Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze travels to the Jia Ma Empire's Imperial Capital to cancel the engagement between Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran on Xiao Yan's behalf.
• He meets with Nalan Yanran and her grandfather, Nalan Jie, at the Nalan Clan's mansion.
• Xiao Ze reveals that Xiao Yan is dedicated to cultivation and has no interest in romantic entanglements, aligning with Nalan Yanran's wishes.
• Both parties agree to annul the engagement, attributing it to their dedication to cultivation.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze demonstrates his maturity and responsibility by acting as a messenger for Xiao Yan.
• Nalan Yanran shows her determination to annul the engagement, revealing her feelings for Xiao Ze.
• Nalan Jie displays his wisdom and understanding, accepting the annulment to save face for both clans.

Significant Themes

• The importance of personal wishes and individual growth over societal expectations (Xiao Yan, Nalan Yanran).
• The preservation of dignity and face in public matters (Nalan Jie, Xiao Ze).
• The consequences of reckless actions (Nalan Yanran's impulsive decision to annul the engagement).

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Nalan Yanran: Xiao Ze acts as a mediator, conveying Xiao Yan's thoughts and facilitating the annulment of the engagement. Nalan Yanran is initially nervous but ultimately grateful for Xiao Ze's help.
• Xiao Ze and Nalan Jie: Xiao Ze maintains a respectful yet firm demeanor, making it clear that the engagement is no longer suitable for either party. Nalan Jie, despite his initial reluctance, accepts the situation and agrees to the annulment.
• Nalan Yanran and Nalan Jie: Nalan Yanran confesses her true feelings to her grandfather, leading to a tense but ultimately understanding conversation between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze arrives at the Mittal Auction House, fending off thieves.
• Ya Fei, now an acting supervisory elder, struggles with her new role and the resistance from other elders.
• Xiao Ze finds Ya Fei and offers his help.
• Elder Lei Ou accuses Ya Fei of violating rules by bringing an outsider to the office.
• Xiao Ze reveals himself as a Dou Emperor, shocking the elders.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze: Shows his strength and status as a Dou Emperor, supporting Ya Fei.
• Ya Fei: Struggles with her new role and the resistance from other elders, but remains confident and strong-willed.
• Elder Lei Ou: Attempts to undermine Ya Fei, but is later humiliated by Xiao Ze's revelation.
• Grand Elder Teng Shan: Initially silent and reserved, but reveals his respect for power and status when faced with Xiao Ze's true strength.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and respect for status.
• The struggle against resistance and the need for support.
• The importance of hidden strengths and surprises.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Ya Fei: Their bond deepens as they support each other, with Xiao Ze offering help and Ya Fei trusting him implicitly.
• Ya Fei and Elder Lei Ou: Their conflict escalates as Lei Ou tries to undermine Ya Fei, while Ya Fei stands her ground.
• Xiao Ze and the elders: Xiao Ze's revelation as a Dou Emperor changes the dynamics of their interaction, earning him respect and awe.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze, disguised as a senior, helps Ya Fei by giving her a Dou Ling Pill to meet her performance targets.
• Teng Shan, the Grand Elder, auctions the Dou Ling Pill in the Heaven-Tier Auction House.
• Elder Lei Ou is demoted and relieved of his duties due to his poor handling of the situation.

Character Developments

• Ya Fei gains favor and status within the Mittal Auction House and the clan due to Xiao Ze's help.
• Elder Lei Ou loses his position and status, highlighting the consequences of his poor judgment and actions.

Significant Themes

• The power of connections and alliances (Xiao Ze's presence helps Ya Fei).
• The consequences of poor decision-making and actions (Elder Lei Ou's demotion).
• The value and importance of high-tier alchemical pills (the Dou Ling Pill).

