Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuan Li attempts to seduce Song Wen, revealing she saw him in an illusion and wants to experience it.
• Song Wen resists initially but eventually succumbs to Xuan Li's advances.
• Ten days later, they meet Feng Zhongli and Yuan Rong, who have been waiting for them.
• Feng Zhongli reveals that Song Wen has the Nine Nether Void-Piercing Eye, which can see node passages.
• Xuan Li realizes that Song Wen might be Jian Xiao, a past love who was killed by him.

Character Developments

• Xuan Li: Shows a more vulnerable side, expressing desire for Song Wen. Later, she becomes suspicious and cold towards him.
• Song Wen: Initially resists Xuan Li's advances but eventually gives in. Later, he tries to hide his true identity but fails.
• Yuan Rong: Recognizes Song Wen as Gou Jun, the one who killed his grandnephew and stole his name.

Significant Themes

• Desire and temptation (Xuan Li's pursuit of Song Wen)
• Identity and deception (Song Wen's hidden past)
• Betrayal and revenge (Yuan Rong's recognition of Song Wen)

Character Interactions

• Xuan Li and Song Wen: Initially tense, then intimate, and finally hostile due to Xuan Li's suspicions.
• Feng Zhongli and Xuan Li: They share information about the Nine Nether Void-Piercing Eye, leading to Xuan Li's discovery about Song Wen.
• Yuan Rong and Song Wen: Yuan Rong recognizes Song Wen as Gou Jun, leading to intense hostility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuan Li discovers that Song Wen (Yang Yu) is Jian Xiao, the cultivator she had been searching for.
• Xuan Li reveals that Song Wen took her secret art and payment, then disappeared.
• Song Wen offers Ji Yue's top-grade soul-defense spirit treasure to Xuan Li as amends.
• The group decides to travel together, with Song Wen and Xuan Li leading, searching for node passages using the Nine Nether Void-Piercing Eye.
• After three days, they find a node passage in an azure stone, and Feng Zhongli enters first.

Character Developments

• Xuan Li: Shows resentment towards Song Wen for his past actions but accepts his amends. She maintains a cold demeanor but displays warmth when receiving the spirit treasure.
• Song Wen: Admits his past wrongdoings to Xuan Li and offers her the spirit treasure to maintain their alliance. He reveals his true Daoist title, Extreme Yin.
• Feng Zhongli: Shows concern for Song Wen's safety when he enters the node passage. She is later seen fighting monks from the Blood Moon Temple.

Significant Themes

• Alliances and betrayals: The group's alliance is fragile, with each member potentially turning against the others for personal gain.
• The cost of actions: Song Wen's past actions come back to haunt him, and he must pay a high price to maintain his current alliances.
• Trust and deception: The characters maintain a level of distrust, leading to hidden agendas and secret identities.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Xuan Li: Their relationship shifts from hostility to a tentative alliance, with Song Wen attempting to make amends for his past actions.
• Feng Zhongli and Song Wen: Feng Zhongli shows concern for Song Wen's safety, suggesting a level of trust between them.
• Yuan Rong and the group: Yuan Rong attempts to ingratiate himself with the group, offering advice and showing concern for their safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Zhongli, trapped in a Buddhist light barrier, is besieged by six monks from Pagoda Temple.
• Yuan Rong, Xuan Li, and Song Wen arrive to assist Feng Zhongli, but their attacks are ineffective against the barrier.
• Xuan Li reveals her identity as a member of the Divine Blood Sect, causing the monks to hesitate.
• Feng Zhongli wants to kill the monks for their divine souls, but Song Wen suggests a truce.

Character Developments

• Feng Zhongli shows her aggressive nature and willingness to sacrifice others for her goals.
• Xuan Li demonstrates her loyalty to Feng Zhongli and her sect.
• Song Wen displays his strategic thinking and diplomatic skills, choosing to negotiate rather than fight.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between different sects and provinces.
• The value of diplomacy over violence in certain situations.
• The willingness to make sacrifices for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Feng Zhongli and Xuan Li show a strong bond, with Xuan Li willing to fight to the death for Feng Zhongli.
• Song Wen's interaction with Feng Zhongli shows his concern for her safety and his ability to manage her impulsive behavior.
• The interaction between Xuan Li and the monks from Pagoda Temple highlights the respect and fear commanded by the Divine Blood Sect.

Key Plot Points

• Song Wen convinces the monks to let Feng Zhongli go if they retreat 10,000 li.
• Song Wen, Xuan Li, Yuan Rong, and Feng Zhongli chase after the monks.
• Song Wen uses a sneak attack to disrupt the monks' formation and kill four Body Integration Realm monks.
• Jikong and Cizhou are cornered and forced to fight.

