Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming, the head of Chen Manor and a renowned martial artist, is celebrating his appointment as the Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince.
• He decides to abandon his family and pursue immortality, leaving behind instructions for his butler, Chen Zhong, to protect his future children and inherit the family fortune.
• Chen Dengming sends his elite guards to investigate Misty Cliff in the Ice Wind Forest, where an Ascension Convention is to take place, offering a chance at immortality.
• He refines various Gu (spirits) to prepare for the convention, including Madness Gu, Bamboo Slice Gu, Loach Gu, and ultimately, Blood Centipede Gu, which requires him to enter the notorious Blood Centipede Lair.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: Realizes his limited lifespan and decides to pursue immortality, leaving behind his family and worldly life. He prepares various Gu to ensure his safety and further his cultivation.
• Chen Zhong: Proves his loyalty and dedication to Chen Dengming, accepting the responsibility to protect Chen Dengming's future children and the family fortune.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit of immortality and eternal life.
• The cost of ambition and the consequences of leaving behind one's worldly life.
• The power of Gu (spirits) and their role in cultivation and self-defense.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming interacts with his butler, Chen Zhong, entrusting him with the protection of his future children and the family fortune.
• Chen Dengming's wives are mentioned but do not interact significantly with him, as they are focused on enjoying their affluent life and are unaware of his true aspirations.
• Chen Dengming interacts with the Blood Centipedes in the Blood Centipede Lair as part of his Gu refinement process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming successfully refines the Blood Centipede Gu, increasing his lifespan by three years.
• He sets off for the centennial Ascension Convention, held at Misty Cliff in the northern Ice Wind Forest.
• Other powerful figures, including members of great families and reclusive experts, also journey towards Ice Wind Forest.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: He has refined the Blood Centipede Gu, pushing his Gu Refining Chapter to mastery, and increased his lifespan to 135 years. He remains cautious and low-key, aware of the dangers ahead.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of immortality and longevity through cultivation.
• The power dynamics and intrigue surrounding the Ascension Convention.
• The contrast between the mundane world and the realm accessible only to a few cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming interacts with one of his subordinates, the Shadow Eighteen Guards, who reports on their findings and takes orders. They discuss the activities of other factions near Ice Wind Forest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens with two powerful figures, Nangong Shuo and Shao Yu Feng, discussing a mysterious group led by someone they suspect to be Chen Dengming, the "world's eighth."
• After two and a half months, a spectacular event occurs in the Ice Wind Forest: a Rainbow Bridge, or Misty Cliff, forms, connecting heaven and earth, and gathering Immortal Qi at its peak.
• Many martial experts gather at the base of Misty Cliff, aiming to reach its peak, believing it to be the entrance to the Ascension Convention.
• Several dozen experts, including three ancient Xiantian Grandmasters from the previous era, reach the peak beneath Misty Cliff.

Character Developments

• Nangong Shuo and Shao Yu Feng reveal their alliance and intentions to seize an invitation to the Ascension Convention, possibly by force.
• Nangong Shuo realizes the threat posed by the ancient Xiantian Grandmasters and decides to probe their skills before making a move.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power struggle among martial experts.
• The difficulty and danger of pursuing the Immortal Path.
• Respect and fear for the older generation of martial experts.

Character Interactions

• Nangong Shuo and Shao Yu Feng discuss their plans and strategies, revealing their alliance and mutual trust.
• Nangong Shuo feels threatened by the ancient Xiantian Grandmasters and considers testing their skills.
• The various martial experts at the base of Misty Cliff interact, each with their own goals and methods for reaching the peak.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming, aware of the commotion at Misty Cliff, decides to observe from a distance.
• Xiantian Grandmasters begin sparring, with Nangong Shuo and Shao Yu Feng testing each other and others, but not fighting seriously.
• Nangong Shuo and Shao Yu Feng target Hu Lei, ranked seventh, forcing him to hand over his invitation.
• Chen Dengming prepares to ascend Misty Cliff, hiding his Blood Centipede Gu.
• Five immortals arrive, discussing and betting on the mortals as if they were gambling chips.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming shows patience and caution, avoiding unnecessary trouble.
• Nangong Shuo and Shao Yu Feng reveal their true intentions, targeting the weakest.
• The five immortals display their immortality but also their mundane interests and betting behavior.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the mortals' struggles and the immortals' amusement.
• The immortals' view of mortals as potential cultivators or mere entertainment.
• The theme of hidden power and true intentions, as seen in Chen Dengming and the immortals.

