Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Fusion of Cultivation Arts”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The elder in the Scripture Library changes his attitude toward Li Yunjing after witnessing his growing reputation and strength. He now treats Li as a heaven-favored genius rather than an ordinary Outer Disciple.
• The elder personally selects ten cultivation arts and spells suited to Li’s abilities, including:
  • Blazing Fire Palm, a powerful fire-element spell.
  • Wind-Catching Shadow-Sweeping Technique, a wind-based movement art that complements Li’s Gale Boots and may make him the fastest Outer Disciple.
  • Additional Five Elements, flight, and special techniques.
• The elder explains the strengths and weaknesses of each art, saving Li considerable time in searching through the Scripture Library’s enormous collection. He also promises to look for Li next month if the recommendation quota allowing access to the second floor is approved.
• Li borrows all ten books for fifteen days through Jin Shouyun, following the library’s strict registration rules, then returns to his temporary residence at Splendid Peak to study in seclusion.
• Steward Li reports to Yu Yunyi about the Orchid Mountain Range mission, taking care to conceal the Yu Family’s involvement in the ambush of Divine Firmament Dao Sect disciples.
• Yu Yunyi is shocked to learn that Li has not only advanced rapidly but has also killed a Qi Refining Realm Great Perfection cultivator. She decides that the Yu Family should help him enter a higher social and cultivation circle, hoping he will benefit the family in the future.
• During his intensive study, Li fuses and reorganizes his scattered techniques into a coherent system. His refined arts become:

Water-Fire Harmony

Ghost Whirl Blade

Myriad Wood Eternal Spring Art

Stone Armor Technique

• These four techniques reach the level of powerful high-grade first-rank spells, while Divine Firmament Dao remains the pure foundational source powering all of them.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing becomes increasingly recognized as a genuine genius. Although he remains cautious about trusting the elder, he accepts the elder’s guidance and uses it effectively.
• Li confronts a major problem in his cultivation: he has accumulated too many disparate techniques and lacks a unified combat system. Through concentrated study and repeated practice, he begins transforming his large body of knowledge into personalized, integrated abilities.
• His mastery and memory are shown to be extraordinary: he can read a page at a glance, remember it perfectly, and mentally visualize the contents. This allows him to absorb and experiment with techniques at remarkable speed.
• The Scripture Library elder shifts from detached librarian to active mentor. His vast knowledge and precise recommendations reveal him to be far more formidable and learned than Li.
• Yu Yunyi moves from merely placing a bet on Li to making a deliberate strategic decision to support and cultivate him as a possible future asset to the Yu Family.
• Steward Li demonstrates caution and political awareness by personally reporting to Yu Yunyi and protecting the Yu Family from exposure.

Significant Themes

• Mentorship and recognition: Li’s rise causes powerful figures to reassess him, granting him access to guidance and opportunities unavailable to ordinary disciples.
• Trust and hidden motives: Li appreciates the elder’s help but remains uncertain about his true intentions, reflecting the danger of relying too easily on powerful people.
• Integration over accumulation: The chapter emphasizes that possessing many techniques is not enough. True strength comes from discarding unsuitable methods and fusing the best ones into a coherent personal system.
• Talent and opportunity: Li’s exceptional abilities attract mentors, allies, and political interest, showing how reputation can open doors within the sect.
• Strategic alliances: Yu Yunyi views Li not merely as a talented individual but as a potential resource whose future strength could benefit the Yu Family.
• Cultivation as refinement: Li’s progress involves not just increasing his realm but purifying, stabilizing, and adapting his arts until they become uniquely his own.

Character Interactions

• The elder encourages Li to stop studying ordinary introductory texts and personally guides him toward advanced techniques suited to a genius.
• Li repeatedly thanks the elder, expressing deep gratitude while privately remaining suspicious of his motives.
• The elder and Li discuss the qualities of the selected spells, with the elder explaining how they complement Li’s existing abilities.
• Jin Shouyun registers Li’s unusually large book borrowing and is surprised by the volume of material Li intends to study.
• Steward Li gives Yu Yunyi a detailed account of Li’s performance in the Orchid Mountain Range, prompting her astonishment and renewed interest in him.
• Yu Yunyi and Steward Li agree that Li’s rapid advancement makes him worthy of greater investment and access to higher circles.
• Through the elder’s advice, Li strengthens Water-Fire Harmony, combining Blazing Fire Palm with Sea-Overturning Art, and further develops his other elemental techniques into a balanced cultivation system.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing integrates his cultivation arts, significantly improving his combat power.
• He completes his work cycle and returns to his living quarters.
• The Outer Disciple Competition is approaching, scheduled for the third month.
• Li Yunjing plans to refine an all-attribute magical artifact and prepare for the competition.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing becomes well-known and respected among his peers due to his strength and friendly demeanor.
• He understands the importance of influence and benefits in the cultivation world.
• Li Yunjing decides to refine a "Five Dragon Wheel" as his life-bound magical treasure, demonstrating his ambition and foresight.

Significant Themes

• The importance of influence and connections in the cultivation world.
• Ambition and preparation for future growth.
• The value of magical artifacts and their role in combat.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing interacts warmly with his peers, showing none of the arrogance typical of an expert.
• He converses with Yan Dingzhi at the Scripture Library entrance.
• Li Yunjing plans to seek help from a sect refiner to forge his magical artifact.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing, a True Disciple, designs blueprints for the "Five Dragon Wheel" natal magic treasure.
• He enters a state of intense cultivation, consuming vast amounts of resources.
• Li Yunjing experiences the Unity of Heaven and Man, a rare spiritual state, for the first time.
• He breaks through to the sixth level of the Qi Refining Realm and decides to visit the Floating Cloud Market.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing demonstrates his ambition and dedication to cultivation, willing to spend vast resources and time to advance quickly.
• He experiences a spiritual breakthrough, entering the Unity of Heaven and Man state, which significantly enhances his cultivation.
• Li Yunjing's wisdom and mental state improve with his cultivation progress.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of cultivation and personal growth, even at great cost.
• The Unity of Heaven and Man as a rare and valuable spiritual state.
• The differences in teaching methods for disciples of varying levels in the Divine Firmament Dao Sect.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing interacts with Ling'er, the young girl who serves Yu Yunyi. He gives her a high-grade flying sword as an apology for teasing her.
• Li Yunjing learns that Steward Li has visited the sect and mentioned his impressive feats to Ling'er.

