Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bing Xiulan's mask is revealed to be alive and intelligent.
• Zhou Heng counterattacks the Blue Dragon Empress using the Heaven-Soaring Nine Styles, wounding her.
• The Blue Dragon Empress's strike is nullified by a rune on Zhou Heng's head, causing her to lose consciousness.
• Upon waking, the Blue Dragon Empress has lost most of her memories and cultivation, reverting to a childlike state.
• Bing Xiulan tries to claim the Blue Dragon Empress as her sister, but Zhou Heng and the others decide to keep their distance from her.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng demonstrates his power and resourcefulness, counterattacking the Blue Dragon Empress and surviving her strike.
• Bing Xiulan shows her cunning and manipulative nature, trying to claim the Blue Dragon Empress as her sister.
• The Blue Dragon Empress, despite her powerful past, is reduced to a childlike state due to her memory loss and reduced cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Heaven-Soaring Nine Styles and the rune on Zhou Heng's head.
• The consequences of the Blue Dragon Empress's memory loss and reduced cultivation.
• The dangers of underestimating one's enemies and the importance of caution.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the Blue Dragon Empress engage in a tense standoff, with Zhou Heng ultimately counterattacking and wounding her.
• Bing Xiulan tries to manipulate the Blue Dragon Empress, claiming to be her sister.
• Zhou Heng and the others decide to keep their distance from the Blue Dragon Empress due to her unpredictable nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng and his group are forced to travel with the Blue Dragon Empress due to her shamelessness and strength.
• They squeeze into Zhou Tong's Flowing Cloud Shuttle, leading to a cramped and uncomfortable journey.
• The Blue Dragon Empress reveals she is ten years old and lives on Blue Dragon Star.
• After five months, they reach West Pig City. Zhou Tong and Zhong Gufeng leave, while Bing Xiulan and the Blue Dragon Empress insist on staying with Zhou Heng.
• Zhou Heng takes them to an inn, where they eat and drink. Later that night, Hu Mei sneaks into Zhou Heng's room.
• Just as they are about to engage in intimate activities, the Blue Dragon Empress knocks on the door, claiming she is scared of the dark.

Character Developments

• The Blue Dragon Empress's memories and cultivation level increase over time, reaching the Moonbright Emperor Realm.
• Hu Mei's feelings for Zhou Heng deepen, and she becomes more seductive and open about her desire for him.

Significant Themes

• The Blue Dragon Empress's power and unpredictability pose a threat to Zhou Heng and his group.
• Hu Mei's growing attraction to Zhou Heng and her willingness to engage in intimate activities with him.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the Blue Dragon Empress have a tense relationship, with Zhou Heng trying to keep her under control and the Blue Dragon Empress being mischievous and restless.
• Hu Mei and Zhou Heng share a strong physical attraction, with Hu Mei actively pursuing Zhou Heng.
• Bing Xiulan and the Blue Dragon Empress become friendly, with Bing Xiulan seeing the Blue Dragon Empress as a younger sister.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng and the Blue Dragon Empress share a bed, leading to a secret encounter between Zhou Heng and Hu Mei.
• Zhou Heng and Hu Mei struggle to maintain discretion while satisfying their desires.
• Zhou Heng and Hu Mei return to Wild Horse City and Zhou Residence after a year apart.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng: Struggles with his desire for Hu Mei while trying to maintain discretion. Misses his wives and concubines deeply.
• Blue Dragon Empress: Despite her powerful status, she behaves like a child due to her current appearance and age regression, causing confusion and concern for Zhou Heng.
• Hu Mei: Becomes more captivating and alluring after her encounter with Zhou Heng, causing him further distress.
• Zhou Heng's wives and concubines: Have all advanced to Moonbright Emperor and suppressed their realms to await Zhou Heng's return for a breakthrough.