Character Developments

• Song Wen demonstrates strategic thinking and combat prowess.
• Feng Zhongli shows disappointment in Song Wen's actions but still aids him in battle.
• Jikong and Cizhou display their power and determination to uphold their beliefs.

Significant Themes

• The conflict between different beliefs and ideologies (Daoism vs Buddhism).
• The importance of strategy and adaptability in combat.
• The consequences of breaking promises and trust.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen works well with Xuan Li and Yuan Rong, showing unity and coordination.
• Feng Zhongli and Song Wen have a complex relationship, with Feng Zhongli feeling conflicted about Song Wen's actions.
• Jikong and Cizhou show a strong bond, fighting together against their enemies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen and the others attack Jikong and Cizhou's kasaya, damaging it.
• Jikong and Cizhou set up the World Purification Lotus Formation, but it's weakened due to only two cultivators maintaining it.
• Jikong activates the Nirvana Blood Realm, turning the formation barrier blood-red and strengthening it.
• Song Wen, seeing this, withdraws his attacks and assumes a righteous aura.

Character Developments

• Jikong and Cizhou struggle to maintain the formation, leading Jikong to use the powerful but dark Nirvana Blood Realm.
• Song Wen, witnessing their actions, decides to intervene and cleanse their sins, adopting a righteous aura.

Significant Themes

• The corruption of power and the consequences of using dark methods for personal gain.
• The struggle between maintaining a defensive formation and the cost of using dark powers.
• The contrast between the evil cultivators and Song Wen's righteousness.

Character Interactions

• Jikong and Cizhou work together to maintain the formation but struggle due to its intended requirement of six cultivators.
• Song Wen confronts Jikong and Cizhou, criticizing their actions and vowing to cleanse their sins.
• The other cultivators (Xuan Li, Yuan Rong, Feng Zhongli) are taken aback by Song Wen's actions and words.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen uses powerful lightning arts to break the blood-colored barrier created by Jikong and Cizhou.
• Jikong plans to use a Brahma-Blood Burning Escape Token to flee, but he betrays Cizhou, pushing him towards Song Wen and the others to buy time for his escape.
• Cizhou is killed by Song Wen's group while trying to fend them off.

Character Developments

• Song Wen demonstrates his immense power and strategic thinking by breaking the barrier and later anticipating Jikong's betrayal.
• Jikong reveals his true colors, prioritizing his own survival over Cizhou's, and showcases his cunning and ruthlessness.
• Cizhou, initially portrayed as a competent ally, is ultimately betrayed and killed, highlighting the treacherous nature of their situation.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and trust: Jikong's betrayal of Cizhou underscores the lack of trust and loyalty among the characters, reflecting the treacherous nature of their world.
• Power dynamics: The chapter emphasizes the power dynamics between characters, with Song Wen's group ultimately overpowering Jikong and Cizhou.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and his group (Xuan Li, Yuan Rong, Feng Zhongli) work together to break the barrier and later kill Cizhou.
• Jikong and Cizhou initially cooperate but are ultimately divided by Jikong's betrayal.
• Cizhou's final moments highlight the lack of support and loyalty from Jikong, leaving him to face Song Wen's group alone.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen uses the Blood Shadow Thousand Illusions technique to chase after Jikong, leaving behind illusions to guide Yuan Rong, Feng Zhongli, and Xuan Li.
• Jikong escapes, and Song Wen follows his spiritual power trail, eventually discovering an underground river system.
• Song Wen encounters Yunhua Daoist and Min Shuiyun fighting a Mountain Prison demon beast. He seeks information about Jikong but is met with hostility by Yunhua Daoist.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Demonstrates his powerful techniques and determination in pursuing Jikong. He shows interest in the Mountain Prison's poison sac for his cultivation.
• Yunhua Daoist: Reveals his hostile attitude towards Song Wen, underestimating him despite his mid-Mahayana cultivation.
• Min Shuiyun: Shows coordination with Yunhua Daoist in fighting the Mountain Prison, displaying her combat skills and awareness of Song Wen's cultivation level.

