Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun suspects an "Otherworldly Heavenly Demon" might be involved in the Kong Family's forgery case, but the court remains silent.
• The case is left unresolved, and attention shifts to a new official evaluation system.
• Kong Zhao reveals that the new system involves Great Qian's Heavenly Dao evaluating officials based on their conduct, with results divided into nine grades.

Character Developments

• Li Shun: Shows sharp intuition and understanding of the new official evaluation system's implications.
• Kong Zhao: Becomes more cautious and reveals his family's secret refuge grotto-heaven to Li Shun, indicating growing trust.

Significant Themes

• Lack of privacy and autonomy under the new evaluation system.
• The power dynamics between officials and the Heavenly Dao.
• The potential for corruption and manipulation within the system.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and Kong Zhao: Their friendship deepens as they discuss secrets in Kong Zhao's refuge grotto-heaven, highlighting their trust and shared concerns.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The court introduces a new system, the Nine-Rank Official System, where officials' ranks are determined by a combination of their personal records and the people's assessments.
• Officials' Towers will be built in every prefecture and county, displaying officials' names, backgrounds, and achievements for public evaluation.
• Every court decree must now bear the names of relevant officials, making them accountable to the people.

Character Developments

• Kong Zhao, a censor, is displeased with the new system as it undermines his role and exposes him to public scrutiny.
• Li Shun, initially skeptical, comes to see the potential benefits of the system for Kong Zhao and the people.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The shift in power from the court to the people, and the resistance and adaptation to this change among officials.
• Transparency and Accountability: The new system aims to increase transparency and hold officials accountable to the people.
• Public Understanding and Judgment: The limitations of the people's understanding of governance and their ability to accurately judge officials.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and Kong Zhao discuss the new system, with Li Shun initially querying the details and later offering a unique perspective on its benefits.
• Kong Zhao expresses his displeasure and concern about the new system, while Li Shun sees its potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Zhao, inspired by Li Shun, plans to impeach Zhou Shengzhe, a powerful and corrupt official, to make a name for himself.
• Li Shun senses a heavenly trial for his breakthrough near the Kong Family's old residence and climbs Dai Mountain to reach it.
• At the summit, Li Shun encounters a mysterious black-clad man who can disregard Dai Mountain's flight restriction. The man is revealed to be the heavenly trial for Li Shun's breakthrough.

Character Developments

• Kong Zhao: Becomes more ambitious and decisive, planning to use his position as an Investigating Censor to impeach high-profile officials.
• Li Shun: Advances spiritually, reaching the peak of his current realm. He demonstrates maturity and wisdom in dealing with the black-clad man.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power: Kong Zhao's desire for recognition and influence drives him to target high-profile officials.
• The struggle between morality and corruption: Zhou Shengzhe's exploitation of his position and Li Shun's determination to confront such corruption are central to the chapter.
• The unpredictability of fate: The black-clad man's appearance and the heavenly trial's manifestation highlight the unexpected nature of one's path.

Character Interactions

• Kong Zhao and Li Shun: Their conversation inspires Kong Zhao to take action against corruption, demonstrating their growing bond and shared values.
• Li Shun and the black-clad man: Their encounter at the summit of Dai Mountain showcases Li Shun's respect and caution in dealing with a powerful, unknown figure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun breaks through to the upper tier of the Spirit Resonance Realm.
• He meets an enigmatic man in black on Dai Mountain who seems to know about him and Duan Jiuzhang.
• The man in black discusses the Nine-Rank Official System and its flaws with Li Shun.
• Li Shun gains the ability to fly on Dai Mountain after the man in black's departure.

