Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan encounters a boy with exceptional speed and skill, who attacks him with a powerful spear technique, "Winding Water Like a Lament".
• Wei Yuan, using his "Heaven and Earth Madman" technique, barely withstands the attack and eventually strikes the boy down.
• A girl in a goose-yellow dress challenges Wei Yuan, blocking his spear thrust with ease, but is later defeated.
• Wei Yuan reviews his battle, considering himself a master of the Art of War, and rides a wild boar towards the southern region.
• Li Zhi, leader of the Southern Blue Team, is hesitant to commit his main force due to fear of Bao Yun's ambush.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan shows growth in his combat skills and strategic thinking, acknowledging his potential as a master of the Art of War.
• Li Zhi reveals his cautious and calculating nature, prioritizing his score and reputation over immediate victory.

Significant Themes

• Strategy and Tactics: Both Wei Yuan and Li Zhi demonstrate their understanding of strategy, with Wei Yuan showing improvement and Li Zhi revealing his cautious and calculated approach.
• Power Dynamics: The backing and support each character has, either from their team or external forces, significantly influences their decisions and actions.

Character Interactions

• Wei Yuan vs. the Boy: The boy's exceptional skill pushes Wei Yuan to his limits, leading to his growth as a combatant.
• Wei Yuan vs. the Girl in Goose-Yellow Dress: The girl's ability to block Wei Yuan's spear thrust surprises him and awakens something within him.
• Li Zhi vs. Bao Yun: Li Zhi's fear of Bao Yun's potential ambush influences his decisions, showing the power dynamics between them.

Plot Points and Events

• Li Zhi, leader of the Yellow Team, holds the south and refuses a decisive battle in the north, awaiting a slim chance of victory.
• Bao Yun's forces, led by Jiang Qun and Xu Yu, attack Li Zhi's central army, resulting in heavy losses for the Green Team.
• A scout reports that Bao Yun's main force has been wiped out by an unknown person riding a pig.
• Wei Yuan, the unknown person, approaches Li Zhi's position, causing tension among the Yellow Team members.
• Wei Yuan kills two Yellow Team members (Cui and Wang) for their disrespect and prepares to attack Li Zhi.
• Li Zhi's troops abandon him, leaving him alone to face Wei Yuan.
• Wei Yuan defeats Li Zhi with a single spear thrust, ending the Yellow Team's resistance.

Character Developments

• Li Zhi: Initially confident and ambitious, he becomes despondent and alone as his troops abandon him. He attempts to show dignity in defeat but is swiftly defeated by Wei Yuan.
• Wei Yuan: Remains silent and focused on his mission, demonstrating his prowess and ruthlessness in battle. He shows disdain for those who disrespect him and those who manipulate power unjustly.

Significant Themes

• The corrupting influence of power and birth status on morality and justice.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents and overestimating one's allies.
• The importance of loyalty and unity in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Li Zhi and Wei Yuan: Li Zhi attempts to assert his authority over Wei Yuan, but Wei Yuan refuses to acknowledge him, leading to a confrontation that ends in Li Zhi's defeat.
• Li Zhi and the Yellow Team members: The team members initially follow Li Zhi but abandon him when faced with certain defeat, highlighting their lack of loyalty and unity.
• Cui and Wang (Yellow Team members) vs. Wei Yuan: Cui and Wang attempt to assert their superiority over Wei Yuan, resulting in their deaths and further highlighting the consequences of underestimating one's opponents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan regains consciousness in the Martial Assessment hall, witnessing chaos and a girl in a goose-yellow dress (Bao Yun) who had been his target. He feels guilty but maintains his resolve.
• Li Zhi confronts Wei Yuan, vowing revenge for his humiliation and promising to win back his losses in thirty years.
• The evaluators argue over scoring, with Li Zhi initially favored by some due to his background and the old scholar's bias. The young cultivator argues for Bao Yun, leading to a heated debate.
• The True Monarch of Taichu Palace intervenes, adjusting the scores for fairness and to save face for the families involved. Zhang Sheng is fined for his reckless actions.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan: Shows guilt towards Bao Yun but remains determined. His score is adjusted to forty-five points.
• Bao Yun: Initially favored by some evaluators due to her background and the old scholar's bias, her score is eventually adjusted to twenty-three points.
• Li Zhi: Initially favored by some evaluators, his score is adjusted to twenty-two points. He vows revenge on Wei Yuan.
• Zhang Sheng: Criticized by the True Monarch of Taichu Palace for his reckless actions, he is fined three years' salary.

