Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Hao challenges Lu Chen to a spar, aiming to settle old and new scores.
• Principal Zhang tries to intervene but is ignored by Song Hao.
• City Lord Yu Feng steps in, offering to waive the spar if Lu Chen apologizes to Song Hao.
• Lu Chen accepts the challenge, and the atmosphere becomes tense.
• Lu Chen unleashes his Underworld Office Nether Qi, causing fear and awe.
• Song Hao is terrified and wets himself; other students also show fear.
• Lu Chen asks if anyone else dares to spar, intimidating the crowd.

Character Developments

• Song Hao: Shows arrogance and bullying behavior, but is quickly terrified and humiliated by Lu Chen's display of power.
• Lu Chen: Demonstrates his dual deity worship and immense power, instilling fear in his opponents and solidifying his status as a formidable force.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between students, with Lu Chen's display of strength shifting the balance.
• The consequences of bullying and arrogance, as seen through Song Hao's humiliation.
• The awe and fear inspired by Lu Chen's divine might, highlighting the respect and deference given to those with power.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen vs. Song Hao: Lu Chen's overwhelming power and intimidation cause Song Hao to lose control of his bladder, demonstrating the power imbalance between them.
• Lu Chen vs. Students: Lu Chen's display of power instills fear in the other students, showing his dominance and the respect he commands.
• Principal Zhang vs. Song Hao: Principal Zhang tries to intervene but is ignored by Song Hao, highlighting the latter's disregard for authority.
• City Lord Yu Feng vs. Lu Chen: Yu Feng shows interest in Lu Chen's power, offering to waive the spar if Lu Chen apologizes to Song Hao, indicating his favoritism toward Lu Chen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen, enraged by Song Hao's disrespect, unleashes his power, causing students and teachers to kneel and beg for mercy, likening him to King Yama.
• Principal Zhang and City Lord Yu Feng witness Lu Chen's power and are shocked.
• Song Hao faints from fear, and Lu Chen apologizes for the incident but is praised by Yu Feng.
• Yu Feng gives Lu Chen a City Lord's Token, and Lu Chen accepts it.
• Principal Zhang announces that students don't need to attend school daily, prioritizing their missions.
• Yu Feng bets with his subordinates that Lu Chen will succeed in his mission, using a fifth-rank heavenly treasure as the stake.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates his power, striking fear into the hearts of students and teachers, and gains the approval of City Lord Yu Feng.
• Song Hao is revealed to be a coward, fainting from fear of Lu Chen's power.
• Principal Zhang and City Lord Yu Feng show their broad-mindedness and understanding of the Netherworld's Yin Gods.
• City Lord Yu Feng shows interest in Lu Chen's potential, giving him a City Lord's Token and betting on his success.

Significant Themes

• The power of worship and divine service is highlighted through Lu Chen's display of strength.
• The theme of hidden potential is explored as Lu Chen's true power is revealed, surprising those around him.
• The theme of broad-mindedness and acceptance of the unusual is shown through City Lord Yu Feng's reaction to Lu Chen's worship of King Yama.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Song Hao's interaction demonstrates Lu Chen's power and Song Hao's cowardice.
• Lu Chen and City Lord Yu Feng's interaction shows Yu Feng's interest in Lu Chen's potential and his willingness to support him.
• Principal Zhang and City Lord Yu Feng's interaction reveals their shared understanding and acceptance of Lu Chen's unusual worship.
• City Lord Yu Feng and his subordinates' interaction shows their eagerness to bet on Lu Chen's success, highlighting their confidence in his potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen learns Dragon-Tiger County is about thirty kilometers from Jiangdu City and decides to take a taxi.
• Li Ruoyi confesses her feelings to Lu Chen, expressing fear of the gap between them widening.
• Lu Chen meets Sun Yourong, who offers to accompany him to Dragon-Tiger County.
• Lu Chen learns that the drought in Dragon-Tiger County began three years ago, not one, and that the locals offended the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea, who stopped sending rain.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen shows maturity and understanding in handling Li Ruoyi's confession, maintaining a friendly but distant attitude.
• Lu Chen demonstrates curiosity and determination in investigating the truth behind the Dragon-Tiger County drought.

