Chapter Summaries

Max-Level Martial Saint: Starting with Peerless Divine Skills
319 summaries

Ch. 261Breakthrough, Physical Body Thirtieth Order! The Saint Body Emerged!

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su battles twenty to thirty Dao-Transforming Lords in the Abyss Forbidden Zone. By combining his Double Illusion, Martial Domain, Heavenly Net, Sword Qi Storm, Thunder Flame True Fire, and especially the Nine Heavens Bone-Eroding Divine Wind, he kills more than half of them and forces the rest to flee.
  • He collects the fallen Lords’ Storage Bags and receives the promised three Blood God Fruits from Gu Yun Lord and his companions. True to his word, Zhang Su does not demand any additional treasures.
  • Zhang Su retreats to the Abyss Forbidden Zone’s Thirtieth Order and consumes all three Blood God Fruits. After three months, his physical body breaks through from the Twenty-Ninth Order to the Thirtieth Order, becoming a Lesser Saint Body.
  • His breakthrough produces the innate physical divine ability World Devourer, which allows him to swallow enemies or objects into an internal world where they can be imprisoned. This inner world can grow as his physical body advances.
  • Zhang Su’s physical and Self-Dao Great Dao Lights increase by roughly thirty percent, demonstrating the terrifying potential of his Growth-Type Saint Body.
  • While continuing to cultivate, Zhang Su’s will reaches Perfect Will. This enables him to expel the Abyssal Pollution accumulated in his mind and resist the remnant will within Ancient God’s Divine Blood.
  • Over the next two years, Zhang Su fully refines the Divine Blood of Ancient God Shang. Both his Ancient God’s Left Hand and Right Hand reach the Perfected Realm, allowing him to manifest a partial Ancient God’s True Body Phantom.
  • The phantom is only ten percent complete, with the hands being the only fully solid portions. Zhang Su realizes that he needs additional Great Dao Stele Rubbings to cultivate the remaining parts.
  • His Nine Heavens Bone-Eroding Divine Wind also reaches the Perfected Realm after five years, making it his strongest divine ability and preparing him for the Wind Calamity.
  • Zhang Su returns to the Heart Sage Sect and consults the Clear Sky Holy Venerable. She confirms that the original Great Dao Stele was destroyed in an ancient battle, though surviving rubbings may still exist.
  • Zhang Su returns to the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace, passes the tenth gate, and obtains the eleventh trial’s divine ability: Myriad Things Spirit-Cleansing Divine Fire.
  • Cat Spirit explains that the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth trials correspond to the Wind, Fire, and Thunder Calamities. The Heavenly Apex Great Emperor designed these trials to help future inheritors overcome the Three Calamities.
  • Zhang Su raises the Fire divine ability’s compatibility rate to one hundred percent and begins cultivating it. He then studies the Wind Calamity and decides to undergo it proactively.
  • After informing Lu Tingxue and arranging protection with trusted allies, Zhang Su enters seclusion, prepares himself, and finally triggers the Wind Calamity.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su demonstrates a dramatic increase in power, defeating a large group of Nine-Star Dao-Transforming Lords almost single-handedly.
  • His physical body evolves into a Lesser Saint Body, granting him greater durability, power, and the potential to become a Holy Venerable.
  • His Perfect Will eliminates a major weakness: Abyssal Pollution can no longer meaningfully affect him, and Ancient God’s Will cannot obstruct his cultivation.
  • He gains several major abilities: World Devourer, a partial Ancient God’s True Body, and perfected Ancient God’s Hands and Nine Heavens Bone-Eroding Divine Wind.
  • Zhang Su becomes more confident and decisive. Rather than delaying indefinitely, he chooses to face the Wind Calamity as soon as he believes he is prepared.
  • Lu Tingxue remains deeply concerned for Zhang Su’s safety but supports his decision and organizes trusted companions to prevent misunderstandings or disturbances.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable is astonished by Zhang Su’s ability to condense the Ancient God’s True Body Phantom and becomes determined to help him locate additional Great Dao Stele Rubbings.
  • Cat Spirit becomes increasingly impressed by Zhang Su’s cultivation speed, calling him essentially a monster for perfecting the Nine Heavens Bone-Eroding Divine Wind in only ten years.

Significant Themes

  • Rapid growth and extraordinary talent: Zhang Su repeatedly surpasses what should be possible for cultivators of his realm.
  • Accumulation and breakthrough: His success comes from combining powerful treasures, divine abilities, willpower, physical cultivation, and Dao comprehension.
  • Preparation versus decisiveness: Zhang Su carefully studies the Wind Calamity but ultimately refuses to be paralyzed by fear, choosing to confront it directly.
  • The importance of foundations: His Growth-Type Saint Body, powerful will, and refined Ancient God bloodline give him increasingly greater advantages as his cultivation rises.
  • Inheritance and destiny: The Ancient God’s True Body and the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace connect Zhang Su to ancient powers and potentially enormous future inheritances.
  • Power and responsibility: Although Zhang Su possesses overwhelming strength, he keeps his promises, does not exploit Gu Yun Lord’s group, and avoids unnecessary pursuit or conflict.

Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su’s battle with the Dao-Transforming Lords establishes his overwhelming strength and causes Gu Yun Lord and the others to fear and respect him.
  • Gu Yun Lord fulfills his agreement by giving Zhang Su three Blood God Fruits, while Zhang Su reassures them that he will not covet their remaining treasures.
  • Lu Tingxue welcomes Zhang Su’s return and questions whether he plans to revisit the dangerous Abyss Forbidden Zone. Later, she worries about his decision to undergo the Wind Calamity but helps prepare for it.
  • Zhang Su reports his Ancient God’s True Body Phantom to the Clear Sky Holy Venerable. Her shock confirms the rarity and importance of his achievement, while their discussion reveals that the Great Dao Stele was destroyed.
  • At the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace, Cat Spirit guides Zhang Su through the tenth and eleventh trials and explains the connection between the divine abilities and the Three Calamities.
  • Before beginning the Wind Calamity, Zhang Su gathers Lu Tingxue, Fang Hanyan, Lu Zhaixing, Lei Zhen, Zhao Canghai, and others so they can protect the area and clarify any unusual phenomena caused by the calamity.
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Ch. 262Surviving the Wind Calamity, Great Dao Light Soars!

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su undergoes the Wind Calamity, the first of the Three Calamities. The terrifying wind shatters his Great Dao Light and disperses his Thirtieth Order body.
  • He counters it with his Nine Heavens Bone-Eroding Divine Wind, causing the two winds to restrain and consume each other. After a month, Zhang Su successfully survives the calamity.
  • His cultivation advances, and his Great Dao Light expands dramatically to approximately 258 li in width and 630.4 li in length.
  • After emerging, Zhang Su reunites with Lu Tingxue and the others. They celebrate his survival and report that the Haojin Upper Sect has become the leading sect of the Myriad Spirits Realm, though it wisely avoids prematurely renaming itself a realm sect.
  • Lu Tingxue asks to bear Zhang Su an heir before he reaches the Holy Venerable Realm, since childbirth would become extremely difficult afterward. Zhang Su agrees, and she later gives birth to a son, Zhang Xian.
  • Zhang Su spends nearly a year caring for Lu Tingxue and Zhang Xian while cultivating the Myriad Things Spirit-Cleansing Divine Fire, Heart Force, and Compatibility Points.
  • His master, the Clear Sky Holy Venerable, reveals the existence of the mysterious Immortal Road, hidden Imperial-Tier Factions, the Emperor Realm, and the ancient conflict between Immortals and the Ancient Gods.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable offers Zhang Su entry into the Ancient God Secret Realm, where he can investigate and strengthen his Ancient God Path. Zhang Su accepts.
  • After Zhang Xian turns one, his constitution is tested and found to be only a Lower Dao Body, disappointing Lu Tingxue. Zhang Su reassures her that he can improve the child’s constitution through Cosmic Treasures and cultivation resources.
  • Zhang Su then travels through the Desolate Ancient Realm Domain and enters the Ancient God Secret Realm using a special token.
  • He meets Gulan, a guide, and learns that the secret realm contains twelve Ancient God Temples, each associated with an Origin Ancient God and a distinct inheritance.
  • During his bloodline test, Zhang Su’s Ancient God Bloodline produces an astonishing reaction, causing the Ancient God envoy to react with shock.

2. Character Developments

  • Zhang Su demonstrates greater resilience and confidence by surviving the Wind Calamity without nearly perishing. His already powerful foundation allows his Great Dao Light to grow far more than that of ordinary cultivators.
  • He becomes more emotionally invested in his family, agreeing to Lu Tingxue’s wish for a child and remaining by her side throughout her pregnancy and recovery.
  • Zhang Su’s ambition expands beyond ordinary cultivation. He chooses to pursue the Ancient God Path despite its divergence from the orthodox Great Dao system and begins investigating the universe’s deeper history.
  • Lu Tingxue reveals her willingness to sacrifice some of her cultivation potential to bear Zhang Su’s heir. After giving birth, she accepts Zhang Su’s decision to pursue further cultivation and encourages him to leave for the Ancient God Secret Realm.
  • Zhang Xian is introduced as Zhang Su and Lu Tingxue’s son. Though he possesses only a Lower Dao Body, Zhang Su believes his future can still be transformed through resources and guidance.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable is revealed to possess extensive knowledge of the Immortal Road, Ancient Gods, Imperial-Tier Factions, and the Evil Gods. He places great trust in Zhang Su by granting him access to the Ancient God Secret Realm.
  • Gulan serves as Zhang Su’s initial guide into the secret realm, while the Ancient God envoy’s astonishment suggests that Zhang Su’s bloodline is extraordinarily unusual.

3. Significant Themes

  • Foundation and accumulated potential: Zhang Su’s powerful heritage allows him to gain more from surviving the Wind Calamity, emphasizing that early advantages and deep foundations widen over time.
  • Perseverance against tribulation: The Wind Calamity represents a life-or-death trial, but Zhang Su survives through preparation, adaptability, and mastery of his own abilities.
  • Sacrifice for family: Lu Tingxue willingly risks damaging her cultivation prospects to bear Zhang Su’s child, highlighting devotion and the tension between personal advancement and family responsibilities.
  • Inheritance and bloodline: The birth of Zhang Xian, the importance of Ancient God Bloodline, and the tradition of leaving descendants all emphasize the continuation of power, lineage, and legacy.
  • Orthodox cultivation versus alternative paths: Zhang Su refuses to abandon the Ancient God Path merely because the Immortal-derived Great Dao system is considered orthodox. He believes the Ancient God System possesses unique and potentially limitless combat power.
  • Hidden history and expanding cosmology: The revelation of the Immortal Road, Imperial-Tier Factions, Immortals, Ancient Gods, and Evil God Sources greatly expands the world’s history and establishes larger mysteries beyond the known universe.
  • The limits of apparent weakness: Zhang Xian’s Lower Dao Body appears disappointing, but Zhang Su insists that innate talent does not determine ultimate destiny when sufficient resources and guidance are available.

4. Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su and Lu Tingxue: Their relationship deepens through her anxiety during the Wind Calamity, her request to bear his child, and his decision to support her despite the cost to her cultivation. After Zhang Xian’s birth, they discuss his future and Zhang Su’s journey.
  • Zhang Su and the sect members: Fang Hanyan, Lu Zhaixing, and the others guard him during the calamity, congratulate him afterward, and provide updates on the Haojin Upper Sect.
  • Zhang Su and Clear Sky Holy Venerable: Their master-disciple exchange reveals major secrets about the universe. The master challenges Zhang Su to choose whether to pursue the Ancient God Path, and Zhang Su firmly accepts the opportunity.
  • Zhang Su and Zhang Xian: Zhang Su cares for his infant son, supplies him with Treasured Medicine, tests his constitution, and promises to compensate for his weak innate talent.
  • Zhang Su and Gulan: Gulan introduces Zhang Su to the rules and structure of the Ancient God Secret Realm and guides him toward the Ancient God Temples.
  • Zhang Su and the Ancient God envoy: The envoy conducts Zhang Su’s bloodline examination, but Zhang Su’s extraordinary reaction leaves the envoy visibly shocked, setting up the chapter’s next development.
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Ch. 263Zhang Su had the makings of a Giant, shaking the Ancient God Secret Realm!