Significant Themes

• Desire and restraint: Zhou Heng struggles with his desire for Hu Mei while trying to maintain discretion and respect for the Blue Dragon Empress.
• Power dynamics: The Blue Dragon Empress's power is evident, yet her childlike behavior and age regression create a power imbalance and confusion.
• Love and longing: Zhou Heng's love for his wives and concubines is evident in his eagerness to return to them after a year apart.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the Blue Dragon Empress: Their interaction is tense and confusing due to their age difference and the Blue Dragon Empress's power and childlike behavior.
• Zhou Heng and Hu Mei: Their secret encounter is filled with desire and longing, but they must maintain discretion due to the Blue Dragon Empress's presence.
• Zhou Heng and his wives and concubines: Their reunion is filled with love and longing, with each woman eager to embrace and be close to him. They express concern for his well-being and their own advancements in cultivation.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng and the women return to their residence, where they encounter the Blue Dragon Empress and Bing Xiulan.
• Huotian reveals she has amnesia and can't remember Bing Xiulan's past.
• Zhou Heng refines Moonlight Pills using the matured Moonlight Lotus, aiding the women's cultivation.
• The women break through to Sunflare King or Moonbright Sovereign under Zhou Heng's guidance.
• Zhou Heng plans to leave for North Horse City to celebrate Zhou Yuhe's ninetieth-thousand-year birthday and bring his parents to the Immortal World.

Character Developments

• The women, particularly the Moon Shadow Saintess, make significant advancements in their cultivation.
• Zhou Heng demonstrates his alchemy skills by creating Moonlight Pills, further solidifying his status as a powerful and resourceful figure.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: The women's advancements highlight the theme of continuous improvement and self-actualization.
• Relationships: Zhou Heng's care for the women and their reliance on him emphasize the importance of bonds and mutual support.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the women: Their interactions showcase a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual respect, with Zhou Heng acting as a mentor and guide.
• Zhou Heng and Huotian: Though brief, their interaction hints at a deeper connection and understanding between them.
• The women among themselves: They support each other's growth and share a strong sense of sisterhood.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng and his group travel through North Pig City, North Dog City, North Rooster City, and North Monkey City.
• They learn that North Goat City's Realm Gate will open in two years.
• The women's cultivation rapidly improves in North Monkey City's dense spiritual energy and gravity.
• The Moon Shadow Saintess breaks through to the Sunflare King Realm in just ten days.
• They stay at a famous restaurant in Heavenly River City, where Feng Lianqing and Bing Xiulan cause trouble.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng demonstrates his status and power, earning respect and awe from others.
• The women's cultivations improve rapidly, with the Moon Shadow Saintess making significant progress.
• Feng Lianqing and Bing Xiulan show their mischievous and adventurous sides.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and its impact on one's status and abilities.
• The rapid improvement of the women's cultivations, highlighting their potential and the benefits of dense spiritual energy and gravity.
• The consequences of causing trouble, as seen through Feng Lianqing and Bing Xiulan's actions.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng interacts with the guards and the squad captain in North Pig City, showcasing his status and power.
• The women's admiration and dependence on Zhou Heng grow, especially Lin Fuxiang and Hu Mei.
• Feng Lianqing and Bing Xiulan's mischievous behavior leads to trouble in Heavenly River City.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng learns that the two women he's with, Feng Lianqing and Bing Xiulan, have beaten up the son of a local clan, the Yue Family.
• The Yue Family sends people to confront them, including the son, Yue Xiyun, and his mother, a Sunflare King.
• Zhou Heng's group is surrounded by more than ten Sunflare Kings.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng shows his calm and confident demeanor, ready to face the Yue Family.
• Feng Lianqing and Bing Xiulan display their strength, matching or surpassing a second-cycle Sunflare King.
• Yue Xiyun and his mother show their arrogance and disregard for others.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the protection of one's family and interests.
• The consequences of arrogance and disregard for others.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng's calm and collected attitude contrasts with the Yue Family's arrogance.
• Feng Lianqing and Bing Xiulan's strength surprises the Yue Family.
• The Yue Family's mother and son display a co-dependent, indulgent relationship.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng and his group arrive at North Monkey City and are met with hostility by the Yue Family.
• The Yue Family sends several Sunflare Kings to attack them, but they are no match for the group's strength.
• An eight-wheel Sunflare King, Yue Changxue, is summoned, but he is also defeated by Black Donkey.
• The Yue Family sends for a three-wheel Sunflare Emperor, Yue Lingkong, to deal with the group.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng: Shows his power and confidence, but also his patience and restraint in letting his companions fight first.
• Ying Mengfan and the others: Display their formidable strength and adaptability as Sunflare Kings, particularly the Moon Shadow Saintess.
• Black Donkey: Proves its worth by defeating an eight-wheel Sunflare King, showing off its newfound strength and intelligence.
• Yue Changxue: Initially arrogant, but is humiliated and defeated by Black Donkey, showing the gap in their combat strength.
• Yue Lingkong: Arrives as a powerful Sunflare Emperor, showing the Yue Family's true strength and resolve.

