Chapter Summaries

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yuan Ming receives a Nine-Bend Strange Spirit Gold Ginseng from Venerable Tianzhao.
• Cheng Buzheng, now a Supervisory Elder, exchanges Contribution Points for Spirit Materials to refine a fourth-rank Teleportation Array Disk.
• Cheng Buzheng's avatar, disguised as an old monk, delivers the secret technique to the Immortal Alliance.

Character Developments

• Yuan Ming (Cheng Buzheng's avatar) gains Venerable Tianzhao's favor and receives a precious treasure.
• Cheng Buzheng advances his plans to refine a fourth-rank Teleportation Array Disk.
• Cheng Buzheng decides to discard his Honorary Alchemist identity and focuses on cultivating.

Significant Themes

• The value and scarcity of rare treasures and secret techniques in the cultivation world.
• The importance of cultivators' identities and status in the Immortal Alliance.
• The pursuit of power and resources to advance cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Ming interacts with Venerable Tianzhao, showing deference and gratitude.
• Cheng Buzheng's avatar interacts with Venerable Tianzhao, delivering the secret technique and receiving a reward.
• Cheng Buzheng interacts with Manager Duan, inquiring about missions involving fourth-tier Spirit Pills.

Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng, an old monk, meets True Lord Qingrao, a Supervision Hall elder, to exchange the leasehold rights to a B-Grade Cave Mansion in Immortal Alliance City.
• Cheng Buzheng offers a piece of Red Gold Mystic Ore in exchange for the Cave Mansion and covers Qingrao's rental fees with low-grade Magic Treasures.
• After the transaction, Qingrao invites Cheng Buzheng to accompany him to Seal Boundary Island for a mission, but Cheng Buzheng declines.
• Cheng Buzheng leaves Immortal Alliance City and travels to a deserted island, where he accesses a secret teleportation array leading to the Wang Family Ancestral Secret Realm (now Cheng Clan Ancestral Grounds).
• He uses his spirit blood and a teleportation technique to open the teleportation platform leading inland.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng: Shows his negotiation skills and resourcefulness in the transaction. He also displays his power and knowledge of teleportation techniques.
• True Lord Qingrao: Shows his authority and influence in the Immortal Alliance. He also reveals his mission to Seal Boundary Island.

Significant Themes

• Power and Influence: Qingrao's position in the Supervision Hall and his mission to Seal Boundary Island highlight the power dynamics within the Immortal Alliance.
• Resourcefulness and Adaptability: Cheng Buzheng's ability to navigate the Immortal Alliance's politics and complete the transaction showcases his resourcefulness and adaptability.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng and True Lord Qingrao: Their interaction shows a balance of power and mutual respect. Qingrao tries to recruit Cheng Buzheng for a mission, but Cheng Buzheng declines, maintaining his independence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng modifies two teleportation arrays in the Secret Realm, adding bloodline restrictions to prevent unauthorized access.
• He plants the Ancient Flood Dragon Blood Spirit Tree in the Teleportation Room and arranges the Blood Crystal Pools.
• Cheng Buzheng sets up a formation on the teleportation plaza and leaves a Third-order Soul Puppet to guard it.
• He travels to Immortal Alliance City, enters his shop, and seals himself in the Alchemy Chamber to refine the [Nine-Aperture Creation Pill].

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng demonstrates his powerful cultivation and alchemy skills, showing his dedication to protecting his family and their interests.
• He displays his strategic thinking by modifying the teleportation arrays and setting up formations to secure the Secret Realm.

Significant Themes

• Bloodline Restrictions: Cheng Buzheng uses his bloodline to restrict access to the Secret Realm, emphasizing the importance of lineage and heritage.
• Protection and Security: Cheng Buzheng's actions focus on safeguarding his family's interests and the Secret Realm's safety.
• Cultivation and Advancement: Cheng Buzheng's goal of refining the [Nine-Aperture Creation Pill] highlights the pursuit of higher cultivation levels and power.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng interacts with the teleportation arrays, formations, and the Soul Puppet, showcasing his control and manipulation of these elements.
• There are no direct interactions with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Little Daoist (author) announces they will be absent for the day and might return late.
• Updates to the story are likely to be suspended for the day.

