Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng faces challenges at Dingsheng Workshop due to Chen Dongpeng's departure, leading to issues with an Alchemy Furnace's inscription.
• The Alchemy Zone's senior Alchemy Master scolds the Formation Master and Shopkeeper Qian for their inability to fix the problem.
• Zhang Yu, in prison, expresses boredom, leading Xiao Sheng, the Heir of Prince Jing, to offer various entertainments to please him.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Struggles with the responsibilities of managing Dingsheng Workshop, facing criticism from the staff.
• Zhang Yu: Maintains a calm and collected demeanor despite being imprisoned, showing no desire for the entertainments offered by Xiao Sheng.
• Xiao Sheng: Quickly shifts from an arrogant heir to a sycophantic one, eager to please Zhang Yu after witnessing Du Jun's respect towards him.

Significant Themes

• The value of skilled labor and expertise (represented by Chen Dongpeng's unique abilities).
• The power dynamics between nobles and commoners, and the influence of wealth and status (illustrated by Xiao Sheng's sudden change in attitude towards Zhang Yu).
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of careful decision-making (shown through Zhang Heng's struggles due to his impulsive decision to dismiss Chen Dongpeng).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and the Dingsheng Workshop staff: Tense, with the staff blaming Zhang Heng for the workshop's current issues.
• Zhang Yu and Xiao Sheng: Zhang Yu remains indifferent to Xiao Sheng's flattery, while Xiao Sheng eagerly tries to please him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Fenghua, the eldest sister, visits Xiao Sheng in the Heavenly Prison.
• Xiao Sheng tells her about President Du Jun's visit to Zhang Yu, claiming he treats Zhang Yu as an equal.
• Xiao Fenghua disbelieves Xiao Sheng, thinking he's fabricating a story to escape confinement.
• A mysterious old man, later revealed as Chen Dongpeng, silently enters the Heavenly Prison using an illusion formation.

Character Developments

• Xiao Fenghua: Shows her authoritative nature and disbelief in Xiao Sheng's claims. Her skills in formations and the Eye of Delusion allow her to see through Chen Dongpeng's illusion.
• Xiao Sheng: Becomes anxious and desperate to prove his truthfulness but is silenced by Xiao Fenghua.
• Zhang Yu: Remains calm and indifferent throughout Xiao Fenghua's accusations, showing no reaction to Chen Dongpeng's arrival.

Significant Themes

• Truth vs. Perception: Xiao Fenghua's disbelief in Xiao Sheng's claims highlights the theme of how people's perceptions can differ from reality.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between Xiao Fenghua and the prisoners showcases the power dynamics at play, with Xiao Fenghua's authority silencing dissent.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Fenghua and Xiao Sheng: Their interaction shows Xiao Fenghua's authoritative nature and Xiao Sheng's desperation to prove himself.
• Xiao Fenghua and Zhang Yu: Xiao Fenghua's disregard for Zhang Yu highlights the power imbalance between them, with Zhang Yu showing no reaction to her accusations.
• Zhang Yu and Chen Dongpeng: Their casual interaction suggests a pre-existing relationship and understanding between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu breaks through to the Ninth Rank in martial arts, shocking Xiao Fenghua and revealing his hidden cultivation.
• Xiao Fenghua realizes the significance of Zhang Yu's talent and potential, understanding why influential figures like Du Jun and a Formation Grandmaster support him.
• Xiao Fenghua's perspective shifts from contempt to apprehension and a desire to befriend Zhang Yu, given his future prospects and current connections.

Character Developments

• Xiao Fenghua: Realizes Zhang Yu's true potential, leading to a change in her attitude towards him. She now views him as a future titan in the martial world and seeks to befriend him for her estate's benefit.
• Zhang Yu: Reveals his hidden cultivation, demonstrating his exceptional talent and challenging Xiao Fenghua's previous perceptions of him.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Potential: Zhang Yu's extraordinary martial arts talent is the driving force behind the chapter's events and Xiao Fenghua's change in attitude.
• Power Dynamics: The revelation of Zhang Yu's true strength shifts the power dynamics between him and Xiao Fenghua, as well as the potential influence he could have on the Jing Prince's Estate.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Fenghua and Zhang Yu: Xiao Fenghua's initial contempt for Zhang Yu turns into apprehension and a desire to befriend him after witnessing his breakthrough to the Ninth Rank. Their interaction highlights the impact of Zhang Yu's revealed talent on Xiao Fenghua's perspective.
• Zhang Yu and Influential Figures (Du Jun, Formation Grandmaster): Zhang Yu's connections with powerful figures are mentioned, emphasizing his potential and the support he has in the martial world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Fenghua visits Prince Jing after her experience at the Heavenly Prison.
• She recounts seeing a Ninth Rank martial artist and a Formation Master at the prison, contradicting her initial disbelief of Xiao Sheng's claims.
• Prince Jing initially doubts her account but sends for an investigation into Zhang Yu's background after seeing her conviction.