Summary of "Yin Mountain Bone Demon" Chapter

Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing gifts Ling'er a jade sword, and she invites him to a gathering of Yu Yunyi's friends.
• Wei Henian hires the Yin Mountain Bone Demon, a Foundation Establishment realm cultivator, to assassinate Fu Chao and Li Yunjing.
• The Yin Mountain Bone Demon agrees, swearing a Heart Demon Oath, and Wei Henian gives him a Communication Talisman for notification.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing: Shows generosity by giving Ling'er a valuable gift and accepts her invitation to a gathering.
• Wei Henian: Becomes increasingly desperate and ruthless in his schemes against Li Yunjing and Fu Chao.
• Yin Mountain Bone Demon: Reveals his cunning and caution in dealing with Wei Henian.

Significant Themes

• Greed and ambition (Wei Henian's desire for power and revenge)
• Friendship and camaraderie (Li Yunjing's growing connections within the sect)
• Trust and betrayal (the tense relationship between Wei Henian and the Yin Mountain Bone Demon)

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing and Ling'er: Their friendship deepens as Li Yunjing shows kindness, and Ling'er invites him to a gathering.
• Wei Henian and the Yin Mountain Bone Demon: They form an uneasy alliance, each wary of the other's intentions.

Chapter Summary: “Top-Tier Circle”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing arrives at Morning Sun Peak to attend Yu Yunyi’s gathering. The disciples guarding the teleportation array recognize him because of his recent fame and direct him toward Yu Yunyi’s residence.
• Yu Yunyi warmly welcomes him, introducing him to siblings Yang Wenzheng and Yang Wenyue:
  • Yang Wenzheng is a confident, fifteen- or sixteen-year-old Inner Disciple at the great completion of Qi Refining. He is also a high-grade first-rank artifact refiner and boasts that he will soon become a True Disciple.
  • Yang Wenyue is a reserved eighth-level Qi Refining cultivator and a promising alchemist.
• Li Yunjing enters Yu Yunyi’s luxurious estate, where more than a dozen elite disciples have gathered. The group includes four True Disciples and several highly accomplished Inner Disciples.
• He notices familiar figures, including Fu Chao and Xu Xun. Xu Xun’s presence reveals that, in addition to being a prodigy of the Law Enforcement Hall, he is also a True Disciple.
• Li Yunjing realizes that the Foundation Establishment-level True Disciples form a higher circle and do not associate closely with this gathering’s younger Qi Refining experts.
• Xu Xun’s powerful spiritual pressure overwhelms Li Yunjing when their eyes meet, demonstrating that Xu Xun’s spiritual cultivation is comparable to that of a Foundation Establishment expert.
• Li Yunjing suspects Xu Xun is hostile because of romantic jealousy involving Yu Yunyi. He privately decides to interfere with Xu Xun’s pursuit of her, though this conclusion may be based on a misunderstanding.
• Xu Xun publicly praises Li Yunjing, drawing the attention of the entire gathering to the unusual Outer Disciple.
• The chapter ends as a cold, intimidating female disciple approaches Li Yunjing and remarks that she has heard of his recent fame.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing: Shows increasing composure in dealing with praise and attention. Although still an Outer Disciple, he confidently enters a gathering of elite disciples and carefully evaluates everyone’s strength. His pride and mischievous side emerge when he decides to antagonize Xu Xun over presumed romantic rivalry.
• Yu Yunyi: Establishes herself as a well-connected and influential True Disciple. Her approval is enough to make the gathering’s elite accept Li Yunjing as someone worthy of attention.
• Yang Wenzheng: Revealed as exceptionally talented, ambitious, and highly confident. His cultivation and artifact-refining ability mark him as a future True Disciple.
• Yang Wenyue: Contrasts with her brother through her modest, cautious, and more reserved personality. She is nevertheless recognized as a gifted young alchemist.
• Xu Xun: Demonstrates extraordinary spiritual cultivation and a calm, refined exterior that conceals a fierce and intimidating nature. His interest in Li Yunjing appears ambiguous, though Li Yunjing interprets it as jealousy.
• The unnamed cold female disciple: Introduced as an aloof and formidable figure, immediately creating tension and anticipation.

Significant Themes

• Strength determines status: Sect seniority depends primarily on cultivation and ability rather than age. Li Yunjing must call even a much younger genius “senior brother” because of institutional rank and strength.
• Elite circles and social hierarchy: The gathering reflects the stratification of the sect, with Outer Disciples, Inner Disciples, True Disciples, and Foundation Establishment experts occupying separate levels of influence.
• Reputation and recognition: Li Yunjing’s recent achievements have made him famous, but his sudden prominence also makes him an object of curiosity and scrutiny among stronger disciples.
• Hidden strength and intimidation: Xu Xun’s spiritual pressure reveals that appearances and official cultivation levels do not fully convey a cultivator’s true power.
• Pride and misunderstanding: Li Yunjing’s assumption that Xu Xun is jealous of him introduces potential rivalry based on incomplete information.

Important Character Interactions

• The teleportation guards treat Li Yunjing with respect after recognizing his reputation.
• Yu Yunyi welcomes Li Yunjing and introduces him to the Yang siblings.
• Yang Wenzheng offers Li Yunjing discounted artifact-refining services, while Li Yunjing sincerely acknowledges his talent.
• Xu Xun and Li Yunjing exchange a tense gaze, exposing the vast difference in their spiritual cultivation.
• Xu Xun then praises Li Yunjing publicly, making him the focus of the gathering’s attention.
• An icy, unnamed female disciple approaches Li Yunjing at the end, setting up the next interaction.

Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing encounters Leng Yuqian, an Inner Sect prodigy, who challenges him to a fight.
• The fight takes place in the Yu Family's martial arts arena, with other prodigies watching.
• Li Yunjing reveals his sixth-level Qi Refining Realm cultivation, shocking the onlookers.
• Leng Yuqian uses powerful martial arts and spells, while Li Yunjing employs his composite spell, Water-Fire Harmony.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing demonstrates his formidable cultivation speed and combat prowess.
• Leng Yuqian showcases her strength and ruthlessness in battle.
• Fu Chao feels threatened by Li Yunjing's progress and considers focusing on cultivation.
• Xu Xun recognizes Li Yunjing's potential as a future threat.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation speed and combat prowess among prodigies.
• The pressure and competition within the Inner Sect.
• The struggle between Li Yunjing's desire for recognition and his need to maintain his dignity.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing and Leng Yuqian engage in a fierce yet controlled sparring match.
• Fu Chao feels a sense of crisis due to Li Yunjing's progress.
• Xu Xun acknowledges Li Yunjing's potential as a rival.
• The other prodigies discuss and analyze Li Yunjing's strength, leading to a quiet stir among them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing's duel with Leng Yuqian ends in a draw, surprising everyone with his strength.
• Yu Zongzhe, Yu Yunyi's brother and a top Inner Sect prodigy, appears and befriends Li Yunjing.
• The group discusses the upcoming Outer Sect minor competition and the Inner Sect's "Dragon and Tiger Ranking" tournament.
• They share insights about the Southern Heaven Continent and the Divine Firmament Dao Sect's external affairs, including tensions with the Yin Mountain Sect.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing gains recognition and acceptance among the Inner Disciples due to his strength.
• Fu Chao shows unexpected support for Li Yunjing, indicating a shift in his attitude.
• Yu Zongzhe reveals his intention to participate in the "Dragon and Tiger Ranking" tournament, causing unease among the other prodigies.
• Li Yunjing learns about the broader world and the Divine Firmament Dao Sect's external affairs.

Significant Themes

• Recognition and acceptance based on strength and potential.
• The broader world and the Divine Firmament Dao Sect's external affairs.
• Competition and ambition among prodigies.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing and Leng Yuqian's duel highlights their strength and potential.
• Li Yunjing gains acceptance and friendship from Yu Zongzhe and other Inner Disciples.
• Fu Chao unexpectedly supports Li Yunjing, showing a change in his attitude.
• The group shares insights and secrets, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Divine Firmament Dao Sect is engaged in a long-standing war with other sects and races.
• Li Yunjing learns about the sect's annual tax collection process.
• Lu Ruoxi secures a spot to audit the accounts of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.
• Li Yunjing obtains Lu Ruoxi's communication frequency and is offered a share of the benefits.
• Yu Yunyi also expresses interest in taking Li Yunjing with her if she secures a spot.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing shows interest in gaining experience by joining the tax collection mission.
• Lu Ruoxi demonstrates her influence and connections by securing a spot in advance.
• Yu Yunyi reveals her possessiveness over Li Yunjing, hinting at her growing feelings for him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics within the sect and the Great Ming Dynasty.
• The importance of connections and influence in securing favorable assignments.
• The allure of wealth and benefits driving cultivators' actions.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing interacts with various True Disciples, learning about the sect's affairs and securing opportunities.
• Lu Ruoxi and Yu Yunyi subtly compete for Li Yunjing's favor, revealing their interest in him.
• Xu Xun and Yu Zongzhe remain calm and collected, hinting at their understanding of the sect's power dynamics.

Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing attends a banquet hosted by Yu Yunyi, where he meets and befriends several influential geniuses.
• Xu Xun becomes jealous of Li Yunjing's closeness with Yu Yunyi and leaves the banquet in a huff.
• After the banquet, Yu Yunyi warns Li Yunjing about Lu Ruoxi's dangerous nature and advises him to stay away from her.
• Li Yunjing invites Yu Yunyi to a dinner he plans to host next month to express his gratitude.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing's cultivation has improved significantly, making him more confident and outspoken.
• Xu Xun's jealousy of Li Yunjing's relationship with Yu Yunyi is revealed, showing his possessive and narrow-minded nature.
• Yu Yunyi shows concern for Li Yunjing's well-being and offers him guidance and protection.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivating one's strength and talent to gain respect and influence.
• The dangers of becoming entangled with the wrong people, such as Lu Ruoxi.
• The value of reciprocity and repaying kindness, as shown by Li Yunjing's desire to help Wang Weizhi.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing and Yu Yunyi's relationship becomes more friendly and open, with Li Yunjing feeling comfortable enough to share his thoughts and concerns with her.
• Li Yunjing and Xu Xun's rivalry becomes more apparent, with Li Yunjing actively trying to sow discord between Xu Xun and Yu Yunyi.
• Yu Yunyi and Lu Ruoxi's friendship is shown to be strained, with Yu Yunyi warning Li Yunjing about Lu Ruoxi's manipulative nature.

