Chapter Summaries

Shen Luo discovered that Yu Granny had secretly prepared a formation beneath the secret chamber to trap Elder Wuming and Elder Fu, and he fought her after killing the formation's other operators. Yu Granny revealed an ulterior motive before conjuring a purple armored warrior to attack Shen Luo.

• Elder Wuming and Elder Fu heard the ground rumbling and stopped attacking the formation, believing reinforcements had arrived.
• Shen Luo confronted Yu Granny in the cavern beneath the secret chamber and learned she had secretly excavated it and prepared the formation.
• Yu Granny admitted she had intended to trap Elder Wuming and had not expected Elder Fu to be there, while Shen Luo questioned her reasons for coming to Heavenly Mechanism City.
• Shen Luo provoked Yu Granny into nearly revealing that she had another motive, then recognized she had been stalling for time.
• Yu Granny summoned purple mist that formed an armored warrior, which drew a saber and slashed at Shen Luo.

Chapter Summary: “Perilous Battle”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Luo narrowly evades the Purple Flow Puppet Armor’s saber, discovering that its slashes release invisible aftershock blades capable of damaging targets and even cutting the supposedly sturdy black metal obelisk.
• His Pure Yang Flying Sword easily pierces the Puppet Armor, but the attack has little effect. Flames engulf the armor without destroying it, confirming that it is not a normal physical construct.
• Yu Granny reveals that the armor’s “Purple Flow” slashes cannot be blocked. It then attacks Shen Luo with a purple chain fired from a dragon-headed mechanism.
• Shen Luo activates the Profound Yang Demon Transformation Secret Technique, combining Chi You Demonic Aura and Pure Yang Power. His cultivation surges to the peak of the True Immortal Mid-Stage, while dragon scales and Demon Armor protect his body.
• The purple chain pierces Shen Luo’s chest, causing severe pain and burning, but he uses the sword to coil and pull the chain, drawing the Puppet Armor toward him.
• Searching for the armor’s core with his Netherworld Ghost Eye, Shen Luo finds nothing. He then takes a risky approach by charging directly through the Puppet Armor’s body.
• The armor twists around and attempts to stab Shen Luo while he is trapped inside it. At the crucial moment, Ghost General Zhao Feiji emerges from Shen Luo’s shadow and uses the Dragon-Burying Flute to restrain the armor through its Soul-Seizing Demonic Sound.
• Yu Granny briefly loses focus, allowing Shen Luo to escape. The Puppet Armor’s saber instead pierces through its own body.
• Shen Luo notices a strange, patterned gemstone embedded in the saber’s hilt, suggesting it may be connected to the Puppet Armor’s control or power, though he cannot inspect it fully.
• Shen Luo summons a second Pure Yang Flying Sword and uses the Twin Swords United technique. The two swords attack Yu Granny and the Puppet Armor with powerful flames.
• Yu Granny counters by summoning an Octagonal Bronze Bell. Its yellow barrier repels both flying swords and releases a powerful sonic blast that sends Zhao Feiji flying, though the barrier is visibly cracked by the attack.

Character Developments

• Shen Luo demonstrates quick thinking and increasing willingness to endure injury in order to uncover the Puppet Armor’s weakness. His transformation greatly boosts his power, but he remains vulnerable to the armor’s unblockable attacks.
• He shifts from direct sword combat to tactical experimentation, testing the chain, examining the armor with his Netherworld Ghost Eye, and exploiting its physical nature.
• Yu Granny remains a dangerous and experienced controller, able to recover quickly from Zhao Feiji’s mental attack and fight while simultaneously manipulating the Puppet Armor.
• Zhao Feiji proves essential by intervening at the moment Shen Luo is most vulnerable. His Dragon-Burying Flute can disrupt the armor indirectly by affecting Yu Granny’s mind, though its control effect is brief.
• The battle reveals that Shen Luo’s multiple Pure Yang Flying Swords can work together as a coordinated and increasingly powerful weapon system.

Significant Themes

• Strategy over brute force: Shen Luo cannot simply overpower the Puppet Armor, so he relies on observation, risk-taking, and exploiting openings.
• Hidden weaknesses: The armor’s strange construction and the gemstone in the saber’s hilt hint that its power depends on a concealed core or control mechanism.
• The cost of power: Shen Luo’s transformation raises his strength dramatically, but he still suffers serious wounds from the armor’s attacks.
• Coordination and timing: Shen Luo’s survival depends on Zhao Feiji’s perfectly timed intervention, while Yu Granny’s strength comes from coordinating her own abilities with the Puppet Armor and defensive bell.
• Escalation of the battle: Both sides reveal stronger techniques and treasures, turning the confrontation into a contest between layered offense, defense, and control.

