Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan uses the Great River Sword Qi twice, depleting his mental energy significantly.
• He collects intact divine refined weapons from the battlefield.
• Li Gan returns to the Divine Sword Sect and sends a message about the Chen Prince Mansion's defection to the Ning Prince Mansion's camp and the heavy losses of the imperial family's ace martial dao legions.
• The Divine Sword Sect begins preparations for defense against the impending attack from the Ning Prince Mansion's army.
• The Qi Prince Mansion receives the same intelligence and starts preparing for the expedition to Taiping Prefecture.
• Disciples of the Divine Sword Sect discover a battlefield in the Tianzhi Mountain Range where a martial dao legion from the Ning Prince Mansion was completely annihilated.

Character Developments

• Li Gan realizes the immense power consumption of the Great River Sword Qi and its potential against top-tier martial dao legions.
• Sect Master Feng Shaoyu and the peak masters of the Divine Sword Sect understand the gravity of the situation and prepare for defense.
• The Qi Prince recognizes the threat and orders his martial dao legion to Taiping Prefecture.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the prince mansions and the imperial family.
• The defensive capabilities of the Divine Sword Sect and other feudal states.
• The destructive power of heaven-man martial artists.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan interacts with the Divine Sword Sect disciples, though not directly shown in this chapter.
• Sect Master Feng Shaoyu and the peak masters discuss the defense strategy.
• The Qi Prince interacts with his advisors and military officers to prepare for the expedition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Wendao and other martial artists rush to the death shura field, where they find evidence of a heavenly human's immense destructive power.
• The Divine Sword Sect begins forming a martial dao legion, while the rebel army from the Ning Prince Mansion stalls at the Min River line.
• Li Gan prepares to break through to the Heavenly Human Realm and successfully does so, with his Heartless Sword Intent progressing to 99/100.

Character Developments

• Xiao Wendao becomes more intrigued by the mysterious heavenly human and considers the possibility of a hidden realm.
• Li Gan breaks through to the Heavenly Human Realm and nears the breakthrough of his Heartless Sword Intent to the Heavenly Phenomenon grade.

Significant Themes

• The power of heavenly humans and the difference between true phenomenon and heavenly phenomenon grade martial intent.
• The mysterious realm that may exist beyond the current world, as hinted by Xiao Wendao.
• The struggle between the Divine Sword Sect and the Ning Prince Mansion, reflecting the political intrigue and power dynamics within the imperial family.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Wendao and Yun Lei discuss the destructive power at the death shura field, leading to speculation about an invincible heavenly human.
• Li Gan interacts with Little Black, his hawk companion, who brings him news and helps him monitor the battle situation.
• Li Gan's cultivation progress and breakthrough are not directly tied to interactions with other characters but are significant personal developments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two brothers, one older (around 18-19) and one younger (around 14-15), go fishing in Pingze Lake to catch an Azure Dragon fish to raise money for the younger brother's entrance exam to the Divine Sword Sect.
• They catch a massive, mutated Azure Dragon fish, but it attacks and kills the older brother. The younger brother is saved by Li Gan, an immortal.
• Li Gan notices the younger brother's skill in Sword Piercing Fist and offers to help him.

Character Developments

• The younger brother shows determination and resilience in the face of tragedy, vowing to honor his brother's wishes and participate in the Divine Sword Sect's entrance examination.
• Li Gan demonstrates compassion and willingness to help the less fortunate, using his powers to save the younger brother and offering guidance in his martial arts practice.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of the poor to access opportunities, as the Divine Sword Sect's entrance examination requires a fee to participate, excluding many who cannot afford it.
• The power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity, as seen in the younger brother's reaction to his brother's death.

