Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng's group encounters Yuwen Hua's army, and a battle ensues.
• Liu Feng reveals his true identity to Yuwen Hua, intending to eliminate the Marquis of Northern Peace and his son.
• Liu Feng's avatar, "Void Pupil," encounters Lu Yao, who is driven mad by her father's death and begs Liu Feng for help.
• The Marquis of Northern Peace is conducting a blood sacrifice in an open plain, attracting the attention of several third-realm demons and Evil Specters.
• The Marquis of Northern Peace's army defends against the attackers, using third-grade Dharma arrows and fire talismans.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng's true body and avatar work together, showcasing his strength and cunning.
• Lu Yao is driven mad by her father's death and seeks Liu Feng's help for revenge.
• The Marquis of Northern Peace demonstrates his power and calm demeanor in the face of danger.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of greed and ambition, as seen in the Marquis of Northern Peace's blood sacrifices.
• The power dynamics between different realms and factions, as shown in the battle between the Marquis of Northern Peace's army and the attacking demons and Evil Specters.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng interacts with Yuwen Hua, revealing his true identity and intentions.
• Liu Feng's avatar encounters Lu Yao, who begs for his help.
• The Marquis of Northern Peace interacts with his son, Yuwen Song, discussing the blood sacrifice and the arrival of the Sky Patrol Bureau's Day Roamers.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The battle for the Blue Firmament Blood continues, with the Marquis of Northern Peace's forces clashing against the Red Moon Cult's half-demons and evil spirits.
• The Marquis of Northern Peace uses his full strength, refining spirit crystals and displaying formidable power.
• An unknown one-horned elder sneaks into the formation, stealing four drops of the Blue Firmament Blood.
• The elder is pursued by the Marquis and his men, but he escapes with two drops of the blood.
• Yuwen Hua and his party return, and the two eminent monks from Crimson Lotus Temple destroy the elder's Savage Gu.
• Zhen Shanren, the one-horned elder, reveals himself and steals the remaining two drops of the Blue Firmament Blood.
• He escapes using his Compound Eyes Gu art, freezing everyone in their tracks except for Liu Feng and Huangfu Sheng.

Character Developments

• The Marquis of Northern Peace demonstrates his peak third-realm power and his connection to the Blue Firmament Blood.
• Zhen Shanren shows his cunning and resourcefulness, using his Gu arts to steal the blood and escape.
• The two eminent monks from Crimson Lotus Temple display their strength, easily destroying the elder's Savage Gu.
• Liu Feng and Huangfu Sheng show their awareness, avoiding Zhen Shanren's gaze and remaining unaffected by his Compound Eyes Gu art.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and resources, as seen in the struggle for the Blue Firmament Blood.
• The use of Gu arts and illusions to gain an advantage in battle.
• The consequences of underestimating one's enemies, as seen in the elder's initial success and eventual escape.

Character Interactions

• The Marquis of Northern Peace and his son, Yuwen Song, work together to secure the Blue Firmament Blood.
• Zhen Shanren and the elder clash, with Zhen Shanren ultimately stealing the blood and escaping.
• Liu Feng and Huangfu Sheng work together, avoiding Zhen Shanren's Compound Eyes Gu art and remaining aware of their surroundings.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng uses his true body to command the flying birds and pursues Zhen Shanren.
• Liu Feng, disguised as the Marquis of Northern Peace, leads the army to defeat the Red Moon Cult invaders.
• Liu Feng and Qiao Bei, disguised as the Marquis and Heir Apparent, kill the real Marquis and Heir Apparent, and take control of the army.
• Liu Feng leads the army, including two Day Wanderers from the Sky Patrol Bureau, to pursue Zhen Shanren.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng's audacity and ruthlessness grow as he takes control of the Marquis's army and pursues Zhen Shanren.
• Qiao Bei advances to the third realm of Dao cultivation after consuming the essence and blood of the Red Moon Cult elder.
• The real Marquis of Northern Peace and his Heir Apparent are killed, and Liu Feng and Qiao Bei take their places.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and ruthlessness: Liu Feng's desire for power and resources leads him to take control of the Marquis's army and pursue Zhen Shanren.
• Disguise and deception: Liu Feng and Qiao Bei use their Gu arts to disguise themselves as the Marquis and Heir Apparent, allowing them to take control of the army and eliminate their enemies.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng and Qiao Bei work together to defeat the Red Moon Cult invaders and take control of the Marquis's army.
• Liu Feng invites the two Day Wanderers from the Sky Patrol Bureau to join him in pursuing Zhen Shanren, likely with the intention of silencing them later.
• Ye Yunmeng, an Erosion Sect Gu Master, follows Liu Feng and is aware of his true intentions but dares not speak out.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Zhen Shanren, disguised, faces multiple Third Realm cultivators sent by the Marquis of Northern Peace.
• He uses his Gu arts and illusions to fight back, killing several cultivators.
• Liu Feng's avatar, disguised as the Marquis, arrives and engages Zhen Shanren.
• Zhen Shanren is severely injured and weakened.

