Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Myriad Demon-Bearing Art”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yu Yuan agrees to pass Ji Yuan the Merfolk Clan’s secret cultivation technique, the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art, praising Ji Yuan’s restraint and character for not demanding it earlier.
• In a hidden chamber, Yu Yuan reveals a concealed wall covered in human writing. Ji Yuan memorizes the technique and records it onto a jade slip.
• The art allows cultivators to form different beast-like tattoos according to their personality, talent, and perseverance. These tattoos grant specialized abilities, but gradually influence the user’s appearance and temperament.
• Ji Yuan suspects the technique may have originally been designed to transform humans into demon beasts, possibly explaining the Merfolk Clan’s origins. He decides to investigate its history later rather than cultivate it immediately.
• Yu Yuan explains why he selected Scarlet Wolf as his successor instead of the more talented Lin Hu: Lin Hu has the qualities of a general but lacks the judgment to lead the clan, while Scarlet Wolf’s solitary nature better matches the Merfolk Clan’s position as an isolated group.
• Yu Yuan asks Ji Yuan to reclaim the Merfolk Clan’s ancestral land and, if possible, guide Scarlet Wolf. Ji Yuan accepts after receiving the secret art as advance payment.
• Yu Yuan recounts how he lost the ancestral land by recklessly distributing Spirit Liquid there, attracting powerful sea beasts. The territory is now occupied by a mysterious Third-Tier demon beast unrelated to the Sacred Fish King.
• Ji Yuan travels alone through a massive underwater passage to the ancestral land. He discovers that spiritual power can be used there without triggering the surrounding water blades, giving the resident demon beast a major defensive advantage.
• Inside the ancestral land, Ji Yuan encounters a huge Long-Necked Flood Dragon, which appears to be an early- to mid-Third-Tier beast. He enters the sealed area and begins fighting it.
• Ji Yuan attacks with his fists, flying sword embryos, the Yin Ghost Banner, two Pseudo-Core Realm Yin Ghosts, and the Thousand-Needle Basket. The Flood Dragon’s scales withstand most of his attacks.
• The beast releases dragon breath, creates four apparently real bodies, and forces Ji Yuan to change tactics. Ji Yuan ultimately disappears into black mist while leaving behind a sea of green flames, preparing to use the recently acquired Corpse Yin Demonfire.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan demonstrates patience, integrity, and strategic caution. He avoids exploiting the Merfolk Clan’s trust, accepts only what he considers fair payment, and refuses to bring Scarlet Wolf so he will not have to protect him during the battle.
• Ji Yuan becomes increasingly suspicious of the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art, recognizing that its power comes with potentially dangerous physical and psychological transformation.
• Yu Yuan shows regret and humility over his past mistake. He openly admits that his arrogance caused the loss of the ancestral land and weakened his standing among the merfolk.
• Yu Yuan proves politically perceptive by choosing Scarlet Wolf over Lin Hu as successor, prioritizing leadership temperament over raw talent.
• Scarlet Wolf is characterized as independent and solitary, while Lin Hu is portrayed as powerful and talented but too impulsive and aggressive to lead responsibly.

Significant Themes

• Integrity and restraint: Ji Yuan’s decision to wait before asking for the secret art reinforces his personal moral code.
• Power and hidden costs: The Myriad Demon-Bearing Art grants specialized strength but gradually changes the practitioner’s body and personality.
• Leadership versus ability: Lin Hu’s superior talent does not make him suitable to rule; judgment and temperament are more important for leadership.
• Consequences of arrogance: Yu Yuan’s reckless decision to expose the Spirit Liquid leads directly to the clan’s loss of its ancestral land.
• Adaptation and strategy: Ji Yuan’s battle emphasizes the need to understand an enemy’s environment and abilities before committing to a final attack.
• Origins and transformation: The possible connection between the secret art and the Merfolk Clan’s evolution raises questions about whether they were once human.

Character Interactions

• Yu Yuan and Ji Yuan converse respectfully, with Yu Yuan openly praising Ji Yuan’s character and seeking his help for the clan’s future.
• Ji Yuan questions Yu Yuan’s succession decision, prompting an explanation of Scarlet Wolf’s leadership potential and Lin Hu’s limitations.
• Yu Yuan gives Ji Yuan directions and a stone seal for reaching the ancestral land, while Ji Yuan insists on investigating alone.
• The final major interaction is Ji Yuan’s confrontation with the Long-Necked Flood Dragon. Their battle escalates as the beast uses dragon breath, powerful claws, multiple bodies, and hardened scales, forcing Ji Yuan to reveal more of his magical arsenal.
• The chapter ends on a cliffhanger as Ji Yuan prepares to unleash the Corpse Yin Demonfire against the Flood Dragon.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan unleashes the full power of the Corpse Yin Demonfire against the Third-Tier long-necked Flood Dragon. The flames overwhelm the Yin Ghost Formation and burn through the dragon’s watery defenses, even continuing to burn beneath seawater.
• The Flood Dragon’s three illusionary bodies disperse, revealing the true body. Unable to escape, it is fatally burned. Ji Yuan recalls the demonfire before it completely destroys the corpse, then collects the dragon’s water-element Demon Core, bones, scales, and armor.
• While searching the cave for the Spirit Liquid, Ji Yuan discovers a strange four-clawed, snake-like circular mark that appears only after the wall is scorched by the demonfire.
• He finds and opens a sealed stone door using the seal provided by Fish Yuan. Inside is a small chamber filled with Spirit Liquid, which continuously seeps from the ceiling. Ji Yuan collects both the liquid and a condensed paste at the bottom of the basin, even cleaning the Spirit Liquid from the ceiling’s stalactite-like formations.
• Ji Yuan concludes that the Spirit Liquid likely strengthened the Flood Dragon and realizes that consuming it, together with his previous cultivation resources, may allow him to break through to the middle stage of the Sinew Tempering Realm.
• Returning to the mysterious mark, Ji Yuan discovers that it is actually a powerful Formation. A physical attack causes reflected damage, snapping his Blood-Remnant Blade in half.
• Using the Truth-Piercing Divine Eye, he identifies several Formation nodes arranged like the Big Dipper. Activating them transports him into a separate, empty stone chamber.
• In the new chamber, Ji Yuan is pursued by a mysterious bolt of lightning. After dodging several attacks and using the Golden Light Mirror and silver needles to restrain it, he discovers that the lightning is actually a small dark cloud containing lightning.
• The cloud proves to be a rare treasure rather than a living creature. It attacks Ji Yuan once more, but its lightning only causes limited pain. Ji Yuan grabs it and receives the information that it is the rare treasure “Lightning-Chaser.”

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan gains confidence in the Corpse Yin Demonfire after seeing that it can destroy a powerful Flood Dragon and even burn through seawater. He also becomes more cautious, recalling the flames before they cause uncontrolled collateral damage.
• His resourcefulness and greed for valuable materials are emphasized as he collects the Flood Dragon’s remains, every drop of Spirit Liquid, and even the paste and residue from the chamber.
• Ji Yuan demonstrates increasing combat awareness by retreating from unknown dangers, testing the stone wall carefully, using the Truth-Piercing Divine Eye, and relying on multiple defensive and offensive treasures.
• His physical cultivation appears close to advancing, supported by years of consuming Profound Yang Blood Amber and Spirit Pig meat, as well as the newly obtained Spirit Liquid.
• Ji Yuan’s curiosity about the merfolk ancestral land deepens. He begins to suspect that the site, its stone, and its formations may have been created by an extremely powerful ancestor or an unknown civilization.

Significant Themes

• Power and control: Ji Yuan’s first use of the Corpse Yin Demonfire shows both its overwhelming strength and the danger of using it recklessly.
• Hidden inheritance and ancient mysteries: The indestructible stone, sealed chambers, unusual mark, and Big Dipper Formation suggest that the ancestral land contains secrets far beyond the merfolk clan’s current understanding.
• Resourcefulness and opportunism: Ji Yuan treats every discovery—Demon Core, monster remains, Spirit Liquid, condensed paste, and rare treasure—as something to exploit for cultivation or future use.
• Caution in exploration: Despite his confidence, Ji Yuan repeatedly avoids blindly attacking unknown mechanisms, recognizing that the ancient Formation could contain fatal dangers.
• Cultivation through accumulation: His potential breakthrough reflects the chapter’s emphasis on gradual strengthening through long-term consumption, training, combat, and the acquisition of rare resources.

Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan directly confronts the long-necked Flood Dragon, which attacks him with illusionary duplicates and seeks revenge even while dying, but the demonfire completely reverses the battle.
• His relationship with Fish Yuan and the merfolk clan remains indirect: the seal and the promise of Spirit Liquid lead Ji Yuan to the hidden chamber, and he regards the liquid as both his reward and payment for restoring their ancestral land.
• Ji Yuan interacts with the mysterious Lightning-Chaser as though battling a frightened opponent. He first suppresses it with defensive treasures and silver needles, then discovers that it is a sentient or semi-sentient treasure capable of changing between lightning and cloud form.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan learns that Lightning-Chaser is a rare treasure and realizes his own Concealment Bamboo Hat may also qualify as one.
• Lightning-Chaser escapes his grasp and hides as an aura that neither ordinary sight nor Divine Sense can detect.
• Ji Yuan uses the Truth-Piercing Divine Eye to locate it, then deliberately lures it close before attempting to capture it.
• Lightning-Chaser repeatedly ambushes him with powerful lightning, severely injuring his right hand and damaging his Spirit-Devouring Armor. Ji Yuan heals with Qi-Blood Pills and Body Tempering Spirit Liquid.
• After an extended pursuit lasting over an hour, Ji Yuan exhausts Lightning-Chaser’s strength and successfully refines it.
• A message left behind by the cave’s deceased owner reveals that Lightning-Chaser is connected to the more powerful Star-Treading Wheel. The senior warns Ji Yuan about Pagoda Mountain and asks him to treat any surviving members of the Merfolk Clan kindly.
• Ji Yuan learns Lightning-Chaser’s abilities: it can exist as an aura, become a dark cloud, travel immense distances, or transform into lightning to attack enemies.
• He restores the treasure by feeding it lightning from his Thunder-Smite Sword, then tests its cloud form. Its speed is so overwhelming that he crashes into a stone wall before he can react.
• Ji Yuan decides not to consume the remaining Spirit Liquid inside the cave, fearing he could become trapped, and instead returns to the Merfolk Ancestral Land.
• Before leaving, he records the cave’s mysterious Formation patterns for future study.
• Back inside Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain, Ji Yuan consumes the remaining Spirit Liquid and Spirit Paste while practicing the Ninefold Profound Yang body-tempering stances.
• His qi and blood finally break through, advancing him to the Middle Sinew Tempering Realm.

Character Development

• Ji Yuan becomes more cautious and resourceful. Rather than relying on brute force, he uses deception, patience, and the Truth-Piercing Divine Eye to overcome Lightning-Chaser.
• He demonstrates the resilience of a body cultivator, surviving multiple lightning blasts that might have killed ordinary Core Formation cultivators.
• Ji Yuan’s ambitions expand. He plans to refine the nine Azure Waves Sword Embryos into powerful Life-bound Dharma Treasures using Zixiao Stone, eventually forming an eighty-one-sword formation.
• His hoarding and preparation instincts are emphasized: he records the Formation, values the Divine Sense-blocking ore, and carefully weighs the risks of remaining in the cave.
• His physical cultivation advances significantly, reaching the Middle Sinew Tempering Realm.

Significant Themes

• Cunning versus raw power: Lightning-Chaser is too fast to capture directly, so Ji Yuan wins through strategy and endurance.
• The dangers and opportunities of rare treasures: Powerful treasures possess intelligence, hidden abilities, and unpredictable risks, but can dramatically increase their owner’s strength.
• Preparation and caution: Ji Yuan consistently leaves himself room for safety, avoids unnecessary risks, and preserves useful resources.
• Legacy and fate: The deceased senior’s message links Ji Yuan to the Star-Treading Wheel and Pagoda Mountain, suggesting future encounters with ancient inheritances and unresolved destinies.
• Body refinement and perseverance: Ji Yuan’s breakthrough comes through repeated effort, disciplined practice, and the gradual accumulation of resources rather than a sudden shortcut.
• Power growth and long-term planning: His plans for the Azure Waves Sword and Zixiao Stone show that his cultivation path is being built strategically for the future.

Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan’s main interaction is with Lightning-Chaser, which behaves like a cunning, sentient opponent: it hides, provokes him, repeatedly ambushes him, and struggles fiercely before being subdued.
• The deceased Formation master communicates with Ji Yuan through the cave’s Formation, congratulating him, warning him about the Star-Treading Wheel, and asking him to protect the Merfolk Clan.
• Ji Yuan briefly interacts with Tu Yue, who offers him the Storage Bag after his return, but he dismisses her because he intends to focus on his breakthrough rather than collecting rent.
• Ji Yuan also interacts indirectly with his treasures, especially the Thunder-Smite Sword, Spirit-Devouring Armor, and Lightning-Chaser, treating them as parts of a carefully coordinated cultivation strategy.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan completes his month-long seclusion and reaches the Middle Sinew Tempering Realm, greatly improving his strength, speed, defense, and recovery. He becomes even more determined to form his Golden Core after leaving Fallen Immortal Ravine.
• He confirms that the mysterious cave contains no further opportunities beyond the treasure Lightning-Chaser and prepares to leave.
• Ji Yuan returns safely to the Merfolk Clan and tells Yu Yuan that the powerful sea beast threatening their ancestral land has been defeated.
• Yu Yuan reveals that the Merfolk possess a medicinal juice capable of cutting the extremely hard Spirit Liquid-containing stones. Ji Yuan obtains the formula and requests several coffin-sized stones and one house-sized stone for future concealment and survival.
• After the ancestral land is restored, Yu Yuan announces the news to the Merfolk. They publicly thank Ji Yuan, forcing him to distribute cultivation pills to calm the crowd.
• Ji Yuan spends several more months in seclusion, prepares to travel to Ascension Gate, and gives the Merfolk various pills and Dharma artifacts before departing.
• Yu Yuan proposes erecting a statue of Ji Yuan and worshiping him as a divine benefactor. Ji Yuan jokingly asks that the statue be made handsome. Yu Yuan later decides to honor him as “Celestial Venerable Ji.”
• Ji Yuan leaves the Merfolk territory and meets the Sacred Fish King, who gives him a massive fish scale to deliver to the Manor Lord of Profound Serpent Manor on the Abyssal Continent. The message concerns an ancient oath between the Sacred Fish King and the “old long snake.”
• Ji Yuan reaches the undersea tunnel near Ascension Gate and sees the enormous formation spanning the Endless Sea.
• Meanwhile, on the Cangluo Continent, Qiu Qianhai returns through the cross-continent teleportation formation. He proudly announces his real name while registering, shocking the local cultivators because of his infamous reputation.
• The registering Golden Core cultivator warns him to use another name, but Qiu angrily refuses. The cultivator immediately sends out alerts announcing that Qiu Qianhai has returned and prepares to confront him.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan: Grows substantially stronger, gains confidence in his physical abilities, and becomes more prepared for Golden Core formation. He also demonstrates foresight by collecting large stones for emergency concealment and planning how to avoid delivering the Sacred Fish King’s message personally.
• Yu Yuan: Becomes deeply dependent on and grateful to Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan’s presence restores his authority within the Merfolk Clan and grants him a few additional years of life. Yu Yuan’s reverence rises to the point of wanting Ji Yuan worshiped as a divine figure.
• The Merfolk Clan: Regain their ancestral land and view Ji Yuan as their savior. Their gratitude transforms him from a temporary guest into a legendary benefactor.
• Sacred Fish King: Reveals greater power and mystery by manipulating Ji Yuan’s Storage Bag and using magical abilities within the dangerous region. It entrusts Ji Yuan with a politically dangerous task involving Profound Serpent Manor.
• Qiu Qianhai: Returns to his homeland with renewed confidence and openly embraces his notorious identity instead of hiding behind Old Ji’s name. His arrogance and combat reputation immediately create tension with the local authorities.

Significant Themes

• Parting and impermanence: Ji Yuan’s departure from the Merfolk causes him to reflect on how life is filled with unavoidable farewells, recalling Hua Yaoyue’s earlier departure.
• Gratitude and legacy: The Merfolk’s worship of Ji Yuan shows how heroic deeds can grow into legend and religious reverence.
• Power and reputation: Ji Yuan’s growing strength contrasts with Qiu Qianhai’s fearsome reputation. Qiu’s name alone causes alarm, demonstrating how notoriety can function as power.
• Fate and uncertainty: The Sacred Fish King frames the success or failure of Ji Yuan’s mission as a matter of Heaven’s will, while Ji Yuan carefully weighs the risks of his future journey.
• Practical survival: Ji Yuan continues to combine cultivation with cautious planning, gathering resources, avoiding unnecessary danger, and preparing escape methods.

Important Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and Yu Yuan: Their farewell is emotional and respectful. Yu Yuan tries to persuade Ji Yuan to stay, while Ji Yuan leaves behind resources and accepts the proposed statue with humor.
• Ji Yuan and the Merfolk: The clan bows in gratitude and treats him as a divine savior; Ji Yuan responds awkwardly by distributing pills.
• Ji Yuan and the Sacred Fish King: The Sacred Fish King gives Ji Yuan the fish scale and a dangerous mission. Ji Yuan hesitates because of the risks, but ultimately accepts.
• Qiu Qianhai and the registration cultivator: Their brief confrontation highlights Qiu’s arrogance. A polite warning becomes an insult and triggers an immediate alert throughout the area.
• Qiu Qianhai and the unseen voice in his consciousness: The mocking voice continues to criticize him, but Qiu ignores it and proudly reclaims his identity.

Chapter Summary: Ji Yuan Arrives at the Abyssal Continent

Key Plot Points and Events

• News about Old Devil Qiu—Qiu Qianhai— continues to circulate throughout Cangluo Continent. Rumors claim he defeated and humiliated Jiang Hong, the young master of Blood Luo Mountain, leaving Jiang Hong injured in an extremely embarrassing way.
• Blood Luo Mountain publicly denies the story and threatens anyone who spreads it, but their aggressive response convinces many cultivators that the rumors are true. Qiu Qianhai’s reputation grows, despite most people believing he has already died.
• Upon arriving in Cangluo, Qiu Qianhai is mistakenly treated as a dangerous enemy. He kills a cultivator who insults him, then discovers that more than ten Core Formation cultivators are converging on him.
• Nightmare True Lord warns Qiu Qianhai that the situation is suspicious and advises him to hide his identity. Qiu escapes westward, while his master prepares to possess his body if necessary.
• Meanwhile, in Fallen Immortal Ravine, Ji Yuan waits for the protective light curtain to disappear. Once the Ascension Gate opens, countless sea beasts rush out, many dying or killing one another in the chaos.
• Ji Yuan collects a few Demon Cores, then abandons the effort and finally leaves the ravine after more than three years of cultivation beneath the sea.
• He reaches the open sea of the Abyssal Continent, but finds no land or people for a full day and night. Eventually, he discovers an island and encounters a golden-haired female cultivator being pursued by three Core Formation cultivators.
• Ji Yuan introduces himself by name, expecting to avoid conflict. Instead, the pursuers recognize him as “Old Devil Ji” and accuse him of stealing from Heavenly Fiend Mountain and killing its members.
• Realizing that some unknown misunderstanding surrounds his identity, Ji Yuan prepares to fight, but chooses to flee after throwing out Heavenly Thunder Pellets.
• The golden-haired woman follows him and introduces herself as Mu Xueyao, claiming that she came specifically to find him and calling him “Brother Ji.”
• With the three pursuers quickly catching up, Mu Xueyao promises that she can help them escape if Ji Yuan holds the enemies back for ten breaths. Ji Yuan agrees as the chapter ends.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan emerges from his long seclusion stronger, wealthy in spiritual resources, and relieved to have survived Fallen Immortal Ravine. His excitement at reaching the Abyssal Continent contrasts with his immediate entanglement in a dangerous misunderstanding.
• Ji Yuan remains cautious and tactical. He avoids unnecessary conflict, analyzes his surroundings, uses defensive treasures, and chooses escape over fighting three comparable opponents immediately after arriving.
• Qiu Qianhai is shown to be powerful but impulsive. He attacks anyone who insults him without investigating the situation, forcing Nightmare True Lord to repeatedly guide and restrain him.
• Nightmare True Lord acts as Qiu Qianhai’s adviser and emergency support, though he worries that Qiu’s recklessness and dependence on possession may create serious problems.
• Mu Xueyao is introduced as an eager, mysterious ally. Her familiarity with Ji Yuan conflicts with his complete lack of recognition, suggesting hidden connections, mistaken identity, or a major secret involving his reputation.

Significant Themes

• Reputation versus reality: Rumors about Qiu Qianhai and Ji Yuan become more influential than the truth. Both characters are judged by exaggerated or false identities.
• Misunderstanding and mistaken identity: Ji Yuan is immediately treated as a notorious criminal despite having just arrived, while Mu Xueyao insists she knows him.
• Survival and adaptation: Ji Yuan’s careful use of concealment, formations, treasures, and escape techniques reflects the dangers of entering an unfamiliar continent.
• The consequences of fame: Qiu Qianhai’s and Ji Yuan’s reputations attract enemies and create danger even when they have not personally provoked anyone.
• Instinct and intelligence: The sea beasts’ behavior demonstrates the contrast between reckless survival instincts and cautious calculation, mirroring the cultivators’ own choices.

Character Interactions

• Qiu Qianhai and Nightmare True Lord argue internally over Qiu’s rash attack and the suspicious pursuit that follows.
• Ji Yuan observes the fleeing Mu Xueyao and realizes she deliberately approaches him to draw him into her conflict.
• The Heavenly Fiend Mountain cultivators immediately redirect their hostility from Mu Xueyao to Ji Yuan after hearing his name.
• Ji Yuan attempts to clarify the misunderstanding, but the pursuers attack without listening.
• Mu Xueyao communicates privately with Ji Yuan, warning him about the enemy’s combat methods and calling him “Brother Ji,” while Ji Yuan repeatedly questions who she is and why she recognizes him.
• The chapter ends with Ji Yuan reluctantly trusting Mu Xueyao and agreeing to hold off the pursuers so that they can escape together.

Chapter 341 Summary: “Have I Become Old Demon Ji?!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan decides to confront three Core Formation Middle Stage cultivators pursuing him and Mu Xueyao rather than immediately flee.
• He uses several powerful Dharma Treasures—the Miasma Dragon Gourd, Sea-Covering Pearl, and Firefly Sword—to delay and restrain the attackers.
• The cultivators quickly break through his techniques, but the brief delay gives Mu Xueyao time to activate a Pinewood Crane.
• Ji Yuan uses his extraordinary movement technique to reach Feng Buhui and severely injures him with a single physical-strength punch, denting Feng’s Heart-Eroding Cauldron and sending him unconscious.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao escape on the Pinewood Crane. The pursuers conclude with certainty that Ji Yuan is the notorious “Old Devil Ji.”
• During the escape, Ji Yuan discovers that Feng Buhui’s Heart-Eroding Cauldron poisoned him. He cuts away part of his own arm to remove the poison and uses improved Qi-Blood Pills to rapidly regenerate the wound.
• Ji Yuan’s internal green sword clears most of the poison, though he expects several days of recovery.
• The pair hide on an island protected by an Inverted Rivers and Lakes Formation while Ji Yuan questions Mu Xueyao.
• Mu Xueyao reveals that the “Old Devil Ji” of the Abyssal Continent has the same name, appearance, language, and apparent strength as Ji Yuan.
• Ji Yuan concludes that someone is impersonating him—or that the mysterious Old Devil Ji is somehow deeply connected to him—and resolves to investigate while concealing his identity.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan: Demonstrates his willingness to fight strategically and his exceptional physical strength, surviving an extremely dangerous poison through ruthless self-treatment. He becomes increasingly disturbed by the revelation that another man identical to him has built a notorious reputation. He decides to disguise both his appearance and identity until he learns the truth.
• Mu Xueyao: Shows intense trust and affection toward Ji Yuan, recognizing him as the man who saved her forty-three years earlier. Although she is nervous around him because of his reputation, she willingly helps him escape, stands guard for him, and accepts even his dangerous corpse puppet without suspicion.
• Feng Buhui: Suffers severe injuries from Ji Yuan’s punch but takes satisfaction in believing his poison has harmed Ji Yuan. His certainty that Ji Yuan is Old Devil Ji reinforces the mistaken identity.
• Li Hanzhou and Yue Pan: Become convinced that Ji Yuan is the legendary Old Devil Ji, interpreting his strength, ruthlessness, and deceptive behavior as proof.

Significant Themes

• Mistaken identity and reputation: Ji Yuan is judged entirely by another person’s crimes and reputation because of their identical name and appearance.
• The burden of legend: The name “Old Devil Ji” has become so infamous that every suspicious action Ji Yuan takes is treated as confirmation of his identity.
• Trust versus evidence: Mu Xueyao trusts Ji Yuan emotionally despite the overwhelming circumstantial evidence against him, while the pursuing cultivators rely on appearance, strength, and rumors.
• Self-sacrifice and ruthlessness: Ji Yuan’s willingness to cut off poisoned flesh highlights both his physical resilience and the frightening behavior that causes others to mistake him for a demon.
• Uncertainty about identity and reality: Ji Yuan considers possibilities ranging from a powerful double or incarnation to a connection between continents, but none fully explain the situation.

