Chapter Summaries

Immortal Estate!
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Ch. 721"Demon-Transforming Art" + "Myriad Demon-Bearing Art" = ?

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • After escaping the Dragon Race’s formation, Dugu Qing secretly transmits to Ji Yuan, thanking him for “saving her again.” Ji Yuan realizes she has recognized his true identity, though he does not know how.
  • Ji Yuan deliberately pretends to be seriously injured, even forcing blood from his mouth, so the Dragon Race will believe he fought desperately. Long Yun cooperates with the act.
  • Long Qie admits that Dugu Yan’s group—Dugu Yan, Dugu Qing, Yan Chixiao, and Jiang Jun—were far stronger than expected. He receives an Image-Recording Pearl showing Jiang Jun’s Dragon-Slaying Great Dao and becomes furious, vowing to pursue them.
  • After the other dragons leave to hunt the four fugitives, Long Qie releases Ji Yuan, Long Fei, and Long Yun, telling them to return to Northern Dragon City. He gives Long Fei a Communication Talisman, prompting teasing from Long Yun and Ji Yuan about his apparent interest in her.
  • Ji Yuan and the others continue north and eventually reach Black Demon Island, which is completely covered in unusually dense black mist that blocks Divine Sense.
  • Ji Yuan investigates cautiously with his Truth-Piercing Divine Eye and finds no demon cultivators or formations, only a denser concentration of mist in the northeast. They enter the island and locate the buried treasure beneath an ancient willow tree.
  • The treasure is a Kunpeng Remnant Map, confirming that Scarlet Wolf’s information was genuine. Ji Yuan stores it in Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain for safekeeping.
  • The remaining items in the treasure include cultivation slips, a Merfolk Clan genealogy, ruined Dharma Treasures, and a strange peach pit covered in writing.
  • Ji Yuan recognizes the writing as the complete version of the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art, a cultivation technique previously obtained from the Merfolk Clan in incomplete form.
  • He discovers that the ancient willow tree gained intelligence because of the peach pit’s influence. More importantly, the complete technique warns that deep cultivation may transform a person into a demon.
  • As Ji Yuan studies it, his Demon-Transforming Art begins circulating on its own. He realizes the two techniques originate from the same source and fears the consequences of combining them.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Demonstrates his strategic caution and talent for deception by faking injuries and manipulating the Dragon Race’s perceptions. He also becomes increasingly concerned about the relationship between his Demon-Transforming Art and the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art.
  • Dugu Qing: Reveals that she has identified Ji Yuan despite his disguise, suggesting she possesses unusually powerful or subtle methods. Her attitude remains friendly rather than hostile.
  • Long Yun: Shows loyalty by “attacking” Jiang Jun to protect Long Chuan, though his actions are later humorously reframed as service to the Dragon Race. He also teases Long Fei about Long Qie’s interest in her.
  • Long Fei: Continues to act protectively toward Long Yun and appears eager to secure a place in the future Kunpeng inheritance. She is embarrassed by the implication that Long Qie favors her but secretly keeps the Communication Talisman.
  • Long Qie: Recognizes the danger posed by Jiang Jun’s Dragon-Slaying Great Dao and decides to pursue the fugitives. His special attention toward Long Fei hints at possible personal interest.
  • The Millennium Willow: Is revealed to possess intelligence despite being only a Third-Tier plant demon, apparently awakened by the mysterious peach pit.

Significant Themes

  • Deception and hidden identities: Ji Yuan survives by concealing his true strength, while Dugu Qing’s ability to recognize him suggests that appearances are unreliable.
  • Mutual debts and shifting alliances: Ji Yuan has helped Dugu Yan’s group despite being aligned with the Dragon Race, creating a complicated relationship between former enemies and potential allies.
  • Power concealed beneath appearances: Jiang Jun’s restrained performance, Dugu sisters’ unshown abilities, and Ji Yuan’s feigned weakness all emphasize that visible strength may be misleading.
  • Humanity versus demonhood: The Myriad Demon-Bearing Art raises the danger of humans transforming into demons, echoing Ji Yuan’s own use of the Demon-Transforming Art.
  • Inheritance and ancient secrets: The Kunpeng Remnant Map, Merfolk genealogy, and lost cultivation techniques connect the present conflict to older civilizations and hidden legacies.

Character Interactions

  • Dugu Qing’s whispered thanks unsettles Ji Yuan because it confirms she knows who he is.
  • Ji Yuan and Long Yun collaborate in pretending that Ji Yuan is badly wounded, while Long Qie praises both of them for their supposed bravery.
  • Long Qie and the black-robed Dragon Demon exchange insults over the failed formation and the threat of Jiang Jun’s Dragon-Slaying Dao.
  • Long Yun and Ji Yuan tease Long Fei after Long Qie gives her a Communication Talisman, embarrassing her and suggesting romantic tension.
  • Ji Yuan reassures Long Fei that he will prepare her and Long Yun for the future Kunpeng expedition, recognizing that she wants to protect Long Yun.
  • Ji Yuan, Long Fei, and Long Yun work together to retrieve and secure the Kunpeng Remnant Map before Ji Yuan discovers the dangerous connection between the two demon-related cultivation arts.
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Ch. 722Breaking Through—Spirit Transformation Middle Stage! [Monthly Ticket Request]

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan reads the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art, instantly memorizing it. Its power unexpectedly begins circulating together with the Demon-Transforming Art already within him.
  • The two techniques become impossible to stop and begin physically transforming Ji Yuan toward the Demon Race, initially threatening to make him a true member of the Horned Dragon Clan.
  • Long Fei and Long Yun protect Ji Yuan while he cultivates. Long Fei decisively kills the intelligent Third-Tier willow spirit nearby to eliminate any potential threat, while Long Yun guards the area from the sky.
  • Desperate to preserve his human identity, Ji Yuan transforms into his Phoenix identity, Feng Jiuxiao, temporarily slowing the transformation techniques.
  • Ji Yuan attempts to counter the transformation with his other cultivation methods, but Sword Nine fails. The Ninefold Profound Yang Technique, however, suppresses the demon-transforming arts and draws him into the mysterious inner world of the Great Sun Immortal.
  • The Great Sun Immortal criticizes the demon-conversion technique for failing to unite human and demon attributes. He then sends a Great Sun into Ji Yuan, causing the three techniques to merge and circulate together.
  • Ji Yuan returns with a new condition: he can freely switch between his human identity and multiple Demon Race identities, including Feng Jiuxiao of the Phoenix Clan and Long Chuan of the Horned Dragon Clan. He no longer needs the Demon-Transforming Art to maintain these forms, effectively becoming a fusion of human and demon.
  • The transformation unexpectedly loosens Ji Yuan’s cultivation bottleneck. He enters seclusion and successfully breaks through to the Spirit Transformation Middle Stage, using vast quantities of Supreme-Grade Spirit Stones to stabilize his realm.
  • Ji Yuan discusses whether Dong Qian should cultivate the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art. Doing so might grant her Sacred Race identities such as a Qilin and Heavenly Fox, but she could permanently lose her human identity without the Ninefold Profound Yang Technique.
  • Before they can decide, Tu Yue reports that Long Fei has disappeared while guarding the island.
  • Ji Yuan searches with his greatly strengthened Divine Sense and locates Long Fei near a vertical shaft at the island’s northeastern side, from which the black mist emerges. He confronts the hidden force responsible and threatens to rescue her by force.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan gains enormous benefits despite the dangerous transformation: he preserves his human identity, obtains stable Demon Race forms, and reaches the Spirit Transformation Middle Stage. His confidence rises sharply because he can now operate openly on the Demon God Continent as a Phoenix or other demon.
  • Long Fei demonstrates decisiveness and protective loyalty by killing the willow spirit when she believes it may threaten Ji Yuan’s breakthrough. Her later disappearance creates the chapter’s cliffhanger.
  • Long Yun shows caution and compassion, hesitating over killing the willow, but accepts Long Fei’s judgment and remains a devoted guard. He becomes visibly worried when Long Fei vanishes.
  • Dong Qian remains supportive of Ji Yuan and is presented with a major personal choice: retain her human identity or risk demon transformation in exchange for powerful Sacred Race inheritances.
  • Tu Yue acts as an alert messenger, immediately informing Ji Yuan of Long Fei’s disappearance.
  • The Great Sun Immortal is revealed to be conscious of Ji Yuan’s condition and protective of his inheritance, while also possessing immense power and unconventional insight.

