Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Konghan faces off against a monstrous Demon Ghost in a rain-soaked alley.
• The Demon Ghost, despite its gruesome appearance and immense strength, is capable of speech and displays signs of recovering its former state.
• Xia Konghan, wielding the Heavenly Flood Dragon Sword, uses his Azure Water Serpent-Slaying Sword Armament Form, but the Demon Ghost endures and counterattacks.
• The Demon Ghost, enraged, unleashes a barrage of punches, sending Xia Konghan flying.
• Xia Konghan, mid-air, activates his Flood Dragon-Slaying Sword Art.

Character Developments

• Xia Konghan demonstrates his formidable swordsmanship and cultivation at the Two-Flower Innate Realm, showcasing his growth since his defeat by Su Chang'an.
• The Demon Ghost reveals signs of regaining its intellect and speech, suggesting a complex history or origin.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and weaponry in the martial world.
• The monstrous nature of the Demon Ghost and its potential threat to humanity.
• The theme of recovery and growth, as seen in Xia Konghan's character development.

Character Interactions

• Xia Konghan and the Demon Ghost engage in a fierce battle, testing each other's limits.
• Ning Qingqing and Liu Qingni observe the battle from a distance, discussing their next move.
• Xia Konghan's arrogance is noted by Ning Qingqing, while Liu Qingni admires his strength and growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xia Konghan uses his full strength to strike down the Demon Ghost with his Heavenly Flood Dragon Sword, but the Demon Ghost survives and transforms into a more powerful form.
• The Demon Ghost reveals its true form, growing to six meters tall and surpassing the Innate Warrior level, threatening to destroy the imperial city.
• Su Qingyang arrives and casually pins down the Demon Ghost, crushing its lower body and arms, before a Martial Dao Grandmaster's aura is detected approaching.

Character Developments

• Xia Konghan is severely injured after his powerful strike and struggles to rise against the Demon Ghost's overwhelming aura.
• Liu Qingni remains optimistic and encourages Ning Qingqing, revealing that she has a Blood Jade given by Su Qingyang.
• Su Qingyang demonstrates his immense power, easily subduing the Demon Ghost and revealing his calm and unfathomable demeanor.

Significant Themes

• The power of martial artists and the hierarchy of the martial world, with the Demon Ghost's transformation showcasing the danger of underestimating opponents.
• The consequences of failure and the desperation of the Demon Ghost in its final moments.
• The arrival of a Martial Dao Grandmaster hints at the broader political and power dynamics at play.

Character Interactions

• Xia Konghan and the Demon Ghost engage in a fierce battle, with Xia Konghan ultimately unable to defeat the monster.
• Liu Qingni and Ning Qingqing share a moment of understanding and support amidst the chaos.
• Su Qingyang's arrival changes the dynamics of the battle, with his calm and powerful demeanor contrasting with the Demon Ghost's desperation and terror.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qingyang is revealed to be a Martial Dao Grandmaster, shocking Liu Qingni and Xia Konghan.
• Qin Wushe, the Northern Ling Arrow Emperor, arrives and engages Su Qingyang in a battle for the right to deal with the Demon Ghost.
• Qin Wushe fires a Crimson Sun Golden Flame Arrow at Su Qingyang, causing massive destruction.

Character Developments

• Xia Konghan: Becomes excited and awestruck at the prospect of witnessing a battle between two Martial Dao Grandmasters.
• Qin Wushe: Reveals his prowess and confidence as the Northern Ling Arrow Emperor, eager to battle Su Qingyang.

Significant Themes

• The power and rarity of Martial Dao Grandmasters.
• The excitement and anticipation surrounding a battle between equals.
• The destructive force of a Grandmaster's attack.

Character Interactions

• Liu Qingni and Xia Konghan are both stunned and uncertain when they learn of Su Qingyang's status as a Grandmaster.
• Qin Wushe and Su Qingyang engage in a battle of words and will before their fight begins.
• Liu Qingni, Ning Qingqing, and Xia Konghan are all affected by the force of Qin Wushe's attack, highlighting the power difference between them and the Grandmasters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qingyang, a Blood Refining Grandmaster, appears and easily catches Qin Wushe's Crimson Sun Golden Flame Arrow.
• Su Qingyang uses the Black God Halberd to strike Qin Wushe, who is blasted away and suffers severe injuries.
• Two Sword Immortals (Martial Dao Grandmasters) arrive, one of whom is an old man in a green scholar's robe.
• The old man and Qin Wushe discuss the Demon Ghost's appearance and notice Liu Qingni, Ning Qingqing, and Xia Konghan.

Character Developments

• Su Qingyang: Revealed to be a powerful Blood Refining Grandmaster, capable of catching Qin Wushe's powerful arrow barehanded and injuring him severely with a single halberd strike. He leaves after collecting the Demon Ghost's remains.
• Qin Wushe: Despite his archery prowess, he is severely injured by Su Qingyang and accepts his defeat. He shows interest in Su Qingyang's identity and is concerned about the Demon Ghost's appearance.
• Liu Qingni: Calm and composed despite the situation, she understands Su Qingyang's intentions and realizes the gravity of the situation in Barbarian Prefecture.
• Ning Qingqing: Flustered and frightened by the Grandmasters' attention, she silently complains about Su Qingyang leaving them behind.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The chapter highlights the power dynamics among martial artists, with Grandmasters being the most powerful and respected figures.
• Secrets and Mysteries: The appearance of the Demon Ghost and Su Qingyang's identity as Yama raise questions and mysteries that need to be unraveled.
• Alliances and Rivalries: The arrival of the two Sword Immortals and their alliance with Qin Wushe against the Demon Ghost showcases the complex relationships among powerful martial artists.