Character Interactions

• The bond between the two brothers is highlighted, as the older brother risks his life to help the younger one achieve his dream, and the younger brother is determined to honor his brother's sacrifice.
• Li Gan interacts with the younger brother, saving his life, offering guidance in martial arts, and encouraging him to participate in the Divine Sword Sect's entrance examination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan returns with a massive mutated azure dragon fish, planning a full fish feast.
• Master Zhou Buping returns and advises against killing the fish, as it could potentially gestate a flood dragon pearl, but Li Gan insists on eating it.
• Li Gan prepares a full-course meal with the fish: sashimi, shabu-shabu, grilled fish, and fish soup.
• Liu Ming takes two days to process the entire fish, wasting nothing.
• Li Gan meets with Sect Master Feng Shaoyu to discuss recruitment issues and is tasked with handling this year's recruitment to implement reforms.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Shows his decisiveness and determination in pursuing his goals, even if it means going against conventional wisdom or his master's advice. He also demonstrates his willingness to take on challenging tasks when presented with a good deal (exemption from future inner sect missions).
• Zhou Buping: Shows concern for the sect's interests and the potential value of the azure dragon fish, but ultimately respects Li Gan's decision.
• Sect Master Feng Shaoyu: Recognizes Li Gan's potential and is willing to make a deal to get him to take on the recruitment task, showing his desire for reform and improvement within the sect.

Significant Themes

• The value of resources and potential vs. immediate gain.
• The challenges of implementing reform and change within an organization.
• The importance of determination and decisiveness in pursuing one's goals.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Zhou Buping: Li Gan shows respect for his master's opinion but ultimately follows his own judgment. Zhou Buping, while disagreeing with Li Gan's decision, supports his disciple's actions.
• Li Gan and Sect Master Feng Shaoyu: They discuss the sect's recruitment issues, and the Sect Master tasks Li Gan with handling this year's recruitment to implement changes. Li Gan accepts the task in exchange for exemption from future inner sect missions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sect Master Feng Shaoyu assigns Li Gan to assist Elder Kang in the inner sect recruitment.
• Li Gan discovers the problematic issues in the recruitment process, including favoritism and exploitation of commoner disciples.
• Xiao Wendao, the strongest celestial being of the divine sword sect, learns about the recruitment issues and decides to intervene, supporting Feng Shaoyu's decision to rectify the process.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Shows concern for the fair treatment of commoner disciples and takes initiative to address the recruitment issues.
• Xiao Wendao: Initially disinterested in sect affairs, he becomes involved after learning about the recruitment problems, displaying a more proactive and protective stance towards the sect.
• Feng Shaoyu: Struggles with the recruitment issues but lacks the authority to resolve them. He relies on Li Gan and Xiao Wendao's support to tackle the problem.

Significant Themes

• Fairness and equality in recruitment, highlighting the discrimination against commoner disciples.
• The struggle of the sect master to maintain order and justice within the sect.
• The intervention of a powerful figure (Xiao Wendao) to address a pressing issue, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Elder Kang: Li Gan learns about the recruitment issues from Elder Kang and decides to take action.
• Feng Shaoyu and Xiao Wendao: Feng Shaoyu seeks Xiao Wendao's support to rectify the recruitment process, leading to Xiao Wendao's intervention.
• Li Gan and Xiao Wendao: Although they don't interact directly in this chapter, Li Gan's actions and Xiao Wendao's intervention are connected, as both aim to address the recruitment problems.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan begins his daily cultivation on Chenzhong Terrace, while Liu Ming smokes spirit fish meat.
• Lei Zhao visits, and Li Gan shares the spirit fish meat with him.
• Li Gan is summoned to the Divine Sword Legion camp by the sect master to meet Heavenly Human Xiao.
• Heavenly Human Xiao discusses the recruitment drive with Li Gan and offers his support.
• Heavenly Human Xiao inquires about a senior in a black cloak who has guided Li Gan.

