Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nuwa's Saint Dao Foundation is severely damaged after Xuandu severs her Karma with the Human Race.
• Nuwa's cultivation plummets to Heavenly Dao Sage First Heaven Early, and her Dao Path shows signs of collapse.
• Nuwa threatens Xuandu with the Dao Ancestor's intervention, but Xuandu remains unfazed.

Character Developments

• Nuwa: Her pride and disregard for the Human Race lead to the deterioration of her Saint Dao Foundation. She experiences regret and despair for the first time.
• Xuandu: He demonstrates his unwavering commitment to the Human Race and his disregard for the Dao Ancestor's potential intervention.
• Fuxi: He remains neutral, acknowledging that Nuwa's fate is a result of her own choices.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of one's actions: Nuwa's disregard for the Human Race leads to her downfall.
• The power of the Human Race's will: The Myriad Human Race's will, represented by Xuandu, proves capable of challenging and even defeating a Sage.
• The detachment of the Dao Ancestor: The Dao Ancestor's lack of intervention suggests he values balance over individual Sages.

Character Interactions

• Nuwa and Xuandu: Their conflict reaches a climax, with Nuwa's threats falling on deaf ears.
• Nuwa and Fuxi: Fuxi's neutrality further emphasizes Nuwa's isolation and despair.
• Nuwa and the Human Race: Nuwa's severance from the Human Race leads to her cultivation decline and loss of fortune.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu and Eastern Emperor Taiyi's standoff ends with Xuandu's victory, leading to Nuwa's defeat and the Human Race's Will awakening.
• Xuandu invites Fuxi to join the Jie Sect, and they return to Golden Ao Island.
• Sect Leader Tongtian acknowledges Fuxi as the third guardian of the Jie Sect.
• Xuandu experiences a brief disturbance in his cultivation, hinting at an internal issue.

Character Developments

• Xuandu demonstrates his strategic prowess and determination to challenge the Saints and the Heavenly Dao.
• Fuxi joins the Jie Sect, becoming the third guardian, and accepts his new role with calm acceptance.
• Nuwa's defeat leads to a plunge in her Saint Realm and foundation, stripping her of her Holy Mother position.

Significant Themes

• The awakening of the Human Race's Will and the Human Dao.
• The consequences of challenging the established order (Saints and the Heavenly Dao).
• The importance of strategic planning and foresight in cultivation and leadership.

Character Interactions

• Xuandu and Fuxi: Xuandu invites Fuxi to join the Jie Sect, acknowledging his role in the events that led to Nuwa's defeat.
• Xuandu and Sect Leader Tongtian: Tongtian praises Xuandu's actions and advises caution for the future.
• Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Taiyi: They retreat from the battle, acknowledging Xuandu's power and the Human Race's awakening.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu explains that his earlier disturbance came from new insights into combining Martial Dao with Deduction Dao.
• Tongtian questions whether Xuandu’s actions—abolishing Laozi’s Human Sect and stripping Nuwa of her Saint position—will provoke Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
• Xuandu argues that Hongjun cannot oppose him, at least for now, because the Great Dao demands balance among the Heaven, Earth, and Human Daos.
• He explains that the Heavenly Dao has dominated the Great Wilderness since the Ferocious Beast Tribulation, while the Earth Dao remained dormant in the Nine Netherworlds and the Human Dao stayed scattered among living beings.
• Xuandu’s establishment of Martial Dao, breakthrough into Zenith Heaven Hunyuan, and awakening of the Human Dao have weakened the Heavenly Dao’s ability to suppress the other two Daos.
• Because the Great Dao has now “observed” the Great Wilderness’s imbalance, continued suppression of the Earth and Human Daos would bring Great Dao backlash—even against Hongjun.
• Xuandu presents Nuwa’s downfall and Laozi’s defeat as necessary consequences of their karmic failures and as steps toward Human Dao awakening.
• Tongtian realizes that Xuandu’s seemingly reckless actions actually follow the greater trend and may even receive Hongjun’s tacit approval.
• Tongtian pledges Jie Sect’s full support, including use of the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation.
• He warns Xuandu that Laozi, Yuanshi, Jieyin, and Zhunti may secretly cooperate against him.
• Xuandu remains confident, declaring that any attacking Saints can serve as “whetstones” for his newly attained Zenith Heaven realm.

2. Character Developments

• Xuandu: Revealed as highly strategic and farsighted. He has calculated not only the political consequences of his actions but also the balance of the Three Daos, the Great Dao’s will, and Hongjun’s likely response. His calm confidence shows that his new realm has greatly strengthened both his power and his understanding.
• Tongtian: Initially worried that Xuandu had provoked Hongjun and the other Saints too severely. After hearing Xuandu’s reasoning, he becomes astonished, proud, and enthusiastic, fully accepting Xuandu’s plan and committing Jie Sect to defend him.
• Hongjun: Does not appear directly, but his position is reinterpreted. Rather than being expected to punish Xuandu, he is portrayed as someone who must accept the restoration of balance because it serves the Great Wilderness’s long-term stability.
• Nuwa and Laozi: Their recent defeats are given broader significance. Nuwa’s fall results from karmic backlash and represents the Heavenly Dao yielding to the Human Dao, while Laozi’s loss reflects the failure of the Human Sect to fulfill its responsibility toward humanity.

3. Significant Themes

• Balance of the Three Daos: The chapter emphasizes that Heaven, Earth, and Human Daos must coexist in equilibrium for the Great Wilderness to remain stable.
• Following the Greater Trend: Xuandu’s actions are framed not as rebellion against the established order but as efforts to restore the order demanded by the Great Dao.
• Power and Legitimacy: True authority comes from aligning with fundamental laws and destiny, not merely from holding a high position or possessing temporary dominance.
• Long-Term Strategy: Xuandu accepts short-term conflict and political upheaval because they will ultimately strengthen the Great Wilderness and humanity.
• Loyalty and Sect Protection: Tongtian’s willingness to support Xuandu highlights Jie Sect’s defining loyalty to its members and its readiness to oppose even multiple Saints.
• Confidence Before Crisis: The approaching tribulation creates danger, but Xuandu views potential enemies as opportunities to test and refine his power.

4. Character Interactions

• Tongtian and Xuandu: Their conversation moves from concern to mutual understanding and trust. Tongtian challenges Xuandu about Hongjun’s reaction, while Xuandu calmly explains his reasoning. Impressed by Xuandu’s insight, Tongtian grants him complete support.
• Xuandu and Hongjun: Although they do not meet, Xuandu analyzes Hongjun’s motives and concludes that Hongjun cannot oppose the revival of the Earth and Human Daos without violating the Great Dao’s will.
• Xuandu and the Other Saints: Their relationship is defined by mounting hostility. Laozi, Nuwa, Yuanshi, Jieyin, and Zhunti have all suffered because of him, creating the possibility of a collective attack.
• Tongtian and Jie Sect: Tongtian’s pledge to deploy the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation demonstrates the strength of his bond with his sect and confirms Jie Sect as Xuandu’s reliable foundation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu, at Lingyun Peak, experiences a profound Chaos Energy Flow and Law Fluctuation.
• He senses the Jie Sect's increased fortune due to Fuxi's ascension.
• Fuxi's feedback, equivalent to Quasi-Saint Peak cultivation, flows into Xuandu, but has little effect due to Xuandu's advanced cultivation.
• Xuandu's Total Sum System unlocks the Fortune Sum Function, bestowing him with an immense fortune from the Jie Sect Myriad Immortals and the Myriad Human Race.
• This fortune causes Xuandu's Martial Dao Runes to transform and his connection with heaven and earth to deepen.
• The immense fortune induces heaven and earth resonance, manifesting as anomalies in the sky above Golden Ao Island.

