Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary:

Six Desires Spirit Furnace

Key Plot Points and Events

• An elderly spirit within the Six Desires Spirit Furnace explains its origins and abilities to Long Haochen. As the Glorious Church’s sacred treasure and a First-Level Spirit Furnace, it is described as the strongest Spirit Furnace of its era.
• The furnace embodies six desires, each providing a different enhancement:
  • Greed Desire: Increases Inner Spiritual Power.
  • Wrath Desire: Increases Outer Spiritual Power.
  • Infatuation Desire: Reduces spell-casting time and may allow instant casting of spells up to two tiers above the user.
  • Resentment Encounter: Strengthens offensive skills.
  • Loving Separation: Strengthens defensive skills.
  • Unfulfilled Desire: Increases all of a mount partner’s attributes.
• Each ability has a basic enhancement of fifty percent and can theoretically reach three hundred percent. However, the amount safely usable depends on the user’s cultivation. As a Ninth-Level Grand Knight, Long Haochen can currently receive no more than a sixty-percent enhancement from a single desire.
• The furnace can be used twice per day before the Seventh Tier. Its number of daily uses increases after reaching the Seventh and Ninth Tiers.
• The old man warns Long Haochen that the furnace’s backlash does not physically injure the user. Instead, it magnifies the corresponding desires in the user’s mind, potentially causing loss of self-control.
• The old man recounts that his own unchecked greed led him to commit serious mistakes. He strongly advises Long Haochen never to activate all six desires simultaneously unless absolutely necessary.
• After giving his warning, the old man’s power fades, and he returns to sleep.

Character Development

• Long Haochen is impressed and unsettled by the furnace’s overwhelming power. He realizes it could allow him to challenge opponents two tiers above his own level, but he also recognizes the danger of becoming corrupted by its backlash.
• His questions show caution and maturity: he immediately worries that using Greed Desire might require him to become genuinely greedy, then carefully asks about the consequences of using the furnace.
• Over the following two months, Long Haochen continues his disciplined training and begins independently understanding how to condense Liquid Spiritual Power, demonstrating both intelligence and self-reliance.
• The elderly spirit is revealed as a former powerful user of the furnace who learned through painful experience that its psychological dangers could be worse than its physical ones.
• Long Xingyu continues to guide Long Haochen indirectly. Rather than explaining how to condense Liquid Spiritual Power, he trusts his son to discover the process himself.

Significant Themes

• Power versus self-control: The furnace grants extraordinary strength, but its greatest danger is the amplification of human desire.
• The double-edged nature of power: The same abilities that can make Long Haochen nearly invincible can also lead him toward madness or immoral actions.
• Growth through personal insight: Long Xingyu’s refusal to provide direct instruction emphasizes that true advancement requires personal understanding rather than simple dependence on a teacher.
• Desire and restraint: The six powers reflect different forms of human longing, anger, attachment, and dissatisfaction, suggesting that spiritual strength is inseparable from mastery over one’s emotions.
• Legacy and warning: The old man passes on both the furnace’s power and the lessons of his own past failures.

Character Interactions

• Long Haochen repeatedly questions the old spirit, especially about Greed Desire’s requirements and the furnace’s backlash.
• The old spirit responds warmly but seriously, educating him about the furnace’s abilities while warning him against reckless use.
• Their exchange becomes a transfer of responsibility: the old man gives Long Haochen knowledge, while Long Haochen promises to remember and apply it cautiously.
• Long Haochen’s relationship with Long Xingyu is also developed indirectly. His father’s silence is not neglect but an intentional test designed to encourage independent cultivation.

Ending

• More than two months after the spirit’s disappearance, Long Haochen continues training at the Hao Yue Sub-Temple while approaching the Fifth Tier.
• During meditation, he begins condensing Liquid Spiritual Power. A tiny droplet of golden liquid forms within his spiritual power, while the Six Desires Spirit Furnace draws in surrounding light elements and absorbs them, signaling his progress toward the next stage of cultivation.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Haochen spends two days cultivating with the Six Desires Spirit Furnace, which absorbs vast amounts of light elements and compresses them into Liquid Spiritual Power.
• The furnace’s ability to assist cultivation comes from the Saint Attraction Spirit Furnace it previously devoured. This “Gestation” ability is a closely guarded secret of the Knight Temple, revealing tension and selfishness within the supposedly united Temple Alliance.
• When the furnace overflows with Liquid Spiritual Power, Long Haochen breaks through to the Fifth Tier, becoming a Fifth-Rank Earth Knight at only thirteen years old.
• His advancement allows him to cultivate the third technique of the Nine Golden Dragon Techniques, Golden Dragon Soars, though he postpones practicing it.
• Long Haochen examines the techniques stored in Long Xingyu’s Inheritance Ring, including skills for both Retribution and Guardian Knights. He realizes that mastering both paths will be demanding.
• He discovers the inscription for a Squire Knight Contract and learns that one version of the contract can improve a retainer’s innate talent through Talent Suppression Sharing.
• Long Haochen visits Li Xin and offers to form the contract with her, which would raise her Innate Internal Spiritual Energy from 52 to 76.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen reaches the Fifth Tier, marking a major leap in strength and confirming his extraordinary talent. He is now capable of learning more advanced knight techniques and begins seriously considering how to balance the Retribution and Guardian paths.
• He also shows increasing maturity and responsibility by seeking a way to improve Li Xin’s cultivation potential rather than keeping the contract’s benefits for himself.
• Li Xin is surprised and skeptical when Long Haochen reveals the contract’s effect. Her innate talent is relatively low compared with his, making her a potential recipient of the ability.

Significant Themes

• Extraordinary talent and rapid growth: Long Haochen’s breakthrough at thirteen highlights his exceptional potential and places him far beyond ordinary knights.
• Hidden knowledge and institutional secrecy: The Knight Temple conceals the Saint Attraction Spirit Furnace’s cultivation-enhancing ability to prevent the other Temples from taking advantage of it.
• Division within the Temple Alliance: Despite its claims of unity, the Alliance is shown to be affected by self-interest, secrecy, and competition among the Temples.
• Sacrifice and shared strength: The Squire Knight Contract introduces a system in which a powerful knight can strengthen a weaker companion, emphasizing cooperation but also suggesting a relationship of hierarchy and obligation.
• Responsibility versus ambition: Long Haochen must decide how to manage the enormous burden of learning multiple knight disciplines while using his advantages to help those close to him.

Character Interactions

• Long Haochen visits Li Xin after her bath, and their familiar, affectionate sibling-like relationship is emphasized.
• He takes her hand and seriously explains the Squire Knight Contract, telling her that becoming his Retainer Knight could increase her Innate Internal Spiritual Energy.
• Li Xin reacts with shock and disbelief, prompting Long Haochen to explain the Ancient Elvish origin of the contract and the conditions for Talent Suppression Sharing: when the primary knight’s innate energy exceeds the retainer’s by more than thirty points, half of the difference can be transferred to improve the retainer’s talent.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Haochen explains the effect of a Squire Knight Contract to Li Xin. Because his Innate Internal Spiritual Energy is 100 and hers is 52, the contract would halve the difference and raise her energy to 76.
• He tells Li Xin that reaching 76 could give her a strong chance of advancing to the Ninth Tier, potentially allowing her to become a Divine Knight and earn the recognition of a Throne of Seal.
• Long Haochen warns her that the contract is lifelong and would place her life and freedom under his control as his Retainer Knight.
• Li Xin willingly accepts, confessing that she fears being left behind as Long Haochen grows stronger. She wants to remain by his side, support him, and become his wife and lifelong companion.
• She signs the contract using her blood. The ritual creates a powerful bond between them, strengthens their emotional connection, and makes the surrounding light elements feel closer to her.
• Ten months later, Long Haochen and Li Xin prepare to leave. Long Haochen appears in an elegant white warrior’s uniform, and Li Xin enthusiastically praises his appearance.

Character Developments

• Li Xin demonstrates deep devotion and vulnerability. Although she jokes with Long Haochen, she is genuinely afraid that their growing power gap will cause him to abandon her. Her decision to become his Retainer Knight reflects both her love and her determination to improve herself.
• Long Haochen shows affection, responsibility, and some hesitation. He emphasizes the seriousness of the contract and urges Li Xin to reconsider before accepting. He also reassures her that he will never leave her.
• The contract strengthens Li Xin spiritually and emotionally, giving her renewed confidence and excitement about her future.
• Their relationship develops from romantic affection into a bond resembling both marriage and family, reinforced by the contract.

