Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Wanqiu's past is similar to Xiao Minghuang's, but Xiao Minghuang takes her situation seriously.
• Xiao Minghuang must examine Lin Wanqiu to ensure she's a virgin, as per palace rules.
• Lin Wanqiu agrees to the examination to maintain her relationship with Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui.
• The next morning, Xiao Minghuang wakes up embraced by Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu.
• Xiao Minghuang asks for the spring water from the previous night, leading to a tense moment.
• Xiao Minghuang gives valuable items to Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu, including the Azure Shadow Sword and various pills.
• They spend days traveling, practicing, and playing together.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang: She shows maturity and understanding of palace rules. She values her relationship with Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu, accepting their closeness. She also displays generosity by giving valuable items to her companions.
• Lin Wanqiu: She shows understanding and cooperation, agreeing to the examination to maintain her relationship with Xiao Minghuang. She also displays magnanimity by accepting Ye Ruoshui's jealousy and treating her like a younger sister.
• Ye Ruoshui: She shows loyalty and protectiveness towards Xiao Minghuang, even to the point of performing the examination herself. She also shows a competitive side, hinting that she wants Xiao Minghuang to taste the spring water again.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Loyalty: Xiao Minghuang trusts Lin Wanqiu, and Ye Ruoshui is loyal to Xiao Minghuang, even to the point of performing the examination.
• Relationship Dynamics: The relationship between Xiao Minghuang, Ye Ruoshui, and Lin Wanqiu evolves, moving from tension to cooperation and closeness.
• Generosity: Xiao Minghuang displays generosity by giving valuable items to her companions.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu: Their relationship evolves from tension to understanding and cooperation. Lin Wanqiu accepts Xiao Minghuang's examination to maintain their relationship.
• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui: Their relationship remains strong, with Ye Ruoshui showing loyalty and protectiveness towards Xiao Minghuang.
• Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu: Their relationship improves, with Lin Wanqiu treating Ye Ruoshui like a younger sister. They also cooperate to maintain their relationship with Xiao Minghuang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang, Ye Ruoshui, and Lin Wanqiu have improved their cultivation levels. Lin Wanqiu's progress is particularly surprising, advancing from Body Tempering Ninth Layer to Qi Refining First Level in just half a month.
• Xiao Minghuang decides it's time to return to the Imperial City for the Royal Grand Competition, which is in two months.
• Xiao Minghuang comforts Lin Wanqiu, who is sad about leaving her homeland. They share a kiss, which is witnessed by Ye Ruoshui.
• Xiao Minghuang later kisses Ye Ruoshui as well, leaving both women blushing and surprised.
• Xiao Minghuang discovers a dual cultivation technique booklet in her belongings, titled "Pure Jade and Ice Dual Cultivation Technique," and worries about Ye and Lin finding it.
• Ye Ruoshui finds the same booklet in her storage bag and is initially embarrassed but later understands it as a dual cultivation technique, not a romantic gesture.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang shows affection and care towards Ye and Lin, making them feel secure and loved.
• Lin Wanqiu shows vulnerability and sadness about leaving her homeland.
• Ye Ruoshui shows composure and understanding, realizing the booklet's purpose and accepting it as a dual cultivation technique.

Significant Themes

• Love and Affection: Xiao Minghuang's affection towards Ye and Lin is a significant theme, showing her care and protection.
• Growth and Improvement: The characters' cultivation improvements highlight their growth and development.
• Understanding and Acceptance: Ye Ruoshui's understanding and acceptance of the dual cultivation technique booklet show her maturity and adaptability.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang comforts and kisses Lin Wanqiu, showing her affection and care.
• Xiao Minghuang kisses Ye Ruoshui, surprising her but also showing affection.
• Ye Ruoshui finds the dual cultivation technique booklet and ponders its meaning, leading to a realization about Xiao Minghuang's intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang, Ye Ruoshui, and Lin Wanqiu prepare to leave Beiyang City for the Imperial City.
• Lin Zhengquan gifts Xiao Minghuang a storage bag containing a Jade Pendant with Lin Wanqiu's name, which was left by Lin Wanqiu's mother. He reveals that Lin Wanqiu's mother was from another state and had a chronic illness that led to her death.
• Lin Zhengquan presents Xiao Minghuang with over a dozen large boxes filled with Spirit Stones, Spirit Medicine, and Spirit Materials as a farewell gift.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang: She shows concern for Lin Wanqiu's feelings and tries to comfort her during their departure. She accepts the gifts from Lin Zhengquan without excessive politeness, understanding their significance.
• Lin Wanqiu: She experiences a mix of emotions upon learning about her mother's past and leaving Beiyang City. She shows maturity in handling her feelings and accepts Xiao Minghuang's comfort.
• Ye Ruoshui: She supports Lin Wanqiu emotionally and offers her friendship.