Chapter Summary: “Repaying Kindness”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing asks Yu Yunyi to help his friend Wang Weizhi. Impressed by Wang’s character and performance, Yu Yunyi agrees to promote him and arrange a position for him at Yueming Pavilion in Floating Cloud Market.
• Li Yunjing feels satisfied that he has repaid Wang’s past assistance and strengthened his relationship with Yu Yunyi.
• The gathering at Morning Sun Peak also helps Li Yunjing enter the sect’s elite social circle. By collecting the contact information of many talented disciples, he gains greater protection and is no longer someone Wei Henian can easily intimidate.
• Li visits Floating Cloud Market, a bustling cultivation marketplace far larger than Sunset Valley Market. He avoids entering Yueming Pavilion to keep his wealth and activities private.
• Instead, he visits a massive shop resembling a supermarket and spends 1,000 Spirit Stones on basic materials for practicing talisman-making, artifact refinement, pill refinement, and formations. The shop staff are pleased because he helps clear out a large amount of low-grade inventory.
• After returning to Splendid Peak, Li resumes his duties. Fifteen days later, the mysterious old man in purple finally appears and grants him permission to enter the second floor of the Scripture Library for one day, in exchange for Spirit Stones or contribution points.
• The old man is surprised to learn that Li has reached the sixth layer of Qi Refining and comprehended the state of unity between heaven and man. He praises Li’s talent but warns him against becoming arrogant.
• Li reflects on his recent success and recognizes that he has become overly confident. He reminds himself that even a powerful Qi Refining cultivator can still be killed through carelessness, poison, or an unexpected attack.
• The old man, recognizing his own youthful arrogance in Li, advises him indirectly that excessive rigidity leads to ruin while humility and restraint allow one to endure.
• Li later receives a message from Lu Ruoxi instructing him to meet at Guest-Welcoming Peak and travel to the Ten Thousand Sword Sect. He assumes Yu Yunyi’s plan to involve the Yu Family in the account inspection has failed, which is correct: the Yu Family refuses to participate because the matter is politically sensitive.
• The next morning, Li arranges a work handover with Yan Dingzhi so he can visit the Scripture Library. Yan is shocked and envious that Li, despite being an Outer Disciple with only a few months of service, has earned access to the second floor after Yan’s nearly three years of service have not.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing: Becomes more socially connected, cautious, and strategically aware. His growing cultivation and opportunities increase his confidence, but the old man’s warning reminds him to remain humble and careful. He also continues developing his skills by purchasing materials for multiple cultivation-related crafts.
• Yu Yunyi: Demonstrates generosity and sound judgment by supporting Wang Weizhi’s advancement, though her attempt to involve the Yu Family in the account inspection is rejected.
• Wang Weizhi: Receives a major opportunity to improve his income and status through a position at Yueming Pavilion.
• The old man in purple: Reveals sympathy and concern for Li. His advice is shaped by regret over his own reckless past and implies that his present condition resulted from excessive arrogance.
• Yan Dingzhi: Develops feelings of envy and inferiority after realizing how quickly Li has advanced and gained privileges.
• Lu Ruoxi: Continues to act efficiently, arranging Li’s upcoming trip to the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.

Significant Themes

• Repaying kindness: Li considers Wang’s improved position a proper repayment for past assistance, emphasizing loyalty and gratitude.
• Networking and influence: Li’s expanded circle gives him protection and status within the sect, showing that relationships are as important as personal strength.
• Humility versus arrogance: Li’s breakthrough makes him proud, but the old man reminds him that talent and power do not justify carelessness.
• Caution in cultivation: The chapter stresses that Qi Refining cultivators remain vulnerable, and survival depends on prudence rather than strength alone.
• Mentorship and regret: The old man’s warning reflects his own past mistakes and suggests that wisdom often comes from painful experience.
• Privacy and strategic restraint: Li deliberately hides his wealth and avoids drawing unnecessary attention, demonstrating growing political awareness.

Character Interactions

• Li and Yu Yunyi establish a more favorable relationship through their discussion of Wang Weizhi’s promotion.
• Li and the old man share a mentor-like exchange: the old man praises Li’s talent, corrects his arrogance, and grants him access to the Scripture Library.
• Li and Yan Dingzhi interact during the work handover. Yan’s admiration quickly turns into envy when he learns of Li’s rare opportunity.
• Li’s communication with Lu Ruoxi sets up his imminent journey to the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.
• Li’s indirect relationship with the Yu Family highlights the family’s cautious political stance and Yu Yunyi’s limited authority in sensitive matters.

Chapter Summary: “Five Thunders Method”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing goes to the second floor of the Scripture Library with a recommendation letter from a powerful elder.
• The two Inner Disciples guarding the stairs are astonished by the letter’s authority and immediately treat Li Yunjing with respect, personally helping him complete the entry procedures.
• He passes through a teleportation barrier at the top of the heavily protected staircase and arrives on the second floor, which contains hundreds of private stone chambers rather than ordinary bookshelves.
• Li Yunjing pays 1,000 Spirit Stones to rent a chamber for one day, allowing him to consult any books unrelated to Foundation Establishment.
• Inside Chamber 378, he discovers an advanced light-curtain system that lets him browse and request texts using his divine sense. He chooses the lightning arts category and selects the Five Thunders Method, the same technique associated with Xu Xun.
• The technique combines the five elements into five forms of divine thunder: Wood God Thunder, Fire God Thunder, Earth God Thunder, Geng Gold Thunder, and Water God Thunder.
• Li Yunjing begins studying it immediately. He realizes it is vastly more complicated than ordinary spells and requires precise control of spiritual power and thunder within the body. A mistake could seriously injure or kill the practitioner.
• Although he originally hoped to read many books in one day, the Five Thunders Method consumes his entire attention. His strong Thunder Spirit Root and prior knowledge of lightning arts allow him to understand it despite its extreme difficulty.
• The chapter ends by shifting to the fifth floor, where the purple-robed elder asks another elder for help regarding Li Yunjing, explaining that he does not want such a promising disciple to waste his life performing menial duties.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing: Demonstrates social tact by respecting the Library’s rules while benefiting from the recommendation letter. His curiosity and ambition become clear when he chooses the exceptionally difficult Five Thunders Method rather than safer techniques. His hidden talent is emphasized: although he appears to possess only an ordinary Five Elements Spiritual Root, he actually has a high-grade Thunder Spirit Root and may possess potential comparable to legendary figures in the sect’s history.
• The Scripture Library attendants: Initially formal and cautious, they become deferential once they see Li Yunjing’s recommendation letter, revealing the influence of powerful patrons within the sect.
• The purple-robed elder: His concern for Li Yunjing deepens. He has deliberately arranged access to powerful techniques and is now seeking assistance to free Li Yunjing from unimportant duties.
• Xu Xun: Though absent, he serves as Li Yunjing’s rival and inspiration. His use of the Five Thunders Method motivates Li Yunjing to master it and eventually surpass or embarrass him.

