Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu refines the third beam of sword light, which joins with the first two, forming a circle of sword shadows.
• He uses the Great Dao Unified Text to strengthen his sword lights, allowing them to circulate smoothly.
• A court deliberation is held in the Profound Court, where Daoist Zhong proposes to add provinces and expand Protectorate Offices for better defense.
• The proposal passes, and news spreads, causing excitement among the Protectorate Offices, including the Eastern Protectorate Office.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu continues to advance in his cultivation, refining the third beam of sword light and strengthening his sword lights.
• Profound Chief Xiang Chun, upon hearing the news, immediately rallies his disciples to support the elevation of their Eastern Protectorate Office into a protectorate province.

Significant Themes

• Expansion and defense: The Profound Court seeks to expand its territory and strengthen its defenses by adding provinces and expanding Protectorate Offices.
• Ambition and competition: The news sparks ambition and competition among the Protectorate Offices, each seeking to be among the first to be elevated.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu interacts with the Great Dao Unified Text, using it to strengthen his sword lights.
• Profound Chief Xiang Chun interacts with his disciples, rallying them to support the elevation of their Eastern Protectorate Office.
• The court executives interact during the court deliberation, discussing and voting on Daoist Zhong's proposal.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Profound Court decides to add continents and expand protectorates.
• Daoist Zhong suggests Cen Daoist for a Profound Chief position.
• Feng Daoist warns Zhang Yu about Zhong Weiwu's intentions.
• Zhang Yu considers contending for a Profound Chief position.
• Yang Ying visits Elder Su to discuss Eastern Court Protectorate's elevation.

Character Developments

• Cen Daoist seeks advice from Daoist Zhong about his future role.
• Zhang Yu contemplates stepping into politics to fulfill his Daoist intent.
• Yang Ying shows determination to contribute to Eastern Court's development.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and political maneuvering among Daoists and Executives.
• The importance of merit and accomplishments for higher positions.
• The potential of Eastern Court Protectorate and its significance.

Character Interactions

• Daoist Zhong and Cen Daoist discuss career prospects.
• Feng Daoist and Zhang Yu discuss the political landscape and Zhang Yu's potential.
• Yang Ying and Jia Yue discuss the Eastern Court Protectorate's elevation.
• Wei Shi and Shi Wei discuss their plans to secure support for their protectorate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu reviews memorials and refines his Skyshock Sword, planning to use it as a surprise force in future battles.
• Yan Yuming informs Zhang Yu about Profound Chief Xiang's memorial to elevate the Eastern Court Protectorate to a prefecture-continent, and Zhang Yu advises him to add his name.
• Yang Ying visits Cloud-Soaring Terrace but is targeted by a tampered dragon sparrow. She decides to seek help from Meng Huan Zhen, one of the three Profound Venerables guarding Jade Capital.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu continues to refine his sword arts, demonstrating his strategic thinking and patience.
• Yan Yuming shows caution and consideration for his teacher's reputation in political matters.
• Yang Ying exhibits calmness and wisdom in handling the situation at Cloud-Soaring Terrace, deciding to seek help from a higher authority.

Significant Themes

• Strategy and Patience: Zhang Yu's approach to refining his Skyshock Sword and his advice to Yan Yuming reflect his strategic thinking and patience in long-term planning.
• Political Caution: Both Zhang Yu and Yang Ying display caution in political matters, understanding the need to proceed carefully in such situations.
• Power Dynamics: The incident at Cloud-Soaring Terrace highlights the power dynamics in Jade Capital, with cultivators and influential families wielding significant influence.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Yan Yuming: Their interaction shows a teacher-student relationship built on trust and mutual respect, with Zhang Yu guiding Yan Yuming in political matters.
• Yang Ying and Jia Yue: Their interaction demonstrates Yang Ying's trust in Jia Yue's judgment and her willingness to listen to her guard's advice.
• Yang Ying and the unknown adversary: Their indirect interaction at Cloud-Soaring Terrace reveals the adversary's willingness to use underhanded methods to discredit Yang Ying.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Ying visits the Glazed Jade Heavenly Palace to seek help from Meng Huan Zhen, who initially agrees but later is summoned by the Palace Master and does not return.
• Wei Mou, a representative of the influential Wei clan, intercepts Yang Ying and attempts to pressure her into a marriage alliance, implying that the Wei clan opposes the elevation of Eastern Court Protectorate Office.
• Yang Ying decides to seek help from Cloudwave Abbey instead.

