Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The hooked-nose man goes mad and is killed by a Black Heavy Armored Person.
• Hermes watches the events unfold using his Spiritual Sense, unaffected by the mist.
• Salif and his group clear the castle, killing Black and Yellow Armored Persons.
• A dwarf sells the Blocking Gold Saber token to a purple-haired youth for 800,000 Ink Stones.
• Only three groups remain alive: Saba and Conrad, Salif's group, and Hermes.

Character Developments

• Hermes shows his cunning and lack of remorse, enjoying the deaths of his fellow candidates while hiding his presence.
• Salif demonstrates his strength and kindness, trying to save other candidates.
• Saba and Conrad stick together, with Conrad showing a lack of concern for Hermes's fate.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the Fittest: The Demon Assessment is a fight for life and death, with only the strong surviving.
• Greed and Desire: The Demon Assessors' greed for Ink Stones and powerful artifacts leads them to prioritize personal gain over helping others.
• Lack of Trust: Candidates and Demon Assessors alike show a lack of trust in each other, leading to isolation and vulnerability.

Character Interactions

• Hermes watches the deaths of other candidates without intervening.
• Salif and his group work together to clear the castle, showing teamwork and camaraderie.
• Saba and Conrad stick together, but their relationship is not explicitly explored in this chapter.
• The dwarf and the purple-haired youth conduct a transaction, highlighting the value of the Blocking Gold Saber token.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes discovers that Ink Stones can be exchanged for Earth Crystals at a low fee, but he needs an enormous amount (tens of trillions) to refine a drop of Sovereign Power.
• The Gatekeeper of the Blocking Castle, Basim, attacks Hermes after witnessing his strength, leading to the deaths of Basim's minions, Saba, and Conrad.
• Basim soul-controls Salif, a Five-star Demon, and sends him to fight Hermes, using him to disrupt Hermes' soul while Basim attempts to soul-control Hermes.

Character Developments

• Hermes: Realizes the vast amount of resources needed to refine Sovereign Power, temporarily abandoning the idea. Shows immense strength and adaptability in combat.
• Basim: Reveals his true power and intentions, demonstrating his ruthlessness and desperation to gain more power.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and wealth, and the consequences of such pursuits.
• The struggle for survival and dominance in a harsh, unforgiving world.
• The use of soul control as a weapon and the implications of being controlled.

Character Interactions

• Hermes vs. Basim's minions: Hermes easily defeats Basim's Yellow Armored Persons, Black Armored Persons, Saba, and Conrad.
• Hermes vs. Salif: Hermes initially has the upper hand but struggles against Salif's soul attacks.
• Basim vs. Hermes: Basim attempts to soul-control Hermes, seeing it as his chance to gain a significant secret and power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes withstands a double soul attack from Basim and the masked figure using his 'Silver Moon' artifact.
• Hermes kills Basim with a powerful punch, destroying Blocking Castle and revealing a yellowish-brown bead.
• Hermes and surviving Demon Assessment candidates are rescued by Salif and taken to a Metal Life.
• Salif swears allegiance to Hermes in a Follower Ritual, witnessed by the middle-aged man with white hair and other candidates.

Character Developments

• Hermes demonstrates his strength and resilience against soul attacks, gaining confidence and loot.
• Salif, after witnessing Hermes' power, decides to swear allegiance to him, showing a shift in his priorities and loyalty.

Significant Themes

• The power of artifacts like 'Silver Moon' and their role in protecting users from soul attacks.
• The importance of strength and potential in Hell, leading to Salif's decision to follow Hermes.
• The sacredness of the Follower Ritual and its significance in Hell's society.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Basim's confrontation ends with Basim's death, solidifying Hermes' power.
• Salif and Hermes' interaction leads to Salif swearing allegiance to Hermes, marking the beginning of their master-follower relationship.
• The middle-aged man with white hair, Brittany, and other candidates witness Salif's Follower Ritual, expressing shock and disbelief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes, newly conscious after billions of years, participates in a sacred ritual where Bamo Salif pledges allegiance to him.
• The ritual is witnessed by the Supreme God of Destiny, marking an unprecedented event in Hell.
• Hermes accepts Salif's allegiance, and they share a spiritual connection.
• Salif reveals he's from the Fire Element God Plane and had teleported to Hell for adventure.
• Hermes gains a follower, and Salif feels he's profited from the encounter.

