Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang successfully breaks through to the Second Attestation, Dao Union, using a method from Teaching Scholar's inheritance.
• He creates the sixth volume of the Calamity-Crossing Immortal Scripture, "Excess Is as Bad as Deficiency," to mitigate the burden of his dharma domain.
• Tan Shuchang condenses the Black Shadow Gate after his breakthrough.
• The Yin Gods of Heavenly Ghost Ridge sense Tan Shuchang's breakthrough and discuss his potential invitation to the Book Mountain Immortal Sect.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang advances to the Second Attestation, demonstrating his growing power and understanding.
• The old man in green robes, now free from being Teaching Scholar's clone, remains in the blood pool and reveals his original form.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between masters and disciples, and the desire to surpass one's master.
• The consequences of taking in prodigious disciples and the methods used to control them.
• The importance of understanding one's own Dao in cultivation.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang and the old man in green robes discuss the truth behind the Purple-Gold Immortal's Dao-transformation and the nature of prodigies' desires.
• The Yin Gods of Heavenly Ghost Ridge discuss Tan Shuchang's breakthrough and potential invitation to the Book Mountain Immortal Sect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yin Gods mock and attack the Book Mountain Immortal Sect. Harmony Dao Yin God, in her true form, searches for Tan Shuchang but finds the temple empty.
• Tan Shuchang returns to Orion Heaven, finds Black-Seeing King and Earth-Destroying King busy with their respective laws, and realizes the Law of Greed's peculiarity.
• Tan Shuchang returns to Orion Heaven smoothly and decides to learn alchemy. He meets Yi Qingqing, gives her the Demon Cult Token and Soul-Guideless Banner, and asks her to exchange for alchemy manuals from Rainbow Cloud Valley.
• Tan Shuchang creates two secret realms, one inferior and one superior, for Yi Qingqing and Clear River City respectively.
• In Clear River City, Tan Shuchang encounters A Lu, an incarnation of a True Immortal, who asks about his experience of slaying his master. She shares a secret about the mortal aura and gives him a peach in return.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang attains Second-Proof Harmony Dao and can now travel between worlds. He decides to learn alchemy and helps Yi Qingqing by giving her powerful artifacts.
• Yi Qingqing inherits the Holy Sect and plans to exchange for alchemy manuals from Rainbow Cloud Valley.
• A Lu, an incarnation of a True Immortal, appears curious and interested in Tan Shuchang's story of slaying his master.

Significant Themes

• The theme of slaying one's master is explored further through A Lu's curiosity and Tan Shuchang's story.
• The peculiarity of the Law of Greed is highlighted, showing its non-greedy nature despite its name.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang interacts with Yi Qingqing, helping her and entrusting her with important tasks.
• Tan Shuchang meets A Lu, an incarnation of a True Immortal, and shares his story of slaying his master in exchange for a secret and a peach.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang, a Two Proof Dao Integrator, returns to the mortal world and encounters a young woman, Xiangxiang, whom he had met seven years ago.
• A mysterious True Immortal, A Lu, appears and gives Tan Shuchang a map leading to an Immortal-tier magic treasure, with the condition that he must seize it openly.
• The Book Mountain Immortal Sect sends cultivators, led by Huang Wuji, to Heavenly Ghost Ridge to investigate Tan Shuchang, but find it empty.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang shows concern for Xiangxiang, indicating a softening of his previously cold and indifferent demeanor.
• A Lu reveals that she admires Tan Shuchang for slaying his master, hinting at her own desire to do the same.
• Honglian Ji, despite his fear of death, remains cautious and helpful towards Tan Shuchang.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and manipulation is reinforced as Tan Shuchang suspects the old man in azure robes (Wind Azure Qi) of tampering with the book Dao inheritance.
• The power dynamics and hierarchy among immortals are explored, with Three Proof cultivators like Huang Wuji holding significant influence.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang interacts with Xiangxiang, showing a level of care and consideration for her well-being.
• A Lu and Tan Shuchang have a brief exchange, with A Lu revealing her admiration for Tan Shuchang's actions and giving him the map.
• Honglian Ji and Tan Shuchang maintain their friendly relationship, with Honglian Ji offering assistance despite his fears.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang finds the Five-Fire Seven-Bird Fan, which contains three extraordinary feathers: one that causes lovers to turn against each other, one that fulfills desires but with severe consequences, and one that enhances pill refinement success rate.
• He encounters a rooster-guardian that he spares and later refines. The rooster reveals the location of three treasured herbs: Golden Body Lotus and Sword Grass.
• Tan Shuchang refines the Golden Body Lotus, evolving his demonic Dao divine ability. He plans to refine the second Lotus into a pill and learn alchemy.
• He returns to Orion Heaven, where Yi Qingqing has successfully established her identity as the third master of the Holy Sect. Tan Shuchang plans to bring her a Mountain-Sea beast for knowledge.
• Tan Shuchang begins learning alchemy and later visits the Li Residence to write another diary entry, leaving a treasure for the young girl A Lu.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang continues to display his broad learning and humility, while also showing his determination to learn alchemy.
• Yi Qingqing demonstrates her capability in managing the Holy Sect and her admiration for Tan Shuchang.
• The young girl A Lu shows curiosity and surprise at Tan Shuchang's quick progress.

