Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Thrashing Desri”

• Sparring begins: Desri and Arnold agree to test their abilities as newly advanced Deity-level figures. They travel to a remote mountain peak while Desri’s family, Reynold, and others watch from a safe distance because even leaked divine energy could be dangerous.
• Desri’s Soul Attack: Desri warns Arnold that his greatest strength is soul-based combat. He launches a strange, white, ripple-like Soul Attack. Arnold allows it to strike him directly to assess its power.
• Arnold withstands the attack: Inside Arnold’s Soul Space, his immense spiritual-energy sea blocks Desri’s attack. Arnold’s superior soul strength and use of the Vitality Profound Truth make him nearly impervious to Desri’s technique. This demonstrates that Soul Attacks depend on both soul strength and the complexity of their energy fluctuations.
• Observers react: Desri’s daughter, Monica, assumes Arnold is pretending to be unharmed out of arrogance. Reynold defends Arnold, insisting that he would not behave dishonestly or boastfully, and Monica eventually falls silent.
• Speed contest: Arnold attacks using the Profound Truth of Earth Travel, while Desri relies on the Law of Light’s superior speed. Arnold cannot gain enough advantage to close the distance, revealing that Desri is faster and that Arnold’s movement technique is not yet deeply perfected.
• Arnold traps Desri: Abandoning the attempt to win through speed, Arnold creates a massive Gravity Prison, combining Gravity Space with the Profound Truth of Earth Element. The prison severely increases the pressure on Desri and drastically limits his movement.
• Desri’s counterattack fails: Desri uses the forbidden light-element spell Holy Light Spear, but it cannot break through Arnold’s fused gravitational technique. His reliance on ranged attacks and lack of close-combat skill leave him at a disadvantage.
• Arnold’s decisive strike: Without approaching, Arnold fires a modified supreme technique called Dodonpa, an extremely concentrated energy wave created through his mastery of gravity and force. Desri underestimates it and tries to block it with his hand.
• Desri is injured: The Dodonpa pierces Desri’s hand and grazes his shoulder, causing blood to fall through the air and proving that Arnold possesses overwhelming offensive power.

Character Development and Interactions

• Arnold displays confidence, tactical flexibility, and superior soul defense. Rather than relying on one ability, he shifts from testing Desri’s Soul Attack, to pursuing him, to trapping him and finally defeating him with a long-range technique.
• Desri is shown to be highly skilled in Soul Attacks, speed, and light-based magic, but inexperienced in direct combat against other Deity-level figures. His weaknesses become clear once his Soul Attack fails and he is trapped at close range.
• Reynold acts as Arnold’s defender, demonstrating loyalty and trust in his brother.
• Monica initially misjudges Arnold as arrogant, but Reynold’s rebuttal causes her to reconsider.
• The spar reveals a contrast between Arnold’s broad, adaptable combat abilities and Desri’s more specialized strengths.

Significant Themes

• Power must be tested through experience: Becoming a god does not automatically provide mastery in combat; both fighters must learn how their abilities compare against another Deity-level opponent.
• Adaptability outweighs specialization: Arnold succeeds because he changes strategies when speed and soul defense prove insufficient.
• Perception versus reality: The observers misunderstand Arnold’s apparent lack of reaction to Desri’s Soul Attack, highlighting how difficult it is to judge divine combat from the outside.
• Strength and technique: Arnold’s victory comes not only from greater power, but from combining multiple profound techniques into more advanced and effective abilities.

Chapter Summary: “Transition”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Desri concedes his sparring match with Arnold after Arnold decisively defeats him using the Gravity Prison. Desri realizes that the fight was completely one-sided and that he might not have survived an attack aimed at his head.
• After healing himself with divine power, Desri returns to the village with Arnold and the others. Arnold analyzes Desri’s weaknesses, particularly his poor close-range and material combat abilities.
• Arnold explains that divine combat generally revolves around five areas: material attack, material defense, Soul Attack, soul defense, and trapping techniques. He also reveals the secret of Profound Fusion, explaining that fusing Profound Mysteries from the same Law can increase the power of ultimate techniques tenfold.
• Arnold explains that his Gravity Prison combined Gravity Space with the Profound Truth of Earth Element, giving it far greater defensive power than Gravity Space alone.
• Arnold remains with Desri for a month and defeats him again while using his Wind God Clone. This time, Arnold employs the Wind Binding Profound Truth, leaving Desri helpless once trapped.
• Arnold eventually departs Desri’s mountain village on Red-Eyed. Desri and the others express admiration for Arnold’s potential, while Catherine, Monica, and Reynold encourage Desri by reminding him that he independently became a god.
• Half a month later, Arnold trains beside a lake in Black Crow Mountain. Bei Bei arrives and casually withstands Arnold’s thirtyfold and then sixtyfold Gravity Space, demonstrating his extraordinary physical strength as a Saint Domain-level Divine Beast.
• Arnold resumes contemplating the Shadow Profound Truth of the Wind Law, the aspect of Wind Law he understands least.

Character Developments

• Arnold is established as vastly superior to Desri in combat. He is not only powerful but also knowledgeable about the deeper structure of Laws and Profound Fusion. His ambition grows as he begins considering the study and capture of Divine Beasts.
• Desri responds maturely to his defeat, honestly identifying his weaknesses and accepting Arnold’s advice. Though humbled, he remains determined to continue training and takes comfort in having become a god independently.
• Catherine, Monica, and Reynold support Desri emotionally after the defeat, helping him regain confidence.
• Bei Bei continues to display abnormal physical strength and resilience. His ability to ignore sixtyfold gravity suggests that his identity as a Devouring God Rat gives him tremendous potential, even though he is not yet an adult.
• Reynold remains affectionate and optimistic, expressing his desire to grow old with Monica and hoping that all five brothers will eventually become Saint Domain experts.

Significant Themes

• The importance of balanced combat ability: Arnold emphasizes that mastery of only one offensive method, such as Soul Attack, is dangerous because opponents may possess soul defenses. A strong fighter must develop both material and soul techniques.
• Learning through defeat: Desri’s loss becomes a valuable lesson rather than merely a humiliation. His honest analysis allows him to identify the direction of his future training.
• Secrets and advanced knowledge: Profound Fusion is presented as rare and powerful knowledge, normally irrelevant to ordinary Saint Domain experts but essential for those seeking to overcome major bottlenecks.
• The limits of the Material Plane: Desri and the others speculate that the Yulan Continent may be unable to contain Arnold’s future growth, highlighting Arnold’s extraordinary potential.
• Ambition and experimentation: Arnold’s interest in studying Divine Beasts foreshadows future actions and reveals his increasingly bold, possibly dangerous curiosity.
• Friendship and mutual encouragement: Despite Arnold’s overwhelming superiority, he maintains a warm relationship with Desri, Reynold, and the others, while the group supports Desri after his defeat.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Desri share a respectful post-battle discussion in which Arnold critiques Desri’s techniques and secretly teaches him about Profound Fusion.
• Catherine tries to comfort Desri but struggles to find words because Arnold’s victory was so complete.
• Catherine, Monica, and Reynold reassure Desri that becoming a god independently is itself a remarkable achievement.
• Arnold encourages Reynold to train toward becoming a Saint Domain expert, reinforcing the brothers’ shared goals.
• Bei Bei playfully challenges Arnold’s Gravity Space, treating increasingly intense gravity as relaxing rather than burdensome.
• Arnold leaves on friendly terms with Desri and the village, promising to return.

Summary: “Shadow Profound Truth”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold focuses on comprehending the Shadow Profound Truth, the least-developed of the five wind profound truths he understands.
• Inspired by Bei Bei’s Shadow Clone Technique, Arnold practices creating wind-based shadow doubles beside a lake.
• At first, the shadows are only visual illusions with almost no combat ability. Arnold considers combining them with his Wind Binding Profound Truth to create a large-scale Binding Space, but realizes that shadow clones cannot use profound truths independently.
• To improve his understanding, Arnold and Bei Bei repeatedly spar. Bei Bei launches surprise attacks using his shadow clones, while Arnold limits himself to the power of his Saint Domain original body.
• Arnold eventually learns to create four convincing shadow clones and switch positions among them. He accomplishes this through a special vacuum field formed by expelling nearby earth elements, using his powerful body to withstand the resulting pressure.
• Rather than fusing the Shadow Profound Truth with Wind Binding as originally intended, Arnold unexpectedly fuses it with the Wind Element Profound Truth.
• Bei Bei becomes competitive and works harder on his own Shadow Clone Technique. Linley later visits and is surprised to see Bei Bei and Arnold cultivating similar abilities.
• Bei Bei demonstrates an improved technique in which one of his shadow clones destabilizes dark elements and self-destructs. Although the attack cannot harm Arnold, the idea of self-destruction gives Arnold a new insight.
• Arnold begins gathering a massive amount of wind elements to experiment with this new concept, causing Bei Bei to retreat until he realizes Arnold is simply developing a technique.

Character Developments

• Arnold progresses from producing weak, deceptive shadows to creating four clones and switching freely among them. His understanding of the Shadow Profound Truth becomes significantly deeper.
• Arnold also demonstrates creativity by continually searching for ways to combine shadow techniques with Wind Binding, even when his initial theories prove impractical.
• Bei Bei serves as Arnold’s practical reference and sparring partner. His pride in his improved Shadow Clone Technique motivates him to cultivate more diligently.
• Linley appears briefly, reacting with surprise to the unusual training taking place between Arnold and Bei Bei.