Character Interactions

• Su Qingyang and Qin Wushe: Their brief interaction reveals their immense power and respect for each other as equals.
• Qin Wushe and the Old Man: They discuss the Demon Ghost's appearance and the situation in Barbarian Prefecture, showing their concern for the bigger picture.
• Liu Qingni and Ning Qingqing: Despite their fear, they support each other, with Liu Qingni showing maturity and understanding of the situation.

Chapter Summary: “Fate!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Qingni explains to Qin Wushe and another Martial Dao Grandmaster that the Demonic Beast was once a Six Doors constable. She carefully omits Su Qingyang’s existence and gives them a partial account of the investigation into Su Huai’s death.
• The Grandmasters suspect that Barbarian Prefecture is connected to the recent disturbances. They consider links to the White Lotus Cult, rebellious barbarians, and the so-called evil god of the Barbarian Sacred Mountain.
• One sword-wielding Grandmaster decides to investigate Barbarian Prefecture personally, despite the scholar-robed Grandmaster’s warning that doing so may be dangerous. The two depart while arguing.
• Qin Wushe, the Northern Ling Arrow Emperor, entrusts Liu Qingni with finding Huang Di and gives her a wooden token bearing a golden-feathered eagle. He promises that she may invoke his name if she encounters trouble.
• After the Grandmasters leave, Su Qingyang reappears, revealing that he had never truly departed. He praises Liu Qingni and judges the visiting Grandmasters as merely “passable.”
• Xia Konghan approaches Su Qingyang, now filled with gratitude and admiration rather than the arrogance he displayed during their first meeting. Su Qingyang offers to answer one question.
• Xia Konghan asks whether he can become a Martial Dao Grandmaster. Su Qingyang says his foundation is excellent and that reaching the Three Flowers Crown the Summit realm should be easy, but becoming a Grandmaster depends on his “fate.”
• Su Qingyang leaves with Liu Qingni and Ning Qingqing, leaving Xia Konghan troubled and pondering the meaning of fate.
• In a separate scene, a disguised man learns that Thousand Slave has died. When a courtesan accidentally sees the monstrous crack and red eyes hidden on his face, he kills and consumes her.
• The man realizes that Thousand Slave’s death may indicate the intervention of a powerful “True General.” He identifies himself as Huang Di and decides that he too must “die,” though only at the proper time and place, suggesting a larger conspiracy centered on the imperial palace.

Character Developments

• Liu Qingni demonstrates composure and cleverness by concealing Su Qingyang’s role while reporting enough information to satisfy the Grandmasters. Despite her confidence, she privately worries that powerful Martial Dao experts may see through her explanation.
• Su Qingyang displays overwhelming confidence and hidden strength. He remains unconcerned by the Grandmasters and evaluates them critically. He also shows a restrained willingness to help others, allowing Xia Konghan one question and reassuring Liu Qingni.
• Ning Qingqing is overwhelmed by the pressure of dealing with multiple Grandmasters after the Demon Ghost incident. Her fearful, humorous reaction provides comic relief and highlights the terrifying status of the experts around her.
• Xia Konghan undergoes a major change in attitude. His former pride and coldness vanish after Su Qingyang saves him, replaced by sincere gratitude and respect. However, Su Qingyang’s answer leaves him uncertain about his future.
• Qin Wushe is portrayed as a dominant and experienced Grandmaster, yet he also appears politically cautious. He recognizes that the situation in Barbarian Prefecture is abnormal and gives Liu Qingni practical support.
• Huang Di is revealed to be a monstrous infiltrator connected to the mysterious organization known as [Thousand Army]. He is calculating, ruthless, and willing to manipulate his own death as part of a larger plan.

Significant Themes

• Fate versus personal ability: Xia Konghan possesses exceptional talent, but Su Qingyang emphasizes that reaching the Grandmaster realm depends not only on skill but also on fate, implying that destiny and hidden circumstances govern advancement.
• Hidden identities and deception: Liu Qingni conceals Su Qingyang’s involvement, while Huang Di hides his monstrous nature beneath an ordinary appearance. The chapter repeatedly shows that appearances cannot be trusted.
• The hierarchy of power: The arrival of several Grandmasters reveals the vast differences among True Qi experts. Su Qingyang’s dismissive assessment suggests that he stands far above even these renowned figures.
• Growing supernatural conspiracy: The transformed constable, Barbarian Prefecture disturbances, the White Lotus Cult, the evil god, Thousand Army, and Huang Di’s plan appear to be connected to a broader threat.
• Life and death as strategy: Huang Di’s statement that he needs to “die” at the right time and place suggests that death may be a deliberate step in his scheme rather than an ending.