Significant Themes

• Pursuit and Escape: Song Wen's relentless pursuit of Jikong highlights the theme of pursuit and escape, showcasing Song Wen's determination and Jikong's evasiveness.
• Hostility and Alliances: The interaction between Song Wen, Yunhua Daoist, and Min Shuiyun explores the themes of hostility and alliances, with Yunhua Daoist's hostility contrasting with Min Shuiyun's neutral stance.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Yunhua Daoist: Their interaction is marked by hostility, with Yunhua Daoist underestimating Song Wen and Song Wen growing cold and dismissive in response.
• Yunhua Daoist and Min Shuiyun: They work together against the Mountain Prison, demonstrating coordinated attacks and communication.
• Song Wen and Mountain Prison: Song Wen's interest in the demon beast's poison sac hints at a potential future interaction or conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yunhua Daoist and Min Shuiyun are battling a ferocious beast, Mountain Prison.
• Song Wen arrives and watches the battle, showing no intention to leave.
• Yuan Rong, Feng Zhongli, and Xuan Li join Song Wen, forming an alliance.
• After Yunhua Daoist and Min Shuiyun kill Mountain Prison, the four cultivators attack them, forcing them to flee.
• Min Shuiyun is severely injured and trapped underground, while Yunhua Daoist is trapped in a sword formation.
• Yuan Rong asks Yunhua Daoist if he has seen any monks, specifically Jikong and Cizhou of Pagoda Temple.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: He remains calm and composed, showing no fear against Yunhua Daoist. He uses his divine sense to search for something underground.
• Yunhua Daoist: Initially stern and impatient with Song Wen, he becomes more polite after Yuan Rong and the others arrive, showing concern for his own safety and the ferocious beast's scales.
• Min Shuiyun: She is severely injured and trapped underground, unable to flee or control her Nascent Soul.
• Yuan Rong: He leads the alliance against Yunhua Daoist and Min Shuiyun, using his flying swords to trap Yunhua Daoist in a sword formation. He asks Yunhua Daoist about Jikong and Cizhou, showing a new goal for their alliance.

Significant Themes

• Alliance and Betrayal: The alliance between Song Wen, Yuan Rong, Feng Zhongli, and Xuan Li is shown to be opportunistic and self-serving, as they attack Yunhua Daoist and Min Shuiyun without provocation.
• Power Dynamics: The power balance between cultivators is emphasized, with the injured Yunhua Daoist and Min Shuiyun being no match for the four attackers.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Yunhua Daoist: Song Wen remains composed and calm, while Yunhua Daoist becomes more polite and concerned for his safety after Yuan Rong and the others arrive.
• Yuan Rong and Yunhua Daoist: Yuan Rong shows no mercy in attacking Yunhua Daoist, trapping him in a sword formation and asking him about Jikong and Cizhou.
• The Alliance (Song Wen, Yuan Rong, Feng Zhongli, Xuan Li) vs. Yunhua Daoist and Min Shuiyun: The alliance attacks the duo without provocation, showing their opportunistic and self-serving nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xuan Li and Song Wen discover that Jikong is hiding nearby.
• Xuan Li uses a strategy to provoke Jikong, but he doesn't reveal himself.
• Xuan Li and Song Wen use their powers to search for Jikong underground.
• Jikong is eventually forced to reveal himself and is besieged by Xuan Li, Song Wen, Yuan Rong, and Feng Zhongli.
• Jikong is killed, and his divine soul is captured.

Character Developments

• Xuan Li demonstrates strategic thinking and powerful abilities.
• Song Wen shows his prowess with the Blood Sea Imperial Seal and the Nine Calamities Measuring-Heaven Sword.
• Jikong, despite being outmatched, maintains his composure and reveals information about Venerable Yun Chan.

Significant Themes

• Strategic thinking and provocation as a means to an end.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and the consequences of underestimating one's opponents.
• The importance of information and intelligence gathering in combat.

Character Interactions

• Xuan Li and Song Wen work together to find Jikong, showing a level of trust and understanding.
• Jikong's last words hint at a larger conflict involving Venerable Yun Chan, suggesting a potential future threat or alliance.
• Feng Zhongli and Yuan Rong join forces with Xuan Li and Song Wen to kill Jikong, demonstrating their loyalty and cooperation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group of four (Feng Zhongli, Yuan Rong, Xuan Li, and Song Wen) decide to return to the Dragon-Burial Domain to weaken the Dragon-Breath Profound Ice.
• They realize they don't know how to get back and discuss their previous entrances into the Hidden Dragon Domain.
• After several teleportations, they find a way back to the Hidden Dragon Domain and eventually reach the Burial Dragon Abyss.
• They encounter three Mahayana cultivators (two men and one woman) at the Burial Dragon Abyss, who recognize them.

Character Developments

• Yuan Rong shows leadership in deciding their course of action and finding the way back to the Hidden Dragon Domain.
• Song Wen demonstrates caution and foresight by considering their exit strategy from the Kunxu Secret Realm.
• Xuan Li expresses concern for her fellow disciple, Xuan Gu, hinting at her loyalty and caring nature.
• Feng Zhongli shows eagerness to gain more Mahayana souls, revealing her ambition and greed.