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su reveals that he possesses twelve Origin Ancient God Bloodlines, an unprecedented discovery that shocks the Ancient God envoy. Since his strongest bloodline is fire-aligned, he chooses the Fire Origin Ancient God inheritance.
  • Inside the Fire Origin Ancient God Temple, Zhang Su receives visions of the universe’s origins:
    • The Twelve Origin Ancient Gods were born with the universe and ruled over all living beings.
    • They created bloodline descendants, forming the Ancient God Clan.
    • A powerful white-robed Immortal later killed all twelve Origin Ancient Gods, preventing them from combining into a Chaos Ancient God.
    • Zhang Su learns that the Origin Ancient Gods may not truly be dead; they returned to the Cosmic Origin, and future cultivators may inherit their origins and become new Origin Ancient Gods.
  • Zhang Su receives the complete inheritance of the Fire Origin Ancient God Lineage, including methods for condensing an Ancient God’s True Body.
  • After building a cave abode, Zhang Su meets his neighbor Xiao Yun, who possesses the Earth Origin Ancient God Bloodline. She explains the Ancient God Secret Realm’s rules, its point system, the War God Hall, the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm, and the dangers of leaving and attempting to return.
  • Zhang Su tests his cultivation in the Chaos Temple and gains 10,000 points because he had already condensed 10% of an Ancient God’s True Body Phantom and perfected both Ancient God’s Hands.
  • He challenges the War God Hall, defeating the first two stages and earning another 3,000 points. He does not attempt the third stage yet.
  • Zhang Su learns that Ancient God’s Blood, Divine Blood, cultivation pools, and divine arts can all be purchased with points. He concludes that improving his combat strength is necessary to win more points in the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm.
  • Using Compatibility Points, Zhang Su raises the compatibility of three fire-based divine arts—Flame Purgatory, Heaven-Burning Sea-Boiling, and Heavenly Fire Embers—to 100%, cultivating all three to the Perfected Realm within nine months.
  • After his secluded cultivation, Zhang Su returns to the War God Hall and confidently announces that he will challenge the third stage.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su is established as an extraordinary Ancient God cultivator with unmatched bloodline potential. He gains a deeper understanding of the Ancient God system, the possibility of becoming an Origin Ancient God, and the importance of balancing cultivation with combat power.
  • He shifts from focusing only on increasing his Ancient God’s True Body to developing powerful divine arts. His three perfected fire divine arts become his major advantage over other cultivators.
  • Zhang Su becomes more ambitious, aiming to accumulate 100,000 points and exchange them for Ancient God’s Divine Blood.
  • Xiao Yun develops into Zhang Su’s helpful guide and friendly neighbor. She recognizes his exceptional talent and begins treating him as someone who may eventually become a Giant.
  • The Ancient God Secret Realm’s cultivators begin viewing Zhang Su as a potential “Giant seed”—someone likely to condense more than 80% of an Ancient God’s True Body and eventually become a true Ancient God.

Significant Themes

  • Bloodline and innate talent: Ancient God cultivation depends heavily on bloodline purity and natural compatibility, making Zhang Su’s twelve bloodlines and rich Flame lineage exceptionally valuable.
  • The strong grow stronger: The Secret Realm rewards powerful cultivators with more points, resources, and opportunities, creating a widening gap between geniuses and ordinary cultivators.
  • Inheritance and rebirth: The fall of the Twelve Origin Ancient Gods may not be final; their return to the Cosmic Origin leaves open the possibility of new successors.
  • Preparation versus opportunity: Zhang Su must decide how to spend limited points between improving his True Body, obtaining blood, learning divine arts, and entering competitive trials.
  • Hidden limits of power: The chapter reveals that even Immortals are not invincible, since a Chaos Ancient God could potentially defeat one.
  • Reputation and rising expectations: Zhang Su’s achievements quickly attract attention, admiration, and speculation from the Secret Realm’s established cultivators.

Important Character Interactions

  • The Ancient God envoy confirms Zhang Su’s extraordinary bloodlines and grants him access to the Fire Origin Ancient God inheritance.
  • Zhang Su and Xiao Yun form a cooperative relationship. She explains the Secret Realm’s rules, points, cultivation resources, and trial systems.
  • Other Ancient God cultivators observe Zhang Su’s tests and react with shock and envy when he earns 13,000 points immediately after arriving.
  • After Zhang Su spends nine months cultivating powerful divine arts, the surrounding cultivators speculate about his progress. Their attention intensifies when he returns to challenge the third War God Hall stage.
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Ch. 264Could He Really Be a Martial Arts Prodigy?

Chapter Summary: “Could He Really Be a Martial Arts Prodigy?”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su challenges the third stage of the War God Hall. Using his 10%-condensed Ancient God’s True Body Phantom and three divine arts—Flame Purgatory, Heaven-Burning Sea-Boiling Art, and Heavenly Fire Embers—he easily burns the powerful guardian to ashes and earns 3,000 points.
  • He then challenges the fourth stage, whose guardian is comparable to a 40%-condensed Ancient God’s True Body Phantom. Zhang Su combines all three divine arts with the Ancient God’s Hand and defeats the guardian, earning another 4,000 points.
  • His total points rise to 11,000, proving that his combat ability has greatly improved despite his cultivation remaining unchanged. He decides not to attempt the fifth stage.
  • Zhang Su visits Xiao Yun to learn about the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm. She explains that participants spend ten points to enter trials, assume new identities, and receive missions. Only the first person to complete a mission earns 30,000 points and a valuable Inheritance Mark.
  • Xiao Yun also reveals that the Ancient God Secret Realm is gradually running out of treasures, including Ancient God’s Divine Blood. This convinces Zhang Su that he must obtain points quickly.
  • Zhang Su registers for the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm Trial. Once 3,000 participants gather, the trial begins and his consciousness is transported into another world.
  • He awakens in the body of Li Wen, a weak sixteen-year-old street hooligan from Copper City. Li Wen had died after being beaten while attempting to rob an outsider.
  • Zhang Su learns that his mission is to take first place in the World Martial Arts Tournament, which will be held ten years later.
  • After recovering from his injuries, Zhang Su learns about Li Wen’s family: his sister Li Qing, his bedridden mother, and his laborer father. He is surprised that Li Wen had been involved in street crime mainly to support them.
  • Zhang Su joins the inexpensive Iron Bone Martial Academy, led by the injured Zhao Tiegux and taught primarily by his daughter, Zhao Meng.
  • Zhao Meng teaches him the academy’s introductory technique, the Iron Body Fist. Zhang Su raises its Compatibility Rate from 38% to 100% by spending seven Compatibility Points.
  • After practicing the technique only three times, Zhang Su reaches the Initiation Realm, astonishing Zhao Meng and making her wonder whether he is truly a martial arts prodigy.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su demonstrates the dramatic power of divine arts, defeating opponents far above his apparent cultivation level. He becomes more determined to exploit the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm before the Secret Realm’s resources are exhausted.
  • He adapts quickly to his new identity as Li Wen and begins thinking strategically about the ten-year mission.
  • Zhang Su also shows compassion and responsibility by recognizing Li Wen’s devotion to his struggling family and choosing to recover before pursuing martial arts.
  • Xiao Yun acts as Zhang Su’s guide, providing crucial information about the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm, its rewards, and the declining reserves of the Ancient God Secret Realm.
  • Li Wen’s character is recontextualized: although viewed as a hooligan, he supported his impoverished family rather than simply pursuing pleasure.
  • Zhao Meng begins skeptical of Zhang Su because of his weak body and late start, but her attitude shifts to shock and disbelief after witnessing his rapid mastery of the Iron Body Fist.

Significant Themes

  • Talent versus cultivation: Zhang Su’s success shows that combat ability depends on more than cultivation level; mastery of divine arts can overcome major differences in power.
  • Opportunity and urgency: The dwindling resources of the Ancient God Secret Realm create pressure for Zhang Su to act quickly and seize the remaining opportunities.
  • Luck and competition: The Three Thousand Ancient God Realm depends not only on strength but also on luck, adaptability, and competition against thousands of other Ancient God cultivators.
  • Identity and transformation: Zhang Su must live as Li Wen and fulfill a mission in an unfamiliar world, turning a weak and disgraced body into a potential martial arts champion.
  • Hidden virtue: Li Wen’s criminal behavior is shown to have stemmed from filial responsibility, emphasizing that appearances can conceal genuine loyalty and sacrifice.
  • The value of compatibility and comprehension: Zhang Su’s unique ability to optimize techniques gives him a major advantage and suggests that understanding and improving martial arts may matter more than conventional talent.

Important Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su and the War God Hall guardians: Zhang Su overwhelms both guardians through coordinated use of divine arts, establishing his greatly increased combat strength.
  • Zhang Su and Xiao Yun: Their conversation gives Zhang Su the knowledge needed to understand and commit to the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm Trial.
  • Zhang Su and Li Qing: Her care for the sick Li Wen reveals the family’s hardship and provides Zhang Su with emotional insight into his new identity.
  • Zhang Su and Zhao Meng: Zhao Meng initially warns that Zhang Su is too weak and old to accomplish much, but his instant progress in the Iron Body Fist completely overturns her expectations.
  • Zhang Su and the martial arts world: He recognizes that the true challenge is not merely the local fighters, but the thousands of powerful Ancient God cultivators competing under the same mission.
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Ch. 265The Rise of a Genius! Meeting Someone from the Ancient God Secret Realm Again!

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su demonstrates the Iron Body Fist for Zhao Meng and instantly reaches the Initiation Realm, astonishing her with his extraordinary comprehension and talent.
  • Zhao Meng brings him before her father, Zhao Tiegux, the master of Iron Bone Martial Academy. After examining Zhang Su’s bones and understanding of the technique, Zhao Tiegux accepts him as his final disciple.
  • Zhao Tiegux promises to provide Zhang Su with free training, food, lodging, and daily medicinal baths for ten years. In return, Zhang Su must reach the Limit-Breaking Realm, enter the World Martial Arts Tournament, and promote the academy’s Mountain-Sea Vajra Style.
  • Zhang Su returns home and informs his impoverished family. His father, Li Dashan, is initially worried about the expense, but becomes overjoyed after learning the academy will support Zhang Su completely.
  • Li Dashan and Li Qing visit the academy and meet Zhao Tiegux, confirming that Zhang Su has truly been accepted as a disciple. Zhao Meng also investigates Zhang Su’s background and confirms that, despite his former life as a street thug, he is filial and morally sound.
  • Through medicinal baths and training, Zhang Su advances at an unbelievable pace:
    • Iron Body Fist reaches Minor Accomplishment in three days.
    • It reaches Major Accomplishment ten days later.
    • It reaches the Perfected Realm in less than a month and a half.
  • Zhao Tiegux begins teaching him the Thunder-Shaking Breathing Method and Thunderclap Fist. Zhang Su instantly comprehends both, perfecting the Thunderclap Fist in one day.
  • Zhang Su is summoned home when the Zhao Family attempts to break off Li Qing’s engagement to Zhao Xiaoyi. The family refuses to give a proper reason and relies on its larger numbers to pressure Li Dashan.
  • After learning that Li Qing never truly loved Zhao Xiaoyi and only considered marrying him to help support the family, Zhang Su takes matters into his own hands. He throws the Zhao Family members out, confronts Zhao Xiaoyi, and demands compensation of ten taels of silver along with an explanation to protect Li Qing’s reputation.
  • Zhao Xiaoyi’s patron, the owner of Prosperity Source Restaurant, learns that Zhang Su is Zhao Tiegux’s closed-door disciple and may one day reach the Limit-Breaking Realm. Fearing the consequences, he orders Zhao Xiaoyi to accept Zhang Su’s demands and gives him fifty taels to settle the matter, turning the money into a debt Zhao Xiaoyi must work off.
  • The restaurant owner’s Third Young Master arrives to meet Zhang Su. When they speak, both recognize each other as cultivators from the Ancient God Secret Realm, revealing that another participant in Zhang Su’s trial has appeared in Copper City.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su/Li Wen: Publicly embraces his identity as a martial genius and uses his talent to secure resources and protection for his family. His rapid progress confirms that his high Compatibility Rate and Dao-Transforming Lord consciousness make ordinary martial arts extraordinarily easy for him. He also begins developing emotional investment in his family’s life, despite his detached perspective as an ancient cultivator.
  • Zhao Tiegux: Regains hope and purpose after discovering Zhang Su. Once disheartened by his injury and the betrayal of his former disciple Gao Kui, he becomes determined to rebuild the Mountain-Sea Vajra Style through Zhang Su.
  • Zhao Meng: Moves from disbelief to admiration and actively supports Zhang Su. She also shows caution by investigating his background, remembering how Gao Kui betrayed her father.
  • Li Dashan: Initially fears that martial arts will ruin the family financially, but becomes proud and grateful when Zhang Su gains Zhao Tiegux’s support.
  • Li Qing: Reveals that she never strongly desired Zhao Xiaoyi and had only accepted the match out of concern for her family. Zhang Su’s protection gives her renewed confidence and hope.
  • Zhao Xiaoyi: Abandons his engagement after gaining a better opportunity through the restaurant owner’s daughter, but panics when Zhang Su proves to be a martial artist. He loses his freedom and becomes burdened with a large debt.
  • Zhao Tiegux’s former disciple Gao Kui: Though absent from the present events, his betrayal remains important as a warning that talent without loyalty and character can destroy a martial academy.

Significant Themes

  • Extraordinary talent and opportunity: Zhang Su’s unmatched comprehension allows him to transform a poor and overlooked life almost instantly.
  • The importance of resources in cultivation: Medicinal baths, food, and financial support allow Zhang Su’s frail body to keep up with his exceptional talent.
  • Family and changing fate: Zhang Su’s success gives his family hope, status, and protection, shifting him from a burden into their greatest source of security.
  • Talent versus character: Zhao Tiegux emphasizes that a master must teach morality as well as martial skill so that another Gao Kui will not emerge.
  • Power and social status: The Zhao Family initially abuses its numerical and social advantage, but retreats once Zhang Su’s martial strength and potential become clear.
  • Reality versus illusion: Zhang Su continues questioning whether the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm trial is real, while acknowledging that he must still treat it seriously and win.
  • Hidden competition: The appearance of another Ancient God Secret Realm cultivator confirms that Zhang Su is not the only contestant preparing for the future World Martial Arts Tournament.