Significant Themes

• Profound comprehension and innovation: Arnold advances by experimenting rather than merely cultivating established techniques.
• Imperfect imitation versus true mastery: Arnold’s shadow clones initially resemble Bei Bei’s technique but differ fundamentally because they lack independent power.
• Profound Fusion: The chapter emphasizes that combining profound truths requires deep understanding and cannot be achieved simply by possessing two related abilities.
• Learning through combat and observation: Arnold gains insight by sparring with Bei Bei and studying how Bei Bei’s clones function.
• Unexpected breakthroughs: Arnold’s intended fusion does not occur; instead, the Shadow Profound Truth merges with the Wind Element Profound Truth, and Bei Bei’s self-destructing clone sparks another new idea.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Bei Bei spend several weeks training together, with Bei Bei repeatedly ambushing Arnold through his clones.
• Their rivalry is friendly but productive: Arnold uses Bei Bei’s technique as a model, while Bei Bei becomes motivated to surpass Arnold in the number and quality of clones.
• During Bei Bei’s demonstration of clone self-destruction, Arnold dismisses the technique’s effectiveness against him but immediately recognizes its potential as inspiration for his own wind-based ability.
• Linley’s visit provides an outside perspective, highlighting how unusual and advanced Arnold and Bei Bei’s mutual cultivation has become.

Chapter Summary: “Bemona Arrives Again”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold spends seven days experimenting with the self-destruction of shadow clones to manipulate wind elemental essence and strengthen his Binding Space.
• Over the next two years, he and his Wind God Clone deepen their study of the Shadow Profound Truth, eventually increasing his maximum number of shadow clones from four to twelve.
• Arnold develops a new technique by combining shadow-clone self-destruction with the Wind Binding Profound Truth. The clones transform into violent whirlwinds and arrange the surrounding wind essence, doubling the strength of his Binding Space.
• Arnold names this technique Shadow-Binding Space. Although powerful, it is not a true fusion of the Shadow and Wind Binding Profound Truths. Arnold believes it could become far stronger if he eventually fuses the Shadow Profound Truth with the Fast and Slow Profound Truth.
• Bei Bei later visits Arnold and proudly reveals that he can now create six shadow clones. Arnold demonstrates that he can create twelve, unintentionally discouraging Bei Bei.
• Motivated by Arnold’s progress, Bei Bei decides that he wants to become a god as well, despite his normally lazy attitude toward cultivation.
• Bemona suddenly appears and approaches without being detected. She effortlessly restrains and picks up Bei Bei, revealing herself to be a Deity-level expert.
• Bemona announces that she will remain there and personally “entertain” Bei Bei. Her cheerful words and cunning expression make Bei Bei uneasy.
• Linley and Wharton arrive and are confused by the unexpected scene involving Arnold, Bemona, and Bei Bei.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Shows patience, creativity, and growing mastery of the Wind Law. He transforms a flawed clone-based idea into the effective Shadow-Binding Space technique. He also recognizes the extraordinary potential of the Fast and Slow Profound Truth, though his progress in fusing the various Wind Law profound truths remains limited.
• Bei Bei: Experiences a rare blow to his confidence when Arnold surpasses him in shadow-clone cultivation. His frustration turns into motivation, leading him to seriously consider becoming a god. He also becomes visibly wary of Bemona after she restrains him with ease.
• Bemona: Reenters the story as a mysterious and powerful figure. Her playful, affectionate manner toward Bei Bei contrasts with the hidden cunning sensed in her expression, suggesting that her intentions may not be entirely harmless.
• Linley: Briefly observes Arnold’s experiments without interrupting him, understanding that Arnold is working toward a breakthrough in comprehension. He later arrives with Wharton and is puzzled by Bemona’s appearance.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and experimentation: Arnold’s repeated failures and long period of testing eventually produce a new and useful technique.
• The relationship between comprehension and power: Arnold’s Deity-level status, stronger soul, and ability to cultivate through multiple bodies allow him to progress much faster than Bei Bei.
• Potential through profound-truth fusion: Arnold understands that combining the Fast and Slow Profound Truth with other aspects of the Wind Law could dramatically increase his abilities.
• Humor and rivalry: Bei Bei’s pride and Arnold’s quiet demonstration create a lighthearted competitive moment.
• Hidden danger beneath friendliness: Bemona’s cheerful behavior masks an unsettling level of power and possible ulterior motives.

Character Interactions

• Bei Bei watches Arnold’s experiments and later compares their shadow-clone abilities.
• Arnold explains why his cultivation is faster, attributing it to his Deity-level soul and the combined efforts of his true body and clone.
• Bemona treats Bei Bei with exaggerated familiarity, physically restrains him, and declares her intention to stay nearby.
• Arnold remains calm and apparently unsurprised by Bemona’s arrival, while Bei Bei becomes increasingly suspicious and uncomfortable.
• Linley and Wharton arrive at the end, unaware of Bemona’s identity and confused by the unusual situation.

Chapter Summary: “Intimidating the Two Great Churches”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold introduces Linley and Wharton to Bemona, another Deity-level expert who has come to visit Bei Bei and reveal the truth about his origins.
• Before discussing Bei Bei’s past, the group travels to investigate a massive magic crystal mine discovered near the Kingdom of Baruch.
• During the journey, Bemona explains that the Wind Law contains nine major Profound Mysteries: Wind Element, Clone, Sound Wave, Music, Wind Element Technique, Wind Space, Dimensional, Fast, and Slow.
• Arnold realizes that several of the mysteries he has already comprehended correspond to these official names, giving him a clearer direction for future cultivation.
• Bemona reveals that she has nearly comprehended the final mystery of the Earth Law, Gravity Space, and expects to become a High-God within roughly a century.
• The mine proves vastly larger than expected, spanning more than twenty li at its widest point.
• The Radiant Church and Dark Church attempt to interfere, but Arnold personally warns their leaders against seizing the mine. Frightened by his extraordinary cultivation speed and power, both churches withdraw.
• The Kingdom of Baruch later discovers a Miniature Plane within the mine where elemental cultivation is easier. Linley, Arnold, and others enter it to cultivate.
• Bei Bei remains outside because he is preoccupied with learning about his origins.
• After nearly two months, Bemona finally tells Bei Bei that Beirut has summoned him to the Dark Forest and will personally reveal the truth.
• The Necropolis of the Gods opens again after a thousand years. Bemona invites Arnold to accompany her and Bei Bei, and the three depart for the Dark Forest after informing Linley.

Character Developments

• Arnold demonstrates growing authority and power. His warning alone is enough to intimidate the Radiant and Dark Churches, establishing him as a force neither organization can safely challenge.
• Arnold also gains valuable insight into the Wind Law, helping him identify the official classifications of his previously named Profound Mysteries.
• Bei Bei becomes increasingly serious about cultivation after being physically overpowered by Bemona. However, his curiosity about his origins remains stronger than his desire to enter the Miniature Plane.
• Bemona is shown to be powerful, knowledgeable, and somewhat jealous of Bei Bei because of Beirut’s special affection for him. Despite her rough treatment of Bei Bei, she ultimately acts as a guide and protector.
• Linley continues developing the Kingdom of Baruch’s strength and benefits from the discovery of the Miniature Plane, while remaining involved in the group’s major decisions.
• Beirut, though absent from most of the chapter, becomes central to the plot through his invitation to Bei Bei and his intention to disclose Bei Bei’s hidden heritage.

Significant Themes

• Power and intimidation: Arnold’s rapid rise to godhood gives him enough influence to deter two major churches without open conflict.
• Knowledge as a path to advancement: Learning the true names and structure of the Wind Law’s Profound Mysteries provides Arnold with clearer goals for cultivation.
• Hidden origins and identity: Bei Bei’s unknown ancestry remains a major source of suspense and motivates his journey to the Dark Forest.
• Cultivation and opportunity: The magic crystal mine and its Miniature Plane represent rare opportunities for rapid growth and advancement.
• Jealousy and family bonds: Bemona’s resentment toward Bei Bei contrasts with Beirut’s affection for him, hinting at complicated family relationships.

Important Character Interactions

• Arnold respectfully meets Bemona but quickly accepts her as a fellow Deity-level expert.
• Bei Bei initially resents Bemona’s rough handling but cooperates because she promises information about his origins.
• Bemona shares her knowledge of the Wind Law with Arnold, strengthening their cooperative relationship.
• Arnold confronts the Radiant and Dark Churches indirectly but decisively, forcing both to abandon their claims to the mine.
• Bemona eventually reveals that Beirut—not she—will explain Bei Bei’s origins, setting up the next stage of Bei Bei’s personal story.

Chapter Summary: “All Gods Gather in the Dark Forest”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Seven Deity-level experts—Arnold, the War God O’Brien, Dylan, the High Priest Catherine, Desri, Cesar, and Bemona—travel through the Dark Forest toward a mysterious black Metal Castle.
• The group discusses their recent changes and circumstances:
  • Cesar, newly ascended to the Divine Realm, worries about surviving future dangers.
  • Dylan has escaped from Gebados Planar Prison.
  • Arnold has recently become a god and returns a token he once received from the High Priest.
  • Bemona reveals that she will not enter the Necropolis of the Gods.
• Bemona explains that the Metal Castle is a living metal lifeform, existing between a creature and a divine artifact. It can defend itself by automatically attacking intruders.
• Bemona and Bei Bei enter the castle first while the others wait outside.
• During the wait, the High Priest explains the structure of the Necropolis of the Gods:
  • It opens once every thousand years.
  • Three entrances—within the Dark Forest, the North Sea, and the South Sea—lead to it.
  • Saint Domain experts enter first and occupy the earlier levels.
  • Divine Realm experts enter ten years later, beginning around the twelfth level.
• Bei Bei eventually emerges from the castle, appearing sorrowful and resentful. He says he is going to find his “boss” and leaves for the Chaotic Territory.
• Lord Beirut then appears. The assembled experts respectfully greet him.
• Beirut praises Arnold for becoming a god in two elemental laws and claims that Arnold’s cultivation speed is the fastest in several hundred thousand years of Yulan Plane history.
• Beirut warns Arnold not to become complacent, noting that he has encountered beings in other Material Planes who reached the Divine Realm only ten years after birth.

