Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Li, a Lower Third Grade cultivator from the Mingling Sect in Rong Kingdom, encounters Yang Ling and Xiao Bai.
• Jiang Li initially suspects Xiao Bai to be a Water Qilin but later questions if it's a Fire Qilin.
• Yang Ling reveals that he's been asked by Xie Jinjia to receive Yang Ling and his group, hinting at a trap set by Zhao Kingdom.
• Jiang Li asks Yang Ling to intervene and have Jiang Zhuo, his nephew, returned. Yang Ling gives him three breaths to decide, either leave or die.
• Jiang Li decides to fight, revealing that he believes Xiao Bai to be an insect, not a Qilin.
• Yang Ling uses his Heavenly Will Divine Blade skill, which ignores obstacles and strikes Jiang Li directly, despite Jiang Li's attempts to dodge.

Character Developments

• Jiang Li shows initial arrogance and suspicion but later becomes cautious and fearful when faced with Yang Ling's might.
• Yang Ling remains calm and composed, using his intelligence and Xiao Bai's speed to outmaneuver Jiang Li.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between cultivators of different grades and their spirit pets.
• The importance of accurate perception and judgment in combat.
• The theme of bluffing and deception in strategic decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Li and Yang Ling's interaction is filled with tension and mistrust, leading to a direct confrontation.
• Xiao Bai, Yang Ling's spirit pet, plays a crucial role in the battle, using its speed to circle Jiang Li and prevent his escape.

Plot and events

• Yang Ling unleashes over a thousand Heavenly Will Divine Blades at Jiang Li. His Sacred Qilin Martial Dao Furnace rapidly replenishes the vital blood the attacks consume, though Yang recognizes that prolonged fighting would still drain its reserves.
• Jiang Li survives the barrage through the extraordinary healing of his Lower Third Grade flesh derivation. Realizing that the blades are too costly to finish him, Yang switches to attacks that consume no vital blood, using his Wind God Vajra Leg Technique and then the Demon-Quelling Saber.
• Yang discovers that Spirit Suppression counteracts the Evil Buddha Domain’s influence, clearing the murderous haze from his mind while his White Bone Buddha Overlord Form remains active.
• As Yang prepares to freeze Jiang Li and take him prisoner, Jiang Li’s mangled body merges with his Spirit Rhinoceros Scarab. The fused creature takes humanoid form, gains roughly 1,000 points in both strength and agility, and easily withstands Yang’s lightning attack.
• Yang realizes Jiang Li’s Spirit Armor Master class and Human-Pet Unity skill allow him to fuse with his pet. He sees this as a possible path to advancing beyond Spirit Pet Venerable, imagining what fusion with Xiao Bai might accomplish.
• Unable to match Jiang Li in close combat, Yang summons his White Bone General spirit and directs it to fight while he remains on Xiao Bai’s back. Their clash spreads across the sea, producing enormous waves.

Character developments

• Yang Ling demonstrates stronger control over his combat resources and adapts when his initial strategy proves inefficient. He also makes two important discoveries: Spirit Suppression can blunt the Evil Buddha Domain, and human-pet fusion may offer a new route for his own advancement.
• Jiang Li reveals a formidable fusion ability, transforming his Spirit Rhinoceros Scarab into a powerful, armored humanoid form. His response to Yang’s attacks shows both his resilience and his dangerous adaptability.

Themes

• Power and cost: Great strength comes with resource demands; Yang must weigh victory against the lasting cost to his Martial Dao Furnace.
• Adaptation and discovery: Both fighters reveal unexpected abilities, and Yang turns a disadvantage into insight about future growth.
• Human-pet partnership: Jiang Li’s fusion shows that a spirit pet can be more than a companion—it can become part of its master’s power.
• Control versus destructive instinct: Yang’s Spirit Suppression restrains the Evil Buddha Domain’s murderous influence.

