Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen completes the second corpse refinement on the Human-Snakes, causing them intense pain.
• He collects more meatballs from Liu Jiang, who reveals Spirit Beast Peak's reluctance to supply enough.
• Song Wen returns the spider-silk gauze to Rong Jingyun, who asks to visit his cave dwelling to inspect the Human-Snakes.
• On the way, they meet Rong Jingyun's family: her Dao companion Heng Cheng and their son Heng Junxia.
• Rong Jingyun offers to help Song Wen apply for the position of steward elder.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: He continues to refine Blood Spirit Pills and exchange alchemy techniques, showing diligence and skill. He also demonstrates tact in handling Liu Jiang's complaints and Rong Jingyun's family matters.
• Rong Jingyun: She shows concern for the Human-Snakes' progress and offers to help Song Wen. She also reveals her doting side when interacting with her son.
• Zhou Siyi: She shows eagerness to learn corpse refinement from Song Wen.
• Heng Junxia: He displays dependence on his mother and a kind, pure nature, which is unusual in the cultivation world.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Competition: The tension between Pill Peak and Spirit Beast Peak highlights the competitive nature of cultivation sects.
• Family and Relationships: The interactions between Rong Jingyun, Heng Cheng, and Heng Junxia provide a glimpse into family dynamics within the sect.
• Mentorship and Learning: Zhou Siyi's eagerness to learn from Song Wen underscores the importance of mentorship in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Rong Jingyun: Their relationship grows closer as Rong Jingyun offers to help Song Wen with his career advancement.
• Rong Jingyun and Heng Junxia: Their mother-son bond is evident in their interaction, with Rong Jingyun showing doting care for her son.
• Song Wen and Zhou Siyi: They maintain a friendly, mentoring relationship, with Zhou Siyi seeking to learn corpse refinement from Song Wen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen is promoted to an executive elder of the Beast Taming Sect.
• Song Wen's promotion sparks jealousy in Zuo Shuiyun, who has been striving for the same position.
• Song Wen helps his Sacred Beetle Gu advance to the early second rank.
• Song Wen completes another corpse refinement on the Human-Snake and raises his cultivation.
• Song Wen meets Wang Ming, who requests pill refinement services but is refused due to Song Wen's new sect assignment.
• Wang Ming reveals he has new information about the Corpse Demon Sect, which piques Song Wen's interest.

Character Developments

• Song Wen maintains his humble and polite demeanor despite his promotion, showing no signs of arrogance or pride.
• Zuo Shuiyun reveals her jealousy and resentment towards Song Wen's rapid rise, indicating her ambition and insecurity.
• Wang Ming shows his manipulative side, using information as leverage to try and control Song Wen.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences (Zuo Shuiyun's jealousy and Wang Ming's manipulation).
• Gratitude and debt (Song Wen's acknowledgment of Wang Ming's kindness and his determination to help him).
• Power dynamics and social ties (the importance of relationships and favors in the cultivation world).

Character Interactions

• Song Wen interacts with various pill refiners who come to congratulate him on his promotion.
• Song Wen and Zuo Shuiyun have a tense, unspoken interaction, with Zuo Shuiyun feeling jealous and resentful of Song Wen's success.
• Song Wen and Wang Ming have a strained interaction, with Wang Ming trying to pressure Song Wen into refining pills for him, and Song Wen refusing due to his new assignment.

