Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nightmare Dream offers all his treasures and resources to Chen Fan in exchange for his help against Duo Ge.
• Chen Fan agrees, and they face Duo Ge together.
• Nightmare Dream reveals eight powerful 'black shadows' that can weaken opponents.
• Duo Ge uses a crystal phoenix attack, which Chen Fan counters with the Primordial Sword.
• Duo Ge is severely injured but resurrects and attacks again.
• Chen Fan uses the Primordial Sword three times, each time countering Duo Ge's powerful moves.
• Nightmare Dream's black shadows attack Duo Ge, who retreats but plans to counterattack.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan demonstrates his powerful Primordial Sword technique, which consumes much of his strength.
• Nightmare Dream reveals his 'black shadows' ability, which seems to have a permanent cost.
• Duo Ge shows resilience and strategic thinking, planning to separate Chen Fan and Nightmare Dream.

Significant Themes

• The power of alliances and teamwork against a stronger opponent.
• The cost of using powerful abilities, both in terms of strength and personal damage.
• The resilience and determination of opponents, making them harder to defeat.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Nightmare Dream form an alliance to defeat Duo Ge.
• Nightmare Dream supports Chen Fan, boosting his strength and protecting him.
• Duo Ge underestimates Chen Fan's power initially but adapts his strategy accordingly.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duo Ge faces simultaneous attacks from eight shadows, leading to a large-scale ice-crystal phoenix attack.
• Chen Fan and Nightmare Dream's true bodies are revealed, and they suffer severe injuries.
• Duo Ge, Chen Fan, and Nightmare Dream's conditions deteriorate, leading to a stalemate.
• Duo Ge is killed, but revives and charges at Chen Fan and Nightmare Dream again.
• Chen Fan uses Void Concealment to evade Duo Ge, while Nightmare Dream offers Duo Ge a deal.
• Duo Ge splits into multiple clones to evade pursuit, but Nightmare Dream and Chen Fan catch up.
• Duo Ge agrees to Nightmare Dream's terms after being killed twice more.

Character Developments

• Duo Ge's strength and condition decline, leading to desperation and a willingness to make a deal.
• Chen Fan's strategic use of Void Concealment and coordination with Nightmare Dream improves his combat effectiveness.
• Nightmare Dream's tracking abilities and strategic planning become more apparent.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and coordination in combat.
• The consequences of overconfidence and underestimating opponents.
• The fear of losing and the desperation it can drive.

Character Interactions

• Duo Ge, Chen Fan, and Nightmare Dream engage in intense combat, with each trying to gain an advantage.
• Nightmare Dream and Chen Fan work together, with Nightmare Dream taking the lead in strategy and tracking.
• Duo Ge and Nightmare Dream engage in negotiations, with Duo Ge ultimately agreeing to Nightmare Dream's terms.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Duo Ge, initially defiant, agrees to provide Nightmare Dream with needed items and offers additional treasures to avoid further deaths.
• Chen Fan and Nightmare Dream's rankings fluctuate as they kill Duo Ge and each other, with Duo Ge ultimately returning to first place.
• Chen Fan gathers and spars with top-level experts from the Seven Saints Alliance to learn their martial arts and Dao Domains.
• The Illusory Dream Realm preliminaries end, and Chen Fan returns to the branch venue with Tao Xian and Fan Zhong.

Character Developments

• Duo Ge: Realizes the severity of his situation and agrees to a deal to avoid further deaths.
• Chen Fan: Focuses on learning from other experts to improve his comprehension of Dao Domains.
• Tao Xian: Advances to the top fifty thousand with the help of an alliance and a lucky final day.

Significant Themes

• The importance of adaptability and knowing when to compromise (Duo Ge).
• The value of learning from others and continuous improvement (Chen Fan).
• The role of luck in success (Tao Xian).