Character interactions

Yang first tries to overwhelm Jiang Li with ranged attacks, then shifts to close-range techniques and attempts to capture him for a reward. Jiang Li counters by fusing with his scarab and overpowering Yang, forcing Yang to rely on his White Bone General while Xiao Bai supports him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Li, a Lower Third Grade Great Grandmaster, fights Yang Ling and his White Bone General to a standstill.
• Jiang Li uses a Bone-Melting Palm attack, but it's ineffective against Yang Ling's defenses.
• Yang Ling retreats to a deserted island, planning to improve Xiao Bai's strength with a Five-Thousand-Year Bee Royal Jelly.
• On the island, Yang Ling engages Jiang Li in a fierce battle, aiming to wear him down and force him out of his Human-Pet Unity state.

Character Developments

• Jiang Li: Despite his powerful attacks, he's unable to defeat Yang Ling, leading to his Human-Pet Unity state ending.
• Yang Ling: He demonstrates his strength and resilience, withstanding Jiang Li's attacks and counterattacking effectively. He also shows strategic planning by improving Xiao Bai's strength and aiming to tire out Jiang Li.

Significant Themes

• The power of Primordial Spirit techniques and the importance of physical body strength in countering them.
• The advantage of having a powerful spirit pet and the ability to improve its strength.
• The strategy of wearing down an opponent to gain an advantage in battle.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Li and Yang Ling: They engage in a prolonged battle, with Jiang Li trying to persuade Yang Ling to join the Rong Tribe, but Yang Ling remains focused on defeating him.
• Yang Ling and Xiao Bai: Yang Ling feeds Xiao Bai a Five-Thousand-Year Bee Royal Jelly to improve its strength, showing his consideration for his spirit pet's well-being.
• Jiang Li and his Spirit Rhinoceros Scarab: The spirit pet is severely beaten by the White Bone General, contributing to Jiang Li's eventual defeat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Li's Flesh Derivation is powerful but barely maintains his human form under Yang Ling's attack.
• The Spirit Rhinoceros Scarab is severely injured but still alive.
• Yang Ling stops attacking the Spirit Rhinoceros Scarab upon Jiang Li's plea.
• Xiao Bai shows signs of advancing to Fourth Grade after consuming the Five-Thousand-Year Bee Royal Jelly.

Character Developments

• Jiang Li reveals he practices the Mysterious Armor Sacred Insect Art, which increases the chance of becoming a Spirit Armor Master when his spirit pet advances to Fourth Grade.
• Yang Ling learns about the Spirit Armor Master and Spirit Pet Venerable professions from Jiang Li and realizes the potential of his professions.

Significant Themes

• The bond between a beast tamer and their spirit pet is crucial for unlocking divine abilities.
• The Divine Realm's rules can be surprising and beneficial to Yang Ling.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Li and Yang Ling engage in a conversation about Spirit Armor Masters and Spirit Pet Venerables, with Jiang Li providing valuable information to Yang Ling.
• Yang Ling shows concern for Jiang Li's spirit pet, stopping the White Bone General from further attacking it.
• Jiang Li expresses admiration for Yang Ling's ability to raise two spirit pets.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Li, a beast tamer from Mingling Sect, reveals that his sect has a secret art to evolve Queen Red Gold Mantises into Tempered Gold Mantis Kings.
• Yang Ling learns that Xiao Bai, his spirit pet, has multiple evolution paths and could potentially become a Flame Mantis.
• Xiao Bai begins to advance to Fourth Grade, requiring nourishment. It nearly attacks Jiang Li's Spirit Rhinoceros Scarab but settles for Yang Ling's Black Iron Sky Wolf Armor instead.

Character Developments

• Jiang Li, desperate to escape, tries to tempt Yang Ling with the secret art but fails.
• Yang Ling realizes the importance of preparing for Xiao Bai's advancement and panics when he finds himself ill-prepared.