Significant Themes

• Devotion and sacrifice: Li Xin willingly gives Long Haochen control over her life because she values remaining with him above her personal independence.
• Fear of abandonment and the need for equality: Her decision is motivated not only by love but also by anxiety that she will become unnecessary if she cannot keep pace with him.
• Power and responsibility: The contract offers Li Xin extraordinary growth but also creates a permanent imbalance of authority, which Long Haochen recognizes and carefully explains.
• Love as partnership: Li Xin does not want merely to be Long Haochen’s lover; she wants to become someone capable of helping and standing beside him.
• Light and spiritual connection: The contract enhances Li Xin’s affinity with light elements and symbolizes the deepening of their bond.

Character Interactions

• Long Haochen encourages Li Xin by comparing her potential to that of his father, Divine Knight Long Xingyu.
• Li Xin responds with an emotional confession, declaring that her life and future already belong to Long Haochen.
• Their tender exchange is balanced by playful teasing, especially after Li Xin unconsciously calls him “Master” during the contract ritual.
• Li Xin jokingly warns Long Haochen not to behave improperly with other women, while his awkward reaction hints at possible romantic complications.
• Ten months later, their familiar, affectionate relationship continues as Li Xin impatiently hurries him along and then admires his appearance.

Chapter Summary: Haoyue, the Third Wheel

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Haochen feels uncomfortable wearing the elegant white warrior outfit Li Xin prepared for him, but she enthusiastically praises his appearance and insists he continue dressing that way.
• Haoyue reacts jealously when Li Xin calls Long Haochen her boyfriend, rubbing against him and glaring at her as if claiming ownership.
• Haoyue has refused to return to its original space and now lives in Long Haochen’s Monastic Quarters. Because of its constant watchfulness, Long Haochen and Li Xin are unable to share private romantic moments.
• To persuade Haoyue to leave them alone, Long Haochen offers it spicy dried fish. Haoyue eagerly accepts, though feeding it consumes nearly all of his modest monthly salary. Long Haochen admits that Li Xin’s wealth helps him afford Haoyue’s appetite.
• Long Haochen continues concealing Haoyue’s existence from Feng Xiu, fearing that Feng Xiu might attack the creature. Their Life-and-Death Contract means that harm to Haoyue would also kill Long Haochen.
• Li Xin takes Long Haochen to a formal dinner hosted by Bright Moon City’s leading officials. He initially worries that the dinner is meant as a meeting with her parents, but learns that it is instead connected to the upcoming Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament.
• The gathering includes Li Xin’s father, military commander Li Aoxiao; governor Lin Yinjia; Nalan Shu; the Mage Temple and Warrior Temple branch masters; Lin Jialu; and the brothers Chen Si and Chen Chen.
• Upon arriving, Long Haochen is warmly welcomed, particularly by Li Aoxiao, who openly approves of him as Li Xin’s potential future husband. The chapter ends as the group prepares to eat before discussing the tournament.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen: Appears more mature and refined, though he remains humble and somewhat nervous in social situations. His strong emotional bond with Haoyue is emphasized, as is his willingness to protect Haoyue by keeping its existence secret.
• Li Xin: Shows open affection and pride in Long Haochen, teasingly claiming him as her boyfriend. She is also playful and competitive toward Lin Jialu, but becomes relieved when Haoyue leaves them alone.
• Haoyue: Demonstrates jealousy, intelligence, possessiveness, and an enormous appetite. Its behavior resembles that of an overprotective sibling or pet, making it a humorous obstacle in Long Haochen and Li Xin’s relationship.
• Li Aoxiao: Quickly accepts and praises Long Haochen, viewing him favorably as Li Xin’s partner.
• Lin Jialu: Is visibly surprised by Long Haochen’s transformation from a child into an attractive young man, suggesting unresolved familiarity or interest from their past interactions.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and shared fate: The Life-and-Death Contract symbolizes the deep bond between Long Haochen and Haoyue and raises the stakes of protecting one another.
• Romantic affection and possessiveness: Li Xin and Haoyue compete humorously for Long Haochen’s attention, portraying love through jealousy and claims of ownership.
• Humor in domestic relationships: Haoyue’s constant observation and demands for food create a lighthearted “third-wheel” dynamic.
• Political and military responsibility: The dinner shifts the chapter from personal romance to the larger concerns of the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament and Bright Moon City’s reputation.
• Growing maturity: Long Haochen’s changed appearance and increasing involvement with influential leaders mark his transition toward adulthood and greater responsibility.

Character Interactions

• Li Xin praises and flirts with Long Haochen while Haoyue reacts jealously.
• Long Haochen negotiates with Haoyue using dried fish, treating it like an affectionate but troublesome younger brother.
• Li Xin reassures Long Haochen about the dinner and proudly introduces him to the city’s leaders.
• Li Xin provocatively gestures toward Lin Jialu, while her father reprimands her for being impolite.
• Li Aoxiao compliments Long Haochen and implicitly welcomes him into the family.
• The officials and contestants gather to advise and support Bright Moon City’s representatives before the upcoming tournament.

Chapter Summary: “Pre-Tournament Gathering”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The five selected youths—Long Haochen, Li Xin, Chen Si, Chen Chen, and Lin Jialu—attend a farewell meal before the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament.
• Li Aoxiao explains the tournament’s purpose: to select Demon Hunt Squads, elite groups that have played a major role in humanity’s survival against the Demon Race.
• The temple masters introduce their representatives:
  • Chen Si, a twenty-four-year-old Second-Level Great Battle Master and Shield Warrior.
  • Chen Chen, a twenty-two-year-old First-Level Great Battle Master and Berserker.
  • Lin Jialu, a twenty-one-year-old Fourth-Level ice-element Great Mage.
  • Li Xin, a twenty-one-year-old Eighth-Level Grand Knight and Retribution Knight.
  • Long Haochen, a fourteen-year-old Guardian Knight whose cultivation is kept secret but is confirmed to meet the tournament’s requirements.
• Li Aoxiao reveals that the group must first complete a dangerous qualification mission. They will infiltrate Demon Race territory and each kill at least five Demon soldiers.
• An Alliance inspector will guide and supervise them. He will not interfere unless they request help; doing so will count as failure.
• The group is scheduled to depart the next day. After the meal, Li Aoxiao and Lin Yinjia take them to select specially prepared equipment.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen remains quiet and composed despite the surprise surrounding his age and hidden strength. His confidence and abilities are strongly endorsed by Nalan Shu, who predicts that he can reach the tournament’s top three.
• Li Xin is revealed to have advanced dramatically during two years of training, reaching the impressive rank of Eighth-Level Grand Knight. She remains competitive and somewhat provocative toward Lin Jialu.
• Lin Jialu is established as a talented young mage but is shocked by Li Xin’s advancement. She openly defends Long Haochen, recalling that he defeated her two years earlier and is likely even stronger now.
• Chen Si and Chen Chen are presented as qualified Warrior Temple elites, with complementary defensive and offensive specializations.
• The temple leaders show pride in their chosen youths while emphasizing the need for cooperation and discipline.

Significant Themes

• Humanity’s resistance against the Demon Race: Demon Hunt Squads represent the alliance’s strongest defense and the continuation of a long-standing struggle for survival.
• Youth and exceptional talent: The chapter contrasts the candidates’ ages and achievements, especially Long Haochen’s remarkable potential despite being only fourteen.
• Competition versus cooperation: Li Xin and Lin Jialu still harbor personal rivalry, but success requires them to set aside their grudges and function as a team.
• Secrecy and trust: Long Haochen’s cultivation is deliberately concealed, highlighting the importance of protecting strategic information.
• Danger and responsibility: The qualification mission is treated seriously, with the leaders reminding the youths that survival matters more than completing the assessment.