Character Developments

• Xiao Fenghua: She evolves from initial skepticism to firm belief in Xiao Sheng's claims after witnessing the events at the Heavenly Prison. She demonstrates her meticulous nature and resourcefulness by compiling Zhang Yu's information beforehand.
• Prince Jing (Xiao Jingfeng): He starts with a skeptical attitude towards Xiao Sheng's claims but becomes increasingly convinced by Xiao Fenghua's account. He shows strategic thinking and decisiveness in ordering an investigation into Zhang Yu's background.

Significant Themes

• Appearance vs Reality: Zhang Yu's true abilities and status are vastly different from his perceived image, highlighting the theme of appearances being deceptive.
• Family Dynamics: The complex relationships within the Marquis Estate, particularly Zhang Yu's treatment, reflect the theme of family dynamics and power struggles.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Fenghua and Prince Jing: Their interaction shows a father-daughter relationship built on trust and mutual respect. Xiao Fenghua's conviction convinces Prince Jing to take action, demonstrating their strong bond.
• Prince Jing and Xiao Sheng (off-page): Their relationship is one of exasperation and affection, with Prince Jing believing Xiao Sheng's actions are merely mischievous until Xiao Fenghua's intervention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dingsheng Workshop faces chaos due to malfunctions in the Earth Fire Formation and Alchemy Furnace Inscriptions, upgraded by Chen Dongpeng.
• Zhang Heng, now in charge, struggles to manage the workshop, overwhelmed by problems and bad news.
• Jiang Luohan runs out of Qi Nurturing Pills and decides to buy more, realizing their high cost.
• She decides to visit Dingsheng Workshop to ask Zhang Heng for the pills, only to find the workshop in disarray.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Struggles with managing the workshop, showing inexperience and pride.
• Jiang Luohan: Realizes the value of Zhang Yu's past support, feels the pinch of buying pills herself, and is annoyed by her current situation.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of poor management and inexperience (Zhang Heng's struggles).
• The value of past support and the reality of self-reliance (Jiang Luohan's realization).
• The pinch of financial constraints (Jiang Luohan's difficulty in buying pills).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and the workshop staff: Zhang Heng is overwhelmed and snaps at his staff, showing his frustration.
• Jiang Luohan and her maid: Jiang Luohan discusses buying pills with her maid, showing her realization of the pills' high cost.
• Jiang Luohan and Zhang Heng (implied): Jiang Luohan plans to ask Zhang Heng for the pills, showing her expectation of his support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng, now managing Dingsheng Workshop, is asked by Jiang Luohan for three months' supply of top-grade Qi Nurturing Pills.
• Zhang Heng realizes the extravagant amount spent by Zhang Yu on Jiang Luohan over three years: over 1.73 million taels of silver.
• Dingsheng Workshop's current inventory of high-quality Qi Nurturing Pills is insufficient to meet Jiang Luohan's request.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Struggles to maintain composure, reveals his shock and anger at Zhang Yu's extravagance, and reluctantly agrees to provide pills for Jiang Luohan despite Dingsheng Workshop's crisis.
• Jiang Luohan: Expects to be supplied with pills as before, shows no understanding of the financial strain caused by Zhang Yu's extravagance, and expresses displeasure at Zhang Heng's reaction.