Character Developments

• Zhen Shanren's injuries worsen as he fights multiple opponents.
• Liu Feng's avatar shows no mercy, aiming to kill Zhen Shanren.
• Duan Yingchi, the Sky Patrol Bureau's Gu Master, underestimates Zhen Shanren.

Significant Themes

• The power of illusions and Gu arts in combat.
• The ruthlessness and cunning of Liu Feng's avatar.
• The desperation and determination of Zhen Shanren.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng's avatar and Zhen Shanren engage in a fierce battle.
• Duan Yingchi underestimates Zhen Shanren, leading to his demise.
• The surviving cultivators watch the battle in fear and awe.

Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng kills Zhen Shanren and takes his corpse for refining pills.
• Qingyunzi appears, wanting to trade pills for Zhen Shanren's corpse, but Liu Feng keeps it.
• Liu Feng decides to return to the Erosion Sect to prepare for the Immortal Metamorphosis Sect's recruitment.
• Liu Feng sends his clone back with the guests and takes precautions against potential pursuers.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng demonstrates his strength and cunning, killing powerful enemies and taking their benefits.
• Qingyunzi is revealed to be an elder of Moon Refining Studio, interested in Zhen Shanren's corpse for pill refinement.
• The imperial court reacts quickly, blaming Zhen Shanren for the Marquis of Northern Peace's death and transferring troops to guard against Yan Chuan.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power dynamics: Liu Feng's strength allows him to take what he wants and avoid suspicion.
• Opportunism: Liu Feng takes advantage of the situation to gain benefits from the deaths of powerful enemies.
• Precaution and preparedness: Liu Feng takes steps to protect himself from potential pursuers.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng interacts with Qingyunzi, trading Zhen Shanren's corpse for pills.
• Liu Feng sends his clone back with the guests, taking precautions against potential pursuers.
• Liu Feng interacts with the two monks, Ming Kong and Ming Ti, using them as decoys if necessary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng, Ming Kong, and Ming Ti are pursued by a fourth-realm cultivator.
• Liu Feng uses the Evolution Pupil offspring Gu to control the two monks and cause their deaths.
• Liu Feng arrives in Shun Prefecture and finds Qing Ying, who is being used as a cultivation furnace by the True Essence Sect.
• Liu Feng orders two third-grade evil creatures to seal off the area and kill every member of the True Essence Sect.
• Qing Ying dies, and Liu Feng learns that the Fang Family is in Pingluo Prefecture.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng demonstrates his ruthlessness and power, wiping out the True Essence Sect without mercy.
• Qing Ying accepts her fate and thanks Liu Feng before dying.
• The two evil creatures show loyalty to Liu Feng and carry out his orders without question.