Character Interactions

• The Chen brothers’ enormous appetites provide a lighthearted opening, with Long Haochen privately comparing them to Li Xin.
• Li Aoxiao subtly praises Lin Jialu while also promoting Li Xin, provoking the continuing rivalry between the two young women.
• Li Xin and Lin Jialu exchange competitive remarks, though their leaders warn them not to let old grudges endanger the mission.
• Lin Jialu’s defense of Long Haochen surprises her father and reinforces Haochen’s reputation as an unusually powerful young knight.
• Nalan Shu publicly expresses strong confidence in Long Haochen, shocking the others and raising expectations for his tournament performance.
• The gathering ends with the leaders supporting the group and preparing them with equipment for their mission into Demon territory.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• The group is allowed to choose upgraded equipment before departing for the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament.
• Chen Si selects heavy armor, a tower shield, and a speed-enhancing saber. Chen Chen chooses fire-element light armor and two fire-enchanted sabers.
• Long Haochen chooses bright silver light armor and two heavy swords—one light-element and one fire-element. The equipment increases his combat ability and allows him to switch flexibly between Guardian and Retribution Knight fighting styles.
• Before leaving, Li Aoxiao explains that the group must pass an entrance assessment. If successful, they will be taken to the Alliance headquarters in the Holy City.
• That evening, Long Haochen returns to the Hao Yue Sub-Temple, gives Haoyue spicy dried fish, and tests his new equipment.
• Long Haochen struggles with whether to tell Feng Xiu about his contract with Haoyue. He fears Feng Xiu would see Haoyue as a dangerous threat, especially if Haoyue’s claims about the future and Feng Xiu’s possible reincarnation are true.
• The next morning, Long Haochen, Li Xin, Chen Si, Chen Chen, and Lin Jialu meet at Bright Moon City’s eastern gate.
• Their inspector, an elderly mage, demonstrates extraordinary power by flying away and declaring that he will not help unless they specifically ask.
• Lin Jialu explains the assessment: the group must enter Demon Race territory and kill twenty-five demons. She distributes their identification tokens and proposes selecting a captain for better coordination.
• Although Lin Jialu is the one organizing the group, she nominates Long Haochen as captain because of his superior cultivation and strength.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen: Demonstrates calmness, combat versatility, and leadership potential. His new equipment strengthens both his offense and defense, but he remains troubled by the moral and strategic dilemma surrounding Haoyue and Feng Xiu.
• Haoyue: Continues to display a teasing, mischievous personality, contrasting with his mysterious and potentially world-changing identity as Austin Griffin.
• Lin Jialu: Shows maturity and practical judgment by setting aside her usual rivalry with Li Xin and recognizing Long Haochen’s superior ability. Her nomination of him indicates trust in his leadership.
• Li Xin: Remains close to Long Haochen, sharing an emotional farewell before the mission. Her relationship with him is affectionate and supportive.
• Chen Si and Chen Chen: Prepare seriously for the mission by selecting equipment that enhances their respective defensive and offensive roles.
• The inspector: Establishes himself as powerful, detached, and unwilling to interfere unless necessary.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and merit: Leadership is presented as something earned through strength, judgment, and battlefield ability rather than simply claimed.
• Duty versus personal loyalty: Long Haochen’s uncertainty about revealing Haoyue’s existence reflects the conflict between loyalty to Feng Xiu, responsibility to humanity, and his bond with Haoyue.
• Hidden identities and fate: Haoyue’s unknown origins and Feng Xiu’s possible knowledge of the future create uncertainty about destiny and whether the future can or should be changed.
• Preparation and self-reliance: The group receives equipment and guidance but must ultimately depend on their own abilities inside Demon Race territory.

Character Interactions

• Haoyue teases Long Haochen about his farewell with Li Xin, while Long Haochen reacts with embarrassment and annoyance.
• Long Haochen and Li Xin share a reluctant farewell kiss, emphasizing their close emotional bond.
• Lin Jialu and Li Xin avoid their usual bickering when meeting, suggesting a temporary shift toward cooperation.
• The inspector distances himself from the group, making clear that their success depends on their own decisions.
• Lin Jialu challenges the group to choose a captain and ultimately recommends Long Haochen, positioning him as the team’s likely leader for the upcoming assessment.

Chapter Summary: Infiltrating the Demon Race

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Jialu recommends Long Haochen as the group’s captain. Chen Si and Chen Chen readily agree, while Li Xin becomes jealous of Lin Jialu’s apparent familiarity with Haochen and her flirtatious behavior toward him.
• Lin Jialu playfully asks to ride behind Long Haochen, provoking Li Xin. Haochen avoids the situation by claiming he has no horse, and Li Xin forces him onto her Rose Unicorn.
• The group travels to the Southeastern Fortress, passing through the Alliance’s defenses with their identification plates. After dinner, they officially enter Demon Race territory.
• A mysterious black-clad inspector secretly follows them.
• Long Haochen reflects on his childhood among the demons and his distant relatives there. Although he has no hatred toward hunting demons, he accepts that he must kill low-ranking demons as part of Feng Xiu’s larger plan.
• He explains that low-ranking demons are largely inhuman creatures descended from animals transformed by the Demon God Pillars. Because of their rapid reproduction and lack of humanity, Feng Xiu excluded them from his intended human-demon integration plan.
• Once inside enemy territory, Li Xin dismisses the Rose Unicorn to reduce the risk of detection. Long Haochen establishes a defensive formation: he leads from the front, Li Xin guards the rear, Chen Si and Chen Chen protect the flanks, and Lin Jialu remains in the center as the group’s mage.
• Long Haochen summons Haoyue, startling the others, and introduces him as his brother and companion.
• Lin Jialu uses Eagle Eye Technique to scout the plains. Guided by her observations, the group advances more than eighty li through concealed terrain and eventually camps near the Demon Race army.
• Because they are approaching the range of enemy mages, Haochen decides to stop and wait for demon scouts rather than risk attacking the main camp. However, the entire night passes without an encounter, leaving Lin Jialu tired from maintaining surveillance.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen formally demonstrates leadership, giving clear orders and organizing the group according to each member’s strengths.
• Li Xin displays strong jealousy and protectiveness toward Haochen, openly reacting to Lin Jialu’s teasing and treating Haochen as her boyfriend.
• Lin Jialu emerges as both playful and strategically valuable. Her teasing of Li Xin contrasts with her important role as the team’s long-range scout.
• Long Haochen reveals a more complicated relationship with the Demon Race. He remembers his past among them but has accepted the necessity of fighting, particularly against low-ranking demons.
• Haoyue is introduced to the team, emphasizing his close bond with Long Haochen and adding another powerful ally to the mission.

Significant Themes

• Leadership and responsibility: Haochen accepts command and prioritizes careful planning over reckless attacks.
• Jealousy and interpersonal tension: The rivalry between Li Xin and Lin Jialu provides humor and reveals the emotional dynamics surrounding Haochen.
• Moral complexity of war: Haochen’s thoughts challenge a simple view of humans versus demons. The chapter distinguishes between different kinds of demons and explores why some are considered beyond reconciliation.
• Human-demon relations: Feng Xiu’s plan to merge the two races contrasts with the brutal reality of low-ranking demons and the difficulty of deciding who can be included in such a future.
• Stealth and strategy: The mission depends on scouting, formation, concealment, and patience rather than direct confrontation.

Character Interactions

• Lin Jialu deliberately provokes Li Xin by calling Haochen by name and asking to ride with him.
• Li Xin responds possessively, twisting Haochen’s waist and later grabbing his hand and taking him onto her horse.
• Haochen tries to maintain peace between the two women while avoiding Lin Jialu’s advances.
• The group accepts Haochen’s authority as captain and follows his tactical arrangements.
• Lin Jialu’s scouting directly supports Haochen’s decisions, showing effective cooperation despite their teasing and rivalry.

Chapter Summary: “Luke Race’s Ambush”

Key Plot Points and Events

• With one day already gone in the three-day entrance assessment and no demons encountered, Long Haochen reassures the group that they are within the patrol range of Demon Race scouts.
• The group is suddenly ambushed by Luke Race demons attacking from underground.
• Long Haochen raises a Spirit Light Barrier, but the initial barrier breaks. Haoyue immediately casts a second one, protecting the entire group.
• The group counters the underground attack by stabbing into the earth. Lin Jialu uses Ice Wall to freeze the ground, preventing further burrowing.
• Around sixteen or seventeen Luke Race demons emerge and surround the party. Long Haochen identifies them and explains their strengths: they are physically powerful ambushers who specialize in underground attacks but are weaker in direct combat.
• Long Haochen divides the battle, taking six enemies for himself while leaving the rest to his companions.
• He strengthens the team with Aura of Faith and Guardian’s Gift, then blocks and kills six Luke demons in less than a minute.
• Lin Jialu, Li Xin, Chen Si, and Chen Chen defeat the remaining demons with magic and weapons.
• After the battle, the group recognizes how overwhelmingly strong Long Haochen is. Just as everyone begins to relax, Long Haochen suddenly senses another danger and urgently warns Lin Jialu.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen demonstrates exceptional combat ability, awareness, leadership, and self-control. Although he could defeat the entire group alone, he deliberately gives his teammates opportunities to fight and gain experience.
• His use of multiple advanced Knight skills reveals that he is far stronger than the others expected—likely already a Fourth-Order Grand Knight despite being only fourteen.
• Haoyue proves useful not only as a companion but also as a capable light-element caster, seamlessly supporting Long Haochen’s defensive magic.
• Lin Jialu shows strong offensive ability with Ice Spear but remains especially vulnerable to surprise attacks because of her poor physical defense. Her gratitude toward Long Haochen grows after he protects her.
• Li Xin becomes openly proud of Long Haochen’s performance and moves closer to him, suggesting increasing admiration and affection.
• Chen Si and Chen Chen revise their earlier underestimation of Long Haochen. They now recognize him as a powerful and highly skilled Knight.
• The entire group gains greater confidence in Long Haochen’s leadership and abilities.

