Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mo arrives at Black Wind Ridge, a place where Bizarre Beasts transform into human-like forms, and most end up as food for others.
• He creates a bronze statue in an abandoned temple, attracting Bizarre Beasts to offer flesh and blood to it.
• The statue devours the offerings, growing glossier, and the Corpse Mountain in Li Mo's spiritual space benefits from the nutrients.
• Bizarre Beasts start repairing the temple, and Li Mo decides to raise a Gu (a powerful Bizarre Beast) to manage the Corpse Mountain.
• Li Mo captures and raises several ape Bizarre Beasts, feeding them Evergreen Tree Fruit to induce flesh and blood mutation.
• The temple continues to expand, and Li Mo discovers that the Bizarre Beasts are preparing for the "Rite of Sacrificing the Departed," an ancient festival of the Heart Beast Sect.

Character Developments

• Li Mo: He continues to cultivate, reaching the Late Coming-of-Age Stage. He also starts raising Bizarre Beasts to manage his Corpse Mountain and plans to draw an ape beast head tattoo.
• Bizarre Beasts: They become more devout in their worship of the statue, repairing the temple and preparing for the ancient festival.

Significant Themes

• Transformation and mutation: Bizarre Beasts transform into human-like forms, and Li Mo's Gu-raising process involves flesh and blood mutation.
• Cultivation and growth: Li Mo's cultivation progresses, and the Corpse Mountain grows with the nutrients from the Bizarre Beast offerings.
• Ancient traditions and rituals: The Bizarre Beasts prepare for the "Rite of Sacrificing the Departed," revealing their connection to the Heart Beast Sect.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo interacts with the Bizarre Beasts through the statue, observing their behaviors and capturing some to raise as Gu.
• The Bizarre Beasts interact with each other, repairing the temple together and preparing for the ancient festival.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Wind Ridge is unusually lively due to the Rite of Sacrificing the Departed, with bizarre beasts parading and worshipping a Three-Headed Six-Armed Eight-Legged Statue in the Nameless Temple.
• Puppet Cultivators, including True Person Fenglin, infiltrate Black Wind Ridge, noticing the statue's artifact nature and planning to exploit it.
• Li Mo raises bizarre beasts in a cage, focusing on the Mountain Demon Bizarre Beast, which survives seven doses of the Evergreen Tree Fruit and breaks through to the Coming-of-Age Stage.
• Li Mo paints an ape resembling the Mountain Demon, fueling its slaughter of other bizarre beasts, and later dissects it to draw the Mountain Demon Beast Head Tattoo.
• The Mountain Demon Bizarre Beast's spiritual nature increases, and it exhibits a focus on Poison-type Spiritual Qi and uncontrollable mutations.
• The bizarre beasts on Black Wind Ridge begin to band together and clear out their own kind, indicating Hu Wen's influence.

Character Developments

• Li Mo continues his cultivation and raises bizarre beasts to complete his Beast Head Tattoos, showing patience and strategic planning.
• True Person Fenglin, a Puppet Cultivator, is greedy for the statue's artifact nature and plans to exploit it, showing his cunning and ambition.
• The Mountain Demon Bizarre Beast exhibits increased spiritual nature and uncontrollable mutations, showcasing its unique abilities and potential threats.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and growth: Li Mo's focus on raising bizarre beasts to complete his Beast Head Tattoos demonstrates his dedication to cultivation and personal growth.
• Greed and ambition: True Person Fenglin's desire for the statue's artifact nature highlights the corrupting influence of greed and ambition on cultivators.
• Unpredictability and danger: The Mountain Demon Bizarre Beast's uncontrollable mutations and increased spiritual nature emphasize the unpredictable and dangerous nature of bizarre beasts.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo interacts with the Tattooed Beasts, showing his control and understanding of their abilities and behaviors.
• True Person Fenglin interacts with his fellow Puppet Cultivators, demonstrating their cunning and coordination in infiltrating Black Wind Ridge.
• The bizarre beasts on Black Wind Ridge begin to interact and band together, indicating Hu Wen's influence and the growing threat they pose.