Important Character Interactions

• Liu Qingni and the Grandmasters: She gives a carefully edited account of the investigation, earning their attention while protecting Su Qingyang’s secret.
• Qin Wushe and Liu Qingni: Qin Wushe recognizes her role in the investigation and supports her by giving her his token and permission to use his name.
• Su Qingyang and Liu Qingni: He acknowledges her efforts and takes responsibility for concluding the matter in Barbarian Prefecture.
• Su Qingyang and Ning Qingqing: His sudden return frightens Ning Qingqing, who believed he had abandoned them, creating a lighthearted contrast to the surrounding tension.
• Su Qingyang and Xia Konghan: Their relationship shifts from hostility and possible confrontation to respect and gratitude. Xia Konghan seeks guidance, but Su Qingyang offers only a cryptic warning about fate.
• Huang Di and the courtesan: Their brief interaction reveals Huang Di’s cruelty and monstrous nature, as he kills her without hesitation after she discovers his secret.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qingyang and Liu Qingni encounter a Demon Ghost (Thousand Slave), which they defeat but refuse to die.
• Su Qingyang interrogates Thousand Slave, who reveals the existence of a hierarchy among its kind, including Thousand Army, Ten Thousand Army, True Generals, King Generals, and a Jiedushi.
• Su Qingyang uses his Blood-Qi True Flame to torture Thousand Slave, who eventually reveals that it and another creature were transported into the human world while fighting on the front lines.
• Thousand Slave claims that it and its kind are human, while Su Qingyang and Liu Qingni are Lower Lifeforms.

Character Developments

• Su Qingyang demonstrates his cruelty and determination in extracting information, using his Blood-Qi True Flame to torture Thousand Slave.
• Liu Qingni shows concern for Su Qingyang's methods but ultimately supports him.
• Thousand Slave reveals its fear of death and pain, breaking under Su Qingyang's torture.

Significant Themes

• The hierarchy and power dynamics among the Demon Ghosts and their Jiedushi.
• The blurring of the line between human and non-human, as Thousand Slave claims to be human while denigrating Su Qingyang and Liu Qingni as Lower Lifeforms.

Character Interactions

• Su Qingyang and Liu Qingni work together to interrogate Thousand Slave, with Su Qingyang taking the lead in torture and Liu Qingni supporting him.
• Ning Qingqing is present but mostly silent, showing fear and disgust at Su Qingyang's methods.
• Su Qingyang and Thousand Slave engage in a tense interrogation, with Su Qingyang using fear and pain to extract information, and Thousand Slave initially refusing to yield but eventually breaking under torture.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qingyang interrogates a Demon Ghost, Thousand Slave, who reveals that their world is in a constant state of chaos and war, similar to the late Tang Dynasty in Su Qingyang's previous life.
• Thousand Slave also reveals that they possess human bodies to probe their enemies' capabilities, suggesting they were used as cannon fodder.
• Su Qingyang kills Thousand Slave, and Liu Qingni reports that another person, Huang Di, has also vanished, likely possessed by a Demon Ghost.

Character Developments

• Su Qingyang shows his prowess and ruthlessness in interrogating and killing Thousand Slave, further establishing his strength and determination.
• Liu Qingni demonstrates her loyalty and efficiency in planning to investigate Huang Di's disappearance.
• Ning Qingqing shows her naivety and shock upon learning Su Qingyang's true identity as the Sixth Prince.

Significant Themes

• The theme of identity and transformation is explored through the Demon Ghosts' claim to be the true Human Race and their ability to possess human bodies.
• The theme of war and chaos is highlighted, both in the Demon Ghosts' world and the potential connection to the late Tang Dynasty.
• The theme of power and manipulation is shown through the Demon Ghosts' use of Thousand Slave as cannon fodder.

Character Interactions

• Su Qingyang and Thousand Slave's interaction shows Su Qingyang's dominance and ruthlessness, while Thousand Slave reveals information under duress.
• Liu Qingni and Su Qingyang's interaction shows her loyalty and understanding of his plans, as she prepares to investigate Huang Di's disappearance.
• Liu Qingni and Ning Qingqing's interaction shows Ning Qingqing's shock and disbelief upon learning Su Qingyang's true identity, while Liu Qingni confirms it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Eunuch Huang searches for Su Qingyang after sensing a terrifying aura from the outer city.
• Su Qingyang reveals he sparred with a Grandmaster, which Eunuch Huang finds hard to believe.
• Eunuch Huang informs Su Qingyang that the Empress has agreed to verify his identity as the Sixth Prince the next day.
• A crimson monk, Red Arhat, is shown brutally killing escort guards in a ruined temple, seeking enlightenment.
• A mysterious woman in red approaches Red Arhat, offering him information about the real Sixth Prince and a chance to kill him.

Character Developments

• Su Qingyang remains calm and collected, showing no signs of distress despite Eunuch Huang's concern.
• Eunuch Huang is skeptical of Su Qingyang's claim about sparring with a Grandmaster but maintains respect.
• Red Arhat is revealed to be a vicious and powerful monk, killing without mercy in his pursuit of enlightenment.
• The woman in red is cunning and manipulative, using her knowledge of the real Sixth Prince's whereabouts to entice Red Arhat.