Significant Themes

• The importance of preparation and foresight in cultivation and beast taming.
• The value and potential of unique spirit pets like Xiao Bai.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Li and Yang Ling engage in a tense negotiation, with Jiang Li trying to bargain for his life and Yang Ling focused on ensuring Xiao Bai's safety.
• Xiao Bai, through its mental connection with Yang Ling, conveys its urgent need for nourishment during its advancement.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Bai, Yang Ling's spirit pet, consumes a Black Iron Sky Wolf Armor and a Spirit Rhinoceros Insect Bone Dagger, but is still hungry.
• Jiang Li, a captive, reveals that Xiao Bai has undergone three metamorphoses, more than usual, causing its increased appetite.
• Yang Ling feeds Xiao Bai his Sky Wolf Divine Weapon Armor, hoping it's enough for Xiao Bai to advance to Fourth Grade.
• Xiao Bai finishes the armor but is still hungry, leaving Yang Ling with no more spirit materials to feed it.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling: Shows his dedication to Xiao Bai, feeding it his own Divine Weapon Armor to help it advance, despite the loss.
• Jiang Li: Reveals his shock at Xiao Bai's rapid growth and unique metamorphosis process.

Significant Themes

• The bond between a beast tamer and their spirit pet, with Yang Ling prioritizing Xiao Bai's needs.
• The importance of spirit materials for spirit pets' growth and advancement.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling and Jiang Li: Jiang Li provides information about Xiao Bai's metamorphoses, while Yang Ling feeds Xiao Bai despite Jiang Li's protests.
• Yang Ling and Xiao Bai: Yang Ling encourages Xiao Bai to advance on its own after running out of spirit materials to feed it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Bai, Yang Ling's spirit pet, is on the brink of a breakthrough, requiring Divine Weapons as fuel.
• Yang Ling feeds Xiao Bai several Divine Weapons, including the Heaven-Devouring Divine Saber and the Giant Hundred-Forged Qilin Pickaxe.
• Xiao Bai successfully breaks through to Fourth Grade, inheriting skills from the consumed Divine Weapons.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling demonstrates his attachment to Xiao Bai, feeding it his most valuable Divine Weapons to ensure its survival.
• Jiang Li, initially gloating, becomes concerned for Xiao Bai's well-being and hopes for its survival.