Key Plot Points and Events

• True Person Fenglin leads a group of Puppet Cultivators to the Nameless Temple, seeking the Human Skin.
• They encounter the Ghost Tiger and a Mountain Demon (Li Mo in disguise), leading to a battle.
• True Person Fenglin flees, only to be captured and imprisoned in Corpse Mountain.
• Li Mo, inside the Statue, observes the spiritual energy concentration increasing and the Tattooed Beasts transforming.
• Li Mo discovers he has an Acquired Dao Body, a surprise result of his cultivation.
• The Rite of Sacrificing the Departed arrives, and a large crowd of Bizarre Beast followers bring a Statue to the city center.

Character Developments

• True Person Fenglin shows cowardice and greed, prioritizing his own safety and profit over his companions.
• Li Mo's Tattooed Beasts complete their transformations, leading to the formation of an Acquired Dao Body.
• Li Mo reflects on his cultivation path and considers his future in the Heart Beast Sect or switching allegiances.

Significant Themes

• Greed and its consequences (True Person Fenglin's downfall).
• The unexpected results of cultivation (Li Mo's Acquired Dao Body).
• The power dynamics between different factions (Puppet Cultivators vs. Heart Beast Sect).

Character Interactions

• True Person Fenglin's group interacts with Li Mo's Tattooed Beasts, leading to a battle.
• Li Mo observes the Bizarre Beast followers from within the Statue.
• Li Mo reflects on his cultivation journey and future prospects, interacting with his own thoughts and consciousness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Wind Ridge hosts a Rite of Sacrificing the Departed, with bizarre beasts participating in a solemn ceremony.
• Li Mo learns about the Heart Beast Sect's past and the Great Upheaval of Heaven and Earth from memory fragments of the Book of Fortune.
• Han Cai communicates with Li Mo through a Human-Face Spider, revealing that Black Wind Ridge is a miasma-filled illusion of zombie ghosts.
• The statue of Tian Chenzi is placed at the center of a platform, and a Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast presides over the ceremony.
• Li Mo recites the Rite of Sacrificing the Departed, mirroring the words of the Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast.

Character Developments

• Li Mo: Realizes the true nature of Black Wind Ridge and the Rite of Sacrificing the Departed, and understands the potential danger of the situation.
• Han Cai: Provides Li Mo with crucial information and reassures him of their plan to protect him.
• Hu Wen: Shows concern for Li Mo's safety and offers him the position of steward of the Calligraphy and Painting Hall.

Significant Themes

• The blurring line between reality and illusion, as seen in Black Wind Ridge and the Rite of Sacrificing the Departed.
• The Great Upheaval of Heaven and Earth, a historical disaster that affected both mortals and immortals.
• The connection between the present and the past, as Li Mo learns about the Heart Beast Sect's history through the Book of Fortune.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Han Cai: Han Cai shares information with Li Mo and reassures him of their plan, while Li Mo expresses his concerns and questions.
• Li Mo and Hu Wen: Hu Wen offers Li Mo a position in the Calligraphy and Painting Hall, and Li Mo declines due to his reluctance to leave Black Wind Ridge.
• Li Mo and the Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast: Li Mo recites the Rite of Sacrificing the Departed alongside the Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast, hinting at a connection between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The bizarre beasts in Black Wind Ridge chant Tian Chenzi's name, revealing Smelting Town's connection to the Heart Beast Sect.
• True Person Qiong Yu leads the bizarre beasts in a ritual to summon the Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast, killing themselves to fuel the rite.
• Li Mo discovers hidden puppet cultivators among the bizarre beasts and uses them to disrupt the ritual, causing the Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast to emerge prematurely.
• Li Mo creates a Mountain Lord Painting to distract the beast and escapes using his Kun Whale Tattooed Beast.

Character Developments

• Li Mo demonstrates his resourcefulness and adaptability in handling unexpected situations.
• Han Cai shows concern for Li Mo's safety and orders him to leave Black Wind Ridge.
• Hu Wen reveals his preparation for the Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast's appearance and his personal connection to it.