Character Interactions

• Nangong Shuo and Shao Yu Feng exchange glances and communicate mind to mind, revealing their impatience and plans.
• The five immortals discuss and bet on the mortals, showing their amusement and interest in the mortals' struggles.
• Chen Dengming interacts with his Shadow Guards, receiving intelligence and giving orders.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Immortals descend to the mortal world, and a Teleportation Array is activated at Misty Cliff.
• Invitation holders ascend to the array, including Nangong Shuo's disciple and Chen Dengming.
• Hu Lei, Seventh Under Heaven, tries to steal Chen Dengming's invitation but is rebuffed.
• Chen Dengming fights against both Hu Lei and Nangong Shuo, ultimately killing them with a mysterious poison.
• Chen Dengming ascends to the Teleportation Array, leaving behind shocked onlookers.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming reveals his true strength and uses a gu poison to defeat two powerful opponents, demonstrating his cunning and ruthlessness.
• Nangong Shuo and Hu Lei underestimate Chen Dengming and pay the price, highlighting the danger of underestimating one's enemies.
• The five immortals watching from above are intrigued by Chen Dengming's appearance and the gu poison he uses.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of fame and fortune can lead to obsession and disregard for others' well-being, as seen in Nangong Shuo's lifelong scheming.
• Underestimating one's enemies can lead to dire consequences, as demonstrated by Nangong Shuo and Hu Lei's deaths.
• The power of gu poison and the surprise it holds for the immortals watching, hinting at the potential danger and mystery of such toxins.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming interacts with Hu Lei and Nangong Shuo, initially showing restraint before unleashing his full power and ultimately defeating them.
• The five immortals watch the events unfold, expressing curiosity and surprise at Chen Dengming's appearance and the gu poison he uses.
• The Nangong family members witness their patriarch's death, reacting with shock and horror.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming defeats Nangong Shuo and Hu Lei using his Gu poison.
• Shao Yu Feng reveals Chen Dengming's youth preservation secret to the immortals.
• The immortals discuss trading with Chen Dengming, showing interest in his Gu arts.
• The immortals dismiss most attendees, including Shao Yu Feng, due to old age or lack of spiritual roots.
• Chen Dengming's spiritual root detection is about to begin.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: Shows his ruthless side in battle, maintains composure under pressure, and prepares for potential threats from the immortals.
• Shao Yu Feng: Realizes the futility of his pursuits and the harsh reality of immortals' decisions, accepts his fate.
• Immortals: Display their indifference, pride, and cruelty, valuing only those with potential and resources.

Significant Themes

• The vast chasm between immortals and mortals, and the superiority and pride of immortals.
• The harsh reality of cultivation and the coldness of immortals, contrasting with the rosy tales in novels.
• The importance of spiritual roots and potential in the Cultivation World.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming and the immortals: Chen Dengming maintains respect and honesty, while the immortals show indifference and interest in his Gu arts.
• Shao Yu Feng and the immortals: Shao Yu Feng's hopes are dashed by the immortals' decision, leading to acceptance of his fate.
• Chen Dengming and Shao Yu Feng: Though not directly interacting, their fates diverge due to the immortals' decisions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming's Spiritual Root test reveals he has a rare Dual Spirit Root (Wood and Gold), but they counteract each other, making his cultivation speed poor.
• Despite his high spiritual affinity, his cultivation prospects are deemed disappointing by the cultivators.
• Chen Dengming negotiates with the cultivators to take him to the Cultivation World instead of giving up on his immortal pursuit.
• The cultivators agree, giving him cultivation manuals, pills, and techniques as part of the deal.
• Chen Dengming and the Nangong Family scion are teleported away by a massive Teleportation Array, marking the end of the Ascension Convention.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: Starts as a mortal martial artist, discovers his poor cultivation prospects, but remains determined to pursue immortality. He successfully negotiates with cultivators to enter the Cultivation World.
• Nangong Yun (Nangong Family scion): Initially relieved that Chen Dengming's cultivation prospects are poor, but grows increasingly irritated and envious of Chen Dengming's luck.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of immortality and the challenges faced by those who seek it.
• The importance of Spiritual Root Potential in cultivation and the consequences of having poor or conflicting roots.
• The contrast between the mortal martial world and the Cultivation World.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming interacts with the five cultivators, initially expressing surprise and disappointment at his Spiritual Root results, then negotiating with them to enter the Cultivation World.
• The cultivators interact with each other, exchanging glances and making decisions about Chen Dengming's fate. Female Cultivator Luo is the most sympathetic towards Chen Dengming.
• Chen Dengming and Nangong Yun are both present at the Ascension Convention and are the only two to successfully ascend, setting the stage for future interactions in the Cultivation World.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming leaves Nanxun Kingdom with Fairy Luo and other cultivators.
• They arrive at a Cultivation World settlement with two cultivation cities and a Rogue Cultivator zone.
• Fairy Luo leaves Chen Dengming at the Rogue Cultivator zone, giving him a Luo Family token for protection.
• Chen Dengming witnesses a battle between two Qi Refining Stage cultivators.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming adapts to high-altitude flight and accepts his status as a mortal in the Cultivation World.
• Fairy Luo maintains her aloof Immortal Master demeanor, showing no intention of revealing her name or further interaction with Chen Dengming.

