Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “White Jade Capital in the Heavens”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After hearing a Blood Shadow Demon Sect expert’s words, Zhang Jian develops a suspicion about the secrets beneath the Three-Eyed Baleful-Suppressing Well, though he still needs proof.
• The Martial Judge and divine generals from Haojing’s City God investigate the well after its restrictions are disturbed. They immediately notify Grotto God Abbey because the well is tied to Great Qian’s national fortune and the safety of Haojing.
• At Grotto God Abbey, Jingming Daoist cultivates within the mystical White Jade Capital, attempting to pass through its five divine cities and advance toward the Primordial Spirit realm. He recognizes that enemies are probing Great Qian and resolves to suppress them more decisively.
• The Pure Yang Mirror, a treasure buried within the well to suppress Shu Kingdom’s dragon vein and an imperial corpse, suddenly activates. Jingming Daoist rushes to investigate.
• Grotto God Abbey’s senior Daoists determine that only the outer Nine-Dragon Demon-Suppressing Restriction has been broken; the inner Pure Yang Golden Light Restriction remains intact. However, Jingming warns that this apparent survival was due to luck and may not happen again.
• Jingming asks one of the Dong-generation Daoists to guard the well. Dongjue Daoist volunteers, accepting the dangerous and thankless duty.
• Jingming privately reveals to Dongjue that he detected lingering corpse qi and suspects the imperial corpse beneath the well has awakened.
• The corpse belongs to Emperor Ai, the final ruler of the former Shu Kingdom. His corpse and soul were sealed in the well so Great Qian could use Shu’s remaining dragon vein and national fortune. If the corpse transforms into a demon, it could bring disaster upon Haojing and impose immense karmic consequences on the Great Qian imperial family.
• Jingming decides that he must personally investigate the well’s depths, despite the danger. Dongjue advises him to obtain protective calligraphy from Zhang Jian.
• At the Literary Institute, Zhang Jian breaks through to the middle stage of the Golden Core realm while studying the Grotto Spirit Scripture. His Golden Core develops from one magical-power vortex into three, greatly increasing his capacity, though he remains far beyond an ordinary cultivator in his understanding of laws and techniques.
• Jingming asks Zhang Jian for another powerful Righteousness Song Formula to protect the well. Zhang explains that such works depend on rare inspiration and cannot be produced on demand.
• To persuade him, Jingming offers to have the emperor open restricted imperial libraries so Zhang Jian can freely study their collections.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian becomes more powerful, advancing to the middle Golden Core stage. His cultivation improves, but his true advantage remains his extraordinary comprehension of heavenly laws and advanced techniques.
• Jingming Daoist is shown as responsible, politically perceptive, and willing to shoulder danger. He recognizes that Grotto God Abbey cannot rely solely on existing defenses and is prepared to investigate the well himself.
• Dongjue Daoist demonstrates courage and decisiveness by volunteering to guard the well. Her trust in Jingming also allows him to reveal his deeper concerns.
• The Dong-generation Daoists appear cautious and self-interested. Their reluctance to guard the well suggests internal tensions and limited unity within Grotto God Abbey.
• Emperor Ai, though dead, becomes an increasingly important threat. His corpse may be transforming into a powerful corpse demon capable of destroying the balance between Great Qian and Shu’s dragon vein.

Significant Themes

• Hidden danger beneath political stability: Great Qian’s prosperity depends on a dangerous and morally questionable arrangement involving Shu Kingdom’s dragon vein and the imperial corpse.
• Responsibility and sacrifice: Jingming and Dongjue place the safety of the dynasty and Haojing above personal cultivation and comfort.
• The limits of control: Even carefully designed restrictions can fail, and the survival of the well’s defenses is attributed to luck rather than certainty.
• Knowledge and inspiration: Zhang Jian’s calligraphy and scholarly insight possess extraordinary power, yet true masterpieces cannot simply be manufactured. Spiritual and literary achievement require genuine understanding and inspiration.
• Trust and political alliances: Jingming does not fully trust all of his fellow Daoists, but he is willing to speak openly with Dongjue and seek Zhang Jian’s assistance. The chapter also highlights how scholarship, imperial authority, and cultivation power are becoming increasingly intertwined.
• Cultivation through comprehension: Zhang Jian’s breakthrough comes not merely from accumulated power but from studying a profound scripture and deepening his grasp of thunder-related Dao principles.