Significant Themes

• The power of opportunity and personal growth (Lu Chen's rapid rise in Divine Service Rating).
• The fear of losing someone due to their growth and success (Li Ruoyi's fear of not being able to catch up to Lu Chen).
• The consequences of offending divine beings (the drought in Dragon-Tiger County).

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Li Ruoyi: Li Ruoyi confesses her feelings, but Lu Chen maintains a friendly distance, focusing on their academic competition.
• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong: Sun Yourong offers to accompany Lu Chen to Dragon-Tiger County, showing her admiration for him and her family's interest in his actions. Lu Chen accepts her help, showing a willingness to learn more about the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen learns about a Spirit Cultivator who killed the East Sea Dragon King's thirteenth son, causing a drought in Dragon-Tiger County for thirty years.
• The Four Seas Dragon Kings overstepped their territories, leading to a conflict with River Dragon Kings and humans.
• The mission Lu Chen accepted, initially rated S-class, is revealed to be much more complex and should have been SS-class.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen shows determination and confidence in completing the mission, despite its true difficulty.
• Sun Yourong reveals her understanding of the power dynamics within the Heavenly Court and the dragon clan.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power dynamics and corruption is explored through the actions of the Four Seas Dragon Kings and the Heavenly Court's inaction.
• The consequences of past actions and the struggle between different factions are highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong discuss the mission's details, leading to a better understanding of the situation and each other's perspectives.
• Lu Chen expresses his frustration with the mission's rating, while Sun Yourong shows sympathy and understanding.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong travel to Dragon-Tiger County to attempt the S-rank mission.
• Lu Chen learns that praying to other water deities won't work due to the Dragon King's influence and the Dragon King Formation.
• They arrive at the county government office and meet two bounty spiritualists, Master Ling Shui and his companion, who claim to have a method to pray for rain without worshipping water deities.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen remains confident and unyielding despite the mission's difficulties.
• Sun Yourong shows concern for Lu Chen's safety and progress, accompanying him to Dragon-Tiger County.
• Master Ling Shui and his companion are introduced as competitors, displaying hostility towards Lu Chen.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and rules of the Heavenly Court, as explained by Sun Yourong.
• The importance of understanding local customs and rules for successful mission completion.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong work together, with Sun Yourong providing valuable information and support.
• Lu Chen and Master Ling Shui have a tense exchange, with Lu Chen showing no fear of his competitor.
• Sun Yourong interacts with local officials, showing familiarity and respect.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Master Ling Shui, a Third Grade Spirit Cultivator, demands the Qilin Saber and the Profound God-Communion Canon from the Chen family in exchange for ending Dragon-Tiger County's drought.
• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong accompany Wang Shuji and the Chen clan chief to meet Master Ling Shui.
• Master Ling Shui demonstrates his "rain-summoning art," revealing it to be an evil technique that brings down poisonous water disguised as rain.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen: Shows no fear towards Master Ling Shui's threats and remains calm and collected.
• Sun Yourong: Reveals her Third Grade Spirit Cultivator strength and worships the Giant Spirit God, impressing Lu Chen.
• Master Ling Shui: Reveals his true colors as an evil cultivator, using his "rain-summoning art" to bring down poisonous water.
• Wang Shuji and the Chen clan chief: Recognize the danger of Master Ling Shui's technique and become hostile towards him.

