Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens by establishing the power and reputation of Water-Moon Sword Palace, led by Xiao Qiushui, Dongling Commandery’s strongest figure beneath the Grandmaster realm. Her youth and peak fourth-rank cultivation suggest she may one day directly enter the rare Heaven-Man Grandmaster realm.
• Yu Manyun has been killed, apparently by Commander Jiang, though the investigation is not conclusive. Xiao Emei reports the matter to Xiao Qiushui, who calmly accepts that Jiang is the likely culprit.
• Xiao Qiushui summons her younger sister, Xiao Qiuyue, whose only son, Jin Yun, was also killed. Grief has visibly aged Qiuyue and left her emotionally devastated.
• Xiao Qiuyue demands to leave her confinement and seek revenge, acknowledging that doing so may completely offend the Inspection Office. Xiao Qiushui permits her to return, despite knowing the consequences.
• Qiuyue realizes that her sister may be deliberately provoking her grief and anger in order to sever her own emotions and desires, pursuing the state of Heaven-Man transformation and unity. Before leaving, Qiuyue promises to fulfill her sister’s intentions but insists that Xiao Qiushui fulfill her as well, reminding her that Jin Yun was also her nephew.
• In Dongling City, Jiang Ning receives his identification documents for the upcoming civil and martial examinations. The civil examination is twenty days away, and the martial examination twenty-one days away.
• Jiang Ning encourages his servant Lü Yi to continue practicing and gives her several drops of his extraordinary blood, which should help her break into the seventh rank. He then leaves for the Martial Academy.
• Jiang Ning’s Wind-Thunder Steps reaches its final point of Greater Mastery. When he gains the final experience point near the Library Pavilion, the technique breaks through to true mastery.
• His breakthrough unleashes tremendous explosive force: one step destroys part of the Academy’s stone path, scatters debris, breaks branches, and produces thunderous sound and mist. Jiang Ning immediately flees to avoid being held responsible for the damage.
• The Library Pavilion’s elderly keeper recognizes the phenomenon as the legendary effect of Wind-Thunder Steps at mastery level and is astonished, unable to determine who in the Martial Academy could have achieved it.

Character Developments

• Xiao Qiushui is portrayed as calm, politically calculating, and deeply ambitious. Her apparent willingness to release Qiuyue may be part of a plan to use extreme emotional severance as a path toward Heaven-Man Grandmastery.
• Xiao Qiuyue has been emotionally destroyed by her son’s death, but her grief hardens into determination. She is willing to confront the Inspection Office and risk conflict to pursue revenge.
• Xiao Emei remains a dutiful and obedient disciple, reporting Yu Manyun’s death and following Xiao Qiushui’s instructions without question.
• Jiang Ning continues to develop rapidly through study and martial training. He becomes increasingly confident in his abilities while remaining practical and somewhat humorous, especially when he immediately escapes after damaging Academy property.
• Lü Yi shows loyalty and attentiveness by worrying about Jiang Ning’s health and remembering his examination schedule. Jiang Ning responds by helping her advance in cultivation.
• The Library Pavilion keeper, initially detached, is shaken into curiosity and uncertainty by Jiang Ning’s breakthrough.

Significant Themes

• Grief and vengeance: Xiao Qiuyue’s sorrow over Jin Yun’s death drives her toward revenge, while the chapter explores whether grief can be transformed into power.
• Emotional detachment versus human attachment: Xiao Qiushui appears to be pursuing “supreme forgetfulness of emotion,” but her relationship with Qiuyue and Jin Yun suggests that personal ties still matter.
• Potential and ambition: Xiao Qiushui’s possible rise to Heaven-Man Grandmastery and Jiang Ning’s rapid mastery of Wind-Thunder Steps both emphasize extraordinary talent and the pursuit of higher realms.
• Knowledge as the foundation of martial arts: Jiang Ning believes martial mastery requires understanding history, culture, philosophy, and the deeper intent behind techniques—not merely copying physical movements.
• Rapid growth and hidden strength: Jiang Ning’s progress is largely underestimated by others. His breakthrough reveals power far beyond what the Martial Academy likely expects.
• Responsibility and practical consequences: Even after achieving an impressive martial breakthrough, Jiang Ning’s immediate concern is avoiding compensation for destroying public property, adding humor to the otherwise dramatic event.

Important Character Interactions

• Xiao Qiushui and Xiao Emei: Qiushui questions Emei about Yu Manyun’s death, reassures her that she is not at fault, and sends her to summon Qiuyue.
• Xiao Qiushui and Xiao Qiuyue: The sisters confront one another over Jin Yun’s death. Qiuyue demands freedom to seek revenge, while Qiushui grants it in a manner that may serve her own cultivation goals. Their exchange reveals both familial pain and strategic manipulation.
• Jiang Ning and Lü Yi: Lü Yi expresses concern over Jiang Ning’s irregular meals and remembers his examination dates. Jiang Ning jokes about his powerful constitution, encourages her training, and gives her blood to strengthen her cultivation.
• Jiang Ning and the Martial Academy: Jiang Ning treats the Academy primarily as a source of knowledge and martial manuals. His breakthrough unexpectedly causes severe damage, drawing the attention of the Library Pavilion keeper.
• Library keeper and Jiang Ning: Although they do not meet directly, the keeper recognizes Jiang Ning’s technique and becomes intensely curious about the mysterious martial artist capable of mastering Wind-Thunder Steps.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning continues to cultivate and read martial arts manuals in the Library Tower.
• He notices the strange weather patterns in Dongling City and decides to absorb Great Sun essence.
• Wang Qinghan finds him and shares her lunch, a flatbread, with him. Jiang Ning later roasts birds for them to eat.
• Jiang Ning's Literacy skill is full and ready for an eighth limit break.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: He continues to cultivate and improve his skills, showing consideration for Wang Qinghan's well-being.
• Wang Qinghan: She shows kindness and concern for Jiang Ning, even sharing her lunch with him.
• Wang Qingtan: She shows concern for her sister's growth and health, but also has a complex relationship with Jiang Ning.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and improvement of skills.
• Kindness and consideration for others.
• The importance of understanding and knowledge.
• The strange weather patterns in Dongling City.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Wang Qinghan: They interact warmly, with Wang Qinghan showing kindness and Jiang Ning showing consideration for her.
• Jiang Ning and Wang Qingtan: Their relationship is complex, with Wang Qingtan showing concern for her sister but also having a tense interaction with Jiang Ning.

