Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “First Trial of Water Refining”

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng begins his first water-refining experiment by choosing to create the Clear Water Spirit Pearl, a mid-grade support-type magical artifact.
• He studies the artifact’s material properties and simplifies the blueprint’s auxiliary materials, selecting bone glue, jade paste, and Water-Congealing Essence.
• He purifies the main material, a Jiaotu Spirit Pearl, in a spirit spring using spiritual hand seals. This stage takes more than ten days but requires only brief attention three times a day.
• During the long purification process, He Sheng cultivates the Clear Billows Water Origin Art, discovering that water refining can be performed alongside cultivation.
• He engraves twelve overlapping spiritual restriction structures onto the purified pearl. By applying his Subtle Ripple Intent Realm, he achieves exceptional precision, though the five-day process consumes nearly half his spiritual sense.
• He returns the pearl to the spirit spring to nurture its spirituality. This takes less than twenty days, during which he continues cultivating.
• For the final shaping stage, He Sheng uses the Subtle Ripple Intent Realm to control flowing water with great precision. The shaping, normally requiring three to five days, is completed in one day.
• After a total of thirty-six days, he successfully produces the azure, dragon-eye-sized Clear Water Spirit Pearl.
• His cultivation results are measured afterward. The artifact-refining process grants 30 points of artifact-refining proficiency, while his cultivation efficiency reaches an overall Time Rate of approximately 2.8, lower than he initially expected but still better than cultivating alone.
• He concludes that artifact-refining efficiency likely depends on the quality of the artifact and begins considering future attempts at high-grade artifacts and further possibilities for water refining.

Character Development

• He Sheng demonstrates a cautious, methodical approach by selecting a relatively simple artifact and studying its materials before beginning.
• He shows adaptability by modifying the blueprint’s material requirements rather than rigidly following its more complicated original design.
• His understanding of water refining develops rapidly. What initially appears to be an inefficient method becomes valuable because it leaves him free to cultivate during the lengthy stages.
• He learns to apply the Subtle Ripple Intent Realm creatively, first enhancing his spiritual sense during restriction engraving and later improving his control over flowing water during shaping.
• His successful first attempt increases his confidence in artifact refining and encourages him to pursue higher-grade artifacts.

Significant Themes

• Efficiency through integration: Water refining’s slow pace becomes an advantage because it can be combined with cultivation, allowing He Sheng to advance along multiple paths simultaneously.
• Innovation and adaptation: He Sheng improves established techniques by combining artifact refining with his unique intent realm and cultivation methods.
• Patience versus speed: Fire refining is faster, but water refining offers sustained, low-maintenance progress and greater compatibility with other activities.
• Mastery through understanding: Successful artifact refining depends on knowledge of material properties, precision, spiritual sense, and the ability to understand the underlying process rather than merely copying a blueprint.
• Potential beyond immediate results: Although the first experiment produces modest efficiency gains, He Sheng recognizes that water refining may have greater potential as his skills and artifact quality improve.

Character Interactions

• The chapter contains no direct interactions with other characters.
• He Sheng’s main “interaction” is with the artifact-refining process itself, the spirit spring, and the techniques he employs.
• His internal evaluation contrasts water refining with fire refining and guides his developing philosophy: rather than judging a method solely by speed, he considers how well it can be integrated with cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

1. He Sheng successfully refines a high-grade artifact, the Cold Moon Arc Light Sword, after three months of practice.
2. He develops the Stacked Refining Method, allowing him to refine multiple artifacts simultaneously, increasing his efficiency.
3. He discovers that this method significantly boosts his cultivation efficiency, with a time rate of 6.3 compared to other cultivators at the same rank.

Character Developments

1. He Sheng becomes a proficient first-rank high-grade artifact refiner.
2. He demonstrates adaptability and innovation by creating the Stacked Refining Method.
3. The Bright Wisdom Water Ape is revealed to be indifferent to spirit stones, suggesting it might have a mental disability.

Significant Themes

1. Efficiency and Adaptability: He Sheng's ability to adapt and innovate allows him to cultivate faster than others.
2. Material Consumption: The path of artifact refinement consumes vast amounts of materials, which He Sheng is willing to invest in for increased cultivation efficiency.
3. Patience and Persistence: He Sheng is patient in his cultivation and refining processes, and he persists in trying to communicate with the Treasure-Swallowing Snake.