Character Developments

• Little Daoist: No significant character development in this chapter as it's mostly an announcement.

Significant Themes

• Communication and Expectation Management: Little Daoist sets clear expectations about their absence, ensuring readers aren't left waiting for updates.

Character Interactions

• Little Daoist addresses the readers directly as "Fellow Daoists," fostering a sense of community and interaction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng emerges from the Alchemy Chamber after three years, having successfully refined the [Nine-Aperture Creation Pill].
• He returns to Immortal Alliance City, leases a B-Grade Cave Mansion, and begins cultivating in a secret chamber.
• Cheng Buzheng's incarnation in the Inner Sea gathers Desolate Beasts and sells their cores for Spirit Stones.
• Cheng Buzheng sells his Spiritual Items in an Immortal Alliance shop, earning a substantial amount of Spirit Stones.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng advances to the peak of Nascent Soul Early Stage after cultivating with the [Nine-Aperture Creation Pill].
• His incarnation in the Inner Sea demonstrates his strategic thinking and resourcefulness in gathering and selling Desolate Beast cores.

Significant Themes

• The value and scarcity of Spiritual Items and Spirit Stones.
• The importance of cultivation resources and efficiency in advancing realms.
• The strategic planning and resource management exhibited by Cheng Buzheng.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng interacts with the shopkeeper and owner of an Immortal Alliance shop, negotiating the sale of his Spiritual Items.
• His incarnation in the Inner Sea interacts with Desolate Beasts, luring and controlling them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng, after changing his appearance, sells his gains from years of adventures in various Immortal Cities, disposing of over 2.7 million Mid-grade Spirit Stones and numerous Spiritual Items.
• He returns to Immortal Mansion Spirit Mountain and refines his Life-Bound Magic Treasure, the Chaos Dao Tribulation Sword, using Spirit Materials, increasing its power but also depleting his resources.
• Cheng Buzheng struggles with whether to continue advancing his Life-Bound Magic Treasure, knowing that it might hinder his chances of achieving the Unity of Person and Treasure realm.
• He decides to pause the advancement and focuses on cultivating, taking two Nine-Aperture Creation Pills over fifty years, advancing his cultivation significantly.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng's avatar successfully disposes of his gains, demonstrating his cunning and resourcefulness.
• Cheng Buzheng, back in his true body, shows restraint and wisdom in deciding not to rush the advancement of his Life-Bound Magic Treasure.
• He displays dedication and perseverance in his cultivation, advancing significantly over fifty years.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between ambition and caution, as seen in Cheng Buzheng's decision regarding his Life-Bound Magic Treasure's advancement.
• The passage of time and its impact on cultivation and business, as illustrated by Cheng Buzheng's fifty years of seclusion and Fudao Hall's lackluster business.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng's avatar interacts with various Mortal Cultivators and Shop owners during his transactions, showcasing his adaptability and deception.
• Cheng Buzheng's true body interacts with his avatar through his thoughts, demonstrating his control and connection with his other selves.
• There are no significant interactions with other characters in this chapter, as Cheng Buzheng remains in seclusion for fifty years.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Liu, now at Foundation Establishment Realm Perfection, decides to attempt a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm.
• He visits Ancestor Cheng Buzheng, who offers him two choices: a cluster of source essence for a guaranteed breakthrough but no further progress, or two Golden Spirit Fruits for a chance to break through but with a low success rate.
• Cheng Liu chooses the latter, attempting the breakthrough in a C-Grade Cave Mansion in Immortal Mansion Spirit Mountain.
• After a year, Cheng Liu fails his breakthrough, but Ancestor Cheng Buzheng uses the origin essence to help him, extending his lifespan.
• Cheng Liu successfully breaks through to the Golden Core Realm, fulfilling his initial wish.