Significant Themes

• The tangled and complex nature of the Kunxu Secret Realm, with its numerous regions and node passages.
• The dangers and challenges faced by cultivators within the secret realm, including the risk of being trapped and unable to find the exit.
• The importance of caution and careful planning in cultivators' actions.

Character Interactions

• The group works together to decide their course of action and return to the Hidden Dragon Domain.
• Yuan Rong and Feng Zhongli show impatience to return, while Song Wen displays caution.
• Xuan Li expresses concern for Xuan Gu, hinting at a possible alliance or bond between them.
• The group encounters unknown cultivators at the Burial Dragon Abyss, leading to a tense standoff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen, Feng Zhongli, Yuan Rong, and Xuan Li encounter three cultivators from the Burning Moon Sect (Yi Ji, He Ying, and Shi Qingcang) at the mystic realm's entrance.
• Yi Ji's group reveals they've discovered the True Dragon's corpse at the bottom of an abyss, encased in Dragon-Breath Profound Ice.
• Song Wen suggests cooperation to retrieve the dragon corpse, proposing a combined attack using fire and lightning spells.
• Yi Ji dismisses Song Wen's plan, stating their previous attempts with spirit flames were ineffective.
• Tensions rise, and a battle seems imminent.

Character Developments

• Song Wen (Yang Yu) demonstrates diplomatic skills, attempting to avoid conflict and find common ground.
• Feng Zhongli initially wants to drive Yi Ji's group away or fight them, but she considers Song Wen's suggestion of cooperation.
• Yi Ji shows cunning and patience, trying to extract information from Song Wen's group while maintaining a facade of cooperation.

Significant Themes

• Cooperation vs. Competition: Song Wen advocates for cooperation, while Feng Zhongli initially favors competition. Yi Ji's group also seems more inclined to compete.
• Trust and Deception: Characters struggle with trust, as Yi Ji's group tries to deceive Song Wen's group, while Song Wen attempts to build trust through cooperation.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen interacts with Yi Ji, trying to find common ground and avoid conflict. He also shows deference to Feng Zhongli's authority.
• Feng Zhongli initially clashes with Yi Ji, but she considers Song Wen's suggestion of cooperation.
• Yi Ji interacts with Song Wen, trying to extract information while maintaining a facade of cooperation. She also shows deference to Song Wen's diplomatic approach.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen (Yang Yu) confesses his feelings to Yi Ji, but she rejects him.
• Song Wen attacks Yi Ji, using his Mahayana cultivation to temporarily overwhelm her.
• Song Wen targets Shi Qingcang, using a sneak attack and his unique abilities to gravely injure him.
• With Shi Qingcang temporarily out of combat, the group's chances of victory against Yi Ji and He Ying True Person increase.

Character Developments

• Song Wen (Yang Yu) reveals his romantic feelings for Yi Ji, but his true intention is to create an opening for an attack.
• Yi Ji remains unmoved by Song Wen's confession and is initially caught off guard by his attack.
• Shi Qingcang shows panic when attacked, revealing his emotional nature, and is gravely injured by Song Wen's sneak attack.
• Feng Zhongli praises Song Wen's actions, showing his approval and support.

Significant Themes

• Deception and true intentions: Song Wen uses his confession to Yi Ji as a distraction, revealing the disparity between his words and actions.
• Emotional vulnerability: Shi Qingcang's panic and injury highlight the dangers of emotional distraction in combat.
• Teamwork and strategy: The group works together to target their enemies' weaknesses, increasing their chances of victory.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen (Yang Yu) interacts with Yi Ji, using his confession to gain her attention and create an opening for an attack.
• Song Wen (Yang Yu) targets Shi Qingcang, using his unique abilities to gravely injure him.
• Feng Zhongli praises Song Wen's actions, showing support for his strategy and actions.
• Yi Ji and He Ying True Person work together to defend against the group's attacks, showing their ability to coordinate and protect each other.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen uses Death-Substitute Puppets to wound Shi Qingcang, shocking Yi Ji.
• Yi Ji summons a fire phoenix to attack, which is temporarily blocked by Song Wen, Feng Zhongli, and Xuan Li.
• Yuan Rong attempts to set up a sword formation but is hindered by He Ying True Person.
• Song Wen, Feng Zhongli, Xuan Li, and Yuan Rong decide to fight aggressively against Yi Ji and He Ying True Person.
• Yi Ji's fire phoenix grows larger and more solid, clashing with the group.
• The fire phoenix's wings are severed, but it can still regenerate.