Significant Themes

• The cruelty and injustice of the cultivation world, where the strong prey on the weak.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and the consequences of defying those in power.
• The theme of revenge and the lengths one will go to for it.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng interacts with the two monks, Ming Kong and Ming Ti, using them as bait to lure the pursuing cultivator.
• Liu Feng interacts with Qing Ying, showing her mercy and granting her a swift death.
• Liu Feng interacts with the two evil creatures, ordering them to carry out his revenge on the True Essence Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng, after massacring the True Essence Sect and the Pingluo Prefecture Fang Family, returns to the Erosion Sect.
• Half a month later, Ji Feihe, He Xingbai, and Lu Yao encounter a massive refugee migration in Qi Prefecture, likely due to war in Yi Prefecture.
• They witness a violet-robed youth, Tao Guangqing, from the unknown Yin Moon Dynasty, who seems to possess immense wealth and power.
• Zhou Wan, searching for Liu Feng, eliminates two demonic cultivators in Jiangjiu County and senses another third-realm demonic cultivator nearby.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng continues his killing spree, further demonstrating his ruthlessness and power.
• Ji Feihe, He Xingbai, and Lu Yao are shocked by the refugee crisis and the appearance of Tao Guangqing, hinting at the growing chaos in the world.
• Zhou Wan shows her prowess in dealing with demonic cultivators, displaying her dedication to finding Liu Feng.

Significant Themes

• The growing chaos and instability in the world, hinting at an impending war between nations.
• The vast differences in power and wealth between different dynasties and individuals, as seen through Tao Guangqing's eyes.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng's clone and Ye Yunmeng are not present in this chapter, but their absence is noted.
• Ji Feihe, He Xingbai, and Lu Yao interact with Tao Guangqing, learning about the Yin Moon Dynasty.
• Zhou Wan encounters two demonic cultivators, eliminating them and sensing another nearby.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A pack of forty-six wolf Spirit Monsters, cultivated through demonic methods, attacks a county town, led by a half-human, half-wolf half-demon cultivator.
• Zhou Wan, a Three-Life Body Gu Master, defeats the cultivator and his wolf pack using her Gu insects, including a Savage Gu, Soldier Gus, and Intermediate Gus.
• Luo Qin, another incarnation of Yu Qiongzi, is besieged by four outsiders in a swamp. Zhou Wan rushes to help her.
• The four outsiders, later revealed to be from another world, are martial artists and a Daoist wielding unsealed evil objects without being affected by them.
• Zhou Wan, Luo Qin, and Dong Chanzi confront the four outsiders, who reveal that their ancestors were likely evil demons, unaffected by evil objects.

Character Developments

• Zhou Wan, now a Three-Life Body Gu Master, displays immense power and control over her Gu insects.
• Luo Qin, another incarnation of Yu Qiongzi, is shown to be equally powerful and resourceful.
• The four outsiders, despite being from another world, display remarkable strength and resilience, challenging the three women.

Significant Themes

• The power of Gu Masters and their Gu insects.
• The influence of evil objects and the possibility of being unaffected by them.
• The existence of another world with different cultivation methods and martial artists.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Wan, Luo Qin, and Dong Chanzi work together to confront the four outsiders, showcasing their teamwork and shared purpose.
• The four outsiders interact, revealing their bond as brothers and their shared confusion about their current situation.
• Zhou Wan and Luo Qin communicate mentally with their true body, Yu Qiongzi, sharing information and seeking guidance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng, in his Eldest Senior Brother identity, awaits at the Erosion Sect for the Immortal Metamorphosis Sect's entrance trial.
• News arrives of a brutal war between the Liang Kingdom and Great Sui, with strange occurrences and mirage scenes on the battlefield.
• Niu Yuanhua, a fourth-life Gu Master, visits the Erosion Sect to secure a direct disciple quota for his granddaughter, Niu Yun, offering a fourth-grade Medicine Person and an Exotic Gu in exchange for Liu Feng's help.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng's clone (Huangfu Sheng) agrees to help Niu Yun, gaining a fourth-grade Medicine Person and an Exotic Gu (Spirit Possession) in the process.
• Qiao Bei, now in the third realm, displays her strength and dominance over Ye Yunmeng.
• Xu Manxiang, a seductive Gu Master, attempts to use her charms on Liu Feng, but he remains unmoved.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances within the cultivator world.
• The ruthlessness and desperation of cultivators in pursuit of strength and resources.
• The importance of Gu Masters in warfare and politics.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng's clone interacts with Niu Yuanhua, securing benefits for his help in the sect-entry trial.
• Qiao Bei and Ye Yunmeng have a brief confrontation, showcasing Qiao Bei's strength and dominance.
• Xu Manxiang attempts to seduce Liu Feng, but he remains indifferent, highlighting his self-control and focus on his goals.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The Severance Sect is traveling to the Immortal Metamorphosis Sect for a chance to become outer sect disciples.
• They encounter refugees fleeing from Demon Cultivators who are killing and devouring people.
• Zhu Shengnan, a Three-Life Body Gu Master, leads the group and uses her power to clear the path.
• They encounter Zhou Yun, who is searching for Liu Feng, a former member of the Erosion Sect.