Significant Themes

• Extravagance and its consequences: Zhang Yu's reckless spending has led to a severe financial crisis for Dingsheng Workshop.
• Pride and responsibility: Zhang Heng's pride prevents him from refusing Jiang Luohan's request, even though it may harm the workshop's interests.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Heng and Jiang Luohan: Zhang Heng struggles to maintain a facade of composure in front of Jiang Luohan, while she remains oblivious to the financial strain caused by her demands.
• Zhang Heng and Shopkeeper Qian: Zhang Heng orders Shopkeeper Qian to retrieve the pills, only to learn that the workshop's inventory is insufficient, further exacerbating his frustration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Marquis Estate's inner courtyard is experiencing a change in lifestyle, with ordinary food replacing the usual spirit-infused dishes.
• The family is running out of cultivation resources like Azure Cloud Ink and Ice Silkworm Spirit Silk.
• The estate's finances are tight, with no surplus funds, due to Zhang Heng transferring money to Dingsheng Workshop to repair formations.

Character Developments

• Qin Xuehua, Zhang Wanning, and Zhang Qingyue are initially unaware of the estate's financial situation and are shocked by the reduction in their living standards.
• Zhang Wanning is particularly upset, as she feels her status has been diminished.
• Qin Xuehua feels sorry for Zhang Heng but also uncomfortable with the change in her lifestyle.

Significant Themes

• The extravagant lifestyle of the upper class and the sudden change in it.
• The struggle between personal desires and family responsibilities.
• The impact of financial constraints on cultivation and daily life.

Character Interactions

• Qin Xuehua, Zhang Wanning, and Zhang Qingyue discuss Zhang Heng's dedication to the family business and compare him favorably to Zhang Yu.
• Nanny Wang, the head steward, informs them about the estate's financial situation and the reason behind the change in their lifestyle.
• Zhang Wanning and Qin Xuehua express their displeasure and discomfort with the changes, while Zhang Qingyue is more understanding but still concerned.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Heng returns home in a disheveled state, having faced a crisis at Dingsheng Workshop.
• The alchemy room is in chaos, with the Earth Fire Formation out of control and most furnaces failing, leading to a significant drop in pill production.
• The workshop has large orders to fulfill, including high-level pills for the palace and other noble estates, with substantial penalties for late delivery.
• The potential compensation for breaching contracts exceeds two hundred thousand taels, which could bankrupt the Marquis Estate.

Character Developments

• Zhang Heng: Struggles with the responsibility of managing Dingsheng Workshop, facing a crisis that threatens the family's wealth and status. He is overwhelmed and despairing.
• Qin Xuehua: Initially shocked and worried, she shifts the blame onto Zhang Yu to maintain her belief in her son's capabilities and avoid facing the severity of the situation.
• Zhang Wanning: Blames Zhang Heng for the crisis, expressing anger and fear for her own well-being. She is more concerned with her own losses than her brother's plight.
• Zhang Qingyue: Attempts to defend Zhang Heng and find a reason to explain the crisis that doesn't blame her brother. She tries to maintain a calm and rational perspective.

Significant Themes

• Blame and responsibility: Characters shift blame onto others to avoid facing their own roles in the crisis.
• Family dynamics: The family's response to the crisis reveals their individual priorities and the tension between their love for each other and their self-interest.
• Crisis management: The family struggles to cope with the sudden, severe crisis, highlighting their lack of preparation and resources to deal with such a situation.

Character Interactions

• Qin Xuehua and Zhang Heng: Mother and son interact with concern and love, but Qin Xuehua avoids facing the reality of the situation to maintain her belief in her son's abilities.
• Zhang Heng, Zhang Wanning, and Zhang Qingyue: The siblings interact with a mix of blame, fear, and concern, with Zhang Qingyue attempting to mediate and find a solution.
• The family as a whole: They struggle to cope with the crisis, revealing their individual priorities and the tension between their love for each other and their self-interest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Qingyue suggests Zhang Yu should fix the alchemy room issue since he's responsible for it.
• Zhang Wanning and Zhang Heng shift blame onto Zhang Yu, suggesting he should solve the problem.
• Qin Xuehua decides to visit Zhang Yu in the Heavenly Prison to persuade him to help, believing he'll agree due to his past obedience and family ties.

Character Developments

• Qin Xuehua: Struggles with her feelings towards Zhang Yu but ultimately decides to approach him, believing he'll help the family due to their bond.
• Zhang Wanning: Remains self-righteous and convinced that Zhang Yu will obey her mother's wishes.
• Zhang Heng: Sees an opportunity to shift blame onto Zhang Yu and is relieved when his mother agrees to the plan.
• Zhang Qingyue: Feels unease and absurdity at her family's self-deception and misjudgment of Zhang Yu.