Summary: “Schemes and Calculations”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ming gives Song Wen intelligence about at least three Corpse Demon Sect Foundation Establishment cultivators appearing near East Birch Market. He believes they are hunting a traitor, who may have been responsible for Song Wen’s master’s death.
• In exchange for this information, Wang Ming demands three things: a Life-Saving Pill, a Beast Essence Pill, and one hundred stalks of Silverhorn Grass.
• Song Wen agrees to refine the two pills but refuses to obtain the Silverhorn Grass, explaining that it is strictly controlled by the sect and nearly impossible for him to acquire in such quantity.
• Wang Ming threatens to investigate Song Wen’s background through the Law Enforcement Hall, implying that Song Wen’s interest in corpse cultivators suggests he may be a demonic spy.
• Song Wen secretly develops a plan to eliminate Wang Ming by using others against him. He deliberately pretends to panic and briefly releases a trace of corpse Killing Intent, convincing Wang Ming that he has uncovered Song Wen’s true identity.
• Wang Ming gives Song Wen a three-month deadline to fulfill the demands and warns that otherwise he will expose Song Wen’s supposed secrets.
• The next day, Song Wen detects a weak gray rat spirit beast spying near his cave dwelling. He correctly identifies it as Wang Ming’s watcher and decides to exploit it by allowing the rat to observe traces of corpse qi and the existence of his corpse-refined humanoid snakes.
• Over the following months, Song Wen repeatedly refines the two humanoid snake corpses. By the end of the deadline, they have undergone six refinements. Their bodies show severe corpse transformation, but their powerful vitality allows them to retain a strong life force.
• The refinement produces an unusual early fusion of corpse qi and life qi, achieved far more quickly than in previous cases because of Song Wen’s superior corpse-refining knowledge and the snakes’ extraordinary regenerative abilities.
• When the three-month deadline arrives, Wang Ming comes to Song Wen’s cave and demands the items. He threatens to break through the formation and expose Song Wen’s “secret.”
• Song Wen emerges while acting evasive and frightened, continuing to reinforce Wang Ming’s belief that he has discovered a dangerous secret.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Reveals himself to be highly calculating and deceptive. Rather than openly resisting Wang Ming’s threats, he pretends to be intimidated and constructs a long-term countertrap. He also advances significantly in corpse refinement, demonstrating expertise beyond Zhao Dapeng’s and achieving a rare coexistence of corpse qi and life qi.
• Wang Ming: Becomes increasingly arrogant and overconfident. Believing he has identified Song Wen’s weakness and possible corpse-cultivator identity, he attempts to control Song Wen through threats and surveillance.
• The humanoid snakes: Develop into unusually resilient corpse-refined entities. Despite repeated exposure to corpse qi and Killing Intent, they retain their vitality and begin to manifest a stable fusion of life and corpse energies.

Significant Themes

• Deception and psychological warfare: Song Wen defeats Wang Ming’s apparent advantage by performing fear and allowing him to draw the wrong conclusions.
• Power through information: Both men use secrets and intelligence as weapons, with Wang Ming relying on threats and Song Wen manipulating what Wang Ming believes he knows.
• Survival and calculated risk: Song Wen avoids direct confrontation until he has prepared a stronger position, using surveillance, staged evidence, and his corpse-refinement experiments.
• Transformation and duality: The humanoid snakes embody the tension between life and death, as corpse qi and life qi begin to coexist within them.
• Overconfidence and miscalculation: Wang Ming assumes Song Wen is cornered, failing to realize that Song Wen is deliberately guiding his actions.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ming pressures Song Wen into accepting an impossible bargain, using his Law Enforcement Hall authority as leverage.
• Song Wen outwardly refuses Wang Ming’s demand for Silverhorn Grass but inwardly begins plotting against him.
• Wang Ming’s gray rat spirit beast spies on Song Wen, while Song Wen knowingly feeds it misleading evidence.
• At the deadline, Wang Ming confronts Song Wen at his cave. Song Wen responds with feigned anxiety, preserving Wang Ming’s mistaken belief that he has the upper hand.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ming discovers Song Wen's secret and blackmails him.
• Wang Ming takes two Man-Snakes from Song Wen's cave dwelling.
• Leng Tianlu and four Qi Refinement disciples arrive at Song Wen's cave dwelling, investigating a report of private pill refinement.

Character Developments

• Wang Ming: Reveals his cunning and manipulative nature, using blackmail and force to take what he wants.
• Song Wen: Initially defiant, he becomes submissive and fearful when faced with Wang Ming's power. He continues to act under his assumed identity, Wu Sheng.
• Leng Tianlu: Shows his authority and strictness as a Law Enforcement Hall deacon elder, investigating sect rule violations.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Wang Ming uses his superior cultivation level and knowledge of Song Wen's secret to control him.
• Consequences of actions: Wang Ming's greed leads him to take the Man-Snakes, putting him at risk of exposure. Song Wen's private pill refinement and use of demonic arts may lead to severe punishment.