Character Developments

• Arnold is established as exceptionally talented, having reached the Divine Realm in two elemental laws. However, Beirut’s comparison to even more extraordinary beings reminds him that the wider universe contains powers and geniuses far beyond the Yulan Plane.
• Cesar remains insecure despite becoming a god, revealing his anxiety about surviving future battles. The others tease him but also recognize that his mastery of the Darkness Law likely makes him exceptionally skilled at escape and survival.
• Dylan is revealed to have escaped Gebados Planar Prison, emphasizing his unusual luck and resilience.
• Bemona acts as Arnold’s knowledgeable guide. Her connection to Lord Beirut is implied but not explained, and her refusal to enter the Necropolis suggests she has separate goals or concerns.
• Bei Bei displays grief and resentment after leaving the Metal Castle, suggesting that he has learned something painful about his origins or about Beirut. His statement that he is going to find his “boss” indicates a renewed personal mission.
• Lord Beirut is presented as ancient, immensely knowledgeable, and highly perceptive. His familiarity with Arnold’s early history implies that he had secretly observed Arnold before their apparent first meeting.

Significant Themes

• The vastness of the universe: Arnold’s remarkable talent is placed in perspective when Beirut describes beings who became gods only ten years after birth.
• Power and humility: Despite their Divine Realm status, the characters remain aware of their vulnerability and limitations.
• Hidden identities and origins: Bemona’s relationship with Beirut and Bei Bei’s emotional reaction hint at concealed histories that have not yet been revealed.
• Preparation for danger: The discussion of the Necropolis and the Metal Castle establishes the dangers and complexity of the upcoming expedition.
• Luck versus ability: Several characters attribute their survival or advancement to luck, while the chapter contrasts this with innate talent and extraordinary cultivation speed.

Character Interactions

• The group lightly mocks Cesar’s nervousness, with O’Brien defending him by pointing out that Cesar’s Darkness Law likely gives him the best escape abilities among them.
• The High Priest warmly congratulates Dylan and Arnold, while Arnold returns a token that once symbolized a possible relationship of master and subordinate.
• The others react cautiously to Bemona’s name because it evokes Lord Beirut and raises questions about her identity.
• Arnold privately questions Bemona about the Metal Castle, gaining information unavailable to the others.
• The High Priest educates Arnold about the Necropolis of the Gods, strengthening Arnold’s understanding of the coming expedition.
• Beirut directly evaluates Arnold, praising his talent while warning him against arrogance and reminding him that the greater universe contains far more terrifying geniuses.

Chapter Summary: “Transition”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Beirut announces that the Necropolis of the Gods will open in the South Sea on March 4 of Yulan Calendar 1. The various Divine Realm experts must prepare their Saint Domain forces.
• Because Arnold and Desri are now Divine Realm experts, each is allotted twenty Saint Domain positions. Arnold chooses to enter alone rather than gather a group.
• Arnold asks the High Priest about his disciple Pitero and learns that Pitero has become a gifted Eighth-level Mage in the Magnolia Empire.
• Arnold returns to the hidden Miniature Plane in the Chaotic Territory, where Linley is cultivating. Arnold’s Saint Domain true body and Earth God Clone resume training together.
• During the following months, the Kingdom of Baruch uses its newly discovered magic crystal ore vein and powerful siege weapons to conquer the Chaotic Territory. On the first day of Yulan Calendar 1, it becomes the Baruch Empire.
• Arnold makes considerable cultivation progress:
  • His Earth Law’s Profound Truth of Earth Element reaches its final bottleneck.
  • His Gravity Space and Earth Element profound truths are more than halfway fused, though fusion with Vitality remains unsuccessful.
  • His Wind Law’s Clone Profound Mystery improves, allowing him to create fifteen realistic-looking clones.
• As the Necropolis expedition approaches, Arnold decides to send only his Earth God Clone, hoping the battles inside will help him overcome his final cultivation bottleneck.
• Several powerful groups gather outside the Metal Castle in the Dark Forest, including O’Brien’s, Desri’s, Dylan’s, the High Priest’s, and other Saint Domain experts. Barker joins Arnold, while Red-Eyed is left behind because he is too inexperienced.
• Arnold reunites with Rutherford, who is impressed by Arnold’s rapid rise to godhood and explains that he has continued pursuing a second Water Profound Truth.

Character Developments

• Arnold continues to grow rapidly, becoming increasingly powerful in both the Earth and Wind Laws. He remains focused on cultivation rather than political events and chooses a cautious but purposeful approach to the Necropolis.
• Pitero, though absent from the chapter, is revealed to have advanced dramatically, becoming an exceptional Eighth-level Mage in his twenties.
• Linley continues his secluded cultivation in the Miniature Plane and remains an important ally to Arnold.
• Barker demonstrates his readiness for greater challenges by joining Arnold’s expedition.
• Red-Eyed is shown to still be too weak and inexperienced to participate in the Necropolis expedition.
• Rutherford has made significant progress in eliminating weaknesses in his cultivation, though he has not yet become a god.
• The High Priest recognizes Arnold’s extraordinary talent, especially his achievement of becoming a god in both Earth and Wind elements within only thirty years.

Significant Themes

• Rapid advancement and exceptional talent: Arnold’s growth and Pitero’s rise highlight the extraordinary possibilities available to gifted cultivators.
• Preparation for danger: The coming Necropolis expedition creates a transition from peaceful cultivation to a major life-or-death challenge.
• Cultivation through combat: Arnold views the Necropolis not merely as a treasure-hunting site but as an opportunity to break through his bottleneck by fighting powerful opponents.
• Political and personal priorities: While the Baruch Kingdom becomes an empire, Arnold remains largely indifferent to worldly power, emphasizing his dedication to personal strength.
• Risk and survival: The Necropolis is dangerous enough to cause heavy casualties, yet repeated survival by figures such as O’Brien suggests that careful preparation can make it survivable.

Character Interactions

• Beirut organizes the expedition and informs the Divine Realm experts of their available Saint Domain positions. He readily approves Arnold’s decision to enter alone.
• Arnold and the High Priest travel together, discussing Pitero and Arnold’s remarkable development.
• Arnold reunites with Linley in the Miniature Plane, though their interaction is mainly conveyed through their shared cultivation.
• Arnold orders Red-Eyed not to participate, showing responsibility toward a weaker subordinate.
• Arnold reunites with Rutherford before the expedition, and their conversation reflects both Rutherford’s admiration and his determination to continue improving.

Chapter Summary: “Necropolis of the Gods Opens”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Rutherford is encouraged by Arnold before Arnold joins Desri and the other Saint Domain experts.
• The High Priest reveals that the Necropolis of the Gods will open beneath the South Sea. Rutherford explains the extreme dangers of the location, creating a tense atmosphere.
• Beirut arrives at night, reunites warmly with Bei Bei, and leads everyone to the bottom of the South Sea.
• At a depth of roughly 20,000 meters, the group finds a sealed spatial gate hidden beneath the seabed. Beirut opens it with a burst of black energy, allowing everyone to enter.
• Inside, Arnold discovers that his soul power is severely restricted compared with its range in the Yulan Plane.
• The group reaches the enormous Necropolis, whose four walls bear reliefs of a dragon, White Tiger, phoenix, and dragon turtle—symbols that Arnold connects to the Four Divine Beasts and the Four Ultimate Warriors.
• Beirut explains that the first eleven floors are guarded by the Divine Beast Ba-Serpent, a Mid-God capable of killing even all six Divine Realm experts. The Necropolis contains eighteen floors, with God Sparks and divine corpses beginning on the eleventh floor.
• The first eleven floors also contain numerous powerful monsters, undead beings, and creatures from other planes. Beirut warns everyone to avoid greed and never awaken the sleeping Ba-Serpent.
• Two entrances are opened: human Saint Domain experts use the left passage, while magical beasts use the right. Survivors may reunite on the fifth floor.
• Entrants can remain on safer floors and escape after ten years, when every floor will open an exit.
• The Saint Domain experts enter the Necropolis. Afterward, Beirut reveals that the Ba-Serpent is located somewhere in the human route, worrying the Divine Realm experts.
• The Divine Realm experts leave for ten years, while Arnold remains near the South Sea, using his Wind God Clone to continue cultivating the Wind Profound Mysteries.

Character Developments

• Arnold remains calm and confident despite the danger. He secretly believes his Divine Power Fusion may allow him to challenge a Mid-God, though he has not yet tested himself against one.
• Beirut is established as knowledgeable, powerful, and cautious. He provides essential information but makes clear that he cannot rescue anyone inside the Necropolis.
• Bei Bei displays his close bond with Beirut by immediately leaping into his arms, then returning to Linley’s shoulder.
• Rutherford and the other experts become visibly anxious after learning about the Ba-Serpent and the dangers of the first eleven floors.
• The Saint Domain experts show courage by entering despite knowing that many creatures inside are stronger than they are.

Significant Themes

• Courage versus fear: The experts must enter an environment where death is highly likely, testing their resolve.
• Danger and restraint: Beirut repeatedly emphasizes caution, patience, and avoiding greed, suggesting that survival depends more on judgment than strength.
• The limits of power: Even powerful Divine Realm experts may be helpless against the Ba-Serpent, highlighting the vast hierarchy between divine beings.
• Opportunity and risk: The Necropolis offers access to God Sparks and divine remains, but the potential rewards are balanced by overwhelming dangers.
• Cultivation and persistence: Arnold’s decision to continue studying the Wind Profound Mysteries reflects his long-term commitment to increasing his strength.