Significant Themes

• Self-Deception: The characters, particularly Qin Xuehua, Zhang Wanning, and Zhang Heng, deceive themselves into believing Zhang Yu will still obey their wishes, ignoring his recent actions and words.
• Blame Shifting: Zhang Wanning and Zhang Heng shift the blame for the alchemy room issue onto Zhang Yu, attempting to avoid responsibility.
• Misunderstanding and Misjudgment: The family's deep-seated beliefs about Zhang Yu lead them to misinterpret his actions and intentions, further driving a wedge between them.

Character Interactions

• Qin Xuehua and Zhang Yu: Qin Xuehua decides to visit Zhang Yu, believing she can persuade him to help, despite his recent actions indicating he's no longer willing to be used.
• Zhang Wanning and Zhang Heng: They work together to shift blame onto Zhang Yu, showing their unity in self-preservation and their disregard for the truth.
• Zhang Qingyue and the rest of the family: Zhang Qingyue's unease and awareness of her family's self-deception set her apart from the others, hinting at a potential change in her perspective.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu completes the third day of "one year of cultivation" infusion, reaching the peak of Ninth Rank but not breaking through to Innate as expected.
• Xiao Sheng has opened up two prison cells, creating a more comfortable living space for Zhang Yu with the support of the Jing Prince's Estate.
• Xiao Yun, the Heir of Prince Rui, visits the Heavenly Prison, mocking Xiao Sheng and ordering guards to punish Zhang Yu for impersonating a friend of President Du.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: Realizes the vast gap between Ninth Rank and Innate, remains confident in his eventual breakthrough.
• Xiao Sheng: Shows loyalty and respect towards Zhang Yu, but lacks the courage to stand up to Xiao Yun.
• Xiao Yun: Demonstrates his arrogance and malice, using his influence to order Zhang Yu's punishment.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and influence within the Imperial Clan.
• The vast difference between Ninth Rank and Innate martial arts levels.
• The consequences of deceit and impersonation.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Sheng and Xiao Yun: Their long-standing rivalry is evident in their hostile exchange.
• Xiao Sheng and Zhang Yu: Xiao Sheng shows deference and respect towards Zhang Yu, while Zhang Yu remains calm and collected in the face of Xiao Yun's provocation.
• Xiao Yun and Zhang Yu: Xiao Yun sees Zhang Yu as a pawn in his game against Xiao Sheng and orders his punishment without a second thought.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yun, the Heir Apparent, confronts Zhang Yu in prison, questioning his defiance.
• Two Eighth Rank guards attempt to capture Zhang Yu but are instantly forced to their knees by a single command from Zhang Yu.
• Xiao Yun is shocked and bewildered by this display of power.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yun: Realizes the extent of Zhang Yu's power, experiences shock, bewilderment, and loss of composure.
• Zhang Yu: Demonstrates his soul power, revealing a higher level of cultivation than previously known.
• Xiao Sheng: Witnesses Zhang Yu's power, becomes dumbfounded and amazed.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter explores the shift in power dynamics, with Zhang Yu's display of strength challenging Xiao Yun's authority.
• Cultivation Levels: The scene highlights the disparity in cultivation levels, with Zhang Yu's soul power surpassing the guards' martial arts skills.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yun vs. Zhang Yu: Xiao Yun's arrogance and disregard for Zhang Yu are met with Zhang Yu's calm indifference and eventual display of power.
• Zhang Yu vs. Guards: Zhang Yu's soul power instantly subdues the two Eighth Rank guards, demonstrating his superiority.
• Xiao Sheng's Reaction: Xiao Sheng's amazement and disbelief reflect the audience's reaction to Zhang Yu's power.

