Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen wins his matches, advancing to the top eight in the Alchemy Competition.
• Sect elders from various factions visit Yang Chen, interested in buying his Essence Pills.
• A bidding war ensues among the elders, with the price for the twenty-seven Essence Pills reaching twenty thousand spiritual stones.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen demonstrates his strategic thinking and negotiation skills by auctioning off his pills.
• Zhou Yunxi learns to be more cautious after witnessing Ma Shengan's trickery.
• Sect elders show their eagerness and willingness to spend on Essence Pills, revealing their desperation for these healing treasures.

Significant Themes

• The value and scarcity of Essence Pills in North Mountain County.
• The desperation of Origin Martial Realm cultivators for healing resources.
• The strategic thinking and negotiation skills of Yang Chen.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen interacts with sect elders, negotiating the sale of his Essence Pills.
• Zhou Haoran lectures Zhou Yunxi about the treacherousness of human hearts, using Yang Chen as an example.
• Sect elders compete against each other in bidding for the Essence Pills, revealing their eagerness and willingness to spend.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen sells 27 Essence Pills to Elder Qin of Linghe Sect for spiritual stones.
• Elders from various sects leave after a heated exchange.
• Huangshan Cult Leader, Bai Yunfei, approaches Yang Chen.
• Bai Yunfei reveals he knows about the Yuanshan Gate's attempt to recruit Yang Chen.
• Bai Yunfei offers Yang Chen a unique recruitment deal on behalf of the Huangshan Cult.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen demonstrates his business acumen and negotiation skills.
• Bai Yunfei showcases his shrewd business mindset and flexibility in recruitment strategies.

Significant Themes

• The value and competition for alchemy skills and alchemists.
• The power dynamics and influence of major sects in the region.
• The importance of monopolizing resources and talent in business.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Elder Qin: A business transaction that benefits both parties.
• Yang Chen and Bai Yunfei: A negotiation between a potential master and disciple, with unique terms and conditions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Yunfei, a senior alchemist from the Huangshan Cult, offers to take Yang Chen as his disciple, with enticing conditions.
• Yang Chen declines the offer, stating he hasn't thought about his alchemy future yet.
• Bai Yunfei expresses displeasure at Yang Chen's refusal but is reassured when Yang Chen promises not to hinder the Huangshan Cult's alchemy interests.
• Yang Chen introduces Bai Yunfei to an alchemy genius with the rare Soul Absorbing Physique, Song Chen.
• Bai Yunfei, recognizing the significance of the Soul Absorbing Physique, leaves immediately to find Song Chen in Liao City.

Character Developments

• Bai Yunfei: Shows eagerness to take a talented disciple, values both alchemy and martial cultivation talents. He is willing to make concessions for a potential disciple.
• Yang Chen: Remains calm and collected, declines Bai Yunfei's offer without offending him. He introduces Song Chen to Bai Yunfei, hoping for a better future for the young man.

Significant Themes

• Mentorship and Discipleship: The chapter explores the dynamics between a potential master and disciple, with Bai Yunfei seeking a talented apprentice and Yang Chen introducing one instead.
• Alchemy Talent and Potential: The Soul Absorbing Physique is presented as a rare and valuable asset in the world of alchemy, with Bai Yunfei recognizing its significance and rushing to find its owner.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Bai Yunfei: The two engage in a polite and respectful conversation, with Yang Chen declining Bai Yunfei's offer and introducing him to Song Chen instead.
• Yang Chen and Song Chen (implied): Although not present, Song Chen's potential future with Bai Yunfei is discussed, with Yang Chen hoping for a better outcome for the young man.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The top eight alchemy geniuses compete in the finals.
• Yang Chen's first match is against Li Xianbin, a Perfect Third-Grade Alchemist and disciple of Grand Alchemist Hong.
• Li Xianbin refines a Rainbow Pill, a High Third-Grade Pill with remarkable healing properties.
• Yang Chen, despite the challenge, remains calm and focused on his refining.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen maintains his composure and confidence, even when facing a formidable opponent.
• Li Xianbin demonstrates his skill and prowess as a Perfect Third-Grade Alchemist.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and strategy in competition.
• The power dynamics and respect for senior alchemists like Grand Alchemist Hong.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Li Xianbin exchange a respectful gesture before starting the competition.
• Zhou Haoran advises Yang Chen on his opponent's background and abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen refines eleven Essence Pills, winning against Li Xianbin who had refined nine.
• The next match is between Fan Shijie and Xiao Yunfeng, both Fourth-Grade Alchemists, drawing significant attention.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen demonstrates exceptional skill and calmness under pressure, winning against Li Xianbin.
• Li Xianbin shows sportsmanship and invites Yang Chen to visit Shan Hong Ya Garden.
• Fan Shijie and Xiao Yunfeng prepare for their match, revealing their Alchemy Furnaces.

