Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ye Family's secret realm is filled with spiritual energy as the Void Ancient Dragon breaks through to the Seventh Stage.
• The Void Ancient Dragon successfully undergoes its tribulation, becoming the Ye Family's fourth Seventh-Stage combatant.
• The Jade Qilin Dragon enters seclusion to prepare for its breakthrough, while other spirit beasts consider their own cultivation progress.

Character Developments

• The Void Ancient Dragon demonstrates immense power and control over space during its breakthrough and tribulation.
• The Jade Qilin Dragon shows confidence in breaking through without a Void Return Pill, indicating its growth and potential.
• Other spirit beasts assess their cultivation levels and decide on their next steps.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation and continuous growth for the Ye Family's power and security.
• The interconnectedness of the Ye Family's members and their shared goals.
• The challenges and rewards of breaking through cultivation stages.

Character Interactions

• The Void Ancient Dragon seeks out the Jade Qilin Dragon after its breakthrough, showing a bond between them.
• Ye Haicheng prepares to use the Spirit-Sealing Token to conceal the Ye Family's aura if necessary, demonstrating his responsibility and caution.
• The Purple Luan Eagle and Ye Qingfeng's Red Spirit Blood Abyss Worm marvel at the Void Ancient Dragon's power, highlighting their respect and admiration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Jingzhong and Ye Yunzhen successfully break through to the Spirit Transformation realm.
• Ye Jingcheng's breakthrough to the Void Refinement realm begins, causing five spirit phenomena to appear.
• The Ye Family activates the Spirit-Gathering Formation to support Ye Jingcheng's breakthrough.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingzhong's and Ye Yunzhen's breakthroughs enhance their respective divine domains and provide them with Sixth Stage spirit puppets as rewards.
• Ye Qingfeng shows concern for her father's breakthrough, highlighting her growth and responsibility.

Significant Themes

• Family Harmony and Growth: The Ye Family celebrates and supports each other's breakthroughs, emphasizing their unity and collective strength.
• Power and Influence: The family's growth in power is tied to their ability to establish themselves on the Mortal Dust Continent and search for their Heavenly Wood Blessed Land.

Character Interactions

• Ye Qingfeng and Ye Haicheng share a moment of understanding and concern for Ye Jingcheng.
• Ye Jingzhong and Ye Yunzhen express gratitude to Ye Haicheng for their rewards.
• The entire Ye Family works together to support Ye Jingcheng's breakthrough, demonstrating their unity and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Jingcheng is cultivating on a spirit mountain, using a spirit lotus treasure to assist his breakthrough to Void Refinement.
• He successfully condenses his Dharma-Heaven Primordial Spirit and manifests five true spirit phantoms.
• Unexpectedly, he receives spiritual powers from the True Spirit Void Ancient Dragon and the Mysterious Heaven Spirit Vine, which help him condense his Primordial Spirit further.
• He manifests a vertical eye on his Primordial Spirit's brow, causing space to collapse and shatter.
• Ye Jingcheng's clansmen witness this and realize it's his divine ability at work, not the Void Ancient Dragon's mischief.
• Ye Haicheng and Ye Zhijian explain that top cultivators condense special Dharma Idols, requiring exceptional foundations, a Dharma-nurturing divine ability, and a profound cultivation technique.
• Ye Jingcheng's tribulation clouds condense into a vast ocean, indicating an exceptionally powerful tribulation.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingcheng successfully breaks through to Void Refinement and manifests a unique Dharma-Heaven Primordial Spirit, hinting at his exceptional potential.
• Ye Haicheng and Ye Zhijian share their knowledge about Dharma Idols, showing their wisdom and experience.

Significant Themes

• The chapter emphasizes the importance of foundations, divine abilities, and cultivation techniques in condensing special Dharma Idols.
• It also highlights the power and uniqueness of Ye Jingcheng's breakthrough, suggesting his extraordinary destiny.

