Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The old man's Nuo Opera Mask activates, manifesting Martial God Power.
• Jiang Ran realizes his opponent is also using the Blood-Qi Circulation Method and is at the Blood-Nourishing Realm.
• Jiang Ran combines his divine abilities with the Vajra Phantom, successfully amplifying his power.
• The old man summons a phantom of an Ancient Great Shaman, increasing his power and posing a significant threat to Jiang Ran.
• Jiang Ran activates his ultimate skill, Lotus Brilliance, to counter the old man's attack.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran demonstrates adaptability and quick thinking by combining his divine abilities with the Vajra Phantom.
• The old man reveals his true power and summons an Ancient Great Shaman phantom, showing his expertise in shamanic rituals.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adaptation and innovation is shown through Jiang Ran's ability to combine his divine abilities with the Vajra Phantom.
• The theme of ancient power and its consequences is explored through the old man's shamanic rituals and the summoning of the Ancient Great Shaman phantom.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and the old man engage in a fierce battle, with Jiang Ran adapting his strategies to counter the old man's powerful attacks.
• The old man attempts to persuade Jiang Ran to die for the resurrection of the First Sage, but Jiang Ran remains determined to defeat him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran uses Lotus Brilliance, a powerful finishing move, against the old man, causing a massive explosion.
• The old man's skeleton remains intact, and Jiang Ran finds a Nuoxi Mask that offers him the chance to unlock the "Nuo Opera Master" profession.
• The tomb's ceiling collapses, burying Jiang Ran and the old man's skeleton.
• Zhou Yuan and the other teams are cornered by masked figures and forced into a large underground space filled with kneeling corpses.
• The ground collapses, revealing a lower level, and the teams take heavy casualties.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran demonstrates his power and growth by using Lotus Brilliance, but also shows that he still needs to improve his control over the move.
• Zhou Yuan, Qian Laojiu, and Manager Sun lead their teams through the tomb, showcasing their combat skills and leadership.
• The old man's skeleton reveals a hint of his past and his unwillingness to let go of his duties.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its consequences is explored through Jiang Ran's use of Lotus Brilliance, which causes significant destruction.
• The theme of perseverance and unwillingness to let go is shown through the old man's skeleton and his lingering presence.
• The theme of teamwork and survival is highlighted as Zhou Yuan, Qian Laojiu, and Manager Sun work together to lead their teams through the dangerous tomb.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and the old man have a brief exchange before the old man's death.
• Zhou Yuan, Qian Laojiu, and Manager Sun interact as they lead their teams through the tomb, showing their differing leadership styles and opinions.
• Jiang Ran and the other teams have a tense standoff after the ground collapses, with Jiang Ran digging through the rubble, seemingly unaware of their presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. Jiang Ran kills Qian Laojiu and his group after they attempt to claim the Golden Skeleton.
2. Jiang Ran digs up the Golden Skeleton and finds a second, smaller mask on its chest.
3. Zhou Yuan approaches Jiang Ran and asks if he encountered any living people in the underground space.
4. Jiang Ran reveals that the old man (Qu Yuan) is under the Golden Skeleton.

Character Developments

1. Jiang Ran:
   • Exhibits no remorse or hesitation in killing Qian Laojiu and his group, showing his willingness to protect his interests and survive.
   • Feels a sense of pleasure in settling his grudge with Qian Laojiu immediately, indicating a shift in his moral compass.
   • Shows calmness and composure in dealing with Zhou Yuan, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different situations.
2. Zhou Yuan:
   • Shows professionalism and understanding of the law, acknowledging that Jiang Ran's actions fall under the jurisdiction of the Order Purification Center.
   • Reveals his eagerness to find Qu Yuan, suggesting that Qu Yuan's status is significant.

Significant Themes

1. Survival of the fittest: Jiang Ran's actions highlight the harsh reality of the Abyssal Void, where one must be willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
2. Power dynamics: The incident with Qian Laojiu's group demonstrates the importance of strength and the willingness to use it in maintaining one's position and interests.
3. Moral ambiguity: Jiang Ran's actions raise questions about the morality of his actions and the consequences of his choices.