Character Interactions

• Arnold encourages Rutherford before joining the others.
• Beirut and Bei Bei share a warm reunion, reinforcing their familial relationship.
• Beirut explains the Necropolis’s structure and dangers to the entire group, while Dylan directly questions whether anyone can survive against the Ba-Serpent.
• Arnold silently contrasts Beirut’s warning with his own confidence in Divine Power Fusion.
• The Saint Domain experts separate according to species, with humans and magical beasts entering through different passages.
• The Divine Realm experts later discuss the danger privately, especially after learning that the Ba-Serpent lies along the human route.

Chapter Summary: “Greatly Increased Strength”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold spends ten years preparing for his Earth God Clone’s future entry into the Necropolis of the Gods.
• His Earth God Clone researches the fusion of the Profound Truth of Earth Element and Vitality, while his Saint Domain true body studies the fusion of Gravity Space and the Profound Truth of Earth Element.
• After three years, Arnold discovers a compatible point between Earth Element and Vitality. Over the remaining seven years, he makes modest progress in their fusion.
• His Gravity Space–Earth Element fusion reaches its current limit. Further advancement requires both profound truths to break through their individual bottlenecks, potentially increasing his strength a hundredfold.
• When the ten-year period ends, Arnold joins Beirut and the other Deity-level experts at the Necropolis of the Gods.
• Beirut confirms that Linley is alive. Several Saint Domain experts return, including Linley, Barker, Rutherford, Rosalie, Fain, and Higginson. Tulily and Hayward are presumed dead.
• A new figure, Tarosse, is revealed to be the Divine Beast Ba-Serpent from the Necropolis.
• Beirut leads the survivors back to the Yulan Continent. Arnold, Linley, Bei Bei, and Barker return to Dragonblood Castle.
• Arnold is shocked to discover that Delia has become a god, apparently by refining a God Spark secretly gifted by Beirut.
• Linley has acquired three God Sparks and a Soul Golden Pearl, which significantly helps restore Doehring’s damaged soul.
• Doehring may eventually regain a body by completing his comprehension of the Earth Laws, though he would then be restricted to cultivating Earth Laws.
• The Divine Realm experts divide the major territories of the Yulan Continent among the Baruch, O’Brien, and Magnolia Empires.
• Linley prepares to attack the Radiant Church. Arnold and Desri join him, partly to investigate the Church’s powerful “Glory of the Lord of Light” magic formation.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Makes substantial progress in profound fusion and reaches a major bottleneck in his cultivation. He remains focused, disciplined, and concerned about Linley’s survival. His strength is poised for a dramatic future increase if he breaks through.
• Linley: Survives the Necropolis of the Gods, gains three God Sparks, and obtains the Soul Golden Pearl. He becomes increasingly capable of dealing with the Radiant Church and continues working toward becoming a god.
• Delia: Advances unexpectedly from Saint Domain to godhood, surprising Arnold and demonstrating her rapid rise in power.
• Doehring: His soul recovers enough that awakening is no longer in doubt. He may eventually receive a new body through mastery of the Earth Laws.
• Tarosse: Is introduced as a powerful Divine Beast and becomes part of the group returning to the Yulan Continent.
• Arnold’s brothers and allies: Arnold reunites with his four brothers, while the surviving Saint Domain experts return from the Necropolis and prepare for the coming conflict.

Significant Themes

• Persistent cultivation and breakthrough: Arnold’s decade of research emphasizes that profound fusion requires patience, experimentation, and eventually overcoming bottlenecks.
• Growth through danger: The Necropolis of the Gods produces both losses and major gains, with survivors returning stronger and carrying valuable treasures.
• Hidden power and unexpected advancement: Delia’s sudden godhood and Tarosse’s appearance show that important developments often occur beyond Arnold’s awareness.
• Loyalty and companionship: Arnold worries about Linley, reunites with his brothers, and joins Linley’s campaign against the Radiant Church.
• Political consolidation: The Divine Realm experts reshape the political order of the Yulan Continent by dividing territories according to their interests and influence.

Character Interactions

• Arnold asks Beirut about Linley’s condition and trusts Beirut’s knowledge of the Necropolis.
• Desri and Higginson reunite and reminisce after surviving the Necropolis.
• Tarosse quickly forms a connection with Linley by speaking with him before Beirut introduces him.
• Arnold and Linley return together to Dragonblood Castle, where Arnold discovers Delia’s transformation. Delia jokingly teases Arnold for assuming that only he was permitted to become a god.
• Linley and Delia share an emotional reunion, leaving Arnold awkwardly present as an unintended third party.
• Arnold, Linley, Bei Bei, Barker, and the other allies reunite, while the broader group prepares for war against the Radiant Church.

Chapter Summary: The Sinking of Radiant Sacred Island

Key Plot Points and Events

• On April 8, Year 14 of the Yulan Calendar, Linley’s forces launched their final assault on Radiant Sacred Island.
• The attacking group included Linley, Delia, Bei Bei, Wharton, the Barker brothers, Cessler, several dragons, and numerous Saint Domain experts. The Divine Realm experts Arnold and Desri remained concealed nearby to provide protection.
• Linley and Delia opened the attack with forbidden spells:
  • Delia’s Destruction Storm destroyed much of the island.
  • Linley’s Earth-Rending Rupture caused further devastation.
  • Catherine’s Absolute Zero froze and destroyed the remaining territory, leaving only the area surrounding the Radiant Temple.
• Radiant Pope Haydsen sent thirty-six Saint Domain warriors in the Grand Hexagram Battle Formation. Linley and Delia defeated them completely; none escaped.
• As the Radiant Temple’s defenses collapsed, Haydsen used the Sacred Sacrifice Technique to summon Balsese, a projected avatar of a powerful god from the Light Divine Realm.
• Balsese possessed Saint Domain Pinnacle strength but retained the original god’s superior law comprehension. However, Arnold intervened and trapped him in Gravity Star, disrupting his soul before destroying the avatar with the Dodonpa technique.
• With no remaining defense, Linley destroyed the Radiant Temple. Radiant Sacred Island was erased, marking the effective destruction of the Radiant Church’s stronghold.
• Three days later, seven Divine Realm experts gathered in the Dark Forest to enter the Necropolis of the Gods: Arnold, Desri, Cesar, O’Brien, the High Priest Catherine, Dylan, and Tarosse.
• Catherine explained the dangers of the upper floors:
  • The twelfth floor contains weaker Demi-Gods.
  • The thirteenth contains stronger Demi-Gods.
  • Mid-Gods begin appearing from the fourteenth floor onward.
• Beirut opened a passage directly to the twelfth floor. The group entered with a ten-year time limit and instructions to avoid greed and act according to their abilities.

Character Developments

• Linley demonstrates his overwhelming Saint Domain Pinnacle strength, easily defeating the Radiant Church’s elite warriors and finishing the destruction of the Radiant Temple.
• Delia shows the growing power of her partially developed Divine Domain, which greatly enhances her combat effectiveness alongside Linley.
• Arnold reveals his tremendous strength and confidence. His Gravity Star can overwhelm even a divine avatar’s soul, and he destroys Balsese effortlessly. His desire for a stronger opponent suggests he may attempt the dangerous thirteenth floor.
• Desri continues acting as Arnold’s companion and protector, recognizing that Arnold’s strength exceeds what the summoned avatar could challenge.
• Haydsen suffers total psychological and strategic collapse after both the Radiant Church’s warriors and the divine projection are defeated.
• Cesar and O’Brien reveal their anxiety about entering the Necropolis. Both recognize that their relatively limited strength may make the upper floors extremely dangerous.
• Dylan and Tarosse listen carefully to the briefing because neither has sufficient experience with the Necropolis’s higher levels.
• Catherine, the High Priest, takes on an advisory role, sharing her knowledge of the Necropolis and warning Arnold, Desri, and Cesar to remain on the twelfth floor.
• Beirut once again acts as the guide and authority who enables the group’s expedition.

Significant Themes

• The collapse of an old power: The destruction of Radiant Sacred Island symbolizes the final fall of the Radiant Church’s authority in the Yulan Continent.
• Overwhelming strength versus divine superiority: Balsese possesses the law comprehension of a much stronger god, but Arnold’s specialized soul-affecting technique and immense power overcome that advantage.
• Confidence and ambition: Arnold’s dissatisfaction after defeating Balsese foreshadows his willingness to challenge stronger enemies despite the risks.
• Limits and preparation: The Necropolis briefing emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s capabilities, avoiding greed, and preparing carefully for escalating dangers.
• Unequal advancement: The characters enter the Necropolis with very different levels of strength and experience, creating uncertainty about who can survive the higher floors.
• Transition to a new conflict: The chapter closes the Radiant Church storyline and shifts the narrative toward the more dangerous exploration of the Necropolis of the Gods.

Character Interactions

• Linley and Delia coordinate their opening forbidden spells, combining their abilities to devastate the island.
• Arnold protects Linley when Balsese attacks, then orders him to move away while handling the divine avatar himself.
• Arnold and Desri exchange brief remarks, with Desri acknowledging Arnold’s superior power.
• Haydsen’s desperation contrasts with the attackers’ confidence as his final defense fails.
• Catherine advises Arnold, Desri, and Cesar to remain on the twelfth floor, but Arnold’s noncommittal response suggests he may challenge the thirteenth.
• Cesar and O’Brien commiserate about their weak positions among the Divine Realm experts.
• Beirut gives the final instructions before sending the group into the Necropolis, establishing the expedition’s risks and ten-year time limit.