Significant Themes

• Hidden talent and disguised potential: Li Yunjing conceals his true abilities, causing others to underestimate him. His choice of the Five Thunders Method suggests that his real aptitude may rival the sect’s greatest historical prodigies.
• Ambition and rivalry: Li Yunjing’s desire to master the same technique as Xu Xun is driven partly by competition and revenge.
• The price of power: The Five Thunders Method offers extraordinary destructive strength but is extremely difficult and dangerous to cultivate.
• Privilege and hierarchy: A recommendation from a powerful elder transforms how ordinary disciples treat Li Yunjing, showing the importance of status and connections within the sect.
• Mentorship and opportunity: The purple-robed elder quietly creates opportunities for Li Yunjing, hoping to prevent his talent from being wasted.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing politely cooperates with the two guards, whose attitude changes from procedural caution to flattery after seeing his recommendation.
• The female attendant explains the borrowing system and recommends renting a chamber, though she offers little personal guidance.
• Li Yunjing’s internal response to Xu Xun’s achievement reveals a competitive, determined attitude toward their future rivalry.
• The purple-robed elder speaks with the black-robed elder, Senior Brother Liu, asking for help. Their conversation combines teasing familiarity with serious concern over Li Yunjing’s future.

Chapter Summary: A New Mission (Monthly Ticket Request)

Key Plot Points and Events

• In the Scripture Library, Senior Brother Sun and the black-robed elder Liu discuss Li Yunjing’s remarkable cultivation progress. Although Li originally possessed only an ordinary mid-grade, mid-tier Five Elements Spiritual Root, Sun believes he is an exceptional genius capable of reaching the Golden Core Realm.
• Senior Brother Sun predicts that Li Yunjing may win first place in the Outer Sect Competition, despite fierce competition from veteran outer disciples who have suppressed their cultivation for years to claim the competition’s rewards.
• Sun refuses Liu’s suggestion that the sect secretly give Li special treatment. He insists that Li should rely on his own ability and forge his own path.
• The conversation reveals Sun’s declining health and impending death. Although Liu feels sorrow, Sun remains calm and philosophical, accepting that death is unavoidable for anyone who has not ascended.
• Meanwhile, Li Yunjing spends twenty-four hours in the Scripture Library studying the Five Thunders Method. He memorizes the first volume almost completely and becomes intensely absorbed in understanding it, believing that a month of study will allow him to comprehend it fully.
• After his allotted reading period ends, Li returns his token and leaves the library. He travels to Guest-Welcoming Peak to meet the people accompanying him on an assignment.
• At the mountain gate, Li encounters Ma Ye, who now treats him with extreme respect after learning that Li killed a peak Qi Refining cultivator. Ma’s change in attitude surprises his patrol subordinates and confirms Li’s growing reputation.
• An Azure Cloud Boat arrives to transport Li. He boards and meets Lu Ruoxi, who teases and flirts with him while taking his Identity Token to register his mission.
• Li struggles to remain composed around Lu Ruoxi’s charm, inwardly deciding that he should avoid dangerous, seductive women. He also briefly worries about whether Fu Chao has dealt with Ling Hua as instructed.
• Lu Ruoxi assigns Li a new Inner Sect Mission: he will serve as a tax inspector for an audit involving the Ten Thousand Sword Sect, responsible for verifying the quantity of spirit grain.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing: Demonstrates exceptional dedication and memory while studying the Five Thunders Method. His reputation has risen sharply, and even people who once underestimated him now treat him with admiration and fear. Despite his growing strength, he remains awkward and self-conscious around Lu Ruoxi.
• Senior Brother Sun: Is established as a powerful former prodigy who recognizes Li’s talent and may eventually pass on his techniques. His calm acceptance of death contrasts with his deep enthusiasm and hope for Li’s future.
• Elder Liu: Shows loyalty and concern for Sun, both grieving Sun’s condition and hoping to help by giving Li special protection. Sun’s praise causes Liu to take Li much more seriously.
• Ma Ye: Has completely changed from a domineering and dismissive guard into an excessively humble admirer of Li, revealing his fear and respect after learning of Li’s victory.
• Lu Ruoxi: Continues to display a playful, seductive, and psychologically perceptive personality. She enjoys watching Li become flustered and seems to assume that her charm has captivated him.

Significant Themes

• Hidden talent and changing perceptions: Li’s rapid advancement shows that appearances and initial evaluations can be misleading. Those who once dismissed him must now acknowledge his ability.
• Merit versus favoritism: Senior Brother Sun refuses to arrange special treatment for Li, emphasizing that true geniuses should establish their own achievements.
• Dedication and comprehension: Li’s obsessive study of the Five Thunders Method highlights the importance of focus, understanding, and intellectual talent rather than cultivation time alone.
• Mortality and legacy: Sun’s acceptance of death and desire to pass his techniques to Li introduce the theme of preserving one’s legacy through the next generation.
• Power and social status: Ma Ye’s dramatic change in behavior illustrates how strength and reputation determine the way cultivators treat one another.
• Romantic tension and emotional restraint: Li’s interactions with Lu Ruoxi create playful tension, while his attempts to avoid being seduced reveal both his self-control and vulnerability.