Significant Themes

• Fairness vs. Bias: The evaluators struggle with assigning scores fairly, with some favoring candidates based on their backgrounds or personal biases.
• Power Dynamics: The True Monarch of Taichu Palace intervenes, demonstrating the power dynamics among the evaluators and the importance of saving face for influential families.
• Revenge and Resolve: Li Zhi vows revenge on Wei Yuan, highlighting the theme of resolve and determination in the face of humiliation.

Character Interactions

• Wei Yuan and Bao Yun: Wei Yuan feels guilty towards Bao Yun, while Bao Yun remains unaware of his involvement in her team's annihilation.
• Li Zhi and Wei Yuan: Li Zhi confronts Wei Yuan, vowing revenge for his humiliation.
• Evaluators: The evaluators argue over scoring, with some favoring candidates based on their backgrounds or personal biases. The True Monarch of Taichu Palace intervenes, settling the dispute.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan's examination results are revealed, far exceeding his expectations.
• Zhang Sheng discovers Wei Yuan's excessive use of the Heaven and Earth Madman's fortune and places a sword qi in his sea of consciousness to block future backlash.
• Bao Yun, despite having a ready-made Dharma Idol at the Great Precious Flower Pure Land, insists on entering Taichu Palace.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan: Shows improvement in his Dao and Literary Assessments, but remains humble and respectful towards Zhang Sheng.
• Zhang Sheng: Reveals his concern for Wei Yuan's well-being and willingness to take on his tribulations, demonstrating his dedication as a teacher.
• Bao Yun: Exhibits determination and resolve in her decision to enter Taichu Palace, showing she's not easily swayed by others' opinions.

Significant Themes

• The path of immortality's perilous nature, as reflected in the vast difference between Wei Yuan's expected and actual scores.
• The importance of endurance and patience, as emphasized by Zhang Sheng.
• The influence of family and personal desires on one's cultivation path, as seen in Bao Yun's insistence on entering Taichu Palace.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Sheng and Wei Yuan: Their master-disciple relationship deepens as Zhang Sheng takes on Wei Yuan's tribulation and gives him advice.
• Bao Yun and her subordinates: Bao Yun's determination is tested as she faces resistance from her subordinates regarding her decision to enter Taichu Palace.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bao Yun insists on going to Taichu Palace despite the considerable price, demonstrating her determination and willfulness.
• Sun Yu, a young cultivator from Taichu Palace, threatens the middle-aged scholar from the Four Saints Academy, using alchemical fire and warning them about future consequences.
• Lu Xuan, an evaluator, seeks information about Zhang Sheng's past deeds from Daoist Fu Feng, revealing that Zhang Sheng's Dao Foundation was sealed for six years, and he cultivates with three immortal swords.

Character Developments

• Bao Yun shows her resolve and willingness to face challenges.
• Sun Yu displays his cunning and ruthlessness, using alchemical fire and threats to intimidate his enemies.
• Zhang Sheng's past is revealed, showing his recklessness and the setback he faced with his sealed Dao Foundation.

Significant Themes

• Determination and willfulness (Bao Yun's insistence on going to Taichu Palace).
• Consequences of actions (Sun Yu's threats and the middle-aged scholar's injury).
• Past experiences shaping present abilities (Zhang Sheng's sealed Dao Foundation and his cultivation with three immortal swords).