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan, Nightmare Dream, and Duo Ge form a temporary alliance to benefit themselves.
• Tao Xian's alliance falls apart due to internal conflict, but he ultimately benefits from the chaos.
• Chen Fan, Tao Xian, and Fan Zhong reunite after the preliminaries, with Tao Xian sharing his advancement story.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan lingers after the preliminaries and meets Nightmare Dream and Cai Yu. Nightmare Dream gifts him Dao Origin Pills and promises to deliver the treasures from others once collected.
• The preliminaries end, and the second round is announced to begin in a week. This round will determine the top five thousand martial artists for the elite sequence and another ten thousand for the ordinary sequence.
• Chen Fan returns to the Sword Sect's residence and meets Chen Qingru, who briefs him about the second round's format: a PvE contest of killing enemies in an illusionary realm.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Shows strategic thinking by meeting Nightmare Dream and Cai Yu to secure treasures. He also demonstrates calm and collectedness in the face of the upcoming second round.
• Nightmare Dream: Shows generosity and efficiency in gathering treasures for Chen Fan.
• Cai Yu: Shows frustration towards Chen Fan, likely due to her loss in the preliminaries.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic alliances and connections in the martial world, as seen in Chen Fan's meeting with Nightmare Dream.
• The competitive nature of the Plum Gathering, with each round eliminating a significant number of participants.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan interacts with Nightmare Dream and Cai Yu, demonstrating his ability to maintain cordial relations even with those he has defeated.
• Chen Qingru interacts with Chen Fan, showing concern for his well-being and providing valuable information about the upcoming round.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan absorbs the Azure Blue Flower, advancing his Indestructible Vajra Body to the seventh level.
• He realizes that Duo Ge and Nightmare Dream's strength might increase, posing a threat in the Plum Gathering.
• He decides to focus on improving himself before the next round of preliminaries.
• The third round of preliminaries ends, and the list of top hundred contestants is released, including a 'Chen Fan' in the top twenty.
• Zhan Jianming suspects that this Chen Fan is the same Chen Fan from the Sword Sect.
• Chen Tiangan summons Chen Fan, who finds Zhan Jianming present.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan becomes stronger but is still worried about the competition in the Plum Gathering.
• Zhan Jianming is concerned about Chen Fan's potential impact on his position in the Sword Sect.
• Zongzheng Xiu struggles with the idea that Chen Fan might be stronger and younger than him.

Significant Themes

• The theme of competition and self-improvement is emphasized as Chen Fan focuses on increasing his strength.
• The theme of hidden threats and worries is explored as Chen Fan considers the potential advancement of his opponents.
• The theme of power dynamics and political maneuvering is shown through Zhan Jianming's concerns about Chen Fan's rise.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan interacts with Chen Tiangan, who summons him to meet with Zhan Jianming.
• Zhan Jianming and Zongzheng Xiu discuss the possibility of Chen Fan being in the Plum Gathering.
• Chen Fan's interaction with Zhan Jianming is tense, as Chen Fan is suspicious of Zhan Jianming's intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhan Jianming approaches Chen Fan, seeking reconciliation.
• Zhan Jianming reveals his true thoughts and actions regarding Chen Fan, admitting to past misdeeds but expressing no deep enmity.
• Chen Fan learns that Zhan Jianming never truly wanted to kill him and that Luo Yunfei's actions were not ordered by Zhan Jianming.
• Zhan Jianming offers Chen Fan a Sumeru Ring filled with treasures, including two Dao artifacts, and a Heaven-reaching Spiritual Marrow, which can increase one's speed of thought a hundredfold for a short time.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Realizes Zhan Jianming's true intentions and accepts his reconciliation offer, valuing the Heaven-reaching Spiritual Marrow above all other gifts.
• Zhan Jianming: Admits past mistakes, shows sincerity in reconciling with Chen Fan, and offers valuable gifts to demonstrate his goodwill.