Character Interactions

• Shen Luo and Yu Granny engage in a close, highly tactical duel, with Yu Granny taunting him about the armor’s unblockable slashes.
• Shen Luo directly challenges the Puppet Armor to discover its nature and weakness, while Yu Granny uses it to counter his movements.
• Zhao Feiji intervenes on Shen Luo’s behalf, temporarily disrupting Yu Granny’s concentration and saving Shen Luo from being stabbed from within the armor.
• Yu Granny responds by attacking Zhao Feiji with her staff and later using the Octagonal Bronze Bell to drive him back and shield herself from Shen Luo’s united sword attack.
• The chapter ends with both sides still active: Shen Luo’s twin swords have damaged the bell’s barrier, but Yu Granny’s defenses remain intact and the battle is unresolved.

Shen Luo destroyed Yu Granny’s puppet armor, killed her, and broke the Ancient Yan Pattern Formation to free Elder Fu and Elder Wuming. He joined them in Elder Wuming’s secret chamber as they prepared to discuss what had happened to Heavenly Mechanism City.

• Shen Luo shattered the Purple Flow Puppet Armor’s Puppet Core hidden in its saber, then discovered the weapon’s corrosive energy could damage the metal obelisks.
• Yu Granny attacked Shen Luo, but he trapped her with his Pure Yang Flying Swords and the Taiyi Puppet Armor, which pierced her chest before the flying sword’s flames consumed her.
• Shen Luo used the saber’s corrosive energy to widen a mark in an obelisk, then broke it apart with a punch and shattered the Ancient Yan Pattern Formation.
• Elder Fu and Elder Wuming called to Shen Luo through the opening, and he collected the broken obelisk before joining them in Elder Wuming’s secret chamber.

Shen Luo rescued Elder Wuming from an attack, then rushed to the Puppetcraft Workshop, where he found Nie Caizhu wounded and Elder Man Bo unconscious after an ambush. As Che Qingtian claimed the city lord’s position from a Mechanism City hovering above Heavenly Mechanism City, the attackers began raining fire on the city, and Elder Wuming realized they had targeted Man Bo for his elder’s token.

• Shen Luo explained that he had followed an underground traveler and rescued Elder Wuming and the others from a formation.
• Elder Mo Wang arrived with reinforcements, but a blast at the Puppetcraft Workshop sent Shen Luo racing there.
• Shen Luo found Nie Caizhu with minor injuries and Elder Man Bo unconscious after three attackers ambushed him and took his two storage rings.
• Elder Wuming and Shen Luo suspected the attackers had targeted Man Bo for his elder’s token as explosions and battles spread through the city.
• Che Qingtian appeared atop a Mechanism City, declared he would reclaim the city lord’s position, and launched a citywide barrage of fiery projectiles.

Heavenly Mechanism City faced a full-scale assault while Che Qingtian’s forces targeted the Heaven-Supporting Engine. Shen Luo and Elder Wuming hurried to defend it, discovering that Qingqiu Fox Clan members were among the invaders.

• Elder Wuming issued a Crisis Decree, and Heavenly Mechanism City’s defenders raised a barrier and sent Puppet Armor constructs to meet the attackers.
• Elder Wuming sent Elder Fu Hai and Elder Yu Ji to activate Annihilation, then revealed that Che Qingtian was a Puppet Armor decoy and led Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu toward the Heaven-Supporting Engine.
• Elder Wuming explained that the invaders sought the Heaven-Supporting Engine and that Che Qingtian might know how to bypass its restrictions as a descendant of its creator.
• Elder Fu Hai and Elder Yu Ji used Annihilation to strike Mechanism City, while Shen Luo spotted Elder Youli and other Qingqiu Fox Clan members among its attackers.
• Elder Wuming said the city lord could not leave secluded cultivation, so he and Shen Luo continued toward the Heaven-Supporting Engine to stop the invaders.

Chapter Summary: Upper City

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Luo, Nie Caizhu, and Elder Wuming fight their way through attacks by Puppet Armor and Qingqiu Fox Clan members, defeating them with ease.
• They reach the base of the Heaven-Supporting Engine, where Elder Wuming uses his elder’s token to activate a protective restriction. The barrier allows them to ascend safely to Heavenly Mechanism Upper City, located in the Engine’s raised palm.
• Unlike the Lower City, the Upper City remains peaceful because layered restrictions established by the first city lord, the second city lord, and the Little Master prevent Che Qingtian and his allies from entering.
• Believing the mechanism controlling the Heaven-Supporting Engine may be located in its head, the group approaches it but is immediately attacked by a massive earthen-yellow pillar covered in Yan Patterns.
• Shen Luo struggles to hold back the pillar. Chi Man’er then descends onto it, dramatically increasing its weight and forcing Shen Luo down onto the Engine’s arm.
• Elder Wuming intervenes, relieving the pressure and driving Chi Man’er back. He reveals that he is wearing a pale-gold Puppet Armor glove and concludes that their opponents are stronger than expected.
• Shen Luo attacks Chi Man’er with seven Pure Yang Flying Swords, combining them into a Golden Crow-shaped fire attack.
• Chi Man’er defends himself with his Yan-Patterned pillar, while Hou Shan joins the battle and attempts to absorb Shen Luo’s flying swords with his bronze Sword-Collecting Gourd.
• Nie Caizhu protects Shen Luo by striking the gourd with her Indigo Sea ability, freezing it and disrupting Hou Shan’s technique. Shen Luo then retrieves his swords.
• Hou Shan and Chi Man’er regroup atop the giant pillar, preparing for the next exchange.

