Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen rewards Mo You with a storage ring containing valuable resources and the Corpse King Reincarnation Art, promising further rewards and the position of outer sect elder upon successful completion of a task.
• Song Wen sets up ninth-rank formations in his and Ying Wu's cave dwellings and begins secluded cultivation.
• Three years later, rumors spread about the Corpse King Reincarnation Art and a Taiqing Foundation-Consolidating Pill formula circulating in black markets, with the Divine Blood Sect's grand elder, You Xiao, reporting this to Song Wen.
• Song Wen authenticates the leaked technique and finds it genuine but incomplete, realizing their opponent has ill intent.

Character Developments

• Mo You demonstrates loyalty and competence by successfully spreading the Corpse King Reincarnation Art and Taiqing Foundation-Consolidating Pill formula without exposing himself.
• You Xiao shows concern for the Divine Blood Sect's welfare and takes responsibility for the situation, feeling guilty for not handling matters sooner.

Significant Themes

• Power and ambition: Song Wen's desire to strengthen the Divine Blood Sect and his willingness to reward those who serve him.
• Trust and loyalty: Mo You's unwavering loyalty to Song Wen, and You Xiao's dedication to the sect and its sect master.
• Secrets and consequences: The leaked Corpse King Reincarnation Art and its potential impact on the Divine Blood Sect.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Mo You: Song Wen rewards Mo You for his service, showing trust in him and offering further rewards and promotion.
• Song Wen and You Xiao: They discuss the situation, with You Xiao expressing his concerns and taking responsibility, while Song Wen reassures him and shares the blame with their opponent.
• Qingxuanzi's voice interrupts their conversation, indicating an urgent matter that requires Song Wen's attention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A pill formula, the 'Taiqing Foundation-Consolidating Pill', appears on the black market, allowing cultivators to switch cultivation arts without losing cultivation.
• Qingxuanzi, excited by this news, wants to switch to the Corpse King Reincarnation Art and asks Song Wen for help in gathering rare spirit herbs for the pill.
• Song Wen agrees to help but emphasizes the sect's current troubles and the need for discretion.
• Song Wen retrieves the required spirit herbs from the sect treasury and entrusts the pill refinement to one of the sect's eighth-rank pill-refining masters.

Character Developments

• Qingxuanzi: Shows eagerness to advance his cultivation at any cost, prioritizing his personal gains over the sect's current issues.
• Song Wen: Remains calm and unreadable, balancing Qingxuanzi's enthusiasm with the sect's needs, and ultimately helps Qingxuanzi while ensuring discretion.
• You Xiao: Expresses worry about the sect's situation and Qingxuanzi's single-minded pursuit of personal gain.

Significant Themes

• Personal ambition vs. sect loyalty: Qingxuanzi's focus on his own cultivation contrasts with the sect's current needs.
• Discretion and secrecy: Song Wen emphasizes the need for discretion in gathering spirit herbs to avoid drawing unwanted attention to the sect.
• The power of pills: The Taiqing Foundation-Consolidating Pill's ability to allow cultivators to switch arts without losing cultivation is a significant development.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Qingxuanzi: Qingxuanzi expresses his desire to switch cultivation arts, and Song Wen agrees to help while cautioning him about the sect's current situation.
• Song Wen and You Xiao: You Xiao reports the sect's pill-refining masters to Song Wen, who then entrusts the pill refinement to one of them.
• Qingxuanzi and You Xiao: Qingxuanzi's excitement contrasts with You Xiao's worry, highlighting their differing priorities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen decides to refine the Nine-Heavens Thunder Astral Stone and fuse it into the Thunder Kui Wings to enhance their power.
• Half a year later, Xiao Yu successfully refines the Taiqing Foundation-Consolidating Pill for Song Wen.
• Five years pass peacefully, but then Xuan Li and Yang Xi are abducted by unknown cultivators demanding the complete Corpse King Reincarnation Art in exchange.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Shows strategic thinking and calmness under pressure. He's willing to delegate tasks to his subordinates and focuses on cultivation.
• Qingxuanzi: Successfully converts his cultivation to the Corpse King Reincarnation Art with the help of the Taiqing Foundation-Consolidating Pill. He's confident in his future cultivation progress.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and prestige: The abduction of Xuan Li and Yang Xi threatens the Divine Blood Sect's prestige, and Song Wen must navigate this delicate situation to maintain the sect's reputation and power.
• Cultivation and growth: Qingxuanzi's successful conversion to the Corpse King Reincarnation Art demonstrates the potential for growth and improvement through dedication and the right resources.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and You Xiao: They maintain a respectful and efficient working relationship. You Xiao keeps Song Wen informed about sect matters and provides recommendations when needed.
• Song Wen and Qingxuanzi: They discuss the abduction of Xuan Li and Yang Xi, and Qingxuanzi expresses concern for Song Wen's safety. Song Wen asks Qingxuanzi to handle the situation at Floating Dust Ridge, but Qingxuanzi declines due to his recent cultivation conversion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingxuanzi's cultivation has surpassed 'Sect Master Extreme Yin' (Song Wen), making him the strongest in the Divine Blood Sect.
• Song Wen suspects Qingxuanzi is behind the abduction of Elders Xuan Li and Yang Xi, and plans to investigate.
• Song Wen orders the setup of the Nine Nether Locking Heaven Formation to capture the kidnapper.
• Song Wen decides to personally investigate the matter, despite Ying Wu's concerns.