Character Interactions

• Wang Ming and Song Wen: Wang Ming blackmails and physically assaults Song Wen, taking his Man-Snakes. Song Wen is forced to comply out of fear.
• Leng Tianlu and Song Wen: Leng Tianlu investigates Song Wen's suspected rule violation, revealing the severity of the consequences if Song Wen's actions are confirmed.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen (Wu Sheng) is accused of cultivating corpse-path secret arts by Leng Tianlu, an elder of the Law Enforcement Hall.
• Song Wen is taken into custody and imprisoned in the Law Enforcement Hall.
• Leng Tianlu uses the Soul-Splitting Blade, a spirit artifact containing Spirit-Devouring True Flame, to torture Song Wen.
• Song Wen's blood poisons Leng Tianlu, who then attempts to torture him further.
• Rong Jingyun, a Pavilion-Guarding Elder and Song Wen's superior, intervenes, followed by Zhou Siyi and two Law Enforcement Hall cultivators.
• Leng Tianlu accuses Song Wen of being a demonic-path spy, citing evidence of corpse Baleful Intent in his cave dwelling.

Character Developments

• Song Wen (Wu Sheng): Remains calm and unconcerned despite torture, revealing high pain tolerance due to his soul-splitting abilities.
• Leng Tianlu: Shows sadistic tendencies while torturing Song Wen, and becomes enraged when poisoned by Song Wen's blood.
• Rong Jingyun: Doubts Song Wen's innocence but intervenes to protect him, revealing her status as a Pavilion-Guarding Elder.
• Zhou Siyi: Stands up for Song Wen, demonstrating loyalty and anger at Leng Tianlu's accusations.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Corruption: Leng Tianlu's actions raise questions about the Law Enforcement Hall's impartiality and possible corruption.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Rong Jingyun and Zhou Siyi's actions show loyalty to Song Wen, while Leng Tianlu's actions suggest possible betrayal of the sect's trust.
• Power Dynamics: The characters' status and power levels influence their interactions and decisions, with Rong Jingyun's Pavilion-Guarding Elder status allowing her to intervene in the Law Enforcement Hall's affairs.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Leng Tianlu: Their interaction is tense and hostile, with Leng Tianlu torturing Song Wen and Song Wen remaining defiant.
• Rong Jingyun and Leng Tianlu: Their interaction is confrontational, with Rong Jingyun questioning Leng Tianlu's actions and Leng Tianlu defending his position.
• Zhou Siyi and Leng Tianlu: Zhou Siyi's interaction with Leng Tianlu is hostile, as she defends Song Wen and rebukes Leng Tianlu's accusations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Leng Tianlu discovers Zhou Siyi, a sect prodigy, has corpse baleful aura, raising suspicions about Wu Sheng (Song Wen).
• Rong Jingyun accuses Leng Tianlu of arbitrary persecution of Wu Sheng.
• Fang Pengyi, Peak Master of Pill Peak, arrives and decides to intervene.
• Song Wen and the others are brought to the Law Enforcement Hall's main hall, where Feng Xinghai and Fang Pengyi discuss the matter.
• Feng Xinghai apologizes to Song Wen, but Fang Pengyi insists on compensation for Song Wen's suffering.

Character Developments

• Leng Tianlu: Realizes his mistake in accusing Wu Sheng, faces consequences.
• Rong Jingyun: Shows concern for Wu Sheng and the Man-Snake, acts swiftly to resolve the situation.
• Fang Pengyi: Intervenes on behalf of Wu Sheng, uses the First Supreme Elder's involvement to pressure Feng Xinghai.
• Song Wen (Wu Sheng): Endures torture, maintains silence about the Man-Snake, gains sympathy and support from higher-ups.

Significant Themes

• Justice and Fairness: The arbitrary actions of the Law Enforcement Hall are challenged, and Song Wen's innocence is recognized.
• Power Dynamics: The involvement of higher-ups (Fang Pengyi and the First Supreme Elder) influences the outcome of the situation.
• Loyalty and Dedication: Song Wen's commitment to his task, even under torture, is commended.

Character Interactions

• Rong Jingyun vs. Leng Tianlu: Rong Jingyun confronts Leng Tianlu about his actions against Wu Sheng.
• Fang Pengyi vs. Feng Xinghai: Fang Pengyi uses the First Supreme Elder's involvement to pressure Feng Xinghai into compensating Song Wen.
• Song Wen and Zhou Siyi: Zhou Siyi shows concern and support for Song Wen, helping him and escorting him to the Law Enforcement Hall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen demands the Soul-Splitting Blade from Leng Tianlu as compensation for the false accusation.
• Wang Ming, who stole the human-snakes, is captured by Feng Qi and brought to the Law Enforcement Hall.
• Wang Ming is sentenced to death for his crimes by Feng Xinghai.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Shows assertiveness in demanding the Soul-Splitting Blade, indicating his growing confidence and ambition.
• Leng Tianlu: Loses the Soul-Splitting Blade and suffers significant financial loss, showing the consequences of his actions.
• Wang Ming: Captured and sentenced to death, highlighting the severity of his crimes and the consequences of his greed.
• Feng Qi: Demonstrates strategic thinking and combat prowess in capturing Wang Ming.