Significant Themes

• The vast gap and harsh reality between immortals and mortals.
• The lawless and dangerous nature of the Rogue Cultivator zone.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming and Fairy Luo have a brief, formal exchange before she leaves him at the Rogue Cultivator zone.
• Chen Dengming witnesses a battle between two Qi Refining Stage cultivators but keeps a safe distance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming observes two cultivators dueling, finding their combat style crude and ineffective.
• He enters the Rogue Cultivator Zone, a chaotic and mundane place unlike his expectations.
• He queues for temporary shack rights and is sent to catch Spirit Fish in Lingyue Lake.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming adapts to the new environment, accepting his lowly status and resolving to work hard.
• He remains polite and respectful despite his circumstances, maintaining a positive attitude.

Significant Themes

• The mundane nature of cultivation and cultivators.
• The harsh reality of the Cultivation World, where survival is a struggle for many.
• The contrast between Chen Dengming's past life as a grandmaster and his current status as a lowly cultivator.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming interacts with a Qi Refining cultivator who assigns him the task of catching Spirit Fish.
• He observes the harsh living conditions of mortals in the Rogue Cultivator Zone, comparing it to his own situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming, the former Nanxun Saber King, arrives in the Cultivation World and spends his first night on the streets.
• He meets a kind-hearted woman who gives him food, and he starts sleeping near her house.
• Chen Dengming tries to catch Spirit Fish to earn money but faces initial setbacks.
• He becomes known as the "West Old Shed Street Fishmonger" and learns about the Gathering Place's dynamics.
• On the fifth day, he encounters cultivators from Golden Character Workshop and Hutong Street dealing with a demon beast attack.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming adapts to his new environment, showing resilience and resourcefulness.
• He maintains a humble attitude despite possessing a powerful Golden Finger.
• The kind-hearted woman remains unnamed and mysterious, with her actions speaking louder than words.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and survival in a new, harsh environment.
• The stark contrast between the immortal and mortal worlds.
• The struggle for resources and power in the Cultivation World.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming interacts with the kind-hearted woman, showing gratitude and respect.
• He encounters cultivators from Golden Character Workshop and Hutong Street, experiencing their indifference and hostility.
• The Blood Centipede Gu in Chen Dengming's ear canal shares his emotions and thirst for blood, reflecting his inner struggle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming, after days of setting traps, successfully catches two Spirit Fish.
• A cultivator, an old man from the Golden Character Workshop, ambushes Chen Dengming from the shadows.
• The old man reveals he lives in a hidden cultivation dwelling nearby, and he's displeased with Chen Dengming's presence.
• Chen Dengming offers the Spirit Fish as an apology, but the old man refuses and attacks again.
• Chen Dengming fights back, using his martial skills, but the old man's spiritual energy is too powerful.
• Chen Dengming uses his final strength to unleash a powerful blade technique, "Wild Dragon Rises Above Green Hill."

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: Shows resilience and determination in the face of certain death. His martial skills and willpower are commendable.
• The Old Man: Reveals his arrogance and disregard for mortal lives. His strength and cultivation are far superior to Chen Dengming's.