Important Character Interactions

• Senior Brother Sun and Elder Liu: Debate Li’s potential, Sun’s condition, and whether Li should receive special assistance.
• Li Yunjing and Ma Ye: Reconnect at Guest-Welcoming Peak; Ma Ye’s exaggerated respect reflects Li’s transformed status.
• Li Yunjing and Lu Ruoxi: Exchange flirtatious dialogue during the mission registration. Lu Ruoxi deliberately provokes Li, while he becomes embarrassed and tries to maintain his composure.
• Li Yunjing and Fu Chao: Though Fu Chao does not appear, Li’s concern over whether he has eliminated Ling Hua suggests an unresolved subplot involving the two of them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing is assigned to audit the Ten Thousand Sword Sect with a team from the Divine Firmament Dao Sect.
• They travel to the sect via Azure Cloud Boat, taking two hours to reach the southwestern border of the Great Ming Dynasty.
• Upon arrival, they are greeted by the Sect Leader of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect, Heavenly Sword Master, and his elites.
• The audit team is led into the sect's city, given a grand tour, and accommodated in a luxurious courtyard with a Spirit Gathering Array for cultivation.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing: He remains calm and collected, ignoring the hostile glares of Lu Ruoxi's sycophants. He uses humor to charm Lu Ruoxi and gains her favor.
• Lu Ruoxi: She continues to tease Li Yunjing, enjoying his company. She is the center of attention among the Ten Thousand Sword Sect disciples.
• Heavenly Sword Master: He is polite and accommodating to the audit team, going to great lengths to ensure their comfort, despite the financial strain it causes his sect.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The Divine Firmament Dao Sect's power and influence are evident in their treatment of smaller sects like the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.
• Appearance vs Reality: Lu Ruoxi's beauty captivates everyone, but her true nature is manipulative and self-serving.
• Cultivation and Resources: The Spirit Gathering Array in the courtyard highlights the importance of resources in cultivation and the disparities between sects.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing and Lu Ruoxi: They continue their cat-and-mouse game, with Li Yunjing trying to keep Lu Ruoxi at arm's length while also ingratiating himself to her.
• Divine Firmament Dao Sect and Ten Thousand Sword Sect: The interactions between members of both sects are formal and polite, with underlying tension due to the audit.
• Li Yunjing and the Ten Thousand Sword Sect Disciples: Li Yunjing is viewed with hostility by the Ten Thousand Sword Sect disciples, who are jealous of his closeness to Lu Ruoxi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ten Thousand Sword Sect, despite its name, is a small sect with limited resources, struggling to maintain a large Spirit Gathering Array to accommodate the Divine Firmament Dao Sect's guests.
• Li Yunjing is tasked with inspecting the Ten Thousand Sword Sect's spirit fields and grain storage, a minor task with little potential for personal gain.
• A grand banquet is hosted in the evening, with the Ten Thousand Sword Sect pulling out all the stops to entertain their guests.
• The next day, Li Yunjing is to inspect the spirit fields and grain storage, but he first visits the sect's marketplace with Deng Yanshi, a sect deacon.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing shows curiosity and interest in the marketplace, prioritizing his personal affairs over his official duties.
• Deng Yanshi, though humble and respectful, is cunning and tries to please Li Yunjing to gain favor with the Divine Firmament Dao Sect.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between large and small sects in the cultivation world, with small sects struggling for resources and influence.
• The importance of personal connections and networking in the cultivation world, as seen in Deng Yanshi's attempt to befriend Li Yunjing.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing interacts with Deng Yanshi, showing curiosity and interest in the marketplace, while Deng Yanshi tries to please Li Yunjing.
• Li Yunjing's interaction with the other Divine Firmament Dao Sect disciples is minimal, as he is the only Outer Disciple and is treated differently.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing agrees to accompany Deng Yanshi to the market of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.
• They encounter a stall selling a Heavenly Thunder Stone for 5,000 low-grade Spirit Stones.
• Li Yunjing decides to buy the Heavenly Thunder Stone without haggling, demonstrating his wealth and generosity.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing: Shows his interest in rare materials, particularly the Heavenly Thunder Stone. He displays his wealth, generosity, and fairness by buying the stone at the asking price without haggling. He also shows his confidence and lack of fear towards potential threats.
• Deng Yanshi: Realizes Li Yunjing's wealth and extravagance, leading him to reassess Li Yunjing's status and power. He also shows his eagerness to please Li Yunjing, possibly to gain favor or curry favor with the Divine Firmament Dao Sect.
• The Stall Owner: Initially cautious and worried about selling his prized possession, he becomes more at ease after Li Yunjing's fair and straightforward demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and Power: Li Yunjing's display of wealth and his status as a disciple of the Divine Firmament Dao Sect command respect and fear from the cultivators around him.
• Fairness and Trust: Li Yunjing's decision to buy the Heavenly Thunder Stone at the asking price without haggling shows his trust in the vendor and his commitment to fair trade.
• Caution and Greed: The stall owner's initial caution and the cultivators' greed after learning about the transaction highlight the dangers and temptations in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing and Deng Yanshi: Deng Yanshi leads Li Yunjing through the market, trying to impress him and gain favor. Li Yunjing, in turn, shows his interest in the market and its unique offerings.
• Li Yunjing and the Stall Owner: Li Yunjing shows his interest in the Heavenly Thunder Stone, while the stall owner, initially cautious, becomes more at ease after Li Yunjing's fair and straightforward demeanor.
• Li Yunjing and the Crowd: The cultivators in the market show respect and fear towards Li Yunjing due to his status and wealth. However, some also harbor greedy thoughts after learning about the transaction.

Chapter Summary: “Benefits Fee”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing purchases a rare Heavenly Thunder Stone from a market stall for a large sum of Spirit Stones.
• He handles the stone directly, despite its dangerous electrical power, astonishing the stallholder. His use of a Hundred Treasure Pouch also attracts the envy and greed of nearby cultivators.
• Anticipating trouble, the stallholder quickly abandons his stall and escapes, while several spectators pursue him, likely hoping to seize his remaining wealth or goods.
• Li Yunjing remains unconcerned about being targeted. He trusts his strength, his status as a disciple of the Divine Firmament Dao Sect, the support of Lu Ruoxi, and the protection of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.
• He spends the next half hour searching the market, buying rare materials and trading away unwanted items. Through barter, he acquires several bargains while saving Spirit Stones.
• Deng Yanshi, who accompanies him, realizes that Li Yunjing’s dealings have exceeded ten thousand Spirit Stones in value and becomes increasingly impressed—and envious.
• Deng invites Li Yunjing to lunch at a Ten Thousand Sword Sect tavern. During the meal, he presents Li with a “gift” from the sect: a Storage Bag containing one hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones.
• Li accepts the payment and subtly assures Deng that the grain accounts should present no problems, effectively agreeing to overlook irregularities in the Ten Thousand Sword Sect’s accounts.
• Li and Deng establish a closer relationship, each seeing potential benefit in the other. Deng promises to assist Li whenever he needs help in Ten Thousand Sword City.
• While dining, Li listens to local conversations and gathers information about the Ten Thousand Sword Sect, Ten Thousand Sword City, and several promising young cultivators.
• After briefly becoming absorbed in watching ordinary people in the streets, Li decides to begin inspecting the accounts immediately so he can finish the assignment early and rest the following day.

