Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “News of the Spirit Flame”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ma Tianji continues showing unusual attentiveness toward Song Wen and Bai Jinge. Song Wen suspects Ma Tianji may be interested in Bai Jinge’s beauty, but Ma denies or avoids revealing any deeper motive.
• Song Wen asks Ma Tianji about Yang-Attribute Spirit Flames in the Burning Heaven Fire Region. Ma explains that such flames appear periodically because the region’s Earthfire contains strong Yang energy.
• A powerful Spirit Flame was reportedly born two months earlier, marked by crimson-gold treasure light. Many cultivators entered the region to search for it, including Ma Tianji’s father, Ma Li.
• Ma Li is revealed to be the late-stage Tribulation Transcendence cultivator known as the Jade Purity Hermit. He commands several powerful subordinates, including one mid-stage and two early-stage Tribulation Transcendence cultivators.
• While gathering information in Emberfire Market, Song Wen confirms the rumors about the Spirit Flame and learns that ordinary Spirit Flames are extremely expensive, though too weak to interest him.
• Ma Tianji later announces that Ma Li has safely returned with a powerful Spirit Flame, allegedly capable of “burning the heavens and boiling the seas.”
• Ma Tianji invites Song Wen to meet Ma Li in three days, after Ma Li finishes recovering. He also asks that Gu Ling attend if she emerges from seclusion.
• After Ma Tianji leaves, Bai Jinge ends her seclusion, having recovered most of her spiritual power. Song Wen reveals that he genuinely intends to inspect—and possibly claim—the Spirit Flame.
• Although they had planned to return to Azure Purity City, Song Wen decides to delay their departure and visit the Ma residence.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Demonstrates caution and strategic thinking. He politely responds to Ma Tianji while investigating his motives and gathering independent information. His interest in the powerful Spirit Flame becomes serious, and he begins considering how to obtain it for himself.
• Ma Tianji: Remains eager to cultivate a relationship with Song Wen and repeatedly visits him despite Bai Jinge’s continued seclusion. His eagerness to publicize his father’s Spirit Flame may suggest ulterior motives or an attempt to lure Song Wen into a particular situation.
• Bai Jinge: Successfully recovers most of her spiritual strength and emerges from seclusion. She has been quietly monitoring Ma Tianji’s visits and understands Song Wen’s interactions better than he initially realizes.
• Ma Li: Though absent for most of the chapter, he is established as a powerful late-stage Tribulation Transcendence cultivator with considerable influence and a strong network of subordinates. His successful return with the Spirit Flame makes him a significant new figure.

Significant Themes

• Power and opportunity: The appearance of a rare Spirit Flame attracts powerful cultivators and creates potential conflict, demonstrating how valuable resources can reshape alliances and ambitions.
• Caution beneath courtesy: Song Wen’s polite exchanges conceal constant evaluation of Ma Tianji’s motives, Ma Li’s influence, and the risks involved in visiting the Ma family.
• Influence and reputation: The Ma family’s status in Emberfire Market is emphasized through Ma Li’s reputation, powerful followers, and the deference shown to Ma Tianji.
• Hidden motives and surveillance: Ma Tianji’s repeated visits and eagerness to share information raise suspicions, while Bai Jinge’s awareness of everything happening nearby highlights the importance of secrecy and observation.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Ma Tianji discuss Spirit Flames, Ma Li’s strength, and the possibility of Song Wen meeting him.
• Ma Tianji invites Song Wen—and potentially Gu Ling—to the Ma residence to view or discuss the newly acquired Spirit Flame.
• Bai Jinge questions whether Song Wen’s interest in the Spirit Flame is genuine. Song Wen admits that, if it meets his requirements, he intends to take it.
• The chapter ends with Song Wen and Bai Jinge aligned in their awareness of the opportunity, but facing the uncertain intentions and formidable power of the Ma family.

Chapter Summary: “First Hearing of the True Fire”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Three days after Bai Jinge’s seclusion, Ma Tianji returns and invites both Bai Jinge and Song Wen—still disguised as “Fellow Daoist Guling” and Wei Xuan—to the Ma Estate.
• Ma Tianji brings them to a banquet in the estate’s Discussion Hall, where more than twenty powerful cultivators have gathered. Most are at the Mahayana stage, with several at Tribulation Transcendence.
• Ma Tianji reveals that the gathering is not merely a social banquet: his father, Ma Li, has returned from the Burning Heaven Fire Region with a powerful spirit flame, attracting many senior cultivators who wish to inspect it.
• Ma Li appears and receives congratulations from the assembled guests. An elderly Daoist then urges him to reveal the spirit flame.
• Ma Li summons a massive crimson-and-gold flame. Its intense heat distorts the air, burns away the food and wine, and forces the weaker cultivators to shield themselves with spiritual power.
• The flame is identified as the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame, a superior-grade, yang-attributed spirit flame. It is highly effective for refining yang-based treasures and destroying yin, evil, and ghostly beings.
• The gathered cultivators openly covet the flame, suggesting that the banquet may serve as a prelude to negotiation, competition, or conflict over ownership.
• Bai Jinge privately explains that although the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame is extremely powerful, Song Wen has already surpassed the stage where ordinary spirit flames can significantly aid him.
• She introduces the concept of True Fire, a higher form of flame that can normally be refined only by Immortal Realm experts.
• Bai Jinge reveals that the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame can potentially fuse with the Purple Sun Spiritfire and the Eight Desolations Astral Fire to form the genuine True Fire known as the Great Sun Golden Flame.
• Song Wen, who had initially shown little interest, immediately becomes determined to obtain the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame after learning of this possibility.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Maintains a quiet, observant posture throughout the banquet and allows Bai Jinge to handle external negotiations as previously agreed. His indifference toward the spirit flame disappears once he learns it may be used to create True Fire, and he begins viewing it as a valuable target.
• Bai Jinge: Demonstrates greater knowledge of spirit flames and True Fire than Song Wen. She carefully assesses the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame, recognizes its limitations for Song Wen, and provides crucial information about its potential fusion into the Great Sun Golden Flame.
• Ma Tianji: Acts as a courteous host but is visibly worried that Song Wen and Bai Jinge may resent being brought into a larger gathering without warning. His behavior suggests he is managing a carefully arranged event on behalf of his father.
• Ma Li: Presents himself as an upright and powerful cultivator who has deliberately created an opportunity to display his newly acquired flame before influential experts.
• The assembled cultivators: Their respectful congratulations quickly give way to intense interest and greed once the flame appears, revealing that many likely have motives beyond simple admiration.

Significant Themes

• Power and ambition: The spirit flame’s appearance exposes the cultivators’ hidden desires and establishes the banquet as a potentially dangerous contest over a rare treasure.
• Knowledge as power: Bai Jinge’s understanding of True Fire and flame fusion transforms Song Wen’s perception of the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame from a nearly useless object into a strategic resource.
• Calculated appearances: Ma Li’s banquet is framed as a gathering of friends, but his public display of the flame likely serves a larger plan involving influence, negotiation, or control.
• The limits of strength: Even an extraordinary superior-grade spirit flame is insufficient for Song Wen’s current needs, emphasizing how his cultivation and ambitions have advanced beyond ordinary treasures.
• Risk and opportunity: Fusing spirit flames could create True Fire, but the process is dangerous and may destroy the flames entirely. The possibility nonetheless makes the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame worth pursuing.