Significant Themes

• The power of constitutions and their influence on battle prowess.
• The difference in strength between Sunflare Kings and Sunflare Emperors.
• The importance of adaptability in battle, as shown by the women's initial struggles and eventual dominance.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and Black Donkey: Show a playful dynamic, with Zhou Heng teasing Black Donkey and Black Donkey eager to prove itself.
• The Yue Family members: Display their arrogance, underestimation of their opponents, and eventual fear and desperation.
• The spectators: Show their surprise and awe at the group's strength, particularly Black Donkey's, and their disdain for the Yue Family's overconfidence.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yue Lingkong, a three-sun Sunflare Emperor, arrives to support Yue Xiyun and his mother.
• Zhou Heng slaps Yue Lingkong, sending him flying, demonstrating his immense power.
• Yue Lingkong tries to appease Zhou Heng, invoking Patriarch Yuanying's name, but Zhou Heng remains unmoved.
• The other three Sunflare Emperors of the Yue Family arrive, and one of them attacks Zhou Heng, only to be severely injured.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng: Shows immense power, even casually injuring a three-sun Sunflare Emperor. He remains calm and confident even when faced with the threat of an Eight-Wheel Sunflare Emperor.
• Yue Lingkong: Initially arrogant, he becomes fearful and submissive after being slapped by Zhou Heng. He tries to appease Zhou Heng but ultimately sides with the Yue Family.
• Yue Xiyun and his mother: Remain arrogant and entitled, unable to grasp the severity of the situation. They pressure Yue Lingkong to act against Zhou Heng.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: Zhou Heng's strength allows him to dominate the situation, while the Yue Family's power is shown to be insufficient to protect their members.
• Pride and humility: Yue Lingkong's pride leads him to underestimate Zhou Heng, while Zhou Heng's humility allows him to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity.
• Consequences of actions: Yue Xiyun and his mother's actions have led them to a dangerous situation, and their inability to take responsibility for their actions may lead to their downfall.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and Yue Lingkong: Zhou Heng's power dominates Yue Lingkong, who is initially arrogant but becomes submissive after being injured.
• Yue Lingkong and the other Sunflare Emperors: Yue Lingkong tries to warn the other Sunflare Emperors about Zhou Heng's power, but they underestimate him and suffer severe injuries as a result.
• Yue Xiyun and his mother: They pressure Yue Lingkong to act against Zhou Heng, showing their inability to understand the severity of the situation.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng encounters the Yue Family, who attempt to capture the women in his group.
• Zhou Heng decides to annihilate the Yue Family after their disrespect.
• He defeats four Sunflare Emperors with a single strike, instilling fear in the Yue Family.
• Zhou Heng slaughters the entire Yue Family, leaving no survivors.
• They are followed by mysterious people during their journey, who eventually reveal themselves as two Sunflare Emperors and their groups.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng demonstrates his immense power, defeating Sunflare Emperors with ease.
• The women in Zhou Heng's group remain mostly in the background, with no significant developments.
• Black Donkey shows concern for Zhou Heng's safety and offers to interrogate their pursuers.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of underestimating one's opponent.
• The ruthlessness of Zhou Heng in dealing with threats to his group.
• The theme of the strong preying on the weak, as seen in the Yue Family's actions and the mysterious pursuers.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the women in his group maintain a strong bond, with no signs of conflict.
• Zhou Heng and Black Donkey have a friendly rapport, with Black Donkey showing concern for Zhou Heng's safety.
• The Yue Family and the mysterious pursuers underestimate Zhou Heng, leading to their downfall.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng, using the Hundred Ghost Sword, engages the young Sunflare Emperor.
• The young Sunflare Emperor underestimates Zhou Heng and is killed in one move, with a punch followed by a sword strike.
• Another Sunflare Emperor, a middle-aged man, challenges Zhou Heng, intending to kill him in one move.
• Zhou Heng accepts the challenge, betting that he can take the Sunflare Emperor's life in one move.
• Zhou Heng uses a fragment of the Fire God Furnace to intimidate the Sunflare Emperor, then kills him with one strike of the Black Sword.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng demonstrates his strategic thinking, using the Hundred Ghost Sword to distract and lure the young Sunflare Emperor into underestimating him.
• Zhou Heng's strength and speed are revealed to be on par with a Sunflare Emperor, allowing him to kill the young Sunflare Emperor in one move.
• The middle-aged Sunflare Emperor underestimates Zhou Heng, leading to his own demise.