Character Developments

• Li Shun: He successfully breaks through his cultivation barrier and gains new insights about governance and the people's strength. He also learns to fly on Dai Mountain.
• The Man in Black: His strength and abilities are revealed to be extraordinary. He shows interest in Li Shun and seems to be part of the same organization as Duan Jiuzhang.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between officials and the people, and the challenges of reform.
• The concept of 'Longevity' in the Twelve Longevity Method.
• The idea of 'Heaven's will' and fateful encounters.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and the Man in Black: They have a profound conversation about governance, and the man in black helps Li Shun break through his cultivation barrier and gain the ability to fly on Dai Mountain.
• Li Shun and Duan Jiuzhang: Though not present, Duan Jiuzhang's name is mentioned, and it's implied that he and the man in black are part of the same organization.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun asks Kong Zhao about the cultivation level needed to ignore Dai Mountain's seal.
• Kong Zhao explains that the seal's deterrence lies in the Sage Emperor's precedent, not its strength.
• Li Shun reveals he climbed Dai Mountain on foot and plans to do so again to enjoy the view.
• Kong Zhao tells Li Shun to remain at the old residence to consolidate his cultivation until the Hundred Schools Gathering.
• Kong Zhao hints that the gathering will take place within Dai Mountain but warns Li Shun not to ask more.

Character Developments

• Li Shun has broken through to the upper rank of the Spirit Resonance Realm and is close to the Profound Insight Realm.
• Kong Zhao shows concern for Li Shun's cultivation and advises him on the Hundred Schools Gathering.
• He Wanbai, a senior representative from the Confucian School, is introduced as the Left Chancellor's junior brother and a disciple of the Sage Emperor.

Significant Themes

• The power of precedent and reputation in maintaining order and respect.
• The importance of cultivation resources and opportunities for advancement.
• The mystery and allure of the Hundred Schools Gathering.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and Kong Zhao discuss cultivation and the Hundred Schools Gathering.
• Kong Zhao shares historical context about the Confucian Sage and He Wanbai.
• Kong Zhao warns Li Shun about He Wanbai and the Jun Family's inheritor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun remains in seclusion at the Kong Family Ancestral Residence, awaiting the Hundred Schools Gathering.
• The realm is in a state of tense anticipation, with officials and commoners alike cautious and quiet.
• The Hundred Schools Gathering is set to reconnect Heaven and Earth within the Dai Mountain Secret Realm.
• The gathering is held once every 5-10 years, with at least five schools required to participate.
• The purpose of the gathering is to create a Primordial Illusion Realm, where cultivators below the Profound Insight Realm can gain insights, cultivation arts, and even cultivation levels that can be replicated in reality.

Character Developments

• Li Shun learns about the true purpose of the Hundred Schools Gathering and the risks involved.
• Zhao Cheng, Li Shun's martial uncle, reveals his past participation in the gathering and the potential dangers.
• Zhao Cheng shows signs of aging and weariness, suggesting he has experienced much since they last met.

Significant Themes

• The isolation of Great Qian and the desire to reconnect with the outside world.
• The pursuit of power, knowledge, and enlightenment through the Hundred Schools Gathering.
• The risks and potential rewards of participating in the gathering.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and Zhao Cheng reunite and discuss the upcoming gathering.
• Zhao Cheng shares his knowledge and experience with Li Shun, preparing him for the gathering.
• Li Shun expresses his determination to participate, despite the risks.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Confucian Sage's divine ability, [Threefold Self-Reflection], can rewind time and reverse the flow of events.
• The Hundred Schools Gathering has three trials: reaching Heaven-Piercing Deep Mountain's summit, gaining enlightenment from [See Heaven, See the Dao], and surviving the Primordial era's dangers.
• The gathering's map, drawn by Confucian School predecessors, guides participants to explored Heaven-Piercing Divine Mountains to avoid peril.
• The illusion realm's time flow varies; this time, it's estimated to last around 100 days within the realm, despite only 10 hours passing in reality.

Character Developments

• Li Shun shows curiosity and intelligence by asking about time flow and duration in the illusion realm.
• Zhao Cheng reveals he might have traveled to another fragment world with a different time flow.