Character Interactions

• The Ye Family clansmen interact, sharing their knowledge and understanding of Dharma Idols and tribulations.
• Ye Jingcheng's breakthrough indirectly involves the True Spirit Void Ancient Dragon and the Mysterious Heaven Spirit Vine, hinting at their connection and potential influence on his cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The spirit boat from the Golden Poison Sect arrives at the Miasma Forest, finding a massive sinkhole where a Seventh Stage poison marsh and python should be.
• The Heavenly Poison Venerable decides to leave immediately, suspecting the presence of an Eighth or Ninth Order demon monarch.
• Ye Jingcheng, in Fog Valley, is satisfied with the Five Poisons Marsh's transformation and allows Ye Jingzhong to cultivate poisonous insects there.
• Ye Jingcheng and the Five-Colored Cloud-Swallowing Python retrieve the Purple Jade Azure Nether Eagle's secret realm, discovering a Seventh Stage Azure Nether Profound Cold Tree and an ice-blue spirit egg.

Character Developments

• Du Sheng, a young cultivator from the Golden Poison Sect, discovers the sinkhole and reports it to his Uncle-Master, the Heavenly Poison Venerable.
• Ye Jingcheng demonstrates his strategic thinking and decisiveness in handling the Ye Family's new secret realms.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and dangers of the Wildlands Continent, where Eighth and Ninth Order beings can cause massive changes.
• The value of secret realms and their resources for cultivation and clan advancement.
• The importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities, as shown by the Ye Family's response to the changed environment.

Character Interactions

• Du Sheng and the Heavenly Poison Venerable display a master-disciple relationship, with Du Sheng showing initiative and the Heavenly Poison Venerable being protective and understanding.
• Ye Jingcheng and the Five-Colored Cloud-Swallowing Python work together to retrieve the Purple Jade Azure Nether Eagle's secret realm, showcasing their partnership and shared goals.
• Ye Jingcheng allows Ye Jingzhong to use the Five Poisons Marsh for cultivating poisonous insects, demonstrating his consideration for his family members' cultivation needs.

• Ye Jingcheng discovers an Azure Nether Eagle egg in the secret realm, which he decides to give to either Ye Yunxi or Ye Tengjia after they've earned enough merit.
• He transforms the secret realm into a cave-heaven and places it near Fog Valley for the family's use.
• Ye Jingcheng plans to send his avatar back to Twin Hump Peak to establish Qixuan Valley as a Void Refinement power and inquire about the Jade Soul Race's tribulation.
• Ye Guangyuan presents Ye Jingcheng with two Wood Demons he's been cultivating, proving his dedication to the task.
• Ye Jingcheng returns to Twin Hump Peak, where Chu Yanqing has been managing Qixuan Valley in his absence. He expresses his gratitude to her and plans to visit Blue Star Mountain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Jingcheng (Ziji), after breaking through to Void Refinement, visits Blue Star Sect to confront Venerable Fuyuan about the sect's involvement in his previous near-death experience.
• Ye Jingcheng spreads news of his breakthrough by challenging Blue Star Sect, drawing the attention of other cultivators.
• Venerable Ziyu, Venerable Golden Swan, and Venerable Forging Origin visit Qixuan Valley to congratulate Ye Jingcheng on his breakthrough and gift him treasures.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingcheng: Shows maturity and strategic thinking by not holding a grand ceremony for his breakthrough to minimize risks. He also demonstrates his determination to protect Qixuan Valley and his family.
• Venerable Fuyuan: Shows disdain for Blue Star Sect and its decline, and is willing to provoke Ye Jingcheng to kill him, indicating his desperation and lack of concern for the sect.
• Venerable Ziyu, Venerable Golden Swan, and Venerable Forging Origin: Display respect and courtesy towards Ye Jingcheng after his breakthrough, acknowledging his status as a Void Refinement cultivator.

