realm.
• After two months of searching, he finds a hidden cave entrance beside an underground river. He uses the Two Qi Universal Bottle to absorb the surrounding Killing Intent and Resentful Energy, discouraging Corpse Souls from approaching.
• He spends eight years refining the Nether Soul Stone, completing the process in the 4,948th year just before the Two-Realm Passage closes.
• The Nether Soul Stone brings his Source Power Embryo close to completion. He estimates that only 1,500–3,000 years of further cultivation will be needed before attempting to break through to the Great Saint Realm.
• He returns to the Human Realm in the 4,950th year, obtaining only modest additional materials because of the large number of competitors near the passage.
• In the 4,953rd year, he spends three years refining the Earth Core Spirit Quenching Milk, greatly strengthening his physical body and allowing him to condense Primal Force around his internal organs during battle. This significantly improves his resistance to vibrational and internal damage.
• In the 4,954th year, he travels to Lihuo Kingdom and meets Chen Xun, a highly skilled Saint-rank Formation Master from Misty Palace.
• Chen Xun spends five years refining the supplied materials into two portable Saint-grade Formation Disks, completing them in the 4,959th year.

Character Development

• The protagonist’s cultivation advances dramatically. After absorbing the Nether Soul Stone, his Source Power Embryo is nearly full, bringing the Great Saint Realm within reach.
• His physical constitution becomes substantially stronger after absorbing the Earth Core Spirit Quenching Milk, compensating for the natural vulnerability of internal organs.
• He becomes more cautious about fame. Although his strength is publicized by the Lihuo Kingdom Martial Artists, he worries that excessive reputation will attract unwanted enemies.
• His experience in the Corpse Soul World makes him more aware of practical cultivation needs, particularly the importance of portable formations and secure retreats.
• His relationships with members of Misty Palace deepen, as he accepts Chen Xun not merely as a service provider but as a friend.

Significant Themes

• Knowledge and wisdom versus raw power: The Corpse King possessed a rare treasure but could not use it because of limited intelligence and knowledge, emphasizing humanity’s accumulated understanding of cultivation.
• Preparation and long-term planning: The protagonist carefully secures a hidden refuge, manages the passage’s closing deadline, and plans for future breakthroughs and cultivation.
• The dangers of fame: His growing reputation is portrayed as both an advantage and a liability, since excessive prominence can make him a target.
• Mutual aid and loyalty: The protagonist’s previous assistance to Misty Palace members leads to Chen Xun’s generous cooperation, showing how good deeds create lasting alliances.
• Physical resilience and combat balance: Strengthening the internal organs addresses a major weakness in close combat, especially against powerful Demonic Beasts.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist reflects on the Corpse King’s tragic inability to understand or utilize the treasures it had collected, resolving to make proper use of them.
• The five Martial Artists from Lihuo Kingdom spread news of his formidable strength, indirectly increasing his fame and concern.
• Rescued saints from Misty Palace introduce him to Chen Xun.
• Chen Xun, grateful for the protagonist’s help to his friends, charges only a minimal commission and refuses additional payment.
• Through extended discussions during the five-year refinement period, the protagonist and Chen Xun develop a friendly relationship and exchange knowledge about the two completed formations.