Significant Themes

• The importance of skill and technique in alchemy, as seen in Yang Chen's victory.
• The anticipation and tension surrounding the match between top-tier alchemists, Fan Shijie and Xiao Yunfeng.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Li Xianbin maintain respect and politeness towards each other despite the competition.
• Fan Shijie and Xiao Yunfeng exchange pleasantries before their match, with Xiao Yunfeng displaying a hint of disdain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yunfeng uses a treasure furnace, the Purple Yin Alchemy Furnace, to refine Mid Fourth-Grade pills, defeating Fan Shijie.
• Yang Chen understands the loophole in the rules and is disappointed in North Mountain Main City.
• The top four spots are determined: Yang Chen, Yuwen Hao, Xiao Yunfeng, and Zhang Feiyang.
• Yang Chen faces Yuwen Hao in the semifinals.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yunfeng's confidence grows after defeating Fan Shijie.
• Fan Shijie shows maturity and sportsmanship in defeat.
• Yang Chen remains calm and confident.
• Yuwen Hao underestimates Yang Chen and is arrogant.

Significant Themes

• The influence of tools (treasure furnace) on alchemy skill and competition.
• The importance of rules and fairness in competition.
• The underestimation of opponents leading to arrogance and potential downfall.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yunfeng sneers at Fan Shijie's loss, showing his growing confidence.
• Fan Shijie accepts his defeat gracefully, showing respect for Xiao Yunfeng.
• Yuwen Hao mocks Yang Chen, underestimating his skills.
• Yang Chen remains unfazed by Yuwen Hao's mockery, showing confidence in his abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The alchemy competition begins, with Yuwen Hao refining a Perfect Third-Grade Pill, the Blazing Fire Pill.
• Yang Chen decides to reveal his true abilities and refines an Initial Fourth-Grade Pill, the Cloud Sea Pill.
• The judges announce Yang Chen's victory over Yuwen Hao.
• The final match is set between Yang Chen and Xiao Yunfeng.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen: Shows his true alchemy skill by refining an Initial Fourth-Grade Pill, surprising everyone and proving he's not limited to refining Essence Pills.
• Yuwen Hao: Underestimates Yang Chen and is shocked by Yang Chen's true alchemy skill, leading to his defeat.
• Xiao Yunfeng: Advances to the final match, expected to win due to his ability to refine Mid Fourth-Grade pills.

Significant Themes

• Underestimation: Characters underestimate Yang Chen's abilities, leading to their surprise and eventual defeat.
• Revealing True Abilities: Yang Chen chooses the right moment to reveal his true alchemy skill, turning the tables on his opponents.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen vs. Yuwen Hao: Yang Chen's calm and confident demeanor contrasts with Yuwen Hao's arrogance and eventual shock at Yang Chen's true skill.
• Yang Chen vs. Xiao Yunfeng (implied): The final match is set up, with expectations high for Xiao Yunfeng but uncertainty about Yang Chen's capabilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Yunxi and Zhou Haoran discuss the Yang Chen vs. Xiao Yunfeng match, with Zhou Haoran expressing surprise at Yang Chen's progress.
• Yang Chen and Xiao Yunfeng face off on the arena. Xiao Yunfeng dismisses Yang Chen's chances, showing off his Purple Yin Alchemy Furnace.
• Elder Hu watches the match, expressing regret that North Mountain Main City didn't recruit Yang Chen earlier. He criticizes the city's focus on Divine Bodies and dismisses Xiao Yunfeng's talent, admiring Fan Shijie more.
• Yang Chen begins refining pills, planning to show Xiao Yunfeng the true path of Alchemy.