Summary

Key Plot Points & Events

• Xiao Yun, a favored Imperial Grandson, is imprisoned and taunts Zhang Yu, believing his Imperial status protects him.
• Zhang Yu, undeterred, commands Xiao Yun to kneel, using an unseen force that freezes Xiao Yun's cultivation and overpowers his Imperial pride.
• Xiao Yun kneels, shocked and humiliated, questioning how Zhang Yu dares to challenge Imperial authority.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yun: Initially arrogant and confident in his Imperial status, he is humbled and traumatized by Zhang Yu's display of power.
• Zhang Yu: Demonstrates immense power and disregard for Imperial authority, further cementing his status as an extraordinary figure.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Zhang Yu's actions challenge the established power structure, highlighting the theme of power and its misuse.
• Hubris: Xiao Yun's overconfidence in his Imperial status leads to his downfall, emphasizing the dangers of hubris.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu vs. Xiao Yun: Zhang Yu's dominance over Xiao Yun serves as a stark contrast to their initial power dynamics, inverting expectations.
• Xiao Sheng: Stunned by Zhang Yu's actions, he realizes the severity of the situation and the potential consequences.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Imperial Clan Affairs Office, usually solemn and rarely opened, is suddenly bustling with activity.
• Control of the Heavenly Prison's defensive formation has been forcibly seized by an unknown individual.
• The Imperial Clan Affairs Office issues an urgent order to seal the news, mobilize troops to surround the Heavenly Prison, and invite the foremost formation expert, Elder Xuan, out of seclusion.
• The Jing Prince's Estate receives orders to cooperate in surrounding the Heavenly Prison.

Character Developments

• The officials and elders of the Imperial Clan Affairs Office are shocked and alarmed by the Heavenly Prison incident, revealing their concern for the imperial family's foundation.
• Xiao Fenghua shows increased conviction in Zhang Yu's capabilities and potential involvement in the Heavenly Prison incident.

Significant Themes

• The power and influence of the Imperial Clan Affairs Office and the imperial family's elders.
• The importance of the Heavenly Prison formation to the imperial family's security and the Capital City's defense system.
• The growing recognition of Zhang Yu's abilities and mysterious nature.

Character Interactions

• The Imperial Clan Affairs Office elders and officials discuss and react to the Heavenly Prison incident, demonstrating their unity and concern for the imperial family's safety.
• Xiao Jingfeng and Xiao Fenghua discuss the Heavenly Prison incident, with Xiao Fenghua expressing her growing belief in Zhang Yu's involvement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A powerful formation fluctuation occurs in the Capital City, originating from the Ministry of Justice Heavenly Prison.
• Du Jun, a late-stage Innate expert and Alchemist Guild member, senses the fluctuation and heads to the Imperial Clan's Ancestral Hall.
• Xiao Xuan, the Imperial Family's only Grandmaster expert, is attempting to regain control of the Heavenly Prison's grand formation but fails.
• The Imperial Family discusses the possibility of destroying the Heavenly Prison's grand formation to prevent further harm.

Character Developments

• Du Jun shows concern and surprise at the situation, revealing his close relationship with the Imperial Family.
• Xiao Xuan demonstrates his power and importance to the Imperial Family but struggles to regain control of the formation, showing his vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• The power and importance of formations in the story's world.
• The Imperial Family's struggle to maintain control and their desperation in the face of a threat they cannot handle.