Chapter Summary: Wailing Ghastly Fiend Array

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Xun completes two Saint Grade formation treasures for the protagonist:
  • Thousand Faces Revival Fiend Array, a complex mechanism array with over a thousand variations that traps enemies through deadly mechanisms and oppressive Killing Intent.
  • Wailing Ghastly Fiend Array, a thirty-six-flag Illusion Array that subjects those trapped within it to endless wailing. Only beings with exceptionally powerful divine souls have any chance of escaping.
• Satisfied with the arrays, the protagonist pays Chen Xun but declines his invitation to tour Lihuo Kingdom, choosing instead to focus on his imminent breakthrough to the Great Saint Realm.
• Over the following centuries, several family members advance:
  • Daughter Ye Pingjing reaches the Late Infant God Realm.
  • Eldest grandson Ye Pingyong reaches the late Spirit Condensation Realm and becomes extraordinarily powerful after comprehending Thousand Mountains Twilight Snow to Great Accomplishment.
• Ye Chen discovers an Inheritance Secret Realm and obtains both a Sacred Artifact and a strand of superior Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi called Dry Yang Sharp Qi. It offers a forty-five percent chance of helping a Late Infant God Realm cultivator break through.
• Ye Chen begins a dangerous journey back to Jiang State to deliver the Dry Yang Sharp Qi to his father, intending for it to help his younger brother Ye Ping’an reach the Half-Saint Realm.
• The protagonist warns Ye Chen that powerful figures might detect or covet the spiritual energy. Ye Chen reassures him that his Sacred Artifact can prevent deductions and protect his life, though his father still urges caution.
• Ye Chen eventually returns safely to the Ye Family Ancestral Land and hands over the Dry Yang Sharp Qi before setting off on another adventure.
• After completing his cultivation accumulation, Ye Ping’an uses the Dry Yang Sharp Qi to attempt his breakthrough. The protagonist protects the ancestral land by deploying the Wailing Ghastly Fiend Array and restricting entry.
• Two months later, Ye Ping’an successfully fuses his Essence, Qi, and Spirit and breaks through to the Half-Saint Realm.
• The protagonist praises him and gives him a defensive Half-Saint Artifact shaped like a bell, specially chosen to suit his son’s quiet and cultivation-focused nature.
• News of the breakthrough spreads, prompting Ye Family members and powerful figures from Jiang State, Lihuo Kingdom, and other factions to attend a celebration banquet. While many sincerely congratulate the family, others use the event to establish connections.
• Despite the celebration, many outsiders consider Ye Ping’an merely an ordinary genius because of his late breakthrough and continue to view Ye Chen—who reached the Half-Saint Realm much earlier—as the Ye Family’s true future.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates careful preparation, strategic foresight, and deep concern for his family. He prioritizes cultivation but remains attentive to threats against his children.
• Chen Xun proves himself a highly capable formation refiner by successfully creating two powerful and specialized Saint Grade arrays.
• Ye Chen grows into an accomplished explorer, traveling across many countries and obtaining rare treasures. His confidence and resourcefulness are balanced by his father’s reminders not to become careless.
• Ye Ping’an finally overcomes a long period of comparison with his more talented elder brother. His breakthrough gives him pride and emotional relief, while his quiet temperament and preference for defense are emphasized.
• Ye Pingyong continues to display exceptional comprehension and combat potential, becoming strong enough to defeat ordinary Infant God Realm Martial Artists despite his own lower cultivation realm.
• Ye Pingjing steadily advances in cultivation, contributing to the family’s growing strength.

Significant Themes

• Family protection and parental understanding: The protagonist anticipates danger, prepares defensive measures, and understands each child’s personality and emotional needs.
• Persistence and delayed achievement: Ye Ping’an’s late breakthrough shows that slower progress does not mean lack of worth, even though society compares him unfavorably with Ye Chen.
• Talent versus effort: Ye Chen’s early success and Ye Pingyong’s remarkable comprehension contrast with Ye Ping’an’s patient accumulation and eventual breakthrough.
• The dangers of success: Rare treasures such as Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi attract powerful enemies, making secrecy, caution, and defensive artifacts essential.
• Power and social influence: The celebration banquet illustrates how a single breakthrough can draw allies, opportunists, and political attention to the Ye Family.
• Specialization and personal nature: The arrays and artifacts are tailored to their users, reflecting the importance of matching tools and cultivation methods to individual strengths and personalities.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and Chen Xun interact as trusted collaborators, with Chen Xun providing specialized formations and the protagonist rewarding his work.
• The protagonist communicates with Ye Chen through the Vital Energy Source Pearl, warning him about the dangers of carrying the Dry Yang Sharp Qi. Their exchange reflects mutual trust alongside strong parental concern.
• The protagonist’s conversation with Ye Ping’an after the breakthrough is emotionally significant. Recognizing his son’s years of feeling overshadowed by Ye Chen, he gives him the praise and affirmation he has long desired.
• The protagonist further demonstrates his understanding of Ye Ping’an by gifting him a defensive bell artifact rather than a weapon suited to Ye Chen’s more active style.
• Ye Pingyong acts as a link between the family members scattered across the world by spreading news of his father’s breakthrough and helping bring the family together.
• At the banquet, the Ye Family interacts with respected figures such as Yan Jin, the Saints of Lihuo Kingdom, and Chen Xun, as well as numerous unfamiliar factions seeking affiliation with the family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Chen gains recognition among Half-Saints.
• Gifts received include Saint-grade Saint Herbs and various treasures.
• Sleeve Universe reaches Great Perfection, enhancing its combat utility.
• Jiang Changtian breaks through to late Spirit Condensation Realm.
• Thousand Mountains Twilight Snow improves after integrating an Earth Grade Low-Rank Sabre Technique.
• Zhang Tianhuo breaks through to early Infant God Realm.
• Zhang Tianhuo refines Saint Grade 2 Chaoyuan Pills, with a successful yield of three intact pills.
• You consume a Chaoyuan Pill, boosting your cultivation speed.
• You sense the Source Power Embryo's transformation, indicating an impending breakthrough to the Great Saint Realm.