Character Developments

• Zhou Yunxi shows curiosity about the match.
• Zhou Haoran expresses surprise at Yang Chen's progress and acknowledges Xiao Yunfeng's strength.
• Xiao Yunfeng becomes arrogant and dismissive of Yang Chen.
• Elder Hu reveals his regret about not recruiting Yang Chen, criticizes the city's focus on Divine Bodies, and dismisses Xiao Yunfeng's talent.
• Yang Chen plans to show Xiao Yunfeng the true path of Alchemy.

Significant Themes

• The importance of talent and aptitude in martial cultivation and Alchemy.
• The focus on Divine Bodies and the disregard for those without them.
• The value of unconventional methods in Alchemy.
• The influence of status and connections in one's path.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Yunxi and Zhou Haoran discuss the match, showing their interest and expectations.
• Yang Chen and Xiao Yunfeng face off, with Xiao Yunfeng dismissing Yang Chen's chances.
• Elder Hu discusses the match with the referee, expressing his views on Yang Chen, Xiao Yunfeng, and the city's focus on Divine Bodies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Yunfeng and Yang Chen simultaneously refine pills.
• Xiao Yunfeng presents an Azure Yellow Pill, expecting victory.
• Yang Chen reveals a Clear Bright True Essence Pill, a fourth-grade perfect pill that can increase one's martial cultivation by a level in the Spiritual Martial Realm.
• The referee, initially favoring Xiao Yunfeng, declares Yang Chen the winner due to the superior quality of his pill.

Character Developments

• Xiao Yunfeng: Initially confident, he is left shocked and disbelieving at Yang Chen's achievement.
• Yang Chen: Remains calm and composed throughout the competition, revealing his true skill level.
• Referees: Initially biased, they are forced to acknowledge Yang Chen's victory due to the evidence.

Significant Themes

• The power of pills and their impact on martial cultivation.
• The importance of skill and preparation in competition.
• The influence of bias and favoritism in decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Yunfeng and Yang Chen: Their interaction is tense, with Xiao Yunfeng expressing disbelief and Yang Chen remaining composed.
• Referees and Competitors: The referees' initial bias is challenged by the facts, leading to a fair decision.
• Sects and Observers: Various sects and observers are left in shock and begin to make plans to recruit Yang Chen or acquire his pill.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen wins the Alchemist Elimination Match using the Clear Bright True Essence Pill, defeating Xiao Yunfeng.
• Elder Hu, the foremost alchemy master of North Mountain Main City, offers to take Yang Chen as his disciple.
• Yang Chen declines, stating he has already decided to join another force.
• Elder Hu leads Yang Chen and other match winners to North Mountain Main City's material repository to choose materials as a reward.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen: Proves his alchemy prowess, declines Elder Hu's offer, and shows interest in finding materials for higher-grade pills like the Dragon Tiger Longevity Pill.
• Xiao Yunfeng: Loses to Yang Chen, feels resentment, and is shocked by Elder Hu's offer to Yang Chen.
• Elder Hu: Impressed by Yang Chen's talent, offers to take him as a disciple, and shows disappointment in North Mountain Main City's lack of interest in recruiting Yang Chen.

Significant Themes

• Talent recognition and lack of opportunity (Yang Chen's talent is recognized by Elder Hu, but North Mountain Main City doesn't show interest in recruiting him).
• The importance of resources and materials in alchemy (Yang Chen acknowledges the need for materials to refine higher-grade pills).