Significant Themes

• Trust and honesty: Su Qingyang's honesty is met with disbelief, highlighting the lack of trust between people.
• Power and ruthlessness: Red Arhat's actions showcase the brutal nature of the martial world and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals.
• Manipulation and deception: The woman in red uses her knowledge to manipulate Red Arhat, demonstrating the importance of information and cunning in political intrigue.

Character Interactions

• Su Qingyang and Eunuch Huang: Their interaction shows Su Qingyang's honesty and Eunuch Huang's skepticism, with Su Qingyang ultimately dismissing Eunuch Huang's disbelief.
• Red Arhat and the escort guards: Red Arhat's brutal interaction with the guards highlights his power and ruthlessness, as well as the guards' helplessness in the face of his wrath.
• Red Arhat and the woman in red: Their interaction showcases the woman in red's cunning and manipulative nature, as she uses her knowledge to entice Red Arhat into her plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qingyang travels to the imperial palace in a luxurious carriage, accompanied by black-armored soldiers carrying new-generation firearms called Armor-Piercing Guns.
• Eunuch Huang reveals that the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion, established by the late emperor, is secretly developing powerful weapons, with the court's support.
• Eunuch Huang mentions the planned Origin Division, which will focus on researching human body mysteries, suggesting a balance between external (weapons) and internal (body) research.

Character Developments

• Su Qingyang shows indifference to his potential imperial lineage, focusing more on the power dynamics and secrets of the Jin court.
• Eunuch Huang reveals his loyalty and admiration for the late emperor's vision, showing his wisdom and experience.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between the imperial court, the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion, and the martial world.
• The potential of firearms and their impact on the balance of power.
• The tension between tradition (Confucian officials) and innovation (the Divine Craftsmen Pavilion and Origin Division).

Character Interactions

• Su Qingyang and Eunuch Huang share a conversation, with Eunuch Huang revealing sensitive information about the court's plans, showing trust in Su Qingyang.
• Su Qingyang's calm demeanor contrasts with Eunuch Huang's seriousness when he senses killing intent, highlighting their different perspectives.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of assassins, including Red Arhat and Blood Matriarch, attack the Sixth Prince's carriage in the pouring rain.
• The black-armored guards, equipped with Armor-Piercing Guns, defend against the initial assault, destroying a massive stone platform hurled at them.
• Red Arhat, an Innate Warrior, charges the formation, and the military marquis engages him in combat.
• Blood Matriarch reveals her true form, a rakshasa demon, and attacks the carriage.

Character Developments

• The Sixth Prince, Su Qingyang, remains calm and composed throughout the attack.
• Eunuch Huang, the Sixth Prince's protector, demonstrates his prowess and readiness to defend his master.
• Red Arhat showcases his formidable strength and blood qi cultivation.
• Blood Matriarch reveals her true form and demonstrates her powerful blood qi cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The power of firearms versus traditional martial arts and body cultivation.
• The danger and chaos of political intrigue in the imperial court.
• The ruthlessness and determination of the assassins.

Character Interactions

• The Sixth Prince and Eunuch Huang: The Sixth Prince trusts Eunuch Huang to protect him, while Eunuch Huang is loyal and ready to defend his master.
• Red Arhat and the Military Marquis: They engage in a fierce battle, showcasing their strength and skill.
• Blood Matriarch and the Assassins: They work together to take down the Sixth Prince, with Blood Matriarch flirting with the assassins to gain their favor.

Chapter Summary: “You People Really Aren’t Much”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Red-Clad Rakshasa, revealed to be the Blood Matriarch, attacks Eunuch Huang while blaming the imperial forces for her husband’s execution. She vows to kill Huang before crushing the Sixth Prince.
• Eunuch Huang clashes fiercely with the Blood Matriarch. Though both are powerful Three-Flower Innate Realm experts, Huang’s old injuries leave him at a disadvantage.
• Three blue-clad assassins launch a coordinated attack on Su Qingyang’s carriage. Their sword attacks initially overwhelm the black-armored soldiers by exploiting the weakness of their firearms: blinding them with brilliant sword light.
• The military commander abandons his battle with Red Arhat to defend the carriage. He unleashes a devastating sword technique, killing one of the assassins and cutting the entire street apart in the process.
• The surviving two assassins, enraged by their brother’s death, attack the commander together. Having exhausted much of his strength, he is forced into retreat and struggles to defend himself.
• Red Arhat advances toward Su Qingyang through the gunfire, confident that no one can protect him.
• Eunuch Huang uses the terrifying Annihilation Demon Claw. The Blood Matriarch recognizes the technique as belonging to the supposedly legendary Extinction Elder and becomes fearful, realizing that only a Martial Dao Grandmaster’s True Qi can neutralize it.
• Su Qingyang finally leaves the carriage, calmly surveys the battlefield, and dismisses the attackers with the remark, “You people really aren’t much.”
• Huang vows to protect Su even at the cost of his life, but Su mockingly criticizes him for being old and half-buried.