Character Developments

• Li Gan demonstrates his cultivation prowess and strategic thinking to Heavenly Human Xiao, impressing him.
• Heavenly Human Xiao shows interest in Li Gan's potential and offers guidance.
• Liu Ming is shown to be resourceful and considerate, providing high-quality spirit fish meat for Li Gan.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation environment and personal path.
• The influence of powerful backers in the cultivation world.
• The value of guidance from experienced seniors.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Liu Ming: They maintain a friendly and cooperative relationship, with Liu Ming supporting Li Gan's cultivation.
• Li Gan and Heavenly Human Xiao: They establish a beneficial relationship, with Heavenly Human Xiao offering support for Li Gan's reforms and expressing interest in his potential.
• Li Gan and Lei Zhao: They maintain a friendly relationship, with Li Gan sharing spirit fish meat with Lei Zhao.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Divine Sword Sect's annual recruitment begins, covering eighteen prefectures.
• Li Gan, an inner disciple, suspects foul play in the recruitment process and decides to investigate.
• He discovers that the preliminary selection is rigged to favor candidates from martial arts factions over commoners.
• Li Gan conducts a thorough investigation in Pingze Prefecture, selecting over two thousand promising seeds.
• The Divine Sword Legion is mobilized to assist in the recruitment process, and Li Gan takes over the Assessment Hall.
• Over thirty thousand candidates gather, and after assessments, three thousand two hundred and eighteen become inner disciples, with over eight thousand becoming menial disciples.
• Li Gan establishes a supervision mechanism for future recruitment.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: He shows initiative and determination in uncovering the truth about the recruitment process. He takes charge of the situation, enlisting the help of the Divine Sword Legion, and implements changes to improve the recruitment system.
• Elder Kang: He is initially reluctant to cooperate with Li Gan but eventually complies. He and other elders are stripped of their positions and investigated for their roles in the recruitment scandal.
• Heavenly Human Xiao: He supports Li Gan's actions and uses the situation to assert his authority and clean up the Divine Sword Sect.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and abuse of power within the Divine Sword Sect.
• The importance of fair and impartial recruitment to the sect's future.
• The consequences of hiding the truth and the benefits of transparency and accountability.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan interacts with Elder Kang, Heavenly Human Xiao, and other elders, challenging their authority and implementing changes.
• Heavenly Human Xiao interacts with the elders, supporting Li Gan's actions and stripping them of their positions.
• Li Gan works with the Divine Sword Legion to conduct the recruitment process, demonstrating his leadership and determination.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The old man from Zhenwu Temple arrives, giving a critical array disk to the supreme elder.
• The Ning Prince Mansion rebel army retreats, and various rebel kings march towards Yujing.
• The Grand Empress Dowager faces the rebel alliance, using her celestial phenomenon attacks.
• The top-tier celestial beings from the three major sects attempt to suppress her, leading to a cataclysmic event.
• Li Gan senses the disturbance and breaks through to the heavenly phenomenon grade in sword intent.

Character Developments

• The old man from Zhenwu Temple is revealed to be the Grandmaster, showing his power and wisdom.
• The Grand Empress Dowager demonstrates her strength, using her celestial phenomenon attacks and the nation-suppressing divine artifact.
• Li Gan breaks through to the heavenly phenomenon grade in sword intent, gaining immense power.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and control, as seen in the conflict between the imperial family and the rebel alliance.
• The consequences of using powerful artifacts, as shown by the Grand Empress Dowager's use of the nation-suppressing divine artifact.
• The importance of cultivation and personal growth, as demonstrated by Li Gan's breakthrough.

Character Interactions

• The old man from Zhenwu Temple interacts with the supreme elder, showing his authority and wisdom.
• The top-tier celestial beings from the three major sects work together to suppress the Grand Empress Dowager, showcasing their unity and power.
• Li Gan's interaction with the heartless sword intent hints at his growing connection with the world's power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan's sword intent reaches the heavenly phenomenon grade, and his great river sword qi enters the second level.
• Xiao Hei returns mutated, with active blood energy gathering in its body.
• The Divine Sword Sect learns of the battle in Yujing, the Grand Empress Dowager's fall, and the subsequent peace agreement.
• Over a year passes, and the Divine Sword Sect maintains its martial dao legion. Mutation phenomena increase, and the Moon Worship Cult shows signs of activity.
• The Divine Sword Sect discovers a treasure bone genius, causing a stir among the elders and peak masters.

Character Developments

• Li Gan becomes a heavenly phenomenon grade celestial and decides to keep a low profile to focus on practice.
• Xiao Hei undergoes a mutation, growing larger and developing dark red feathers.
• Sect Master Feng Shaoyu and the other power-holding elders and peak masters are eager to take the treasure bone genius as their apprentice.
• Xiao Wendao, the Heaven-Human of the Divine Sword Sect, takes the treasure bone genius as his apprentice.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and political landscape of Dachang, with the imperial family losing control and local powers growing stronger.
• The potential connection between the great battle in Yujing, the cracks in the sky, Li Gan's breakthrough, and Xiao Hei's mutation.
• The discovery of a treasure bone genius, highlighting the value and rarity of such prodigious talent in the martial world.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan interacts with Liu Ming, his master Zhou Buping, and the Divine Sword Sect elders and peak masters.
• The Divine Sword Sect elders and peak masters vie for the treasure bone genius's apprenticeship, demonstrating their eagerness and desperation to secure such a prodigious talent.
• Xiao Wendao interacts with the treasure bone genius, showcasing his charisma and ultimately becoming her master.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The barrier in the human realm is unstable, causing a surge in treasure bone-level genius discoveries.
• Zhenwu Temple, one of the three major sects, sends a representative to the Divine Sword Sect to retrieve a treasure bone-level genius named Shen Mo'er.
• The representative, Hongyuan Zhenren, reveals that treasure bone-level geniuses are meant to be sent beyond the human realm to cultivate further, as the human realm's cultivation conditions limit their growth.