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Ya Fei: Xiao Ze helps Ya Fei, showing his care and concern for her.
• Teng Shan and Elder Lei Ou: Teng Shan demotes Lei Ou, showing his authority and disapproval of Lei Ou's actions.
• The elders: They discuss and agree on Elder Lei Ou's demotion, highlighting their unity in this matter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ya Fei gains influence and collects alchemy-related items in the Mite'er Family.
• Xiao Ze refines his self-created Dou Technique, the Great Vast Sea Palm, and plans to improve it using the Emperor Seal Technique's feedback.
• Xiao Ze travels through the Black-Corner Region, targeting the strongest factions in each city for resources and saving captives.
• He finds a Tier 6 pill formula, the Extreme Yang Pill, which is essentially a powerful bomb.

Character Developments

• Ya Fei: She expands her influence within the Mite'er Family and actively collects alchemy-related items to aid Xiao Ze.
• Xiao Ze: He continues to refine and improve his Dou Techniques and plans to use the Emperor Seal Technique's feedback to enhance the Great Vast Sea Palm.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: Ya Fei's growing power and influence within the Mite'er Family, and Xiao Ze's dominance in the Black-Corner Region.
• Improvement and growth: Xiao Ze's continuous refinement and improvement of his Dou Techniques and plans for the future.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Ya Fei: Although not directly interacting in this chapter, their relationship is implied to be strong, with Ya Fei actively supporting Xiao Ze.
• Xiao Ze and the captives: Xiao Ze saves several captives from the factions he targets, showing a compassionate side despite his ruthless actions against the factions themselves.

Key Plot Points

• Xiao Ze returns to Jia Nan Academy after completing his training in the Black-Corner Region.
• He visits the Xiao Clan, now operating as the Desert Iron Mercenary Group, and provides them with resources for development.
• Xiao Yan arrives at Jia Nan Academy and is treated with respect due to his connection to Xiao Ze.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze has grown stronger and can now enter the Inner Academy on his own.
• Xiao Yan gains respect and admiration from his peers and Elders upon learning of his relationship with Xiao Ze.

Significant Themes

• The Xiao Clan's transformation and growth under Xiao Ze's guidance.
• The power dynamics and respect within Jia Nan Academy, influenced by one's connections and achievements.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze reunites with the Xiao Clan and provides them with resources for their development.
• Xiao Yan interacts with the students and Elders of Jia Nan Academy, who treat him with respect due to his connection to Xiao Ze.
• Xiao Ze and Xiao Yan both experience a sense of pride and accomplishment in their respective journeys.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Yan storms into Xiao Ze's room, angry about his delayed return.
• They argue playfully, and Zi Yan licks Xiao Ze's arm to heal a bite mark.
• They go treasure hunting in the deep mountains, defeating several powerful magical beasts.
• Zi Yan leads Xiao Ze to an Extreme Yang Land guarded by a peak sixth-rank Blazing Dragon Tiger.
• Xiao Ze enters the Extreme Yang Land to fight the Blazing Dragon Tiger while Zi Yan searches for Yang Gold inside.

Character Developments

• Zi Yan shows her playful and mischievous side, but also her caring nature when she licks Xiao Ze's arm to heal it.
• Xiao Ze demonstrates his confidence and strength, stating he can handle a peak sixth-rank magical beast.

Significant Themes

• The theme of friendship and camaraderie is evident in their playful banter and shared adventure.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and magical beasts are explored, with Xiao Ze facing a powerful magical beast.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Zi Yan's interactions are playful and teasing, showing a close friendship.
• Zi Yan shows she can handle powerful magical beasts but seeks Xiao Ze's help for the Blazing Dragon Tiger, indicating she values his strength and company.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zi Yan successfully retrieves the Yang Gold and other treasures from the Extreme Yang Land.
• Xiao Ze defeats the Blazing Dragon Tiger and escapes with Zi Yan.
• Xiao Ze decides to refine the Extreme Yang Pill and gathers materials with Zi Yan's help.
• Xiao Yan continues his cultivation in the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower, aiming to subdue the Fallen Heart Flame.

Character Developments

• Zi Yan demonstrates her treasure-seeking talent and gains confidence in her abilities.
• Xiao Ze shows his strength and alchemy skills, preparing to refine a sixth-rank pill.
• Xiao Yan focuses on improving his cultivation and power, determined to refine a Heavenly Flame.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of strength and power to overcome challenges and obstacles.
• The importance of perseverance and determination in achieving goals.
• The value of friendship and teamwork, as seen in Xiao Ze and Zi Yan's cooperation.