Chapter Summary: “New Trait, Another Limit Break!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning leaves the Martial Academy’s Library Pavilion late at night, eager to return home and perform the next limit break on his Literacy technique.
• He is welcomed by Lü Yi, who has waited for him and reheated his dinner. After eating, he goes to the eastern courtyard.
• Jiang Ning feeds blood to the golden-red fish demon in his lake, reflecting on whether the two demons he raises might eventually become powerful ancestral figures.
• He considers the instability spreading throughout Great Xia: rebellions, droughts, snow disasters, famine, and the weakening condition of the reigning Martial Saint.
• He worries about the limits of mortal lifespan and wonders whether life-nourishing techniques or future traits might help him achieve immortality.
• Jiang Ning uses 2,000 Source Energy to advance Literacy from its Seventh to Eighth Limit-Breaking.
• During the breakthrough, his soul appears to leave his body. He gains a godlike, 360-degree perspective and realizes that he may now possess the foundation needed to cultivate a Yin God.
• His spiritual force expands dramatically, reaching nearly two li in every direction—almost a kilometer.
• The breakthrough grants him a new trait, Unity of Knowledge and Action, which allows him to gain benefits whenever he puts his understanding into practice.
• He tests the trait by cultivating Water-Fire True Force and discovers that it improves his cultivation efficiency by roughly 20–30%.
• Jiang Ning decides to continue reading during the day and cultivate Water-Fire True Force at night until its Fifth Limit-Breaking and the third level of Water-Fire Millstone Force are achieved. Only then will he attempt marrow refinement.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning becomes increasingly confident in his future strength, believing that reaching the Martial Saint realm is attainable. However, he recognizes that lifespan and immortality remain major uncertainties.
• His successful soul departure marks a major spiritual breakthrough, potentially placing him on the path toward Yin God cultivation.
• His spiritual perception grows enormously, and his new trait rewards practical application of knowledge, making all forms of training more effective.
• Jiang Ning also shows increasing responsibility and foresight by weighing the use of his limited Source Energy between Literacy and Water-Fire True Force.
• Lü Yi continues to demonstrate loyalty and affection by waiting for Jiang Ning and preparing food for him, despite his late return.
• The golden-red fish demon remains dependent on Jiang Ning’s blood and may be developing toward a higher demonic realm.

Significant Themes

• Knowledge becoming power: Jiang Ning’s Literacy technique shows that accumulated knowledge can directly transform into spiritual strength and extraordinary abilities.
• Unity of theory and practice: The new trait emphasizes that knowledge only produces true gains when acted upon.
• Mortality and immortality: Jiang Ning’s thoughts shift beyond immediate cultivation toward lifespan, the Martial Saint’s decline, and the possibility of transcending mortal limits.
• Social and political instability: Disasters and rebellions reveal that Great Xia is entering a chaotic era, even if Dongling Commandery remains relatively peaceful.
• Resource management and long-term planning: Jiang Ning must carefully allocate Source Energy among several important techniques while maintaining a disciplined cultivation schedule.
• Human and supernatural coexistence: His relationship with Lü Yi contrasts with his blood-feeding cultivation of the fish demons, showing both his everyday attachments and his growing connection to supernatural beings.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Lü Yi: Their brief exchange highlights Lü Yi’s devotion and Jiang Ning’s appreciation for her thoughtfulness. Although he is eager to cultivate, he chooses to eat the meal she prepared.
• Jiang Ning and the fish demon: He feeds the creature his blood and imagines its future potential, treating it as both a companion and a possible powerful supernatural ally.
• Jiang Ning and his own soul: During the Literacy breakthrough, he experiences a startling separation between body and soul, gaining direct insight into spiritual cultivation and the path toward the Yin God.
• Jiang Ning and his techniques: He actively tests the new trait rather than merely observing it, confirming that practical cultivation produces measurable improvements.

Chapter Summary: A Heaven-Man Grandmaster Emerges

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning receives a letter from Xiao Emei warning him that Xiao Qiuyue, the mother of the deceased He Jinyun and wife of the Qinghe Count, is looking for him.
• Jiang Ning recognizes the political danger. He is confident he could face Xiao Qiushui, a fourth-rank martial artist, but cannot openly kill Xiao Qiuyue because of her noble status and influence.
• He postpones dealing with the matter and sends the Skyborne Letterbird away after feeding it a fish.
• Two days later, Bai Luoyu visits Jiang Ning, bringing tea as a gift. Jiang Ning invites him to share an unusually powerful wine infused with increasingly concentrated Emperor’s Flowing Essence.
• Bai Luoyu invites Prefect Zhao Yulong to join them. He also informs Jiang Ning about the Myriad Treasures Pavilion’s annual auction, taking place in seven days, and invites him to attend as his companion. Jiang Ning agrees mainly to broaden his experience.
• Zhao Yulong arrives with Jin Chan, a young monk Jiang Ning previously encountered on Twin Suns Mountain.
• Jin Chan is revealed to be from the powerful Vajra Temple and to possess the realm of unity between man and heaven.
• Zhao Yulong explains that Jin Chan has been guiding him in comprehending this realm. His progress is nearly complete, suggesting that he will soon become a Heaven-Man Grandmaster.
• The chapter ends with Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu congratulating Zhao Yulong.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: Displays growing confidence in his martial strength and political judgment. He understands the danger of confronting the noble faction openly and chooses to defer the issue with Xiao Qiuyue. His wine now contains a much denser concentration of Emperor’s Flowing Essence, reflecting his continued cultivation progress.
• Bai Luoyu: Continues building a close relationship with Jiang Ning through gifts, hospitality, and invitations. He acts as a bridge between Jiang Ning and influential figures such as Zhao Yulong and the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
• Zhao Yulong: Revealed to be on the verge of breaking through into the Heaven-Man Grandmaster realm. His current authority in Dongling Commandery is already immense, and this advancement will further strengthen his position.
• Jin Chan: Shows that he has matured since Jiang Ning last saw him. He now conceals his twelve Bodhisattva Precepts, indicating greater worldly awareness, while demonstrating profound Buddhist cultivation and mastery of unity between man and heaven.
• Xiao Qiuyue: Though absent from the chapter, she becomes an important looming threat because of her connection to He Jinyun and her powerful noble status.

