Chapter Summaries

Chapter 640 Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Feng defeats a middle-aged True Profound Realm martial artist with a single saber strike, cleaving him in half after overpowering his defensive block.
• The spectators lament their lost bets, having largely underestimated Li Feng. Su Mo is pleased with Li Feng’s progress and reflects that his body cultivation could become extraordinarily powerful if he reaches the sixteenth level of the Primordial Dragon Elephant Art and attains Martial King strength.
• Li Feng admits that he can reliably defeat opponents at the True Profound Realm Fourth Layer but would face danger against Fifth Layer opponents.
• Su Mo decides to enter the fighting arena himself and instructs Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan to wager the maximum amount—one hundred thousand high-grade Spirit Stones—on each of his battles.
• Su Mo challenges opponents while openly declaring that he is only at the True Profound Realm First Layer.
• A burly True Profound Realm First Layer fighter accepts the challenge, but Su Mo kills him instantly with a single Five-Colored Fist Aura, blasting him into fragments.
• The arena is stunned by Su Mo’s overwhelming strength. Many spectators complain that the fight ended before they had time to place their bets.
• Su Mo immediately challenges True Profound Realm Second Layer fighters.
• Hai Kun, a notorious and ruthless black-clothed martial artist, accepts the challenge. Unlike the previous opponent, Hai Kun is widely feared and is reputed to be capable of fighting weaker True Profound Realm Third Layer experts.

Character Developments

• Li Feng: Demonstrates significant combat growth and increasing emotional hardness. He has become accustomed to killing and shows no pity for opponents who willingly enter the deathmatch. His physical cultivation is portrayed as having immense future potential.
• Su Mo: Displays extreme confidence and overwhelming combat power. He remains calm after instantly killing an opponent of his own level and uses the arena primarily as a means to earn Spirit Stones.
• Hong Qingxuan: Continues to support Su Mo without hesitation, placing the maximum wager on his victory.
• Hai Kun: Is introduced as a cruel, infamous, and highly capable fighter. His brutal history contrasts with his formidable martial ability.

Significant Themes

• Strength and survival: The battle arena treats death as an expected consequence of seeking combat and profit.
• Overwhelming power: Both Li Feng and especially Su Mo demonstrate the ability to defeat opponents far beyond what their apparent cultivation levels suggest.
• Gambling and risk: The characters exploit the arena’s betting system, accepting enormous financial risks based on their confidence in Su Mo and Li Feng.
• Transformation through violence: Li Feng’s lack of pity reflects how repeated combat has hardened him.
• Hidden potential: Su Mo recognizes that Li Feng’s body cultivation may eventually overcome its current limitations and reach the level of a Martial King.

Character Interactions

• Li Feng asks Su Mo about his wager and encourages him to fight in the arena.
• Su Mo directs Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan to place maximum bets on his battles, showing his confidence in his own abilities.
• A mysterious purple-robed young man watches Su Mo with interest and also wagers on his victories, hinting at a possible connection or future conflict.
• Su Mo taunts his burly opponent before killing him with one punch.
• Hai Kun enters the arena after observing Su Mo’s performance, setting up the chapter’s next major confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo's fight against Hai Kun, a True Profound Realm Second Layer Martial Artist, is seen as a certain death by everyone, but three people bet on Su Mo: Li Feng, Hong Qingxuan, and an unknown young man.
• Su Mo defeats Hai Kun with a single punch, using the Tiger Roar Dragon Fist, shocking the audience.
• Su Mo expresses his intent to continue fighting, challenging True Profound Realm Third Layer Martial Artists.
• Su Mo's identity is revealed as the prodigy from the Heavenly Spirit Sect who broke into the Heavenly Pride Ranking with True Gang Realm cultivation.

Character Developments

• Su Mo demonstrates his formidable combat power and cross-level fighting ability.
• Hai Kun, despite his confidence, is easily defeated by Su Mo.
• The referees of the Death Prison Fighting Arena grow concerned about Su Mo's presence.

Significant Themes

• The theme of cross-level combat and its impact on the betting system in the arena.
• The fear and awe inspired by Su Mo's reputation and combat power.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo and Hai Kun's brief interaction before the fight, with Hai Kun underestimating Su Mo.
• Su Mo's interaction with the referees of the Death Prison Fighting Arena, revealing his identity.
• The three people who bet on Su Mo, showing their faith in his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo, the invincible fighter, has entered the Death Prison Fighting Arena.
• Elder Lin, in charge of the arena, fears Su Mo's combat power as he's guaranteed consecutive wins.
• Su Mo defeats a Level Five Third Layer demonic beast in one move, earning his spectators a significant win.
• No one dares to challenge Su Mo at the True Profound Realm Fourth Layer, so the arena invites Yin Tianchou, the Young City Lord of Heaven Fiend City, to fight Su Mo.

