Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu, Zhang Yu, and Wu Qingxu discuss sending Jiao Yao as an envoy to Origin Xia due to his true dragon cultivation background.
• Celestial Xia delays responding to Origin Xia's envoys, leading Mu Juan'an and Daoist Qu to believe Celestial Xia is divided.
• Han Chen, responsible for gathering information, delegates the task to Yun and Zhu, focusing on his cultivation instead.
• Zhang Yu visits Court Administrator Changsun to test the forged external bodies, taking two for himself and Jiao Yao.
• Zhang Yu invites Jiao Yao to play chess and offers him a chance to serve as an envoy using an external body, which Jiao Yao accepts.

Character Developments

• Jiao Yao: Initially reluctant to leave Celestial Xia, Jiao Yao agrees to serve as an envoy using an external body after understanding the protection it offers and the importance of the mission.
• Han Chen: Focuses on his cultivation, delegating information gathering tasks to Yun and Zhu, showing trust in them and prioritizing his own advancement.
• Zhang Yu: Demonstrates strategic thinking in choosing Jiao Yao as an envoy and using external bodies to protect envoys, showing consideration for Celestial Xia's safety.

Significant Themes

• Protection and Safety: Zhang Yu's emphasis on using external bodies to protect envoys and ensure Celestial Xia's safety.
• Cultivation and Advancement: Han Chen's focus on his cultivation and Jiao Yao's concern for stabilizing his cultivation method.
• Trust and Delegation: Han Chen's trust in Yun and Zhu, and Zhang Yu's trust in Jiao Yao's abilities.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Jiao Yao: Zhang Yu invites Jiao Yao to play chess, using the game as an opportunity to discuss the envoy mission, demonstrating his strategic thinking and persuasive skills.
• Han Chen and Yun/Zhu: Han Chen delegates information gathering tasks to Yun and Zhu, showing trust in their abilities and a focus on his own cultivation.
• Zhang Yu and Court Administrator Changsun: Zhang Yu visits Changsun Qian to test the forged external bodies, showing appreciation for Changsun Qian's work and requesting further improvements.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu sends Ying Zhuan as an envoy to Origin Xia, hoping to use him to draw in the Great Chaos as a variable.
• Origin Xia's Mu Juan'an and Daoist Qu search for Celestial Xia's Upper Layer's hiding place, while Daoist Qu later confronts and captures Daoist Jiang, suspecting him of betrayal.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: He remains cautious and strategic, using Ying Zhuan as a potential asset in dealing with Origin Xia.
• Mu Juan'an: He shows confidence in Origin Xia's superiority, expecting an easy victory over Celestial Xia.
• Daoist Qu: He displays seriousness in preparing for the final battle, personally confronting and capturing Daoist Jiang due to suspicions of betrayal.
• Daoist Jiang: He reveals his true colors, resisting capture and insulting Origin Xia, confirming Daoist Qu's suspicions.

Significant Themes

• Caution vs. Confidence: Zhang Yu's caution contrasts with Mu Juan'an's overconfidence in Origin Xia's power.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: The chapter explores loyalty and its limits, with Daoist Jiang's actions raising questions about his allegiance.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Ying Zhuan: Zhang Yu entrusts Ying Zhuan with the task of going to Origin Xia, expecting him to draw in the Great Chaos.
• Mu Juan'an and Daoist Qu: They work together to locate Celestial Xia's Upper Layer, with Mu Juan'an showing confidence and Daoist Qu displaying seriousness.
• Daoist Qu and Daoist Jiang: Their interaction reveals Daoist Jiang's true colors, leading to his capture by Daoist Qu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Daoist Jiang, now allied with Celestial Xia, provokes Daoist Qu of Origin Xia to protect himself.
• Jiang disperses his worldly body to escape Qu's capture, but Qu tracks him.
• Celestial Xia's Daoist Bai Wang intervenes, veiling the celestial mechanism to hide Jiang's location.
• Qu and Bai Wang exchange blows, but Qu withdraws upon Mu Juan'an's order.
• Mu Juan'an decides to let Jiang go to Celestial Xia, believing Jiang's fate is sealed without the Calamity-Avoiding Pills.