Significant Themes

• Strength versus political power: Jiang Ning may possess the strength to defeat certain enemies, but social rank and political consequences limit what he can do openly.
• Growing worldly awareness: Jin Chan’s decision to hide his Bodhisattva Precepts and Jiang Ning’s caution regarding Xiao Qiuyue both show the importance of understanding human society, not merely cultivating martial power.
• Mentorship and advancement: Jin Chan’s guidance enables Zhao Yulong to approach the Heaven-Man Grandmaster realm, highlighting the importance of insight and instruction in reaching higher cultivation stages.
• Connections and influence: Invitations, gifts, banquets, and personal relationships allow Jiang Ning to expand his network among powerful officials, cultivators, and commercial organizations.
• Buddhist principles beyond rigid rules: Jin Chan argues that someone with Buddha in his heart need not be constrained by superficial rules, explaining his willingness to drink wine.

Important Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Xiao Emei: Her letter informs him that Xiao Qiuyue is investigating him, creating an unresolved future conflict.
• Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu: They exchange hospitality and deepen their friendship over tea, food, and rare wine. Bai Luoyu invites Jiang Ning to the upcoming auction.
• Jiang Ning and Zhao Yulong: Jiang Ning treats Zhao with formal respect because of his authority as Prefect and Grandmaster.
• Jiang Ning and Jin Chan: Their previous encounter creates an immediate sense of familiarity. Jin Chan recognizes Jiang Ning’s Indestructible Vajra Body and suggests that he has a Buddhist affinity.
• Bai Luoyu and Jin Chan: Bai Luoyu is initially surprised by Jin Chan’s status and his willingness to drink wine, then becomes astonished when Jin Chan uses the power of heaven and earth to fill his cup.
• Jin Chan and Zhao Yulong: Their relationship is based on cultivation guidance, with Jin Chan helping Zhao approach the Heaven-Man Grandmaster realm.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning returns to his courtyard after seeing off the others.
• He decides to grind Water-Fire True Force to complete its fifth limit break.
• He successfully upgrades Water-Fire True Force and gains a new trait, Water-Fire Immortal Robe (First Break), which allows him to turn water and fire to his own use.
• He tests the upgraded Water-Fire True Force in a secluded area of the Dongling Mountain Range.
• He successfully merges water and fire forces, creating a Water-Fire Millstone that can suppress, trap, and kill enemies.
• He completes a round of marrow cleansing, bringing him closer to completing the Fourth Rank Marrow Tempering.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning becomes more confident in his abilities and goals.
• He shows determination in completing his tasks, such as grinding Water-Fire True Force and completing marrow cleansing.

Significant Themes

• The power of perseverance and hard work, as seen in Jiang Ning's dedication to grinding Water-Fire True Force.
• The importance of setting clear goals, as seen in Jiang Ning's focus on completing the Fourth Rank Marrow Tempering.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning interacts with Lü Yi, his servant, who tidies up the courtyard and acknowledges her hard work.
• There are no other significant character interactions in this chapter.

Chapter Summary: Xiao Qiuyue’s Arrival, He Jinyun’s Mother!

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three days after He Jinyun’s death, his mother, Xiao Qiuyue, returns to Qinghe Earl’s Estate. Her arrival draws widespread attention because Jinyun’s death remains a major unresolved matter in Dongling City.
• The Qinghe Count admits that although he has outwardly accepted the situation under pressure from Inspection Office Director Zhao Yulong, Xiao Qiuyue is unlikely to abandon the matter. He recognizes that she has lost her only son and may seek revenge.
• At the Martial Academy, Jiang Ning completes the eighth limit break of his Literacy skill, gaining a fully developed understanding of the world’s history, myths, supernatural phenomena, and martial hierarchy. He decides to stop studying and focus on increasing his strength.
• Xiao Qiuyue waits outside Jiang Ning’s residence. When he returns, she identifies herself as He Jinyun’s mother and confronts him.
• Two hidden assassins attack Jiang Ning at her signal. He instantly kills both Sixth Rank attackers with True Essence, demonstrating the enormous gap between his strength and theirs.
• Xiao Qiuyue openly admits that she arranged the assassination attempt. Although she has no evidence, her maternal intuition tells her Jiang Ning killed Jinyun.
• Rather than continue fighting, Xiao Qiuyue activates a lethal poison within herself. Jiang Ning tries to save her, but her organs rapidly fail, and she dies at his doorstep, deliberately placing him in an extremely dangerous political position.
• Jiang Ning realizes that the death of a count’s wife in front of his residence could easily result in his imprisonment. He asks Lü Yi to summon Bai Luoyu, who arrives and confirms Xiao Qiuyue’s identity.
• Bai Luoyu advises Jiang Ning to seek help from Zhao Yulong, explaining that Zhao fiercely protects members of the Inspection Office. Bai Luoyu contacts him, and Zhao soon arrives to hear Jiang Ning’s account.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: His Literacy skill reaches its maximum level, strengthening his knowledge and awareness of the supernatural and martial worlds. He also displays overwhelming combat ability by killing two Sixth Rank assassins effortlessly. Despite his power, he remains cautious about political consequences and understands that confronting Grandmasters or the state directly would have serious repercussions.
• Xiao Qiuyue: She is portrayed as calm, determined, and consumed by grief. Instead of openly attacking Jiang Ning in a prolonged conflict, she uses her own death as a final act of revenge, forcing suspicion onto him and creating a political crisis.
• Qinghe Count: Though publicly passive, he remains resentful over Jinyun’s death. He understands Xiao Qiuyue’s motives but feels unable to challenge Zhao Yulong and the Inspection Office without evidence.
• Bai Luoyu: He continues to act as Jiang Ning’s dependable ally, offering both practical assistance and political insight. His explanation of Zhao Yulong’s leadership style reveals his loyalty to Jiang Ning.
• Zhao Yulong: He is established as a powerful and protective superior who prioritizes his subordinates over outsiders. His arrival suggests that Jiang Ning may be shielded from the consequences of Xiao Qiuyue’s death.
• Lü Yi: She remains loyal and responsive, recognizing the seriousness of the situation and quickly carrying out Jiang Ning’s request for help.