Significant Themes

• Fate and Destiny: The meeting between Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu is described as a stroke of fate.
• Family and Belonging: Lin Wanqiu's departure from her home and her newfound connection with Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui highlight the importance of family and belonging.
• Gratitude and Appreciation: Lin Zhengquan's generous gifts to Xiao Minghuang demonstrate his gratitude for her help in Beiyang City.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu: Their bond deepens as Xiao Minghuang comforts Lin Wanqiu during their departure, showing care and understanding.
• Lin Wanqiu and Ye Ruoshui: They offer each other emotional support, with Ye Ruoshui extending friendship to Lin Wanqiu.
• Lin Zhengquan and Xiao Minghuang: They exchange gifts and words of gratitude, acknowledging their mutual respect and appreciation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang, Lin Wanqiu, and Ye Ruoshui encounter a sudden Beast Tide as they prepare to leave Beiyang City.
• The Beast Tide, a terrifying phenomenon of ferocious beasts attacking human settlements, is led by a Qi Refining Realm Great Grey Wolf.
• Beiyang City mobilizes to defend against the Beast Tide, with Lin Zhengquan leading the efforts.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang: She demonstrates her responsibility and courage by deciding to help defend Beiyang City against the Beast Tide, despite her initial plan to return to the capital.
• Lin Wanqiu: She shows bravery and leadership by facing the Great Grey Wolf and rallying the soldiers to defend the city.
• Ye Ruoshui: She displays fear but also trust in Xiao Minghuang, seeking comfort from her during the crisis.

Significant Themes

• Responsibility: Xiao Minghuang feels responsible for Beiyang City and decides to help defend it, even though it wasn't part of her original plan.
• Courage and Fear: Characters face their fears and show courage in the face of the Beast Tide, demonstrating their determination to protect their home.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu: They work together to defend the city, showing mutual respect and trust.
• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui: Xiao Minghuang comforts Ye Ruoshui, showing her caring and protective side.
• Lin Wanqiu and the Soldiers: Lin Wanqiu rallies the soldiers, demonstrating her leadership and responsibility towards her people.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A great gray wolf attacks Beiyang City, but the soldiers, led by Lin Wanqiu, defeat it.
• A massive beast tide approaches, led by a Spring Gushing Realm Silver Light Giant Elephant.
• Lin Zhengquan, Beiyang City's lord, breaks through to the Divine Sea Realm with the help of pills given by Xiao Minghuang, and engages the giant elephant in battle.

Character Developments

• Lin Wanqiu demonstrates her leadership and courage, earning respect from the soldiers and a positive impression from Xiao Minghuang.
• Lin Zhengquan, initially hesitant and regretful, gains confidence and breaks through to the Divine Sea Realm, becoming a crucial defender of Beiyang City.
• Xiao Minghuang shows her strategic thinking and resourcefulness, recognizing the potential value of the Silver Light Giant Elephant's corpse.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and courage in the face of adversity (Lin Wanqiu, Lin Zhengquan)
• Strategic thinking and resourcefulness (Xiao Minghuang)
• The power of pills and alchemy (Lin Zhengquan's breakthrough, potential uses of the giant elephant's corpse)

Character Interactions

• Lin Wanqiu earns respect from the soldiers and a positive impression from Xiao Minghuang.
• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui discuss the potential uses of the Silver Light Giant Elephant's corpse.
• Lin Zhengquan and Xiao Minghuang interact briefly, with Lin Zhengquan expressing gratitude for her help.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Zhengquan obtains a powerful magic treasure, a long sword, and uses it to defeat a silver giant elephant.
• Xiao Minghuang allows Lin Wanqiu to join the battle, and she herself also enters the fight.
• Xiao Minghuang challenges a Qi Refining Realm Tiger Yao to hone her combat skills.