Important Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan battles the three cultivators long enough for Mu Xueyao to prepare their escape.
• He saves Feng Buhui from immediate defeat only to decisively injure him, displaying the gap between his combat ability and his apparent cultivation realm.
• Mu Xueyao repeatedly calls Ji Yuan “Brother Ji,” while he struggles to convince her that he is not the Old Devil Ji she remembers.
• Her simple reasoning—that they share the same name, face, speech, and strength—leaves Ji Yuan unable to refute her conclusion.
• Ji Yuan releases the Hundred-Insect Immortal to guard him, and Mu Xueyao’s continued calm trust demonstrates her confidence in him.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan realizes that someone has been impersonating him as the notorious “Old Devil Ji,” creating enemies and romantic entanglements across the Abyssal Continent.
• He asks Mu Xueyao to describe the original Ji Yuan as though he were a stranger. She reveals that Old Devil Ji:
  • Provoked the Bone Nightmare Sect, Soul-Refining Hall, Heavenly Craft Valley, Profound Serpent Manor, Profound Purity Sect, Heavenly Fiend Mountain, and Cloudcliff Abbey.
  • Avoided directly antagonizing the powerful Black-and-White Divine Hall.
  • Accumulated numerous romantic debts after becoming involved with many female cultivators, several of whom developed deep feelings for him.
• To avoid being identified, Ji Yuan decides to abandon both the names “Ji Yuan” and “Qiu Qianhai,” adopting the alias Li Changshou.
• Mu Xueyao explains that the Abyssal Continent uses a different language from Elegant Speech. Ji Yuan spends half a month learning the local dialect so he can conceal his origins and identity.
• Ji Yuan recovers fully from his injuries and poison, then asks why Mu Xueyao was being pursued. She explains that a visitor connected to the Black-and-White Divine Hall attempted to use her as a furnace cauldron. She pretended to cooperate before cutting off his “family jewels,” thereby provoking the Heavenly Fiend Mountain and potentially the Black-and-White Divine Hall.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao decide to travel to Western Border City, a heavily protected city controlled by the Black-and-White Divine Hall. Ji Yuan may use its abundant spiritual energy and safety to attempt Golden Core Formation.
• Mu Xueyao leads Ji Yuan away from danger, carrying him across the sea after criticizing the insufficient speed of his Rift-Splitting Boat.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan: Becomes increasingly cautious and defensive about his identity. He recognizes that the impersonator’s reputation has made his name nearly unusable, so he adopts a new alias and learns the local language. He also begins seriously considering his advancement to the Golden Core Realm.
• Mu Xueyao: Continues to trust Ji Yuan completely despite his claims of amnesia and obvious changes in temperament. She is devoted, protective, and excited by the prospect of accompanying him to form his Golden Core. Internally, she is pleased that she may be the only person who knows his “true” identity.
• Qiu Qianhai: On the Cangluo Continent, he is revealed to be the person being mistaken for Old Devil Qiu. He has become an infamous figure after killing an elder near the teleportation formation. Although he is only a Golden Core-level cultivator himself, his body can temporarily wield the power of his master, Nightmare True Lord.
• Nightmare True Lord: Acts through Qiu Qianhai’s body and easily kills two investigating cultivators. He discovers that Qiu Qianhai’s cultivation has weakened and urges him to focus on forming his Golden Core.

Significant Themes

• Mistaken identity and reputation: Ji Yuan is forced to deal with the consequences of crimes committed by someone who looks and is named like him. The chapter also reveals that Qiu Qianhai faces the same problem, suggesting a larger mystery involving duplicated identities or fate.
• Caution and survival: Ji Yuan’s decision to change his name, learn the local language, and seek refuge in Western Border City reflects his growing awareness of the dangers of traveling in unfamiliar territory.
• Trust and suspicion: Mu Xueyao trusts Ji Yuan unconditionally, while Ji Yuan remains wary of the possibility that she may be manipulating or monitoring him.
• Romantic debts versus mortal enemies: Ji Yuan considers ordinary enemies manageable, but finds the emotional and romantic consequences of Old Devil Ji’s actions far more difficult to resolve.
• Cultivation and advancement: The journey toward Golden Core Formation becomes an important immediate goal for Ji Yuan and Qiu Qianhai alike.

Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan questions Mu Xueyao about his supposed past, creating humorous tension as she proudly presents a detailed record of Old Devil Ji’s deeds.
• Mu Xueyao teases Ji Yuan for being a womanizer, while he insists that the notorious Old Devil Ji is not actually him.
• Ji Yuan asks Mu Xueyao to teach him the local language, strengthening their partnership while allowing him to hide his identity.
• He questions her about the pursuit by Heavenly Fiend Mountain and learns that her violent resistance has implicated them in an even greater conflict with the Black-and-White Divine Hall.
• In the parallel Cangluo Continent storyline, Qiu Qianhai and Nightmare True Lord discuss the “Old Devil Qiu” rumors. After interrogating a local cultivator, they realize that the existence of another person with Qiu Qianhai’s exact rare name may not be a coincidence.

Chapter Summary: Preparations Before Golden Core Formation

Key Plot Points and Events

• Nightmare True Lord reflects on the existence of two extraordinarily powerful men named Qiu Qianhai. He concludes that they must be connected, likely through the mysterious Dragon-Nurturing Land, and suspects that the infamous “Old Devil Qiu” knows his disciple, Qiu Qianhai.
• Nightmare True Lord deliberately withholds this information from Qiu Qianhai, believing that the desire for revenge is motivating Qiu’s rapid cultivation and keeping him alive.
• He takes Qiu Qianhai away to find a suitable location for him to form his Golden Core.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao search the Endless Sea for the missing passage and traces of Du Wanyi, but after more than a month without success, Ji Yuan decides to travel to Western Border City. He hopes to find clues through Liu Yuan or other cultivators.
• On the Desolate Ancient Continent, Hua Yaoyue prepares to leave the Water Dragon Sect. She reminds Kong Xifeng that she owes them nothing after helping them escape danger, secure a powerful foothold, and become a first-class affiliated sect of the Taiyi Immortal Sect.
• Hua Yaoyue entrusts her disciples Feng Zhitáo and Yun Qianzai to care for one another. She reveals that another junior brother will eventually come to find them and orders Yun Qianzai to take Feng Zhitáo out to sea within three years.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao arrive at Western Border City, an enormous cultivation metropolis built across an entire mountain range. They purchase residence permits and spend more than a month exploring the city.
• Ji Yuan rents an expensive cultivation cave abode on the city’s main cultivation mountain, intending to prepare for Golden Core Formation and conduct other long-term tasks.
• He decides to wait until his Spirit Field produces a third Dan Yuan Fruit before attempting the breakthrough, despite already possessing two. He believes the extra fruit will compensate for his False Spiritual Root and the effects of consuming many Tri-color Spirit Eggs.
• Ji Yuan also plans to investigate Du Wanyi and Liu Yuan, gather intelligence on the Abyssal Continent, collect Voidspace Stones and building materials, and spend his accumulated Spirit Stones on upgrades.
• News spreads that Old Devil Ji is still somewhere on the Abyssal Continent, but Ji Yuan is unconcerned because he has changed his appearance.
• While examining a list of Core Formation cultivators in Western Border City, Ji Yuan unexpectedly discovers the familiar name “Drunken Sword True Person—Liu Yuan.”

Character Developments

• Nightmare True Lord is shown to be manipulative and calculating. He understands that hatred can be used as a powerful force to drive cultivation and intentionally preserves Qiu Qianhai’s motivation by hiding important truths.
• Qiu Qianhai continues advancing rapidly under Nightmare True Lord’s guidance, with revenge serving as his primary source of determination.
• Ji Yuan becomes more cautious and strategic after his experiences in Fallen Immortal Ravine. Rather than searching endlessly for Du Wanyi, he establishes himself in Western Border City and creates a long-term plan for cultivation, information gathering, and resource collection.
• Mu Xueyao acts as Ji Yuan’s guide and benefactor. She provides disguises, pays for residence permits, explains the city’s structure and customs, and helps him establish himself.
• Hua Yaoyue remains emotionally distant but demonstrates responsibility toward the Water Dragon Sect and her disciples. Before leaving, she ensures they have protection, resources, and instructions for future survival.
• Kong Xifeng has grown old and recognizes her dependence on Hua Yaoyue. She expresses gratitude and accepts that Hua Yaoyue is no longer obligated to remain with the sect.
• Feng Zhitáo is openly emotional about Hua Yaoyue’s departure, while Yun Qianzai becomes responsible and protective, promising to safeguard his junior sister.

Significant Themes

• Hatred as motivation: Nightmare True Lord argues that hatred can be beneficial when properly directed, using Qiu Qianhai’s desire for revenge to fuel his cultivation.
• No true coincidences: The repeated appearance of powerful individuals with the same name suggests hidden connections and reinforces Nightmare True Lord’s belief that seemingly accidental events are orchestrated.
• Separation and responsibility: Hua Yaoyue’s departure highlights the painful necessity of leaving others behind while ensuring they can survive independently.
• Preparation before breakthrough: Ji Yuan treats Golden Core Formation as a carefully planned milestone rather than an impulsive attempt, prioritizing resources, safety, and suitable conditions.
• Cultural and regional disparity: Western Border City’s scale, wealth, hierarchy, and sophistication reveal the vast difference between the Abyssal Continent and the weaker Cangluo Continent.
• Identity and concealment: Ji Yuan’s disguises and Mu Xueyao’s Veil Hat emphasize the dangers of reputation and the importance of hiding one’s true identity.
• Power depends on strength: Hua Yaoyue warns that connections alone are useless without personal power, reinforcing the cultivation world’s harsh survival logic.

Important Character Interactions

• Nightmare True Lord and Qiu Qianhai: Nightmare True Lord guides Qiu while concealing crucial information, using revenge to control and motivate him.
• Hua Yaoyue and Kong Xifeng: Kong Xifeng thanks Hua Yaoyue for saving the Water Dragon Sect, while Hua Yaoyue dismisses the debt and gives practical advice before leaving.
• Hua Yaoyue and her disciples: She instructs Yun Qianzai to protect Feng Zhitáo, warns Feng not to neglect cultivation, and promises that their younger junior brother will eventually reunite with them.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao: Their relationship grows through cooperation and mutual dependence. Mu Xueyao guides him through Western Border City and supports his settlement there, while Ji Yuan trusts her despite remaining somewhat wary of her closeness.
• Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan: They do not meet in the chapter, but Ji Yuan’s discovery of Liu Yuan’s name creates a major lead in his search for Du Wanyi and his lost passage.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan discovers that the famous “Drunken Sword True Person,” Liu Yuan, is actually his old fellow disciple and friend. He travels to Liu Yuan’s Cave Abode in Western Border City and reunites with him.
• The two discuss the mysterious “Old Devil Ji,” who looks almost exactly like Ji Yuan, uses his name, and speaks the refined language of the Cangluo Continent. They speculate that the impersonator may have come from Cangluo, possibly even being a fellow Water Dragon Sect disciple—or, jokingly, Ji Yuan’s supposedly dead father—but no conclusion is reached.
• Ji Yuan explains that he was mistaken for Old Devil Ji by Heavenly Fiend Mountain cultivators and forced into a battle, which only strengthens Liu Yuan’s suspicion that the connection is not coincidental.
• Liu Yuan decides to remain in Western Border City and guard Ji Yuan until he forms his Golden Core, offering both protection and assistance with gathering resources.
• Ji Yuan asks Liu Yuan to help locate the passage through Fallen Immortal Ravine. They discover that the passage exit has disappeared, forcing them to rely on clues left by Ji Yuan’s senior sister, Du Wanyi.
• The clues reveal that Du Wanyi settled in Cloudsky City, warned Ji Yuan never to reveal his real name, and was being pursued by a terrifying, ragged old woman who could bypass formations. Her final message indicates that the strange woman appeared directly before her.
• Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan search Cloudsky City and Western Border City but find no trace of Du Wanyi or her pursuer. Ji Yuan remains hopeful that Du Wanyi is still alive and takes responsibility for her disappearance because she came to the Abyssal Continent at his request.
• Back in Western Border City, Ji Yuan begins preparing for future building upgrades. He upgrades the [Ant Nest] to Level 2 using spirit stones, demon cores, and a Stone-Splitting Golden Ant corpse.
• The upgraded [Ant Nest] gains the ability to combine its ants into a powerful giant ant warrior, roughly reaching Foundation Establishment Late Stage strength and potentially Golden Core strength as the ant king grows.
• Two years later, Ji Yuan acquires a Third-Tier ice-attributed demon core and upgrades the [Fish Pond] to Level 4. Two new Ice Flood Dragon hatchlings appear, and the pond gains a chance for flood dragons to transform into Fourth-Order Chi Dragons.
• The upgraded pond also produces one tael of Millennial Cold Spirit Milk each year. Ji Yuan successfully stores the first batch, despite Monday attempting to seize it.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan becomes more emotionally open with Liu Yuan, revealing his anger, uncertainty, and anxiety over the Old Devil Ji mystery and Du Wanyi’s disappearance. He also accepts greater responsibility for those connected to him.
• His normally composed demeanor weakens while searching for Du Wanyi, though he regains control through meditation and focuses on cultivation and infrastructure upgrades.
• Ji Yuan continues delaying Golden Core Formation in order to investigate Du Wanyi and acquire resources, despite repeatedly promising that he will form his core soon.
• Liu Yuan is revealed to be a powerful Golden Core cultivator known as the Drunken Sword True Person. Despite his reputation, he remains emotionally sincere, loyal, and dependent on Ji Yuan’s friendship and wine.
• Liu Yuan’s trust in Ji Yuan is absolute. He offers to guard him during seclusion, investigate Du Wanyi’s disappearance, and use his influence in Western Border City to obtain information.
• Mu Xueyao shows increasing concern and attachment toward Ji Yuan. She wants to accompany him but accepts his refusal and remains behind to watch over Western Border City.
• Du Wanyi is portrayed through her messages as resourceful but increasingly frightened and isolated, attempting to survive while being stalked by the mysterious old woman.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and loyalty: Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan’s reunion emphasizes the strength of their bond despite years and continents separating them.
• Identity and impersonation: The existence of someone resembling Ji Yuan and using his name creates an ongoing mystery about his origins, possible hidden connections, and the reliability of appearances.
• Responsibility and guilt: Ji Yuan feels accountable for Du Wanyi’s disappearance because he summoned her to the Abyssal Continent, motivating his persistent search.
• Trust in a dangerous world: Liu Yuan’s loyalty provides Ji Yuan with emotional and practical security in an unfamiliar continent where strength determines status.
• Cultivation and preparation: The chapter balances major mysteries with Ji Yuan’s long-term effort to accumulate resources, improve his Cave Abode, and prepare for Golden Core Formation.
• Hidden dangers and uncertainty: The vanished passage, the unknown Old Devil Ji, and the ghostlike woman pursuing Du Wanyi all reinforce the Abyssal Continent’s mysterious and threatening nature.