Character Developments

• Zhu Shengnan: Reveals her twisted nature and power, using her position to molest Lu Yao and other disciples.
• Lu Yao: Struggles with Zhu Shengnan's advances and feels bitter about her situation.
• Zhou Yun: Shows her strength and determination in searching for Liu Feng.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Zhu Shengnan's power allows her to dominate and abuse others, highlighting the power dynamics within the sects.
• Survival and Struggle: The refugees fleeing from Demon Cultivators emphasize the harsh survival conditions in the war-torn prefectures.

Character Interactions

• Zhu Shengnan and Lu Yao: Zhu Shengnan's advances towards Lu Yao create a tense and uncomfortable dynamic between them.
• Zhu Shengnan and Zhou Yun: They meet briefly, with Zhou Yun asking Zhu Shengnan about Liu Feng's whereabouts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Demon Monk Du Kong arrives at Azure Thunder School, slaughtering over three hundred martial artists in his path.
• Eight third-realm cultivators from Azure Thunder School confront Du Kong, but he remains unfazed.
• Du Kong uses the blood essence of the slain martial artists to refine two white lotus seeds and bone pills.
• Sky Patrol Bureau Night Walkers arrive, but Du Kong kills them and their Soldier Gu with ease.
• Gu Masters from various sects witness Du Kong's actions from afar and are terrified by his power.

Character Developments

• Du Kong: Demonstrates his formidable strength and bloodline divine ability, slaughtering cultivators with ease. He is calm and confident, even when facing multiple third-realm cultivators.
• Duan Feiyuan and his brothers: Initially confident in their ability to defeat Du Kong, they become increasingly worried as they realize the extent of his power.
• Gongsun Ming: Recognizes Du Kong's use of Cangtuo Temple's inheritance and is terrified by his strength.
• Kong Hui: Recognizes Du Kong's use of Cangtuo Temple's inheritance and is reminded of Liu Feng and Qing Ying.

Significant Themes

• Power and Strength: Du Kong's immense power and the fear it instills in others are a central theme. His ability to slaughter cultivators of the same realm with ease highlights the importance of strength in the cultivation world.
• Fortuitous Encounters: Du Kong's numerous fortunate encounters, including his bloodline and comprehension, contribute to his formidable power.
• Gratitude and Grudges: Kong Hui considers seeking out Liu Feng for protection during the sect-entry trial, highlighting the importance of gratitude and grudges in cultivator relationships.

Character Interactions

• Du Kong vs. Azure Thunder School cultivators: Du Kong's one-sided slaughter of Azure Thunder School cultivators demonstrates his overwhelming power and their lack of ability to resist him.
• Gu Masters vs. Du Kong: The Gu Masters from various sects witness Du Kong's actions and are terrified by his strength, highlighting the power gap between them.
• Kong Hui and Gongsun Ming: Kong Hui's recognition of Du Kong's use of Cangtuo Temple's inheritance leads her to consider seeking out Liu Feng for protection, revealing her respect for his strength and gratitude for their past experiences together.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Qiao Bei is drugged and captured by a young man named Tao Guangqing, who is after her powerful bloodline.
• Liu Feng pursues and battles Tao Guangqing, ultimately retrieving an evil blade but letting Tao escape.
• In Falling Mirror Mountain, Gu Masters from various branch sects gather, including the Severance Sect. They witness thousands of young cultivators fighting in a canyon for treasures to improve their chances of entering the Immortal Metamorphosis Sect.
• Zhou Wan, now a Three-Life Body Gu Master, is determined to capture Liu Feng before he enters the sect. She plans to involve a Fourth Realm expert from the Imperial Observatory.