Significant Themes

• The bond between Yang Ling and Xiao Bai is strengthened as Yang Ling prioritizes Xiao Bai's needs over his own.
• The value of Divine Weapons and their skills is emphasized, with Xiao Bai's ability to inherit these skills being a rare and powerful trait.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling and Jiang Li have a tense interaction, with Jiang Li initially gloating over Xiao Bai's predicament but later hoping for its survival.
• Yang Ling's interaction with Xiao Bai showcases his dedication and affection towards his spirit pet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Ling activates the Spirit Armor Master divine ability, transforming Xiao Bai into a suit of crimson armor with a Qilin's head, boosting his strength and agility by 800 points each.
• Yang Ling's mental perception expands to 200 li, allowing him to sense any hostile creatures within that range.
• Yang Ling tests Xiao Bai's inherited skills, including transforming weapons, Giantification, and Flight.
• Jiang Li, despite his Flesh Derivation ability, is severely injured and humiliated by Yang Ling's tests.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling: Demonstrates his newfound powers and gains confidence in his combat abilities, especially with the ability to fly.
• Jiang Li: Becomes increasingly frustrated and threatened by Yang Ling's strength, contemplating killing him to prevent future threats.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the threat posed by young, strong individuals.
• The advantages and disadvantages of different divine abilities and skills.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling and Jiang Li: Yang Ling tests his new abilities on Jiang Li, causing him significant injury and humiliation. Jiang Li, in turn, considers eliminating Yang Ling as a future threat.
• Yang Ling and Xiao Bai: Yang Ling's connection with Xiao Bai deepens, allowing him to use its inherited skills and enhancing his own abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Ling, a Lower Third Grade Great Grandmaster, attacks Jiang Li, a Lower Third Grade Great Grandmaster of the Mingling Sect.
• Yang Ling uses several powerful techniques: Fire Flood Dragon Breath, Netherworld Ghost Wolf Slash, and Poison Devouring Explosion.
• Jiang Li survives the initial attacks due to his strong Flesh Derivation but is eventually captured.
• Yang Ling captures Jiang Li and brings him to the Spirit Rhinoceros Scarab, where Xu Wenjun, Zhao Yingying, and others are waiting.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling demonstrates his power and ruthlessness, using Jiang Li as a test subject for his skills.
• Jiang Li shows resilience and endurance, surviving Yang Ling's attacks, but ultimately succumbs to capture.
• Xu Wenjun, Zhao Yingying, and the Blackfish Island Lord are terrified upon seeing Yang Ling and the captured Jiang Li, realizing the severity of their situation.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the vulnerability of the weak.
• The ruthlessness of experts and the consequences of underestimating opponents.
• The value of prisoners and the treatment they receive.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling and Jiang Li: Yang Ling attacks and captures Jiang Li, demonstrating his superiority.
• Yang Ling and Xu Wenjun, Zhao Yingying, Blackfish Island Lord: They are terrified upon seeing Yang Ling and Jiang Li, highlighting the power imbalance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Ling, disguised as Director Yang, arrives at the Zhao Kingdom capital with Jiang Zhuo and Jiang Li's head.
• The Blackfish Island Lord and Zhao Yingying recognize Yang Ling as Jiang Li, a Lower Third-Grade Great Grandmaster of the Mingling Sect.
• Xu Wenjun, initially skeptical, realizes Yang Ling's extraordinary feat and the potential reward.
• The group is intercepted by the Sea-Calming Division, led by Xu Zhiyuan, who demands their identity.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling: Proves his prowess by defeating and beheading a Lower Third-Grade Great Grandmaster, earning him the potential title of king with a different surname.
• Xu Wenjun: Realizes Yang Ling's true strength and potential, deciding to follow him more resolutely.
• Zhao Yingying, Qin Kunlun, Xu Qingnian, and the Blackfish Island Lord: Acknowledge Yang Ling's achievements and show their respect and allegiance.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and rewards within the Zhao Kingdom's hierarchy, particularly for capturing high-ranking enemies.
• The importance of recognizing and acknowledging one's superior in a hierarchical society.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling and Xu Wenjun: Their interaction reveals Xu Wenjun's growing respect and understanding of Yang Ling's true capabilities.
• Yang Ling and the group: They interact, showing their awe and respect for Yang Ling's achievements.
• Xu Zhiyuan and the group: Their interaction sets the stage for the group's arrival in the capital and the potential challenges they might face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Zhiyuan, a Lower Third Grade martial artist from the Imperial Academy's Sea-Calming Division, arrives with a large fleet.
• Xu Zhiyuan meets Yang Ling and acknowledges Jiang Li's head and armor.
• Xu Zhiyuan reveals that he was sent to help Yang Ling, ensuring his merit isn't stolen.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling: Becomes suspicious of powerful figures in court watching his moves and questions Xu Zhiyuan's intentions.
• Xu Zhiyuan: Shows calm and assertiveness, revealing he was sent to assist Yang Ling but maintains a mysterious demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and intrigue within the Zhao Kingdom's court.
• The Imperial Academy's influence and its connection to the Civil Official Faction.
• The potential theft of Yang Ling's merit and the intervention of powerful figures.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling and Xu Zhiyuan: They interact with mutual wariness, with Yang Ling questioning Xu Zhiyuan's intentions and Xu Zhiyuan maintaining a calm and mysterious demeanor.
• Xu Wenjun and Yang Ling: Xu Wenjun warns Yang Ling about the Imperial Academy and expresses concern about Xu Zhiyuan's arrival.
• Zhao Yingying and others: They observe the situation with apprehension, aware of the Imperial Academy's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Ling suspects Xu Zhiyuan's true intentions and the identity of the person behind the credit theft.
• The Crown Prince of the Zhao Kingdom arrives with a fleet, aiming to claim Yang Ling's credit.
• Yang Ling realizes the Crown Prince is not the patron of the Iron Garment Division, but the Emperor is.
• The Crown Prince's envoy, a powerful Lower Third Grade cultivator, arrives to invite Yang Ling for a talk.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling becomes more cautious and strategic, understanding the political undercurrents at play.
• Xu Zhiyuan reveals his knowledge of the power dynamics in the Zhao Kingdom.
• The Crown Prince's envoy demonstrates his strength and importance.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue in the royal court.
• The importance of understanding one's patrons and allies in a complex political landscape.
• The consequences of making the wrong choice or alliance.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling and Xu Zhiyuan engage in a conversation filled with hidden meanings and unspoken threats.
• Yang Ling consults Xu Wenjun about the relationship between the Iron Garment Division and the Crown Prince.
• The Crown Prince's envoy interacts with Yang Ling, showing his strength and the Crown Prince's interest in Yang Ling's achievements.