Character Developments

• Xuandu's cultivation remains largely unaffected by Fuxi's feedback due to his advanced stage.
• Xuandu's Total Sum System evolves, granting him a vast fortune, which significantly impacts his Martial Dao and connection to heaven and earth.
• Sect Leader Tongtian is surprised by the fortune manifestation, showing disbelief.

Significant Themes

• The power of fortune and its influence on cultivation and connection to heaven and earth.
• The impact of the Total Sum System on Xuandu's cultivation and the sect's fortune.
• The manifestation of heaven and earth resonance due to the immense fortune.

Character Interactions

• Xuandu interacts with Fuxi's feedback, which has little effect on him.
• Xuandu's connection to the Jie Sect Myriad Immortals and the Myriad Human Race deepens due to the fortune bestowed upon him.
• Sect Leader Tongtian reacts to the fortune manifestation, showing surprise and disbelief.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• A spectacular Fortune Gold Net appears over Golden Ao Island, with golden threads, purple qi, lotus blossoms, immortal music, and immense Dao-infused dew. The phenomenon is generated by an unprecedented concentration of fortune centered on Xuandu’s retreat at Lingyun Peak.
• The entire Eastern Great Wilderness senses the manifestation, drawing the attention of the Sages.
• Yuanshi realizes that Xuandu’s fortune has far exceeded the normal limits of sect fortune—even surpassing the fortune once possessed by the Chan Sect or Jie Sect by many times. He concludes that Xuandu has somehow gathered fortune that should ordinarily be distributed among an entire sect.
• Fearing Xuandu’s continued growth, Yuanshi decides that the impending tribulation must be advanced and that Xuandu must be killed during it. He travels to Mount Sumeru to coordinate with Jieyin and Zhunti.
• Laozi, weakened after the destruction of his Human Sect Master Dao Fruit and the collapse of his Saint foundation, also observes the fortune. He is shocked that it exceeds even the peak fortune he once enjoyed and notices Great Dao patterns within it, suggesting that Xuandu’s fortune is resonating with the origins of the Dao.
• Unable to fight in his current condition, Laozi withdraws into seclusion to rebuild his damaged Dao foundation and leaves Xuandu’s fate to the coming tribulation.
• At Mount Sumeru, Jieyin and Zhunti recognize that Xuandu’s fortune has become an established, nearly unstoppable trend. Rather than confronting him directly, they plan to use the tribulation against him.
• Jieyin reasons that extraordinary fortune will attract extraordinary calamity. He proposes making Xuandu’s fortune the fuse that ignites the coming Witch-Demon War, allowing the Sages to act amid the chaos and potentially kill Xuandu through combined forces.
• Nuwa, already gravely wounded from the destruction of her Holy Mother Dao Fruit and devastated by Fuxi’s decision to side with Jie Sect, sees Xuandu’s fortune and is overwhelmed by shock and fear. She briefly wonders whether Xuandu is favored by the Great Dao itself, but suppresses her doubts and vows to kill him during the tribulation.

Character Developments

• Xuandu remains offscreen, but his influence and power grow dramatically. His fortune has reached a level that challenges established laws of the Great Wilderness and threatens the authority of the Sages.
• Yuanshi shifts from jealousy and apprehension to active conspiracy. He views Xuandu’s rise as an existential threat and becomes determined to eliminate him before he can advance further.
• Laozi is portrayed as physically and spiritually broken. Unlike the other Sages, he does not immediately plot against Xuandu, instead retreating to repair his ruined foundation, though he remains deeply disturbed by Xuandu’s rise.
• Jieyin and Zhunti reveal a pragmatic and calculating approach. They acknowledge that Xuandu cannot safely be opposed directly and seek to destroy him indirectly by exploiting the chaos of the coming tribulation.
• Nuwa experiences rare fear and self-doubt after recognizing the scale of Xuandu’s fortune. However, resentment over her losses—especially Fuxi’s betrayal—overcomes that fear, renewing her determination to oppose Xuandu.

Significant Themes

• Fortune versus established order: Xuandu’s fortune exceeds the traditional limits governing sect and individual destiny, suggesting that the old balance of the Great Wilderness is breaking down.
• The rise of a new power: Xuandu’s success threatens the Sages’ long-standing supremacy and may signal a transformation of the entire cosmic order.
• Jealousy and fear of destiny: The Sages are not merely threatened by Xuandu’s strength but by the possibility that he is favored by the Great Dao and represents an unavoidable historical or cosmic trend.
• Calamity following prosperity: Jieyin emphasizes that immense fortune inevitably draws immense disaster. Xuandu’s success may itself become the cause of the catastrophe intended to destroy him.
• Political maneuvering and indirect conflict: Since Xuandu’s fortune makes direct opposition dangerous, the Sages turn to alliances, manipulation, and the coming tribulation as weapons.
• Loss and betrayal: Laozi and Nuwa’s weakened states reflect the consequences of Xuandu’s ascent, while Nuwa’s pain over Fuxi’s betrayal adds a personal dimension to the larger political conflict.

Character Interactions

• Yuanshi and Xuandu: Though they do not meet, Yuanshi reacts intensely to Xuandu’s rise, viewing him with jealousy, fear, and murderous hostility.
• Yuanshi, Jieyin, and Zhunti: Yuanshi seeks an alliance with the Western Sages to accelerate the tribulation and eliminate Xuandu. Jieyin and Zhunti welcome the opportunity and plan to use the Witch-Demon War as the battlefield.
• Laozi and Xuandu: Laozi’s reaction is one of shock and helplessness. Xuandu’s fortune underscores how far Laozi has fallen after losing his Dao foundation.
• Nuwa and Fuxi: Nuwa’s grief over Fuxi choosing Jie Sect remains central to her hatred. She feels that her sacrifices on his behalf were repaid with abandonment.
• Nuwa and Xuandu: Nuwa’s fear that Xuandu may embody the will of fate briefly unsettles her, but she ultimately recommits to opposing him and promises to witness his destruction.
• The Sages collectively and Xuandu: The chapter establishes the Sages as an emerging coalition against Xuandu. They see him simultaneously as the greatest variable in the coming tribulation and its most important target.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sect Leader Tongtian observes an enormous surge of fortune emanating from Lingyun Peak after Xuandu unlocks the Fortune Sum Function.
• He realizes that Xuandu’s fortune exceeds even the Jie Sect’s and is composed of the combined destiny of the Jie Sect’s immortals and the Human Race.
• Tongtian concludes that Xuandu’s extraordinary fortune may allow him to advance rapidly and eventually contend with, or even suppress, Saints.
• Anticipating that the other Saints may try to kill Xuandu during an upcoming tribulation, Tongtian publicly declares that the Jie Sect and Human Race stand behind him.
• The Jie Sect’s fortune merges with Xuandu’s, making Tongtian’s support unmistakable throughout the Great Wilderness.
• Within his cave abode, Xuandu fully absorbs the Fortune Torrent and gains a profound connection to Heaven and Earth. He can now perceive hidden laws and opportunities across the Great Wilderness.
• Xuandu discovers three major opportunities:
  1. An ancient Dragon Clan remnant beneath the East Sea.
  2. A Witch Clan secret land near Buzhou Mountain.
  3. A mysterious and overwhelmingly powerful opportunity within the Nether Blood Sea.
• Xuandu dismisses the first two opportunities as insufficient for his current level. The third, however, exerts a powerful pull and causes his fortune to guide him toward it.
• Sensing both longing and sorrow within the Blood Sea’s call, Xuandu decides to investigate and teleports there.