Character Developments

• Qingxuanzi: Shows growing ambition and disrespect towards Song Wen, hinting at potential betrayal.
• Song Wen: Demonstrates strategic thinking and caution, prioritizing the sect's safety and his own position.
• Ying Wu: Reveals her advanced cultivation (close to Tribulation Transcendence) and loyalty to Song Wen and the sect.

Significant Themes

• Strength and power dynamics within the cultivation world.
• Betrayal and trust issues among sect members.
• Strategic planning and caution in the face of potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Qingxuanzi and Song Wen: Tension and power struggle between the two, with Qingxuanzi showing disrespect and Song Wen maintaining a calm facade.
• Song Wen and Ying Wu: Mutual trust and respect, with Ying Wu expressing concern for Song Wen's safety and offering to help.
• Song Wen and You Xiao: Tension and mistrust, with Song Wen showing caution around You Xiao and not sharing all his plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen (disguised as Zhang Cheng, a middle-aged Mahayana cultivator) visits Dan Estate in Floating Dust Market to meet Dan Chen.
• Dan Chen is revealed to be Rong Shao, an old acquaintance of Song Wen.
• Song Wen reveals his true identity as Gu Huang, the Sect Master of the Divine Blood Sect (Extreme Yin).
• Rong Shao reveals that Xuan Li and Yang Xi were lured by rumors of Mysterious Yin Condensation Dew and captured near an unnamed lake.
• Song Wen instructs Rong Shao to monitor Floating Dust Market for any suspicious activities related to the missing elders.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Maintains his disguise until revealing his true identity to Rong Shao. He shows patience and caution in dealing with Rong Shao and the situation at hand.
• Rong Shao: Initially wary of Song Wen, he reveals useful information about the missing elders once Song Wen's true identity is revealed. He shows respect and cooperation towards Song Wen.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and deception: Both Song Wen and Rong Shao use disguises and deceptive tactics to protect themselves and gather information.
• Trust and caution: Rong Shao is initially cautious with Song Wen, but once trust is established, he shares valuable information.
• Patience and waiting: Song Wen demonstrates patience in waiting for Rong Shao's return and in dealing with the situation at hand, understanding that rushing might lead to mistakes.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Rong Shao: Initially cautious and formal, their interaction becomes more open and cooperative once Song Wen reveals his true identity. They share information and work together to address the situation with the missing elders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen suspects the tribulation cultivator has lackeys and sends Rong Shao to investigate.
• Song Wen secretly monitors Rong Shao and the market, while Rong Shao orders his subordinates to keep watch for any clues about Xuan Li and Yang Xi.
• After two days, news of the possible exchange for Xuan Li and Yang Xi reaches Floating Dust Market, causing a stir.
• Many cultivators leave the market, prompting Song Wen to place divine-sense marks on those at the Void Refinement Realm or above for tracking.