Significant Themes

• The importance of reputation and status in the cultivation world, with Ye Jingcheng's breakthrough drawing attention and gifts from other cultivators.
• The decline of Blue Star Sect, reflecting the impermanence and decline of once-great powers.
• The strategic thinking and caution exhibited by Ye Jingcheng, highlighting the importance of wisdom and foresight in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingcheng and Venerable Fuyuan: Their interaction shows the power dynamics between them, with Ye Jingcheng asserting his dominance and Venerable Fuyuan trying to save face.
• Ye Jingcheng and the three visiting cultivators: Their interactions display the respect and courtesy shown to Ye Jingcheng after his breakthrough, as well as the exchange of gifts and information.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Jingcheng meets with Venerable Ziyu, Venerable Golden Swan, and Venerable Forging Origin, marking a significant shift in their relationship as they now treat him as an equal.
• The distribution of Upper Star Market's profits is discussed: Heavenly Sea Sect takes 30%, Qixuan Valley and Blue Star Sect each take 15%, and Soul-Repelling City takes 10%.
• Venerable Ziyu offers guidance to Ye Jingcheng, suggesting that he not take disputes with Blue Star Sect too seriously and reminding him of the importance of Void Refinement cultivators in the human race's defense.
• Venerable Ziyu invites Ye Jingcheng to seek an appraisal at Heavenly Sea Sect once he becomes a Seventh Stage alchemist, offering him the opportunity to participate in trades with foreign races.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingcheng: He has entered the Void Refinement realm and is recognized as a renowned alchemist. He maintains a balance between the various forces, showing caution and wisdom in his interactions.
• Venerable Ziyu: He shows a more friendly and accommodating attitude towards Ye Jingcheng, offering guidance and opportunities, while subtly warning him about the importance of Void Refinement cultivators.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation level in the Spirit Realm, with Void Refinement cultivators holding significant influence and power.
• The complex relationships between different forces, with alliances and rivalries shifting based on cultivation levels and interests.
• The value of Seventh Stage alchemists and the potential opportunities they bring, such as trading with foreign races.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingcheng interacts with the three venerables, maintaining a respectful and cautious demeanor while subtly asserting his new status as a Void Refinement cultivator.
• Venerable Ziyu offers guidance and opportunities to Ye Jingcheng, attempting to build a better relationship between Heavenly Sea Sect and Qixuan Valley while also subtly warning him about the human race's defense.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ye Family receives congratulatory visits and gifts from neighboring Spirit Transformation powers and Void Refinement cultivators after Ye Jingcheng's breakthrough to Void Refinement.
• The Dust Deer Venerable, leader of the Mystic Deer Sect, visits and gifts a Seventh Stage mid-grade spirit herb, the Jingzhong Flower.
• The Desert River Huang Family sends a set of Seventh Stage spirit-gathering formation plates and spirit-attracting stones, expressing their desire to maintain an alliance with Qixuan Valley.
• Rumors spread about the Ye Family finding a Void Refinement treasure in the Wildlands Continent and the presence of suspected Eighth Stage or Ninth Order beings near the Ye Family's Fog Valley.
• Ye Jingcheng enters seclusion, and the Qixuan Treasure Tower gains immense popularity.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingcheng becomes more confident and influential after his breakthrough, receiving respect and gifts from other cultivators.
• The Dust Deer Venerable is shown to be more reserved and gloomy after the losses suffered by the Mystic Deer Sect.
• Ye Jingli becomes more protective of the Ye Family, urging them to relocate due to the perceived threat from the Wildlands Continent.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and alliances between cultivator families and sects.
• The importance of resources and treasures in cultivation and sect development.
• The impact of rumors and public perception on cultivator families.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingcheng interacts with various Void Refinement cultivators, maintaining diplomatic relations and receiving gifts.
• Ye Jingcheng and the Dust Deer Venerable show mutual respect and courtesy despite their sects' competitive nature.
• Ye Jingcheng and Ye Jingli discuss the perceived threat from the Wildlands Continent, with Ye Jingcheng revealing the true cause behind the rumors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ye Family cultivates and strengthens their clansmen and spirit beasts using a Seventh Stage spirit vein and spiritual-radiance tide.
• Ye Jingyu visits the Spirit Realm to report, congratulate Ye Jingcheng, and see his father, Ye Xingliu.
• Ye Jingyu discusses the Zou Family with Ye Jingcheng, suggesting they could be a contingency from the Ye Family's past with a potential Eighth Stage spirit insect.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingcheng shows satisfaction with the family's progress and the gifts from the Huang Family.
• Ye Jingyu demonstrates his strategic thinking and confidence in handling the Zou Family.
• Ye Xingliu expresses displeasure with Ye Jingyu's decision to leave his daughter in the Mortal Realm.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation resources and opportunities for clan growth.
• The strategic value of alliances and contingencies.
• The differences in perspective between family members regarding the family's future.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingcheng and Ye Jingyu discuss the family's situation and the Zou Family's potential.
• Ye Xingliu and Ye Jingyu have a strained conversation about Ye Jingyu's daughter, Qingyun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Jingyu reveals that Ye Qingnian is about to have another child, strengthening the Ye Family's ties with the Tan Family.
• The Ye Family discusses the possibility of establishing a Spirit Transformation force in the mortal world within five hundred years, reducing the need for smuggling cultivators across to the Spirit Realm.
• Ye Jingcheng and Ye Jingyu decide to delay Feng Chan's return to the Spirit Realm until the Dream-Devouring Insect advances to the Seventh Stage.
• Return-to-Zen visits the Jinling Forbidden Ground to report an important matter to Lord Jinling, the Jinling Sacred Lord of the Negative-Origin Turtle Clan.