Important Character Interactions

• Martial Judge and the divine generals: Their discovery of the disturbed restrictions establishes the seriousness of the crisis and connects the divine bureaucracy to the well’s protection.
• Jingming and the Dong-generation Daoists: Jingming pressures them to accept greater responsibility, while they hesitate because guarding the well is dangerous and obstructs their cultivation.
• Jingming and Dongjue: Dongjue volunteers to guard the well, and Jingming later confides in her about the awakened imperial corpse. Their exchange reveals mutual trust and concern.
• Jingming and Zhang Jian: Jingming respectfully seeks Zhang’s aid, offering access to the imperial library in exchange for protective writing. Zhang refuses to promise another masterpiece, establishing both his integrity and the exceptional value of his calligraphy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian writes a half-sheet of calligraphy for Jingming Daoist, who is impressed and offers a rare pearl, the Innate Yin-Origin Pearl, in exchange.
• Jingming Daoist gives Zhang Jian a passage token for the Northern Study and Eastern Study.
• Zhang Jian gives the Innate Yin-Origin Pearl to Qi Yuhua, who insists he give it to Princess Bai instead.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian: Demonstrates his calligraphy skills, which impress Jingming Daoist. He remains humble and unassuming despite the attention he receives.
• Jingming Daoist: Recognizes Zhang Jian's talent and offers a valuable treasure in exchange for his calligraphy. He also grants Zhang Jian access to the imperial studies.
• Qi Yuhua: Insists that Zhang Jian give the pearl to Princess Bai, showing her selflessness and concern for others.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Recognition: Zhang Jian's calligraphy skills are recognized by Jingming Daoist, leading to further opportunities.
• Humility: Despite his talents, Zhang Jian remains humble and does not let the attention go to his head.
• Selflessness: Qi Yuhua's insistence that Zhang Jian give the pearl to Princess Bai highlights her unselfish nature.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian and Jingming Daoist: Their interaction highlights Jingming Daoist's recognition of Zhang Jian's talent and his willingness to help him.
• Zhang Jian and Qi Yuhua: Their interaction demonstrates their close relationship and Qi Yuhua's selflessness.
• Zhang Jian and his colleagues: Zhang Jian's colleagues at the Literary Institute are left bewildered by his interaction with Jingming Daoist, leading to a change in their attitudes toward him.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian advances the Nine Heavens Wind-Riding Thunder-Control Technique, forming one of the eighteen required Yin Spirit-level dao diagrams: the Nine Heavens Thunder God Diagram.
• Although he is only at the middle stage of the Golden Core realm, Zhang Jian has reached a level of comprehension normally attempted only by late-stage Golden Core cultivators.
• The technique’s eighteen diagrams—nine Wind Lord and nine Thunder God diagrams—can lead to a Yin Spirit, a Dark Abyss True Dragon transformation, or ultimately the Heavenly Palace Thunder Venerable Primordial Spirit.
• Zhang Jian does not intend to make the thunder technique his primary path. Instead, he favors the King Cauldron Demon-Subduing Marvelous Method, which will allow him to merge with the Sheji King Cauldron and form a Sheji Sovereign Primordial Spirit.
• During cultivation, lightning fills the courtyard while automatically avoiding Zhang Jian and the jujube tree. An extraterrestrial heavenly demon attempts to manifest but is destroyed by Zhang Jian’s overwhelming righteous qi.
• The completed Thunder God Diagram subtly strengthens Zhang Jian’s soul and divine sense, though the improvement is limited because his existing foundation is already immense.
• Zhang Jian praises the Grotto Spirit Scripture as an exceptionally profound thunder-dao classic worthy of repeated study.
• After cultivation, Qi Yuhua brings Zhang Jian food despite being pregnant. His spiritual influence has also benefited the old jujube tree, causing it to grow rapidly and bear fruit.
• The scene then shifts to the Three-Eyed Baleful-Suppressing Well at Radiant Gate. Jingming Daoist descends into the well and discovers that the Pure Yang Treasured Mirror has been contaminated by corpse qi.
• He finds an enormous golden coffin containing an imperial demon corpse, nourished by yin qi and dragon qi. The coffin’s restraints are stained with blood, and the well’s formations appear compromised.
• The well water suddenly turns red, corpse qi erupts, and eerie sounds suggest that another corpse is active nearby. Jingming Daoist realizes that both corpses have mutated.

2. Character Developments

• Zhang Jian demonstrates extraordinary comprehension, spiritual power, and control. His progress toward the Yin Spirit realm confirms that he possesses an unusually deep foundation.
• He shows clear self-awareness regarding his cultivation path: although he can develop a powerful Thunder God or divine-beast Primordial Spirit, he believes the Sheji Sovereign Primordial Spirit better suits his goals.
• His righteous qi is revealed to be strong enough to destroy an extraterrestrial heavenly demon instantly.
• Zhang Jian also displays a caring, protective side toward Qi Yuhua, insisting that she should not exhaust herself while pregnant.
• Qi Yuhua remains calm and affectionate, accustomed to the supernatural phenomena surrounding Zhang Jian. She is physically comfortable due to the Phoenix-Blood Jade and takes pleasure in the jujube tree’s growth.
• Jingming Daoist shifts from solemn investigation to alarm as he recognizes the seriousness of the corpse contamination and mutation.