Significant Themes

• Reconciliation and forgiveness: Zhan Jianming seeks to bury the hatchet with Chen Fan, acknowledging his past actions and offering compensation.
• True intentions and motivations: Both characters reveal their genuine thoughts and goals, leading to a better understanding between them.
• Power dynamics: Zhan Jianming's change in attitude is driven by Chen Fan's rapid progress and potential to surpass him in the future.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Zhan Jianming: Their conversation leads to a new understanding and reconciliation, with Zhan Jianming offering valuable gifts to make amends.
• Chen Fan and Luo Yunfei (indirectly): Chen Fan learns that Luo Yunfei's actions were not ordered by Zhan Jianming, influencing his decision to reconcile with Zhan Jianming.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan uses the Sun-Covering Mirror to verify the Heaven-reaching Spiritual Marrow given by Zhan Jianming, confirming it's safe.
• Chen Fan consumes the Heaven-reaching Spiritual Marrow, enhancing his deduction speed a hundredfold.
• He deduces the Blood-Melting Technique to the perfected sixth level in a day.
• Chen Fan receives compensation from the Seven Saints Alliance, including seven low-grade Dao artifacts, two four-star Dao artifacts, three Saint-grade pills, and other treasures.
• He plans to use the resources to aid his advancement to Chang Sheng.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Becomes more cautious after his encounter with Zhan Jianming, uses the Heaven-reaching Spiritual Marrow to enhance his cultivation progress, and receives significant compensation.
• Zhan Jianming: Not mentioned in this chapter, but his actions in the previous chapter show growth in his judgment and willingness to make amends.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Caution: Chen Fan learns to be more cautious after his encounter with Zhan Jianming.
• Cultivation Enhancement: The Heaven-reaching Spiritual Marrow's ability to enhance deduction speed is a significant theme.
• Wealth and Resources: The compensation from the Seven Saints Alliance highlights the wealth and resources available to powerful cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Zhan Jianming: Their conflict is resolved, and they reach an understanding, though not explicitly shown in this chapter.
• Chen Fan and Nightmare Dream: Nightmare Dream delivers the compensation from the Seven Saints Alliance, but their interaction is not detailed in this chapter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The second round of the Plum Gathering begins, with participants entering the Eclosion Tower for a ranking competition.
• The Eclosion Tower has 100 floors, with stronger enemies on higher floors. Only true Chang Sheng cultivators can clear all floors.
• Each participant has three chances to climb the tower, with rankings determined by the highest floor reached and the time taken.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan sends a clone to participate, placing him around 120,000th in the participation order.
• Tao Xian is nervous about his upcoming challenge, placed around 8,000th.
• Luo Fangyan and Bai Zhi are in the first batch, placed 520th and 801st respectively.
• Wu Yan is in the first batch, expressing concern about holding back his strength.

Significant Themes

• The importance of hard strength and skill in competition, with luck playing a minimal role.
• The pressure and anxiety felt by competitors, particularly those with lower rankings.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan, Tao Xian, Luo Fangyan, and Bai Zhi discuss their participation orders and strategies.
• Wu Yan and Luo Caiwei discuss their concerns about the competition and the sudden changes in the world.

Chapter Summary: “A Little Extra”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• The second round of the Plum Gathering is about to begin. Although the competition has only one actual venue, it is broadcast to numerous viewing venues across the region, each accommodating at least one hundred thousand wealthy or powerful spectators.
• Chen Fan arrives at a viewing venue with Chen Qingru. They observe ten Projection Jade Walls, which will display the ten competitors currently leading in tower-clearing progress.
• Chen Qingru explains the Golden Ranking Board. It will record the top five thousand competitors after the tower-clearing round; anyone remaining on it will enter the Sacred Hall’s elite ranks and advance.
• Chen Fan discovers that the Sword Sect has purchased the complete recording rights to the Plum Gathering in cooperation with the Eclosion Sect. They intend to establish cinemas throughout Eclosion Province, potentially creating a significant source of wealth.
• In a private room, Chen Fan meets Manor Lord Long of Breaking Origin Manor and his grand-disciple, Lian Baishang. Manor Lord Long is a powerful figure from Northern Abyss Province.
• Chen Tiangan and Manor Lord Long exchange subtle boasts and criticisms about their younger disciples. Chen Tiangan presents Chen Fan as talented but arrogant, while emphasizing his lack of a Dao Fruit. Manor Lord Long counters by introducing Lian Baishang, who possesses third-level Dao Domain strength and is young enough to compete in the next Plum Gathering.
• Lian Baishang challenges Chen Fan to see who can reach a higher floor in the upcoming tower-clearing round.
• Chen Tiangan proposes a wager: the winner will receive a Golden Dragon Transcendent Immortal Pill. Manor Lord Long responds by staking a rare Void Origin Grass, claiming that if Lian Baishang loses, it will become a gift to Chen Fan.
• The exchange reveals that Manor Lord Long is confident in Lian Baishang’s chances, making the competition more significant than a simple friendly challenge.

2. Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Displays sharp observation and growing ambition. He immediately recognizes the commercial potential of the Plum Gathering recordings, viewing them as a way to acquire the origin crystals needed to support Little Butterfly and the White Emperor Armor. He also remains calm and polite when confronted by Lian Baishang, neither backing down nor boasting.
• Chen Qingru: Acts as Chen Fan’s guide, explaining the viewing system, Projection Jade Walls, and Golden Ranking Board. She also reveals the Sword Sect’s business venture.
• Chen Tiangan: Shows strong confidence and pride in Chen Fan despite deliberately describing him as arrogant and underdeveloped. His “criticism” is actually a veiled boast about Chen Fan defeating Dao Fruit experts through his third-level Sword Domain.
• Manor Lord Long: Appears mild and restrained but is evidently extremely powerful. He subtly challenges Chen Tiangan’s confidence and demonstrates his own faith in Lian Baishang by offering the rare Void Origin Grass as a wager.
• Lian Baishang: Introduced as a cold, confident young martial artist with intense killing intent. He actively challenges Chen Fan despite knowing Chen Fan’s reputation, suggesting that he possesses considerable strength and confidence.

3. Significant Themes

• Competition and hidden strength: The chapter emphasizes that appearances and cultivation levels do not tell the whole story. Chen Fan lacks a Dao Fruit but can defeat Dao Fruit-level opponents through his Sword Domain, while Lian Baishang’s confidence implies he may possess exceptional abilities.
• Pride between powerful elders: Chen Tiangan and Manor Lord Long use polite conversation to compete indirectly through their disciples. Their dialogue reflects the rivalry and status-consciousness of major sects and factions.
• Mentorship and legacy: Both elders seek to promote and protect their younger disciples, hoping they will enter the Sacred Hall and rise to prominence.
• Wealth and opportunity: The Plum Gathering is not merely a martial competition; it also generates enormous commercial value. Chen Fan’s interest in recording and broadcasting the battles highlights the connection between martial power, business, and resources.
• Advancement through trials: Entering the Sacred Hall early is portrayed as a major opportunity for growth, while the tower-clearing round serves as a test of both present strength and future potential.

4. Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Chen Qingru discuss the competition’s viewing and ranking systems, with Chen Qingru providing essential background.
• Chen Fan meets Manor Lord Long respectfully, while Long evaluates him with surprise because of his lack of a Dao Fruit.
• Chen Tiangan and Manor Lord Long engage in a restrained but pointed exchange, each praising his own disciple while appearing to criticize or minimize him.
• Lian Baishang directly challenges Chen Fan, transforming the elders’ verbal rivalry into a concrete martial contest.
• Chen Tiangan and Manor Lord Long escalate the challenge by placing valuable treasures on the outcome, setting up a high-stakes confrontation in the next round.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Tiangan reveals he tricked Manor Lord Long into giving him a jade box containing nothing.
• Chen Fan learns about the Void Origin Grass, a rare item that allows temporary advancement in cultivation.
• The Plum Gathering competition begins. Yuan Ye, a Dao Fruit expert from the Earthly Baleful Sect, leads the rankings. Chen Fan recognizes Wu Yan, a twofold Dao Domain expert from the Eclosion Sect.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan's confidence in his abilities grows, especially after learning about the Void Origin Grass.
• Chen Tiangan shows his cunning and nonchalance, tricking Manor Lord Long without concern for the consequences.
• Chen Qingru demonstrates her knowledge of the Plum Gathering participants and their backgrounds.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and self-belief in one's abilities (Chen Fan, Lian Baishang).
• Cunning and deception (Chen Tiangan).
• The value and pursuit of rare treasures (Void Origin Grass).