Character Interactions

• Du Jun and Xiao Xuan's interaction reveals their long-standing friendship and mutual respect.
• The Imperial Family members' interaction shows their unity and concern for each other in the face of crisis.
• Du Jun's thoughts hint at a possible connection between the Heavenly Prison's situation and Zhang Yu, a young man he regards highly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Prince Jing, Xiao Jingfeng, and Princess Fenghua arrive at Heavenly Prison.
• Xiao Yun begs them to kill Zhang Yu, but they ignore him.
• Prince Jing and Princess Fenghua realize Zhang Yu has complete control over the Heavenly Prison formation.
• They understand the implications of Zhang Yu's control and regret underestimating him.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yun: Desperate and humiliated, he turns to Prince Jing and Princess Fenghua for help but is dismissed.
• Prince Jing (Xiao Jingfeng): Realizes the extent of Zhang Yu's power and regrets underestimating him.
• Princess Fenghua: Shocked by Zhang Yu's control over the formation, she reassesses her previous evaluations of him.
• Zhang Yu: Reveals his incredible formation skills, demonstrating he is not a simple prisoner.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and respect: Zhang Yu's control over the formation commands respect from Prince Jing and Princess Fenghua.
• Underestimation: Characters underestimate Zhang Yu's abilities, leading to regret and reevaluation.
• Family politics: The complex relationships within the Xiao imperial clan are highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yun and Prince Jing/Xiao Fenghua: Xiao Yun begs for their help, but they dismiss him, showing their priorities lie elsewhere.
• Prince Jing and Princess Fenghua: They exchange a look of understanding and horror upon realizing Zhang Yu's control over the formation.
• Zhang Yu and the rest: His control over the formation commands respect and fear from the other characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu, previously known as a 'martial arts waste' and 'Discarded Son of a Marquis Estate,' is revealed to be the mysterious expert who controlled the Heavenly Prison's formation.
• Du Jun, President of the Alchemist Guild, is shocked to recognize Zhang Yu and reveals that his alchemy skills are not below his own, possibly even higher.
• A report detailing Zhang Yu's life as a 'waste' is presented, causing confusion and disbelief among the Imperial Family and officials.
• The realization that Zhang Yu has been faking his incompetence for years sends a shiver down everyone's spines.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: Revealed to be a prodigy in formations and alchemy, with a profound scheming mind and masterful disguise.
• Du Jun: Recognizes Zhang Yu and reveals his high opinion of his alchemy skills, showing a complex and surprised expression.
• Xiao Zhengshan (Emperor): Shocked and bewildered by the revelation, struggling to understand how Zhang Yu could have been faking his incompetence for so long.

Significant Themes

• The power of disguise and deception.
• The danger of underestimating others based on appearances.
• The theme of hidden genius and the struggle between perception and reality.

Character Interactions

• Du Jun and Zhang Yu: Du Jun reveals his friendship with Zhang Yu despite their age difference, showing respect and admiration for his skills.
• Xiao Zhengshan and the Intelligence Chief: The Emperor questions the intelligence chief about the accuracy of the report, highlighting the shock and disbelief felt by the Imperial Family.
• Xiao Xuan and Du Jun: Xiao Xuan questions Du Jun about his relationship with Zhang Yu, showing his own surprise and apprehension at the revelation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu controls the Heavenly Prison's grand formation, making the Imperial Grandson, Xiao Yun, kneel.
• Zhang Yu reveals that Xiao Yun bullied him, leading to the formation's activation.
• Xiao Sheng reveals Xiao Yun's actions, shifting blame onto him.
• Zhang Yu sentences Xiao Yun to kneel before his prison gate for three days.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: Shows calmness, casualness, and a hint of coldness. He reveals his non-bloodthirsty nature and his intention to cultivate peacefully. He also demonstrates his power and mystery, making the Imperial Family wary.
• Xiao Yun: Realizes his mistake in provoking Zhang Yu. He experiences fear and chill, understanding that he may have kicked a steel plate.
• Xiao Sheng: Initially guilty and uneasy, he later reveals the truth about Xiao Yun's actions, clearing himself but implicating Xiao Yun.
• Xiao Jingfeng (Prince Jing) and the Imperial Family: Initially angry at Zhang Yu, they shift their focus to Xiao Yun after hearing the truth. They feel wary of Zhang Yu's power and consider him an expert not to be trifled with.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and shifting alliances.
• The consequences of arrogance and overconfidence (Xiao Yun).
• The importance of self-defense and the limits of tolerance (Zhang Yu).

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Xiao Yun: Zhang Yu punishes Xiao Yun, demonstrating his power and lack of fear towards the Imperial Family.
• Xiao Sheng and Xiao Yun: Xiao Sheng reveals Xiao Yun's actions, shifting blame and clearing himself.
• The Imperial Family and Zhang Yu: The Imperial Family initially treats Zhang Yu as an enemy but shifts their stance after learning the truth, treating him with more caution and respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Zhang family members (Zhang Heng, Qin Xuehua, Zhang Wanning, Zhang Qingyue, etc.) enter the Heavenly Prison to find Xiao Yun, the Heir of Prince Rui, kneeling beside Zhang Yu.
• They believe Xiao Yun is an actor hired by Zhang Yu to attract attention, further humiliating the Marquis Estate.
• The family members accuse Zhang Yu of causing Dingsheng Workshop's current crisis and demand he take responsibility.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: Remains calm and composed, letting his family's accusations roll off him. He's aware of their true nature and intentions.
• Xiao Yun: Struggles with humiliation and anger but dares not speak out, fearing Zhang Yu. He's misjudged the situation, thinking Zhang Yu is protecting him.
• Zhang Family Members: Display their shamelessness, ignorance, and willingness to blame others. They're blind to reality and the true identity of Xiao Yun.