Character Developments

• Hermes: Shows acceptance and understanding of the allegiance ritual, gains a follower.
• Bamo Salif (Bamer): Initiates the allegiance ritual, reveals his background, and expresses satisfaction with following Hermes.

Significant Themes

• Allegiance and loyalty: Salif's decision to pledge allegiance to Hermes highlights the importance of loyalty and commitment in their relationship.
• Unpredictability: The allegiance ritual's outcome is surprising, emphasizing the unexpected nature of events in the story.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Salif: Establish a master-follower relationship through the allegiance ritual, signaling potential future cooperation and growth.
• Salif and Aiken: Discuss the outcome of Salif's mission and Hermes' capabilities, leading to Salif's decision to follow Hermes.
• Gods on Metal Life: Express interest in following Hermes to ease their Demon Assessment journey, demonstrating their eagerness to align with a powerful figure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes is astonished to see a dozen disheveled Middle Rank Gods disrupting a sacred follower ritual.
• Brittany, the beautiful woman conducting the ritual, is enraged by their presence.
• The Gods argue that the ritual is merely a transaction and ask Hermes to make an oath with them.
• Hermes asks Aiken, the white-haired middle-aged man, if he can kill the intruders.
• Aiken allows Hermes to throw them out of the Metal Life, which he does with Bamer's help.
• The ejected Gods realize they're in the wilderness, far from Yilan City, and face certain death without a Demon Medal.

Character Developments

• Hermes displays his strength and confidence, showing no remorse for ejecting the intruders.
• Brittany reveals her reverence for the sacred follower ritual and her anger at its desecration.
• Aiken demonstrates his authority and knowledge of Hell's rules, allowing Hermes to handle the situation.
• The ejected Gods show their lack of understanding of the follower ritual's significance and the rules of Hell.

Significant Themes

• Respect for Rituals and Traditions: Brittany's anger highlights the importance of respecting sacred rituals and traditions.
• Strength and Power: Hermes's actions emphasize the value of strength and power in Hell's hierarchical society.
• Consequences of Actions: The ejected Gods' fate underscores the severe consequences of disregarding rules and norms.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Brittany share a moment of understanding regarding the sacredness of the follower ritual.
• Hermes and Aiken engage in a test of sorts, with Hermes probing Aiken's reaction to their plan to farm demon points.
• Hermes and Bamer work together to eject the intruders, strengthening their bond as master and follower.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes and Bamer return to Yilan City after two months, accompanied by over a dozen Gods who passed the Demon Assessment.
• They head to the Demon Castle to turn in their Demon Assessment mission, causing a stir among the crowd.
• Hermes' group is led to the second-floor lobby for mission settlement, where they encounter Aiken and a black-robed official.
• Hermes is the first to register, using a Soul Reflection Stone to record his unique soul aura for identification purposes.

Character Developments

• Hermes: Shows no fear or concern about the challenges he faced during the Demon Assessment, demonstrating his confidence and resilience.
• Bamer: Remains loyal and respectful to Hermes, treating him sincerely as his follower.
• Aiken: Maintains his authoritative and unconcerned demeanor, personally handling Hermes' registration due to his presence.