Character Developments

• Su Qingyang: Remains composed and arrogant despite being surrounded by powerful enemies. His calm exit from the carriage suggests that he possesses hidden strength and is not relying entirely on his guards.
• Eunuch Huang: Reveals immense power as a perfected Three-Flower Innate Realm expert, along with a mysterious identity connected to the Extinction Elder. His old injuries limit him, but his loyalty to Su is unwavering.
• Blood Matriarch: Her hatred of the imperial court is rooted in the execution of her husband. Despite her confidence, recognition of the Annihilation Demon Claw exposes genuine fear and uncertainty.
• Military Commander: Demonstrates overwhelming swordsmanship by killing one assassin in a single strike, but the effort severely drains him and leaves him vulnerable to the remaining pair.
• Blue-Clad Assassins: Show excellent coordination and adaptability, quickly identifying how to counter firearms. Their discipline collapses into rage after one brother is killed.
• Red Arhat: Appears confident and relentless, steadily approaching Su despite sustained gunfire.

Significant Themes

• Hidden identities and concealed power: Huang’s connection to the Extinction Elder suggests that several imperial figures possess identities and abilities far beyond what is publicly known.
• The limits of technology against martial mastery: Firearms are powerful against ordinary opponents, but elite martial artists can exploit their weaknesses through speed, blinding attacks, and mobility.
• Loyalty and sacrifice: Huang is prepared to die defending Su, even while injured and outmatched.
• Arrogance versus genuine strength: Su’s dismissive attitude contrasts with the attackers’ confidence, hinting that he may possess overwhelming power of his own.
• Revenge and emotional instability: The assassins’ grief over their brother’s death transforms their tactical fighting into reckless, furious attacks.

Character Interactions

• The Blood Matriarch taunts Huang over his past failures, while Huang responds with escalating violence.
• The blue-clad assassins force the black-armored soldiers into disorder by neutralizing their firearm formation.
• The military commander interrupts his duel with Red Arhat to protect Su, killing one assassin but becoming trapped by the other two.
• Red Arhat directly threatens Su as he advances toward the carriage.
• Huang declares his devotion to Su, while Su responds with teasing contempt, underscoring their familiar master-servant dynamic.

Chapter Summary: “Instant Kill”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qingyang takes an Armor-Piercing Gun from a black-armored soldier during an ambush on the military marquis’s convoy.
• He fires it at the blue-clad assassins, instantly blowing two of them apart. The soldiers initially assume the weapon itself is extraordinarily powerful.
• Su reveals that the gun is merely a standard weapon. The real force comes from his qi-blood power, which he channels through the firearm like a projectile.
• Red Arhat realizes Su is the true source of the destructive power. He burns his qi-blood and transforms into a blood-ape-like form, unleashing the powerful “Blood Ape Sky-Wrestling Fist.”
• Su identifies Red Arhat’s weakness: his Third Qi-Blood Breakthrough was achieved artificially through the blood of a strange beast. Su defeats him with a single punch, reducing him to a mist of blood.
• Terrified, the woman in red burns her essence, qi, and spirit to flee. Su crosses an enormous distance in a single step and kills her with one punch as well.
• After the assassins are eliminated, Su calmly returns to the carriage and tells the others to continue their mission.
• Military Marquis Long Jingxiao confiscates the Armor-Piercing Gun and attempts to use it, but it immediately explodes, proving that the weapon only functioned because of Su’s power.
• The convoy resumes its journey through the rain. Eunuch Huang, deeply shaken and curious about Su’s identity and strength, cautiously thanks him for saving his life.

Character Developments

• Su Qingyang: Demonstrates overwhelming martial power, precise control, and complete composure. He kills multiple high-level opponents effortlessly, yet immediately returns to his quiet, restrained demeanor. His ability to conceal such strength makes others suspect that he may truly be the Sixth Prince—or an even more mysterious figure.
• Red Arhat: His confidence collapses into horror when he realizes Su, rather than the gun, is responsible for the instant kills. His reliance on beast blood to reach the Third Qi-Blood Breakthrough is exposed as an inferior shortcut.
• The woman in red: Shifts from aggression to panic after witnessing Red Arhat’s death. Her desperate flight and accusation that Su is a disguised monster reveal the extent of her fear.
• Eunuch Huang: Becomes increasingly wary and respectful of Su. Although he witnesses Su’s power, he remains unable to fully comprehend it and wisely decides not to press him with questions.
• Long Jingxiao: Moves from battlefield command to stunned observer. His attempt to replicate Su’s use of the firearm fails, reinforcing how far beyond ordinary martial understanding Su’s abilities are.
• The black-armored soldier: Shows possessiveness toward the weapon, only to lose it when Long Jingxiao takes it. His disappointment adds a brief moment of humor after the brutal battle.

Significant Themes

• True power versus appearances: The Armor-Piercing Gun appears to be the source of destruction, but Su reveals that the weapon is only a vessel for his qi-blood.
• Hidden identity and concealed strength: Su’s calm appearance contrasts sharply with his terrifying abilities, deepening the mystery surrounding his identity as the possible Sixth Prince.
• Authentic cultivation versus shortcuts: Red Arhat’s artificial breakthrough through strange-beast blood is contrasted with the difficult, genuine process of body tempering.
• Perfect control over violence: Su’s attacks are devastating but carefully controlled, minimizing collateral damage despite their enormous force.
• Fear and psychological dominance: Once Su displays his strength, the surviving enemies and witnesses are overwhelmed before they can properly understand what happened.
• Knowledge and restraint: Eunuch Huang recognizes that curiosity can be dangerous and chooses to remain silent rather than investigate Su’s secrets.