Character Interactions

• Zi Yan and Xiao Ze work together to retrieve treasures and refine pills, fostering a friendly rivalry.
• Xiao Yan and Yao Lao continue their master-apprentice relationship, with Yao Lao guiding Xiao Yan's cultivation.
• Xiao Ze invites Xiao Yi Xian and Zi Yan to assist him in refining the Extreme Yang Pill, demonstrating his trust in them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze successfully refines an Extreme Yang Pill, causing a massive energy explosion.
• The Grand Elder of Jia Nan Academy arrives at the scene, witnessing the aftermath.
• Xiao Ze agrees to refine an Extreme Yang Pill for the Inner Academy in exchange for a high-tier prescription from the Prescription Management Warehouse.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze demonstrates his growth as an Alchemist, successfully refining a high-tier medicinal pill.
• The Grand Elder shows concern for the Inner Academy's safety and is willing to offer rewards to secure Xiao Ze's assistance.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of high-tier medicinal pills.
• The importance of alliances and mutual aid, as seen in Xiao Ze's agreement to help the Inner Academy.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze interacts with the Grand Elder, showcasing his confidence and professionalism as an Alchemist.
• Xiao Ze entrusts Xiao Yi Xian with delivering the Extreme Yang Pill to the Xiao Clan, demonstrating his trust in her.

Key Plot Points

• Xiao Ze struggles to refine Extreme Yang Pills due to their instability and high difficulty.
• He obtains prescriptions for Tier 6 Huangji Pill and Tier 7 Shape-Shifting Pill, but only the Huangji Pill interests him.
• The Fallen Heart Flame begins rioting, causing disturbances in the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower.
• Xiao Ze participates in reinforcing the seal on the Fallen Heart Flame alongside the academy's elders.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze's alchemy skills are recognized and respected by the Grand Elder and other elders.
• Zi Yan and Xiao Yi Xian express their trust in Xiao Ze's abilities and do not ask for Extreme Yang Pills.

Significant Themes

• The scarcity and value of high-tier alchemy prescriptions.
• The power dynamics and expectations within the Inner Academy.
• The importance of Xiao Ze's contributions to the academy.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and the Grand Elder discuss Xiao Ze's progress and the Dou Zong Breaking Pill formula.
• Xiao Ze and Zi Yan, Xiao Yi Xian express their understanding and support for each other's decisions regarding Extreme Yang Pills.
• Xiao Ze works alongside the elders to reinforce the seal on the Fallen Heart Flame, demonstrating his integration into the academy's hierarchy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze continues refining pills at Jia Nan Academy.
• He brings Qing Lin back to the academy after completing his work.
• Xiao Ze tests Qing Lin's talent by having her contract a snake-type magical beast.
• Qing Lin successfully awakens her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils and contracts the magical beast.

Character Developments

• Qing Lin gains confidence and improves her cultivation under Xiao Ze's guidance.
• Xiao Ze shows concern and care for Qing Lin, treating her as an equal.