Character Developments

• Daoist Jiang: Shows bravery and defiance against Origin Xia, ultimately dispersing his body to escape.
• Daoist Qu: Struggles to capture Jiang, later engages in a brief duel with Daoist Bai Wang.
• Mu Juan'an: Strategizes and decides to let Jiang go to Celestial Xia, believing Jiang's fate is sealed.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Jiang's defiance of Origin Xia and alliance with Celestial Xia.
• Power dynamics: The struggle between Origin Xia and Celestial Xia, with each side trying to gain an advantage.
• Fate and destiny: The celestial mechanism and its veil, as well as Jiang's limited lifespan without the Calamity-Avoiding Pills.

Character Interactions

• Jiang vs. Qu: Jiang provokes Qu to protect himself, later disperses his body to escape.
• Qu vs. Bai Wang: They exchange blows, but Qu withdraws upon Mu Juan'an's order.
• Mu Juan'an: Strategizes with Qu, ultimately deciding to let Jiang go to Celestial Xia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Daoist Qu is still upset about Daoist Jiang's escape and wants to pursue him, but Mu Juan'an prioritizes the envoys' journey to Origin Xia.
• Zhang Yu successfully refines outer bodies for the delegation, including his student Yan Yuming and Yu Ruiqing's disciple Yue Luo.
• Wu Qingxu and Daoist Feng deliver a petition for the envoys' journey to Mu Juan'an, who agrees to send it to Origin Xia for approval.
• Mu Juan'an decides not to propose a Dao debate with Celestial Xia's cultivators and asks Han Chen, Yun Zui, and Zhu Wujiang to remain in Celestial Xia.
• Mu Juan'an provides Han Chen and the others with Calamity-Avoiding Pills to extend their lives.

Character Developments

• Daoist Qu shows his eagerness to capture Daoist Jiang and his willingness to follow Mu Juan'an's orders.
• Zhang Yu successfully refines outer bodies, demonstrating his skill and preparation for the journey.
• Han Chen, Yun Zui, and Zhu Wujiang show reluctance to remain in Celestial Xia but ultimately comply with Mu Juan'an's orders.

Significant Themes

• The importance of prioritizing the overall situation over personal matters (Daoist Qu's pursuit of Daoist Jiang vs. Mu Juan'an's focus on the envoys' journey).
• The use of substitutes or outer bodies to protect cultivators during dangerous missions.
• The strategic use of envoys and debates to gain information and advantage in the conflict between Celestial Xia and Origin Xia.

Character Interactions

• Mu Juan'an and Daoist Qu discuss the pursuit of Daoist Jiang and the envoys' journey, with Mu Juan'an ultimately deciding the course of action.
• Zhang Yu and Daoist Ming Zhou discuss the roster for the delegation and the refinement of outer bodies.
• Wu Qingxu and Daoist Feng deliver the petition to Mu Juan'an, who agrees to send it to Origin Xia.
• Mu Juan'an, Daoist Qu, Han Chen, Yun Zui, and Zhu Wujiang discuss the envoys' journey and the use of Calamity-Avoiding Pills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Chen, Yun Zui, and Zhu Wujiang swallow Calamity-Avoiding Pills and return to Celestial Xia.
• Yun Zui and Zhu Wujiang notify Celestial Xia about the pills, leading to an examination by Changsun Tingzhi.
• Origin Xia permits Celestial Xia to send envoys, with Zhang Yu leading the delegation.
• Celestial Xia allows Zhang Yu to decide matters as they arise during the journey.

Character Developments

• Han Chen remains indifferent to the political intrigues between Origin Xia and Celestial Xia, focusing on his cultivation.
• Yun Zui and Zhu Wujiang become more estranged from Origin Xia and favor Celestial Xia, hoping to cultivate in peace and take disciples.
• Zhang Yu is chosen as the envoy leader, given autonomy to handle situations as they arise.