Character Interactions

1. Jiang Ran vs. Qian Laojiu and his group: Jiang Ran's decisive and brutal response to Qian Laojiu's attempt to claim the Golden Skeleton showcases his willingness to protect his interests and survive at any cost.
2. Jiang Ran vs. Zhou Yuan: Their interaction highlights the power dynamics between a Transcendent and a federal official, with Jiang Ran maintaining a calm and composed demeanor despite Zhou Yuan's questioning.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran obtains the class fusion material, "Witch Gold War Bone," and the class material, "Ancestral Nuo: Faceless."
• He removes the pitch-black mask from the Golden Skeleton, causing all masked figures in the lower space to collapse and die.
• Jiang Ran kills the giant Jing (Blood-Flow Realm deer) and retrieves its corpse.
• Liu San, the person who gave Jiang Ran the Bagua Copper Coin, is found dead.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran demonstrates his strength and fearlessness, further intimidating the other team members.
• Zhou Yuan shows concern for Jiang Ran's well-being and asks about Liu San's condition.
• Liu San's death highlights the harsh reality of the Abyssal Void, where even experienced cultivators can fall prey to its dangers.

Significant Themes

• The power of ancient artifacts and their impact on the present, as seen with the "Ancestral Nuo: Faceless" mask.
• The harsh and unforgiving nature of the Abyssal Void, where even minor injuries can prove fatal.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and Zhou Yuan maintain a tense but cooperative relationship, with Zhou Yuan showing concern for Jiang Ran's well-being.
• Jiang Ran's interaction with the Inspection Team members is minimal, with him mainly focusing on his own goals.
• The death of Liu San serves as a reminder of the dangers present in the Abyssal Void and the fragility of life within it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran chooses to unlock the Nuo Opera Master profession using "Ancestral Nuo: Faceless."
• He gains the basic profession skill "Hidden Mechanism."
• Jiang Ran enhances his divine abilities using the "Witch Gold War Bone," choosing to upgrade "Dragon-Tiger Fist" to "Dragon-Tiger: Witch Gold Mountain Breaker."

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran unlocks a powerful new profession and skill, expanding his abilities.
• He demonstrates strategic thinking in choosing which divine ability to enhance.

Significant Themes

• The power of adaptability and versatility, as shown by Jiang Ran's new profession and the enhancement of his divine abilities.
• The importance of strategic decision-making in combat and growth.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran interacts with the "Ancestral Nuo: Faceless" mask and the "Witch Gold War Bone," demonstrating his ability to integrate with and control powerful objects.
• There are no direct interactions with other characters in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The author provides context for the story's slow setup, focusing on the resurgence of spiritual energy and its impact on daily life.
• The story hints at the involvement of legendary kingdoms, figures, and monsters from ancient history and the Classic of Mountains and Seas.
• The author expresses excitement about the potential chemical reactions between these legendary elements and the real world.
• The chapter serves as a prelude to the main story, with the real narrative yet to unfold.

Character Developments

• No significant character developments occur in this chapter, as it is primarily an author's note.

Significant Themes

• Resurgence of spiritual energy and its impact on the world.
• The integration of legendary elements from ancient history and mythology into the story.
• The author's enthusiasm for exploring the interactions between these legendary elements and the real world.

Character Interactions

• This chapter does not contain any character interactions, as it is an author's note addressing the readers.