Character Developments

• Lin Zhengquan shows his strength and gains a powerful weapon.
• Xiao Minghuang demonstrates her leadership and combat prowess.
• Lin Wanqiu shows her eagerness to fight and improve her skills.
• Ye Ruoshui shows her strategic thinking in planning to refine pills from the giant elephant.

Significant Themes

• The power of magic treasures and their impact on battles.
• The importance of real combat experience in improving skills.
• The strategic thinking and planning in battle.

Character Interactions

• Lin Zhengquan and the giant elephant: A battle of strength and skill.
• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu: Xiao Minghuang allows Lin Wanqiu to join the battle, showing trust and support.
• Xiao Minghuang and the Tiger Yao: Xiao Minghuang challenges the Tiger Yao to improve her combat skills.
• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui: Xiao Minghuang promises Ye Ruoshui the entire giant elephant for her pill refinement, showing care and support for her friend's goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang kills the tiger demon using a powerful saber strike, demonstrating her strength.
• She plans to collect the Divine Elephant Seed and tusks from the Silver Light Giant Elephant's corpse.
• An assassin hidden within the elephant's corpse attacks Xiao Minghuang, severely injuring her.
• Wang Jin, a mysterious powerhouse, appears and kills the assassin with a devastating palm strike.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang showcases her immense strength and skill, earning respect from the soldiers.
• Ye Ruoshui's deep affection for Xiao Minghuang is revealed when she rushes to her side, disregarding her own safety.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power: Xiao Minghuang's display of might earns respect, while the assassin's attack highlights the dangers of underestimating enemies.
• Protection and loyalty: Wang Jin's intervention shows his commitment to protecting Xiao Minghuang, while Ye Ruoshui's actions demonstrate her unwavering loyalty.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and the tiger demon: Their battle showcases Xiao Minghuang's skill and the tiger demon's ferocity.
• Xiao Minghuang and the assassin: Their brief encounter highlights the assassin's sneak attack and Xiao Minghuang's vulnerability.
• Wang Jin and the assassin: Their clash demonstrates Wang Jin's immense power and the assassin's desperation.
• Ye Ruoshui and Xiao Minghuang: Ye Ruoshui's immediate reaction to Xiao Minghuang's injury reveals their deep bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang is severely injured by an assassin during a Beast Tide.
• Lin Wanqiu and Ye Ruoshui work together to stabilize and heal Xiao Minghuang.
• Wang Jin, a Divine Sea sixth-realm expert, reveals he's Xiao Minghuang's servant.
• A Beast Taming Token is found in the slain elephant, suggesting the assassin was controlled by someone.
• Xiao Minghuang wakes up and secretly asks Lin Wanqiu to find out who's behind the assassination.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang: Shows resilience and strategic thinking despite her severe injury.
• Lin Wanqiu: Demonstrates maturity, calmness, and strategic acumen in handling the aftermath of the assassination attempt.
• Ye Ruoshui: Shows deep devotion and care for Xiao Minghuang but lacks the strategic mind needed for the current situation.
• Wang Jin: Reveals his loyalty to Xiao Minghuang and his role as her protector.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and devotion: Wang Jin's loyalty to Xiao Minghuang, and Ye Ruoshui's devotion to her.
• Strategic thinking: Lin Wanqiu's calm and rational approach to uncovering the mastermind behind the assassination.
• Power dynamics: The political intrigue and power struggles within the royal family, leading to the assassination attempt.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu: Xiao Minghuang entrusts Lin Wanqiu with finding the mastermind, showing her trust in Lin Wanqiu's abilities.
• Lin Wanqiu and Wang Jin: They discuss the situation in the capital and the possible mastermind behind the assassination.
• Ye Ruoshui and Xiao Minghuang: Ye Ruoshui shows deep concern and care for Xiao Minghuang's well-being, while Xiao Minghuang is protective of Ye Ruoshui's innocence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Assassins attempt to kill Xiao Minghuang, one hidden in an elephant corpse and another among the guards.
• Lin Wanqiu discovers the second assassin and reports to Xiao Minghuang.
• Xiao Minghuang devises a plan to capture the assassin alive.
• Lin Wanqiu sets a trap using General Li, the captain of the City Lord's mansion guards.
• The assassin, revealed to be General Li, is captured.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang demonstrates her intelligence, prudence, and strategic thinking by devising a plan to capture the assassin.
• Lin Wanqiu shows her loyalty and resourcefulness in setting up the trap.
• General Li reveals his treacherous nature and is captured.