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Xiao Yunfeng: Rivals in the alchemy competition, with Xiao Yunfeng feeling resentment after losing to Yang Chen.
• Yang Chen and Elder Hu: Elder Hu is impressed by Yang Chen's talent and offers to take him as a disciple, but Yang Chen declines.
• Elder Hu and North Mountain Main City: Elder Hu expresses disappointment in North Mountain Main City's lack of interest in recruiting Yang Chen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen gathers materials for the Dragon Tiger Longevity Pill, including the Ageless Flower, which he previously purchased.
• Elders and high-ranking officials from the Six Sects gather at Yang Chen's courtyard, seeking to buy pills he refined during the Alchemist Elimination Match.
• Yang Chen decides to sell the pills to the highest bidder to avoid offense and maintain good relations with all sects.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen demonstrates his business acumen and strategic thinking by selling the pills to the highest bidder and establishing good relations with Elder Qin.
• Elder Qin shows his wealth and eagerness to buy pills, revealing his deep pockets and influence.

Significant Themes

• The value and scarcity of pills in the cultivation world.
• The importance of maintaining good relations and avoiding offense among sects.
• The strategic use of resources to gain influence and allies.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen interacts with various sect elders, showing them respect while conducting business.
• Elder Qin and Elder Jin compete in bidding for pills, showcasing their rivalry and eagerness.
• Yang Chen establishes a friendly relationship with Elder Qin, demonstrating his diplomatic skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen sells Essence Pills, Clear Bright True Essence Pills, and Cloud Sea Pills to sect elders.
• The Cloud Sea Pill, highly sought after by Origin Martial Realm cultivators, sells for 40,000 spiritual stones.
• The Clear Bright True Essence Pill sells for 55,000 spiritual stones.
• Yang Chen earns over 100,000 spiritual stones in total.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen demonstrates his nonchalance towards wealth and his business acumen.
• Elder Qin, Qin Yang, shows his interest in Yang Chen's future potential as an alchemist.

Significant Themes

• The value and allure of spiritual stones and pills in the cultivation world.
• The importance of connections and networking in business, as seen in Elder Qin's actions.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Elder Qin (Qin Yang) interact, with Qin Yang expressing his desire to do business with Yang Chen in the future.
• Sect elders compete in bidding for the Cloud Sea Pill and the Clear Bright True Essence Pill, showcasing their eagerness and desperation for these pills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Yang visits Yang Chen, expressing interest in buying more Clear Bright True Essence Pills.
• Yang Chen reveals he has five such pills, selling them to Qin Yang for 55,000 spiritual stones each, totaling 250,000.
• Qin Yang invites Yang Chen to do business with him at the Huanghai Chamber of Commerce in North Mountain Main City.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen: Shows caution in business dealings, maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with Qin Yang.
• Qin Yang: Proves to be a shrewd and honest businessman, willing to establish a long-term cooperation with Yang Chen.

Significant Themes

• Business acumen and mutual benefit.
• Honesty and trust in business relationships.
• The value of pills in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Qin Yang: Engage in a straightforward and honest business transaction, establishing a potential long-term partnership.
• Yang Chen and Rainbow: Yang Chen plans to refine the Dragon Tiger Longevity Pill for Rainbow, showing his commitment to helping the merfolk race.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen successfully refines nine Dragon Tiger Longevity Pills, helping the Merfolk race extend the lives of their elders.
• Yang Chen realizes the temporary nature of the pills' effect and understands that a fundamental transformation is needed for the Merfolk race.
• He remembers the Dragon Blood Creation Pill from his previous life, which could reshape one's body, but requires Dragon Blood as a primary ingredient.
• Yang Chen and the Zhou Family attend the final elimination match of the Genius Selection Competition. The match's rules are announced: losers are eliminated, top eight can choose a Spiritual Artifact, and top three can enter the Trial Tower.
• The Trial Tower is revealed to be a treasure of the perilous lands, personally established by the Imperial Family, offering perfect trials and faster martial cultivation improvement.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen demonstrates his alchemy skills and gains the Merfolk race's gratitude.
• Yang Chen shows concern for the Merfolk race's long-term survival, indicating his growth in responsibility.
• Zhou Haoran expresses his longing for the Trial Tower, revealing his ambition and desire for improvement.