Character Developments

• Ye Chen's reputation grows among Half-Saints.
• Jiang Changtian's strength improves after consuming a Great Yi Jing Spirit Pill.
• Zhang Tianhuo's alchemy skills advance, successfully refining Chaoyuan Pills on his first attempt.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation progression and improvement of skills.
• The value of gifts and treasures received.
• The importance of proper preparation in alchemy.

Character Interactions

• Ye Chen and friends celebrate his birthday, exchanging gifts.
• You and Zhang Tianhuo collaborate on refining Chaoyuan Pills.
• You sense the Source Power Embryo's transformation, signaling an upcoming breakthrough.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist's breakthrough to the Great Saint Realm triggers a vast celestial phenomenon, much larger than anticipated.
• The breakthrough lasts for nearly three years, attracting the attention of neighboring kingdoms and the Sky Flame Alliance.
• After nine years, the protagonist's Double Pupils undergo a significant mutation, accompanied by another celestial phenomenon.
• The protagonist ends his secluded cultivation and steps out to meet his family and friends.

Character Developments

• The protagonist successfully breaks through to the Great Saint Realm and experiences a Double Pupils mutation, feeling immensely powerful afterward.
• The Bright Moon Wolf Emperor, a Demon Race leader, senses the new Great Saint martial artist and plans to send a Great Saint-level warrior to attack Jiang State to delay the protagonist's cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The fragile alliance between the Human and Demon Races, with mistrust persisting despite the agreement.
• The protagonist's desire for power, driven by the fear of being helpless against powerful opponents like the Demon Venerable.

Character Interactions

• The Alliance Saint Monarch protects the protagonist during his breakthrough and decides to forge a good karmic connection with him.
• The Bright Moon Wolf Emperor sends a Great Saint-level warrior to attack Jiang State, aiming to delay the protagonist's cultivation progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist breaks through to the Great Saint Realm, attracting numerous high-level Martial Artists for congratulations, including 27 Saint Realm and 5 Great Saint Realm experts.
• The celebration lasts six months, driving up housing prices in Yangzhou Prefecture.
• The protagonist learns about the Great Pagoda Immortal Tower, which allows Martial Artists to comprehend divine abilities.
• In the Lihuo Kingdom, the protagonist enters the Sub-Tower of the Great Pagoda Immortal Tower and comprehends the divine ability 'Shrink Ground into Inches'.
• The protagonist attends a Trade Fair and acquires a Saint Tier Grade Three "Crimson Sky Marrow Changing Pill" to improve their Bone Structure.
• The protagonist prepares for an impending Demon Race army attack in Jiangdu.

Character Developments

• The protagonist's strength and lifespan significantly increase upon reaching the Great Saint Realm.
• The protagonist demonstrates resolve and determination when entering the coffin-like object in the Great Pagoda Immortal Tower.
• The protagonist's Bone Structure improves after refining the "Crimson Sky Marrow Changing Pill".

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and cultivation, with the protagonist continually seeking to improve their abilities.
• The importance of reputation and connections, as seen in the trade for the "Crimson Sky Marrow Changing Pill".
• The threat of the Demon Race and the protagonist's role in defending against their attacks.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with numerous high-level Martial Artists during the celebration of their breakthrough.
• The protagonist trades with a Great Saint Realm Martial Artist at the Trade Fair.
• The protagonist faces off against the Bright Moon Wolf King in Jiangdu.