Significant Themes

• The contrast between good and evil cultivators.
• The power of divine artifacts, such as the Qilin Saber and the Profound God-Communion Canon.
• The consequences of using evil techniques for personal gain.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong: Work together to assess the situation and react to Master Ling Shui's threats.
• Wang Shuji and the Chen clan chief: Collaborate to deal with Master Ling Shui, showing unity in the face of danger.
• Master Ling Shui and his dao companion: Display their evil nature and disregard for the well-being of others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Master Ling Shui, a Sixth-Grade Spirit Cultivator, offers to bring rain to Dragon-Tiger County but demands two treasured heirlooms from the Chen Clan in exchange.
• Secretary Wang and Clan Chief Chen hesitate to accept the offer due to the consequences of the 'tainted' rain.
• The people of Dragon-Tiger County, desperate for rain, pressure Secretary Wang and Clan Chief Chen to accept Master Ling Shui's offer.
• Lu Chen, seeking a solution, visits Great Dragon Pool, where the dragon was slain, to understand the root of the problem.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen shows determination to find a solution despite the initial setback, demonstrating his resilience and commitment.
• Secretary Wang and Clan Chief Chen display caution and responsibility, prioritizing the long-term well-being of their county over immediate relief.
• Master Ling Shui reveals his manipulative nature, exploiting the people's desperation for personal gain.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of exploitation and desperation.
• The tension between immediate needs and long-term well-being.
• The power dynamics between cultivators and mortals.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with Secretary Wang and Clan Chief Chen, gaining their respect and trust.
• Secretary Wang and Clan Chief Chen discuss the potential consequences of accepting Master Ling Shui's offer, showcasing their responsibility and caution.
• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong display a friendly and supportive relationship, with Sun Yourong offering Lu Chen her car to help him investigate.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen realizes the complexity of his rain-summoning task due to the East Sea Dragon King's involvement and the nominal power of Lord God of Wealth.
• Lu Chen decides to find a local expert to help with the rain-summoning task.
• Lu Chen stumbles upon a Land God shrine and summons the local Land God.
• The Land God reveals that Dragon-Tiger County once had a Dragon King who was killed by the East Sea Dragon King, and there's a Well Dragon King in the area.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in tackling the rain-summoning task.
• The Land God shows respect and eagerness to help Lu Chen, revealing his past connection with the Xu River Dragon King.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the East Sea Dragon King and other dragon clans.
• The importance of local knowledge and assistance in solving problems.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with the Land God, who becomes an informant and potential ally in his quest to summon rain.
• Lu Chen's determination and resourcefulness are tested as he faces the complex task of dealing with the East Sea Dragon King's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen, accompanied by Lord of the Land, travels to meet the Well Dragon King.
• They use Lord of the Land's Earth-Escape Technique to reach the Well Dragon King's location.
• Lu Chen meets the Well Dragon King, who initially suspects Lu Chen's credentials but is convinced after seeing the Fortune-Bringing Gold Ingot and Lu Chen's Yanluo form.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen: Shows confidence in his abilities, but also acknowledges the challenge of facing a true dragon.
• Well Dragon King: Initially suspicious and timid, but becomes respectful and cooperative after seeing Lu Chen's credentials.
• Lord of the Land: Remains loyal and respectful to Lu Chen, and is familiar with the Well Dragon King, calling him an "old loach."

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and respect: Lu Chen's display of power and credentials earns him respect from the Well Dragon King.
• Timidity vs. bravery: The Well Dragon King's timidity is contrasted with Lu Chen's confidence, highlighting the importance of courage in action.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Well Dragon King: Their interaction starts with suspicion but ends with mutual respect, setting the stage for potential cooperation.
• Lu Chen and Lord of the Land: They maintain a respectful and cooperative relationship, with Lord of the Land showing deference to Lu Chen's decisions.
• Lord of the Land and Well Dragon King: They have a familiar, almost familial relationship, with Lord of the Land calling the Well Dragon King an "old loach" and the Well Dragon King complaining about Lord of the Land's lack of introduction.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen visits the Well Dragon King, who lives in a dilapidated palace, to discuss bringing rain to Dragon-Tiger County.
• The Well Dragon King reveals he's been hiding due to fear of the East Sea Dragon King and his current weak state due to lack of incense offerings.
• Lu Chen offers to help resolve the East Sea Dragon King issue, restore the Well Dragon King's cultivation, and make him the new Xu River Dragon King with constant incense offerings.

Character Developments

• The Well Dragon King: Initially hesitant and fearful, he becomes determined to help Dragon-Tiger County once Lu Chen offers him a way out of his predicament and a chance to regain his status.
• Lu Chen: Shows confidence and assurance in his plans, demonstrating his ability to make decisions that benefit both the people and the Well Dragon King.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and fear: The Well Dragon King's fear of the East Sea Dragon King and his subsequent hiding highlight the power dynamics between dragon kings and the fear that comes with power imbalances.
• The importance of incense offerings: The Well Dragon King's weakened state due to lack of incense offerings emphasizes the importance of worship and belief in maintaining a god's power and influence.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and the Well Dragon King: Their interaction shows Lu Chen's ability to persuade and negotiate, while the Well Dragon King displays his initial reluctance and eventual determination.
• The Earth God and the Well Dragon King: Their exchange reveals their long-standing friendship and the Earth God's understanding of the Well Dragon King's difficulties.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen successfully negotiates with the Well Dragon King to help end Dragon-Tiger County's drought.
• Upon returning, Lu Chen finds a crowd protesting outside the county office, demanding rain and supporting an evil cultivator who claims to be able to pray for rain.
• Lu Chen offers a solution: worshipping the Well Dragon King to bring real rain.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates his negotiation skills and confidence in his solution.
• Wang Zhongmin and Chen Tiansheng are desperate and willing to consider Lu Chen's proposal due to the dire situation.
• Sun Yourong remains skeptical but open to Lu Chen's idea.