Important Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su and Zhao Tiegux: Their master-disciple relationship is established through mutual recognition—Zhao Tiegux sees Zhang Su as the greatest genius of his life, while Zhang Su gains the resources necessary to advance.
  • Zhang Su and Zhao Meng: Zhao Meng guides him through martial training and medicinal baths, while also investigating him on her father’s behalf.
  • Zhang Su and his family: He reassures his father and sister, promises to protect Li Qing, and becomes emotionally moved by the family’s happiness.
  • Zhang Su and the Zhao Family: He reverses their attempt to humiliate Li Qing, forcing them to compensate the Li family and explain the broken engagement.
  • Zhang Su and Zhao Xiaoyi: Their confrontation exposes Zhao Xiaoyi’s opportunism and ends with Zhang Su overpowering him and forcing him to accept responsibility.
  • Zhang Su and the Third Young Master: Their brief exchange reveals the arrival of a fellow Ancient God Secret Realm cultivator, setting up a new conflict and competition.
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Ch. 266Fifth Limit Break, Number One Under Heaven! Return to the Ancient God Secret Realm!

Chapter Summary: Fifth Limit Break, Number One Under Heaven! Return to the Ancient God Secret Realm!

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su questions Song Qilin, who openly reveals that he is the son of Prosperity Source Restaurant’s owner. Song explains that he wants to cooperate with Zhang Su by exchanging martial arts manuals, since all participants in the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm Trial have only ten years to become champion of the World Martial Arts Tournament.
  • The Li and Zhao Families cancel Li Qing’s engagement, preserving her reputation and improving the Li Family’s future prospects now that Zhang Su has become a martial artist.
  • Over the next several months, Zhang Su rapidly advances:
    • He perfects the Thunder-Shaking Breathing Method and reaches the Second-Rate Rank.
    • He learns and perfects the Vajra Martial Body, entering the First-Rate Rank.
    • Through exchanges with Song Qilin, he masters additional martial arts and develops combat power equivalent to the Super First-Rate Rank.
  • Zhao Tiegux explains that Transcendent First-Class Techniques cannot simply be inherited. They must be personally created by combining one’s understanding of many martial arts. This process is the essence of Limit-Breaking.
  • Zhang Su begins visiting Copper City’s thirty-eight martial academies, challenging each one to gain access to their techniques and build an invincible reputation.
  • He defeats every academy’s champion, including Eagle Claw Martial Academy’s Wang Meng in a single punch, achieving thirty-eight consecutive victories and becoming Copper City’s undisputed number one.
  • Zhang Su spends over three years mastering nearly all useful martial arts from the thirty-eight academies. He then creates his own technique, the Hundredfold Tempered Body, and enters the Super-First-Class Realm.
  • After creating additional techniques and traveling throughout the world to broaden his experience, Zhang Su achieves:
    • First Limit Break in his first year of travel
    • Second Limit Break in the second year
    • Third Limit Break in the third year
    • Fourth Limit Break in the fourth year
    • Fifth Limit Break shortly before the World Martial Arts Tournament
  • Zhang Su registers for the tournament as a seeded contestant. His Fifth Limit Break shocks Central Province and attracts widespread attention.
  • In the finals, Zhang Su faces Du Meng, a powerful Fourth Limit Break “giant.” Zhang Su defeats him instantly with a single overwhelming punch and wins the World Martial Arts Tournament.
  • Zhang Su returns to the Ancient God Secret Realm with 30,000 points and obtains the coveted Inheritance Mark.
  • He discovers that the trial was not an illusion: the ten years spent as “Li Wen” were real, and time passed equally in both worlds. This alarms him because lengthy future trials could interfere with his limited time to complete the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace inheritance.

Character Development

  • Zhang Su evolves from an impoverished youth with an ordinary starting point into a peerless martial prodigy. His rapid progress is aided by Compatibility Points, extensive training, and his unusually powerful ability to master numerous martial arts.
  • He becomes increasingly strategic, choosing to gather the strengths of many schools rather than rely on a single inherited technique.
  • Zhang Su also develops confidence and ambition. Rather than merely surviving the trial, he aims to dominate Copper City, then the entire tournament.
  • Song Qilin begins as an ambitious potential ally but becomes discouraged as Zhang Su rapidly surpasses him. After failing to achieve even the First Limit Break, he disappears from Zhang Su’s life.
  • Zhao Tiegux shifts from mentor and teacher to proud supporter, recognizing Zhang Su as the greatest successor the Mountain-Sea Vajra Style has ever had.
  • Zhao Meng becomes an enthusiastic witness to Zhang Su’s growth and understands that Iron Bone Martial Academy cannot contain his talent.
  • Li Dashan and Li Qing gradually realize that Zhang Su has become far more powerful than they imagined. Their pride and excitement grow as he brings honor and security to the family.
  • Du Meng, despite being a renowned giant, recognizes too late that Zhang Su’s combat power far exceeds what his Fifth Limit Break realm alone would suggest.

Significant Themes

  • Talent versus starting conditions: Zhang Su begins in a disadvantaged body and family, yet surpasses those born into privilege through extraordinary talent, determination, and resources.
  • Accumulation and innovation: True advancement requires learning from many traditions, combining their strengths, and eventually creating techniques uniquely suited to oneself.
  • Building momentum: Zhang Su’s academy challenges are not only a means of acquiring martial arts but also a way to establish an “invincible momentum” that strengthens his reputation and confidence.
  • Isolation of greatness: Zhang Su’s rapid rise separates him from former allies such as Song Qilin, highlighting the loneliness of overwhelming talent.
  • Reality and moral uncertainty: The revelation that the trial involved genuinely taking over another person’s life complicates Zhang Su’s understanding of reincarnation, illusion, and responsibility.
  • Competition among hidden powers: The tournament reveals that many Ancient God cultivators conceal their true strength, making the trial more dangerous than appearances suggest.

Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su and Song Qilin form a practical alliance based on exchanging martial arts, though their relationship later becomes unequal as Zhang Su’s progress vastly outpaces Song Qilin’s.
  • Zhao Tiegux teaches Zhang Su the Vajra Martial Body and guides him toward creating personal techniques and challenging other academies.
  • Zhang Su’s success strengthens the bond between him and the Li Family, allowing Li Dashan to leave dangerous quarry work and support the family through a small business.
  • Iron Bone Martial Academy’s apprentices idolize Zhang Su, viewing him as the academy’s symbol and future source of glory.
  • Zhang Su’s confrontation with Eagle Claw Martial Academy establishes his dominance and begins his campaign across Copper City.
  • His final battle with Du Meng demonstrates the overwhelming difference between Zhang Su’s realm, accumulated techniques, and actual combat power.
  • After returning to the Ancient God Secret Realm, Zhang Su reassesses his priorities, realizing that future trials must be balanced against the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace inheritance.
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Ch. 267Zhang Xian's hidden talent! The weight of Zhang Su's standing as the Heart Sage Sect's foremost Lord!

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su merges an Inheritance Mark from the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm into his mind, raising his Perfect Will from 1% to 2%. He realizes the realm can temper willpower even beyond the limits of the abyss.
  • With 40,990 points, Zhang Su exchanges 3,000 points for an Ancient God Secret Realm entry-and-exit token, then leaves the realm to focus on his other goals.
  • After returning to the Heart Sage Sect, Zhang Su reunites with Lu Tingxue and meets his twelve-year-old son, Zhang Xian, for the first time in over a decade. He learns that Zhang Xian has become a mischievous “little tyrant” within the sect.
  • Zhang Su gives treasures to Zhang Xian and to Zhang Xian’s childhood companion, Little Deer, the daughter of White Jade Lord.
  • Zhang Su spends more than eight years cultivating the Myriad Things Spirit-Cleansing Divine Fire and the Heart Force Canon. The divine fire reaches the Perfected Realm, his Heart Force rises to 14,615 strands, and he reaches the fourth layer of the Heart Force Canon.
  • Zhang Su undergoes the Fire Calamity. His perfected divine fire battles the calamity flames within his Great Dao Light, allowing him to survive after a month and greatly strengthen his Great Dao Light.
  • He returns to the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace to attempt the twelfth and final trial. The trial requires him to cultivate the Yin-Yang Chaos Divine Thunder, a lightning divine ability initially showing zero compatibility.
  • Zhang Su spends ten Compatibility Points to raise its compatibility to 100%, allowing him to begin cultivation. The Cat Spirit reveals that passing the final trial will grant Zhang Su the Heavenly Apex Great Emperor’s inheritance and control of the Imperial Palace, including treasures capable of elevating Dao Bodies to the Peerless level.
  • Meanwhile, Zhang Xian disappears for several years while adventuring. He returns having entered the Dao and accompanied by three extraordinary women:
    • Qin Yan, daughter of a saint-level lineage, who stole a Cosmic Treasure;
    • Lin Yuer, a former saintess of Star Pagoda Holy Land who is being hunted as a traitor;
    • Nine-Mystic Azure Maiden, a demon-saint descendant who fled an arranged marriage.
  • The three women’s factions arrive at the Heart Sage Sect to reclaim them. Zhang Su overwhelms the visiting Dao-Transforming Lords with his aura and declares that no one can take away his son’s friends. He challenges them to face him in the Grand Void Illusion Realm and forces them to retreat.
  • Zhang Su concludes that once he controls the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace, even Dao-Proving Venerables—and possibly Holy Venerables—will be unable to threaten those under his protection.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su: Gains greater confidence in the value of willpower, survives the Fire Calamity, and becomes even more overwhelmingly powerful. His priorities broaden from personal cultivation to protecting his family and allies. He also reveals a stern but protective side as a father.
  • Lu Tingxue: Welcomes Zhang Su’s return and worries deeply when Zhang Xian disappears. She remains a responsible and strict mother, especially concerning Zhang Xian’s character.
  • Zhang Xian: Despite possessing only a Lower Dao Body, he unexpectedly enters the Dao and demonstrates extraordinary romantic and social “talent,” winning the devotion of three powerful, gifted women. His impulsive adventures create major political trouble, but he remains loyal and determined to protect his companions.
  • Qin Yan, Lin Yuer, and Nine-Mystic Azure Maiden: Each becomes emotionally attached to Zhang Xian and willingly follows him to the Heart Sage Sect despite serious dangers. They are initially nervous around Zhang Su but become grateful after he protects them.
  • Little Deer: Though she has the strongest talent—a Peerless Dao Body—she is placed in an awkward position by Zhang Xian’s return with three other companions. Surprisingly, she accepts them peacefully, showing maturity and composure.
  • The Cat Spirit: Continues guiding Zhang Su through the Imperial Palace trials and expresses admiration for his unprecedented progress.

Significant Themes

  • The importance of willpower: Even Perfect Will can continue to improve through rare opportunities, emphasizing that spiritual growth has no simple endpoint.
  • Preparation for tribulation: The Myriad Things Spirit-Cleansing Divine Fire is shown to be essential for surviving the Fire Calamity, demonstrating the value of long-term preparation.
  • Power and protection: Zhang Su’s strength is not merely a personal achievement; it becomes the foundation for protecting his family and resisting entire saint-level factions.
  • Inheritance and opportunity: The final Imperial Palace trial represents access to vast resources and a supreme legacy, potentially transforming the futures of Zhang Su, Lu Tingxue, and his descendants.
  • Family responsibility: Zhang Su must contend with the consequences of Zhang Xian’s choices while balancing discipline, affection, and protection.
  • Unexpected talent: Zhang Xian’s low Dao Body contrasts sharply with his remarkable ability to attract exceptionally talented companions, suggesting that conventional judgments of talent may be misleading.
  • Conflict between individual choice and powerful factions: The three women’s decisions to reject their families, sects, or arranged obligations bring them into conflict with larger organizations, while Zhang Su’s sheltering of them challenges those authorities.

Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su and Lu Tingxue reunite warmly, with Lu Tingxue updating him on Zhang Xian’s growth and behavior.
  • Zhang Su meets Zhang Xian formally, gives him a defensive pagoda, and advises him to cultivate seriously rather than rely on family protection.
  • Zhang Su generously welcomes Little Deer and later accepts Zhang Xian’s three companions despite recognizing the enormous trouble they bring.
  • Zhang Xian firmly tells Zhang Su that he will not abandon any of the three women, prompting Zhang Su to criticize his romantic recklessness while ultimately supporting him.
  • Lu Tingxue remains concerned about how Zhang Xian’s actions will affect Little Deer and White Jade Lord.
  • Zhang Su confronts the Qin Family, Star Pagoda Holy Land, and Black Void Abyss representatives, using overwhelming power and authority to defend Zhang Xian and the women.
  • The three women express gratitude and admiration toward Zhang Su after he refuses to surrender them, while Zhang Xian proudly celebrates his father’s dominance.
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Ch. 268Heavenly Apex Great Emperor's Legacy, Suppressing Nine Dao-Proving Venerables, the Descent of a Holy Venerable!