3. Significant Themes

• Cultivation and individual destiny: Zhang Jian’s mastery of the thunder technique raises the question of whether one should pursue the most powerful available path or the path most aligned with one’s true goals.
• Foundations and long-term potential: The chapter emphasizes that Primordial Spirit advancement depends on the quality of one’s foundation, with Zhang Jian deliberately choosing a superior and more personally suitable route.
• Righteousness versus demonic corruption: Zhang Jian’s righteous qi destroys the extraterrestrial demon, contrasting sharply with the spreading corpse qi and resentment beneath Radiant Gate.
• The influence of spiritual power on nature: Zhang Jian’s cultivation unintentionally nourishes the old jujube tree, suggesting that powerful cultivators can transform their surroundings.
• Hidden danger and impending crisis: The corrupted mirror, blood-stained chains, and mutated corpses indicate that a major supernatural threat is emerging beneath Radiant Gate.

4. Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian and Qi Yuhua share a warm marital relationship. She tends to him after cultivation, while he worries about her health and the safety of their unborn child.
• Zhang Jian lightly reproaches the maidservants Yuyao and Qulian for allowing the pregnant Qi Yuhua to serve him.
• Qi Yuhua, Zhang Lu, and the maidservants jointly witness the miraculous transformation of the jujube tree, creating a brief domestic moment of wonder and happiness.
• Jingming Daoist is accompanied by Dongjue Daoist during the investigation, though Jingming enters the well alone. His discovery establishes the danger threatening Radiant Gate and ends the chapter on a tense cliffhanger.

Chapter Summary: “Paper Became Dear in Haojing”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jingming Daoist battles the Imperial Corpse sealed within the golden coffin at the bottom of the Three-Eyed Baleful-Suppressing Well.
• Blood light and corpse qi create an illusory battlefield depicting Shu Ai Emperor’s kingdom being overrun by black-armored rebels. The emperor’s resentment attempts to overwhelm Jingming’s soul and divine sense.
• Jingming resists using the Grotto God Transmission Dao Diagram and the Grotto God Seal, then unleashes the powerful Grotto God Five Thunders Art.
• Although the thunder suppresses the corpse qi, it also damages the chains and talismans sealing the coffin, unintentionally bringing the Imperial Corpse closer to freedom.
• The Empress Corpse on the opposite side of the well also begins struggling, intensifying the crisis. Purple dragon-vein qi floods toward both corpses.
• Jingming uses Zhang Jian’s calligraphy sheet containing righteous qi. The passage, based on “Righteous Song,” summons a torrent of pure, righteous energy that purifies the corpse qi and blood light.
• The calligraphy sheet burns out under the Imperial Corpse’s resistance, but it buys Jingming enough time to restore the seals, repair the well, and reactivate the Pure Yang Eight-Trigram Mirror.
• Zhang Jian senses the calligraphy sheet’s activation because it contains part of his essence, qi, and spirit. He concludes that the two Imperial Corpses are dangerous “ticking bombs,” likely connected to Great Qian’s exploitation of Shu’s dragon vein.
• Zhang decides not to intervene personally, judging that Great Qian has already gained most of the available benefits while leaving behind mainly danger.
• After Jingming’s visit, Daoists from Grotto God Abbey flood the Literary Institute seeking Zhang Jian’s calligraphy. Zhang refuses, making his manuscripts even more coveted.
• Their attempts to obtain his writing spread to Zhang Jian’s relatives, including Grand Princess Qingfeng and Qi Yuanwu. Zhang eventually visits Grotto God Abbey himself to stop the increasingly improper pressure.
• The exposure of Zhang Jian’s righteous qi attracts other supernatural beings, though Great Qian’s national artifact prevents them from approaching Haojing.

Character Developments

• Jingming Daoist demonstrates immense power and composure but realizes that brute force can worsen the sealing crisis. He becomes more reliant on strategy and suitable countermeasures rather than thunder alone.
• He also recognizes the seriousness of the Imperial and Empress Corpses and resolves to deal with them permanently once his master returns.
• Zhang Jian shows caution and political judgment. Rather than risk himself for the remaining imperial qi, he withdraws from the matter after determining that the rewards are insufficient.
• Zhang’s reputation grows dramatically: his calligraphy becomes a rare spiritual treasure, and his deliberate refusal to produce more turns it into a coveted commodity.
• Grand Princess Qingfeng and Qi Yuanwu are placed under pressure by powerful Daoists but are unable to help, highlighting their limited influence despite their royal status.

