Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Shaoxu decides not to challenge the National Hall and instead joins Jiang Che's team to investigate the Drowning Curse case.
• The team meets Lingling, the 'Little Hunter Master', at Lisbon Airport.
• They travel to a coastal town where they encounter a drunk Intermediate Mage harassing Mu Ningxue.
• Jiang Che intervenes, slapping the man and revealing his High-level status, which causes the man to beg for mercy.

Character Developments

• Jiang Shaoxu shows her serious side, deciding to join the investigation.
• Mu Nujiao displays gentleness and care towards Lingling.
• Mu Ningxue remains indifferent and unperturbed by the drunkard's harassment.
• The drunkard, initially arrogant and aggressive, becomes submissive and despairing after facing Jiang Che's power.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The drunkard's behavior changes drastically upon realizing Jiang Che's High-level status.
• Beauty and harassment: Mu Ningxue's beauty draws unwanted attention, but she remains unfazed.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che protects Mu Ningxue from the drunkard, showing his protective side.
• Jiang Shaoxu, Mu Nujiao, and Mu Ningxue work together, showing unity and camaraderie.
• Lingling interacts with the drunkard, showing her maturity and understanding of the case.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che agrees to help Peru in exchange for a reward.
• He uses Xiao An and his fusion magic to defeat the monstrous apes besieging Yalie Mine.
• After the victory, Jiang Che retrieves the eye of the Nasca Strange Bird.
• The Peruvian king rewards Jiang Che with a substantial sum and resources.
• Jiang Che buys resources for his elemental branches, Xiao An, and Vermilion Bird, and also acquires a subdragon summoned beast egg.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che demonstrates his power and strategic thinking, further cementing his leadership role.
• Xiao An showcases its strength as a mid-level Commander-class spatial dragon.
• The National Team members witness Jiang Che's power and are awestruck by the rewards, leading to increased respect and loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Power and its responsible use: Jiang Che's strength allows him to protect others, but he also understands the value of rewards and recognition.
• Teamwork and camaraderie: The National Team members grow closer as they witness Jiang Che's prowess and share in the rewards.
• Resource management: Jiang Che demonstrates foresight in acquiring resources for his elemental branches and companions, ensuring their continuous growth.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che interacts with the National Team members, showing a mix of authority and camaraderie.
• He communicates with Xiao An, demonstrating a deep bond and understanding with his familiar.
• Jiang Che has a brief exchange with Osto, the Peruvian official, showcasing his negotiation skills and understanding of the value of rewards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Dragon Country National Team arrives in New York, entering America's national hall within the Statue of Liberty.
• Oluna, the receptionist, greets them and praises Mo Fan and Ai Jiangtu for their performance in Peru.
• Felom, Oluna's brother and a member of the American team, mocks the Dragon Country team, drawing a cross on their flag, and challenges them to a fight.
• Jiang Che accepts the challenge, and Felom selects five team members to compete in the arena.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che remains calm and composed, showing no anger or frustration despite Felom's provocation.
• Oluna shows respect and admiration for the Dragon Country team, but is unable to control her brother's behavior.
• Felom displays jealousy and arrogance, driven by his desire to impress his sister and prove his superiority.