Character Interactions

• Ma Tianji warmly welcomes Bai Jinge and Song Wen, while apologizing for failing to disclose the banquet’s true scale.
• Bai Jinge reassures Ma Tianji and takes responsibility for their public dealings, while Song Wen remains silent and observant.
• Ma Li formally addresses the gathered cultivators, receiving toasts and praise from the white-haired Daoist and the others.
• The white-haired Daoist publicly evaluates the flame, heightening the crowd’s interest in its value.
• Bai Jinge and Song Wen communicate secretly throughout the display. Her explanation of True Fire and the three-flame fusion method changes Song Wen’s attitude completely, ending with him fixing his attention on the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame as a coveted objective.

Chapter Summary: “Spending Lavishly”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen asks Bai Jinge whether the Purple Sun Spiritfire and Eight Desolations Astral Fire can be obtained. Bai assures him that, while rare, they are far easier to find than the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame.
• Ma Li reveals that the banquet was organized to sell the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame and sets an unexpectedly high price of 200,000 Supreme-grade Spirit Stones.
• The white-haired old Daoist challenges the price, arguing that Ma Li is unfairly passing the losses from obtaining the flame onto the buyers. Ma Li responds aggressively, insisting that the flame is his to price and that no one is forced to buy it.
• When the hall falls silent, Song Wen—disguised as “Wei Xuan”—immediately agrees to purchase the flame.
• Song Wen produces the full payment without hesitation. Ma Li is briefly stunned but quickly collects the Spirit Stones and hands over the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame.
• Ma Li also gives Song Wen a Fire-Suppressing Furnace, which can nourish and contain Spirit Flames.
• Song Wen stores the flame in the furnace and prepares to leave with Bai Jinge, having completed the transaction.
• The white-haired old Daoist stops them and demands that they remove their disguises. When Bai Jinge refuses, he accuses them of looking down on everyone present and attempts to turn the gathered cultivators against them.
• Bai Jinge responds with a direct warning: they do not seek conflict, but anyone attempting to seize their treasures will face ruthless retaliation.

Character Developments

• Song Wen demonstrates his immense wealth and decisiveness by paying an exorbitant price without negotiation. His large reserve of Spirit Stones, mostly acquired through killing others, makes the expense insignificant to him.
• He also shows confidence and composure by openly purchasing the flame despite the hostile atmosphere and by refusing to be intimidated by the crowd.
• Bai Jinge continues to serve as Song Wen’s knowledgeable advisor, confirming the relative rarity of different Spirit Flames. She also reveals a firm, aggressive side when their identities and possessions are threatened.
• Ma Li shifts from courteous host to domineering merchant when his price is questioned. Once Song Wen pays, however, he becomes enthusiastic and respectful, even offering the Fire-Suppressing Furnace as an additional gift.
• The white-haired old Daoist emerges as the primary source of conflict. His apparent desire to “befriend” Song Wen and Bai Jinge is revealed as an attempt to probe their identities and possibly pressure them into surrendering their treasures.
• Ma Tianji remains cordial toward Song Wen and Bai Jinge, though his father’s banquet and the guests’ hostility place him in an increasingly complicated position.

Significant Themes

• Wealth and power: Song Wen’s extravagant purchase establishes that financial resources can provide overwhelming leverage in the cultivation world.
• Possession and value: Ma Li justifies the flame’s price through the lives and losses incurred in obtaining it, while Song Wen’s willingness to pay demonstrates that value depends on the buyer’s priorities and resources.
• Concealment and suspicion: Song Wen and Bai Jinge’s disguises attract attention, highlighting the dangers of revealing one’s identity among powerful cultivators.
• Greed and intimidation: The guests’ hostility shows that polite gatherings can quickly become contests driven by envy and covetousness.
• Strength versus numbers: Bai Jinge’s warning establishes that the pair will not allow the crowd’s numerical advantage to force them into surrender.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Bai Jinge privately discuss the availability of additional Spirit Flames.
• Ma Li argues with the white-haired old Daoist over the Scarlet Sun Golden Flame’s price, marking a sharp change in the banquet’s atmosphere.
• Ma Li immediately treats Song Wen and Bai Jinge with greater respect after Song Wen offers payment.
• Song Wen and Ma Li complete a straightforward exchange: Spirit Stones for the flame, with the Fire-Suppressing Furnace added as a gift.
• Ma Tianji bids them farewell, reinforcing his friendly relationship with them.
• The white-haired old Daoist confronts the pair as they leave, while Bai Jinge openly threatens anyone who attempts to rob or expose them, setting up an impending confrontation.

Chapter Summary: “Though Death Comes, No Regrets”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Seven Tribulation Transcendence cultivators, led by a white-haired old Daoist, confront Song Wen and Bai Jinge in the Ma Estate. They accuse the pair of wickedness while clearly seeking the Spirit Flame for themselves.
• Ma Li initially tries to defend his guests, arguing that the confrontation is taking place in his residence. However, the combined pressure of seven powerful cultivators makes him reconsider. Fearing the consequences, he ultimately withdraws and refuses to interfere.
• Ma Tianji unexpectedly steps forward and declares that the Ma Household should protect its guests. When his father orders him to stand down, Tianji refuses, saying he will act on his own even if it costs him his life.
• Song Wen realizes that Ma Tianji’s defiance is motivated by his love for Bai Jinge. He teasingly points this out to Bai Jinge and suggests that she accept Tianji’s devotion. Bai Jinge reacts angrily and attacks.
• Bai Jinge launches a powerful technique, “Phoenix Dance Across the Nine Heavens,” creating nine phantom copies of herself armed with ice spears.
• The seven opponents attempt to overwhelm her, but her phantoms’ attacks contain an unusual, invasive cold that paralyzes their spiritual power and even causes the white-haired Daoist to lose his sword.
• Bai Jinge repels all seven cultivators in their first exchange, shocking both the attackers and Song Wen. The white-haired Daoist abandons his arrogance and orders the others to attack together and exhaust her spiritual energy.

Character Developments

• Ma Li: His initial willingness to defend his guests collapses under pressure. He prioritizes the Ma Household’s safety and reputation over loyalty to Song Wen and Bai Jinge, revealing his cautious and self-preserving nature.
• Ma Tianji: Shows remarkable courage and loyalty by defying his father and risking his life for Bai Jinge. His actions reveal the depth of his unrequited love and establish him as more idealistic and determined than his father.
• Bai Jinge: Demonstrates overwhelming combat strength, defeating or repelling seven Tribulation Transcendence cultivators simultaneously. Although highly powerful, Song Wen observes that her battle experience is less refined than her abilities.
• Song Wen: Remains calm and largely lets Bai Jinge take the lead. He accurately understands Ma Tianji’s feelings and playfully teases Bai Jinge, while also critically analyzing her fighting technique and tactical shortcomings.
• White-haired old Daoist: His confidence and moral posturing are exposed as self-interest. After Bai Jinge’s counterattack, his arrogance turns into caution and tactical planning.