Significant Themes

• The power of rituals and their consequences.
• The danger of underestimating one's enemies.
• The importance of adaptability and quick thinking in crisis situations.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Han Cai: Master-disciple relationship; Han Cai worries about Li Mo's safety and orders him to leave.
• Li Mo and Hu Wen: They work together to disrupt the ritual and escape from the Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast.
• True Person Qiong Yu and the Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast: They are revealed to be connected, with True Person Qiong Yu serving as a vessel for the Mountain Lord.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Contention of the Dao Lineage tilts in favor of Tian Changwen with the introduction of the Slaughterhouse.
• Shi Ji becomes more defensive, focusing on preserving Puppet Cultivators' strength, leading to small-scale skirmishes.
• Hong Chuan and his group of Puppet Cultivators, facing financial strain due to their Death Sickness, plan to exploit the Beast Calamity for resources.
• They approach Black Wind Ridge, where Li Mo, in his Life-Harvesting Beast Body form, is consuming Mid-grade Spirit Stones to suppress his transformation.
• Hong Chuan's group is massacred by Li Mo, who then draws them into Corpse Mountain to harvest their Yin Spiritual Energy.
• Li Mo's transformation begins to stabilize, and he continues to kill approaching Puppet Cultivators, drawing them into Corpse Mountain.

Character Developments

• Li Mo's Life-Harvesting Beast Body becomes more stable, but he struggles with controlling its ferocity.
• Hong Chuan, despite his resentment towards his condition, is pragmatic and willing to take risks for resources.
• Shi Ji becomes more strategic, focusing on preservation rather than aggressive tactics.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of the Death Sickness and the struggle for resources among cultivators.
• The transformation and control of one's Acquired Dao Body.
• The strategic shift in the Contention of the Dao Lineage.

Character Interactions

• Hong Chuan and his group discuss their plans and act together to approach Black Wind Ridge.
• Li Mo interacts with the Puppet Cultivators only through violence, drawing them into Corpse Mountain.
• Shi Ji is mentioned but not directly involved in the chapter's events.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Black Wind Ridge is destroyed, and Han Cai and Hu Wen are severely injured.
• Han Cai and Hu Wen return to the Medical Hall, where they find many injured Beast Cultivators with aberrations.
• Li Mo observes the growth and transformations of his Tattooed Beasts.
• The Contention of the Dao Lineage between Tian Changwen and Shi Ji continues, with no clear victor yet.

Character Developments

• Han Cai: Shows concern for Li Mo's safety and worry about the injured Beast Cultivators. His foundation is damaged by the Mountain Lord Bizarre Beast.
• Hu Wen: Suffers from the Death Sickness of the Unconfused Stage. Li Mo helps her regain her missing eye.
• Li Mo: Shows maturity and understanding of the situation. He focuses on cultivation to improve his strength.
• Zhou Fawei: Appears more confident and capable, managing the Medical Hall in Han Cai's absence.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of the Beast Calamities and the struggle between Beast Cultivators and Puppet Cultivators.
• The importance of cultivation and self-improvement, even in the face of external threats.
• The responsibility of cultivators to help others, as seen in Han Cai's treatment of the injured Beast Cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Han Cai and Hu Wen: Despite their past disagreements, they work together to survive the aftermath of the Beast Calamity.
• Li Mo and Han Cai: Li Mo shows respect for Han Cai's experience and follows his advice to focus on cultivation.
• Li Mo and the Tattooed Beasts: Li Mo observes the growth and transformations of his Tattooed Beasts, showing his connection and understanding of their abilities.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The fog in Smelting Town begins to lift, signaling the end of the Contention of the Dao Lineage.
• The Medical Hall is filled with Head Bizarre Beasts, causing chaos and mutations among the townsfolk.
• Li Mo stabilizes the situation at the Medical Hall using his Bone Locking Body Chain and Insect Transformation.
• Jin Li decides to return to Multi-Limb Mountain for Foundation Establishment and agrees to deliver a message from Li Mo to Layman Futu.
• The Sinister Beasts disappear, and the townsfolk begin to recover, marking the end of the crisis.

Character Developments

• Li Mo demonstrates his strength and control over his Bone Locking Body Chain, showing growth in his abilities.
• Jin Li decides to take a slow, steady approach to his cultivation, displaying maturity in his decision-making.
• Zhou Fawei, the Medical Hall Physician, shows his competence in managing the crisis but also his limitations, highlighting the need for Li Mo's help.