Significant Themes

• Temporary Solutions vs. Long-term Fixes: Yang Chen understands that while the Dragon Tiger Longevity Pills provide relief, they don't address the root cause of the Merfolk race's lifespan issue.
• Sacrifice for Improvement: The Trial Tower represents a challenging path for martial cultivation improvement, reflecting the theme of sacrifice for growth.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen interacts with the Zhou Family, seeking information about the Trial Tower from Zhou Haoran.
• The viewing platforms buzz with discussions about Yang Chen's chances in the martial artist elimination match, highlighting his reputation and the expectations placed on him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen learns about the Imperial Family and the Great Feng Dynasty's power.
• The elimination matches begin, with each match's arena and opponent displayed graphically.
• Yang Chen's first opponent is Yun Huayu, who forfeits without a fight.
• Yang Chen's second opponent is revealed to be Huang Chiyang, his long-time enemy.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen remains calm and collected, showing no signs of overconfidence despite his past victories.
• Yun Huayu is introduced as a dramatic and confident character, forfeiting her match against Yang Chen.
• Huang Chiyang is confirmed to have improved his martial cultivation, setting up a potential confrontation with Yang Chen.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Imperial Family, the Great Feng Dynasty, and the super sects.
• The anticipation and tension leading up to the elimination matches.
• The theme of enemies crossing paths, as seen between Yang Chen and Huang Chiyang.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen interacts briefly with Yun Huayu, who forfeits her match and invites him to visit her sect.
• Yang Chen's encounter with Huang Chiyang sets the stage for a potential confrontation, with Yang Chen showing a willingness to settle their grudge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen's second and third-round opponents forfeit, allowing him to advance easily.
• In the fourth round, Yang Chen faces Yuan Shao Yang, a top-tier genius from the Purple Sun Sect.
• The match is anticipated due to both competitors being at the Spiritual Martial Realm Sixth Level.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen: Maintains his composure and confidence, looking forward to challenging opponents.
• Huang Chiyang: Realizes the extent of Yang Chen's power and forfeits his match, vowing revenge.
• Yuan Shao Yang: Known for his formidable martial cultivation and mastery of Purple Yang Fire.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and favoritism in the competition, with North Mountain Main City manipulating matchups.
• The hierarchy of Yang Fire and the advantages of specific cultivation methods.
• The importance of decisiveness and adaptability in competition.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Huang Chiyang: Their encounter ends with Huang Chiyang forfeiting, leaving Yang Chen unsatisfied.
• Yang Chen and Yuan Shao Yang: Their upcoming match is highly anticipated due to their equal martial cultivation levels and contrasting backgrounds.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen and Yuan Shao Yang face off in the fourth round of elimination matches.
• Yuan Shao Yang provokes Yang Chen by threatening his sister, Yang Caidie.
• Yang Chen retaliates with a powerful lightning strike, shattering Yuan Shao Yang's Purple Yang Fire defense.
• The crowd and Yuanshan Gate Master, Mu Baisheng, are astonished by Yang Chen's power.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen: Shows anger at Yuan Shao Yang's provocation but maintains composure. Demonstrates immense power with his lightning strike.
• Yuan Shao Yang: Reveals his true colors, using underhanded tactics to provoke Yang Chen. Shows concern for his safety when faced with Yang Chen's power.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Yuan Shao Yang seeks to assert his dominance and control over others, including Yang Chen and his sister.
• True Strength: The power of Yang Chen's lightning is revealed, challenging the conventional understanding of martial cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen vs. Yuan Shao Yang: Their interaction is tense and hostile, with Yuan Shao Yang attempting to provoke Yang Chen and Yang Chen responding with overwhelming force.
• Mu Baisheng's observations: The Yuanshan Gate Master is intrigued by Yang Chen's power and begins to question whether Yang Chen possesses a Divine Body.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen faces Yuan Shao Yang in the final match. Yuan Shao Yang summons his Grand Primordial Red Sun, a powerful fire technique.
• Yang Chen reveals he has a more powerful fire seed, the Origin Fire Essence, but chooses not to use it.
• Yang Chen uses his Thunderclap strike, powered by Innate True Qi, and cracks Yuan Shao Yang's Grand Primordial Red Sun.