Significant Themes

• The gap between cultivators and mortals: The old man's contempt for Chen Dengming highlights the vast difference in power and status between cultivators and mortals.
• Resilience and determination: Chen Dengming's refusal to give up despite the odds shows his inner strength and resolve.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming and the Old Man: Their interaction is hostile, with the old man initially toying with Chen Dengming and later attempting to kill him. Chen Dengming, despite his inferior strength, stands his ground and fights back.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming, a mortal, faces off against an immortal cultivator, Old Man.
• Chen uses his blade aura, but the Old Man's Dao technique proves superior.
• A Blood Centipede Gu, hidden by Chen, bites the Old Man, breaking his golden light shield and poisoning him.
• Chen finishes the Old Man with a powerful strike, but spiritual energy from the cultivator invades his body.
• Chen uses the Blood Centipede Gu to absorb the spiritual energy, then hides the Old Man's corpse in a Formation.
• Days later, Chen heals, breaks through to the eighth level of Xiantian, and plans to become a true cultivator.
• News of a Demon Beast at Lingyue Lake spreads, diverting attention from the Old Man's disappearance.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming demonstrates bravery and resourcefulness in battle, using the Blood Centipede Gu to defeat the Old Man.
• He shows regret for killing the Old Man but satisfaction in his victory.
• Chen becomes more cautious and secretive, understanding the danger of cultivators and their spiritual energy.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between mortals and cultivators, with cultivators holding significant advantages.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent and the importance of caution.
• The theme of adaptability, as Chen uses the Blood Centipede Gu to counter the Old Man's spiritual energy.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming and the Old Man have a tense, one-sided battle, with Chen ultimately emerging victorious.
• Chen interacts with regular customers, turning down requests to buy fish and claiming he's changed careers.
• Chen's interactions with other cultivators are minimal in this chapter, focusing mainly on his internal thoughts and actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming retrieves his pawned Luo Family Token and returns rented fishing gear to Master Hu.
• He learns about the Iron Alliance, a mid-tier faction in the Gathering Place.
• Chen reflects on his combat strength, realizing he's no match for a cautious Qi Refining First Layer cultivator.
• He decides to focus on cultivation and rents a house near Golden Character Workshop using a Spirit Grain and the Luo Family Token.
• The cultivator handling the rentals is suspicious of Chen's sudden wealth but backs off after seeing the Luo Family Token.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming gains a better understanding of his combat abilities and decides to prioritize cultivation.
• He demonstrates cunning by using the Luo Family Token to deter potential trouble without directly involving the Luo family.
• Master Hu shows a friendly demeanor towards Chen, likely due to the Luo Family Token, revealing his neutral stance and business acumen.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter emphasizes the power gap between cultivators and mortals, with cultivators' spiritual energy being significantly more potent than Xiantian True Qi.
• Connections and Influence: The Luo Family Token's influence is evident, as it helps Chen rent a house and deter potential trouble.
• Cunning and Adaptability: Chen demonstrates his ability to navigate complex situations, using the Luo Family Token to his advantage without directly involving the Luo family.

Character Interactions

• Chen interacts with Master Hu, learning about the Iron Alliance and gaining insight into the cultivator world's power dynamics.
• He interacts with the Qi Refining First Layer cultivator from Golden Character Workshop, using the Luo Family Token to avoid suspicion about his sudden wealth.
• Chen's actions attract the attention of other rogue cultivators, who initially have ill intent but back off after seeing the Luo Family Token.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A cultivator named Lin is found dead, leading to speculation about the involvement of Chen Dengming, who had a feud with Lin.
• Chen Dengming, living as a fish seller, is secretly observed by cultivators who recognize his Luo Family token, given to him by Luo Bing.
• Chen Dengming struggles with his cultivation progress due to his Metal-restrains-Wood Spiritual Root, considering using the Life-Damaging Seedling Pulling Technique to improve his spiritual root quality.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: He continues to cultivate diligently, reaching 30% proficiency in Chen Family Martial Arts General Outline and 4% in Three Yuan Spirit Gathering Technique. He also learns the local script and starts practicing calligraphy. He considers using the Life-Damaging Seedling Pulling Technique to speed up his cultivation.
• Luo Bing: Although not physically present, her influence is felt through the Luo Family token she gave to Chen Dengming.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and its challenges: Chen Dengming's struggle with his spiritual root and his consideration of using a dangerous technique to improve it highlight the difficulties and sacrifices involved in cultivation.
• The gap between mortals and cultivators: Chen Dengming's desire to become a cultivator as soon as possible emphasizes the vast difference in power and status between mortals and cultivators in this world.