Significant Themes

• The cruelty of the path of immortality, with familiar fellow travelers vanishing over time.
• The importance of resource shortcuts and steady cultivation methods in reaching higher stages.
• The need for balance and control in managing crises, as seen in the Medical Hall situation.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Jin Li discuss their plans for the future, showing mutual respect and understanding.
• Li Mo and Zhou Fawei work together to manage the Medical Hall crisis, demonstrating Li Mo's importance in maintaining order.
• The townsfolk and cultivators interact with each other, showing the impact of the crisis on their lives and the need for recovery.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mo leaves Smelting Town for Multi-Limb Mountain after the Beast Calamity.
• He witnesses Tian Changwen leading a group of Beast Cultivators into the Inner City.
• Upon reaching Multi-Limb Mountain, Li Mo finds that the mountain's influence is expanding, affecting the entire Heart Beast Realm.
• He meets Layman Futu in the Shanhai Market, who gives him resources and cultivation methods he requested.

Character Developments

• Li Mo remains indifferent to the Hundred Beasts Blood Body, focusing on his own cultivation path.
• Tian Changwen's ambition grows as he leads Beast Cultivators into the Inner City.
• Layman Futu plans to attempt breaking through to the False Core Stage within five years.
• Zhao Zhu, having survived the Childhood Stage Death Sickness, takes on a merchant-like appearance and demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The expansion of Multi-Limb Mountain's influence raises concerns about the future of the Heart Beast Realm.
• The struggle for power and resources between different factions (Beast Cultivators, Puppet Cultivators, and Rogue Cultivators) continues.
• The pursuit of cultivation and personal growth remains a central theme, with characters striving to break through bottlenecks and reach higher stages.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Tian Changwen's paths cross briefly, but neither makes a move against the other.
• Li Mo meets Layman Futu in the Shanhai Market, where they discuss cultivation resources and methods.
• Li Mo greets Song Liang briefly before entering seclusion on the Third Layer of Multi-Limb Mountain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mo focuses on cultivation, aiming to reach the False Core Stage before the impending conflict between Puppet and Beast factions.
• He absorbs the Corpse Wine Method into his Dao Seed, which allows him to create new wine recipes.
• Li Mo brews Bear Liver Wine and Brain Nourishing Wine, both with significant effects but requiring long brewing times.
• He builds an ecological cycle for Corpse Mountain, planting various plants and preparing to integrate a Mid-grade Magic Tool to grant it a Water attribute.
• Li Mo refines the Immeasurable Heavy Water Bead and successfully reaches the False Core Stage after two years.

Character Developments

• Li Mo's cultivation advances, and he gains the ability to create new wine recipes.
• He demonstrates his alchemy skills by brewing two potent wines, showcasing his potential in the field.
• Li Mo's understanding of Corpse Mountain's ecosystem deepens as he plants various plants and prepares to integrate a Mid-grade Magic Tool.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation: Li Mo's dedication to his cultivation journey is evident as he focuses on advancing to the False Core Stage.
• Alchemy: The chapter explores Li Mo's alchemy skills, with the creation of new wine recipes and the brewing process taking center stage.
• Ecology and Environment: Li Mo's efforts to build an ecological cycle for Corpse Mountain highlight the importance of balance and harmony in nature.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo communicates with Song Liang, his shop assistant, to gather materials for brewing wines and to help manage the Wild Beasts.
• Li Mo interacts with the Dao Seed, absorbing cultivation methods and creating new wine recipes.
• Li Mo's relationship with Corpse Mountain deepens as he works to improve its ecosystem and integrate a Mid-grade Magic Tool.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mo spends two years in seclusion, focusing on subduing the Devouring Thief Soul.
• Multi-Limb Mountain's altitude increases significantly, and its influence expands to fifty li.
• The Beast Cultivators' strength multiplies after using the Hundred Beasts Blood Body to advance to the False Core Stage.
• Tian Changwen plans for the next Beast Calamity a decade from now.
• Multi-Limb Mountain's altitude breaks through the five-thousand-meter mark, and its peak reveals a Mouth Artifact lined with sharp teeth.