Significant Themes

• Courage versus self-preservation: Ma Li chooses safety, while Ma Tianji chooses loyalty and principle despite the danger.
• Love and sacrifice: Ma Tianji’s willingness to risk death for Bai Jinge illustrates the chapter’s central idea that genuine affection can drive a person to disregard reason and personal safety.
• Hypocrisy and greed: The seven cultivators claim to uphold justice, but their real goal appears to be obtaining the Spirit Flame. Their sanctimonious accusations mask ambition.
• Power and experience: Bai Jinge possesses superior strength and an impressive secret art, but Song Wen notes that raw power alone is not the same as refined combat experience.
• Honor and reputation: Ma Tianji is motivated partly by the Ma Household’s honor, believing that failing to protect invited guests would damage its standing.

Character Interactions

• The white-haired Daoist pressures Ma Li to abandon Song Wen and Bai Jinge, and Ma Li eventually yields.
• Ma Tianji openly clashes with his father, refusing to obey his command to remain uninvolved.
• Song Wen teases Bai Jinge about Ma Tianji’s affection, prompting her irritated response and immediate attack.
• Bai Jinge directly confronts the seven cultivators, turning their attempted intimidation into a battle in which she gains the upper hand.
• Ma Li physically restrains and removes Ma Tianji from the battlefield, preventing him from immediately joining the fight.

Chapter Summary: Ma Tianji Reveals His Feelings

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Jinge’s powerful secret technique disperses the nine phantoms but severely drains her spiritual power, leaving her vulnerable.
• The white-haired old Daoist and six other Tribulation Transcendence cultivators seize the opportunity to attack her together.
• Bai Jinge takes a recovery pill, but the seven opponents unleash a combined assault involving sword light, needles, poisonous mist, killing intent, and other techniques.
• Just as Bai Jinge is forced to prepare a life-saving talisman, Song Wen intervenes. Lightning erupts from his body, destroying all seven attacks and heavily injuring the attackers.
• Song Wen leaves the weakened enemies to Bai Jinge. She kills the white-haired old Daoist by piercing his dantian and destroying his Nascent Soul, then collects the corpses and souls of all seven cultivators for Song Wen.
• The battle devastates much of the Ma Estate. Song Wen apologizes to Ma Li for the destruction and asks about the Purple Sun Spiritfire and Eight Desolations Astral Fire. Ma Li provides only outdated information about the former and has never heard of the latter.
• Song Wen and Bai Jinge prepare to leave Emberfire Market permanently. Ma Li courteously deactivates the household’s grand formation to let them depart.
• Ma Tianji stops them, asking whether they are truly leaving for good. After hesitating, he finally confesses that he has developed romantic feelings for Song Wen, whom he knows as “Wei Xuan.”

Character Developments

• Bai Jinge: Demonstrates formidable but flawed combat ability. Her secret technique is devastating, yet poor control and inefficient tactics leave her nearly defeated. Once Song Wen intervenes, she regains control and displays her ruthless decisiveness by killing the white-haired Daoist without hesitation. Her reaction to Ma Tianji’s confession suggests she finds the situation unexpectedly amusing or entertaining.
• Song Wen: Reveals overwhelming strength, effortlessly neutralizing the combined attacks of seven high-level cultivators. He remains calm and practical, collecting their corpses and souls for his own purposes. His teasing of Bai Jinge shows a lighter, more playful side, but Ma Tianji’s confession leaves him visibly stunned.
• Ma Tianji: Initially timid and conflicted, he struggles to express his feelings before finally gathering the courage to confess. His emotional attachment is directed toward Song Wen’s masked identity rather than Bai Jinge, creating an unexpected reversal of romantic expectations.
• Ma Li: Treats Song Wen with great deference after witnessing his strength. He willingly answers Song Wen’s questions and facilitates their departure.

Significant Themes

• Overwhelming hidden strength: Song Wen’s casual defeat of seven powerful cultivators establishes that his true ability far exceeds what others expect from his apparent cultivation level.
• Practicality versus combat inefficiency: Bai Jinge possesses a powerful technique but wastes its advantage through poor execution, emphasizing that strength alone is insufficient without strategy and control.
• Mercy and ruthlessness: Song Wen chooses not to personally finish the injured enemies, while Bai Jinge kills them decisively and without pity.
• Departure and impermanence: The characters’ farewell from Emberfire Market creates a sense of finality, reinforced by Ma Tianji’s fear that they will never meet again.
• Love, identity, and social convention: Ma Tianji openly acknowledges that his feelings for another man are considered unacceptable by society, yet chooses honesty over regret. His confession also highlights the importance of Song Wen’s mysterious masked persona.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen supports Bai Jinge in battle and entrusts the defeated enemies to her.
• Bai Jinge obeys Song Wen’s request to collect the cultivators’ bodies and souls.
• Song Wen speaks respectfully with Ma Li but clearly occupies the dominant position after displaying his strength.
• Song Wen teases Bai Jinge that Ma Tianji cannot bear to see her leave, while Bai Jinge reacts irritably.
• Ma Tianji’s confession dramatically overturns Song Wen’s assumption: rather than pursuing Bai Jinge, Ma Tianji reveals that he is attracted to Song Wen’s cold and distinctive “Wei Xuan” identity.

Chapter Summary: “Song Wen Flies into a Rage”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen angrily drives Ma Tianji away after Ma refuses to leave, injuring him severely and sending him flying while Ma looks at Song Wen with sorrow rather than resentment.
• Bai Jinge follows Song Wen, amused by the confrontation and eager to see how events unfold.
• During their journey by flying ship toward Azure Purity City, Bai Jinge repeatedly teases Song Wen about Ma Tianji’s apparent attraction to his disguised appearance and jokes about the defeated white-haired Daoist.
• Near Azure Purity City, Song Wen stops Bai Jinge from entering openly. He warns that the Evil Spirit Immortals may still have spies within Radiant Light Hall and could target her again if they learn she has returned.
• Although Bai Jinge trusts Danyang Profound Lord, Song Wen remains cautious and persuades her to disguise herself and contact Danyang only after entering the city.
• Song Wen disguises Bai Jinge with a veil, cat mask, and black robe, then alters his own appearance and aura to resemble an ordinary Early Lingxu Dao Immortal. The transformation visibly strains his body and blood essence.
• After entering the city, they hide in a private restaurant room. Bai Jinge contacts Danyang Profound Lord, who arrives shortly afterward.
• Bai Jinge introduces Song Wen—under the name Wei Xuan—as the person who rescued and protected her. Danyang thanks him but immediately warns him not to develop inappropriate intentions toward Bai Jinge because of her noble status and trusting nature.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Displays a short temper and overwhelming force when confronting Ma Tianji, but afterward acts cautiously and protectively toward Bai Jinge. His suspicion of hidden enemies leads him to insist on disguises and a secret meeting with Danyang. He also reveals the physical cost of concealing his identity.
• Bai Jinge: Remains playful, bold, and confident, teasing Song Wen throughout the journey. Despite initially dismissing the danger, she ultimately accepts his precautions and trusts his judgment. Her complete reliance on him emphasizes the bond formed during their escape.
• Ma Tianji: Is physically defeated but emotionally composed, looking at Song Wen with sorrow rather than hatred, suggesting deeper feelings or a complicated relationship.
• Danyang Profound Lord: Appears genuinely relieved by Bai Jinge’s safe return and grateful to Song Wen, yet remains guarded and protective of Bai Jinge’s status and reputation.