Character Developments

• Su Mo: Proves his invincibility by defeating a powerful demonic beast with ease, showing no signs of fatigue or struggle.
• Elder Lin: Shows fear and concern about Su Mo's presence, indicating his awareness of Su Mo's power and the potential loss for the arena.
• Yin Tianchou: Makes a grand entrance as the Young City Lord, ready to challenge Su Mo and potentially end his winning streak.

Significant Themes

• Invincibility vs. Challenge: Su Mo's invincibility is challenged by the arrival of Yin Tianchou, raising the stakes and tension.
• Power Dynamics: The power dynamics between the fighters and the arena are explored, with the arena trying to maintain control and profit while the fighters seek victory and wealth.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo and Elder Lin: Their interaction is brief but tense, with Elder Lin trying to maintain control and Su Mo showing no concern for his opponents.
• Spectators and Su Mo: The spectators bet on Su Mo's victory, showing their confidence in his abilities and their desire to profit from his wins.
• Su Mo and Yin Tianchou: Their interaction is yet to occur, but the tension between them is palpable, setting up the stage for an intense battle.

Key Plot Points/Events

• Su Mo enters the Death Prison Fighting Arena and faces Yin Tianchou, revealed to be the young city lord of Heaven Fiend City and ranked 663rd on the Thousand Prodigies Ranking.
• Betting opens: the crowd overwhelmingly favors Yin Tianchou due to his superior rank. Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan bet 100k high-grade Spirit Stones on Su Mo, as does a mysterious purple-robed young man with golden borders, who muses that if Su Mo wins he gains 100k stones, or if Su Mo loses he won't need to act (implying hidden motives).
• The battle begins. Yin Tianchou unleashes his Heaven-grade second-tier Yin Fiend Ghost Martial Soul and wields the Nether Snake Spear.
• Su Mo refuses to release his Martial Soul, claiming it's unnecessary—not out of arrogance, but because his Devouring Martial Soul is useless against top experts unless it advances.
• Su Mo's Five-Colored Profound Energy rapidly condenses to Four-Colored (fusing Wood and Fire attributes). They exchange blows: Su Mo's sword energy cleaves through Yin Tianchou's ghost claw, and the "Nirvana Shocking Kill Slash" sends Yin Tianchou crashing into the formation barrier—a decisive blow.
• The crowd is stunned: Yin Tianchou, the higher-ranked prodigy, was overpowered by Su Mo. Those who bet against Su Mo panic; those who bet on him rejoice.

Character Developments

• Su Mo: Demonstrates vastly increased strength after stepping into the True Profound Realm. Shows strategic frankness rather than arrogance—he declines to release his Martial Soul because it's genuinely ineffective in this context, not to mock his opponent. His combat power visibly exceeds his 900s ranking.
• Yin Tianchou: Initiates the fight with respect toward Su Mo, but his "no need for Martial Soul" comment triggers his contempt. He's humbled when Su Mo's attack physically overwhelms him, hinting at a bruised pride.
• The purple-robed young man: Introduced as an enigma—his gamble on Su Mo carries a veiled threat ("if you lose, then I won't even need to make a move"), suggesting he's a looming antagonist.

Significant Themes

• Rankings vs. True Strength: The Thousand Prodigies Ranking doesn't fully measure real combat power; Su Mo's 900s rank underestimates him against the 600s-ranked Yin Tianchou.
• Arrogance vs. Confidence: Yin Tianchou misreads Su Mo's practical refusal as conceit; the fight reveals genuine confidence backed by results.
• Gambling/Stakes: The betting subplot underscores risk, judgment, and the differing faith people place in rankings—while most hedge, the loyal supporters (and the scheming observer) bet on Su Mo.
• Martial Soul Limitations: Su Mo's reflection that his Devouring Martial Soul is now only useful for cultivation, not battle, foreshadows a gap he must bridge.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo ↔ Yin Tianchou: Mutual appraisal based on reputation; Yin Tianchou shows courtesy, but the clash quickly turns intense. Yin's contempt arises when Su Mo declines to summon his Martial Soul, and his shock at Su Mo's explosive power caps their exchange.
• Supporters (Li Feng, Hong Qingxuan): Their unwavering 100k Spirit Stone bets reflect loyalty and belief in Su Mo.
• Purple-robed young man: Hidden agenda revealed through his internal monologue; his wager is both a profit play and a conditional threat, linking his fate to Su Mo's outcome.