Character Interactions

1. He Sheng interacts with the Green Snake, asking about the water palace's affairs and rewarding her for her diligence.
2. He Sheng considers the Bright Wisdom Water Ape's indifference to spirit stones, showing curiosity and concern for the creature's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng continues to care for the Bright Wisdom Water Ape, trying to figure out how to raise it and awaken its innate talent.
• Half a year later, Lin Yuanxiao and Chen Keshan investigate the Lower River Branch incident. Chen Keshan discovers the spot where Elder Xu died, hinting at the use of water-aspected spiritual power and two different talisman-treasure-level methods.
• Lin Yuanxiao suspects Wu Feng, a spy from the south, as the culprit, while Chen Keshan suggests the possibility of impersonation.

Character Developments

• He Sheng: Still focused on raising the Bright Wisdom Water Ape and plans to learn the True Void Clear Heart Art to help awaken its innate talent.
• Lin Yuanxiao: Becomes more suspicious of Wu Feng as the culprit behind the Lower River Branch incident.
• Chen Keshan: Demonstrates his investigative skills by finding the murder spot and considering different possibilities, including impersonation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of patience and perseverance in raising the Bright Wisdom Water Ape.
• The complexity of investigations and the need to consider multiple possibilities.
• The potential danger of spies and impersonators.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng and the Bright Wisdom Water Ape: He Sheng continues to care for the monkey, trying to figure out how to help it grow and awaken its innate talent.
• Lin Yuanxiao and Chen Keshan: They work together to investigate the Lower River Branch incident, with Lin Yuanxiao being more impulsive in his deductions and Chen Keshan being more methodical and open to different possibilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Keshan, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, reflects on the power dynamics and politics surrounding the investigation into the He Sheng case.
• He Sheng successfully refines a fine-quality Cold Moon Arc Light Sword using the Stacked Refining Method.
• He Sheng decides to leave for the Southern Mountain Society gathering and entrusts the Green Snake with guarding the Water Palace.
• The Treasure-Swallowing Snake expresses willingness to help He Sheng find Ji Yunlai's hidden resources in exchange for its freedom.

Character Developments

• Chen Keshan: He demonstrates political acumen by navigating the complex power dynamics between the Lin Family and the Celestial Sea Commerce Association. He also shows caution and self-preservation by not investigating the He Family personally.
• He Sheng: He successfully refines a fine-quality artifact, indicating his growing skill as an artifact refiner. He also shows compassion towards the Treasure-Swallowing Snake, suggesting a degree of benevolence.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and politics: The chapter highlights the complex power struggles between different factions and the importance of navigating these dynamics to avoid trouble.
• Artifact refinement: The focus on He Sheng's artifact refinement process emphasizes the importance of skill and dedication in crafting powerful tools for cultivation.
• Benevolence and compassion: He Sheng's willingness to spare the Treasure-Swallowing Snake's life if it helps him, and the Green Snake's eagerness to please He Sheng, suggest that benevolence can be a powerful motivator.

Character Interactions

• Chen Keshan and Lin Yuanxiao: Their interaction shows Chen Keshan's tactfulness and Lin Yuanxiao's eagerness to shift blame onto Lin Wanrou.
• He Sheng and the Green Snake: Their interaction demonstrates He Sheng's trust in the Green Snake and his willingness to reward it for its loyalty.
• He Sheng and the Treasure-Swallowing Snake: Their interaction hints at a potential deal between them, with the Treasure-Swallowing Snake offering to help He Sheng in exchange for its freedom.