Significant Themes

• The awakening of Qing Lin's unique talent and its connection to magical beasts.
• Xiao Ze's protective and nurturing role towards Qing Lin.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Qing Lin's relationship deepens as he guides her and she relies on him.
• Qing Lin interacts with Xiao Clan members, who treat her kindly due to her connection with Xiao Ze.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze gains a hundredfold feedback for his Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils.
• He helps Qing Lin contract snake-like magical beasts, improving her strength.
• Xiao Ze claims the hundredfold feedback, gaining absolute power over serpentine magical beasts.
• He decides to capture high-level serpentine magical beasts to contract.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze: Becomes more powerful after gaining the hundredfold feedback. He shows care and protection towards Qing Lin.
• Qing Lin: Begins contracting snake-like magical beasts, improving her strength. She becomes more determined to grow stronger to help Xiao Ze.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Xiao Ze's newfound power over serpentine magical beasts allows him to control their lives, symbolizing his growing influence and authority.
• Growth and Protection: Qing Lin's growth is nurtured and protected by Xiao Ze, reflecting the theme of guidance and support in one's journey.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Qing Lin: Xiao Ze guides and protects Qing Lin, helping her contract magical beasts and teaching her about cultivation. Qing Lin, in turn, wants to grow stronger to be useful to Xiao Ze.
• Xiao Ze and Magical Beasts: Xiao Ze contracts and captures serpentine magical beasts, demonstrating his power and control over them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze refines the Huangji Pill and decides not to consume it immediately, instead using the opportunity to create cultivation-assisting pills for Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, Han Yue, and the Xiao Clan.
• He then consumes the Huangji Pill to break through to a nine-star Dou Emperor.
• Xiao Yan returns to the Xiao Clan and learns about Xiao Ze's alchemy prowess, feeling a mix of shock and determination.
• Yao Lao suggests Xiao Yan use the Burning Mantra to catch up to Xiao Ze.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze: Successfully refines the Huangji Pill and breaks through to a nine-star Dou Emperor. He also creates pills for others, demonstrating his growth as an alchemist and his consideration for his allies.
• Xiao Yan: Realizes Xiao Ze's alchemy skills and feels a renewed determination to catch up. Yao Lao suggests using the Burning Mantra to achieve this.

Significant Themes

• The importance of foundation-building in cultivation, as emphasized by Xiao Ze's careful approach to his breakthrough.
• The impact of Xiao Ze's actions on others, such as providing pills to help them cultivate, showcasing his influence and responsibility.
• The theme of competition and determination, as seen in Xiao Yan's reaction to learning about Xiao Ze's achievements.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, Han Yue: Xiao Ze provides them with tailored pills to aid their cultivation, demonstrating his care and support for his allies.
• Xiao Ze and Xiao Yan: Xiao Ze's actions inspire Xiao Yan to work harder, leading to a conversation between Xiao Yan and Yao Lao about catching up to Xiao Ze.
• Xiao Yan and Yao Lao: They discuss Xiao Ze's accomplishments and Xiao Yan's determination to catch up, leading Yao Lao to suggest using the Burning Mantra.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze obtains a seventh-tier pill formula from alchemy feedback.
• He plans to visit the Central Plains for more subordinate bindings and soul cultivation techniques.
• Fallen Heart Flame becomes enraged due to Xiao Ze's energy drain and begins preparing to break the seal.
• Xiao Ze's soul realm approaches the Spirit Realm, and he decides to seek a soul cultivation technique in the Central Plains.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze's alchemy skills improve significantly due to Xiao Yan's feedback.
• Xiao Yi Xian becomes an Inner Academy elder despite concerns about her Woeful Poison Body.

Significant Themes

• The importance of ability and talent feedback for Xiao Ze's growth.
• The fear and prejudice surrounding the Woeful Poison Body.
• Xiao Ze's determination to improve his soul realm and seek a soul cultivation technique.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Xiao Yan's alchemy feedback relationship.
• Xiao Yi Xian and the Inner Academy elders' discussion about her Woeful Poison Body.
• Xiao Ze's plans to visit the Central Plains and bind Cao Ying of the Cao Clan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yi Xian becomes an elder and joins Xiao Ze on the seventh floor for cultivation.
• Queen Medusa of the Snake-People Empire plans to evolve using the Azure Heavenly Flame to protect her empire from surrounding threats.
• Xiao Ze begins refining the Dou Zong Breaking Pill to aid in breaking through to the Dou Zong level and decides to gift it to Vice Dean Hu Gan.
• Xiao Ze searches for the Life-Returning Fruit to create the Life-Returning Pill, which can revive the critically injured, but struggles to find it.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze reaches the peak of the Dou Emperor level and begins refining high-tier pills with ease.
• Queen Medusa shows determination and resolve in evolving to protect her empire.
• Xiao Yi Xian demonstrates her growth by becoming an elder and cultivating on the seventh floor.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: Characters strive to improve their abilities and overcome challenges.
• Protection and responsibility: Queen Medusa's evolution is driven by her desire to safeguard her empire and people.
• Gratitude and reciprocity: Xiao Ze plans to gift the Dou Zong Breaking Pill to Vice Dean Hu Gan as a token of appreciation.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and Xiao Yi Xian: They reunite and cultivate together on the seventh floor, sharing their growth and plans.
• Queen Medusa and the Snake-People Grand Elder: They discuss Queen Medusa's evolution plans, showing concern and support for each other.
• Xiao Ze and Vice Dean Hu Gan: Xiao Ze considers gifting the Dou Zong Breaking Pill to Vice Dean Hu Gan, demonstrating his gratitude and respect for the vice dean.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze visits Vice Dean Hu Gan to obtain the Life-Returning Fruit.
• Hu Jia reveals that the Life-Returning Fruit is one of her grandfather's collectibles.
• Xiao Ze successfully obtains the Life-Returning Fruit and decides to refine the Life-Returning Pill.
• He invites the Grand Elder, Xiao Yi Xian, and Zi Yan to stand guard while he refines the seventh-tier Life-Returning Pill.
• The refinement process takes nearly ten days, and during the final stages, pill lightning begins to gather.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze demonstrates his alchemy skills by attempting to refine a seventh-tier pill.
• Vice Dean Hu Gan shows his integrity by initially refusing the Dou Zong Breaking Pill, but accepts it later due to Xiao Ze's determination.
• Hu Jia feels astonished at Xiao Ze's achievements, highlighting the gap between them.