Character Developments

• Cheng Liu: Shows determination and resolve in his decision, accepts his limitations, and expresses contentment with his achievements.
• Cheng Buzheng: Demonstrates his care and favor towards Cheng Liu, providing him with resources and guidance, and accepts his limitations.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of taking shortcuts in cultivation (limited lifespan for Golden Core Mortal Cultivators).
• The importance of accepting one's limitations and being content with one's achievements.
• The responsibility of guiding the younger generation.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Liu and Cheng Buzheng: The interaction between the two shows a deep bond, with Cheng Buzheng providing guidance and resources, and Cheng Liu expressing gratitude and determination.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Six years have passed since Cheng Liu began cultivating in the Quiet Room.
• Cheng Liu has mastered all five divine abilities and reached the Golden Core Realm.
• Cheng Buzheng hands over family affairs to Cheng Liu, including control of Soul Puppets and the treasury.
• Cheng Liu learns about the Ancient Flood Dragon Blood Spirit Tree and its importance.
• Cheng Buzheng teaches Cheng Liu about the Golden Core Realm and warns him about the Inner Sea.
• Ten years later, Cheng Buzheng receives a Sound Transmission Talisman from Chu Daofeng, requesting a meeting.
• Cheng Buzheng sends a Soul Puppet incarnation to meet Chu Daofeng.

Character Developments

• Cheng Liu has grown significantly in cultivation, mastering all divine abilities and reaching the Golden Core Realm.
• Cheng Buzheng has made considerable progress in his cultivation, nearing the peak of the Nascent Soul Early Stage.
• Cheng Buzheng remains aloof and focused on cultivation, delegating family affairs to Cheng Liu.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family and legacy, as seen in Cheng Buzheng's decision to leave the Spirit Tree to the family.
• The value of cultivation and the pursuit of power, as demonstrated by Cheng Buzheng's dedication to his own cultivation.
• The responsibilities and burdens that come with power, as shown by Cheng Buzheng's continued involvement in family affairs despite his desire for solitude.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Liu and Cheng Buzheng interact as master and disciple, with Cheng Buzheng guiding Cheng Liu's cultivation and passing on family responsibilities.
• Cheng Buzheng and Chu Daofeng maintain a secret relationship, with Chu Daofeng seeking Cheng Buzheng's help through a Sound Transmission Talisman.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A white-haired old daoist (Cheng Buzheng) returns to Immortal Alliance City after three days.
• Chu Daofeng and Shangguan Qingyu discuss a secret matter in the Primordial Bamboo Tea House.
• Cheng Buzheng meets with Chu Daofeng and Shangguan Qingyu in the tea house.

Character Developments

• Chu Daofeng: He has failed his breakthroughs twice, which has caused him distress. He is now more serious and solemn, unlike his usual carefree self. He is deeply in love with Shangguan Qingyu and plans to hold a dual cultivation ceremony with her.
• Shangguan Qingyu: She has softened towards Chu Daofeng, pouring tea for him and showing concern for his well-being. She is still cool and aloof, but not as indifferent as before.
• Cheng Buzheng: He is more cautious and discerning, not readily agreeing to things without understanding the context. He values keeping his promises and is reliable.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and Loyalty: Cheng Buzheng's friendship with Chu Daofeng and Shangguan Qingyu is tested, and he remains loyal despite potential risks.
• Love and Relationships: Chu Daofeng and Shangguan Qingyu's relationship has deepened, with plans to hold a dual cultivation ceremony.
• Trust and Secrecy: The matter Chu Daofeng wants to discuss with Cheng Buzheng is secretive and potentially troublesome, testing their trust in each other.

Character Interactions

• Chu Daofeng and Shangguan Qingyu: Their relationship has grown closer, with Shangguan Qingyu showing affection towards Chu Daofeng.
• Cheng Buzheng and Chu Daofeng/Shangguan Qingyu: Cheng Buzheng is cautious but willing to help his friends, despite the potential risks involved in the secret matter. He interacts with them seriously, unlike his usual playful demeanor.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Daofeng seeks Cheng Buzheng's help to impersonate his grandfather, Hall Master Chu, to exchange for resources to aid his breakthrough to Nascent Soul Realm.
• Hall Master Chu is in closed-door meditation due to severe injuries from a past incident.
• Chu Daofeng reveals that he has been using his grandfather's Immortal Alliance Ring to exchange for treasures, but has exhausted the Contribution Points.

