Ch. 1Creation of the Heaven-Swallowing Demonic Art in the Age of Mythology
Plot points and events
- Near the end of the Mythological Age, Li Ming triggers an exceptionally powerful Enlightenment Tribulation in the Chaos Sea, aiming to become a Supreme.
- The tribulation manifests countless blood-colored figures and formidable beings—from Supremes and Heavenly Venerables to Immortal Spirits and legendary creatures. Li Ming withstands the assault with the help of a Chaos-breathing Heavenly Demonic Saber forged from the remains of powerful beings.
- The chapter recounts his rise: born with an ordinary Mortal Body and rejected by sacred lands, he used a broken scripture, relentless effort, and a mysterious Bronze Mirror to survive and grow stronger.
- He developed his own version of the Heaven-Swallowing Demonic Art, gathering scriptures and materials through tomb-raiding and absorbing the origins of special physiques. His body evolved into a defective Acquired Chaotic Body.
- After surviving the tribulation, the figures formed from his accumulated essence return to him, and the observers recognize the terrifying scale of his power. The awakened Dark Supremes begin viewing him as a potential prize to harvest.
Character development
- Li Ming has transformed from a weak, overlooked outsider into a powerful Enlightenment-seeker through persistence, ingenuity, and ruthless methods. He remains focused on pursuing the Dao rather than fame or appearance.
- His Bronze Mirror has been crucial to his survival, concealing his presence and shielding him from curses, though its origin remains unknown.
- The Dark Supremes shift from curious observers to covetous predators, already considering how to seize Li Ming’s body and origins.
Significant themes
- Defying one’s fate: Li Ming rises from poor aptitude and rejection through determination and self-created cultivation.
- Power and its cost: The Heaven-Swallowing Demonic Art brings rapid advancement but invites destructive tribulations and consequences for absorbing others’ origins.
- Survival in a predatory world: Li Ming’s secrecy and resourcefulness are essential in an era where even powerful beings may become prey.
- Uncertainty and looming danger: The Bronze Mirror’s unexplained nature and the Dark Supremes’ interest foreshadow future threats.
Character interactions
- Li Ming directly confronts the tribulation, using his saber and accumulated strength to resist the forces of Heaven.
- Powerful beings across the world, including the Eight Heavenly Venerables’ contemporaries and the Forbidden Zone Supremes, watch and debate his unusual physique.
- The Dark Supremes compare him to a legendary Chaotic Body and discuss harvesting him, making clear that his apparent breakthrough has drawn dangerous attention.