• Jiang Ran discovers he possesses a Seed of Return to Void, which Manager Sun tries to buy, but Jiang Ran declines.
• Zhou Yuan offers Jiang Ran a position in the Federation's organizations for Transcendents.
• On their way back, Jiang Ran and Zhou Yuan encounter a battle between the military and two Hairy Persons. Jiang Ran engages and defeats one of them using a new technique, Lotus Brilliance Concentration.
• The chapter ends with Zhou Yuan ordering his troops to cease fire, realizing that Jiang Ran's intervention was friendly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran encounters a group of Hairy People, killing two of them.
• The Abyss Hunting Committee arrives, led by Captain Lu Zheng, acknowledging Jiang Ran's help.
• Jiang Ran dissects the Hairy People's corpses, revealing that they drop Light Orbs like Exotic Beasts, shocking the committee members.
• Jiang Ran leaves, and the committee members discuss the implications of the Hairy People's existence.
• In the real world, Jiang Ran finds the Federation has officially acknowledged the Void and Transcendent abilities, encouraging citizens to register and explore the Void safely.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran demonstrates his strength and knowledge about the Void, further cementing his position as a powerful and mysterious figure.
• Captain Lu Zheng and his team show respect and appreciation for Jiang Ran's actions, indicating they recognize his capabilities.
• Wang Zhenguo accepts Jiang Ran's offer of the Seed of Return to Void and the Blood-Sensing Chapter, understanding his role as Jiang Ran's proxy.

Significant Themes

• The blurring line between humans and Exotic Beasts, as the Hairy People are revealed to drop Light Orbs.
• The Federation's official acknowledgment of the Void and Transcendent abilities, marking a significant shift in public awareness and acceptance.
• The exploration and exploitation of the Void's resources and opportunities, with the Federation encouraging citizens to participate.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran interacts briefly with Captain Lu Zheng, acknowledging each other's roles and understanding.
• Jiang Ran meets with Wang Zhenguo, handing over the Seed of Return to Void and the Blood-Sensing Chapter, solidifying their partnership.
• In the real world, Jiang Ran stays informed about the Federation's announcement, showing his interest in the developing situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Federation officially announces the Era of Transcendence.
• Two students from Jiang Ran's school, Li Hao and Zhou Ming, are commended for joining the Fire-Kindling Academy.
• Jiang Ran is praised by the Bureau of Education for his role in student psychological counseling and is offered a position in the Fire-Kindling Academy's teacher training system.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran reflects on the situation within the Abyssal Void, categorizing the factions and considering humanity's prospects.
• Zhou Ming and Li Hao give speeches at the commendation ceremony, expressing their gratitude to Jiang Ran and their determination to face the new era.
• Jiang Ran is recognized for his contributions to student guidance and is offered a position at the Fire-Kindling Academy.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Era of Transcendence on society and individuals.
• The importance of psychological counseling and guidance for students in a rapidly changing world.
• The role of education and teachers in shaping the new generation.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran interacts with his colleagues, discussing the commendation ceremony and the changes in society.
• Jiang Ran has a brief conversation with Li Hao, expressing his support for the student's decision to continue attending school.
• The Dean of Students speaks with Jiang Ran, commending him for his work and offering him a position at the Fire-Kindling Academy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran spends a night in Feng City, observing changes due to the Abyssal Void's public announcement.
• The Old Nine Gates are coming to Feng City to investigate the identity of the Feng City Black-Cloaked Man and smuggle Abyssal Void qualification tickets.
• Jiang Ran meets Wang Zhenguo on a rooftop, preparing for the Old Nine Gates' arrival.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran unlocks two new skills for his Nuo Opera Master profession: Spirit Absorption Creation and All-Aspects Rotation. He also upgrades his Blade Arts skill.
• Wang Zhenguo shows loyalty and obedience to Jiang Ran, following his orders without question.
• Old Chen improves his combat skills under Jiang Ran's tutelage.
• Jiang Xiaoyu becomes unusually obedient during her tutoring session with Jiang Ran.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Abyssal Void on society and people's lives.
• The consequences of Jiang Ran's actions and the attention they draw from powerful organizations like the Old Nine Gates.
• The importance of loyalty and obedience in Jiang Ran's growing network of followers.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran interacts with various characters, including the malatang vendor, Wang Zhenguo, Old Chen, and Jiang Xiaoyu, showcasing his influence and leadership.
• Jiang Ran's meetings with Wang Zhenguo and Old Chen highlight their growing bond and Jiang Ran's role as a mentor and leader.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Old Nine Gates, led by a young man, are traveling to Feng City.
• They plan to investigate Jiang Ran's identity but are intercepted by him on the highway.
• Jiang Ran kills the young man leading the Old Nine Gates and Wang Zhenguo helps eliminate the remaining enemies.