Chapter Summary: “Break Through”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo gains the upper hand against Yin Tianchou, surprising Elder Lin and other spectators with the extent of his strength.
• After knocking Yin Tianchou backward, Su Mo launches a rapid barrage of dozens of Four-Colored Sword Qi attacks.
• Yin Tianchou counters by merging with his Yin Fiend Ghost Martial Soul, greatly increasing his killing intent, demonic energy, and combat power. He destroys Su Mo’s Sword Qi storm with a powerful spear technique.
• Su Mo reveals another trump card: three Demonic Shadow Clones formed from Four-Colored Profound energy. Each clone can wield roughly seventy percent of Su Mo’s strength.
• The clones and Su Mo surround Yin Tianchou and attack from four directions. Yin Tianchou is forced to retreat to the edge of the barrier and forms a powerful demonic defensive shield.
• The first combined assault fails to break Yin Tianchou’s defense, shocking the spectators with the strength of his protection.
• Su Mo then closes in for close combat, drawing on his Law Body cultivation. He summons the illusory Primordial Dragon Elephant and unleashes an overwhelming sword strike, while his three clones attack simultaneously.
• The three clones’ attacks shatter against Yin Tianchou’s shield, but Su Mo’s main attack tears through it. His Sky Punishing Sword collides with Yin Tianchou’s serpent spear and overwhelms him.
• The chapter ends with Su Mo’s strike crushing Yin Tianchou’s hands and snapping both of his arms, signaling a decisive breakthrough in the battle.

Character Developments

• Su Mo: Demonstrates that his strength exceeds even the expectations of powerful observers. He combines swordsmanship, clone techniques, profound energy, and body-tempering power without giving Yin Tianchou time to recover. His confidence and determination to win remain unwavering.
• Yin Tianchou: Reveals the exceptional power of his Yin Fiend Ghost Martial Soul and his formidable defensive abilities. Despite successfully countering Su Mo’s initial attacks, he becomes increasingly cornered and is ultimately physically overwhelmed.
• Elder Lin: Initially worries that Su Mo may be stronger than expected, though he remains confident that Yin Tianchou still possesses enough power to resist.
• Hong Qingxuan and Li Feng: Remain unsurprised by Su Mo’s performance because they know about his numerous hidden techniques and trump cards.
• The purple-robed young man: Acknowledges that Su Mo is even more astonishing than Lin Langxuan was in the past and admits that his own ability to fight above his level is inferior to Su Mo’s.

Significant Themes

• Hidden strength and trump cards: Su Mo continually reveals additional abilities, emphasizing that appearances do not reflect the full extent of a powerful cultivator’s capabilities.
• Overwhelming offense versus powerful defense: Yin Tianchou’s Martial Soul and defensive shield withstand several attacks, but Su Mo’s concentrated close-range assault eventually breaks through.
• Adaptability in battle: Both fighters rapidly adjust their techniques—Yin Tianchou merges with his Martial Soul and focuses on defense, while Su Mo shifts from long-range Sword Qi to clones and direct physical combat.
• Recognition of exceptional talent: The spectators compare Su Mo with renowned prodigies, reinforcing his growing reputation among the strongest young martial artists.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo and Yin Tianchou engage in an escalating exchange of sword and spear techniques, with Yin Tianchou repeatedly forced to defend against Su Mo’s increasingly powerful attacks.
• Hong Qingxuan and Li Feng’s calm reactions contrast with the shock of the broader audience, reflecting their familiarity with Su Mo’s true abilities.
• The spectators and high-ranking observers debate whether Yin Tianchou’s renowned defense can withstand Su Mo’s final assault.
• The chapter also includes the author’s thanks to readers and announces that the chapter is an extra update honoring a league leader and other supporters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo defeats Yin Tianchou, a Heavenly Prodigy ranked sixth hundred on the Thousand Prodigies Ranking, in a thrilling battle.
• Su Mo decides to fight one more match, challenging True Profound Realm Fifth Layer martial artists.
• Hua Yuanhan, a Heavenly Spirit Sect disciple ranked fourth hundred on the Thousand Prodigies Ranking, accepts the challenge and enters the stage.

Character Developments

• Su Mo demonstrates exceptional combat power and strategic thinking, deciding to fight another match for the doubled reward.
• Yin Tianchou shows sportsmanship by accepting his defeat and acknowledging Su Mo's strength.
• Hua Yuanhan, a formidable opponent, enters the stage, setting up a potential showdown with Su Mo.

