Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie publishes an article on Mountain of Light detailing his experiences, clearing his name, and exposing the force behind his framing.
• The article gains traction among Great Xia's knights and courtesans, with many moved by Zhang Tie's poem "Lovers."
• Zhang Tie ends his secluded cultivation after using up the last Earth Element crystal and leaves Lion Fortress through the Earth Element Gate.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: He matures and gains wisdom, using his article to influence public opinion and expose his enemies. He also advances to the third chakra transformation stage.
• The Woman in Red: She is moved by Zhang Tie's poem and decides to list the Panacea Potion as a city reserve in Three Springs Commandery. She also orders the Moral Society in Blowing Snow City to be smashed up again.
• The Old Man in Plain Robes: He is revealed to be a powerful figure who feeds goldfish in a lotus pond, symbolizing his ability to control and manipulate situations. He orders an investigation into the matter involving Zhang Tie and Zhang Mushen.

Significant Themes

• The power of words and public opinion: Zhang Tie's article influences the public's perception of him and draws attention to the force behind his framing.
• The struggle against evil: The article exposes the force that framed Zhang Tie, drawing the attention of Great Xia's knights and the Office of the Chief Justice.
• The pursuit of truth: The article encourages the knights of Great Xia to seek the truth behind the Blessed Sea City incident.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and the Woman in Red: Although they have not met since their encounter in You Province City, the woman is moved by Zhang Tie's poem and takes actions to support him.
• The Old Man in Plain Robes and the three people behind him: The old man's silence and calm demeanor instill fear in the three people, who eventually decide to investigate the matter involving Zhang Tie and Zhang Mushen.
• Zhang Tie and the knights of Great Xia: Zhang Tie's article influences the knights of Great Xia, who begin to question the force behind his framing and the Devouring Party's involvement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The First Abyss is the main battlefield between Lion Fortress and the Devil Race knights.
• The Devil Race must seize the First Abyss to emerge onto the Eastern Continent.
• The Holy War is fought simultaneously on two fronts: underground (Lion Fortress and the First Abyss) and aboveground (surface attacks).
• Zhang Tie enters the First Abyss, navigating its vast, dangerous, and foggy environment filled with abyssal plants and creatures.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his caution and adaptability by extinguishing his Battle Qi and using his Dark Vision to navigate the First Abyss.
• A Devil Race knight is introduced, showing his vigilance and resourcefulness in finding hiding spots.

Significant Themes

• The harsh and unforgiving nature of the First Abyss, reflecting the brutal reality of the Holy War.
• The importance of adaptability and caution in survival and combat.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and the Devil Race knight are unaware of each other's presence, setting up a potential encounter.
• Zhang Tie observes the Devil Race knight from a distance, showcasing his stealth and reconnaissance skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie, in his little black beetle form, discovers a Minotaur Devil knight hiding in the First Abyss.
• Zhang Tie ambushes the Devil knight, striking a critical blow that wounds it severely.
• The Devil knight tries to flee, but Zhang Tie pursues and engages in a fierce battle.
• Zhang Tie gains the upper hand, eventually killing the Devil knight and absorbing its Earth Chakra.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his combat prowess and strategic thinking, successfully ambushing and defeating a Devil knight.
• The Devil knight shows its valiance and desperation in battle but ultimately falls to Zhang Tie's strength.

Significant Themes

• The importance of surprise attacks and strategic positioning in battle.
• The desperation and ferocity of knights in combat, even when facing certain defeat.
• The absorption of Earth Chakra, a key aspect of Zhang Tie's growth in the Earth Element Realm.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and the Minotaur Devil knight engage in a brutal, one-on-one battle.
• Two unknown figures witness Zhang Tie's victory from a distance.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie encounters and kills a minotaur demon knight using a sneak attack and Purgatory Reincarnation.
• Two Hua Clan knights, Gong Ziyao and Zhou Shufan, witness the battle and approach Zhang Tie.
• Zhang Tie decides to return to Lion Fortress with them to exchange the demon knight's horns for benefits and digest his gains from Purgatory Reincarnation.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie (Cui Li): Shows his straightforward and unconstrained nature, as well as his strategic thinking in deciding to return to Lion Fortress with the Hua Clan knights.
• Gong Ziyao and Zhou Shufan: Display their tacit understanding and favor toward Zhang Tie due to his forthrightness and capabilities.