Character Developments

• Yang Ying demonstrates maturity and restraint in handling Wei Mou's provocation, showing growth from her impulsive past.
• Meng Huan Zhen's initial willingness to help Yang Ying changes due to pressure from her teacher and the Palace Master, highlighting the influence of politics and power dynamics within the Glazed Jade Heavenly Palace.
• Wei Mou's frivolous and arrogant behavior reveals the Wei clan's disdain for Yang Ying and their disregard for the matter of Eastern Court.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and influence in Jade Capital, where those without sufficient backing struggle to achieve their goals.
• The importance of political alliances and marriage in maintaining and gaining power.
• Yang Ying's growth and maturity in handling adversity.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ying and Meng Huan Zhen: Initially, Meng Huan Zhen is willing to help Yang Ying, but later, she is unable to due to pressure from her teacher.
• Yang Ying and Wei Mou: Wei Mou attempts to pressure Yang Ying into a marriage alliance, which she refuses, leading to further conflict.
• Yang Ying, Jia Yue, and the bespectacled girl: The trio discusses their next course of action, with Yang Ying deciding to seek help from Cloudwave Abbey.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Ying and her group leave the Glazed Jade Heavenly Palace and head north.
• They reach Cloudwave Abbey, where they meet Tao Dingfu, a Daoist master.
• Yang Ying recounts her experiences to Tao Dingfu, who takes her to meet his junior sister, Nie Xinying, at White Truth Mountain.
• Nie Xinying offers Yang Ying refuge, stating that no one will dare trouble her there.

Character Developments

• Yang Ying demonstrates resilience and determination in seeking help.
• Tao Dingfu shows kindness and willingness to assist.
• Nie Xinying reveals her powerful status and offers protection to Yang Ying.

Significant Themes

• Protection and refuge: Nie Xinying offers Yang Ying a safe haven.
• Connections and alliances: Yang Ying's connection to Zhang Yu leads to help from Tao Dingfu and Nie Xinying.
• Power dynamics: Nie Xinying's influence is such that she believes no one will dare trouble Yang Ying under her protection.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ying seeks help from Tao Dingfu, who then takes her to meet Nie Xinying.
• Nie Xinying offers protection to Yang Ying due to her connection to Zhang Yu.
• Tao Dingfu and Nie Xinying discuss the reasons behind the Glazed Jade Heavenly Palace's lack of support for Yang Ying.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nie Xinying, a disciple of a Mystic Venerable, agrees to help Yang Ying against Radiant Light Peak.
• Daoist Li, another disciple of the same Mystic Venerable, is tasked to protect Yang Ying.
• Yang Ying decides to go to Cloud-Soaring Terrace and files a complaint against Wei Mou with the Heavenly Punishment Bureau.
• Wei Mou learns about Yang Ying's complaint and seeks advice from his uncle.

Character Developments

• Yang Ying: Shows initiative and strategic thinking by deciding to go to Cloud-Soaring Terrace and filing a complaint against Wei Mou.
• Nie Xinying: Demonstrates her power and influence as a disciple of a Mystic Venerable, willing to help Yang Ying despite potential backlash from other sects.
• Wei Mou: Realizes the gravity of the situation and seeks help from his uncle, showing a hint of vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter highlights the power struggle between different sects and the influence of Mystic Venerables in Jade Capital.
• Alliances and Rivalries: The alliances between characters (like Nie Xinying and Yang Ying) and rivalries (like Wei Mou and Yang Ying) drive the plot forward.
• Justice and Retribution: Yang Ying's complaint against Wei Mou reflects the theme of seeking justice and retribution for wrongdoings.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ying and Nie Xinying: Nie Xinying agrees to help Yang Ying, showing a mentor-like relationship.
• Wei Mou and his Uncle: Wei Mou seeks advice from his uncle, revealing their close relationship and the uncle's influence within the Glazed Jade Heavenly Palace.
• Yang Ying and Xiao Ran: Yang Ying entrusts Xiao Ran with filing the complaint, showing trust in her subordinate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Ying and her group reach Cloud-Soaring Terrace, where another flying vessel suddenly crashes due to Daoist Li's intervention.
• At Cloud-Soaring Terrace, Wei Clan's young scions mock Wei Wei, who is humiliated and seeks help from his master, a middle-aged Daoist.
• Wei Clan's steward informs Wei Wei to halt schemes against Yang Ying due to Wei Clan's fear of White Truth Mountain's involvement.
• Daoist Li confronts the middle-aged Daoist, who tries to intimidate him but backs down after learning about White Truth Mountain's support.
• Daoist Li offers to help Yang Ying and Jia Yue seek justice for their previous attack.