Significant Themes

• Caution versus confidence: Bai Jinge trusts her powerful allies, while Song Wen emphasizes that hidden enemies and spies remain dangerous even near supposed safety.
• Trust and protection: Bai Jinge entrusts her safety to Song Wen, while Song Wen takes responsibility for concealing and safeguarding her.
• Hidden identities and political danger: Disguises, altered appearances, and secret meetings reflect the unstable political environment created by the Evil Spirit Immortals and the suspected spy in Radiant Light Hall.
• Debt and obligation: Danyang acknowledges Song Wen’s rescue of Bai Jinge as a significant favor and promises repayment, though his gratitude is tempered by suspicion.
• Emotional ambiguity: Ma Tianji’s sorrowful reaction and Bai Jinge’s teasing hint at complicated relationships and feelings beneath the surface.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen forcefully rejects Ma Tianji, while Ma responds with quiet sorrow rather than anger.
• Bai Jinge mocks and provokes Song Wen, particularly regarding his appearance and Ma Tianji’s reaction, creating a lighthearted contrast to the earlier violence.
• Song Wen and Bai Jinge debate how to approach Azure Purity City, with Song Wen’s caution ultimately prevailing.
• Bai Jinge introduces Song Wen to Danyang as her rescuer, and Danyang offers repayment while warning Song Wen not to exploit Bai Jinge’s gratitude or innocence.

Chapter Summary: “Interests”

• Song Wen clarifies his relationship with Bai Jinge. When Danyang Profound Lord warns him, Song Wen explains that he and Bai Jinge are bound only by a transaction: he escorted her safely to Azure Purity City, and she promised him an Immortal-Tier Thunder Arts manual and help locating the Purple Sun Spiritfire and Eight Desolations Astral Fire. Bai Jinge feels a trace of resentment because she considers their bond deeper, but realizes that describing it as a business arrangement eases Danyang’s suspicions.
• Danyang agrees to honor the transaction. He allows Song Wen to choose an Immortal-Tier Thunder Arts manual from Radiant Light Hall’s Profound Arts Pavilion. He also confirms that the Hall possesses Purple Sun Spiritfire and promises to investigate the whereabouts of the Eight Desolations Astral Fire.
• Bai Jinge learns of Old Xu and Qu Hai’s deaths. After sitting down to eat with Danyang and Song Wen, Bai asks about the two allies who sacrificed themselves to help her escape the eight Evil Spirit Immortals. Danyang reveals that both of their life plaques have shattered, confirming their deaths. Bai is devastated, initially questioning why the enemies would have killed them instead of continuing to pursue her.
• Bai’s regret turns into vengeance. She realizes that, while interrogating a captured gray-robed Evil Spirit Immortal, she failed to ask about Old Xu and Qu Hai’s fate. Her remorse soon becomes anger when she concludes that someone inside Radiant Light Hall must have leaked her identity and route. Danyang agrees that the betrayal likely involved both an insider and someone aboard the White Rainbow Sky-Patrolling Boat.
• Suspects are identified. Since the guards and the two fallen escorts are dead, and the rogue cultivator passengers probably did not know Bai’s identity, suspicion falls on the powerful groups occupying the first-class rooms. Danyang identifies the Jade Purity Sect and Heavenly Sword Sect as the most suspicious because they secretly dealt with Evil Spirit cultivators and suffered no casualties during the ambush.
• Bai and Danyang plan retaliation. Bai demands that the two sects be surrounded and completely destroyed, insisting on personally participating to avenge Old Xu and Qu Hai. Danyang accepts her request.
• Song Wen questions the real motive behind the attack. He warns that Bai should not expose herself recklessly. He points out that the Evil Spirit Immortals went to extraordinary lengths to capture her alive, despite her being only a Tribulation Transcendence cultivator who should not be able to affect the larger conflict between the Evil Spirit cultivators and the Purple Star Immortal Sect. This raises the possibility that Bai possesses hidden importance or that the attack had a deeper purpose than simply eliminating her.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Song Wen remains cautious and calculating, deliberately framing his connection with Bai as transactional to avoid conflict with Danyang. He also demonstrates strategic insight by questioning why the enemy wanted Bai alive.
• Bai Jinge shifts from quiet hurt over Song Wen’s characterization of their relationship, to grief over her comrades’ deaths, then to fierce hatred and a desire for revenge. Her interaction with Song Wen suggests growing trust, despite his emotional reserve.
• Danyang Profound Lord begins suspicious of Song Wen but becomes more accepting after hearing the terms of the agreement. He acts protectively toward Bai and decisively supports investigating the traitors and attacking the suspected sects.
• The chapter emphasizes loyalty, betrayal, grief, revenge, and hidden motives. It also explores the tension between genuine personal bonds and politically safer “transactions,” while hinting that Bai Jinge’s true significance may be greater than anyone presently understands.

Song Wen persuaded Profound Lord Danyang to conceal Bai Jinge’s whereabouts and escort her to Radiant Light Hall, where she would remain until the sect sent someone to receive her. Profound Lord Danyang arranged for Song Wen to watch over her and gave him access to the promised rewards.

• Song Wen warned Profound Lord Danyang that revealing Bai Jinge’s return could invite another ambush, and Bai Jinge agreed to keep her whereabouts secret.
• Profound Lord Danyang used Mirage Cloud to conceal Song Wen and Bai Jinge, then carried them toward Radiant Light Hall.
• Profound Lord Danyang asked Song Wen to keep Bai Jinge from leaving their secluded lodgings and promised him the Immortal-Tier Thunder Arts, purple sun spiritfire, eight desolations astral fire, and fifty thousand immortal spirit stones.
• Song Wen accepted the task, and the three entered Radiant Light Hall and traveled to a secluded mountain.
• Profound Lord Danyang assigned Bai Jinge a place to stay, let Song Wen choose a courtyard, and gave him an identity token that allowed him to enter the Profound Arts Pavilion and select Thunder Arts.

Song Wen tested his newly comprehended World-Annihilating Divine Thunder, then received the Purple Sun Spiritfire from Profound Lord Danyang. A report revealed that Gu Xing had unknowingly helped the evil spirit cultivators ambush Bai Jinge’s vessel, but the mastermind remained unknown, and the report also said there were no leads on the ascended cultivator.