Significant Themes

• Maternal grief and revenge: Xiao Qiuyue’s actions show how grief can drive someone to sacrifice herself to implicate the suspected murderer of her child.
• Power versus justice: Suspicion alone is insufficient in official investigations, but political rank and connections determine how accusations are handled.
• Loyalty and protection: Bai Luoyu’s discussion of Zhao Yulong emphasizes that leaders gain true loyalty by protecting their subordinates, even when doing so is not objectively fair.
• The limits of strength: Jiang Ning can easily defeat ordinary martial experts, yet he remains wary of Grandmasters and the broader political order. Martial power alone cannot solve every problem.
• The supernatural nature of the world: Jiang Ning’s completed studies reinforce that myths, souls, Yin Spirits, long-lived Martial Saints, and other legendary phenomena may all be real.
• Self-sacrifice as a weapon: Xiao Qiuyue turns her own death into a calculated political attack, leaving Jiang Ning responsible in the eyes of the public unless Zhao Yulong intervenes.

Important Character Interactions

• Qinghe Count and his steward discuss Xiao Qiuyue’s return and the Count’s inability to pursue justice against Zhao Yulong’s favored subordinate.
• Xiao Qiuyue and Jiang Ning confront one another at his residence. She accuses him indirectly, sends assassins against him, then admits her suspicions and dies by poison.
• Jiang Ning and Lü Yi coordinate the immediate response after Xiao Qiuyue’s death.
• Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu discuss the incident and the need for political protection.
• Bai Luoyu and Zhao Yulong become the bridge between Jiang Ning and the Inspection Office’s leadership, with Zhao arriving to investigate the circumstances of Xiao Qiuyue’s death.

Chapter Summary: Half-Step Grandmaster Xiao Bieli, Entering Prison!

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Jiang Ning explains the circumstances surrounding the death of Count Qinghe’s third wife, Prefect Zhao Yulong agrees to protect him while still following official procedures.
• Zhao explains that Jiang Ning must temporarily enter Commandery Prison because the case involves a high-ranking noble. He promises to arrange matters so Jiang will not suffer.
• Commandery Commandant Xiao Bieli arrives with armed officials to take charge of Jiang Ning’s imprisonment. He is a powerful military official rumored to be at the peak of the Fourth Rank, possessing “Immortal Flesh” and “Jade Bone.”
• Xiao Bieli has not yet become a grandmaster. Instead, he is pursuing the more difficult path of breaking directly into the Heaven-Man Grandmaster realm from the Fourth Rank.
• After hearing the full account, Xiao Bieli agrees that Jiang Ning must be imprisoned because the case concerns Count Qinghe, though he assures Zhao Yulong that Jiang Ning will not be mistreated.
• Jiang Ning calmly allows himself to be escorted away. He trusts Zhao Yulong and Bai Luoyu’s influence, but is also confident in his own strength and believes no ordinary prison could truly contain him.
• Zhao Yulong departs, while Bai Luoyu personally warns Xiao Bieli to take good care of Jiang Ning, calling him his closest friend. This causes Xiao Bieli to reconsider his initially dismissive attitude toward Jiang Ning.
• Jiang Ning is taken into the underground Commandery Prison. Because of his formidable martial ability and status as a major suspect, he is assigned to the third level rather than the ordinary first level.
• Along the way, Jiang Ning encounters Liu Boming, a member of the Liu Family. Liu reveals that the Young Earl has already been released because of his father’s rank, while Liu himself remains imprisoned due to his weaker family position.
• Liu mocks Jiang Ning for being arrested despite relying on Bai Luoyu’s influence. Jiang Ning ignores him at first, but allows the escorting officers to have a guard punish Liu for his insolence.
• Jiang Ning then continues downward toward the deeper levels of the prison.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: Displays composure, confidence, and strategic awareness. He willingly accepts imprisonment because he understands the political necessity and knows he possesses enough strength to escape if required. His treatment of Liu Boming also shows that he is calm but not tolerant of pointless provocation.
• Zhao Yulong: Demonstrates strong support for Jiang Ning, using his authority and personal relationship with Xiao Bieli to protect him. However, he remains cautious about revealing Jiang Ning’s secret status as a reserve inspector.
• Bai Luoyu: Shows deep personal loyalty to Jiang Ning, openly calling him his closest friend and directly requesting that Xiao Bieli protect him.
• Xiao Bieli: Is introduced as a powerful, ambitious military commander pursuing the Heaven-Man realm rather than settling for ordinary grandmaster status. Initially, he does not recognize Jiang Ning’s importance, but Bai Luoyu’s warning makes him reconsider.
• Lü Yi: Becomes visibly worried about Jiang Ning’s imprisonment, though Jiang Ning reassures her that he will be safe.
• Liu Boming: Appears resentful and bitter, contrasting his own continued imprisonment with the Young Earl’s release. His mockery of Jiang Ning results in punishment.

Significant Themes

• Power and political influence: Official rank, family background, and personal connections determine how justice is applied. The Young Earl is released because of his father’s status, while Liu Boming remains imprisoned.
• Hidden identities and alliances: Jiang Ning’s importance is concealed even from Xiao Bieli. Zhao Yulong and Bai Luoyu know more about his position within the Inspection Office than others do.
• Confidence versus appearances: Jiang Ning appears to be a helpless prisoner, but his inner confidence reflects his belief that he is nearly invincible among Fourth-Rank martial artists.
• Martial ambition: Xiao Bieli’s refusal to become an ordinary grandmaster highlights the extreme ambitions of elite martial artists seeking the Heaven-Man realm.
• Justice and procedure: Although Zhao Yulong and Bai Luoyu want to protect Jiang Ning, they acknowledge that formal procedures must be followed because the victim is connected to a noble house.

Important Character Interactions

• Zhao Yulong and Jiang Ning establish mutual trust, with Zhao promising to protect him while Jiang Ning willingly follows his arrangements.
• Zhao Yulong and Xiao Bieli interact cautiously as officials of differing ranks and martial status, each respecting the other’s authority.
• Bai Luoyu’s public endorsement of Jiang Ning significantly changes Xiao Bieli’s perception of him.
• Jiang Ning’s brief exchange with Liu Boming reinforces the contrast between the powerless and the well-connected, while Jiang Ning’s decision to punish Liu demonstrates his restrained authority.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning is imprisoned on the third floor of the Commandery Prison.
• He discovers finger marks on the iron bars, indicating the cell's weakness.
• He activates his Fire-Trapping Tiger skill to clean the cell.
• He hears sounds from the fourth floor, where a Grandmaster is imprisoned in the Water Prison.
• He uses his Heavenly Eye to observe the Grandmaster but cannot identify them.
• He decides to focus on his cultivation instead of the Grandmaster's situation.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning remains calm and composed despite his imprisonment.
• He displays his power by leaving finger marks on the iron bars and cleaning the cell with his skill.
• He shows curiosity and caution when observing the Grandmaster on the fourth floor.