Character Developments

• Yang Ying gains confidence and support from White Truth Mountain and Daoist Li.
• Wei Wei faces humiliation and must retreat from his schemes against Yang Ying due to Wei Clan's fear of White Truth Mountain.
• The middle-aged Daoist, a cultivator of Radiant Light Peak, shows hesitation and caution when facing Daoist Li.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and alliances among cultivators and clans.
• The struggle for influence and resources in the cultivation world.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ying and Daoist Li form an alliance, with Daoist Li offering protection and support.
• Wei Wei and the middle-aged Daoist interact, showing the dynamics between a clan member and his master.
• Wei Wei and the young scions at Cloud-Soaring Terrace display the mockery and humiliation Wei Wei faces due to his clan's actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Court Enforcers gather to discuss the expansion of Protectorate Offices into prefecture-continents.
• Five Protectorate Offices are proposed, but the focus is on Dragon Fang Protectorate and Eastern Court Protectorate.
• Disagreements arise over which Protectorate Office should be expanded first.
• Zhu Yisheng argues for Eastern Court Protectorate due to its strategic importance.
• Chao Huan raises concerns about the lack of petitions from the people of the Protectorate Offices.
• The First Seat Daoist orders the Jade Capital Court to supplement the petitions from the people.
• Candidates for Profound Chiefs are recommended by various Court Enforcers.

Character Developments

• Daoist Zhong: Shows bias towards the Dragon Fang Protectorate, but ultimately submits a recommendation for Daoist Cen.
• Zhu Yisheng: Argues for the Eastern Court Protectorate's expansion, showing strategic insight.
• Chao Huan: Raises concerns about the lack of consideration for the people's opinion, demonstrating a focus on public sentiment.
• Court Enforcer Chen: Recommends two candidates for Profound Chiefs, showing his influence and knowledge of capable cultivators.
• Daoist Cen: Awaits Daoist Zhong's return to discuss his potential destination, showing deference to his senior.

Significant Themes

• Strategic Importance: The discussion revolves around the strategic value of the Protectorate Offices, with each Court Enforcer advocating for their preferred choice based on its significance.
• Public Sentiment: Chao Huan's intervention highlights the importance of considering the people's opinion and public sentiment in decision-making processes.
• Political Maneuvering: The Court Enforcers engage in political maneuvering, each trying to influence the decision to their benefit or that of their allies.