Significant Themes

  • Identity and transformation: Ji Yuan struggles with whether becoming a demon would erase his humanity. The merged techniques offer a solution in which human and demon identities coexist rather than one replacing the other.
  • Control versus fate: The autonomous techniques temporarily seize control of Ji Yuan’s body, forcing him to adapt instead of resisting. His eventual breakthrough comes from combining different inheritances rather than relying solely on willpower.
  • Inheritance and legitimacy: The Great Sun Immortal’s reaction shows that powerful inheritances carry expectations and may possess their own will. Ji Yuan’s use of the Ninefold Profound Yang Technique also hints at a deeper connection between them.
  • Power and opportunity: A crisis that could have destroyed Ji Yuan instead grants him new identities, greater freedom on the Demon God Continent, and a cultivation breakthrough.
  • Loyalty and protection: Long Fei and Long Yun prioritize Ji Yuan’s safety, while Ji Yuan immediately risks himself to find Long Fei after her disappearance.
  • Moral choice: Dong Qian’s possible transformation raises the cost of power, forcing a choice between human belonging and the advantages of Sacred Race status.

Important Character Interactions

  • Long Fei and Long Yun debate how to protect Ji Yuan, with Long Fei emphasizing that compassion must not interfere with decisive action.
  • Ji Yuan respectfully interacts with the Great Sun Immortal, nearly calling him “Master,” but stops out of fear of overstepping.
  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian discuss the benefits and risks of the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art and the possibility of revisiting the Secret Realm in Demon East.
  • Ji Yuan, Dong Qian, and Tu Yue react urgently to the news of Long Fei’s disappearance.
  • The chapter ends with Ji Yuan confronting the entity beneath Black Demon Island and threatening to tear apart its dragon hide and sinews if it does not release Long Fei.
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Ch. 723A Fan of Chaos of the Five Elements [Monthly Vote Request]

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Long Yun discovers that a powerful Dragonkind Demon Cultivator is hidden beneath the shaft on Black Demon Island. The being is revealed to be a Black Flood Dragon from the Mist Marsh Flood Dragon bloodline, at the peak of the Spirit Transformation Stage and nearing Void Refinement.
  • Ji Yuan attacks first with his nine Azure Waves Swords, but the Flood Dragon blocks them with black-mist chains and emerges from the shaft. It intends to devour Ji Yuan, Long Yun, and the other dragons to strengthen itself before its tribulation.
  • Ji Yuan orders Long Yun to leave, then confronts the Flood Dragon alone. He sets up the Strange Gate Eight Trigrams Formation around the island and uses the Azure Waves Swords, Zixiao Divine Thunder, Stone’s-Throw Spear, and Droplet Returns to the Sea to test his opponent.
  • Although Ji Yuan’s attacks are far beyond what a normal Spirit Transformation Middle Stage cultivator could produce, they only place him around the level of the Late Stage. The Black Flood Dragon remains considerably stronger.
  • Ji Yuan activates the Spirit Effect of the Pigsty, transforming into his Demon Venerable Black Baleful form and temporarily reaching Spirit Transformation Peak Stage strength. The Flood Dragon mistakes him for a powerful Demonic Dao cultivator from the Demon God Continent.
  • Ji Yuan uses the Heavenly Flood Dragon Shears, a treasure with a natural advantage against dragonkind, to damage and nearly sever the Flood Dragon’s life-bound spear.
  • The Flood Dragon retaliates with a Divine Soul attack from a black bell. Ji Yuan’s outdated Soul-Calming Bell barely protects him, injuring and slowing his Divine Soul. The Flood Dragon then escapes the formation and destroys both the formation and Black Demon Island.
  • Ji Yuan releases the two Flood Dragon spirits within the Heavenly Flood Dragon Shears, forcing the enemy into a prolonged battle. However, the technique consumes his magic power rapidly.
  • Rather than use the destructive True Martial Divine Venerable transformation, Ji Yuan activates his previously unused Mid-Grade Heavy Treasure, the Five-Elements Reversal Fan, also called Chaos of the Five Elements.
  • The fan disrupts the Black Flood Dragon’s elemental magic power, transforming its water-based techniques into fire and throwing its internal energy into chaos. Ji Yuan follows up with the Heavenly Flood Dragon Shears, cutting the Flood Dragon’s body in half.
  • Although its physical body is destroyed, the Flood Dragon’s remnant soul or spiritual essence escapes into the Void.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan demonstrates increasing confidence in his strength after reaching the Spirit Transformation Middle Stage. He deliberately uses the Black Flood Dragon as a test of his abilities rather than immediately relying on his strongest techniques.
  • He reveals the depth and versatility of his arsenal, combining formations, divine lightning, physical techniques, demonic transformation, heavy treasures, and tactical movement.
  • Ji Yuan also recognizes important weaknesses: his conventional strength cannot match a peak Spirit Transformation expert, his Divine Soul defense is outdated, and his powerful treasures consume enormous amounts of magic power.
  • His transformation into Demon Venerable Black Baleful shows both his willingness to use dangerous methods and his growing control over his unusual powers.
  • Long Yun reacts quickly and obeys Ji Yuan’s warning, retreating from the island instead of becoming a liability.
  • The Black Flood Dragon begins arrogantly, confident that it can devour the weaker dragons, but Ji Yuan’s hidden abilities make it cautious. Its confidence shifts into fear once Ji Yuan reveals his demonic form and powerful treasures. It ultimately abandons the fight and flees after suffering a devastating attack.

Significant Themes

  • Strength versus cultivation realm: Ji Yuan’s middle-stage cultivation appears inferior, but his techniques, treasures, and transformations allow him to challenge an opponent several levels stronger.
  • Preparation and hidden capabilities: The battle emphasizes that apparent cultivation level does not reveal a cultivator’s true strength. Ji Yuan succeeds because he possesses numerous unconventional methods.
  • Tactical adaptation: Ji Yuan continually changes strategies—using formations, lightning, spear techniques, demonic transformation, treasure spirits, and finally the Five-Elements Reversal Fan when earlier methods prove insufficient.
  • The cost of power: His strongest abilities consume vast amounts of magic power or risk serious backlash. Victory depends on choosing the right technique before his resources run out.
  • Dragon-slaying imagery and natural advantage: The Heavenly Flood Dragon Shears are especially effective against Flood Dragons, turning the enemy’s own race and symbolism against it.
  • Overconfidence and survival: The Black Flood Dragon’s initial arrogance gives way to retreat once it realizes Ji Yuan cannot be judged by appearances. Even after losing its body, it preserves a chance of survival by escaping as a remnant.