Character Developments

• Tongtian shifts from astonishment to fierce pride and determination. He recognizes Xuandu as a potentially world-shaking figure and openly commits the Jie Sect to protecting him.
• Xuandu gains more than simple fortune or cultivation power. His awareness of Heaven and Earth, laws, and hidden opportunities expands dramatically, making him increasingly independent and powerful.
• Xuandu also displays greater confidence and discernment: he immediately rejects opportunities that no longer match his needs and focuses on the mysterious force capable of attracting him despite his immense strength.

Significant Themes

• Fortune and Destiny: Fortune grants protection, smoother cultivation, and access to hidden opportunities. Xuandu’s fortune is so immense that it alters the balance of power among the major factions.
• Alliance and Protection: Tongtian’s declaration establishes Xuandu’s protection by both the Jie Sect and the Human Race, warning rival Saints not to interfere.
• Rising Power and Political Tension: Xuandu’s growth threatens the existing order, prompting Tongtian to anticipate schemes by Yuanshi, the Western Saints, Nuwa, and Laozi.
• Fate and Opportunity: Xuandu’s newfound ability to perceive opportunities leads him toward an unknown but seemingly destined encounter in the Nether Blood Sea.
• Mystery and Foreshadowing: The Blood Sea’s sorrowful summons suggests that a powerful entity, inheritance, or trapped existence has been waiting specifically for Xuandu.

Character Interactions

• Tongtian and Xuandu: Though they do not meet directly, Tongtian’s reaction demonstrates his deep pride in and loyalty toward his disciple. He publicly identifies Xuandu as the Jie Sect Vice Sect Master and Human Race’s Master.
• Tongtian and the Other Saints: Tongtian directly challenges Yuanshi, Jieyin, Zhunti, Nuwa, and Laozi, warning them that attacking Xuandu means attacking the Jie Sect, the Human Race, and Tongtian himself.
• Xuandu and Heaven and Earth: Through his fortune, Xuandu develops an unprecedented connection with natural laws and hidden opportunities, allowing him to perceive forces invisible to ordinary cultivators.
• Xuandu and the Blood Sea: The chapter establishes a mysterious relationship between Xuandu and the unknown presence within the Nether Blood Sea, setting up the next major conflict or revelation.

Chapter Summary: “Divine Sense Vanished? Great Wilderness Exotic Species!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu travels to the Nether Blood Sea, an extremely dangerous realm formed from Pangu’s corrupted blood and filled with baleful qi, wrathful souls, and remnants of ancient fallen powers.
• Using his Zenith Heaven Daluo cultivation, Xuandu’s Spiritual Sense covers the entire Blood Sea. The surrounding corruption cannot affect him because his Hunyuan Dao Rhyme protects him.
• Nether River Old Ancestor detects the intrusion and unleashes hundreds of millions of fierce spirits against Xuandu.
• Xuandu destroys the entire army with a single wisp of Dao Rhyme, shocking Nether River Old Ancestor, who realizes that Xuandu has reached the Zenith Heaven Daluo realm.
• Xuandu continues searching the Blood Sea and notices that a tiny portion of his Spiritual Sense suddenly disappears.
• Investigating the anomaly, he discovers a Six-Winged Black Mosquito gnawing on and consuming his intangible Spiritual Sense.
• Xuandu identifies the creature as Mosquito Daoist, a rare Blood Sea exotic species with the innate ability to devour spiritual energy, laws, divine abilities, and even the origins of supreme treasures.
• Recognizing Mosquito Daoist’s future importance and immense potential, Xuandu decides that recruiting or subduing it could greatly strengthen the Jie Sect and grant him its powerful Devouring Divine Ability through the system.
• Xuandu withdraws the Spiritual Sense being eaten, prompting the mosquito to search for its vanished “prey.” He then appears directly behind it and addresses it, leaving the creature startled.

Character Developments

• Xuandu: Demonstrates overwhelming power after advancing to the Zenith Heaven Daluo realm. He remains calm and observant even when facing the Blood Sea’s dangers. Rather than simply destroying Mosquito Daoist, he recognizes its strategic value and considers making it an ally or subordinate.
• Nether River Old Ancestor: His confidence and territorial authority are shaken. He initially reacts with anger but becomes alarmed after witnessing Xuandu effortlessly destroy his fierce spirit army. He correctly identifies Xuandu’s extraordinary cultivation.
• Mosquito Daoist: Introduced as an instinct-driven but exceptionally dangerous exotic species. Though its intelligence has not fully awakened, it possesses a terrifying innate Devouring Law capable of consuming even Spiritual Sense and, in the future, damaging a Sage’s supreme treasure.

Significant Themes

• Power and advancement: Xuandu’s new Zenith Heaven Daluo strength places him above ordinary Quasi-Saints and allows him to dominate even the Nether Blood Sea.
• Hidden opportunities in dangerous places: The Blood Sea’s greatest opportunity is not a treasure but a rare creature concealed within its depths.
• Recruitment versus destruction: Xuandu’s growth is shown through his ability to recognize and exploit potential allies rather than relying only on force.
• Innate abilities and destiny: Mosquito Daoist’s unusual Devouring Law marks it as an extraordinary being destined to influence major future events.
• The limits of perception: Even Xuandu’s vast Spiritual Sense encounters something capable of directly consuming it, revealing that the Great Wilderness contains hidden forces beyond conventional understanding.

Character Interactions

• Xuandu and Nether River Old Ancestor clash indirectly: Nether River sends his fierce spirits to attack the intruder, while Xuandu effortlessly annihilates them and exposes the gap between their realms.
• Xuandu and Mosquito Daoist have their first direct encounter. The mosquito initially feeds on Xuandu’s Spiritual Sense, unaware that its prey is observing it.
• After Xuandu retracts the Spiritual Sense, Mosquito Daoist searches for it instinctively. Xuandu then appears behind the creature and speaks to it, beginning what is likely to become an attempted subjugation or recruitment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu encounters a Six-Winged Black Mosquito, a powerful creature from the Sea of Blood.
• The Mosquito, driven by instinct, attempts to escape and even gnaws at space, demonstrating its formidable Devouring Divine Ability.
• Xuandu subdues the Mosquito using his Hunyuan great power and spatial manipulation, then captures it.
• The Nether River Old Ancestor, guardian of the Sea of Blood, confronts Xuandu, claiming the Mosquito as his property and threatening war.