Character Interactions

• Bao Yun and the elder discuss her decision to go to Taichu Palace.
• Sun Yu and the middle-aged scholar have a tense confrontation, leading to Sun Yu's attack.
• Lu Xuan and Daoist Fu Feng discuss Zhang Sheng's past deeds, revealing Zhang Sheng's setback and unique cultivation method.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan boards an immortal boat with other new disciples to travel to Taichu Palace's main sect.
• The boat is luxurious, with six tables on the upper deck, and each passenger gets a private compartment.
• The passengers include Wei Yuan, Zhang Sheng, Sun Yu, Daoist Fu Feng, Bao Yun, Xiao Yu, and the Yan Family from the East Sea.
• The journey takes a day, and the boat travels through a sea of clouds, revealing a majestic immortal gate leading to Taichu Palace.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan is awestruck by the celestial scenes and the splendor of the immortal realm.
• He questions the disparity between the immortal world's abundance and the mortal world's hardships.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the immortal and mortal worlds.
• The influence of wealth and power in the immortal sect, as seen in the Yan Family's situation.

Character Interactions

• Wei Yuan feels embarrassed about his actions during the Martial Assessment, especially towards Bao Yun.
• Sun Yu explains the complicated process of accepting disciples this year, involving the Yan Family and the Lu Family.
• Wei Yuan and Zhang Sheng discuss the wonders of the immortal path, leading to Wei Yuan's question about the disparity between worlds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan meets a burly cultivator, who is Xiao Yu's grandfather, on the immortal boat.
• The cultivator suggests that Wei Yuan and Xiao Yu support each other on the immortal path.
• Another girl, Bao Yun, approaches and introduces herself to Wei Yuan and Zhang Sheng.
• Wei Yuan learns about the sect entry procedures and the option to choose between self-study and centralized instruction.
• Wei Yuan and Zhang Sheng are taken to their quarters in the palace.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan feels guilty and uncomfortable when facing Xiao Yu, the boy he killed.
• Bao Yun demonstrates her confidence and determination, impressing Zhang Sheng.
• Wei Yuan is uncomfortable under Bao Yun's gaze.

Significant Themes

• The importance of mentorship and guidance on the immortal path.
• The value of centralized teaching versus individual instruction.
• The consequences of past actions (Wei Yuan's guilt towards Xiao Yu).

Character Interactions

• Wei Yuan and Xiao Yu's interaction is tense and awkward due to their past conflict.
• Bao Yun and Wei Yuan's interaction is formal and somewhat tense, with Bao Yun showing interest in guiding Wei Yuan.
• Zhang Sheng interacts with various palace officials, showing familiarity with the sect's procedures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Sheng and the Daoist Priest discuss the concentrated teaching curriculum, which includes seven subjects, each lasting half a day.
• Zhang Sheng learns about the course fees, totaling 490 taels of Immortal Silver, with additional costs for resources.
• Zhang Sheng discovers preferential treatment for disciples of certain True Monarchs and the Zhi Gu Sect, but none for his Azure Hall disciples.
• Zhang Sheng decides to participate in the concentrated teaching despite the high fees and potential issues with an instructor he has a history with.

Character Developments

• Zhang Sheng: Starts as calm and collected but becomes angry and determined when he learns about the preferential treatment for other disciples. He decides to participate in the teaching despite the challenges.
• Wei Yuan: Remains calm and determined, expressing his willingness to face hardship.
• The Daoist Priest: Initially hesitant to share information about the preferential treatment, he later explains the political dynamics within the sect and the history between Zhang Sheng and Feng Chutang.

Significant Themes

• The importance of history and understanding the past to shape the present and future.
• The political dynamics and rivalries within the sect, affecting the treatment of disciples.
• The determination and resolve of characters in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Sheng and the Daoist Priest: The Daoist Priest provides information and guidance to Zhang Sheng, while Zhang Sheng expresses his frustration and determination.
• Zhang Sheng and Wei Yuan: Zhang Sheng asks Wei Yuan if he's afraid of hardship, to which Wei Yuan responds with determination.
• Zhang Sheng and the Daoist Priest: The Daoist Priest hints at the history between Zhang Sheng and Feng Chutang, warning Zhang Sheng about potential difficulties.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan meets the Daoist Priest who agrees to teach him for free.
• The Daoist Priest shares the history of Taichu Palace, its founders, and the Three Immortals who stabilized Yunzhou.
• Wei Yuan learns that the Patriarch's body transformed into the mountain gate after his death.
• Zhang Sheng returns with the tuition fees and leaves Wei Yuan to study the sect rules and newcomer's guide.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan: Shows respect and eagerness to learn, demonstrating his good character and curiosity.
• Daoist Priest: Reveals his kind nature and pride in Taichu Palace's history, expressing concern for Wei Yuan's future corruption by Azure Hall.
• Zhang Sheng: Shows responsibility as a teacher, ensuring Wei Yuan has the necessary materials and instructions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Taichu Palace's history and the sacrifices made by its founders for the human race.
• The contrast between the peaceful, longevity-seeking image of cultivation and the violent, territorial struggles of Taichu Palace's ancestors.
• The value of Immortal Silver and its role in Taichu Palace's economy.