Character Developments

• Song Wen demonstrates his powerful divine sense and strategic thinking by marking fleeing cultivators and using Rong Shao as an informant.
• Rong Shao shows loyalty to Song Wen by following his orders and not concealing his cave abode's location.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Song Wen does not fully trust Rong Shao, secretly monitoring him while using him for information.
• Power dynamics: Song Wen's Tribulation Transcendence cultivation allows him to monitor and influence the market, while Rong Shao, as the local tyrant, has many subordinates under his command.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Rong Shao: Song Wen uses Rong Shao as an informant, while Rong Shao shows deference and obedience to Song Wen.
• Song Wen and the fleeing cultivators: Song Wen secretly marks the fleeing cultivators to track their movements, showing his vigilance and caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rong Shao secretly leaves the Dan Estate and meets Song Wen at a pre-arranged location.
• Rong Shao reveals that Treasure Gathering House, affiliated with Azure Crane Daoist of Heavenly Revelation Mountain, has been inquiring about Xuan Li and Yang Xi.
• Song Wen decides to investigate Heavenly Revelation Mountain, suspecting Azure Crane Daoist's involvement with the robber cultivator.
• Song Wen realizes he may have been deceived by Rong Shao and turns back to track three high-ranking cultivators who left the market.
• He follows an Integrated Body Late Stage cultivator, who leads him to a remote lake after taking multiple detours. The cultivator dives into the lake.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Shows caution and suspicion, eventually realizing Rong Shao's potential deception.
• Rong Shao: Potentially deceitful, as he might be connected to the robber cultivator and used Song Wen to cover for the real subordinate's escape.
• Azure Crane Daoist: A ruthless Rogue Cultivator who might be involved with the robber cultivator.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Song Wen initially trusts Rong Shao but later becomes suspicious.
• Pursuit of truth: Song Wen's determination to uncover the truth behind Xuan Li and Yang Xi's abduction leads him to investigate Heavenly Revelation Mountain.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Rong Shao: They meet secretly to discuss their findings, but Song Wen later suspects Rong Shao's loyalty.
• Song Wen and the Integrated Body Late Stage cultivator: Song Wen tracks the cultivator without being noticed, leading him to the remote lake.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen waits in ambush for Myriad Corpses Ancestor, who has kidnapped Xuan Li and Yang Xi.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor plans to use the two women as bait to lure Extreme Yin into a trap, threatening to execute them at noon the next day.
• Song Wen uses the Soul-Splitting Blade to attack Myriad Corpses Ancestor, but the attack is easily repelled.

Character Developments

• Song Wen demonstrates his patience and strategic thinking by waiting for the right moment to strike.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor reveals his arrogance and overconfidence, underestimating his opponents.
• Xuan Li and Yang Xi show their desperation to survive, trying to reason with Myriad Corpses Ancestor.

Significant Themes

• Patience and timing in battle (Song Wen's waiting and Myriad Corpses Ancestor's overconfidence).
• The use of others as pawns (Myriad Corpses Ancestor's plan to use Xuan Li and Yang Xi as bait).
• The power dynamics between cultivators (Myriad Corpses Ancestor's belief in his superiority over Extreme Yin).

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Myriad Corpses Ancestor: Song Wen attempts to attack Myriad Corpses Ancestor, but the Ancestor easily repels the attack and gives chase.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor and Xuan Li/Yang Xi: The Ancestor threatens the two women, using them as bait to lure Extreme Yin into a trap.
• Xuan Li and Yang Xi: The two women try to reason with Myriad Corpses Ancestor, hoping to save their lives.

Summary

• Myriad Corpses Ancestor pursues a fleeing black figure, believing him to be Song Wen or another opponent. His corpse-qi wrath dragon destroys a mountain and knocks the figure away, but the figure proves to be only a wooden avatar.
• The real Song Wen appears beside Xuan Li and Yang Xi, who are being held captive. Using spiritual power, he shatters the corpse qi restraining them and frees them. The women recognize him as Extreme Yin, the Sect Master of the Divine Blood Sect, and react with relief and joy.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor identifies Song Wen and challenges him. Song Wen explains that he had used a Soul-Splitting Blade feint and a Heaven-and-Earth Avatar to mislead the Ancestor, draw him away, and rescue the two women.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor summons thirty-six Bronze Corpse Coffins and unleashes hundreds of corpse-qi wrath dragons. Song Wen tests his newly reforged Thunder Kui Wings, empowered by the Nine-Heavens Thunder Astral Stone. Their silver lightning completely destroys the dragons and purifies the remaining corpse qi.
• The lightning arts prove to be an effective counter to Myriad Corpses Ancestor’s corpse techniques. Song Wen remains calm and modest, attributing his success to the Five Elements’ mutual restraint, while the Ancestor grows increasingly angry and humiliated.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor then uses a stronger technique, Myriad Corpses—Bury Heaven. The coffins release immense blue-gray Killing Intent, forming thousands of armored corpse puppets into a tightly coordinated killing formation. He boasts that this unique Myriad Corpses Sha Qi cannot be harmed by ordinary lightning.
• Song Wen mocks the technique by accurately noting that the formation contains only 6,732 corpse puppets, rather than the promised ten thousand, implying that the technique remains incomplete.
• Song Wen invokes Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder, the ninth and final Heavenly Lightning secret art and one he has only recently mastered. Dark-yellow lightning descends upon the corpse-puppet formation, severely damaging individual puppets and throwing the formation into disorder.
• The corpse puppets are linked together, allowing the undamaged members to transfer Killing Intent and repair those struck by the thunder. Myriad Corpses Ancestor personally stabilizes the formation and continues advancing it toward Song Wen, leaving the battle unresolved.