Significant Themes

• Combat Power and Strategy: Su Mo's ability to assess and adapt to situations, using his sword and secret arts strategically.
• Sportsmanship: Yin Tianchou's acceptance of defeat and Hua Yuanhan's willingness to fight fairly.
• Ambition and Risk-taking: Su Mo's decision to fight another match, knowing the risks involved.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo vs. Yin Tianchou: A tense and thrilling battle where Su Mo ultimately gains the upper hand.
• Su Mo vs. Hua Yuanhan: The stage is set for a potential clash between two powerful Heavenly Spirit Sect disciples.
• Elder Lin's Intervention: The arena's elder attempts to influence the match, but Hua Yuanhan's intervention preempts his plans.

• Key Plot Points: Hua Yuanhan, a Heavenly Pride ranked fourth hundredth on the Thousand Prodigies Ranking, challenges Su Mo. The battle begins with Hua Yuanhan using his ice abilities, severely injuring Su Mo.
• Character Developments: Su Mo shows resilience and determination, not giving up despite the vast difference in cultivation. Hua Yuanhan remains confident and composed, underestimating Su Mo.
• Significant Themes: The vast gap in cultivation between Heavenly Prides and ordinary cultivators, the resilience and determination of underdogs.
• Character Interactions: Hong Qingxuan and Li Feng express concern for Su Mo, betting on his victory despite the odds. Hua Yuanhan mocks Su Mo, underestimating his opponent.

Key Plot Points

• Su Mo faces Hua Yuanhan, a powerful opponent.
• Hua Yuanhan uses "Supreme Profound Ice Art, Ice Seal Nine Nether," freezing Su Mo and the entire arena.
• Su Mo breaks free from the ice seal using the Great Three Treasures Art, increasing his strength fivefold.

Character Developments

• Su Mo demonstrates exceptional resilience and power, breaking free from a seemingly inescapable situation.
• Hua Yuanhan shows his prowess as a Peerless Heavenly Prodigy but underestimates Su Mo's capabilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of resilience and adaptability in the face of overwhelming odds.
• The dangers of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo and Hua Yuanhan's intense battle highlights their respective strengths and determination.
• Hong Qingxuan and Li Feng show concern for Su Mo's well-being, indicating their growing attachment to him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo breaks through Hua Yuanhan's Ice Seal Nine Nether and starts counterattacking, shocking the audience.
• Su Mo's Sky Punishing Sword shatters Hua Yuanhan's ice defense, injuring him.
• Hua Yuanhan refuses to reveal who ordered him to kill Su Mo, and the battle continues.
• Su Mo uses his Spirit Sword, but it's ineffective against Hua Yuanhan's defense.

Character Developments

• Su Mo demonstrates his strength and resilience, breaking through powerful attacks and countering effectively.
• Hua Yuanhan shows his expertise in ice-based Martial Arts and defense, but his offensive capabilities are limited.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Resilience: Su Mo's ability to overcome adversity and fight back despite being outmatched.
• Loyalty and Obedience: Hua Yuanhan's refusal to reveal his master's identity, highlighting his loyalty to his orders.

Character Interactions

• Hong Qingxuan and Li Feng show confidence in Su Mo's abilities, expecting him to turn the battle around.
• Su Mo and Hua Yuanhan engage in a fierce battle, with Su Mo trying to uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo relentlessly attacks Hua Yuanhan with his Spirit Sword and Sword Qi, while Hua Yuanhan defends using ice screens.
• Su Mo unleashes his strongest strike, a Four-Colored Sword Light, along with simultaneous attacks from three Demonic Shadow Clones.
• Hua Yuanhan's ice defense is shattered, and he is killed.

Character Developments

• Su Mo demonstrates his resilience, strategic thinking, and immense power, ultimately defeating Hua Yuanhan.
• Hua Yuanhan's strength and defense are revealed, but he is unable to withstand Su Mo's relentless assault.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and Persistence: Su Mo's continuous attacks despite Hua Yuanhan's strong defense showcase his determination and resilience.
• Power and Strength: The chapter emphasizes the raw power and strength of both combatants, with Su Mo's final strike being particularly devastating.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo and Hua Yuanhan engage in a fierce battle, with Su Mo's relentless assault pushing Hua Yuanhan to his limits.
• The crowd reacts with shock and awe at Su Mo's victory, demonstrating his growing reputation and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo defeats Hua Yuanhan, earning respect and awe from the warriors present.
• Su Mo wins 1.57 million high-grade Spirit Stones for his five consecutive victories.
• Yin Tianchou, the Young City Lord, invites Su Mo to be a guest at the City Lord's Mansion. Su Mo accepts due to his weakened state and the safety it offers for recuperation.