• Song Wen tested World-Annihilating Divine Thunder and judged it only slightly stronger than ninth-tier thunder arts.
• Profound Lord Danyang and Bai Jinge arrived, and Danyang offered Song Wen the position of deputy hall master in the Radiant Light Hall.
• Profound Lord Danyang delivered the Purple Sun Spiritfire to Song Wen and said his people had found leads on the Eight Desolations Astral Fire.
• Profound Lord Danyang told Bai Jinge that evil spirit cultivators and their associates had been executed, but the traitor within the Radiant Light Hall remained undiscovered.
• Profound Lord Danyang shared a report stating that Gu Xing had unknowingly carried a spirit stone with Yinshan Wanderer’s soul imprint aboard the White Rainbow Sky-Patrolling Boat, enabling the ambush.
• Song Wen noticed the report’s final remark that there were still no leads on the ascended cultivator.

Song Wen learned that Immortal Emperor Xi Ling was searching across the Immortal Realm for someone who ascended on the same day he did, and suspected he might be the target. After three months of cultivation at Radiant Light Hall, he saw a powerful force arrive with the seven surviving evil spirit immortals who had ambushed Bai Jinge.

• Song Wen questioned Profound Lord Danyang and Bai Jinge about Radiant Light Hall’s search, and learned that Immortal Emperor Xi Ling had ordered factions across the Immortal Realm to find an unknown ascender.
• Song Wen realized he might be the person Immortal Emperor Xi Ling sought because he had ascended from the Profound Realm on the specified date, but he hid his suspicions.
• Bai Jinge praised Immortal Emperor Xi Ling, and Profound Lord Danyang departed before Song Wen returned to his courtyard to cultivate the myriad poisons primordial body.
• Over the next three months, Profound Lord Danyang reported on the campaign against evil spirit cultivators, while the ambushers and spies remained unfound and Bai Jinge stayed on the mountain.
• A fleet of enormous black flying ships arrived above Radiant Light Hall, led by a man whose oppressive presence shook Song Wen.
• Song Wen recognized the seven surviving evil spirit immortals who had ambushed Bai Jinge among the figures behind the fleet’s leader.

Li Hunsheng led an Evil Spirit Cultivator force against Radiant Light Hall, and Profound Lord Danyang used the Mystic Zenith Array’s thunder to attack them. As the lightning overwhelmed the fleet’s defenses, the array’s operators discovered that the earth-vein qi powering it had been cut off, leaving the battle unresolved.

• Song Wen and Bai Jinge saw Li Hunsheng’s forces attack Radiant Light Hall, and Bai Jinge recognized the Evil Spirit Cultivators who had murdered Old Xu.
• Profound Lord Danyang confronted Li Hunsheng, who claimed his people had infiltrated Radiant Light Hall and announced his intention to destroy it.
• Profound Lord Danyang activated the Mystic Zenith Array, which formed a prison of lightning and struck the attackers’ ships.
• Li Hunsheng ordered his Evil Spirit Immortals to board the ships and strengthen their defensive arrays as the lightning battered the fleet.
• Su Dian and the other five Lingxu Dao Immortals operating the array discovered that the earth-vein qi had been cut off, and the array’s lightning immediately vanished.

Li Hunsheng revealed that a Primordial Chaos Qi Embryo had contaminated the earth vein beneath Azure Purity City, crippling Radiant Light Hall’s defensive array. Profound Lord Danyang’s attempt to stall for time ended with the discovery that the contamination had spread nearly twenty thousand miles and was reaching the surface.

• Li Hunsheng explained that he had arranged for a Primordial Chaos Qi Embryo to contaminate the earth vein, cutting off the qi that powered the Mystic Zenith Array.
• Profound Lord Danyang sent three Lingxu Dao Immortals underground to inspect and contain the contamination while Li Hunsheng ordered his forces to attack Radiant Light Hall.
• Li Hunsheng revealed Shi Min as the former disciple who had secretly buried the embryo, and Shi Min admitted she had joined the Evil Spirit Cultivators after failing her tribulation.
• Li Hunsheng admitted he had arranged the attempt to capture Profound Lord Danyang’s junior sister Bai Jinge and said a collaborator in the Purple Star Immortal Sect had revealed her identity and whereabouts.
• The three Lingxu Dao Immortals returned and reported that the origin qi had contaminated nearly twenty thousand miles of earth vein and was beginning to spread toward the surface.

Origin qi escaped from beneath the Radiant Light Hall, weakening its defenses and threatening to turn the surrounding region into a Source-Qi Death Domain. Profound Lord Danyang led the hall’s disciples into battle against Li Hunsheng’s evil spirit cultivators, while Song Wen waited for a chance to escape with Bai Jinge and then fled southwest with her.

• Li Hunsheng revealed that origin qi was escaping from underground, and Profound Lord Danyang realized the defensive array could no longer hold indefinitely.
• Song Wen warned Bai Jinge that the evil spirit cultivators were waiting for origin qi to spread before attacking, and Profound Lord Danyang privately asked Song Wen to protect her and gave him one hundred thousand immortal spirit stones.
• Profound Lord Danyang rallied the Radiant Light Hall disciples, ordered Su Dian and the other array controllers to dismantle the Mystic Zenith Array, and led the charge against Li Hunsheng.
• Li Hunsheng ordered the evil spirit cultivators to attack as the array shattered, and the two sides clashed while origin qi drained the land of its vitality.
• Song Wen stayed out of the fighting, watched the battle and the spreading origin qi, then grabbed Bai Jinge and fled southwest.

Profound Lord Danyang battled Li Hunsheng and learned that Du Hun had betrayed Radiant Light Hall, leaving him gravely wounded. As Li Hunsheng’s claw closed in on Bai Jinge, Song Wen pushed her away and faced the attack himself.

• Profound Lord Danyang and Li Hunsheng exchanged attacks, and Li Hunsheng summoned a thousand-foot ghost creature refined from hundreds of millions of human souls.
• Profound Lord Danyang’s nine golden streaks pinned down the ghost creature, but Li Hunsheng sent a giant claw toward Bai Jinge and the others.
• Du Hun betrayed Profound Lord Danyang by striking him with a Blood Fiend Immortal Talisman, shattering his shield and grievously wounding him.
• Profound Lord Danyang realized Du Hun was the spy within Radiant Light Hall and called his sword back to defend himself from Li Hunsheng’s chains.
• Song Wen saw Bai Jinge could not stop the claw, pushed her away, and turned to face it.

Song Wen saved Bai Jinge from the enormous claw but suffered severe injuries, and the two escaped underground. Meanwhile, Li Hunsheng pursued the wounded Profound Lord Danyang as Origin Qi spread through the earth veins, leaving Danyang close to expelling the killing intent but worried the contamination had become too widespread.

• Song Wen transformed into a Demon Ape, endured the enormous claw, and crashed into a crater with severe injuries.
• Bai Jinge found Song Wen alive, and he used an Earth-Escape Talisman to take her underground.
• Li Hunsheng sent his thousand-zhang ghost to attack Profound Lord Danyang, whose flying sword became trapped among the ghost’s heads.
• Profound Lord Danyang unleashed Nine Luminaries Evil-Slaying to free his sword, but Li Hunsheng struck him with a dark-red chain and forced him to flee underground.
• Li Hunsheng pursued Profound Lord Danyang with chains while Danyang dodged them and neared the end of suppressing the killing intent in his body.
• Profound Lord Danyang sensed Origin Qi spreading densely through the earth veins and feared it might be too late to stop the contamination.