Significant Themes

• Rarity creates value: Zhang Jian’s refusal to write makes his calligraphy more precious, illustrating how scarcity increases desire and status.
• Power requires judgment: Jingming’s thunder art is extremely strong, but using it carelessly nearly weakens the seal. The chapter emphasizes strategy over raw strength.
• The dangers of exploiting the past: Great Qian’s use of Shu Ai Emperor’s corpse and dragon vein has created a lingering supernatural catastrophe.
• Righteousness versus resentment: Zhang Jian’s righteous qi directly counters the Imperial Corpse’s blood light, corpse qi, and hatred, presenting moral and spiritual purity as a force capable of suppressing ancient evil.
• Hidden history and political secrecy: Records of Shu Ai Emperor have been erased, suggesting that Great Qian concealed its role in manipulating Shu’s remnants.

Character Interactions

• Jingming confronts the Imperial Corpse and indirectly contends with the resentful image of Shu Ai Emperor.
• Zhang Jian’s calligraphy becomes the critical aid Jingming needs, linking the two characters despite their physical separation.
• Daoists from Grotto God Abbey pressure Zhang Jian’s relatives for access to his writings, treating his manuscripts as priceless treasures.
• Grand Princess Qingfeng and Qi Yuanwu politely refuse the Daoists’ requests, explaining that Zhang is occupied with compiling the Complete History of Great Qian.
• Zhang later meets Jingming personally to curb the Abbey’s excessive pursuit of his calligraphy, balancing cooperation with firm boundaries.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Southern Chu spies attempt to abduct Zhang Jian due to his righteous qi, but they are intercepted and eliminated by Grotto God Abbey Daoists.
• Goddess Red Flower's temple flourishes, and she expands her divine domain, consolidating her power and artifacts.
• Fake Kitchen Gods, likely sent by Fire Gods, cause havoc in Shanyang Commandery, targeting the Kitchen God Goddess's believers and incense offerings.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian's fame grows, attracting unwanted attention from foreign spies.
• Goddess Red Flower strengthens her divine domain and artifacts, demonstrating her growing power and influence.
• Yuan Zhao, trapped within Goddess Red Flower's sea of consciousness, remains defiant and disapproving of Goddess Red Flower's methods.

Significant Themes

• The power of righteous qi and its attraction to both helpful and harmful forces.
• The struggle for divine office and influence among gods and goddesses.
• The importance of survival and expansion in the divine path.

Character Interactions

• Grotto God Abbey Daoists protect Zhang Jian from Southern Chu spies, showing their support and guardianship.
• Goddess Red Flower and Yuan Zhao argue over divine strategies, highlighting their differing views and approaches.
• Fake Kitchen Gods target the Kitchen God Goddess's believers, challenging Goddess Red Flower's authority and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian senses a divine power around his residence and meets the City God King of Great Qian, Wei Fang, who visits him at night.
• Wei Fang presents Zhang Jian with souls of cultivators who were spying on him, as a gift and to show his sincerity.
• Wei Fang requests a piece of Zhang Jian's calligraphy or painting, hinting at his desire to borrow the power of a sage's Dao.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian: Shows his ability to judge the cultivation level of deities and understands Wei Fang's intentions. He remains calm and composed throughout the encounter.
• Wei Fang: Reveals his admiration for sages and his desire to borrow Zhang Jian's power to suppress the backlash of dragon qi in his body.

Significant Themes

• The power and influence of deities, and their ranks in the divine cultivation system.
• The allure and respect for sages and their Dao, which can suppress evil and drive away ghosts and gods.
• The struggle and desperation of deities facing the Primordial Spirit barrier in their cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian and Wei Fang: They engage in polite conversation, with Wei Fang trying to ingratiate himself with Zhang Jian, while Zhang Jian remains cautious yet accommodating.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian meets Wei Fang, the City God, who seeks his calligraphy to break through his cultivation bottleneck.
• Zhang Jian writes a poem for Wei Fang, which helps him gain insight into his cultivation.
• Goddess Red Flower confronts and defeats a group of demons impersonating her, then faces a Mountain God sent by Fire Gods to challenge her.
• Goddess Red Flower captures the Mountain God and decides to take him to the State Deities Bureau.
• Two Fire Gods watch the scene but decide not to intervene due to the Demon-Slaying Lineage's tradition.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian: Shows his omniscience and ability to help others with his calligraphy, demonstrating his understanding of the Haoran Righteous Qi.
• Wei Fang: Gains insight into his cultivation after receiving Zhang Jian's calligraphy, showing respect and awe for Zhang Jian's abilities.
• Goddess Red Flower: Proves her strength and determination by defeating a Mountain God and capturing him, showing she won't tolerate being bullied.
• Fire Gods: Decide not to intervene, showing respect for the Demon-Slaying Lineage's tradition and fear of its power.