Character Developments

• Qiao Bei shows her strength and determination in pursuing Tao Guangqing.
• Liu Feng demonstrates his formidable power and technique in his battle against Tao Guangqing.
• Zhou Wan, now an avatar of Yu Qiongzi, has become a Three-Life Body Gu Master and seeks to capture Liu Feng.
• Lu Yao, now a member of the Severance Sect, provides information about Liu Feng to Zhou Wan and expresses her desire to see him suffer.

Significant Themes

• The harsh competition and survival of the fittest among cultivators, as seen in the canyon battle.
• The desire for power and improvement, driving cultivators to seek out treasures and better themselves.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng and Qiao Bei work together to pursue Tao Guangqing.
• Zhou Wan and Lu Yao discuss Liu Feng's whereabouts and Zhou Wan's plans to capture him.
• Gu Masters from various branch sects witness the canyon battle and discuss the fate of the young cultivators fighting there.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng and his group are on their way to the Immortal Metamorphosis Sect.
• They encounter two powerful Gu Masters, Pei Liang and Zhu Mingye, who join their group.
• Liu Feng sells one of his Exotic Gu Eggs to Zhu Mingye.
• Zhou Wan, now controlled by a fifth-realm Daoist, sets up a grand formation to capture Liu Feng.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng has grown stronger, with a clone and a fourth-grade Medicine Person at his side.
• Zhou Wan has become a Three-Life Body Gu Master, but her body is controlled by a fifth-realm Daoist.
• Pei Liang and Zhu Mingye are powerful Gu Masters seeking to enter the Immortal Metamorphosis Sect.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and competition among Gu Masters.
• The consequences of offending powerful cultivators.
• The struggle for fortuitous opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng interacts with Pei Liang and Zhu Mingye, selling an Exotic Gu Egg to Zhu Mingye.
• Liu Feng encounters Zhou Wan, who is now controlled by a fifth-realm Daoist.
• Liu Feng's group faces an ambush set by Zhou Wan and her accomplice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng's clone and true body face off against multiple opponents, including two incarnations of Yu Qiongzi, a fourth-grade Medicine Person, and several Gu Masters.
• Liu Feng's clone uses his Medicine Person to hold off the enemies while he escapes, leaving behind Ye Yunmeng to deal with the Severance Sect Gu Masters.
• Liu Feng's true body fights against Pei Liang and Qiao Bei, ultimately defeating them and causing them to flee.
• Several Severance Sect Gu Masters, including Lu Yao and Leng Qiuyue, are forced to jump off the cliff into the gorge below due to Ye Yunmeng's attack.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng demonstrates his powerful combat abilities and strategic thinking, managing to turn the tables on his enemies.
• Ye Yunmeng shows her loyalty and skill by taking on the Severance Sect Gu Masters, allowing Liu Feng to focus on his own battles.
• Pei Liang and Qiao Bei reveal their unique Gu arts and demonstrate their formidable strength, but ultimately fail to defeat Liu Feng.
• Lu Yao and Leng Qiuyue are forced to enter the gorge, where they will face numerous challenges and dangers.

Significant Themes

• The power of Gu arts and the importance of having powerful Gu Masters on one's side.
• The dangers of underestimating one's opponents and the consequences of making enemies.
• The harsh reality of survival in the Gu world, where one must be willing to make difficult decisions and sacrifices.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng and his clone work together to overcome their enemies, showcasing their strong bond and coordination.
• Liu Feng and Ye Yunmeng demonstrate their trust and reliance on each other, with Ye Yunmeng taking on a crucial role in the battle.
• Liu Feng's indifference to Leng Qiuyue's fate highlights his pragmatic nature and willingness to make tough decisions.
• The interactions between Liu Feng and his enemies, such as Pei Liang and Qiao Bei, showcase the brutal and unforgiving nature of the Gu world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter begins with Yu Qiongzi, Chief Director of the Imperial Observatory, reflecting on her failed attempt to capture Zhou Wan.
• Emperor Zhou Xu leads an expedition to the border of Yi Prefecture, where mirages corresponding to secret realms have appeared.
• A contingent of ten thousand soldiers enters a forest where a mirage is set to appear. Emperor Zhou Xu, accompanied by fifth-realm cultivators Lü Qiu and Dantai Zhong, and fourth-realm cultivator Yu Zhenzi, awaits the mirage's emergence.
• Three thousand condemned criminals are sent into the mirage as pathfinders. They discover a vast, seemingly empty world filled with mountains and a sect with powerful puppet disciples.