Character Interactions

• Wei Yuan and the Daoist Priest: The Daoist Priest shares his knowledge and wisdom with Wei Yuan, fostering a sense of respect and admiration in the young boy.
• Wei Yuan and Zhang Sheng: Zhang Sheng takes on the role of a mentor, providing Wei Yuan with necessary materials and instructions, showing care and responsibility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan, after a tiring day, takes a Qi Nourishing Pill that enhances his mental clarity and hunger suppression.
• Zhang Sheng begins Wei Yuan's first official cultivation lesson, explaining the path to immortality and the importance of Body Forging.
• Zhang Sheng reveals his unique three-immortal-sword Dao Foundation, which is extraordinary and not ranked.
• He teaches Wei Yuan the Jade Toad Gazing at the Moon Diagram, a universal Body Forging technique related to fortune, despite its unpredictability.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan demonstrates exceptional memory and understanding, absorbing complex information quickly.
• Zhang Sheng shows his humility and wisdom in choosing Wei Yuan's cultivation path, considering Wei Yuan's unique fortune.

Significant Themes

• The unpredictability and importance of fortune in cultivation.
• The complexity and diversity of the path to immortality.
• The role of teachers in guiding disciples' cultivation paths.

Character Interactions

• Wei Yuan and Zhang Sheng's master-disciple bond deepens as they begin formal cultivation lessons.
• Zhang Sheng's decision to teach Wei Yuan the Jade Toad Gazing at the Moon Diagram shows his trust in Wei Yuan's fortune and his own intuition.

Key Plot Points

• Zhang Sheng teaches Wei Yuan the 'Jade Toad Gazing at the Moon' cultivation technique.
• Wei Yuan begins cultivating and experiences transformations in his sea of consciousness.
• Wei Yuan participates in the ancestor worship ceremony at the Ancestor Hall.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan: Shows exceptional mental fortitude and makes significant progress in his cultivation.
• Zhang Sheng: Demonstrates his expertise in cultivation guidance and care for Wei Yuan's progress.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation: The process of refining one's body and spirit, drawing in spiritual energy, and communicating with heaven and earth.
• Fortune: The luck and opportunities that aid in cultivation, but also bring potential dangers.
• Ancestor Worship: Respect for the sect's founder and the seeking of his blessings and guidance.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Sheng and Wei Yuan: Zhang Sheng guides Wei Yuan's cultivation, providing instructions, pills, and support. Wei Yuan shows dedication and progress under Zhang Sheng's tutelage.
• Wei Yuan and the Ancestor Statue: Wei Yuan worships the Ancestor statue, seeking his favor and potential gifts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• New disciples gather to worship the Ancestor and receive potential bestowals.
• A young girl receives the crown bestowal, causing a commotion due to its perceived lesser value.
• A man from Chuzhou protests the number of spots given to Yongzhou's Fengyuan Commandery, causing a disturbance.
• True Monarch Tengqiu intervenes, punishes the protestor, and watches the worship ceremony.
• Wei Yuan enters the Ancestor Hall, receives a gaze from an unknown existence, and feels a connection to an ancient, desolate object.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan: Shows determination and resilience as he faces the Ancestor's gaze and connects with an ancient object.
• The Protestor (Chuzhou man): Loses face and cultivation after causing a disturbance and is punished by True Monarch Tengqiu.
• True Monarch Tengqiu: Demonstrates his power and authority by punishing the protestor and maintaining order.