Significant Themes

• Strength and reputation: Challengers in Hell seek to prove themselves by stepping on those they perceive as weaker or less deserving of their reputation.
• Information and intelligence: News spreads quickly within the Demon Castle, highlighting the importance of intelligence gathering and sharing in Hell's society.
• Soul aura: Unique to each individual, soul aura serves as a means of identification and is absorbed by Soul Reflection Stones for record-keeping purposes.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Bamer: Their dynamic as leader and follower is reinforced, with Bamer showing deference and Hermes displaying confidence in their abilities.
• Hermes and Aiken: Aiken treats Hermes with respect due to his presence and accomplishments, personally handling his registration.
• Crowd and Hermes' group: The crowd in the Demon Castle lobby reacts with curiosity and astonishment upon seeing Hermes and his companions, highlighting their fame and notoriety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes discovers he has a secondary Demon Medal, which is used to determine his death in Hell.
• Hermes, Aiken, and Bamer return to the Demon Castle after completing the Demon Assessment mission.
• Hermes submits the mission item (Withered Wood Scepter) to the Demon Castle for a five-star demon mission.
• Bamer announces that Hermes completed the mission alone and that Bamer is now Hermes' follower.

Character Developments

• Hermes: Proves his strength by completing a five-star demon mission as a mid-level God.
• Bamer: Shows loyalty to Hermes by publicly declaring him as his lord and correcting his name to 'Bamer'.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: Hermes' actions demonstrate the importance of strength in Hell, as he earns respect and followers.
• Loyalty and Followership: Bamer's decision to follow Hermes highlights the significance of loyalty and the benefits of having a powerful leader.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Bamer: Hermes' actions inspire Bamer to publicly declare his loyalty, strengthening their bond.
• Hermes and the Demon Castle Staff: Hermes' submission of the mission item causes a stir among the Demon Castle staff and other demons present.
• Demons in the Demon Castle: The demons present are shocked and curious about Hermes' accomplishment, leading to a flurry of discussions and speculations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes successfully completes the Yilan City Demon Assessment, becoming the fastest promoted Five-star Demon in the city's history.
• Hermes decides to go into seclusion with Bamer to fuse their respective Profound Mysteries.
• Hermes fully integrates the Earth Element and the Mysteries of Power during his seclusion, enhancing his combat strength.

Character Developments

• Hermes demonstrates patience and understanding, showing no impatience despite the delay in processing his mission settlement.
• Bamer shows his loyalty and determination to follow Hermes by immediately putting his property up for sale.
• Hermes shows concern for Bamer's soul defense, suggesting they go into seclusion together to improve it.

Significant Themes

• The importance of patience and understanding in leadership, as shown by Hermes.
• The value of loyalty and determination in a follower, as shown by Bamer.
• The benefits of a stable environment for cultivation, as experienced by Hermes during his seclusion in Yilan City.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Bamer establish a clear master-follower relationship, with Hermes showing respect for Bamer's decisions and Bamer demonstrating his commitment to following Hermes.
• Hermes shows concern for Bamer's cultivation, suggesting they go into seclusion together to improve Bamer's soul defense.
• Hermes and Bamer discuss their plans for the future, with Hermes planning to head to the Purple Crystal Mountain Range after their seclusion ends.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes discovers his speed has increased significantly, allowing him to navigate Mist Shadow Heavy freely.
• He attempts to punch through space, causing a spatial rift that quickly heals due to the Hell Plane's powerful self-repair ability.
• Hermes senses the elemental fluctuations in the air and begins to communicate with the Great Earth Law on a deeper level.
• He punches through space again, this time creating ripples instead of a direct shatter, hinting at a deeper understanding of the Earth Walking Technique's mysteries.
• Hermes successfully applies this new understanding to move within Mist Shadow Heavy, unbound by its gravity.

Character Developments

• Hermes shows determination and ambition in his pursuit of understanding the Earth Walking Technique's profundity and the secrets of his Golden Space.
• He acknowledges the potential of the Coiling Dragon World's laws and the possibilities they hold for cultivators.

Significant Themes

• The exploration and understanding of elemental laws and their profundities.
• The potential and limitations of the Coiling Dragon World's laws.
• Hermes's ambition and determination in his cultivation journey.