Character Developments

• Ye Qingnian's influence within the Tan Family continues to grow, with half of the Tan Family clansmen now under his control.
• Feng Chan remains in the mortal world, awaiting the advancement of the Dream-Devouring Insect to the Seventh Stage before returning to the Spirit Realm.
• Return-to-Zen, despite being a Seventh Stage demon venerable, is still treated with disrespect by the guards of the Jinling Forbidden Ground due to Negative Abyss's influence.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family and alliances in the cultivation world, as seen in the Ye Family's relationship with the Tan Family and the Negative-Origin Turtle Clan.
• The dangers and challenges of crossing the world barrier between the mortal world and the Spirit Realm, which may lead to losses and even disaster for the Ye Family.
• The power dynamics within the Negative-Origin Turtle Clan, where even a Seventh Stage demon venerable like Return-to-Zen is treated with disrespect due to the influence of a higher-ranking clan member.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingcheng and Ye Jingyu discuss the future of the Ye Family, showing their unity and shared vision for the clan's growth and prosperity.
• Return-to-Zen interacts with the guards of the Jinling Forbidden Ground, demonstrating the power dynamics and hierarchies within the Negative-Origin Turtle Clan and the challenges Return-to-Zen faces due to Negative Abyss's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Return-to-Zen, a turtle demon, seeks an audience with Jinling Demon Lord to report its successful trade with a human faction, offering two spirit pills as proof.
• Jinling Demon Lord is initially uninterested but tells Return-to-Zen to continue trading with other clans and report back.
• Ye Jingcheng successfully refines Void Return Pills and decides to help the Crimson Flame Fox attempt a breakthrough.

Character Developments

• Return-to-Zen: Shows ambition and cunning in reporting its trade with the human race to Jinling Demon Lord, aiming to prove its worth.
• Jinling Demon Lord: Maintains a cautious stance regarding trade with the human race, prioritizing the safety and interests of the Negative-Origin Clan.
• Ye Jingcheng: Successfully refines Void Return Pills and decides to help the Crimson Flame Fox break through, demonstrating his care for his spirit companions.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Cunning: Return-to-Zen's actions show its ambition to prove itself to Jinling Demon Lord and its cunning in navigating the political landscape of the demon race.
• Caution and Safety: Jinling Demon Lord's actions highlight the importance of caution and safety in dealing with the human race, reflecting the tense relationship between the two races.
• Care and Responsibility: Ye Jingcheng's decision to help the Crimson Flame Fox break through shows his care for his spirit companions and his sense of responsibility towards them.