Character Developments

• Shen Luo: Demonstrates immense physical strength by resisting the enormous pillar, but recognizes that Chi Man’er’s power is far greater than expected. He also shows tactical flexibility by controlling his flying swords to evade Chi Man’er’s defensive sweep.
• Elder Wuming: Acts as the group’s guide and protector. He reveals access to Puppet Armor and proves capable of countering Chi Man’er, but acknowledges that the enemy situation is more dangerous than anticipated.
• Nie Caizhu: Shows quick judgment and strong combat awareness. Her timely Indigo Sea attack saves Shen Luo’s flying swords from being swallowed by Hou Shan’s gourd.
• Chi Man’er: Though previously appearing dull-witted and physically unimpressive, he reveals extraordinary strength and mastery of the Yan-Patterned pillar.
• Hou Shan: Displays a specialized treasure, the Sword-Collecting Gourd, designed to seize opponents’ flying swords. His first attempt nearly succeeds, but Nie Caizhu’s intervention prevents him from gaining the advantage.

Significant Themes

• Hidden strength and deceptive appearances: Chi Man’er seems to be the weakest of the enemy group, yet his physical power rivals or exceeds that of the others.
• Defense and preparation: The Upper City’s layered restrictions demonstrate the importance of long-term planning and protection against invasion.
• Teamwork and mutual support: Shen Luo, Elder Wuming, and Nie Caizhu combine their abilities effectively, with Nie Caizhu’s intervention directly preserving Shen Luo’s weapons.
• Battlefield adaptation: Both sides quickly adjust their techniques—Shen Luo changes the trajectory of his Golden Crow attack, while Hou Shan exploits the weakness of Shen Luo’s flying swords.
• Ancient mechanisms and power: The Heaven-Supporting Engine continues to represent overwhelming, almost divine mechanical power, setting the scale and danger of the conflict.

Character Interactions

• Elder Wuming explains the Upper City’s defenses to Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu and later rescues Shen Luo from Chi Man’er’s crushing attack.
• Shen Luo and Elder Wuming agree to combine forces after realizing the enemy is stronger than expected.
• Shen Luo directly clashes with Chi Man’er’s pillar technique, while Hou Shan intervenes to support Chi Man’er.
• Nie Caizhu counters Hou Shan’s attempt to steal Shen Luo’s swords, reinforcing the trust and cooperation between her and Shen Luo.
• The chapter ends with Hou Shan and Chi Man’er confronting the group together, signaling that the battle is about to intensify.

Summary of “Deceiving Heaven and Crossing the Sea”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hou Shan confronts Shen Luo and Elder Wuming, explaining that his master merely intends to reclaim control of the Heaven-Supporting Engine. Elder Wuming reveals that the Engine’s right ear canal is an entrance and instructs Shen Luo and the others to enter through it when given the opportunity.
• Elder Wuming uses an illusion technique to conceal himself as he flies toward the ear canal, but Hou Shan attacks with his Cold Plum Silk Fan. The fan releases poisonous purple smoke filled with extreme heat, embers, and lava-like Fire Poison, forcing Elder Wuming back.
• Nie Caizhu intervenes, using her Azure Wave Ribbon and the “Indigo Sea” technique to counter Hou Shan’s fiery purple smoke. Her water-based power clashes with the smoke, producing dense steam.
• Elder Wuming attempts to reach the entrance, but Chi Man’er blocks him with his enormous rune-covered pillar. Shen Luo intervenes with the Mysterious Yellow Unity Staff, striking the pillar and allowing Elder Wuming to enter the ear canal.
• Inside, however, Elder Wuming is quickly blasted back out by a powerful attack from the woman Qing Hu, who is guarding the entrance and warning that Che Qingtian is at a critical stage in breaking the formation.
• Chi Man’er tries to pursue and kill Elder Wuming, but Elder Wuming realizes that the enemy fears his Puppetcraft expertise. He proposes a change of strategy: he will draw the opponents’ attention while Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu enter the Engine and stop Che Qingtian.
• Elder Wuming gives Shen Luo his elder’s token and warns him to beware of Qing Hu’s ambush inside.
• Nie Caizhu uses “Indigo Sea” to freeze and shatter Hou Shan’s purple smoke python, destroying the Cold Plum Silk Fan in the process.
• With Hou Shan temporarily weakened, Elder Wuming gathers a massive golden sphere of power and signals Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu to act.