Character Developments

• Chu Daofeng: Shows ambition and cunning, manipulating others for his benefit. He has been deceiving his grandfather and the Immortal Alliance.
• Cheng Buzheng: Initially cautious, he becomes more suspicious of Chu Daofeng's true intentions. He realizes that Hall Master Chu might be aware of Chu Daofeng's actions.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and manipulation: Chu Daofeng's actions highlight the theme of using others for personal gain.
• Trust and deception: The relationship between Chu Daofeng and Hall Master Chu raises questions about trust and deception within their family and the Immortal Alliance.

Character Interactions

• Chu Daofeng and Cheng Buzheng: Their interaction reveals Chu Daofeng's manipulative nature and Cheng Buzheng's growing suspicions.
• Hall Master Chu (off-screen): His possible awareness of Chu Daofeng's actions adds complexity to their relationship and the theme of trust.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng learns about Chu Daofeng's plan to use his grandfather's identity to obtain resources for breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm.
• Cheng Buzheng agrees to help Chu Daofeng, using an Origin Pearl to disguise himself as Hall Master Chu.
• Cheng Buzheng and Chu Daofeng test the Origin Pearl's effects at the Immortal Alliance Headquarters.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng: Becomes more involved in Chu Daofeng's scheme, driven by his desire for Innate Gang Sha and Earthly Turbid Qi.
• Chu Daofeng: Shows his manipulative side, using his grandfather's identity and resources for his own gain.
• Hall Master Chu: Revealed to be severely injured and nearing the end of his term, allowing Chu Daofeng's actions.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences: Both Cheng Buzheng and Chu Daofeng are driven by their desires, leading them to take significant risks.
• Power dynamics: The struggle for influence and resources within the Immortal Alliance is a central theme.
• Trust and deception: The characters grapple with trust issues, as seen in Cheng Buzheng's initial reluctance and Chu Daofeng's manipulative behavior.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng and Chu Daofeng: They form an uneasy alliance, with Cheng Buzheng helping Chu Daofeng out of self-interest.
• Cheng Buzheng and Shangguan Qingyu: Though not directly interacting in this chapter, Shangguan Qingyu's influence is felt through her relationship with Chu Daofeng.
• Hall Master Chu and Chu Daofeng: Their relationship is strained, with Hall Master Chu's injuries and Chu Daofeng's schemes causing tension.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Chu Daofeng and Cheng Buzheng discuss how to handle the Huangfu Immortal Clan's case. Chu Daofeng suggests delaying the verdict and waiting for a bribe, then scapegoating someone within the clan.
• Cheng Buzheng understands the implications and agrees to Chu Daofeng's plan, altering the Jade Slip to 'Pending Review.'
• Meanwhile, Zhao Han gathers Supervision Hall cultivators, including Elder Zangyu, True Lord Hou, and True Lord Zuo, to discuss Chu Daofeng's continued presence in the Supervision Hall. They decide to confront Chu Daofeng at the upcoming triennial hall assembly.

Character Developments

• Chu Daofeng: Reveals his manipulative side, showing he's not as amiable as he seems. He's willing to risk the Immortal Alliance's prestige for personal gain.
• Cheng Buzheng: Adapts to his new role, understanding the complexities of the Cultivation World. He's willing to help Chu Daofeng in exchange for a [Nascent Soul Breaking Pill].
• Zhao Han: Gathers support to challenge Chu Daofeng's authority. He's cunning and manipulative, using Elder Zangyu to gauge the others' loyalty.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and Manipulation: The Supervision Hall, meant to uphold justice, is shown to be corrupt and manipulative, with cultivators using their power for personal gain.
• Power Struggles: The conflict between Chu Daofeng and Zhao Han highlights the power struggles within the Immortal Alliance and the Supervision Hall.
• Cultivation for Personal Gain: Many cultivators prioritize their own path to immortality above all else, leading to morally questionable decisions.