Character Developments

• Xuandu displays his immense power and calm demeanor, easily subduing the Mosquito and standing firm against the Nether River Old Ancestor's threats.
• The Six-Winged Black Mosquito shows ferocity and survival instincts, but ultimately submits to Xuandu's overwhelming power.
• The Nether River Old Ancestor reveals his ambition and willingness to fight Xuandu, seeking to enhance his reputation and gain benefits.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: Xuandu's power allows him to subdue the Mosquito and face the Nether River Old Ancestor's threats. The Mosquito and Nether River Old Ancestor both seek to assert control in their respective domains.
• Survival and submission: The Mosquito, driven by survival instincts, initially resists Xuandu but ultimately submits to his power. The Nether River Old Ancestor, despite his threats, is wary of Xuandu's power and seeks to gain benefits rather than risking his own existence.
• The filthiness of the Sea of Blood: Xuandu views the Sea of Blood as a filthy place, nurturing only those with malevolent hearts. This reflects his disdain for the Nether River Old Ancestor and his power.

Character Interactions

• Xuandu and the Six-Winged Black Mosquito: Xuandu easily subdues the Mosquito, demonstrating his power and causing the Mosquito to submit.
• Xuandu and the Nether River Old Ancestor: The Nether River Old Ancestor confronts Xuandu, threatening war and seeking to assert his power. Xuandu remains calm and dismissive, questioning the Nether River Old Ancestor's worthiness as an enemy.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nether River Old Ancestor is enraged when Xuandu openly dismisses his status and reputation before the Blood Sea’s countless Fierce Spirits.
• Drawing on the Blood Sea Origin, Nether River unleashes enormous blood waves filled with wrathful souls, malevolent energy, and hidden Blood God Sons.
• Xuandu effortlessly suppresses the entire Blood Sea with a single command: “Suppress.” The waves, spirits, karmic fire, and even Nether River’s weapons become completely immobilized.
• Xuandu reveals that he can identify and destroy Nether River’s Blood God Sons. Using a strand of Chaos Sword Intent, he annihilates one Blood God Son so completely that the Blood Sea Origin cannot regenerate it.
• Nether River realizes that Xuandu can bypass his greatest defensive advantage—his claim that “with the Blood Sea unwithered, Nether River is undying.”
• Xuandu threatens to destroy every Blood God Son, causing Nether River to panic and beg for mercy. Nether River offers the Six-Winged Black Mosquito, the Blood Sea’s inhabitants, its supreme treasure, and even the Blood Sea Origin in exchange for his life.
• Xuandu rejects these offers, implying that such treasures are insignificant compared with his own power.
• He eventually pauses his attack, revealing that he never intended to kill Nether River outright. His real goal is to break Nether River’s resistance and persuade him to join the Jie Sect.

Character Developments

• Xuandu demonstrates overwhelming control over the laws of reality, far beyond what Nether River expected from someone newly advanced to the Zenith Heaven realm. His calmness and precision contrast sharply with Nether River’s fury and fear.
• Nether River undergoes a dramatic collapse in confidence. Once proud of his ancient status, powerful treasures, and near-immortality, he becomes desperate and humiliates himself by begging Xuandu for mercy.
• Xuandu’s true interest is not Nether River’s wealth or cultivation, but the Blood God Son Method, which could significantly enhance Xuandu’s own ability to survive future calamities.

Significant Themes

• Power versus reputation: Nether River’s ancient prestige and fearsome reputation prove meaningless against Xuandu’s superior strength.
• The limits of immortality: Nether River’s supposed immortality depends on the Blood God Sons, but Xuandu’s ability to destroy them at their origin exposes the vulnerability behind his legend.
• Fear as a weapon: Xuandu does not need to kill Nether River; demonstrating that he can destroy Nether River’s life source is enough to shatter his will.
• Strategic manipulation: Xuandu uses overwhelming force not simply for revenge, but to achieve a larger political and personal objective—recruiting Nether River and acquiring his unique cultivation method.
• Survival during catastrophe: Xuandu values every additional defensive ability because of the dangers posed by the coming great calamity and the watchful Saints.

Character Interactions

• The central interaction is a confrontation between Xuandu and Nether River. Nether River attacks in rage, while Xuandu responds with detached, effortless suppression.
• Xuandu’s destruction of a Blood God Son changes the dynamic from a battle of power into a negotiation over Nether River’s survival.
• Nether River repeatedly offers increasingly valuable concessions, while Xuandu remains emotionally unmoved and controls the terms of the exchange.
• Their confrontation ends with Xuandu holding the decisive advantage and preparing to force Nether River into joining the Jie Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu confronts Nether River Old Ancestor, offering him two choices: join the Jie Sect or die.
• Nether River, initially expecting a fight, is astonished by Xuandu's true intention to recruit him.
• Xuandu subdues Nether River, who agrees to join the Jie Sect, becoming its Guardian alongside other powerful beings.
• Xuandu leaves the Mosquito Daoist with Nether River to be handled by his master.
• Xuandu feels a strong pull of destiny towards the deepest part of the Sea of Blood.

Character Developments

• Nether River Old Ancestor: Initially arrogant and defiant, he becomes submissive and reverent towards Xuandu after seeing his power and understanding his intentions.
• Xuandu: Demonstrates his immense power and calm demeanor, showing that he is serious about recruiting Nether River and has a plan for the Sea of Blood.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Xuandu's strength and will overpower Nether River, changing the balance of power in the Great Wilderness.
• Ambition vs. survival: Nether River chooses to join the Jie Sect to survive and maintain his ambition for the Saint position.
• Destiny: Xuandu feels a strong pull towards the Sea of Blood's depths, hinting at an important revelation or event.

Character Interactions

• Xuandu and Nether River: Their interaction showcases Xuandu's dominance and Nether River's shift from defiance to submission.
• Xuandu and the Mosquito Daoist: Though not present, Xuandu's decision to leave the Mosquito Daoist with Nether River shows trust and a plan for the mosquito's future.

Chapter Summary: “Chaos Supreme Treasure, Chaos Bead!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu descends into the deepest part of the Nether Blood Sea, protected by his Hunyuan Dao Rhyme from the corrosive fiendish qi, resentful souls, and immense blood pressure.
• He follows a mysterious and increasingly urgent Opportunity Pull to the Blood Sea’s forbidden core, a place even Nether River Old Ancestor rarely visits.
• Although his powerful spiritual sense scans the entire area, Xuandu finds nothing unusual. He realizes the opportunity is concealed by an Innate Restriction, much like the hidden treasures of Buzhou Mountain.
• Xuandu uses his Chaos Divine Light—an ability capable of breaking through laws and restrictions—to probe the invisible barrier.
• The light creates a crack in the void, revealing a hidden Chaos-colored space filled with primordial Chaos Qi.
• Xuandu identifies the hidden treasure as the Chaos Bead, one of the Four Great Chaos Supreme Treasures. The bead can conceal itself from Heavenly Secrets, obscure the Great Dao, and contain a Chaos World.
• He enters the restriction and finds the fist-sized Chaos Bead floating in the center of the space, covered in stellar patterns and emitting immense primordial power.
• Xuandu notices a massive crack across the bead, realizing that it was severely damaged during the Sky-Opening Tribulation, which explains why it disappeared after World Creation.