Character Interactions

• Daoist Zhong and Daoist Cen: They discuss Daoist Cen's potential destination, showing a close relationship and Zhong's influence in securing a position for Cen.
• Zhu Yisheng and Chao Huan: They present opposing views, with Zhu arguing for the Eastern Court Protectorate and Chao raising concerns about the lack of consideration for the people's opinion.
• Court Enforcers: They exchange views, argue, and submit recommendations, demonstrating their political influence and alliances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu continues cultivating the Skyshock Sword, accumulating sword momentum for his 'Sever All Absolutes' technique.
• Daoist Feng recommends Zhang Yu to the court, suggesting he could become a pillar of the Profound Law lineage if he becomes a Court Executive.
• Daoist Yusu recommends Zhang Yu as the guardian of the Eastern Court Protectorate, hinting at a hidden matter related to the region.
• In the final court deliberation of the year, the Chief Executive presents a register of four Profound Venerables, including Zhang Yu, to guard outer continents.
• Chao Huan objects to the register, arguing for True Person Zhu Feng's inclusion, leading to a court decision on the matter.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu continues to refine his sword technique, showing dedication to his cultivation.
• Daoist Yusu demonstrates his impartiality and trust in Zhang Yu, recommending him for a crucial task.
• Chao Huan displays his loyalty and advocacy for True Person Zhu Feng, challenging the court's decision.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivators' roles and responsibilities in maintaining Celestial Xia's stability and prosperity.
• The political dynamics and power struggles within the Profound Court.
• The value of merit and recommendations in determining one's role and status in the court.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu interacts with Daoist Feng and Daoist Yusu, discussing his potential role in the court and the Eastern Court Protectorate.
• Chao Huan interacts with the Chief Executive and Wu Qingxu, challenging the court's decision and advocating for True Person Zhu Feng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The discussion about assigning territories to the four Venerables is a pretense; Wei Tao and Kong Fu have already been assigned to the northern and southern protectorates.
• The debate focuses on who should guard the Prosperous Harmony Protectorate Office in the west and the Eastern Court Protectorate Office at the farthest east.
• Daoist Zhong recommends Cen Chuan for the Eastern Court position, while Daoist Yusu proposes Zhang Yu (Guardian of Rectitude).
• Chao Huan and Daoist Changsun also voice their opinions, leading to a proposal to settle the matter through a debate of the Dao between Cen Chuan and Zhang Yu.
• The Chief Executive agrees, and Wu Qingxu, Wei Liang, and Zhu Yisheng are tasked with arranging the debate before the second month.

Character Developments

• Cen Chuan shows determination to prove himself and regain his reputation, agreeing to the debate.
• Daoist Zhong supports Cen Chuan and provides him with information about Zhang Yu's past battle.
• Zhang Yu is not mentioned to have any development in this chapter.

Significant Themes

• Redemption and second chances (Cen Chuan's desire to prove himself and regain his position).
• The importance of merit and reputation in Celestial Xia's hierarchy.
• The use of force or combat to settle disputes, contrasting with the usual decision-making process in the Profound Court.

Character Interactions

• Daoist Zhong and Cen Chuan: Zhong supports Cen and provides him with information to prepare for the debate.
• Cen Chuan and Zhang Yu: Their rivalry is implied, with both unwilling to yield the Eastern Court position.
• The Court Executives: They voice their opinions and influence the decision-making process, with Chao Huan and Daoist Changsun playing significant roles in proposing the debate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu and Cen Chuan are to have a discourse on the Dao to determine who guards the Eastern Court Protectorate.
• Zhang Yu receives a battle projection of Cen Chuan from Dai Gonghan and a past battle record with Cen Chuan from Zhu Feng.
• Wei Tao and Wu Qingxu discuss the upcoming battle between Zhang Yu and Cen Chuan.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: He is preparing for the battle, seeking information about Cen Chuan, and is aware of the political implications of the battle.
• Cen Chuan: His past records and battle style are revealed, showing him to be a formidable opponent who has never been defeated by Upper Firmament Heaven cultivators.
• Zhu Feng: She reveals her past battle with Cen Chuan and offers her record to Zhang Yu.
• Wei Tao: He expresses his concerns about Cen Chuan's methods and the potential burden on the Eastern Court Protectorate if Cen Chuan wins.
• Wu Qingxu: He acknowledges the long-term implications of the battle's outcome and believes the key to victory lies in understanding one's opponent.