Character Interactions

• No significant interactions with other characters occur in this chapter; it focuses primarily on Hermes's personal growth and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bamer emerges from seclusion several times but doesn't disturb Hermes, who is engrossed in research.
• Bamer aims to fuse the Soul Profound Mystery with 'Fire Element' and 'Fire Body Technique'.
• He successfully fuses 'Fire Element' and the Soul Profound Mystery, with only one step left.
• Bamer decides to integrate the Soul Profound Mystery into both 'Fire Element' and 'Fire Body Technique'.
• Hermes, cultivating nearby, gains insights that help Bamer find the convergence point between the Soul Profound Mystery and 'Fire Body Technique'.
• Hermes fuses 'Earth Element', 'Power', and 'Mysteries of Gravity Space' to their limit but gets stuck at the final step.

Character Developments

• Bamer: He continues to refine his understanding of the Fire Element Law, aiming to integrate the Soul Profound Mystery into his techniques. His dedication and perseverance are evident.
• Hermes: He makes significant progress in fusing 'Earth Element', 'Power', and 'Mysteries of Gravity Space', showcasing his cultivation prowess and ability to gain insights from others.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Growth: Both Bamer and Hermes are committed to improving their understanding and control of their respective laws, demonstrating the theme of continuous growth and learning.
• Analogy and Inspiration: Hermes' cultivation inspires Bamer, highlighting the theme of gaining insights from others and the world around them.
• Barriers and Breakthroughs: The characters face obstacles in their cultivation journeys, but their determination to overcome these barriers is a significant theme.

Character Interactions

• Bamer observes Hermes cultivating, leading to a breakthrough in his own understanding.
• Hermes, aware of Bamer's critical moment, respects his space and watches from a distance.
• Their interactions, though minimal, demonstrate mutual respect and understanding between cultivators.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes obtains a mysterious earthy yellow bead, which he names 'Blocking Bead'.
• He uses an ancient method to claim ownership of the bead, which shrinks into a miniature castle.
• Hermes discovers that the bead contains the secrets of Zhelan Fort and has the power to create a gravity space and control earth elements.
• He experiments with using the bead's powers simultaneously with his own Mist Shadow Heavy technique.

Character Developments

• Hermes shows curiosity and eagerness to explore the powers of the new treasure.
• He demonstrates his strategic thinking by trying to combine the bead's powers with his own techniques.

Significant Themes

• The power and mystery of Heaven and Earth Treasures.
• The exploration of new abilities and their integration with existing ones.
• The pursuit of strength and knowledge.

Character Interactions

• Hermes interacts with the Blocking Bead, attempting to understand and control its powers.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, as Hermes is alone in his exploration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes obtains a 'Blocking Bead' artifact, which provides him with a hard crowd-control ability.
• He reflects on his past failures due to lack of such abilities and expresses his desire to use this new power.
• Hermes decides to keep the Blocking Bead in his Golden Space for now, fearing its consumption might not enhance his Earth Talent.
• He visits the Demon Castle, causing a stir among the Demon experts due to his long absence and legendary status.

Character Developments

• Hermes gains a new artifact that significantly improves his ability to control the battlefield.
• He shows introspection and understanding of his past mistakes, indicating growth in self-awareness.
• The Demon experts in Yilan City remember Hermes and his deeds, elevating his reputation and status.

Significant Themes

• The importance of having a balanced set of abilities for a well-rounded fighter.
• The power of reputation and fame in the Demon world.
• The impact of time and timing on one's fate and opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Hermes interacts with the Demon Castle staff and other Demon experts, who recognize and discuss his presence.
• Hermes's actions and decisions are observed and speculated upon by the Demon experts, highlighting his influence on them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes, after killing Basim, arrives at the Demon Castle's Divine Stone Area to exchange his loot for Earth Crystals.
• He has a vast amount of Ink Stones, totaling over thirty trillion, which he wants to exchange entirely for Earth Crystals from the Great Earth God Realm.
• The transaction is facilitated by Aiken, a high-ranking Demon Castle staff member, who is surprised by the scale of Hermes' exchange.