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Chen Tiangan share a master-disciple bond, with Chen Tiangan showing faith in Chen Fan's abilities.
• Chen Fan and Chen Qingru discuss the participants of the Plum Gathering, showcasing their shared knowledge and interest.
• Manor Lord Long and Chen Tiangan engage in a polite exchange, with Manor Lord Long unaware of Chen Tiangan's deception.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan expresses curiosity about the Eclosion Sect, the strongest sect of the age.
• Chen Qingru reveals that the Eclosion Sect has three gates: Feather, Dao, and Heaven, with the Heaven Gate being the strongest.
• The Feather Gate's strongest genius is Luo Caiwei, a peerless sword-dao cultivator at the third layer of the Sword Domain.
• The Dao Gate's strongest genius is Hong Zhengchu, the crown prince of the Eclosion Dynasty, who has reached the Dao Fruit realm.
• The Heaven Gate's strongest known genius is Zhou Bailan, who may have reached the Dao Fruit realm but is considered weak for the Heaven Gate's standards.
• Names start appearing on the Golden Rankings, with the weakest participants finishing their trials first.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan shows interest in Luo Caiwei's swordsmanship and anticipates her performance in the Plum Gathering.
• Chen Tiangan warns Chen Fan to be careful of Heaven Gate disciples, hinting at the gate's hidden strength.

Significant Themes

• The Eclosion Sect's dominance and the anticipation surrounding its disciples.
• The hidden strength of the Heaven Gate and the Eclosion Sect.
• The importance of cultivation level and dao comprehension in determining a cultivator's strength.

Character Interactions

• Chen Tiangan, Chen Qingru, and Chen Fan discuss the Eclosion Sect's gates and their respective geniuses.
• Chen Fan and Chen Qingru exchange information about the Plum Gathering participants and their strengths.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The competition for the top 10,000 spots begins, with each of the 1,000 competitors completing an average of 3 tower challenges.
• Chen Fan calculates it will take around a month for his turn to challenge the tower.
• Lian Baishang reaches the 95th floor at the third level of the Dao Domain.
• Li Linliu's name appears on the rankings at the 9th level of martial arts and around the 2,000th position.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan continues to cultivate in seclusion, focusing on his Blood-Melting Technique and the "Primordial Sword" divine ability scene.
• Li Linliu, after cultivating in the Spirit God Mystical Realm for over a decade, has reached the 9th level of martial arts.