Character Developments

• Song Wen demonstrates his confidence and resourcefulness by using life-saving treasures without hesitation.
• Yi Ji shows her shock at Song Wen's actions and her determination to defeat him.
• Feng Zhongli, Xuan Li, and Yuan Rong display their teamwork and willingness to take risks.

Significant Themes

• Confidence and determination in the face of adversity.
• Teamwork and strategic planning.
• The use of life-saving treasures and their implications.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen, Feng Zhongli, Xuan Li, and Yuan Rong work together to fight Yi Ji and He Ying True Person.
• Yi Ji and He Ying True Person collaborate to defend against the group's attacks.
• The interaction between the fire phoenix and the other characters highlights the power dynamics and strategic planning in the battle.

Chapter Summary: “Make a Feint to the East, Strike to the West”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Zhongli charges Yi Ji, who dismisses her as a reckless body cultivator. Yi Ji attacks with an extremely fast, hair-thin strand of white fire from her feather fan.
• Feng’s Killing Intent cannot block the fire, and she suffers a severe wound across her shoulder. Instead of retreating, she uses the brief moment while the fire changes direction to launch an all-or-nothing punch at Yi Ji.
• Yi Ji is forced to retreat and uses her feather fan and He Ying True Person’s chain shield to reduce the punch’s impact. Feng’s attack destroys the chain shield and weakens Yi Ji’s defenses.
• The apparent attack on Yi Ji is revealed to be a feint. Song Wen and his allies have actually been targeting He Ying, whose interference has prevented Yuan Rong from completing a sword formation against Yi Ji.
• The Nine Calamities Measuring-Heaven Sword strikes He Ying while he is weakened from protecting Yi Ji. His shield fails, and although he blocks the sword with his arms, both forearms are severed.
• Yi Ji saves He Ying at the last moment by redirecting the sword with her white fire thread. She also manages to withstand the weakened force of Feng’s punch.
• With Shi Qingcang already incapacitated and He Ying seriously wounded, Yi Ji is left to face Song Wen, Feng Zhongli, Yuan Rong, and Xuan Li largely on her own.
• Yi Ji abandons offense and summons a fire phoenix to defend herself and her two injured allies. Meanwhile, Yuan Rong begins constructing a sword formation intended to prevent their escape.
• Realizing the danger, Yi Ji surrounds the group with a ring of white flame and vows to repay her enemies before retreating or continuing the fight.

Character Developments

• Feng Zhongli demonstrates the extreme fearlessness and endurance of a true body cultivator. Even after losing much of her shoulder, she remains focused solely on battle and stakes everything on a single devastating punch.
• Yi Ji is shown to be highly skilled and adaptable, but her initial confidence is shaken by Feng’s suicidal attack and the coordinated strategy of her opponents. Her priority shifts from defeating them to protecting her allies and surviving.
• He Ying True Person proves loyal to Yi Ji by using his chains to protect her, but this leaves him vulnerable. His lost hands and internal Sword Qi greatly reduce his combat ability.
• Song Wen and his companions reveal their tactical intelligence. They exploit the enemy’s assumptions, using Feng’s assault on Yi Ji as a distraction while directing the decisive strike at He Ying.
• Yuan Rong takes on an important strategic role by preparing a sword formation that could trap and overwhelm Yi Ji.
• Shi Qingcang remains effectively out of the battle due to his previous grievous injuries.

Significant Themes

• Feints and strategic deception: The chapter’s central tactic is attacking Yi Ji in appearance while actually targeting He Ying, the weaker but strategically important opponent.
• Sacrifice and commitment: Feng Zhongli’s willingness to risk death for one decisive strike highlights the body cultivator’s brutal, all-or-nothing fighting style.
• Loyalty and protection: Yi Ji risks her own position to save He Ying, while He Ying earlier exposes himself to protect her.
• Changing power dynamics: The enemy group begins with three combatants against four, but the injuries to Shi Qingcang and He Ying leave Yi Ji isolated and increasingly defensive.
• Survival versus pride: Yi Ji’s mockery and confidence give way to caution as she recognizes that continuing to fight may lead to total defeat.

Character Interactions

• Yi Ji openly mocks Feng Zhongli, underestimating her willingness to endure injury and stake her life on a single blow.
• Feng’s attack forces Yi Ji and He Ying to cooperate defensively, with He Ying sacrificing his chains and Yi Ji later saving him from the Nine Calamities Measuring-Heaven Sword.
• Song Wen’s group works in coordinated opposition: Feng pressures Yi Ji, Song Wen attacks through the opening, Xuan Li contributes with the Moon Wheel, and Yuan Rong prepares the final trap.
• Yi Ji’s final threat toward Yang Yu, Feng Zhongli, Yuan Rong, and Xuan Li establishes a personal vendetta and foreshadows future conflict.