Key plot points and events

• The crown prince arrives aboard a vast, lavishly equipped ship and summons Yang Ling. His attendant, Gu Honggang, insists that only Yang Ling is to be received.
• Xu Zhiyuan intervenes, demanding to see the crown prince too. He trades barbed remarks with Gu, who eventually agrees to let him come along.
• On the ship, Yang Ling is impressed by its size and costly materials, then discovers that the crown prince is an exceptionally powerful Upper Third Grade martial artist.
• Yang Ling and Xu Zhiyuan present themselves. Jiang Li, whose severed head Yang Ling carries, also identifies himself.
• The crown prince announces that Jiang Li’s head will be credited to Qi Baiyan, a favored follower, hinting that this merit could help Qi gain a noble title.
• Yang Ling checks Qi’s attributes and finds him a powerful Peak Upper Fourth Grade Curse Daoist affiliated with the Nine Immortal Dao Palace. The crown prince then casually orders Yang Ling to leave Jiang Li’s head and body behind.

Character developments and interactions

• Yang Ling moves from cautious observation to anger as he realizes the crown prince intends to take credit for his capture and use it to advance Qi Baiyan. He interprets the move as a personal slight.
• Xu Zhiyuan shows boldness and irreverence, openly challenging Gu Honggang despite Gu’s higher rank and status. His confidence suggests a familiar history of provoking him.
• Gu Honggang remains controlled but warns Xu that he may slap him for his insults.
• The crown prince acts with authority and entitlement, disregarding Yang Ling’s claim to the achievement.
• Qi Baiyan accepts the promised credit with restrained excitement.
• Jiang Li stays silent until addressed, then greets the crown prince; he appears pleased by the conflict over his head.

Significant themes

• Credit, power, and patronage: The crown prince uses his authority to redirect Yang Ling’s achievement toward a favored subordinate.
• Status and disrespect: Xu’s provocative exchanges with Gu and the crown prince’s dismissal of Yang Ling expose the tensions between personal dignity and political hierarchy.
• Ambition and talent: Qi’s advancement is framed as a strategic investment, while Yang Ling resents being overlooked despite his own abilities.
  The chapter ends on a cliffhanger: Yang Ling must decide how to respond to the crown prince’s demand.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Crown Prince of the Zhao Kingdom attempts to claim Jiang Li's capture as his merit.
• Yang Ling, the chief of the Iron Garment Division, refuses to hand over Jiang Li, leading to a tense standoff.
• Xu Zhiyuan, a scholar from the Imperial Academy, supports Yang Ling and threatens to impeach the Crown Prince daily if he acts improperly.
• The Crown Prince offers Yang Ling various incentives to give up Jiang Li, but Yang Ling refuses, comparing the Crown Prince's offer to castration.
• The Crown Prince allows Yang Ling and Xu Zhiyuan to leave, hinting that he will find another way to resolve the situation.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling demonstrates courage and integrity, refusing to give up his merit despite the Crown Prince's threats and offers.
• The Crown Prince shows his ruthless and ambitious nature, attempting to claim another's merit and threatening Yang Ling.
• Xu Zhiyuan displays boldness and loyalty to the law, supporting Yang Ling and threatening the Crown Prince.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Integrity: The Crown Prince's ambition leads him to attempt to claim another's merit, while Yang Ling's integrity prevents him from doing so.
• Power Dynamics: The interaction between the Crown Prince, Yang Ling, and Xu Zhiyuan highlights the power dynamics between the imperial court, the military, and the scholarly factions.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling and the Crown Prince: Their interaction is tense and confrontational, with Yang Ling refusing to back down despite the Crown Prince's threats.
• Xu Zhiyuan and the Crown Prince: Xu Zhiyuan's boldness surprises the Crown Prince, who is forced to take him seriously.
• Yang Ling and Xu Zhiyuan: Their interaction shows mutual respect and support, with Xu Zhiyuan backing Yang Ling against the Crown Prince.