Plot points and events

• Lu Tong escorts He Sheng, posing as the rogue cultivator Xiang Yue, to Wind Spirit’s Grade B residence in Origin Communion Ward. He Sheng learns about Voice-Recording Bells and the city’s rental system, then privately asks Lu Tong to find him a suitable Grade C residence so his assumed identity will seem credible.
• Wind Spirit warmly welcomes He Sheng into his lavish courtyard and invites him to join the Southern Mountain Society. He Sheng says he wants to observe the society before committing.
• Wind Spirit explains that the society’s upcoming high-level gathering will help members coordinate bids on valuable lots at next year’s grand auction. Members agree not to compete against one another; contested items are decided by votes. Late-stage foundation establishment cultivators may join as full members and receive equal voting rights.
• He Sheng realizes Wind Spirit is especially eager for his support because his vote could help Wind Spirit secure a desired auction lot. This does not put him off; the society’s rules interest him.
• Wind Spirit describes the gathering’s internal exchange, where members must offer items worth at least 5,000 spirit stones and trade “downward.” New members get first choice of an item. He mentions several possible offerings, including a Comprehension Fruit, which strongly catches He Sheng’s attention.

Character developments and interactions

• He Sheng carefully maintains his Xiang Yue persona, thinking strategically about renting a residence and presenting himself as a reclusive cultivator and artifact refiner. He remains cautious about the society’s motives but becomes increasingly interested in joining.
• Wind Spirit uses warmth, hospitality, and detailed explanations to recruit He Sheng. His eagerness has a practical motive: he wants He Sheng’s vote in the society’s allocation process. He is revealed to rank third in the organization.
• Lu Tong acts as He Sheng’s knowledgeable guide, explaining the residence system and Voice-Recording Bell, then helping with He Sheng’s plans.
• The exchange between He Sheng and Wind Spirit is cordial but shaped by mutual calculation: Wind Spirit seeks support, while He Sheng evaluates the society’s fairness and potential benefits.

Significant themes

• Collective action versus factional competition: The society aims to help rogue cultivators resist exploitation by coordinating rather than competing among themselves.
• Trust and self-interest: The society presents a fair system, but its members still pursue individual advantages through votes and alliances.
• Identity and social maneuvering: He Sheng builds a convincing public persona to operate safely and gather information.
• Opportunity and desire: The mention of the Comprehension Fruit signals a potentially important opportunity for He Sheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Comprehension Fruit, a rare spirit fruit enhancing innate comprehension, is offered for trade.
• He Sheng is determined to obtain it, seeing it as an upgraded version of Spirit Rhinoceros Grass.
• Wind Spirit reveals details about the Breath-Absorbing Divine Way, Divine Abilities, and Attributes.

Character Developments

• He Sheng: Shows strong interest in the Comprehension Fruit and the Breath-Absorbing Divine Way. He considers recultivating to obtain Divine Abilities.
• Wind Spirit: Reveals crucial information about the Breath-Absorbing Divine Way and offers assistance to He Sheng.

Significant Themes

• The value of rare cultivation resources (Comprehension Fruit).
• The power and danger of the Breath-Absorbing Divine Way.
• The concept of fate and Attributes in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng and Wind Spirit: They engage in a conversation where Wind Spirit answers He Sheng's questions about the Breath-Absorbing Divine Way, Divine Abilities, and Attributes. They form a mutual understanding, with Wind Spirit offering help to He Sheng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng and Wind Spirit travel to Cold Years Mountain for the Southern Mountain Society's gathering.
• They discover the hidden entrance to the gathering place, an underground lotus pond.
• He Sheng is introduced to the Heavenly Talisman Elder, the society's leader, and is assigned the sixth seat.
• Liu Xuanyi, a talkative Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator, sits next to He Sheng and offers to trade materials.
• Li Lin, another Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator, arrives late and is demoted to the seventh seat.
• The Heavenly Talisman Elder distributes jade slips containing the list of precious items for the upcoming Primordial Mist Auction Conference, including an incomplete fourth-grade cultivation art, the Flame-Slaying Origin Traversal Art.