Important Character Interactions

  • Ji Yuan and Long Yun interact as commander and subordinate: Ji Yuan identifies the danger, orders Long Yun to retreat, and Long Yun immediately complies.
  • Ji Yuan and the Black Flood Dragon engage in a battle of intimidation as much as physical combat. Ji Yuan rejects the Flood Dragon’s offer to withdraw, provoking it into a full fight.
  • The Flood Dragon initially treats Ji Yuan as an inferior Horned Dragon, but Ji Yuan’s attacks force it to reconsider him as a possible peer or prodigy.
  • Ji Yuan’s demonic transformation causes the Flood Dragon to mistake him for an infiltrating Demonic Dao cultivator, increasing its fear and caution.
  • The Flood Dragon’s Divine Soul attack exposes Ji Yuan’s defensive weakness, while Ji Yuan’s Five-Elements Reversal Fan exploits the Flood Dragon’s reliance on water-based techniques.
  • The final clash reverses the power dynamic: the Flood Dragon expects to win through superior cultivation, but Ji Yuan’s treasures and tactical timing ultimately allow him to destroy its physical body.
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Ch. 724Dong Qian's Choice [Please Vote for a Monthly Ticket]

Chapter Summary: “Dong Qian’s Choice”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan defeats the black flood dragon, but its essence soul escapes using a powerful Void Escape technique. He collects the dragon’s corpse, blood, Demon Core, and Storage Bag.
  • After returning to Black Demon Island, Ji Yuan discovers the island has been badly damaged. He enters the flood dragon’s underwater Cave Abode and finds Long Fei imprisoned behind numerous seals.
  • Ji Yuan destroys the restrictions with his Annihilation Netherfire and frees Long Fei. She explains that the flood dragon ambushed her with black mist before she could warn Long Yun.
  • Ji Yuan explores the flood dragon’s treasury and finds numerous rare treasures, including a strange dragon artifact and a heavenly treasure containing a tiny sleeping figure. Long Yun and Long Fei are allowed to take anything useful.
  • He later examines the flood dragon’s Storage Bag. Among its contents are:
    • A Lower-Grade Heavy Treasure, the Soul-Burning Demon Bell, which attacks Divine Souls.
    • An Eight-Zhang Dragon Spear, which may be restored and given to Long Fei.
    • Spirit Stones, formation disks, pills, heavenly treasures, and a Fifth Tier lightning net intended for surviving tribulation.
    • Materials and records related to the flood dragon’s comprehension of the Void-Speed Dao, a law connected to spatial movement.
  • Ji Yuan gives the Soul-Burning Demon Bell to Dong Qian because using another Heavy Treasure would overburden him, while she will need stronger abilities for the upcoming journey to the Kun Ruins.
  • Dong Qian reveals that she has decided to use the Demon-Transforming Art and become a member of the Qilin Sacred Race.
  • Ji Yuan accepts her decision and prepares to pass the complete Myriad Demon-Bearing Art to her. Before entering the Kun Ruins, he plans to visit the Horned Dragon Clan and possibly investigate the Phoenix and Qilin clans’ cultivation resources.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Demonstrates his superior combat ability by defeating a Spirit Transformation Peak Stage flood dragon, though the battle consumes significant blood and vitality. He becomes more interested in the Space Dao after studying the flood dragon’s Void-Speed Dao insights. He also shows practical judgment by giving the Soul-Burning Demon Bell to Dong Qian rather than keeping a treasure he cannot safely use.
  • Long Yun: Continues to act as Ji Yuan’s loyal attendant and protector. He worries about Long Fei’s safety and helps investigate her imprisonment.
  • Long Fei: Is rescued from the flood dragon’s Cave Abode and confirms that she suffered no lasting harm. She begins refining the flood dragon’s corpse, likely to strengthen herself.
  • Dong Qian: Resolves her internal conflict and firmly chooses to transform into a Qilin Sacred Race member. She prioritizes future strength, talent, and cultivation potential over preserving her Human Race identity.
  • The black flood dragon: Although defeated, he is revealed to have possessed rare talent in the Void-Speed Dao. His desperation to acquire resources for a future breakthrough explains his willingness to murder and plunder.

Significant Themes

  • Strength versus identity: Dong Qian chooses immense cultivation potential and Sacred Race status over retaining her original human identity, arguing that strength ultimately determines one’s place in the cultivation world.
  • The hardships of cultivation: The flood dragon’s poverty and inability to acquire sufficient Purple Spirit Stones show why cultivators risk everything to obtain resources for advancement.
  • Treasure and opportunity: The defeat of a powerful enemy provides Ji Yuan’s group with weapons, cultivation materials, Dao insights, and future advantages.
  • The difficulty of Dao comprehension: Ji Yuan recognizes the extraordinary rarity of the Space Dao and sees the flood dragon’s Void-Speed Dao records as especially valuable.
  • Loyalty and mutual support: Ji Yuan rescues Long Fei, distributes treasures according to each person’s needs, and prepares to help Dong Qian undergo her transformation.

Character Interactions

  • Ji Yuan reassures Long Yun and Long Fei after the battle and entrusts them with collecting and distributing the flood dragon’s remains.
  • Long Yun worries about Long Fei’s unexpected disappearance, while Long Fei explains how the flood dragon incapacitated her.
  • Ji Yuan and Long Fei discuss the flood dragon’s treasury, with Ji Yuan allowing her and Long Yun to claim useful items.
  • Ji Yuan persuades Dong Qian to accept the Soul-Burning Demon Bell, explaining that she needs a suitable Heavy Treasure for the Kun Ruins.
  • Dong Qian explains to Ji Yuan why Sacred Race members are treated differently from ordinary outside races and why becoming a Qilin is worthwhile.
  • The chapter ends with Ji Yuan offering to teach Dong Qian the complete Myriad Demon-Bearing Art, accompanied by the story’s humorous monthly-ticket appeal.
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Ch. 725The Horned Dragon Ancestral Land; True Dragon Blood Essence [Please Vote]

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Dong Qian successfully completes the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art, transforming from a Human-Fox Hybrid into a full Qilin Clan member with a T0-grade Sacred Race bloodline.
  • Her physical strength increases dramatically—roughly two or three times greater than before—and she anticipates becoming even stronger after receiving the Qilin Clan’s ancestral inheritance.
  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian spend several days together before Ji Yuan, Long Fei, and Long Yun travel to the Horned Dragon Clan’s Ancestral Land.
  • Ji Yuan discusses upgrading his Fish Pond into a Level Six Dragon Pool, which could give Horned Dragons a chance to evolve into True Dragons. He already possesses most required materials, but still needs True Dragon Blood Essence.
  • The group travels through Northern Dragon City and a teleportation formation to Ten Thousand Dragons Lake, where the Horned Dragon Ancestral Land is located.
  • They are initially questioned by Long Yun, the formation’s guardian, but Long Liuli arrives and identifies them as clan members. She escorts them into the ancestral land.
  • The group enters the Horned Dragon Clan’s great hall, where four powerful elders examine them.
  • The First Elder initially intends to provide only routine registration and no meaningful rewards. The Second Elder argues that returning clan members should receive the clan’s inheritance and proper compensation.
  • Long Liuli requests three drops of True Dragon Blood Essence for them, but the elders negotiate the reward down to one drop, along with ten Low-Grade Purple Spirit Stones and several spiritual medicines for each person.