Character Interactions

• Su casually takes the firearm from the soldier, creating immediate uncertainty among the black-armored troops.
• His first shot shocks the soldiers and causes Red Arhat to reassess the entire battle.
• Su and Red Arhat exchange a brief but revealing confrontation: Red Arhat attacks with everything he has, while Su calmly diagnoses the flaw in his cultivation and kills him with one strike.
• The woman in red reacts directly to Su’s display of power, fleeing rather than continuing the fight. Su pursues and eliminates her before she can escape.
• Long Jingxiao and Eunuch Huang silently compare their confusion after seeing Su disappear and reappear almost instantaneously.
• In the carriage, Eunuch Huang attempts to question Su but is cut off by Su’s warning against excessive curiosity. He immediately changes his approach, offering gratitude instead of probing for answers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter opens with Empress Wen in her Moon-Watching Palace, where candles burn eternally to keep darkness at bay due to her childhood fear.
• Su Qingyang, believed to be the Sixth Prince, arrives at the palace after a journey with Eunuch Huang.
• Su Qingyang meets Eunuch Mei, a trusted eunuch of the emperor, who wants to question him before verifying his identity. However, Su Qingyang refuses and demands immediate verification.

Character Developments

• Empress Wen: She is revealed to be afraid of darkness and keeps her palace well-lit at all times. She shows interest in meeting Su Qingyang, believing him to be her late sister's son.
• Su Qingyang: He demonstrates a straightforward and somewhat arrogant temperament, refusing to answer Eunuch Mei's questions and demanding immediate verification of his identity.
• Eunuch Mei: He is shown to be powerful but not yet a Grandmaster, with a foundation that rivals a body-tempering expert with three transformations of qi and blood.

Significant Themes

• Fear of Darkness: This is a recurring theme, symbolizing Empress Wen's hidden fears and vulnerabilities.
• Power and Status: The chapter explores the power dynamics within the imperial palace, with characters like Eunuch Mei and Eunuch Huang holding significant influence.

Character Interactions

• Empress Wen and Matron Yue: They share a close relationship, with Matron Yue serving as a caretaker and confidante to the empress.
• Su Qingyang and Eunuch Mei: Their interaction is tense, with Su Qingyang refusing to answer Eunuch Mei's questions, showing his disdain for the eunuch's authority.
• Eunuch Huang, Eunuch Mei, and Matron Yue: They work together to verify Su Qingyang's identity but have different levels of authority and influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qingyang is presented with a sacred artifact, a black sheep statue with a maiden's head, in Moon-Watching Palace.
• When Su Qingyang pricks his finger and lets a drop of blood fall onto the statue, a phenomenon occurs, and a maiden's phantom appears briefly before vanishing.
• Matron Yue and Eunuch Mei leave to report to the emperor, leaving the statue with Su Qingyang.

Character Developments

• Su Qingyang: Shows curiosity and respect toward the sacred artifact. He seems to have a deeper understanding of its nature after interacting with it.
• Matron Yue: Demonstrates loyalty and respect for Su Qingyang, treating him with deference.
• Eunuch Mei: Shows hesitation in leaving the sacred artifact with Su Qingyang but ultimately complies with Matron Yue's decision.

Significant Themes

• Divine Intervention: The sacred artifact, Lady of Worship, exhibits divine and mysterious properties, suggesting a higher power at play.
• Identity and Belonging: The verification of Su Qingyang's identity allows him to feel a sense of belonging to his royal heritage.

Character Interactions

• Su Qingyang and the Sacred Artifact: Su Qingyang interacts with the statue, sensing its divine nature and believing it to be a god.
• Su Qingyang and Eunuch Huang: Su Qingyang asks Eunuch Huang about the true nature of the sacred artifact, showing his curiosity and desire for knowledge.
• Matron Yue and Eunuch Mei: The two work together to present the sacred artifact and later decide to leave it with Su Qingyang.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Eunuch Mei confirms Su Qingyang's identity as the Sixth Prince with the Jin Emperor using the sacred artifact, Lady of Worship.
• The Jin Emperor learns about Su Qingyang's martial prowess and his casual attitude towards Eunuch Mei, showing interest but also concern.
• Long Jingxiao reports the assassination attempt on Su Qingyang and reveals the Sixth Prince's extraordinary martial abilities, causing the Jin Emperor to suspect Su Qingyang's true intentions.
• The Jin Emperor decides to meet Su Qingyang in person, while Eunuch Mei shares the legend of the Founding Ancestor and the sacred artifact with Su Qingyang.