Significant Themes

• Trust and betrayal: Xiao Minghuang's trust in Lin Wanqiu is validated, while General Li's betrayal is exposed.
• Intelligence and strategy: Xiao Minghuang's ability to outsmart her enemies is highlighted.
• Loyalty: Lin Wanqiu's loyalty to Xiao Minghuang is evident in her actions.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu work together to capture the assassin, demonstrating their trust and understanding.
• Xiao Minghuang and General Li's interaction reveals his treachery and her indifference towards his defiance.
• Lin Wanqiu and General Li's interaction shows her suspicion and his attempt to deceive her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang captures General Li, the mastermind behind the assassination attempt during the Beast Tide.
• She reveals that she knew the Second Prince was behind the assassination attempt and set a trap for General Li.
• General Li is taken away by Eunuch Wang for interrogation.
• The next morning, Xiao Minghuang questions General Li, who reveals he's a spy for the Second Prince.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang demonstrates her intelligence and strategic prowess by setting a trap for General Li.
• General Li is revealed to be a spy, showing his deceitful nature.
• Eunuch Wang shows his loyalty and eagerness to serve Xiao Minghuang, trying to make up for his past failures.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: Xiao Minghuang trusts Wang Jin's interrogation methods, while General Li's betrayal highlights the theme of loyalty.
• Intelligence and strategy: Xiao Minghuang's ability to outsmart her enemies showcases her intelligence and strategic thinking.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Wang Jin: They work together to interrogate General Li, showing a harmonious and trusting relationship.
• Xiao Minghuang and General Li: Their interaction reveals General Li's deceit and Xiao Minghuang's determination to uncover the truth.
• Xiao Minghuang, Ye Ruoshui, and Lin Wanqiu: The three women share a tender and affectionate moment, highlighting their close bond.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang interrogates General Li, who reveals details about the assassination attempt.
• She learns that the Second Prince ordered the assassination, while King Wu'an ordered retreat if the first strike failed.
• Xiao Minghuang instructs Lin Zhengquan to select young girls with good character and appearance to send to the capital for her cultivation.
• On the return journey, they find seven opportunities, including rare natural treasures and a mysterious token.
• Xiao Minghuang decides on Ye Ruoshui's and Lin Wanqiu's cultivation paths.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang shows strategic thinking and ruthlessness in dealing with General Li.
• She demonstrates care for the people of Beiyang City by refusing a grand farewell ceremony.
• Wang Jin shows loyalty and adaptability, following Xiao Minghuang's orders without question.
• Lin Wanqiu displays exceptional talent in martial arts, quickly advancing in multiple Yellow Tier techniques.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power struggles within the royal family.
• The importance of talent and character in cultivation and governance.
• Xiao Minghuang's growing ruthlessness and strategic thinking.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Wang Jin: Wang Jin shows unwavering loyalty, while Xiao Minghuang values his service but remains wary.
• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Zhengquan: She shows respect for his position but maintains control over the situation.
• Xiao Minghuang, Ye Ruoshui, and Lin Wanqiu: They cultivate together, with Xiao Minghuang making decisions about their paths based on their talents.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang returns to the Imperial City with Ye and Lin, a month before the Royal Family Grand Competition.
• She learns about the current state of the capital and the potential contenders for the competition from her estate's steward.
• An imperial decree is delivered by Eunuch Wang, announcing Xiao Minghuang's double happiness: her awakened Heaven-grade Five Elements Spiritual Root and the Emperor's intention to hold a grand wedding for her after the competition.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang demonstrates maturity and steadiness, showing no reaction to her talent being exposed.
• Ye Ruoshui remains lazy and indifferent, while Lin Wanqiu shows understanding and seriousness when discussing the capital's situation.