Plot points and events

• Xu Zhiyuan escorts Yang Ling and the thirteen ships toward Kyoto Port, explaining that Yang Ling will accompany him to the palace to meet the emperor. The emperor already knows about events within Zhao territory, and Yang Ling’s background will be examined before he receives any reward.
• Xu confirms that Yang Ling used a Treasure-Storing Talisman to hold Jiang Zhuo. Yang Ling quietly avoids revealing the Green Dragon Ring, and Xu accepts his explanation.
• Yang Ling asks about Qi Baiyan. Xu explains that Qi is the crown prince’s cousin, a true disciple of the Nine Immortal Dao Palace, and the personal disciple of a Celestial Immortal—making him far more than an ordinary martial prodigy.
• Yang Ling reflects on how far he has advanced compared with elite native martial artists. He also discovers that the Grandmaster Network is available, though entering costs 100 transaction points. He decides to keep it, along with his Abyssal Beast Grotto Passes, as an emergency escape option rather than enter immediately.
• Yang Ling remains confident despite Qi Baiyan’s powerful connections, arguing that the Zhao Kingdom is his own backing. Xu agrees that Yang Ling’s security depends on the kingdom.
• At Kyoto Port, a large group of palace eunuchs is waiting. As Yang Ling is about to disembark, an unseen force attacks him, covering his body in dense black lines. Xu identifies the attack as Cursecraft, and the others are alarmed.

Character developments and interactions

• Yang Ling is anxious about the emperor’s scrutiny and his uncertain origins, but masks that unease with confidence. He becomes more conscious of the gap between ordinary talented martial artists and top figures like Qi Baiyan, while recognizing that his player advantages have helped him surpass them. He also thinks strategically about preserving escape options.
• Xu Zhiyuan is calm and informed, revealing how closely the emperor monitors events. He gives Yang Ling practical reassurance but also makes clear that the Zhao Kingdom—not individual allies—is the foundation of his protection.
• Yang Ling and Xu discuss the crown prince’s motives and Qi Baiyan’s status. Yang Ling’s confidence contrasts with Xu’s reminder that Qi has an Earthly Immortal backing.
• Qi Baiyan does not appear directly, but his family and sect connections establish him as a major threat and a leading figure of the younger generation.

Significant themes

• Power, status, and backing: Martial strength matters, but family ties, sect rank, and political protection shape influence.
• Identity and concealment: Yang Ling fears that his unusual background and abilities may be exposed during the emperor’s investigation.
• Adaptation and survival: He relies on careful secrecy, strategic confidence, and contingency plans to manage dangers beyond his control.
• The gap between talent and opportunity: Yang Ling reflects that, without his player advantages, he could never have matched the foundations of elite native cultivators.

Summary

Key plot points

• Zhang Hong, one of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs’ Seal Keepers, identifies the markings on Yang Ling as the Deep-Sea Curse, a technique associated with the Nine Immortal Dao Palace. It activates when Yang Ling goes ashore, turning his skin to scales and threatening to transform him into a fish; at sea, its effects fade. Zhang warns that resisting it carelessly could damage Yang Ling’s Martial Dao Furnace.
• The curse puts Yang Ling’s planned return to the capital—and his expected audience with the emperor after reaching Fourth Grade—at risk. The Iron Garment Division fears that being unable to bring him ashore would humiliate both the division and the authority it represents.
• Yang Ling repeatedly tests the curse, reasoning that although he cannot initially detect its source, it becomes vulnerable once it manifests. He refuses to accept that remaining at sea is his only option.
• Qi Baiyan, the suspected Fourth-Grade caster, arrives and denies responsibility while advising Yang Ling to wait offshore. Yang Ling dismisses the warning and uses his Sacred Qilin Martial Dao Furnace to refine the curse away.
• The curse’s effects immediately appear on Qi Baiyan instead. As Qi tries to escape into the sea, Yang Ling grabs him by the neck and prevents him from fleeing.