Significant Themes

• Greed: The Law of Greed, Black-Seeing King, and Earth-Destroying King are all driven by greed, yet they put on a show of not being greedy, reflecting the theme of hidden greed.
• Cultivation and Learning: Tan Shuchang's continuous learning and improvement in alchemy, as well as his desire to create his own cultivation method, highlight the theme of constant cultivation and growth.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang interacts with the rooster-guardian, sparing it and later refining it, showing his mercy and understanding of fate.
• He communicates with Yi Qingqing about the Holy Sect and his plans for her cultivation.
• Tan Shuchang visits the Li Residence, interacting with the maidservant and the young girl A Lu, leaving a treasure for the latter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang obtains an immortal treasure with ease, surprising A Lu.
• Tan Shuchang reveals his Star Destiny Divine Ability, which astonishes A Lu.
• A Lu explains the concept of mortal aura and the restraints of Two Verifications' Dao Union.
• Tan Shuchang writes a diary about a past encounter with a body-refining cultivator.
• Tan Shuchang decides to write more diaries to attract the mysterious True Immortal senior's attention.
• Tan Shuchang begins cultivating the Alchemy-Self Dual Cultivation Method on the lotus platform.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Shows humility and curiosity in learning about mortal aura and restraints. He also expresses his desire to become immortal without begging for favor. He decides to stay in Orion Heaven to write more diaries.
• A Lu: Reveals more about her past and her master, Jieming Immortal Lord. She is astonished by Tan Shuchang's Star Destiny Divine Ability and fortune.

Significant Themes

• The concept of mortal aura and the restraints of Two Verifications' Dao Union are introduced, highlighting the limitations of cultivation in the mortal world.
• The theme of ambition and desire for power is shown through Tan Shuchang's wish to become immortal without begging for favor.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang and A Lu: They have a conversation where A Lu explains the concepts of mortal aura and restraints, and Tan Shuchang shares his thoughts on becoming immortal. Their interaction is cordial and informative.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang, after seven years of cultivation, attempts to master an alchemy method given by Yi Qingqing, which leads to the explosion of his alchemy furnace.
• Tan Shuchang decides to find a magical-treasure alchemy furnace, consulting Fellow Daoist Honglian Ji for options.
• Honglian Ji suggests three methods: refining pills for the Nangong family, killing two Nangong longevity cultivators for Three-Flower Mountain's bounty, or exploring a True Immortal's cave abode.
• Honglian Ji offers Tan Shuchang an Azure Lotus Token to explore the Azure Lotus Palace, asking for red lotus flowers in return.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang shows determination in his cultivation and adaptability in facing challenges.
• Honglian Ji demonstrates his knowledge of the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars' cultivation world and his willingness to help Tan Shuchang.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of cultivation and the challenges faced along the way.
• The value of adaptability and perseverance in the face of obstacles.
• The importance of trust and reciprocity in cultivator relationships.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang and Honglian Ji: They share information and resources, building a foundation of trust. Honglian Ji offers Tan Shuchang a valuable opportunity to obtain a magical-treasure alchemy furnace, while Tan Shuchang agrees to bring back red lotus flowers for Honglian Ji.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang enters Azure Lotus Palace, finds artifact-grade alchemy furnaces and red lotus flowers, and leaves within minutes.
• Honglian Ji's clan uncle and others suspect Tan Shuchang of killing their disciples and stealing the red lotus flowers.
• Honglian Ji's clan uncle learns that Tan Shuchang was sent to Heavenly Ghost Ridge due to a dispute at Book Mountain Academy.
• Tan Shuchang returns to Orion Heaven to research alchemy, successfully refining one artifact-grade alchemy furnace, and decides to return to the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Shows his efficiency and power by quickly acquiring the needed items from Azure Lotus Palace. He also demonstrates adaptability by considering changing his approach to raising his lotus.
• Honglian Ji: Shows curiosity about Tan Shuchang's actions in Azure Lotus Palace and concern for his safety.
• Honglian Ji's clan uncle: Shows caution and wisdom in handling the situation, understanding the implications of targeting a Mountain Patrol Envoy.