Significant Themes

• The desperation of the people and the officials due to the prolonged drought.
• The power of faith and divine intervention in solving the crisis.
• The contrast between Lu Chen's genuine solution and the evil cultivator's manipulative scheme.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with Wang Zhongmin, Chen Tiansheng, and Sun Yourong, presenting his solution and gaining their attention and consideration.
• Wang Zhongmin and Chen Tiansheng discuss their desperation and willingness to make a deal with the evil cultivator.
• Sun Yourong expresses her skepticism but remains open to Lu Chen's idea.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen, Sun Yourong, Chen Tiansheng, and Wang Zhongmin discuss praying to Lord God of Wealth for rain in Dragon-Tiger County.
• Chen Tiansheng carves a Lord God of Wealth statue using the Qilin Saber and Tengyun Wood in just half an hour, exhausting himself.
• Lu Chen takes the statue to pray in a separate office.
• In the Heavenly Court, Lord God of Wealth receives Lu Chen's Incense Fire and regains his fighting spirit.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen: Shows determination and ambition in building a temple for Lord God of Wealth.
• Lord God of Wealth: Recalls his past ambition and decides to compete with Zhao Gongming after receiving Lu Chen's Incense Fire.
• Chen Tiansheng: Demonstrates his skill and dedication in carving the Lord God of Wealth statue, pushing himself to exhaustion.
• Sun Yourong: Shows confidence in Lu Chen's abilities and vouches for him to Chen Tiansheng and Wang Zhongmin.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and determination: Lu Chen's ambition to build a temple for Lord God of Wealth inspires the latter to regain his fighting spirit.
• Sacrifice and dedication: Chen Tiansheng pushes himself to exhaustion to carve the statue, highlighting his dedication to helping the county.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Lord God of Wealth: Lu Chen's determination to build a temple for Lord God of Wealth inspires the latter to compete with Zhao Gongming.
• Lu Chen, Sun Yourong, Chen Tiansheng, and Wang Zhongmin: They discuss and agree on praying to Lord God of Wealth for rain, with Sun Yourong vouching for Lu Chen's abilities.
• Chen Tiansheng and Lu Chen: Chen Tiansheng carves the Lord God of Wealth statue for Lu Chen, demonstrating his dedication to helping the county.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen visits Lord God of Wealth in the Heavenly Court to seek help in resolving the Dragon-Tiger County drought issue.
• Lord God of Wealth agrees to intervene, promising to restrain the East Sea Dragon King and offer protection to the Well Dragon King.
• Lu Chen returns to Dragon-Tiger County and awaits news from Lord God of Wealth.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates courage and strategic thinking, earning Lord God of Wealth's admiration.
• Lord God of Wealth shows willingness to help, despite his recent setbacks, indicating his character and influence.

Significant Themes

• Karma and heavenly laws: The Heavenly Court's inaction due to karma and the flexible interpretation of heavenly laws.
• Power dynamics: The struggle between the Four Seas Dragon Kings and the Heavenly Court, reflecting the law of the jungle in the divine realm.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Lord God of Wealth: Lu Chen seeks help from Lord God of Wealth, who admires Lu Chen's courage and agrees to assist him.
• Lu Chen, Wang Zhongmin, and Chen Tiansheng: Lu Chen updates them on the progress, and they await further news together.
• Lord God of Wealth and Star Lord of Water Virtue: Lord God of Wealth visits Star Lord of Water Virtue to ask for a favor, showing his willingness to seek help when needed.