Significant Themes

• The importance of seizing opportunities and making prompt decisions in battle.
• The value of merit and the desire for glory among knights.
• The contrast between secluded cultivation and active participation in the Holy War.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts positively with Gong Ziyao and Zhou Shufan, leading to a decision to return to Lion Fortress together.
• Zhang Tie's straightforwardness and lack of pretension appeal to Gong Ziyao and Zhou Shufan, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie enters Lion Fortress, swiping his card to accumulate time and earn Earth Element Crystals.
• He meets Gong Ziyao and Zhou Shufan, arranging to meet them at Ironblood Tower three days later.
• Zhang Tie heads to the Tower of Radiance to turn in the horns of a minotaur devil Knight he killed, earning 18 Earth Element Crystals, 5 merit points, and 1000 spending points.
• He collects seven days' worth of Knight supplies and returns to his Knight tower.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie's calm and patient demeanor is further emphasized as he prepares his meal without hurry.
• He shows no arrogance or pride despite his accomplishments, maintaining a humble attitude.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Patience: Zhang Tie emphasizes the importance of patience and calmness in cultivation, even when facing mundane tasks like eating.
• Respect for Power: Knights and other personnel in Lion Fortress show admiration and respect towards Zhang Tie for killing a Devil Race Knight.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie briefly interacts with Gong Ziyao and Zhou Shufan, arranging to meet later.
• He exchanges a few words with an old man at the Tower of Radiance, who is impressed by the freshness of the horns Zhang Tie brings in.
• Zhang Tie's calm and composed demeanor is noted by the old man, who treats him with more courtesy after examining the horns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie discovers and uses the Purgatory Reincarnation secret art, which allows him to refine a significant portion of a minotaur devil's chakra wheel elements.
• After refining the elements, Zhang Tie's chakra wheel condenses thirty-six scales, triggering a transformation in his cultivation.
• The transformation results in a ten-percent increase in Zhang Tie's overall combat strength and spiritual energy.
• Zhang Tie learns about the concept of "transformations" in knight ranks, with each transformation corresponding to thirty-six scales.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie's cultivation advances significantly, with his chakra wheel condensing thirty-six scales and his overall combat strength increasing by ten percent.
• Zhang Tie gains a deeper understanding of knight ranks and the differences between secret manuals of different grades.

Significant Themes

• The power and differences of secret manuals of varying grades.
• The concept of "transformations" in knight ranks and the opportunities they present for cultivation advancement.
• The connection between the Great Expansion and the number seven in the context of knight cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with no other characters in this chapter, as it focuses solely on his cultivation and realizations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie leaves the Knight Tower and heads to Ironblood Tower as night falls in the Earth Element Realm, mirroring the surface world's weather patterns.
• Rain begins to pour over Lion Fortress, and Zhang Tie observes it from within the fortress, comparing the experience to dining in a glass-domed restaurant on the surface.
• Zhang Tie arrives at Ironblood Tower, a bar exclusively for Knights, and sees a woman playing the piano who resembles Pandora.
• Pandora recognizes Zhang Tie, and he approaches her, asking if she has a boyfriend. Several Knights nearby, including some from the Hua Clan and Siberian people, become hostile towards Zhang Tie.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: He is calm and collected despite the hostility from other Knights. He shows no hesitation in approaching Pandora and asking about her relationship status, demonstrating his confidence and determination.
• Pandora: She is composed and confident, not easily flustered by Zhang Tie's bold approach. She maintains her composure and responds calmly to his question.

Significant Themes

• The passage of time and change: Both Zhang Tie and Pandora have changed significantly since they last saw each other, yet they still recognize one another.
• Fate and destiny: The chance encounter between Zhang Tie and Pandora raises questions about fate and destiny, as they meet again under unexpected circumstances.
• Social dynamics and hierarchy: The reaction of the Knights in the bar highlights the importance of social status and hierarchy within the fortress, as they quickly come to Pandora's defense.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Pandora: Their reunion is tense and uncertain, with Zhang Tie taking a direct approach to learn about Pandora's relationship status, while she remains composed and guarded.
• Zhang Tie and the Knights: The Knights in the bar are hostile towards Zhang Tie, standing up to defend Pandora's honor and rebuking him for his behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie, disguised as Cui Li, meets Pandora in Lion Fortress.
• Pandora is revealed to be the princess of Demon Slaying Valley, with two powerful bloodlines.
• Zhang Tie and Pandora meet without recognizing each other.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie: Realizes Pandora's true identity and background, decides to protect her secretly.
• Pandora: Shows her strength and popularity in Lion Fortress, but feels melancholic after leaving Ironblood Tower.