Significant Themes

• The importance of status and strength in society.
• The mental and physical torment of imprisonment.
• The accumulation of experience and knowledge over time, leading to decreased efficiency of the mind.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning interacts with the two men who lock him in the cell, showing no concern about his imprisonment.
• He does not interact with the Grandmaster on the fourth floor but observes them using his Heavenly Eye.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning continues refining his marrow in prison, undisturbed and focused.
• He is visited by the Wang Family's twin sisters, Wang Qingtan and Wang Qinghan, who express their intention to help him.
• Xiao Bieli visits Jiang Ning and promises to resolve his case quickly.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning remains calm and composed in prison, continuing his cultivation progress.
• Wang Qingtan shows concern for Jiang Ning's well-being and is willing to help him, demonstrating her growing interest in him.
• Xiao Bieli shows respect and consideration for Jiang Ning, indicating his recognition of Jiang Ning's strength and potential.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strength and status in society.
• The power dynamics between individuals and their relationships.
• The theme of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning interacts with the Wang Family's twin sisters, Wang Qingtan and Wang Qinghan, who express their desire to help him.
• Jiang Ning's interaction with Xiao Bieli shows the latter's respect and consideration for Jiang Ning.
• Jiang Ning's conversation with Jiang Li reassures his brother that he is not in trouble.

Chapter Summary: “Prison Opportunity, Secret King’s Treasure!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two days pass while Jiang Ning remains imprisoned for the investigation into the Qinghe Count’s third wife’s death.
• The case gains attention because it involves the descendants of Great Xia’s founding meritorious nobles. A young marquis from the prefectural city is expected to arrive and deliver the final ruling.
• Governor Wang Shouyi confirms that Jiang Ning is unlikely to be responsible. Prefect Zhao, Xiao Bieli, and Bai Luoyu all support his release, but they must await the young marquis’s decision.
• Xiao Bieli and Zhao Dai visit Jiang Ning at night and place shackles on his hands and feet as a precaution and a show of compliance toward the visiting noble representative.
• Jiang Ning discovers that the shackles are made from the same material as the prison cell door. Although they are extremely strong, their construction allows him to deform them with his Water-Fire True Force. His hidden Water Escape technique would also let him escape if necessary.
• After cultivating and sleeping in the cell, Jiang Ning awakens to the arrival of two covert intruders.
• The intruders pass through the third level of the prison, intending to rescue a prisoner named Long Xingyun on the fourth level. They avoid attacking Jiang Ning so they will not alert Xiao Bieli.
• Jiang Ning overhears that Long Xingyun supposedly possesses the Secret King’s Treasure Map.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: Remains calm and confident despite imprisonment. He tests the shackles, confirms they cannot truly restrain him, and continues refining his marrow. His curiosity and ambition are awakened by the possibility that the treasure map contains True Dragon Blood, which could help him reach the Heaven-Man Grandmaster realm.
• Wang Qingtan: Continues to show concern for Jiang Ning, though she humorously frames it as protecting the thousand taels he owes her. Her relationship with him appears increasingly important.
• Governor Wang Shouyi: Works behind the scenes to protect Jiang Ning, using his influence and connections throughout the commandery. He also worries about Wang Qingtan’s future and recognizes her exceptional martial talent.
• Xiao Bieli: Cooperates with the political demands surrounding Jiang Ning’s imprisonment but remains wary of Jiang Ning’s strength. He incorrectly assumes the shackles are sufficient to contain him.
• Zhao Dai: Treats Jiang Ning respectfully and subtly informs him that the shackles are not fundamentally stronger than the prison cell. His actions suggest continued sympathy or cooperation.
• Long Xingyun: Introduced as a mysterious grandmaster imprisoned on the fourth level, allegedly connected by bloodline to one of the Secret King’s surviving Dragon Heads.

Significant Themes

• Political influence and noble power: Though the meritorious nobles have lost their former political authority, their collective influence remains strong enough to affect criminal investigations.
• Hidden strength and deception: Jiang Ning conceals his true abilities, allowing others to underestimate him. His apparent helplessness in prison is largely an illusion.
• Opportunity within adversity: Imprisonment becomes a chance for Jiang Ning to cultivate, investigate the prison’s secrets, and potentially encounter a treasure capable of transforming his martial future.
• Legacy and inheritance: The Secret King’s power, True Dragon Blood, and surviving descendants point to the lasting influence of historical figures and bloodlines.
• The pursuit of transcendence: The possibility of obtaining True Dragon Blood reinforces Jiang Ning’s desire to reach the Heaven-Man Grandmaster realm and gain power beyond ordinary worldly constraints.

Character Interactions

• Wang Shouyi and Wang Qingtan discuss the political investigation and Jiang Ning’s safety. Their exchange highlights Wang Qingtan’s attachment to Jiang Ning and her father’s protective support.
• Xiao Bieli and Zhao Dai formally shackle Jiang Ning, balancing political appearances with their awareness that the imprisonment is temporary.
• Xiao Bieli and Zhao Dai later debate whether the shackles can truly restrain Jiang Ning, revealing their uncertainty about his actual strength.
• The two nighttime intruders discuss Long Xingyun and the Secret King’s Treasure Map. Jiang Ning secretly listens, learning that Long Xingyun may be a descendant of one of the surviving Dragon Heads and that the map could lead to True Dragon Blood.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning wakes up to find two intruders outside his cell, whom he kills.
• Zhao Yulong, Bai Luoyu, and Su Zhi arrive to free Jiang Ning from his shackles.
• Zhao Yulong reveals that Jiang Ning will be released once the Marquis of Guangning's heir clarifies the events surrounding Xiao Qiuyue's death.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning demonstrates his growing strength by easily breaking his iron shackles.
• Zhao Yulong shows his support for Jiang Ning and his commitment to protecting those under his office.
• Xiao Bieli is portrayed as manipulative and power-hungry, using his position to imprison Jiang Ning.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within the government.
• The consequences of grief and madness, as seen in Xiao Qiuyue's actions.
• The importance of justice and truth, as represented by Zhao Yulong's determination to clear Jiang Ning's name.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Zhao Yulong's relationship strengthens as Zhao Yulong shows his support for Jiang Ning.
• Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu maintain their friendly rapport, with Bai Luoyu teasing Jiang Ning about his positive attitude.
• Jiang Ning and Xiao Bieli's conflict deepens, with Jiang Ning now aware of Xiao Bieli's schemes and determined to expose them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning uses his Heavenly Eye to observe Xiao Bieli interrogating Long Xingyun, learning that Long Xingyun has a map of the Secret King's Treasure.
• Jiang Ning sneaks to the fourth level of the Commandery Prison using the Great Five-Element Water Escape technique and confronts Long Xingyun.
• Long Xingyun agrees to hand over the map to Jiang Ning.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: He demonstrates his ability to use the Heavenly Eye to observe through obstacles, further showcasing his unique skills and powers.
• Long Xingyun: Despite being tortured and having his daughter threatened, he remains steadfast in not revealing the map's location. However, he agrees to give it to Jiang Ning, showing a change in his stance.