Significant Themes

• Power and Efficiency: Tan Shuchang's strength and ability are highlighted as he quickly accomplishes his mission in Azure Lotus Palace.
• Caution and Wisdom: Honglian Ji's clan uncle demonstrates the importance of careful consideration and understanding the bigger picture in decision-making.
• Adaptability: Tan Shuchang considers changing his approach to raising his lotus, showing flexibility in his methods.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang and Honglian Ji: Their interaction is brief but shows Honglian Ji's concern for Tan Shuchang's safety and Tan Shuchang's efficiency in completing his task.
• Honglian Ji and his clan uncle: Their interaction shows Honglian Ji's nephewly demeanor and the clan uncle's wisdom and caution in handling the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang, a mountain-patrol envoy, enters an alchemy circle within the Spirit Domain, displaying his pitch-black alchemy furnace.
• He deliberately shows off his treasure, attracting the attention of Longevity cultivators who want to borrow it.
• Tan Shuchang sets a condition for borrowing: the cultivator must produce a magic treasure alchemy furnace in exchange.
• News of Tan Shuchang's treasure spreads, and cultivators try to persuade "rich fat sheep" to produce the required furnaces.
• A body cultivator brings Tan Shuchang a magic treasure alchemy furnace, and they complete a transaction.
• Tan Shuchang returns to Heavenly Ghost Ridge and prepares his second alchemy puppet.
• He receives an invitation from Bai Housheng to meet in a mortal city within the Seven-Moth Kingdom.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: He shows cunning and strategic thinking in displaying his treasure to attract cultivators and gain more alchemy furnaces. He also demonstrates generosity and a willingness to help others, as seen in his dealings with Bai Cha.
• Bai Cha: The ruler's son of the Seven-Moth Kingdom, he seeks to improve his cultivation and political standing. He understands Tan Shuchang's true meaning and is grateful for his help.

Significant Themes

• The closed nature of cultivator circles and the difficulty of integrating into them.
• The value of cultivation resources and the lengths cultivators will go to obtain them.
• The importance of political connections and alliances in the cultivation world.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang interacts with various cultivators, including Xuan Li, the body cultivator, and Bai Cha. He shows courtesy and understanding towards them, while also driving a shrewd bargain.
• Bai Cha interacts with Tan Shuchang, seeking his help and expressing gratitude for his generosity.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang's alchemy puppets continue to be in high demand, but the factions trading for them keep the fact that Tan's alchemy treasure has been borrowed a secret.
• Tan raises his lotus, significantly increasing his cultivation. He can now redirect fatal attacks and his Companion Blood Pool's power grows stronger.
• The Book Mountain Immortal Sect returns to Heavenly Ghost Ridge, likely seeking the Book Dao inheritance. Tan avoids them.
• Tan visits the Seven-Moth Kingdom and meets Bai Cha, who helps him gain entry to the Angelica Mountain Alchemy Discourse Fellowship for a test.
• At White Angelica Mountain, Tan encounters a disrespectful young cultivator and several one-proof immortals waiting for their test. Tan decides to proceed with his test despite the young cultivator's attempt to humiliate him.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang's cultivation grows significantly, nearing his previous level. He becomes more determined to increase his alchemy puppets' fame.
• Bai Cha demonstrates his ambition and connections by helping Tan gain entry to the alchemy circle.
• The young cultivator at White Angelica Mountain reveals his arrogance and disrespect, leading to a confrontation with Tan.