Significant Themes

• Unrecognized reunion: Zhang Tie and Pandora meet but do not recognize each other.
• Power of bloodlines: Pandora's unique bloodlines are revealed.
• Melancholy and longing: Both characters feel a sense of loss and longing.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Pandora: They meet but do not interact directly, each feeling a sense of loss.
• Zhang Tie and Zhou Shufan/Gong Ziyao: They exchange information about Pandora through voice transmission.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie meets Gong Ziyao and Zhou Shufan, who invite him to join a mission to obtain a Silver Secret Treasure in the First Abyss.
• The group is to meet at the Ironblood Tower's private room at nine, led by an Earth Knight.
• Zhang Tie agrees to join the mission.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie shows interest and willingness to take risks for potential rewards.
• Gong Ziyao and Zhou Shufan demonstrate their trust and affinity towards Zhang Tie.

Significant Themes

• The allure and power of Silver Secret Treasures.
• The camaraderie and trust among knights.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie, Gong Ziyao, and Zhou Shufan form a bond and agree to undertake a dangerous mission together.
• Zhang Tie is introduced to the world of knights and their influence in the human world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie, Gong Ziyao, and Zhou Shufan attend a secret gathering of Lion Fortress knights in the Ironblood Tower.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person, an Earth Knight, leads the gathering and reveals their mission: to explore a prehistoric ruin within the First Abyss for space beads and spatial equipment.
• The team will face dangers from Devil Race knights and other Lion Fortress knights who might also be exploring the ruins.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie is introduced to the knights of Lion Fortress and is scrutinized due to his lack of reputation and shabby appearance.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person is established as a respected and dominant figure among the knights.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and rewards of exploring prehistoric ruins and battling Devil Race knights.
• The importance of reputation and combat records among knights.
• The fairness and dominance in the distribution of spoils.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with the other knights, feeling their powerful auras and oppressive airs.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person interacts with the knights, revealing his plan and distributing the spoils fairly while maintaining dominance.
• Zhou Shufan vouches for Zhang Tie's combat record, showing his trust and support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie, now disguised as Cui Li, meets with the Knights' Council to confirm the operation against the Devil Race.
• The Knights decide to depart in 24 hours.
• Zhang Tie shops for equipment, buying a high-grade war spear and combat boots using his earth-element crystals and spending points.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie, as Cui Li, demonstrates decisiveness and resourcefulness in preparing for the mission.
• The Knights' Council shows swift and decisive action, reflecting their efficiency and seriousness.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and Readiness: Zhang Tie emphasizes the importance of preparation, highlighting the theme of being ready for challenges.
• Disguise and Identity: Zhang Tie's disguise as Cui Li raises questions about identity and deception.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie (as Cui Li) and Zhou Shufan: They exchange information and show camaraderie, with Zhou Shufan offering help and Zhang Tie accepting it.
• Zhang Tie (as Cui Li) and Gong Ziyao: They maintain a professional relationship, focusing on the mission at hand.
• Zhang Tie and the Girls in Castle of Black Iron: The girls mistake Zhang Tie for the God of Karma, showing reverence and fear, while Zhang Tie is surprised and slightly amused by the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie learns about his title, "God of Karma," from Heller.
• He discovers that Blazing Red Lotus has grown into a pool full of golden lotuses in Castle of Black Iron.
• Zhang Tie, along with a team of knights led by Mountain-Bearing True Person, sets out to explore the First Abyss.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie continues to grow stronger, entering the First Transformation Realm of the Black Iron Knight and receiving another enhancement from an Emperor-level secret method.
• Zhang Tie meets Philton, a knight from the Grimms Republic on the Western Continent, and they quickly form a friendly bond.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and camaraderie among knights.
• The power of titles and reputation.
• The wonders and mysteries of Castle of Black Iron.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie interacts with Heller, learning about his title and the growth of Blazing Red Lotus.
• Zhang Tie meets Philton, a knight from the Grimms Republic, and they quickly become friendly.
• The team of knights led by Mountain-Bearing True Person prepares to enter the First Abyss together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie's team, led by Mountain-Bearing True Person, becomes familiar with each other after three days of travel.
• The team consists of knights from various backgrounds, including Great Xia sect leaders Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi, Western Continent knights Felton, Cecilia, and Bram, and Great Xia knights with family or sect backgrounds.
• The team penetrates several thousand kilometers into the First Abyss, reaching the main battlefield where Devil Race and human knights clash.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie (as Cui Li) becomes more integrated with the team, forming bonds with Felton, Cecilia, and Bram.
• Lu Zhongming and Lin Huanxi, the most particular and strongest knights below Mountain-Bearing True Person, are revealed to be Black Iron Knights at the eighth change realm.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person is confirmed to be an Earth Knight at the second change realm.
• Zhang Tie begins to consider establishing a sect in Great Xia to expand his influence and power.