Important Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan share an emotional reunion, exchange information about Old Devil Ji, and renew their promise to help one another.
• Liu Yuan jokes about Ji Yuan possibly being Old Devil Ji, while still accepting Ji Yuan’s assurance that his identity is genuine.
• Ji Yuan refuses Mu Xueyao’s request to accompany him, telling her to protect Western Border City instead; her concern reveals their growing emotional tension.
• Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan work together for months to trace Du Wanyi’s messages and investigate her disappearance.
• Ji Yuan interacts with the upgraded ant colony and discovers its ability to form a giant ant warrior.
• Ji Yuan protects the Millennial Cold Spirit Milk from Monday and observes the new Ice Flood Dragons after upgrading the [Fish Pond].

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan examines the upgraded Level 5 Fish Pond, which now produces Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Spirit Milk and can affect all water-element creatures, not merely spirit fish. Its enhanced effects may cause creatures to evolve into dragons, while future upgrades could eventually transform it into a Dragon Pool.
• He considers future upgrades to his other structures but finds their required materials difficult to obtain, particularly the Nine Luminaries Stone, Soul-Eroding Ghost Willow, Profound Ice Fire Lotus, and large quantities of Voidspace Stone.
• Ji Yuan continues preparing for his Golden Core breakthrough by gathering materials for the nine primary Azure Waves Swords, practicing sword techniques, and relying on the resources and spiritual effects of Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain.
• Mu Xueyao discovers that the Bone Nightmare Sect possesses the largest Voidspace Stone vein. A declining Nascent Soul clan within the sect, the Zhou Household, secretly smuggles Voidspace Stone, but contact with them remains difficult. Ji Yuan decides that purchasing the material is preferable to robbing or antagonizing the Bone Nightmare Sect.
• After eight years in Western Border City, the third Dan Yuan Fruit finally ripens. Ji Yuan secures it and concludes that all preparations for core formation are complete.
• He invites Mu Xueyao and Liu Yuan to assist him. They escort him to a high mountain in Western Border City, where he rents Cave Abode Number Seventy-Three from the Black-and-White Divine Hall for an enormous payment of thirty thousand Middle-Grade Spirit Stones.
• Ji Yuan enters the cave abode and then retreats into Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain’s spirit vein, whose concentrated spiritual qi gives him the ideal environment for breakthrough.
• He begins transforming his False Core into a true Golden Core. The process is so demanding that he must consume all three Dan Yuan Fruits to stabilize his dantian and supply the necessary energy.
• His breakthrough creates an extraordinary celestial phenomenon of five multicolored auspicious clouds, causing widespread speculation throughout Western Border City. Observers assume a highly gifted cultivator is forming a core, unaware that the person is the supposedly obscure pseudo-core cultivator “Li Changshou.”
• Ji Yuan successfully completes the transformation. His Golden Core becomes fully solid and radiant, and his breakthrough releases a powerful aura that destroys the depleted spirit stones around him.
• After ten years of secluded cultivation, at age sixty-six, Ji Yuan finally advances from False Core to Golden Core.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan grows increasingly confident and well prepared. He has accumulated immense resources, refined his cultivation foundation, planned his sword-based combat style, and developed enough financial power to act without desperation. His willingness to pay for the cave abode rather than rely on risky methods shows his preference for secure, controlled advancement.
• Mu Xueyao proves herself resourceful and capable by investigating the Voidspace Stone trade. Her loyalty to Ji Yuan is unwavering, and she eagerly volunteers to protect him. Her playful willingness to rob the Zhou Household contrasts with Ji Yuan’s more cautious decision to buy the material.
• Liu Yuan remains Ji Yuan’s dependable friend and protector. He offers to guard the breakthrough and confidently trusts Ji Yuan, though he initially underestimates the scale of Ji Yuan’s impending breakthrough.
• Wen Jiu, a perceptive cultivator of the Black-and-White Divine Hall, recognizes Ji Yuan’s identity as the famous “Listening-Tide Li.” He chooses to conceal this knowledge so he can befriend Ji Yuan before others do, even considering paying his cave-abode fees to build goodwill.
• The surrounding cultivators initially dismiss Ji Yuan because of his false spiritual root, unknown reputation, and pseudo-core cultivation. His spectacular breakthrough overturns their assumptions.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and accumulation: Ji Yuan’s success results from years of careful cultivation, resource gathering, sword preparation, and use of his buildings’ spiritual effects.
• Hidden strength and mistaken identity: Ji Yuan appears to be an ordinary, obscure pseudo-core cultivator, but his true foundation and resources are extraordinary. The chapter emphasizes the danger of judging cultivators by reputation or apparent aptitude.
• Trust and companionship: Mu Xueyao and Liu Yuan willingly guard Ji Yuan during his most dangerous breakthrough, providing emotional and practical support.
• Risk versus security: The chapter contrasts Mu Xueyao’s bold, criminal solutions with Ji Yuan’s preference to purchase resources and avoid unnecessary conflict, despite possessing enough power and wealth to consider more violent options.
• Evolution and transformation: The Fish Pond’s dragon-related effects parallel Ji Yuan’s own advancement. Just as water creatures may leap beyond their former limits and become dragons, Ji Yuan transforms his incomplete False Core into a true Golden Core.
• Accumulated power: Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain continues to grow stronger as more buildings and resources are added, reinforcing the idea that long-term investment produces overwhelming results.

Important Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao discuss the Zhou Household’s smuggling operation. Mu Xueyao jokingly suggests robbing them or selling information about them to the Bone Nightmare Sect, while Ji Yuan insists on purchasing the Voidspace Stone.
• Ji Yuan invites Mu Xueyao and Liu Yuan to his breakthrough. Both pledge to guard him, with Liu Yuan emphasizing that he and his sword will remain present.
• Liu Yuan deduces that Ji Yuan is finally ready to form his core, and Mu Xueyao responds with enthusiastic confidence in his success.
• Mu Xueyao challenges Liu Yuan for seeming insufficiently worried about Ji Yuan’s dangerous breakthrough. Liu Yuan replies that he understands Ji Yuan’s temperament and trusts him.
• Liu Yuan questions why Mu Xueyao continues following Ji Yuan despite knowing he is not the original “Old Devil Ji.” She emotionally insists that he is still “her Brother Ji,” revealing the depth of her attachment.
• The Black-and-White Divine Hall cultivator is shocked by Ji Yuan’s extravagant payment and becomes interested in his background. Wen Jiu secretly identifies him as Listening-Tide Li and plans to cultivate a personal relationship with him.
• Outside the cave abode, Mu Xueyao remains certain that the astonishing five-cloud phenomenon belongs to Ji Yuan, while Liu Yuan initially doubts that someone with a false spiritual root could produce such a spectacle. Both are ultimately vindicated when Ji Yuan successfully forms his Golden Core.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan successfully forms a Golden Core, greatly increasing his spiritual power, Divine Sense range, and ability to perceive spiritual energy. He realizes that his concealed Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain can evade Core Formation cultivators, though Nascent Soul cultivators may still detect it.
• He stabilizes his cultivation over half a month, using Spirit Stones and the lingering effects of the Dan Yuan Fruit. He begins planning how to purify his Golden Core into a higher-grade Violet Core, which requires Four-Color Spirit Eggs from a level-four Chicken Coop.
• After thirteen years of production, Tu Yue’s Spirit Vein has accumulated nearly 480,000 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones, allowing Ji Yuan to withdraw almost 200,000 for future expenses.
• Ji Yuan leaves seclusion while disguising himself as a failed Pseudo-Core Cultivator. He creates evidence of a failed breakthrough and returns his Cave Abode token.
• Wen Jiu, a Core Formation cultivator of the Black-and-White Divine Hall, has noticed the Golden Core Formation phenomenon and pays Ji Yuan’s seclusion fees. Ji Yuan pretends to have failed, but secretly reveals his true cultivation through the spiritual power he sends into a Communication Talisman.
• Wen Jiu realizes that Ji Yuan has successfully formed a Golden Core and deliberately concealed it. Instead of looking down on him, Wen Jiu becomes more interested in befriending him.
• Ji Yuan reunites with Liu Yuan and Mu Xueyao, both of whom believe he failed his breakthrough. After returning to his Cave Abode, he reveals the truth and celebrates with them beneath the peach tree.
• The celebration lasts three days. Liu Yuan becomes drunk, while Mu Xueyao drunkenly speaks in an incomprehensible dialect. Liu Yuan later leaves to travel across Abyssal Continent.
• Ji Yuan finally presses Mu Xueyao to reveal the details of her revenge. She explains that the Yin-Baleful Sect killed her younger sister, while mysterious sand bandits backed by the Black-and-White Divine Hall killed her parents and persecuted her people.
• Ji Yuan promises to help Mu Xueyao destroy the Yin-Baleful Sect once they are both stronger. He advises her to reach Nascent Soul before confronting the sand-bandit organization.
• Ji Yuan returns Mu Xueyao’s strand of Divine Soul after discovering that the Soul-Calming Bell or Meditation Room has strengthened it.
• He begins planning his next projects: upgrading the Heavenly Craft Workshop, obtaining rare materials, forging nine complete flying swords, and acquiring a Voidspace Stone.
• Wen Jiu invites Ji Yuan to the Hidden Immortal Pavilion. Their meeting begins with mutual politeness and quickly develops into a more familiar relationship. Wen Jiu hints that he could help Ji Yuan join the Black-and-White Divine Hall.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan reaches Golden Core Formation and gains greater confidence, though he remains cautious and continues concealing his true strength. He becomes more willing to support his companions now that his cultivation has advanced.
• Wen Jiu shifts from indifferent courtesy to genuine interest after discovering Ji Yuan’s hidden Golden Core cultivation. He recognizes Ji Yuan’s unusual talent and deliberately tries to establish a friendship.
• Liu Yuan is sincerely delighted by Ji Yuan’s breakthrough. He views Golden Core Formation as the point at which they can finally live freely as powerful Rogue Cultivators, and he prepares to travel across the continent.
• Mu Xueyao becomes more emotionally open with Ji Yuan. She reveals her family history, her desire for revenge, and her long-term goal of reaching Nascent Soul Formation.
• Tu Yue remains a loyal but mindless Corpse Puppet. Ji Yuan continues to treat her as a trusted long-term companion and jokingly promises to help her reach Golden Core Formation.

Significant Themes

• Concealment and deception: Ji Yuan must hide his breakthrough to avoid attracting attention, while Wen Jiu’s discovery demonstrates the risks and rewards of concealing one’s strength.
• Advancement and status: Golden Core Formation marks Ji Yuan’s transformation from an insignificant cultivator into a respected regional powerhouse.
• Friendship and loyalty: Liu Yuan and Mu Xueyao celebrate Ji Yuan’s success, while Ji Yuan reciprocates by offering practical help with Mu Xueyao’s vengeance.
• Buried history and persecution: Mu Xueyao’s story introduces the unexplained ancient catastrophe that created the “sinners” of Northwest Sand Prison and suggests that major powers have erased or concealed the truth.
• Ambition and preparation: Ji Yuan’s breakthrough does not end his struggles; he immediately begins gathering materials, expanding his connections, and preparing for future cultivation and conflicts.
• Trust and mutual advantage: Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao’s relationship rests on both genuine affection and practical reliance, while Wen Jiu’s friendship also carries the expectation of future benefits.