Significant Themes

• The power and mystery of the sages' divine abilities.
• The dangers and challenges faced in the Primordial era.
• The importance of preparation and adaptation in facing new environments.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun meets He Wanbai and Xu Tingshen, fellow Confucian School participants, who are humble and friendly.
• Zhao Cheng and Chang Yan discuss the gathering's details, revealing information about the illusion realm's restrictions and dangers.
• Li Shun learns about the flight restriction and the importance of ascending Heaven-Piercing Divine Mountain on foot.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group reaches the summit of Heaven-Piercing Divine Mountain quickly using secret arts.
• They find Jin Yutang, a non-cultivator, who will serve as the vessel for opening the Primordial Illusion Realm.
• The participants from the Hundred Schools enter Jin Yutang's mind, merging their understandings of their respective lineages.
• Li Shun gains insight into why the Hundred Schools can recreate the primordial scene.

Character Developments

• Li Shun understands the purpose of the Hundred Schools' gathering and the role of the vessel.
• He appreciates the Jin Family's sacrifice and their hidden secret.
• Li Shun realizes the power of the Hundred Schools' combined knowledge and the potential danger of someone absorbing all their insights.

Significant Themes

• The power of unity and collective knowledge (Hundred Schools).
• Sacrifice and selflessness (Jin Family).
• The vastness and complexity of the Heavenly Dao.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun interacts with Zhao Cheng and Chang Yan, learning about the Jin Family and the vessel's role.
• Li Shun exchanges a brief greeting with Xu Tingshen and observes He Wanbai's powerful divine sense.
• Li Shun doesn't interact directly with Jin Yutang, but he observes and respects his actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun is abruptly transported to a desolate, eerie wilderness, part of a Primordial Illusion Realm created by the Hundred Schools.
• He discovers he can fly due to the influence of a mysterious man in black who lifted restrictions on Dai Mountain.
• Li Shun encounters a strange, humanoid creature with twisted limbs and grayish-white skin, which he initially binds but later burns with a fire spell.
• More creatures start emerging from the earth mounds around him.

Character Developments

• Li Shun demonstrates his caution and quick thinking by first assessing his physical state and environment before acting.
• He shows his power and resourcefulness by using his Confucian Spring-Autumn lineage techniques to bind and burn the creature.
• Li Shun's cultivation appears to have been raised by an entire major realm in this world, making his Spirit Resonance peak-stage techniques comparable to the Profound Insight Realm of Great Qian.

Significant Themes

• Illusion vs. Reality: The illusion is so perfect that Li Shun initially struggles to differentiate it from reality.
• Power and Adaptation: Li Shun's power increases in this world, and he must adapt to the new environment and threats.
• Unknown and Dangerous: The desolate wilderness and the strange creatures highlight the unknown and dangerous aspects of this Primordial world.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun interacts with the strange creature, initially binding it but later burning it with a fire spell.
• Li Shun's thoughts briefly turn to the mysterious man in black who lifted the restrictions on Dai Mountain, suggesting a potential connection or influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun encounters a horde of mud-and-stone monsters and uses his Thunder Gale Flashstep to escape.
• He lures the monsters away with a phantom clone and flees in the opposite direction.
• After two days, he escapes the monsters' territory but encounters the ancient Ten Suns Disaster, causing his cultivation to falter.
• He finds a deep pit to rest in, which was created by a monster with a footprint over a thousand feet tall.

Character Developments

• Li Shun demonstrates his quick thinking and resourcefulness in evading the monsters.
• His cultivation is significantly weakened by the Ten Suns, showing his vulnerability despite his skills.
• He remains determined and strategic, planning to use the Threefold Self-Reflection to restart the illusion.