Character Developments

• Su Mo solidifies his reputation as an ancient prodigy after his battle with Hua Yuanhan.
• Yin Tianchou shows interest in befriending Su Mo, displaying a friendly and open demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Respect for strength and power is a recurring theme, as seen in the warriors' reaction to Su Mo's victory.
• The importance of caution and discernment is highlighted when Su Mo initially suspects Yin Tianchou's intentions.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo interacts with Elder Lin, who pays him his winnings and facilitates his invitation to the City Lord's Mansion.
• Su Mo meets Yin Tianchou, who invites him to be a guest at the City Lord's Mansion, displaying a friendly and open demeanor.
• Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan accompany Su Mo and receive their winnings from bets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo, Hong Qingxuan, and Li Feng arrive at the City Lord's Mansion and are given a quiet courtyard for recuperation and cultivation.
• Su Mo enters closed-door cultivation for ten days, recovering half of his depleted essence, qi, and spirit.
• Su Mo finds Hong Qingxuan in the courtyard and decides to cultivate together with her and Li Feng.
• In the Illusory Realm Divine Diagram, Su Mo uses one hundred thousand high-grade Spirit Stones to aid their cultivation. Su Mo breaks through to the True Profound Realm Second Layer, but struggles to advance further.

Character Developments

• Su Mo: Recovers from his depletion and resumes cultivation. He helps Hong Qingxuan and Li Feng with their cultivation.
• Hong Qingxuan: Shows concern for Su Mo's well-being. She's eager to cultivate with Su Mo to improve her strength.
• Li Feng: Dedicated to cultivation, he's eager to improve his physical body strength. He's shocked by the Illusory Realm Divine Diagram.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and improvement of strength.
• The difficulty of advancing cultivation realms.
• The importance of companionship and mutual aid in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo shows concern for Hong Qingxuan and Li Feng's cultivation progress.
• Hong Qingxuan and Li Feng express their eagerness to cultivate with Su Mo.
• Su Mo, Hong Qingxuan, and Li Feng cultivate together in the Illusory Realm Divine Diagram, aiding each other's progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo, Hong Qingxuan, and Li Feng absorb Spiritual Energy from the Primordial Dragon Elephant Art, advancing their cultivation and physical body strength.
• Su Mo decides not to help Li Feng further enhance his physical body strength to prevent dependency.
• Su Mo, Li Feng, and Hong Qingxuan plan to leave Heaven Fiend City in a few days.
• Yin Tianchou visits Su Mo and reveals that Wenren Tiandu, despite his exceptional talent, faces difficulties in reaching the Martial King Realm due to having seven Spirit Vortexes.
• Su Mo learns that Martial Artists with multiple Spirit Vortexes are called Primordial Martial Cultivators and asks Yin Tianchou for more information.

Character Developments

• Su Mo: Advances to the True Profound Realm Fourth Layer and increases his physical body strength to a level comparable to a True Profound Realm Fifth Layer Martial Artist. He learns about the challenges Primordial Martial Cultivators face in reaching the Martial King Realm.
• Hong Qingxuan: Advances to the True Profound Realm Second Layer, late stage.
• Li Feng: Advances to the middle stage of the Fifteenth Layer of the Primordial Dragon Elephant Art, equivalent to a True Profound Realm Fifth Layer Martial Artist in physical body strength.
• Yin Tianchou: Reveals his admiration for Wenren Tiandu and shares information about Primordial Martial Cultivators.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and advantages of being a Primordial Martial Cultivator.
• The importance of self-reliance and not relying on others for growth (as shown in Su Mo's decision not to help Li Feng excessively).

Character Interactions

• Su Mo, Hong Qingxuan, and Li Feng discuss their cultivation progress and plans to leave Heaven Fiend City.
• Su Mo and Yin Tianchou discuss Wenren Tiandu and the challenges Primordial Martial Cultivators face in reaching the Martial King Realm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo learns about the history of cultivation from Yin Tianchou, including the Primordial Era, ancient times, and the current era.
• He discovers that the cultivation method of multiple Spirit Vortexes was common in the Primordial Era but later abandoned due to its impracticality.
• Su Mo learns about a Primordial Martial Cultivator who cultivated a hundred Spirit Vortexes and could easily kill enemies across two major realms.
• The chapter ends with Su Mo and Yin Tianchou discussing the upcoming Heavenly Pride Gathering and the Demonic Fiend Tablet.