Character Developments

• Jin Emperor: Shows curiosity and pride in Su Qingyang's martial prowess but also expresses concern about his intentions.
• Su Qingyang: Demonstrates his unique personality and indifference towards Eunuch Mei, hinting at his extraordinary background.
• Eunuch Mei: Shows loyalty and honesty in reporting Su Qingyang's behavior to the Jin Emperor.
• Long Jingxiao: Reports the assassination attempt and reveals Su Qingyang's martial abilities, contributing to the Jin Emperor's decision to meet him.

Significant Themes

• Power and Prestige: The Jin Emperor's power and prestige are evident in the imperial palace's grandeur and his subjects' deference.
• Legacy and Founding: The Founding Ancestor's legacy and the sacred artifact symbolize the dynasty's power and continuity.
• Identity and Intentions: Su Qingyang's true identity and intentions remain unclear, driving the plot forward.

Character Interactions

• Jin Emperor and Eunuch Mei: The Jin Emperor trusts Eunuch Mei's judgment, and they discuss Su Qingyang's character and actions.
• Jin Emperor and Long Jingxiao: The Jin Emperor inquires about the assassination attempt and the Black Armor Army's performance.
• Su Qingyang and Eunuch Mei: Su Qingyang shows indifference towards Eunuch Mei, while Eunuch Mei reports Su Qingyang's behavior to the Jin Emperor.
• Su Qingyang and Eunuch Huang: Eunuch Huang shares the legend of the Founding Ancestor and the sacred artifact with Su Qingyang, revealing the imperial family's history and secrets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ning Qingqing, a Secret Bureau spy, spots a figure in black nightwear, suspecting it to be Huang Di, whom she's been searching for.
• The figure breaks into a woman's chamber in an elegant pavilion, using knockout smoke, and Ning Qingqing realizes he's a notorious flower thief.
• Ning Qingqing intervenes, and a fierce battle ensues, destroying the pavilion. The flower thief flees, and the woman's father, a skilled martial artist, gives chase.

Character Developments

• Ning Qingqing: She demonstrates her swift and silent lightness skill, Swallow's Return Flight, and her determination to capture the flower thief, even risking her life to save the woman.
• The Flower Thief: Revealed to be a vicious criminal who sucks out women's brains after defiling them. He uses a sinister martial art and is skilled in stealth and evasion.
• The Woman's Father: A middle-aged man with high martial skills, he's enraged and determined to capture the flower thief to avenge his daughter.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance: Ning Qingqing's relentless pursuit of the flower thief despite the challenges and dangers.
• Vengeance: The woman's father's burning desire for retribution against the flower thief.
• Protection of Innocence: Ning Qingqing's intervention to save the woman from the flower thief's heinous act.

Character Interactions

• Ning Qingqing vs. The Flower Thief: A fierce battle ensues between them, with Ning Qingqing trying to capture the thief and the thief attempting to flee.
• The Woman's Father vs. The Flower Thief: The father, enraged and determined, gives chase after the thief to avenge his daughter.
• Ning Qingqing and The Woman's Father: They briefly interact, with the father asking Ning Qingqing to watch over his daughter while he pursues the thief.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Qingyang meets with the Jin Emperor in Sweet Dew Hall.
• The Jin Emperor gifts Su Qingyang the Hundred Flowers Garden and offers the Secret Bureau, but with the condition that Su Qingyang must gain its submission.
• Su Qingyang agrees and leaves, then meets Matron Yue who informs him that the Empress wants to see him.
• In Moon-Watching Palace, the Empress offers Su Qingyang pastries and asks if he's interested in any women.

Character Developments

• Su Qingyang: He remains calm and straightforward, asking for what he wants without hesitation. He also shows surprise and curiosity when the Jin Emperor offers the Secret Bureau.
• Jin Emperor: He appears weak and frail despite being a Martial Dao Grandmaster. He's generous with his gifts but has conditions attached, hinting at his strategic mind.
• Empress Wen: She's kind and caring, showing interest in Su Qingyang's personal life. She's also a skilled baker.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The interactions between Su Qingyang, the Jin Emperor, and the Empress highlight the power dynamics within the palace.
• Su Qingyang's Independence: Despite being a prince, Su Qingyang acts independently and doesn't seem to care about the throne or palace intrigues.
• The Jin Emperor's Weakness: The Jin Emperor's frailty and need to put on a show of strength suggest a deeper vulnerability.

Character Interactions

• Su Qingyang and the Jin Emperor: Their interaction is tense yet straightforward, with the Jin Emperor trying to gauge Su Qingyang and Su Qingyang asking for what he wants.
• Su Qingyang and the Empress: Their interaction is warm and casual, with the Empress showing genuine care for Su Qingyang's well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The middle-aged man (later revealed as Liu Qixiu) is injured by Ning Qingqing during their fight, leaving him with a poisonous tracking mark.
• Ning Qingqing and Liu Qingni track the scent of the poison to the Liu Family.
• Liu Qixiu returns home and is confronted by his mother, Wu Mengmeng, about his actions and the tracking mark.
• Wu Mengmeng orders Elder Hua to frame an unnamed person for Liu Qixiu's crimes.