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su seeks protection from his master, the Clear Sky Holy Venerable, because the three factions connected to Zhang Xian’s companions may send powerful Dao-Proving Venerables against him.
  • The Clear Sky Holy Venerable agrees that the Heart Sage Sect will intervene if the factions’ elders attack, reassuring Zhang Su.
  • Over nineteen years of cultivation, Zhang Su perfects the Yin-Yang Chaos Divine Thunder, completing the twelfth trial of the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace.
  • He enters the palace and receives the Heavenly Apex Great Emperor’s Legacy, spending eighteen years absorbing its vast knowledge and memories.
  • The legacy reveals that the Heavenly Apex Great Emperor rose from humble origins, became a Great Emperor, and ultimately failed and died on the Immortal Road. He urges his inheritor to one day return to the Immortal Road and uncover what lies beyond the Immortal Realm.
  • Zhang Su gains access to powerful cultivation methods, including techniques for the Three-Corpse, External-Object, and especially Force-Based Dao-Proving. He decides to carefully compare them with the Heart Sage Sect’s teachings.
  • Using the legacy’s refinement method, Zhang Su completely takes control of the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace in only one year. Cat Spirit acknowledges him as its new master.
  • Cat Spirit reveals that three groups of Dao-Proving Venerables had repeatedly waited outside the palace, hoping to ambush Zhang Su. Soon afterward, nine Dao-Proving Venerables from the three Saint-Tier Factions arrive.
  • Zhang Su activates the palace, draws all nine enemies inside, and suppresses them. Although killing them would consume too much power, he imprisons them within the palace, where they cannot escape.
  • The palace allows Zhang Su to traverse space directly, so he returns quickly to the Heart Sage Sect rather than traveling through the Star-Eye Realm.
  • Zhang Su then begins his Thunder Tribulation, having already perfected the Yin-Yang Chaos Divine Thunder.
  • At the chapter’s end, three Holy Venerables arrive outside the Heart Sage Sect and call for Zhang Su to come out, signaling a major confrontation.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su becomes substantially stronger and more confident. He progresses from merely possessing a powerful opportunity to inheriting a Great Emperor’s legacy and controlling a supreme Great Emperor treasure.
  • His Perfect Will allows him to absorb the Heavenly Apex Great Emperor’s legacy far faster than Cat Spirit expects.
  • Zhang Su’s understanding of cultivation deepens. He recognizes that a legacy provides knowledge but cannot replace personal effort, and he begins seriously considering Force-Based Dao-Proving.
  • He becomes more calculating and assertive, deliberately luring the nine Dao-Proving Venerables into the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace and imprisoning them rather than recklessly fighting them outside.
  • Cat Spirit shifts its allegiance completely, recognizing Zhang Su as the palace’s master and confidently explaining the palace’s abilities.
  • Lu Tingxue remains cautious and supportive, worrying about Zhang Su’s disappearance and Zhang Xian’s troublemaking.
  • The Heavenly Apex Great Emperor is further characterized as a legendary but ultimately unsuccessful cultivator whose greatest regret was failing on the Immortal Road.

Significant Themes

  • Inheritance and responsibility: Zhang Su receives not only power but also the Great Emperor’s unfinished ambitions and responsibility to continue the search for immortality.
  • Strength versus wisdom: Even with an overwhelming treasure, Zhang Su understands that cultivation must still rely on his own foundation and choices.
  • The dangers of greed: The nine Dao-Proving Venerables pursue Zhang Su because they covet his opportunity, only to become trapped by it.
  • The Immortal Road and unattained transcendence: The revelation that even the Heavenly Apex Great Emperor was defeated emphasizes how distant and perilous the path to immortality is.
  • Secrecy and strategic caution: Zhang Su hides the palace whenever possible, aware that even Holy Venerables would covet it.
  • Escalating conflict: The imprisonment of nine Dao-Proving Venerables provokes a response from the three factions’ Holy Venerables.

Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su consults the Clear Sky Holy Venerable, who promises the Heart Sage Sect will prevent older Dao-Proving Venerables from bullying Zhang Xian and his companions.
  • Zhang Su and Cat Spirit reunite after the final trial; Cat Spirit is excited that the legacy has finally been obtained.
  • The Heavenly Apex Great Emperor communicates indirectly through his legacy memories, urging Zhang Su to revisit the Immortal Road.
  • Zhang Su confronts the nine Dao-Proving Venerables inside the palace, mocks their inability to escape, and leaves them imprisoned despite their threats.
  • Lu Tingxue welcomes Zhang Su’s return and confirms that nothing has changed within the sect.
  • The chapter concludes with three Holy Venerables confronting the Heart Sage Sect and demanding Zhang Su’s appearance.
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Ch. 269A Hundred Years Pass; the Ancient God Secret Realm Shakes; Zhang Su Finally Becomes a Giant!

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • Three Holy Venerables—Qin Xiao of the Qin Family and two others—arrive at the Heart Sage Sect demanding an explanation for the disappearance of Dao-Proving Venerables sent after Zhang Su’s son and his companions.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable defends Zhang Su, exposing their hypocrisy and refusing to hand over her disciple. Several Heart Sage Sect Holy Venerables gather to support her.
  • The Heart Sage Holy Lord descends, orders the three visitors to leave, and declares that no one may harm Zhang Su within the sect.
  • At the same time, Zhang Su undergoes the Thunder Calamity. Using his Yin-Yang Chaos Divine Thunder, he suppresses and destroys the tribulation’s lightning, successfully completing the Three Calamities. Only the unpredictable Heart-Demon Tribulation remains.
  • Zhang Su decides that cultivating Immortal Will is the safest way to overcome the Heart-Demon Tribulation. He plans to gain Inheritance Marks through repeated trials in the Ancient God Secret Realm.
  • During eight years of secluded cultivation, Zhang Su refines eight drops of Ancient God’s Divine Blood. His Ancient God’s True Body advances from 10% to 50%, forming its limbs and torso, though the head remains incomplete.
  • Zhang Su helps Lu Tingxue and Zhang Xian improve their Dao Bodies using extremely rare Ten-Thousand-Year and Hundred-Thousand-Year Dao Fruits. Lu Tingxue reaches a superior Peerless Dao Body, while Zhang Xian rises from a Lower Dao Body to a Peerless Dao Body.
  • To protect his family from the inevitable attention surrounding the Dao Fruits, Zhang Su gives one Hundred-Thousand-Year Dao Fruit to Clear Sky Holy Venerable and then retreats to the Ancient God Secret Realm.
  • Zhang Su reunites with Xiao Yun, who has recently lost an arena battle and suffered serious damage. They register for the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm Trial together.
  • Zhang Su’s early trials reveal that raw strength is not always enough. He fails trials requiring schemes or social manipulation but wins those based primarily on combat power. Across ten trials, he achieves six victories, earns over 200,000 points, and exchanges them for three drops of Fire Origin Ancient God’s Divine Blood.
  • After refining the Fire Origin blood, Zhang Su’s Ancient God’s True Body reaches 80%, officially making him a “Giant.” His name appears in the Fire Origin Ancient God’s Temple, and the entire Ancient God Secret Realm trembles at his breakthrough.
  • Xiao Yun explains that the final 20% is extraordinarily difficult, with some Giants remaining stuck at 99% for ages. Zhang Su learns that becoming the first Ancient God of the universe’s current era may bring tremendous opportunities, possibly even leading toward the Origin Ancient God or Chaos Ancient God realms.
  • Giant Dark Domain, the first known cultivator to reach 99% progress, requests a meeting with Zhang Su. Zhang Su accepts and goes to visit him.

2. Character Developments

  • Zhang Su: Advances from a powerful Dao-Transforming Lord to someone who has passed the Thunder Calamity and become a Giant in the Ancient God lineage. His confidence grows, and he begins seriously aiming to become the first Ancient God of the second cosmic era. He also demonstrates greater responsibility toward his family and strategic caution regarding his treasures.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable: Firmly protects Zhang Su as her disciple and gains the support of the Heart Sage Sect and its Holy Lord. She also becomes the trusted recipient of a Hundred-Thousand-Year Dao Fruit.
  • Zhang Xian: Initially suffers from inferiority and frustration because his Lower Dao Body cannot keep pace with his four Dao partners. After Zhang Su’s intervention, he transforms into a Peerless Dao Body and regains hope for future cultivation.
  • Lu Tingxue: Moves from believing her cultivation potential was limited to obtaining a Peerless Dao Body and a renewed possibility of Proving the Dao or even becoming a Holy Venerable. Her trust in Zhang Su remains absolute.
  • Xiao Yun: Experiences a humbling defeat in the Ancient God Secret Realm but recovers emotionally and continues pursuing improvement. She becomes an important source of information for Zhang Su.
  • Giant Dark Domain: Introduced as an ancient and exceptionally accomplished Giant who may possess knowledge about the bottleneck at 99% progress.

3. Significant Themes

  • Protection through power and alliances: Zhang Su survives political threats because of Clear Sky Holy Venerable, the Heart Sage Sect, and the Holy Lord’s backing.
  • Talent versus opportunity: Dao Bodies, bloodlines, treasures, and inheritance all affect one’s potential, but determination and access to rare resources can radically change a person’s fate.
  • The unpredictability of inner demons: The Heart-Demon Tribulation cannot be predicted or controlled, making mental strength and willpower more important than physical cultivation alone.
  • Strategic cultivation: Zhang Su learns that strength guarantees success only in certain trials; adaptability, intelligence, and unconventional methods are equally important.
  • Family responsibility: Rather than hoarding his treasures, Zhang Su uses them to improve Lu Tingxue and Zhang Xian, while also trying to shield them from the dangers caused by his wealth.
  • Rising toward a new cosmic era: The chapter establishes the possibility that Zhang Su could become the first Ancient God after the extinction of the original Ancient Gods, giving his cultivation a much greater historical significance.

4. Character Interactions

  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable confronts Qin Xiao and the other Holy Venerables, defending Zhang Su and rejecting their accusation that his side was responsible for the conflict.
  • The Holy Lord reinforces Clear Sky’s position and privately assures her that Zhang Su is safe within the Heart Sage Sect.
  • Zhang Su comforts Lu Tingxue over Zhang Xian’s discouragement and promises to improve both their Dao Bodies.
  • Lu Tingxue warns Zhang Xian to keep the secret of the Dao Fruits, and Zhang Xian agrees to conceal their true nature.
  • Zhang Su meets Clear Sky Holy Venerable before leaving, gives her a Hundred-Thousand-Year Dao Fruit, and asks her to protect his family.
  • Zhang Su and Xiao Yun discuss her defeat, register for trials together, and compare their experiences.
  • After Zhang Su becomes a Giant, Xiao Yun explains the difficulty of reaching true Ancient Godhood. Her message about Giant Dark Domain leads Zhang Su toward a potentially important meeting.
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Ch. 270Ancient God Secrets! Zhang Su Receives the Inheritance of the Twelve Origin Ancient Gods!

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su meets the Giant Dark Domain, who reveals a devastating secret: every Ancient God cultivator in the Ancient God Secret Realm becomes stuck at 99% Ancient God’s True Body, unable to complete the final step into true Ancient Godhood.
  • Dark Domain explains that the universe itself has been restrained, likely by the mysterious Immortals who destroyed the Twelve Origin Ancient Gods and the Ancient God race. This restraint prevents new Ancient Gods from being born.
  • The Giants have developed a possible solution: cultivate the inheritances of all Twelve Origin Ancient Gods, condense twelve corresponding Ancient God’s True Body Phantoms, and fuse them into a Chaos Ancient God. Such a being might surpass the Cosmic Origin and break its seal.
  • Dark Domain and the other Giants hope Zhang Su can accomplish this because of his extraordinary cultivation speed and talent. They offer him eleven drops of divine blood from the other Origin Ancient Gods, provided he earns the required points to enter their temples.
  • Zhang Su asks Xiao Yun to investigate Dark Domain’s claims. After three days, she confirms that the Giants genuinely believe the path to Ancient Godhood has been severed and that no one has succeeded in overcoming it.
  • Zhang Su visits the Chaos Temple and gains 70,000 points because his Ancient God’s True Body has risen from 10% to 80%.
  • He then challenges the War God Hall. Zhang Su easily clears stages five through nine and, using three perfected top-tier divine arts, barely clears the tenth stage, a feat normally associated with Giants at 99% progress.
  • His victory causes the entire War God Hall to shake, and his name is inscribed as one of the rare cultivators to clear the tenth stage. He earns another 45,000 points, bringing his total to 122,930.
  • With enough points, Zhang Su enters the other eleven Origin Ancient God Temples over eleven days and obtains all twelve Origin Ancient God inheritances, including the Fire Origin inheritance he already possessed.
  • Dark Domain gives Zhang Su the promised eleven drops of divine blood and additionally offers four drops of Fire Origin Ancient God divine blood, enough to raise Zhang Su’s Fire Origin True Body Phantom to 99%.
  • After four years of refining the four drops, Zhang Su reaches 99%, personally experiencing the invisible universal shackle that prevents further progress.
  • Convinced that ordinary cultivation cannot break through, Zhang Su begins refining Metal Origin divine blood in an attempt to form his second Ancient God’s True Body Phantom.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su becomes increasingly aware of the true limits of Ancient God cultivation and the immense power of the Immortals. Rather than being discouraged, he accepts the challenge and commits to testing the twelve-body Chaos Ancient God method.
  • His reputation grows dramatically after clearing the tenth War God Hall stage with only 80% Ancient God’s True Body progress, proving that his perfected divine arts make him extraordinarily powerful.
  • Zhang Su also demonstrates pragmatism and caution: he verifies Dark Domain’s information through Xiao Yun before fully committing to the plan.
  • Dark Domain is established as a knowledgeable and influential Giant. Though he seeks Zhang Su’s success for his own chance at Ancient Godhood, he genuinely supports Zhang Su by providing divine blood and valuable information.
  • Xiao Yun acts as Zhang Su’s trusted investigator and ally, independently confirming the truth behind Dark Domain’s claims.
  • The other Giants are shown to be desperate but cooperative, supporting talented newcomers because Zhang Su’s success could open the path to Ancient Godhood for all of them.