Significant Themes

• Fairness and opportunity in cultivation: The protestor highlights the inequality in disciple selection, reflecting the theme of fairness and opportunity in the cultivation world.
• The Ancestor's favor: The bestowals received by the disciples symbolize the Ancestor's favor, which is seen as a direct display of a disciple's talent.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Sheng and Sun Yu: Discuss the increase in new disciples and the fairness of their selection.
• The Bao family and Xiao family: Represent high-ranking noble families, with the Xiao family showing indifference to the protestor's accusations.
• True Monarch Tengqiu and the protestor: Their interaction demonstrates Tengqiu's authority and the consequences of challenging it.
• Wei Yuan and the Ancestor's gaze: Wei Yuan's interaction with the Ancestor's gaze highlights his unique connection to an ancient, desolate object.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ancestor's statue in Taichu Palace's main hall exhibits unusual activity, blessing six disciples with divine lights.
• Yan Ming, Xiao Yu, two unnamed youths, and Bao Yun receive blessings from the statue's jade pendant, ring, book, and forehead, respectively.
• Wei Yuan receives a blessing from the giant stone beneath the statue's feet, which is unprecedented.
• All six disciples are from Fengyuan Commandery, a rare occurrence.

Character Developments

• Yan Ming's status improves significantly as he receives a personal blessing from the Ancestor.
• Xiao Yu's potential is recognized, receiving a blessing from an immortal sword.
• Bao Yun receives an extraordinary blessing from the statue's forehead.
• Wei Yuan receives an unprecedented blessing from the giant stone, solidifying his exceptional talent.

Significant Themes

• Divine Intervention: The Ancestor's blessings highlight the divine and mysterious nature of the sect's founder.
• Talent and Potential: The blessings emphasize the exceptional talents of the six disciples from Fengyuan Commandery.
• Unpredictability: The unprecedented blessing received by Wei Yuan underscores the unexpected and extraordinary nature of the Ancestor's will.

Character Interactions

• The Yan family is overjoyed at Yan Ming's blessing but restrains their excitement due to their surroundings.
• Zhang Sheng acknowledges Xiao Yu's potential, comparing him to his younger self.
• The Bao family members are thrilled with Bao Yun's blessing, recognizing its extraordinary nature.
• The crowd anticipates Wei Yuan's blessing, hoping it surpasses Zhang Sheng's record.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan attends his first class at Qisi Hall, which is 30 li away from the valley.
• The journey to Qisi Hall is uncomfortable and dangerous due to the high-speed carriage.
• The class begins with the General History of the Human Race, starting from 300,000 years ago.
• The earliest recorded history mentions humanity's struggle against alien races, particularly the Vast Sea Liao Tribe.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan is introduced as a curious and knowledgeable student, interested in history.
• Feng Chutang, the teacher, is portrayed as patient and knowledgeable, despite a student's rude behavior.

Significant Themes

• The struggle and survival of humanity against alien races.
• The importance of history and understanding the past.
• The complex relationship between humans and the Vast Sea Liao Tribe.

Character Interactions

• Wei Yuan interacts with other students in the carriage, witnessing their discomfort and reactions to the rough ride.
• A boy argues with the carriage driver, showing his pride and indignation at the treatment.
• Wei Yuan asks a question, showing his engagement with the lesson and eagerness to learn.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Chutang lectures on the Wu-Liao Great War and the human race's first Immortal Lord.
• The human race's alliance with the Wu Yu Tribe is revealed, leading to a crushing defeat of the Liao people.
• The first Immortal Lord of the human race appears six months before the war ends.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan begins to understand the complex history of human-cultivator relations with other races.
• Wei Yuan learns about the importance of historical records and the cost of borrowing them.

Significant Themes

• The cyclical nature of power and status among races.
• The impact of cultivation on human society and its limitations.