Character Development and Interactions

• Song Wen demonstrates increasing confidence, tactical intelligence, and mastery of powerful treasures and lightning techniques. He deliberately manipulates the Ancestor’s assumptions, rescues Xuan Li and Yang Xi, and remains composed even while facing escalating attacks.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor begins in control but becomes frustrated as Song Wen repeatedly outmaneuvers him. His initial confidence turns to anger after his corpse-qi techniques are easily destroyed, though he reveals greater strength through his Killing Intent formation.
• Xuan Li and Yang Xi shift from helpless captives to relieved allies after Song Wen frees them. Their recognition of him reinforces his identity and authority as Extreme Yin.
• The confrontation is marked by psychological exchanges: Song Wen’s calm politeness and teasing observations contrast with the Ancestor’s increasingly aggressive and defensive reactions.

Significant Themes

• Deception and tactical superiority: Song Wen wins an early advantage through an avatar and calculated feint rather than brute force.
• Elemental counteraction and adaptation: Lightning naturally suppresses corpse qi, but the Ancestor adapts by deploying a different form of Killing Intent that is more resistant to ordinary lightning.
• Mastery versus incompletion: Song Wen exposes the gap between the Ancestor’s grand claims and the imperfect state of his formation, while unveiling a newly mastered technique of his own.
• Composure amid conflict: Song Wen’s calm demeanor contrasts with the Ancestor’s mounting rage, suggesting that psychological control is as important as raw power in the battle.

Chapter Summary: “Old Enemy Reappears”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen’s first use of the Primordial Chaos Divine Thunder fails to destroy the Myriad Corpses Ancestor’s killing formation, confirming that the Ancestor’s refined Myriad Corpses Sha Qi is not easily countered by lightning techniques.
• Song Wen follows up by unleashing purple-red lightning produced through the fusion of the Nine-Heavens Thunder Astral Stone with his Thunder Kui Wings. This lightning possesses tribulation-resisting power and rapidly weakens the killing formation.
• Facing defeat, the Myriad Corpses Ancestor redirects the formation’s Killing Intent into the spears wielded by his corpse puppets. Thousands of spears descend upon Song Wen, Xuan Li, and Yang Xi.
• Song Wen forms a massive lightning shield. Rather than merely blocking the spears, it actively destroys them with counterattacking lightning and eventually expands outward, annihilating the remaining projectiles.
• The Ancestor threatens Song Wen, claiming that although Song Wen can protect the two Mahayana cultivators temporarily, he cannot protect the Divine Blood Sect forever. He insists that Song Wen will eventually surrender the complete Corpse King Reincarnation Art.
• Song Wen reveals that he has secretly transformed the lightning shield into a vast spherical lightning net, intending to trap the Ancestor. The Ancestor sees through the delay and attempts to escape before the net fully closes.
• Song Wen pursues him at superior speed while simultaneously releasing a Blood Tide to protect Xuan Li and Yang Xi from being taken hostage again.
• The Ancestor uses the thirty-six Bronze Corpse Coffins to create a defensive wall, allowing him to reach and break through the incomplete lightning net.
• Just as he appears to escape, Song Wen attacks his sea of consciousness with nine transparent blades. The mental assault severely injures and disorients him.
• Scarlet blood tentacles then overwhelm the weakened coffins and bind the Ancestor inside a massive blood cocoon. Song Wen believes he has captured him alive and can force him to cultivate the Corpse King Reincarnation Art before devouring his cultivation.
• The chapter ends with an unexpected green pillar of light shooting toward the blood cocoon, signaling the arrival of a new threat or an old enemy.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Demonstrates superior tactical planning, powerful lightning and blood-based techniques, and calm confidence under pressure. He shifts from direct confrontation to layered containment, first protecting his allies, then attacking the Ancestor’s consciousness and capturing him alive.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor: His confidence deteriorates as his signature killing formation and spear attack both fail. Although experienced and resourceful, he is ultimately outmaneuvered and captured. His desperation reveals his fixation on obtaining the complete Corpse King Reincarnation Art.
• Xuan Li and Yang Xi: Remain under Song Wen’s protection throughout the battle. Song Wen specifically prevents the Ancestor from using them as hostages.
• Unidentified newcomer: The green beam at the end suggests the reappearance of a significant enemy or rival, potentially someone connected to Song Wen’s past.