Chapter Summary: “Golden Crow Rainbow Flight”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Zhongli attacks Yi Ji, Xuan Li, and Song Wen with a powerful, killing-intent-infused punch while Xuan Li and Song Wen launch their own techniques. Yuan Rong attempts to complete a Void Sword Formation.
• Yi Ji counters with her feather fan technique, Golden Crow Rainbow Flight, creating a sea of flames that absorbs the attacks and enables her to escape at extraordinary speed while carrying her two companions.
• Song Wen pursues Yi Ji using Blood Shadow Thousand Illusions, but her escape technique proves even faster than Jikong’s Brahma-Blood Burning Escape. He eventually loses her trail.
• Song Wen tracks Yi Ji’s residual aura to a great river, suspecting she has concealed herself nearby. The group searches the riverbed, underground areas, and surrounding region but finds no trace.
• Yuan Rong convinces the others to abandon the search and prioritize retrieving the True Dragon Spirit from Burial Dragon Abyss. Although Song Wen strongly wishes to eliminate Yi Ji—who likely hates him most because of his deception before the ambush of Shi Qingcang—he agrees that the dragon corpse is the more urgent objective.
• The group returns to Burial Dragon Abyss with eight captured divine souls: Jikong, three other Great Vehicle cultivators, and four Integrated Body cultivators.
• Xuan Li releases the souls, and Feng Zhongli explains that the abyss contains a dragon corpse and the True Dragon Spirit, supposedly capable of helping someone reach the Tribulation Transcendence Realm.
• The souls are placed on the profound ice and forcibly absorbed into it. Their screams cease as their divine souls collapse and vanish, apparently serving as sacrifices to weaken or affect the ice sealing the dragon corpse.

Character Developments

• Yi Ji demonstrates an extremely powerful escape technique and proves capable of evading four formidable pursuers despite carrying two companions. Her ability to conceal or erase her aura establishes her as a serious continuing threat.
• Song Wen reveals both his determination to kill Yi Ji and his practical judgment. Though he personally wants to eliminate her because of their past deception and her likely hatred of him, he accepts that recovering the True Dragon Spirit is more important.
• Feng Zhongli remains aggressive and ruthless, attacking Yi Ji directly and later showing little concern for the suffering of the captured souls. Her mood becomes almost pleased when explaining the abyss’s secret before sacrificing them.
• Yuan Rong acts as the most pragmatic member of the group, urging them to stop wasting time searching for Yi Ji and focus on the main objective.
• Xuan Li contributes to the group’s coordinated pursuit and provides the soul bottles needed for the next stage of their plan.
• Jikong and the other captured souls shift from confusion to terror when they realize they are being used as sacrifices.

Significant Themes

• Escape versus pursuit: Yi Ji’s successful flight emphasizes that even overwhelming numerical strength cannot guarantee victory when an opponent possesses superior movement and concealment techniques.
• Pragmatism over revenge: Song Wen’s decision to postpone hunting Yi Ji reflects the group’s need to prioritize their larger goal over personal grievances.
• Power gained through sacrifice: The captured cultivators’ souls are treated as expendable resources, highlighting the brutal moral environment surrounding the pursuit of the True Dragon Spirit.
• Hidden danger and future threats: Yi Ji’s disappearance leaves unresolved danger, while the dragon corpse and True Dragon Spirit suggest even greater power—and possibly greater risks—awaiting the group.
• Ambition and ruthlessness: The possibility of reaching the Tribulation Transcendence Realm drives the characters to commit increasingly cruel acts.

Important Character Interactions

• Feng Zhongli leads the initial assault, while Yi Ji counters and escapes with Xuan Li and Song Wen’s attacks engulfed in her flames.
• Song Wen reports Yi Ji’s disappearance, and Feng Zhongli and Xuan Li debate whether she is hiding nearby or has fled farther away.
• Yuan Rong persuades the group to abandon the search, and Song Wen’s agreement ultimately settles the matter.
• At Burial Dragon Abyss, Feng Zhongli coldly explains the treasure to the captured souls before they are sacrificed.
• The chapter ends with the eight divine souls being consumed by the profound ice, marking the beginning of the group’s attempt to access the sealed dragon corpse and True Dragon Spirit.