Significant Themes

• The power of underestimation and overconfidence, leading to the downfall of the Sunflare Emperors.
• The value and rarity of high-grade Immortal Artifacts, as seen in the young Sunflare Emperor's desire for the Hundred Ghost Sword.
• The importance of strategic planning and patience, as shown in Zhou Heng's careful setup to kill the young Sunflare Emperor.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the young Sunflare Emperor: Zhou Heng uses the Hundred Ghost Sword to distract and lure the young Sunflare Emperor, leading to his death.
• Zhou Heng and the middle-aged Sunflare Emperor: Zhou Heng uses the fragment of the Fire God Furnace to intimidate the Sunflare Emperor, then kills him with one strike.
• Zhou Heng and the Black Donkey: The Black Donkey comments on Zhou Heng's actions, providing comic relief and additional insight.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng, a Sunflare King, effortlessly kills two Sunflare Emperors and their subordinates who attempted to ambush him and his group.
• He captures the last surviving Sunflare Sovereign, who reveals that they were sent by the Lian Family to abduct some of Zhou Heng's companions.
• The Sunflare Sovereign tries to take the Blue Dragon Empress hostage, but her suppressed power erupts, revealing her to be a Creation Realm expert. She kills the Sunflare Sovereign.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng demonstrates his immense power and fearlessness, killing Sunflare Emperors and Sovereigns with ease.
• The Blue Dragon Empress's memories and true power are restored, revealing her to be a Creation Realm expert.

Significant Themes

• Power and strength: Zhou Heng's immense power instills fear in his enemies, while the Blue Dragon Empress's true power is revealed to be far beyond what was initially thought.
• Ambition and greed: The Lian Family's attempt to abduct some of Zhou Heng's companions highlights their ambition and greed.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the Sunflare Sovereign: Zhou Heng interrogates the Sunflare Sovereign, who reveals the Lian Family's involvement and tries to take the Blue Dragon Empress hostage.
• The Blue Dragon Empress and the Sunflare Sovereign: The Blue Dragon Empress's suppressed power erupts, killing the Sunflare Sovereign when he tries to harm her.
• Huotian and the Blue Dragon Empress: Huotian intervenes to stop the Blue Dragon Empress from killing everyone present.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Blue Dragon Empress recognizes Huotian, addressing her as "Ming," but faints before revealing more.
• Zhou Heng's group travels to North Goat City and encounters a battle between bandits and another group. They approach the scene.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng demonstrates his authority as a Sunflare King, ordering the carriage drivers to proceed despite potential danger.
• The Blue Dragon Empress shows fear and vulnerability when faced with Huotian's power.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and divisions among cultivators based on their realms.
• The importance of strength and cultivation for survival in the Immortal World.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the carriage drivers: Zhou Heng asserts his authority, and the drivers comply despite their initial hesitation.
• Zhou Heng and the Blue Dragon Empress: The Empress's fear of Huotian leads her to recognize Huotian as "Ming," but she faints before revealing more.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng encounters the Lian Family again, this time targeting a young girl with a Mystic Yin Body.
• The Lian Family's seven-wheel Sunflare Emperor reveals their secret: they capture Mystic Yin Bodies, cultivate them, and then "enjoy" them to boost their own cultivation.
• Zhou Heng interrogates the Sunflare Emperor, learning that the Lian Family keeps their captives on Three Swords Mountain near Withered Ram City.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng demonstrates his power and ruthlessness, striking fear into the Lian Family members and earning the respect of the targeted family.
• The middle-aged man from the targeted family initially misjudges Zhou Heng, but later realizes his mistake and seeks his help.