Significant Themes

• Hidden strength and underestimated talent: Long Haochen’s age and appearance cause others to doubt him, but his actions reveal extraordinary power.
• Teamwork and responsible leadership: Rather than claiming every victory, Long Haochen distributes enemies among the team so everyone can contribute.
• Preparation versus surprise: The Luke Race’s greatest advantage is ambush, but the group survives because of Long Haochen’s vigilance and rapid defensive response.
• Human–demon conflict: The battle introduces the terrifying nature of the Demon Race, emphasizing that even low-ranking demons possess considerable innate combat ability.
• Growing trust and admiration: The group’s view of Long Haochen changes from skepticism to respect after witnessing his performance.

Character Interactions

• Chen Si seeks Long Haochen’s guidance at the beginning, establishing Long Haochen as the group’s tactical leader.
• Long Haochen coordinates with Haoyue, whose barrier saves the party after the first defense fails.
• He gives clear instructions to his companions, assigning himself the most dangerous portion of the battle.
• Lin Jialu thanks Long Haochen for protecting her, while Chen Si and Chen Chen silently acknowledge his superiority.
• Li Xin reacts with pride and draws closer to Long Haochen, deepening their personal bond.
• The chapter ends on a cliffhanger when Long Haochen detects a new threat and warns Lin Jialu.

Summary: “Lin Jialu in Danger”

Key Plot Points and Events

• A Dyke Race invisible warrior suddenly infiltrates the group and nearly kills Lin Jialu by attacking her throat.
• Long Haochen reacts instantly, casting Spirit Light Barrier, though the barrier breaks. The assassin’s blade narrowly misses Lin Jialu.
• Using the six-colored light from the Six Desires Spirit Furnace, which inherited the attraction ability of the Saint Attraction Spirit Furnace, Long Haochen draws the invisible warrior’s attention toward himself.
• The warrior launches a rapid series of attacks against Long Haochen, but his Radiant Shield blocks every strike.
• Li Xin prevents Chen Si and Chen Chen from interfering, correctly trusting Long Haochen to handle the enemy while they protect Lin Jialu.
• The Dyke warrior intensifies its assault by activating a darker, more powerful attack. Long Haochen counters with Divine Shield Block, using the recoil to strengthen his next attack through Revenge of Light.
• He follows with Light Slash Sword, killing the nearly Fifth Tier warrior in one decisive blow.
• After the battle, Long Haochen explains that the enemy’s attack was part of a planned ambush: twenty Luke Race demons distracted the group while the invisible Dyke warrior attacked from the side.
• Recognizing that stronger enemies may soon arrive, Long Haochen orders the team to retreat toward Southeastern Fortress while maintaining formation and watching for further attacks.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen demonstrates exceptional reflexes, composure, tactical awareness, and mastery of defensive and offensive techniques. He protects Lin Jialu, redirects the assassin, and defeats it decisively.
• He also shows humility and responsibility by apologizing to Lin Jialu for failing to detect the threat sooner, despite having saved her life.
• Lin Jialu experiences intense fear after nearly dying, revealing her vulnerability as a novice on her first battlefield. She regains her composure and expresses sincere gratitude toward Long Haochen.
• Li Xin shows confidence in Long Haochen’s abilities and good battlefield judgment by stopping the others from disrupting his duel.
• Chen Si and Chen Chen act protectively, shielding the shaken Lin Jialu and following Long Haochen’s leadership.
• The group gains a deeper understanding of Long Haochen’s hidden abilities when he reveals the Saint Attraction Spirit Furnace’s power.

Significant Themes

• Protection and leadership: Long Haochen accepts responsibility for the group and prioritizes the safety of his companions.
• Composure under pressure: His calm defense contrasts with Lin Jialu’s terror, emphasizing the importance of experience and discipline in battle.
• Teamwork and trust: Each member fulfills a role—Long Haochen engages the assassin while the others protect Lin Jialu and maintain formation.
• Hidden strength and strategic deception: The battle highlights the danger of stealth-based enemies and the value of revealing or exploiting concealed abilities.
• Responsibility and humility: Long Haochen does not boast about his victory; instead, he focuses on his failure to foresee the attack and the need to withdraw safely.

Character Interactions

• Long Haochen saves Lin Jialu, creating a stronger bond of gratitude and trust between them.
• Li Xin’s intervention reflects her faith in Long Haochen and her practical understanding of combat tactics.
• Chen Si and Chen Chen respond to Li Xin’s command by protecting Lin Jialu rather than joining the fight.
• The entire team accepts Long Haochen’s retreat plan, reinforcing his authority as captain and emphasizing their cooperation in a dangerous situation.

Chapter Summary: Emerald Twin-Blade Demon’s Ambush

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Jialu detects a single approaching enemy using the Eagle Eye Technique: an exceptionally dangerous emerald-colored Zelin Race Twin-Blade Demon.
• The group realizes that this is an Emerald Twin-Blade Demon, a Fifth Tier powerhouse far stronger than the Dyke Race Invisible One they previously fought.
• Long Haochen decides to confront the demon directly while Li Xin, Lin Jialu, Chen Si, and Chen Chen maintain a defensive formation and protect Lin Jialu.
• Long Haochen’s confidence comes from his own breakthrough to the Fifth Tier, his total spiritual power of 2,905, and his powerful equipment and abilities.
• Before the battle, Haoyue asks for the demon’s crystal so it can consume it and accelerate its growth.
• Long Haochen uses the Six Desires Spirit Furnace to rapidly recover most of his previously depleted Inner Spiritual Power.
• As the demon approaches, he activates Accumulated Force, storing 2,400 points of spiritual power for one devastating attack.
• The Emerald Twin-Blade Demon charges while insulting the humans and declaring that they will die.
• Long Haochen ends his preparation at the last moment and blocks the demon’s powerful twin-blade strike with Divine Shield Block, creating a dramatic collision of golden light and emerald force.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen demonstrates increased confidence and maturity as a Fifth Tier Earth Knight. Rather than fleeing or relying entirely on his companions, he takes responsibility for confronting the stronger enemy himself.
• His mastery of the Six Desires Spirit Furnace has improved significantly, allowing him to recover spiritual power at an extraordinary rate.
• He also shows tactical intelligence by beginning Accumulated Force before the enemy arrives, intending to catch the demon off guard.
• Li Xin continues to trust and support Long Haochen, confidently defending his ability despite the others’ concerns.
• Lin Jialu displays caution and awareness of the danger, immediately recognizing the threat posed by the Emerald Twin-Blade Demon.
• Chen Si and Chen Chen act as disciplined defenders, shielding Lin Jialu while preparing to support Long Haochen.
• Haoyue’s casual request for the demon crystal adds humor and highlights its growing strength and appetite for advancement.

Significant Themes

• Strength and advancement: The chapter emphasizes the importance of the Fifth Tier as a major boundary between ordinary and elite combatants.
• Confidence balanced by preparation: Long Haochen does not underestimate the enemy; his confidence is supported by careful planning, recovery, and defensive arrangements.
• Teamwork and trust: Although Long Haochen fights the demon alone, the rest of the group protects Lin Jialu and prepares to provide support from the flanks.
• Humanity versus demons: The demon’s furious hatred and declaration that humans deserve death reinforce the ongoing racial conflict.
• The value of hidden abilities: Long Haochen’s unusual spiritual furnace and status as the Child of Light give him advantages that allow him to challenge an enemy normally capable of overwhelming an entire team.

Character Interactions

• Lin Jialu warns the group of the approaching demon, initially receiving an incredulous response from Li Xin before the seriousness of the threat becomes clear.
• Long Haochen gives precise orders, assigning the others defensive roles and placing himself at the front.
• Li Xin reassures Lin Jialu and openly expresses faith in Long Haochen’s abilities.
• Haoyue speaks with Long Haochen before the battle, treating the dangerous confrontation almost casually because it already expects his victory.
• The chapter ends with Long Haochen and the Emerald Twin-Blade Demon’s first direct clash, as his shield meets the demon’s twin blades.