Character Developments

  • Dong Qian: Experiences a major transformation, gaining a superior Qilin bloodline, a perfected new body, and greatly enhanced combat potential. Her emotional bond with Ji Yuan also deepens.
  • Ji Yuan: Becomes more confident due to his hidden strength and powerful cultivation techniques, yet remains cautious about being exposed while impersonating a Horned Dragon. He continues planning how to evolve Long Fei and Long Yun into True Dragons.
  • Long Fei and Long Yun: Show strong trust in Ji Yuan and excitement about returning to their ancestral clan. They hope the Dragon Pool will eventually restore their True Dragon forms.
  • Long Liuli: Despite previously leaving Ji Yuan behind at Purple Bamboo Lake, she attempts to compensate for it by helping him enter the ancestral land and advocating for rewards. Her loyalty—or guilt—toward her fellow clansmen becomes more apparent.
  • Horned Dragon Elders: Their council reveals deep internal factional tension. The First Elder is rigid and stingy, while the Second, Third, and Fourth Elders are more willing to support returning clan members.

Significant Themes

  • Power of bloodlines: Dong Qian’s transformation demonstrates how Sacred Race bloodlines can dramatically improve a cultivator’s physique and strength.
  • Clan identity and inheritance: Returning to one’s ancestral clan brings expectations of protection, resources, and inherited power, but these benefits are controlled by politics and factional interests.
  • Internal factional conflict: The elders’ debate shows that the Horned Dragon Clan is divided, with personal and branch interests influencing decisions.
  • Loyalty and compensation: Long Liuli’s efforts suggest that guilt, loyalty, and the desire to repair past betrayals can motivate characters to act on others’ behalf.
  • Resource scarcity and ambition: True Dragon Blood Essence is extremely valuable, and acquiring it becomes important both for Ji Yuan’s plans and for the future evolution of Long Fei and Long Yun.
  • Hidden identity and danger: Ji Yuan must maintain his disguise while standing before Body Integration elders capable of examining his origins.

Character Interactions

  • Dong Qian enthusiastically embraces Ji Yuan after her transformation, while he reassures and encourages her.
  • Ji Yuan promises Long Fei and Long Yun that he will eventually help them become True Dragons, even if the Dragon Pool requires further upgrades.
  • Long Yun questions Ji Yuan’s group at the teleportation harbor, but Long Liuli intervenes and vouches for them.
  • Long Liuli privately asks Ji Yuan about the human cultivators involved in the North Sea incident, while Ji Yuan asks whether they survived; she confirms that they escaped.
  • In the elders’ council, Long Liuli requests True Dragon Blood Essence for the three newcomers. The elders debate the request, exposing the conflict between the First Elder’s branch and the Second Elder’s faction.
  • Ji Yuan leaves the council disappointed: despite the Horned Dragon Clan’s enormous status and resources, its generosity toward returning clansmen is minimal.
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Ch. 726Feng Jiuxiao Was an Impostor [Please Vote]

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Major Events

  • Four elders of the Horned Dragon Clan attend a deliberation through projections linked to objects in the clan’s main hall. The clan is struggling with serious problems and cannot provide Ji Yuan and his companions with as much True Dragon Blood Essence as originally intended.
  • Long Liuli offers to take Ji Yuan, Long Yun, and Long Fei into the Second Elder’s branch. Ji Yuan accepts immediately, recognizing that joining her faction is the most advantageous and safest option.
  • Long Liuli brings them to the depths of Ten Thousand Dragons Lake, where a gigantic ancient stone stele emerges and grants them their rewards:
    • One drop-containing bottle of True Dragon Blood Essence
    • Forty-five Low-Grade Purple Spirit Stones
    • Several Fifth Tier spiritual herbs and cultivation pills
  • The extra spirit stones are clearly the result of Long Liuli’s influence. She warns them to conceal the True Dragon Blood Essence, but is surprised when Ji Yuan keeps all the rewards instead of distributing them. This makes her realize that Long Yun and Long Fei trust Ji Yuan completely and that winning him over is essential.
  • In Long Liuli’s secluded underwater palace, Ji Yuan asks about the recent battle with the Human cultivators. He learns that Dugu Yan, Dugu Qing, Jiang Jun, and Yan Chixiao escaped into the Demon God Continent despite being pursued by powerful members of the Dragon Race.
  • Ji Yuan reveals the Dragon Race’s greatest secret: Yan Chixiao has comprehended the Dragon-Slaying Great Dao, which allows him to grow stronger by killing dragons. Long Liuli is shocked but understands why the Dragon Race has suppressed the information.
  • The Dragon Race has now dispatched three Void Refinement Stage True Dragons to hunt the Human cultivators, including two at the Mid Void Refinement Stage and one at the Late Void Refinement Stage.
  • Ji Yuan, Long Yun, and Long Fei proceed to receive the Horned Dragon Clan’s inheritance.
  • The chapter then shifts to the Phoenix Clan. Feng Yidao reports that a Human cultivator stole the Truth-Piercing Divine Eye and impersonated the Purple-Eyed Clan, causing unrest.
  • The Azure Luan Clan had traded a large quantity of Fountain of Life to this impostor. Although the Azure Luan Clan submitted an apology and accepted punishment, the Phoenix elders consider the compensation inadequate and suspect deeper disloyalty.
  • The investigation also implicates a Phoenix clansman named Feng Jiuxiao. Since no one in the clan recognizes that name, Feng Yidao concludes that Feng Jiuxiao was probably an impostor.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Continues presenting himself as Long Chuan while manipulating situations to obtain resources and information. He proves highly observant and politically aware, quickly choosing Long Liuli’s faction and using her desire for intelligence to gain her trust. He also deliberately reveals the Dragon-Slaying Great Dao to strengthen his relationship with her.
  • Long Liuli: Becomes increasingly favorable toward Ji Yuan after seeing his intelligence, loyalty, social skill, and ability to repay favors. She intends to cultivate him as a future political ally within the Horned Dragon Clan.
  • Long Yun and Long Fei: Demonstrate complete trust in Ji Yuan by allowing him to control all the rewards without objection. They continue to follow his decisions regarding their clan affiliation and future actions.
  • Feng Yidao: Is portrayed as a calm, efficient investigator with authority in the Phoenix Clan’s Discipline Hall. His investigation uncovers both the Human impostor and the possible involvement of the mysterious “Feng Jiuxiao.”
  • Phoenix Clan Elders: Become suspicious of the Azure Luan Clan and alarmed by the possibility that an outsider infiltrated or manipulated their clan.

Significant Themes

  • Political maneuvering and factional allegiance: Ji Yuan chooses Long Liuli’s branch because it offers protection, resources, and influence.
  • Trust and manipulation: Long Liuli wants to win over Ji Yuan, while Ji Yuan strategically uses her curiosity and goodwill to obtain information.
  • Hidden identities and imposture: The chapter repeatedly emphasizes false identities—the Human cultivator impersonating the Purple-Eyed Clan and the mysterious Feng Jiuxiao suspected of being an impostor.
  • Racial conflict and humiliation: The Dragon Race’s fury over Yan Chixiao’s Dragon-Slaying Great Dao reflects the pride and vulnerability of powerful ancient clans.
  • Power and information control: The Dragon Race suppresses knowledge of Yan Chixiao’s ability, while the Phoenix Clan investigates hidden deals and internal deception.
  • Resources as leverage: True Dragon Blood Essence, spirit stones, inheritances, and the Fountain of Life all function as tools for building loyalty and political influence.