Character Interactions

• Chu Daofeng and Cheng Buzheng: They work together, with Chu Daofeng guiding Cheng Buzheng through his new role. Their relationship is one of mutual benefit.
• Zhao Han and the Supervision Hall cultivators: Zhao Han manipulates the cultivators to support his stance against Chu Daofeng. The cultivators, in turn, use this opportunity to voice their concerns and gain favor with Zhao Han.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng adapts to handling Supervision Hall affairs.
• Chu Daofeng selects missions in preparation for accepting assignments.
• Zhao Han suspects Chu Yao's intentions and plans to monitor Chu Daofeng.
• Cheng Buzheng and Chu Daofeng discuss the upcoming Hall Assembly and potential challenges.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng gains experience in handling Supervision Hall affairs and becomes more confident.
• Chu Daofeng shows maturity by considering the safety and strength of his allies.
• Zhao Han demonstrates his cunning and determination to maintain his power.
• Chu Yao's intentions remain unclear, but he seems to be preparing for something.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and political maneuvering within the Supervision Hall.
• The importance of alliances and support in maintaining power.
• The consequences of breaking established conventions.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng and Chu Daofeng develop a mentor-mentee relationship, with Cheng Buzheng treating Chu Daofeng like a grandson.
• Zhao Han interacts with his spy, showing his cold and calculating nature.
• Chu Daofeng and Cheng Buzheng discuss the Hall Assembly and potential challenges, demonstrating their trust and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng, disguised as Hall Master Chu, attends the Supervision Hall's Hall Assembly.
• He meets Zhao Han, his rival for the Hall Master position, who questions his health and recovery.
• Cheng Buzheng maintains his composure and responds with a veiled threat, hinting at his strength and experience.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng continues to refine his impersonation of Hall Master Chu, fooling even Chu Daofeng.
• Zhao Han shows his ambition and willingness to challenge Hall Master Chu's authority.
• The Mortal Cultivators present remain neutral, observing the situation without taking sides.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and political intrigue within the Supervision Hall.
• The importance of appearance and maintaining face in high society.
• The tension between tradition and change, as represented by the conflict between Hall Master Chu and Zhao Han.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng (as Hall Master Chu) and Zhao Han exchange veiled threats and warnings.
• The Mortal Cultivators present maintain a neutral stance, observing the situation without engaging.
• Chu Daofeng, though not directly involved in the exchange, supports Cheng Buzheng's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hall Master Chu (Cheng Buzheng) presides over the triennial hall meeting, displaying authority and dominance.
• Each department head reports their achievements over the past three years, with both Chu Yao and Zhao Han supporters claiming credit.
• True Lord Zangyu, on Zhao Han's signal, requests Hall Master Chu to fulfill his daughter's wish to marry Young Master Chu (Chu Daofeng).

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng demonstrates his leadership and dominance, mirroring Chu Daofeng's grandfather.
• Zhao Han strategizes to test Hall Master Chu's strength and force him to step down.
• True Lord Zangyu shows resolve in supporting Zhao Han's cause to secure his daughter's future.

Significant Themes

• Power struggle and political maneuvering within the Supervision Hall.
• The importance of authority and influence in the Cultivation World.
• The consequences of choosing sides in a power struggle.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng and Zhao Han engage in a silent battle of wills, each waiting for the other to make a move.
• True Lord Zangyu and Zhao Han exchange looks, signaling their plan to challenge Hall Master Chu.
• Chu Daofeng and Cheng Buzheng share a silent understanding, with Chu Daofeng hoping Cheng Buzheng can handle the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• True Lord Zangyu and Miao Yuxian, Nascent Soul cultivators, propose their daughters as dual-cultivation companions for Chu Daofeng, the favored junior of Hall Master Chu.
• The cultivators present are shocked and amused by the proposal, knowing the scandalous reputations of the two women.
• Hall Master Chu (Cheng Buzheng) is pressured to respond, with both sides waiting to see how he handles the situation.