Significant Themes

• The ruthlessness and desperation of the Lian Family in their pursuit of power and cultivation.
• The consequences of unchecked ambition and disregard for human life.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the Lian Family: Zhou Heng shows no mercy, using his power to interrogate and intimidate the Lian Family members.
• Zhou Heng and the middle-aged man: The man initially suspects Zhou Heng of being in league with the Lian Family, but later seeks his help and apologizes for his misunderstanding.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng and his group arrive at Withered Ram City.
• Zhou Heng visits the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion to gather information about Bone-Dissolving Grass and Frost Spirit Spring Water.
• He certifies as a five-star apothecary at the Apothecary Association, causing a sensation among the high-ranking apothecaries.
• The Lian Family and other great clans visit Zhou Heng after hearing about his certification.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng continues to demonstrate his pill-refining prowess, shocking high-ranking apothecaries.
• The women in Zhou Heng's group rapidly advance in cultivation due to the dense spiritual energy in North Horse City.
• The Blue Dragon Empress shows discomfort and embarrassment when Bing Xiulan teases her about her figure.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation resources and environments for advancement in realm.
• The value and status of apothecaries in the Immortal World.
• The power dynamics between different factions and families.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the women in his group continue to have playful and affectionate interactions.
• Zhou Heng interacts with high-ranking apothecaries, leaving them in awe and shock.
• The Lian Family and other great clans show interest in Zhou Heng, signaling potential future interactions or conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng, now a five-star alchemist, is courted by various families, including the Lian Family.
• The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion offers Zhou Heng an immortal abode for eight hundred thousand high-grade immortal stones, which he agrees to obtain by refining various pills.
• Zhou Heng successfully refines the pills and receives the immortal abode. He then heads to Three Swords Mountain to find Bone-Dissolving Grass but finds nothing.
• Ying Mengfan is used as bait to lure the Lian Family, who captures her and reveals their secret Mystic Yin Body cultivation method.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng's status and reputation grow significantly after becoming a five-star alchemist.
• The Fire God Furnace reveals its true power and helps Zhou Heng refine pills effortlessly.
• The Lian Family Ancestor and Lian Kang are revealed to be the masterminds behind the Mystic Yin Body cultivation method.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and status, as seen in the Lian Family's desire for Mystic Yin Bodies and the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion's attempt to bind Zhou Heng.
• The consequences of greed and ambition, as demonstrated by the Lian Family's willingness to kill and capture to achieve their goals.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the Fire God Furnace exhibit a playful, brotherly relationship.
• Zhou Heng and Ying Mengfan share a passionate, intimate moment before the banquet.
• The Lian Family Ancestor and Lian Kang discuss their plans for Ying Mengfan and Zhou Heng, revealing their ruthless nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng waits patiently at the Lian Family, expecting them to abduct Ying Mengfan and frame it as a revenge killing.
• The Lian Family invites Zhou Heng to lunch and offers him four beautiful women to learn alchemy and assist him, but he declines.
• The Lian Family captures Ying Mengfan and stages her death, which Zhou Heng feigns grief over.
• Zhou Heng, feigning madness, attacks Lian Sheng and other Sunflare Emperors, causing destruction.
• Zhou Heng sneaks out, follows Huotian's guidance, and finds an underground cave with a secret passage.
• He encounters and kills guards, finds Ying Mengfan, and decides to destroy the place and rescue the imprisoned women.
• They encounter a Sunflare Emperor elder who recognizes Zhou Heng.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng demonstrates his patience, strategic thinking, and combat prowess, as well as his ability to deceive and manipulate his enemies.
• Ying Mengfan shows her relief and affection towards Zhou Heng upon being rescued.
• Lian Sheng and the other Lian Family members show their eagerness to please and recruit Zhou Heng, despite his destructive behavior.
• The Sunflare Emperor elder shows his shock and disbelief at seeing Zhou Heng in the underground cave.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and Deception: Zhou Heng uses his knowledge of the Lian Family's intentions to manipulate them and gain an advantage.
• Power and Control: The Lian Family seeks to control and exploit those with Mystic Yin Bodies and valuable skills like alchemy.
• Rescue and Liberation: Zhou Heng's goal to rescue Ying Mengfan and the other imprisoned women highlights the theme of freeing the oppressed.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and the Lian Family: Zhou Heng manipulates and deceives the Lian Family, while they try to recruit and control him.
• Zhou Heng and Ying Mengfan: Ying Mengfan shows her affection and relief at being rescued by Zhou Heng.
• Zhou Heng and Huotian: Huotian guides Zhou Heng to the underground cave, showing her support for his mission, but maintains her distant demeanor.
• Zhou Heng and the Sunflare Emperor elder: The elder shows his shock and disbelief at encountering Zhou Heng in the underground cave.