Important Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan celebrates privately with Tu Yue after achieving Golden Core Formation.
• Ji Yuan and Wen Jiu exchange favors: Wen Jiu pays—or attempts to pay—Ji Yuan’s expenses, while Ji Yuan offers him a Communication Talisman. Their mutual deception eventually becomes the basis for respect.
• Ji Yuan fools Liu Yuan and Mu Xueyao into believing he failed, then reveals his true cultivation during their private celebration.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao have an intimate, serious discussion about her revenge. He promises to help her against the Yin-Baleful Sect and supports her goal of eventually confronting the sand bandits.
• Ji Yuan meets Wen Jiu again at the Hidden Immortal Pavilion, where their relationship becomes more cordial and Wen Jiu offers to introduce him to the Black-and-White Divine Hall.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wen Jiu invites Ji Yuan—currently using the identity “Li Changshou”—to join the Black-and-White Divine Hall. Ji Yuan politely refuses, preferring freedom and avoiding formal affiliations.
• During the banquet, Ji Yuan asks Wen Jiu to help obtain two pieces of Nine Luminaries Stone, needed to upgrade the Heavenly Craft Workshop and eventually refine his Azure Waves Sword. Wen Jiu agrees to exchange resources through the Divine Hall.
• Ji Yuan reunites with Liu Yuan and several of Liu Yuan’s Golden Core friends: True Person Jinghong, True Person Kunyu, Rogue Cultivator Qing Furnace, and Master Iron Talisman.
• Liu Yuan announces that he is leaving Western Border City and will travel through the other border regions before eventually reaching Black-and-White City. Before departing, he tells Ji Yuan that Qing Furnace knows the location of a Profound Ice Fire Lotus, the final major material Ji Yuan needs for upgrading the Heavenly Craft Workshop.
• Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan exchange heartfelt farewells. Ji Yuan gives Liu Yuan a Storage Bag filled with powerful spirit wines, which Liu Yuan deeply values because Ji Yuan’s wines aided his cultivation and helped him comprehend the Wine-Sword Art.
• Qing Furnace reveals that the Profound Ice Fire Lotus is located in the Heavenly Fiend Mountain Range. It is guarded by a Third-Tier demon beast, so he and Master Iron Talisman invite Ji Yuan to accompany them.
• Before leaving, Ji Yuan also meets Wen Jiu again. Wen Jiu has found a method to obtain the Nine Luminaries Stones, requiring three Dharma Treasures as exchange materials. Ji Yuan entrusts him with the Crimson Wave Whip, Sea-Covering Pearl, and Miasma Dragon Gourd.
• After traveling for over a month, Ji Yuan, Qing Furnace, and Iron Talisman reach a concealed cave containing the Profound Ice Fire Lotus. Ji Yuan discovers that the supposed Coldwater Crocodile is missing.
• A powerful Golden Core Late-Stage or Peak-Stage Yin Corpse, formerly a demonic cultivator, ambushes them and seals the cave with yin mist.
• The Yin Corpse proves extraordinarily durable, resisting Qing Furnace’s fire furnace and Ji Yuan’s sword attacks. Ji Yuan’s Thunder-Smite Sword and Heavenly Thunder Pellets can hinder it but not seriously injure it.
• The three cultivators escape the cave, but the Yin Corpse catches Master Iron Talisman. Qing Furnace turns back to save him rather than abandoning him.
• Ji Yuan ultimately chooses to remain behind and hold off the Yin Corpse so the other two can escape. He reveals that he has far more combat ability than they realized, transforming into dark-gold armor and preparing to unleash his Corpse Yin Demonfire.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan: Continues building a network of trustworthy allies while carefully concealing his true identity and strength. He gains confidence after forming his Golden Core, realizing that he can no longer always retreat from danger. His powerful Divine Sense covers one hundred li, rivaling that of much stronger cultivators. During the battle, he demonstrates courage, decisiveness, physical strength, advanced sword techniques, thunder abilities, and mastery of Yin fire.
• Wen Jiu: Becomes increasingly convinced that Ji Yuan is no ordinary rogue cultivator, particularly because Ji Yuan is unmoved by the Black-and-White Divine Hall and can casually produce three Dharma Treasures. He sincerely promises to help Ji Yuan obtain the Nine Luminaries Stone.
• Liu Yuan: Shows deep trust and friendship toward Ji Yuan. Even while preparing to leave, he arranges help with the Profound Ice Fire Lotus and continues searching for information through his contacts. His farewell establishes a long-term friendship and a possible future reunion.
• Rogue Cultivator Qing Furnace: Revealed to be experienced, cautious, knowledgeable, and morally upright. Though injured, he returns to rescue Iron Talisman instead of fleeing alone.
• Master Iron Talisman: A dependable defensive cultivator whose Life-bound Tortoiseshell Earth-Suppressing Talisman protects the group. He is also willing to sacrifice himself so Ji Yuan and Qing Furnace can escape.
• Mu Xueyao: Shows concern for Ji Yuan and wants to accompany him, but accepts his decision that she remain in the city to stabilize the Zhou household.
• The Yin Corpse: Acts as the chapter’s main antagonist, revealing intelligence, cruelty, and immense physical durability. It deliberately allowed the Profound Ice Fire Lotus to attract cultivators, treating them as prey.

Significant Themes

• Trust and genuine friendship: The relationships among Ji Yuan, Liu Yuan, Qing Furnace, and Iron Talisman are based on mutual aid rather than exploitation. Their willingness to risk themselves for one another contrasts with the Yin Corpse’s predatory worldview.
• The burden of cultivation and growing strength: Ji Yuan reflects that forming a Golden Core should mean more than merely continuing to flee. The battle marks his transition from cautious survivor to someone willing to confront powerful enemies directly.
• Hidden identity and concealed power: Ji Yuan presents himself as a newly formed Golden Core cultivator without a Life-bound Dharma Treasure, while secretly possessing unusual Divine Sense, a powerful body, multiple sword techniques, and terrifying Yin-fire abilities.
• Preparation and interconnected gains: Obtaining the Nine Luminaries Stone and Profound Ice Fire Lotus will upgrade the Heavenly Craft Workshop, grant the Inverted Big Dipper Formation and Zixiao Stone, and enable refinement of the Azure Waves Sword. Each success advances several future goals at once.
• Moral conduct among cultivators: Qing Furnace and Iron Talisman’s refusal to abandon one another demonstrates the value of loyalty and righteousness in a dangerous cultivation world.

Important Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and Wen Jiu establish a relationship founded on reciprocal trust: Wen Jiu offers institutional support, while Ji Yuan entrusts him with valuable Dharma Treasures.
• Ji Yuan and Liu Yuan share an emotional farewell, with Liu Yuan helping him secure the Profound Ice Fire Lotus and Ji Yuan repaying him with precious spirit wine.
• Ji Yuan gradually bonds with Qing Furnace and Iron Talisman, who initially see him as a weaker companion but later witness his extraordinary abilities.
• During the ambush, Qing Furnace and Iron Talisman repeatedly refuse to abandon Ji Yuan, while Ji Yuan insists on staying behind to protect them.
• The chapter ends with Ji Yuan facing the powerful Yin Corpse alone, summoning his Corpse Yin Demonfire and setting up the continuation of his first major battle after forming his Golden Core.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan confronts the powerful Yin Corpse guarding the mature Profound Ice Fire Lotus. He unleashes the newly cultivated Corpse Yin Demonfire, which proves to be the corpse’s natural nemesis and forces it to retreat into its cave.
• Inside the cave, the Yin Corpse attempts to use its body to protect the lotus and ambushes Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan deliberately exposes a weakness, allowing the corpse to strike him, then uses the Demonfire to burn it from behind.
• The Yin Corpse recognizes Ji Yuan as a body cultivator from the Desolate Ancient Continent and reveals that it once belonged to—or at least inherited techniques from—the Yin Ghost Sect. It is ultimately reduced to ashes, strengthening the Corpse Yin Demonfire.
• After killing the corpse, Ji Yuan obtains the mature Profound Ice Fire Lotus, its root, cold-pool water, and three drops of Ice-Soul Cold Dew. He also discovers a Skeleton Token, identical to one previously obtained from the Crossing-Sea Old Devil, suggesting that the tokens may possess a connection similar to the merging Skeleton Rings.
• Two Golden Core Middle Stage cultivators from Heavenly Fiend Mountain arrive, intending to seize the treasure and punish Ji Yuan for causing trouble in their territory. Ji Yuan frightens them away by displaying the Corpse Yin Demonfire, then escapes using the extremely fast Lightning-Chaser technique.
• Ji Yuan reunites with Rogue Cultivator Qing Furnace and Master Iron Talisman, concealing the fact that he obtained the lotus. He intends to repay them because they nearly lost their lives helping him.
• Back in Western Border City, Ji Yuan plants the lotus root in his Spirit Field and begins cultivating his Divine Soul and Divine Sense. He learns that Wen Jiu is temporarily away but has left word that he will return after several months.
• Mu Xueyao reports that someone has been robbing both the Black-and-White Divine Hall and Heavenly Fiend Mountain of demon-beast resources. She suspects a powerful Fourth-Tier demon, possibly a transformed great demon, is operating within Western Border City.
• Ji Yuan also learns that the Zhou Household has contacted Mu Xueyao about Voidspace Stone, but he decides not to act rashly until the situation becomes clearer.
• After four months, Wen Jiu returns with two Nine Luminaries Stones. Their arrival allows Ji Yuan’s Heavenly Craft Workshop to upgrade from Level 2 to Level 3.
• Ji Yuan supplies the required materials—spirit stones, the Profound Ice Fire Lotus, Zixiao Stone, Gold-Eating Rat King whiskers, and a Third-Order Monster Core—and successfully upgrades the workshop.
• The Level 3 workshop produces a Two-Pattern Foundation Establishment Pill, the cultivation-technique Talisman Treasure Azure Flood Dragon Sword, and a new Zixiao Stone. Ji Yuan realizes he can eventually forge the complete Azure Waves Sword Formation.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan demonstrates increasing combat sophistication. Rather than relying purely on overwhelming force, he uses deception and deliberately exposes an opening to lure the Yin Corpse into the Demonfire.
• His Corpse Yin Demonfire is revealed to be more valuable than expected: it not only counters Yin Corpses but also grows stronger by burning them.
• Ji Yuan becomes more cautious and calculating. He conceals the Profound Ice Fire Lotus from his companions, delays contacting the Zhou Household, and carefully investigates the possible demon conspiracy in Western Border City.
• Despite his pragmatism, Ji Yuan retains a strong sense of responsibility. He feels indebted to Qing Furnace and Master Iron Talisman and attempts to compensate them for their help.
• Rogue Cultivator Qing Furnace and Master Iron Talisman display loyalty and integrity. Although they gain nothing from the expedition and nearly die, they do not blame Ji Yuan or accept his compensation.
• Mu Xueyao becomes more openly familiar and playful with Ji Yuan, teasing him for being overly focused on other matters while also providing important intelligence about the demon activity.
• Wen Jiu proves reliable by obtaining and personally delivering the Nine Luminaries Stones, though his exhaustion and comments hint that the Black-and-White Divine Hall is facing serious internal or external difficulties.

Significant Themes

• Power through preparation and specialized advantages: Ji Yuan succeeds because the Corpse Yin Demonfire is a natural counter to the Yin Corpse, emphasizing the importance of preparation rather than cultivation level alone.
• Caution in a dangerous cultivation world: Treasure attracts betrayal, theft, and conflict. Ji Yuan consistently hides his strength, avoids unnecessary confrontations, and refuses to act before understanding the risks.
• Trust and moral character: Qing Furnace and Master Iron Talisman’s refusal to accept payment highlights genuine loyalty among cultivators, contrasting with the opportunism of Heavenly Fiend Mountain.
• The decline of established powers: Hints from Mu Xueyao and Wen Jiu suggest that the Black-and-White Divine Hall is weakening, while the Demon Race and other forces may be exploiting the instability.
• Long-term growth and craftsmanship: The workshop upgrade marks a major step in Ji Yuan’s development. His future power will depend not only on cultivation but also on refining weapons, especially the Azure Waves Swords.
• Hidden history and inherited legacies: The Yin Ghost Sect, Skeleton Tokens, Skeleton Rings, and ancient techniques continue to connect Ji Yuan’s present adventures to powerful forces from the past.