Significant Themes

• The power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity (Long Xingyun's refusal to reveal the map despite torture).
• The use of unique abilities and techniques to overcome obstacles (Jiang Ning's use of the Heavenly Eye and water escape technique).

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Long Xingyun: They meet for the first time, and Long Xingyun agrees to give Jiang Ning the map, showing a level of trust or desperation.
• Xiao Bieli and Long Xingyun: Xiao Bieli continues to interrogate and threaten Long Xingyun, but Long Xingyun remains unyielding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning meets Long Xingyun, a Grandmaster imprisoned on the fourth level of Commandery Prison.
• Long Xingyun reveals that he possesses the key to the True Dragon Hall, a relic from the previous era, which can grant access to True Dragon Blood and potentially make one a Celestial.
• Jiang Ning agrees to spare Long Xingyun's life in exchange for the key. He frees Long Xingyun from his restraints and heals his injuries using his blood.

Character Developments

• Long Xingyun shows unyielding backbone and respect for Jiang Ning, earning Jiang Ning's appreciation.
• Jiang Ning demonstrates his mysterious and powerful abilities, further cementing his status as a senior figure in Long Xingyun's eyes.

Significant Themes

• The power of True Dragon Blood and its potential to create Celestials.
• The importance of trust and honor in agreements, as shown by Jiang Ning keeping his promise to Long Xingyun.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Long Xingyun have a respectful and honest exchange, with Long Xingyun addressing Jiang Ning as 'Senior.'
• Jiang Ning shows appreciation for Long Xingyun's unyielding nature and keeps his promise to him, demonstrating his honorable character.

• Plot Points & Events: Long Xingyun, a Grandmaster, is saved by Jiang Ning using his blood. Long Xingyun leaves the fourth level of Commandery Prison using his Blood Qi Wolf-Smoke. Jiang Ning returns to his cell and tests his immortal root on the Dragon-Pattern Jade Tablet, discovering it meets the True Dragon Hall's requirements. He then drinks wine mixed with Emperor's Flowing Essence to aid his marrow refinement. Xiao Bieli, injured, visits the fourth level of Commandery Prison.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: He successfully helps Long Xingyun recover, but fails to leave a Divine Scion's Vassal Mark. He discovers his immortal root is outstanding and senses the True Dragon Hall's resonance. He also makes progress in marrow refinement using the wine.
• Long Xingyun: He recovers from his injuries and escapes the prison, leaving Jiang Ning behind. He is now a Grandmaster with a prolonged lifespan and terrifying vitality.
• Xiao Bieli: He is injured and suspects Long Xingyun of attacking him. He visits the fourth level of Commandery Prison to investigate.
• Significant Themes: The power of blood and qi in Grandmasters, the importance of immortal roots, and the resonance of the True Dragon Hall.
• Character Interactions: Jiang Ning and Long Xingyun interact briefly before Long Xingyun's departure. Jiang Ning and Xiao Bieli have no direct interaction, but Xiao Bieli's visit to the fourth level is likely due to Jiang Ning's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Bieli, the Commandery Lieutenant, is found dead, killed by Long Xingyun's Blood Fiend Palm.
• Zhao Dai discovers Xiao Bieli's body and realizes that a grandmaster, likely the one imprisoned on the fourth level, is responsible.
• Signal flares are set off in Dongling City, indicating that Xiao Bieli's death has been discovered.

Character Developments

• Xiao Bieli's death shows the consequences of his actions and the power of a grandmaster like Long Xingyun.
• Zhao Dai demonstrates his loyalty and concern for his superiors, investigating Xiao Bieli's disappearance.
• Long Xingyun shows his determination to protect his daughter, escaping with her and seeking revenge on those who harmed her.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Long Xingyun's actions are driven by his desire to avenge his daughter and himself.
• Power Dynamics: The death of a high-ranking official like Xiao Bieli highlights the power struggles within the commandery.
• Loyalty: Zhao Dai's actions show his loyalty to his superiors and his duty to protect the commandery.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Bieli and Long Xingyun: Their interaction is one of revenge, with Long Xingyun killing Xiao Bieli for his role in imprisoning him and harming his daughter.
• Zhao Dai and Zhao Yulong: Their interaction shows Zhao Dai's respect and loyalty to his superior, Zhao Yulong, as he reports his findings about Xiao Bieli's death.
• Long Xingyun and his daughter: Their interaction shows Long Xingyun's love and protectiveness towards his daughter, as he escapes with her and reassures her about their mother's absence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Bieli, a high-ranking official, is assassinated, causing a stir in Dongling City.
• Lin Qingyi and Wang Qingtan are released from prison.
• Jiang Ning receives a letter from Ji Mingyue.
• Wang Qingtan informs Jiang Ning about the Little Marquis' arrival to decide Xiao Qiuyue's case.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning remains calm and composed in prison, showing no anxiety about his situation.
• Lin Qingyi shows concern for Jiang Ning and offers to help him, revealing her status as a prince's consort.
• Wang Qingtan displays her influence and connections, showing she can affect the Little Marquis' decision.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: Wang Qingtan's ability to sway the Little Marquis highlights the importance of connections and status in society.
• Loyalty and gratitude: Zhao Yulong's actions demonstrate his loyalty to his subordinates and his commitment to justice.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Lin Qingyi: They share a friendly and familiar relationship, with Lin Qingyi showing concern for Jiang Ning's well-being.
• Wang Qingtan and Lin Qingyi: Despite their initial tension, they cooperate to help Jiang Ning, showing a level of mutual respect.
• Jiang Ning and Zhao Yulong: Zhao Yulong's actions show his support for Jiang Ning, demonstrating their strong working relationship.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning is released from prison after seven days, longer than expected due to involvement of nobility.
• Commandery Lieutenant Xiao is found dead, killed by a mysterious Grandmaster.
• Jiang Ning visits the Commandery Governor's residence to express gratitude.
• Lu Junyi, the Young Marquis, visits the Commandery Governor's residence and mentions the Qi Prince's Consort, surprising Jiang Ning and Wang Qingtan.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: Shows maturity and understanding of political dynamics, visits Commandery Governor to express gratitude.
• Wang Qingtan: Shows indifference to Lu Junyi's praise, maintains composure when her father discusses her potential suitors.
• Lu Junyi: Displays arrogance and lack of interest in Wang Qingtan, leaves without further interaction.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political alliances among nobility.
• The influence of martial strength and grandmasters in troubled times.
• The importance of family and happiness in one's life goals.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Wang Qingtan: Share a moment of understanding when Lu Junyi mentions the Qi Prince's Consort.
• Wang Shouyi and Wang Qingtan: Discuss potential suitors, with Wang Shouyi favoring Jiang Ning over Lu Junyi.
• Lu Junyi and Wang Qingtan: Show little interest in each other, with Lu Junyi leaving without further interaction.