Significant Themes

• National pride and rivalry: The American team's disrespect towards the Dragon Country team highlights the competitive nature of the World University Tournament.
• Strength and respect: The Dragon Country team's calm demeanor in the face of provocation emphasizes their confidence in their abilities and their desire to earn respect through victory.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Felom: Their interaction is tense and confrontational, with Felom trying to provoke Jiang Che and Jiang Che remaining calm and composed.
• Oluna and Felom: Oluna tries to apologize for her brother's behavior, but Felom remains defiant and disrespectful.
• The Dragon Country team: The team members show unity and support for Jiang Che, looking to him for guidance on how to respond to Felom's challenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che and the group visit Bobby's home to see his brother, Tino, afflicted by the Drowning Curse.
• Jiang Che uses his water-element magic control to extract Vile Maggots from Tino's body, preserving his corpse.
• The group heads to the beach to release a Vile Maggot larva into the sea, aiming to track and extract a vaccine from it once it matures.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che demonstrates his extraordinary magical control, extracting Vile Maggots with surgical precision.
• Lingling shows her medical knowledge and determination to find a cure for the Drowning Curse.
• Bobby's grief and desperation are evident as he pleads for his brother's body to be left intact.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against the Drowning Curse and the search for a cure.
• The power of magical control and its potential for both healing and destruction.
• The emotional toll of the curse on the afflicted and their families.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Lingling work together to extract and release the Vile Maggot larva.
• Bobby's interaction with Jiang Che and Lingling highlights his desperation and grief.
• Jiang Shaoxu shows curiosity and engagement in the process, asking about the next steps.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che and his companions sail to release Vile Maggots into the sea.
• A Sea Monkey Monster attacks, but Mu Ningxue swiftly defeats it.
• Lingling detects a swarm of Thunderstorm Squids and a Black Sea Pseudo-Dragon.
• Jiang Che creates a colossal Water Tornado, killing thousands of squids and the Pseudo-Dragon.
• The Vile Maggots parasitize the Pseudo-Dragon's skeleton, forming a new, horrifying creature.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che demonstrates his powerful magic skills, forming a high-tier constellation and creating a massive Water Tornado.
• Mu Ningxue shows her combat prowess and quick thinking by saving Mu Nujiao from the Sea Monkey Monster.
• Lingling uses her tablet to track the Vile Maggots and detect sea creatures.
• The three women (Mu Nujiao, Jiang Shaoxu, and Mu Ningxue) remain calm under pressure, showing their composure and strength.

Significant Themes

• The power of magic and its consequences.
• The dangers lurking beneath the sea and the need for caution.
• The resilience and adaptability of creatures, as seen with the Vile Maggots.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Lingling work together to release and track the Vile Maggots.
• Mu Nujiao and Mu Ningxue show camaraderie, with Mu Nujiao thanking Mu Ningxue for saving her and Mu Ningxue responding warmly.
• Jiang Shaoxu praises Mu Ningxue's skills and shows concern for the group's safety.
• The three women show unity and trust in Jiang Che's abilities, allowing him to handle the sea creature threat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lingling discovers that Vile Maggots don't have an adult form; they parasitize hosts.
• The Black Sea Pseudo-Dragon, now a Great Commander-class creature due to Vile Maggot infestation, confronts Jiang Che's group.
• Jiang Che summons his Vermilion Bird totem and casts a powerful spell, "Southern Radiance · Ashen Firmament Flame Soul · Heavenly Flame Funeral Rite · Falling Sun," defeating the monster in seconds.
• Lingling collects Vile Maggot samples for vaccine creation.
• The group returns to Lisbon, and Jiang Che learns that his team won the national academy challenge in Portugal.

Character Developments

• Lingling demonstrates her practicality and dedication to her work as a master hunter, even in the face of danger.
• Jiang Che's power and confidence grow, as he effortlessly defeats a Great Commander-class creature.
• Mu Ningxue shows concern and admiration for Jiang Che's growth in strength.

Significant Themes

• The power of Jiang Che's Vermilion Bird totem and his fire magic.
• The intelligence and adaptability of Vile Maggots as a parasitic species.
• The importance of Lingling's work in creating vaccines against magical threats.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che's group works together to face the Vile Maggot threat.
• Jiang Che and Mu Ningxue share a moment of connection as she watches him defeat the monster.
• Mo Fan excitedly shares his team's victory in the national academy challenge with Jiang Che upon their return.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The National Team is on a plane to Egypt.
• They receive a call from a National Team mentor ordering them to rescue the Indian team trapped in the Sahara Desert.
• Jiang Che refuses, leading to a confrontation with the mentor.
• Upon arrival in Egypt, they witness the aftermath of a recent attack on Puxini City and learn about the pyramid mirage.
• They head to a military camp near the pyramid mirage, where they meet Ye Xinxia.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che demonstrates his resolve and independence by refusing to follow orders without good reason.
• Jiang Shaoxu shows concern and empathy for the people of Puxini City.
• Mu Nujiao and Mu Ningxue react with shock and determination to the situation in Puxini City.