Chapter Summary: “Fatal Strike”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Haochen unleashes a powerful combination of knight techniques—Accumulated Force, Divine Shield Block, Revenge of Light, Holy Sword, Charge, and Light Slash Sword—to deliver a fatal attack against a Fifth-Rank Emerald Twin-Blade Demon.
• He defeats the demon almost instantly, cleaving it in two and shocking Li Xin, Lin Jialu, and the Chen siblings.
• Long Haochen reveals that he has reached the Fifth Rank at only fourteen years old. He then uses Holy Light Barrier to restore his spiritual energy.
• Haoyue consumes the demon’s Fifth-Rank Demon Crystal, while Long Haochen stores the valuable corpse for later use or sale.
• The group returns safely to the Southeastern Fortress and collapses into exhausted rest after their dangerous mission.
• Li Xin worries that they still need to kill three more demons, but Lin Jialu decides she should withdraw from the competition after recognizing her lack of strength.
• Inspector Feng Yangmu arrives and reveals that the team has already passed the assessment: killing one Fourth-Rank demon counted as five kills, and their earlier defeat of the Deke Clan Invisible One had already fulfilled the requirement.
• Feng Yangmu explains the structure of the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament, including the preliminary rounds, finals, and Best Demon Hunt Squad competition. Fifth-Rank participants will receive byes in the first two rounds.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen demonstrates remarkable combat ability by defeating a Fifth-Rank demon alone, confirming his exceptional talent and maturity. Despite feeling angry that the inspector allowed the danger to continue unnecessarily, he suppresses his frustration for the sake of the upcoming tournament.
• Li Xin shows confidence and pride in Long Haochen’s strength and their relationship. She is initially stunned by his victory but quickly returns to her teasing, affectionate personality.
• Lin Jialu is deeply shaken by the battle and recognizes the gap between her abilities and those of stronger competitors. She considers withdrawing, revealing increased self-awareness and humility.
• Haoyue continues to support Long Haochen and grows stronger by consuming the demon crystal.
• Feng Yangmu is introduced as the official teacher responsible for guiding the group through the tournament, though his decision to observe rather than intervene raises serious concerns about his judgment.

Significant Themes

• Growth and hidden strength: Long Haochen’s sudden display of Fifth-Rank power establishes how far he has progressed beyond his apparent age.
• Danger and responsibility: The team’s survival depended heavily on Long Haochen, highlighting the deadly consequences of inadequate strength and poor protection.
• Self-awareness: Lin Jialu’s willingness to withdraw shows that recognizing one’s limitations can be an important form of maturity.
• Competition and hierarchy: The tournament system emphasizes the intense rivalry among young talents across the Temple Alliance.
• Trust and authority: Long Haochen’s anger toward the inspector reflects the tension between relying on official guides and protecting oneself from reckless decisions.

Character Interactions

• Li Xin and Lin Jialu exchange playful teasing about Long Haochen’s strength and their romantic relationship, with Li Xin proudly calling him her “little boyfriend.”
• Long Haochen’s victory leaves the others speechless, especially Lin Jialu and the Chen siblings.
• Li Xin and the others discuss whether to continue the mission, while Lin Jialu admits she no longer feels capable of competing successfully.
• Feng Yangmu reassures the group that they have passed and becomes their new official guide for the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament.

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Yangmu explains the structure of the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament:
  • The Six Great Temples will each select ten finalists, creating sixty contestants.
  • Anyone who passes the preliminaries may become a Demon Hunt Squad member, while the finals determine rankings, rewards, and future team assignments.
  • Contestants will be assigned teammates through the Demon Hunt Roulette.
  • The top three finalists may personally choose one teammate outside the top three.
  • Ten Demon Hunt Squads will later compete in a team tournament at the Alliance border.
• The top three teams in the later competition will receive a Spirit Furnace, an exceptionally valuable treasure.
• After the explanation, Long Haochen encourages Li Xin to meditate instead of sleeping, since meditation after battle can accelerate cultivation.
• Li Xin successfully breaks through to become a Ninth-Level Grand Knight, surprising Lin Jialu and revealing the rapid progress caused partly by her improved Innate Internal Spiritual Energy and her contract with Long Haochen.
• The group leaves for Holy City under Feng Yangmu’s secret protection.
• In Exorcist City, Sheng Cai’er prepares to leave the Assassin Temple. She absorbs the black dagger into her brow and departs, determined to find Long Haochen in Holy City.
• Ten days later, Long Haochen’s group reaches Aimei City, where they rest before continuing to Holy City.
• Li Xin invites Long Haochen to go shopping with her, leaving Haoyue behind with the promise of dried fish.

2. Character Developments

• Long Haochen: Demonstrates maturity and knowledge by guiding Li Xin’s cultivation. His possession of the Six Desires Spirit Furnace makes him relatively uninterested in the tournament’s Spirit Furnace reward.
• Li Xin: Breaks through to the Ninth-Level Grand Knight realm. Her confidence increases, and she begins to believe that becoming a Divine Knight may be possible. She also shows a warm, close relationship with Long Haochen.
• Lin Jialu: Is shocked by Li Xin’s rapid advancement and jokingly suspects that she used a miraculous tonic.
• Feng Yangmu: Establishes the tournament rules and continues acting as the group’s concealed protector. His strength is identified as that of a Sixth-Tier, Fourth-Level Archmage.
• Sheng Cai’er: Leaves behind the painful memories of the Assassin Temple and becomes more determined to reunite with Long Haochen, whom she views as the “warm ray of light” sustaining her.

3. Significant Themes

• Cultivation through perseverance: Meditation after battle is presented as essential to transforming experience into greater strength.
• Treasure and opportunity: Spirit Furnaces symbolize life-changing power and motivate the contestants to compete.
• Hope and emotional attachment: Cai’er’s devotion to Long Haochen gives her purpose despite her blindness and painful past.
• Growth and destiny: Li Xin’s breakthrough suggests that talent, contracts, and hard work can dramatically alter one’s future.
• Competition and teamwork: The tournament is not only about individual rankings but also about the formation and success of future Demon Hunt Squads.

4. Character Interactions

• Feng Yangmu informs the group about the tournament while subtly recognizing that Long Haochen is their strongest contender.
• Long Haochen advises Li Xin to meditate, directly contributing to her breakthrough.
• Lin Jialu teases Li Xin about her sudden progress, while Li Xin privately attributes it to her bond with Long Haochen.
• Sheng Cai’er reflects on Long Haochen and plans to use his Forget-Me-Not Ring to locate him.
• Li Xin affectionately takes Long Haochen shopping, while playfully bribing Haoyue with dried fish so he will allow them to leave.

Chapter Summary: Holy Alliance Auction House of Aimei City

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Haochen leaves the hotel and meets Li Xin and Lin Jialu, who explain that they have reconciled and only bicker for fun.
• The three travel to the Holy Alliance Auction House in central Aimei City to sell the corpse of the Emerald Twin-Blade Demon.
• Li Xin introduces Long Haochen to the auction house, explaining that it is one of the largest facilities supported by the six Great Temples. It has no commission fees and can accommodate around ten thousand spectators.
• At the appraisal counter, the corpse is examined. The staff member reveals that the lack of a demon crystal reduces its value, setting the starting bid at eight hundred gold coins. Nevertheless, the corpse is rare enough that it is guaranteed to sell.
• Before the auction house can store the corpse, a young dark-green-haired mage suddenly offers to buy it directly for two thousand gold coins.
• The young man, who is wealthy, arrogant, and extremely narcissistic, is fascinated both by the corpse and by Long Haochen’s appearance. He humorously insists that it is impossible for anyone to be more handsome than himself.
• The staff initially tries to drive him away for disrupting the auction, but immediately changes attitude after seeing his special black card, which identifies him as an honored guest with authority to make advance offers.
• The young mage explains that he wants the corpse for making medicine and mentions that he plans to participate in the upcoming Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament.
• The chapter ends with Long Haochen considering the mage’s unusually high offer, leaving the outcome of the sale unresolved.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen: Continues to display a straightforward and practical personality. He is unfamiliar with auction-house procedures but quickly accepts the opportunity to learn about them. Although he is uncomfortable with the young mage’s attention, he is tempted by the unexpectedly high offer of two thousand gold coins.
• Li Xin: Acts protectively and affectionately toward Long Haochen, calling herself his “sister” and taking responsibility for introducing him to places he will likely need to visit as a future Demon Hunt Squad member.
• Lin Jialu: Shows her sharp-tongued, teasing nature, particularly in her comments about Chen Si and Chen Chen. She is also amused by the young mage’s arrogance.
• The dark-green-haired mage: Is introduced as a flamboyant, wealthy, self-important young man. His obsession with his own appearance provides comic relief, while his special status and interest in alchemical medicine suggest that he may be powerful or influential.

Significant Themes

• Preparation for the future: The visit familiarizes Long Haochen with the practical responsibilities associated with joining a Demon Hunt Squad, including selling valuable spoils and dealing with official institutions.
• Social status and privilege: The auction staff’s immediate change from hostility to obsequious respect after seeing the mage’s black card highlights how wealth, rank, and reputation influence behavior.
• Value and rarity: The Emerald Twin-Blade Demon’s corpse demonstrates how rare Demon Race materials can be valuable even without a demon crystal.
• Humor and personality contrasts: Long Haochen’s modest, sincere nature contrasts with the young mage’s extreme narcissism, creating much of the chapter’s comedy.