Chapter Summary: “A Hundred Thousandfold Gravity”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The seven Divine Realm experts—Arnold, Desri, the High Priest, O’Brien, Cesar, Dylan, and Tarosse—arrive on the twelfth floor of the Necropolis of the Gods.
• The floor has changed dramatically from previous expeditions. Instead of the five castles normally visible in the distance, they find only a vast, quiet continent.
• After flying for half a day, they discover seven transparent paths leading toward the continent’s edge. At the end, a vertical path rises ten thousand meters to an entrance.
• Tarosse attempts to bypass the paths by flying directly toward the entrance. He is suddenly crushed by an immense force and thrown out of the area.
• Tarosse determines that the region contains a hundred thousandfold gravity, far beyond what even his powerful divine-beast body can endure.
• Arnold explains that his Gravity Space Profound Truth can produce over nine hundred times gravity—or more than nine thousand times when combined with his other profound truths—but this remains insignificant compared with the hundred thousandfold force.
• The group concludes that simply neutralizing the gravity is impossible. The transparent paths must be the intended method of crossing the area.
• Each expert takes one of the seven paths. Once they step onto them, the terrifying gravity is balanced by an equal upward repulsive force, allowing them to proceed safely.
• Arnold recognizes the mechanism and understands that the paths do not remove the gravity; instead, they create an opposing force that keeps the travelers balanced.

Character Developments

• Tarosse remains confident and impulsive, relying on his divine-beast physique rather than investigating the intended route. His failed attempt humbles him and forces him to take the floor’s design seriously.
• Arnold emerges as the group’s leading expert on the gravity mechanism. He reveals his considerable knowledge of the Gravity Space Profound Truth, though he secretly possesses even greater power than he admits.
• Desri demonstrates analytical thinking by realizing that the solution must involve resisting rather than canceling the gravity.
• The High Priest and Dylan help interpret the purpose of the transparent paths, showing caution and strong observational skills.
• O’Brien, normally powerful and confident, becomes visibly unsettled because the unusual floor offers no obvious guardians or conventional challenge.
• The group as a whole becomes more cautious and cooperative after Tarosse’s failure.

Significant Themes

• Strength versus understanding: Raw physical power cannot overcome the hundred thousandfold gravity; success depends on correctly interpreting the environment.
• Humility before greater forces: Tarosse’s confidence is checked when his immense strength proves insufficient.
• Hidden mechanisms and observation: The obvious destination—the elevated entrance—distracts the group from the paths that actually provide safe passage.
• Preparation and adaptability: Previous experience with the twelfth floor is no longer reliable, forcing the experts to respond to a changed environment.
• Balance: The paths symbolize equilibrium, countering downward gravity with equal repulsive force.

Character Interactions

• The High Priest warns the group that the floor differs from its previous configuration, prompting discussion about the missing castles.
• Tarosse dismisses the significance of the environmental change and then volunteers to test the area himself.
• After Tarosse is repelled, the others inspect him and question him about what happened.
• The group consults Arnold about the limits of gravity-based techniques, though his true capabilities remain concealed.
• Desri proposes that the gravity cannot be canceled directly, while the High Priest and Dylan infer that the transparent paths are essential.
• Despite Tarosse’s doubts, the seven cooperate and each takes a designated path, beginning the dangerous crossing together.

Chapter Summary: “Six-Winged Black Ants”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold stops on the transparent path to meditate, recognizing that the surrounding gravity and repulsion may help him understand the Earth Laws.
• He spends eight years studying repulsion. Although he does not fully solve how to create it, his prolonged effort pushes the Gravity Space Profound Truth past its bottleneck.
• Gravity Space reaches mastery, and its fusion with the Vitality Profound Truth also becomes complete.
• Arnold advances from the Demi-God realm to the Mid-God realm. His Earth God Clone’s soul becomes more than ten times stronger, and he gains access to stronger Mid-God divine power from the Elemental Sea.
• The other six travelers recognize Arnold’s breakthrough and continue ahead while he studies his new strength.
• Beirut observes Arnold’s progress from the Dark Forest and praises him for independently discovering the benefits of profound fusion.
• Arnold eventually resumes exploring the twelfth floor. After walking nearly five thousand meters, he encounters two strange black ants emerging from the ground beside the path.
• The ants can move through the surrounding region despite its extreme gravity, so Arnold uses Gravity Star, a soul-attack technique based on Vitality and Gravity Space, to defeat them temporarily.
• After repeatedly knocking them unconscious when they attempt to escape, Arnold persuades them to talk. They identify themselves as Baxus and Badas, members of the Divine Beast race known as the Six-Winged Black Ants.
• Arnold learns that the ants’ number of wings corresponds to their cultivation level: one pair as Demi-Gods, two pairs as Mid-Gods, and three pairs as High-Gods.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Makes a major breakthrough, becoming a Mid-God and greatly strengthening his soul and divine power. His curiosity and experimental nature remain prominent, especially in his interest in the ants and their unusual abilities.
• Beirut: Acts as an observer and recognizes Arnold as an exceptionally talented cultivator who has independently understood profound fusion.
• Baxus and Badas: Initially attack Arnold but become frightened and submissive after being repeatedly defeated. They reveal themselves as intelligent Divine Beasts rather than mere monsters and show pride in their race despite their apparent vulnerability.

Significant Themes

• Persistence and breakthrough: Arnold’s eight years of concentrated effort demonstrate how sustained study can eventually overcome a seemingly impossible bottleneck.
• Profound fusion and advancement: Mastering Gravity Space completes its fusion with Vitality and directly enables Arnold’s promotion to the Mid-God realm.
• Curiosity versus danger: Arnold’s interest in the ants leads him to restrain himself rather than kill them, though his methods still terrify them.
• Power and adaptation: The ants’ ability to survive the extreme gravity distinguishes them from Arnold and suggests that different races possess specialized strengths.
• Hierarchy and transformation: The ants’ wings symbolize progression through the divine ranks, linking physical change to cultivation and power.

Character Interactions

• The six travelers observe Arnold’s meditation and later recognize his advancement from the descent of the Earth Laws.
• Beirut comments on Arnold’s talent from afar.
• Arnold confronts Baxus and Badas, defeats them through soul attacks, and questions them about their identities and race.
• The ants initially misunderstand Arnold’s statement that he is “interested” in them, fearing an unsettling motive, but relax when they realize he is referring to their ability to withstand the gravity.
• Their conversation establishes the biological and cultivation-based stages of the Six-Winged Black Ant race.

Chapter Summary: “Investigation”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold asks Baxus and Badas about the Six-Winged Black Ant clan’s Innate Divine Ability. They explain that their bodies gradually become stronger in high-gravity environments:
  • Demi-God bodies can reach the strength of Demi-God Artifacts.
  • Mid-God bodies can reach the strength of High-God Artifacts.
  • High-God bodies can eventually surpass High-God Artifacts.
• Arnold retrieves a sword-shaped Demi-God Artifact from the twelfth floor of the Necropolis of the Gods, then returns instead of advancing to the thirteenth floor.
• He orders the Baxus brothers to train under hundred-thousandfold gravity while he studies the principles behind their physical enhancement. After two years, he still cannot understand the ability before Beirut removes him from the Necropolis.
• During this period, Arnold’s other bodies continue cultivating. After four years, he comprehends more than half of the Clone Profound Mystery and prepares to travel.
• Wharton informs Arnold that strange events have spread across the Yulan Continent:
  • Unknown Saint Domain experts have appeared in several empires.
  • Wars between major empires have reached stalemates.
  • Eight experts have escaped from the Gebados Planar Prison.
  • A new religion worshipping a deity named Muba has arisen in the Baruch Empire.
• Arnold travels to the Rao Empire and confronts Blon, an unfamiliar Saint Domain Pinnacle expert.
• He orders Blon not to interfere with the war, claim territory assigned to the Baruch Empire, or kill indiscriminately. Blon agrees and reveals that he escaped from the Gebados Plane through a spatial weak point in Mist Valley.
• Arnold interrogates another Saint Domain expert to verify Blon’s story. After confirming that both accounts match, he spares them. The two experts later leave the Rao Empire and retreat to the Arctic Icefield.

Character Developments

• Arnold demonstrates increasing strength, authority, and caution. He investigates the Six-Winged Black Ants’ abilities, continues advancing his cultivation, and takes responsibility for protecting the Baruch Empire’s interests.
• He also becomes more politically assertive, enforcing the territorial arrangements made by the Divine Realm experts.
• Baxus and Badas are shown to be cooperative and obedient under Arnold’s overwhelming power. Their clan’s unique physical ability becomes an object of Arnold’s research.
• Wharton acts as the Baruch Empire’s political representative and keeps Arnold informed of threats while respecting his cultivation.
• Blon proves cautious and pragmatic. Recognizing Arnold’s superiority, he immediately agrees to his demands and honestly reveals the truth about the escaped prisoners.
• The other escaped experts similarly choose retreat over confrontation after realizing the danger Arnold poses.

Significant Themes

• Strength and authority: Arnold’s immense power allows him to regulate powerful outsiders and maintain order across the continent.
• Investigation and suspicion: The appearance of unknown experts and a new religion creates an atmosphere of hidden threats and political uncertainty.
• Cultivation through understanding: Arnold does not merely use the Six-Winged Black Ants’ ability; he attempts to deduce its underlying principles, emphasizing knowledge as a path to power.
• Pragmatism and survival: Blon and the other experts avoid unnecessary conflict, showing that survival depends on accurately judging one’s opponent.
• Protection and responsibility: Though Arnold has no formal claim over the Yulan Continent, he protects the Baruch Empire because of his bond with Wharton.