Significant Themes

• The power and influence of Great Xia's sects, which maintain their strength through master-disciple relationships and provide a path for cultivation and advancement.
• The advantages of sects over family systems in terms of development speed and influence.
• The potential of establishing a sect in Great Xia to expand Zhang Tie's power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie forms a bond with Felton, Cecilia, and Bram, the Western Continent knights.
• Zhang Tie discusses Great Xia's sects with Lu Zhongming, Lin Huanxi, Hua Qianxia, and Ximen Fu.
• Zhang Tie considers the possibility of establishing a sect in Great Xia, comparing it to his current situation and future prospects.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie's squad encounters Devil Race knights for the first time after four days in the First Abyss.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person decides to investigate the battle, taking Zhang Tie with him.
• They discover a battle between three human knights and four Devil Race knights.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person and Zhang Tie join the battle, turning the tide in favor of the humans.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates courage and volunteerism, willing to face danger to help others.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person shows strategic thinking and leadership, making decisions that balance risk and duty.

Significant Themes

• Courage and volunteerism in the face of danger.
• Strategic decision-making and leadership in battle.
• The power dynamics and tactics of knight battles.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Mountain-Bearing True Person work together to turn the tide of battle.
• Zhang Tie's squad waits in hiding, ready to retreat if necessary.
• The human knights and Devil Race knights engage in a fierce battle, with each side trying to gain the upper hand.

Summary

Zhang Tie launches a surprise counterattack against a Devil Race knight and immediately breaks through his defenses. Using the Gold-Eating Triangular Dagger, his mastery of airflow and pressure, and superior speed, Zhang Tie stabs the knight, then grabs his wrist to lock them in brutal point-blank combat—a vicious “gang duel” style reminiscent of Black Flame City thugs. After exchanging only a few blows, the injured Devil Race knight is overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, Mountain-Bearing True Person enters the fray as an Earth Knight, shattering the three-knight Devil Race battle formation and sending one knight flying. The two remaining Devil Race knights flee, chased by the Human knights. Mountain-Bearing True Person kills his opponent, while Zhang Tie drains the dying knight’s earth chakra, slits his throat, and finishes him off with a dagger strike to the heart. Zhang Tie then claims the knight’s black battle saber and bull horns as spoils. Mountain-Bearing True Person approves with a shout of praise.

Key events

• Zhang Tie’s first strike pierces a Devil Race knight’s protective Battle Qi and wounds him.
• He grapples the knight and wins a savage close-quarters duel.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person breaks the Devil Race knights’ formation.
• Two Devil Race knights flee; one is killed by Mountain-Bearing True Person, the other by Zhang Tie.
• Zhang Tie seizes the defeated knight’s weapon and trophy horns.

Character developments

• Zhang Tie shows extreme cunning, brutality, and technical skill, exploiting a tiny opening into a decisive kill.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person demonstrates overwhelming Earth Knight power and tactical impact.

Significant themes

• Ruthlessness and courage as decisive factors in battle.
• Turning fleeting chances into victory through experience and judgment.
• Close combat as a raw, brutal test of will.

Character interactions

• Zhang Tie fights the Devil Race knight at grappling range, systematically draining and killing him.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person fights independently and praises Zhang Tie’s kill.
• Human knights coordinate to chase off the remaining Devil Race knights.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie and Mountain-Bearing True Person encounter three Imperial Guard knights (Zhou Feng, Guo Zifang, Deng Tianhao) who were pursued by four devil knights. They intervene and help the knights, killing two devil knights in the process.
• Zhou Feng warns them about increased devil knight activity and danger in the Iron Enclosure Mountains.
• Zhang Tie and Mountain-Bearing True Person return to Lion Fortress.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his combat prowess and gains the respect of Mountain-Bearing True Person and the Imperial Guard knights.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person warms up to Zhang Tie after seeing his valor and generosity.