Significant Themes

• The power of calligraphy and art in cultivation and self-realization.
• The importance of standing up for oneself and not tolerating bullying, as demonstrated by Goddess Red Flower and the Demon-Slaying Lineage.
• The respect and awe inspired by true strength and ability, as shown by Wei Fang's reaction to Zhang Jian.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian and Wei Fang: Zhang Jian helps Wei Fang gain insight into his cultivation, and Wei Fang shows respect and awe for Zhang Jian's abilities.
• Goddess Red Flower and the Mountain God: Goddess Red Flower defeats and captures the Mountain God, showing her strength and determination.
• Fire Gods and Goddess Red Flower: The Fire Gods decide not to intervene, showing respect for the Demon-Slaying Lineage's tradition and fear of its power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Skyfire Divine Lord feels resentful and jealous of the sects after learning about the Kitchen God divine office.
• Ironheart Daoist receives news about Zhang Jian's vast righteous energy and its potential impact on ghosts and gods.
• The second-generation patriarch of the Demon-Slaying Peak branch projects a strand of divine consciousness to discuss sending a Dao Protector to Haojing, but Demon-Slaying True Lord refuses.
• The Jingwu Emperor summons Zhang Jian to expound upon the classics and address his doubts.

Character Developments

• Skyfire Divine Lord's resentment grows towards the sects due to his jealousy of the Kitchen God divine office.
• Demon-Slaying True Lord remains confident in Zhang Jian's abilities and chooses not to send a Dao Protector.
• The Jingwu Emperor acknowledges Zhang Jian's exceptional talent and addresses him as 'sir'.

Significant Themes

• Resentment and jealousy leading to discontent (Skyfire Divine Lord).
• Trust and belief in one's abilities (Demon-Slaying True Lord).
• Recognition of exceptional talent (The Jingwu Emperor).

Character Interactions

• Skyfire Divine Lord's interaction with his Fire God subordinate reveals his growing resentment.
• Demon-Slaying True Lord's interaction with the second-generation patriarch shows her determination to let Zhang Jian handle matters himself.
• The Jingwu Emperor's interaction with Zhang Jian demonstrates his respect for Zhang Jian's talent and his willingness to learn from him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Jingwu Emperor consults Zhang Jian about the nation's issues, particularly the wealth concentration in great clans and powerful families, and the poverty of common people.
• Zhang Jian proposes solutions to reverse the trend, including incorporating head tax into land tax, revising Records of Clans, and strengthening the imperial surname's influence.
• Zhang Jian is promoted to Lecturing Academician of the Literary Institute for his insights.
• An expert from the Blood Shadow Demon Sect, the Iron-Blood Daoist, invites Zhang Jian to the Blood River Borderlands.

Character Developments

• The Jingwu Emperor shows his trust in Zhang Jian and seeks his advice on governing the nation.
• Zhang Jian demonstrates his political acumen and willingness to challenge the status quo.
• Zhang Jian's official career progresses smoothly, earning him a prestigious title in a short time.
• Chen Xiuming, another top scholar, feels bitter about Zhang Jian's rapid advancement compared to his own stagnant career.
• The Iron-Blood Daoist shows interest in Zhang Jian's righteous aura and invites him to the Blood Shadow Demon Sect.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the court and powerful families for control and wealth.
• The consequences of unchecked land annexation and poverty among common people.
• The tension between political ambition and personal integrity.
• The allure of power and the potential danger it poses.

Character Interactions

• The Jingwu Emperor and Zhang Jian discuss the nation's issues privately, with the emperor valuing Zhang Jian's insights.
• Zhang Jian hosts a banquet for his colleagues, highlighting his networking skills and popularity within the Literary Institute.
• The Iron-Blood Daoist approaches Zhang Jian, showing interest in his righteous aura and inviting him to the Blood Shadow Demon Sect, foreshadowing potential conflict or alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian kills Iron-Blood Daoist, who was the crown prince of the former Shu Kingdom, with a single sword strike.
• Zhang Jian discovers a Blood Embryo Bag containing Iron-Blood Daoist's possessions, including the crown prince's attire.
• Zhang Jian becomes a Lecturing Academician and moves to a larger office near Huang Liangzhong.
• Zhang Jian's cultivation of the Type Five Sheji King Cauldron and the Nine Heavens Wind-Riding Thunder-Control Technique progresses smoothly.
• Bai Liying gives birth to a son in Whitewater Dragon Palace. The child has exceptional aptitude and inherits Zhang Jian's Innate Flawless Dao Body.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian's cultivation and understanding of the laws and principles of heaven and earth advance significantly.
• Bai Liying successfully gives birth to a healthy son with strong foundations and no demonic traits.
• Bai Nu is delighted with his grandson's exceptional aptitude and spiritual roots.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Great Qian court and the aristocratic clans.
• The importance of bloodline and inheritance in cultivation families.
• The struggle between human and demon races, and the acceptance of half-demons.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian and Iron-Blood Daoist: Zhang Jian effortlessly slays Iron-Blood Daoist, revealing the power gap between them.
• Zhang Jian and Bai Liying: They reunite after Bai Liying gives birth, expressing their love and joy.
• Bai Nu and Zhang Jian: They argue playfully about who the baby looks like, showcasing their affection for each other and the child.
• Bai Liying and Bai Nu: They discuss the child's spiritual roots and Innate Dao Body, expressing their hopes for his future cultivation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Liying gives birth to a son, Zhang Yi, who is named after Bai Liying's wish for him to be steadfast and single-minded in pursuing the Dao.
• Zhang Jian gifts Bai Nu, the Whitewater Dragon Lord, a painting called "Carp Transforming into a Dragon" to aid him in his upcoming millennial divine Dao tribulation.
• Zhang Jian returns to Haojing after a few days and continues his work on the Complete History of Great Qian.
• Two years later, Qi Yuhua gives birth to another son, Zhang Zhao.
• Zhang Jian brings Zhang Yi to live with him and Qi Yuhua, while Bai Liying enters True Dragon Academy to cultivate.
• In the present, Zhang Jian watches Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao playing under the jujube tree in the Top Scholar's Residence.