Significant Themes

• The theme of cultivation and growth is prominent, with both Chen Fan and Li Linliu advancing in their respective paths.
• The importance of time and patience is highlighted, as Chen Fan waits for his turn in the competition and Li Linliu's cultivation progress takes years.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan interacts with his senior brothers and sisters, learning about Li Linliu's appearance on the rankings and deciding to visit the Spirit God Dao Sect's residence.
• There's no direct interaction between Chen Fan and Li Linliu, but Chen Fan expresses his intention to find Li Linliu at the Spirit God Dao Sect's residence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan arrives at the Spirit God Dao Sect's residence, unafraid and unconcerned.
• A young martial artist, later revealed to be Chao Ri (disguised), confronts Chen Fan with intense killing intent.
• Chao Ri attacks Chen Fan with the help of a second-level Chang Sheng expert, but their assault is intercepted and neutralized by an unknown force.
• The Spirit God Dao Sect's sect master arrives and addresses the unknown force as the "Venerable One," acknowledging the prohibition of combat on Dragon Abyss Island.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan remains calm and confident, showing no fear despite facing potential threats from the Spirit God Dao Sect and Chao Ri.
• Chao Ri, disguised as a youth, reveals his intense hatred and desire for revenge against Chen Fan.
• The Spirit God Dao Sect's sect master demonstrates his knowledge of the rules and consequences of violating them on Dragon Abyss Island.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of violating Dragon Abyss Island's rules, particularly the prohibition of combat at the Chang Sheng level and above.
• The determination and resolve of the Spirit God Dao Sect and Chao Ri to eliminate Chen Fan, despite the risks involved.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Chao Ri (disguised) face off, with Chao Ri attacking Chen Fan with the help of an assassin.
• The Spirit God Dao Sect's sect master interacts with the "Venerable One" in the sky, acknowledging the rules and consequences of violating them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A powerful expert intervenes to spare the life of the Spirit God Dao Sect elder but takes Chen Fan away for punishment.
• Chen Fan reunites with his martial uncle, Li Linliu, after ten years.
• Chen Fan confirms he killed the Great Qian Emperor using a special Dao artifact.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Confirms his past actions, remains calm under pressure.
• Li Linliu: Shows curiosity about Chen Fan's past, reveals his cultivation Path (Fierce Wind), and plans to enter the Sacred Hall post-Plum Gathering.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics: The intervention of a powerful expert highlights the hierarchy among cultivators.
• Consequences of actions: Chen Fan's past actions have far-reaching implications, affecting both himself and those around him.
• Loyalty and conflict: Li Linliu's loyalty to the Dao Sect is tested as he must navigate his relationship with Chen Fan.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Li Linliu: Reunite after ten years, catch up on each other's lives, and discuss their cultivation Paths.
• Chen Fan and the youth surnamed Chao: Tension remains between them, with Chao threatening Chen Fan.
• Chen Fan and his fellow disciples: They gather for a meal, discuss Chen Fan's past, and express their complicated feelings about his actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan learns that the Plum Gathering is a means to form a new faction, the "Sacred Hall," and that Li Linliu, despite not being exceptionally strong now, has great potential.
• Chen Fan meets Li Linliu and asks about his gender, leading to an awkward encounter.
• Chen Fan reports his meeting with Li Linliu to his master, Dong Guzhi.
• The second round of eliminations is nearing Chen Fan's turn.

Character Developments

• Li Linliu is revealed to have exceptional talent, though he's currently not exceptionally strong.
• Chen Fan's curiosity about Li Linliu's gender leads to a humorous interaction.
• Chen Fan shows respect and consideration for his master's feelings.

Significant Themes

• Talent and potential are valued over current strength.
• The importance of mentorship and guidance, as seen in Chen Fan's relationship with Dong Guzhi and Li Linliu.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Li Linliu's interaction highlights their unique relationship and Chen Fan's curiosity.
• Chen Fan's communication with Dong Guzhi shows his respect and consideration for his master.
• Chen Fan's conversation with Lian Baishang and Chen Qingru reveals his interest in the Sword Sect's preparations for the Plum Gathering.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Qingru discusses the strength of the Sword Sect's disciples with Chen Fan, expressing concern about their foundation compared to other sects.
• Chen Fan reveals that he could easily reach the top of the Eclosion Tower without showing his full strength.
• Chen Fan asks Chen Qingru about the term "Venerable," leading to a discussion about the strength of the Simo Sword Emperor, who recommended Chen Fan to the Sword Sect.
• Zongzheng Xiu prepares to take the Eclosion Tower challenge, aiming to break into the top two hundred.
• Chen Fan encounters Zongzheng Xiu before the tower and encourages him.
• Chen Fan enters the Eclosion Tower, where he can't sense his weapons or equipment but can still use his physical strength and secret arts. He easily defeats enemies on the lower floors using only his divine sense.

Character Developments

• Chen Qingru shows concern for the Sword Sect's foundation and acknowledges Chen Fan's potential.
• Chen Fan remains humble and does not reveal his full strength, even to his senior sister.
• Zongzheng Xiu struggles with self-doubt but remains determined to improve his ranking.

Significant Themes

• The strength and foundation of the Sword Sect compared to other sects.
• The power of divine sense and its application in combat.
• The concept of "Venerable" and the strength of the Simo Sword Emperor.