Significant Themes

• Consequences of Actions: The chapter emphasizes the repercussions of one's actions, with Leng Tianlu and Wang Ming both suffering due to their choices.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between characters highlight the power dynamics within the sect, with Feng Xinghai and Fang Pengyi holding significant influence.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen vs. Leng Tianlu: Song Wen's demand for the Soul-Splitting Blade puts Leng Tianlu in a difficult position, showing the power imbalance between them.
• Feng Xinghai vs. Wang Ming: Feng Xinghai's decision to sentence Wang Ming to death demonstrates his commitment to upholding justice within the sect.
• Feng Xinghai vs. Fang Pengyi: Their interaction shows a level of respect and understanding between them, despite their differing interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ming is sentenced to death for robbing Song Wen, despite his crime not usually warranting such punishment.
• Song Wen's plan to frame Wang Ming is revealed; Wang Ming was baited with corpse qi and false information.
• Wang Ming is severely injured by Fang Pengyi and later executed.
• Fang Pengyi and Rong Jingyun visit Song Wen's cave abode; Fang Pengyi notes the poor condition of the serpent-men.
• Zhou Siyi delivers two more serpent-men to Song Wen for refinement and asks him to consider transferring to Spirit Beast Peak.

Character Developments

• Wang Ming: Realizes he was tricked by Song Wen, becomes enraged, and is severely injured.
• Song Wen: Shows cunning and strategic planning in setting up Wang Ming; maintains composure under scrutiny from elders.
• Zhou Siyi: Shows concern for Song Wen's well-being and career growth, hinting at romantic interest.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and deception: Song Wen uses these tactics to entrap Wang Ming.
• Power dynamics: The elders' actions demonstrate their authority and influence within the sect.
• Ambition: Zhou Siyi's offer to Song Wen reflects her desire for him to advance in his cultivation path.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Wang Ming: Enemies; Wang Ming is outsmarted and defeated by Song Wen.
• Song Wen and Fang Pengyi: Cautious respect; Song Wen is aware of Fang Pengyi's suspicions but remains unruffled.
• Song Wen and Zhou Siyi: Developing relationship; Zhou Siyi shows kindness and consideration towards Song Wen, hinting at romantic interest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Siyi invites Song Wen to join Spirit Beast Peak, likely at her father's behest.
• Song Wen refuses, preferring to stay at Pill Peak for alchemy.
• Zhou Siyi confesses her feelings to Song Wen, asking him to become Dao companions, but he declines.
• Song Wen receives two more human-snakes from Zhou Siyi.
• Four months later, Song Wen successfully refines the human-snakes to the tenth corpse refinement, and Mystic Qi is born.
• Song Wen informs Rong Jingyun but receives no response. He then contacts Zhou Siyi, who arrives with Fang Pengyi.
• Fang Pengyi decides to take the first-tier human-snake back to the Human-Snake Cavern for further observation.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Refuses Zhou Siyi's proposal, showing maturity and understanding of their differing statuses. He successfully refines the human-snakes, leading to the birth of Mystic Qi.
• Zhou Siyi: Confesses her feelings to Song Wen, showing vulnerability and a departure from her usual indifference. She helps Song Wen by providing more human-snakes.
• Fang Pengyi: Shows astonishment at Song Wen's achievement and makes a decision about the human-snakes, demonstrating his role as a peak master.

Significant Themes

• Status Disparity: Song Wen and Zhou Siyi's differing statuses within the sect influence their interactions and expectations.
• Ambition vs. Contentment: Song Wen's focus on alchemy and contentment with his current position contrasts with Zhou Siyi's ambition to become Dao companions.
• Mystic Qi: The birth of Mystic Qi drives the plot and raises questions about its purpose and use.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Zhou Siyi: Their interaction is awkward after Zhou Siyi's confession, but they maintain a professional relationship regarding the human-snakes.
• Song Wen and Fang Pengyi: They interact as a master and disciple, with Fang Pengyi expressing pride and satisfaction in Song Wen's achievements.
• Rong Jingyun and Song Wen: Rong Jingyun's absence and lack of response to Song Wen's message about Mystic Qi hints at potential future developments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Pengyi promotes Song Wen (Elder Wu) to Pavilion Guardian Elder of Pill Peak, overseeing the Human-Snake Cavern.
• Fang Pengyi reveals that Elder Rong, the previous overseer, is in seclusion for a breakthrough.
• Zhou Xuelin, Peak Master of Spirit Beast Peak, appears at the Human-Snake Cavern, causing tension with Fang Pengyi.
• Fang Pengyi places the first-rank human-snake in the Human-Snake Cavern and instructs Liu Jiang to care for it.
• Zhou Xuelin offers Song Wen the position of Pavilion Guardian Elder at Spirit Beast Peak and proposes a union between Song Wen and his daughter, Zhou Siyi.