Character Developments

• Li Gan, a disciple of the Divine Sword Sect, learns about the existence of treasure bone-level geniuses and their significance.
• Xiao Wendao, the Heavenly Human Xiao of the Divine Sword Sect, becomes protective of Shen Mo'er and is reluctant to hand her over to Zhenwu Temple.

Significant Themes

• The limitation of cultivation in the human realm for high-level geniuses.
• The existence of a realm beyond the human realm, hinting at a higher level of cultivation.
• The struggle for power and resources between sects, as seen in the Divine Sword Sect's reluctance to give up Shen Mo'er.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and his master, Zhou Buping, discuss the discovery of a treasure bone-level genius.
• Xiao Wendao and Hongyuan Zhenren negotiate the handover of Shen Mo'er, with Xiao Wendao refusing to comply due to the potential loss of a powerful successor for his sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A treasure bone-level genius is taken away by Zhenwu Temple, causing frustration among the Divine Sword Sect's higher-ups.
• Peak Master Hou Shuwen breaks through to the Heavenly Human Realm, leading to a grand celebration.
• Li Gan remains in seclusion at Chenzhong Terrace for over a year, focusing solely on cultivation.
• Pang Bai discovers a potential ancient ruin and shares the information with Li Gan.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Continues to cultivate diligently, reaching the early stage of the Heavenly Human Realm. He also makes significant progress in his Blood Qi Sacred Domain and other skills. His age is revealed to be forty-one.
• Zhou Buping: Frustrated by the loss of the treasure bone-level genius but understands the sect's decision.
• Li Gan's Master: Implicated in Li Gan's poor reputation within the sect.
• Pang Bai: Discovers a potential ancient ruin and shares the information with Li Gan, seeking his help.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and cultivation.
• The allure and risks of ancient ruins.
• The consequences of Li Gan's past actions on his reputation within the sect.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Zhou Buping: Master and disciple, with Zhou Buping expressing frustration over the loss of the treasure bone-level genius.
• Li Gan and Pang Bai: Senior and junior brothers, with Pang Bai sharing the ancient ruin discovery with Li Gan, trusting in his discretion.
• The Divine Sword Sect and Zhenwu Temple: Rivals, with Zhenwu Temple taking a treasure bone-level genius from the Divine Sword Sect, causing frustration and resentment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan and Pang Bai discuss excavating ancient ruins, with Li Gan advising caution due to the risks involved.
• Li Gan leaves to break through to the middle stage of the heavenly human realm within the tianzhi mountain range.
• He successfully breaks through, and his nascent blood qi sacred domain fully takes shape, expanding to over thirty zhang and gaining the ability to absorb heaven and earth origin qi.
• Li Gan's master, Zhou Buping, informs him that the Divine Sword Sect suffered heavy losses while excavating an ancient ruin, including the death of top grandmaster Xie Tiancheng.

Character Developments

• Li Gan demonstrates wisdom and caution, advising against rash decisions and emphasizing the importance of patience and steady cultivation.
• Pang Bai shows enthusiasm and ambition, eager to seize opportunities despite the risks.
• Zhou Buping reveals his concern for the Divine Sword Sect's losses and his respect for Li Gan's growth as a disciple.