Character Interactions

• Wei Yuan interacts with Feng Chutang, who provides historical insights.
• Wei Yuan has a brief interaction with the duty Daoist Priest, learning about book rental fees.
• Wei Yuan observes Zhang Sheng's generosity and hesitancy regarding Immortal Silver.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan is taken by Zhang Sheng to meet True Person Fen Hai after his successful Martial Assessment.
• True Person Fen Hai tests Wei Yuan's foundation and is surprised by his ability to absorb heavenly fire.
• Wei Yuan learns that True Person Fen Hai wants to make him his grand-disciple and plans to supplement his foundation with pills.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan shows potential and resilience when facing True Person Fen Hai's heavenly fire test.
• Zhang Sheng feels jealous and overlooked when True Person Fen Hai shows favoritism towards Wei Yuan.
• True Person Fen Hai reveals his past struggles in gathering materials for Zhang Sheng's Dao Foundation.

Significant Themes

• Potential and Promise: Wei Yuan's potential is recognized by True Person Fen Hai, who sees great future prospects in him.
• Jealousy and Rivalry: Zhang Sheng feels jealous of Wei Yuan's favoritism, highlighting the theme of rivalry and potential conflict between master and disciple.
• Mentorship and Guidance: True Person Fen Hai's willingness to help Wei Yuan supplement his foundation shows his commitment to nurturing the next generation.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Sheng and True Person Fen Hai: Their interaction reveals Zhang Sheng's insecurities and True Person Fen Hai's favoritism towards Wei Yuan, causing tension between them.
• Wei Yuan and True Person Fen Hai: True Person Fen Hai's affection and eagerness to help Wei Yuan establish a strong foundation show a caring, mentor-like relationship.
• Wei Yuan and Zhang Sheng: Their interaction is brief but shows a growing bond, with Zhang Sheng sharing his past experiences with Wei Yuan and vowing revenge together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan returns to his courtyard after receiving gifts from True Person Fen Hai, including Chonglou Dinghai Pills, Immortal Silver, and a token for the Azure Hall.
• Zhang Sheng, Wei Yuan's master, drops him off without landing, showing his displeasure.
• Wei Yuan cultivates using a Chonglou Dinghai Pill, expanding his visualized diagram significantly.
• In his Dao Foundation Theory class, the expected teacher, Xu Henshui, is replaced by an unknown woman who captivates the students with her smile.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan: Shows resilience and adaptability, starts cultivating with the Chonglou Dinghai Pill, and is curious about his new teacher.
• Zhang Sheng: Displays displeasure towards Wei Yuan, likely due to the latter's appearance.
• Xu Henshui: Briefly appears, known for his exceptional looks and an orchid-like Immortal Foundation, but is prevented from teaching by an unknown woman.
• Unknown Woman: Makes a strong impression on the students with her smile, replacing Xu Henshui as the teacher.

Significant Themes

• Appearance and Perception: The focus on Xu Henshui's appearance and the students' curiosity about it highlights the theme of physical attractiveness and its impact on perception.
• Cultivation and Progress: Wei Yuan's cultivation with the Chonglou Dinghai Pill shows the theme of continuous improvement and growth in one's cultivation journey.
• Mystery and Anticipation: The unknown woman's entrance and Xu Henshui's sudden absence create intrigue and anticipation among the students.

Character Interactions

• Wei Yuan and Zhang Sheng: Their interaction is tense, with Zhang Sheng showing displeasure towards Wei Yuan, likely due to the latter's appearance or actions.
• Xu Henshui and the Unknown Woman: Their interaction is brief but commanding, with the woman taking over the class from Xu Henshui.
• Students and the Unknown Woman: The students are captivated by the woman's smile, showing a collective reaction to her charisma.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Liuli, a woman with an unconventional appearance and demeanor, replaces Xu Hen Shui as the instructor for Dao Foundation Theory.
• She throws Xu Hen Shui out of the sect and warns the students not to expect his return.
• Ji Liuli teaches the students about Dao Foundations, emphasizing their importance and the role of combat ability in their ranking.
• She reveals that the students are divided into two groups, Ding Xin Sect (without the Ancestor's blessing) and Zhi Gu Sect (with the Ancestor's blessing), and they will compete in a sect examination after three years.
• Ji Liuli mentions the Myriad Forms Hall, where all Dao Foundations are recorded and ranked, and the future grand examination and Merit List.
• She encourages the students to strive for the top rankings to secure more resources.