Significant Themes

• Power versus strategy: Raw strength alone does not decide the battle; Song Wen wins by combining lightning suppression, defensive formations, pursuit, mental attacks, and blood techniques.
• Adaptation and countermeasures: The Ancestor’s techniques are repeatedly countered as Song Wen adjusts to each new attack.
• Protection and leverage: The safety of Xuan Li and Yang Xi influences Song Wen’s tactics, while the Ancestor relies on threats against the Divine Blood Sect and possible hostage-taking.
• Overconfidence and reversal: The Ancestor initially believes his reputation and experience guarantee victory, but his confidence collapses when Song Wen neutralizes his strongest methods.
• Unresolved danger: Even after the apparent victory, the sudden green beam shows that defeating one enemy does not end the larger conflict.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen taunts the Myriad Corpses Ancestor after destroying his spear attack, inviting him to reveal further techniques.
• The Ancestor responds with threats, asserting that Song Wen will eventually surrender the Corpse King Reincarnation Art.
• Song Wen maintains a calm, almost familiar tone, pretending to wish for a prolonged conversation while secretly completing his trap.
• Song Wen prioritizes shielding Xuan Li and Yang Xi from renewed danger, while the Ancestor attempts to use his corpse coffins to escape and resist capture.
• The confrontation ends with Song Wen apparently victorious—but the incoming green light interrupts the capture and introduces a new adversarial presence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen (Extreme Yin) faces Su Wei, who attacks with her tree's green light.
• Song Wen counters with his Thunder Kui Wings, ultimately dissipating Su Wei's attack.
• Su Wei reveals she's after the Corpse King Reincarnation Art and offers to leave if Song Wen hands it over.
• Song Wen invites Su Wei to join the Divine Blood Sect as deputy sect master, but she refuses.
• Song Wen offers Su Wei a Taiqing Foundation-Consolidating Pill, but she declines, insisting on the complete cultivation art.
• Song Wen decides to hand over the cultivation art to prevent further conflict and offers an alliance instead.