Character Developments

• Song Wen (Elder Wu): Shows modesty and loyalty to Pill Peak. He declines Zhou Xuelin's offer to transfer to Spirit Beast Peak and refuses Zhou Siyi's marriage proposal, demonstrating his commitment to his principles and priorities.
• Fang Pengyi: Displays arrogance and disdain towards Zhou Xuelin and Spirit Beast Peak. He is smug about Pill Peak's contribution to the human-snake breeding method.
• Zhou Xuelin: Maintains composure despite Fang Pengyi's provocations. He persistently tries to recruit Song Wen to Spirit Beast Peak and offers Zhou Siyi as a potential Dao companion.
• Zhou Siyi: Appears embarrassed and ill at ease after Song Wen publicly declines her marriage proposal. She has no romantic feelings for Song Wen but seems powerless to act otherwise.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Commitment: Song Wen demonstrates loyalty to Pill Peak and his principles, declining offers from Spirit Beast Peak and refusing Zhou Siyi's marriage proposal.
• Power Struggles: Tension between Fang Pengyi and Zhou Xuelin highlights the competition and rivalry between Pill Peak and Spirit Beast Peak.
• Marriage and Alliances: Zhou Xuelin's proposal of a union between Song Wen and Zhou Siyi suggests the use of marriage to form alliances and gain influence.

Character Interactions

• Fang Pengyi vs. Zhou Xuelin: The two peak masters clash over territory and authority, with each trying to assert their peak's superiority.
• Song Wen vs. Zhou Xuelin: Song Wen politely declines Zhou Xuelin's offers, maintaining his loyalty to Pill Peak.
• Song Wen vs. Zhou Siyi: Song Wen publicly refuses Zhou Siyi's marriage proposal, causing her embarrassment. Their interaction reveals their lack of romantic feelings for each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Xuelin, Peak Master of Pill Peak, visits the Human-Snake Cavern and leaves without acknowledging his daughter, Zhou Siyi.
• Fang Pengyi, Peak Master of Pill Peak, warns Song Wen (disguised as Wu Song) to stay away from Zhou Xuelin, hinting at his manipulative nature.
• Song Wen is appointed to manage the Human-Snake Cavern and receives a storage ring containing valuable corpse path spiritual materials from Fang Pengyi.
• The sect-guarding divine beast awakens, causing Man-Snakes in the Human-Snake Cavern to become violent.
• The Spirit-Nurturing Workshop in the Great Yan Kingdom is attacked, leading to the death of all its disciples and the loss of Azure Jade Snakes, which are crucial for raising Man-Snakes.

Character Developments

• Zhou Siyi shows vulnerability and fear when facing her father, revealing her role as a pawn in his schemes.
• Song Wen demonstrates caution and self-control when tempted by the valuable spiritual materials, understanding the implications of the mark on the storage ring.
• Zhou Siyi regains her composure and lively demeanor upon returning to the Human-Snake Cavern, hinting at her resilience despite her circumstances.
• Liu Jiang shows anger and determination to avenge the disciples of the Spirit-Nurturing Workshop.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and power struggles within the Beast Taming Sect, as seen through the interactions between Zhou Xuelin, Zhou Siyi, Fang Pengyi, and Song Wen.
• The consequences of using people as pawns, as demonstrated by Zhou Xuelin's treatment of his daughter.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Siyi and Zhou Xuelin: Their strained relationship highlights Zhou Xuelin's manipulative nature and Zhou Siyi's vulnerability.
• Song Wen and Fang Pengyi: Fang Pengyi's warning to Song Wen about Zhou Xuelin reveals his own manipulative tendencies and serves as a reminder of the political intrigue within the sect.
• Song Wen and Zhou Siyi: Their dynamic shifts as they acknowledge their new roles within the Human-Snake Cavern, with Zhou Siyi offering guidance to Song Wen.
• Liu Jiang and Song Wen: Liu Jiang seeks Song Wen's help in addressing the crisis at the Spirit-Nurturing Workshop, showing his trust in Song Wen's abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Jiang seeks Song Wen's help to capture a murderer hiding in East Birch Market, as the Spirit-Nurturing Workshop is under Pill Peak's jurisdiction.
• The Snow Shadow Leopard, Liu Jiang's spirit beast, tracks the murderer's scent to Ji Ruxue's courtyard.
• Feng Qi, a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator, is sent by the Law Enforcement Hall to assist in the capture.
• Ji Ruxue, a discarded disciple of the Mysterious Heaven Sword Sect, is practicing her sword technique in her courtyard.