Character Developments

• Shen Luo demonstrates growing confidence and tactical ability. He directly confronts Chi Man’er, protects Elder Wuming, and accepts responsibility for infiltrating the Engine.
• Elder Wuming proves himself both resourceful and self-sacrificing. After recognizing that his Puppetcraft knowledge makes him the primary target, he deliberately offers to distract the enemies so Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu can proceed.
• Nie Caizhu displays powerful control over water-based techniques. Her use of “Indigo Sea” decisively counters Hou Shan’s fire-and-poison abilities and destroys his weapon.
• Chi Man’er is portrayed as powerful but simplistic and single-minded. He obeys his master’s command rigidly, focusing almost entirely on preventing Elder Wuming from entering.
• Hou Shan relies on deceptive, elemental attacks and initially gains the upper hand, but is caught off guard by Nie Caizhu’s stronger counterattack.
• Qing Hu, though mostly unseen, is established as a dangerous guardian capable of repelling Elder Wuming and protecting Che Qingtian’s formation-breaking efforts.
• Che Qingtian remains offstage but is revealed to be controlling or attempting to break the formation surrounding the Heaven-Supporting Engine.

Significant Themes

• Deception and misdirection: The group uses concealment, feints, and a diversionary strategy to bypass the enemy’s defenses.
• Teamwork and sacrifice: Elder Wuming willingly draws enemy attention, while Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu take on the mission of entering the Engine.
• Specialized knowledge as a threat: The enemies fear Elder Wuming because of his Puppetcraft expertise, showing that knowledge can be as dangerous as raw strength.
• Elemental opposition: Hou Shan’s volcanic fire and poison are countered by Nie Caizhu’s freezing water techniques, reinforcing the battle’s fire-versus-water imagery.
• Obedience versus independent judgment: Chi Man’er follows orders literally, while Shen Luo, Nie Caizhu, and Elder Wuming adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
• Urgency and timing: Che Qingtian’s formation-breaking is nearing completion, making the successful infiltration of the Engine essential.

Character Interactions

• Hou Shan verbally challenges Shen Luo and Elder Wuming while attacking the latter with his fan.
• Nie Caizhu protects Elder Wuming by intercepting Hou Shan’s attack.
• Chi Man’er repeatedly attempts to stop Elder Wuming, while Shen Luo blocks and distracts him.
• Shen Luo and Elder Wuming coordinate their strategy through voice transmission, with Elder Wuming entrusting Shen Luo with his token and the infiltration mission.
• Nie Caizhu responds to Shen Luo’s plan and abandons her prolonged duel with Hou Shan to support the larger objective.
• Elder Wuming’s final signal marks the beginning of the coordinated assault on the Heaven-Supporting Engine.

Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu fought their way into the Heaven-Supporting Engine’s head, where they confronted Che Qingtian as he struggled to activate it. Che Qingtian then tried a new approach, spilling his blood onto the control platform.

• Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu entered the giant’s ear canal while Elder Wuming blocked Hou Shan and Chi Man’er attacked Elder Wuming.
• Shen Luo broke through Qing Hu’s black flames and knocked her back with the Pure Yang Flying Sword before reaching the engine’s inner hall.
• Shen Luo resisted Qing Hu’s divine sense attack and struck her, but Nie Caizhu’s Azure Wave Ribbon revealed and repelled a hidden attacker.
• Che Qingtian revealed that he could not unlock the engine despite using the Black Jade Heavenly Mechanism Token and the elder tokens of Mo Wang and Man Bo.
• Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu planned to overwhelm their opponents with close combat and the Water Control Technique, but Che Qingtian cut his palm and dripped blood onto the platform.

Che Qingtian accidentally activated a restriction in the Heaven-Supporting Engine, pulling him, Shen Luo, and Nie Caizhu into a sealed hidden place. Shen Luo found Nie Caizhu safe and began investigating the formidable Heavenly Mechanism City restriction around them.

• Che Qingtian's blood activated a Yan Pattern after he shattered the Black Jade Heavenly Mechanism Token, and the vortex dragged him away.
• The vortex pulled Shen Luo in, but he used the Free-and-Easy Mirror to protect Nie Caizhu before he was swallowed.
• Shen Luo awoke alone in a vast sealed white jade hall, recovered from his injuries, and confirmed Nie Caizhu was safe inside the mirror.
• Shen Luo discovered that the hall's powerful restriction blocked his divine sense and shattered his sword qi when he tried to break through a wall.
• Nie Caizhu awoke, and Shen Luo released her and explained how they had been transported into the hidden place.

Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu discovered a hidden mechanism in the hall that released powerful Puppet Armor. Nie Caizhu destroyed the Azure Snake Puppet Armor, but her Nine Heavens Immortal Silk was stopped by the Silver Wolf Puppet Armor, leaving them facing a true immortal-level foe.

• Nie Caizhu found a section of wall with weaker restrictions, and Shen Luo's divine sense triggered a mechanism inside it.
• A towering Azure Snake Puppet Armor emerged from the floor and charged at Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu.
• Nie Caizhu bound the Azure Snake Puppet Armor with the Nine Heavens Immortal Silk and shattered its head with the Coiled Dragon Staff.
• Shen Luo identified the defeated puppet, stored it in the Free-and-Easy Mirror, and recognized the next puppet as a Silver Wolf Puppet Armor.
• The Silver Wolf Puppet Armor charged at them and used silver ripples to hold the Nine Heavens Immortal Silk in place.