Significant Themes

• Caution vs. Ambition: Li Gan advises caution, while Pang Bai is eager to take risks.
• Patience and Steadiness: Li Gan emphasizes the importance of patience in cultivation and not rushing opportunities.
• Consequences of Rash Actions: The Divine Sword Sect's heavy losses serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of underestimating ancient ruins.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Pang Bai discuss the risks and rewards of excavating ancient ruins, with Li Gan advising caution.
• Li Gan shares his cultivation breakthrough with the reader, showing his growth and new abilities.
• Li Gan and Zhou Buping discuss the Divine Sword Sect's losses, with Zhou Buping expressing his concern and respect for Li Gan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Divine Sword Sect is attempting to excavate ancient ruins in Cang County, Xuan Prefecture, but faces challenges due to a powerful poisonous beast and a complex formation.
• Xiao Wendao, a Heaven-Human expert of the Divine Sword Sect, seeks help from Li Gan's avatar to assist in the excavation.
• Li Gan visits the ancient ruins and discovers that the formations there are based on the Shi Tuo Ridge Array Solution, which is associated with the demon race.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: Shows expertise in array formations and is willing to help the Divine Sword Sect, despite the potential dangers.
• Xiao Wendao: Seeks Li Gan's help due to the Divine Sword Sect's inability to break the formation and the high risk involved.

Significant Themes

• The ancient ruins' connection to the demon race and the potential dangers it poses.
• The Divine Sword Sect's struggle to excavate the ruins due to their lack of expertise in formations.
• Li Gan's willingness to help, despite the risks, highlighting his character and expertise.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Xiao Wendao: Xiao Wendao seeks Li Gan's help, and Li Gan agrees to investigate the ancient ruins.
• Li Gan and the ancient ruins: Li Gan explores the ruins and discovers the formations' connection to the demon race, increasing his caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan spends over ten days studying arrays within ancient ruins, making significant progress in the Shi Tuo Ridge Array Solution.
• He finds and disables five base arrays, including a dangerous earth trap array, using a lizard demon as labor.
• Li Gan discovers a stone gate inscribed with demon script, leading to a cavern with a stone statue of an ape-beast.
• The statue, an "ape god," tries to bewitch Li Gan with an illusion but fails due to Li Gan's dharma tool, the chen bell.
• Li Gan destroys the statue, revealing it to be the fossilized corpse of an ape demon, and finds a valuable demon stone.

Character Developments

• Li Gan demonstrates his array knowledge and skill, successfully navigating and disabling the ancient ruin's arrays.
• He shows courage and caution when facing the "ape god," using his dharma tool to resist its mental attacks.
• Li Gan's determination and resourcefulness are evident in his use of the lizard demon as labor to dig up the fixed array pillars.

Significant Themes

• Array knowledge and skill: Li Gan's proficiency in arrays allows him to navigate and disable the ancient ruin's formations.
• Mental attacks and resistance: The "ape god" uses mental attacks, which Li Gan counters with his dharma tool, the chen bell.
• Determination and resourcefulness: Li Gan shows these qualities in using the lizard demon as labor and in facing the "ape god."

Character Interactions

• Li Gan interacts with the lizard demon, using it as labor to dig up the fixed array pillars.
• He faces off against the "ape god," resisting its mental attacks and ultimately destroying it.
• Xiao Wendao, outside the ancient ruins, is mentioned but does not interact with Li Gan in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Wendao, a senior of the Divine Sword Sect, stands watch over ancient ruins for over half a month, awaiting the return of a mysterious senior who entered the formation.
• The poisonous miasma around the ruins starts to dissipate, and a powerful ripple is felt, suggesting a battle within.
• Xiao Wendao and Hou Shuwen, the master of Guiyi Peak, enter the ruins and discover a petrified ape demon's corpse, hinting at a demon's lair.
• They find books of the demon race and jade slips but leave them untouched.

Character Developments

• Xiao Wendao shows concern and respect for the mysterious senior, indicating his importance to the Divine Sword Sect.
• Hou Shuwen, initially confused, becomes shocked and awestruck upon learning about the Divine Sword Sect's true ancestor.

Significant Themes

• Secrets and Hidden Power: The existence of the true ancestor is a closely guarded secret, highlighting the importance of hidden power and its impact on the Divine Sword Sect's history and reputation.
• Ancient Ruins and Their Dangers: The ancient ruins are portrayed as dangerous and mysterious, housing powerful entities like the petrified ape demon.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Wendao and Hou Shuwen: Xiao Wendao shares the secret of the true ancestor with Hou Shuwen, marking a level of trust and acknowledging Hou Shuwen's status within the sect. Their interaction shows Xiao Wendao's guidance and Hou Shuwen's eagerness to learn.
• The Mysterious Senior and Xiao Wendao: Though not directly interacting, Xiao Wendao's concern and respect for the senior indicate a strong bond or hierarchy within the Divine Sword Sect.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The Divine Sword Sect successfully disperses the poisonous miasma in the ancient ruins.
• Li Gan returns to Chenzhong Terrace after his trip and decides to stay and focus on his cultivation.
• Demon traces start appearing more frequently across Dachang, causing significant casualties.
• A demon trace appears in Mangniu County, Taiping Prefecture, under the Divine Sword Sect's jurisdiction.
• The Divine Sword Sect dispatches experts, including Xiao Wendao, to deal with the demon trace.