Character Developments

• Song Wen is hesitant to leave the Beast Taming Sect due to the potential danger from the Corpse Demon Sect but agrees to help Liu Jiang.
• Liu Jiang is dedicated to Pill Peak and is determined to maintain its reputation.
• Feng Qi is knowledgeable and experienced, easily identifying Ji Ruxue's sword technique.
• Ji Ruxue is focused on her sword practice, seemingly unaware or unconcerned about the commotion outside.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and duty (Liu Jiang's dedication to Pill Peak)
• Perception and observation (Feng Qi's ability to discern Ji Ruxue's sword technique)
• Disregard for one's past (Ji Ruxue's open practice of her original sect's technique despite being discarded)

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Liu Jiang discuss the murderer's location and the need for Song Wen's involvement.
• Feng Qi and Song Wen have a polite exchange, with Feng Qi congratulating Song Wen on his promotion.
• Leng Tianlu, who has a grievance with Song Wen, is present but does not interact with him.
• Feng Qi questions Zhao Dapeng about Ji Ruxue's background, revealing her past as a Mysterious Heaven Sword Sect disciple.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Qi orders Leng Tianlu to apprehend Ji Ruxue, suspecting her of slaughtering Spirit-Nurturing Workshop cultivators.
• Leng Tianlu attacks Ji Ruxue, revealing her Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivation. They clash, destroying nearby courtyards and killing Rogue Cultivators.
• Ji Ruxue flees into the Blissful Union Spring Night Tower, a brothel under the Blissful Union Sect.
• Feng Qi, aboard a flying ship, blocks the entrance to the Spring Night Tower, demanding the handover of the murderer.

Character Developments

• Ji Ruxue's true cultivation is revealed, showing she's more powerful than initially thought.
• Feng Qi's past relationship with Mu Yunxin, the manager of the Spring Night Tower, is exposed, causing him embarrassment.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The clash between Ji Ruxue and Leng Tianlu showcases the power disparity between them, with Leng Tianlu initially underestimating Ji Ruxue.
• Alliances and Rivalries: The involvement of different sects (Beast Taming Sect, Mysterious Heaven Sword Sect, Blissful Union Sect) highlights their complex relationships and potential conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Feng Qi and Mu Yunxin's past relationship is revealed, adding tension and awkwardness to their current interaction.
• Ji Ruxue's escape into the Spring Night Tower suggests a connection between her and the Blissful Union Sect, potentially leading to further alliances or conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Qi and Mu Yunxin face off due to the murder investigation, leading to a battle that could destroy the market.
• They decide to fight on a hill east of the market to minimize casualties.
• Mu Yunxin's disciples, Xi Xiaogu and Ji Ruxue, admit to the Spirit-Nurturing Workshop murders.
• Yan Yuyan, Mu Yunxin's martial aunt and a Golden Core cultivator, arrives and severely injures Leng Tianlu for harming her disciple.

Character Developments

• Feng Qi: Initially distracted by Mu Yunxin's advances, he refocuses on his mission and defeats her in a battle.
• Mu Yunxin: Injured in her battle with Feng Qi, she is supported by her disciples.
• Yan Yuyan: Arrives to protect Mu Yunxin, her cultivation having improved since her previous appearance. She severely injures Leng Tianlu for harming her disciple.

Significant Themes

• Protection and loyalty among cultivators and their disciples.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent, as seen with Leng Tianlu's injury.