Chapter Summary: New Territory, the Tide Ends

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Bright Moon Wolf King leads its forces out of its territory and confronts the protagonist, recognizing him as Jiang State’s newly advanced Great Saint and noting his unusually young age.
• Although the Wolf King attempts a calm, intelligent conversation, the protagonist ignores it and attacks, viewing the Wolf King as a valuable target for his “Sleeve Universe.”
• The protagonist’s attack triggers the protective treasure given to the Wolf King by the Bright Moon Wolf Emperor. However, the treasure’s supposedly powerful shield cracks almost immediately, terrifying the Wolf King and revealing the protagonist’s overwhelming strength.
• Three hours later, the protagonist and the Human Race forces kill the final Demonic Beast of the tide. They occupy the territories belonging to the five Yao Saints under the Wolf King—an area roughly twice the size of Jiang State.
• The Bright Moon Wolf Emperor does not send reinforcements to interfere. He accepts the loss of the territories, reasoning that they had originally been taken from the Human Race and that reclaiming them was legitimate under the rules of the Demonic Beast Tide.
• Six months later, the tides in other regions end. The protagonist begins exploring the newly acquired lands for undeveloped mineral resources, Secret Realms, and blessed lands.
• He contacts Wang Heng and the other deputy sect masters of the Blazing Sun Holy Land, arranging for people to be moved into the new territories and formally incorporating them into Jiang State.
• Because Jiang State expanded, neighboring states suffered more severe Demonic Beast Tide attacks. Sui State was hit hardest, losing the Saint Yang Ri.
• With only Yang Yue remaining in the Yin Yang Holy Land, Sui State falls into panic. Many people and factions migrate to Jiang State, attracted by its security, stability, abundant territory, and the protagonist’s protection.

Character Developments

• The protagonist: Demonstrates extreme confidence, ruthlessness, and overwhelming combat ability by killing a Great Saint-grade Wolf King before it can meaningfully resist. He also becomes more politically and economically strategic, managing territorial expansion, population relocation, and resource development.
• Bright Moon Wolf King: Revealed to be unusually intelligent and composed compared with other alien creatures. Despite its status and protective treasure, it is completely outmatched and killed.
• Bright Moon Wolf Emperor: Shows restraint and political intelligence by refusing to escalate the conflict after the Wolf King’s death. He prioritizes avoiding further losses over recovering the conquered territories.
• Yang Ri: Dies during the Demonic Beast Tide, despite his previous status and past grudges against the protagonist. His death significantly weakens the Yin Yang Holy Land and destabilizes Sui State.
• Wang Heng and the Blazing Sun Holy Land’s deputy sect masters: Become involved in organizing migration and settlement in Jiang State’s newly expanded lands.

Significant Themes

• Strength and deterrence: The protagonist’s overwhelming power allows him to kill powerful enemies, claim vast territory, and discourage retaliation.
• Intelligence versus instinct: The Bright Moon Wolf King and Emperor demonstrate that higher Demon Race beings possess intelligence comparable to humans, unlike the less rational creatures the protagonist previously encountered.
• Political restraint and pragmatism: The Wolf Emperor accepts a strategic loss rather than risk further casualties, showing that intelligent enemies cannot be manipulated through simple provocation.
• The consequences of war: The protagonist’s victory benefits Jiang State but indirectly intensifies attacks on neighboring states, demonstrating that territorial gains shift danger rather than eliminate it.
• Security and migration: Jiang State’s expansion and the protagonist’s protection make it a refuge for displaced populations, accelerating its economic and political growth.
• Reclaiming lost territory: The chapter frames the conquest of Demon Race lands as the Human Race recovering territories previously seized during earlier Demonic Beast Tides.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist and the Bright Moon Wolf King have a brief confrontation in which the Wolf King attempts to speak rationally, but the protagonist refuses dialogue and kills it.
• The protagonist’s actions indirectly challenge the Bright Moon Wolf Emperor, who responds not through direct confrontation but by abandoning the contested territories.
• The protagonist coordinates with Wang Heng and the other deputy sect masters to repopulate and develop Jiang State.
• The influx of refugees and factions from Sui State strengthens Jiang State’s connection with neighboring powers and expands the influence of the Ye Family and Blazing Sun Holy Land.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Clan expands its territory, leading to significant resource acquisition (Year 6802).
• Zhang Tianhuo refines Azure Lotus Pills, enhancing the clan's combat capabilities (Year 7121-7125).
• Ye Pingjing's cultivation breakthrough to Half-Saint Realm (Year 7230).
• Xu Yuehua breaks through to the Saint Realm (Year 7456).
• Jiang State's capital moved to Yangzhou Prefecture, and the Blazing Sun Holy Land renamed to Twilight Snow Heavenly Blade Pavilion (Year 7732).
• Jiang Changtian's cultivation reaches the Early Infant God Realm (Year 7785).
• Discovery of a Mithril Ore Vein, increasing the clan's wealth (Year 8325).
• News of a Primordial Secret Realm in Xiao State from friend Zhang Yuan (Year 9632).