Character Developments

• The young man leading the Old Nine Gates is confident and ruthless but underestimates Jiang Ran, leading to his demise.
• Wang Zhenguo demonstrates his combat skills and willingness to kill but is still considered trash by Jiang Ran.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Jiang Ran's actions show his desire to maintain control and eliminate potential threats, reflecting the power dynamics in the new world order.
• Moral Ambiguity: The characters' actions and motivations blur the lines between good and evil, highlighting the moral ambiguity in their world.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and the young man leading the Old Nine Gates have a brief but intense confrontation, ending in the young man's death.
• Jiang Ran and Wang Zhenguo work together to eliminate the Old Nine Gates, with Jiang Ran showing no gratitude or praise for Wang Zhenguo's efforts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran tasks Wang Zhenguo with killing four ordinary people to absorb their spirits, emphasizing the need for Wang to understand the true nature of their future opponents.
• Jiang Ran creates a Nuo Opera Mask using the deer corpse and the Spirit Absorption Creation skill.
• Jiang Ran agrees to be a psychological counselor at the Fire-Kindling Academy.

Character Developments

• Wang Zhenguo gains supernatural powers and kills for the first time, leading to a sense of arrogance that Jiang Ran quickly crushes.
• Jiang Ran demonstrates his seriousness and expectation for Wang Zhenguo as his proxy.
• Jiang Ran shows proficiency in creating a Nuo Opera Mask, indicating his aptitude for the Nuo Opera Master class.
• Li Hao reveals his divine ability, Spirit Pivot Pulse Inquiry, which can treat injuries and accelerate healing.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and responsibilities of gaining supernatural powers.
• The importance of understanding and adapting to the true nature of one's opponents.
• The integration and research of intelligence by the Federation regarding Transcendents and their abilities.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and Wang Zhenguo: Jiang Ran crushes Wang Zhenguo's arrogance and emphasizes the need for Wang to understand their future opponents.
• Jiang Ran and Li Hao: Jiang Ran expresses confidence in Li Hao's ability to look after him at the Fire-Kindling Academy, while Li Hao shares information about the Academy and his divine ability.

Jiang Ran assessed explorers at the Fire-Kindling Academy, improved his skills, and discovered that the Abyssal Void now allowed three days inside. He suspected the increased duration was linked to the Federation opening the Void to the public and prepared to adjust his plans.

• Jiang Ran used Psychological Profiling to expose an explorer who disguised his pleasure at killing as guilt, then marked him as having an antisocial personality prototype.
• Jiang Ran assessed seventeen explorers, raised Psychological Profiling to level 4, and earned 2 Profession Points.
• Jiang Ran saw hundreds of people registering to enter the Abyssal Void after the Federation made it public.
• Jiang Ran spent 3 Profession Points to raise Dragon-Tiger: Witch Gold Mountain Breaker to level 4 and 1 to raise Eight-Step Cicada Chase to level 3.
• Jiang Ran entered the Abyssal Void at midnight and learned that his time until return had increased to nearly 72 hours; he suspected the change was caused by the surge in entrants.

Summary of "The Poet Immortal Li Taibai"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran receives Liu San's diary, which contains a code leading to a potential tomb in the northern outskirts.
• Jiang Ran decides to explore the tomb alone, using his skills to avoid detection.
• He discovers a sealed entrance with a massive boulder, indicating that someone else has been there.
• Inside, he finds murals depicting a sword immortal's story, hinting at the tomb's owner.
• The tomb is eerily quiet and undefended, with no traps or monsters.
• Jiang Ran reaches the main burial chamber, where he hears a voice claiming to be Li Taibai, the Poet Immortal.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran demonstrates his stealth and caution, choosing to explore the tomb alone despite its unknown dangers.
• The Black Cat, previously introduced as a companion to Liu San, shows fear upon seeing Jiang Ran's Nuo Opera Mask, indicating it recognizes the symbol.