2. Character Developments

• Li Yunjing is shown to be powerful, confident, resourceful, and politically astute. He is not intimidated by possible enemies and understands how much protection his sect’s reputation provides.
• His casual handling of the Heavenly Thunder Stone demonstrates unusual physical or spiritual compatibility with powerful materials.
• Li also reveals a calculating side: although he pretends reluctance, he readily accepts the Ten Thousand Sword Sect’s bribe and offers a vague assurance in return.
• He continues building connections outside his own sect, viewing allies in the Ten Thousand Sword Sect as useful “backup” relationships.
• Li’s period of quiet reflection reveals that, despite his ambition and pragmatism, he is mentally fatigued by prolonged cultivation and still longs for the relaxed life he once led while wandering the Great Ming Empire.
• Deng Yanshi becomes increasingly eager to please Li. He sees friendship with a Divine Firmament Dao Sect disciple as a major opportunity to secure his own position and future.
• Deng’s outward courtesy contrasts with his private resentment toward Li’s shameless acceptance of benefits, but his desire for advancement outweighs his irritation.
• The stallholder is portrayed as cautious and experienced, immediately fleeing once he recognizes the danger created by the valuable Heavenly Thunder Stone and the greed of the crowd.

3. Significant Themes

• Power and reputation: Li’s sect affiliation grants him authority and protection, allowing him to act openly where ordinary cultivators would need to hide.
• Greed and human nature: The market crowd’s envy, jealousy, and killing intent reveal how quickly valuable treasures provoke violence.
• Corruption and transactional loyalty: The “gift” from the Ten Thousand Sword Sect functions as a benefits fee or bribe, showing how official inspections can be influenced by wealth and status.
• Political networking: Li deliberately cultivates external allies, following the idea of preparing multiple sources of support rather than relying solely on his own sect.
• Strength backed by institutions: Li’s confidence comes not only from personal ability but also from the immense power of the Divine Firmament Dao Sect and its allies.
• Rest amid cultivation: Li’s reflection on ordinary life emphasizes the emotional cost of relentless cultivation and his need for moments of peace.
• Sect hierarchy and influence: The varying expected benefits for Outer Disciples, Inner Disciples, True Disciples, and Foundation Establishment stewards highlight the rigid status structure of the cultivation world.

4. Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing and the stallholder: Their transaction is outwardly simple, but Li’s effortless handling of the Heavenly Thunder Stone unsettles the stallholder and confirms Li’s extraordinary nature.
• Li Yunjing and the spectators: The crowd views Li as a wealthy, vulnerable target, while Li remains confident that none of them pose a serious threat.
• Li Yunjing and Deng Yanshi: Their lunch evolves into a mutually beneficial alliance. Deng offers money and future assistance, while Li grants reassurance and the prestige of calling him a friend.
• Li’s relationship with the Ten Thousand Sword Sect: He regards the sect as a subordinate but capable ally of the Divine Firmament Dao Sect. He respects its military contributions and believes it will prosper under his sect’s protection.
• Deng’s relationship with his own sect: Deng acts as an intermediary, trying to satisfy Li so he can later claim credit and rewards from his elders for successfully handling the inspection.
• Li and the ordinary world: His silent observation of the streets creates a brief, introspective contrast to the political maneuvering and cultivation-focused events of the chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing arrives at the Ten Thousand Sword Sect's spirit fields, verifies the accounts, and signs off.
• He instructs Deng Yanshi to organize a trade fair for him and leaves.
• The next day, Deng Yanshi delivers an invitation to the trade fair at the Treasure Gathering Pavilion.
• Li Yunjing attends the trade fair, which is held on the third floor of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, accessible only to invited cultivators.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing: He demonstrates perceptiveness and pragmatism by quickly understanding the situation and deciding not to cause trouble for the Ten Thousand Sword Sect. He focuses on his own interests and attends the trade fair to sell his excess goods.
• Deng Yanshi: He shows efficiency and understanding, quickly organizing the trade fair and delivering the invitation to Li Yunjing.
• Shopkeeper Tian: He recognizes Li Yunjing's affiliation with the Divine Firmament Dao Sect and treats him with respect, leading him to the trade fair venue.

Significant Themes

• Pragmatism: Li Yunjing's actions highlight his practical approach to the situation, focusing on his own interests rather than causing trouble for the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.
• Wealth and Status: The trade fair attracts cultivators with significant wealth, emphasizing the importance of wealth and status in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing and Deng Yanshi: They have a straightforward, business-like interaction, with Deng Yanshi showing deference to Li Yunjing's perceptiveness.
• Li Yunjing and Shopkeeper Tian: Shopkeeper Tian shows respect and deference to Li Yunjing due to his affiliation with the Divine Firmament Dao Sect.
• Li Yunjing and the unknown cultivator: They acknowledge each other's presence at the trade fair, hinting at a possible past connection or shared interest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A high-level trade fair hosted by the Treasure Gathering Pavilion for Qi Refining Realm cultivators.
• Li Yunjing, under a hidden identity, attends the event.
• The Man in Bamboo Hat offers 20,000 Spirit Stones for an eighth-grade Foundation Establishment Pill.
• The Woman in Red reveals she has an eighth-grade Foundation Establishment Pill.
• Another attendee offers 25,000 Spirit Stones for the pill, causing a stir.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing: Shows curiosity and indifference towards the Foundation Establishment Pill, indicating his confidence in his cultivation path.
• The Man in Bamboo Hat: Desperate for an eighth-grade Foundation Establishment Pill to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm.
• The Woman in Red: Reveals she possesses an eighth-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, displaying her wealth and status.
• The Black-Robed Man: Interrupts the trade, showing his wealth and disregard for order.