Character Developments

• Hermes: Shows his wealth and influence by exchanging a massive amount of Ink Stones. His dedication to the Earth Element is also evident.
• Aiken: Reveals his true power level as a suspected Grand Perfection super powerhouse, despite working as a service staff member in the Demon Castle.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and Power: Hermes' vast wealth is a testament to his strength and influence in the Demon Castle.
• Elemental Affinity: Hermes' preference for the Earth Element is highlighted, foreshadowing his path to becoming a Sovereign God of Earth.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Aiken: Despite their power difference, they interact casually, with Aiken showing deference to Hermes' status and wealth. Their conversation reveals Aiken's true power level and Hermes' dedication to the Earth Element.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes sells Divine Sparks to Aiken at the Demon Castle, causing a stir and sparking rumors about his wealth and treasures.
• Hermes returns to Yilan City and attempts to refine Sovereign Power using his Golden Space and a hundred trillion Earth Crystals.
• He actively guides the condensation of energy specks within the Golden Space, facing intense pressure and the risk of failure.

Character Developments

• Hermes demonstrates his determination and resolve in refining Sovereign Power, showing his unwillingness to give up despite the challenges.
• Aiken shows support for Hermes by distancing himself from the rumors and attempting to build a good relationship with him.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and wealth, and the risks and challenges associated with it.
• The importance of connections and alliances in the cultivation world.
• The concept of refinement and energy conversion, with potential losses involved.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Aiken interact through Hermes' sale of Divine Sparks and Aiken's subsequent support, hinting at a potential alliance.
• Hermes' interaction with the Golden Space and his consciousness shows his determination and resilience in the face of pressure.

Key Plot Points

• Hermes successfully refines a drop of Sovereign Power in the Golden Space.
• He realizes possessing this power will significantly enhance his strength and status.
• Hermes decides to refine more Sovereign Power in batches, starting with Earth Element Sovereign Power.

Character Developments

• Hermes feels relieved and proud after refining the Sovereign Power, confirming he has surpassed his original self.
• He acknowledges the value of his reputation and the Demon Medal for protection.

Significant Themes

• The power and prestige of Sovereign Power.
• The importance of reputation and connections in the Supreme Plane.
• Hermes's determination to create a new era in his name.

Character Interactions

• Hermes interacts with his own consciousness in the Golden Space while refining the Sovereign Power.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bamer emerges from seclusion, having successfully fused three profound mysteries, becoming a Six-star Demon.
• Hermes, who had also been in seclusion, reveals he has made significant progress and exchanged Ink Stone for Earth Crystals and Sovereign Power.
• Bamer sells their property in Yilan City to the Demon Castle, as they plan to leave for other cities or the wilderness.

Character Developments

• Bamer: Grows stronger by fusing three profound mysteries, leading to a significant increase in his power level. He also expresses gratitude and devotion to Hermes.
• Hermes: Shows no signs of breaking through to the next stage, indicating his grand ambitions. He also displays a calm and collected demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of strength and power is a central theme, with both characters striving to grow stronger.
• The concept of enlightenment and epiphany is highlighted, with Bamer's breakthrough serving as an example.
• The idea of following a powerful figure for guidance and protection is also present, as Bamer expresses his devotion to Hermes.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Bamer interact as master and follower, with Hermes guiding Bamer's cultivation and Bamer expressing gratitude and admiration for Hermes.
• Hermes shows warmth and amiability towards Bamer after learning about his breakthrough, fostering a sense of mutual devotion between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes compares the magic array on the Teleportation Scroll to the one on Yilan City's wall, finding the latter far more complex.
• He explores Yilan City, marveling at its architecture, history, and the everyday life of its residents.
• Hermes and Bamer leave Yilan City, heading towards the Purple Crystal Mountain Range.
• They arrive at the edge of the mountain range, where countless treasure hunters gather to mine purple crystals from the mist-covered mountains.