Character Developments

• Li Mo successfully subdues the Devouring Thief Soul and awakens the divine ability [Great Devourer of Illusions], which is linked to Gu Refining.
• Li Mo reaches the Late Coming-of-Age Stage and stabilizes his cultivation.
• Wu Tu, stationed at Multi-Limb Mountain, allows Rogue Cultivators to explore beyond three thousand meters but forbids Molten Town cultivators from doing so.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and mysteries of the Immortal Cultivation World, with each realm presenting unknown challenges and terrors.
• The struggle for resources and power among cultivators, as seen in the Rogue Cultivators' disregard for Wu Tu's ban and their willingness to take risks for profit.
• The theme of adaptation and mutation, as seen in the Wild Beasts' changing habits and the transformation of their bodies into Bizarre Beasts.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo interacts with Song Liang, who helps him search for Gu Refining techniques but only finds incomplete ones.
• Li Mo and Wu Tu have an indirect conflict over the exploration of Multi-Limb Mountain, with Wu Tu allowing Rogue Cultivators to explore beyond three thousand meters but forbidding Molten Town cultivators from doing so.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Multi-Limb Mountain's elevation stops rising, but environmental deterioration worsens.
• Shanhai Market becomes desolate, with most shops sealed off.
• Rogue Cultivators remain in Shanhai Market, watching Multi-Limb Mountain.
• Puppet Cultivators from Smelting Town withdraw from Multi-Limb Mountain.
• Li Mo decides to hide in plain sight and continue cultivating in Shanhai Market.
• Li Mo obtains three False Core Stage techniques from Han Cai.
• Li Mo plans to take the place of the Ziqi Sect disciples.

Character Developments

• Song Liang takes charge of Shanhai Market but struggles with maintaining order.
• Zhao Zhu returns to Smelting Town to visit Lord Xu Hu.
• Li Mo focuses on cultivating the Five Poisons, Five Spirits Heart Sutra and plans to advance to the False Core Stage.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for resources and power in the Heart Beast Realm.
• The consequences of environmental deterioration and pollution.
• The manipulation of cultivators as pawns in the Ziqi Sect's plans.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Song Liang discuss the situation in Shanhai Market.
• Li Mo and Zhao Zhu part ways, with Zhao Zhu returning to Smelting Town.
• Li Mo communicates with Layman Futu about his plans.
• Li Mo obtains techniques from Han Cai and discusses his ideas with him.

Summary of "Ziqi Sect Descends" Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• Multi-Limb Mountain's sandstorm intensifies, affecting rogue cultivators and causing them to behave erratically.
• Song Liang and a few cultivators decide to leave Multi-Limb Mountain due to the worsening conditions.
• Two Ziqi Sect disciples, Zhang Sheng and Sheng Xia, arrive at Shanhai Market, harvesting rogue cultivators' limbs for their sect.
• Li Mo observes the scene, planning to infiltrate the Ziqi Sect.

Character Developments

• Song Liang feels regret for not heeding Li Mo's advice earlier, leading to the current situation.
• Li Qingfang shows concern for her brother, Li Zhuang, despite their strained relationship.
• Wu Tu, the False Core Stage cultivator guarding Multi-Limb Mountain, is terrified by the Ziqi Sect disciples' power and sends a message to Tian Changwen.
• Li Mo remains hidden, observing the Ziqi Sect disciples and planning his next move.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of greed and disregard for warnings (Song Liang's regret).
• The power dynamics between sects and the exploitation of smaller factions (Ziqi Sect's treatment of Medicine Humans).
• The allure and danger of Dao Bodies (Li Mo's interest in the Ziqi Sect's cultivation method).

Character Interactions

• Song Liang and Li Zhuang: Despite their disagreement, they still look out for each other.
• Li Qingfang and Li Zhuang: Their sibling bond is strained due to differing views on profits.
• Wu Tu and the Ziqi Sect disciples: Wu Tu is powerless against the Ziqi Sect disciples, highlighting the disparity in strength between sects.
• Li Mo and the Ziqi Sect disciples: Li Mo observes the disciples, considering infiltrating their sect to learn their cultivation method.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ziqi Sect disciples' chaos in the Heart Beast Realm subsides, but they remain in Shanhai Market.
• Zhang Sheng, a Ziqi Sect disciple, stays on Multi-Limb Mountain, aware of Li Mo's presence.
• Li Mo confronts Zhang Sheng, revealing his three Dao Bodies: Taotie Devouring Body, Eight-Armed Spinal Nerve, and a Primordial Dao Body.
• Zhang Sheng uses his Acquired Dao Body, Six-Orifice Three-Heart, and powerful spells, but Li Mo defeats him, extracting Zhang Sheng's Crucible.
• Li Mo returns to Shanhai Market, decides to wait for the next Ziqi Sect disciples, and begins imprinting the Crucible in his second Middle Dantian.