Character Interactions

• Feng Qi and Mu Yunxin: Their battle showcases their evenly matched cultivation and resolve.
• Yan Yuyan and Leng Tianlu: Yan Yuyan's swift and severe punishment of Leng Tianlu demonstrates her protective nature towards her disciple.
• Mu Yunxin and her disciples (Xi Xiaogu and Ji Ruxue): Their loyalty and support for Mu Yunxin are evident.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Yuyan challenges Tu Lian, a senior disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, to a fight.
• Tu Lian transforms into a Blood Kui Beast, fighting Yan Yuyan to a standstill.
• A mysterious figure appears outside Spring Night Pavilion, revealed to be Yang Yu, the sect master of the Beast Taming Sect.
• Lan Chen, the dignified woman, confronts Yang Yu within an invisible barrier, discussing the alliance between the Blissful Union Sect and Mysterious Heaven Sword Sect against the Beast Taming Sect for the Spirit Transformation method.

Character Developments

• Yan Yuyan demonstrates her strength as a late Golden Core Cultivator, fighting evenly with Tu Lian in her Blood Kui Beast form.
• Yang Yu, the sect master of the Beast Taming Sect, is revealed to be the mysterious figure, showing cunning and strategic planning.
• Lan Chen, the dignified woman, displays her political acumen and alliance-building skills.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances among sects.
• The pursuit of the Spirit Transformation method as a driving force for conflict.
• The consequences of betrayal and secret deals, as seen in the Beast Taming Sect's actions.

Character Interactions

• Yan Yuyan vs. Tu Lian: A fierce battle between two powerful cultivators.
• Lan Chen vs. Yang Yu: A political confrontation between two sect leaders, discussing alliances and betrayals.
• The interactions between these characters highlight the complex relationships and power struggles within the cultivation world.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Yu and Lan Chen (from Blissful Union Sect and Mysterious Heaven Sword Sect respectively) demand the method of Spirit Transformation from Beast Taming Sect.
• Yang Yu claims he only has fragments of the method and that Corpse Demon Sect may not have the complete method either.
• Lan Chen pressures Yang Yu, who eventually agrees to share his fragments on the condition that all three sects swear to share any complete method they find.
• Yang Yu reveals that the method involves 'Profound Qi,' a fusion of corpse qi and life qi, but he doesn't know how to use it for Spirit Transformation.
• Yang Yu offers to let Lan Chen see Profound Qi, but only if she visits Beast Taming Sect, knowing she won't dare to.

Character Developments

• Yang Yu shows diplomatic skills and willingness to cooperate, but also stands firm against Lan Chen's pressure.
• Lan Chen is persistent and suspicious, but eventually agrees to Yang Yu's terms.
• Song Wen, the protagonist, is introduced as the First Supreme Elder of Beast Taming Sect and is called by Yang Yu to meet Lan Chen.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and immortality (Spirit Transformation) drives the actions of the characters.
• Trust and deception are central to the interactions, with each side trying to gain an advantage.
• The cultivation world's politics and alliances are explored, with sects forming temporary alliances against common enemies.

Character Interactions

• Yang Yu and Lan Chen engage in a tense negotiation, with Yang Yu trying to maintain control and Lan Chen pressing for more information.
• Yang Yu's invitation to Lan Chen to see Profound Qi is a test of her courage and trust in him.
• Song Wen is introduced as a powerful figure in Beast Taming Sect, but his interaction with Lan Chen is yet to be seen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen meets the Beast Taming Sect's First Grand Elder, Yang Yu, and Fairy Lan Chen of the Blissful Union Sect.
• Song Wen reveals the process of fusing Profound Qi to Lan Chen under Yang Yu's supervision.
• Lan Chen expresses interest in recruiting Song Wen, but Yang Yu declines.
• Yang Yu and Lan Chen discuss a plan to force Gou Jun to reveal information about a secret realm related to Spirit Transformation.
• Song Wen and the others leave the Blissful Union Spring Night Tower, feeling relieved to escape the pressure of Nascent Soul Cultivators.
• Ji Ruxue reports to Yan Yuyan about the Lei Clan's activities and suspicions regarding Lei Tianyu's death.