Character Developments

• Hermes shows interest in the city's history but understands he's not yet qualified to study it.
• Bamer reflects on the stagnation of city life and resolves to keep striving.
• Hermes demonstrates his status and power by having Bamer stand respectfully beside him, stunning the Middle Gods present.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the safety and stagnation of city life and the adventure and danger of the outside world.
• The allure and danger of the Purple Crystal Mountain Range, with its hidden treasures and perils.
• The hierarchy and power dynamics within Hell, as seen through Hermes's interactions with Bamer and the Middle Gods.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Bamer discuss their experiences in Yilan City and their decision to leave.
• Hermes and Bamer arrive at the Purple Crystal Mountain Range, where they encounter Middle Gods Vincent Baldivi and Vinson, who are surprised by Hermes's status and Bamer's deference to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes and Bamer enter the Purple Crystal Mountain Range, aiming to mine Purple Crystals.
• They encounter Vinson, a Middle God from the Baldivi Family, who tries to extort them but backs off after Hermes shows his strength.
• Hermes and Bamer delve into the Mist Sea, the environment changing and the mist becoming more active.

Character Developments

• Hermes: Shows his strength and confidence, revealing his true form's immense size and his lack of fear for the Mist Sea.
• Bamer: Demonstrates loyalty and trust in Hermes, following him into the Mist Sea without hesitation.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and hierarchy among the Eighteen Families.
• The value of Purple Crystals and their use in nourishing the soul.
• The ruthless nature of Hell and its inhabitants' lack of empathy for lower lifeforms.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Bamer: Hermes warns Bamer about the mist's danger, showing concern for his follower's safety.
• Hermes and Vinson: Hermes uses his strength to intimidate Vinson, showing no fear of the Baldivi Family.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hermes and Bamer enter the Purple Crystal Mountain Range, with Bamer's spiritual sense significantly reduced.
• The Mist Sea erupts, causing tremors and purple crystals to fly at high speeds.
• Hermes and Bamer advance deeper into the Mist Sea despite the dangers.
• The Eighteen Families' patrols retreat, and magic arrays are activated to protect their castles.

Character Developments

• Hermes remains calm and collected in the face of danger.
• Bamer shows concern for Hermes' safety, using a chain to keep them connected.
• Anse, a member of the Lucio Family, mocks Hermes and Bamer for entering the Mist Sea.
• Vinson, a High God from the Eighteen Families, orders the retreat of patrols and activation of magic arrays.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and mysteries of the Purple Crystal Mountain Range.
• The exploitation of divine experts by the Eighteen Families for Purple Crystal mining.
• The power dynamics and internal struggles within the Eighteen Families.

Character Interactions

• Hermes and Bamer work together, with Bamer protecting Hermes due to his stronger spiritual sense.
• Anse and Vinson discuss the Mist Sea turmoil, with Anse mocking Hermes and Bamer, and Vinson taking action to protect their castles.
• Alfose and an old man discuss the potential threat posed by Hermes and Bamer, with Alfose advocating for harsher treatment of miners.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Eighteen Families Alliance Council is in conflict due to the Lucio Family's mining policy.
• The Purple Crystal Mountain Range begins its Mist Sea upheaval, spewing out Purple Crystals.
• Hermes and Bamer are caught in the eruption while mining, leading to a dangerous situation.

Character Developments

• Alfose, a Seven-star Demon Expert, expresses his discontent with the Lucio Family's policies.
• Hermes demonstrates his incredible physical strength and toughness, exceeding that of a High-grade Divine Artifact.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and conflict among the Eighteen Families.
• The pursuit of wealth and resources, even at great risk.
• Hermes's unique physical abilities and his cautious approach to unknown substances.

Character Interactions

• Alfose voices his concerns to the old High God of the Lucio Family, revealing the tension within the family.
• Hermes and Bamer work together to mine Purple Crystals, with Hermes protecting Bamer from the eruption's danger.
• Bamer witnesses Hermes's incredible physical strength and begins to reassess his lord's capabilities.