Significant Themes

• Integrity and Honesty: Vice Dean Hu Gan's initial refusal of the Dou Zong Breaking Pill, despite his desire for it, showcases his honest nature.
• Determination and Persistence: Xiao Ze's persistence in obtaining the Life-Returning Fruit and refining the Life-Returning Pill highlights his determination to improve himself.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze interacts with Vice Dean Hu Gan, seeking the Life-Returning Fruit and gifting him the Dou Zong Breaking Pill.
• Hu Jia interacts with Xiao Ze, expressing her astonishment at his achievements.
• Xiao Ze interacts with the Grand Elder, Xiao Yi Xian, and Zi Yan, inviting them to stand guard during the Life-Returning Pill's refinement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze successfully refines a seventh-tier medicinal pill, the Life-Returning Pill.
• The pill refinement attracts pill lightning, causing a pill tribulation.
• Xiao Ze uses his Origin Tree to easily neutralize the pill lightning.
• The event draws the attention of various powerful individuals and factions in the Black-Corner Region.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze demonstrates his incredible alchemical prowess and the power of his Origin Tree.
• The Grand Elder, Xiao Yi Xian, and Zi Yan witness Xiao Ze's capabilities and are left astonished.
• Yao Lao and Xiao Yan sense the pill tribulation and decide to witness the birth of the seventh-tier medicinal pill.

Significant Themes

• The power and rarity of seventh-tier medicinal pills.
• The danger and allure of pill tribulations.
• The importance of secret treasures and powerful guardians in the Black-Corner Region.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze remains calm and composed throughout the pill tribulation, showcasing his confidence and strength.
• The Grand Elder, Xiao Yi Xian, and Zi Yan watch the event with concern and awe.
• Yao Lao and Xiao Yan discuss the pill tribulation and decide to observe it together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze successfully refines a seventh-tier medicinal pill, attracting the attention of powerful experts in the Black-Corner Region.
• Xiao Yan and Yao Lao witness the pill tribulation and Xiao Ze's secret treasure protecting him.
• Experts from the Black-Corner Region arrive at the scene after Xiao Ze leaves, but they decide not to pursue him due to Jia Nan Academy's reputation and the potential presence of hidden experts.
• Xiao Yan decides to explore the Endless Deep Mountains for heavenly treasures to accelerate his cultivation.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze: Proves his prowess as a seventh-tier Alchemist, attracting the attention of powerful experts. Shows his secret treasure's power in protecting him during the pill tribulation.
• Xiao Yan: Witnesses the power of a seventh-tier pill tribulation, broadens his horizons, and decides to seek opportunities in the Endless Deep Mountains.
• Yao Lao: Reveals his presence to Xiao Ze but remains calm about it. Advises Xiao Yan on the challenges of finding heavenly treasures.