Character Development

• Xuandu demonstrates exceptional composure, perception, and cultivation. Even in the Blood Sea’s most dangerous region, he remains calm and unaffected.
• His understanding of Innate Restrictions and his ability to recognize the role of destiny and opportunity allow him to solve the mystery behind the hidden treasure.
• Xuandu’s mastery of Chaos Divine Light is emphasized as he successfully breaks through a restriction that could have concealed the Chaos Bead from even the greatest experts.
• His reaction to discovering the bead reveals genuine shock and awe, showing that even a powerful Zenith Heaven expert recognizes the extraordinary significance of the treasure.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity and destiny: The treasure can only be discovered through profound guidance, great destiny, and the proper method of activation.
• Concealment and protection: The Chaos Bead’s ability to obscure Heavenly Secrets, combined with the Blood Sea’s evil environment, makes it virtually undetectable.
• Danger as protection: The Blood Sea’s filth and fiendish qi, normally deadly, serve as the perfect camouflage for the treasure.
• Ancient power and decline: Although the Chaos Bead retains immense primordial might, its damage from the Sky-Opening Tribulation reveals that even supreme treasures can be weakened by cosmic upheaval.
• The legacy of World Creation: The bead’s aura connects to the primordial Chaos that existed before the world was formed, linking Xuandu’s cultivation to ancient creation-era forces.

Character Interactions

• Xuandu has no direct interaction with another character in this chapter.
• Nether River Old Ancestor is referenced as the long-time ruler of the Blood Sea who nevertheless failed to discover the Chaos Bead.
• The chapter also indirectly compares Xuandu’s abilities with those of legendary figures such as Dao Ancestor Hongjun, suggesting that without the right destiny and method, even the most powerful beings would remain unable to perceive the treasure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu touches the Chaos Bead, resonating with its Hunyuan Dao Rhyme, and begins to repair it using his Chaos Light.
• Nether River, the Lord of the Nether Blood Sea, leaves the Blood Sea and heads towards Golden Ao Island, expressing his desire to join the Jie Sect under Xuandu's orders.

Character Developments

• Xuandu demonstrates his ability to repair the Chaos Bead, showing his immense power and potential.
• Nether River, despite his fearsome reputation, shows submission and humility, indicating a significant change in his character or circumstances.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Jie Sect and its attraction to even formidable figures like Nether River.
• The theme of transformation and change, as seen in Nether River's sudden desire to join the Jie Sect.

Character Interactions

• Xuandu interacts with the Chaos Bead, showing a connection and understanding that goes beyond mere possession.
• Nether River interacts with Tongtian, showing deference and submission, a stark contrast to his usual arrogant and aggressive behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nether River Old Ancestor, the Blood Sea Master, joins the Jie Sect at the invitation of Vice Sect Master Xuandu.
• Sect Leader Tongtian acknowledges Nether River's entry into the Jie Sect and assigns him the responsibility of guarding the Blood Sea and protecting the Jie Sect's lineage in the Netherworld.
• Mosquito Daoist, a Blood Sea Variant, also joins the Jie Sect under Nether River's sponsorship.

Character Developments

• Nether River: He leaves his position as the Blood Sea Master to join the Jie Sect, demonstrating a willingness to adapt and change. He shows deference and respect towards the Jie Sect's hierarchy and rules.
• Sect Leader Tongtian: He acknowledges Nether River's entry into the Jie Sect, showing his trust in Xuandu's judgment and his commitment to the Jie Sect's inclusive teachings.

Significant Themes

• Inclusivity and Tolerance: The Jie Sect's teachings without discrimination are demonstrated as they accept Nether River, despite his malevolent origins.
• Opportunity and Change: Nether River sees his entry into the Jie Sect as an opportunity for growth and a chance to achieve greatness.

Character Interactions

• Nether River and Daoist Duobao: Daoist Duobao, as the Sect Master, warmly welcomes Nether River into the Jie Sect and offers him guidance.
• Nether River and Sect Leader Tongtian: Tongtian acknowledges Nether River's entry into the Jie Sect and assigns him a significant responsibility, showing trust in his abilities.
• Nether River and the Jie Sect Disciples: The Jie Sect disciples, though initially wary of Nether River's origins, accept him into their fold, demonstrating the sect's inclusive nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nether River, now a guardian of the Jie Sect, returns to the Nether Blood Sea.
• Xuandu, in the Nether Blood Sea's forbidden area, continues refining the Chaos Bead. He discovers that the Devour Divine Ability can help refine the Chaos Restrictions.
• While refining the second restriction, Xuandu realizes that the Chaos Bead's barrier is weakening, causing a leak of its aura.

Character Developments

• Nether River has become more integrated into the Jie Sect, showing loyalty and responsibility.
• Xuandu's understanding and control over his divine abilities and the Chaos Bead have deepened, demonstrating his growth and adaptability.

Significant Themes

• The theme of growth and adaptation is prominent as Xuandu finds a new way to refine the Chaos Bead.
• The theme of responsibility is shown through Nether River's return to his duties.

Character Interactions

• There are no direct interactions between characters in this chapter, but the disciples on Golden Ao Island discuss Nether River's return, showing their respect and pride in their sect's new guardian.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu stops refining the damaged Chaos Bead after realizing its aura might attract Dao Ancestor Hongjun and create uncontrollable consequences. Although not fully refined, the bead acknowledges him as its master and merges some of its primordial Chaos Dao Rhyme with his Martial Dao.
• The restricted void collapses after the Chaos Bead is stored. Xuandu escapes the Nether Blood Sea, conceals his cultivation and aura, and returns to the East Sea Coast.
• At the Human Ancestral Land, the Martial Dao Heavenly Stele has become the center of Human Race cultivation. After a century of lectures by Suiren Shi, Youchao Shi, and Ziyi Shi, the Human Race has grown dramatically stronger:
  • Over ten thousand True Immortals
  • Nearly one million Heavenly Immortals
  • Numerous Profound Immortals and Golden Immortals
  • The three Human Ancestors have reached the Daluo Golden Immortal realm
• Xuandu suddenly appears atop the Heavenly Stele, causing the Human Race to erupt in celebration. The people honor him as their master, guide, and the one who led them toward independence.
• Xuandu praises the three Human Ancestors for their efforts and recognizes that the Human Race has become a powerful, self-reliant force rather than a weak race dependent on outside sects.
• Xuandu touches the Martial Dao Heavenly Stele and senses its spiritual attachment to him. He then infuses it with his post-breakthrough Martial Dao insights and Chaos Dao Patterns.
• The stele begins transforming, its markings becoming closer to Chaos in nature and revealing deeper images of world creation and the evolution of laws. Its Martial Dao pressure greatly intensifies, causing the entire Human Race’s bloodline resonance to undergo another sublimation.