Significant Themes

• The power struggle between Origin Xia and Celestial Xia.
• The importance of autonomy and decision-making in critical situations.
• The desire for peace and freedom in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Han Chen interacts briefly with Yun Zui and Zhu Wujiang, sensing their shifting loyalties.
• Yun Zui and Zhu Wujiang interact with Changsun Tingzhi, providing information about the Calamity-Avoiding Pills.
• Zhang Yu interacts with Chen Yu, being given autonomy for the envoy mission to Origin Xia.
• Mu Juan'an and Daoist Qu interact, with Mu Juan'an receiving and relaying Origin Xia's response to Celestial Xia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Profound Court finalizes preparations for the mission to Origin Xia.
• Four main and nine auxiliary flying vessels are constructed using Ipal's techniques to conceal Celestial Xia's true capabilities.
• Zhang Yu commands one of the main vessels, accompanied by Xu Chengtong and later Chang Yang.
• Yan Yuming and Yue Luo, along with Ying Zhuan and Little Bean, board the vessels in external bodies.
• The delegation departs after a brief wait, following Mu Juan'an's great vessel through a void vortex.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu demonstrates his familiarity with Ipal's techniques and commands the vessel with ease.
• Yan Yuming and Yue Luo adapt to their external bodies and receive upper-realm fruits from Zhang Yu.
• Ying Zhuan takes control of his vessel and decides to teach Little Bean various methods.
• Han Chen, relieved by Mu Juan'an's departure, resumes his cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The use of deception and misdirection in diplomacy and warfare.
• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in facing new challenges.
• The value of mentorship and teaching in personal growth.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu interacts with Xu Chengtong, Chang Yang, Yan Yuming, and Yue Luo, demonstrating his leadership and care for his subordinates.
• Yan Yuming and Yue Luo interact, showing their camaraderie and shared experiences.
• Ying Zhuan interacts with Little Bean, showing his responsibility and patience as a mentor.
• Han Chen interacts with the disciple who delivers the message and Chang Yang, showing his curiosity and caution in dealing with new situations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Chen, now residing on Celestial Xia's side, is visited by Chang Yang, who tries to convince him to join Celestial Xia.
• Han Chen realizes the danger he's in and the possibility of being framed as a traitor by Mu Juan'an and the Crooked Way cultivator.
• Celestial Xia's envoys, led by Lin Tingzhi, discuss strategies to delay or disrupt Origin Xia's entry into Celestial Xia.
• Zhengqing and Wei Guang discuss their loyalties and the possibility of rejoining their teacher in Origin Xia.

Character Developments

• Han Chen: Becomes more cautious and aware of the political intrigue around him.
• Zhang Yu: Continues to instruct his disciples, Yan Yuming and Yue Luo, demonstrating his commitment to their growth.
• Zhengqing: Shows wisdom and understanding of the different intents and principles of the two teachers, guiding his junior brother Wei Guang.
• Wei Guang: Struggles with his loyalty and desire to rejoin his teacher but ultimately listens to Zhengqing's advice.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and betrayal: Han Chen grapples with the idea of joining Celestial Xia, while Wei Guang considers rejoining his teacher in Origin Xia.
• Political intrigue: The envoys from both realms navigate complex political landscapes, with potential betrayals and manipulations lurking.
• The higher realm vs. the lower realm: The power dynamics between the realms are explored, with Origin Xia's higher realm status allowing it to control the passage between realms.