Character Developments

• Yu Qiongzi contemplates her past failure and decides to send an avatar into a secret realm.
• Emperor Zhou Xu successfully refines his body, entering the fifth realm and gaining significant power.
• Yu Zhenzi, despite his evil nature, shows cunning and resourcefulness by separating a part of his flesh and blood to monitor the condemned criminals sent into the mirage.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of secret realms or minor worlds.
• The consequences of breaking ancestral precepts and pursuing forbidden paths.
• The ruthlessness and desperation of those sent into the mirage, highlighting the power dynamics and lack of compassion in the imperial court.

Character Interactions

• Yu Qiongzi and Yu Yingzi discuss the secret realms and Yu Yingzi's intention to enter one.
• Emperor Zhou Xu, Lü Qiu, Dantai Zhong, and Yu Zhenzi await the mirage's appearance, with Yu Zhenzi displaying his cunning and disregard for the condemned criminals.
• The condemned criminals enter the mirage, with no sign of their return, highlighting the power imbalance and lack of regard for their lives.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. The secret realm's entrance is about to close, and the emperor of Great Sui orders Yu Zhenzi to retrieve a spirit herb inside.
2. Dantai Zhong, a Fifth Realm martial artist, clears the way for Yu Zhenzi by pulverizing the death-row prisoners and their obsessions.
3. Yu Zhenzi enters the secret realm and retrieves the spirit herb.
4. In another part of the secret realm, Tao Guangqing encounters a girl who speaks to him, and he learns about a monk named Mirror Dust.

Character Developments

1. Yu Zhenzi: He is calm and collected, showing no fear when entering the secret realm. He is also knowledgeable about secret realms and their masters' obsessions.
2. Dantai Zhong: He is powerful, capable of pulverizing a large number of people and their obsessions with a single stomp. He is also obedient to the emperor's orders.
3. Tao Guangqing: He is arrogant and impatient, eager to return to the Yin Moon Dynasty. He is also reckless, provoking the girl in the secret realm.

Significant Themes

1. Power and Authority: The emperor's orders are followed without question, demonstrating the power dynamics in Great Sui.
2. Lingering Obsessions: The secret realm's master's obsession is a significant threat, showing the power of lingering emotions and determination.
3. Fate and Destiny: The appearance of the secret realm and the chance encounter between Tao Guangqing and the girl raise questions about fate and destiny.

Character Interactions

1. Yu Zhenzi and the Emperor: Yu Zhenzi follows the emperor's orders without question, showing his loyalty and obedience.
2. Dantai Zhong and the Emperor: Dantai Zhong clears the way for Yu Zhenzi on the emperor's orders, showing his loyalty and obedience.
3. Tao Guangqing and the Girl: Tao Guangqing's reckless behavior provokes the girl, potentially putting himself and the other cultivators in danger.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The mountain gate of the Immortal Metamorphosis Sect opens, revealing an illusion of a mountain village massacre.
• The cultivators enter the illusion, where they encounter a girl who leads them to the next obsession—an attack on the village by bandits.
• The cultivators try to leave but are blocked by dried corpses and the girl, who is revealed to be the cause of the massacre.
• Tao Guangqing, the sole survivor, escapes and reports back to the sect.
• In Falling Mirror Mountain, nearly eleven hundred Gu Masters gather for the sect's trial. The mountain gate opens, revealing an insect tide that sweeps them all up.

Character Developments

• Tao Guangqing, a Third-Realm cultivator, survives the mountain gate illusion and reports back to his sect.
• Liu Feng, a Gu Master, uses his Insight Eye to see through the sect's illusions and understands the true nature of the mountain gate.

Significant Themes

• Illusions and reality: The mountain gate is an illusion that reveals the sect's obsession with the past and its consequences.
• Power and control: The sect's Gu Masters use their power to control the insect tide and the Soldier Gu, demonstrating their authority.
• The consequences of violence: The illusion shows the devastating effects of violence and massacre.