Significant Themes

• The power of connections and influence in the cultivation world.
• The importance of reputation and fame in gaining access to resources and opportunities.
• The arrogance and disrespect shown by some cultivators toward others, regardless of their own cultivation level.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang interacts with Bai Cha, who helps him gain entry to the alchemy circle.
• Tan encounters a disrespectful young cultivator at White Angelica Mountain, leading to a confrontation.
• Tan is accompanied by several one-proof immortals who initially praise him but later turn against him due to the young cultivator's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang visits White Angelica Mountain, striking a bronze bell to alert everyone of his arrival.
• He encounters hostility from the mountain's cultivators, particularly from an Immortal Clan member named Liu.
• Tan Shuchang unleashes his devilish might, causing pain to those who disrespected him.
• He kills an Immortal Clan cultivator with a single strike of Astral Primordial-Energy Thunder.
• Tan Shuchang demonstrates his alchemy furnace, impressing the White Angelica Mountain cultivators.
• He leaves, but not before planting seeds of hatred and enmity.
• That night, a terrifying figure, later revealed to be the same Immortal Clan cultivator Tan Shuchang killed, returns and kills those who had spied on him.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Shows his power and confidence, demonstrating his alchemy furnace and unleashing his devilish might. He also displays strategic thinking by leaving communication talismans on Heavenly Ghost Ridge.
• Immortal Clan Cultivators (Liu and Chu): Reveal their arrogance and disregard for others. Liu remains calm even after a fellow clan member's death, while Chu returns from the dead, showing increased power.

Significant Themes

• Power and Respect: Tan Shuchang's actions show that he expects respect from others, and he uses his power to enforce this.
• Hatred and Enmity: Tan Shuchang's visit to White Angelica Mountain sows deep hatred and enmity, which will likely have consequences in the future.
• The Immortal Clan: The Immortal Clan's members are portrayed as arrogant and powerful, but also vulnerable, as seen with Chu's death and return.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang vs. White Angelica Mountain Cultivators: Tan Shuchang's interactions with the White Angelica Mountain cultivators are tense and hostile, ending with him killing an Immortal Clan member.
• Liu and Chu: The two Immortal Clan cultivators work together, with Liu remaining calm and Chu seeking revenge for his death.

Key Plot Points and Events

+ Tan Shuchang questions Dong Dong about her cultivation progress, gifts her a precious Sword Grass herb to advance her sword dao realm, and gives Yi Qingqing a rooster Mountain and Sea Beast.
+ Tan Shuchang writes his final diary entry in Orion Heaven, expressing frustration that the mysterious True Immortal senior, "A Lu," has not appeared to take it.
+ In the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars, a member of the immortal clan arrives on Heavenly Ghost Ridge, causing the yin qi to densify.

Character Developments

+ Dong Dong receives the Sword Grass herb, which allows her to transcend her current sword dao realm and approach her first certification of longevity.
+ Tan Shuchang demonstrates his growing concern for Dong Dong's cultivation and well-being, as well as his willingness to help her advance.
+ The mysterious True Immortal senior, "A Lu," is revealed to have been stealing Tan Shuchang's diary entries, but has not done so this time, causing Tan Shuchang to express frustration.
+ The Yin God on Heavenly Ghost Ridge shows curiosity about Tan Shuchang's encounter with the immortal clan member and offers information in exchange for hearing the story.

Significant Themes

+ The theme of cultivation and advancement is emphasized, with Dong Dong's progress and Tan Shuchang's concern for her development taking center stage.
+ The theme of trust and deception is explored through Tan Shuchang's frustration with the mysterious True Immortal senior, "A Lu," and the Yin God's desire to hear Tan Shuchang's story before sharing its own information.
+ The theme of the power dynamics between the immortal clan and other cultivators is introduced, with the immortal clan's members being nearly invincible due to their ability to return to life after death.