Important Character Interactions

• Li Xin and Lin Jialu’s playful bickering establishes that their apparent conflict is no longer serious.
• Li Xin guides Long Haochen like an older sister, explaining the auction house and encouraging him to gain experience.
• The auction staff treats Long Haochen routinely but becomes submissive toward the young mage after seeing his black card.
• The young mage’s direct negotiation with Long Haochen creates the chapter’s main tension: whether Long Haochen will honor the auction arrangement or accept the mage’s significantly higher offer.

Chapter Summary: Jade Bodyguard Pill and the Terms of Exchange

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Haochen agrees to sell the Emerald Twin-Blade Demon’s corpse to Lin Xin for 2,000 gold coins.
• Because Long Haochen lacks a Magic Crystal Card, Lin Xin helps him obtain one and transfers the payment.
• Lin Xin introduces himself and quickly declares Long Haochen his “brother,” offering him a ten percent discount when shopping with Lin Xin’s black card.
• Long Haochen, Li Xin, Lin Jialu, and Lin Xin enter the auction house together. Lin Xin provides them with a private room near the front.
• Lin Xin explains that the Emerald Twin-Blade Demon’s shell is used to make powerful pills. The first auction item is a Jade Bodyguard Pill, secretly the same type of “Strength Pill” Lin Xin showed Long Haochen.
• The pill increases defensive Outer Spiritual Power by 500 points for a short time. It sells for 1,800 gold coins despite Lin Xin’s dissatisfaction.
• Lin Xin offers Long Haochen the bottle of three pills in exchange for an honest answer about whether he personally killed the Emerald Twin-Blade Demon.
• Long Haochen confirms that he did, and Li Xin emphasizes that he killed it alone. Lin Xin is shocked to learn that Long Haochen is already at the Fifth Tier.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen: Remains calm and direct, though he is uncomfortable with Lin Xin’s overly familiar behavior and embarrassed by the discussion of his relationship with Li Xin. He demonstrates confidence by openly acknowledging his Fifth-Tier strength.
• Lin Xin: Is introduced as wealthy, outgoing, flirtatious, and highly enthusiastic. He is a pill refiner connected to the Holy Alliance Auction House and quickly becomes interested in Long Haochen’s abilities and the magical beast materials he possesses.
• Li Xin: Shows clear possessiveness and embarrassment when Lin Jialu teases her about Long Haochen. Her reaction also reveals that she and Long Haochen have an intimate romantic relationship.
• Lin Jialu: Enjoys provoking Li Xin and successfully tricks her into revealing a private incident involving Long Haochen.
• Xing Xuan: Appears as the elegant auctioneer and introduces the first item, the Jade Bodyguard Pill.

Significant Themes

• Trust and exchange: Lin Xin uses gifts, discounts, and bargains to build a relationship with Long Haochen, while Long Haochen must decide how much information to reveal.
• Power and reputation: Long Haochen’s solo defeat of a Fifth-Tier demon establishes him as exceptionally talented and draws Lin Xin’s attention.
• Romantic embarrassment and camaraderie: The teasing between Li Xin and Lin Jialu adds humor while revealing the closeness between Long Haochen and Li Xin.
• Value of magical resources: The demon’s corpse is shown to have significant economic and alchemical value, turning a battlefield victory into a profitable opportunity.

Important Character Interactions

• Lin Xin repeatedly treats Long Haochen as a close friend, while Long Haochen responds more cautiously.
• Lin Jialu teases Li Xin about supposedly losing Long Haochen to Lin Xin, prompting Li Xin to accidentally reveal their past romantic encounter.
• Lin Xin jokes that Li Xin and Lin Jialu are Long Haochen’s girlfriends, irritating and embarrassing him.
• During the auction, Lin Xin tests Long Haochen’s honesty by asking whether he killed the Emerald Twin-Blade Demon. Long Haochen answers truthfully, earning Lin Xin’s surprise and increasing Lin Xin’s respect for him.

Chapter Summary: “Lin Xin Gets Beaten to the Punch”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Xin offers Long Haochen a crystal bottle and asks for a favor in return: if Long Haochen places in the top three of the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament, he wants Long Haochen to choose him as a teammate.
• Lin Xin reveals that he is a Fifth-Order Mage and promises to provide unlimited medicines and financial support to the future squad. Although Long Haochen recognizes Lin Xin’s value, he suspects that Lin Xin has a hidden reason for seeking his promise.
• Lin Jialu objects to Lin Xin’s request, noting that she is also a Mage. Lin Xin dismisses her chances of reaching the finals, demonstrating that he possesses unusual insight into other people’s cultivation.
• Haoyue suddenly teleports to Long Haochen and identifies a mysterious stone sphere being auctioned. He tells Long Haochen that obtaining it will allow him to evolve a third head, potentially increasing both his and Long Haochen’s strength.
• The sphere begins at ten thousand gold coins. Long Haochen bargains with Lin Xin, offering to accept his request if Lin Xin lends him the money to purchase it.
• Before Lin Xin can agree, Lin Jialu bids the full amount herself and wins the sphere, unintentionally—or deliberately—“beating Lin Xin to the punch.”
• Lin Jialu explains that she bought the sphere to repay Long Haochen for saving her life. Long Haochen accepts the gift, and the sphere is delivered and stored in his Forget-Me-Not Ring.

Character Development

• Long Haochen is shown as thoughtful and pragmatic. He recognizes the advantages of having Lin Xin as a teammate but does not agree blindly, first asking about Lin Xin’s cultivation. He also prioritizes Haoyue’s evolution and is willing to negotiate in order to obtain the sphere.
• Lin Xin is established as a resourceful Fifth-Order Mage and talented potion maker. Despite his strength and wealth, he is unusually eager to secure Long Haochen as a teammate, suggesting a personal weakness or hidden difficulty. His confidence and scheming nature are undercut by Lin Jialu’s sudden purchase.
• Lin Jialu displays generosity, confidence, and affection toward Long Haochen. She repays him for saving her life and openly jokes about her romantic interest in him, while also competing with Lin Xin and teasing Li Xin.
• Li Xin remains protective and possessive of her relationship with Long Haochen. She approves of Lin Jialu’s repayment but reacts jealously when Lin Jialu touches and flirts with him.
• Haoyue demonstrates increasing importance to the story by identifying the sphere’s value and revealing that it can trigger his evolution into a three-headed magical beast.

Significant Themes

• Reciprocity and indebtedness: Lin Xin offers resources in exchange for a future alliance, while Lin Jialu gives Long Haochen the sphere as repayment for saving her life.
• Trust and strategic alliances: The formation of a Demon Hunt Squad is presented as both a personal and tactical decision, with each member’s abilities and resources carrying significant weight.
• Hidden abilities and mysteries: Lin Xin’s unexplained motivations, his failed Insight Spell, Haoyue’s mysterious evolution, and the unknown nature of the stone sphere all create suspense.
• Affection and rivalry: Li Xin and Lin Jialu’s playful competition introduces romantic tension, while Lin Xin’s rivalry with his cousin turns the auction into a comedic contest.
• Growth through bonds: Long Haochen’s strength is connected not only to his own cultivation but also to his relationships with Haoyue and potential companions.

Character Interactions

• Lin Xin tries to secure Long Haochen’s loyalty through gifts, promises of medicine, and financial support.
• Lin Jialu challenges Lin Xin’s request and later outmaneuvers him by purchasing the sphere herself.
• Long Haochen negotiates with Lin Xin but ultimately accepts Lin Jialu’s gift out of respect for her gratitude.
• Li Xin and Lin Jialu exchange teasing remarks over their affection for Long Haochen, leaving him embarrassed by their uninhibited behavior.
• Haoyue’s urgent request redirects Long Haochen’s attention from team-building to securing the item necessary for his next evolution.