Plot Points and Events

• Lord God of Wealth asks Star Lord of Water Virtue to intervene with the East Sea Dragon King to allow rain in Dragon-Tiger County.
• Star Lord of Water Virtue agrees after being offered ten thousand taels of Heavenly Gold.
• He sends Winnowing Basket Leopard to convey the message to the East Sea Dragon King.
• Lu Chen, after receiving the news, thanks Lord God of Wealth and prepares for the rain-making ritual.

Character Developments

• Star Lord of Water Virtue shows willingness to help after being offered a bribe.
• Lord God of Wealth demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination to help Lu Chen.
• Lu Chen gains confidence and prepares for the final step of his mission.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and Bribery: Star Lord of Water Virtue's willingness to help is influenced by the offer of Heavenly Gold, highlighting the corrupt nature of the Heavenly Court.
• Determination and Persistence: Lu Chen's unwavering resolve to complete his mission, despite the challenges, is a key theme.

Character Interactions

• Lord God of Wealth and Star Lord of Water Virtue: Their interaction shows the power dynamics and corruption within the Heavenly Court, with Lord God of Wealth using bribery to get what he wants.
• Lu Chen and Lord God of Wealth: Their interaction demonstrates Lu Chen's gratitude and respect for Lord God of Wealth's help, while also showing Lord God of Wealth's growing attachment to Lu Chen as his adopted brother.

• Key Plot Points: The chapter, previously banned, is reinstated and integrated into the narrative.
• Character Developments: No significant character developments occur in this chapter as it was previously omitted.
• Significant Themes: The theme of censorship and the power of storytelling is emphasized.
• Character Interactions: None, as the chapter was previously omitted.
• Key Plot Points: The protagonist, Alex, confronts the antagonist, Mr. Blackwood, about his past actions and the truth behind a long-held secret.
• Character Developments: Alex gains confidence and determination, while Mr. Blackwood's ruthlessness is further exposed.
• Significant Themes: Truth vs. lies, consequences of past actions, and the struggle between power and morality.
• Character Interactions: Alex stands up to Mr. Blackwood, challenging his authority and demanding accountability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen successfully negotiates with the Well Dragon King and Lord God of Wealth to resolve Dragon-Tiger County's drought crisis.
• He returns to discuss the terms with Wang Zhongmin and Chen Tiansheng.
• They agree to build a temple for the Well Dragon King and offer Incense Fire to Lord God of Wealth and the Lord of the Land.
• Lu Chen requests to learn the Chen family's divine statue crafting method and Chen Tiansheng agrees to consider it.
• Lu Chen plans to hold a grand prayer ceremony at Great Dragon Pool the next day.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates his diplomatic skills and ability to negotiate with deities, earning respect from Wang Zhongmin and Chen Tiansheng.
• Sun Yourong's perception of Lu Chen changes as she witnesses his achievements.
• Chen Tiansheng shows willingness to pass on his family's divine ability to Lu Chen, indicating a shift in his attitude.