Chapter Summary: On the Verge of Becoming a Heaven-Man Grandmaster

Key Plot Points and Events

• At the Three Origins Taoist Temple, a yellow-robed Taoist successfully deceives investigating constables after apparently becoming involved in Xiao Bieli’s conflict with a grandmaster.
• Jiang Ning meets Bai Luoyu and Zhao Yulong at Star-Picking Tower for a private gathering. He brings wine enhanced with Emperor’s Flowing Essence, which Bai Luoyu praises for its extraordinary, almost soul-cleansing quality.
• Jiang Ning gives both Bai Luoyu and Zhao Yulong bottles of the wine in gratitude for their assistance—especially Zhao Yulong’s role in securing Jiang Ning’s release from prison.
• Bai Luoyu invites Jiang Ning to view a Primordial Era relic he purchased at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion auction, which Jiang Ning had missed while imprisoned.
• After returning home, Jiang Ning enjoys his first genuinely restful sleep in a long time. His recovery emphasizes the importance of rest after prolonged training and hardship.
• The next morning, Jiang Ning receives a letter from Xiao Emei via a Skyborne Letterbird. The letter reveals that Xiao Qiushui has entered life-or-death closed-door cultivation in an attempt to break into the Heaven-Man Grandmaster realm.
• Jiang Ning recognizes the danger posed by Xiao Qiushui’s potential breakthrough but decides not to interfere. Instead, he resolves to confront her if she succeeds, trusting that his own strength and allies in Dongling City will protect him.
• To prepare, Jiang Ning resumes intensive practice with his Wood-Chopping Saber Technique, aiming to reach its ninth breakthrough beyond limits.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: Displays greater confidence, composure, and strategic awareness. He values his allies and repays their assistance with rare wine. His improved physical and spiritual strength gives him confidence that he can challenge even a Heaven-Man Grandmaster. Rather than acting rashly against Xiao Qiushui, he chooses to strengthen himself and await developments.
• Bai Luoyu: Shows sincere appreciation for Jiang Ning’s wine and strengthens his friendship with him by inviting him to inspect a rare Primordial Era relic.
• Zhao Yulong: His importance as a powerful grandmaster and high-ranking official is emphasized. His support was instrumental in Jiang Ning’s release from prison.
• Xiao Qiushui: Though absent, she becomes the chapter’s central looming threat. Her decision to risk death in closed-door cultivation reveals both her ambition and confidence in approaching the Heaven-Man realm.
• Lü Yi: Continues to care for Jiang Ning by preparing tea, maintaining his room, and bringing him water while he trains.
• The yellow-robed Taoist: Reveals himself to be clever and experienced, successfully avoiding trouble after the investigation connected to Xiao Bieli.

Significant Themes

• Preparation versus recklessness: Jiang Ning refuses to interrupt Xiao Qiushui’s cultivation, choosing instead to improve his own strength and prepare for a possible confrontation.
• The value of allies and gratitude: Jiang Ning acknowledges the assistance of Bai Luoyu and Zhao Yulong and repays them with his precious wine.
• Rest as part of cultivation: After enduring prison and relentless training, Jiang Ning recognizes that recovery and sleep are essential to long-term martial progress.
• Transformation through cultivation: The descriptions of ordinary Grandmasters and Heaven-Man Grandmasters highlight the vast hierarchy of power and the consequences of crossing into a higher realm.
• Confidence born from achievement: Jiang Ning’s extraordinary techniques, spiritual power, blade intent, and cultivation allow him to face an otherwise overwhelming threat without fear.
• Ordinary labor as martial training: Chopping firewood is both a household task and a method of advancing Jiang Ning’s saber technique, reinforcing the integration of daily life and cultivation.

Important Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu share wine and discuss the small private gathering, deepening their friendship.
• Jiang Ning gives Bai Luoyu and Zhao Yulong wine as personal thanks for their support.
• Bai Luoyu invites Jiang Ning to his residence to examine a rare Primordial Era relic.
• Xiao Emei communicates the news of Xiao Qiushui’s dangerous cultivation through a letter.
• Jiang Ning interacts affectionately with the Skyborne Letterbird, feeding it fish before sending it back.
• Lü Yi cares for Jiang Ning after his return and during his training, while Jiang Ning explains that chopping firewood helps advance his blade path.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning completes the eighth Limit-Breaking of the Wood-Chopping Saber Technique by chopping wood, filling its experience to the required maximum.
• He spends 5,000 Source Energy to advance the technique to its ninth Limit-Breaking, leaving him with only 1,913 Source Energy.
• During the breakthrough, he experiences countless scenes of relentless saber practice, culminating in a slash that splits a mountain. The process grants him a new trait, “Butcher Ding’s Dissection,” described as skill approaching the Dao.
• After the breakthrough, Jiang Ning’s saber intent becomes so powerful that it passively shreds a fly and falling leaves within ten feet of him.
• He travels to the Dongling Mountain Range to test his strengthened saber. One slash severely damages and collapses a mountain peak over a hundred feet tall, demonstrating power capable of splitting mountains and breaching city walls.
• Jiang Ning leaves before local experts arrive. The Dragon-Tiger Hall Master and the sword-user Chen inspect the destruction. Chen judges the lingering saber intent to be at least comparable to, and possibly stronger than, that of a third-refinement Heaven-Man Grandmaster.
• Jiang Ning returns home and enjoys Lü Yi’s cooking. He reflects on the enormous gap between his current fourth-rank realm, ordinary grandmasters, and Heaven-Man Grandmasters.
• He recognizes that he can still grow through further marrow refinement and improvement of his Wind-Thunder Steps.
• Later, Jiang Ning takes Lü Yi to Bai Luoyu’s residence, answering Bai’s invitation to view a valuable item acquired at the Myriad Treasures Pavilion auction.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: His saber skill reaches a new level, gaining a mysterious Dao-related trait and vastly stronger saber intent. His combat power now includes mountain-shattering attacks, but he remains cautious and aware of the distance between himself and true Heaven-Man experts. His depleted Source Energy also reminds him that his resources are insufficient for unchecked growth.
• Lü Yi: She witnesses the terrifying effects of Jiang Ning’s breakthrough, reacting with surprise and admiration. Her comfortable, familiar relationship with him is reinforced when they share a meal and later travel together.
• Dragon-Tiger Hall Master: His reaction to the collapsed mountain reveals his awareness of the rarity and importance of Heaven-Man Grandmasters. He is deeply shocked that such saber power appeared near Dongling.
• Chen: His prior experience observing Heaven-Man Grandmasters allows him to accurately assess Jiang Ning’s saber intent. He suggests Jiang Ning’s power may exceed that of a third-refinement Heaven-Man Grandmaster, heightening the chapter’s sense of mystery.
• Bai Luoyu: Though he does not appear directly, his status is emphasized through his grand residence, servants, and influence. His invitation establishes the next plot development.