Chapter Summary: “When in Doubt, Ask Haoyue”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Xin offers Long Haochen three bottles of powerful pills in exchange for a promise that he may join Long Haochen’s future Demon Hunt Squad.
• Lin Xin reveals that he is a support-focused Mage and alchemist who cannot use offensive magic. He fears being unable to perform well in the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament and hopes Long Haochen will give him a chance.
• Long Haochen hesitates, worried that Lin Xin would become a burden who needed protection. Haoyue advises him to accept, assuring him that Lin Xin is trustworthy.
• Long Haochen agrees, and Lin Xin happily leaves, believing the arrangement is a worthwhile investment because of Long Haochen’s exceptional potential.
• Back at the hotel, Haoyue consumes the stone sphere and returns to the World of Darkness and Fire to prepare for his next evolution. He will be unable to fight alongside Long Haochen temporarily.
• Long Haochen examines Lin Xin’s pills:
  • One increases Inner Spiritual Power for cultivators below the Fifth Tier.
  • One restores a large amount of Inner Spiritual Power within seconds.
  • One increases combat strength by twenty percent for thirty seconds, followed by a day of weakness.
• Long Haochen realizes the pills will be highly valuable, especially the first bottle, which can help Li Xin advance more quickly.
• The next morning, Long Haochen and his companions continue toward the Holy City. Near the city, they encounter six defeated men, including Gui Wu, who has been beaten by a bald Priest named Sima Xian after attempting to steal his tournament number plate.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen: Demonstrates caution and responsibility by considering the risks of accepting Lin Xin. He also shows sound judgment by trusting Haoyue’s insight and recognizing Lin Xin’s sincerity. His confidence in assessing people and his willingness to accept a potentially unconventional teammate both develop.
• Lin Xin: Reveals his insecurity and combat weakness but also his intelligence, resourcefulness, and considerable value as an alchemist. His willingness to surrender a large portion of his savings shows how seriously he wants to join Long Haochen’s team.
• Haoyue: Acts as Long Haochen’s trusted adviser and confirms that Lin Xin will be a reliable partner. His impending evolution marks another stage in his growth, though it temporarily separates him from Long Haochen.
• Li Xin: Gains access to pills that may significantly improve her cultivation, making Lin Xin’s contribution valuable even before he officially joins the team.
• Gui Wu: Continues to behave arrogantly and antagonistically despite his previous defeat and injury. His attempt to steal another contestant’s number plate reinforces his reputation as a malicious and dishonorable Knight.
• Sima Xian: Is introduced as an exceptionally large and intimidating bald Priest. His powerful appearance and easy defeat of Gui Wu suggest that he is an unusual and formidable competitor.

Significant Themes

• Trust and judgment: Long Haochen must decide whether to trust Lin Xin despite his lack of offensive ability. The chapter emphasizes judging a person’s character and potential rather than focusing only on conventional combat strength.
• Teamwork and complementary abilities: Lin Xin may not be a damage dealer, but his alchemy and support abilities can greatly strengthen a team. The chapter suggests that a successful Demon Hunt Squad requires varied talents.
• Growth and investment in the future: Lin Xin joins Long Haochen based not only on his current strength but also on his extraordinary potential. Haoyue’s evolution and Li Xin’s cultivation similarly emphasize preparation for future battles.
• The value of guidance: Haoyue’s advice prevents Long Haochen from making an unnecessarily difficult decision, leading Long Haochen to realize that he should consult Haoyue whenever he is uncertain.
• Honor versus selfishness: Lin Xin makes a sincere, mutually beneficial bargain, while Gui Wu continues to act dishonorably, creating a contrast between genuine cooperation and selfish ambition.

Important Character Interactions

• Long Haochen and Lin Xin: Their negotiation establishes the foundation for a future partnership. Lin Xin offers valuable pills, while Long Haochen offers trust and a place on his team.
• Long Haochen and Haoyue: Haoyue’s brief advice decisively influences Long Haochen. Their interaction reflects their deep trust and dependence on one another.
• Long Haochen and Li Xin: Li Xin questions Long Haochen’s decision, worried that he acted impulsively. Long Haochen reassures her that he trusts his own judgment and believes Lin Xin is sincere.
• Gui Wu and Sima Xian: Gui Wu’s attempt to steal Sima Xian’s number plate ends with Gui Wu and his companions defeated. Gui Wu leaves with a threat, while Sima Xian remains openly disdainful of them.

Chapter Summary: “Enemies Meet on a Narrow Road”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Haochen meets Sima Xian, an unusual bald Priest who defeated Gui Wu and his followers. Sima explains that Gui Wu tried to steal his competition number plate and disqualify him because Sima cannot heal—an abnormal weakness for a Priest.
• Sima leaves for Holy City, jokingly suggesting that he and Long Haochen may meet again in the finals.
• Long Haochen, Li Xin, and their companions arrive in Holy City, the central city of the Temple Alliance and the location of the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament.
• Supervisor Feng Yangmu registers Long Haochen’s group at the Temple Alliance Grand Trial Grounds. The members of the group then separate to compete in their respective Temple preliminary rounds.
• Long Haochen and Li Xin meet their instructor, Ye Hua, who informs them that the preliminary rounds will begin after a day of rest. He explains that the strongest competitors are likely to be Fifth-Rank professionals.
• Fifth-Rank competitors receive byes through the first two rounds. Long Haochen plans to use the time to observe other competitors and support Cai’er, his girlfriend, during her matches.
• When the tournament begins, Long Haochen is assigned competitor number one and Li Xin number ninety-eight. Because Long Haochen is Fifth Rank, he is seated in the front row.
• Ye Hua encounters his old rival, Ghost Shadow, who is accompanied by his son Gui Wu. Gui Wu angrily recalls that Long Haochen previously crippled one of his arms.
• When Gui Wu learns that Long Haochen has advanced to Fifth Rank, he loses his courage and abandons any intention of seeking revenge, revealing his cowardly tendency to bully the weak and fear stronger opponents.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen: Demonstrates growing strength and maturity. His Fifth-Rank status earns him privileged treatment and establishes him as a serious contender. He also reflects more deeply on separation and the possibility that his former companions may drift away from him.
• Sima Xian: Is introduced as an unconventional Priest who cannot heal but possesses impressive combat ability. His confidence and humor make him stand out from traditional Priests.
• Li Xin: Remains supportive and lighthearted, finding Sima Xian’s strange combination of Priesthood and Warrior-like appearance amusing.
• Ye Hua: Acts as a practical mentor, explaining the tournament structure and warning Long Haochen not to become careless despite his strength.
• Gui Wu: Is shown to be vindictive but cowardly. His desire for revenge disappears as soon as he realizes Long Haochen is much stronger than expected.
• Long Haochen’s former companions: Their separation causes Long Haochen to recognize that differences in strength may gradually divide people who were once close.

Significant Themes

• Strength and status: Advancement in cultivation changes how others perceive and treat a person. Long Haochen’s Fifth-Rank status immediately commands respect and discourages Gui Wu’s hostility.
• Prejudice and unconventional talent: Sima Xian challenges assumptions about the Priest profession, proving that someone who lacks healing ability can still be a powerful fighter.
• Parting and emotional loss: Long Haochen reflects on how companions may separate because of differing abilities and future paths, connecting this experience to the sorrow of “Loving Separation.”
• Courage versus bullying: Gui Wu’s behavior exposes the difference between genuine bravery and aggression toward weaker opponents.
• Preparation and humility: Despite his advantage, Long Haochen is encouraged to observe, prepare, and avoid underestimating his rivals.

Important Character Interactions

• Long Haochen and Sima Xian: They meet after Sima’s confrontation with Gui Wu and form a friendly first impression, with the possibility of facing each other later.
• Long Haochen and Li Xin: They share amusement over Sima Xian and continue traveling and preparing for the tournament together.
• Long Haochen and his former companions: Their farewell is bittersweet, as Long Haochen realizes that they may not reunite if they fail to advance.
• Ye Hua and Long Haochen: Ye Hua provides tournament guidance and emphasizes the importance of caution and observation.
• Ye Hua and Ghost Shadow: Their old rivalry resurfaces through sharp exchanges about Long Haochen and Gui Wu.
• Gui Wu and Long Haochen: Although Gui Wu wants revenge for his injured arm, Long Haochen’s Fifth-Rank cultivation frightens him into backing down.

Chapter Summary: “Li Xin’s First Battle”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament officially begins under the supervision of Han Qian and the presidium.
• The rules are announced: contestants are eliminated after one loss, deliberate maiming is forbidden, and deaths hold both the contestant and their city branch accountable.
• Of the 138 contestants, five Fifth-Tier participants receive byes for the first two rounds.
• The random drawing selects Li Xin as the first contestant to fight. She faces Contestant Twenty-Nine, a Guardian Knight mounted on a Level Four Snow Spirit Horse.
• Li Xin deliberately withholds her Rose Unicorn, choosing not to reveal her trump card against an opponent she judges to be weaker.
• Her opponent uses several defensive and offensive techniques, including Aura of Faith, Guardian’s Gift, Light Slash Sword, Holy Infusion Shield, and the Snow Spirit Horse’s Ice Mist.
• Li Xin calmly counters with her own Light Slash Sword and a powerful Fifth-Rank Retribution Knight technique, Holy Sword.
• Her attack cuts through the Ice Mist and shatters her opponent’s shield, injuring both the Guardian Knight and his mount.
• Li Xin defeats him in only two moves without summoning her own mount. The referee declares her the winner, and Contestant Twenty-Nine is eliminated.