Significant Themes

• The corruption within the National Team and the International Tournament Federation.
• The harsh reality of the undead threat and its impact on civilian populations.
• The importance of personal principles and independence.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and the National Team mentor have a tense exchange.
• Jiang Che, Jiang Shaoxu, Mu Nujiao, and Mu Ningxue discuss the situation in Puxini City.
• Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia reunite at the military camp.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Xinxia, now a Holy Maiden of the Parthenon Temple, reunites with Jiang Che in the Egyptian desert.
• Jiang Che embraces Ye Xinxia, causing her guardian knight, Kuren, to intervene.
• Kuren is reprimanded by Ye Xinxia for overstepping his bounds and is threatened with replacement.
• Jiang Che displays his high-tier magical energy, intimidating everyone present and asserting his role as Ye Xinxia's protector.

Character Developments

• Ye Xinxia has grown more assertive and independent, capable of standing up to Kuren and making decisions for herself.
• Jiang Che remains protective of Ye Xinxia, displaying his power to ensure her safety.
• Kuren, Ye Xinxia's guardian knight, is shown to be overprotective and jealous of Jiang Che, leading to a conflict of interest.

Significant Themes

• Growth and independence: Ye Xinxia's character development highlights her growing maturity and ability to make decisions for herself.
• Protection and possession: The dynamic between Jiang Che, Ye Xinxia, and Kuren explores the themes of protection, possession, and jealousy.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia: Their reunion is filled with warmth and affection, with Jiang Che displaying his protective nature and Ye Xinxia showing her growth and independence.
• Ye Xinxia and Kuren: Their interaction reveals Kuren's overprotective nature and Ye Xinxia's newfound assertiveness in standing up to him.
• Jiang Che and Kuren: Their confrontation highlights Jiang Che's power and Kuren's jealousy, leading to a tense standoff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che's team arrives at Puxini City to assist the Egyptian military in fighting undead.
• They are tasked with eliminating a group of Toxic Gold Mummies at a sand slope north of the city.
• An Egyptian liaison officer, Hassan, suggests a suicidal plan to draw the toxic gas towards them, allowing Jiang Che's team to attack from the flank.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che demonstrates his calm and confident leadership.
• Ye Xinxia shows concern for the soldiers' lives.
• Hassan displays bravery and selflessness.
• Kuren remains skeptical of Jiang Che's abilities.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice for the greater good (Hassan's plan).
• Confidence and composure under pressure (Jiang Che).
• The power of magic and its limitations (Toxic Gold Mummies' immunity to intermediate magic).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia share a moment of understanding.
• Jiang Shaoxu and Nan Yu discuss the Toxic Gold Mummies' threat.
• Hassan and Jiang Che discuss the battle plan.
• Kuren watches Jiang Che's actions with skepticism and disdain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che uses wind magic to compress poisonous gas released by mummies into a small area.
• He then ignites the compressed gas with a spark, causing a massive explosion that destroys the mummies.
• The explosion creates a crater several hundred meters wide and leaves behind a green-gold mushroom cloud.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che demonstrates his strategic thinking and finesse in magic usage, proving his strength without relying on brute force.
• Ye Xinxia shows her affection and trust in Jiang Che, appreciating the "fireworks" he creates for her.
• Hassan, Jiang Shaoxu, Mu Nujiao, and Mu Ningxue all gain new insights or understanding about Jiang Che's abilities and character.