Significant Themes

• Danger and unpredictability of the Primordial Illusion Realm.
• The power of nature and ancient creatures.
• The importance of adaptability and quick thinking in survival.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun interacts with the monsters, using his skills to evade them.
• He has internal dialogues, reflecting on his situation and planning his next moves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun discovers a blue moon opposite the ten suns, causing extreme cold and slowing his thoughts.
• He waits in a deep pit for seven days until the suns and blue moon disappear, replaced by familiar overcast skies.
• Li Shun starts exploring the wasteland but feels an inexplicable sense of danger.
• He discovers that his footsteps are leaving strange, pit-like imprints, and he's unconsciously mimicking the motion of the pit's creation.
• Li Shun realizes the danger comes from the contamination of the footprint's aura and struggles to regain control of his movements.
• After freeing himself, he vomits a blue-gray worm with his face, which he crushes.

Character Development

• Li Shun demonstrates patience, resilience, and strong willpower in facing the extreme conditions and the mysterious danger.
• He shows adaptability and resourcefulness in trying to understand and overcome the strange phenomenon affecting him.

Significant Themes

• Environmental Extremes: The ten suns and blue moon create harsh, life-threatening conditions, reflecting the theme of survival in extreme environments.
• Influence of the Past: The deep pit's contamination suggests the lingering influence of past events or entities on the present.
• Self-Control and Willpower: Li Shun's struggle against the unconscious mimicry of the pit's motion highlights the importance of self-control and willpower in overcoming external influences.

Character Interactions

• While there are no interactions with other characters in this chapter, Li Shun's internal struggle with the mysterious force can be considered an interaction with an unseen entity or influence.

Summary of Chapter: Finally Encountering Unsalted Mountain

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun recovers after spitting out a strange worm, escaping the influence of mysterious footprints left in the primordial wilderness.
• Reflecting on the bizarre sights—strange man, ten suns, blue moon, unnatural terrain—he resolves to continue searching for the Heaven-Piercing Divine Mountain.
• He flies east for ten more days until the landscape shifts from desolate wasteland to vibrant grassland.
• A colossal mountain suddenly appears before him, piercing into the heavens—identified as the Heaven-Piercing Divine Mountain.
• Li Shun hides near the mountain and observes a village at its foot, but finds no inhabitants.
• At night, villagers return from worship; a man attacks and subdues Li Shun.
• A white-haired elder uses a staff to communicate with Li Shun through divine sense.
• The elder explains local dangers and customs, and Li Shun learns about the mountain, village, and local gods.

2. Character Developments

• Li Shun: Demonstrates caution, adaptability, and determination. He suppresses his fear of the uncanny wilderness, pushes forward despite risks, and wisely chooses not to act rashly when observing the village. He remains honest about his origins while concealing the truth about the illusion realm.
• The Middle-Aged Villager: Hot-tempered and physically formidable; reacts violently to a perceived spy, but his attack is portrayed as protective rather than malicious.
• The White-Haired Elder: Wise, welcoming, and frank. He acts as the tribe’s mediator, communicates through divine sense, and openly shares knowledge about the world, including human weakness and dependence on gods.

3. Significant Themes

• The Weirdness and Danger of the Primordial World: The environment itself is hostile and incomprehensible—strange moons, unnatural footprints, and invisible threats can trap or kill the unwary.
• Humanity’s Fragility and Dependence on Gods: Humans are physically strong but still weak compared to demons and witches; their survival relies on the protection of gods who are distant yet relatively benevolent.
• Communication and Understanding Across Difference: Language barriers are overcome through divine sense; the elder’s belief in Li Shun’s words highlights a theme of trust and simplicity in ancient peoples.
• Quest for Enlightenment: Li Shun’s journey is not just physical but spiritual—he seeks to see the Dao and the gods, making the mountain a symbolic goal of transcendence.