Nie Caizhu defeated the Silver Wolf Puppet Armor, and Shen Luo learned that they were challengers in the Heavenly Puppet Palace seeking its master's legacy. A late True Immortal Blue Puppet Armor confronted Shen Luo, and their battle began with a powerful sword strike.

• Nie Caizhu used Calm Waves to turn the Silver Wolf Puppet Armor's attack against it, then bound it with the Nine Heavens Immortal Silk and destroyed its shield with the Coiled Dragon Staff.
• The Silver Wolf Puppet Armor vanished and attacked as silver streaks, but Nie Caizhu trapped them in an Indigo Sea vortex and froze the armor inside an iceberg.
• Nie Caizhu used a golden bead from the Coiled Dragon Staff to pierce the frozen armor's head and defeat it.
• A Blue Puppet Armor emerged from the hall's black opening and told Shen Luo he was among the challengers seeking its master's legacy.
• Shen Luo stepped forward to fight the Blue Puppet Armor, whose swift greatsword strike forced him to block with the Mysterious Yellow Unity Staff.

Shen Luo fought the Blue Puppet Armor, whose purple icy flames froze him and the Mysterious Yellow Unity Staff. Nie Caizhu and Zhao Feiji tried to hold the puppet back, and the chapter ended as Nie Caizhu sent her Coiled Dragon Staff, transformed into a golden dragon, toward it.

• Shen Luo transformed the Mysterious Yellow Unity Staff into a three-section weapon and struck the Blue Puppet Armor, but purple icy flames spread from the staff and froze his upper body.
• The Pure Yang Swords' heavenly fires halted the ice at Shen Luo's lower abdomen, and he used his Indigo Sea ability to begin absorbing the purple cold aura.
• Nie Caizhu attacked the Blue Puppet Armor with the Eight-Trigrams Golden Pearl and Nine Heavens Immortal Silk, but it knocked the pearl aside and froze the silk.
• Zhao Feiji intervened to protect Nie Caizhu, but the Blue Puppet Armor froze his ghostly sound-wave attack and trapped him in ice.
• Nie Caizhu completed her spell and sent the Coiled Dragon Staff, transformed into a golden dragon, charging at the Blue Puppet Armor.

Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu fought the Blue Puppet Armor in the trial hall, but Shen Luo broke through its defenses and defeated it. The Blue Puppet Armor opened a silver doorway and allowed him to proceed to the next level.

• Nie Caizhu attacked the Blue Puppet Armor with Earth-Splitting Flame, while the golden Divine Dragon struck with its claws and tail.
• The Blue Puppet Armor used Man-Sword Unity to cut down the Divine Dragon and knock Nie Caizhu's Jade-Purity Vase into the wall.
• Shen Luo freed himself enough to unleash Nine Swords Unity, blasting the Blue Puppet Armor's Zhanlu Sword apart.
• The Blue Puppet Armor summoned Purple-Ultimate Ice Sea, but Shen Luo used the Golden Light Sword Formation to overwhelm its ice flames and shield.
• Shen Luo smashed the Purple-Ultimate Cold-Jade Shield with the Heaven-Turning Seal and pinned the Blue Puppet Armor beneath it.
• The defeated Blue Puppet Armor opened a silver doorway and told Shen Luo to proceed to the next level.

Chapter Summary: “Collecting the Pearl”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Shen Luo withdraws the Heaven-Turning Seal, the Blue Puppet Armor finally loses its spiritual power and becomes inert.
• The Purple-Ultimate Cold-Jade Shield disintegrates into purple powder, revealing a crystal that absorbs the remaining Purple Extremity Ice Flame and condenses into an egg-sized Purple Extremity Ice Pearl.
• The surrounding ice crystals melt, and all the Purple Extreme Cold Aura in the hall is drawn into the pearl.
• The Golden Light Sword Formation disperses, but its immense Magic Power consumption, combined with the Heaven-Turning Seal, leaves Shen Luo nearly exhausted.
• Zhao Feiji escapes the ice and retreats into the Cosmic Bag to recover.
• Nie Caizhu emerges from the Jade-Purity Vase and uses Mount Putuo’s restorative ability, Universal Salvation, to restore more than half of Shen Luo’s Magic Power.
• Shen Luo examines the defeated Blue Puppet Armor and discovers that it is inscribed with Ghost Yan Runes, confirming that it was created through the sinister Ghost Puppet Technique.
• He stores the Blue Puppet Armor for later study and considers whether the location may be part of Heavenly Mechanism City’s Heavenly Puppet Palace.
• Shen Luo attempts several methods to collect the Purple Extremity Ice Pearl, but each fails because its Purple Extremity Ice Flame freezes Magic Treasures and severs their internal Restrictions.
• He successfully uses the mysterious Stone Casket, which previously contained Red Lotus Karmic Fire and True Solar Fire, to absorb and safely store the pearl.
• Shen Luo collects the frozen Silver Wolf Puppet Armor. Nie Caizhu retrieves the Nine Heavens Immortal Silk, but her Coiled Dragon Staff is broken beyond immediate use.
• To replace it, Shen Luo gives Nie Caizhu his Essence-Devouring Demon Wand. Though initially wary of its demonic origin, she discovers that it responds naturally to her and contains a powerful divine ability.