Character Developments

• Chu Daofeng: Furious and humiliated but restrains himself due to the situation and his grandfather's reputation.
• Cheng Buzheng (Hall Master Chu): Calm and collected, ready to assert his authority and intimidate Zhao Han's faction.
• True Lord Zangyu and Miao Yuxian: Desperate to secure a powerful alliance for their daughters, they publicly humiliate the Chu clan and Hall Master Chu.
• Zhao Han: Manipulates the situation to humiliate Hall Master Chu and force him into retirement, hoping to seize control of the Supervision Hall.

Significant Themes

• Power and Prestige: The struggle for power and influence within the Supervision Hall and the Cultivation World.
• Humiliation and Dignity: The public humiliation of the Chu clan and Hall Master Chu, and the response to this insult.
• Alliances and Marriages: The use of marriages and alliances to gain political and cultivation advantages.

Character Interactions

• Chu Daofeng vs. True Lord Zangyu and Miao Yuxian: Chu Daofeng is enraged by the public humiliation, while True Lord Zangyu and Miao Yuxian push for their daughters' proposals, further humiliating the Chu clan.
• Cheng Buzheng vs. Zhao Han: Cheng Buzheng is determined to assert his authority and intimidate Zhao Han's faction, while Zhao Han hopes to force Cheng Buzheng into retirement and seize control of the Supervision Hall.
• Neutral Factions: The neutral cultivators watch the situation unfold, unwilling to take sides until the outcome is clear.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng, disguised as Hall Master Chu, senses danger from Zhao Han and the two supervisory elders, True Lord Zangyu and True Lord Miao.
• Cheng Buzheng attacks True Lord Zangyu and True Lord Miao, seriously injuring them with a single punch, demonstrating his immense power.
• Zhao Han, angered by Cheng Buzheng's actions, decides to challenge him.
• Zhao Han prepares to attack Cheng Buzheng, displaying his vast power and domain.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng (disguised as Hall Master Chu): Shows his overwhelming power and dominance, suppressing dissent and proving his strength.
• Zhao Han: Decides to challenge Cheng Buzheng after being rebuked, showing his determination and pride.
• True Lord Zangyu and True Lord Miao: Both are seriously injured by Cheng Buzheng, showcasing the power difference between them.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and dominance: Cheng Buzheng's display of strength serves as a warning to others, establishing his authority.
• Pride and determination: Zhao Han's decision to challenge Cheng Buzheng highlights his unyielding nature and desire to prove himself.
• Consequences of actions: True Lord Zangyu and True Lord Miao's injuries serve as a reminder of the potential repercussions of provoking the wrong person.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng (disguised as Hall Master Chu) vs. True Lord Zangyu and True Lord Miao: Cheng Buzheng's overwhelming power and dominance are pitted against the two supervisory elders, resulting in their serious injuries.
• Zhao Han vs. Cheng Buzheng (disguised as Hall Master Chu): Zhao Han's pride and determination lead him to challenge Cheng Buzheng, setting the stage for a potential confrontation between the two powerful cultivators.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hall Master Chu (Cheng Buzheng) and Deputy Hall Master Zhao (Zhao Han) face off in a battle to determine the power structure of the Supervision Hall.
• Cheng Buzheng, empowered by the Origin Pearl and various divine abilities, gains the upper hand in the fight.
• Zhao Han, despite being injured, maintains his composure and takes his seat, acknowledging Cheng Buzheng's victory.
• Cheng Buzheng orders the removal of True Lord Zangyu and True Lord Miao, who had earlier challenged his authority.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng (Hall Master Chu): Proves his strength and establishes his dominance over the Supervision Hall. He demonstrates strategic thinking by not pushing for Zhao Han's immediate defeat, understanding the importance of maintaining a balance of power.
• Zhao Han (Deputy Hall Master): Despite his defeat, maintains his composure and acknowledges Cheng Buzheng's victory, showing his depth of scheming and ability to accept setbacks. He understands the importance of preserving his influence for future opportunities.