Significant Themes

• Talent and its recognition (Xiao Minghuang's Heaven-grade Five Elements Spiritual Root).
• The Royal Family Grand Competition and the struggle for power.
• Love and relationships (Xiao Minghuang's affection for Lin Wanqiu and the Emperor's intention to hold a wedding for them).

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang interacts with her estate's steward, Wang Er, to learn about the capital's situation.
• She has a conversation with Eunuch Wang, who delivers the imperial decree and discusses her 'double happiness.'
• Xiao Minghuang, Ye, and Lin enjoy a meal together, showcasing their harmonious relationship.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emperor Xia suddenly bestows a marriage between Xiao Minghuang and a unknown suitor, which Xiao Minghuang rejects.
• Wang Jin, the eunuch, reports Xiao Minghuang's relationship with Lin Wanqiu to the Emperor.
• Xiao Minghuang gives cultivation resources to Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu, triggering a System reward.
• Xiao Minghuang kisses both Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu, with Lin Wanqiu initiating a more intimate kiss.
• Xiao Minghuang goes into seclusion for cultivation, instructing Ye Ruoshui to stay in the manor and cultivate diligently.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang: She remains focused on her cultivation and rejects the arranged marriage, showing her determination and independence. She also demonstrates her affection towards both Ye Ruoshui and Lin Wanqiu by kissing them and treating them equally.
• Lin Wanqiu: She initiates a more intimate kiss with Xiao Minghuang, hinting at her growing feelings for her. She also shows understanding and responsibility by staying in the manor to protect Ye Ruoshui while Xiao Minghuang is in seclusion.
• Ye Ruoshui: She continues to be devoted to alchemy but shows improvement in her cultivation under Xiao Minghuang's guidance. She also demonstrates her affection for Xiao Minghuang through her kisses and eagerness to cultivate diligently.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Ambition: Xiao Minghuang's primary focus remains on her cultivation, showing her ambition and determination to improve her strength.
• Relationships and Affection: The kisses exchanged between Xiao Minghuang, Ye Ruoshui, and Lin Wanqiu highlight the deepening of their relationships and the affection they have for each other.
• Independence and Decision-Making: Xiao Minghuang's rejection of the arranged marriage demonstrates her independence and ability to make her own decisions.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu: Their relationship deepens as they exchange more intimate kisses, hinting at growing feelings for each other.
• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui: Their relationship also strengthens as they exchange kisses, with Xiao Minghuang showing concern for Ye Ruoshui's cultivation and instructing her to stay in the manor.
• Xiao Minghuang and Wang Jin: Their relationship becomes strained as Xiao Minghuang suspects Wang Jin of reporting her relationship with Lin Wanqiu to the Emperor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang, using Spirit Stones and elixirs, rapidly advances to the peak of Qi Refining Ninth Level in just seven days.
• The Third Prince of Jinghai Kingdom visits, offering resources and mediation with the Golden Elephant Kingdom in exchange for Xiao Minghuang's hand in marriage.
• Xiao Minghuang rejects the proposal, enraging the Third Prince who threatens her with the power of the Dragon Tiger Sect.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang's cultivation progresses significantly, approaching the Tenth Level of Qi Refining.
• The Third Prince of Jinghai Kingdom reveals his arrogant and entitled nature, showing disregard for Xiao Minghuang and her kingdom.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between kingdoms and the influence of the Dragon Tiger Sect.
• Xiao Minghuang's growth and increasing confidence in her abilities.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang's interaction with the Third Prince highlights her indifference and disdain towards his advances.
• The Third Prince's interaction with Xiao Minghuang reveals his arrogance and lack of respect for her or her kingdom.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang seeks Profound Tier elixirs.
• The Third Prince of Jinghai Kingdom and Elder Hai arrive, intending to assassinate Xiao Minghuang.
• Emperor Xia, now at the Spirit Seed Realm, intervenes and captures Elder Hai.
• Emperor Xia tests Xiao Minghuang by asking her to decide the fate of the Third Prince and Elder Hai.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang shows strategic thinking and decisiveness in handling the situation.
• Emperor Xia displays his newfound strength and tests Xiao Minghuang's capabilities.
• The Third Prince shows cowardice and pleads for his life.
• Elder Hai realizes the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of his actions.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between nations and sects.
• The importance of strategic decision-making in leadership.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Emperor Xia: Father-daughter relationship, testing each other's capabilities.
• Xiao Minghuang and the Third Prince: Power imbalance, with the Third Prince pleading for mercy.
• Elder Hai and Emperor Xia: Rivals, with Elder Hai realizing the severity of his mistake.
• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu: Trust and collaboration, with Lin Wanqiu helping Xiao Minghuang make a decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Third Prince is killed by Wang Jin using dark spiritual energy.
• Xiao Minghuang receives the Third Prince's storage bag containing 100,000 Spirit Stones, various pills, and 10 Spirit Condensation Pills of poor quality.
• Wang Jin is rewarded with 10,000 Spirit Stones by Xiao Minghuang for his service.
• Xiao Minghuang considers giving the Spirit Condensation Pills to Ye Ruoshui for secondary smelting.