Character Developments

• Su Mo realizes the extent of his ignorance about cultivation and the history of the Azure Continent.
• He becomes determined to find a solution for his cultivation path, which involves multiple Spirit Vortexes.
• Yin Tianchou shows his knowledge and experience, guiding Su Mo and revealing his concern for Su Mo's cultivation path.

Significant Themes

• The theme of the past and present in cultivation, with the Primordial Era's cultivation methods being more powerful but ultimately impractical.
• The theme of determination and persistence, as Su Mo refuses to give up his multiple Spirit Vortexes cultivation despite the risks.
• The theme of ambition, as the Blood Luo Hall's intentions are hinted at, and Su Mo's goal to improve his strength and head to the Central Continent is reinforced.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo and Yin Tianchou engage in a deep conversation about cultivation history and Su Mo's cultivation path.
• Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan occasionally join the conversation, showing their interest and involvement.
• Su Mo and Yin Tianchou discuss the Heavenly Pride Gathering and the Demonic Fiend Tablet, revealing their shared ambition and determination.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• After speaking with Yin Tianchou, Su Mo, Li Feng, and Hong Qingxuan return to cultivation. Su Mo focuses on recovering his vital energy and spirit, while the other two stabilize their recently increased cultivation.
• Ten days later, Su Mo has mostly recovered and leaves his room. He discovers that Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan are still cultivating.
• Su Mo attempts to comprehend the Demonic Fiend Tablet in the plaza outside the City Lord’s Mansion.
• Through the tablet, he again witnesses a mysterious black figure wielding a terrifying demonic sword capable of destroying the heavens and earth.
• Su Mo focuses on the sword itself and is overwhelmed by its sinister aura. His consciousness is nearly seized, his eyes turn black, and an intense killing intent erupts from him.
• A mysterious voice tells him: “To claim the demonic sword, first enter the Dao of slaughter!”
• Immediately afterward, the Demonic Fiend Tablet shatters and transforms into a massive portal made of Demonic Fiendish Qi.
• The same phenomenon occurs simultaneously in the other nine ancient cities of the Demonic Fiend Land.
• Martial artists from Heaven Fiend City rush to the plaza, believing the portal may lead to the inheritance of Sword Demon Dugu Shang or the legendary Billion Demonic Sword.
• Countless people begin entering the portal despite not knowing where it leads.
• Yin Tianchou’s father, City Lord Yin Qingyuan, arrives and agrees to enter with his son.
• Li Feng urges Su Mo to follow, but Su Mo hesitates, reflecting on the warning about entering the Dao of slaughter.

Character Developments

• Su Mo: Recovers from his previous exertion and demonstrates that he fulfills the hidden requirements of the Demonic Fiend Tablet. He realizes that the tablet was not meant to be comprehended conventionally but was instead searching for a suitable successor to the Billion Demonic Sword. His encounter with the sword reveals a possible connection to slaughter and raises concerns about the danger of inheriting its power.
• Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan: Continue cultivating to control and stabilize their greatly increased strength. Their concern for Su Mo is shown when they promptly come to him after the portal appears.
• Yin Tianchou: Shows eagerness to investigate the portal and possibly obtain the Sword Demon’s inheritance. He chooses to follow his father despite the unknown danger.
• Yin Qingyuan: Acts protectively toward Yin Tianchou, initially advising him not to enter, but ultimately agrees to accompany him because of his confidence in his own strength.
• Sword Demon Dugu Shang / the mysterious presence: Though not directly appearing, his legacy dominates the chapter. The voice connected to the demonic sword appears to be testing or guiding potential successors.

Significant Themes

• Inheritance and worthiness: The Demonic Fiend Tablet selects a compatible successor rather than rewarding ordinary comprehension or persistence.
• Power and danger: The demonic sword possesses immense destructive power but also a corrupting, bloodthirsty aura capable of affecting the wielder’s mind and body.
• The path of slaughter: The statement about entering the Dao of slaughter suggests that Su Mo must embrace or understand a violent martial path before he can claim the sword.
• Temptation and uncertainty: The promise of the Billion Demonic Sword’s inheritance draws countless cultivators into an unknown and potentially deadly portal.
• Destiny versus choice: Su Mo appears to have been chosen by the tablet, but he must decide whether to pursue the dangerous inheritance.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo’s earlier conversation with Yin Tianchou is followed by a period of separate cultivation.
• Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan reunite with Su Mo at the portal and encourage him to enter.
• Yin Tianchou consults with his father, Yin Qingyuan, about the danger of the portal; Yin Qingyuan ultimately agrees to accompany him.
• The gathered cultivators collectively react with shock and excitement, speculating that Su Mo has unlocked Dugu Shang’s inheritance.
• The chapter ends with Su Mo holding back from entering, troubled by the mysterious command to first enter the Dao of slaughter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demonic Sword can only be obtained by entering the 'path of killing'.
• Upon entering the Demonic Fiend Gate, everyone's cultivation is sealed to Qi Refining Realm First Level.
• To restore cultivation and obtain the sword, one must kill others. The more kills, the higher the cultivation restoration.
• A bloodbath ensues as hundreds of thousands of people engage in a frenzied slaughter.