Character Developments

• Li Mo demonstrates his formidable strength and strategic thinking, defeating a powerful Ziqi Sect disciple.
• Zhang Sheng shows his prowess as a Ziqi Sect disciple but ultimately falls to Li Mo's superior combat skills and tactics.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Heart Beast Sect and the Ziqi Sect are explored, with Li Mo challenging the Ziqi Sect's dominance.
• The importance of Dao Bodies and their compatibility with cultivation methods is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Zhang Sheng engage in a fierce battle, showcasing their unique Dao Bodies and cultivation methods.
• Li Mo's calm and calculated demeanor contrasts with Zhang Sheng's impulsive and aggressive nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mo successfully brands the second Middle Dantian, absorbing the Fire Poison from Zhang Sheng's Magma Spiritual Power.
• The Crucible inside Li Mo's body transforms and grows, revealing its mysteries and enhancing his sensitivity to Metal Spiritual Energy.
• Li Mo discovers the Crucible's divine ability, Kengjin Yu Xing, which allows him to detach and reattach limbs at will, with the new limbs fitting perfectly and not requiring constant replacement.
• Li Mo prepares for the arrival of Ziqi Sect disciples by replicating a Daoist Robe and practicing on his Leakless Body.
• A Core Formation Stage Artifact Cultivator from the Ziqi Sect arrives, accompanied by around thirty Outer Sect Disciples, all acting recklessly.

Character Developments

• Li Mo's Crucible undergoes Spiritual Root Transformation, enhancing his Metal Spiritual Energy sensitivity and granting him the divine ability Kengjin Yu Xing.
• Li Mo adapts to using Kengjin Yu Xing, learning to control the transplanted limbs.
• The Core Formation Stage Artifact Cultivator's unstable state hints at potential weaknesses in the Ziqi Sect's cultivation methods.

Significant Themes

• The Ziqi Sect's unique cultivation system, focusing on the Crucible for direct spiritual energy absorption, contrasts with common cultivation techniques.
• The Ziqi Sect's treatment of the Heart Beast Sect as a vassal and the harvesting of flesh limbs as a trial for their disciples.
• The potential risks and instability of the Ziqi Sect's Artifact Cultivators, even at the Core Formation Stage.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo interacts with the Ziqi Sect disciples indirectly, observing their behavior and preparing for their arrival.
• Li Mo's internal struggle with the urge to subdue the Three Souls while restraining his aura to avoid detection.
• The Core Formation Stage Artifact Cultivator's arrival signals the beginning of potential conflict with Li Mo and the Heart Beast Sect.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Qing Jingzi, a Core Formation stage Artifact Cultivator, summons all Outer Sect Disciples to Duobao Mountain.
• Li Mo decides to join the Outer Sect Disciples to avoid risks and learn more about the Ziqi Sect.
• Qing Jingzi leads the Outer Sect Disciples to Smelting Town, intending to clear out Sinister Beasts in the Inner City for a reward.
• Tian Changwen, Shi Ji, Daoist Qingfang, and Han Cai enter the Inner City, aiming to exploit Qing Jingzi's flawed mind and the Death Sickness for their gain.

Character Developments

• Li Mo continues to conceal his true cultivation and identity.
• Qing Jingzi's mental state is unstable due to the Death Sickness, affecting his decisions and actions.
• Tian Changwen demonstrates his cunning and manipulative nature, using his Restless Mind to influence Qing Jingzi.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the Death Sickness on Artifact Cultivators.
• The devaluation of currencies between different cultivation systems.
• The manipulation of others' flawed minds for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo interacts with other Outer Sect Disciples, observing their fear of Qing Jingzi.
• Qing Jingzi interacts with Outer Sect Disciples, showing impatience and instability.
• Tian Changwen, Shi Ji, Daoist Qingfang, and Han Cai collaborate to exploit Qing Jingzi's situation for their benefit.