Chapter Summary: “Overestimating Yourself”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen and Bai Jinge flee underground using an Earth-Escape Talisman, attempting to evade Li Hunsheng.
• Danyang Profound Lord unexpectedly catches up with them while also escaping Li Hunsheng, revealing that he has been defeated and is being pursued.
• Li Hunsheng locates the three fugitives and attacks with chains formed from his dark-red Killing Intent.
• Danyang warns Song Wen and Bai Jinge to flee beyond the range of Li Hunsheng’s divine sense. Since Song Wen’s ordinary talisman cannot take them deep enough, Bai Jinge produces an Immortal-Tier Earth-Escape Talisman.
• Song Wen supplies the Immortal Essence needed to activate the talisman, while Danyang joins them and holds off Li Hunsheng with his shield.
• Li Hunsheng unleashes over a hundred chains. Though Danyang’s shield initially blocks them, it is eventually overwhelmed, forcing the group to flee deeper underground.
• Danyang directs Song Wen toward the lower left, where they fall into a massive underground fissure filled with extraordinarily dense Origin Qi.
• The dense Origin Qi severely limits divine sense and damages Bai Jinge’s protective mana shield. Danyang explains that the fissure contains an earth-vein branch that has been completely corrupted by Origin Qi.
• Danyang stops to fight Li Hunsheng again, insisting that Song Wen continue deeper with Bai Jinge.
• Believing the cavern’s environment may disadvantage Li Hunsheng, Song Wen declares that he might be able to kill him if he follows.
• Song Wen then releases a mysterious Vine Demon, which burrows deeper into the earth, apparently as part of an undisclosed plan.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Remains calm and resourceful under pressure, helping Bai Jinge activate the Immortal-Tier talisman. His confidence grows to the point of claiming he may be able to defeat Li Hunsheng, though Bai Jinge views this as excessive self-assurance. He also reveals that he possesses a powerful Vine Demon and may have prepared a countermeasure suited to the underground environment.
• Bai Jinge: Demonstrates trust in Song Wen by giving him control of the Immortal-Tier talisman. She remains cautious and realistic, recognizing that Li Hunsheng would have major advantages in the dense Origin Qi environment.
• Danyang Profound Lord: Despite being pursued and previously defeated, he acts selflessly by protecting the younger cultivators and repeatedly buying them time to escape. He regains confidence after eliminating the Blood-Killing Qi from his body and resumes fighting Li Hunsheng directly.
• Li Hunsheng: Exhibits overwhelming power and relentless hostility. His ability to manifest large numbers of Killing Intent chains allows him to pursue and attack the group even through vast layers of earth.

Significant Themes

• Overconfidence versus preparation: Song Wen’s bold claim may appear arrogant, but the Vine Demon suggests that his confidence could be based on a carefully prepared strategy.
• Sacrifice and protection: Danyang repeatedly places himself between Li Hunsheng and the younger cultivators, emphasizing courage and responsibility.
• Environmental advantage: The dense Origin Qi transforms the battlefield, weakening perception and movement while potentially offering opportunities to those who understand or can exploit it.
• Pursuit and survival: The chapter maintains constant pressure as the characters race against Li Hunsheng’s superior strength and limited but still dangerous divine-sense range.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Bai Jinge cooperate closely, with Song Wen supplying Immortal Essence to activate Bai Jinge’s talisman.
• Danyang gives both younger cultivators urgent escape instructions and shields them from Li Hunsheng’s attacks.
• Li Hunsheng taunts the group and treats their accidental encounter as an opportunity to kill all three.
• Bai Jinge questions Song Wen’s confidence, creating tension between her caution and his apparent certainty.
• Danyang and Li Hunsheng engage in repeated clashes, with Danyang delaying him while Song Wen and Bai Jinge escape.

Chapter Summary: “Righteous and Generous”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Jinge discovers that Song Wen has secretly kept an Immortal-rank spirit beast hidden beneath the cavern. She is shocked by the revelation and realizes he has concealed significant abilities from her.
• Li Hunsheng catches up with Danyang Profound Lord in the underground caverns, mocking him for retreating into a region saturated with Origin Qi.
• Song Wen tells Bai Jinge to flee deeper into the cavern while he stays behind to assist Danyang Profound Lord. He presents his decision as an act of loyalty and gratitude, claiming that Danyang is risking his life to help them escape.
• Bai Jinge worries that Song Wen, only a Lingxu Dao Immortal, cannot safely interfere in a battle between two Yuxiao Profound Immortals. Song Wen reassures her that he has life-preserving methods and implies that he is willing to sacrifice himself for her.
• Bai Jinge reluctantly leaves but warns Song Wen that she will return if he does not find her soon.
• Once Bai Jinge departs, Song Wen’s gentle expression disappears, revealing his cold and sinister demeanor. Using Shadow Void, he observes the battle from a safe position rather than immediately joining it.
• Li Hunsheng gains the upper hand against Danyang Profound Lord. His purple-scaled body resists attacks, and his powerful claws repel Danyang’s three substitute flying swords.
• Li Hunsheng unleashes the Myriad Baleful Sky-Splitting Hand, a massive black-purple claw that smashes Danyang into the cavern wall and causes him to cough blood.
• Danyang reveals that his retreat was deliberate: he had led Li Hunsheng to an earth vein near Radiant Light Hall where a defensive sword formation had been secretly established.
• The nine-pillar sword formation traps Li Hunsheng. Though its sword attacks cannot injure his hardened body, they temporarily restrain him.
• Danyang gathers the formation’s power into a sword wheel and launches a devastating final sword strike. The formation collapses after releasing this attack.
• Li Hunsheng, finally showing alarm, gathers Origin Qi and his internal Killing Intent into a massive red-and-black claw to counter the descending sword shadow. The chapter ends as the two ultimate attacks meet.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Demonstrates his skill at manipulation and deception. He uses apparently noble rhetoric to persuade Bai Jinge to leave, while secretly monitoring the battle through Shadow Void. His sudden shift from tenderness to sinister calculation emphasizes that his “self-sacrifice” may be partly an act.
• Bai Jinge: Becomes increasingly suspicious of Song Wen’s hidden capabilities but remains emotionally concerned for him. Her insistence that he find her—and her threat to return—shows growing attachment and loyalty.
• Danyang Profound Lord: Reveals himself to be strategic rather than desperate. His retreat was part of a planned counterattack, and he uses the hidden sword formation to compensate for his lost bonded flying sword and unfavorable position.
• Li Hunsheng: Establishes overwhelming physical strength and resistance to ordinary techniques. However, Danyang’s sword formation forces him to abandon his earlier confidence and reveal genuine caution.