Chapter Summary: “Bone-Dissolving Grass in Hand (2/3)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lian Kang, a Sunflare Emperor of the Lian Family, confronts Zhou Heng after realizing that Zhou deliberately exposed the family’s secret operation involving the Mystic Yin Bodies.
• Lian Kang accuses Zhou Heng of being ungrateful, while Zhou mocks the Lian Family’s hypocrisy, pointing out that they had abducted Ying Mengfan and countless other women.
• Lian Kang attacks, believing Zhou and his companions—three Sunflare Kings and one Moonbright King—are powerless against him.
• When Lian Kang approaches Huotian, her suppressed aura overwhelms him. He becomes momentarily paralyzed and entranced by her presence.
• Taking advantage of the opening, Zhou Heng uses ninety-nine shattered runes to punch through Lian Kang’s defenses, then kills him with the Black Sword.
• Zhou and his companions rescue every Mystic Yin Body in the underground cavern, placing more than ten thousand victims inside the Immortal Residence. They also ensure that no Lian Family members remain to pursue them.
• Zhou eventually discovers the Bone-Dissolving Grass, the ingredient needed to neutralize the destructive effects of the True Dragon Blood.
• Following the Fire God Furnace’s instructions, Zhou boils the Bone-Dissolving Grass with True Dragon Blood for seven days and seven nights. Consuming the finished mixture should greatly increase his cultivation, potentially by an entire major realm.
• Zhou considers obtaining more blood from the Blue Dragon Empress but learns that she possesses only a tiny amount of True Dragon Blood and cannot safely spare another drop.
• Rather than openly attack the Lian Family immediately, Zhou returns secretly to the family’s residence. He plans to wait until he has consumed the True Dragon Blood and obtained the Frost Spirit Spring Water, allowing his strength to rise enough to destroy the branch family completely.
• By noon, the Lian Family learns that its Three Swords Mountain base has been destroyed and that all of its Mystic Yin Bodies have escaped. The family mobilizes its forces and reports the disaster to its main branch in Northern Star City, which prepares to send an Ascension King.
• Despite the crisis surrounding him, Zhou Heng casually remains in the courtyard, eating sunflower seeds and chatting with Lian Sheng, successfully concealing his involvement.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng becomes increasingly ruthless and strategic. He no longer merely rescues the victims; he intends to eliminate the Lian Family branch permanently once his cultivation improves.
• His power is shown to be far greater than his apparent Sunflare King cultivation suggests, especially when combined with Huotian’s assistance and the ninety-nine shattered runes.
• Huotian reveals a fraction of her overwhelming aura, demonstrating that even at the Moonbright King level, her presence can completely suppress a Sunflare Emperor within thirty meters.
• Lian Kang is characterized by arrogance and hypocrisy. He assumes Zhou is harmless because of his lower cultivation and dies before understanding how Zhou bypassed his defenses.
• The Blue Dragon Empress is shown to be severely weakened from her ancient battle with Yuwen Jian and more than one hundred Creation Emperors. Her necklace remains mysterious and appears connected to her survival through three million years.
• The Lian Family shifts from confidence and exploitation to panic after losing its underground base and thousands of Mystic Yin Bodies.

Significant Themes

• Hypocrisy and moral inversion: The Lian Family condemns Zhou for attacking them while ignoring its own crimes of kidnapping and exploiting the Mystic Yin Bodies.
• Hidden strength versus apparent weakness: Zhou’s low visible cultivation causes the Lian Family to underestimate him, while Huotian’s suppressed power and Zhou’s special techniques turn the battle decisively.
• Justice and retaliation: Zhou’s rescue mission develops into a plan to destroy the Lian Family branch and prevent it from recapturing the victims.
• Preparation and patience: Rather than attack recklessly, Zhou waits for the True Dragon Blood and Frost Spirit Spring Water to raise his strength.
• Exploitation of the vulnerable: The Lian Family treats the Mystic Yin Bodies as resources, emphasizing the chapter’s criticism of greed, enslavement, and the abuse of power.