Character Developments

• Li Gan continues to improve his cultivation and shares his array knowledge with the Divine Sword Sect's array masters.
• Xiao Wendao, as the sect's grand uncle-master, takes charge of handling the demon trace incident.
• The Moon Worship Cult's leader, referred to as the Great Moon Mother, prepares to bestow divine grace on her followers, starting with the white-haired elder.

Significant Themes

• The threat and danger posed by the demon race's resurgence.
• The struggle between the Divine Sword Sect and the Moon Worship Cult.
• The pursuit of power and divinization at any cost by the Moon Worship Cult members.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan interacts with the Divine Sword Sect's array masters, sharing his knowledge and learning from them.
• Xiao Wendao consults with the sect master and other elders about the demon trace incident.
• The white-haired elder and the other Moon Worship Cult members interact with the Great Moon Mother, seeking her divine grace.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A mysterious white mist shrouds Mangniu County City, with eerie wolf howls heard within.
• The Divine Sword Sect, led by Xiao Wendao, and the Qi Prince Mansion arrive to investigate but find the city full of mummified corpses after the mist dissipates.
• The monster responsible for the massacre escapes, and the city is declared a dead zone.
• Li Gan, using his other identity, sneaks into Mangniu County City and discovers a demon within the Taiping Holy Cave.

Character Developments

• Li Gan continues to improve his cultivation and array mastery, reaching mid-stage 42 in the Heavenly Human Realm and nearing proficiency in the Shi Tuo Ridge Array Solution.
• Xiao Wendao demonstrates caution and wisdom in handling the demon trace, prioritizing the safety of the Divine Sword Sect's members and seeking help from the Qi Prince Mansion.
• The demon within the Taiping Holy Cave reveals its true form and intentions, viewing humans as mere food and herds for its kind.

Significant Themes

• The danger and terror of demons, as demonstrated by the massacre in Mangniu County City.
• The power dynamics between humans and demons, with the demon viewing humans as inferior beings.
• The importance of caution and preparation when facing unknown threats, as shown by Li Gan's use of the chen bell to protect his mind.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan interacts with the demon, revealing his knowledge of the Panyuan cave abode and provoking the demon's wrath.
• Xiao Wendao and Hou Shuwen discuss the demon trace, showcasing their concern for the Divine Sword Sect's safety and the lives of the people in Mangniu County City.
• Li Gan, using his other identity, sneaks into Mangniu County City without the knowledge of the Divine Sword Sect, demonstrating his independence and resourcefulness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan encounters a werewolf demon in Mangniu County City's cavern, which he defeats using his blood qi sacred domain and Sword Eighteen.
• He discovers that the demon had possessed a human body and could potentially return, raising concerns about the true power dynamics of the world.
• Li Gan finds a six-harmony array disk and six fixed array pillars in the cavern, intending to move them to the Divine Sword Sect's Array Valley.
• Outside the city, Hou Shuwen, a heavenly human from the Divine Sword Sect, senses a strange vibration and auditory hallucination, later revealed to be Li Gan's actions.
• Li Gan appears before Hou Shuwen, mistaken for the ancestor of the Divine Sword Sect, and hands him a diagram of the array locations before disappearing.

Character Developments

• Li Gan demonstrates his strength against a powerful demon, showing his growth and adaptability in this new world.
• Hou Shuwen, though initially shocked by Li Gan's appearance and actions, remains composed and respectful, showing his loyalty to the Divine Sword Sect and its ancestor.

Significant Themes

• The power of demons and the potential threat they pose to the human realm.
• The existence of powerful beings protecting the human realm from demonic influences.
• The importance of arrays and their potential to influence the balance of power between humans and demons.