Character Developments

• Yuan Shao Yang shows his confidence and power, summoning two Grand Primordial Red Suns.
• Yang Chen reveals his Innate True Qi, indicating he has the Innate Divine Body aptitude.

Significant Themes

• Power and confidence in one's abilities.
• The reveal of hidden strengths and secrets.
• The rarity and significance of the Innate Divine Body.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Yuan Shao Yang's exchange highlights their confidence and power.
• The revelation of Yang Chen's Innate True Qi shocks the various sects and forces, including the Three Hegemons and Six Sects.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen's true talent is revealed as an Innate Divine Body, a rare and exceptional physique.
• The audience and sects are astonished and eager to recruit Yang Chen.
• Yang Chen defeats Yuan Shao Yang in the elimination match, demonstrating the power of his Innate True Qi.
• The Purple Sun Sect, despite their disciple's defeat, respects Yang Chen and thanks him for showing mercy.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen: Proves his exceptional talent and gains recognition from various sects.
• Yuan Shao Yang: Suffers defeat and is injured by Yang Chen, but his sect respects Yang Chen's strength.

Significant Themes

• The power of innate talent and its recognition in the martial world.
• The benefits of strength and the respect it commands.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Yuan Shao Yang: Their battle showcases the difference between Innate True Qi and acquired True Qi.
• Sects and Yang Chen: Various sects, including the Purple Sun Sect, express their desire to recruit Yang Chen due to his Innate Divine Body.
• Yang Chen and the Zhou family: Yang Chen returns to his residence with the Zhou family, expecting and preparing for the attention he will receive.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Chen asks Patriarch Zhou to manage visitors at his courtyard, expecting sects to recruit him after revealing his Innate Divine Body.
• Deacon Feng from North Mountain Main City visits Yang Chen, offering him to join their sect with high status and privileges, but Yang Chen declines due to their delayed recruitment and condescending attitude.
• Ming Wendao, Sect Master of Bright Emperor Sect, arrives with Elder Qian and other sect elders, bringing a captive Wen Zi, Yang Chen's past enemy.

Character Developments

• Yang Chen: Shows maturity and decisiveness in choosing his path, valuing sincerity and respect over high offers.
• Deacon Feng: Reveals North Mountain Main City's power and influence but fails to recruit Yang Chen due to his sect's arrogance.
• Wen Zi: Captured and brought before Yang Chen, showing fear and remorse for her past actions.

Significant Themes

• Respect and sincerity in recruitment: Yang Chen values genuine respect and sincerity over high offers and delayed recognition.
• Power dynamics: North Mountain Main City's power and influence are highlighted, but their arrogance leads to missed opportunities.
• Past grievances: Yang Chen's past enemy, Wen Zi, is brought before him, setting the stage for resolution.

Character Interactions

• Yang Chen and Patriarch Zhou: Yang Chen asks Zhou Haoran to manage visitors, showing trust in him despite Zhou's uncertainty about controlling the situation.
• Yang Chen and Deacon Feng: Yang Chen declines Deacon Feng's offer, showing his discontent with North Mountain Main City's attitude.
• Yang Chen and Wen Zi: Yang Chen's icy expression upon seeing Wen Zi indicates his resolve to settle their past grievances.