Significant Themes

• False righteousness and hidden motives: Song Wen’s noble words contrast sharply with his private, calculating behavior, suggesting that outward generosity may conceal self-interest.
• Trust and emotional manipulation: Bai Jinge trusts Song Wen despite recognizing that he keeps dangerous secrets. Song Wen exploits her concern to direct her away from the battle.
• Preparation versus brute force: Li Hunsheng relies on overwhelming physical power, while Danyang survives through planning, terrain, and a prearranged formation.
• Concealed strength: Nearly every major character hides abilities, resources, or intentions, making appearances unreliable.
• Sacrifice and survival: Song Wen speaks of risking his life for others, but the chapter repeatedly emphasizes the importance of preserving oneself and maintaining hidden escape routes.

Character Interactions

• Bai Jinge confronts Song Wen after discovering his hidden spirit beast, creating a moment of suspicion and revelation.
• Song Wen persuades Bai Jinge to leave by framing his decision as gratitude toward Danyang and devotion to her.
• Bai Jinge responds with genuine concern and emotional commitment, promising to return if Song Wen does not follow.
• Above them, Danyang and Li Hunsheng exchange taunts while fighting, with Li Hunsheng dismissing Danyang’s apparent retreat and Danyang ultimately revealing that he has lured him into a trap.
• Their battle culminates in a direct clash between Danyang’s ultimate sword strike and Li Hunsheng’s red-and-black Killing Intent claw.

Chapter Summary: “Stirring Up Trouble”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Danyang Profound Lord’s blazing sword shadow clashes with Li Hunsheng’s giant crimson-black claw, producing a devastating explosion that shatters the surrounding Origin Qi.
• Both attacks are exhausted, but Li Hunsheng suffers far more severe injuries: his right arm is destroyed, his scales are shattered, and he is drenched in blood. Despite this, his murderous intent remains undiminished.
• Li Hunsheng declares that the Source-Qi Death Domain will soon take shape, allowing the Void Demon Clan to descend upon the Purple Star Immortal Domain. He then launches a suicidal attack on Danyang Profound Lord.
• Song Wen intervenes with golden thunder, exploiting Li Hunsheng’s injuries and the fact that thunder restrains Origin Qi. His attack burns Li Hunsheng’s remaining left hand but fails to stop him.
• Song Wen attempts to cast another World-Annihilating Divine Thunder and asks Danyang Profound Lord to hold Li Hunsheng back. Instead, Danyang betrays him, seizing Song Wen and throwing him directly at Li Hunsheng as a distraction.
• Li Hunsheng destroys Song Wen’s apparent body, believing him dead. This gives Danyang time to restore his defensive shield and three azure flying swords.
• Song Wen survives through an unknown means and transforms into a massive Mysterious Tortoise. He rams Danyang’s shield, disrupting the Profound Lord’s formation and creating an opening in the sword encirclement.
• Li Hunsheng exploits the opening, breaks through the flying swords, and forces Danyang into retreat. He even knocks away Danyang’s shield.
• Song Wen then uses Origin Qi to slow Danyang. Cornered, Danyang calls for Song Wen’s help, warning that if he dies, Song Wen will also be unable to escape.

2. Character Developments

• Li Hunsheng becomes increasingly desperate and savage. Even after losing one arm and suffering grave injuries, he remains determined to kill Danyang and complete the Source-Qi Death Domain. His willingness to die alongside his enemy emphasizes his fanaticism.
• Danyang Profound Lord reveals his ruthless pragmatism. Although he initially appears to fight Li Hunsheng directly, he immediately sacrifices Song Wen when doing so benefits him. His priority remains protecting Bai Jinge, while outsiders like Song Wen are treated as expendable tools.
• Song Wen demonstrates both ambition and adaptability. He initially plans to let the two injured experts weaken or kill each other so he can profit, but he is forced to improvise after Danyang betrays him. His survival and transformation into the Mysterious Tortoise reveal hidden defensive capabilities and strategic cunning.
• Song Wen’s view of Danyang changes decisively: he recognizes that the Profound Lord never regarded him as an ally, only as a disposable pawn.

3. Significant Themes

• Betrayal and self-interest: Alliances are temporary, and each cultivator is willing to sacrifice others for survival or personal objectives.
• Survival through deception and hidden strength: Song Wen survives what appears to be certain death and turns the situation around through transformation and timing.
• Fanaticism versus pragmatism: Li Hunsheng fights with reckless conviction, while Danyang relies on calculated manipulation and tactical retreat.
• The danger of uncontrolled power: The Source-Qi Death Domain and the possible arrival of the Void Demon Clan elevate the battle beyond a personal conflict, threatening the entire immortal domain.
• Small advantages changing battles: Song Wen’s collision with Danyang’s shield creates only a brief disruption, but that moment is enough for Li Hunsheng to escape the flying-sword formation.

4. Character Interactions

• Li Hunsheng and Danyang Profound Lord: Their duel remains the central conflict. Both are severely wounded, but neither is willing to yield. Li Hunsheng seeks mutual destruction, while Danyang tries to exhaust and contain him.
• Song Wen and Li Hunsheng: Song Wen attacks Li Hunsheng with thunder, but Li Hunsheng dismisses him as an insignificant junior and attempts to kill him. Song Wen later secretly retaliates by disrupting Danyang’s defense, indirectly giving Li Hunsheng an opening.
• Song Wen and Danyang Profound Lord: Their temporary cooperation collapses when Danyang throws Song Wen into Li Hunsheng’s attack. Song Wen survives and turns against Danyang, leaving their relationship openly hostile.
• Current cliffhanger: Danyang is slowed by Song Wen’s Origin Qi manipulation while Li Hunsheng closes in. Danyang is forced to ask Song Wen for assistance despite having just betrayed him, leaving Song Wen to decide whether to help, exploit the situation, or allow both powerful enemies to destroy each other.

Chapter Summary: “Both Perish”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Danyang Profound Lord realizes that neither Li Hunsheng nor the disguised “Wei Xuan” intends to save him. In desperation, he activates a terrifying self-destructive secret art.
• His body erupts with countless holes, each producing a blood arrow. The arrows shoot in every direction with tremendous force, while Danyang’s physical body shatters completely.
• Danyang’s soul and Immortal Nascent Infant escape his ruined body and attempt to flee.
• Li Hunsheng is badly injured by the blood arrows, losing scales, an ear, and suffering numerous wounds. Song Wen is also targeted, but he ignores the arrows and focuses on pursuing Danyang’s escaping Nascent Infant.
• Song Wen destroys his own head and instantly reforms above Danyang’s fleeing Nascent Infant, blocking its escape with a scarlet Blood Tide.
• Danyang attempts to break through using Immortal Essence, his flying swords, and his shield, but the Blood Tide forcibly extracts his soul from the Nascent Infant. He begs Song Wen for mercy and offers to help kill Li Hunsheng, but Song Wen allows him to be completely devoured.
• With Danyang eliminated, Li Hunsheng believes Song Wen is no threat because of their difference in cultivation. He prepares to attack Song Wen and boasts that he will torture Song Wen’s soul.
• Before Li Hunsheng can act, Shadow Void uses the Blood Servant Contract hidden in Li Hunsheng’s soul to disrupt his mind and Immortal Essence.
• Song Wen takes advantage of the opening, striking Li Hunsheng with golden lightning. The attack destroys Li Hunsheng’s already damaged body, and Song Wen captures and devours his soul with a blood-red tentacle.
• Song Wen collects the storage rings, flying swords, and shield, then remains behind to inspect the aftermath and turns his attention inward toward his Sea of Consciousness.