Character Developments

• Shen Luo demonstrates caution and resourcefulness. He anticipates the danger of the Purple Extremity Ice Pearl and severs his connection to failed collection tools before they can harm him.
• His Indigo Sea divine ability has advanced significantly from absorbing the Purple Extreme Cold Aura and is now only half a step away from the fifth level. Obtaining the pearl may allow it to reach full fifth-level completion.
• Shen Luo shows concern for Nie Caizhu’s safety, urging her to prioritize hiding in the Jade-Purity Vase rather than risking herself to assist him.
• Nie Caizhu proves useful in both combat support and recovery, healing Shen Luo with Universal Salvation. She also begins accepting the Essence-Devouring Demon Wand after discovering its compatibility with her.
• Shen Luo’s willingness to give Nie Caizhu a demonic weapon reflects his pragmatic view that the usefulness of a treasure matters more than its origin.

Significant Themes

• Resourcefulness and preparation: Shen Luo succeeds because he carefully evaluates risks and uses the Stone Casket’s unusual abilities rather than relying solely on conventional Magic Treasures.
• Power and danger: The Purple Extremity Ice Pearl is both a valuable cultivation resource and an extremely hazardous object capable of freezing Magic Power, treasures, and spiritual Restrictions.
• Trust and protection: Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu support one another, while Shen Luo emphasizes that her survival should come before assisting him.
• Prejudice versus practicality: Nie Caizhu initially distrusts the Demon Clan weapon, but Shen Luo argues that treasures should be judged by their abilities rather than their origins.
• Hidden mysteries: The Ghost Yan Runes, Heavenly Puppet Palace, and mysterious Stone Casket suggest deeper connections to ancient techniques, Heavenly Mechanism City, and powerful unknown forces.

Character Interactions

• Nie Caizhu heals Shen Luo after the battle and explains how she obtained and used the Jade-Purity Vase.
• Shen Luo reassures her and instructs her to use the vase immediately in future life-threatening situations.
• They jointly examine the Blue Puppet Armor and react with disgust to the Ghost Puppet Technique.
• Nie Caizhu offers to use the Jade-Purity Vase to collect the ice pearl, but Shen Luo refuses because doing so would deprive her of an important means of survival.
• After her Coiled Dragon Staff is destroyed, Shen Luo offers her the Essence-Devouring Demon Wand. Her successful initial activation ends the chapter on a hopeful note, suggesting she has gained a powerful replacement weapon.

Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu entered the second level of the Heavenly Puppet Palace and found a towering pagoda sealed off from outside communication. Inside, Fire Spirit Child identified a Witch Race restriction and uncovered a scroll that appeared to be an unreliable map of a large cave abode.

• Nie Caizhu accepted the Essence-Devouring Demon Wand and Coiled Dragon Jade from Shen Luo.
• Shen Luo and Nie Caizhu followed the silver portal to a cloud-surrounded plaza before an enormous pagoda.
• Shen Luo sent Nie Caizhu into the Free-and-Easy Mirror and entered the pagoda alone after failing to summon the Mirror Demon.
• Fire Spirit Child recognized the darkness as the Netherdark Witch Forbidden Art and spotted Witch Race talismans on the passage wall.
• Fire Spirit Child used the Soul-Refining Formation stone tablet to open a recess and retrieve a scroll that he identified as a dubious map.

Shen Luo explored the shifting Celestial Pivot Maze on the second floor of the Heavenly Puppet Palace, defeating puppet guards and collecting rare materials. He then encountered Che Qingtian, who claimed the palace belonged exclusively to the Che family and attacked him with greatly increased strength.

• Shen Luo reached the second floor and read the warnings about the dangerous, shifting Celestial Pivot Maze.
• Shen Luo found that the maze rearranged itself at each junction and began fighting the Puppet Armors that appeared along the corridors.
• Shen Luo destroyed the Puppet Armors, collecting snake-shaped longswords and other valuable materials for Fire Spirit Child to refine.
• Shen Luo met Che Qingtian, who reacted angrily when Shen Luo mentioned the Heavenly Puppet Palace.
• Che Qingtian claimed only members of the Che family could enter the palace and attacked Shen Luo, wounding him before Shen Luo forced him back with his staff techniques.