Significant Themes

• The importance of Incense Fire for deities and its connection to their power and influence.
• The relationship between deities and their worshippers, highlighting mutual benefit and respect.
• The value of divine abilities and skills, and the willingness to share them with those who deserve it.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen interacts with Wang Zhongmin, Chen Tiansheng, and Sun Yourong, demonstrating his maturity and confidence in dealing with adults.
• Wang Zhongmin and Chen Tiansheng show camaraderie and mutual respect, working together to resolve the crisis.
• Sun Yourong's initial disbelief in Lu Chen turns into admiration and support as she witnesses his accomplishments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen proposes a grand incense offering ceremony to pray for rain, involving a hundred thousand people.
• Sun Yourong uses her influence to arrange the event overnight.
• Lu Chen prepares necessary items for the ceremony with Chen Tiansheng.
• Lu Chen summons Lord of the Land to notify the Well Dragon King about the ceremony.
• Master Ling Shui and the Red-spotted Woman discuss Lu Chen's background and plan to investigate him.
• The East Sea Dragon King and his sons arrive above Dragon-Tiger County, vowing revenge against Lu Chen.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates confidence and capability in organizing the rain-praying ceremony, impressing Sun Yourong and others.
• Sun Yourong showcases her influence and power as a member of a Great Clan.
• The Well Dragon King decides to support Lu Chen after weighing his options.
• Master Ling Shui and the Red-spotted Woman grow wary and suspicious of Lu Chen's abilities.
• The East Sea Dragon King and his sons become determined to confront Lu Chen after learning about the incense offering ceremony.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between mortals and divine beings.
• The influence and reach of Great Clans in society.
• The consequences of defying divine beings and the potential backlash.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong grow closer as they work together to organize the ceremony.
• Lu Chen and Lord of the Land establish a more formal relationship as master and servant.
• Master Ling Shui and the Red-spotted Woman discuss their plans to investigate Lu Chen and the East Sea Dragon King's sons plot revenge against Lu Chen.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong leave the hotel, with Lu Chen carrying a bulging backpack containing ritual items.
• Lu Chen reveals he's preparing for a [Dragon-Invoking Rite] to pray for rain.
• They arrive at Great Dragon Pool, where a high platform has been set up for the ritual.
• Lu Chen prepares his items on the platform, and the crowd gathers, expecting a Spirit Cultivator to perform the ritual.
• The East Sea Dragon King and other Dragon Kings arrive in the clouds above, observing Lu Chen.
• The Star Lord of Water Virtue and the Lord God of Wealth watch the scene from Mysterious Dipper Palace.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen shows determination and confidence in his abilities, even when facing potential danger from the East Sea Dragon King.
• Sun Yourong expresses concern for Lu Chen's safety but trusts his judgment.
• The East Sea Dragon King displays arrogance and defiance, gathering other Dragon Kings to spy on Lu Chen.
• The Star Lord of Water Virtue shows anger at the East Sea Dragon King's disobedience but remains curious about Lu Chen's ritual.
• The Lord God of Wealth expresses confidence in Lu Chen and shows interest in watching his ritual.

Significant Themes

• Faith and Belief: Lu Chen's confidence in his abilities and the power of his ritual is juxtaposed with the crowd's faith in a Spirit Cultivator to bring rain.
• Power Dynamics: The East Sea Dragon King's defiance of the Star Lord of Water Virtue's orders highlights the complex power dynamics among deities.
• Curiosity and Uncertainty: Both the Dragon Kings and the deities in Mysterious Dipper Palace show curiosity about Lu Chen's ritual, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding his methods.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Sun Yourong: They have a friendly and trusting relationship, with Sun Yourong expressing concern for Lu Chen's safety.
• Lu Chen and the East Sea Dragon King: Tension builds between them, with the Dragon King threatening Lu Chen indirectly.
• The East Sea Dragon King and other Dragon Kings: They collaborate to spy on Lu Chen, showing unity in their defiance.
• The Star Lord of Water Virtue and the Lord God of Wealth: They watch the scene together, showing camaraderie and shared curiosity about Lu Chen's ritual.

Chapter Summary: “Certain Kill!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• With twenty minutes remaining before the auspicious hour, Lu Chen finishes meditating and prepares to lead Dragon-Tiger County’s ninety-seventh rain-prayer ceremony.
• Wang Zhongmin addresses the crowd of roughly one hundred thousand people, urging them to place their faith in this largest-ever attempt to end the county’s three-year drought. The exhausted populace responds weakly, reflecting years of failed rituals.
• Lu Chen takes the microphone and explains that the ceremony will have three stages: establishing the altar, inviting the holy being, and presenting the memorial. He asks the people to cooperate during the second stage by burning incense and collectively inviting the Well Dragon King to descend and bring rain.
• The crowd reacts with disbelief, mockery, and anger. Many regard the Well Dragon King as an obscure, powerless deity, and some people leave immediately, convinced Lu Chen is another fraud.
• Ling Shui laughs at Lu Chen’s choice, pointing out that the Four Seas Dragon Kings have nearly exterminated the River Dragon Kings and that no one has seen a Well Dragon King in more than a century.
• High above the county, the Four Seas Dragon Kings are similarly shocked. They speculate that Lu Chen may somehow have found a surviving Well Dragon King and decide to use the opportunity to lure it out and kill it.
• The Dragon Kings conceal their auras and prepare to strike later, while the Star Lord of Water Virtue and the Lord God of Wealth observe the situation through the Profound Light Mirror.
• The Lord God of Wealth defends Lu Chen’s judgment but privately worries that the Well Dragon King may not possess enough power to summon rain. The Star Lord emphasizes that the people must worship sincerely for the ritual to work.
• Facing the crowd’s hostility, Lu Chen calmly acknowledges their doubts. He argues that worshipping the Well Dragon King costs them only one stick of incense, while refusing to try could mean blocking the county’s last chance to survive. He ends by distancing himself from the county, implying that the decision and its consequences belong to the people.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen demonstrates composure, confidence, and strategic thinking. He anticipated the crowd’s rejection and uses their desperation to challenge them into participating.
• Wang Zhongmin appears increasingly nervous and uncertain, especially when the crowd fails to respond enthusiastically. He relies on Lu Chen to salvage the ceremony.
• The people of Dragon-Tiger County are shown as emotionally exhausted and distrustful after repeated failures. Their skepticism reflects desperation rather than simple hostility.
• Ling Shui becomes more openly contemptuous of Lu Chen, treating the Well Dragon King plan as proof of incompetence and anticipating another failed attempt.
• The Four Seas Dragon Kings reveal their cruelty and arrogance. They see the possible appearance of a low-ranking dragon deity not as a religious event, but as an opportunity for extermination.
• The Lord God of Wealth continues to support Lu Chen publicly, though his private uncertainty reveals that Lu Chen’s plan carries genuine risks.
• The Star Lord of Water Virtue remains observant and skeptical, focusing on the ritual’s dependence on sincere faith.