Character Developments

• Ning Qingqing: She demonstrates her combat skills and resourcefulness by using poisoned rings to track the flower thief.
• Liu Qingni: She shows loyalty and concern for her friend Ning Qingqing, agreeing to help her capture the flower thief.
• Liu Qixiu: He is revealed to be the flower thief and a cultivator of a forbidden art, the Child-Mother Flying Yin Art. He is panicked and desperate when discovered.
• Wu Mengmeng: She is the matriarch of the Liu Family and Liu Qixiu's mother. She is seductive yet ruthless, prioritizing the Liu Family's interests above all else.
• Elder Hua: He is a loyal servant of the Liu Family, willing to carry out Wu Mengmeng's orders without question.

Significant Themes

• Power and Corruption: The Liu Family's power and influence allow them to act with impunity, and Liu Qixiu's cultivation of a forbidden art shows the corrupting influence of power.
• Loyalty and Betrayal: Characters like Liu Qingni and Elder Hua show loyalty to their friends and masters, while others like Wu Mengmeng and Liu Qixiu are willing to betray and sacrifice others for their own gain.

Character Interactions

• Ning Qingqing and Liu Qingni: The two friends work together to track down the flower thief, showing trust and camaraderie.
• Liu Qixiu and Wu Mengmeng: Mother and son interact, with Wu Mengmeng scolding Liu Qixiu for his recklessness and ordering him to clean up his mess.
• Wu Mengmeng and Elder Hua: They have a master-servant relationship, with Wu Mengmeng ordering Elder Hua to frame an innocent person to protect Liu Qixiu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Liu Qixiu volunteers to handle the matter of finding candidates for his aunt's blood food, which concerns her cultivation.
• Elder Hua, dressed in Liu Qixiu's clothes, sneaks into the Liu Residence to frame Liu Shou, the family head.
• Elder Hua discovers a secret passage in Liu Shou's study, which Liu Shou uses to hide his cultivation.
• Liu Qingni and Ning Qingqing arrive at the Liu Residence, tracking a scent that leads them to Liu Shou's study.

Character Developments

• Liu Qixiu: Shows concern for his aunt's cultivation and volunteers to handle a crucial task, demonstrating his ambition and eagerness to please his mother.
• Elder Hua: Reveals his cunning and loyalty to Wu Mengmeng, as he plans to frame Liu Shou and is willing to sacrifice himself for his master's household.
• Liu Shou: Shows unexpected depth and secretiveness, as he is revealed to be cultivating in secret, contradicting his previously submissive and cowardly image.
• Liu Qingni: Struggles with her feelings towards her father and the Liu Family, showing determination to do what's necessary, even if it means submitting a memorial to the emperor.
• Ning Qingqing: Shows vigilance and concern for Liu Qingni, as she accompanies her to the Liu Residence and helps search for the scent's source.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Manipulation: Characters like Liu Qixiu and Elder Hua exhibit ambition, using manipulation and deceit to achieve their goals.
• Family and Loyalty: The complex relationships within the Liu Family are explored, with characters like Liu Qingni and Elder Hua grappling with their loyalties.
• Secrets and Deception: The chapter revolves around hidden secrets and deceptions, as characters like Liu Shou and Elder Hua harbor secrets, and others, like Liu Qingni and Ning Qingqing, try to uncover the truth.

Character Interactions

• Liu Qixiu and Wu Mengmeng: The mother-son duo discusses the matter of finding candidates for Liu Qixiu's aunt, with Wu Mengmeng expressing concern and Liu Qixiu volunteering to handle the task.
• Elder Hua and Liu Shou: Though they don't interact directly, Elder Hua's actions are focused on framing Liu Shou, while Liu Shou's secret passage reveals his hidden cultivation, contradicting Elder Hua's perception of him.
• Liu Qingni and Ning Qingqing: The two women work together to track a scent, with Liu Qingni showing determination and Ning Qingqing expressing concern and vigilance for Liu Qingni's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Elder Hua follows Liu Shou into an underground network, discovering a vast operation involving human trafficking.
• Liu Shou reveals his true colors, showing no sympathy for the captives and plotting to kill Liu Qingni and Elder Hua.
• An unknown expert, Fourth Master Luo, arrives, and another mysterious figure emerges from the Dark Lake, later revealed to be Huang Di, the true evil ghost.

Character Developments

• Liu Shou: Reveals himself as the mastermind behind the human trafficking operation, prioritizing his family's interests above all else, including his daughter's life.
• Elder Hua: Realizes the magnitude of the operation and the potential involvement of high-ranking officials, struggling with how to proceed.
• Liu Qingni: Discovers her father's secret and is horrified by his actions, leading to a rift between them.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal and deception: Liu Shou's true nature is revealed, betraying his family and allies for personal gain.
• Power and corruption: The vast underground network and human trafficking operation suggest widespread corruption and abuse of power.
• The unknown: The arrival of Fourth Master Luo and Huang Di highlights the presence of powerful, mysterious figures with unclear motives.

Character Interactions

• Liu Shou and Elder Hua: Their standoffish interaction hints at Elder Hua's hidden agenda and Liu Shou's growing paranoia.
• Liu Shou and Liu Qingni: Their tense exchange reveals the growing rift between father and daughter due to Liu Shou's actions.
• Liu Qingni and Elder Hua: Though unspoken, their shared horror at the situation creates a silent understanding between them.