Character Interactions

• Han Chen and Chang Yang: Their tense conversation highlights the political pressure Han Chen faces and Chang Yang's manipulative tactics.
• Zhang Yu and Lin Tingzhi: They discuss strategies to delay Origin Xia's entry, showing unity and cooperation among Celestial Xia's envoys.
• Zhengqing and Wei Guang: Their conversation reveals their differing views on loyalty and the potential consequences of rejoining their teacher in Origin Xia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu and Celestial Xia's envoys enter Origin Xia's world domain in the void.
• They find the void filled with ordered suns, moons, and stars, resembling an instrument operating according to eternal laws.
• Origin Xia's ambition is to imitate the Heavenly Dao and merge with it.
• Zhang Yu conjectures that Origin Xia's strategy is to evolve and slay myriad ages to control all changes and ultimately draw close to the Dao.
• Mu Juan'an, the envoy from Origin Xia, returns to Fuqing Way to report and seek benefits.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu demonstrates his ability to maintain the connection with his external body due to the Dao Seal he possesses.
• Mu Juan'an shows ambition and cunning in seeking benefits and maintaining his position within Fuqing Way.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of the Dao and the ambition to merge with it.
• The manipulation of heavenly opportunities and the control of changes.
• The struggle for power and position within Origin Xia's hierarchy.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu observes and analyzes Origin Xia's world domain, gaining insights into their ambitions and strategies.
• Mu Juan'an interacts with a young woman (his sister) within Fuqing Way, discussing his journey and the potential threats from his brother.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Juan'an merges with his outer body, absorbing its experiences and memories.
• He meets the three clan elders and reports his journey. They acknowledge his merits but delay fulfilling their promise.
• Mu Juan'an leaves to receive the Celestial Xia envoys.
• Zhang Yu observes that a treasure suppressing the Dao blocks communication with Celestial Xia.
• Mu Yiyi arrives to replace Mu Juan'an, and a dispute occurs between her and Daoist Qu.
• The Celestial Xia delegation follows the Origin Xia vessel to the Fuqing Way's territory.

Character Developments

• Mu Juan'an demonstrates his strength and earns the clan elders' consideration for the lineage chief position.
• Zhang Yu shows his strategic thinking by observing Origin Xia's internal contradictions.
• Mu Yiyi displays her cunning by intentionally letting Daoist Qu handle the situation first.
• Daoist Qu shows loyalty to Mu Juan'an but is manipulated by Mu Yiyi.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and internal conflicts within Origin Xia.
• The importance of trust and loyalty, as seen in Daoist Qu's situation.
• The strategic use of opportunities, as demonstrated by Zhang Yu.

Character Interactions

• Mu Juan'an and the clan elders: They acknowledge his merits but delay fulfilling their promise, showing their cautious nature.
• Mu Yiyi and Daoist Qu: They manipulate him into a corner, showing their cunning and his loyalty.
• Zhang Yu and the Celestial Xia delegation: They follow Origin Xia's lead, showing their adaptability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu and his party enter a world overlaid upon their own, belonging to Origin Xia.
• They navigate through a gorge filled with refined creatures and objects, leading to a waterfall that reveals a docking cabin for their vessels.
• The fleet enters the cabins, and Zhang Yu's group is housed separately from Yun Zui and others, likely due to the Fuqing Lineage's deliberate arrangement.
• Zhang Yu's party is greeted by Mu Yiyi, who assigns Li Wen'er and Steward Wei to attend to their needs.
• The group is transported to a grand hall within a tower palace via a rainbow bridge.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu demonstrates his understanding of the heavenly order and the advantages of fighting on one's home ground.
• Mu Yiyi maintains her polite and gentle demeanor, showing no signs of hostility.
• Xu Chengtong shows initiative in gathering information from Steward Wei, indicating his resourcefulness and adaptability.
• A young cultivator of the Fuqing Way plans to make contact with Celestial Xia envoys to potentially gain their allegiance, revealing his ambition and strategic thinking.