Character Developments

• Ye Pingyong becomes busier due to increased responsibilities, starts training successors.
• Zhang Tianhuo masters Azure Lotus Pill refinement.
• Ye Pingjing's cultivation improves significantly.
• Xu Yuehua's breakthrough to Saint Realm after long cultivation.
• Jiang Changtian's cultivation reaches a new level.

Significant Themes

• Resource acquisition and management.
• Cultivation progress and breakthroughs.
• Expansion of influence and power.
• Long-term friendships and alliances.

Character Interactions

• Ye Clan members work together to manage resources and defend territory.
• Zhang Tianhuo and Ye Chen collaborate on pill refinement.
• Ye Pingjing and Ye Pingyong interact as family members and clan leaders.
• Xu Yuehua and the narrator maintain a long-standing friendship.
• Jiang Changtian interacts with other high-level members of the Blazing Sun Holy Land.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist learns about an ancient secret realm containing valuable treasures but with high risks for Saint Realm Martial Artists.
• He uses his divine ability, Shrink Ground into Inches, to quickly travel to the realm's entrance near Xiao State, close to the Western Demonic Domain.
• He enters the secret realm, encountering a Half-Saint Realm demonic beast which he captures alive.
• The Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard guides him to a massive boulder, which he discovers hides an ancient scroll inscribed with four characters: 'Celestial Scroll'.

Character Developments

• The protagonist demonstrates his speed and strength, capturing a Half-Saint Realm beast with ease.
• He shows caution and strategic thinking by using the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard for divination and investigating the boulder's true nature before acting.

Significant Themes

• Risk vs. Reward: The ancient secret realm offers great treasures but poses significant dangers.
• Power and Confidence: The protagonist's strength and confidence allow him to take risks and face potential threats from the Devil Race.
• Divine Abilities and Artifacts: The protagonist's divine abilities and artifacts, such as Shrink Ground into Inches and the Heavenly Mechanism Chessboard, play crucial roles in his journey.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist briefly interacts with guards at the secret realm's entrance, who allow him to pass without incident.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, but the presence of the Devil Race is mentioned, implying potential future interactions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist opens a scroll, which transforms into the Heavenly Demon Slaughter Record, a powerful demonic artifact.
• A True Demon Remnant Soul enters the protagonist's body, attempting to possess him.
• After resisting for hours, the protagonist merges with the True Demon Remnant Soul, becoming a True Demon Incarnation.
• Consumed by bloodlust, the protagonist slaughters all other Saint Monarch Martial Artists in the Ancient Secret Realm.
• The protagonist exits the Secret Realm, facing an Alliance Executive, a Human Immortal Realm Great Power.

Character Developments

• The protagonist's soul merges with a True Demon Remnant Soul, gaining immense power but also demonic nature.
• The protagonist's will remains firm, but he's consumed by bloodlust, leading to a killing spree.
• The protagonist's strength becomes invincible within the Saint Monarch Realm.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the protagonist's will and demonic influence.
• The corrupting power of immense strength and artifacts.
• The consequences of losing control over one's actions.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist interacts with three Saint Monarch Martial Artists, ultimately killing them.
• The protagonist faces an Alliance Executive, a Human Immortal Realm Great Power, upon exiting the Secret Realm.