Chapter Summary: “Dragon Corpse Emerges”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen and the other three cultivators—Yuan Rong, Feng Zhongli, and Xuan Li—continue attacking the Dragon-Breath Profound Ice covering the ancient dragon corpse.
• They excavate a pit five li deep, but the ice becomes increasingly durable and rapidly repairs itself.
• With no remaining offensive trump cards, Song Wen sacrifices dozens of bottles containing large numbers of living souls. The profound ice absorbs the souls, weakening enough for the group to continue digging.
• After extending the pit another eight zhang, they finally expose part of the dragon’s dark-blue horn.
• The extreme cold suddenly disappears, and the profound ice begins vaporizing into mist rather than melting into water. The fog spreads beyond Burial Dragon Abyss, suggesting that the ice had been restraining it.
• More of the dragon corpse emerges, including its horns, head, eyes, and open maw. Although the dragon remains mostly buried, the group realizes that its full discovery is imminent.
• Their excitement is overshadowed by distrust. Each understands that the dragon corpse and whatever treasures it contains could provoke betrayal and violence.
• Feng Zhongli claims she only wants the dragon’s blood, while the others seek the True Dragon Spirit, arguing that their goals do not conflict. Xuan Li questions whether any blood remains after countless years.
• Song Wen notices that divine sense cannot penetrate the dragon’s head, which seems unnatural for a dead corpse. Before he can investigate further, he detects an attack from above.
• Yi Ji appears with He Ying True Person and Shi Qingcang. She attacks Song Wen with a blazing white strand of fire, but his Blood Tide cocoon protects him.
• The two previously injured cultivators now appear fully healed, with Shi Qingcang’s meridians restored and He Ying’s severed arms regrown.
• Yi Ji refrains from launching another attack and instead focuses on the exposed dragon corpse, recognizing that the group has found a method to break through the profound ice.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Remains cautious and conceals his escape and defensive treasures. He sacrifices his stored souls to advance the excavation, showing pragmatism and ruthlessness. His observation that the dragon corpse blocks divine sense also establishes him as the first to suspect something abnormal about it.
• Yuan Rong: Takes the lead in urging everyone to use their remaining resources and later attempts to prevent immediate infighting by reminding the group that the dragon body is not yet fully exposed.
• Feng Zhongli: Reveals her interest in obtaining dragon blood and tries to reassure the others that their objectives are separate. Her argument also exposes her uncertainty about whether the ancient corpse still contains blood.
• Xuan Li: Displays growing suspicion and openly challenges Feng Zhongli’s claims. Her activation of the Moon Wheel demonstrates that it serves defensive as well as offensive purposes.
• Yi Ji: Returns in a stronger position, accompanied by two apparently restored allies. She confirms that Song Wen survived her ambush and shows intense interest in the dragon corpse.
• He Ying True Person and Shi Qingcang: Their miraculous recovery is suspicious and potentially indicates access to powerful healing methods or outside assistance.

Significant Themes

• Greed and betrayal: The appearance of the dragon corpse transforms temporary cooperation into a fragile alliance. The characters recognize that immense opportunities can drive even trusted companions to murder one another.
• The cost of advancement: Song Wen’s sacrifice of countless living souls emphasizes the brutal resources required to obtain ancient treasures.
• The unknown nature of the dragon corpse: Its ability to block divine sense and the strange behavior of the surrounding ice suggest that it may not be an ordinary dead body.
• Suppressed danger and release: As the ice melts, the fog escapes Burial Dragon Abyss, implying that the profound ice was sealing or restraining a much greater threat.
• Unstable identities and hidden powers: The healed injuries of Yi Ji’s companions and Song Wen’s concealed techniques reinforce the chapter’s atmosphere of deception and concealed strength.

Character Interactions

• Yuan Rong attempts to maintain cooperation by asking the group not to act rashly.
• Feng Zhongli claims a lack of conflict with the others, but Xuan Li immediately questions her assumptions.
• Song Wen avoids participating in their verbal struggle and instead concentrates on the dragon’s abnormal characteristics.
• Yi Ji’s arrival sharply changes the balance of power. Her attack targets Song Wen directly, while Yuan Rong, Feng Zhongli, and Xuan Li immediately prepare their own defenses.
• The chapter ends with Yi Ji acknowledging that the group has found a method to expose the dragon, setting the stage for renewed conflict over the corpse and its treasures.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Ji, He Ying, and Shi Qingcang regenerate their injuries and reappear, revealing they had a plan to capture the others and take the dragon corpse.
• Song Wen observes He Ying's regenerated hands and learns about Limb Regeneration Techniques from Gu Que.
• A fierce battle ensues between the two groups, with Feng Zhongli initiating an attack. Yi Ji counters with a blazing white fire streak, which Song Wen helps Feng Zhongli evade using the Blood Tide.
• The intense fight causes the mystic ice to crack and shatter, revealing a deep darkness below and dropping the dragon corpse into it.