Character Developments

• Wang Jin shows his ruthlessness and loyalty to the highest bidder.
• Xiao Minghuang demonstrates her strategic thinking and resourcefulness.
• Lin Wanqiu shows concern for Xiao Minghuang's safety and disapproval of Wang Jin.
• Ye Ruoshui focuses on refining the Body Tempering Pill to aid Xiao Minghuang's future plans.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and resources, reflected in Wang Jin's actions and Xiao Minghuang's strategic planning.
• Trust and loyalty, highlighted by Lin Wanqiu's concern for Xiao Minghuang and Wang Jin's questionable loyalty.
• The importance of cultivating one's own people, emphasized by Ye Ruoshui's focus on creating a group of trusted attendants for Xiao Minghuang.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Wang Jin: Wang Jin shows his value as a servant, but Xiao Minghuang remains cautious and rewards him sparingly.
• Xiao Minghuang and Lin Wanqiu: They share a close bond, with Lin Wanqiu expressing her concerns for Xiao Minghuang's safety and well-being.
• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui: They discuss alchemy and Xiao Minghuang's future plans, with Ye Ruoshui demonstrating her dedication to aiding Xiao Minghuang's goals.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang visits Ye Ruoshui during her pill refining process.
• Ye Ruoshui successfully refines the Elephant Blood Body Tempering Pill, with three pills bearing pill patterns, indicating a quality of over ninety percent.
• The pills trigger an anomaly, which Xiao Minghuang suppresses using her Dragon Pattern Sword.
• Xiao Minghuang learns about refining pill quality and the need for an Innate Fire and a Magic Treasure Alchemical Furnace.

Character Developments

• Ye Ruoshui demonstrates her exceptional pill refining talent, surpassing the Great Xia's enshrined alchemists.
• Xiao Minghuang shows concern for Ye Ruoshui's safety and decides not to reveal her talent to the public.

Significant Themes

• Talent and its recognition (Ye Ruoshui's exceptional pill refining skills).
• Protection and responsibility (Xiao Minghuang's concern for Ye Ruoshui's safety).

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui's relationship deepens as they interact more frequently, with Xiao Minghuang showing care and appreciation for Ye Ruoshui's skills.
• Xiao Minghuang learns about pill refining from Ye Ruoshui and gains new insights into the process.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emperor Xia returns from Jinghai Kingdom with a large ransom, including a Divine Sea Seventh Level Realm martial artist.
• Princess Xiao Minghuang requests an audience with Emperor Xia to borrow the Zhuanhuo Furnace, a Yellow Tier mid-grade alchemical furnace.
• Emperor Xia agrees but warns that the Seventh Elder, who cherishes the furnace, might not lend it easily.
• Xiao Minghuang visits the Seventh Elder in the Enshrinement Courtyard, offering Spirit Medicine in exchange for borrowing the furnace.
• The Seventh Elder initially refuses, blaming his recent failed pill refinements for his foul mood.