Significant Themes

• Understanding one's opponent: The battle's outcome is heavily influenced by each cultivator's understanding of the other.
• Political implications: The battle has far-reaching consequences for the Eastern Court Protectorate and the Profound Court.
• The burden of responsibility: The winner of the battle will bear the responsibility of guarding the Protectorate Office, which may come with significant challenges.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Dai Gonghan: Dai Gonghan sends Zhang Yu a battle projection of Cen Chuan to help him prepare.
• Zhang Yu and Zhu Feng: Zhu Feng shares her past battle record with Cen Chuan to aid Zhang Yu.
• Wei Tao and Wu Qingxu: They discuss the upcoming battle, with Wei Tao expressing his concerns about Cen Chuan and Wu Qingxu acknowledging the long-term implications of the battle's outcome.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu analyzes Cen Chuan's strength based on recorded battles with Zhu Feng and Yan Qiying.
• Zhu Feng warns Zhang Yu about Cen Chuan's mystic anomaly that makes him difficult to attack.
• Cen Chuan watches Zhang Yu's battle with Yan Qiying and underestimates his flying swords but is wary of his overall combat prowess.
• Both cultivators prepare for the upcoming Dao debate.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu improves his swordsmanship, reaching the peak of his Skyshock Sword's momentum.
• Cen Chuan seeks information about Zhang Yu's past and borrows a Jade Tally Chip and Heaven-Opening Thunder Pearls from Daoist Zhong.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding an opponent's full strength, not just their mana and Heartlight Seal.
• The role of mystic anomalies in combat and their potential for growth.
• The strategic planning and preparation for the Dao debate.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Zhu Feng discuss Cen Chuan's strengths and weaknesses.
• Cen Chuan and Daoist Zhong discuss Zhang Yu's past and borrow magical implements.
• Both Zhang Yu and Cen Chuan prepare for their impending confrontation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu and Cen Chuan travel to Cloudview Terrace for a Dao contest to determine who guards Eastern Court Prefecture.
• They enter a cloud vortex protected by the Origin-Dueling Plate, which ensures safety and determines victory.
• Both contestants use strategies to locate each other within the cloud vortex.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: Shows strategic thinking by considering the environment's effects on battle and preparing for various scenarios.
• Cen Chuan: Demonstrates caution and calculation, using a jade talisman to guide his decisions and initiate the fight.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability: Both characters adapt their strategies to suit the unique environment of the cloud vortex.
• Calculation vs. Instinct: Cen Chuan relies on a talisman to guide his decisions, while Zhang Yu follows his instincts and prepared plans.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Cen Chuan: Their interaction is minimal, focusing more on their individual strategies and preparations for the impending battle.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu and Cen Chuan engage in a battle within a cloud vortex.
• Zhang Yu uses his Heartlight Seal to defend against Cen Chuan's attacks.
• Cen Chuan uses a "Dreamwhite Worm" to probe Zhang Yu's mind, but it's destroyed.
• Zhang Yu uses his Cicada-Wing Flowing Light and Illusory Light Divine Slash, followed by Renewed Sun and Moon.
• Cen Chuan blocks the attacks using his Skyborne Divine Refinement.
• Zhang Yu uses a hidden sword within the Cicada-Wing Flowing Light to strike Cen Chuan, who reveals his true body and accuses Zhang Yu's sword of being dull.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu demonstrates calm composure, strategic thinking, and powerful divine abilities.
• Cen Chuan reveals his defensive fighting style and uses his illusory body technique, Myriad Gods Illusory Transmutation, combined with Empty Shadow.

Significant Themes

• The importance of understanding one's opponent and their fighting style.
• The use of strategy and adaptability in battle.
• The consumption of power and the need to conserve it in prolonged battles.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Cen Chuan engage in a battle of wits and power, each trying to outmaneuver the other.
• Zhang Yu sees through Cen Chuan's illusory body technique and repeats his attack, suggesting a test of Cen Chuan's power conservation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cen Chuan uses his Skyborne Divine Refinement and three-lobed golden leaf to defend against Zhang Yu's flying sword.
• Zhang Yu uses his Light-Dividing Sword Transformation to pierce through Cen Chuan's defenses, but Cen Chuan uses his Dust-Enshrouding Abyss mystic ability to evade.
• Zhang Yu uses his Edict Suppression to restrain Cen Chuan's abilities, allowing him to strike Cen Chuan down with his Cicada Cry Sword.
• Cen Chuan uses Heaven-Opening Thunder Pearls to manifest an illusion of devastating power, but Zhang Yu remains unfazed and counterattacks, killing Cen Chuan again.
• The Origin-Dueling Plate judges the battle's outcome, and Lin Huaixin invites the two cultivators out.

Character Developments

• Cen Chuan underestimates Zhang Yu's swordsmanship initially but adapts his strategy after learning from his mistakes.
• Zhang Yu demonstrates his ability to remain calm and analytical under pressure, using his First Fate mystic ability to discern reality from illusion.