Significant Themes

• The advantages of fighting on one's home ground and the difficulties of attacking from the outside.
• The manipulation of heavenly order and Dao principles to one's advantage.
• Ambition and power struggles within a Way, as seen through the young cultivator's plans.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu interacts with Mu Yiyi, showing respect but maintaining a certain distance.
• Xu Chengtong interacts with Steward Wei, using bribes to gather information.
• The young cultivator interacts with his attendants, discussing his plans to undermine Mu Yiyi's influence and secure his own position within the Fuqing Way.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu arrives in Origin Xia and observes its precise control over yin and yang, suggesting its dominance over fate.
• He meets Xu Chengtong, who provides him with gathered intelligence, and gifts him a Daoist book.
• Three Origin Xia cultivators visit Zhang Yu, and they engage in a game of Dao chess, which Zhang Yu uses to assess their Dao methods and cultivation levels.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: He demonstrates his superior cultivation and understanding of Dao methods by easily defeating the three Origin Xia cultivators in a game of chess. He also shows strategic thinking by using the game to learn about his opponents and their world.
• Xu Chengtong: He proves himself to be a capable and loyal subordinate, gathering intelligence and being rewarded by Zhang Yu with a Daoist book.
• Origin Xia Cultivators (Fu, Guan, Hua): They reveal their respective attitudes towards their new allegiance to Origin Xia. Fu and Guan seem more open to new ideas, while Hua is proud of his new identity and believes in Origin Xia's great Dao.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and Dao Methods: The game of Dao chess serves as a metaphor for the cultivation journey, with each player's moves representing their understanding and application of their Dao methods.
• Adaptation and Change: The transformation of the chess game into Variable Chess represents the need for cultivators to adapt and change their methods to progress.
• Identity and Belonging: The three Origin Xia cultivators' differing attitudes towards their new identity highlight the theme of how individuals adapt and integrate into new environments and cultures.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Xu Chengtong: Zhang Yu rewards Xu Chengtong for his efforts, showing trust and appreciation for his subordinate.
• Zhang Yu and the Origin Xia Cultivators: Through the game of Dao chess, Zhang Yu interacts with the Origin Xia cultivators, assessing their strengths and learning about their world and its cultivators.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The three cultivators surnamed Fu return to their residences to reflect on their experiences with Zhang Yu.
• One of them, Fu, visits Zhang Yu alone to play another game and seek guidance, further understanding the potential of other worlds against calamity force.
• Over the next half-month, the other two cultivators surnamed Fu also visit Zhang Yu, with Fu and Guan growing bolder in their inquiries.
• Origin Xia shows no sign of meeting or taking Zhang Yu to the Upper Layer of Origin Xia.
• The young Daoist learns that his elder brother, Mu Juan'an, will inherit the position of next sect chief, prompting him to act.
• Mu Juan'an decides to have a formal talk with Zhang Yu, sending Daoist Qu as his representative.

Character Developments

• The cultivators surnamed Fu begin to question their loyalty to Origin Xia and develop a growing interest in Celestial Xia's methods.
• The young Daoist becomes more determined to secure his position and challenge his elder brother.
• Mu Juan'an, despite his calm demeanor, is subtly pressured by the upcoming succession and the young Daoist's actions.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between loyalty and self-interest, as seen in the cultivators surnamed Fu and the young Daoist.
• The power dynamics between worlds and their inhabitants, with Origin Xia's dominance being challenged by Celestial Xia's methods.
• The consequences of birth and lineage, as experienced by the young Daoist and Mu Juan'an.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu interacts with the cultivators surnamed Fu, guiding them through games and helping them understand the potential of other worlds.
• The young Daoist interacts with his trusted attendant, sending him to convey a message to Zhang Yu.
• Mu Juan'an interacts with Daoist Qu, sending him to meet with Zhang Yu on his behalf.

Summary of "The Leak Must Be Filled in Haste"