Significant Themes

• Relentless cultivation and accumulation: Jiang Ning’s breakthrough comes from endless repetition and disciplined practice rather than a single moment of inspiration.
• The escalating path of martial strength: The chapter emphasizes that each realm brings an increasingly vast gap in life level and power, especially between fourth-rank warriors, grandmasters, and Heaven-Man Grandmasters.
• Power versus resources: Jiang Ning’s strength rises dramatically, but the massive Source Energy cost shows that advancement depends on limited resources.
• The mystery of the Dao: “Butcher Ding’s Dissection” may connect Jiang Ning’s saber art to the legendary realms of Entering the Dao and Harmonizing with the Dao, though he does not yet understand its true effect.
• Humility and caution: Despite possessing mountain-splitting power, Jiang Ning does not overestimate himself and remains wary of stronger opponents such as Xiao Qiushui.
• Simplicity versus luxury: Jiang Ning appreciates comfort but feels no envy toward Bai Luoyu’s extravagant estate, preferring a simpler lifestyle.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Lü Yi: Lü Yi observes his terrifying breakthrough and later asks about it. Jiang Ning openly confirms that his strength has improved. Their domestic interaction over her porridge portrays trust and familiarity.
• Jiang Ning and the local experts: Although they never meet directly, his collapsed mountain and lingering saber intent provoke intense discussion among the Dragon-Tiger Hall Master, Chen, and other Dongling experts.
• Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu: Bai’s invitation motivates Jiang Ning’s visit to the Bai Residence. The household staff recognize and respectfully welcome him, indicating his established relationship and growing status.
• Jiang Ning and the Bai household: The servants treat him as an honored guest, allowing him to enter without formal announcement and guiding him toward Bai Luoyu’s courtyard.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Ning visits Bai Luoyu at the Bai Residence to learn about a mysterious treasure.
• Bai Luoyu reveals a fragment of a ten-thousand-year-old tortoiseshell covered in incomprehensible ancient symbols.
• When Jiang Ning examines it, he experiences the “barrier of perception and knowledge,” seeing golden lotuses and strange visions before suffering a nosebleed from the backlash.
• Jiang Ning activates a genuine Heavenly Eye, allowing him to see through the tortoiseshell’s inscriptions. He identifies them as the Innate Six Hexagrams, an ancient method of divination and deducing heavenly secrets.
• Though the fragment is incomplete, Jiang Ning gains a secret art that can conceal or obscure one’s heavenly secrets.
• Studying the tortoiseshell causes his Literacy skill experience to exceed 10,000, making it eligible for its tenth limit-breaking once he gathers enough source energy.
• The Heavenly Eye’s prolonged use leaves Jiang Ning with severe headaches and pain between his brows.
• Bai Luoyu asks Jiang Ning to use the Heavenly Eye to investigate the abnormal weather around Dongling Commandery, which may be caused by a powerful cultivator manipulating the climate. Jiang Ning agrees to help after resting.

Character Developments

• Jiang Ning: Demonstrates that his spiritual power is unusually strong, allowing him to endure information that once harmed a Daoist True Lord. He reveals possession of a true Heavenly Eye and gains both a secret art and major Literacy experience. Despite his growing abilities, he remains cautious and aware of his limited source energy.
• Bai Luoyu: Becomes deeply impressed and somewhat intimidated by Jiang Ning’s abilities, realizing that Jiang Ning’s future is likely extraordinary. Although he briefly feels inferior, he restores his confidence by reminding himself that he is also an exceptional figure within Dongling Commandery.
• Relationship between Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu: Their friendship and trust deepen. Bai Luoyu entrusts Jiang Ning with the secret of the Heavenly Eye and seeks his assistance with an important investigation.

Significant Themes

• Limits of knowledge and perception: The tortoiseshell illustrates how profound knowledge can overwhelm those unable to comprehend it.
• Hidden potential and destiny: Jiang Ning’s Heavenly Eye marks him as someone with extraordinary innate abilities and a potentially remarkable future.
• Knowledge as power: Even an incomplete artifact provides Jiang Ning with a valuable secret technique and significant growth in his Literacy skill.
• Humility and self-confidence: Bai Luoyu struggles with comparison but ultimately regains confidence in his own abilities.
• Mystery and heavenly order: The Innate Six Hexagrams and the manipulated weather introduce larger questions about fate, divination, and forces interfering with the natural world.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Ning and Bai Luoyu share tea while discussing the artifact.
• Bai Luoyu observes Jiang Ning’s backlash and realizes the difference between merely sensing the tortoiseshell’s profundity and genuinely perceiving its contents.
• Jiang Ning reveals his Heavenly Eye and asks Bai Luoyu to keep it secret; Bai Luoyu solemnly agrees.
• Bai Luoyu requests Jiang Ning’s help investigating the abnormal climate, and Jiang Ning accepts after recovering from the strain of using the Heavenly Eye.