Important Character Interactions

  • Ji Yuan and Long Liuli: Their relationship shifts from formal cooperation toward mutual political cultivation. Long Liuli offers him benefits, while Ji Yuan rewards her with sensitive information.
  • Ji Yuan, Long Yun, and Long Fei: Their interaction shows a clear hierarchy, with the latter two accepting Ji Yuan’s leadership without hesitation.
  • Ji Yuan and Long Liuli regarding Yan Chixiao: Ji Yuan carefully reveals the Dragon-Slaying Great Dao, provoking Long Liuli’s shock and reinforcing her belief that he is worth supporting.
  • Feng Yidao and the Phoenix elders: Feng Yidao presents his investigation, exposing the Azure Luan Clan’s dealings and introducing the mystery surrounding Feng Jiuxiao.
  • Phoenix Clan and Azure Luan Clan: Their relationship becomes strained as the Phoenix elders interpret the Azure Luan Clan’s actions as possible betrayal.
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Ch. 727The First Divine Ability Seed! [Vote for Monthly Tickets]

Chapter Summary: “First Divine Ability Seed!”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Long Liuli leads Ji Yuan, Long Yun, and Long Fei to the Horned Dragon Clan’s hidden Inheritance Land, concealed within an ordinary island and lake.
  • The lake transports them to a vast sea of clouds guarded by an enormous Cloud Dragon. Only those with Horned Dragon bloodline can safely enter.
  • Upon entering the cloud sea, the three receive ancestral memories, cultivation knowledge, and techniques from the Horned Dragon Clan.
  • Ji Yuan attracts the attention of the Inheritance Land’s guardian because of the unusually powerful Dragon Qi surrounding him. The guardian discovers that Ji Yuan possesses the True Dragon divine ability Gold-Burning Bone.
  • Ji Yuan explains that he obtained the ability from a petrified dragon egg, concealing the truth about his encounter with the True Dragon inheritance.
  • The Horned Dragon Clan’s Clan Spirit recognizes Ji Yuan’s extraordinary potential. Although Ji Yuan is only at the Spirit Transformation Stage, possessing a divine ability means he has effectively overcome one of the major barriers to reaching the Body Integration Realm.
  • Ji Yuan is named one of the clan’s First Divine Ability Seeds, receiving the same status and treatment as Long Liuli. The Clan Spirit orders him to reach the Spirit Transformation Peak Stage before the opening of the Kun Ruins.
  • The Clan Spirit hides the aura of Gold-Burning Bone so that cultivators below the Tribulation Transcendence Stage cannot detect it.
  • After Ji Yuan leaves the inheritance area, Long Liuli learns that he now shares her elevated status. A clan elder confirms the Clan Spirit’s recognition and the clan provides Ji Yuan with resources, compensation, and a residence.
  • Ji Yuan names his secluded home Three Dragons Island, arranging for Long Yun and Long Fei to live there with him.
  • He refuses formal visits from the clan’s powerful cultivators but accepts their congratulatory gifts.
  • Despite his new prestige, Ji Yuan’s main concern is upgrading the Dragon Pool. Fearing that the upgrade will create a major disturbance, he decides to do it in a secluded location outside the clan.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Gains official recognition as a peer of Long Liuli and becomes one of the Horned Dragon Clan’s most promising future Body Integration cultivators. He demonstrates caution and political cleverness by offering a plausible explanation for Gold-Burning Bone while avoiding exposure of his true secrets. His confidence in his future cultivation grows significantly.
  • Long Liuli: Initially intended to treat Ji Yuan as a subordinate, but her attitude changes after the Clan Spirit elevates him to her level. She is pleased that both Divine Ability Seeds belong to her branch and remains supportive of Ji Yuan.
  • Long Yun and Long Fei: Successfully receive the clan inheritance and continue following Ji Yuan. They become his companions and residents of Three Dragons Island.
  • The Clan Spirit: Revealed to be a consciousness formed from the deceased Integration-stage ancestors of the Horned Dragon Clan. He takes a strong interest in Ji Yuan, protects his secret, and grants him exceptional status.
  • Third Clan Elder: Acknowledges Ji Yuan’s new position but is visibly puzzled by the Clan Spirit’s special protection of him.

Significant Themes

  • Hidden potential and recognition: Ji Yuan’s unusual abilities are finally recognized by a major clan, dramatically improving his status and access to resources.
  • Inheritance and ancestral power: The Horned Dragon Clan preserves the memories, techniques, and consciousness of its dead ancestors, allowing later generations to benefit from their legacy.
  • Political maneuvering and secrecy: Ji Yuan carefully conceals the true origins of his powers while using the clan’s protection to advance his goals.
  • Opportunity and rising destiny: The coming Kun Ruins expedition and Ji Yuan’s designation as a Divine Ability Seed suggest that even greater opportunities and dangers await him.
  • Power versus cultivation realm: Ji Yuan’s possession of a divine ability allows him to rival cultivators of much higher realms, showing that innate abilities can be as important as formal cultivation.

Character Interactions

  • Long Liuli guides Ji Yuan and the others through the Inheritance Land and explains its rules.
  • Ji Yuan and the guardian Clan Spirit engage in a tense but respectful interrogation, with Ji Yuan answering carefully and truthfully enough to remain believable.
  • The Clan Spirit praises Ji Yuan, grants him equal standing with Long Liuli, and assigns him the goal of reaching Spirit Transformation Peak before the Kun Ruins opens.
  • Long Liuli congratulates Ji Yuan and acknowledges that his advancement came from his own ability.
  • The Third Clan Elder formally confirms Ji Yuan’s new status and assures him that he will receive the same treatment as Long Liuli.
  • Ji Yuan responds diplomatically to the clan’s attention: he avoids personal meetings while accepting their gifts and resources.
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Ch. 728[Fish Pond] → [Dragon Pool] (Please Vote)