2. Character Developments

• Xuandu: Becomes more cautious and politically aware, choosing to stop refining the Chaos Bead to avoid attracting Hongjun. His control over aura, cultivation, and Martial Dao has greatly improved. He also demonstrates his continued role as the Human Race’s protector and teacher by strengthening the Heavenly Stele.
• Suiren Shi, Youchao Shi, and Ziyi Shi: After a hundred years of teaching, they have become capable leaders and pillars of the Human Race. Their loyalty and reverence toward Xuandu remain strong, but they now possess greater authority and cultivation of their own.
• The Human Race: Experiences a collective transformation. Through Martial Dao, it develops greater strength, unity, willpower, and independence, beginning its rise as a major power in the Great Wilderness.
• Martial Dao Heavenly Stele: Evolves from a powerful Human Race treasure into an increasingly spiritual and profound artifact. It appears emotionally attached to Xuandu and responds joyfully to his return.

3. Significant Themes

• Self-reliance and liberation: The Human Race rises through its own cultivation rather than relying on external sects or accepting domination by stronger beings.
• The power of collective will: The combined Blood Qi, determination, and faith of countless humans strengthen both the race and the Heavenly Stele.
• Mentorship and legacy: Xuandu’s teachings continue to shape the Human Race even in his absence, proving that his influence has become embedded in its development.
• Caution before power: Xuandu restrains himself from fully refining the Chaos Bead, showing that survival and concealment can be more important than immediately maximizing strength.
• Evolution without limits: Both Martial Dao and the Human Race are portrayed as paths of endless advancement, with every breakthrough opening the way to greater possibilities.

4. Character Interactions

• Xuandu reunites with the three Human Ancestors, who greet him with intense reverence and emotion after his century-long absence.
• Suiren Shi, Youchao Shi, and Ziyi Shi report the Human Race’s progress to Xuandu, while he acknowledges their efforts and encourages them to continue advancing.
• Xuandu and the Human Race share a powerful emotional bond: the people regard him as their eternal guide, while he feels warmth and satisfaction upon seeing their growth.
• Xuandu interacts directly with the Martial Dao Heavenly Stele, whose spiritual response conveys dependence, affection, and joy at his return.
• Through the stele, Xuandu reconnects with the entire Human Race, transferring his advanced Martial Dao insights into their common source of cultivation and raising their potential once again.

Chapter Summary: “Perfect Martial Dao Origin, Tongtian’s Astonishing Idea!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu completes the transformation of the Martial Dao Heavenly Stele at the East Sea Coast. Using his Zenith Heaven cultivation and a trace of Chaos Origin, he perfects the Martial Dao’s fundamental teachings, including Blood Qi cultivation, Will Tempering, Battle Intent Condensation, and Physical Body Limit-Breaking.
• The stele’s crimson-gold light changes into Chaos-colored radiance, and the words “Martial Dao” become covered in profound Dao Patterns. Though not a conventional treasure, the stele now contains Chaos Dao Rhyme, can suppress Human Race Fortune, protect the Martial Dao, and assist practitioners in comprehending its origin.
• Xuandu tells Suiren Shi, Youchao Shi, and Ziyi Shi that they may draw upon the stele’s Chaos True Meaning when teaching the Human Race. He then announces that the coming tribulation will mark the Human Race’s true rise.
• Xuandu returns to Biyou Palace, where Tongtian has been waiting. Tongtian confirms that Nether River has officially joined the Interception Sect and will guard the Blood Sea. The Mosquito Daoist remains sealed in the sect’s forbidden grounds while Tongtian uses Sword Intent to cleanse his savage nature.
• Tongtian detects that Xuandu has acquired Chaos Origin during his Blood Sea journey. Xuandu explains that he obtained a damaged Chaos Spirit Item but deliberately conceals the existence of the Chaos Bead.
• Tongtian then asks Xuandu about the Hunyuan Dao and whether his path to Zenith Heaven can be reproduced by the Interception Sect’s disciples.

Character Developments

• Xuandu demonstrates growing mastery and authority. He not only reaches Zenith Heaven but also improves the foundational system of the Martial Dao, strengthening the Human Race’s long-term potential.
• Suiren Shi, Youchao Shi, and Ziyi Shi become even more devoted to Xuandu. His words inspire them to accept responsibility for leading the Human Race through the coming tribulation.
• Tongtian reveals a deeper concern beneath his usual confidence. Although he is delighted by Xuandu’s success, he is frustrated by the Heavenly Dao’s limitations and the scarcity of Sage positions. His interest in Hunyuan cultivation comes from a desire to free his disciples from the fate of remaining trapped at the Quasi-Saint Peak.
• Nether River has formally become an Interception Sect Guardian, while the Mosquito Daoist is being restrained and purified rather than immediately destroyed.

Significant Themes

• The rise of the Human Race: The perfected Martial Dao gives humanity a stronger foundation and symbolizes its future independence and power.
• Transcending Heavenly Dao restrictions: Xuandu’s path proves that one may reach higher realms without relying on Primordial Violet Qi, Heavenly Dao recognition, or predetermined Sage positions.
• Teacher-student inheritance: Xuandu strengthens both the Martial Dao and the Human Race in accordance with his master’s teachings, while Tongtian hopes Xuandu’s discoveries can benefit the entire Interception Sect.
• Fate versus self-determination: The Heavenly Dao has limited Sage positions, leaving countless talented cultivators without a path forward. The Hunyuan Dao offers a route based on personal strength and perseverance.
• Coming upheaval: The approaching Witch-Demon War, awakening Earth Dao, stirring Human Dao, and the Saints’ preparations foreshadow a massive transformation of the Great Wilderness.

Important Character Interactions

• The Human leaders express overwhelming gratitude toward Xuandu after witnessing the Martial Dao Stele’s transformation. He encourages them to use the stele to guide their people.
• Before leaving, Xuandu inspires the Human Race with the declaration: “Martial Dao Undying, the Human Race shall rise.” Suiren Shi, Youchao Shi, and Ziyi Shi vow to fulfill his expectations.
• At Biyou Palace, Tongtian warmly praises Xuandu’s achievements in the Blood Sea but immediately recognizes that he is hiding the full truth about the Chaos treasure.
• Rather than interrogating Xuandu, Tongtian respects his disciple’s secrecy, acknowledging that powerful cultivators must keep certain matters private.
• The chapter ends with Tongtian asking whether Xuandu’s Hunyuan path can be taught to all Jie Sect disciples, hinting at a possible revolution that could transform the Interception Sect into a lineage capable of transcending the Heavenly Dao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu, Tongtian's disciple, reveals he can teach the Path of Hunyuan, a way to transcend the Quasi-Saint limit without relying on the Heavenly Dao or Sage Authority.
• Xuandu outlines three conditions for this path: a clear and bright Dao Heart, a profound foundation and perfect origin, and overcoming the Great Dao Tribulation.
• Xuandu proposes using his Martial Dao as a foundation to help Jie Sect disciples meet these conditions and attempt transcendence.
• Tongtian agrees and tasks Xuandu with spreading the Martial Dao among Jie Sect disciples, starting with Personal Disciples and core disciples.