Character Developments

• Li Xin demonstrates remarkable confidence, composure, and restraint. Although she is only a Ninth-Level Grand Knight, her strength approaches the Fifth Tier, and she displays mastery of a Fifth-Rank skill.
• She shows strong tactical judgment by recognizing that the Snow Spirit Horse and its rider do not warrant revealing the Rose Unicorn.
• Her victory establishes her as one of the tournament’s serious competitors and draws the attention of the highest-ranking knights.
• Long Haochen remains supportive of Li Xin but privately jokes about disciplining her after she teasingly raises an eyebrow at him.
• Ye Hua acts as Li Xin’s final source of encouragement before the fight, urging her to remain calm and steady.
• Contestant Twenty-Nine is overconfident in his defenses but is shocked by the overwhelming difference between his ability and Li Xin’s.

Significant Themes

• Strength versus preparation: The tournament emphasizes practical combat ability rather than ceremony or spectacle.
• Strategic restraint: Li Xin’s refusal to use her mount highlights the importance of conserving hidden abilities and not exposing one’s full strength unnecessarily.
• The gap between tiers: The battle reveals how dramatically superior cultivation and technique can be, as Li Xin overwhelms an apparently capable Guardian Knight almost instantly.
• Recognition and reputation: Exceptional performance attracts the attention of the tournament’s leaders, suggesting that victory may lead to greater opportunities but also increased scrutiny.
• Duty against the Demon Race: The tournament is framed not as entertainment, but as a selection process for warriors who will fight the demons.

Character Interactions

• Ye Hua advises Li Xin before she enters the arena, reinforcing his role as a mentor or senior companion.
• Li Xin and her opponent exchange attacks, with her superior skill quickly turning his offensive and defensive techniques against him.
• After winning, Li Xin provocatively signals to Long Haochen, and he responds with affectionate amusement.
• Han Qian and Yang Haohan discuss Li Xin’s abilities, particularly her use of Holy Sword, and Han Qian orders an investigation into her background and training.

Chapter Summary: “Reunion with Cai’er”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Li Xin’s victory, Ye Hua questions how she learned Holy Sword, a skill normally restricted to Fifth-Rank Retribution Knights. Li Xin reveals that Long Haochen is her “other teacher,” implying his influence and abilities have grown significantly.
• Li Xin and Long Haochen watch several more tournament matches but quickly become bored because the remaining competitors are much weaker than them. Ye Hua advises them to return and cultivate.
• On the way back, Li Xin leaves to purchase women’s necessities, while Long Haochen continues toward the hotel alone.
• During his walk, Long Haochen notices a mysterious, veiled girl with purple hair, a bamboo cane, and lifeless gray-white eyes. Her deathly aura and familiar presence remind him of someone from his past.
• Using the Forget-Me-Not Ring, Long Haochen confirms that the girl is Cai’er, whom he has not seen for several years.
• Cai’er is now blind and physically fragile, but she recognizes Long Haochen through the ring and allows him to guide her home.
• As they walk, Cai’er gives him precise directions to her residence and learns that his name is Long Haochen. He discovers that she lives in Exorcist City, headquarters of the Assassin Temple, and is also participating in the Demon Hunt Squad Selection Tournament.
• Long Haochen realizes that Cai’er’s transformation from a lively child into a withdrawn, nearly lifeless girl must have resulted from severe suffering. He wants to protect and help her, though he accidentally risks touching on the painful subject of her family.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen demonstrates greater maturity, perceptiveness, and emotional sensitivity. He recognizes Cai’er despite her changed appearance and immediately becomes protective of her after seeing her blindness and emotional numbness.
• Li Xin is shown to have advanced considerably as a knight, possessing Holy Sword despite not learning it directly from Nalan Shu. Her embarrassed reaction to Long Haochen’s questions also highlights her modesty and growing independence.
• Cai’er has changed dramatically. Once spirited and outspoken, she is now blind, emotionally distant, and surrounded by a frightening killing intent. Nevertheless, her meeting with Long Haochen awakens strong but restrained emotions, revealing that she still remembers and responds to him deeply.
• Long Haochen’s relationship with Cai’er begins to shift from childhood familiarity toward a stronger emotional bond based on compassion, recognition, and his desire to care for her.

Significant Themes

• Reunion and recognition: The chapter centers on Long Haochen identifying Cai’er beneath her physical and emotional changes, showing that genuine connection survives separation and hardship.
• Suffering and transformation: Cai’er’s blindness and withdrawn personality suggest the profound consequences of trauma and sacrifice.
• Protection and compassion: Long Haochen’s instinctive wish to help Cai’er marks an important development in his emotional growth.
• Hidden strength: Both Cai’er and Li Xin possess abilities and histories that are not immediately apparent. Cai’er’s frail appearance conceals her identity as a powerful assassin, while Li Xin’s mastery of Holy Sword indicates unusual talent and training.
• Hope amid darkness: The clearing skies and sunlight after Cai’er’s reunion with Long Haochen symbolically suggest the return of warmth and hope to her bleak life.

Character Interactions

• Li Xin and Ye Hua: Ye Hua questions Li Xin about Holy Sword, and her answer points to Long Haochen’s role in her development.
• Li Xin and Long Haochen: Their sibling-like closeness is shown through their walk home and playful embarrassment, though Li Xin maintains some personal boundaries.
• Long Haochen and Cai’er: Their reunion is the emotional core of the chapter. Long Haochen confirms her identity through the Forget-Me-Not Ring, gently removes her veil, and escorts her home. Cai’er remains mostly silent but is visibly overwhelmed and carefully memorizes his name, suggesting the depth of her feelings.

Chapter Summary: Eccentrics of the Great Temples

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Haochen escorts Cai’er back to her hotel after their reunion. When Cai’er says she has no family, Long Haochen promises, “I’ll be your family,” deeply moving her.
• He gives her the location of his room and assures her she can visit him whenever she misses him. Cai’er then asks him to walk her back again the following day, revealing her desire to spend more time with him.
• After they part, both continue thinking about each other. Cai’er reflects that although they have changed and endured different hardships, their feelings remain the same. Long Haochen struggles to calm his emotions before entering cultivation.
• Meanwhile, the first round of the Six Great Temples’ preliminary competition concludes, eliminating half the contestants.
• Several unusually powerful or unconventional contestants attract attention:
  • Lin Xin, a Mage unable to cast offensive magic, attempts to bribe fellow contestants by selling them pills.
  • Sima Xian, a Priest incapable of healing, uses Berserk and a Holy Light Hammer to defeat opponents through brute force.
  • Wang Yuanyuan, an exceptionally powerful female Shield Warrior, defeats the Berserker Chen Chen in only three attacks by using overwhelming offense rather than defense.
  • A petite Fourth-Tier Summoner unexpectedly summons an Eighth-Level Peak Three-Headed Hellhound, terrifying her opponent into immediate surrender.
• The judges are astonished by the unusually large number of eccentric and unconventional competitors this year. The contestants return to rest and prepare for the next round, while Long Haochen continues cultivating late into the night.

Character Developments

• Long Haochen becomes more emotionally open and protective toward Cai’er. His promise to become her family demonstrates his growing tenderness and sense of responsibility.
• Cai’er shows increasing trust and affection toward Long Haochen. Though blind, she feels comforted by his presence and eagerly arranges another meeting with him.
• Lin Xin, Sima Xian, and the other unusual contestants are introduced as specialists who defy the normal expectations of their respective professions.
• Wang Yuanyuan is established as confident, powerful, and battle-hungry. Despite being a Shield Warrior, she prefers direct, crushing offense.
• The unnamed female Summoner is shown to be playful and fortunate, using her rare summoned beast to end the match without a fight.

Significant Themes

• Family beyond blood: Long Haochen offers Cai’er emotional security by promising to become her family, emphasizing chosen bonds and companionship.
• Enduring love and reunion: Although Long Haochen and Cai’er have physically changed and suffered losses, their emotional connection remains intact.
• Individuality and unconventional strength: The chapter highlights how each Temple’s “eccentrics” succeed by breaking traditional expectations rather than following standard roles.
• Luck and unpredictability: The Summoner’s victory demonstrates how chance can dramatically influence competition.
• Dedication and discipline: While others rest, Long Haochen continues cultivating, reinforcing his determination to improve.

Important Character Interactions

• Long Haochen and Cai’er: Their intimate conversation forms the emotional center of the chapter. His promise to be her family and her request for another walk show their deepening relationship.
• Long Haochen and the other competitors: Though he does not directly interact with them in this chapter, his role as an observer and his continued cultivation contrast with the chaotic battles elsewhere.
• Chen Chen and Wang Yuanyuan: Chen Chen expects to overcome a defensive Shield Warrior but is decisively defeated by Yuanyuan’s overwhelming offensive use of her massive shield.
• The Summoner and her opponent: Her accidental summoning of the Three-Headed Hellhound frightens her opponent into surrender, ending the battle almost immediately.