Character Interactions

• Return-to-Zen and Jinling Demon Lord: Their interaction shows the power dynamics between a demon venerable and a demon lord, with Return-to-Zen trying to prove its worth and Jinling Demon Lord maintaining a cautious stance.
• Ye Jingcheng and the Crimson Flame Fox: Their interaction demonstrates the bond between a cultivator and his spirit companion, with Ye Jingcheng showing care and concern for the Crimson Flame Fox's cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qixuan Treasure Tower opens on Soul-Repelling City's main street.
• The shop introduces a question-and-answer event, offering prizes for correct answers about alchemy or artifact refinement.
• Several Void Refinement cultivators visit the shop, purchasing spirit pills and treasures at discounted prices.
• Three Spirit Transformation cultivators win fifth-rank spirit pills as prizes.
• Heaven-Divining Sect cultivators seek to exchange magical treasures for a Primordial Spirit Pill.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingcheng displays his business acumen and generosity by offering discounts and prizes to attract customers and build the shop's reputation.
• Ye Jingli shows understanding and patience in dealing with the Heaven-Divining Sect cultivators.

Significant Themes

• The importance of reputation and customer relationships in business.
• The value of knowledge and skill, as demonstrated by the question-and-answer event.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingcheng interacts with various Void Refinement cultivators, showcasing his friendliness and willingness to do business.
• Ye Jingli interacts with the Heaven-Divining Sect cultivators, displaying understanding and patience in their negotiation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Jingli sells a Primordial Spirit Pill to Heaven-Divining Sect for 16,000 high-grade spirit stones, a higher price than other shops but still profitable.
• Heaven-Divining Sect reveals they've lost their Spirit Transformation cultivators, and their sect is in danger from neighboring factions.
• Ye Jingli invites Heaven-Divining Sect to relocate to Upper Star Prefecture under Qixuan Valley's protection, but they hesitate and leave to discuss it.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingli: Shows kindness and understanding towards Heaven-Divining Sect, offering them a reasonable price and inviting them to relocate for protection.
• Xu Nianyin: Shows gratitude and caution, aware of the favor but also wary of potential ulterior motives.

Significant Themes

• Kindness and Trust: Ye Jingli's actions show kindness, but Heaven-Divining Sect is cautious due to past experiences.
• Power Dynamics: The lack of a Spirit Transformation cultivator puts Heaven-Divining Sect in danger, highlighting the power imbalance in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingli and Xu Nianyin: Their interaction shows Ye Jingli's genuine desire to help, while Xu Nianyin is grateful but cautious due to their sect's precarious situation.
• Ye Jingcheng and Ye Jingli: They discuss the situation of Heaven-Divining Sect, showing their concern and willingness to protect the sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Nianyin returns to Purple Glow Mountain after successfully trading the Primordial Spirit Pill to Qixuan Valley.
• Senior Brother Yun reveals that the Heaven-Divining Sect's patriarchs had divined that their sect's survival depends on Qixuan Valley.
• A group of cultivators, led by a Spirit Transformation cultivator, plans to explore Essence-Devouring Valley in the Wildlands Continent, including Ye Jingzhong's Shed-Shell Clone.

Character Developments

• Xu Nianyin shows concern for his sect and its future.
• Senior Brother Yun displays wisdom and strategic thinking, revealing his knowledge of the sect's dire situation and the patriarchs' divinations.
• Ye Jingzhong, through his Shed-Shell Clone, demonstrates the Ye Family's caution and adaptability in their plans to explore the Wildlands Continent.

Significant Themes

• Divination and Fate: The Heaven-Divining Sect's reliance on divination for their future, and the uncertainty and helplessness that comes with knowing one's fate.
• Opportunity and Risk: The balance between seizing opportunities (like exploring Essence-Devouring Valley) and the risks involved (like facing unknown dangers or Jade Blood Valley's persecution).