Character Interactions

+ Tan Shuchang and Dong Dong's interaction highlights Tan Shuchang's growing concern for Dong Dong's cultivation and his willingness to help her advance.
+ Tan Shuchang and the Yin God's interaction showcases their mutual curiosity and caution, as well as their desire to gain information from one another.
+ The mysterious True Immortal senior, "A Lu," and Tan Shuchang's interaction is hinted at, with Tan Shuchang expressing frustration that "A Lu" has not taken his diary entry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang, after encountering a yin god at Heavenly Ghost Ridge, decides to target the immortal clan cultivators on White Angelica Mountain.
• The immortal clan cultivators, Chu and Liu, also decide to kill Tan Shuchang for his earlier humiliation.
• Tan Shuchang uses his Star-Mandate Heaven and Earth divine ability to counterattack the alchemy cultivators on White Angelica Mountain, killing many.
• Gong Jing'er, the third immortal clan cultivator, traps Tan Shuchang with her immortal fate power, but he escapes.
• Lin Qianqian, a three-certification cultivator, is sent by Gong Jing'er to kill Tan Shuchang but is driven back by a yin god at Heavenly Ghost Ridge.
• Tan Shuchang returns to White Angelica Mountain and kills Gong Jing'er with his Calamity-Sighting Sword Qi.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Shows his determination to kill the immortal clan cultivators and his powerful divine abilities.
• Immortal Clan Cultivators: Display their arrogance and desire for revenge.
• Lin Qianqian: Shows her fear and hatred after being driven back by the yin god.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators and the immortal clan.
• The consequences of arrogance and underestimating opponents.
• The use of divine abilities and immortal fate powers.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang vs. Immortal Clan Cultivators: Mutual desire for revenge and killing intent.
• Tan Shuchang vs. Lin Qianqian: Indirect conflict, as Lin Qianqian is sent to kill Tan Shuchang.
• Lin Qianqian vs. Yin God: The yin god drives Lin Qianqian back, showing the dangers of Heavenly Ghost Ridge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang, after killing an Immortal Clan cultivator (Gong Jing'er), faces the wrath of other Immortal Clan members and pill cultivators from White Angelica Mountain.
• Gong Jing'er's true form, an Azure-Fanged Rending Ghost yin god, manifests after her death, surprising Tan Shuchang.
• Tan Shuchang transforms into his true form, a pool of blood with a golden intent, and engages Gong Jing'er in battle.
• Tan Shuchang uses his Heavenless Domain to weaken Gong Jing'er's attacks and eventually envelops her with his bloodwater, consuming her.
• A mysterious Second-Certification yin god appears, asking Tan Shuchang about his past and the nature of the Azure-Fanged Rending Ghost yin god.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Reveals his true form and uses his Heavenless Domain and bloodwater ability to defeat Gong Jing'er. Shows curiosity about the Azure-Fanged Rending Ghost yin god.
• Gong Jing'er: Reveals her true form as an Azure-Fanged Rending Ghost yin god and attacks Tan Shuchang, but is ultimately consumed by him.
• The Second-Certification yin god: Reveals her true form and questions Tan Shuchang about his past and the Azure-Fanged Rending Ghost yin god.

Significant Themes

• The true forms of Immortal Clan members and their relationship with their true forms.
• The power of Tan Shuchang's Heavenless Domain and bloodwater ability.
• The curiosity and knowledge gap surrounding the Azure-Fanged Rending Ghost yin god.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang and Gong Jing'er: Engage in a battle where Tan Shuchang ultimately consumes Gong Jing'er.
• Tan Shuchang and the Second-Certification yin god: The yin god questions Tan Shuchang about his past and the Azure-Fanged Rending Ghost yin god, leading to a tense interaction.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang meets the Yin Deity, Nie Luojia, who warns him against learning from Immortal Clans or sword cultivators while cultivating his Path of Ruthlessness.
• Nie Luojia reveals that the Dao Ancestor has regrets, a shocking secret that could bring sudden calamity if spoken ill of.
• Tan Shuchang refines an Immortal Clan member, Gong Jing'er, and learns about the Immortal Clans' rule over the world every three thousand years, involving living-being tribute.
• He invites out the Dream Immortal and learns about the Jia Five Realm's fall and the Tianjia ranks. He names his heaven and earth "Orion Heaven," drawing the attention of Orion's old enemies.
• Several First-Proof Longevity cultivators appear, planning to deal with Orion Heaven and gather living-being tribute.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang advances to Second-Proof Dao Union, refining Gong Jing'er and learning about the Immortal Clans.
• Dream Immortal's lifespan is nearly exhausted, and she learns about Orion Heaven's name and its consequences.