Character Interactions

• The cultivators in the six-story pavilion discuss Chen Dengming and Lin's death, leading to speculation about Chen Dengming's involvement.
• Chen Dengming interacts with his neighbors, using Spirit Rice to build goodwill and gather information about the Cultivation World.
• A woman knocks on Chen Dengming's door, seeking his help, but the content of their conversation is not revealed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Wei, an Innate Martial Artist and neighbor, visits Chen Dengming to inform him that the Golden Character Workshop wants to recruit him.
• Wu Chen, a cultivator from the Golden Character Workshop, personally invites Chen Dengming, showing great respect and sincerity.
• Chen Dengming is given a low-grade spirit stone as a greeting gift.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: Realizes the potential danger of associating with a powerful cultivator like the Golden Character Workshop master. Decides to focus on cultivating the Life-Damaging Seedling Pulling Technique to improve his spiritual root potential and reach the Qi Refining Stage quickly.
• Xu Wei: Feels envious and unworthy of Chen Dengming after he gains the workshop master's favor. Longs for a partner to share life's burdens but feels distant from Chen Dengming.

Significant Themes

• The cruelty of the cultivation world and the struggle of rogue cultivators with inferior spiritual roots.
• The condescending attitude of cultivators towards mortals.
• The importance of personal strength and the dangers of associating with powerful figures without adequate power oneself.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming and Xu Wei: Xu Wei shows interest in Chen Dengming, but he remains distant, focusing on cultivation. After Chen Dengming gains the workshop master's favor, Xu Wei feels even more unworthy and envious.
• Chen Dengming and Wu Chen: Wu Chen shows great respect and courtesy in inviting Chen Dengming to join the Golden Character Workshop, but Chen Dengming remains cautious and wary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming discovers and begins practicing the Life-Damaging Seedling Pulling Technique to enhance his Spiritual Root.
• He uses two Low-grade Spirit Stones and a Pure Spirit Pill to aid his cultivation.
• Luo Bing, in the Luo Family, is preparing for her breakthrough to Qi Cultivation Tenth Level.
• Chen Dengming's actions catch Xu Ning's attention, who invites him to join the Golden Character Workshop.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: He is determined to improve his Spiritual Root and is willing to sacrifice lifespan to do so. He also shows interest in Gu arts.
• Luo Bing: She is focused on her cultivation and has little interest in Chen Dengming, considering him merely a mortal. She is also intrigued by the Golden Silkworm Gu.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Spiritual Root grade in cultivation.
• The sacrifice of lifespan for cultivation advancement.
• The allure and obscurity of Gu arts.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming interacts with the panel in his mind, tracking his progress and lifespan.
• Luo Bing interacts with her maids, discussing Chen Dengming and her plans for him.
• Chen Dengming and Luo Bing have no direct interaction in this chapter, but Luo Bing's interest in Chen Dengming's Gu refining is hinted at.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming successfully upgrades his spiritual root from low-grade to mid-grade using the Life-Draining Seedling Plucking Art, but at the cost of ten years of his lifespan.
• He continues to cultivate the Tri-Yuan Spirit Gathering Art, increasing its proficiency to 6/100 in just five days, thanks to his improved spiritual root.
• Chen Dengming plans to cultivate in a place with richer spiritual energy to reach the First Heaven of Qi Refining faster.
• He encounters his neighbor, Xu Wei, with injuries, who warns him about the tension between Golden Character Workshop and Hutong Street cultivators.
• Chen Dengming is ambushed by Hutong Street cultivators who demand he accompany them to meet their boss.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming's spiritual root improves, enhancing his spiritual perception and cultivation efficiency.
• He remains dedicated to his martial arts training, acknowledging their importance for his survival.
• Xu Wei shows concern for Chen Dengming's safety, revealing her kind heart despite her own troubles.