Character Interactions

• Arnold questions Baxus and Badas about their clan’s abilities, then directs their training.
• Wharton and the Baruch Empire’s leaders brief Arnold on the continent’s unusual developments.
• Arnold confronts Blon diplomatically but firmly, establishing rules and demanding information.
• He verifies Blon’s claims by interrogating a second expert, using the threat of a soul attack to ensure honesty.
• The two outsiders later meet, compare their experiences, and withdraw to the Arctic Icefield.

Chapter Summary: “Visit to Muba”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Arnold returns from visiting Blon and another Saint Domain and decides to meet Muba, a deity-level powerhouse who has established a religion in the Baruch Empire.
• Muba’s religion has not spread across the entire continent, suggesting that he is wary of powerful figures such as Lord Beirut and Linley. Arnold suspects Muba may only be a Demi-God.
• Arnold returns to the Chaotic Territory but does not know where Muba is. To locate him, he informs Wharton that the Saint Domains from the Rao Empire have departed and asks him to monitor reports of Muba’s “miracles.”
• Within half a month, Muba is discovered performing miracles in Neil City. Arnold confronts him there.
• Muba follows Arnold to a tavern and recognizes him as a deity-level powerhouse who has become a god through two different systems.
• Arnold objects to Muba secretly spreading his religion in the Baruch Empire, especially because Linley is about to become a god and may be interested in the empire’s Faith Power.
• Muba responds politely, apologizes, and agrees to withdraw his religion from the Baruch Empire. He also shares useful information about divine artifacts, improving Arnold’s impression of him.
• Inspired by Muba’s advice, Arnold resolves to continue nurturing his divine artifact, Mooncleaver.
• Arnold returns briefly to Dragonblood Castle, informs Wharton and the others about the situation, and then departs to search for his disciple, Pitero.
• He spends more than half a year traveling through the Magnolia Empire, searching for Pitero while enjoying its scenery and culture and continuing his cultivation.
• Arnold makes significant progress in the Fast and Slow Profound Mysteries of the Wind Law, as well as their fusion, though their combinations with Wind Space remain difficult.
• In Magnolia City, Arnold finally finds Pitero training at George’s residence. Pitero has become a Saint Magus.
• Arnold tells Pitero to accompany him from now on, and Pitero eagerly accepts.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Demonstrates confidence in his ability to contend with Mid-Gods and reveals the strength of his dual-system cultivation, divine power, and Wind Law techniques. He becomes more thoughtful about developing Mooncleaver and continues making steady progress in his profound mysteries. He also shows patience and independence by searching for Pitero himself rather than relying on Yale.
• Muba: Initially appears potentially threatening because of his secret religious activities, but proves courteous, cautious, and diplomatic. He willingly withdraws his religion after Arnold objects and shares valuable divine-world knowledge, suggesting that he prefers cooperation over confrontation.
• Pitero: Has advanced to the Saint Magus level and remains deeply respectful and loyal to Arnold. His excitement at reuniting with his master shows his continued devotion and eagerness to serve.
• Wharton: Acts efficiently on Arnold’s instructions, helping locate Muba and managing the Baruch Empire’s affairs.
• Linley: Though absent from the chapter, his imminent rise to godhood influences Muba’s caution and Arnold’s concerns about control over Faith Power.

Significant Themes

• Political caution among powerful beings: Muba’s limited religious expansion reflects the delicate balance of power involving Beirut, Linley, Arnold, and other divine figures.
• Faith as a source of power and influence: Muba’s miracles and religion highlight the importance of Faith Power and the political implications of controlling belief within an empire.
• Diplomacy over conflict: Arnold expects possible tension, but Muba’s polite cooperation prevents a confrontation and demonstrates that powerful figures can resolve disputes through negotiation.
• Cultivation through persistence and balance: Arnold combines travel, relaxation, observation, and training. His progress shows that cultivation requires both sustained effort and periods of rest.
• Master-disciple loyalty: Pitero’s respectful reunion with Arnold and immediate willingness to follow him reinforce the bond between master and disciple.
• Growth of divine knowledge and equipment: Muba’s discussion of divine artifacts prompts Arnold to take Mooncleaver’s development more seriously, emphasizing the importance of both cultivation and powerful weapons.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Muba: Their meeting begins as a potential confrontation over Muba’s religion but develops into a respectful exchange. Arnold asserts the Baruch Empire’s interests, while Muba apologizes and offers useful information.
• Arnold and Wharton: Arnold gives Wharton information and instructions concerning the Rao Empire and Muba. Wharton responds by organizing surveillance and helping uncover Muba’s location.
• Arnold and Pitero: Arnold finds Pitero training, gently reprimands him for excessive formality, praises his progress, and invites him to travel with him. Pitero accepts enthusiastically.
• Arnold and Linley: Their interaction is indirect, but Arnold acts partly to protect Linley’s future interests in the Baruch Empire and its Faith Power.

Summary: “Reasoning Through the Dead City Incident”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After resolving Pitero’s problem, Arnold summons George from the imperial palace. George has reached the Ninth-level Mage stage using Arnold’s secret technique.
• Arnold advises George to abandon government service eventually and pursue the Saint Domain. George agrees and considers cultivating at Linley’s residence.
• Arnold brings Pitero to Dragonblood Castle, introduces him to Wharton and the others, and explains the Elemental Laws and their Profound Mysteries.
• While cultivating, Arnold experiments with Wind Space Profound Truth. He initially treats it as a technique for immobilizing enemies, but eventually realizes he can merge himself into the wind elements rather than resist their binding force.
• By combining Wind Space Profound Truth with the Wind Element Technique Profound Mystery, Arnold discovers a new balance between the two abilities and deepens his understanding of the Wind Laws.
• Arnold senses that Linley has become a god. Linley emerges from seclusion and proudly tells Arnold that he has caught up to him, while Arnold jokes that his Earth God Clone is already near the Mid-God bottleneck.
• Wharton reports two mysterious Dead City Incidents: Blue Lion City in the Baruch Empire and another city in the O’Brien Empire were almost entirely wiped out overnight.
• Arnold and Linley suspect that the massacres were carried out by powerful Deity-level figures, not merely the Saint Domain experts who escaped from the Gebados Plane.
• Cessler explains that Death Law experts may be able to collect and prevent souls from entering the Underworld. Arnold and Linley infer that the victims’ souls were likely harvested for some purpose.
• Cessler reveals that souls can potentially be refined and absorbed to strengthen one’s own soul, though only exceptionally powerful Death Law experts could accomplish this.
• Cessler connects the incidents to Yale’s earlier request to purchase all prisoners captured in the war between the Baruch and Rao Empires. He suspects the prisoners were transported to the location of the hidden Deity.
• The group realizes that Yale may have been controlled through a Soul Seed planted by the Death Law expert.

Character Developments

• Arnold continues progressing rapidly in cultivation. He reaches a deeper understanding of the Wind Laws by learning to move within his own Wind Space rather than simply using it to suppress opponents.
• Arnold also demonstrates growing strategic insight, connecting the Dead City Incidents to soul manipulation and questioning the motives behind the massacres.
• George reaches the Ninth-level Mage stage and decides to leave politics so he can focus on becoming a Saint Magus.
• Linley becomes a god and reunites with Arnold, showing both pride in his advancement and confidence in their friendly rivalry.
• Cessler becomes crucial to the investigation by explaining the capabilities of Death Law experts and identifying the likely connection between Yale and the stolen souls.
• Yale is placed under suspicion. His purchase of the prisoners may have been manipulated by, or carried out under the control of, the hidden Deity.

Significant Themes

• Cultivation through insight: Arnold’s breakthrough comes from changing his perspective rather than overpowering the technique, emphasizing understanding and adaptability.
• The danger of hidden power: The Dead City Incidents suggest that powerful Deity-level beings may be operating secretly within the continent.
• The value and morality of souls: The possibility of refining souls for personal strength introduces a disturbing form of exploitation and raises the moral stakes of the conflict.
• Trust and manipulation: Yale’s possible possession shows that even close allies may be controlled without others realizing it.
• Progress and rivalry: Arnold and Linley’s relationship combines mutual respect, friendship, and playful competition as both continue advancing.

Important Character Interactions

• Arnold encourages George to pursue cultivation, and George accepts his advice.
• Arnold teaches Pitero about the Elemental Laws and introduces him to the people at Dragonblood Castle.
• Arnold and Linley exchange friendly teasing after Linley becomes a god.
• Wharton alerts Arnold and Linley to the Dead City Incidents, shifting the story from cultivation to investigation.
• Arnold and Linley jointly reason that the massacres must have a practical purpose, likely involving souls.
• Cessler provides the decisive information about Death Law soul techniques and links the incidents to Yale’s prisoner transaction, leaving the group alarmed about Yale’s possible control.