Important Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and Lian Kang: Their argument exposes the Lian Family’s shameless logic before escalating into Lian Kang’s death.
• Zhou Heng and Huotian: Zhou relies on Huotian’s aura to incapacitate Lian Kang, showing their effective cooperation despite the unfair advantage it gives him.
• Zhou Heng and the Fire God Furnace: The furnace provides crucial guidance about processing the Bone-Dissolving Grass and the limits of the Blue Dragon Empress’s True Dragon Blood.
• Zhou Heng and the Blue Dragon Empress: Zhou thinks about asking her for more blood, but the furnace warns that doing so could permanently damage her.
• Zhou Heng and the four women in the Lian Family: He deliberately jokes and teases them after returning, maintaining the appearance of innocence and preventing them from suspecting his involvement.
• Zhou Heng and Lian Sheng: While the Lian Family prepares for a major crisis, Zhou calmly chats with Lian Sheng, creating dramatic irony because the reader knows he is responsible for the disaster.

Plot Points and Events

• Lian Sheng visits Zhou Heng, who is now indifferent to Ying Mengfan's "death" and is flirting with the Lian Family's peerless beauties.
• Lian Sheng is infuriated by Zhou Heng's behavior but maintains a facade of politeness.
• Two Ascension Kings arrive at the Lian Family: Lian Guanghai and Yue Yuanying, who has recently broken through.
• Yue Yuanying comes seeking revenge against Zhou Heng for killing his son, Yue Xiyun.

Character Developments

• Zhou Heng remains unmoved by Ying Mengfan's supposed death and focuses on his alchemy and pleasure.
• Lian Sheng is infuriated by Zhou Heng's behavior but keeps his composure due to the family's orders.
• Yue Yuanying, driven by grief and fury, seeks revenge against Zhou Heng.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the importance of alliances (e.g., the Lian Family's desire to recruit Zhou Heng despite potential risks).
• The consequences of one's actions (e.g., Zhou Heng's decision to kill Yue Xiyun leading to Yue Yuanying's pursuit of revenge).

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and Lian Sheng: Zhou Heng's indifference and disrespectful behavior towards Lian Sheng, who is trying to maintain a polite facade.
• Zhou Heng and Yue Yuanying: Tension and hostility as Yue Yuanying arrives seeking revenge for his son's death.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yue Yuanying, enraged by his grandson's death, confronts Lian Guanghai to demand Zhou Heng's handover.
• Lian Guanghai, realizing Zhou Heng's potential as a five-star alchemist, refuses to hand him over, leading to a battle between the two Ascension Kings.
• The Lian Family's estate is destroyed during the fight.
• Yue Yuanying gives the Lian Family a three-day ultimatum to hand over Zhou Heng, threatening to destroy the entire branch family if they refuse.

Character Developments

• Yue Yuanying: Becomes an Ascension King and shows increased arrogance and ruthlessness, willing to risk the lives of his own family for revenge.
• Lian Guanghai: Initially willing to compromise, but after learning Zhou Heng's value, becomes determined to protect him, even at the risk of his family's safety.
• Zhou Heng: Continues to display his calm and collected demeanor, seemingly unfazed by the threats and destruction around him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the consequences of defying the strong.
• The value and importance of talented individuals, such as five-star alchemists.
• The ruthlessness and desperation that can arise from personal loss and grief (Yue Yuanying's actions).

Character Interactions

• Yue Yuanying and Lian Guanghai: Their conflict escalates, leading to a battle and a tense standoff.
• Zhou Heng and Lian Sheng: Zhou Heng's sympathy towards Lian Sheng is likely feigned, as he is the cause of the Lian Family's destruction.
• Zhou Heng and Liu Qibian: Zhou Heng learns that the Frost Spirit Spring Water he was looking for has arrived, hinting at his plans for the future.