Character Developments

• Danyang Profound Lord: Driven into madness by betrayal and imminent death, he chooses a suicidal attack that destroys his body. Despite his desperation, he remains calculating, attempting to bargain with Song Wen before being devoured.
• Song Wen: Demonstrates extreme ruthlessness, tactical awareness, and powerful regenerative abilities. Rather than defending against the blood arrows, he prioritizes killing Danyang’s Nascent Infant. He also reveals that he has secretly prepared a means of controlling Li Hunsheng through the Blood Servant Contract.
• Li Hunsheng: Initially confident and arrogant despite his injuries, he underestimates Song Wen because of their cultivation gap. His certainty collapses when Shadow Void disrupts his mind, allowing Song Wen to kill him.
• Shadow Void: Plays a crucial hidden role by activating the Blood Servant Contract in Li Hunsheng’s soul, temporarily paralyzing him and making his defeat possible.

Significant Themes

• Desperation and mutual destruction: Danyang’s final technique embodies his refusal to accept defeat, turning his own body into a weapon in an attempt to make his enemies perish with him.
• Betrayal and manipulation: Danyang recognizes that “Wei Xuan” has abandoned him, while Song Wen exploits hidden control mechanisms rather than relying solely on direct strength.
• Cunning over cultivation: Although Li Hunsheng possesses a higher cultivation level, Song Wen defeats him through preparation, deception, and precise timing.
• Survival through ruthlessness: All three figures fight without mercy, and Song Wen’s willingness to devour both enemies’ souls ensures that no threat remains.
• The danger of overconfidence: Li Hunsheng’s arrogance prevents him from recognizing Song Wen’s concealed advantage until it is too late.

Character Interactions

• Danyang pleads with the disguised Wei Xuan for assistance, but receives no response and concludes that both opponents seek his death.
• Danyang attempts to negotiate with Song Wen after being trapped, offering to help kill Li Hunsheng; Song Wen rejects the bargain and devours him.
• Li Hunsheng taunts Song Wen and promises to torture his soul, unaware that Song Wen can control his mind through the Blood Servant Contract.
• Song Wen silently exploits Li Hunsheng’s momentary mental collapse, killing him with golden lightning and capturing his soul.

Summary: “Clearing the Origin Qi”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Inside Song Wen’s Sea of Consciousness, the souls of Li Hunsheng and Danyang Profound Lord remain imprisoned, while the weakened Void Demon Shadow Void recovers by absorbing silver Soul Source Essence released from Song Wen’s Black Hole.
• Song Wen interrogates Danyang about Radiant Light Hall’s treasury. Danyang reveals that it lies in a cave beneath Crane-Cry Peak and is protected by powerful formations that normally require a late-stage Yuxiao Profound Immortal to breach.
• Danyang claims his identity token cannot bring others into the treasury, though Song Wen remains suspicious of this explanation.
• Li Hunsheng recognizes that Shadow Void manipulated his soul through the Blood Servant Contract and begins questioning Song Wen’s mysterious Black Hole and his ability to suppress souls.
• Li Hunsheng reveals that his true goal was to destroy the Purple Star Immortal Domain. After discovering that the Purple Star Immortal Sect was connected to the cultivators responsible for destroying his clan, he allied with the Void Demon Clan and contaminated Radiant Light Hall’s earth veins with Origin Qi.
• He boasts that the contamination will create a spreading Source-Qi Death Domain. Song Wen then reveals that the Origin Qi has already been drastically reduced.
• The Void Dragon Vine emerges and announces that it has devoured the Origin Qi from the main vein and all branch veins. Only harmless remnants remain, which will eventually dissipate naturally.
• After storing the Void Dragon Vine, Song Wen leaves the cavern and heads toward Radiant Light Hall’s treasury.
• He disguises his aura and appearance as a Tribulation Transcendence cultivator before emerging near the surface. The battle between Radiant Light Hall and the evil spirit cultivators is still underway, though Radiant Light Hall has gained the upper hand.
• Radiant Light Hall has suffered enormous destruction and casualties. Song Wen travels stealthily to Crane-Cry Peak, which has been shattered and buried.
• He finds two anxious figures guarding the buried treasury entrance. A transparent barrier prevents them from entering.
• Song Wen asks Danyang who else can access the treasury. Danyang identifies the traitor Du Hun, whom he accuses of betraying him despite having once intended to make him deputy hall master.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Becomes more confident and calculating. He uses intimidation and imprisonment to extract information, remains cautious about Danyang’s claims, and takes advantage of the chaos to pursue the treasury while concealing his identity.
• Shadow Void: Demonstrates strong loyalty to Song Wen, angrily defending their master-servant relationship when Danyang attempts to sow distrust. Its recovery depends on Song Wen’s mysterious Black Hole and Soul Source Essence.
• Li Hunsheng: His defeat exposes both his motives and his hatred of the Purple Star Immortal Sect. Although driven by revenge, he is shown to be willing to sacrifice an entire immortal domain and cooperate with the Void Demon Clan.
• Danyang Profound Lord: Remains hostile and resentful, but provides valuable information under threat. His anger toward Du Hun reveals a personal sense of betrayal and damaged authority.
• Void Dragon Vine: Gains a major advancement opportunity by consuming the unusually pure Origin Qi from the earth veins and successfully neutralizes Li Hunsheng’s destructive plan.
• Du Hun: Though absent, he is introduced as a former trusted subordinate of Danyang who betrayed him and apparently possesses access to the treasury.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Shadow Void’s loyalty contrasts sharply with Du Hun’s betrayal of Danyang and Li Hunsheng’s alliance with the Void Demon Clan.
• Revenge and its consequences: Li Hunsheng’s desire to avenge his clan has escalated into a plan to destroy an entire domain, questioning whether revenge can justify mass destruction.
• Hidden power and mystery: Song Wen’s Black Hole, Soul Source Essence, and Void Dragon Vine reveal abilities that astonish even powerful immortal experts.
• Cunning versus brute force: Song Wen avoids directly assaulting the treasury’s defenses, instead gathering information, exploiting existing conflicts, and disguising himself.
• Destruction and restoration: Although Radiant Light Hall is devastated by war, Song Wen prevents the Origin Qi contamination from becoming an irreversible catastrophe.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen controls the exchange with Li Hunsheng and Danyang, warning them to answer honestly or suffer.
• Danyang tries to turn Song Wen against Shadow Void, but Shadow Void immediately denounces him and reaffirms its loyalty.
• Li Hunsheng challenges Song Wen about his powers and boasts of the coming destruction, only to be shaken when Song Wen reveals that the Origin Qi has been removed.
• The Void Dragon Vine reports its success directly to Song Wen, strengthening their master-servant relationship.
• Danyang provides Song Wen with crucial information about the treasury and names Du Hun as another person capable of entering it, intensifying the mystery surrounding the two figures waiting outside.