Character Interactions

• Xu Nianyin and Senior Brother Yun discuss the sect's future and the Primordial Spirit Pill's exchange.
• The group of cultivators, led by the Spirit Transformation cultivator, discuss their plans to explore Essence-Devouring Valley, with Ye Jingzhong's clone among them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sage Lord Chen Yuan dispatches Venerable Golden Swan and another Void Refinement Cultivator on a crucial mission to the Wildlands Continent, along with Zhengyuan Divine Lord.
• The Ancient Wilderness Ark departs from Soul-Repelling City with a large group of cultivators, including Ye Jingzhong (disguised) and his group.
• Ye Jingzhong encounters Zhengyuan Divine Lord on the ark, putting him in a tense situation.

Character Developments

• Zhengyuan Divine Lord is now a Void Refinement Cultivator and has joined the Astral Mystery Sect.
• Ye Jingzhong, despite his disguise, remains cautious and vigilant, showing growth in his cultivation and wisdom.

Significant Themes

• The danger and allure of the Wildlands Continent draw cultivators seeking adventure and treasure.
• Disguise and deception are used to protect one's identity and interests.
• The power dynamics and hierarchies within cultivation sects are explored.

Character Interactions

• Sage Lord Chen Yuan and Venerable Golden Swan discuss the mission's importance and the need for caution.
• Wu Shengjing, a Spirit Transformation Cultivator, leads a group of cultivators onto the Ancient Wilderness Ark, including Ye Jingzhong.
• Ye Jingzhong's tense encounter with Zhengyuan Divine Lord highlights the risk of being recognized while in disguise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Jingzhong nearly exposes his identity to Zhengyuan Divine Lord.
• Wu Shengjing reveals the requirements to join the Soul-Repelling City Guard.
• Lin Xuanhai confirms the Astral Mystery Sect's involvement in his son's death and plans his revenge.
• The Ancient Wilderness Ark changes its route, causing concern among the cultivators.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingzhong learns about the city guard's requirements and feels disappointed in his own abilities.
• Zhengyuan Divine Lord shows impatience and gloominess, reflecting his years of being tested.
• Lin Xuanhai becomes determined to remove himself from the board before exacting revenge.

Significant Themes

• The desire for power and status, as seen in Ye Jingzhong's envy of the city guards.
• The consequences of past actions, with Lin Xuanhai's quest for vengeance.
• The importance of adaptability, as shown by the cultivators' reaction to the route change.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingzhong and Wu Shengjing discuss the city guard and the route change.
• Zhengyuan Divine Lord interacts with the city guards, showing his impatience.
• Lin Xuanhai's thoughts reveal his determination to take revenge on the Astral Mystery Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ancient Wilderness Ark travels through the Wild Sea, blanketed by thick mist.
• Cultivators aboard record the route and fantasize about their factions becoming Body Integration powers.
• Wu Shengjing invites Ye Jingzhong (Ye Jingcheng's clone) to form an alliance for safety in the Wildlands Continent.
• Ye Jingzhong agrees, planning to secretly leave with the Stone Spirit Grotto-Heaven once they reach their destination.
• Azure Sea Wild Locusts, a swarm of millions with seventh-stage Locust Emperors, attack the Ancient Wilderness Ark.
• Venerable Golden Swan orders everyone to leave the ark and fight through the swarm, with fire- and lightning-attributed cultivators forming a battle formation.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingzhong (Ye Jingcheng's clone) shows caution and strategic thinking, agreeing to Wu Shengjing's alliance while planning to secretly depart with the Stone Spirit Grotto-Heaven.
• Wu Shengjing shows fear of the Wildlands Continent's dangers and seeks an alliance with Ye Jingzhong.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and Trust: Cultivators form alliances for mutual benefit and protection, but trust is fragile and self-interest often prevails.
• Danger and Survival: The Wildlands Continent is filled with life-threatening dangers, and cultivators must rely on their skills, alliances, and sometimes luck to survive.
• Adaptation and Change: Ye Jingzhong, now with a fire-attributed heavenly spiritual root and a new cultivation technique, adapts to his new identity and situation.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingzhong and Wu Shengjing form an alliance, with Wu Shengjing seeking protection and Ye Jingzhong planning to use the alliance for his own purposes.
• Venerable Golden Swan takes charge, ordering cultivators to fight through the Azure Sea Wild Locust swarm.
• Ye Jingzhong considers joining the battle formation to avoid suspicion from Zhengyuan Divine Lord, ultimately deciding to join.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ye Family and Astral Mystery Sect form a powerful battle formation, the Ninefold Heavenly Fire Battle Formation, to combat the Azure Sea Wild Locusts.
• The formation is divided into nine sections, requiring 45 Spirit Transformation and 90 Nascent Soul cultivators, with a Void Refinement cultivator to control it.
• The Ye Family uses ancient Wondrous Art Spirit Puppets to supplement the formation's numbers.
• The battle formations successfully engage the locusts, with the Ye Family's formation unleashing ninefold heavenly fire that engulfs many locusts.
• The locusts' Blue Sea Tide Vapor begins to corrode the formations and cultivators.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingzhong focuses on his role in the battle formation and considers the potential of the Azure Sea Wild Locusts for his spirit insects.
• Zhengyuan Divine Lord, now cultivating a fire-attributed art, leads another small formation.