Significant Themes

• The Path of Ruthlessness and its potential pitfalls.
• The Immortal Clans' rule over the world and their role as ghosts feeding on living beings.
• The fall of the Jia Five Realm and the Tianjia ranks, and the consequences of Orion Heaven's name.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang interacts with Nie Luojia, learning about the Dao Ancestor's regrets and receiving a warning about his cultivation path.
• Tan Shuchang refines Gong Jing'er, learning about the Immortal Clans' rule over the world.
• Tan Shuchang interacts with Dream Immortal, learning about the Jia Five Realm's fall and Orion Heaven's consequences.
• Several First-Proof Longevity cultivators appear, planning to deal with Orion Heaven, setting up a potential conflict with Tan Shuchang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang, a cultivator with the Second Attestation of Unity with the Dao, encounters several cultivators from the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars who have ascended from the mortal realm.
• The cultivators, unaware of Tan Shuchang's strength, attempt to restrict him and investigate his origins. Tan Shuchang kills them using the Demon-Realm Great Hand Seal.
• Dream Immortal Sleeping Stone, a senior cultivator, witnesses the event and expresses curiosity about the place beyond ascension. Tan Shuchang, however, shows no interest.
• Fierce, vicious ghosts emerge from the remains of the killed cultivators. Tan Shuchang collects them, intending to raise them as Yin Gods.
• Dream Immortal reveals that she plans to reincarnate and takes an old path from the past. She thanks Tan Shuchang before leaving.
• Tan Shuchang writes a diary entry expressing his thoughts on the encounter and begins comprehending the "Twenty-Four Seasons."

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Tan Shuchang demonstrates his strength and unpredictability, killing the cultivators from the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars without hesitation. He also shows a practical and utilitarian side, collecting the fierce ghosts to raise as Yin Gods. His diary entry reveals his thoughts and attitudes towards the events.
• Dream Immortal Sleeping Stone: Dream Immortal is initially surprised by Tan Shuchang's strength and actions. She reveals her past life memories and plans to reincarnate, showing a complex and mysterious side.

Significant Themes

• Power and Weakness: The encounter highlights the power dynamics between cultivators. Tan Shuchang's strength allows him to dominate the situation, while the cultivators from the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars underestimate him due to their own power and background.
• Reason and Irrationality: The chapter explores the theme of reason and irrationality, with Tan Shuchang's actions being described as "demonic cultivator" behavior that defies reason. However, his practical and utilitarian approach can also be seen as a form of rationality.
• Cultivation and Ascension: The chapter delves into the mysteries of cultivation and ascension, with Dream Immortal's past life memories and plans for reincarnation adding depth to the theme.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang and the Cultivators from the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars: The interaction between Tan Shuchang and the cultivators from the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars is one of dominance and underestimation, leading to the cultivators' deaths.
• Tan Shuchang and Dream Immortal Sleeping Stone: The interaction between Tan Shuchang and Dream Immortal is one of mutual respect and understanding, with Dream Immortal ultimately thanking Tan Shuchang for his actions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang awakens and doubts the concept of reincarnation.
• He helps a Kui Ox attain longevity through the first certification.
• He discovers the destruction of White Angelica Mountain by a golden palace phenomenon, possibly caused by the Gong Immortal Clan seeking revenge for Gong Jing'er.
• He encounters cultivators from the same faction as those he previously killed, who question him about White Angelica Mountain.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Reflects on reincarnation and considers the demonic path's connection to the Dao of Heaven and Earth. He helps the Kui Ox and protects Dong Dong and Yi Qingqing.
• Kui Ox: Attains longevity through the first certification with Tan Shuchang's help and becomes his servant.
• The young cultivator from White Angelica Mountain: Discovers the destruction of his sect and learns about the golden palace phenomenon.