Character Developments

• He Sheng: Joins the Southern Mountain Society and is recognized for his strength, securing the sixth seat.
• Liu Xuanyi: A chatty alchemist with connections, offers to trade materials with He Sheng.
• Li Lin: Arrives late, causing dissatisfaction among the members, and is demoted to the seventh seat.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Status: He Sheng's strength earns him respect and a high seat within the society.
• Connections and Trade: Liu Xuanyi's extensive connections and trading opportunities hint at his potential usefulness to He Sheng.
• Late Arrival and Consequences: Li Lin's tardiness results in a loss of status, demonstrating the society's expectations for its members.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng and Wind Spirit: Wind Spirit guides He Sheng and provides information about the society and its members.
• He Sheng and Liu Xuanyi: Liu Xuanyi tries to sell He Sheng pills and offers to trade materials, revealing his extensive connections.
• Li Lin and the Society Members: Li Lin's late arrival causes displeasure among the members, leading to a loss of status.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng learns about the grading system for cultivation arts from Wind Spirit, discovering that the incomplete copy of the Flame-Slaying Origin Traversal Art is a fourth-grade cultivation art from the Qi-Consuming Divine Power Path.
• Heavenly Talisman Elder secures the right to bid for the incomplete copy of the Flame-Slaying Origin Traversal Art without competition.
• Wind Spirit, Zhang Tuo, Jin Zhaofa, and Li Lin compete for the Golden Resonance Jade Branch. Wind Spirit wins with He Sheng's support.
• He Sheng secures the right to bid on the <Origin Communion Divine Artifact Refining Illustrated Record> without competition.

Character Developments

• He Sheng gains a deeper understanding of the cultivation world's hierarchy and the value of cultivation arts.
• Wind Spirit shows his eagerness to help He Sheng, hoping to reciprocate the favor in the future.
• Jin Zhaofa reveals his competitive nature and holds a grudge against He Sheng for supporting Wind Spirit.
• Liu Xuanyi demonstrates his sportsmanship by accepting his loss gracefully.

Significant Themes

• The value and scarcity of cultivation arts, especially those from the Qi-Consuming Divine Power Path.
• The competitive nature of the cultivation world and the importance of alliances and favors.
• The pursuit of power and resources to advance one's cultivation.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng and Wind Spirit: They form an alliance, with Wind Spirit providing information and support, and He Sheng voting for Wind Spirit in the auction.
• He Sheng and Jin Zhaofa: Their interaction is minimal, but Jin Zhaofa holds a grudge against He Sheng for supporting Wind Spirit.
• He Sheng and Liu Xuanyi: They have a friendly chat about Core Formation resources, showing mutual respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Southern Mountain Society's benefit event, a downward exchange meeting, begins.
• Heavenly Talisman Elder initiates the exchange with a Five Thoughts Resonance Talisman, a premium second-tier talisman.
• He Sheng exchanges a spirit material refined from a Thousand-Legged Centipede's antenna for the talisman.
• Zhang Tuo, Wind Spirit, Jin Zhaofa, and Liu Xuanyi present their items for exchange, with varying levels of interest from other cultivators.
• Liu Xuanyi presents a Comprehension Fruit, which can permanently raise one's innate comprehension, and sets specific requirements for exchange.
• Li Lin exchanges a spirit material with an ancient wilderness aura for the Comprehension Fruit.

Character Developments

• Heavenly Talisman Elder: Shows his authority and influence by organizing the exchange meeting and initiating it with a valuable item.
• He Sheng: Demonstrates his wealth and resourcefulness by exchanging a rare spirit material for the Five Thoughts Resonance Talisman and showing interest in the Comprehension Fruit.
• Zhang Tuo, Jin Zhaofa, and Liu Xuanyi: Display their wealth and specific needs through their exchange items and requirements.
• Li Lin: Shows his resourcefulness and quick thinking by exchanging a valuable spirit material for the Comprehension Fruit.

Significant Themes

• The value of items and their exchange rates, determined by the Treasure Light Basin's treasure glow.
• The importance of specific needs and rare materials in exchanges.
• The influence of authority and reputation in the society, as seen in Heavenly Talisman Elder's and others' actions.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng interacts with Heavenly Talisman Elder, Zhang Tuo, Wind Spirit, Jin Zhaofa, Liu Xuanyi, and Li Lin through the exchange process.
• Cultivators show interest, disinterest, or competition in response to each other's exchange items.
• He Sheng and Li Lin indirectly compete for the Comprehension Fruit, with Li Lin ultimately securing it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Lin offers a Mystic Scorching Iceflame Seed for the Comprehension Fruit, but He Sheng intervenes with two valuable spiritual materials refined from a Black Jade Blood Python, securing the Comprehension Fruit.
• He Sheng exchanges a Thousand-Legged Centipede antenna for spiritual materials to refine a magic treasure.
• Heavenly Talisman Elder proposes doubling the mutual aid fee, which cultivators support to gain more contribution points for the upcoming auction.
• He Sheng is followed by two cultivators after the gathering.