Chapter Summary: Fish Pond → Dragon Pool

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan receives three more drops of True Dragon Blood Essence from the Horned Dragon Clan, giving him four in total.
  • He gives two drops to Long Yun and Long Fei, instructing them to use them after returning to Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain so they can attempt to evolve into True Dragons.
  • Ji Yuan examines the Horned Dragon Clan’s generous rewards, which include spirit stones, cultivation pills, treasures, spells, and comprehension-enhancing items. He realizes the clan’s resources are extraordinarily wealthy and becomes eager to learn more about the Phoenix Clan.
  • Because upgrading the Fish Pond requires him to leave the heavily monitored Horned Dragon territory, Ji Yuan openly travels to Northern Dragon City, claiming he has business there.
  • Long Liuli accompanies him, likely under the Third Elder’s instructions to monitor him. Ji Yuan allows her to follow, recognizing that leaving openly is less suspicious than sneaking away.
  • In Northern Dragon City, Ji Yuan, Long Fei, Long Yun, and Long Liuli attract attention. Long Liuli guides them through the city, explaining which businesses belong to the Horned Dragon and Flood Dragon Clans.
  • Ji Yuan buys clothing and cosmetics for Long Fei and Long Liuli, subtly strengthening his relationships with both women.
  • Long Yun investigates accommodations and returns with troubling information. Ji Yuan cryptically claims that an old “friend and enemy” may soon appear, leaving Long Liuli curious and uneasy.
  • The group moves to Dragon Roaming Mountain, an expensive immortal residence operated by the True Dragon Clan. Long Liuli rents a neighboring cave abode so she can continue observing Ji Yuan.
  • Ji Yuan secretly returns to Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain in his dust form. He brings Dong Qian to the Fish Pond and reveals that it is about to undergo a major transformation.
  • He begins the upgrade using spirit stones, five Fifth-Tier Five-Element demon cores, a Fifth-Tier Flood Dragon corpse, and one drop of True Dragon Blood Essence.
  • The upgrade triggers a powerful phenomenon: dragon patterns appear, five phantom True Dragons manifest, Dragon Qi spreads throughout the pond, and the aquatic creatures begin evolving.
  • Long Yun and Long Fei consume their True Dragon Blood Essence, while Ji Yuan consumes the final drop to strengthen his own bloodline.
  • The Fish Pond successfully evolves into the Dragon Pool.
  • Dong Qian uses the surging Dragon Qi to break through from the Spirit Transformation Middle Stage to the Late Stage.
  • The Dragon Pool’s aura penetrates the Sixth-Tier defensive formation at Dragon Roaming Mountain, alarming the Void Refinement experts residing there. They assume a powerful Dragon Race cultivator has broken through.
  • Long Liuli, knowing Ji Yuan is only at the Spirit Transformation Middle Stage, becomes deeply shocked and begins to worry that he may eventually surpass her.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Demonstrates generosity by giving away two extremely valuable drops of True Dragon Blood Essence. He becomes more strategic and cautious, choosing to leave openly rather than arouse suspicion by sneaking away. His bloodline also begins strengthening after consuming the final drop. The Dragon Pool upgrade further expands his power and potential influence over Dragonkind and water-element beasts.
  • Long Yun and Long Fei: Receive a major opportunity to evolve into True Dragons. Their loyalty and respect toward Ji Yuan deepen, and they obey his instructions without hesitation.
  • Long Liuli: Moves from suspicious observer to a more involved companion. She willingly guides Ji Yuan through Northern Dragon City and rents a cave abode beside him to continue monitoring him. His mysterious strength causes her confidence to waver, and she begins considering whether she can remain his equal.
  • Dong Qian: Her Qilin body gives her superior bloodline potential, and the Dragon Pool’s Dragon Qi allows her to break through to the Spirit Transformation Late Stage.
  • The aquatic beasts: Begin undergoing widespread evolution, with spirit fish advancing in tier, some becoming Ice Flood Dragons, and one Third-Tier Ice Flood Dragon evolving into a Fourth-Order Horned Dragon.

Significant Themes

  • Generosity and investment in allies: Ji Yuan uses rare resources to strengthen Long Yun and Long Fei rather than keeping everything for himself.
  • Bloodline evolution: True Dragon Blood Essence serves as a catalyst for advancing Dragonkind, while the Dragon Pool creates opportunities for aquatic beasts to gain Dragon Qi and evolve into stronger species.
  • Hidden power and misdirection: Ji Yuan conceals the true source of the Dragon Qi, allowing outsiders to believe a powerful Dragon Race cultivator has broken through.
  • Growth through resources and opportunity: The chapter emphasizes how treasures, bloodlines, cultivation environments, and good fortune combine to produce rapid advancement.
  • Rising influence: The Dragon Pool grants Ji Yuan authority over Dragonkind and water-element Demon Beasts, paralleling the suppression he may exert over the Feather Clan through his Phoenix Clan identity.

Important Character Interactions

  • Ji Yuan insists that Long Yun and Long Fei accept the True Dragon Blood Essence despite their reluctance.
  • Long Liuli repeatedly offers assistance and accompanies Ji Yuan, while he maintains a polite but guarded attitude toward her.
  • Ji Yuan purchases gifts for Long Fei and Long Liuli, creating a warmer atmosphere between them.
  • Long Liuli follows Ji Yuan to Dragon Roaming Mountain and rents a cave abode directly beside his, revealing her determination to keep watch over him.
  • Ji Yuan calmly instructs Dong Qian to cultivate near the Fish Pond rather than explaining all its secrets. She trusts him enough not to question the strange transformation.
  • The chapter ends with Long Liuli privately reevaluating Ji Yuan’s strength and wondering whether she will still be able to defeat him in the future.
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Ch. 729Level Seven Dragon Pool; Force Great Dao [Seeking Monthly Votes]

Chapter Summary: Level Seven Dragon Pool; Force Great Dao

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan awakens after refining a drop of True Dragon Blood Essence. His spiritual power, qi, blood, and bloodline all improve substantially, increasing the power of his spells by roughly twenty percent.
  • Long Fei and Long Yun fail to advance into True Dragons, though the blood essence and Dragon Pool transformation still benefit them, leaving dragon phantoms surrounding their bodies.
  • Dong Qian successfully breaks through to the Spirit Transformation Late Stage after benefiting from the Dragon Pool’s advancement phenomenon.
  • Ji Yuan explains his experiences within the Horned Dragon Clan to Dong Qian. He admits that he does not wish to remain permanently with the Horned Dragons and would prefer the Phoenix Clan, but leaving will be difficult because he has accepted their resources and attention.
  • Ji Yuan decides to remain in Dragon Roaming Mountain temporarily to cultivate, comprehend Sword Nine, refine the remaining energy from Gold-Burning Bone, and begin studying the Laws of the Great Dao.
  • After a month of seclusion, Ji Yuan leaves Dragon Roaming Mountain because its cost is excessive. Long Liuli accompanies him back to the Horned Dragon Clan.
  • Ji Yuan examines the newly advanced Level Seven Dragon Pool. It now produces Dragon Marrow, accelerates the growth and mutation of water beasts, may help True Dragons evolve into Four-Clawed True Dragons, and grants him the ability to wield Dragon Might.
  • Advancing the Dragon Pool further requires extremely rare materials, including a Sixth-Tier True Dragon corpse and Dragon Pearl, meaning Ji Yuan would need to kill a Void Refinement-level True Dragon.
  • Ji Yuan settles on Three Dragons Island and spends more than a year building relationships throughout the Horned Dragon Clan. His social efforts earn him trust, freedom of movement, and access to advice from Void Refinement cultivators regarding Dao Laws.
  • The Third Clan Elder summons Ji Yuan to meet the Horned Dragon Clan Spirit. The Clan Spirit advises him on possible Great Daos, especially the Physical Body Dao, Beast Force Dao, Weapon Dao, War Dao, or the powerful Force Great Dao.
  • The Clan Spirit warns that Gold-Burning Bone naturally supports the Force Great Dao. Abandoning that path for another Dao, such as the Space Dao, is possible but would make Ji Yuan’s advancement far more difficult.
  • Rather than immediately choosing, Ji Yuan declares that he wants to continue traveling across the Demon God Continent, suggesting that exploration and experience may help him decide his path.

Character Development

  • Ji Yuan grows stronger physically and spiritually through True Dragon Blood Essence and becomes more aware of the importance of Dao Laws. He also demonstrates increasing political and social maturity by cultivating trust within the Horned Dragon Clan rather than attempting a reckless escape.
  • Ji Yuan remains ambitious and unwilling to settle for merely reaching Void Refinement. He is tempted by the Force Great Dao because it could grant overwhelming combat power, yet he still feels drawn toward the Space Dao and values his own preferred path.
  • Dong Qian breaks through to Spirit Transformation Late Stage and becomes a thoughtful adviser to Ji Yuan, helping him assess the difficulties of leaving the Horned Dragon Clan.
  • Long Liuli gradually develops greater trust and affection toward Ji Yuan. His teasing surprises her but also brings her rare companionship, making her view his presence in the clan positively.
  • The Horned Dragon Clan Spirit takes a personal interest in Ji Yuan’s future and offers serious guidance, treating him as a promising successor or ally rather than merely an outsider.