Important Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and the Yin Corpse shift from predator and prey to opposing hunters, with Ji Yuan ultimately exploiting the corpse’s reckless aggression.
• Ji Yuan intimidates the two Heavenly Fiend Mountain cultivators by invoking the Soul-Refining Hall and revealing the Corpse Yin Demonfire; their arrogance immediately turns into fear.
• Qing Furnace and Master Iron Talisman reunite with Ji Yuan and accept his false explanation about escaping and failing to obtain the lotus. Their mutual concern and refusal of payment strengthen their bond.
• Mu Xueyao greets Ji Yuan warmly, complains playfully about being ignored, and then shares critical information about demon activity and the Zhou Household.
• Wen Jiu and Ji Yuan discuss the Black-and-White Divine Hall. Wen Jiu’s weary remarks imply that the continent’s dominant power is declining, adding a broader political threat to Ji Yuan’s personal goals.
• The chapter ends with Ji Yuan entering a new stage of development, eager to use the upgraded Heavenly Craft Workshop and begin forging the Azure Waves Sword.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan examines the upgraded Level 4 Heavenly Craft Workshop. Its enhanced success rates now extend to Fifth-Tier items, and it grants four powerful Spirit Effects:
  • Heavenly Origin Divine Talisman, which strengthens a Nascent Soul cultivator with Transformation-stage demon-beast soul essence.
  • Spiritlike Mystic Nascent Infant, containing the Mystic Nascent Pill formula, capable of increasing Nascent Soul cultivation.
  • Spirit-Candle Nascent Flame, which greatly enhances a Nascent Soul cultivator’s flame.
  • Strange Gate Eight Trigrams, a powerful and upgradeable formation.
• Ji Yuan reflects on the value of the Nine-Nether Lifeburn Brew from his Wine Cellar, realizing that a temporary realm-boosting treasure could become an important trump card against Nascent Soul cultivators.
• He travels to Heavenly Fiend Mountain with Mu Xueyao to test the newly obtained Inverted Big Dipper Formation. The formation has seven layers, but unlike an ordinary Big Dipper Formation, its true core lies in the first layer. Breaking through that layer leads the opponent deeper into a trap.
• Mu Xueyao enters the formation and uses her powerful Life-bound Dharma Treasure, the Thousand-Blade Gathering-Scattering Pagoda, to overcome the first layer. However, she eventually reaches the third layer and surrenders after exhausting her spiritual power.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao learn of an upcoming Golden Core Trade Fair in Western Border City. Ji Yuan hopes to obtain materials for more Life-bound Flying Swords.
• After the Heavenly Craft Workshop produces three new pieces of Zixiao Stone, Ji Yuan begins forging his first Life-bound Flying Sword, the Azure Waves Sword.
• He combines Zixiao Stone with Water-Origin Gold, then spends over a month hammering, tempering, and refining the weapon before fusing it with his Sword Embryo.
• The completed Azure Waves Sword contains powerful Zixiao Divine Thunder. It can release approximately three bolts before needing to be nurtured again. The sword’s lightning can also instantly recharge Ji Yuan’s Lightning-Chasing Cloud, greatly improving his escape ability.
• Ji Yuan emerges from seclusion just before the trade fair and travels with Mu Xueyao, Rogue Cultivator Qing Furnace, and Master Iron Talisman to Gathering Worthies Manor.
• The trade fair contains many Golden Core cultivators from both orthodox and demonic factions, reflecting the Abyssal Continent’s less rigid division between the two paths.
• Ji Yuan disguises himself as an elderly green-robed cultivator named True Person Changshou, confident that even Nascent Soul cultivators would struggle to see through his disguise.
• Among the attendees are True Person Luojia, a talented Golden Core Middle Stage cultivator from Cloudcliff Abbey; Li Hanzhou of Heavenly Fiend Mountain; and Magui, a Golden Core Late Stage cultivator and disciple of a Nascent Soul old devil.
• Just as the trade fair begins, a late-arriving white-robed Golden Core Early Stage cultivator sits beside Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan initially senses no threat, but upon seeing the man’s face, he recognizes him and is shocked. The chapter ends on this cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan becomes increasingly aware of the enormous power gap between Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators. This motivates him to acquire trump cards such as the Nine-Nether Lifeburn Brew, powerful formations, and advanced treasures.
• He demonstrates his growing confidence and skill as an artifact refiner. His successful forging of the Azure Waves Sword marks a major advancement in his combat strength.
• Ji Yuan’s focus remains practical and survival-oriented. Rather than seeking overwhelming offensive power, he prioritizes defensive formations, escape techniques, and versatile trump cards.
• Mu Xueyao reveals the formidable power of her Thousand-Blade Gathering-Scattering Pagoda, proving that she can contend with Golden Core Early Stage opponents and survive against stronger enemies.
• Mu Xueyao’s feelings for Ji Yuan become increasingly obvious. She misinterprets his invitation to leave the city as a personal outing and dresses carefully for it, while Ji Yuan feels guilty about using her trust to test the formation.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao’s partnership deepens. She becomes his trusted companion, guard, and testing partner.
• Ji Yuan’s identity concealment becomes more sophisticated through his improved Form-Changing Talisman, allowing him to move among powerful cultivators without exposing his true identity.
• The appearance of Magui highlights the importance of backing and status in the cultivation world, while True Person Luojia represents a promising younger genius whom other cultivators hope to befriend.

Significant Themes

• Preparation and survival: Ji Yuan continually prepares for stronger enemies rather than relying solely on current cultivation. His formation, flying sword, escape cloud, and potential spirit wine all reflect this mindset.
• The widening gap between realms: The chapter emphasizes how drastically power differences grow after the Nascent Soul stage, making trump cards and strategic resources increasingly valuable.
• The value of hidden strength: Ji Yuan conceals both his identity and his true abilities, while his newly forged sword gives him strength that others at his apparent level would not expect.
• Craftsmanship as cultivation power: The Heavenly Craft Workshop allows Ji Yuan to gain extraordinary advantages through pill refining, formations, talismans, and artifact creation.
• Trust and companionship: Mu Xueyao’s trust in Ji Yuan allows him to test dangerous abilities, while their increasingly affectionate interactions add a lighter emotional element to the chapter.
• Orthodox and demonic coexistence: The trade fair shows that practical relationships and mutual benefit can transcend the traditional orthodox-demonic divide.

Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao share a playful but unequal interaction: she is openly excited by his invitation, while he conceals the true purpose of their trip. Her teasing suspicions about being robbed or attacked provide comic relief.
• During the formation test, Mu Xueyao trusts Ji Yuan enough to enter the dangerous Inverted Big Dipper Formation, while Ji Yuan observes and evaluates her combat abilities.
• Ji Yuan asks Mu Xueyao to guard him during his artifact-refining seclusion, demonstrating his reliance on her.
• At the trade fair, Ji Yuan reunites with Qing Furnace and Master Iron Talisman, whose friendly conversation contrasts with the wary atmosphere surrounding the demonic cultivators.
• Mu Xueyao proudly compares Ji Yuan favorably to True Person Luojia, revealing her admiration for him.
• Li Hanzhou’s deferential behavior toward Magui demonstrates the influence of Nascent Soul backing.
• The chapter concludes with Ji Yuan recognizing the late-arriving white-robed cultivator, setting up a major revelation for the next chapter.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan attends a Core Formation trade fair in Western Border City, where he unexpectedly discovers that the white-robed cultivator sitting beside him is Mei Zhuang, a powerful Nascent Soul Late Stage demon beast from the Cangluo Continent.
• Mei Zhuang immediately recognizes Ji Yuan despite his Form-Changing Talisman and knows about his reputation as “Old Devil Ji.” Ji Yuan is terrified because Mei Zhuang once intended to kill him and is vastly stronger than him.
• The two pretend to be old acquaintances while exchanging cautious voice transmissions. Ji Yuan claims that he missed the Water Dragon Sect’s departure because he was trapped in a secret realm and had to spend his fortune traveling to the Abyssal Continent.
• Mei Zhuang invites Ji Yuan to speak privately after the trade fair. Ji Yuan reluctantly agrees while trying to conceal his fear and hostility.
• During the auction, Magui of the Bone Nightmare Sect offers Voidspace Stone, which Ji Yuan urgently needs. Ji Yuan suspects the offer may be a trap connected to the Zhou Household and the Bone Nightmare Sect’s activities.
• Mei Zhuang effortlessly purchases two pieces of Voidspace Stone, frightening Magui into ending the sale. He then gives both pieces to Ji Yuan as a “meeting gift,” bringing Ji Yuan’s total supply to ten jin—enough to upgrade or store his Cave Abode.
• After the trade fair, Mei Zhuang instantly teleports Ji Yuan to a tavern. He creates an illusion that prevents anyone nearby from hearing or seeing them.
• Mei Zhuang questions Ji Yuan about his plans in the Abyssal Continent and suggests that he join the Black-and-White Divine Hall. He then brings up Ji Yuan’s former claim of being under “Lord Mei’s” command and offers him a genuine position under his authority.
• Mei Zhuang gives Ji Yuan two choices: surrender a wisp of his Divine Soul and submit to him, or die.
• Ji Yuan considers using the secret message given to him by Hua Yaoyue. He trusts that she would not deceive him and believes the message may be enough to restrain Mei Zhuang.
• Rather than surrendering his Divine Soul, Ji Yuan reveals that a superior senior instructed him to deliver a message to Mei Zhuang: “Have you forgotten that beating you took on Ink Bamboo Island?” The chapter ends as Mei Zhuang reacts with surprise and amusement.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan: Displays improved composure, deception, and political awareness despite being overwhelmed by Mei Zhuang’s cultivation. He carefully hides his fear, suspects traps, protects Mu Xueyao by warning her not to bid for the Voidspace Stone, and refuses to surrender his Divine Soul without testing Hua Yaoyue’s protection.
• Mei Zhuang: Is revealed to be a Nascent Soul Late Stage demon beast, far more powerful than Ji Yuan expected. He alternates between teasing familiarity, generosity, intimidation, and veiled threats. His interest in Ji Yuan appears genuine but remains potentially dangerous.
• Mu Xueyao: Continues to cooperate with Ji Yuan and trusts his judgment, though she becomes suspicious of Mei Zhuang’s ambiguous attitude toward him.
• Magui: Initially appears ready to use the Voidspace Stone for some hidden purpose, but Mei Zhuang’s overwhelming display of power leaves him frightened and unable to continue the exchange.
• Hua Yaoyue: Though absent, her influence is decisive. Her mysterious message gives Ji Yuan a possible means of survival against Mei Zhuang.
• True Person Luojia: Draws attention by showing unusual interest when Mei Zhuang reveals his strength, suggesting she may be observing him for her own reasons.

Significant Themes

• Power hierarchy and helplessness: Ji Yuan reflects that cultivation society effectively has only three levels—“ants,” “fellow Daoists,” and “seniors.” Even after reaching the Golden Core Realm, he remains powerless before a Nascent Soul expert.
• Trust and manipulation: Nearly every interaction is layered with false identities, half-truths, hidden motives, and tests of loyalty.
• Human-demon boundaries: Mei Zhuang’s offer forces Ji Yuan to confront whether serving a demon would make him a traitor to humanity—or whether survival matters more than labels.
• Freedom versus submission: Ji Yuan values the independence of a rogue cultivator and resists joining organizations, especially when membership requires surrendering control over his Divine Soul.
• Hidden backing and reputation: Ji Yuan survives not through direct strength but through Hua Yaoyue’s authority, his own reputation, and his ability to bluff dangerous opponents.
• Fellow townsmen and betrayal: The chapter’s title is reflected in the tense reunion between two people from the same continent, where familiarity does not prevent threats, coercion, or possible violence.

Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and Mei Zhuang: The central interaction is a psychological battle. Ji Yuan acts respectful and frightened while secretly searching for a way to survive; Mei Zhuang alternates between friendly teasing and lethal intimidation.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao: Ji Yuan warns her that the Voidspace Stone may be bait and deliberately prevents her from becoming entangled in his confrontation with Mei Zhuang.
• Mei Zhuang and Magui: Mei Zhuang casually overwhelms Magui during the trade, taking the Voidspace Stone before Magui can properly react and frightening him into submission.
• Ji Yuan and Hua Yaoyue’s unseen influence: Ji Yuan relies on Hua Yaoyue’s promise that her message will restrain Mei Zhuang, setting up the chapter’s cliffhanger.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan mentions Ink Bamboo Island, triggering Mei Zhuang’s traumatic memories of a mysterious black-robed woman who had once overpowered him and broken one of his wings.
• Mei Zhuang loses control in Western Border City, releasing a powerful demon aura and causing widespread panic. The city’s Fourth-Tier Four Symbols White Tiger Formation activates to contain him.
• A Nascent Soul Early Stage human cultivator confronts Mei Zhuang, accusing him of disrespecting the Human Race. Mei Zhuang retaliates with lightning, forcing the cultivator to retreat.
• Mei Zhuang breaks through the city formation and escapes. Before leaving, he warns Ji Yuan that they should never interfere with one another again, though Ji Yuan remains suspicious of him and realizes Mei Zhuang tampered with his Voidspace Stones.
• A Fourth-Tier Heaven-Treading Flower Deer emerges from Heavenly Fiend Mountain. Two human cultivators attack it, but Mei Zhuang returns to protect the deer. After a violent clash, both Mei Zhuang and the deer disappear.
• News later reveals that Mei Zhuang had come to retrieve the untransformed demon beast for his Sea Ruins faction. His earlier violence against the Black-and-White Divine Hall and his strange behavior in the city lead to numerous rumors.
• Ji Yuan decides Western Border City is no longer safe and plans to travel to Northern Border City, also known as Rimewinter City. The region suits his needs because of its Voidspace Stone trade, strong Demonic Cultivator presence, and access to Soul-Refining Hall resources.
• Mu Xueyao reveals that she is originally from Rimewinter City but cannot return because of her Demonic Cultivator background. She gives Ji Yuan extensive information about the city, its factions, trustworthy contacts, and dangerous merchants.
• Ji Yuan informs Wenjiu, Qinglu Sanren, and others of his departure. Wenjiu says he may also travel to Rimewinter City, though Ji Yuan doubts this is truly because of him.
• Because the teleportation formation will not activate for a month, Ji Yuan returns to his Cave Abode and upgrades it using ten jin of Voidspace Stone and seven hundred Middle-Grade Spirit Stones.
• The upgraded Cave Abode produces stronger wood-attributed spiritual energy, improving Ji Yuan’s mental calm, qi condensation, and ability to recover from pressure. The chapter ends with Ji Yuan wondering what the Level 5 Cave Abode will be like.

Character Developments

• Mei Zhuang: His arrogant and volatile nature becomes more apparent. Though extremely powerful as a Nascent Soul Late Stage demon, he is deeply afraid of the mysterious woman who once defeated him. He also shows a protective side by intervening to save the Heaven-Treading Flower Deer.
• Ji Yuan: Becomes more cautious and pragmatic after witnessing Mei Zhuang’s destructive outburst. He recognizes that Western Border City is unsafe and decisively plans his relocation. His confidence also grows as he relies on his disguises, resources, and upgraded Cave Abode.
• Mu Xueyao: Reveals her Demonic Cultivator origins and her complicated past in Rimewinter City. Despite refusing to return, she supports Ji Yuan by sharing detailed local knowledge and arranging contacts.
• Wenjiu: Expresses a possible intention to follow Ji Yuan to Rimewinter City, though Ji Yuan remains skeptical of his motives.
• Ji Yuan and Mei Zhuang’s relationship: Their hostility temporarily shifts into an uneasy nonaggression agreement, but Ji Yuan does not trust Mei Zhuang’s promises.