Significant Themes

• The power of battle formations and the importance of cooperation among cultivators.
• The adaptability and versatility of the Ye Family's spirit insects.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingzhong and Zhengyuan Divine Lord work together in their respective formations.
• The Ye Family and Astral Mystery Sect cooperate to combat the locusts.
• Venerable Golden Swan steps forward to engage the Seventh Stage wild locust.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Venerable Golden Swan reveals his true form and technique, using a Great Sun Golden Wheel and Treasure Communion Art to battle the Azure Sea Wild Locusts.
• The locusts form a tide spirit to counter Venerable Golden Swan's attack, and the battle becomes intense.
• The cultivators are allowed to collect locust corpses to boost their morale and strength.
• The Painting Spirit Race is suspected to be behind the locust disaster.

Character Developments

• Venerable Golden Swan showcases his immense power and strategic thinking.
• Ye Jingzhong demonstrates his adaptability and resourcefulness by collecting locust corpses while staying within the battle formation.
• The centurion of Ye Jingzhong's battle formation appreciates his talent and offers him a position in the City Guard.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and cooperation among cultivators in battle formations.
• The strategic use of resources (locust corpses) to boost morale and strength.
• The hidden threat of the Painting Spirit Race and their manipulation of the Azure Sea Wild Locusts.

Character Interactions

• Venerable Golden Swan interacts with the other Void Refinement cultivators, coordinating their efforts against the locusts.
• Ye Jingzhong communicates with Ye Jingcheng through a spirit jade, receiving information about the Painting Spirit Race's involvement.
• The centurion of Ye Jingzhong's battle formation interacts with him, expressing his approval of Ye Jingzhong's actions and offering him a position in the City Guard.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ye Jingzhong believes he's being tested by the centurion and acts accordingly.
• A late Seventh Stage Azure Sea Wild Locust appears, summoning a massive tide spirit.
• Venerable Golden Swan and Venerable Yuming deploy the Saint Puppet to destroy the tide spirit and Seventh Stage wild locusts.
• The battle formation drains a significant amount of true essence from the cultivators.
• The wild locusts retreat, and the cultivators collect their carcasses.

Character Developments

• Ye Jingzhong becomes more cautious and strategic, trying to avoid suspicion while also gathering information.
• Wu Shengjing displays his arrogance and lack of caution, which Ye Jingzhong uses to his advantage.

Significant Themes

• Caution and Strategic Thinking: Ye Jingzhong learns to be more careful and consider his actions, understanding that he's being tested.
• Power Dynamics: The cultivators' true essence is drained by the battle formation, highlighting their dependence on the Astral Mystery Sect's power.
• Greed and Caution: Despite the danger, cultivators rush to collect wild locust carcasses, balancing their greed with caution.

Character Interactions

• Ye Jingzhong interacts with Wu Shengjing, using his recklessness as a cover for his own actions.
• The cultivators work together to defeat the wild locusts but also compete for the carcasses afterward.
• The Astral Mystery Sect cultivators remain mysterious and powerful, influencing the other cultivators' actions.