Significant Themes

  • Choosing one’s path versus taking the easiest route: Ji Yuan must decide whether to follow the Force Great Dao, which aligns naturally with Gold-Burning Bone, or pursue the Space Dao, which better matches his personal interests but offers no clear path yet.
  • Ambition beyond basic advancement: Ji Yuan refuses to be satisfied with simply entering Void Refinement; he wants the strength to stand against other powerful cultivators rather than remain inferior after advancing.
  • Trust and belonging: By interacting sincerely with the Horned Dragons, Ji Yuan transforms from a guarded outsider into someone regarded as “one of their own.”
  • Cultivation through experience: The chapter emphasizes that understanding the Dao requires more than secluded meditation. Travel, combat, social interaction, and exposure to different powers may all influence Ji Yuan’s eventual breakthrough.
  • Bloodline hierarchy and resistance: Ji Yuan’s conversations with rebellious Horned Dragons touch on the Demon God Continent’s bloodline-based social order, highlighting the tension between inherited status and personal ideals.

Important Character Interactions

  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian discuss his future, his relationship with the Horned Dragon Clan, and the need to cultivate the Great Dao.
  • Ji Yuan and Long Liuli travel together, with Ji Yuan teasing her about leaving for the Southern Demonlands. Her embarrassed reaction reveals their growing familiarity.
  • Ji Yuan interacts with Horned Dragons across all cultivation levels, using his broad experience to gain their respect and friendship.
  • The Clan Spirit gives Ji Yuan direct advice about the Force Great Dao and warns him that abandoning the path supported by Gold-Burning Bone could make his cultivation significantly harder.
  • The chapter ends with Ji Yuan choosing continued travel and reflection rather than immediately committing to the Force Great Dao.
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Ch. 730August Summary + September Vote Request

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The author begins with a humorous complaint about asking readers for September monthly tickets.
  • They explain that Qidian’s former monthly-ticket bonus-story system had inspired them to consider writing a bonus story, since other authors had benefited from it. However, the feature was removed before they could try it.
  • August was described as successful: the author took no days off, even while traveling around Fujian, and wrote 6,000 words instead of taking leave.
  • This effort exhausted the author’s stockpiled chapters, meaning new chapters were now being written immediately each day.
  • The novel’s audiobook launched and performed unexpectedly well, ranking highly on Ximalaya and attracting new readers.
  • The author expects to remain home throughout September and promises more consistent updates, possibly reaching 10,000 words per day.
  • The chapter concludes with a direct request for readers to give them monthly tickets, along with wishes for readers’ health and prosperity.

Character Developments

  • The author presents themself as hardworking and committed, emphasizing that they continued writing despite travel and exhaustion.
  • Their playful self-deprecation—calling themself a “flop” and joking about “crowdfunding” chapters—creates an approachable, humorous persona.
  • The author also expresses renewed ambition, hoping to recover their former writing pace of 10,000 words per day.

Significant Themes

  • Author-reader interaction: The chapter is primarily a direct appeal for reader support through monthly-ticket voting.
  • Persistence and dedication: The author highlights their refusal to take time off and their continued effort to maintain updates.
  • Humor and self-awareness: Exaggerated complaints, jokes about copying chapter comments, and the “dagger” metaphor make the plea entertaining rather than purely promotional.
  • Success and encouragement: The strong audiobook performance and reader migration from Ximalaya provide reassurance and motivation.
  • Health and prosperity: The closing wishes emphasize that personal well-being and financial security are more valuable than anything else.

Character Interactions

  • The author references fellow writers who encouraged them to create a monthly-ticket bonus story.
  • They warmly welcome audiobook listeners who began following the novel on the main platform.
  • The author directly addresses readers as “fellow Daoists,” asking for monthly tickets and thanking them with repeated bows.
  • The relationship between author and audience is portrayed as mutually supportive: readers provide votes and encouragement, while the author promises continued updates and expresses gratitude.
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Ch. 731Jiang Jun Opened Up Too [Please Vote]

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan explains to the Clan Spirit that although he considers the Horned Dragon Clan his home, its comfortable and sheltered lifestyle is hindering his growth. He wants to leave and temper himself in the outside world.
  • The Clan Spirit agrees, recognizing that true strength comes from experiencing danger and hardship. However, he requires Ji Yuan to take Long Liuli with him.
  • Ji Yuan accepts on the condition that he leads their journey. The Clan Spirit gives both Ji Yuan and Long Liuli powerful dragon-scale defensive treasures capable of protecting them from most attacks below the level of divine abilities and deterring Body Integration experts.
  • Ji Yuan and Long Liuli leave the clan and travel to Northern Dragon City. Ji Yuan reveals that he has a Dao companion from the Qilin Clan, intending to use Dong Qian’s status to restrain Long Liuli’s behavior.
  • Long Liuli initially misunderstands Ji Yuan and assumes he is confessing an interest in her, then becomes embarrassed when she learns he was speaking about Dong Qian.
  • Dong Qian joins the group. Her Qilin bloodline and dignified presence impress and intimidate Long Liuli, who quickly abandons her initial arrogance and begins treating Dong Qian as an elder sister.
  • The group plans to travel through Southern Dragon City and then teleport to Divine Deer City in Demon East, where Ji Yuan will accompany Dong Qian back to the Qilin Clan. Because the long-distance teleportation formation will not activate for five days, they temporarily settle in Southern Dragon City.
  • Meanwhile, the Horned Dragon Clan receives Long Qie as a guest, suggesting that events involving Ji Yuan’s identity and associates are continuing behind the scenes.
  • In Southern Dragon City, Jiang Jun and three powerful companions—Yan Chixiao, Dugu Yan, and Dugu Qing—discuss their next destination while hiding under Demon Race identities. Their group is being hunted by the True Dragon Clan and decides to head to Demon East rather than Demon West, where the Kun Ruins are believed to be located.
  • Jiang Jun’s family members advise him to travel to Divine Deer City using the same teleportation formation. The chapter ends with a humorous exchange in which his grandmother urges him to consume more flesh and blood to sustain his elderly grandparents.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Demonstrates honesty about his ambitions and his dissatisfaction with a sheltered life. He gains official freedom to leave the clan and assumes leadership of the journey. He also shows strategic cunning by using Dong Qian’s Sacred Race identity to keep Long Liuli manageable.
  • The Clan Spirit: Shows wisdom and generosity, recognizing that forcing Ji Yuan to remain would damage his future. Though protective, he supports Ji Yuan’s growth and provides life-saving treasures.
  • Long Liuli: Begins as proud, skeptical, and resistant to following Ji Yuan. Her encounter with Dong Qian humbles her, and she becomes more cooperative. She also develops curiosity about Ji Yuan, though she denies any romantic interest.
  • Dong Qian: Displays social intelligence and composure. She deliberately treats Long Liuli warmly, quickly winning her over and establishing a senior-sister-like relationship.
  • Jiang Jun: Appears as the practical center of his chaotic group, though he is burdened by their reckless behavior. He obediently follows his family’s guidance and prepares to travel to Demon East.
  • Yan Chixiao, Dugu Yan, and Dugu Qing: Their disguises and interactions reveal a mixture of strength, eccentricity, and comic dysfunction. Dugu Yan is strict, Dugu Qing is obedient, and Yan Chixiao is impulsive and unruly.