4. Character Interactions

• Li Shun and the attacking villager: A violent first contact; the villager pins Li Shun down and interrogates him in an unintelligible language, showing the gap between cultures.
• Li Shun and the elder: The central dialogue. The elder questions Li Shun’s origin, then listens to his story, believes it, and provides vital information about the Unbeginning Wilds, the footprint creature, Unsalted Mountain, and the god who protects the tribe. This interaction is cooperative and reveals the elder’s role as a knowledgeable guide.
• Li Shun’s internal reflection: He constantly weighs his observations against his mission, showing his growing understanding of the primordial world’s peril and his own limitations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun converses with the white-haired elder (Xi) of the Zhou Wasteland Clan using their language, which he instantly understands.
• Li Shun learns about the sacred mountain, Unsalted Mountain, and the tribe's belief in the god residing at its summit.
• Li Shun attends a feast hosted by the Zhou Wasteland Clan, where they roast and consume a massive Yu Wolf, a powerful beast with tiger-like body, snake-like tail, and snow-white wings.
• Li Shun eats the most delicious part of the Yu Wolf and finds it incredibly delicious and invigorating.
• A young boy, who turns out to be the future author of the "Wilds Food Record," interacts with Li Shun and shares his ambition to document every edible creature in the wilderness.

Character Developments

• Li Shun: Shows curiosity and respect towards the tribe's beliefs and their god. He also demonstrates good manners and consideration towards the young boy.
• Xi (the white-haired elder): Reveals his tribe's reverence for the god on Unsalted Mountain and their hospitality towards outsiders.
• The young boy: Displays intelligence, ambition, and a strong interest in documenting the tastes and effects of various wild creatures.

Significant Themes

• Faith and Belief: The Zhou Wasteland Clan's deep faith in their god and their welcoming attitude towards Li Shun, who shares their goal of climbing Unsalted Mountain.
• Respect for Nature: The tribe's reverence for the powerful Yu Wolf beast, which they consume as a delicacy but also acknowledge its power and uniqueness.
• Ambition and Curiosity: The young boy's desire to explore and document the wilderness, reflecting his curiosity and ambition.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and Xi: They have a respectful and informative conversation about the god on Unsalted Mountain and the tribe's beliefs.
• Li Shun and the young boy: Li Shun interacts with the boy, showing interest in his "Wilds Food Record" and learning about his ambition. The boy, in turn, corrects Li Shun's manners and shares his work with him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun meets Chui, a young boy from the Gauze Wasteland Clan, and senses his extraordinary nature.
• Li Shun learns about the spiritual light thread gifted by the god on Unsalted Mountain, which protects the Red Wasteland Clan.
• Li Shun ascends Unsalted Mountain, warned by Xi to remain reverent as the god is watching.
• After two days, Li Shun reaches the summit and encounters the god, a colossal, otherworldly entity.

Character Developments

• Li Shun: Shows curiosity and reverence towards the god on Unsalted Mountain. His thoughts freeze upon seeing the god, indicating the deity's immense presence.
• Chui: Revealed to be studious and obsessed with recording tastes, hinting at his future importance.
• Xi: Shows affection for Chui and reverence for the god on Unsalted Mountain. He warns Li Shun about the god's watchful gaze.

Significant Themes

• The divine and its power: The god on Unsalted Mountain is portrayed as a powerful, otherworldly entity that bestows protection and favor upon the Red Wasteland Clan.
• Curiosity and reverence: Li Shun's curiosity drives him to climb Unsalted Mountain, but he also shows reverence towards the god, highlighting the balance between these two traits.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and Xi: They discuss Chui and the god on Unsalted Mountain, with Xi warning Li Shun about the god's gaze and the climb's rules.
• Li Shun and the god: Li Shun's thoughts freeze upon seeing the god, indicating the deity's immense presence and the impact it has on him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun encounters a terrifying deity, the [Formless Suspended Skull], atop Unsalted Mountain.
• The deity's presence causes Li Shun's body and mind to rebel, attempting to kneel and submit to it.
• Li Shun is marked by the deity, becoming its servant, and gains a divine thread.
• Li Shun integrates into the Kuanghuang Clan's life, forgetting his original purpose.
• The Primordial Illusion Realm ends, and Li Shun's consciousness returns, now influenced by the [Formless Suspended Skull].