Character developments

• Yang Ling shows confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to test dangerous limits. Rather than accept a month-long delay, he analyzes the curse and finds a way to break it. His display also reveals a striking degree of power.
• Xu Zhiyuan remains protective of Yang Ling and concerned about the political consequences, but his authority is challenged when Yang Ling chooses to confront the curse directly.
• Zhang Hong provides informed, measured advice, explaining both the curse’s danger and its limits. He cautions Yang Ling without claiming that the technique is impossible to overcome.
• Qi Baiyan presents himself as uninvolved, but his arrival and Yang Ling’s reversal of the curse make him the clear target of suspicion. His composure collapses when the scales appear on his own body.

Character interactions

• Xu Zhiyuan and Zhang Hong discuss the curse in front of the assembled officials, establishing its danger and the difficulty of proving who cast it.
• Xu Zhiyuan urges Yang Ling to stay at sea; Zhang warns him that forcing the issue could damage his foundation. Yang Ling listens but continues experimenting.
• Xu Zhiyuan confronts Qi Baiyan, who denies casting the spell. Yang Ling then answers Qi’s dismissal with action, turning the curse against him and physically stopping his escape.

Significant themes

• Knowledge versus apparent invincibility: The curse seems inexplicable, but Yang Ling’s experimentation exposes a weakness.
• Power and risk: Overcoming an enemy technique may carry serious costs, especially when it threatens a martial artist’s foundation.
• Pride and public reputation: The curse threatens not only Yang Ling’s plans but also the Iron Garment Division’s standing and the dignity of the court.
• Reversal and accountability: The cliffhanger turns Qi Baiyan’s apparent advantage against him, suggesting that those who wield hidden powers may face their own methods.

Key plot points

• The Deep-Sea Curse rebounds on Qi Baiyan, rapidly transforming him into a fish and leaving him with almost none of his strength.
• Yang Ling breaks the curse and repeatedly beats Qi, while officials and bystanders watch. Xu Zhiyuan and Zhang the Seal Keeper suspect Yang’s Martial Dao Furnace is vastly stronger than Qi’s.
• Though Qi apologizes, Yang refuses to stop. He explains that he wants to witness the curse’s final effect, not kill Qi outright.
• The harbor workers unload the cargo from Qi’s thirteen swift boats while Yang continues beating him. Qi eventually becomes a large black fish, suffering apparently irreversible damage to his foundations.
• Xu Zhiyuan decides not to restrain Yang, accepting that Qi is receiving punishment for unlawfully cursing a Zhao Kingdom official.
• A new eunuch official arrives, sees Qi’s transformation, and orders his men to seize Yang.

Character developments and interactions

• Yang Ling proves both formidable and defiant. He refuses to be intimidated by Qi’s powerful connections and declares that his backing is the Zhao Kingdom itself.
• Xu Zhiyuan shifts from caution to support for Yang, deciding that Qi deserves the consequences of his actions.
• Zhang the Seal Keeper recognizes the political danger but ultimately does not interfere.
• Xu Wenjun and Zhao Yingying consider intervening but hold back because of Qi’s influential relatives and patrons.
• Qi Baiyan, reduced to helplessness by the curse’s backlash, begs Yang to accept his apology but cannot stop the transformation.