Character Developments

• Princess Xiao Minghuang: She demonstrates her determination and resourcefulness in pursuing her goals, showing no fear in facing the powerful Seventh Elder.
• Emperor Xia: He shows his love for his daughter, Xiao Minghuang, but also his limited influence over the Seventh Elder, highlighting the nobility and power of alchemists.
• Seventh Elder: He reveals his foul mood due to recent pill-refining failures and his pride in his alchemy furnace, which he considers a masterpiece.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The interaction between Emperor Xia and the Seventh Elder illustrates the power dynamics within the imperial court, with alchemists holding significant influence.
• Pursuit of Goals: Xiao Minghuang's determination to borrow the alchemy furnace showcases her single-minded pursuit of her goals, even in the face of obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Emperor Xia: Their interaction shows a caring father-daughter relationship, with Emperor Xia offering guidance and support to Xiao Minghuang.
• Xiao Minghuang and the Seventh Elder: Their interaction highlights the power dynamics between the imperial family and alchemists, with Xiao Minghuang attempting to negotiate with the stubborn and proud Seventh Elder.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang visits the Imperial Palace's Alchemy Furnace, finding it connected to the earth and unborrowable.
• She meets the Seventh Elder, who has been struggling with refining pills.
• Xiao Minghuang offers to bring her maidservant, Ye Ruoshui, to exchange and discuss alchemy techniques with the Seventh Elder.
• The Seventh Elder initially dismisses the idea but changes his mind after seeing ten high-quality Yellow Tier top-grade pills refined by Ye Ruoshui.
• Xiao Minghuang returns to the Princess Mansion and shares the good news with Ye Ruoshui, who is excited to use the Yellow Tier middle-grade Alchemy Furnace.

Character Developments

• Xiao Minghuang: Shows determination in helping Ye Ruoshui advance her alchemy skills, even facing the Seventh Elder's initial dismissive attitude.
• Ye Ruoshui: Demonstrates her alchemy talent by refining ten high-quality Yellow Tier top-grade pills, impressing the Seventh Elder.
• The Seventh Elder: Initially arrogant and dismissive, he becomes respectful and eager to learn from Ye Ruoshui after seeing her pills.

Significant Themes

• Talent and diligence in alchemy and martial arts.
• The importance of high-grade Alchemy Furnaces for refining better-quality pills.
• The Seventh Elder's initial arrogance and subsequent humility when faced with superior talent.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and the Seventh Elder: Initially hostile, their relationship improves after the Seventh Elder sees Ye Ruoshui's pills.
• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui: Their bond strengthens as Xiao Minghuang helps Ye Ruoshui advance her alchemy skills.
• The Seventh Elder and Ye Ruoshui: The Seventh Elder becomes eager to learn from Ye Ruoshui after seeing her pills, marking a shift in his attitude.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Minghuang brings Ye Ruoshui to meet the Seventh Elder, a renowned alchemist, to let her use his high-quality pill furnace.
• The Seventh Elder's pill refining session goes awry, causing an explosion in the furnace.
• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui witness the explosion and the Seventh Elder's poor technique.
• Ye Ruoshui criticizes the Seventh Elder's skills, leading to a heated argument.
• Xiao Minghuang proposes a competition between Ye Ruoshui and the Seventh Elder to settle the dispute.

Character Developments

• Ye Ruoshui gains confidence and stands up for herself against the Seventh Elder.
• Xiao Minghuang shows unwavering support for Ye Ruoshui.
• The Seventh Elder reveals his arrogance and lack of sportsmanship.

Significant Themes

• The importance of skill and technique in alchemy.
• The clash between youthful confidence and experienced arrogance.
• The power dynamics between the Imperial Family and their Enshrined Experts.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Minghuang and Ye Ruoshui's sisterly bond strengthens as they stand together against the Seventh Elder.
• The Seventh Elder's disdain for Ye Ruoshui's inexperience and youth leads to a tense standoff.
• Xiao Minghuang's calm and collected demeanor contrasts with the Seventh Elder's anger and arrogance.