Chapter Summary: “Asking Harry”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cessler explains that practitioners of the Necromantic Laws can create Soul Seeds to control people completely. Because Yale had acquired an unusually large number of captives under the pretext of mining, Linley and Arnold conclude that Yale was probably being controlled.
• Cessler reveals that Yale can only be restored if the Deity-level expert who planted the Soul Seed is killed.
• Arnold and Linley reason that the culprit is unlikely to be a High-God, since such a powerful figure would not need to act secretly or fearlessly avoid Lord Beirut. The enemy is probably a Demi-God or Mid-God.
• Suspecting a connection to the Dead City Incident in the O’Brien Empire, Linley and Arnold visit Fain at Martial God Mountain. Fain shares what he knows about the massacre.
• During their discussion, Lord Beirut issues a warning throughout the continent: powerful experts are forbidden from committing mass slaughter in the Eighteen Northern Dukedoms or disturbing the Dark Forest.
• Since Beirut is absent, Linley, Arnold, and Fain meet Harry, the Violet-Gold Rat King, who confirms that similar massacres occurred in the O’Brien and Baruch Empires and had just begun in the Eighteen Northern Dukedoms.
• Harry reveals that nine silver-robed experts were carrying out the killings under the orders of a Deity-level expert. One has been killed, while the others have scattered; two are currently inside the Baruch Empire and may soon massacre another city.
• Bei Bei explains that the mastermind is only a Demi-God, has been seriously injured for a long time, and is currently occupied with another important matter.
• Harry agrees to lead the group to the two silver-robed men. The party flies south toward the Baruch Empire to intercept them.

Character Developments

• Linley becomes increasingly concerned about Yale and determined to uncover the identity of the controlling expert. His initial fear eases once he learns the enemy is a wounded Demi-God.
• Arnold demonstrates calm, strategic reasoning and reassures Linley. His growing strength is emphasized when Harry notes that Arnold’s Earth God Clone is close to becoming a Mid-God.
• Cessler provides the crucial explanation of Soul Seeds and identifies the only known way to free Yale.
• Fain remains unable to break through to the Divine Realm despite five years of intense cultivation, but contributes information about the Dead City Incident.
• Harry is shown to possess extensive knowledge of events and remarkable insight into the group’s abilities. His detached attitude toward human suffering contrasts with Linley’s urgency.
• Bei Bei helps confirm the enemy’s weakened condition and reassures Linley that the mastermind is unlikely to attack him directly.

Significant Themes

• Loss of free will and control: Yale’s condition illustrates the horrifying power of Soul Seeds, which erase a person’s independence and turn them into an obedient puppet.
• Hidden conspiracies: The mining explanation and city massacres reveal a larger secret operation involving soul collection and controlled agents.
• Power and strategy: Linley and Arnold carefully assess the enemy’s strength rather than rushing blindly into battle.
• Moral contrast: Linley is deeply distressed by the slaughter of civilians, while Harry treats the deaths as largely irrelevant because humans are a different race from magical beasts.
• Growing strength and changing balance: Arnold’s rapid advancement suggests that the hierarchy among the major characters may soon shift.

Character Interactions

• Linley and Cessler: Linley anxiously asks whether Yale can be saved, while Cessler explains the Soul Seed’s mechanics and solution.
• Linley and Arnold: The two discuss the enemy’s possible strength, with Arnold using logical analysis and humor to calm Linley.
• Linley, Arnold, and Fain: They cooperate to investigate the Dead City Incident and seek information about the mysterious massacres.
• Linley and Harry: Linley persistently questions Harry about the silver-robed killers and their master, prioritizing the threatened city over Harry’s attempt to create suspense.
• Harry and Arnold: Harry recognizes Arnold’s exceptional progress, surprising Arnold and prompting Linley to compare their respective cultivation speeds.
• Bei Bei and Linley: Bei Bei provides reassurance about the wounded Demi-God and confirms that the mastermind is unlikely to act against Linley immediately.

Chapter Summary: “Acting”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Linley, aided by Bei Bei and Harry, tracks down two silver-robed Saint Domain Pinnacle experts hiding in the wilderness.
• He confronts them alone and kills them instantly with Dimensional Slashes and Wind Blades, destroying both their bodies and souls.
• Linley discovers that the silver-robed men are not human: one has dense white scales, while the other has an iron-blue body.
• Linley reveals to Arnold and Harry that he intends to kill the Deity-level expert controlling the silver-robed men.
• The Deity-level expert, the Great Wizard, learns Linley’s identity through Yale, who recognizes Linley from the silver-robed men’s transmitted memories.
• The Great Wizard gives Yale a bottle of Soul Silk Poison and orders him to mix it into wine, determine whether Linley has become a god, and force Linley to drink it if he has not.
• Yale visits Dragonblood Castle and subtly questions Linley about his progress toward godhood. Linley realizes that Yale is being controlled but pretends not to know.
• Linley falsely claims that he has not yet become a god, then drinks the poisoned wine while acting as though he is suffering and dying.
• Taylor attacks Yale, severely injuring him. Linley pretends to sever his relationship with Yale, protecting Yale from immediate suspicion while maintaining the deception.
• From Yale’s visit and travel time, Linley, Arnold, and Cessler deduce that the Great Wizard is hiding near a Dawson Commerce branch in a canyon along the southwestern border of the Baruch Empire.
• With the enemy’s location identified, Linley and Arnold prepare to launch an attack.

Character Developments

• Linley: Demonstrates overwhelming combat power by killing two powerful opponents effortlessly. He also shows emotional restraint and strategic intelligence, suppressing his anger and pretending to be poisoned to protect Yale and deceive the Great Wizard.
• Yale: Though controlled by the Great Wizard, Yale remains outwardly loyal and obedient. His actions reveal the danger of the Great Wizard’s soul-control methods and place him in a tragic position.
• The Great Wizard: Is established as ruthless, calculating, and willing to sacrifice Yale to test Linley. He relies on soul control, poison, and indirect schemes rather than confronting Linley openly.
• Arnold and Cessler: Show strong analytical ability by interpreting Yale’s movements and the timing of his journey to locate the Great Wizard’s hiding place.
• Taylor: Reacts fiercely to what appears to be Yale’s betrayal, attacking him and unintentionally helping Linley maintain the disguise.
• Harry and Bei Bei: Assist Linley in reaching the silver-robed men, supporting the initial operation.

Significant Themes

• Deception and performance: The chapter’s central idea is acting. Linley must pretend to be poisoned and unaware of Yale’s manipulation, while the Great Wizard attempts to deceive and test him.
• Loyalty and sacrifice: Yale is forced to endanger his friend, while Linley endures emotional pain and allows Yale to be injured to preserve a larger plan.
• The abuse of power: The Great Wizard’s control over Yale and the silver-robed men illustrates the terrifying consequences of soul manipulation.
• Strategic warfare: Rather than relying solely on strength, Linley and his allies use observation, travel times, and enemy behavior to uncover the Great Wizard’s location.
• Humanity versus monstrosity: The silver-robed men’s inhuman bodies and the Great Wizard’s cruel methods contrast with Linley’s compassion and concern for his friends.

Character Interactions

• Linley coordinates with Arnold, Harry, and Bei Bei during the hunt for the silver-robed men.
• The silver-robed men confront Linley but are immediately overwhelmed and killed.
• The Great Wizard communicates with Yale, commands him to poison Linley, and treats him as a disposable tool.
• Yale and Linley engage in a tense, emotionally layered conversation in which Yale probes Linley’s strength while Linley conceals that he understands Yale is controlled.
• Taylor attacks Yale after Linley appears to collapse, while Linley maintains the illusion and privately regrets allowing his brother to be harmed.
• After analyzing Yale’s visit, Linley, Arnold, and Cessler unite around a plan to locate and kill the Great Wizard.

Chapter Summary: “Making a Plan”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Linley and Arnold decide to join forces to kill the injured Deity-level expert who practices the Necromantic Laws.
• Before attacking, they compare their cultivation progress and battle abilities.
• Arnold reveals that he has deeply comprehended several Wind Law profound mysteries, including Wind Space, Fast, Slow, Clone, and Wind Element Technique, and has fused multiple combinations of them.
• Linley admits that his own comprehension is inferior to Arnold’s, though he possesses the powerful Bloodviolet Soft Sword, probably a High-God Artifact.
• The two spar at Dragonblood Castle. Arnold uses Wind-Defense Transformation to create a defensive and restrictive sphere through Wind Space Profound Mystery.
• Arnold’s technique both blocks material attacks and severely slows opponents caught within it. He repeatedly attacks Linley with the powerful energy wave Dodonpa.
• Linley transforms into his Dragonblood Warrior form, increasing his strength and speed, but remains heavily restrained by Arnold’s Wind Space.
• After fighting continuously for three days and three nights, Linley realizes that Arnold is unaffected because he can merge with the wind through the Wind Element Technique Profound Mystery. Linley begins comprehending this profound mystery himself.
• Arnold deliberately avoids overwhelming Linley, allowing him to gain this insight during their battle.
• The two then devise a strategy against the Necromantic Laws expert: Arnold will conceal himself, bind the enemy with Wind Space or the stronger Shadow-Binding Space, and Linley will deliver the killing blow.
• Linley’s damaged Soul Defense Artifact gives him some protection against the enemy’s likely powerful soul attacks.
• After saying farewell to Wharton and the others at Dragonblood Castle, Linley and Arnold travel to the Grand Canyon, where a Dawson Commerce branch is located.
• They discover that the branch is transporting and torturing slaves, killing them in chambers and collecting their souls in crystal balls.
• Linley demonstrates that he can seize the souls from the crystal balls using his Soul Defense Artifact, astonishing Arnold.

Character Developments

• Arnold is established as vastly more advanced in Wind Law comprehension than Linley. He displays exceptional control over Wind Space Profound Mystery, using it defensively, offensively, and as a binding technique.
• Arnold also proves to be a thoughtful and cooperative ally. During the spar, he restrains his attacks after realizing Linley is gaining an important insight.
• Linley recognizes the gap between his cultivation and Arnold’s but remains confident because of his Bloodviolet Soft Sword, Dragonblood Warrior transformation, and Soul Defense Artifact.
• Linley demonstrates strong adaptability and insight by deducing how Arnold remains unaffected within Wind Space and beginning to comprehend the Wind Element Technique.
• Linley’s ability to manipulate or collect souls suggests that his Soul Defense Artifact has capabilities beyond simple defense and may be particularly useful against necromantic techniques.