Character Developments

• Li Shun's encounter with the deity changes him, making him believe that serving the god is his ultimate purpose.
• Li Shun's consciousness, influenced by the deity, seeks to control his true self upon returning from the illusion.

Significant Themes

• The power and influence of divine entities.
• The loss of self-awareness and free will when faced with overwhelming power.
• The blurring of purpose and identity in the face of divine intervention.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun's interaction with the [Formless Suspended Skull] changes his perspective and purpose.
• Li Shun's integration into the Kuanghuang Clan shows his acceptance of his new role as a servant of the god.
• Upon returning from the illusion, Li Shun's consciousness interacts with his true self, attempting to control it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun enters the Square Inch, his mental space, to confront the Formless Suspended Skull's divine intent.
• The Square Inch's sage statues and Mystic Yellow energy defend against the deity, but struggle.
• The Formless Suspended Skull becomes increasingly solid and powerful, threatening to overwhelm the Square Inch.
• Li Shun notices the Deep Profound Gate, formed from a mysterious aura of a turtle shell, and unseals it.
• The Formless Suspended Skull hesitates upon seeing the Deep Profound Gate, then retreats.
• After the threat passes, Li Shun reflects on his encounter and the possibility of gods beyond the Heaven and Earth Realm.

Character Developments

• Li Shun demonstrates resilience and quick thinking in the face of divine power, using the Deep Profound Gate to deter the Formless Suspended Skull.
• The rebellious consciousness, a part of Li Shun, reveals its experiences with the Formless Suspended Skull before disappearing.

Significant Themes

• The power of gods and their potential threat to the Primordial world.
• The importance of Li Shun's mental fortitude and adaptability in facing overwhelming power.
• The potential connection between the Formless Suspended Skull and the disaster that caused the ancient Primordial world's fall.

Character Interactions

• The sage statues and Mystic Yellow energy interact with the Formless Suspended Skull, showing resistance but ultimately needing Li Shun's intervention.
• Li Shun's rebellious consciousness briefly interacts with him, sharing its experiences before disappearing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun passes Zhao Cheng's test by sharing his experiences in the Primordial Illusion Realm, excluding his encounter with the Formless Suspended Skull.
• Zhao Cheng reveals that the Land of No Beginning where Li Shun descended is near Fuyu Mountain, Emperor Zhuanxu's burial ground, which is extremely dangerous.
• Zhao Cheng discusses the difficulty of exploring the Primordial land with low cultivation levels and the Hundred Schools' efforts to increase the Primordial Illusion Realm's capacity.
• A Mohist School disciple, Zou Mo, suddenly exhibits strange behavior, emitting a green pillar of light and growing snakes from his body. A battle ensues, but the scene is isolated from the outside world.
• Zhao Cheng reappears injured and orders Li Shun not to leave the manor. He reveals that Li Shun must take an oath of secrecy regarding what he has witnessed.

Character Developments

• Li Shun demonstrates his understanding of the Primordial Illusion Realm's purpose and passes Zhao Cheng's test, showing his growth and adaptability.
• Zhao Cheng reveals more about the Primordial land's history and the Hundred Schools' efforts, showing his wisdom and experience.
• Zou Mo's sudden transformation suggests a hidden power or influence at play, hinting at potential dark forces or secrets.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and challenges of exploring the Primordial land and the importance of cultivation level.
• The power of secrets and the need for discretion, as seen in Li Shun's oath and the isolation of Zou Mo's battle.
• The history and legends of the Primordial Era, such as Mount Buzhou and Emperor Zhuanxu's burial ground.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and Zhao Cheng interact as master and apprentice, with Zhao Cheng testing Li Shun's understanding and revealing secrets to him.
• Zou Mo's interaction with the other disciples is hostile, leading to a battle that is isolated from the outside world.
• Li Shun and Zhao Cheng's interaction shows Li Shun's growth and Zhao Cheng's trust in him, as Li Shun is made to take an oath of secrecy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun witnesses a green pillar of light shooting into the sky, which he learns is an Outer God descending to the mortal realm.
• Zhao Cheng explains that Outer Gods are not native to the Primordial Continent and their worship can lead to a catastrophic erosion of reason.
• Li Shun learns that the Hundred Schools Gathering is held to prepare for potential Outer God invasions, as the Great Qian is a small fragment of the shattered Primordial Continent.
• It's revealed that the Severing Heaven and Earth event was likely a desperate measure to cut off the erosion of Outer Gods.