Significant Themes

• The power of finesse and strategy over brute force.
• The destructive potential of compressed and ignited gases (dust explosion principle).
• The bond between Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia, and the trust she places in him.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che interacts with Ye Xinxia, showing affection and care for her, and creating a memorable experience ("fireworks") for her.
• Jiang Che's actions inspire awe and respect in Hassan, Jiang Shaoxu, Mu Nujiao, and Mu Ningxue, each reacting differently based on their personalities and relationships with him.
• Kuren, who had been protecting Ye Xinxia, leaves after witnessing Jiang Che's power, understanding that Ye Xinxia no longer needs his protection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia arrive at the scene where the Toxic Gold Mummies were eliminated.
• The Egyptian military, led by Finna and Wankes, approaches with a large force.
• Wankes is disappointed to learn that Jiang Che, a mid-tier mage, was responsible for the mummies' demise, not a high-tier mage as he expected.
• Finna praises Jiang Che's strategy, while Wankes remains unimpressed.
• Finna reveals that to dispel the pyramid mirage, they must destroy its core inside, guarded by over five hundred Malevolent Sword Death Attendants and thousands of servant-level undead.
• Finna decides that only she and Wankes will lead the charge, with the National Team supporting from the flank.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che demonstrates strategic thinking and mid-tier magic prowess.
• Wankes shows arrogance and underestimates Jiang Che's capabilities.
• Finna displays leadership, strategic thinking, and respect for Jiang Che's abilities.
• Mo Fan shows pride and excitement but is later disappointed by Wankes' reaction.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategy and intelligence over brute force.
• The burden of responsibility and duty, as seen in Finna's determination to protect Puxini City.
• The clash of egos and expectations, exemplified by Wankes' disappointment in Jiang Che.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia: They work together, with Ye Xinxia providing support from her wheelchair.
• Jiang Che and Wankes: Wankes underestimates Jiang Che, leading to tension between them.
• Finna and Jiang Che: Finna respects Jiang Che's abilities and praises his strategy.
• Finna and Wankes: They work together as military leaders, with Finna taking the lead in decision-making.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The National Team and Finna's group approach the pyramid, facing an army of Wraithblade Death Attendants and their Dark Sword Lord commander.
• The National Team members rush ahead, using their combined abilities to hold off the initial attack of Vicious Sword Death Attendants.
• The Dark Sword Lord appears, revealing itself as a Monarch-level enemy.

Character Developments

• The National Team members demonstrate their teamwork and abilities, surprising Wankes and Finna.
• Wankes and Finna reassess the National Team's capabilities and potential.

Significant Themes

• The power of teamwork and unity.
• The harsh reality and danger of battlefields.
• The growth and potential of young talents.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia: Jiang Che reassures Ye Xinxia about their victory.
• Finna and Wankes: They discuss strategy and react to the National Team's actions.
• The National Team: They work together to hold off the Vicious Sword Death Attendants, showcasing their coordination and abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Staff Officer Finna uses her super-tier wind magic, "Annihilating Wind Thousand Blades: Demon-Slaying Slash," against the Dark Sword Lord, but it's ineffective.
• The Dark Sword Lord reveals that it's being controlled by an Emperor-level existence.
• The Nine Nether Queen appears and creates a mental barrier to protect the humans from the Emperor's pressure.
• The Emperor within the Dark Sword Lord challenges Jiang Che to a "Darkness Duel" to the death.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che remains calm and composed in the face of the Emperor's pressure and the Darkness Duel challenge.
• The Nine Nether Queen shows her loyalty and defiance by rejecting the Emperor's offer and siding with Jiang Che.
• Jiang Shaoxu reveals her knowledge of the Darkness Duel and her concern for Jiang Che.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the fear of the unknown (represented by the Emperor's pressure and the Darkness Duel).
• Loyalty and defiance (shown by the Nine Nether Queen's actions).
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of making the right choices (implied by the Darkness Duel's to-the-death rule).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and the Nine Nether Queen display a close, almost intimate relationship.
• Jiang Shaoxu shows concern for Jiang Che's safety.
• The Emperor within the Dark Sword Lord shows arrogance and disdain towards Jiang Che and the Nine Nether Queen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Dark Sword Lord drains the energy of 500 undead warriors and breaks through to the Invincible Monarch level.
• It seals the battlefield with a hexagram formation and challenges Jiang Che to a duel, offering two choices: make the Nine Nether Queen submit or duel him.
• Jiang Che accepts the challenge and enters the Dark Duel Arena.
• Inside the arena, Jiang Che's Undead Lord Talent and Evil Emperor Armor activate, allowing him to temporarily reach the Emperor level.
• Jiang Che shatters the hexagram formation with a single punch, demonstrating his power.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che's power reaches the Emperor level, shocking the Nine Nether Queen and everyone watching.
• The Dark Sword Lord shows wariness towards Jiang Che for the first time.