Character Developments

• Ji Liuli: She is introduced as a stern, unconventional, and powerful instructor with a unique teaching style. She values combat ability above all else and is determined to help her students succeed.
• Wei Yuan: Wei Yuan is one of the students who did not receive the Ancestor's blessing. He is curious, brave, and eager to learn, asking questions in class and being singled out by Ji Liuli.

Significant Themes

• Competition and Contention: Ji Liuli emphasizes the importance of competition in cultivation, both within the sect and on the immortal path.
• Ranking and Resources: She highlights the role of rankings in determining resource allocation and encourages her students to strive for the top to secure better resources.

Character Interactions

• Ji Liuli and the Students: Ji Liuli interacts with her students in a stern and demanding manner, using whipping as a form of discipline. She challenges them to be self-aware and competitive.
• Wei Yuan and Ji Liuli: Wei Yuan is singled out by Ji Liuli for asking a question and is later called to the Council Hall with her, indicating she has taken a particular interest in him.
• Students among themselves: The students react to Ji Liuli's teachings with a mix of apprehension, ambition, and determination, showing their competitive nature and desire to succeed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan follows Ji Liuli to the lecturers' Affairs Hall, where she enters Xu Henshui's courtyard.
• Ji Liuli prepares a medicinal bath for Wei Yuan using a rare tea and a single drop of emerald-green liquid, which turns the water blue-green and causes it to steam.
• Wei Yuan takes a medicinal bath, enduring extreme temperatures, while Ji Liuli reads beside him.
• After an hour, Ji Liuli prepares another medicinal bath, this time orange-yellow, and Wei Yuan bathes again.
• After the baths, Wei Yuan feels lighter and clearer, and Ji Liuli reveals that his innate bones are close to nine chi but lack quality.
• Ji Liuli tells Wei Yuan to come to the Affairs Hall after each of her classes for the next three months to polish his foundation.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan: Shows embarrassment at being asked to undress in front of Ji Liuli but ultimately complies. He demonstrates precocity and discipline by following the cultivation formula despite the harsh conditions.
• Ji Liuli: Reveals expertise in cultivation and medicine, as well as knowledge of Wei Yuan's background. She shows concern for Wei Yuan's master and hints at future troubles.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and refinement of one's foundation.
• The importance of a good master and teacher.
• The value of rare treasures and pills in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Ji Liuli and Wei Yuan: Ji Liuli takes on the role of Wei Yuan's temporary teacher, guiding him through medicinal baths and revealing his foundation's strengths and weaknesses. Wei Yuan follows her instructions diligently.
• Ji Liuli's mention of Wei Yuan's master hints at a complex relationship or future events involving them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wei Yuan attends classes in Tang History, Heaven and Earth Theory, Fortune Theory, and Arts Theory.
• During Heaven and Earth Theory class, Wei Yuan finds the best cultivation spot on a mountain peak, but it's already taken by Bao Yun and Xiao Yu.
• Bao Yun invites Wei Yuan to cultivate together, but he accidentally falls off the mountain due to an unknown cause.
• Wei Yuan discovers he can cultivate slightly slower but still effectively at a nearby flat spot.
• Fortune Theory discusses the rise of fortune cultivation, Children of Fortune, and the practice of fortune transference.
• Arts Theory covers various arts used in cultivation, with a focus on artifact forging and alchemy.
• The curriculum is completed in one round over seven days, followed by a review of General History of the Human Race and Introduction to the Immortal Path.

Character Developments

• Wei Yuan shows determination and adaptability in finding a suitable cultivation spot despite initial setbacks.
• Bao Yun displays friendly behavior towards Wei Yuan, but her intentions remain unclear.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and perseverance in cultivation (Wei Yuan's response to losing the peak spot).
• The impact of fortune on cultivation and the consequences of its increase (Fortune Theory).
• The broad range of skills and knowledge required for cultivation (Arts Theory).

Character Interactions

• Bao Yun and Wei Yuan interact during the Heaven and Earth Theory class, with Bao Yun inviting Wei Yuan to cultivate together and helping him after his fall.
• The students listen attentively to Feng Chutang's lesson on the Sect Unified Examination, showing respect for his knowledge and insight.