Character Developments

• Song Wen (Extreme Yin): Shows strategic thinking and willingness to compromise, prioritizing the Divine Blood Sect's survival. He's also cunning, trying to gain Su Wei's trust and alliance.
• Su Wei: Remains suspicious of Song Wen, refusing his offers to join the Divine Blood Sect. She's determined to obtain the Corpse King Reincarnation Art and is open to an alliance but questions its feasibility due to distance.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Both characters seek power and influence, leading to their conflict and eventual compromise.
• Trust and Suspicion: The characters' past history leads to mutual suspicion, affecting their interactions and decisions.
• Alliance and Cooperation: Despite their differences, both characters recognize the benefits of cooperation, leading to their alliance.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Su Wei: Their interaction is marked by tension and mistrust, with Song Wen trying to gain Su Wei's trust and Su Wei remaining wary of Song Wen's intentions. Despite this, they eventually agree to an alliance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen decides to visit Heavenly Gate Province, where Su Wei lives, in the future.
• Su Wei asks Song Wen how he broke the 'Blood Contract Soul-Devouring Curse' she cast on him, but he refuses to reveal his method.
• Song Wen rescues Xuan Li and Yang Xi from the Myriad Corpses Ancestor, who he captured alive.
• Song Wen, Xuan Li, and Yang Xi head to Floating Dust Market to deal with Dan Chen, who betrayed Xuan Li and Yang Xi's presence to the Myriad Corpses Ancestor.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Shows his determination to travel across the Profound Realm and reconnect with Su Wei. He also demonstrates his strategic prowess by capturing the Myriad Corpses Ancestor alive and his resolve to deal with internal threats like Dan Chen.
• Su Wei: Reveals her curiosity about how Song Wen broke the curse she cast on him, hinting at her interest in him.
• Xuan Li: Shows concern for Yang Xi's well-being, suggesting a deeper relationship between them. She also expresses her understanding of the political landscape and the importance of a sect master's prestige.
• Yang Xi: Shows loyalty and gratitude towards Song Wen for saving her. She also displays a calm and composed demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Betrayal: The theme of loyalty is shown through Yang Xi's gratitude towards Song Wen, while betrayal is evident in Dan Chen's actions.
• Power and Prestige: The importance of a sect master's power and prestige is discussed, with Xuan Li and Yang Xi emphasizing the need for Song Wen to assert his authority.
• Curiosity and Interest: Su Wei's curiosity about Song Wen's secret hints at her growing interest in him.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Su Wei: Their conversation reveals a mutual respect and interest in each other, with Su Wei inviting Song Wen to visit her in Heavenly Gate Province.
• Song Wen, Xuan Li, and Yang Xi: The three discuss the sect's internal matters, with Xuan Li and Yang Xi advising Song Wen on the importance of his reputation as sect master. They also share their experiences leading up to their capture.
• Implicitly, Xuan Li and Yang Xi: Their close relationship and Xuan Li's concern for Yang Xi suggest a deeper connection between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen confronts Rong Shao in a valley, accusing him of betraying the Divine Blood Sect by tipping off Myriad Corpses Ancestor.
• Rong Shao confesses his actions were out of self-preservation and reveals there are three of Myriad Corpses Ancestor's subordinates at Floating Dust Ridge.
• Song Wen captures and kills the three subordinates in front of everyone at Floating Dust Market.
• Song Wen executes Rong Shao and takes his storage ring.
• Song Wen reveals Myriad Corpses Ancestor to the cultivators at Floating Dust Market, warning them not to offend the Divine Blood Sect.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Shows his power and authority, instilling fear in cultivators. He is merciless towards traitors but offers Rong Shao a chance to redeem himself.
• Rong Shao: Initially tries to deceive Song Wen but eventually confesses his actions. He accepts his fate and dies without resistance.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor: Not present but mentioned. His subordinates are killed, and he is exposed to the cultivators at Floating Dust Market.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and its consequences: Rong Shao's betrayal leads to his eventual death, serving as a cautionary tale for other cultivators.
• Power and authority: Song Wen's display of power and authority instills fear and respect in the cultivators at Floating Dust Market.
• Self-preservation: Rong Shao's actions were driven by his desire to survive, highlighting the ruthless nature of the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Rong Shao: Their interaction reveals Rong Shao's betrayal and his eventual confession. Song Wen shows mercy by offering Rong Shao a chance to redeem himself but ultimately executes him.
• Song Wen and the cultivators at Floating Dust Market: Song Wen's appearance and warning serve as a demonstration of the Divine Blood Sect's power and a deterrent for potential enemies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen returns to the Divine Blood Sect with Xuan Li, Yang Xi, and the captured Myriad Corpses Ancestor.
• You Xiao, the Sect's Elder, welcomes them and suggests a grand welcome ceremony to enhance the Sect's and Song Wen's prestige.
• Hundreds of thousands of Divine Blood Sect disciples gather to welcome Song Wen, creating a massive spectacle in Blood Radiance City.
• Song Wen delivers a speech asserting the Divine Blood Sect's power and its commitment to protecting Cangwu Province.

Character Developments

• Song Wen demonstrates his leadership and strategic thinking by agreeing to the welcome ceremony to boost morale and intimidate potential enemies.
• The Myriad Corpses Ancestor is humiliated and powerless, showing the vulnerability of even powerful cultivators when captured.
• You Xiao shows enthusiasm and support for Song Wen, indicating his loyalty and eagerness to please the new Sect Master.

Significant Themes

• Power and Prestige: The chapter emphasizes the importance of power and prestige in the cultivation world, with Song Wen's actions aimed at enhancing both for the Divine Blood Sect.
• Leadership: Song Wen's decisions and actions showcase his leadership skills, as he uses the situation to rally his sect and instill fear in others.
• Humility vs. Arrogance: While Song Wen could have boasted about his achievement, he chooses to downplay it, showing a level of humility. Conversely, the Myriad Corpses Ancestor's arrogance leads to his downfall.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and You Xiao: Their interaction shows You Xiao's eagerness to please and support Song Wen, while Song Wen remains calm and collected.
• Song Wen and the Myriad Corpses Ancestor: Their dynamic highlights the power imbalance, with the once-arrogant ancestor now humiliated and powerless.
• Song Wen and Qingxuanzi: Their exchange is polite but tense, with Qingxuanzi showing a lack of genuine respect for Song Wen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingxuanzi visits Song Wen, seeking information about the Divine Blood Sect's Heavenly Thunder secret arts.
• Ying Wu reveals her plan to advance to the Tribulation Transcendence stage within ten years, implying she'll eliminate Qingxuanzi afterward.
• Song Wen frees Myriad Corpses Ancestor and offers him a deal: retrieve a spiritual medicine from the Azure Billow Realm's Immortal's Tomb, and in exchange, Song Wen will grant him the complete Corpse King Reincarnation Art, a Taiqing Foundation-Consolidating Pill, and the position of Vice Sect Master.