Significant Themes

• Reincarnation and identity: Tan Shuchang questions the nature of reincarnation and whether people remain the same after death.
• Power dynamics: Tan Shuchang's interactions with cultivators from the same faction as those he killed highlight the arrogance and disregard for hierarchy among some cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang and the Kui Ox: Tan Shuchang helps the Kui Ox attain longevity and they form a master-servant bond.
• Tan Shuchang and the young cultivator: Tan Shuchang uses the young cultivator to gather information about White Angelica Mountain.
• The young cultivator and the Rogue Cultivators: The young cultivator learns about the destruction of White Angelica Mountain from the Rogue Cultivators.
• Tan Shuchang and the silver-white-robed cultivators: Tan Shuchang is questioned by cultivators from the same faction as those he killed, who show arrogance despite his higher cultivation realm.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang encounters cultivators from the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars who behave arrogantly despite Tan's higher cultivation level. They reveal that a True Immortal is orchestrating events to bring about the emergence of the immortal clan.
• Tan learns that he was likely brought to the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars by a True Immortal and that other cultivators like Ning Shuqi and Jun Zimo were also involved in this scheme.
• Tan Shuchang plans to use the cultivators he encounters to raise his lotus and satisfy the requirements for his arduous cultivation.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Shows his ruthlessness and cunning in dealing with the cultivators. He also reveals his desire to observe propriety, which seems out of character for a demonic cultivator.
• Lin Chen and his group: Display their arrogance and entitlement, believing they are superior to ordinary cultivators due to their lineage. They also show their desperation to gain merit and rewards from the immortal clan.

Significant Themes

• The arrogance and entitlement of cultivators from prominent lineages.
• The manipulation of events by True Immortals for their own purposes.
• The ruthlessness and cunning of demonic cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang interacts with Lin Chen and his group, initially planning to kill them but later deciding to use them to raise his lotus. He also learns about the scheme involving the immortal clan's emergence.
• Lin Chen and his group interact with Tan Shuchang, initially treating him arrogantly but later trying to reason with him and offering him rewards to avoid death. They also reveal their desperation to gain merit and rewards.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang encounters two groups of Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators who try to recruit him for unknown tasks.
• He kills them, but they don't turn into ghosts like the previous cultivators from Orion Heaven.
• He encounters another group that wants him to follow them without explanation.
• He captures them and follows another group of Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators to a flat mountaintop that leads to a mortal world.
• He observes two groups of cultivators from the Silver Dragon Dao Palace arguing over a Second Certification Dao Union cultivator they brought.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang remains calm and composed, refusing to follow the Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators without understanding their intentions.
• The Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators show arrogance and disrespect, threatening Tan Shuchang and others to comply with their demands.
• A Second Certification Dao Union cultivator is seen currying favor with the Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators, highlighting the power dynamics between cultivators of different factions.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation: The Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators use their power to control and threaten others, while Tan Shuchang maintains his independence.
• The contrast between the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars and mortal worlds: The shift in environment highlights the differences in spiritual energy and resources between the two realms.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang interacts with multiple groups of Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators, showing his indifference to their threats and demands.
• The Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators interact with each other, displaying their arrogance, disrespect, and willingness to manipulate others.
• A Second Certification Dao Union cultivator is seen currying favor with the Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators, highlighting the power dynamics between cultivators of different factions.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points

• Tan Shuchang’s Blood Shadow Clone appears amid a standoff between two cultivator groups in the A-1 Realm and “mediates” by sarcastically suggesting they kill each other.
• Ling Lu of the Silver Dragon Dao Palace recognizes the clone has consciousness and asks about the missing Three-Verification cultivators; the clone says it doesn’t know and asks to leave.
• Ling Lu refuses and orders an attack. A Two-Verification Dao Unity cultivator destroys the clone.
• A sea of blood erupts, making everyone think the Nether Spring Blood Demon has arrived. They realize it isn’t.
• Tan Shuchang appears in his Myriad Beings Demon Aspect robe. The Two-Verification cultivator threatens him by mentioning family, friends, and sect.
• Tan replies that his clan is dead, his master is dead, he has no friends, and his birth mother’s location is unknown—suggesting they could help find her and “implicate” her. This horrifies them into thinking he is utterly ruthless.
• In the Primordial Heaven Realm, a mysterious woman—clearly connected to Tan Shuchang’s birth mother—opens her eyes, reads the memories of the cultivators present, and visibly twitches at his words.
• Tan Shuchang uses the Undying Blood Form and bloodlight to kill the Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators, suppress the Two-Verification cultivator, and seize his vermilion gourd magic treasure.
• He puts the gourd into his Companion Blood Pool, saying it will acknowledge him in five hundred years.
• After withdrawing the blood pool, the corpses begin turning into weirdness/ghostly beings. The Two-Verification cultivator becomes a first-verification Ghost Dao weirdness.
• Tan returns to Orion Heaven, raises the lotus, and refines the Yin Spirits. He learns that in the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars there are thirty-six Dao Palaces, but only Silver Dragon and Heaven-Serving are currently active; the other thirty-four will emerge under the immortal clans.
• The chapter ends with Tan’s golden-red blood pool sighing: “Finally, a thousand years of cultivation… Cultivation truly is difficult!”