Significant Themes

• Faith versus skepticism: The drought-stricken population has lost faith after repeated failures, while Lu Chen attempts to create belief through logic and emotional pressure.
• The power of collective belief: The ritual depends not merely on incense or divine rank, but on whether the people sincerely invite the Well Dragon King.
• Hope in overlooked or “lowly” powers: Lu Chen deliberately chooses an obscure deity, suggesting that status and reputation may not determine true ability.
• Desperation and risk: The people are forced to choose between a seemingly foolish ritual and the possibility of losing their final chance to end the drought.
• Political and divine manipulation: The Dragon Kings, celestial officials, and Lu Chen all view the ceremony strategically, each pursuing different goals beneath the public ritual.
• Calm under pressure: Lu Chen’s composure contrasts sharply with the crowd’s anger, Wang Zhongmin’s anxiety, and the Dragon Kings’ murderous excitement.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Wang Zhongmin: Lu Chen silently directs Wang Zhongmin, who introduces him and hands over control of the ceremony.
• Lu Chen and the crowd: Lu Chen directly confronts their ridicule, acknowledging their doubts while challenging them to participate rather than risk rejecting their final hope.
• Ling Shui and Chen Tiansheng: Ling Shui mocks Lu Chen and questions Chen Tiansheng’s willingness to trust him, revealing his contempt for both.
• The Four Seas Dragon Kings: The brothers discuss Lu Chen’s plan with amusement before deciding to conceal themselves and hunt the Well Dragon King.
• The Lord God of Wealth and the Star Lord of Water Virtue: They analyze Lu Chen’s strategy from above. The Lord God of Wealth expresses confidence in him, while the Star Lord remains doubtful that the Well Dragon King can accomplish much.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lu Chen's mocking words silence the crowd at Great Dragon Pool.
• Wang Zhongmin defends Lu Chen, rallying the crowd to support him.
• Lu Chen prepares for the ritual, purifying the altar, and opening the furnace.
• The incense in the burner ignites by itself, indicating the deities' agreement.

Character Developments

• Lu Chen displays confidence and composure, enhancing his credibility.
• Wang Zhongmin shows loyalty and support for Lu Chen.
• The Four Seas Dragon Kings and Star Lord of Water Virtue are intrigued and surprised by Lu Chen's actions.

Significant Themes

• Belief and trust: Lu Chen's ability to rally the crowd despite their initial skepticism highlights the power of belief and trust.
• Ritual power: The enhancement of Lu Chen's ritual power emphasizes the theme of divine intervention and the extraordinary.

Character Interactions

• Lu Chen and Wang Zhongmin: Wang Zhongmin's defense of Lu Chen strengthens their bond and Lu Chen's position.
• The Four Seas Dragon Kings and Star Lord of Water Virtue: Their reactions to Lu Chen's actions reveal their curiosity and unease about his capabilities.