Character Developments

• Qingxuanzi: Shows curiosity about the Divine Blood Sect's power, hinting at potential future ambitions.
• Ying Wu: Reveals her long-term plan and ruthless nature, prioritizing the sect's stability over Qingxuanzi's life.
• Myriad Corpses Ancestor: Initially defiant and seeking death, he later submits to Song Wen's offer, showing a desire for survival and power.
• Song Wen: Demonstrates his strategic thinking and manipulative skills, using Myriad Corpses Ancestor to retrieve the spiritual medicine he needs.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: Song Wen uses his position and knowledge to control and manipulate others, such as Qingxuanzi and Myriad Corpses Ancestor.
• Ruthlessness and ambition: Ying Wu and Myriad Corpses Ancestor exhibit ruthless behavior in pursuit of their goals, while Song Wen shows cunning and ambition.
• Survival and desperation: Characters like Myriad Corpses Ancestor and, to some extent, Qingxuanzi, show desperation to survive and maintain their power.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Qingxuanzi: Qingxuanzi seeks information from Song Wen, while Song Wen remains vague but accommodating.
• Ying Wu and Song Wen: Ying Wu shares her plans with Song Wen, assuming he understands her intentions regarding Qingxuanzi.
• Song Wen and Myriad Corpses Ancestor: Song Wen manipulates Myriad Corpses Ancestor into agreeing to his deal, using the latter's desire for survival and power.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen sets up a ninth-tier trapping formation to imprison the Myriad Corpses Ancestor, replacing the blood-colored space condensed by the Blood Sea Imperial Seal.
• Six years pass, and Qingxuanzi visits Song Wen frequently, seeking guidance on lightning arts and the Corpse King Reincarnation Art.
• News spreads about a Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow sighted in Soul-Severing Ridge, which can weaken or neutralize lightning tribulations.

Character Developments

• Song Wen continues to cultivate diligently and handles sect affairs while keeping the Myriad Corpses Ancestor imprisoned.
• Qingxuanzi shows eagerness to accompany Song Wen on sect business and seeks his guidance on lightning arts, but his progress is slow.
• You Xiao, the sect's elder, reports important news about the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and knowledge to overcome challenges (tribulation transcendence, lightning arts).
• The importance of guidance and mentorship (Song Wen's help to Qingxuanzi).
• The consequences of one's actions (keeping the Myriad Corpses Ancestor alive to extract his knowledge).

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Qingxuanzi engage in casual conversation, with Qingxuanzi seeking Song Wen's advice on lightning arts and expressing his boredom with seclusion.
• Song Wen and You Xiao discuss the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow, with You Xiao reporting the news and Song Wen showing serious interest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• News reaches the Divine Blood Sect about a possible Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow in Soul-Severing Ridge, discovered by Rogue Cultivators.
• The sect's outer sect elder in Cold Moon City, Wu Jin, sends the report, which is credible due to his status and the source of the information.
• Sect Master Song Wen decides to visit Cold Moon City and Soul-Severing Ridge personally to investigate the matter.