Character Developments

• Yi Ji demonstrates cunning and strategic planning, feigning defeat to lure the others into breaking the mystic ice.
• He Ying is shown to possess a Limb Regeneration Technique, indicating he has resources and knowledge beyond his initial appearance.
• Song Wen displays his ability to adapt and use his powers creatively, helping Feng Zhongli evade Yi Ji's attack.
• Feng Zhongli's strength is further revealed as she lands a powerful punch that even Shi Qingcang's guillotine blade struggles to withstand.

Significant Themes

• Deception and strategic planning, as seen in Yi Ji's actions.
• Resourcefulness and adaptability, demonstrated by Song Wen.
• The power of unity and teamwork, hinted at when the others join forces against Yi Ji's group.

Character Interactions

• Yi Ji's group (Yi Ji, He Ying, Shi Qingcang) vs. Yuan Rong's group (Yuan Rong, Feng Zhongli, Xuan Li, Song Wen).
• Song Wen and Feng Zhongli briefly cooperate to evade Yi Ji's attack.
• The interactions between the groups highlight their differing goals and methods, setting the stage for further conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The seven cultivators find a dragon corpse freed from ice, but before they can claim it, they're trapped in an air-restriction formation with their spiritual power sealed.
• They fall into an abyss, with no way to slow their descent or protect themselves from the impact.
• They crash onto a hard surface, suffering varying degrees of injury due to their differing physical constitutions.
• In the darkness, they can't use their divine sense or summon spirit fires, relying on keen senses to locate each other and the dragon corpse.

Character Developments

• Feng Zhongli remains aggressive and hostile, threatening Yi Ji despite their shared predicament.
• Shi Qingcang shows caution around Feng Zhongli and tries to maintain peace, suggesting they set aside past grudges temporarily.
• Song Wen demonstrates strategic thinking, considering borrowing a weapon but ultimately deciding against it.

Significant Themes

• Powerlessness: The cultivators, once powerful, are now vulnerable due to the loss of their spiritual power and the harsh environment.
• Unpredictability: The sudden change in circumstances highlights the unpredictable nature of their journey.
• Cooperation vs. Conflict: The characters grapple with whether to work together or continue their personal conflicts.

Character Interactions

• Feng Zhongli and Yi Ji's enmity persists, with Feng Zhongli threatening Yi Ji.
• Shi Qingcang tries to maintain peace, acting as a mediator between Feng Zhongli and Yi Ji.
• Song Wen considers borrowing a weapon from Shi Qingcang but decides against it, showing awareness of their shared predicament.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shi Qingcang discovers the dragon corpse is actually a stone.
• Song Wen deduces the stone was refined and contains an object disrupting their divine senses.
• The group decides to climb a nearby cliff face to escape the Burial Dragon Abyss.
• Feng Zhongli begins climbing the cliff, finding it challenging but feasible.

Character Developments

• Song Wen becomes more cautious and suspicious of their surroundings.
• Feng Zhongli demonstrates her strength and agility in climbing the cliff.
• Yi Ji shows leadership by suggesting Feng Zhongli climb first and expressing excitement at a potential escape route.

Significant Themes

• Greed: The group's desire for the dragon corpse's treasure led them into this predicament.
• Peril and Opportunity: The path of cultivation is filled with dangers and rewards.
• Unity: The group realizes they must stick together to face potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Yi Ji and Shi Qingcang communicate silently, showing understanding between them.
• Song Wen shows concern for Feng Zhongli's safety, demonstrating his care for the group's well-being.
• The group collectively decides to follow Yi Ji's suggestion to climb the cliff face, showing trust in her judgment.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group begins climbing the cliff face, with Yi Ji leading.
• Song Wen waits at the bottom, observing the others.
• After some time, Feng Zhongli falls back down, followed by Yi Ji and the others.
• They discover a gravity restriction that makes climbing impossible.
• Feng Zhongli expresses hunger, revealing that they can't absorb external spiritual energy.
• Song Wen offers his "blood plasma" to Feng Zhongli, but she declines.
• Song Wen swallows the blood plasma himself.

Character Developments

• Yi Ji: Becomes suspicious of Song Wen's intentions.
• Feng Zhongli: Shows concern for the group's safety and reveals her hunger.
• Song Wen: Offers help but is rebuffed, leading to a darkening of his expression.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and trust among the group.
• The consequences of losing access to magic power and spiritual energy.
• The desperation of hunger and the need for sustenance.

Character Interactions

• Yi Ji and Song Wen: Yi Ji suspects Song Wen knows more about the place than he's letting on.
• Feng Zhongli and Song Wen: Feng Zhongli declines Song Wen's offer of blood plasma, showing caution.
• The group: They all decline Song Wen's offer, highlighting their wariness of him.