Character Developments

• Su Mo decides to enter the Demonic Fiend Gate despite the risks, showing his determination and curiosity.
• Su Mo demonstrates wisdom by not rushing in blindly but observing the situation first.
• Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan follow Su Mo's lead, showing loyalty and trust in his judgment.

Significant Themes

• Cruelty and Greed: The path to obtain the Demonic Sword is cruel and merciless, reflecting the characters' greed and desire for power.
• Level Playing Field: Despite the initial shock of having their cultivations sealed, everyone starts on an equal footing, challenging their skills and wit.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo, Li Feng, and Hong Qingxuan stick together, showing unity and mutual support.
• The crowd turns against each other, demonstrating the ruthless nature of the path to the Demonic Sword.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The participants in the Demonic Fiend Gate's trial are shocked by the cruel rule of slaughtering others to increase strength and reach the Demonic Sword.
• Su Mo decides to engage in slaughter to increase his power and chances of obtaining the Demonic Sword.
• There's no exit from this space, so killing is the only way to survive and compete for the sword.
• Su Mo starts killing, using his Sky Punishing Sword and later his Devouring Martial Soul, which allows him to kill faster and absorb Martial Souls.
• Su Mo's cultivation rapidly increases, reaching the Spirit Martial Realm First Layer.

Character Developments

• Su Mo: Shows determination to do whatever it takes to obtain the Demonic Sword, including engaging in slaughter. He discovers he can use his Martial Soul to enhance his killing efficiency.
• Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan: They support Su Mo's decision to kill and retreat into the Divine Diagram Space when Su Mo uses his Martial Soul to avoid affecting them.

Significant Themes

• Cruelty and brutality of the trial, reflecting the harsh nature of the Demonic Fiend Gate.
• Survival of the fittest, as killing is the only way to survive and compete.
• The power of the Demonic Sword, driving all participants to madness and desperate actions.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo, Li Feng, and Hong Qingxuan work together initially, but Li Feng and Hong Qingxuan retreat into the Divine Diagram Space when Su Mo uses his Martial Soul to avoid affecting them.
• Su Mo encounters various opponents, killing them to increase his power and reach the Demonic Sword.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demonic Fiend Gate appears, releasing a billion Demonic Swords, attracting martial artists from the Xuan, Azure Dragon, Thunder, and Cloud Domains.
• Martial artists rush to the Ten Great Ancient Cities, including prodigies from various domains.
• Su Mo, now at the Spirit Martial Realm Sixth Layer, engages in a frenzied killing spree to recover his strength quickly.
• Yin Qingyuan, the City Lord of Heaven Fiend City, and the Earth Fiend King fight over the Demonic Swords, holding each other back.
• Many experts, including Yin Tianchou, recover to the True Spirit Realm and join the fight for the Demonic Swords.

Character Developments

• Su Mo's cultivation rapidly recovers, reaching the Spirit Martial Realm Seventh Layer. He becomes an invincible force within his Devouring Power's range.
• Yin Qingyuan and the Earth Fiend King demonstrate their power and determination to obtain the Demonic Swords.
• Yin Tianchou recovers to the True Spirit Realm, showing his potential as a prodigy.

Significant Themes

• Power and Ambition: Characters seek power to conquer and control, as seen in the struggle for the Demonic Swords.
• Survival of the Fittest: The chaotic battle highlights the survival of the strongest, with weaker martial artists being eliminated.
• Suppression and Breakthrough: Su Mo's Martial Soul is suppressed and struggles to advance, reflecting the challenges of growth and improvement.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo vs. Others: Su Mo's Devouring Power allows him to dominate his surroundings, leading to numerous interactions as he kills other martial artists.
• Yin Qingyuan vs. Earth Fiend King: The two powerful city lords clash, holding each other back in their pursuit of the Demonic Swords.
• Yin Tianchou's Reappearance: Yin Tianchou's recovery to the True Spirit Realm sets the stage for potential interactions with other prodigies and Su Mo.