Character Interactions

• Chen Qingru and Chen Fan discuss the Eclosion Tower challenge and the term "Venerable."
• Chen Fan encounters Zongzheng Xiu before the tower and offers encouragement.
• Chen Fan faces opponents in the Eclosion Tower, using only his divine sense to defeat them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan's battle is broadcasted on all ten Projection Jade Walls, drawing massive attention.
• Chen Fan reaches the 80th floor, then swiftly progresses to the 90th floor, displaying Dao Fruit-level strength.
• Chen Fan's identity as a Dao Fruit expert under 50 years old shocks spectators, including Wu Tianjiao, Cen Heyu, and Ru Yueling from Great Qian.
• Chen Fan continues to climb, reaching the 96th floor in a short time, surpassing most Dao Fruit experts in the Plum Gathering.
• Zongzheng Xiu is astonished by Chen Fan's speed and strength, feeling a sense of helplessness.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan demonstrates his incredible strength and speed, reaching high floors with ease.
• Wu Tianjiao, Cen Heyu, and Ru Yueling are shocked to see Chen Fan alive and thriving.
• Zongzheng Xiu feels a mix of bewilderment and acceptance regarding Chen Fan's overwhelming strength.

Significant Themes

• The power of divine soul attacks and Chen Fan's sword domain.
• The shock and awe of Chen Fan's strength and speed.
• The revelation of Chen Fan's identity to spectators from Great Qian.

Character Interactions

• Xuan Yingying and Yu Jin watch Chen Fan's battle together, with Yu Jin feeling excited and complicated.
• Wu Tianjiao, Cen Heyu, and Ru Yueling discuss Chen Fan's reappearance, with Wu Tianjiao reporting it to the Great Qian emperor.
• Zongzheng Xiu watches Chen Fan's progress with growing astonishment and acceptance.

Chapter Summary: “In Hand”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan effortlessly climbs the Eclosion Tower, reaching the ninety-seventh floor without injury or rest, clearly surpassing Lian Baishang, who admits defeat.
• Manor Lord Long recognizes Chen Fan’s exceptional abilities, noting that his divine sense has reached the Boundless level and that his soul attack secret art and swordsmanship allow him to defeat Dao Fruit-level opponents with ease.
• Chen Fan reaches the hundredth and final floor, where he faces a genuine first-stage Chang Sheng opponent.
• Using “Nightmare Invocation” to momentarily disrupt the black-armored opponent, Chen Fan follows with his Sword Domain, Flame Dao Domain, and sixth-level Fire Saint Sword, destroying the opponent instantly.
• Chen Fan becomes only the third publicly known genius—excluding reclusive sects and nonhuman factions—to clear the hundredth floor.
• His achievement places him eighth on the golden ranking board, confirming that he possesses genuine Chang Sheng-level combat strength.
• The crowd erupts in disbelief, especially after seeing that Chen Fan’s listed cultivation is only at the late tenth stage with a third-level Dao Domain.
• Chen Fan leaves the competition venue and returns to the Heaven-Splitting Sword Sect. His avatar had participated in the tower challenge while his true body continued cultivating through Blood Crystals and Blood Spirit Flowers.
• Upon his return, Chen Tiangan personally visits him and gives him the promised Void Origin Grass, crediting Manor Lord Long for providing it.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Demonstrates overwhelming combat power and proves he can contend with Chang Sheng-level experts despite having only late tenth-stage cultivation. His public success establishes him as one of the continent’s foremost young geniuses and greatly raises the reputation of the Heaven-Splitting Sword Sect.
• Chen Tiangan: Shows great pride and excitement over Chen Fan’s achievement. Although he criticizes Chen Fan’s restless temperament, he recognizes that Chen Fan’s youthful drive has contributed to his rapid growth.
• Manor Lord Long: Develops a favorable impression of Chen Fan, viewing his high-spirited nature as natural for a peerless genius. He also rewards Chen Tiangan with the Void Origin Grass.
• Lian Baishang: Accepts that he has been surpassed, admitting defeat after failing to reach the same level as Chen Fan.
• Wu Tianjiao, Cen Heyu, and Ru Yueling: Are forced to confront how dramatically Chen Fan has outpaced them. Chen Fan, once first on the Great Qian Heroes List, now possesses Chang Sheng-level strength, while Wu Tianjiao and Cen Heyu remain ordinary tenth-stage combatants.
• The bald, burly observer: Takes an intense interest in Chen Fan after learning his name, suggesting that Chen Fan may have attracted a dangerous or significant enemy.