Character Developments

• Li Lin becomes resentful and murderous after losing the Comprehension Fruit to He Sheng.
• He Sheng demonstrates his willingness to take risks and make bold moves.
• Heavenly Talisman Elder shows fairness and impartiality in managing the gathering and mutual aid funds.

Significant Themes

• The value of spiritual items and their exchange.
• The importance of contribution points for the auction convention.
• The consequences of breaking rules and causing resentment among cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Li Lin and He Sheng have a tense standoff after the Comprehension Fruit exchange.
• Wind Spirit apologizes to He Sheng for not being able to accompany him back to Primordial Mist Immortal City and promises to help him obtain a Fate-Testing Talisman.
• He Sheng is followed by two cultivators, hinting at potential danger or conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Lin, a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivator, pursues He Sheng (disguised as Xiang Yue) after he steals Li Lin's spiritual item and blocks his Dao Path.
• Li Lin reveals a powerful Dao-bearing dharma artifact, the Long Peachwood Myriad Union Spear, which he uses to chase He Sheng.
• He Sheng evades Li Lin by hiding in South Marsh Lake and then trails Li Lin and his companion, Cui Wei, back to Primordial Mist Immortal City.
• Li Lin and Cui Wei rent cave dwellings in Sunrise Ward, with Li Lin's being near He Sheng's (disguised as Xiang Yue's).

Character Developments

• Li Lin: Reveals his powerful artifact and Artistic Conception, showing he's not an ordinary Rogue Cultivator. He's determined to kill He Sheng for stealing his spiritual item and blocking his Dao Path.
• He Sheng: Shows caution and resourcefulness by evading Li Lin and using his superior divine sense to trail Li Lin and Cui Wei. He suspects Li Lin is using a false identity.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit and Evasion: Li Lin pursues He Sheng, who evades him and then trails Li Lin.
• Power and Wealth: Li Lin's powerful artifact and apparent wealth suggest he comes from an influential background.
• False Identities: Both Li Lin and He Sheng seem to be using false identities, hinting at their hidden motives.

Character Interactions

• Li Lin and Cui Wei: They work together to pursue He Sheng, with Li Lin leading and Cui Wei providing support.
• He Sheng and Li Lin: Although they haven't interacted directly, He Sheng is actively tracking Li Lin, setting the stage for a potential confrontation.
• He Sheng and Lu Tong (implied): Lu Tong, who rented the cave dwelling for He Sheng, is not mentioned in this chapter but is implied to be involved in He Sheng's plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng uses the Spirit Rhinoceros Grass to increase his comprehension, then tests the Comprehension Fruit's effect on Flesh Rebirth Art.
• He recultivates various techniques and his array master profession, finding that comprehension improves cultivation speed and can even inspire new insights.
• He plans to cultivate the Divine Artifact Treasure Vase Forging Method but realizes he needs more practice with spatial restrictions and a stable channel to buy Spirit-Binding Sand.

Character Developments

• He Sheng becomes more determined to improve his comprehension and divine sense, seeing the benefits of the Comprehension Fruit.
• He evaluates his current resources and plans, showing strategic thinking and long-term goals.

Significant Themes

• The importance of comprehension in cultivation speed and inspiration.
• The challenges and benefits of cultivating advanced techniques like Divine Artifact Treasure Vase Forging Method.
• The value of connections and resources in achieving goals.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng considers using his connection with Lu Tong to establish contact with the Four Directions Commerce Association for resources.
• No direct interactions with other characters occur in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng follows Li Lin, who uses an escape technique to change his appearance and head to the Celestial Sea Commerce Association.
• He Sheng learns that Li Lin is actually Chen Keshan, a steward of the association, and that he has ties to the Lin Family.
• He Sheng discovers that Chen Keshan (Li Lin) was investigating the Lower River Branch at the Silver Sand River and that the association's person in charge is trying to frame Lin Wanrou, the head of the branch.