Character Developments

• Bai Liying: After giving birth, she returns to her cultivation path and enters True Dragon Academy.
• Bai Nu: Receives the "Carp Transforming into a Dragon" painting from Zhang Jian, which boosts his confidence in crossing his tribulation.
• Zhang Jian: Continues his work on the Complete History of Great Qian and decides on the cultivation paths for his sons.
• Zhang Yi: Shows signs of his dragon blood lineage, developing faster than ordinary children.
• Zhang Zhao: Still young and under the care of Qi Yuhua.

Significant Themes

• The importance of perseverance and ambition in cultivation, as depicted in the "Carp Transforming into a Dragon" painting.
• The balance between family and cultivation, as seen in Bai Liying's decision to return to her cultivation path after giving birth.
• The responsibility of parents in guiding their children's futures, as Zhang Jian considers the best cultivation paths for his sons.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian and Bai Nu: The father-in-law and son-in-law discuss cultivation and tribulation, with Zhang Jian gifting Bai Nu the painting to aid him.
• Zhang Jian and Bai Liying: They discuss the future arrangements for Zhang Yi, with Bai Liying deciding to return to her cultivation path.
• Zhang Jian and Qi Yuhua: They watch over their sons, Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao, with Qi Yuhua caring for Zhang Zhao.
• Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao: The brothers play together, with Zhang Yi showing signs of his superior strength and development.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao's upbringing and Zhang Jian's plans for their future.
• The locust plague and rebellions in the north, causing concern in the imperial court.
• Jingming Daoist's decision to personally suppress the rebellion and Zhang Jian's agreement to guard the Sky-Watching Terrace.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian: Shows care and consideration for his sons' future, agrees to help Jingming Daoist.
• Jingming Daoist: Demonstrates sincerity and trust in Zhang Jian, shows concern for the rebellion and the safety of the Sky-Watching Terrace.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: Jingming Daoist's trust in Zhang Jian and Zhang Jian's willingness to help despite his true identity.
• Responsibility: Zhang Jian's responsibility towards his sons and Jingming Daoist's responsibility towards Great Qian and Grotto God Abbey.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian and his sons: Shows affection and care towards his sons, plans for their future.
• Zhang Jian and Jingming Daoist: Jingming Daoist seeks Zhang Jian's help, Zhang Jian agrees, showing mutual trust and respect.

Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian moves into the Sky-Watching Terrace, a prestigious residence within the Grotto God Abbey.
• He Ying, a disciple of Jingming Daoist, welcomes and guides Zhang Jian.
• Zhang Jian learns about the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, which holds imprisoned demons and fiends.
• Jingming Daoist leaves Haojing City, entrusting the Sky-Watching Terrace to Zhang Jian.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian: Advances to the late Golden Core stage and refines his Golden Core qi to perfection. He also unites several techniques and enters the Yin Spirit level.
• He Ying: Shows respect and admiration for Jingming Daoist.
• Jingming Daoist: Demonstrates his strategic thinking and generosity by entrusting the Sky-Watching Terrace to Zhang Jian.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Grotto God Abbey and the Divine Cave Sect, with the Divine Cave Sect Patriarch's monopolization of Great Qian's national fortune.
• The mysterious secrets and hidden strengths of the Grotto God Abbey.
• The potential of Zhang Jian as a scholar walking the path of sages and his connection with the Grotto God Abbey.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian and He Ying: He Ying guides Zhang Jian and warns him about the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.
• Jingming Daoist and Dongzhen Daoist: Jingming Daoist explains his reasons for entrusting the Sky-Watching Terrace to Zhang Jian, and Dongzhen Daoist comes to understand the wisdom behind this decision.

Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian studies the Grotto God Abbey's methods and comprehends many, losing interest due to their ordinariness.
• He plans to create a spell art akin to the Diagram of Mountains, Rivers, and the State, suited to his foundations.
• He encounters the seven-tailed Heavenly Fox demon, who attempts to bewitch him with her dance but fails.
• Zhang Jian senses a powerful magical treasure and an ominous aura emanating from the Eastern Mausoleum.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian's cultivation and understanding of spell arts continue to grow, leading him to seek a unique, powerful method.
• The seven-tailed Heavenly Fox demonstrates her prowess and pride but is unable to bewitch Zhang Jian.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of powerful and unique spell arts to aid one's Dao path.
• The struggle between demons and cultivators, with the Heavenly Fox representing the former and Zhang Jian the latter.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian interacts with the seven-tailed Heavenly Fox, provoking her and leading to a dance-off.
• Zhang Jian senses the presence of a powerful magical treasure and an ominous aura, hinting at potential future interactions or conflicts.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian discovers that the Great Qian imperial family is hiding something in the Eastern Mausoleum.
• Dongjue Daoist is attacked by the Heavenly Corpse Sect's Four Symbols Corpse Demons while guarding the Three-Eyed Baleful-Suppressing Well.
• A hidden expert from the Eastern Mausoleum intervenes, revealing a powerful demonic formation.
• A Primordial Spirit True Person from the Eastern Mausoleum clashes with another expert near the Radiant Gate.
• The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda starts to tremble in response to an eerie Buddhist chant.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian demonstrates his observational skills and strategic thinking.
• Dongjue Daoist shows her desperation and vulnerability when facing powerful enemies.
• The hidden expert from the Eastern Mausoleum reveals his formidable power and the existence of a powerful demonic formation.
• The Primordial Spirit True Person from the Eastern Mausoleum showcases his overwhelming strength against another expert.

Significant Themes

• The power and influence of the Great Qian imperial family.
• The danger and desperation faced by Dongjue Daoist.
• The hidden strength and secrets of the Eastern Mausoleum.
• The clash of powerful experts and their impact on the environment.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian observes the events unfolding from the Sky-Watching Terrace.
• Dongjue Daoist is attacked by the Heavenly Corpse Sect and later rescued by an unknown swordsman from a landscape painting.
• The hidden expert from the Eastern Mausoleum intervenes to save Dongjue Daoist and reveals his demonic formation.
• The Primordial Spirit True Person from the Eastern Mausoleum clashes with another expert near the Radiant Gate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Demons within the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda attempt to break free, led by Demon Buddha Jaye.
• Zhang Jian uses his brush and righteous qi to suppress the demons and defend the pagoda.
• The demons on the eleventh and twelfth levels do not join the rebellion, leaving Demon Buddha Jaye unable to break free.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian demonstrates his power and wisdom, successfully suppressing the demon rebellion using his understanding of the Great Dao of the Sages.
• Demon Buddha Jaye shows his strength and cunning, but ultimately decides to wait for a better opportunity to escape.

Significant Themes

• The power of the Great Dao of the Sages, which allows Zhang Jian to draw upon the righteous qi of heaven and earth to suppress the demons.
• The cunning and patience of Demon Buddha Jaye, who chooses to wait rather than risk exposure of his trump cards.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian and Demon Buddha Jaye engage in a battle of wits and power, with Zhang Jian ultimately prevailing.
• The demons on the eleventh and twelfth levels remain indifferent, leaving Demon Buddha Jaye unable to break free.
• Daoist Dongxiao and another figure watch the battle from the Sky-Watching Terrace, impressed by Zhang Jian's power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian attempts to suppress the Demon-Suppressing Tower, drawing the attention of two Primordial Spirit True Persons.
• Yuanchen Daoist of the Heavenly Corpse Sect summons a flying yaksha, a manifestation of his Primordial Spirit, to attack Haojing.
• Another Primordial Spirit True Person, likely from Grotto God Abbey, counterattacks with a net of heaven and earth, trapping and ultimately defeating the flying yaksha.
• The battle ends with the Heavenly Corpse Sect disciples' defeat and Yuanchen Daoist's retreat.

Character Developments

• Yuanchen Daoist shows his power and arrogance but is eventually forced to retreat.
• The Primordial Spirit True Person from Grotto God Abbey demonstrates immense power, hinting at the abbey's hidden strength.
• Zhang Jian gains insights into the demonic path's foundations and the Great Qian court's true power.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and dominance among cultivators and sects.
• The pursuit of immortality and longevity through different cultivation paths.
• The hidden strength and true power of the Great Qian court and its factions.