Character Developments

• Song Wen shows his determination to obtain the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow for his cultivation progress.
• You Xiao, the Grand Elder, expresses his desire to accompany Song Wen on this journey to seek advancement opportunities.
• Xuan Li is temporarily appointed as Grand Elder in Song Wen's absence.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and cultivation is the primary theme, with Song Wen's focus on transcending tribulation.
• The importance of information and its sources is highlighted, with Wu Jin's report carrying credibility due to his position.
• The potential danger of leaving the sect is hinted at, with Qingxuanzi's actions being a variable that could disrupt Song Wen's plans.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen consults with Gu Que about his chances of surviving the first heavenly tribulation, showing his trust in Gu Que's knowledge.
• Song Wen and You Xiao discuss the trip to Soul-Severing Ridge, with You Xiao expressing his desire to join the journey.
• Song Wen entrusts Xuan Li with the temporary role of Grand Elder, showing his trust in her abilities and her importance in the sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen decides to deal with Qingxuanzi before leaving for Soul-Severing Ridge.
• Qingxuanzi approaches Song Wen, revealing he knows about the trip to Soul-Severing Ridge, causing Song Wen to suspect You Xiao of disobedience.
• Three months later, Song Wen and his party arrive at Cold Moon City to find Wu Jin missing. His soul lamp shows no signs of his whereabouts.
• Wu Jin's assistant, Ji Shao, reports that Wu Jin had become more withdrawn three months ago and left alone without explanation.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Shows suspicion and caution towards Qingxuanzi and considers dealing with him before leaving for Soul-Severing Ridge. He demonstrates his power and wisdom by using his cultivation to check Wu Jin's soul lamp.
• Qingxuanzi: Volunteers to accompany Song Wen to Soul-Severing Ridge, showing ambition and eagerness to gain favor.
• Wu Jin: Disappears mysteriously, with no signs of his whereabouts or any clues left behind. His withdrawal three months ago hints at a possible connection to the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and Trust: Song Wen's suspicion of Qingxuanzi and You Xiao highlights the theme of trust and loyalty within the sect. Wu Jin's disappearance also raises questions about trust and betrayal.
• Power and Control: Song Wen's use of his cultivation to check Wu Jin's soul lamp demonstrates his power and authority within the sect. The search for Wu Jin also showcases the sect's control over its members.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Qingxuanzi: Their interaction reveals Qingxuanzi's ambition and Song Wen's caution and suspicion.
• Song Wen and You Xiao: Though not present in this chapter, their relationship is implied to be tense due to You Xiao's possible disobedience.
• Song Wen and Ji Shao: Their interaction provides information about Wu Jin's disappearance and hints at a possible connection to the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen and his group discuss Wu Jin's disappearance and the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow.
• Ji Shao reveals that Wu Jin had investigated rumors about the Divine Willow in Cold Moon City's black market intelligence shops.
• Song Wen learns that the Divine Willow is supposedly located in the dangerous Fallen God Abyss, home to ninth-rank demon beasts like the Blood-Eyed Nether Vulture.
• Song Wen decides to summon the managers of the intelligence shops that sold the information.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Shows suspicion and caution, hinting at his strategic and analytical mind.
• Qingxuanzi: Becomes overly excited and eager when learning about the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow, displaying unusual behavior.
• Ji Shao: Provides crucial information about Wu Jin's investigation and the Divine Willow's location, demonstrating his knowledge of local affairs.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of power and resources (Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow) drives characters' actions and alliances.
• Trust and deception: Characters question each other's motives and truthfulness, reflecting the complex dynamics within the Divine Blood Sect.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Qingxuanzi: Qingxuanzi's eagerness contrasts with Song Wen's caution, hinting at potential tension between them.
• Song Wen and Ji Shao: Song Wen extracts information from Ji Shao, showing his authority and control over his subordinates.
• Ji Shao and Qingxuanzi: Ji Shao provides information to Qingxuanzi, but Qingxuanzi's deferential behavior towards Song Wen creates an awkward dynamic.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Wen questions Ji Shao about intelligence shops belonging to the Divine Blood Sect in the black market, which the Rogue Cultivators avoided.
• Song Wen suspects the matter of the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow is fabricated and that Wu Jin's disappearance is connected.
• Song Wen summons managers of several intelligence shops and confirms that Rogue Cultivators did sell information about the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow.
• Song Wen watches Image-Recording Stones showing the genuine Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow.
• Song Wen decides to investigate with Qingxuanzi and orders Ji Shao to guard the shop managers.

Character Developments

• Song Wen: Becomes increasingly suspicious and determined to uncover the truth behind Wu Jin's disappearance and the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow.
• Qingxuanzi: Offers to join forces with Song Wen to find the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow, showing ambition and eagerness.

Significant Themes

• Deception and Truth: The chapter explores the theme of deception and the search for truth, as Song Wen tries to unravel the mystery surrounding Wu Jin and the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow.
• Power and Ambition: The desire for power and the willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve it are evident in Qingxuanzi's behavior.

Character Interactions

• Song Wen and Qingxuanzi: They decide to work together to find the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow, with Qingxuanzi suggesting they eliminate the shop managers to prevent information leakage.
• Song Wen and the Shop Managers: Song Wen questions them about the Lightning-Avoiding Divine Willow information and decides to have them guarded by Ji Shao.