Character Developments

• Xuandu: Shows his wisdom and foresight in creating the Martial Dao and understanding the Path of Hunyuan.
• Tongtian: Trusts Xuandu's judgment and agrees to his plan, showing his confidence in his disciple's abilities.

Significant Themes

• Transcendence: The desire to break free from limitations and achieve greater power.
• Dependence vs Self-Reliance: The contrast between relying on external factors (like Sage Authority) and believing in oneself.
• Preparation and Planning: The importance of careful preparation and strategic planning before taking significant actions.

Character Interactions

• Xuandu and Tongtian: Master and disciple discuss and agree on a plan to help the Jie Sect transcend their limitations, showing mutual trust and respect.
• Xuandu and the Jie Sect Disciples (implied): Xuandu is tasked with teaching the Martial Dao to the Jie Sect disciples, implying future interactions and guidance.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Daoist Duobao meditates in seclusion on Duobao Peak but remains troubled despite reaching the peak of the Late Zenith Heaven Golden Immortal realm.
• His confidence is shaken by Xuandu’s rapid rise: within a hundred years, Xuandu has reached Zenith Heaven through the unprecedented Hunyuan Martial Dao.
• Duobao reflects on the two possible paths before him:
  • The established Sever Three Corpses Path, which is safer and offers a clear route toward Quasi-Sainthood and Sainthood.
  • Xuandu’s dangerous Hunyuan Great Dao, which rejects Primordial Violet Qi, Heavenly Dao authority, and the Severing of Three Corpses, instead relying on self-strength and direct confrontation with the Great Dao.
• Although Duobao is attracted to the possibility of true transcendence, he doubts whether his talent, foundation, and Dao heart are sufficient to survive the Great Dao’s tribulations.
• Xuandu arrives at Duobao’s cave abode without hostility and is welcomed inside.
• After examining Duobao, Xuandu identifies the real cause of his stagnation: not inadequate cultivation or foundation, but hesitation in his Dao heart.
• Xuandu directly reveals that he understands Duobao is deciding between the Sever Three Corpses Path and the Hunyuan Path.
• He manifests a powerful Martial Dao Rune, giving Duobao a glimpse of the foundation of Zenith Heaven.
• The chapter ends with Duobao anxiously asking whether he has any chance of walking the Hunyuan Dao.

Character Developments

• Duobao is portrayed as talented, accomplished, and highly respected, but inwardly insecure after witnessing Xuandu’s overwhelming advancement. His pride as the Jie Sect’s Senior Brother conflicts with fear of risking everything on an untested path.
• His spiritual crisis is not caused by weakness but by uncertainty. He has reached a bottleneck because he cannot fully commit to either safety or transcendence.
• Xuandu appears calm, perceptive, and authoritative. He recognizes Duobao’s internal conflict immediately and takes the initiative to guide him, suggesting that he sees significant potential in Duobao.
• Xuandu’s regard for Duobao is reinforced by his knowledge of Duobao’s future courage, particularly his willingness to challenge Laozi during the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation.

Significant Themes

• Security versus transcendence: The chapter contrasts the reliable but limited traditional cultivation path with the dangerous possibility of achieving true independence from the Heavenly Dao.
• The Dao heart: Advancement depends not only on talent and accumulated power but also on unwavering conviction.
• Inferiority before greatness: Duobao’s “mayfly beholding the azure heavens” metaphor expresses his sense of insignificance before the vastness of higher realms.
• Courage and risk: The Hunyuan Path promises freedom and supreme power but carries the possibility of complete death and Dao annihilation.
• Mentorship and recognition: Xuandu’s arrival suggests that a powerful senior may help Duobao resolve his crisis by judging his potential honestly rather than offering empty praise.

Character Interactions

• Duobao respectfully greets Xuandu as “Vice Sect Master,” showing the hierarchy and reverence between them.
• Xuandu responds without ceremony, calmly assessing Duobao’s cultivation and telling him that his problem lies in his wavering Dao heart.
• Their conversation is direct and unusually personal: Xuandu exposes Duobao’s hidden dilemma, while Duobao openly seeks validation and guidance.
• The chapter concludes at a moment of emotional and spiritual tension, with Duobao awaiting Xuandu’s judgment on whether he is qualified to pursue the Hunyuan Dao.

Chapter Summary: The Path to Hunyuan: Duobao Seeks to Attain Hunyuan

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuandu explains that attaining Hunyuan requires three things: a clear and unwavering Dao Heart, a deep and complete foundation, and successfully surviving the Great Dao Tribulation.
• Duobao’s cultivation foundation and pure origin are strong, but his Dao Fruit remains marked by the Heavenly Dao because of his long practice of the Shangqing Immortal Method.
• Xuandu offers Duobao a projection of his Martial Dao Origin Rune. The rune contains the principles of body tempering, soul refinement, root consolidation, battle intent, and breaking through limits.
• Xuandu advises Duobao to cultivate the Martial Dao alongside his existing path. Martial Dao can cleanse the Heavenly Dao’s influence from his Dao Fruit and help complete his origin.
• He also explains that Duobao can combine Martial Dao with his specialties in Artifact Refining and array formations—tempering his body like a treasured artifact and structuring his Blood Qi like an array.
• Duobao accepts the rune and undergoes a painful transformation as Martial Dao True Meaning floods his Purple Mansion, strengthens his body and will, and begins removing the Heavenly Dao imprints from his Dao Fruit.
• After half an hour, Duobao emerges with a more complete and solid life origin. His aura has not greatly increased, but it now contains a powerful Chaos-colored Martial Dao Will.
• Xuandu announces that he will formally impart Martial Dao True Meaning to the Interception Sect’s Personal Disciples in three days, instructing Duobao, as Head Disciple, to set an example.
• Duobao begins intensive cultivation, determined to follow the Martial Dao toward Hunyuan.
• Sect Leader Tongtian observes Duobao’s transformation and recognizes the new possibilities created by combining the Martial Dao with the Interception Sect’s Shangqing Immortal Path. He vows to protect this new path and challenge any Saints who oppose it.

Character Developments

• Duobao: Moves from anxiety and uncertainty about his incomplete origin to hope, clarity, and firm determination. He gains a new method for overcoming his Heavenly Dao limitations and becomes the first major example of integrating Martial Dao with the Interception Sect’s traditions.
• Xuandu: Acts as a patient mentor and visionary leader. He demonstrates that Martial Dao is not merely physical strength, but a flexible system capable of incorporating Artifact Refining, arrays, and other Great Daos.
• Tongtian: Shifts from quietly observing to openly committing himself to the Martial Dao’s development. His resolve to defend the Interception Sect’s new path suggests future conflict with the other Saints.