Significant Themes

• The power and allure of seventh-tier medicinal pills, which can tempt even Dou Zong experts.
• The deterrent effect of Jia Nan Academy's reputation and the potential presence of hidden experts.
• The importance of opportunities and fortuitous encounters in accelerating cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze and the Grand Elder: They agree on the necessity of returning to the Inner Academy quickly to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
• Xiao Ze and Xiao Yan/Yao Lao: Xiao Ze glances in their direction before leaving, indicating he's aware of their presence. Xiao Yan and Yao Lao discuss the secret treasure protecting Xiao Ze.
• Experts from the Black-Corner Region: They arrive at the scene but decide not to pursue Xiao Ze due to Jia Nan Academy's reputation and the potential presence of hidden experts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze absorbs immense lightning power in the cultivation chamber, enhancing his physique and elemental abilities.
• He discovers that Queen Medusa's evolution has occurred ahead of schedule and is filled with randomness.
• Medusa's evolution fails, and she barely survives, evolving into a lesser form than expected (Earth-Shaking Demon Python instead of Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python).
• Xiao Ze decides to return to the Jia Ma Empire to handle Medusa's affairs before the Fallen Heart Flame riots.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze becomes more powerful after absorbing lightning power, improving his control over energy and its compression.
• Queen Medusa's evolution fails, resulting in a less powerful form, which worries Xiao Ze.

Significant Themes

• Power and evolution: Xiao Ze's absorption of lightning power enhances his abilities, while Medusa's failed evolution results in a weaker form.
• Luck and fate: Medusa survives her evolution by sheer luck, and Xiao Ze hopes her survival is not an ominous sign.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze interacts with the Grand Elder to request leave and return to the Jia Ma Empire.
• He informs Zi Yan, Xiao Yi Xian, and Qing Lin of his decision to return to the Jia Ma Empire, expressing hope that they will catch up to his cultivation level by his return.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze leaves the Inner Academy to head for the Black-Corner Region, crossing the Endless Mountains.
• He encounters a Soul Hall Protector who was drawn by the seventh-tier medicinal pill Xiao Ze had previously refined.
• The Soul Hall Protector attacks Xiao Ze with iron chains, but Xiao Ze counterattacks and defeats him, absorbing his Soul Bag and Soul Locking Chains.
• Xiao Ze destroys the evidence of their battle by burning the area to ash.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze's cultivation has improved to the point where he can fly faster than the gatekeeper elder can perceive, and his physical strength has increased significantly.
• Xiao Ze demonstrates his ability to wield the power of lightning, which is effective against soul bodies.

Significant Themes

• The Soul Hall's pursuit of powerful Alchemists and their methods of tracking them.
• Xiao Ze's growing strength and his ability to handle threats independently.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze interacts briefly with the gatekeeper elder at the Inner Academy entrance.
• He encounters and battles the Soul Hall Protector, ultimately defeating and absorbing his belongings.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Ze kills a Soul Hall Protector and learns he can now defeat Dou Zong-level opponents.
• He creates a new poison specifically to target soul bodies, tailored for the Soul Hall.
• The Soul Hall dispatches three experts to investigate and kill Xiao Ze.
• The Snake-People Tribe's elders discuss saving Queen Medusa, with the Grand Elder planning to seek help from Pill King Gu He in the Jia Ma Empire.

Character Developments

• Xiao Ze gains confidence in his combat strength and creates a new poison.
• The Soul Hall shows its power and influence by dispatching three experts to deal with Xiao Ze.
• The Snake-People Tribe's elders demonstrate their concern for Queen Medusa and their willingness to exhaust resources to save her.

Significant Themes

• The power of Xiao Ze's Woeful Poison Body and his ability to create tailored poisons.
• The influence and reach of the Soul Hall, even in remote regions like the Black-Corner Region.
• The desperation of the Snake-People Tribe to save Queen Medusa and their clan leader.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Ze interacts with the Soul Hall Protector, leading to the Protector's death and Xiao Ze's realization of his strength.
• The Snake-People Tribe's elders discuss and plan their course of action regarding Queen Medusa's condition.