Character Developments

• He Sheng demonstrates patience and strategic thinking in following Li Lin and gathering information.
• Li Lin/Chen Keshan is revealed to have a complex background and connections within the Lin Family and the commerce association.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between main and collateral branches within powerful families.
• The use of disguise and deception in achieving goals.
• The importance of gathering information and intelligence.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng uses his divine sense to track Li Lin and later controls a clerk to gain information.
• Li Lin/Chen Keshan interacts with the clerk at the association, revealing his identity and connections.
• The person in charge of the association is shown to be scheming against Lin Wanrou.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng meets with Yang Wanshi and Heng Daoyuan from the Four Directions Commerce Association.
• He Sheng agrees to be a 'collaborating artifact refiner' with the association.
• He Sheng sells two Clear Water Spirit Pearls and six Cold Moon Arc Light Swords to the association.

Character Developments

• He Sheng shows pragmatism and willingness to cooperate with the association despite their terms.
• Heng Daoyuan demonstrates his worldliness and sharp eye for magical artifacts.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between artifact refiners and commerce associations.
• The value and appraisal of magical artifacts based on their quality and refinement method.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng and Heng Daoyuan establish a business relationship, with Heng offering to promote He Sheng's artifacts.
• He Sheng trusts Heng Daoyuan's assessment of his artifacts and agrees to the terms without further negotiation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng receives a Fate-Testing Talisman from Wind Spirit to determine his fate.
• He Sheng buys nine hundred drops of Sinking Water from Wind Spirit for twenty-seven thousand lower-grade spirit stones.
• He Sheng invites Liu Xuanyi to meet at Immortal Gathering Tower, where he sells him a batch of magical artifacts from the He Family's secret vault.
• He Sheng offers to sell Liu Xuanyi a larger batch of goods, worth around fifty thousand spirit stones.

Character Developments

• He Sheng demonstrates his business acumen and strategic thinking by first testing Liu Xuanyi with lesser goods before presenting the larger batch.
• Wind Spirit shows his eagerness to trade, selling Sinking Water to He Sheng at a good price.
• Liu Xuanyi reveals his eagerness to make a profit, quickly agreeing to buy He Sheng's goods despite the low price.

Significant Themes

• The importance of business acumen and strategic thinking in cultivation and trade.
• The value of connections and networking in the cultivation world.
• The theme of determination and fate, as He Sheng seeks to understand his fate using the talisman.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng and Wind Spirit continue their mutually beneficial relationship, with Wind Spirit providing He Sheng with the Fate-Testing Talisman and He Sheng buying Sinking Water from him.
• He Sheng and Liu Xuanyi establish a business relationship, with He Sheng testing Liu Xuanyi's interest and Liu Xuanyi quickly agreeing to buy He Sheng's goods.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng sells the low-grade spirit stones obtained from Liu Xuanyi and returns to Longevity Pool, evading potential pursuers.
• He discovers He Weixiong, an elder of the He Family, waiting by Longevity Pool, seeking aid.
• The He Family is in internal strife due to the clan chief's disappearance and the second branch's attempt to seize control using Liu Yunxi, a member of the Liu Family.

Character Developments

• He Sheng becomes more protective of the He Family's survival, realizing its importance for Ye Shaochen's cultivation art.
• He Weixiong is portrayed as a prestigious but taciturn elder of the He Family.
• Liu Yunxi is introduced as a cunning and ambitious figure from the Liu Family, infiltrating the He Family's affairs.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and resources within the He Family.
• The importance of the He Family's survival for He Sheng's plans.
• The potential threat posed by the Liu Family's involvement in the He Family's affairs.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng interacts with He Weixiong through Green Snake, demanding 50% of the He Family's annual profits to be sent to Longevity Pool Water Manor.
• He Sheng discusses the He Family's situation with Green Snake, revealing his intentions to let them suffer for a while before intervening.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng tests his fate using a talisman given by Wind Spirit.
• He sees three visions: a clear river (True Water), a decaying earth (Woman Earth), and a filthy ditch (Turbid Water).
• He discovers he has three fates, which is uncommon.