Significant Themes

• Power and fear: Mei Zhuang is powerful enough to overwhelm a city formation and defeat a Nascent Soul cultivator, yet he is still terrified by someone stronger than himself.
• Uncertainty and hidden strength: The mysterious woman, Ji Yuan’s concealed abilities, and Mei Zhuang’s unexplained actions emphasize that appearances and visible cultivation levels are unreliable.
• Survival through caution: Ji Yuan chooses to flee rather than risk remaining near a dangerous enemy, demonstrating the importance of recognizing when retreat is wiser than confrontation.
• Identity and belonging: Mu Xueyao’s inability to return home reflects the consequences of one’s past and the difficulty of finding a safe place within competing factions.
• Growth through preparation: Ji Yuan prepares for his move by gathering intelligence, establishing contacts, securing resources, and improving his Cave Abode.

Important Character Interactions

• Mei Zhuang and Ji Yuan: Mei Zhuang first threatens Ji Yuan indirectly through his aura and manipulation of the Voidspace Stones, then declares that they should avoid one another. Ji Yuan remains wary and refuses to trust him.
• Mei Zhuang and the Human cultivator: Their confrontation demonstrates the difference between Nascent Soul Early Stage and Late Stage power, with Mei Zhuang easily forcing the challenger into retreat.
• Mei Zhuang and the Heaven-Treading Flower Deer: Mei Zhuang protects the newly emerged Fourth-Tier demon beast, apparently intending to recruit it into his Sea Ruins faction.
• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao: Their conversation deepens their mutual understanding. Mu Xueyao shares her past and helps Ji Yuan prepare for Rimewinter City, while Ji Yuan accepts her decision not to accompany him.
• Ji Yuan and his Western Border City acquaintances: He informs them of his departure, creating a temporary farewell as he begins preparing for the next stage of his journey.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan upgrades his level 4 Cave Abode to level 5, unlocking three powerful Spirit Effects:
  • Increased spiritual energy concentration.
  • “Defy Heaven, Change Fate,” which can gradually improve his cultivation aptitude by up to 10% for now.
  • “Void Teleportation,” allowing the Cave Abode to contain and eventually extend a Teleportation Formation.
• The upgrade also reveals future requirements, including Nascent Soul cultivation, massive quantities of Spirit Stones, a Teleportation Formation Diagram, monster cores, and Mortal Dust Aura. Ji Yuan learns that Mortal Dust Aura is obtained by remaining involved with ordinary cultivators and the mortal world rather than isolating himself above it.
• Ji Yuan prepares to leave Western Border City for Winterfrost City. Mu Xueyao arranges contact with the Zhou Household, while Master Iron Talisman hints that he wants to borrow Spirit Stones for the expensive teleportation fee. Ji Yuan refuses to bring him, preferring to travel alone without being restrained by companions.
• After obtaining another Zixiao Stone, Ji Yuan disguises himself and uses the Teleportation Formation to travel from Western Border City to Winterfrost City.
• During the journey, he meets Huang Hun, a Core Formation cultivator from the Soul-Refining Hall who is interested in formations. Ji Yuan initially hides his own formation knowledge, but the two build a connection through conversation and later share a meal.
• Ji Yuan arrives in Winterfrost City, a snowy city dominated by Demonic Cultivators, and rents a Cave Abode in the Golden Core district. He spends nearly three months preparing, including forging the Bloodslaughter Sword, which complements his Azure Waves Swords and greatly increases his combat strength.
• Ji Yuan encounters a new female neighbor wearing an iron mask and carrying a large golden bow. She asks about a former friend who once lived in his Cave Abode, implying that the previous resident died.
• Ji Yuan eventually locates the hidden shop Wine-Seeker, the Zhou Household’s contact point. Disguised as the imposing old cultivator “Li Chang’geng,” he meets Zhou Jin, the Zhou Household’s young master.
• Zhou Jin offers Voidspace Stone at 10,000 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones per pound, with a minimum purchase of ten pounds. Ji Yuan purchases fifty pounds for 500,000 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones, exchanging nearly his entire current fortune.
• Zhou Jin assumes Ji Yuan is connected to one of the Eight Sacred Grounds, possibly Heavenly Craft Valley, because of his enormous supply of newly mined Spirit Stones.
• To avoid possible tracking or hidden restrictions, Ji Yuan immediately moves to a prepared secondary Cave Abode and uses the Voidspace Stone to contain three buildings:

Fish Pond

Pigsty

Wine Cellar

• The buildings are successfully placed within Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain. The Fish Pond is placed beside the Cave Abode, the Pigsty beside the Chicken Coop, and the Wine Cellar beneath the Cave Abode. Ji Yuan then notices that his life-bound Dharma Treasure has begun to change.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan becomes increasingly confident and strategic. He recognizes the long-term importance of improving his aptitude and acquiring teleportation capabilities, while also becoming more cautious about possible tracking methods and hidden dangers.
• His combat confidence rises after obtaining the Bloodslaughter Sword and retaining two Azure Waves Swords, giving him access to six Zixiao Divine Thunder attacks and stronger killing power.
• Ji Yuan demonstrates greater skill in managing relationships. He forms a useful connection with Huang Hun without revealing too much, and he negotiates directly and decisively with Zhou Jin.
• He also becomes more willing to invest his resources into strength rather than hoarding wealth, spending 500,000 Middle-Grade Spirit Stones on Voidspace Stone.
• Huang Hun is presented as a formation enthusiast with a seemingly decent temperament, though his indulgence in pleasure houses explains his pale, exhausted appearance. His attitude toward Ji Yuan becomes much warmer after discovering Ji Yuan’s formation knowledge.
• Zhou Jin reveals the pressure facing the Zhou Household. His relief at receiving Ji Yuan’s payment suggests that the household is in financial or political trouble, likely due to the rise of the Bone Nightmare Sect and the Bone-Nightmare Old Devil.

Significant Themes

• Defying fate and improving oneself: The Cave Abode’s ability to improve aptitude symbolizes Ji Yuan’s rejection of fixed limitations and the possibility of changing one’s natural destiny through cultivation.
• The importance of preparation: Ji Yuan carefully prepares disguises, defensive formations, escape plans, and a secondary Cave Abode before making the Voidspace Stone purchase.
• Resources as power: Spirit Stones are not merely wealth; they can be transformed into weapons, buildings, cultivation advantages, and long-term strength.
• Human relationships in cultivation: Ji Yuan recognizes that cultivation is not only about combat. Connections, favors, introductions, and mutual exchanges are essential for obtaining rare treasures and navigating dangerous territories.
• Maintaining ties to the mundane world: The Mortal Dust Aura requirement emphasizes that true cultivation does not necessarily mean abandoning ordinary society.
• Adaptation and identity: Ji Yuan repeatedly changes his appearance and identity to fit his surroundings, presenting himself as a rogue cultivator, an old devil, or a weaker Pseudo-Core cultivator depending on the situation.

Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and Mu Xueyao: Their parting is emotionally reluctant, though Ji Yuan cannot answer her desire for him to stay. She remains instrumental in arranging his introduction to the Zhou Household.
• Ji Yuan and Master Iron Talisman: Master Iron Talisman indirectly asks to borrow Spirit Stones for teleportation. Ji Yuan ignores the request because he wants to travel alone and avoid the complications of bringing a companion.
• Ji Yuan and Huang Hun: They meet at the Teleportation Harbor, discuss formations and Winterfrost City, and exchange contact information. Their relationship shifts from guarded strangers to acquaintances after Ji Yuan reveals enough formation knowledge to interest Huang Hun.
• Ji Yuan and the masked female neighbor: Their brief exchange hints at the death of the former Cave Abode resident and adds an atmosphere of danger and uncertainty around Ji Yuan’s new home.
• Ji Yuan and Zhou Jin: Their negotiation is cautious but efficient. Ji Yuan’s imposing disguise and massive payment cause Zhou Jin to treat him as a powerful figure from a major sacred ground. The successful transaction gives the Zhou Household immediate financial relief and establishes a future trading connection.
• Ji Yuan and Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain: By placing the Fish Pond, Pigsty, and Wine Cellar inside the mountain, Ji Yuan further integrates his daily life and cultivation resources into his life-bound Dharma Treasure, which begins showing signs of a new transformation.

Chapter Summary: “Rapidly Surging Strength”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan’s Life-bound Dharma Treasure, Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain, grows stronger after absorbing the [Fish Pond], [Wine Cellar], and [Pigsty]. It becomes heavier and initially difficult to control, but Ji Yuan quickly adapts.
• Within the mountain, Ji Yuan discovers that the buildings contain vast internal spaces:
  • The [Fish Pond] can support enormous flood dragons and countless aquatic spirit beasts.
  • The [Wine Cellar] can store vast quantities of spirit wine.
  • The [Pigsty] provides enough room for a large-scale livestock-raising operation.
• Ji Yuan decides to expand his resources by raising spirit fish, pigs, chickens, and other beasts, while also seeking ways to earn the enormous number of Spirit Stones needed to acquire more Voidspace Stone.
• He resumes cultivating the four auxiliary arts—alchemy, formations, talisman-making, and artifact refinement—while also planning to hunt demons to gain combat experience, materials, and wealth.
• In Winterfrost City, Zhou Jin and his father, Zhou Xinghu, discuss the Zhou Household’s worsening position within the Bone Nightmare Sect. The sect is stripping them of their influence, while the Black-and-White Divine Hall demands eighty percent of their assets in exchange for protection.
• The Zhou Household considers seeking support from Heavenly Craft Valley through Ji Yuan, whom they suspect belongs to one of the Eight Sacred Grounds.
• Over the next year, Ji Yuan:
  • Forges the Firefly Sword.
  • Obtains the Evil-Repelling Pill and Spirit-Nourishing Pill formulas.
  • Purchases three pieces of Dragonblood Stone for refining Dragon Fortune Flying Swords.
  • Improves his four auxiliary professions.
  • Creates a lucrative market in Winterfrost City under the alias Huang Yaoshi.
• His “Sky-Pillaring Pills” and “Waterlike Pills,” originally learned from Joy Palace, become extremely popular among Demonic Cultivators. Ji Yuan becomes known as the “Dual Cultivation Apothecary” and earns vast profits by monopolizing the market.
• Ji Yuan meets Zhou Jin and agrees to act as an intermediary for the Zhou Household in exchange for discounted Voidspace Stone. He secretly intends to delay the matter while obtaining as much Voidspace Stone as possible.
• Xing Shuang, Ji Yuan’s neighbor and a renowned Golden Core demon hunter, asks for his help with a Third-Order illusion formation guarding a secret realm. Ji Yuan identifies it as the Endless Yellow Sands Formation and advises her how to escape it.
• In return for Ji Yuan’s guidance, Xing Shuang teaches him about Cliff Province Bay, a major demon-hunting region, and gives him a detailed sea chart.
• After refining more Azure Waves Swords, Ji Yuan travels to Cliff Province Bay and begins hunting demons. He relies mainly on Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain, his swords, and two Ice Flood Dragons.
• Over three years, Ji Yuan repeatedly hunts Demon Beasts, refines pills, forges the remaining Azure Waves Swords, and steadily adapts to his rapidly increasing strength.
• He completes and masters all nine Azure Waves Swords, each with a specialized function. He can currently control three at once.
• Ji Yuan exchanges his earnings with the Zhou Household and uses the Voidspace Stone to absorb thirty jin of [Mass Burial Ground] and twenty jin of [Beehive] into Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain.
• When he later meets Zhou Jin again after saving another one hundred thousand Spirit Stones, he notices that Zhou Jin seems to have changed significantly.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan becomes increasingly powerful, wealthy, and versatile. He develops his combat ability through demon hunting while simultaneously advancing in alchemy, artifact refinement, formations, and talismans.
• He grows more pragmatic and calculating, using false identities, market monopolies, and the Zhou Household’s desperation to obtain resources. However, he retains moral limits and refuses to kill indiscriminately.
• His mastery of Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain and the nine Azure Waves Swords marks a major increase in his overall combat potential.
• Zhou Xinghu and Zhou Jin become increasingly desperate as their family loses influence within the Bone Nightmare Sect. They consider abandoning their sect affiliation and seeking protection elsewhere.
• Xing Shuang is established as a skilled, generous, and straightforward demon hunter. She trusts Ji Yuan’s abilities and willingly shares valuable knowledge with him.
• Ji Yuan and Xing Shuang develop a cautious but mutually beneficial relationship based on exchanged favors rather than simple financial transactions.