Significant Themes

  • A severed path to transcendence: The chapter reveals that cultivation talent alone cannot overcome the 99% bottleneck because the universe itself has been sealed.
  • Hope against despair: The Giants’ plan to create a Chaos Ancient God represents their last remaining hope after countless failures.
  • Legacy and inheritance: The Twelve Origin Ancient God inheritances allow the fallen Ancient Gods’ power and methods to continue through Zhang Su.
  • Cooperation driven by shared interests: The Giants assist Zhang Su not purely out of generosity but because his success could benefit the entire Ancient God race.
  • The mystery and supremacy of Immortals: The ability to restrain the Cosmic Origin and annihilate the Twelve Origin Ancient Gods establishes the Immortals as forces vastly beyond Great Emperors and Ancient Gods.
  • Individual limits versus extraordinary potential: Dark Domain can condense only three True Body Phantoms, while the greatest Giant has managed six. Zhang Su must discover whether his own will and mental strength are sufficient to reach all twelve.

Character Interactions

  • Dark Domain openly explains the Ancient God crisis and recruits Zhang Su into the Giants’ collective plan.
  • Zhang Su questions Dark Domain directly, refusing empty praise or vague explanations.
  • Zhang Su consults Xiao Yun, who verifies the truth of Dark Domain’s information.
  • The wider Ancient God community watches Zhang Su’s progress with surprise and skepticism, especially after his unprecedented War God Hall victory.
  • The Giants privately discuss Zhang Su’s potential, hoping he can accomplish what none of them have managed.
  • Dark Domain gives Zhang Su divine blood and reveals his own three True Body Phantoms, emphasizing the mental difficulty of cultivating multiple Ancient God paths.
  • The chapter ends with Zhang Su beginning the next stage of his quest: condensing a second True Body Phantom through the Metal Origin Ancient God inheritance.
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Ch. 271Condensing Twelve Ancient God's True Bodies, Summoning the Chaos Ancient God, Shaking the Ancient God Secret Realm!

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • Over eleven years, Zhang Su uses Compatibility Points to perfect the cultivation methods of multiple Origin Ancient Gods and refines their divine blood, successfully condensing twelve Ancient God’s True Body Phantoms.
  • His first Fire Origin Ancient God’s True Body reaches 99%, while the remaining eleven initially reach only 10%. Unlike ordinary Giants, Zhang Su feels little strain, which he attributes to his Perfect Will.
  • Zhang Su fuses the twelve True Body Phantoms and creates a terrifying Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom, causing the entire Ancient God Secret Realm and the Twelve Origin Ancient God Temples to tremble.
  • The phantom quickly collapses when Zhang Su’s mind is overwhelmed. At the same moment, the Heart-Demon Tribulation attacks him, exploiting the strain on his mental will.
  • Thanks to Perfect Will, Zhang Su withstands and silently overcomes the Heart-Demon Tribulation, though the attack disrupts the fusion and separates the twelve phantoms.
  • Zhang Su realizes that the fused phantom cannot yet break the Cosmic Origin’s shackles, partly because eleven of his True Bodies remain underdeveloped and because even a Chaos Ancient God would be rejected by the universe.
  • He reveals the twelve phantoms to Dark Domain and later to nearly a hundred Ancient God Giants. The Giants are convinced by the phantoms’ overwhelming aura and believe Zhang Su may be their only hope of breaking the Cosmic Origin.
  • The Giants contribute their accumulated resources, giving Zhang Su 228 drops of Ancient God’s Divine Blood.
  • Zhang Su spends roughly ninety years improving his physical body from the Thirtieth to the Thirty-Ninth Order, while simultaneously refining the divine blood. His body then reaches a bottleneck.
  • After refining all 228 drops, four True Bodies reach 99%, while the other eight surpass 90%. Zhang Su calculates that he needs approximately sixteen more drops to complete them.
  • Rather than relying solely on his own slow progress through the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm Trial, Zhang Su persuades Dark Domain to organize the Giants to participate and earn points for more divine blood.
  • Zhang Su wins several trials, obtains additional points and an Inheritance Mark, and receives another twenty drops of divine blood from Dark Domain and the Giants.
  • Eight years later, all twelve Ancient God’s True Body Phantoms reach 99%, their current limit.
  • Zhang Su announces that he will publicly fuse them in ten days, triggering widespread anticipation throughout the Ancient God Secret Realm.

2. Character Developments

  • Zhang Su demonstrates extraordinary talent by surpassing the Giants’ former record of six True Bodies and reaching twelve. His Perfect Will proves crucial in resisting both the pressure of the Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom and the Heart-Demon Tribulation.
  • He becomes more strategic and politically astute, recognizing that the Giants view him as their greatest hope. He uses their belief in his potential to obtain vast quantities of divine blood.
  • Zhang Su remains cautious despite his rapid progress. He postpones Proving the Dao because he wants to strengthen his physical body and maximize his future potential.
  • Dark Domain shifts from cautious observer to Zhang Su’s strongest supporter and organizer. He becomes convinced that Zhang Su can fulfill the Ancient Gods’ long-held ambition and mobilizes the Giants to aid him.
  • The Ancient God Giants move from skepticism to intense belief and excitement after witnessing Zhang Su’s twelve phantoms and their fusion.

3. Significant Themes

  • Breaking limitations: Zhang Su repeatedly surpasses established records, suggesting that conventional cultivation limits are not absolute.
  • Willpower and mental resilience: Perfect Will allows Zhang Su to survive the Heart-Demon Tribulation and withstand forces that would destroy ordinary cultivators.
  • Hope versus uncertainty: The Giants invest everything in Zhang Su despite the fact that even he cannot guarantee the Cosmic Origin will be broken.
  • Power and political leverage: Zhang Su’s strength gives him influence over the Giants, allowing him to turn their faith and desperation into resources.
  • The conflict between cosmic order and transcendence: The Cosmic Origin protects the universe and Ancient Gods while simultaneously preventing Ancient Gods from becoming Chaos Ancient Gods.
  • Preparation and patience: Zhang Su refuses to rush Proving the Dao, prioritizing physical strength, cultivation foundations, and the completion of all twelve True Bodies.

4. Character Interactions

  • Dark Domain anxiously investigates Zhang Su after the first Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom appears and briefly fears that something has happened to him.
  • Zhang Su explains the phantom and the failure to break the Cosmic Origin, presenting the weakness of the fusion as a matter of insufficient cultivation rather than a completely failed method.
  • Dark Domain convenes nearly one hundred Giants, who test Zhang Su’s claims. Zhang Su answers by directly displaying and fusing all twelve phantoms.
  • Impressed and emotionally moved by the suppression of the Chaos Ancient God’s aura, the Giants voluntarily surrender their treasured divine blood.
  • Zhang Su later returns to Dark Domain for further assistance, and Dark Domain again coordinates the Giants to obtain the remaining divine blood.
  • The entire Ancient God Secret Realm becomes focused on Zhang Su’s upcoming public fusion, viewing it as a decisive test of whether the Ancient Gods can escape the Cosmic Origin’s confinement.
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Ch. 272Return to the Heart Sage Sect, Seas Turned to Mulberry Fields, Holy Lords Shocked!

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • After ten days of preparation, Zhang Su emerges from seclusion before a large gathering of Ancient God cultivators. He publicly announces his attempt to fuse twelve Ancient God’s True Body Phantoms and use the resulting Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom to break the Cosmic Origin’s binding power.
  • Zhang successfully fuses all twelve phantoms, producing an overwhelming Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom that suppresses every Ancient God cultivator present.
  • The Chaos Ancient God attacks the force imprisoning the Cosmic Origin. The attack shakes the entire Ancient God Secret Realm and even alarms powerful Holy Venerables and Holy Lords throughout the universe.
  • Although the binding force does not break, Zhang discovers that it trembles under the attack and is gradually weakening. His phantom can only remain manifested for ten breaths, but he realizes that repeated attacks over many years may eventually shatter the imprisonment.
  • Zhang reassures the disappointed Ancient God cultivators, restoring their hope. Dark Domain privately confirms that Zhang is sincere and promises that the Ancient God cultivators will provide whatever resources he needs.
  • Zhang learns that the Three Thousand Ancient God Realm Trial cannot be shortened unless he becomes one of the Twelve Origin Ancient Gods, since only they possess authority to alter the realm’s rules.
  • He spends a month repeatedly attacking the Cosmic Origin’s binding force, then leaves the Ancient God Secret Realm and returns to the Heart Sage Sect.
  • At the sect, Zhang discovers that more than three hundred years have passed. Lu Tingxue has Transformed the Dao, while Zhang Xian has also advanced and now has seven Dao companions.
  • Zhang learns that many former acquaintances, including Lu Zhaixing, Zhao Canghai, Lei Zhen, and nearly all cultivators of his generation from the Myriad Spirits Realm, have died of old age.
  • Zhang visits his master, the Clear Sky Holy Venerable, and reveals that he was responsible for the Ancient God Secret Realm’s disturbance.
  • The Heart Sage Sect’s Holy Lord arrives, personally examines Zhang’s Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom, and offers the sect’s full support.
  • The Holy Lord explains that the universe’s Holy Lords hope to revive or create Ancient Gods because Ancient Gods may be the key to destroying the Evil Gods, whom the Holy Lords can only temporarily seal.

2. Character Developments

  • Zhang Su advances from being an exceptionally talented cultivator to the central hope of all Ancient God cultivators. He demonstrates both tremendous power and a growing understanding of the Cosmic Origin’s imprisonment.
  • Despite his apparent failure, Zhang becomes more confident and strategic, recognizing that persistence and the gradual weakening of the binding force can eventually lead to success.
  • Zhang remains committed to both paths of cultivation: becoming an Ancient God while also Proving the Dao and eventually becoming a Holy Venerable.
  • Dark Domain shifts from anxious doubt to renewed trust in Zhang after learning that the attack genuinely affected the Cosmic Origin’s confinement.
  • Lu Tingxue has successfully Transformed the Dao and is preparing to Prove the Dao. Her reunion with Zhang reveals both her affection and her fear that he may have little lifespan remaining.
  • Zhang Xian has grown into adulthood, Transformed the Dao, established a large family, and developed seven harmonious Dao companion relationships.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable is shocked and impressed by Zhang’s achievements and immediately reports them to the sect’s Holy Lord.
  • The Holy Lord views Zhang not merely as a disciple of the Heart Sage Sect but as a potential solution to the universe’s Evil God crisis.

3. Significant Themes

  • Hope against impossible limitations: The Ancient God cultivators had believed that becoming Ancient Gods was impossible, but Zhang’s experiment proves that the Cosmic Origin’s imprisonment can be weakened.
  • Persistence and gradual progress: Zhang’s failure is not absolute; even a slight tremor in the binding force demonstrates that repeated effort may eventually achieve what one overwhelming attack cannot.
  • The cruelty of time and mortality: Zhang’s return emphasizes how quickly centuries pass. Many of his old friends die without advancing, while only a few, such as Lu Tingxue and Zhang Xian, survive through extraordinary talent or Zhang’s assistance.
  • Balancing different paths of power: Zhang must pursue both Ancient God cultivation and orthodox cultivation, since becoming an Ancient God alone may not be enough to overcome the Evil Gods.
  • Changing eras and unexpected alliances: Ancient Gods were once enemies of cultivators, but the current threat of the Evil Gods causes the Holy Lords to support Zhang’s attempt to revive Ancient God power.
  • The burden of expectation: Zhang is now carrying the hopes of the entire Ancient God Secret Realm, forcing him to continue despite the immense difficulty of his task.

4. Character Interactions

  • Zhang addresses the gathered Ancient God cultivators, openly acknowledging their expectations and promising to give everything he has.
  • His interaction with Dark Domain shows mutual trust: Dark Domain questions whether Zhang’s hopeful explanation is genuine, and Zhang gives him a serious assurance that success is possible.
  • Zhang and Lu Tingxue reunite emotionally after centuries apart. She worries about his lifespan, while he praises her progress and urges her to Prove the Dao quickly.
  • Zhang learns about Zhang Xian’s family life and accepts the unusual but harmonious arrangement of his seven Dao companions without interference.
  • Zhang’s reunion with the Clear Sky Holy Venerable becomes a moment of revelation, as he explains his role in shaking the Cosmic Origin.
  • The Holy Lord directly tests Zhang’s power by ordering him to summon the Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom. Impressed by its aura, he pledges the Heart Sage Sect’s complete support and urges Zhang to become both an Ancient God and a Holy Venerable to ensure the Evil Gods can ultimately be destroyed.
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Ch. 273Zhang Su Proves the Dao Through Force Today!