Significant Themes

• The exploration of ancient tombs and their mysteries.
• The legend of Li Taibai, the Poet Immortal, and his potential connection to the tomb.
• The theme of exploration and discovery, with Jiang Ran venturing into the unknown.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran interacts with the tomb itself, deciphering its codes and navigating its passages.
• The Black Cat's reaction to Jiang Ran's mask suggests a recognition or understanding of its meaning, indicating a potential connection to Liu San or the tomb's history.
• Jiang Ran's encounter with the voice claiming to be Li Taibai hints at a possible interaction with a spirit or entity within the tomb.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran encounters a Black Cat in Li Taibai's tomb, who speaks in human language and claims to be the Poet Immortal Li Bai.
• Jiang Ran, unimpressed by the looted tomb and the Black Cat's identity, decides to leave.
• The Black Cat offers Jiang Ran a Mirage Dragon Jade Soul, a sacred treasure for refining the spirit, in exchange for his help in escaping a trap.
• Jiang Ran destroys seven formation-eye stone platforms, freeing the Black Cat.
• The Black Cat gives Jiang Ran the Mirage Dragon Jade Soul as promised.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran: He remains calm and composed upon meeting a historical figure like Li Bai, showing maturity and focus on his goals. He values practicality and strength over reverence for the past.
• Li Taibai/Black Cat: The cat is initially proud and expects reverence from Jiang Ran. After being freed, it shows a mix of emotions, including excitement, confusion, and a hint of self-mockery.

Significant Themes

• The value of the past vs. the importance of the present and future.
• The importance of practicality and strength in a dangerous world.
• The dissonance between expectations and reality.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and Li Taibai/Black Cat: Their interaction is marked by a lack of reverence from Jiang Ran, which confuses and puzzles the Black Cat. Despite this, they engage in a transaction where Jiang Ran helps the Black Cat escape in exchange for the Mirage Dragon Jade Soul.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran frees a black cat from a tomb, which reveals itself to be a remnant soul of a Poet Immortal.
• The black cat decides to follow Jiang Ran to understand the current era and help him grow stronger.
• They reach the outskirts of Feng City, and the black cat is amazed by the modern cityscape.
• Jiang Ran brings the black cat to his apartment and plans to digest the Mirage Dragon Jade Soul.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran: Shows curiosity and acceptance of the black cat's offer to accompany him. He is calm and collected, even when facing the black cat's initial exaggerations.
• Black Cat (Poet Immortal): Initially boastful and exaggerated, it becomes more serious and introspective as it decides to follow Jiang Ran. It shows curiosity and wonder when faced with the modern world.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation to change: The black cat's reaction to the modern world highlights the theme of adapting to significant changes in one's environment.
• The passage of time: The black cat's thousand-year slumber and its shock at the current era emphasize the impact of time on the world.
• Strength and growth: Jiang Ran's focus on becoming stronger and the black cat's offer to help him grow are central themes.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and the Black Cat: Their interaction is initially cautious, with Jiang Ran showing surprise and curiosity, while the black cat is boastful and exaggerated. As they decide to travel together, their dynamic shifts towards mutual respect and understanding.

• Key Plot Points and Events: None (This chapter is an author's note, not a part of the main story).
• Character Developments: None (No character development as it's an author's note).
• Significant Themes: Gratitude, Apology, Commitment, and Support.
• Character Interactions: None (No character interactions as it's an author's note).