Chapter Summary: “Deadlock”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo continues slaughtering martial artists within the sword’s domain, rapidly recovering his cultivation.
• After roughly the time needed to brew a cup of tea, his nine Spirit Vortexes transform their Qi into True Essence, restoring him to the True Spirit Realm.
• As he moves toward the magic sword, Su Mo briefly loses control of himself. His mind becomes consumed by violence and killing intent, though his strong Spiritual Power and will allow him to regain consciousness.
• He realizes the magic sword is releasing enormous Demonic Fiendish Qi and influencing everyone nearby. Many martial artists have become mindless slaughter fiends, with blackened pupils, blood-red eyes, and monstrous killing intent.
• Su Mo recognizes the terrifying truth: Sword Demon Dugu Shang has created a deadly trial in which participants must kill to recover their strength, but continued slaughter gradually turns them into fiends. Obtaining the sword appears to require entering the Dao of slaughter—a demonic path with no return.
• Despite understanding the danger, Su Mo cannot escape and must continue killing to survive, since other corrupted martial artists attack him constantly.
• He kills several opponents, including a Spirit Martial Realm Ninth Level blue-robed youth, a hostile bearded saber-user, and two True Spirit Realm attackers.
• His cultivation continues recovering, reaching the True Spirit Realm Second Layer by the end of the chapter.

2. Character Developments

• Su Mo: Regains his True Spirit Realm cultivation and much of his former physical strength, allowing him to dominate weaker opponents. However, he discovers that the magic sword can affect his mind and awaken an uncontrollable desire to kill. This gives him his first real fear—not of his enemies, but of losing his own identity and becoming a slaughter fiend.
• Su Mo becomes more cautious and self-aware. He resolves to preserve his spiritual wisdom and resist falling into the demonic path, even while continuing to kill out of necessity.
• He also realizes that his power may recover according to his former cultivation progression. If he reaches the True Spirit Realm Seventh Layer, he expects to regain the power of the Five Elements and dramatically increase his combat strength.
• Other martial artists: Most have already lost their sanity under the sword’s influence. Even those who retain some awareness are filled with hostility and are close to complete demonic corruption.

3. Significant Themes

• The conflict between survival and morality: Su Mo must kill to avoid being killed, but every death pushes him closer to becoming the very monster he fears.
• Loss of identity and self-control: The magic sword corrupts the minds of its victims, turning their martial ambition into blind bloodlust.
• The demonic path as a trap: “Entering the Dao through slaughter” is revealed as a dangerous, one-way path designed to transform challengers into killing fiends.
• Willpower and spiritual resilience: Su Mo’s ability to regain consciousness demonstrates the importance of mental strength in resisting external corruption.
• Power gained through sacrifice: His cultivation recovery gives him greater strength, but it comes at the cost of increased exposure to demonic influence.

4. Character Interactions

• Su Mo has no meaningful alliances in this chapter; nearly every encounter is hostile.
• A corrupted blue-robed youth attacks Su Mo from behind but cannot penetrate his restored True Spirit Realm physical defenses. Su Mo kills him immediately.
• A hostile bearded man attacks with saber Qi. Su Mo’s sword Qi overwhelms the attack and cuts him in half.
• Two True Spirit Realm martial artists attack Su Mo simultaneously with sword and spear techniques. Su Mo blocks and destroys both attacks, killing them through a combination of his Sky Punishing Sword and spirit sword.
• The interactions emphasize the brutality of the sword’s domain and Su Mo’s growing combat dominance, while also showing that all fighters are trapped in the same deadly cycle of violence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Mo, now at True Spirit Realm Second Layer, sees the Billion Demonic Sword in the distance but feels unease due to its persistent remoteness.
• He witnesses a battle among Martial Artists, some at True Spirit Realm Fifth Layer.
• Su Mo decides to join forces with Yin Tianchou to defeat Xing Feng, a powerful opponent at True Spirit Realm Third Layer.

Character Developments

• Su Mo demonstrates his determination to obtain the Demonic Sword, regardless of the outcome.
• Yin Tianchou shows his resolve not to succumb to demonic influence, despite cultivating Demonic Cultivation Methods.
• Xing Feng reveals his formidable strength and cross-level combat ability.

Significant Themes

• Determination: Su Mo's resolve to obtain the Demonic Sword and Yin Tianchou's resistance to demonic influence highlight their determination.
• Power Dynamics: The battle between Su Mo, Yin Tianchou, and Xing Feng showcases the power dynamics among cultivators at different levels.

Character Interactions

• Su Mo and Yin Tianchou form an alliance against Xing Feng, demonstrating teamwork and mutual support.
• Su Mo's interaction with Xing Feng is marked by hostility and determination to defeat him.