Significant Themes

• Cooperation and strategic trust: Linley and Arnold must understand each other’s abilities before confronting a much stronger enemy.
• Learning through combat: Linley gains a breakthrough in his cultivation while sparring with Arnold, showing how battle can inspire deeper comprehension.
• Strength through complementary abilities: Arnold specializes in control and restraint, while Linley provides powerful finishing attacks and soul-related defenses.
• Preparation before confrontation: Rather than attacking recklessly, the pair carefully assess the enemy’s strengths, especially the danger of soul attacks and escape.
• Moral opposition to cruelty: The discovery of the murdered slaves and collected souls highlights the brutality of the necromantic forces and strengthens the urgency of confronting them.

Character Interactions

• Arnold and Linley openly exchange information about their cultivation, creating a foundation of mutual trust.
• Their sparring session becomes both a test of strength and a teaching experience, with Arnold unintentionally—or deliberately—helping Linley advance.
• Linley questions Arnold about Wind Space, and Arnold explains its weaknesses and reveals an even stronger version of the technique.
• The two coordinate a precise ambush strategy, assigning Arnold the role of restraining the enemy and Linley the role of finishing him.
• Wharton and the others at Dragonblood Castle recognize the danger of the mission and bid the two farewell.
• At the Grand Canyon, Arnold is impressed by Linley’s unexpected ability to remove souls from the crystal balls.

Chapter Summary: “The Great Wizard’s Death”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Linley and Arnold search for the injured Great Wizard, a Deity-level expert responsible for controlling Yale and others. Linley recklessly extends his divine sense and locates him in an underground chamber.
• Linley attacks with the Bloodviolet Soft Sword, forcing the Great Wizard toward the surface while the wizard counters with gray mist.
• Just as the Great Wizard prepares to fight seriously, Arnold ambushes him using the Wind Space Profound Truth, freezing him in place. Arnold then strikes him with a Dodonpa, wounding his shoulder and interrupting his strongest technique.
• The Great Wizard launches a desperate soul attack in the form of a black spiritual scythe, hoping to kill Linley before dying. However, Linley’s soul-defense divine artifact protects him.
• Linley finishes the battle with Wind Wave, shredding the Great Wizard’s body and head. He captures the wizard’s God Spark and interspatial ring.
• The Great Wizard’s death immediately frees Yale, as well as the presidents of the Snow Island and Geer Commerce associations, from his mental control. Elsewhere, two mysterious silver-robed men celebrate the wizard’s death.
• Linley and Arnold reunite with Yale, who has been left in severe physical and emotional distress after six years of manipulation. They explain what happened and assure him that he was not responsible for his actions while controlled.
• Before returning to Dragonblood Castle, Linley and Arnold divide the Great Wizard’s possessions. Arnold takes the interspatial ring, while Linley receives the Soul Golden Pearls. The God Spark and necromancy-related treasures are intended for Cessler.

Character Developments

• Linley demonstrates his growing strength and confidence as a Deity-level expert. His soul-defense artifact proves crucial, allowing him to survive the Great Wizard’s final attack. He also shows compassion by reassuring Yale and accepting responsibility for protecting the continent.
• Arnold reveals his effectiveness as a powerful combat partner. His timing and Wind Space Profound Truth are decisive in preventing the Great Wizard from using his strongest move. He also continues to focus on improving his soul through the Soul Golden Pearls.
• Yale regains his freedom and clarity after six years of supernatural control. Although ashamed and troubled by the actions he committed, he begins to understand that he should not blame himself. His reunion with Linley and Arnold restores their old brotherly bond.
• The Great Wizard remains dangerous even while injured, attempting to kill Linley with a final soul attack. His death marks the collapse of his control over several influential figures.
• Linley and Arnold increasingly see themselves as protectors of the Yulan Continent, especially against destructive Deity-level outsiders.

Significant Themes

• Freedom from manipulation: The Great Wizard’s death restores Yale and the other controlled leaders’ minds, emphasizing the value of autonomy and the devastation caused by domination.
• Brotherhood and loyalty: Linley and Arnold risk themselves to rescue Yale, while their conversation recalls their childhood friendship and reinforces their enduring bond.
• Responsibility and forgiveness: Yale is encouraged not to condemn himself for actions committed under magical control.
• Power and protection: Linley and Arnold recognize that becoming powerful carries an obligation to defend their homeland from foreign Deity-level experts.
• Growth and destiny: The former childhood friends have risen from ordinary youths to godlike figures, highlighting their extraordinary development.

Character Interactions

• Linley and Arnold coordinate their attack seamlessly, combining Arnold’s immobilizing technique and ambush with Linley’s killing blow.
• Afterward, they comfort Yale and explain that the Great Wizard—not Yale—was responsible for the harmful actions of the previous six years.
• Linley jokingly references Yale’s earlier attempt to make him drink poisoned wine, helping ease the tension and restore their familiar relationship.
• Yale expresses amazement that Linley and Arnold have become gods, while Linley modestly compares himself to Arnold.
• Arnold and Linley discuss becoming “god hunters” if hostile Deity-level experts continue harming the Yulan Continent.
• The three brothers part warmly, with Yale thanking them and Linley preparing to reassure Delia and his family at Dragonblood Castle.

Bosha Embankment — Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• After resolving Yale’s possession, Arnold returned to the Miniature Plane to cultivate while Linley handled the distribution of the undead-type God Sparks.
• Strange fluctuations in the north led Arnold and Linley to the Arctic Icefield, where they discovered that Rutherford and Olivia had become deities. With the growing number of powerful experts on the Yulan Continent, the group agreed to cooperate.
• Arnold continued cultivating the Wind Law, focusing on the Fast, Slow, and Wind Space Profound Truths and their fusion. He temporarily set aside the Wind Element Technique despite having already partially fused it with Wind Space.
• Arnold’s Earth God Clone advanced to the Mid-God level while inside the Necropolis of the Gods. He began considering whether combining lower-level Wind Godforce with mid-level Earth Godforce would improve his power.
• Arnold encountered a bottleneck in cultivating the Stellar Imperishable Body. His fourfold fusion of magical power had already been compressed to an extremely high level, but he could not yet find a way to progress beyond simply accumulating more energy.
• Through continued study, Arnold gained an initial understanding of the Wind Element Profound Mystery—an unusual achievement because he had comprehended several other Wind profound mysteries before entering this foundational one.
• In Yulan Calendar Year 144, the Dead City Incident erupted again, far worse than before. Cities across the Rao Empire were destroyed, and nearly one hundred million people were killed.
• Arnold and Linley joined Rutherford and Olivia to investigate. They captured a Saint Domain expert, who revealed that the massacre had been ordered by Beaumont, a powerful Deity-level expert living in the Boundless Sea. Beaumont was collecting the victims’ souls, apparently for someone else capable of refining them.
• Beaumont arranged a meeting at Bosha Embankment on the Magnolia River. Although the location historically symbolized reconciliation, Arnold and the others had no intention of negotiating and planned to kill Beaumont.
• Before the confrontation, the four practiced together and assessed one another’s abilities.

Character Developments

• Arnold: Continued deepening his mastery of the Wind Law and explored the limits of his unique cultivation methods. His progress remained impressive but was slowed by the bottleneck in the Stellar Imperishable Body. He also became increasingly decisive and aggressive toward threats to the Yulan Continent.
• Linley: Took responsibility for managing the undead God Sparks and joined Arnold in responding to the mass killings. His anger toward the foreign Deity-level perpetrators strengthened his resolve to defend the continent.
• Rutherford: Became a deity and developed the powerful Ice Profound Truth within the Water Law.
• Olivia: Became a deity and demonstrated the ability to fuse Light Godforce and Dark Godforce, suggesting that his cultivation may be similar to Arnold’s unusual dual-system path.
• Beaumont: Emerged as the apparent mastermind behind the mass slaughter, though the true purpose of the soul collection—and the identity of the soul-refiner assisting him—remained unclear.

Significant Themes

• Power and cultivation limits: Arnold’s stalled progress with the Stellar Imperishable Body highlights the difficulty of advancing once energy has reached an extreme level of compression.
• Unusual paths to strength: Arnold and Olivia both possess rare cultivation methods that differ from conventional approaches, emphasizing individuality in achieving power.
• Protection versus exploitation: The mass killing of ordinary inhabitants contrasts with the indifference of powerful outsiders, reinforcing the conflict between those who defend the weak and those who treat them as resources.
• Cooperation among powerful figures: Arnold, Linley, Rutherford, and Olivia form an alliance, demonstrating the necessity of unity against threats beyond the strength of any one individual.
• False reconciliation: Beaumont’s choice of Bosha Embankment evokes its historical role as a place of peace, but the heroes reject compromise because of the scale of his crimes.

Important Character Interactions

• Arnold and Linley discussed the northern fluctuations and traveled together to investigate.
• They welcomed Rutherford and Olivia into a broader alliance of Yulan’s powerful experts.
• Arnold, Linley, Rutherford, and Olivia interrogated a Saint Domain survivor involved in the massacres and learned of Beaumont’s role.
• The four coordinated their response and trained together before the planned confrontation.
• Rutherford and Olivia admired Linley’s speed and Arnold’s powerful Wind Space binding force, while Arnold took note of Rutherford’s Ice Profound Truth and Olivia’s fused Light and Dark Godforce.
• The chapter ends with the four allies preparing to confront Beaumont at Bosha Embankment, intending to respond to the massacre with decisive force.