Character Interactions

• The cultivators entering the mountain gate illusion interact with the girl and the dried corpses, leading to their deaths.
• The Gu Masters gathered at Falling Mirror Mountain interact with each other, showing tension and competition.
• Liu Feng observes the other Gu Masters but keeps his insights to himself.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gu Masters reach a river, and an insect tide halts, signaling the start of the trial.
• Two paths appear: one leading out of the sect, the other to the trial for Outer Sect status.
• The Gu Masters must navigate a corridor filled with first- and second-grade Gu insects.
• Survivors face a choice: enter the valley to become Outer Sect disciples or choose and kill an opponent in the stone caverns to become Inner Sect disciples.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng remains calm and collected, not using any Gu insects or arts to defend himself, testing the Erosion Sect group's abilities.
• Niu Yun expresses resentment toward Liu Feng for not helping her, but he remains indifferent.
• A female Gu Master from the Severance Sect protects only her fellow female disciples.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the fittest: Only the strongest Gu Masters survive the trial.
• Ruthlessness: Gu Masters must be willing to kill to advance in the sect.
• Dependence on self: Each Gu Master relies on their own abilities to pass the trial.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng and the Erosion Sect group: Liu Feng does not protect the group, allowing them to face the Gu insects on their own. Niu Yun expresses frustration with Liu Feng's lack of help.
• The female Gu Master from the Severance Sect and her fellow disciples: She protects only the female disciples, ignoring the males.
• Liu Feng and the Immortal Metamorphosis Sect disciples: Liu Feng kills two disciples without hesitation, showing his ruthlessness and determination to advance in the sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Liu Feng enters the main sect and encounters other Three-Life Body disciples.
+ He receives a warning about a Seven-Aperture Black Tai Sui supplement that nourishes the true spirit.
+ The group enters a valley filled with Gu Masters and outer sect disciples.
+ Liu Feng observes the valley and notes the restrictions on disciples leaving the sect.
+ The group arrives at a ring of stone pillars for the direct lineage trial.
+ Pei Liang and Zhu Shengnan enter the ring, followed by other Three-Life Body disciples.
+ Lu Yao pleads for help from Liu Feng, but he ignores her.
+ Liu Feng sees a dying Fourth-Life Body Gu Master approaching the sect through his Evolution Pupil child Gu.

Character Developments

+ Liu Feng remains calm and composed, showing no interest in helping Lu Yao.
+ Zhu Mingye values Liu Feng highly due to his potential.
+ Lu Yao, once proud and arrogant, now begs for help, showing her desperation.

Significant Themes

+ The gap between outer and inner sect disciples, and the resources they receive.
+ The ruthlessness of Gu Masters and their willingness to use others as stepping stones.
+ The importance of potential and the struggle for resources among Gu Masters.

Character Interactions

+ Liu Feng and Zhu Mingye interact, with Zhu Mingye showing respect and valuing Liu Feng.
+ Liu Feng ignores Lu Yao's plea for help, showing his indifference to her fate.
+ Zhu Shengnan treats Lu Yao and the other women cruelly, using them as stepping stones for her own gain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Feng and the others enter the direct-lineage trial, led by a fourth-grade Medicine Person.
• They arrive at a rock wall with over a hundred stone passages leading to the trial ground.
• Liu Feng, Zhu Mingye, and Niu Yun enter the same passage, while other disciples enter different ones.
• Liu Feng senses the presence of two fourth-life Gu Masters who have undergone Gu Transformation.

Character Developments

• Liu Feng demonstrates his Insight Eye ability, sensing spiritual energy, True Qi, poisonous qi, and unusual currents of qi from Gu Masters and Exotic Gus.
• Zhu Mingye reveals his wealth and versatility, using Gu arts and Daoist arts in combination.
• Niu Yun expresses surprise at Zhu Mingye's wealth and resources.

Significant Themes

• The danger and rewards of the direct-lineage trial.
• The importance of resources and wealth in cultivation.
• The consequences of Gu Transformation on Gu Masters.

Character Interactions

• Liu Feng, Zhu Mingye, and Niu Yun team up to navigate the trial together.
• Liu Feng and Zhu Mingye discuss their plans and share information.
• Zhu Mingye offers to help Liu Feng find a Savage Gu.
• Other disciples enter different passages, potentially encountering each other during the trial.