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu, a high-ranking cultivator from Celestial Xia, is in Origin Xia to find a way to contact Xun Ji for information about Origin Xia.
• He studies Origin Xia's calendrical records to find a flaw that might allow communication with Xun Ji.
• Daoist Qu, a cultivator from Origin Xia, visits Zhang Yu and challenges him to a chess game, which ends inconclusively.
• Qu takes Zhang Yu to see a giant, sleeping forged warrior of Origin Xia's Fuqing Way, meant to intimidate him and convince him to submit to Origin Xia.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu remains steadfast in his resistance to Origin Xia, refusing to submit despite the intimidation.
• Daoist Qu reveals his desire to avoid fighting Zhang Yu personally, hinting at his internal conflict and fear of the powerful cultivator.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between Celestial Xia and Origin Xia, with Origin Xia trying to intimidate and subdue Celestial Xia.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and the importance of preserving one's cultivation.
• The manipulation and control of cultivators by higher powers, as seen in Daoist Qu's situation.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Daoist Qu engage in a chess game that reflects their power dynamics and mutual respect.
• Qu takes Zhang Yu to see the forged warrior, attempting to intimidate him into submission and expressing his desire to avoid fighting him personally.
• Zhang Yu remains steadfast in his resistance, refusing to submit to Origin Xia's demands.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Crooked Way (True Person Qu) tries to persuade Zhang Yu to surrender Celestial Xia to Origin Xia, but Zhang Yu refuses.
• Crooked Way warns Zhang Yu that Origin Xia's Upper Layer will not be as accommodating as he is.
• An anonymous sender delivers a secret message to Zhang Yu, containing a roster of powerful other-world cultivators serving Origin Xia.

Character Developments

• Crooked Way: Struggles between his loyalty to Origin Xia and his past resistance, ultimately prioritizing survival and submission.
• Zhang Yu: Stands firm in his resolve to protect Celestial Xia, displaying calm confidence in their ability to face Origin Xia.

Significant Themes

• Resistance vs. Submission: Crooked Way's internal struggle represents the choice between maintaining principles and submitting for survival, while Zhang Yu embodies unyielding resistance.
• Information and Knowledge: The secret message highlights the power of information and knowledge in preparing for conflict.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Crooked Way: Their conversation reveals their differing views on the conflict between Celestial Xia and Origin Xia, with Crooked Way trying to persuade Zhang Yu to surrender, and Zhang Yu remaining steadfast in his resolve.
• Zhang Yu and the Anonymous Sender: Their interaction, though indirect, shows the potential for alliances or support from unexpected sources, even within Origin Xia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Taoist Crooked Way returns and reports his failure to persuade the Celestial Xia envoy.
• Mu Juan'an tasks Taoist Crooked Way with winning over other envoys, emphasizing haste due to inquiries from above.
• Taoist Crooked Way decides to target Jiao Yao, an old-school cultivator, and seeks information from Chang Yang.
• Chang Yang reveals that Celestial Xia imprisons unwilling Profound Venerables for power extraction, and agrees to help recruit old-school cultivators to Origin Xia.
• Zhang Yu receives a visit from the cultivator surnamed Guan, who expresses his desire to defect to Celestial Xia.

Character Developments

• Taoist Crooked Way: Shows determination to establish merit in the war against Celestial Xia, disregarding his origin.
• Mu Juan'an: Demonstrates tolerance towards his blood brother's actions, prioritizing the success of the Fuqing Lineage.
• Chang Yang: Reveals his initial reason for defecting to Origin Xia, and agrees to recruit old-school cultivators for personal gain.
• Zhang Yu: Maintains a calm and composed demeanor, revealing little about Celestial Xia's capabilities.
• Cultivator surnamed Guan: Expresses his hatred towards Origin Xia and his desire to defect to Celestial Xia, offering to sign a covenant to prove his sincerity.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence between Celestial Xia and Origin Xia.
• The consequences of allegiance and betrayal in a world dominated by cultivators.
• The moral ambiguity of characters pursuing their own goals.

Character Interactions

• Taoist Crooked Way and Mu Juan'an: The former reports his failure and receives guidance from the latter.
• Taoist Crooked Way and Chang Yang: The former seeks information and recruits the latter for his plan.
• Zhang Yu and the cultivator surnamed Guan: The latter expresses his desire to defect to Celestial Xia, seeking the former's acceptance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu, the Celestial Xia envoy, meets with a Guan cultivator who wants to join Celestial Xia to oppose Origin Xia.
• Zhang Yu offers to temporarily suppress the Guan cultivator's tribulation power using a wisp of precious aura, allowing him to escape Origin Xia's restraints.
• The Guan cultivator decides to join Celestial Xia without a formal covenant, trusting Zhang Yu's word.
• Mu Juan'an, an Origin Xia Upper True Person, meets with Cai Li, another Upper True Person, who has come to negotiate with Zhang Yu on behalf of Origin Xia's Upper Layer.
• Cai Li visits Zhang Yu, challenging him to a Dao discussion and offering to speak for Celestial Xia if Zhang Yu's demands are reasonable.