Chapter Summary: “A Desperate Flight”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Luo confronts Che Qingtian, who reveals that he had been holding back earlier and now displays strength comparable to a powerful Taiyi Stage cultivator.
• Che Qingtian launches Raging Waves Snow Slash, filling the narrow passage with enormous waves of sword qi. Shen Luo counters with Heaven-Rending Chaotic Staff, but Che Qingtian transforms the sword qi into the formidable Snowflake Sword Formation.
• The sword formation overwhelms Shen Luo, shattering his staff shadows and injuring him with numerous frozen wounds. He is thrown against the passage wall, and icy energy begins invading his meridians.
• From within the Free-and-Easy Mirror, Nie Caizhu uses the Willow Dew of Mount Putuo to heal Shen Luo and restore much of his Magic Power.
• Che Qingtian recognizes the healing technique and suspects Shen Luo possesses a valuable spatial treasure. He demands that Shen Luo hand it over and attacks again.
• Realizing that Che Qingtian is too powerful to defeat safely—even with his strongest treasures and techniques—Shen Luo chooses to flee rather than fight.
• A flute melody from the Hundred Dragons’ Lament briefly disrupts Che Qingtian by awakening painful memories connected to his difficult past and desire to restore the Che family’s reputation.
• Shen Luo attempts to escape using Yimu Immortal Escape, but the maze’s restrictions prevent him from entering the spiritual energy space. He then relies on several movement techniques and a Pure Yang Sword to flee.
• Che Qingtian proves faster and continues closing the distance. Shen Luo uses golden lightning to delay him, then exploits a three-way fork in the shifting Celestial Pivot Maze to escape.
• Che Qingtian summons a small white beast with tracking abilities, apparently using it to determine which passage Shen Luo took.
• Shen Luo briefly assumes the maze has finally separated them, but Che Qingtian soon catches up again. Shen Luo continues fleeing and leaves Heavenly Demon Eyes behind to monitor the passages.
• The chapter ends with Shen Luo realizing that Che Qingtian can track him despite the maze and its restrictions. The Heavenly Demon Eyes provide only limited information, leaving Shen Luo uncertain about how his pursuer is accomplishing this.

Character Developments

• Shen Luo demonstrates practical judgment and adaptability. Rather than recklessly using powerful assets that may be ineffective or dangerous under the tower’s restrictions, he immediately recognizes that escape is his best option.
• His confidence is shaken by Che Qingtian’s overwhelming strength. Shen Luo acknowledges that even his Pure Yang Golden Light Sword Formation, Heaven-Turning Seal, and Heavenly Fiend Corpse King may not secure victory.
• Che Qingtian is revealed to be far stronger and more versatile than previously believed. His mastery allows him to reshape sword qi into a sophisticated formation, and he possesses superior speed, tracking tools, and powerful equipment.
• Che Qingtian’s brief reaction to the flute reveals a troubled past. His obsession with restoring the Che family’s prestige stems from years of hardship and accumulated painful memories.
• Nie Caizhu provides crucial support by healing Shen Luo at a decisive moment, reinforcing her role as an essential ally.
• Fire Spirit Child offers a sober assessment of the situation, confirming that Shen Luo is currently no match for Che Qingtian.

Significant Themes

• Survival over pride: Shen Luo abandons the desire to fight and chooses retreat after accurately assessing the difference in strength.
• Hidden power and deception: Che Qingtian had concealed his true abilities, while Shen Luo relies on feints, movement techniques, lightning, and the maze’s layout to stay alive.
• The limitations of power: Even Shen Luo’s strongest treasures and techniques are constrained by the tower’s restrictions, showing that cultivation strength alone does not guarantee victory.
• The past as a vulnerability: The Hundred Dragons’ Lament temporarily weakens Che Qingtian by forcing him to confront painful memories.
• Pursuit and uncertainty: The shifting maze should provide safety, yet Che Qingtian’s unexplained tracking ability turns it into an ongoing psychological threat.

Character Interactions

• Shen Luo and Che Qingtian engage in a direct battle in which Che Qingtian taunts Shen Luo and demands his spatial treasure.
• Nie Caizhu intervenes remotely through the Free-and-Easy Mirror, healing Shen Luo and enabling his escape.
• Fire Spirit Child advises Shen Luo to flee and later helps him assess Che Qingtian’s abilities.
• The flute performance indirectly affects Che Qingtian, interrupting his pursuit by triggering memories of his hardships.
• Che Qingtian uses his white tracking beast to pursue Shen Luo through the maze, turning the chapter’s conflict from a duel into a desperate chase.

Shen Luo fled through the Celestial Pivot Maze while Che Qingtian tracked him by scent, and Fire Spirit Child helped him turn a decoy into a trap. Shen Luo concealed himself with the Soft-Smoke Silk Robe and escaped Che Qingtian’s immediate pursuit, but still needed to shake him off completely.