Chapter Summary: Cultivation Soars! (2/3)

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Heng pays Liu Qibian’s Heavenly Treasure Pavilion twenty thousand high-grade Immortal Stones for precious cultivation resources, then immediately returns to refine them.
• The Fire God Furnace successfully turns the Heart of Wood and Frost Spirit Spring Water into a jade-green pill.
• Hu Mei informs Zhou Heng that the True Dragon Blood obtained from the Blue Dragon Empress has finally melted. Zhou Heng decides to consume it at once, hoping to reach the Sunflare Emperor realm before the crisis arrives.
• Zhou Heng drinks the blood after it has been mixed with Bone-Dissolving Grass. The result is extremely destructive: his flesh is dissolved until only his golden divine bones, Deity, and essence blood remain.
• Using his healing rune and the suppressive power of the Black Sword, Zhou Heng survives the process. His body regenerates, but the tempering compresses his bones and causes him to shrink to the size of a seven- or eight-year-old child.
• The True Dragon Blood greatly strengthens his bones and Spiritual Power. Zhou Heng advances from the Sun Glory Realm to the Nine-Sun Sunflare Emperor realm, then continues rising to nineteen purple suns.
• To force breakthroughs, he repeatedly uses a fragment of a Creation Realm Immortal Artifact as a source of pressure. The fragment’s power is fading, so Zhou Heng takes advantage of it before it becomes ordinary material.
• Zhou Heng then consumes the pill made from the Heart of Wood. Though less destructive than the True Dragon Blood, it still tears his body apart and forces him to rely on his healing rune.
• The pill pushes him to another Nine-Sun Sunflare Emperor breakthrough, eventually raising him to twenty white suns—just below the Ascension King realm.
• Rather than leave immediately to confront the Lian Family, Yue Yuanying, and their allies, Zhou Heng chooses to spend the remaining time studying the Blood River Scripture and improving his shattered-rune combinations.

Character Development

• Zhou Heng demonstrates fierce pride and independence. Although Huotian and the Blue Dragon Empress could protect him, he insists on increasing his own strength rather than relying on his partners.
• His endurance and confidence grow dramatically. He survives a process that would kill almost anyone else and successfully transforms overwhelming destructive forces into cultivation gains.
• Zhou Heng’s cultivation leaps forward by roughly two major realms, bringing him close to Ascension King despite beginning from the Sun Glory Realm.
• His appearance becomes a source of embarrassment and irritation after his bones are compressed, reducing him to the body of a small child. This adds a humorous contrast to his terrifying new strength.
• The women surrounding Zhou Heng continue to support his advancement without jealousy, while the Black Donkey remains comically resentful of his rapid progress.
• The Fire God Furnace retains its sarcastic, insulting personality but proves indispensable through its exceptional alchemy skills.

Significant Themes

• Power through self-reliance: Zhou Heng’s pride drives him to cultivate independently, even when powerful allies are available.
• Pain and transformation: His progress requires him to endure horrific physical destruction, emphasizing that extraordinary strength comes at extraordinary cost.
• Limits and ambition: Reaching twenty-one red suns and twenty purple or white suns reveals the limits of his current realms, but Zhou Heng remains dissatisfied because Ascension King is still just out of reach.
• Resourcefulness: Zhou Heng uses every available advantage—the True Dragon Blood, Heart of Wood pill, healing rune, Black Sword, and fading artifact fragment—to maximize his gains under severe time pressure.
• Humor amid danger: The furnace’s mockery, the Black Donkey’s envy, and Zhou Heng’s distress over his childlike body lighten an otherwise brutal breakthrough sequence.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Heng and Liu Qibian: Zhou Heng dismisses Liu Qibian quickly after completing the purchase, unintentionally making the elder feel unwanted.
• Zhou Heng and the Fire God Furnace: Their relationship is openly antagonistic and comedic. The furnace insults Zhou Heng while obeying him, and Zhou Heng responds by kicking or scolding it.
• Zhou Heng and Hu Mei: Hu Mei delivers the crucial news that the True Dragon Blood has melted, enabling Zhou Heng to begin his breakthrough at the ideal moment.
• Zhou Heng and the women in the Immortal Residence: He informs them before cultivating, and they all support his advancement without jealousy.
• Zhou Heng and the Black Donkey: The donkey is envious of Zhou Heng’s opportunities, but Huotian’s glare forces it to behave.
• Zhou Heng and his future enemies: He deliberately postpones confronting the Lian Family and Yue Yuanying, choosing instead to strengthen himself and study the Blood River Scripture before facing them.