Character Developments

• The Guan cultivator shows his resolve to oppose Origin Xia, prioritizing his hatred and desire for resistance over his cultivation level.
• Zhang Yu demonstrates Celestial Xia's inclusivity, valuing the Guan cultivator's resolve over his cultivation attainment.
• Mu Juan'an shows his displeasure with being interrupted during his cultivation but maintains composure.
• Cai Li displays confidence in his abilities and willingness to negotiate on behalf of Origin Xia's Upper Layer.

Significant Themes

• Trust and resolve in the face of adversity (Guan cultivator, Zhang Yu)
• The value of one's word and actions over formal agreements (Zhang Yu, Guan cultivator)
• Power dynamics and political maneuvering (Mu Juan'an, Cai Li)

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and the Guan cultivator: Zhang Yu offers help to the Guan cultivator, who joins Celestial Xia based on trust in Zhang Yu's word.
• Mu Juan'an and Cai Li: Mu Juan'an is displeased with Cai Li's arrival but allows him to meet with Zhang Yu.
• Zhang Yu and Cai Li: Cai Li challenges Zhang Yu to a Dao discussion and offers to negotiate on behalf of Origin Xia's Upper Layer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu and Cai Li enter a separate expanse of space, the Forgotten Star Domain, to discuss the Dao and exchange pointers.
• Zhang Yu initiates the contest with a powerful Heartlight Seal, which Cai Li counters with his magical power and treasure robe's abilities.
• Zhang Yu breaks through Cai Li's defense and forces him to use an array artifact for protection.
• Zhang Yu uses an Illusory Light Divine Slash to disrupt Cai Li's concentration, then presses his advantage with the Heartlight Seal.
• Cai Li, unable to counterattack, asks to end the discussion to avoid further harm.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu demonstrates his superior magical power and combat experience, easily gaining the upper hand against Cai Li.
• Cai Li, despite his excitement for the battle, lacks real-life combat experience and is overwhelmed by Zhang Yu's pressure.

Significant Themes

• The difference in combat experience and will to fight between cultivators from Celestial Xia and Origin Xia.
• The importance of magical power in a direct confrontation between cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Cai Li's exchange of pointers highlights the gap in their combat experience and understanding of the Dao.
• Cai Li's request to end the discussion reveals his fear of injury, contrasting with Zhang Yu's composure and willingness to continue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cai Li, heir of Eastern Origin Way, helps Celestial Xia's delegation, seeing no conflict with Origin Xia's ultimate goal.
• Zhang Yu keeps Cai Li's formation artifact, valuable for studying Origin Xia's techniques.
• Origin Xia cultivators discuss Celestial Xia's flying vessels and techniques, suspecting they might be concealing their true methods.
• A black-robed cultivator, Yi Wu, visits Jiao Yao, offering him a position in Northern Unfinished Way and protection from Celestial Xia's covenant.

Character Developments

• Cai Li: Shows high spirits and confidence, sees no issue in helping Celestial Xia, enjoys sparring and thrill but not real combat.
• Zhang Yu: Recognizes Cai Li's strength and potential threat, shares the battle scene with Celestial Xia for preparation.
• Jiao Yao: Maintains ambiguity in his responses to Origin Xia's cultivators, awaits Yi Wu's visit.
• Yi Wu: Seeks to recruit Jiao Yao, offers protection and dissolution of Celestial Xia's covenant.

Significant Themes

• Power and Status: Characters' actions and words reflect their power and status within their respective worlds.
• Alliances and Betrayals: Characters consider alliances and betrayals, weighing personal gain and loss.
• Concealment and Revealing: Characters attempt to conceal or reveal information, reflecting their intentions and strategies.