Significant Themes

• The desperation and lengths cultivators go to for resources to advance their cultivation.
• The value and scarcity of high-quality cultivation resources.
• The importance of reputation and safety in the cultivation world, as emphasized by the Treasure Gathering Pavilion's measures.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing observes the interactions between attendees, showing curiosity but not participating in the trade for the Foundation Establishment Pill.
• The Man in Bamboo Hat and The Woman in Red engage in a trade negotiation, with The Black-Robed Man interrupting and making a higher offer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Yunjing, an Outer Disciple of the Divine Firmament Dao Sect, attends a small trade fair within the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.
• A Man in Bamboo Hat and a Woman in Red engage in a bidding war for a Grade 8 Foundation Establishment Pill.
• Li Yunjing helps the Man in Bamboo Hat secure the pill in exchange for a secret about a location with many Heavenly Thunder Stones.
• After the trade, the Man in Bamboo Hat sits beside Li Yunjing for protection.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing demonstrates his wealth and influence, helping the Man in Bamboo Hat and earning his gratitude.
• The Man in Bamboo Hat shows desperation and cunning, using Li Yunjing as a backer to secure the pill and protect himself.
• The Woman in Red displays curiosity about Li Yunjing's identity after their brief interaction.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and power can influence outcomes and gain respect.
• Desperation can lead to cunning and risky decisions.
• Identity and reputation can instill fear and awe.

Character Interactions

• Li Yunjing and the Man in Bamboo Hat form an alliance of convenience.
• The Woman in Red and Li Yunjing acknowledge each other with a nod.
• The crowd reacts with disbelief and ridicule to the tall and thin cultivator's trade offer.

Chapter Summary: “High-Grade Materials (Please Vote)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• A tall, thin cultivator attempts to sell a Thunder Leopard at an inflated price, initially demanding an absurd amount and then adding Spirit Stones after the crowd mocks him.
• Li Yunjing offers 500 Low-grade Spirit Stones and refuses to negotiate further. The seller reluctantly accepts.
• Li Yunjing orders the Man in Bamboo Hat to complete the exchange on his behalf. Although offended at being treated like a servant, the man complies because he needs Li Yunjing’s help and fears the power of the Divine Firmament Dao Sect.
• Li Yunjing intentionally behaves arrogantly throughout the transaction to intimidate and suppress the Man in Bamboo Hat. He wants to ensure the man will not deceive him or conceal information about the location of the Heavenly Thunder Stone.
• Li Yunjing realizes that the Man in Bamboo Hat may soon use his eighth-grade Foundation Establishment Pill and become powerful enough to betray him. Therefore, he plans to complete the treasure hunt before the man reaches Foundation Establishment.
• Li Yunjing also refuses to involve Yu Yunyi or anyone else in the treasure hunt, believing that the wealth involved is too great to justify trusting others completely.
• The Woman in Red then offers a piece of Heavenly Artisan Divine Ice, a rare high-grade material useful for refining spiritual artifacts. She sets the price at 20,000 Spirit Stones.
• Li Yunjing immediately purchases it, again sending the Man in Bamboo Hat to conduct the trade.
• His extravagant spending convinces the crowd that he is an important disciple of the Divine Firmament Dao Sect with powerful protectors. Many people who had considered robbing him abandon the idea.
• The Woman in Red leaves satisfied after obtaining enough Spirit Stones, while the crowd concludes that both she and Li Yunjing possess extraordinary backgrounds.

Character Developments

• Li Yunjing becomes increasingly calculating, domineering, and cautious. His arrogance is partly deliberate: he uses his sect’s reputation and his wealth to establish control over the Man in Bamboo Hat and deter enemies.
• Li Yunjing’s desire for the Heavenly Thunder Stone grows stronger because he believes his natural affinity for lightning indicates a hidden Thunder Spirit Root. He hopes to use the material to create a powerful lightning-element spiritual artifact and dominate the Divine Firmament Dao Sect’s Inner Disciples.
• Despite caring for Yu Yunyi, Li Yunjing admits that he does not fully trust her because they have not endured life-and-death situations together. His caution reflects self-preservation rather than hostility.
• The Man in Bamboo Hat feels humiliated by being ordered around by a much younger and lower-realm cultivator, but he suppresses his resentment because of Li Yunjing’s sect and influence. Li Yunjing’s wealth also makes him genuinely fearful.
• The tall, thin cultivator is exposed as a greedy opportunist who attempted to exploit inexperienced buyers. His failure leaves him resentful, but he is forced to accept Li Yunjing’s price.
• The Woman in Red is revealed to be financially strained despite possessing rare treasures. Her sale of the Heavenly Artisan Divine Ice suggests she urgently needs Spirit Stones.
• The surrounding cultivators and the brocade-clad Treasure Gathering Pavilion representative shift from considering Li Yunjing a potential target to fearing and respecting him.

Significant Themes

• Power through wealth and reputation: Li Yunjing’s vast resources and association with a major sect protect him more effectively than his current cultivation level.
• Distrust among cultivators: The chapter emphasizes that alliances in the cultivation world are fragile, especially when immense treasure is involved.
• Psychological warfare: Li Yunjing deliberately creates an intimidating master-servant dynamic with the Man in Bamboo Hat to prevent betrayal.
• Appearances versus reality: Although Li Yunjing is only at the sixth level of Qi Refining, his behavior and wealth make others assume he has powerful backing. Likewise, the Man in Bamboo Hat disguises himself to conceal his identity.
• Ambition and opportunity: Li Yunjing views the Heavenly Thunder Stone and the Heavenly Artisan Divine Ice as crucial opportunities for improving his future strength and refining the Five Dragon Wheel.
• Social hierarchy in cultivation: Sect affiliation, wealth, and hidden protectors matter as much as cultivation level in determining how others treat someone.

Important Character Interactions

• The tall, thin cultivator attempts to bargain with Li Yunjing, but Li Yunjing cuts him off and forces him to accept a fixed price.
• Li Yunjing repeatedly commands the Man in Bamboo Hat to act as his agent, humiliating and intimidating him while reinforcing Li Yunjing’s authority.
• Li Yunjing and the Woman in Red interact briefly through the purchase of the Heavenly Artisan Divine Ice; she is delighted that he accepts her high asking price.
• The crowd observes Li Yunjing’s behavior and spending, collectively reinterpreting him as a heavily protected young master rather than an ordinary Qi Refining cultivator.
• Li Yunjing’s internal thoughts reveal his emotional distance from the others, including Yu Yunyi, and his willingness to kill or confront the Man in Bamboo Hat later if necessary.