Significant themes

• Justice versus political influence: Yang and Xu argue that Qi’s status should not shield him from punishment for breaking the law.
• Power and backing: Yang’s claim that the Zhao Kingdom is behind him challenges the influence of Qi’s elite patrons.
• Consequences of cruelty: Qi suffers the very curse he used against Yang, with lasting damage to his body and martial foundations.
• The unknown dangers of the world: Qi’s transformation shocks Yang and the witnesses, emphasizing how strange and perilous the setting is.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A confrontation occurs between eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs due to Qi Baiyan's use of a curse art on an official.
• Chief Eunuch Liu arrives, revealing the Empress's involvement and Qi Baiyan's punishment.
• Yang Ling kicks Qi Baiyan into the sea, ending the confrontation.
• Yang Ling is invited into the palace but is not allowed to meet the Emperor. He receives his official seal and is told to return to the Iron Garment Division.
• Xu Zhiyuan reveals he was sent by the Eldest Princess to escort Yang Ling, causing concern among the characters.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling demonstrates his power and quick thinking by defeating Qi Baiyan and negotiating with Chief Eunuchs.
• Qi Baiyan's foundation is damaged, and he vows revenge against Yang Ling.
• Xu Wenjun and others realize the implications of Xu Zhiyuan's connection to the Eldest Princess, causing unease.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue within the palace and among factions.
• The consequences of using forbidden or dangerous techniques (Qi Baiyan's backlash).
• The influence of the Eldest Princess and her connection to key characters.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling interacts with Chief Eunuchs, demonstrating his ability to navigate political waters.
• Xu Wenjun and Xu Qingnian interact, revealing their concern and unease about Xu Zhiyuan's connection to the Eldest Princess.
• Qin Kunlun, Zhao Yingying, and the Blackfish Island Lord react to the revelation about Xu Zhiyuan, showing their surprise and newfound caution towards Yang Ling.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yang Ling and Xu Wenjun return to the Iron Garment Division in Kyoto.
• Zhao Yingying and Qin Kunlun depart.
• Yang Ling meets with Xu Wenjun, who warns him about potential troubles due to the credit dispute.
• Yang Ling returns to his courtyard in the Public Security Division, where his subordinates await him.
• The Eldest Princess is waiting for Yang Ling in his office.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling has advanced to the realm of a Fourth-Grade Grandmaster, causing his subordinates to look at him with newfound respect and awe.
• The Eldest Princess shows interest in recruiting Yang Ling, indicating her power and influence in the Zhao Kingdom.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for credit and recognition in the political landscape of the Zhao Kingdom.
• The power dynamics between the Eldest Princess, the Emperor, and other factions.
• The importance of tangible rewards and benefits in Divine Realm.

Character Interactions

• Xu Wenjun and Yang Ling discuss the potential troubles Yang Ling might face due to the credit dispute.
• Yang Ling's subordinates show excitement and reverence upon learning about his advancement to Fourth Grade.
• The Eldest Princess and Yang Ling discuss the credit and reward issues, with the Eldest Princess offering to recruit Yang Ling.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Eldest Princess offers Yang Ling benefits and promotes him to Chief of the Third Office of the Command Division in Kyoto's Iron Garment Division.
• Yang Ling reveals his spirit pet, Xiao Bai, to the Eldest Princess and demonstrates his Spirit Pet Venerable and Spirit Armor Master divine abilities.
• Yang Ling's profession advances to Soul-Seizing Judge, granting him new abilities.

Character Developments

• Yang Ling: Advances to Fourth Grade, becomes a Soul-Seizing Judge, and is promoted to a high-ranking official.
• The Eldest Princess: Shows interest in Xiao Bai and offers to help improve its condition.
• Lu Qian and others: Realize the importance of cultivation for career advancement and are motivated to improve their own cultivation.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation and its impact on one's career and status.
• The fascination and value of rare and powerful spirit pets.
• The power dynamics and politics within the Iron Garment Division.

Character Interactions

• Yang Ling and the Eldest Princess: They interact respectfully, with the Eldest Princess showing favor to Yang Ling due to his potential and achievements.
• Yang Ling and Lu Qian et al.: The Iron Garment officers show awe and respect towards Yang Ling, with their attitudes changing significantly after learning about his promotion.
• Yang Ling and Xiao Bai: Yang Ling demonstrates his divine abilities, showcasing Xiao Bai's intelligence and power.