Character Interactions

• Cai Li and Zhang Yu: Spar and discuss the Dao, with Cai Li showing off his power and Zhang Yu observing and learning.
• Origin Xia cultivators and Celestial Xia's delegation: Discuss and examine Celestial Xia's techniques, trying to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
• Jiao Yao and Yi Wu: Meet secretly, with Yi Wu offering Jiao Yao a position in Northern Unfinished Way and protection from Celestial Xia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yi Wu, a representative from Origin Xia, visits Jiao Yao to recruit him and his clansmen to their side.
• Jiao Yao, despite being tempted by Origin Xia's offer, declines due to his loyalty to Celestial Xia and his concern for his clansmen's safety.
• Yi Wu leaves, promising to return with a solution for Jiao Yao's clansmen.
• Daoist You studies Origin Xia's formation implements, hoping to learn more about their methods.
• Mu Juan'an, a high-ranking official in Origin Xia, decides to personally negotiate with Celestial Xia's envoy after ten days.
• Daoist Xing, a hardline negotiator from Origin Xia, arrives to meet with Zhang Yu, the chief envoy of Celestial Xia.

Character Developments

• Jiao Yao demonstrates his loyalty and concern for his clansmen, choosing to prioritize their safety over his own interests.
• Mu Juan'an shows his determination to resolve the Celestial Xia issue, indicating his ambition and responsibility.
• Daoist Xing exhibits his hardline approach and lack of flexibility in negotiations.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty vs. Self-Interest: Jiao Yao's decision to prioritize his clansmen's safety over his own gain highlights the theme of loyalty and self-sacrifice.
• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Origin Xia and Celestial Xia reflect the power dynamics between the two realms, with Origin Xia holding the upper hand.
• Cultural Differences: The contrast between Origin Xia's hierarchical and aggressive culture and Celestial Xia's more diplomatic approach is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Jiao Yao and Yi Wu: Their interaction showcases Jiao Yao's loyalty and Yi Wu's persistence in recruitment efforts.
• Mu Juan'an and Daoist Xing: Their differing approaches to the Celestial Xia issue reflect their personalities and the power dynamics within Origin Xia.
• Zhang Yu and Daoist Xing: Their impending negotiation highlights the tension and power imbalance between the two realms.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhang Yu meets Daoist Xing, a hardliner from Origin Xia's Origin Upper Hall, who presents harsh terms for Celestial Xia's submission.
• Zhang Yu refuses the terms, shattering the contract scroll, and leaves.
• Cai Li, a cultivator from Fuqing Way, plans to use Zhang Yu's refusal to pressure Origin Xia's upper echelons and secure better terms for his way.
• Zhang Yu decides to leave Fuqing Way but is persuaded to stay by Daoist Qu, who offers him a Cosmos Talisman and promises further negotiations.

Character Developments

• Zhang Yu: Stands firm against Origin Xia's harsh terms, refusing to accept them. He decides to leave but is persuaded to stay, showing a willingness to negotiate further.
• Daoist Xing: A hardliner from Origin Xia's Origin Upper Hall, he presents harsh terms to Celestial Xia, aiming to force a swift war.
• Cai Li: A cultivator from Fuqing Way, he uses Zhang Yu's refusal to pressure Origin Xia's upper echelons and secure better terms for his way.
• Daoist Qu: He persuades Zhang Yu to stay, showing a willingness to continue negotiations.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The struggle between Origin Xia's various ways and the Origin Upper Hall for control and distribution of power and resources.
• Negotiation vs. Force: The tension between those who favor negotiation and those who favor force in dealing with external domains.
• Ultimate Dao: The ultimate goal of all cultivators, which drives the power struggles and negotiations.

Character Interactions

• Zhang Yu and Daoist Xing: Their meeting highlights the uncompromising stance of Origin Xia and the refusal of Celestial Xia to accept their terms.
• Cai Li and the cultivator: Their conversation reveals Cai Li's plans to use Zhang Yu's refusal to secure better terms for Fuqing Way.
• Zhang Yu and Daoist Qu: Their interaction shows Zhang Yu's willingness to negotiate further, given the right conditions.