Significant Themes

• The power of baleful aura and the Undead Lord Talent.
• The authority and fear of an Emperor-level being.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and the Dark Sword Lord face off, with Jiang Che displaying overwhelming power.
• The Nine Nether Queen kneels before Jiang Che, acknowledging his strength and authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che does not respond to the Dark Sword Lord's threat, instead using Time Liquid to help the Nine Nether Queen break through to the Emperor threshold.
• The Nine Nether Queen captures the fleeing dark will of the Dark Sword Lord.
• Jiang Che summons the true Shattered Abyss, devouring all undead remnants and the pyramid mirage.
• Jiang Che absorbs the dark will, causing the Shattered Abyss to evolve and the seven Undead Lords to awaken and evolve.
• Jiang Che opens blind boxes obtained from killing mummies, gaining Evolution Points and talents.

Character Developments

• The Nine Nether Queen breaks through to the Emperor threshold, gaining the Nether Body.
• The seven Undead Lords awaken and begin to evolve, with the Mountain Peak Corpse attempting to break through the Supreme Monarch limit.

Significant Themes

• Power and authority: Jiang Che's absorption of the dark will demonstrates the power of his Undead Lord Talent and the authority it holds.
• Evolution and growth: The evolution of the Shattered Abyss and the awakening of the Undead Lords highlight the theme of continuous growth and improvement.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and the Nine Nether Queen work together to capture the dark will and evolve the Shattered Abyss.
• Jiang Che does not interact with the other characters in this chapter, focusing solely on his own actions and the evolution of his power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che, wearing the Evil Emperor Armor, destroys the Pyramid Mirage, the Dark Sword Lord, and the Malevolent Sword Death Attendants.
• The National Team is dumbfounded by Jiang Che's transformation and power.
• Finna invites the National Team to a victory banquet in Puxini City.
• Jiang Che attends the banquet, where he is respected and toasted by military mages and high-ranking officials.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che: Proves his immense power and gains respect from others.
• Jiang Shaoxu: Develops feelings for Jiang Che, shown by her behavior at the banquet.
• Mu Nujiao: Shows care for Jiang Che by serving him food at the banquet.
• Mu Ningxue: Struggles with her feelings for Jiang Che, shown by her glances at him.
• Ye Xinxia: Admires Jiang Che's strength and shares a moment with him under the moonlight.
• Wankes: Apologizes to Jiang Che for underestimating him and his team.

Significant Themes

• Power and Respect: Jiang Che's display of strength earns him respect from those around him.
• Trust and Acceptance: The National Team begins to accept and trust Jiang Che after witnessing his power.
• Growth and Change: Jiang Che's growth as a character is reflected in his ability to handle the Evil Emperor Armor and his increased magical energy.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Jiang Shaoxu: Jiang Shaoxu shows affection towards Jiang Che, while he remains indifferent.
• Jiang Che and Mu Nujiao: Mu Nujiao shows care for Jiang Che by serving him food.
• Jiang Che and Mu Ningxue: Mu Ningxue struggles with her feelings for Jiang Che, shown by her glances at him.
• Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia: They share a moment of connection under the moonlight, with Ye Xinxia admiring Jiang Che's strength.
• Jiang Che and Wankes: Wankes apologizes to Jiang Che for underestimating him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che's seven elemental star rivers break through to Advanced Tier Level Three simultaneously.
• The Shadow and Psychic Elements advance to Advanced Tier Level Two.
• The Undead Element leaps directly from Basic Tier to Advanced Tier.
• Jiang Che decides to upgrade his Innate Dual Elements talent to SS-rank.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che's strength significantly improves, boosting his confidence.
• Ye Xinxia expresses her joy at Jiang Che's progress and her eagerness to help him.

Significant Themes

• The power of Jiang Che's magic elements and his continuous growth.
• The bond between Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia, with Ye Xinxia's support and happiness in Jiang Che's progress.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia interact affectionately, with Ye Xinxia showing her happiness at Jiang Che's improvement and her eagerness to help him.
• Jiang Che interacts with Xiao An, who shows affection towards Ye Xinxia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che discovers his talent "Defying the Heavens" allows him to awaken additional major magic elements.
• He realizes he needs to choose White Magic and Dimensional Magic to gather every type of magic, enabling all-element fusion magic.
• Jiang Che, Mo Fan, and Zhao Manyan travel to Venice for the World College Tournament finals and the St. Mark's World Auction Hall.