Summary of "The Origin of the Beast Hide People" Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Mo enters the Inner City, experiencing an illusion of the ancient Heart Beast Sect's Inner Alchemy Room.
• He encounters illusory Daoist children and an injured Qingfeng Elk, which turns out to be a Beast Hide Person—neither human nor beast.
• Li Mo faces Wei Zhike, an Outer Sect Disciple, who attacks him but is easily defeated.
• Li Mo discovers that the Qingfeng Elk's hide contains a white-haired old man, revealing the existence of Beast Hide People.
• The elk bizarre beast is born from Li Mo's outer robe and attacks Wei Zhike.

Character Developments

• Li Mo demonstrates his strength and cunning, easily defeating Wei Zhike without using spiritual power.
• Wei Zhike shows desperation and fear, trying to use Li Mo to lure out the Bizarre Beast.
• The Qingfeng Elk reveals it can speak and expresses despair and terror when seeing Li Mo.

Significant Themes

• The Great Upheaval of Heaven and Earth seven thousand years ago, which led to the creation of Beast Hide People and Sinister Beasts.
• The connection between the Heart Beast Sect and Smelting Town in later ages.
• The true source of the Death Sickness and why bizarre beasts gather in the Inner City remain unresolved mysteries.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo interacts with the illusory Daoist children, the Qingfeng Elk, and Wei Zhike, using his understanding of illusions and Inner Gate Sinister Beasts to his advantage.
• Wei Zhike interacts with Li Mo and the elk bizarre beast, showing desperation and fear in his attempts to survive.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Wei Zhike leads Li Mo into a trap with an Elk Bizarre Beast.
+ Li Mo uses the opportunity to observe and mimic the Primordial Dao Body.
+ Li Mo kills Wei Zhike and the Elk Bizarre Beast, then forges a beast hide magic tool to disguise himself.
+ Li Mo infiltrates the Inner Artifact Workshop and the Green Wave Pond, avoiding confrontations with Ziqi Sect disciples.
+ He notices strange bird and beast patterns and the Rite of Sacrificing the Departed decorations, hinting at a connection to Tian Chenzi.

Character Developments

+ Li Mo improves his control over the Primordial Dao Body.
+ Wei Zhike's Artifact Cultivation is revealed to have drawbacks, such as an inability to self-heal without the Crucible.
+ Li Mo decides to lie low and avoid confrontations until the commotion in the Inner City is over.

Significant Themes

+ The power and limitations of Artifact Cultivation and Dao Bodies.
+ The mysterious connection between the Ziqi Sect, Tian Chenzi, and the Rite of Sacrificing the Departed.
+ Li Mo's strategic approach to dealing with threats and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

Character Interactions

+ Li Mo and Wei Zhike: Li Mo manipulates Wei Zhike into leading him to the Elk Bizarre Beast, then kills him after learning what he can.
+ Li Mo and the Ziqi Sect disciples: Li Mo avoids interacting with them, focusing on gathering information and staying hidden.
+ Li Mo and the Ghost Tiger: Li Mo soothes the Ghost Tiger after restraining it from fighting.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The cleanup in the Inner City nears its end, and Qing Jingzi grows impatient.
• An Artifact Cultivator's arm artifact releases metal toxin smoke, harmful to ordinary cultivators but beneficial to Artifact Cultivators.
• Li Mo observes the Artifact Cultivators absorbing the smoke and recalls the Ziqi Sect's research on the Death Sickness.
• Li Mo explores the Inner City, discovering clues about the Great Upheaval of Heaven and Earth, including ancient techniques and the Rite of Sacrificing the Departed.
• The Inner City is revealed, with buildings retaining ancient Daoist styles and Beast Hide People bones nearby.
• Qing Jingzi's condition worsens, and he tortures Han Cai and Shi Ji, transferring his aberrations to them.
• The center of the Inner City is revealed, showing a massive statue of Tian Chenzi and hundreds of Heart Beast Sect disciples' statues.
• Li Mo realizes that the statues are hollowed-out corpses, and the infant's cries come from inside Tian Chenzi's statue.