Character Interactions

• The two Primordial Spirit True Persons clash, revealing their respective powers and techniques.
• Zhang Jian observes the battle from afar, gaining insights and understanding the true power dynamics.
• The Jingwu Emperor and Chao Mu discuss the battle's implications, revealing their ambitions and plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• An expert within the Great Qian Eastern Mausoleum slays the Heavenly Corpse Sect's Flying Yaksha, causing Haojing to fall silent.
• Ironheart Daoist sends Bai Xianyin to request a calligraphy piece from Zhang Jian.
• Zhang Jian returns home to worship his ancestors and buys a wheel-turning sutra pillar.
• Zhang Jian's soul leaves his body, and he obtains the Heavenly Purifying Flame from a painting scroll.

Character Developments

• Ironheart Daoist: Shows embarrassment and concern for saving face when asking for a favor.
• Bai Xianyin: Demonstrates cleverness and willingness to help Ironheart Daoist.
• Zhang Jian: Shows filial piety by worshipping his ancestors and obtains the Heavenly Purifying Flame.

Significant Themes

• Filial piety and ancestor worship.
• The power dynamics and hidden forces behind the Great Qian imperial family.
• The search for talented cultivation seeds by Grotto God Abbey.

Character Interactions

• Ironheart Daoist and Bai Xianyin: Ironheart Daoist asks Bai Xianyin to request a calligraphy piece from Zhang Jian.
• Zhang Jian and his family: They go out into the streets together, attracting the attention of Grotto God Abbey Daoists.
• Zhang Jian and the painting scroll: Zhang Jian obtains the Heavenly Purifying Flame from the scroll.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Goddess Red Flower gains mastery over the Heavenly Purifying Flame, which is a powerful divine flame that can even annihilate her soul.
• Yuan Zhao, the Marchioness of Dingnan, is now completely under Goddess Red Flower's control and acknowledges her value is dwindling.
• Daoist Dongxiao visits Zhang Jian, expressing interest in taking Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao as disciples, but Zhang Jian declines, revealing that Zhang Yi has already been taken into the Paulownia Mountain Dao Lineage.
• Daoist Dongjue visits Zhang Jian to express gratitude for saving her life and leaves behind generous gifts.
• Zhang Jian continues to refine his Diagram of Mountains, Rivers, and the State, aiming to create a powerful Dao technique.
• In the north, Jingming Daoist's group encounters resistance from remnants of the Blood-Baleful Sect, and Jingming Daoist goes missing.

Character Developments

• Goddess Red Flower gains a powerful new ability and becomes more confident and poised.
• Yuan Zhao accepts her diminished value and submits to Goddess Red Flower.
• Zhang Jian remains composed and confident, making decisions based on his principles and the best interests of his family.
• Daoist Dongxiao and Daoist Dongjue show their intentions to take Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao as disciples but are ultimately unsuccessful.
• Jingming Daoist's disappearance hints at potential growth or challenges in his character arc.

Significant Themes

• The power of opportunity and blessings, as acknowledged by Goddess Red Flower.
• The value of individuals and their roles in the grand scheme, as seen through Yuan Zhao's submission and Daoist Dongxiao's interest in Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao.
• The importance of family and personal connections, as emphasized by Zhang Jian's decisions regarding his sons' futures.
• The dangers and consequences of underestimating one's enemies, as demonstrated by Jingming Daoist's disappearance.

Character Interactions

• Goddess Red Flower and Yuan Zhao interact, with Goddess Red Flower asserting her dominance and Yuan Zhao accepting her fate.
• Zhang Jian interacts with Daoist Dongxiao and Daoist Dongjue, declining their offers to take his sons as disciples but accepting their gifts.
• Jingming Daoist interacts with the remnants of the Blood-Baleful Sect, leading to his disappearance and the potential for further interactions with his captors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Jian creates a complex Dao diagram, the Diagram of Mountains, Rivers, and the State, using his understanding of the Ancient Map of Mountains and Rivers and various principles of heaven and earth.
• He tests his spell by allowing a bull demon, Niu Qing, to experience an illusion based on his past life as a slave to farmers.
• The court receives news of a military defeat, and the Jingwu Emperor seeks a replacement for the injured General Yang Gonghu.

Character Developments

• Zhang Jian demonstrates his growing prowess in spellcraft and understanding of the Diagram of Mountains, Rivers, and the State.
• Niu Qing, the bull demon, reveals his past as a slave and his desire for revenge against farmers.
• The Jingwu Emperor shows his disapproval of factionalism and political maneuvering, as seen in his attitude towards Marquis of Feicheng Song Dingshan.

Significant Themes

• The power of understanding and manipulating complex systems, as seen in Zhang Jian's mastery of the Diagram of Mountains, Rivers, and the State.
• The consequences of past actions and the struggle for redemption, as seen in Niu Qing's story.
• The dangers of political maneuvering and factionalism, as seen in the Jingwu Emperor's disapproval of Song Dingshan.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Jian interacts with the demons in the Demon-Suppressing Pagoda, using them to test his spell.
• The Jingwu Emperor interacts with his ministers, seeking their advice on replacing General Yang Gonghu.