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and the werewolf demon: A one-sided battle, showcasing Li Gan's dominance and the demon's futile struggle.
• Li Gan and Hou Shuwen: A brief, mysterious encounter where Li Gan hands over crucial information to Hou Shuwen, further cementing the Divine Sword Sect's trust in him as their ancestor.

Summary of "Ascending the Realm"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Senior Xiao Wendao and Hou Shuwen discover the Moon Worship Cult's involvement in the demonic incidents in Mangniu County City.
• They find a massive corpse and a pile of air-dried fragments in the Taiping Holy Cave, suggesting the presence of a powerful demon.
• The concentration of heaven and earth origin qi increases rapidly, and a strange red phenomenon appears in the sky, hinting at an upcoming ascension.
• The imperial clan merges three feudal states into one dao prefecture, Taiwu Dao, and plans to parachute in a dao master to command the martial arts forces within the dao.

Character Developments

• Xiao Wendao becomes more determined to investigate the demonic incidents and protect the human realm.
• Hou Shuwen demonstrates his intelligence and analytical skills in deducing the sequence of events related to the Moon Worship Cult.
• Li Gan deciphers a jade slip containing the Ten Thousand Spirits Appraisal, allowing him to sense the spirituality of objects and individuals.
• Liu Ming's cultivation improves, and he becomes more involved in the affairs of the Divine Sword Sect and the human realm.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against demonic forces and the protection of the human realm.
• The importance of talent and aptitude in cultivation, as demonstrated by the spirit sensing technique and the different grades of spiritual light.
• The political and power dynamics within the human realm, as seen in the merger of feudal states and the appointment of a dao master.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Wendao and Hou Shuwen work together to investigate the demonic incidents, showcasing their partnership and trust.
• Li Gan and Liu Ming engage in cultivation and knowledge exchange, with Li Gan guiding Liu Ming in the spirit sensing technique.
• The power-holding elders and peak masters of the Divine Sword Sect discuss the recent celestial phenomenon and the imperial clan's decisions, revealing their concerns and opinions about the future of the human realm.
  This summary provides a detailed yet concise overview of the key aspects of the "Ascending the Realm" chapter, including plot points, character developments, significant themes, and character interactions. It serves as a useful reference for understanding the chapter's content and context within the broader narrative.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Gan, a grandmaster at the Divine Sword Sect, begins his daily cultivation session at Chenzhong Terrace.
• He discovers that his cultivation level is nearing a breakthrough, and Chenzhong is about to level up.
• Li Gan's master, Zhou Buping, suggests that Li Gan take on a disciple to help with sect duties and ensure the continuity of the heartless lineage.
• Liu Ming, Li Gan's disciple, reveals that he wants to become an inner disciple to pursue a relationship with a female inner disciple.
• Li Gan visits the Assessment Hall to look for potential disciples among the newly recruited inner disciples.
• He discovers two hidden bone grade disciples (golden bone and jade bone) among the recruits, despite their appearances being of silver bone grade.

Character Developments

• Li Gan: He is indifferent to worldly fame but values character and disposition over innate talent. He decides to take on two hidden bone grade disciples despite their ordinary appearances.
• Liu Ming: He has fallen in love with a female inner disciple and wants to leave the sect with her after serving for a few years. He encourages Li Gan to take on a disciple to help with sect duties.
• Zhou Buping: He is concerned about the future of the heartless lineage and encourages Li Gan to take on a disciple to ensure its continuity.

Significant Themes

• The importance of character and disposition over innate talent.
• The value of hard work and perseverance in cultivation (Li Gan's 27-year journey to upgrade Chenzhong).
• The potential for hidden talent to be revealed under specific circumstances (hidden bone grades).

Character Interactions

• Li Gan and Zhou Buping: The master-disciple duo discuss Li Gan taking on a disciple to help with sect duties and ensure the continuity of the heartless lineage.
• Li Gan and Liu Ming: They discuss Liu Ming's desire to become an inner disciple to pursue a relationship, and Li Gan decides to take on disciples to help with sect duties.
• Li Gan and Elder Xiang: Li Gan visits the Assessment Hall to look for potential disciples, and Elder Xiang helps him gather the new inner disciples for selection.
• Li Gan and the two hidden bone grade disciples: Li Gan selects the two hidden bone grade disciples despite their ordinary appearances, showing his indifference to worldly fame and value of character over innate talent.