Character Developments

• Jiang Che remains determined and ambitious, now focused on gathering all magic elements.
• Ye Xinxia is shown to be vulnerable and dependent on Jiang Che, sleeping peacefully in his presence.
• Zhao Manyan is revealed to be part of the wealthy Zhao family, which owns the St. Mark's Auction Hall.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination (Jiang Che's pursuit of all-element magic).
• Wealth and power (Zhao Manyan's family background and the luxurious auction hall).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Ye Xinxia share a tender moment as he covers her with a blanket while she sleeps.
• Jiang Shaoxu drags Mu Nujiao off to go shopping, showing her enthusiasm for the experience.
• Mo Fan and Zhao Manyan discuss the auction, with Zhao Manyan revealing his family's connection to it.
• Zhao Youqian and Zhao Manyan have a tense interaction, with Zhao Youqian showing little interest in Zhao Manyan's participation in the World College Tournament.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Manyan asks his brother, Zhao Youqian, for a lightning-element Soul Seed.
• Zhao Youqian offers to buy Jiang Che's Ten Thousand Miles Trading Company for 100 billion, but Jiang Che refuses.
• Asharuya enters, ignoring Zhao Youqian and greeting Jiang Che warmly.
• Asharuya declines Zhao Youqian's dinner invitation, then asks Jiang Che to take a walk with her.

Character Developments

• Zhao Youqian: Displayed his arrogance and contempt for Jiang Che's company, but maintained composure despite rejections from both Jiang Che and Asharuya.
• Asharuya: Showed favoritism towards Jiang Che, ignoring Zhao Youqian, and displaying a more intimate demeanor with Jiang Che.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and arrogance of the wealthy (Zhao Youqian)
• Favoritism and intimacy (Asharuya towards Jiang Che)

Character Interactions

• Zhao Manyan vs. Zhao Youqian: Brothers with a clear power dynamic, with Zhao Youqian holding the upper hand.
• Asharuya vs. Zhao Youqian: Asharuya ignores Zhao Youqian's advances and shows clear preference for Jiang Che.
• Jiang Che vs. Zhao Youqian: Jiang Che remains calm and composed in the face of Zhao Youqian's offer and subsequent displeasure.
• Asharuya vs. Jiang Che: Asharuya displays familiarity and warmth towards Jiang Che, contrasting her cold demeanor towards Zhao Youqian.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Che and Asharuya leave the office together, leaving Zhao Youqian and Mo Fan behind.
• Zhao Manyan mocks Zhao Youqian about Asharuya's disinterest in him and Jiang Che's attractiveness.
• Jiang Che and Asharuya visit the Saint Mark Auction Hall, where Asharuya performs a magic trick, swapping a black stone in a display case.
• Asharuya offers Jiang Che a top-grade lightning-element Soul Seed and asks him to accompany her to the Tyrant Mountains, revealing her desire to confirm the existence of a true dragon.
• Jiang Che proposes a bet: within ten seconds, he will tell Asharuya if the dragon still exists, and if he wins, she must kiss him.

Character Developments

• Asharuya: Shows interest in Jiang Che's abilities and offers him a deal, revealing her determination to find the true dragon. She also displays a hint of vulnerability when she agrees to Jiang Che's bet.
• Jiang Che: Remains calm and confident throughout the chapter, showing no reaction to Asharuya's magic trick or her offer. He initiates the bet, displaying his certainty in winning.
• Zhao Youqian: Struggles with his pride and jealousy after Zhao Manyan's mockery.
• Zhao Manyan: Expresses his frustration with Zhao Youqian and takes pleasure in his brother's discomfort.

Significant Themes

• Power and attraction: Jiang Che's strength and confidence attract Asharuya, while Zhao Manyan uses Zhao Youqian's lack of power to mock him.
• Determination: Asharuya's determination to find the true dragon drives her to seek Jiang Che's help.
• Betrayal and pride: Zhao Manyan's betrayal of his brother highlights the theme of pride and its consequences.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Che and Asharuya: Their interaction is filled with tension and mutual assessment, with Asharuya trying to gauge Jiang Che's abilities and Jiang Che remaining enigmatic.
• Zhao Youqian and Zhao Manyan: Their interaction highlights the theme of betrayal and the consequences of pride, as Zhao Manyan takes pleasure in his brother's discomfort.