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su discusses Dao-Proving with Lu Tingxue. She intends to use the relatively safe Three-Corpse Dao-Proving method, while Zhang Su confirms that he will pursue the far riskier Force-Based Dao-Proving path.
  • Zhang investigates available Dao-Proving techniques and discovers that the Heart Sage Sect possesses no Force-Based method. His only option is the Cosmic Origin Dao-Proving Method, an exceptionally rare technique left by the Heavenly Apex Great Emperor.
  • The method requires seizing a trace of the universe’s Cosmic Origin, something normally impossible because of the universe’s overwhelming backlash.
  • Zhang consults the Clear Sky Holy Venerable, who explains that Force-Based Dao-Proving methods were originally passed down by an ancient Immortal and are found mainly on the Immortal Road. He warns Zhang that success requires immense wisdom, perseverance, fortune, and confidence.
  • Zhang realizes that breaking the Cosmic Origin’s binding power is necessary both to become a true Ancient God and to obtain the Cosmic Origin needed for Force-Based Dao-Proving. He spends ten years repeatedly attacking the binding power with his Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom.
  • During this period, Lu Tingxue severs her first corpse and begins her own Dao-Proving journey. Zhang gives her longevity treasures to extend her lifespan and reduce pressure.
  • Zhang’s Heart Force surpasses one hundred thousand strands, allowing him to reach the fifth level of the Heart Force Canon.
  • After ten years, Zhang finally cracks the Cosmic Origin’s confinement and draws out a wisp of Cosmic Origin power. Although the crack rapidly repairs itself, he successfully stores the wisp in a treasure bottle and decides to use it for Force-Based Dao-Proving.
  • Zhang summons Lu Tingxue, his son Zhang Xian, and Zhang Xian’s Dao companions to announce that he will publicly Prove the Dao in one month. He asks them to help maintain order because the process will create an enormous disturbance.
  • Zhang Xian offers Zhang a rare Heavenheart Pearl, which can temporarily merge its user with the universe and suppress Heavenly Punishment for up to one hour. Zhang accepts it as a potentially crucial contingency.
  • Zhang asks his master, Clear Sky Holy Venerable, to protect the Dao-Proving. The news spreads throughout the Heart Sage Sect, shocking disciples, Dao-Proving Venerables, and Holy Venerables alike.
  • One month later, Zhang begins his public Dao-Proving. His Great Dao Light manifests at an astonishing size—over 4,000 li wide and nearly 10,000 li long—shocking everyone present.
  • The Cosmic Heavenly Dao responds with unprecedented Heavenly Punishment. The Holy Lord orders all observers to retreat one hundred li, fearing that the punishment could annihilate even Dao-Proving Venerables and seriously injure Holy Venerables. The chapter ends as everyone anxiously waits to see whether Zhang can survive.

2. Character Developments

  • Zhang Su demonstrates extraordinary ambition and confidence by choosing Force-Based Dao-Proving despite its one-chance-only risk. His preparations show increasing mastery of Heart Force, physical cultivation, Ancient God power, and the Cosmic Origin.
  • Lu Tingxue remains cautious but committed. Her seventy-percent chance of success with Three-Corpse Dao-Proving leads to her successfully severing her first corpse and formally beginning the path toward Dao-Proving.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable shifts from warning Zhang about the risks to openly supporting him. Though surprised by Zhang’s overwhelming Great Dao, he remains convinced that Zhang would not act without confidence.
  • Zhang Xian shows filial devotion and growth by offering the Heavenheart Pearl, proving that he can provide meaningful assistance to his father.
  • Zhang Su’s family has grown into a major lineage within the Heart Sage Sect, with Zhang Xian’s companions reaching the Dao-Transforming Lord realm and some descendants entering the Dao.

3. Significant Themes

  • Defying Heaven: Dao-Proving is portrayed as the first true confrontation between a cultivator and the Cosmic Heavenly Dao. Force-Based Dao-Proving embodies the idea of directly resisting the universe rather than using shortcuts.
  • Risk versus potential: Three-Corpse Dao-Proving is safer and allows repeated attempts, while External-Object Dao-Proving is easier but limits future potential. Force-Based Dao-Proving offers the greatest possibilities but allows only one attempt.
  • Preparation and perseverance: Zhang’s decade of relentless cultivation and repeated attacks on the Cosmic Origin demonstrates that extraordinary breakthroughs depend on sustained effort and careful preparation.
  • Cosmic balance: Ancient Gods are portrayed as guardians who return to the Cosmic Origin after death, whereas cultivators take power away from the universe when they ascend. This establishes a philosophical tension between cultivators and the universe itself.
  • Legacy and family power: Zhang’s personal rise has elevated the entire Zhang lineage within the Heart Sage Sect, showing how an individual’s strength can transform the status of their descendants and allies.

4. Character Interactions

  • Zhang and Lu Tingxue discuss their respective Dao-Proving methods, revealing their different temperaments: her caution contrasts with his willingness to take extreme risks.
  • Zhang consults Clear Sky Holy Venerable, whose explanation gives him a broader understanding of the rarity and danger of Force-Based Dao-Proving.
  • Zhang reassures and supports Lu Tingxue by providing longevity treasures after she begins severing her first corpse.
  • Zhang informs his family and Zhang Xian’s companions of his plan, prompting shock and admiration because of the danger associated with Force-Based Dao-Proving.
  • Zhang Xian offers the Heavenheart Pearl, creating a moment of mutual trust and allowing him to contribute directly to Zhang’s success.
  • Zhang seeks protection from Clear Sky Holy Venerable, while the Holy Lord ultimately intervenes to protect the entire sect from the terrifying Heavenly Punishment.
  • The chapter closes with Zhang at the center of the Heart Sage Sect’s attention, surrounded by allies, family, and powerful spectators who are both awed and deeply concerned for his survival.
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Ch. 274Proving the Dao! Proving the Dao! Proving the Dao!

Chapter Summary: “Heavenly Punishment!”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su begins Force-Based Dao-Proving, facing the Cosmic Heavenly Dao directly rather than relying on the less severe punishment associated with Three-Corpse Dao-Proving.
  • The Heavenly Punishment starts with an overwhelming Thunderstorm, which repeatedly tears through Zhang Su’s Great Dao Light. He endures it for an hour, alarming the observing Dao-Proving Venerables and Holy Venerables.
  • Zhang Su reveals a vial containing Cosmic Origin, a treasure even Holy Venerables and Great Emperors normally cannot obtain. The Cosmic Origin restores and transforms his Great Dao Light while absorbing the destructive thunderstorm.
  • When the Heavenly Dao escalates to the terrifying World-Annihilating Flame, Zhang Su activates the Heavenheart Pearl, which conceals his presence from the Cosmic Heavenly Dao for one hour.
  • During that hour, Zhang Su’s Great Dao Light rapidly evolves toward a cosmic level. When the Heavenheart Pearl shatters and the punishment resumes, his Dao has become strong enough to withstand both the thunderstorm and the World-Annihilating Flame.
  • The Heavenly Punishment eventually fades, confirming Zhang Su’s successful transformation into a Dao-Proving Venerable.
  • His success shocks the observers. The Holy Venerables recognize that his strength may already rival theirs, making him an exceptionally powerful newly ascended Venerable.
  • Zhang Su returns to his cave residence, where his family anxiously awaits the result. He confirms that he succeeded, bringing great joy and prestige to the Zhang Family and the Heart Sage Sect.
  • After consolidating his understanding of his new realm, Zhang Su studies the path toward becoming a Holy Venerable. He learns that he must create an inner Celestial Grotto using his Great Dao.
  • Zhang Su chooses the extremely powerful Ninefold Grotto-Heaven Method, which can create nine interconnected Boundless Celestial Grottos. He spends ten Compatibility Points to raise his compatibility with the method to 100%.
  • The major obstacle becomes gathering rare materials, especially Innate Golden Essence, required to construct the Boundless Grotto-Heaven.
  • Zhang Su asks Clear Sky Holy Venerable for help. Clear Sky explains that ordinary treasures and potential will not be enough to persuade Holy Venerables to trade with him; Zhang Su must first demonstrate overwhelming strength.
  • Clear Sky offers to recommend Zhang Su for an expedition below the hundredth level of the Abyss Forbidden Zone, a region dangerous even for Holy Venerables. Zhang Su accepts the opportunity, hoping to gain access to Innate Golden Essence and establish his reputation.

2. Character Developments

  • Zhang Su demonstrates remarkable composure, preparation, and confidence. He deliberately tests the Heavenly Punishment before using his hidden resources, showing that his success is based on strategy rather than recklessness.
  • His successful Force-Based Dao-Proving establishes him as an unusually powerful Venerable, potentially comparable to a Holy Venerable immediately after advancing.
  • Zhang Su’s ambitions grow beyond merely surviving Dao-Proving. He immediately begins planning to open a Boundless Celestial Grotto and eventually pursue higher realms, including Holy Venerable status and immortality.
  • Lu Tingxue reveals deep concern and emotional attachment to Zhang Su. She is visibly shaken by the danger he faced but becomes relieved and supportive after his success.
  • Zhang Xian and the Zhang Family gain renewed confidence and pride. Zhang Su’s advancement greatly elevates the family’s status and future prospects.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable shifts from protector and teacher to facilitator of Zhang Su’s larger ambitions. He acknowledges Zhang Su’s potential but emphasizes that true influence depends on demonstrated strength.

3. Significant Themes

  • The difficulty of Force-Based Dao-Proving: Success requires confronting the Cosmic Heavenly Dao directly and enduring apparently endless destruction.
  • Preparation and rare resources: Zhang Su succeeds because of extraordinary treasures—Cosmic Origin and the Heavenheart Pearl—showing that talent alone is not always sufficient.
  • Strength as the basis of status: Potential does not command respect in the upper realms. Zhang Su must prove that his current combat power is worthy of Holy Venerables’ attention before they will deal with him.
  • Ambition and progression: Even after achieving Dao-Proving, Zhang Su immediately looks toward the next stage, seeking a Boundless Celestial Grotto and ultimately immortality.
  • The value and limits of lifespan: The chapter contrasts cultivators, Ancient Gods, Dao-Proving Venerables, Holy Venerables, and Great Emperors, emphasizing that advancement is driven not only by power but also by the desire to escape mortality.
  • Family and loyalty: Zhang Su’s achievement is personally meaningful to his family and sect, while Lu Tingxue’s concern highlights the emotional cost of his dangerous cultivation path.

4. Character Interactions

  • The watching Venerables and Holy Venerables react with fear and admiration as Zhang Su withstands the Heavenly Punishment, gradually recognizing that he may already possess Holy Venerable-level combat strength.
  • Zhang Su bows to the Holy Venerables afterward, especially acknowledging the Holy Lord who stood guard for him.
  • Zhang Su reassures his family, particularly Zhang Xian and Lu Tingxue, that he successfully Proved the Dao.
  • Lu Tingxue expresses her fear over nearly losing him and urges him to consolidate his cultivation.
  • Zhang Su consults Little Blue to investigate Dao-Proving cultivation methods and the resources needed for a Boundless Celestial Grotto.
  • Zhang Su discusses his needs with Clear Sky Holy Venerable, who warns him about the difficulty of obtaining Innate Golden Essence and the importance of status and strength in forming alliances.
  • The chapter ends with Clear Sky contacting a powerful friend to recommend Zhang Su for the perilous Abyss Forbidden Zone expedition.
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Ch. 275The Chaos Ancient God's Phantom, Defeating a Holy Venerable with One Finger!

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable informs Zhang Su that Purple River Holy Venerable has agreed to meet him regarding a dangerous expedition into the Abyss Forbidden Zone.
  • Zhang Su travels to the Great Hao Sacred Sect and meets Purple River Holy Venerable, who is gathering powerful Dao-Proving Venerables for a mission below the Abyss’s hundredth layer.
  • Zhang Su requests Innate Golden Essence as compensation. When he learns Purple River possesses additional pieces and treasures containing it, he boldly demands all of them.
  • To prove his value, Zhang Su releases his Great Dao Light and overwhelms more than a dozen top-tier Dao-Proving Venerables without using divine abilities or treasures. The intimidated Venerables withdraw.
  • Purple River agrees to give Zhang Su one piece of Innate Golden Essence immediately and two treasures containing it after the mission. Zhang Su agrees to accompany her for a maximum of ten years.
  • After three months of travel, Zhang Su and Purple River reach the Abyss Forbidden Zone’s 103rd layer. Purple River begins fusing numerous Abyss Tokens while Zhang Su guards her.
  • A hostile Holy Venerable attempts to seize Purple River’s Abyss Tokens. Zhang Su initially uses his Great Dao Light, Sword Qi Storm, Martial Domain, and Nine Heavens Bone-Eroding Divine Wind, but the enemy’s defensive vortex absorbs them all.
  • Zhang Su then reveals his twelve Ancient God’s True Body Phantoms and fuses them into a powerful Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom. Its twelve simultaneous divine arts overwhelm the enemy’s vortex, and a single finger destroys the Holy Venerable’s physical body.
  • The defeated Holy Venerable admits defeat and escapes through his Celestial Grotto. Zhang Su does not pursue him, recognizing that killing a Holy Venerable would be far more difficult than defeating one.
  • After approximately one month, Purple River finishes fusing the Abyss Tokens and locates the Cosmic Treasure—but becomes hesitant because its location evidently contains serious danger.

2. Character Developments

  • Zhang Su demonstrates extreme confidence and strategic restraint. He refuses to accept a minor reward, openly challenges the assembled Venerables’ assumptions about him, and proves that his strength is comparable to—or greater than—that of a Holy Venerable.
  • He reveals that his Ancient God Bloodline and twelve phantoms can combine into a Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom, dramatically increasing his combat power.
  • Zhang Su also shows prudence: he sets a strict ten-year limit for the mission, refuses to blindly accept unknown risks, and avoids pursuing the defeated Holy Venerable unnecessarily.
  • Purple River Holy Venerable initially views Zhang Su as merely an additional Dao-Proving cultivator, but quickly recognizes his exceptional talent and combat ability. Her attitude changes from skepticism and irritation to approval, trust, and enthusiasm.
  • The assembled Dao-Proving Venerables, initially offended by Zhang Su’s arrogance, are humbled by his Great Dao Light and leave after realizing they cannot match him.
  • The hostile Holy Venerable begins with contempt for Zhang Su but is forced to acknowledge his strength after being defeated.