Significant Themes

• Adaptability and learning from mistakes
• The power of calm analysis and discernment
• The role of mystic abilities and divine arts in combat

Character Interactions

• Cen Chuan and Zhang Yu engage in a series of battles, with each learning from their encounters and adapting their strategies.
• Lin Huaixin observes the battle and announces its outcome.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu and Cen Chuan's contest of Dao methods ends with Zhang Yu's victory, making him the new Profound Chief of Eastern Court Prefecture.
• The Profound Chief appoints Cen Chuan as the Profound Chief of Prosperous Harmony Protectorate Office.
• The Profound Court issues proclamations establishing the four great Protectorate Offices and dispatching envoys to deliver decrees.
• Zhang Yu awakens a new profound ability after his victory.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: Wins the contest, becomes the new Profound Chief of Eastern Court Prefecture, and awakens a new profound ability.
• Cen Chuan: Loses the contest but is appointed Profound Chief of Prosperous Harmony Protectorate Office. He considers merging his Zhengqing Lineage into Celestial Xia.
• Daoist Zhong: Advises Cen Chuan to merge his lineage into Celestial Xia to gain the Profound Chief's trust.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Dao convictions and their collisions.
• The significance of the Profound Chief's position and its potential impact on the governed.
• The tension between maintaining one's foundation and gaining trust from higher authorities.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Cen Chuan: Their contest of Dao methods reflects their differing Dao convictions and resolves.
• Cen Chuan and Daoist Zhong: Cen Chuan considers Daoist Zhong's advice on merging his lineage into Celestial Xia.
• Xiang Chun and his disciples: They discuss the implications of Zhang Yu becoming the new Profound Chief and the potential migration of cultivators to Eastern Court.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu reflects on his battle with Cen Chuan, analyzing the latter's phantom-body technique and its implications.
• Zhang Yu decides to enhance his Word Seal and explore variations to counter Cen Chuan's technique.
• Daoist Ming Zhou delivers the seal of office, crown, and robes for the Profound Chief of Eastern Court Prefecture to Zhang Yu.
• Zhang Yu returns to Kui Lodge Manor and informs Li Qinghe of his decision to return to Eastern Court Prefecture, instructing him to make arrangements.
• Yang Jue discusses the elevation of Eastern Court Protectorate to Eastern Court Prefecture with Liu Fengquan, expressing his desire to go to Jade Capital to study.
• Zhang Yu transports Li Qinghe from Kui Lodge Earth Star to Auspicious Light City, Taiyang Academy.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: Reflects on his battle, decides to enhance his Word Seal, and returns to the Inner Layer with Li Qinghe.
• Li Qinghe: Excited to return to the Inner Layer and Taiyang Academy, follows Zhang Yu's instructions.
• Yang Jue: Discusses the future of Eastern Court Protectorate with Liu Fengquan, expresses his desire to go to Jade Capital.

Significant Themes

• The impact of external pressures on cultivators' choices and techniques.
• The importance of foundation-building in cultivation.
• The adjustments and changes in governance following the elevation of Eastern Court Protectorate to Eastern Court Prefecture.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Li Qinghe: Zhang Yu instructs Li Qinghe to make arrangements to return to Eastern Court Prefecture, and they travel together to Taiyang Academy.
• Yang Jue and Liu Fengquan: Discuss the future of Eastern Court Protectorate and Yang Jue's desire to go to Jade Capital.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu and Li Qinghe return to Taiyang Academy, finding it empty and deserted.
• Zhang Yu heads to the Profound Residence, while Li Qinghe returns to their former residence.
• Zhang Yu arrives at the Profound Residence, where he is greeted by Xiang Chun and other cultivators.
• Mo Gong, a disciple of Court Executor Lin, presents three plans for the expansion of the Protectorate Office into a continent.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: He is now a Profound Venerable and returns to the Profound Residence with a clear, resplendent aura.
• Li Qinghe: He is grateful and respectful toward Zhang Yu, considering him his master.
• Xiang Chun: He is now the administrator of the Eastern Court Profound Residence, having stepped down as the Profound Chief.
• Mo Gong: He is a skilled architect and construction specialist, presenting plans for the expansion of the Protectorate Office.