Significant Themes

• The power of clumsiness and sincerity (Zhang Tie's character, Cui Li).
• The dangers and rewards of the First Abyss and the Iron Enclosure Mountains.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Mountain-Bearing True Person fight side by side and share cultivation insights.
• Zhang Tie and the Imperial Guard knights (Zhou Feng, Guo Zifang, Deng Tianhao) exchange information and gratitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie and Mountain-Bearing True Person return to the group after killing two Devil Race knights, causing the other knights to reassess Zhang Tie's combat strength.
• The group encounters no more Devil Race knights but increases their vigilance. Mountain-Bearing True Person leads them deeper into the First Abyss.
• A powerful Devil Race knight, later revealed to be a Baron, appears at the scene of the previous battle. He punishes a fleeing knight and absorbs the power from the fallen knight's horns, then pursues Zhang Tie's group.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie's reputation among the knights grows after he kills a Devil Race knight, leading Felton to suggest he could become an ace knight.
• The Devil Race Baron demonstrates his power and ruthlessness, killing a fleeing knight and absorbing his power.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and its consequences is highlighted through the Devil Race Baron's actions and the knights' reaction to Zhang Tie's growing strength.
• The harsh reality of the First Abyss is shown through the Baron's punishment of the fleeing knight.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Mountain-Bearing True Person return to the group, changing the dynamics within the squad.
• Zhang Tie, Felton, Cecilia, and Bram discuss the concept of ace knights and its benefits.
• The Devil Race Baron interacts with the fleeing knight, demonstrating his power and lack of mercy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie and his party enter an underground passage in the First Abyss, where visibility is limited, and encounters are rare.
• They discover vast stretches of pyramid ruins and a sea of purple crystals with associated ores and semiprecious stones.
• On the fourth day, they encounter another party of human knights, including "acquaintances" from Lion Fortress.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie realizes the value of his Castle of Black Iron's space and supplies, understanding its importance for knights in perilous lands.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person shows a cold attitude toward the fat wealthy gentleman, Qi the Old Freak.

Significant Themes

• Encounters and Connections: The theme of encounters and connections is emphasized, with Zhang Tie and his party meeting familiar faces in the vast and desolate First Abyss.
• Resources and Wealth: The importance of resources and wealth for knights is highlighted, with the discovery of the crystal sea and associated ores.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and the six young knights from the Zhang Family of Great Xia recognize each other, with the two female knights feeling uncomfortable in Zhang Tie's presence.
• Mountain-Bearing True Person and the white-browed old man (An Guo) discuss and agree on rules for entering the temple, forbidding private fighting and underhanded attacks.
• Qi the Old Freak arrives with a metal plate required for entering the temple, showing off his wealth and influence.
• Zhang Tie laughs at Qi the Old Freak's words, drawing his ire.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Tie's group meets Qi the Old Freak and his party, as well as a white-browed old man, at the entrance to the temple ruins.
• They discover an Abyss Hurricane raging above a vast sea of lava, preventing them from entering the ruins immediately.
• The white-browed old man determines that the hurricane will dissipate in 45 hours, so they decide to wait and prepare.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie demonstrates his wit and courage by standing up to Qi the Old Freak, earning the old freak's respect.
• Big Sister shows concern for Zhang Tie's safety, hinting at a softening of her attitude towards him.
• Felton, Cecilia, and Bram discuss their strategy for entering the ruins, deciding to stick together.

Significant Themes

• The power of nature and the insignificance of humans in the face of such forces.
• The allure and danger of treasure hunting, with the potential for both great rewards and deadly risks.
• The dynamics of group interactions and alliances, with each party having their own interests and agendas.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie and Qi the Old Freak have a tense but ultimately respectful exchange, with Zhang Tie holding his ground.
• Zhang Tie warns Big Sister about Qi the Old Freak's fickle nature through sound transmission.
• Felton, Cecilia, and Bram discuss their plans for entering the ruins, showing a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The teams arrive at a valley with colossal fungal plants, suitable for resting.
• Zhang Tie's team camps on a statue's thigh, while others camp nearby.
• Zhang Tie, Gong Ziyao, and Felton hunt Earth Beetles for food.
• They return to camp, cook, and eat together, then retire to their tents.

Character Developments

• Zhang Tie continues to condense his Earth Chakra, lighting up four more dragon scales on Cui Li's Knight Crystal Token.
• Gong Ziyao demonstrates knowledge about Earth Beetles, showing his experience and skill.

Significant Themes

• The importance of rest and preparation for knights before facing potential dangers.
• The value of teamwork and camaraderie among the knights.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Tie, Gong Ziyao, and Felton go hunting together, showcasing their teamwork and friendship.
• The entire camp shares a meal, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
• Zhang Tie and Gong Ziyao's easy rapport highlights their growing bond.