Detailed Summary

• The author begins with an apology for moving up the launch date, delaying the release of the promised 30 chapters.
• They assure readers that they will make up for the missed chapters, releasing at least 15 on launch day and continuing to release chapters on top of their daily quota until they've made up all 41 owed chapters.
• The author expresses gratitude for the readers' support, which has surpassed their expectations, and encourages readers to subscribe to support them.
• They thank their editor, Jia Nan, for her help and encouragement during the writing process.
• Lastly, the author recommends other works by various authors, expressing appreciation for their contributions to the writing community.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran fuses his Martial Monk Profession with the Nuo Opera Master Profession, choosing the ultimate skill fusion target.
• The Mirage Dragon Jade Soul activates and fuses with the Faceless Nuo Opera Mask, awakening the ultimate skill "Faceless: Dragon God Ritual Dance."
• Jiang Ran uses the Bagua Copper Coin to find a Nuo Opera Master cultivation method, which points towards Black Cat.
• Black Cat reveals that cultivating both martial and spiritual paths is challenging and few succeed.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran shows determination and resolve in his cultivation choices, deciding to pursue both martial and spiritual paths despite the difficulties.
• Black Cat displays wisdom and experience, warning Jiang Ran about the challenges of dual cultivation and offering him the Basic Visualization Manual.

Significant Themes

• The challenges and rewards of pursuing multiple paths in cultivation.
• The importance of understanding one's limits and knowing when to specialize or diversify.
• The exchange of knowledge and experience between different generations and species.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and Black Cat have a serious conversation about cultivation methods and the challenges of dual cultivation.
• Black Cat shares his knowledge and experience with Jiang Ran, offering him the Basic Visualization Manual and expressing his hope that Jiang Ran will not push himself too hard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran obtains the Basic Visualization Method from Black Cat and decides to cultivate both visualization and blood sensing methods.
• He spends a few hours killing monsters to accumulate Spirit Crystals for his cultivation.
• Jiang Ran meets with Wang Zhenguo to hand over the collected Spirit Crystals and discusses the selection of new organization members.
• A giant worm-like monster attacks the Safe Zone, causing widespread panic.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran demonstrates his efficiency in killing monsters, revealing his high cultivation level and determination.
• Black Cat shows his concern and curiosity about Jiang Ran's past and his lack of interest in joining the government.
• Wang Zhenguo shows his loyalty and understanding of Jiang Ran's requirements for new organization members.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between the everyday life in the Safe Zone and the sudden danger posed by the monster attack highlights the precarious nature of survival in the Abyssal Void.
• Jiang Ran's decision to cultivate both methods reflects his ambition and desire to become stronger.
• The selection of new organization members based on loyalty and elimination system underscores Jiang Ran's ruthless and calculated approach to building his power base.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and Black Cat's interaction reveals their mutual respect and curiosity about each other's backgrounds and motivations.
• Jiang Ran's meeting with Wang Zhenguo shows their established working relationship and Wang Zhenguo's understanding of Jiang Ran's expectations.
• The interaction between Jiang Ran and the people in the restaurant and on the street highlights the general fear and panic caused by the monster attack, contrasting with Jiang Ran's calm demeanor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ran encounters a Blood-Flow Realm monster in the Safe Zone.
• He saves a young man from the monster and defeats it.
• Jiang Ran drags the monster's corpse to a warehouse for materials to craft a Nu Mask.
• Black Cat reveals that Jiang Ran has deceived him about his true strength.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ran demonstrates his powerful combat skills and saves a civilian, showing he's not just self-centered.
• Black Cat realizes Jiang Ran's true cultivation level and questions his earlier claim of being insignificant.

Significant Themes

• The correlation between the highest cultivation level in the world and the strength of Abyssal Void creatures.
• Jiang Ran's true power and his determination to stand at the top.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ran and Black Cat have a conversation about Jiang Ran's true strength and his deception.
• Jiang Ran saves a young man from the monster, showing his willingness to help others.
• Xia Xuan, now a Transcendent, thanks Jiang Ran for his help and takes over the scene management.