Character Developments

• Li Shun gains new knowledge about Outer Gods and their threat, understanding the importance of the Hundred Schools Gathering.
• Zhao Cheng demonstrates his wisdom and responsibility, revealing his understanding of the Great Qian's vulnerability and the need for preparation against Outer Gods.

Significant Themes

• The threat of Outer Gods and their influence on the mortal world.
• The importance of preparation and vigilance against potential threats.
• The interconnectedness of the Primordial Continent's past and the Great Qian's present.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and Zhao Cheng engage in a conversation where Li Shun learns crucial information about Outer Gods and the Great Qian's history.
• Li Shun's initial intention to leak the secret is thwarted by the Heaven-and-Earth Grand Oath, demonstrating the power of the oath.
• Zhao Cheng's serious demeanor when discussing Outer Gods highlights his understanding of their threat and the gravity of the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun and Zhao Cheng discuss the dangers and benefits of encountering gods in the Primordial Illusion Realm.
• Li Shun activates the Threefold Self-Reflection divine ability for the second time, resetting the Great Qian World but not affecting the Outer Gods.
• Li Shun decides to visit Mount Buzhou, where a legendary battle between Gonggong and Zhuanxu took place.

Character Developments

• Li Shun becomes more cautious and strategic in his approach to the Primordial Illusion Realm, understanding its dangers and opportunities better.
• Zhao Cheng reveals his knowledge about the Hundred Schools Gathering's purpose and the court's prohibition on spreading information about the Primordial Illusion Realm and Outer Gods.

Significant Themes

• The dual nature of the Primordial Illusion Realm, offering both danger and opportunity.
• The power and mystery of Outer Gods, which can drive mortals mad but also advance their comprehension of the Great Dao.
• The court's prohibition on sharing information about the Primordial Illusion Realm and Outer Gods to prevent panic among commoners.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun and Zhao Cheng discuss their experiences and understanding of the Primordial Illusion Realm, leading to Li Shun's decision to visit Mount Buzhou.
• Li Shun's interaction with the Threefold Self-Reflection stone statues, repairing them with Cold Mountain Grass before activating the divine ability again.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Shun embarks on a journey to find the Heaven-Piercing Divine Mountain (Mount Buzhou) to escape the impending upheaval of heaven and earth.
• He encounters freezing winds in the Unbeginning Wilds that slice his skin, but he presses on.
• He discovers enormous footprints and uses them as shelters during the seven-day upheaval of ten suns and a blue moon.
• Li Shun tries to build resistance to these heavenly bodies' effects by exposing himself to their influences.
• After seven days, he finds he can withstand their effects better and increases his speed.
• He eventually reaches a divine mountain with a grand golden gate and an enormous figure guarding it.

Character Developments

• Li Shun becomes more determined and fearless, pushing through harsh conditions.
• He learns to adapt to the harsh environment and improves his resistance to heavenly bodies' influences.
• He demonstrates resilience and a willingness to endure pain for potential gains.

Significant Themes

• Resilience and adaptation in the face of harsh conditions.
• The potential for growth and improvement even in desperate situations.
• The exploration of unknown and dangerous territories.

Character Interactions

• Li Shun interacts with the unknown, dangerous environment and learns to adapt to it.
• He encounters an enormous figure at the mountaintop, who seems to be a powerful being or a god, but they have not yet interacted significantly.