Significant Themes

• Transcendence and liberation: Duobao seeks to free himself from the Heavenly Dao’s influence and pursue true Hunyuan transcendence.
• Integration rather than rejection: The Martial Dao is presented as capable of merging with existing cultivation methods instead of replacing them.
• Perseverance through suffering: Duobao endures severe spiritual pain while cleansing his Dao Fruit, demonstrating that advancement requires determination.
• Innovation and new paths: Xuandu’s teachings offer the Interception Sect a way to evolve beyond its established tradition.
• Protection of ideals: Tongtian’s vow emphasizes the need to defend new methods against opposition from the wider cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Xuandu directly diagnoses Duobao’s cultivation flaw and offers him the Martial Dao Rune as both guidance and assistance.
• Duobao responds with gratitude and reverence, accepting Xuandu’s teachings and promising to meet his expectations.
• Xuandu encourages Duobao to use his existing talents in Artifact Refining and arrays to deepen his Martial Dao cultivation.
• Tongtian does not interact with Duobao or Xuandu directly, but observes Duobao’s transformation and silently supports Xuandu’s efforts, pledging to protect the Interception Sect’s emerging path.

Chapter Summary: “Saints Shaken, Besieging Xuandu?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The aftermath of Xuandu’s rise and the destruction of the Human Sect severely damages several Saints:
  • Laozi’s Human Sect Master Dao Fruit shatters, causing his Saint Realm to fall from Fourth Heaven Peak to First Heaven Early. His Dao Foundation is cracked, and his Saint Dao is nearly irreparably damaged.
  • Nuwa’s Holy Mother Dao Fruit is destroyed, her Saint Realm falls to First Heaven Early, and the Creation Divine Stone is reduced to less than a tenth of its former power.
• At Shouyang Mountain, Laozi reflects bitterly on having rejected Xuandu when the young man once knelt outside his sect for ten years. He realizes that accepting Xuandu could have made the Human Sect the foremost lineage in the Great Wilderness and elevated Laozi to an even higher realm.
• Laozi acknowledges that Xuandu has become his enemy: now the Human Race’s Master, Vice Sect Master of the Jie Sect, and a Zenith Heaven powerhouse. Though consumed by regret, Laozi decides to focus first on repairing his damaged foundation and waits for the coming tribulation.
• In the Jade Void Palace, Primordial Heavenly Venerate Yuanshi recognizes that Xuandu’s fortune has become so immense that he must be eliminated. However, because the Witch-Demon Tribulation has not yet begun and Heavenly Secrets remain chaotic, Yuanshi chooses not to attack directly.
• Yuanshi plans to use the coming Witch-Demon War and the chaos of the tribulation to destroy Xuandu. He expects Laozi, Nuwa, and the Western Saints to join forces, potentially creating a five-Sage assault before Tongtian can respond.
• At Mount Sumeru, Jieyin and Zhunti agree to cooperate with Yuanshi. They intend to let the Witch and Demon Clans—and possibly the other Saints—serve as the main attackers while the Western Sect profits from Xuandu’s destruction and the resulting collapse of the Eastern Mystic Gate.
• Nuwa, devastated by her defeat and by Fuxi’s decision to join the Jie Sect, becomes consumed by hatred toward both Xuandu and her brother. Despite her losses, she vows that she has not yet been defeated and swears revenge.
• On Golden Ao Island, Tongtian detects the schemes of the other Saints and openly declares that no one will harm Xuandu. His words rally the Jie Sect disciples, who respond with renewed determination.
• The Immortal-Slaying Four Swords awaken with powerful sword intent, signaling that Golden Ao Island is preparing for a major confrontation. Tongtian’s greatest concern is whether Dao Ancestor Hongjun will intervene or remain neutral.

Character Developments

• Laozi shifts from detached confidence to regret and self-reproach. He recognizes that his arrogance and failure to understand the Human Race’s will caused his downfall. Although weakened, he remains determined to survive and eventually oppose Xuandu.
• Yuanshi becomes the chief strategist against Xuandu. He does not underestimate Xuandu’s strength, but views him as an anomaly that must be erased through careful manipulation of the tribulation.
• Jieyin and Zhunti reveal their opportunistic ambition. Their apparent cooperation is driven by the desire to seize Xuandu’s fortune and use the disorder among the Eastern sects to strengthen the impoverished Western Sect.
• Nuwa loses her former compassion and dignity, becoming dominated by grief, resentment, and revenge. Fuxi’s defection intensifies her emotional collapse, but also gives her a renewed determination to retaliate.
• Tongtian emerges as Xuandu’s unwavering protector. He anticipates the coming conflict and transforms the Jie Sect’s fear and uncertainty into collective resolve.
• The Jie Sect disciples, including Duobao, gain confidence from the spread of Martial Dao. They now see themselves as participants in a new era rather than passive figures awaiting the Saints’ decisions.

Significant Themes

• Regret and missed opportunities: Laozi’s rejection of Xuandu becomes the central example of how arrogance and poor judgment can permanently alter destiny.
• The rise of the mortal and the Human Race: Xuandu’s achievement of Zenith Heaven through Martial Dao challenges the established hierarchy of Saints, sects, and traditional cultivation.
• Power, fortune, and political manipulation: The Saints view Xuandu not only as a person but as the bearer of enormous fortune whose fall could reshape the balance of the entire Great Wilderness.
• The coming of tribulation: The Witch-Demon War is presented as both a predetermined cosmic event and a tool that powerful figures intend to manipulate for personal gain.
• Betrayal and divided loyalties: Nuwa’s pain over Fuxi choosing the Jie Sect contrasts with the loyalty of Tongtian and his disciples toward Xuandu.
• Unity against oppression: The Jie Sect’s disciples move from uncertainty to solidarity, embracing the Martial Dao and preparing to resist an alliance of hostile Saints.
• Fate versus anomaly: Yuanshi considers Xuandu an irregularity in Heaven’s intended design, while Xuandu’s existence represents the possibility of defying predetermined destiny.

Important Character Interactions

• Laozi and Xuandu, in retrospect: Laozi remembers Xuandu’s former devotion and realizes that his refusal created the enemy now threatening the Human Sect’s future.
• Yuanshi and the other Saints: Yuanshi mentally forms a coalition involving Laozi, Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti, intending to attack Xuandu through the chaos of the Witch-Demon Tribulation.
• Jieyin and Zhunti: The Western Saints openly discuss exploiting Xuandu’s death to seize Eastern fortune and expand the Western Sect.
• Nuwa and Fuxi: Fuxi’s choice to join the Jie Sect is portrayed as a profound personal betrayal that worsens Nuwa’s hatred of Xuandu and her despair over her own defeat.
• Tongtian and the Jie Sect disciples: Tongtian’s declaration of protection inspires Duobao and the other disciples to stand united and face the Saints without fear.
• Tongtian and the unseen Hongjun: Though Tongtian is ready to fight the hostile Saints, he remains wary of Dao Ancestor Hongjun’s unknown position, suggesting that Hongjun’s response may determine the ultimate scale of the conflict.