Character Developments

• Li Mo: He observes the Artifact Cultivators, explores the Inner City, and discovers the truth about the Great Upheaval. He also realizes the connection between the Ziqi Sect and the Heart Beast Sect.
• Qing Jingzi: His condition worsens due to the Death Sickness, and he tortures Han Cai and Shi Ji. He leads the Ziqi Sect disciples to the center of the Inner City.
• Han Cai: He is severely wounded and tortured by Qing Jingzi. He awakens and nods at Shi Ji, suggesting they have a plan.
• Shi Ji: She is also tortured but to a lesser extent than Han Cai. She awakens and nods back at Han Cai.

Significant Themes

• The Death Sickness: Its effects on Artifact Cultivators and its connection to the Ziqi Sect's research.
• The Great Upheaval of Heaven and Earth: The calamity that befell the Heart Beast Sect thousands of years ago, leading to the sect's collapse.
• The Rite of Sacrificing the Departed: The ceremony that caused the Great Upheaval, involving the ascension of Tian Chenzi's spirit beast.

Character Interactions

• Li Mo and Qing Jingzi: Li Mo observes Qing Jingzi's actions and realizes the truth about the Great Upheaval. Qing Jingzi leads the Ziqi Sect disciples to the center of the Inner City.
• Han Cai and Shi Ji: They are both tortured by Qing Jingzi but manage to communicate with each other, suggesting they have a plan.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tian Changwen, a Core Formation Stage cultivator, is trapped inside Tian Chenzi's remains, acting as a "Beast Womb" for gestating a Hundred Beasts Blood Body.
• Qing Jingzi, a Ziqi Sect disciple, arrives at the Inner City but doesn't approach the Beast Womb.
• Tian Changwen plans to trigger a chain reaction in the Beast Womb to wound Qing Jingzi, hoping it won't anger the Ziqi Sect.
• Han Cai, Shi Ji, and Li Mo, using Human-Faced Spiders, try to influence Qing Jingzi to approach the Beast Womb.
• Li Mo reveals he knows what Qing Jingzi is searching for and can amplify the fixation in his mind.
• Tian Changwen uses the Restless Mind to influence Qing Jingzi, who becomes uncontrollable.
• The Hundred Beasts Blood Body begins to form inside the Beast Womb.
• Qing Jingzi breaks free but freezes when Tian Chenzi's remains speak, causing a brief illusion.

Character Developments

• Tian Changwen: Desperate and willing to sacrifice himself for Smelting Town's future. He uses the Restless Mind and considers a Heart Demon Oath to keep Li Mo's information secret.
• Qing Jingzi: Struggles with his Death Sickness and is influenced by Tian Changwen's Restless Mind. He suspects fellow Ziqi Sect disciples of wanting him dead.
• Li Mo: Secretly helps Tian Changwen and reveals he knows what Qing Jingzi is searching for. He uses a Human Skin to hide his Primordial Dao Body's aura.
• Han Cai & Shi Ji: Both use Human-Faced Spiders to influence Qing Jingzi. Han Cai forces Tian Changwen into a Heart Demon Oath to protect Li Mo. Shi Ji's body reaches its limit and explodes.
• Daoist Qingfang: Transforms into a fox and uses the "Nine Lives Nine Mountains Heart Sutra of Qingqiu" to help Han Cai escape. He dies from corpse corruption.

Significant Themes

• Sacrifice: Characters are willing to sacrifice themselves for their goals or to protect others (Tian Changwen, Daoist Qingfang).
• Deception and Influence: Characters use various methods to deceive and influence others (Tian Changwen's Restless Mind, Li Mo's knowledge, Han Cai's Heart Demon Oath).
• Illusion and Reality: The brief illusion caused by Tian Chenzi's remains raises questions about the true nature of events.

Character Interactions

• Tian Changwen & Li Mo: Li Mo helps Tian Changwen by revealing his knowledge, while Tian Changwen keeps Li Mo's information secret with a Heart Demon Oath.
• Han Cai & Shi Ji: They work together to influence Qing Jingzi but have different plans for escape. Han Cai forces Tian Changwen into a Heart Demon Oath to protect Li Mo.
• Qing Jingzi & Ziqi Sect Disciples: Qing Jingzi suspects fellow Ziqi Sect disciples of wanting him dead, causing tension within the sect.