3. Significant Themes

  • Hidden strength and overwhelming talent: Zhang Su’s Dao-Proving cultivation conceals power capable of defeating genuine Holy Venerables.
  • Confidence versus arrogance: Zhang Su’s claims initially appear boastful, but he immediately backs them with overwhelming ability.
  • Power hierarchy: The chapter emphasizes the enormous gap between ordinary Dao-Proving Venerables and Holy Venerables, while presenting Zhang Su as an extraordinarily rare exception.
  • Strategic preparation and risk management: Both Zhang Su and Purple River carefully consider the dangers of the Abyss Forbidden Zone, the value of Abyss Tokens, and the possibility of encountering rival Holy Venerables.
  • Defeating versus killing: Even after crushing the enemy’s body, Zhang Su recognizes that a Holy Venerable’s Celestial Grotto makes permanent death difficult.
  • Partnership based on mutual benefit: Zhang Su seeks Innate Golden Essence, while Purple River needs a protector capable of replacing an entire group of elite Venerables.

4. Character Interactions

  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable acts as the intermediary connecting Zhang Su with Purple River.
  • Purple River tests Zhang Su’s motives and strength, while Zhang Su negotiates firmly rather than accepting a vague or disadvantageous arrangement.
  • Zhang Su’s confrontation with the other Venerables turns their initial resentment into fear and reluctant respect.
  • During the mission, Purple River relies on Zhang Su to protect her while she fuses the Abyss Tokens.
  • Zhang Su and the hostile Holy Venerable clash over access to Purple River’s tokens; Zhang Su’s victory establishes him as a genuine Holy Venerable-level combatant.
  • After witnessing his achievement, Purple River promises him the remaining treasures regardless of whether they successfully obtain the Cosmic Treasure, showing her increased confidence in and appreciation of him.
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Ch. 276Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace Exposed, Heart Sage Sect in Uproar!

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Purple River Holy Venerable reveals that she and Zhang Su have located a Cosmic Treasure, but three Holy Venerables are already fighting over it. She asks Zhang Su to honor their agreement and help her obtain it.
  • While traveling, Purple River explains that the old man Zhang Su previously defeated was Black Ruins Holy Venerable, a powerful Three-Star Holy Venerable. Zhang Su’s fused Ancient God power had allowed him to surpass that level.
  • Upon reaching the battlefield, Purple River engages the three Holy Venerables while Zhang Su rushes toward the treasure. He successfully seizes it before the others can react.
  • A fourth Holy Venerable suddenly attacks Zhang Su. Zhang Su summons the fused Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom and destroys the attacker’s enormous palm, shocking all the Holy Venerables present.
  • More Holy Venerables arrive, surrounding Zhang Su and Purple River. Realizing they cannot escape normally, Purple River urges Zhang Su to abandon her and flee, since the enemies’ true target is her.
  • Zhang Su instead reveals and activates the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace. Its Great Emperor-level defenses completely nullify the combined attacks of the Holy Venerables, allowing Zhang Su and Purple River to escape.
  • Zhang Su gives the Cosmic Treasure to Purple River, who fulfills her promise by handing him two treasures containing Innate Golden Essence.
  • Zhang Su returns openly to the Heart Sage Sect aboard the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace, causing widespread shock. The palace’s appearance confirms that he has obtained the Heavenly Apex Great Emperor’s Legacy and passed its twelve trials.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable summons Zhang Su and learns the full truth. She proposes that he become a sacred-level elder, granting him authority second only to the Holy Lord.
  • Zhang Su also reveals that he intends to open a Boundless Grotto-Heaven, an achievement that would make him extraordinarily powerful, even among Holy Venerables.
  • The Holy Lord arrives and immediately approves Zhang Su’s promotion. He promises that the Heart Sage Sect will provide every resource Zhang Su needs to open the Boundless Grotto-Heaven.
  • In return, Zhang Su promises that if he becomes a Great Emperor, he will lead the Heart Sage Sect onto the Immortal Road and transform it into an Emperor-level sect.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su: His true status and strength become increasingly clear. He is no longer merely a Dao-Proving Venerable but possesses combat power comparable to top Holy Venerables, along with the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace. His confidence and willingness to reveal his trump cards grow as he recognizes that few forces can threaten him directly.
  • Purple River Holy Venerable: She begins treating Zhang Su as an equal rather than a junior. She takes responsibility for protecting him during the treasure battle and later feels indebted to him for exposing the palace to save them. Her respect and trust in Zhang Su deepen considerably.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable: She shifts from treating Zhang Su primarily as a disciple to recognizing him as a core pillar of the sect. She actively encourages him to request the sect’s hidden resources and supports his advancement.
  • The Holy Lord: He displays decisiveness and foresight, immediately choosing to invest the Heart Sage Sect’s full strength in Zhang Su. He sees Zhang Su as the sect’s greatest hope of producing a Great Emperor.
  • Lu Tingxue: She is deeply shocked by Zhang Su’s secret but understands why he concealed it. Her trust in him remains intact, and she is reassured by the revelation of his overwhelming defensive power.

Significant Themes

  • Hidden strength and revelation: Zhang Su’s concealed inheritance and the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace are finally exposed, dramatically changing how the universe and the Heart Sage Sect view him.
  • Opportunity and risk: Obtaining a supreme treasure brings both power and danger. Zhang Su gains the palace but also becomes a target for countless Holy Venerables.
  • Trust and reciprocal loyalty: Zhang Su honors his agreement with Purple River, while she keeps her promise to reward him. Their cooperation demonstrates the importance of mutual trust among powerful cultivators.
  • Sect responsibility and collective ambition: The Heart Sage Sect’s support of Zhang Su reflects its long-term dream of becoming an Emperor-level force. Zhang Su’s future success is tied to the fate of the entire sect.
  • The path toward Great Emperorhood: The chapter emphasizes that Holy Venerable strength is not Zhang Su’s limit. His inheritance, Boundless Grotto-Heaven, and Imperial Palace all position him as a potential future Great Emperor.

Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su and Purple River: They coordinate during the Cosmic Treasure battle, with Purple River holding off the enemy while Zhang Su retrieves the treasure. Their relationship evolves into one of equals and trusted allies.
  • Zhang Su and the enemy Holy Venerables: The enemies initially underestimate him as a mere Dao-Proving cultivator, but his destruction of a Holy Venerable’s attack forces them to recognize his terrifying strength.
  • Zhang Su and Lu Tingxue: Zhang Su explains the truth about his inheritance and palace, while Lu Tingxue responds with shock but no resentment.
  • Zhang Su and Clear Sky Holy Venerable: Master and disciple discuss the origin of Zhang Su’s power and his plans for the Boundless Grotto-Heaven. Clear Sky encourages him to accept the sect’s full support.
  • Zhang Su and the Holy Lord: The Holy Lord formally recognizes Zhang Su as a Saint-level elder and offers unconditional resources in exchange for Zhang Su’s future promise to elevate the Heart Sage Sect to the Immortal Road and Emperor level.
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Ch. 277An Ancient God Was Born, Shaking the Universe!

Chapter Summary: “Ancient God Born, the Universe Shaken!”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su asks the Heart Sage Sect’s Holy Lord for the rare materials needed to open a Boundless Grotto-Heaven. The sect can immediately provide about 70% and promises to obtain enough through trade to reach 90%.
  • In recognition of his growing strength, Zhang Su is promoted from disciple to Saint-level Elder, making his words and actions representative of the Heart Sage Sect.
  • The sect delivers enormous quantities of resources, effectively exhausting much of its treasury to support him. Zhang Su continues cultivating while waiting for the remaining materials.
  • News spreads that Zhang Su possesses the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace, a Great Emperor Treasure, and has acquired genuine Holy Venerable-level combat power despite only recently proving the Dao.
  • Over ninety years:
    • Zhang Su repeatedly uses the Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom to break through the Cosmic Origin’s restrictions, collecting ten wisps of Cosmic Origin.
    • His physical body advances from the Thirty-Ninth to the Forty-Ninth Order.
    • He reaches the Perfected Realm in both the Nine-Treasure Body-Refining Method and the Ninefold Grotto-Heaven Method.
    • His companions, Lu Tingxue and Zhang Xian, also successfully prove the Dao.
  • Zhang Su uses the ten wisps of Cosmic Origin to transform his first Ancient God’s True Body Phantom into a genuine Ancient God.
  • His transformation causes the universe and the Heart Sage Sect’s Holy Venerables to experience mysterious palpitations. The Holy Lord and Clear Sky Holy Venerable realize that a new Ancient God is being born.
  • Once Zhang Su becomes a true Ancient God, the Cosmic Origin’s restraining force collapses permanently. Cosmic Origin floods freely through the universe, allowing other Ancient God cultivators to attempt their own transformations.
  • Zhang Su then transforms all twelve of his Ancient God’s True Body Phantoms into true Ancient Gods. The chapter ends as he attempts to fuse the twelve Ancient Gods together.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su: Evolves from an exceptionally powerful Dao-Proving cultivator into a true Ancient God. His lifespan, defensive strength, cultivation potential, and overall influence rise dramatically. He demonstrates patience, careful preparation, and a long-term focus on survival and power.
  • Holy Lord of the Heart Sage Sect: Shows immense confidence in Zhang Su by committing the sect’s resources to his advancement. He formally elevates Zhang Su to elder status and recognizes his significance.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable: Develops greater respect and excitement toward Zhang Su, realizing that his achievement may rival or even surpass the expectations of the Heart Sage Sect.
  • Lu Tingxue: Overcomes repeated failures in severing her Third Corpse and successfully proves the Dao, largely because of Zhang Su’s extensive support and life-extending resources.
  • Zhang Xian: Gradually severs the Three Corpses and proves the Dao, benefiting from extraordinary opportunities and what appears to be an inheritance of Zhang Su’s fortune.
  • Ancient God cultivators: Gain a new opportunity after the Cosmic Origin’s restrictions collapse, though success still depends on their own ability to complete the transformation.

Significant Themes

  • The power of support and belonging: Zhang Su’s progress is accelerated by the Heart Sage Sect’s willingness to sacrifice its accumulated resources for him.
  • Preparation versus impatience: Zhang Su refuses to open his Boundless Grotto-Heaven without sufficient materials, emphasizing careful preparation for monumental breakthroughs.
  • Evolution and transcendence: The chapter follows Zhang Su’s progression through multiple systems—physical body, Great Dao, and Ancient God cultivation—until he reaches a higher form of existence.
  • Breaking limitations for an entire lineage: Zhang Su’s breakthrough does not benefit him alone. By destroying the Cosmic Origin’s restrictions, he creates a path for all Ancient God cultivators.
  • The scale of individual power: Zhang Su’s transformation threatens to alter the balance of the entire universe, especially once he manifests twelve Ancient Gods.
  • Survival and defense: Zhang Su deliberately develops his physical body through the Nine-Treasure Body-Refining Method, prioritizing resilience, layered defense, and the ability to survive attacks from Holy Venerables.

Important Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su negotiates directly with the Holy Lord over the materials required for his Boundless Grotto-Heaven.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable congratulates and advises Zhang Su after his promotion, while acknowledging the enormous cost to the sect.
  • The Cat Spirit comments on the Heart Sage Sect’s unexpectedly deep foundations and compares them with the Heavenly Apex Great Emperor’s inability to gather the same resources.
  • Zhang Xian visits Zhang Su to confirm the rumors of his Holy Venerable-level strength.
  • The Heart Sage Sect’s Holy Venerables gather after sensing the universe-wide disturbance. They discuss whether Zhang Su is becoming an Ancient God.
  • Once the Cosmic Origin restrictions collapse, Ancient God cultivators across the Ancient God Secret Realm celebrate Zhang Su for opening a path to their own advancement.
  • The chapter concludes with Zhang Su commanding his twelve newly born Ancient Gods to fuse, setting up a potentially unprecedented transformation or increase in power.
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Ch. 278So... I'm a Holy Lord Now?