• True Lord Zangyu and True Lord Miao: Lose face and are removed from the hall after challenging Cheng Buzheng's authority. They pretend to be unconscious to avoid further embarrassment.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for dominance within the Supervision Hall.
• The importance of maintaining a balance of power and avoiding unnecessary escalations.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents and the value of strategic thinking.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng vs. Zhao Han: A tense standoff that ultimately ends with Cheng Buzheng's victory, establishing his dominance over the Supervision Hall.
• Cheng Buzheng and Zhao Han vs. True Lord Zangyu and True Lord Miao: Cheng Buzheng and Zhao Han both demonstrate their power and authority by ordering the removal of the two challengers, further solidifying their positions.
• Cultivators in the hall: React to the events with a mix of awe, respect, and caution, understanding the implications of the power shift and the importance of maintaining a balance of power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng successfully intimidates Zhao Han and his faction at the Supervision Hall's triennial meeting, using the Origin Pearl's power and [Heaven-Covering Transformation] divine ability.
• Cheng Buzheng suffers severe injuries from using the Origin Pearl's power, which he keeps secret.
• Over the next two months, many cultivators from the Immortal Alliance and the Supervision Hall visit Cheng Buzheng, expressing goodwill and support.
• True Lord Zuo, a Nascent Soul cultivator and fence-sitter, visits Cheng Buzheng in secret, providing intelligence on Zhao Han and seeking favor.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng: Displays his prowess and intimidates Zhao Han, but suffers severe injuries. He maintains the facade of Hall Master Chu while recuperating and handling official matters.
• Zhao Han: Loses face and authority, vows to take revenge on Chu Daofeng and Hall Master Chu.
• Chu Daofeng: Realizes the extent of Cheng Buzheng's injuries but keeps it a secret. He understands the political landscape and the reasons behind cultivators' actions.
• True Lord Zuo: Visits Cheng Buzheng in secret, seeking favor and providing intelligence on Zhao Han. He is a fence-sitter and curries favor with both sides.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and shifting alliances within the Immortal Alliance and the Supervision Hall.
• The importance of maintaining face and authority in the cultivation world.
• The consequences of using powerful artifacts and the importance of recuperation.
• The motivations behind cultivators' actions, driven by self-interest and personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng and Zhao Han: Their power struggle intensifies, with Cheng Buzheng gaining the upper hand but suffering injuries.
• Cheng Buzheng and Chu Daofeng: They maintain a secret alliance, with Chu Daofeng aware of Cheng Buzheng's injuries but keeping them hidden.
• Cheng Buzheng and True Lord Zuo: They meet in secret, with True Lord Zuo providing intelligence on Zhao Han and seeking favor from Cheng Buzheng.
• Various cultivators and Hall Master Chu (Cheng Buzheng): Many cultivators visit Cheng Buzheng to express support and goodwill, but few openly declare their allegiance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cheng Buzheng realizes the complex web of relationships within the Supervision Hall and understands the importance of the Hall Master's position.
• Helian Danqing, a Golden Core True Person, visits Dust World Pavilion to meet Cheng Liu, a newly breakthrough Golden Core cultivator.
• Helian Danqing offers to buy Cheng Liu's beast blood business but is refused.

Character Developments

• Cheng Buzheng gains a deeper understanding of the political landscape within the Supervision Hall and the significance of the Hall Master's position.
• Cheng Liu, now a Golden Core cultivator, demonstrates his newfound confidence and tact in dealing with Helian Danqing.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding political dynamics and relationships in the cultivation world.
• The value of resources and businesses in the cultivation world.
• The power dynamics between cultivators of different realms.

Character Interactions

• Cheng Buzheng reflects on his past naivety and learns from True Lord Zuo's hints.
• Cheng Liu and Helian Danqing engage in a tense negotiation, with Helian Danqing eventually resorting to a Nascent Soul Ancestor's threat to pressure Cheng Liu.