Significant Themes

• Rapid growth and adaptation: Ji Yuan’s power increases faster than his familiarity with it, forcing him to repeatedly train and fight in order to use his strength effectively.
• Resource accumulation and economic strategy: Spirit Stones, Voidspace Stone, pill formulas, rare materials, and magical buildings are treated as essential foundations for future cultivation.
• Pragmatism and moral restraint: Ji Yuan is willing to deceive, exploit opportunities, and kill dangerous enemies, but he refuses to become a senseless bandit cultivator.
• Decline of old powers: The Zhou Household’s treatment by the Bone Nightmare Sect illustrates how sects and alliances are governed by usefulness rather than loyalty.
• Mutual benefit and trust: Relationships are formed through exchanges of knowledge, protection, and resources, as seen in Ji Yuan’s dealings with Zhou Jin and Xing Shuang.
• Preparation for future breakthroughs: Ji Yuan’s activities—earning money, refining swords, improving his professions, and hunting demons—are all groundwork for stronger cultivation and the eventual forging of his complete Life-bound Dharma Treasure.

Important Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and Zhou Jin: Their relationship is openly tense and transactional. Ji Yuan pretends to possess backing from Heavenly Craft Valley while exploiting Zhou Jin’s need for assistance and discounted Voidspace Stone.
• Zhou Jin and Zhou Xinghu: Father and son discuss their family’s political crisis, possible alliances, and the threat posed by the Bone Nightmare Sect and Heavenly Fiend Mountain.
• Ji Yuan and Xing Shuang: Xing Shuang seeks Ji Yuan’s formation expertise, while Ji Yuan receives intelligence about Cliff Province Bay in return. Their relationship develops into cautious cooperation.
• Ji Yuan and the Winterfrost City cultivators: Through his pill business, Ji Yuan becomes widely respected—and humorously labeled—for his profitable dual-cultivation medicines.
• Ji Yuan and the Zhou Household: Their trade relationship allows Ji Yuan to acquire large quantities of Voidspace Stone, while the Zhou Household hopes he can secure outside protection for them.

Chapter Summary: “Racing Through the Abyss for the First Time”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ji Yuan visits the Zhou Household’s secret chamber to discuss their Voidspace Stone transactions. Zhou Jin, emboldened by the Zhou Household’s new alliance with the Black-and-White Divine Hall, treats him arrogantly and attempts to impose exploitative new prices.
• Ji Yuan realizes the Zhou Household has gained protection from the Black-and-White Divine Hall and is no longer afraid of the Bone Nightmare Sect. When Zhou Jin threatens and pressures him, Ji Yuan overpowers him with his Golden Core Peak Divine Sense.
• Determining that leaving Zhou Jin alive would create future problems, Ji Yuan kills him swiftly with physical force and Corpse Yin Demonfire. He takes Zhou Jin’s Storage Bag and bone armor, conceals the bag inside Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain, and destroys the corpse completely.
• Ji Yuan disguises himself as Zhou Jin using a Form-Changing Talisman. He deceives Zhou Yan, Zhou Jin’s uncle, into believing that “Zhou Jin” has discovered something valuable and is going to report it to the Zhou Household head.
• Zhou Yan eventually notices inconsistencies in Ji Yuan’s behavior and discovers traces proving that Zhou Jin—not Ji Yuan—was killed. He alerts the Black-and-White Divine Hall, which launches a large pursuit because murder within Winterfrost City violates its most important law.
• Ji Yuan initially attempts to mislead the pursuers by claiming that another Golden Core cultivator fled north. When his disguise is exposed, he activates the Lightning-Chasing Cloud and combines it with Zixiao Divine Thunder to escape at tremendous speed.
• After replenishing his disguises and returning to Winterfrost City through the southern gate, Ji Yuan discovers that the city has been placed under extremely tight security. The Black-and-White Divine Hall is arresting or threatening anyone involved in disputes, demonstrating the seriousness of Zhou Jin’s death.
• Back at his cave abode, Ji Yuan is visited by Magui, a Golden Core Late Stage cultivator and direct disciple of a Nascent Soul expert from the Bone Nightmare Sect. Magui reveals that he knows Ji Yuan killed Zhou Jin but has not informed the Black-and-White Divine Hall.
• Magui offers Ji Yuan membership in the Bone Nightmare Sect, intending to use him against the Zhou Household while avoiding direct conflict with the Black-and-White Divine Hall. He gives Ji Yuan three days to decide and threatens to expose him if he refuses.
• Ji Yuan discovers that the Bone Nightmare Sect has planted a tracking mark—a green yin-like dot—on the sole of his foot. He chooses not to destroy it immediately, fearing that Magui would notice and pursue him.
• Xing Shuang warns Ji Yuan that Magui is dangerous and reveals that she may know a secret realm capable of helping Ji Yuan escape the Bone Nightmare Sect. She explains that an Illusion Formation within the realm traps people by manifesting their deepest desires, and one of her companions remains trapped there.
• The chapter ends with Xing Shuang inviting Ji Yuan to help break the Illusion Formation and share the realm’s opportunities. Ji Yuan recognizes that this could be a way to escape Magui but remains uncertain whether the secret realm is worth the danger.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan: Becomes more decisive and ruthless, choosing to eliminate Zhou Jin rather than leave behind a potential enemy. He demonstrates improved tactical judgment through disguise, deception, concealment, and the use of Lightning-Chaser. At the same time, he remains cautious about stronger enemies and avoids fighting Magui directly.
• Zhou Jin: His arrogance grows after the Zhou Household gains the Black-and-White Divine Hall’s support. He attempts to exploit Ji Yuan but fatally misjudges the difference in their strength.
• Zhou Yan: Initially trusts Zhou Jin’s report, but his careful nature allows him to detect the deception. Although enraged by his nephew’s death, he shows prudence by waiting for the Black-and-White Divine Hall before pursuing Ji Yuan.
• Magui: Reveals himself as confident, manipulative, and threatening. He presents his recruitment offer as an opportunity but clearly intends to use Ji Yuan as a disposable agent against the Zhou Household.
• Xing Shuang: Shows genuine concern for Ji Yuan while also pursuing her own objective. Her invitation to the secret realm is both helpful and self-serving, since she needs assistance overcoming the Illusion Formation.

Significant Themes

• Power and arrogance: Zhou Jin’s newly acquired backing makes him overconfident, but external status cannot compensate for his inferior personal strength.
• Caution versus recklessness: Ji Yuan survives by disguising himself, misleading pursuers, concealing evidence, and refusing to fight Magui prematurely.
• Political alliances and manipulation: The Zhou Household, Black-and-White Divine Hall, and Bone Nightmare Sect use one another for protection and leverage. Ji Yuan is caught between competing factions seeking to exploit him.
• The consequences of violence: Killing within Winterfrost City triggers a massive security response, forcing Ji Yuan to reconsider where and how he acts in the future.
• Trust and hidden motives: Both Magui and Xing Shuang offer assistance, but neither is acting without personal interests. Ji Yuan must judge whether cooperation is safer than isolation.
• Identity and deception: Disguises and altered auras allow Ji Yuan to escape pursuit, but the chapter also shows that powerful sects possess sophisticated methods of tracking and detection.

Character Interactions

• Ji Yuan and Zhou Jin clash over trade terms, with Zhou Jin attempting to exploit Ji Yuan and Ji Yuan responding with intimidation and lethal force.
• Ji Yuan deceives Zhou Yan by impersonating Zhou Jin, exploiting Zhou Yan’s assumptions before escaping.
• Zhou Yan coordinates with the Black-and-White Divine Hall, turning a private vendetta into an official city-wide pursuit.
• Magui confronts Ji Yuan directly, mixing apparent friendliness with coercion and threats. Ji Yuan responds politely but secretly prepares defensive measures.
• Xing Shuang warns Ji Yuan about Magui and proposes cooperation in exploring the secret realm. Their conversation reveals mutual suspicion, cautious respect, and competing interests.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xing Shuang invites Ji Yuan to join her team in exploring a secret realm hidden within the Northwest Sand Prison. The realm offers both a way to evade Magui and the Bone Nightmare Sect and a chance to obtain valuable treasures.
• Ji Yuan learns that the secret realm contains Yao Earth Sand, one of the rare materials required to upgrade his Spirit Field to Level 5. He is also intrigued by the possibility of obtaining “wondrous treasures,” powerful items supposedly originating from stronger continents.
• Xing Shuang explains that the secret realm appears to be a trial ground created by a Nascent Soul cultivator. Its first layers are illusion formations, with better rewards granted to those who choose more difficult paths.
• Ji Yuan accepts the invitation, partly because of the potential materials and treasures, and partly because he wants firsthand experience exploring a secret realm. He relies on Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain and his other resources to mitigate the danger.
• Before leaving, Ji Yuan dismantles his current Cave Abode, removes the tracking mark Magui placed on him by burning and blasting his foot with Zixiao Divine Thunder, and changes his appearance into that of a fierce, horned man.
• While preparing to leave Winterfrost City, Ji Yuan refines a Cocoon-Breaking Pill using rare ingredients to help his Dream Butterfly emerge safely. The Dream Butterfly successfully breaks out of its cocoon and becomes a Second-Tier butterfly.
• Ji Yuan reunites with Xing Shuang at Sunset Ward. Her other companions are Ling Juexiao, a sword cultivator, and Su Yuan, a hidden-weapons expert. Their fourth companion, Zhao Yao, has been trapped in the secret realm’s second illusion.
• Ling Juexiao doubts Ji Yuan because of his relatively low cultivation, but Xing Shuang defends him, emphasizing that his value lies in his Formation Dao abilities. The group then travels into the Northwest Sand Prison.
• After reaching the secret realm, the group enters the first illusion layer. Ji Yuan uses his Truth-Piercing Divine Eye and Dream Butterfly to overcome the confusing barrier and identify the true direction.
• He obtains a small amount of Yao Earth Sand from the first trial, following Xing Shuang’s advice to take the nearest reward rather than pursue more valuable but dangerous treasures.
• Ji Yuan finds Zhao Yao trapped in the second illusion. By sending the Dream Butterfly to him, Ji Yuan breaks through the illusion’s protection and pulls Zhao Yao out with a magical rope.
• Zhao Yao awakens, thanks Ji Yuan, and realizes that Ji Yuan is the reinforcement Xing Shuang recruited.

Character Developments

• Ji Yuan: Demonstrates cautious but growing enthusiasm for secret-realm exploration. His concern about upgrading the Spirit Field reveals his long-term planning and anxiety over obtaining the resources needed for future Nascent Soul cultivation. He also shows resourcefulness by removing Magui’s tracking mark, disguising himself, refining medicine, and using the Dream Butterfly tactically.
• Xing Shuang: Shows generosity and practical judgment by inviting Ji Yuan instead of auctioning the secret-realm opportunity. She admits that she chose him partly because he is an unaffiliated Rogue Cultivator whom she can trust, unlike the politically entangled Formation Masters of Winterfrost City. She remains protective of Ji Yuan and confident in her own combat strength.
• Ling Juexiao: Initially looks down on Ji Yuan because of his cultivation level. After seeing Ji Yuan’s speed and endurance during the journey, his attitude becomes more respectful.
• Su Yuan: Appears more diplomatic than Ling Juexiao, softening his criticism of Ji Yuan. Her powerful spiritual absorption and Earth Spirit Root suggest considerable ability.
• Zhao Yao: Begins the chapter trapped and helpless within the second illusion but is rescued by Ji Yuan. His gratitude and excitement establish a favorable relationship with Ji Yuan.
• Dream Butterfly: Completes its transformation from cocoon to butterfly and immediately proves useful by clearing mental confusion and helping Ji Yuan rescue Zhao Yao.

Significant Themes

• Trust and mutual exploitation: Xing Shuang’s invitation benefits both sides, but she honestly acknowledges that she chose Ji Yuan because he was easier to trust and less likely to seize the opportunity for himself.
• Strength versus reputation: Ji Yuan is initially judged by his cultivation realm, but his speed, endurance, Formation expertise, and unusual abilities quickly challenge those assumptions.
• Preparation and hidden advantages: Ji Yuan’s survival depends less on brute force than on planning, disguises, medicines, magical treasures, Spirit Beasts, and the defensive refuge of Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain.
• Greed and restraint: The first trial rewards those who select nearby treasures while punishing those who reach for more valuable prizes. Ji Yuan follows this principle and secures Yao Earth Sand instead of risking everything for superior rewards.
• Illusion and perception: The secret realm’s dangers arise from distorted perception rather than direct combat. Ji Yuan’s Divine Eye alone is insufficient; the Dream Butterfly is needed to dispel the deeper mental confusion.
• Long-term cultivation goals: Ji Yuan’s determination to obtain Yao Earth Sand reflects his concern with preparing early for Nascent Soul cultivation and avoiding future bottlenecks.

Important Character Interactions

• Xing Shuang and Ji Yuan negotiate the secret-realm partnership, with Xing Shuang offering valuable information and Ji Yuan weighing the risks.
• Xing Shuang explains both the false and true reasons she selected Ji Yuan, deepening their mutual trust.
• Ling Juexiao challenges Ji Yuan’s qualifications, while Xing Shuang firmly defends him.
• The group’s tense internal dynamics reveal a lack of unified leadership, helping explain why they previously failed to clear the second trial.
• Ji Yuan chooses not to exploit his companions’ vulnerability inside the illusion and instead uses the Dream Butterfly to assist them.
• Zhao Yao’s rescue immediately creates goodwill between him and Ji Yuan and reunites Xing Shuang with an important ally.