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Ruthless, calm, and pragmatic. He avoids pointless killing but kills without hesitation when threatened. He collects fated treasures through force and continues growing stronger.
• Blood Shadow Clone: Has independent consciousness and speaks with sarcasm, but is too weak to survive a Two-Verification cultivator’s attack.
• Two-Verification Dao Unity cultivator: Obsequious to the Silver Dragon Dao Palace, arrogant toward Tan, then utterly destroyed and transformed into a weirdness.
• Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators: Arrogant and domineering, but helpless against Tan’s bloodlight.
• Mysterious woman / birth mother figure: Shown as an extremely powerful observer whose subtle reaction suggests concern or complicated feelings toward Tan.

Significant Themes

• Ruthlessness and moral ambiguity in the cultivation world—showing no attachments can be a form of survival.
• The inversion of power: the “weak” Tan Shuchang effortlessly destroys those who thought themselves superior.
• Death and transformation: cultivators from the Land of the Four Heavenly Pillars turn into weirdness after death when in mortal/HV realms.
• The harsh difficulty of cultivation, even after gaining a thousand years of power.

Character Interactions

• Blood Shadow Clone / Ling Lu: The clone suggests mutual destruction as “mediation”; Ling Lu is surprised and then orders its destruction.
• Two-Verification cultivator / Tan Shuchang: The cultivator threatens Tan’s connections; Tan calmly lists his dead family, dead master, and unknown mother, terrifying everyone.
• Ling Lu / female leader: They start as rivals but unite against Tan—and both die.
• Tan Shuchang / vermilion gourd: He seizes it and suppresses it in his blood pool, declaring it will acknowledge him in five hundred years.
• Tan Shuchang / birth mother: No direct meeting, but her distant observation and reaction hint at a future connection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Shuchang, a cultivator with 1,000 years of cultivation, finds a Three-Certification cultivator (Dragonheart) who has failed his ascension and is dying. He saves him and uses him as bait to lure and eliminate cultivators from Silver Dragon Dao Palace, turning them into corpse-ghouls to refine for his cultivation.
• Dragonheart reveals that the A-1 Realm is doomed due to failed ascension attempts, and he activates a contingency plan to exile the realm from Heavenly A, affecting all cultivators' lifespans and resources.

Character Developments

• Tan Shuchang: Shows cunning and ruthlessness in using Dragonheart as bait and refining corpse-ghouls for his cultivation. He also demonstrates a desire to leave the A-1 Realm.
• Dragonheart: Initially dispirited and resigned to death, he regains some fighting spirit after seeing Tan Shuchang's actions. He decides to activate the contingency plan to exile the A-1 Realm.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation and its consequences: The failed ascension attempts have severe repercussions on the entire realm, affecting all cultivators' lifespans and resources.
• Sacrifice and exploitation: Tan Shuchang uses Dragonheart and the Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators as resources for his cultivation, highlighting the exploitative nature of cultivation in this world.

Character Interactions

• Tan Shuchang and Dragonheart: Tan Shuchang uses Dragonheart as bait without his knowledge, while Dragonheart initially thinks Tan Shuchang wants to accept his legacy. Their interaction is one-sided, with Tan Shuchang manipulating Dragonheart for his own gain.
• Tan Shuchang and Silver Dragon Dao Palace cultivators: Tan Shuchang lures and eliminates these cultivators, turning them into corpse-ghouls for refinement, showing his ruthless and exploitative nature.