Significant Themes

• The cost of cultivation: Chen Dengming's lifespan is reduced to improve his spiritual root, highlighting the trade-offs in cultivation.
• The importance of martial arts: Despite his progress in cultivation, Chen Dengming continues to value his martial skills, understanding their practical application in real combat.
• The conflict between cultivators: The tension between Golden Character Workshop and Hutong Street cultivators reflects the power struggles and rivalries in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming and Xu Wei's brief interaction reveals their neighborly bond and her concern for his safety.
• Chen Dengming's encounter with Hutong Street cultivators showcases his calm and collected demeanor under pressure, as well as his willingness to comply to avoid immediate conflict.

Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming bribes a cultivator from Hutong Street with a Low-grade Spirit Stone to gain information.
• He learns that the old cultivator he killed was blamed on Hutong Street, causing conflict between the two factions.
• Chen Dengming decides to escape immediately to avoid being forced to switch sides.
• He kills three Xiantian cultivators from Hutong Street, including the leader, in a swift and brutal attack.
• Chen Dengming returns to his dwelling, prepares to leave, and warns his neighbor Xu Wei about the intensifying conflict.
• Xu Wei gives Chen Dengming her savings to help him on his journey.

Character Development

• Chen Dengming: Shows strategic thinking by bribing the cultivator for information and demonstrates exceptional combat skills, killing three Xiantian cultivators with ease. He also shows gratitude and respect towards Xu Wei's kindness.
• Xu Wei: Shows kindness and generosity by giving Chen Dengming her savings despite her own financial struggles. She also expresses concern for his safety.

Significant Themes

• The ruthless nature of the cultivation world, where killing and being killed are common.
• The importance of information and strategic thinking in survival and self-preservation.
• The value of kindness and generosity, even in difficult times.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming and the Hutong Street cultivator: The cultivator initially treats Chen Dengming with hostility but warms up after receiving the bribe. Chen Dengming uses this opportunity to gather information and later kills the cultivator.
• Chen Dengming and Xu Wei: They maintain a friendly relationship, with Xu Wei showing concern for Chen Dengming's safety and giving him money for his journey. Chen Dengming expresses gratitude and promises to repay her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Dengming, a mortal, kills three men (including a cultivator) from Hutong Street in the Rogue Cultivator Gathering Place and flees, leaving a note: "The killer: an unknown nobody from the Golden Character Workshop."
• Qian Yuan, the boss of Hutong Street, and Xu Ning, the boss of the Golden Character Workshop, face off due to the incident.
• Chen Dengming sets up traps and cultivates in the wilderness outside the Gathering Place, planning to return once he becomes a cultivator.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: Shows audacity and strategic thinking by killing Hutong Street's men and fleeing. He demonstrates his gu-refining skills and determination to cultivate in the wild.
• Qian Yuan: Loses face and men due to Chen Dengming's actions, leading to a tense standoff with Xu Ning.
• Xu Ning: Gains face and recruits Chen Dengming, offering rewards for his return.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and conflict between cultivator factions (Hutong Street and Golden Character Workshop).
• The vulnerability of mortals in a cultivator-dominated world.
• Chen Dengming's resourcefulness and determination in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Qian Yuan and Xu Ning: Rivals who clash over Chen Dengming's actions.
• Chen Dengming and Xu Wei: Unspoken understanding and concern between neighbors, with Xu Wei regretting not warning Chen Dengming about the dangers of offending cultivators.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three months pass in the desolate mountains.
• The conflict between the Golden Character Workshop and Hutong Street subsides, with both factions targeting Chen Dengming.
• The Luo family posts a bounty for materials related to the Golden Silkworm Gu, hinting at an audience with the Eldest Miss.
• Chen Dengming decides to focus on cultivation rather than immediately responding to the bounty.
• After three months, Chen Dengming successfully breaks through to the Qi Refining First Layer, becoming a cultivator.

Character Developments

• Chen Dengming: He becomes more determined to cultivate and improve his skills, demonstrating resilience and patience. He also shows strategic thinking by using the Golden Character Workshop as a potential backup and waiting before responding to the Luo family's bounty.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of the cultivation world, where the strong support each other, and the weak are preyed upon.
• The importance of cultivation resources and environments.
• The risks and challenges of breaking through from mortal to cultivator.

Character Interactions

• Chen Dengming's interactions with the other factions are minimal due to his secluded cultivation. However, his actions indirectly affect the Golden Character Workshop and Hutong Street, who now both target him.
• Chen Dengming's thoughts about the Luo family's bounty hint at a potential interaction with the Eldest Miss, Luo Bing.