Chapter Summary: “So... I’m a Holy Lord Now?”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su successfully fuses his twelve Ancient Gods into true Ancient Gods. Although they cannot form a true Chaos Ancient God, their fusion produces a far more powerful Chaos Ancient God Phantom.
  • The phantom can briefly unleash power comparable to the Emperor Realm, though it lasts only about ten breaths. Zhang Su concludes that his current combat strength has surpassed ordinary Holy Lords.
  • Zhang explains that reaching the Origin Ancient God realm requires reaching the Ancient God Apex and filling one of the twelve vacant Origin Ancient God positions. If all twelve of his Ancient Gods succeed, he may eventually summon a true Chaos Ancient God comparable to an Immortal.
  • After the breakthrough, Zhang Su’s immense aura attracts many Holy Venerables and alerts the Heart Sage Sect’s Holy Lords. He reports to Heart Sage Hall, where everyone congratulates him.
  • Tianxin Holy Lord explains that the sect lacks Chaos Matter, which might accelerate Ancient God cultivation, but promises to search for it.
  • Zhang Su asks about the remaining materials needed to open a Celestial Grotto. Two materials have been found on the Immortal Road, while the third is located within an Evil God.
  • Tianxin Holy Lord asks Zhang Su to enter the Evil God Battlefield and test whether Ancient Gods can counter or kill Evil Gods. In return, the Holy Lords involved would owe Zhang Su favors.
  • Zhang returns to his cave residence and tells Lu Tingxue about his breakthrough. He encourages her to prepare to open her own Celestial Grotto.
  • Zhang Su and Tianxin Holy Lord travel aboard the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace to the deepest part of the Evil God Battlefield, where numerous Holy Lords have sealed several Evil Gods.
  • The Holy Lords select the relatively weaker Ten Thousand Demons Evil God as Zhang Su’s test opponent.
  • Zhang manifests the Flame Ancient God and uses the Ancient God divine art Heaven-Burning Sea-Boiling. The flames completely destroy the Ten Thousand Demons Evil God, proving that Ancient Gods can suppress and permanently kill Evil Gods.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su: His strength rises dramatically. He becomes the first true Ancient God born in the universe since the Ancient God Clan’s destruction and gains combat power comparable to, or possibly exceeding, a Holy Lord. He also obtains the opportunity to become an Origin Ancient God and eventually summon a true Chaos Ancient God.
  • Tianxin Holy Lord: He shifts from viewing Zhang Su as merely a talented elder to recognizing him as a potential Holy Lord-level combatant and a possible solution to the Evil God crisis. He actively supports Zhang Su and promises the Heart Sage Sect’s resources.
  • Clear Sky Holy Venerable: She feels pride and amazement that the disciple she nurtured has become an Ancient God, especially since she herself had studied the Ancient God path but lacked the necessary bloodline.
  • Lu Tingxue: She is shocked by Zhang Su’s rapid advancement but remains determined to cultivate diligently and eventually open a Celestial Grotto herself.
  • The other Holy Lords: Initially skeptical, they become hopeful and astonished after witnessing Zhang Su kill the Ten Thousand Demons Evil God.

Significant Themes

  • Extraordinary advancement and destiny: Zhang Su’s rapid growth continues to defy conventional cultivation limits.
  • The limits of power: Even immense strength has restrictions, illustrated by the Chaos Ancient God Phantom’s brief ten-breath duration and the difficulty of progressing beyond the Ancient God realm.
  • Ancient Gods versus Evil Gods: The chapter establishes that the Ancient God path may naturally counter the Evil God path, despite Evil Gods believing they had surpassed their predecessors.
  • Opportunity and competition: The vacant Origin Ancient God positions create a rare chance for Zhang Su, but he must compete with other Ancient Gods in growth speed.
  • Burden and responsibility: Zhang’s new power makes him valuable to the entire universe. His strength may free the Holy Lords from their long confinement in the Evil God Battlefield.
  • Cultivation through resources and opportunity: Chaos Matter, Celestial Grotto materials, inherited treasures, and favorable circumstances all become crucial to Zhang Su’s future progress.

Important Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su respectfully reports his breakthrough to Clear Sky Holy Venerable, reaffirming their master-disciple relationship.
  • Tianxin Holy Lord questions Zhang about his Ancient God status, discusses the possibility of becoming an Origin Ancient God, and assigns him the Evil God mission.
  • Zhang and Tianxin negotiate and discuss the materials required for opening a Celestial Grotto.
  • Zhang informs Lu Tingxue of his new strength and encourages her own advancement; she responds with determination rather than discouragement.
  • At the Evil God Battlefield, the Holy Lords debate whether Zhang can survive against an Evil God. Their skepticism turns to astonishment when his Ancient God flames permanently kill the Ten Thousand Demons Evil God.
  • The Ten Thousand Demons Evil God mocks Zhang and the Holy Lords, insisting that Evil Gods have surpassed Ancient Gods, but its confidence collapses when Zhang’s attack destroys it completely.
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Ch. 279Merit descended from heaven, Zhang Su became a Holy Lord!

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Zhang Su completely kills the Ten Thousand Demons Evil God using his Ancient God Form, proving that Ancient Gods can truly destroy Evil Gods.
  • The universe rewards him with mysterious Merit, an extremely rare energy that can protect the soul, accelerate cultivation, and assist in refining treasures.
  • With the Holy Lords sealing Evil Gods in place, Zhang Su systematically executes more than four hundred Holy Venerable-level Evil Gods, gaining an equivalent amount of Merit.
  • He then confronts the much stronger Blood Demon Evil God, an Evil God comparable to a Holy Lord. One Ancient God cannot kill it, so Zhang Su releases all twelve Ancient Gods within him.
  • The twelve Ancient Gods combine their attacks and destroy the Blood Demon Evil God after ten assaults. Zhang Su subsequently kills all eighteen Holy Lord-level Evil Gods, fully resolving the universe’s Evil God calamity.
  • By the end of the campaign, Zhang Su has accumulated 520 portions of Merit and obtains an important material needed to open a Celestial Grotto.
  • The Holy Lords acknowledge Zhang Su’s decisive contribution and promise him their support. The Heavenly Heart Holy Lord proposes that Zhang Su become a Holy Lord of the Heart Sage Sect, a position Zhang Su accepts.
  • Returning to the sect, Zhang Su learns that only two key materials remain before he can open a Celestial Grotto.
  • With his Heart Force reaching one million strands and perfect completion, Zhang Su turns his attention to his Infinite Martial Domain.
  • Supported by his immense Heart Force and Merit, he advances the Martial Domain to perfection over roughly twenty years, then transforms it into an Infinite Martial World.
  • The transformation shocks the Heart Sage Sect, but the Heart Saint Spirit confirms that Zhang Su is responsible. His new Martial World further elevates his already extraordinary combat power.
  • The chapter ends when the Heavenly Heart Holy Lord announces that news has arrived concerning the two remaining materials Zhang Su needs to open a Celestial Grotto.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su advances from an exceptionally powerful Dao-Proving Venerable to a genuine Holy Lord-level combatant.
  • His possession of twelve Ancient Gods becomes public, revealing the true depth of his strength and explaining how he can kill even Holy Lord-level Evil Gods.
  • He gains enormous Merit, completes his Heart Force cultivation, perfects his Martial Domain, and creates a Martial World.
  • Zhang Su also gains political influence and status by becoming a Holy Lord of the Heart Sage Sect, though he remains practical and does not actively pursue authority.
  • The Heavenly Heart Holy Lord moves from ally and observer to an important patron, recommending Zhang Su for Holy Lord status and safeguarding his interests.
  • Lu Tingxue is relieved and delighted by Zhang Su’s success, especially because the end of the Evil God calamity protects Heart Sage Sect disciples from the deadly battlefield.
  • Zhang Xian proudly celebrates his father’s new status, while the Zhang Family’s position within the Heart Sage Sect rises significantly.

Significant Themes

  • Merit and cosmic recognition: The universe rewards those who eliminate threats to its existence, suggesting that Zhang Su’s actions align with the universe’s own will.
  • The rise of Ancient Gods: Zhang Su proves that the Ancient God path remains capable of defeating Evil Gods, despite the latter’s unique cultivation systems.
  • Accumulation and transformation: Zhang Su’s power grows through multiple systems—Ancient God cultivation, Heart Force, physical strength, Martial Domain, and Martial World—showing the benefits and dangers of pursuing many paths simultaneously.
  • World-building as the endpoint of cultivation: The Martial World and Celestial Grotto represent different routes toward creating a world, reflecting the idea that many cultivation paths ultimately converge on the same destination.
  • Recognition following strength: Zhang Su does not seek status, but his achievements force the universe and the Heart Sage Sect to acknowledge him as a Holy Lord.
  • The end of a long-standing calamity: The Evil God threat, which had troubled the universe for countless years, is finally eradicated through cooperation between Zhang Su and the Holy Lords.

Character Interactions

  • The Holy Lords rely on Zhang Su as their executioner, sealing Evil Gods so that he can deliver the final killing blow.
  • They express gratitude after the calamity is resolved and offer Zhang Su their collective assistance in the future.
  • The Heavenly Heart Holy Lord advises Zhang Su to prioritize his safety against the Blood Demon Evil God, then later formally supports his elevation to Holy Lord.
  • Zhang Su informs Lu Tingxue about the battlefield and the Evil Gods’ destruction, sharing the significance of his accomplishment with her.
  • The Heart Sage Sect’s cultivators and Holy Venerables react with shock and admiration when they discover that Zhang Su has created a Martial World.
  • Zhang Xian and the Zhang Family celebrate Zhang Su’s new status, marking the family’s rise in influence.
  • The chapter closes with the Heavenly Heart Holy Lord delivering potentially decisive news about the final materials needed for Zhang Su’s next breakthrough.
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Ch. 280The Sage Heart Clan's Six Holy Lords Set Out for the Imperial Zhao Family!

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Heavenly Heart Holy Lord informs Zhang Su that High Heaven Holy Lord had located the two materials needed to open Zhang Su’s Celestial Grotto, but the materials were intercepted by the Imperial Zhao Family, an ancient Emperor Realm clan.
  • Recovering the materials independently could take decades or even a century, so Zhang Su decides to go to the Immortal Road and reclaim them himself.
  • Zhang Su assesses his strength: with the Martial World, World Devourer, twelve Ancient Gods, the Chaos Ancient God’s Phantom, and the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace, he believes he can handle Holy Lords and escape even if the Zhao Family’s aging Emperor Realm ancestor intervenes.
  • After waiting three months for High Heaven Holy Lord to return, Zhang Su tells Lu Tingxue and the Zhang Family about his plans and makes preparations.
  • High Heaven Holy Lord arrives, and Zhang Su adopts the title Boundless Holy Lord, reflecting his ambition to create the Boundless Celestial Grotto.
  • Zhang Su uses the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace to travel to the Immortal Road in only half an hour, rather than taking several months by ordinary travel.
  • On the Immortal Road, High Heaven Holy Lord explains its harsh hierarchy, its Immortal Spirit Aura, and the dominance of Sage Clans and Imperial Clans.
  • Zhang Su arrives at the Heart Sage Sect’s Immortal Road branch, known as the Sage Heart Clan, and is recognized as its ninth Holy Lord and new patriarch.
  • The Sage Heart Clan learns that the Imperial Zhao Family is becoming increasingly reckless as its ancient Emperor Realm ancestor approaches death.
  • Six Holy Lords of the Sage Heart Clan, including Zhang Su, decide to visit the Imperial Zhao Family and attempt to trade for the stolen materials.
  • The Zhao Family refuses to receive them, claiming it is entertaining the Sun Clan’s Imperial Son. Insulted, Zhang Su publicly announces the arrival of the Sage Heart Clan’s Holy Lords, forcing the confrontation to escalate.

Character Developments

  • Zhang Su becomes more decisive and confident in his growing power. Although he initially considers a peaceful trade, he is prepared to confront the Zhao Family if necessary.
  • He receives the title Boundless Holy Lord, marking his formal recognition as a Holy Lord and symbolizing his goal of opening the Boundless Celestial Grotto.
  • Zhang Su shows consideration for the Heart Sage Sect and Sage Heart Clan by trying to solve the problem through negotiation rather than immediately relying on force.
  • High Heaven Holy Lord is shown to be humble and responsible. He apologizes for failing to protect the materials but explains that the Zhao Family’s Imperial Clan status made resistance nearly impossible.
  • The Heavenly Heart Holy Lord remains a cautious strategist, guarding the Heart Sage Sect while supporting Zhang Su’s decision.
  • Lu Tingxue is reluctant to see Zhang Su leave but supports his cultivation and larger goals.
  • The Sage Heart Clan’s Holy Lords, especially Beaconfire Holy Lord, demonstrate strong unity and willingness to protect Zhang Su as one of their own.

Significant Themes

  • Cultivation and personal advancement: Zhang Su considers the materials essential to his Dao Path and refuses to delay his progress for decades.
  • Power hierarchy and status: The chapter contrasts the Heart Sage Clan’s influence with the overwhelming prestige of Imperial Clans, showing how the presence of an Emperor Realm expert determines political standing.
  • Unity and collective strength: The Sage Heart Clan’s willingness to accompany Zhang Su emphasizes that shared interests and loyalty can compensate for inferior individual status.
  • Caution versus confrontation: Zhang Su initially prefers negotiation and secrecy, especially regarding the Heavenly Extremity Imperial Palace, but Zhao Family arrogance pushes him toward a more direct approach.
  • Decline and desperation: The Zhao Family’s aging Emperor Realm ancestor drives the clan’s increasingly aggressive behavior as it struggles to preserve its Imperial Clan status.

Character Interactions

  • Zhang Su and the Heavenly Heart Holy Lord discuss the stolen materials, the Zhao Family’s power, and the risks of confronting an Imperial Clan.
  • Zhang Su and High Heaven Holy Lord establish mutual respect, with High Heaven explaining the Immortal Road and recognizing Zhang Su’s new title.
  • Zhang Su informs Lu Tingxue of his departure, and she supports him despite her concern.
  • At the Sage Heart Clan, Zhang Su is welcomed by the existing Holy Lords and treated as a patriarch rather than an outsider.
  • Beaconfire Holy Lord reassures Zhang Su that the matter concerns the entire Sage Heart Clan and proposes that all six Holy Lords travel together.
  • The first encounter with the Zhao Family is openly hostile: its Holy Venerable dismisses the visitors, boasts about the Sun Clan’s Imperial Son, and attempts to send them away. Zhang Su responds by announcing their arrival throughout the Zhao Clan, setting the stage for a direct confrontation.
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