Character Developments

• He Sheng learns about his fates and their implications.
• He realizes he needs cultivation arts corresponding to his fates to change paths.

Significant Themes

• Fate and destiny: The importance of one's fate in cultivation and life.
• Duality and opposition: The contrasting nature of He Sheng's primary and secondary fates.
• Challenges and opportunities: He Sheng's unique situation presents both difficulties and potential advantages.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng reflects on the information given by Wind Spirit, comparing it to his own experiences and the fate-test results.
• He considers his friend Piao's fates and spiritual roots in relation to his own.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng completes three rounds of layered refinement for the Cold Moon Arc Light Sword and returns to Primordial Mist Immortal City once.
• He receives the annual tribute from the He Family, which he deems insufficient.
• He Weixiong returns to Long Sun Mountain and reports to He Weixian about the annual tribute delivery.

Character Developments

• He Sheng improves an artifact-refining diagram based on the Blood-Transforming Shadowless Blade, aiming to create an artifact suited to his Thousandfold Condensed Poison Dragon Break move.
• He Sheng grows concerned about Green Snake's influence by the Treasure-Swallowing Snake.
• He Weixian and He Weixiong discuss the He Family's situation and decide to gather resources to send to "Lord Mystic Turtle."

Significant Themes

• The power struggle within the He Family, with the Second Branch regaining dominance under Liu Yunxi.
• The importance of attitude and sincerity in He Sheng's eyes, as demonstrated by his reaction to the annual tribute.
• The tension between He Sheng's expectations and the He Family's actions.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng interacts with Green Snake, expressing his displeasure with the annual tribute and warning her about the Treasure-Swallowing Snake's influence.
• He Weixian and He Weixiong discuss the He Family's situation and decide to gather resources for He Sheng, highlighting their loyalty despite the clan's internal struggles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng completes refining Cold Moon Arc Light Swords and heads to Toxic Miasma Marsh to refine a top-grade magic artifact.
• He plans to use materials from the Black Jade Blood Python and Thousand-Legged Centipede to create a poisonous artifact.
• He spends over four months refining the artifact, using a pool of spiritual poisonous water for concentration and purification.
• The artifact, Blood Poison Mother-and-Child Blades, is successfully forged.

Character Developments

• He Sheng's artifact-refining skill advances significantly due to continuous practice.
• He reaches the level of a second-rank lower-grade artifact refiner, increasing his chances of successfully creating a top-grade artifact.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and dedication in craftsmanship (He Sheng's continuous refinement of artifacts).
• The power of poison and its careful control (the nature of the Blood Poison Mother-and-Child Blades).

Character Interactions

• None in this chapter; He Sheng works alone on his artifact refinement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• He Sheng forges a top-tier magic artifact, the Blood Poison Mother-and-Child Blades, which exhibits sentience.
• He returns to the water manor and receives a large tribute from the He Family, bringing his spirit stones to around 270,000.
• He Linxue and Liu Jingxing, on Exile Island, are on the brink of death due to starvation and illness. He Linxue prays to the He Family ancestors.
• He Sheng appears above their shack in response to He Linxue's plea.

Character Developments

• He Sheng: Successfully forges a top-tier artifact, gains 270,000 spirit stones, and shows compassion by responding to He Linxue's plea.
• He Linxue: Struggles with her son's impending death, prays to the He Family ancestors, and shows resilience.
• Liu Jingxing: Suffers from illness and starvation, wishes to be part of the He Family to avoid bullying.

Significant Themes

• The power of prayer and divine intervention.
• The consequences of one's actions (He Linxue and Liu Jingxing's suffering due to the He Family's past deeds).
• The disparity between the powerful and the weak.

Character Interactions

• He Sheng and the Blood Poison Mother-and-Child Blades: He Sheng senses the sentience of the blades but cannot communicate with them yet.
• He Sheng and the Bright Wisdom Water Ape: He Sheng confirms the monkey's intelligence and interacts with it playfully.
• He Linxue and Liu Jingxing: Mother and son comfort each other in their dire situation, with Liu Jingxing expressing his desire to be part of the He Family.