Character Developments

• Song Wen maintains his composure and reveals the Profound Qi fusion process, showing growth in handling high-pressure situations.
• Yang Yu demonstrates his authority and influence, declining Lan Chen's offer to recruit Song Wen.
• Lan Chen shows interest in Song Wen's abilities and the Profound Qi fusion process, hinting at her ambition.
• Ji Ruxue displays loyalty and dedication to her master, Yan Yuyan, providing valuable information about the Lei Clan.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and power dynamics among sects, as seen in Lan Chen's interest in Song Wen and the Profound Qi fusion process, as well as Yang Yu's influence.
• The consequences of past actions, as evidenced by the Lei Clan's investigation into Lei Tianyu's death and their increased activity in East Birch Market.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen interacts with Yang Yu and Lan Chen, showcasing his ability to handle high-stakes situations and maintain composure.
• Yang Yu and Lan Chen discuss their plans, revealing their ambitions and the power dynamics between their sects.
• Ji Ruxue reports to Yan Yuyan, demonstrating her loyalty and dedication as a disciple, and their relationship as master and apprentice.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen and Liu Jiang return to Human-Snake Cavern and encounter Zhou Siyi, who is curious about their mission to capture the murderer.
• Liu Jiang decides not to pursue the matter of the Spirit-Nurturing Workshop disciples' murder further, and Azure Jade Snakes will be replaced.
• Zhou Siyi takes Song Wen to Year Mountain to see the sect-protecting divine beast, Blood Year.
• They witness Blood Year feeding on mortals, with over a thousand people being thrown into its feeding organ.

Character Developments

• Zhou Siyi shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about the divine beast, revealing her naivety about the sect's practices.
• Liu Jiang demonstrates responsibility and pragmatism in handling the aftermath of the murder case and the loss of Azure Jade Snakes.
• Song Wen remains observant and is shocked by the revelation of the divine beast's true nature.

Significant Themes

• The dark side of the Beast Taming Sect is revealed, with the divine beast feeding on mortals.
• The disparity between expectations and reality is shown through Zhou Siyi's and Song Wen's reactions to Blood Year.

Character Interactions

• Zhou Siyi and Liu Leyi display a close, sibling-like relationship, with Liu Leyi acting as a mentor and guide to Zhou Siyi.
• Song Wen and Zhou Siyi share a moment of disillusionment as they witness the true nature of the sect-protecting divine beast.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen observes the Beast Taming Sect feeding rotten flesh to Blood Year.
• Ten thousand mortals are fed to Blood Year.
• Blood Year suddenly awakens, attacks the feeding cultivators, and hunts the fleeing ships.
• Song Wen, Zhou Siyi, and Liu Leyi escape through a mist formation.
• They learn that Blood Year is gestating a Blood Kui Beast, which causes its increased appetite.

Character Developments

• Song Wen demonstrates his cunning by discreetly releasing Sacred Beetle Gu while escaping.
• Zhou Siyi shows her inexperience in life-threatening situations but manages to escape with the help of her spirit beast.

Significant Themes

• The relationship between predator and prey, as seen in Blood Year's feeding habits and the Blood Kui Beasts' parasitic nature.
• The consequences of curiosity and ambition, as exemplified by the Supreme Elder who entered Blood Year's body.

Character Interactions

• Liu Leyi takes charge and leads Song Wen and Zhou Siyi to safety.
• The group of survivors shares information about Blood Year and the Blood Kui Beasts after escaping.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Leyi asks if Blood Kui Armor can protect against the Blood Year, to which Senior Brother Wang responds that a Golden Core cultivator once tried and never returned.
• Zhou Xuelin and Teng Jingshan arrive, heading to Year Mountain to lure and capture Blood Kui Beasts.
• They feed the Blood Year with vast quantities of chopped meat and essence blood, calming it.
• Inside the formation, they gather rotten flesh and set up a demon-trapping formation using meatballs laced with Demon-Luring Powder.
• Teng Jingshan spots two tiny black specks (the Sacred Beetle Gu) falling into the Blood Year's birth canal.

Character Developments

• Liu Leyi shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about the Blood Year.
• Senior Brother Wang demonstrates his knowledge and experience about the Blood Year.
• Zhou Xuelin and Teng Jingshan display their strategic planning and caution in dealing with the Blood Year and Blood Kui Beasts.
• Song Wen shows concern for the two Sacred Beetle Gu he sent into the formation.

Significant Themes

• The danger and mystery of the Blood Year and Blood Kui Beasts.
• The use of living humans as blood food for the Blood Year.
• The value of experience and knowledge in navigating dangerous situations.

Character Interactions

• Liu Leyi seeks information from Senior Brother Wang.
• Zhou Xuelin and Teng Jingshan work together to manage the Blood Year and capture Blood Kui Beasts.
• Song Wen and Zhou Siyi return to the Human-Snake Cavern together, showing a developing camaraderie.
• Song Wen continues his daily inspections of the Human-Snake Cavern, demonstrating his responsibility as its steward.