Significant Themes

• Family Dynamics: The Zhang family's dysfunctional relationships are highlighted, with Zhang Yu being ostracized and blamed.
• Ignorance and Arrogance: The family members' inability to recognize the truth and their overestimation of their own importance.
• Blame and Responsibility: The family members' eagerness to shift blame onto Zhang Yu, showing their lack of accountability.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu vs. Zhang Family: Zhang Yu is isolated and accused by his family, while he remains composed and unruffled.
• Xiao Yun vs. Zhang Family: Xiao Yun is humiliated and misunderstood by the Zhang family, who treat him as an actor rather than the Heir of Prince Rui.
• Zhang Family Members vs. Each Other: They present a united front in blaming Zhang Yu, showing their solidarity in shifting responsibility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Wanning tries to appease Zhang Yu by acknowledging his importance to the Marquis Estate, but fails.
• Zhang Yu refuses to help repair the Formation at Dingsheng Workshop, despite Qin Xuehua's orders.
• Zhang Yu recounts past abuses and near-death experiences at the hands of the Zhang family, revealing the true extent of their cruelty and lack of remorse.
• Qin Xuehua and Zhang Wanning remain unapologetic, leading to a breakdown in communication.
• Qin Xuehua and Zhang Wanning threaten Zhang Yu, stating that the Marquis Estate can function without him and that there are plenty of talented people in the world.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: Realizes the depth of the Zhang family's cruelty and lack of remorse, leading to a resolution to no longer help them. Stands up for himself and the original owner's suffering.
• Qin Xuehua: Reveals her true colors as selfish and uncaring, prioritizing the Marquis Estate's interests over Zhang Yu's well-being.
• Zhang Wanning: Demonstrates her entitled and inhumane attitude, dismissing Zhang Yu's past sufferings as insignificant.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and betrayal
• The consequences of past actions
• The struggle between self-preservation and loyalty

Character Interactions

• Zhang Wanning and Zhang Yu: Their interaction highlights the power dynamics and lack of empathy within the Zhang family, leading to a breakdown in communication.
• Qin Xuehua and Zhang Yu: Their interaction underscores Qin Xuehua's selfishness and lack of remorse, further pushing Zhang Yu away.
• Qin Xuehua and Zhang Wanning: Their united front against Zhang Yu reveals their shared disregard for his well-being and suffering.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Zhang family's shameless and stupid behavior in the Heavenly Prison shocks the Imperial Family, including the Emperor and the Old Ancestor.
• An official reveals a possible connection between the Zhang family's favoritism and the Third Prince Sheng Yuntang of the Eastern Sheng Kingdom from over twenty years ago.
• Speculations arise that Zhang Yu might not be Zhang Jiuling's biological son but Sheng Yuntang's, leading to Qin Xuehua's resentment towards him.
• The Imperial Family decides to treat Zhang Yu with courtesy and prevent him from becoming an enemy, hoping to use him or at least not make an enemy of him.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu remains calm and composed, giving no indication of whether he knows about the speculations surrounding his parentage.
• Qin Xuehua's possible resentment towards Zhang Yu due to his connection to Sheng Yuntang is hinted at.
• The Imperial Family, particularly the Emperor and the Old Ancestor, are shocked by the Zhang family's behavior and consider using Zhang Yu to their advantage.

Significant Themes

• The theme of family dynamics and the consequences of favoritism is explored through the Zhang family's treatment of Zhang Yu.
• The theme of resentment and its impact on relationships is hinted at through Qin Xuehua's possible feelings towards Zhang Yu.
• The theme of using people for personal gain is shown through the Imperial Family's consideration of using Zhang Yu to their advantage.

Character Interactions

• The Zhang family's interactions with each other and with Xiao Yun highlight their problematic dynamics and lack of understanding.
• The Imperial Family's interactions reveal their shock, speculation, and consideration of using Zhang Yu to their advantage.
• Zhang Yu's interactions with the Imperial Family are limited, but his calm demeanor suggests he is not affected by their speculations.