Significant Themes

• True strength versus cultivation level: Chen Fan’s displayed power far exceeds what his cultivation realm suggests, challenging conventional ideas about how strength should be measured.
• Recognition and reputation: By clearing the hundredth floor, Chen Fan gains widespread fame and elevates the status of his sect.
• Youthful ambition and temperament: Manor Lord Long reflects on the advantages and dangers of youthful confidence—its purity and drive can produce rapid advancement, but excessive pride may also lead to setbacks or inner demons.
• Changing positions and former glory: The reactions of Wu Tianjiao and the others highlight how quickly rankings and reputations can become outdated.
• Hidden power and preparation: Chen Fan’s avatar fights publicly while his true body continues cultivating in secret, emphasizing his layered methods and vast reserves of strength.

Character Interactions

• Lian Baishang openly concedes defeat after observing Chen Fan’s effortless ascent.
• Manor Lord Long and Chen Tiangan discuss Chen Fan’s abilities, temperament, and future potential, with Long praising him and returning the Void Origin Grass through Chen Tiangan.
• Spectators debate whether Chen Fan’s recorded cultivation is accurate, unable to accept that a third-level Dao Domain user could possess Chang Sheng-level combat strength.
• Wu Tianjiao, Cen Heyu, and Ru Yueling silently compare their current abilities with Chen Fan’s extraordinary progress.
• Chen Tiangan personally visits Chen Fan after the challenge, congratulates him, and gives him the Void Origin Grass. Chen Fan gratefully accepts it and asks his master to thank Manor Lord Long.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Fan downplays his strength, but Chen Tiangan praises him as the greatest genius in the Sword Sect's history.
• Chen Tiangan suggests Chen Fan return to the Sword Sect to utilize its resources, including the Sword Realm and Enlightenment Pool.
• Chen Fan requests access to the Enlightenment Pool, but Chen Tiangan reveals it's controlled by an ancestor of the Sword Sect and has specific rules.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Shows humility despite his immense strength and talent. He's eager to improve his skills, especially through the Enlightenment Pool.
• Chen Tiangan: Reveals his admiration for Chen Fan's talent and strength. He's willing to provide any support to help Chen Fan grow stronger.

Significant Themes

• Talent and Genius: Chen Fan's exceptional abilities are recognized and praised by Chen Tiangan.
• Mentorship: Chen Tiangan, as a master, wants to provide every opportunity for Chen Fan's growth.
• Secrets and Ancestral Power: The Sword Sect has a hidden, powerful ancestor who possesses the Enlightenment Pool.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Chen Tiangan: They have a mentor-mentee relationship filled with mutual respect and admiration. Chen Tiangan is eager to help Chen Fan, while Chen Fan is open about his needs and willing to take on challenges.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Tiangan reveals that Chen Fan can enter the true Enlightenment Pool and receive the patriarch's guidance if the patriarch is awakened.
• Chen Tiangan decides to awaken the patriarch to help Chen Fan prepare for the Plum Gathering.
• Chen Fan learns that the patriarch's true Enlightenment Pool is far more powerful than the one he previously entered.

Character Developments

• Chen Fan: Shows reluctance to awaken the patriarch for his own gain but eventually agrees to prepare for the Plum Gathering.
• Chen Tiangan: Demonstrates his confidence in Chen Fan's potential and willingness to invest resources in his growth.
• Patriarch: Awakened after thousands of years to assist Chen Fan, showing a willingness to support the new generation.

Significant Themes

• Mentorship and investment in the next generation.
• The power of inheritance and guidance from seniors.
• The importance of timing and opportunity in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Chen Fan and Chen Tiangan: Master and disciple discuss Chen Fan's potential and the possibility of awakening the patriarch.
• Chen Fan and the Patriarch: Although they haven't met yet, their interaction is implied as the patriarch agrees to help Chen Fan.
• Chen Tiangan and Hong Wen: Chen Tiangan orders Hong Wen to awaken the patriarch, showing trust in his elder's abilities.