Significant Themes

• Return and Change: Zhang Yu's return to the Profound Residence signifies a new era, with changes in leadership and responsibilities.
• Expansion and Growth: The plans for expanding the Protectorate Office into a continent highlight the theme of growth and development.
• Responsibility and Duty: Zhang Yu takes on his new role as the Profound Chief, emphasizing his sense of duty and responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Li Qinghe: They interact briefly, with Zhang Yu showing concern for Li Qinghe's well-being and Li Qinghe expressing gratitude.
• Zhang Yu and Xiang Chun: They greet each other respectfully, with Xiang Chun acknowledging Zhang Yu's new status and Zhang Yu appreciating Xiang Chun's service.
• Zhang Yu and Mo Gong: They meet for the first time, with Zhang Yu showing interest in Mo Gong's plans and Mo Gong presenting his ideas with confidence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qinghe returns to his Beardfolk village, where he is warmly welcomed by his uncle and cousin, Little Sprout.
• In the Eastern Court Profound Residence, Mo Gong presents three blueprints for the new city's location:
  1. A floating city at sea, focusing on maritime trade and defense.
  2. Expansion of Auspicious Light City, balancing existing territory and cautious development.
  3. A colossal city on Peace Mountain, advancing into the interior and assuming a posture of offense and defense.
• Zhang Yu reviews the blueprints and decides to send them to the new prefectural governor for review.

Character Developments

• Li Qinghe: He has grown and changed over the past ten years, now bearing the spirit and bearing of a cultivator. His uncle notes these changes.
• Mo Gong: He demonstrates his ambition and confidence in Celestial Xia's capabilities through his grand city designs.
• Zhang Yu: He shows his strategic thinking and consideration for the future, appreciating the third blueprint's focus on offense as the best defense.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and expansion: Mo Gong's city designs reflect Celestial Xia's ambition to expand and control, while Zhang Yu's appreciation of the third blueprint shows his strategic thinking and willingness to face potential threats.
• Cultural assimilation and identity: The Beardfolk's acceptance of Celestial Xia culture while maintaining their own heritage is explored through Li Qinghe's return to his village.

Character Interactions

• Li Qinghe reunites with his family, showing their close bond and the Beardfolk's respect for Celestial Xia cultivators.
• Zhang Yu interacts with Mo Gong and the cultivators of the Profound Residence, demonstrating his leadership and strategic planning.
• Mo Gong interacts with Zhang Yu and the cultivators, showcasing his ambition and confidence in his designs.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Qinghe returns to his Beardfolk village and meets his uncle, who reveals that Li Qinghe's younger sister, Little Sprout, has awakened her ancestral bloodline.
• The uncle asks Li Qinghe to take Little Sprout away from the village to avoid her being burdened with tribal elder responsibilities.
• Zhang Yu visits Goddess Peak and meets Goddess Ya Qiu, inquiring about any sleeping foreign gods in the area. He promises to let her continue dwelling on the peak if a city is built there.
• Lord Min, the new provincial governor, arrives at Dawn Harbor and decides not to raise the ceremonial guard upon disembarking.

Character Developments

• Li Qinghe: Shows concern for his family and is willing to help his younger sister. He has also grown in status and wealth since following Zhang Yu.
• Little Sprout: Has awakened her ancestral bloodline, which could potentially burden her with tribal elder responsibilities.
• Zhang Yu: Continues to demonstrate his leadership and consideration for the local inhabitants, promising to let Goddess Ya Qiu remain on her peak.
• Lord Min: Arrives at Dawn Harbor with a relaxed and considerate demeanor, prioritizing the well-being of the local people over official pomp.

Significant Themes

• Change and Adaptation: The Beardfolk village has changed due to the influence of Celestial Xia, with some young people leaving to seek better lives in the city. Little Sprout's awakened bloodline also presents a change that could disrupt her life.
• Leadership and Responsibility: Zhang Yu's promise to Goddess Ya Qiu and Lord Min's decision not to raise the ceremonial guard upon disembarking show their consideration for the local people and their responsibilities as leaders.
• Family and Belonging: Li Qinghe's concern for his younger sister and the uncle's desire for her to have a better life highlight the importance of family and belonging.

Character Interactions

• Li Qinghe and his uncle: They catch up on each other's lives, and the uncle asks Li Qinghe to take Little Sprout away from the village.
• Zhang Yu and Goddess Ya Qiu: They meet at Goddess Peak, and Zhang Yu inquires about any sleeping foreign gods in the area. He promises to let her remain on the peak if a city is built there.
• Lord Min and his officials: They discuss the new province's future and decide not to raise the ceremonial guard upon disembarking.