• Fire Spirit Child warned Shen Luo that Che Qingtian could use his knowledge of the maze to pursue him, so Shen Luo hurried deeper into the passages and sent doubles down branching paths.
• Fire Spirit Child guessed Che Qingtian was tracking Shen Luo by scent, and Shen Luo remembered a prior encounter with a beast that had followed his scent.
• Shen Luo sent a magic-power double carrying his robe down one passage while he fled another, but Fire Spirit Child secretly planted purple-heart earth fire in Che Qingtian’s greatsword.
• Che Qingtian used a white talisman to pass through the maze walls and split his pursuit with a puppet, then found Shen Luo’s double and tried to use the robe for a distant curse.
• The purple flames destroyed the robe, and Che Qingtian turned toward the other scent without noticing the earth fire entering his sword.
• Shen Luo activated the Soft-Smoke Silk Robe, concealed his presence and scent, and continued through the maze as Fire Spirit Child warned him that he was not yet safe.

Shen Luo used the doodle map to navigate the Celestial Pivot Maze and discovered it was a genuine map leading to the maze’s exit. He entered the Heavenly Craft Hall, collected valuable Puppetcraft materials, and found an enormous cannon resembling an enhanced Divine Artisan Cannon.

• Shen Luo recognized the doodle map’s routes and used it to reach the Heavenly Craft Hall before Che Qingtian.
• Shen Luo sent the Divine Rat through the hall’s barrier, and it gnawed apart a corner of the Magic Formation until the barrier vanished.
• Shen Luo asked Fire Spirit Child to repair the Magic Formation while he searched the hall.
• Shen Luo found crates full of Lingxiao Copper and stored them in the Free-and-Easy Mirror.
• Shen Luo explored the inner hall, found unfamiliar Puppet Armor and weapons, and inspected a massive golden cannon that appeared to require five High-tier Yan Crystals.

Chapter Summary: “Secret Key”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shen Luo discovers a powerful golden cannon among the Puppet Armor equipment. It requires five High-tier Yan Crystals to activate, but the Gray Tower’s God-Sealing Restriction prevents him from using it.
• He uses the Free-and-Easy Mirror to collect all the Puppet Armor and weapons in the hall before Che Qingtian can obtain them.
• Shen Luo finds a black iron box protected by a Secret-Key Restriction. Attempts to open it with words such as “Yan” and “Heavenly Puppet Palace” fail.
• Remembering the final symbol on the map scroll, Shen Luo reproduces the pattern on the restriction. This successfully opens the box and reveals a strange black iron rod.
• A hidden bronze gate appears in the wall. Shen Luo inserts the iron rod into a matching keyhole, causing the enormous gate to open.
• Behind it stands an enormous golden Puppet Armor equipped with a giant crimson axe and black hammer. Its terrifying appearance and killing intent make it one of the most powerful Puppet Armors Shen Luo has encountered, surpassed only by the Heavenly Mechanism City’s Heaven-Supporting Engine.
• Elder Wuming’s token flies from Shen Luo’s body and embeds itself into the giant Puppet Armor, opening a hidden compartment in its chest.
• Inside is a control chamber containing a mysterious golden chair. The God-Sealing Restriction does not function within the chamber, allowing Shen Luo to extend his Divine Sense freely for the first time since entering the Gray Tower.
• The chair suddenly pulls Shen Luo into place, and a golden sphere emerges from the ceiling. When he probes it with his Divine Sense, the sphere begins devouring his spiritual power. The chapter ends with Shen Luo unable to withdraw his Divine Sense and in immediate danger.

Character Developments

• Shen Luo demonstrates caution and resourcefulness by securing the valuable Puppet Armor before Che Qingtian can reach it.
• He shows restraint when he cannot open the iron box, initially deciding to leave rather than recklessly destroy it.
• His memory and insight allow him to recognize the final map symbol as the correct secret key.
• Shen Luo’s curiosity and willingness to investigate lead him to the hidden control chamber, but also expose him to the dangerous golden sphere.

Significant Themes

• Secrets and discovery: The chapter centers on layered mechanisms, hidden doors, secret keys, and concealed treasures.
• Ancient technology and power: The Puppet Armor and giant weapons reveal the immense sophistication and destructive potential of the Heavenly Puppet Palace.
• Risk versus reward: Shen Luo repeatedly gains access to increasingly valuable artifacts, but each discovery carries greater danger.
• Control and inheritance: Elder Wuming’s token appears to grant Shen Luo access to the giant Puppet Armor, suggesting a connection between past owners and the machinery’s intended user.
• The limits of knowledge: Even Shen Luo’s experience is insufficient to understand the box, the giant Puppet Armor, or the golden sphere immediately.

Character Interactions

• Shen Luo’s main indirect conflict is with Che Qingtian, whom he anticipates may discover the hall. His decision to collect all the equipment is partly intended to deny Che Qingtian these resources.
• Shen Luo relies on knowledge previously provided by Fire Spirit Child, particularly his understanding of Secret-Key Restrictions.
• Elder Wuming’s token acts almost independently, linking Shen Luo to the giant Puppet Armor and revealing a hidden control room.
• The golden sphere becomes an active threat to Shen Luo, consuming his Divine Sense and setting up the chapter’s cliffhanger.