Significant Themes

  • Growth through hardship: The chapter emphasizes that excessive comfort weakens cultivators, while danger and real-world experience create true experts.
  • Freedom versus responsibility: Ji Yuan gains the freedom to pursue his own path but must accept responsibility for Long Liuli’s safety and development.
  • Bloodline and social hierarchy: Sacred Race bloodlines command immense respect. Long Liuli’s attitude changes sharply after meeting Dong Qian, highlighting the importance of lineage in the Demon God Continent.
  • Trust and belonging: Ji Yuan sincerely considers the Horned Dragon Clan his home even while choosing to leave it, showing that departure does not necessarily mean rejection.
  • Identity and concealment: Multiple characters rely on disguises, aliases, or carefully managed identities while navigating hostile factions and clan politics.
  • Humor amid danger: Embarrassing misunderstandings, romantic teasing, and Jiang Jun’s troublesome companions provide comic relief against the larger threats of pursuit, clan conflict, and the Kun Ruins.

Important Character Interactions

  • Ji Yuan and the Clan Spirit share a frank conversation about the clan’s weaknesses and Ji Yuan’s desire to leave.
  • The Clan Spirit forces Ji Yuan and Long Liuli into a travel partnership, creating the chapter’s central interpersonal tension.
  • Ji Yuan’s claim that he has a Qilin Dao companion embarrasses Long Liuli and changes her attitude toward him.
  • Dong Qian warmly welcomes Long Liuli, transforming their relationship from awkward rivalry into apparent sisterly camaraderie.
  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian privately agree that Dong Qian will manage Long Liuli during the journey.
  • Jiang Jun’s group reveals its dependence on family guidance, while his relatives’ bizarre advice contrasts comically with the seriousness of their situation.
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Ch. 732True Dragon; Human Race; Ji Yuan [Monthly Ticket Request]

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The True Dragon Clan gathers in Southern Dragon City after learning that four human prodigies from the Martial God Continent have infiltrated the city.
  • Ao Zhun, a late-stage Void Refinement red dragon, leads the investigation. The dragons conclude that the humans are likely hiding their cultivation, appearances, and even their identities.
  • Since the Star-Gathering Disc has been taken by Demon God Mountain due to developments at the Kun Ruins, the dragons must search manually.
  • Ao Guang and Qing Ling deduce that the humans probably intend to escape the Northern Demonlands through Teleportation Harbor. The nearest routes lead to Divine Phoenix City, Divine Deer City, and Heavenly Demon City.
  • The Dragon Race also learns that Ji Yuan, Dong Qian, and Long Liuli—a rare Qilin accompanied by two Horned Dragons—are staying in the city. Because the Qilin is extremely valuable and politically important, Ao Zhun orders the Flood Dragon Clan to protect her.
  • Ji Yuan’s group remains hidden for five days because Long Liuli’s unusual identity has made them the subject of widespread attention. Long Liuli also reveals that Southern Dragon City currently lacks a stationed Body Integration cultivator, though the group remains cautious.
  • Meanwhile, Jiang Jun, Dugu Yan, Dugu Qing, and Yan Chixiao prepare to leave through the teleportation formation while disguised as demon cultivators. Dugu Qing senses that leaving the city by any route other than teleportation would lead to certain death.
  • Ji Yuan’s group and Jiang Jun’s group enter the same teleportation formation. Ji Yuan recognizes Jiang Jun and Yan Chixiao despite their disguises and deliberately moves Dong Qian and Long Liuli away from them.
  • Ao Zhun, Qing Ling, and Ao Guang monitor the formation. Qing Ling’s dream-based divine ability confirms that the human fugitives are present.
  • As the teleportation formation activates, Ao Zhun launches a massive thunder attack across the entire formation, apparently intending to stop or kill the humans before they escape.

Character Developments

  • Ao Zhun is shown as calculating, pressured by his clan’s expectations, and willing to risk conflict with the Qilin Clan to complete his mission. He prioritizes capturing the humans over political concerns.
  • Ao Guang demonstrates strong strategic intelligence by identifying the fugitives’ likely escape route. However, he is also compassionate and worries that attacking the formation could accidentally harm Long Liuli and provoke the Qilin Clan.
  • Qing Ling proves valuable through her investigative abilities and her use of the “Three Thousand Great Dreams” divine ability, though the effort severely weakens her.
  • Long Liuli reveals herself to be cautious rather than reckless. She prioritizes avoiding danger and informs Ji Yuan of the changing situation at the front lines.
  • Ji Yuan remains observant and restrained. He notices the disguised fugitives but avoids exposing them or becoming involved, instead trying to keep his companions safe.
  • Dugu Qing continues to display extraordinary predictive or danger-sensing abilities. Her warning forces the fugitives to accept teleportation as their only chance of survival, despite the obvious trap.
  • Jiang Jun becomes more decisive and protective, promising to send the others away if danger arises.
  • Dugu Yan acts as Dugu Qing’s emotional and physical support, carefully monitoring her condition and trusting her judgment.
  • Dong Qian remains generous and composed, while Long Liuli grows increasingly cautious about the dangers surrounding the group.

Significant Themes

  • Fate versus survival: Dugu Qing’s visions suggest that every escape route has been closed except one extremely narrow possibility.
  • Political tension between powerful races: The possible death of Long Liuli could trigger a confrontation between the Dragon and Qilin Clans, forcing Ao Zhun to weigh mission success against broader consequences.
  • Disguise and perception: The humans conceal their identities, but Ji Yuan and Qing Ling possess methods capable of seeing through appearances and hidden presences.
  • Duty versus personal judgment: Ao Zhun and Ao Guang differ in their attitudes toward the fugitives and the Qilin guests, highlighting the conflict between clan orders and individual caution.
  • The vulnerability of even powerful cultivators: Despite their disguises and abilities, the fugitives are trapped by overwhelming surveillance and superior force.

Character Interactions

  • Ao Guang and the black dragon, Dragon Demon, clash over how to search for the humans, revealing rivalry within the True Dragon Clan.
  • Ao Zhun privately acknowledges Ao Guang’s intelligence but reprimands him for worrying about Long Liuli’s safety.
  • Qing Ling and Ao Guang cooperate in deducing the fugitives’ escape plan.
  • Ji Yuan, Dong Qian, and Long Liuli maintain a cautious alliance, with Ji Yuan protecting both women and Long Liuli repeatedly urging restraint.
  • Dugu Yan comforts and supports Dugu Qing when her ominous vision leaves her physically weak.
  • Ji Yuan and Dugu Qing briefly notice one another in the harbor, creating an unspoken connection between the two groups.
  • The chapter ends with Ao Zhun attacking the active teleportation formation, placing Ji Yuan’s group, the human fugitives, and Long Liuli in immediate danger.
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Ch. 733Long Chuan... Dead [Monthly Ticket Request]

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • During the Dragon Race’s attack on the teleportation formation, a Spirit Transformation cultivator is killed by Ao Zhun’s lightning. Ji Yuan, Long Liuli, Dong Qian, Jiang Jun, Dugu Yan, Dugu Qing, and others escape just before the formation is destroyed.
  • Ao Zhun’s lightning continues attacking the teleportation passage, causing it to collapse. Ji Yuan protects himself, Long Liuli, and Dong Qian with Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain, but they are forced into the unstable Void.
  • Long Liuli uses her Yin-Yang Jade Disc to shield them, while Dong Qian strengthens it with her Qilin bloodline. They eventually locate a spatial rift, but a Void current sweeps Long Liuli away. She survives by activating a life-saving dragon scale given by the Qilin/Dragon ancestor.
  • Jiang Jun and the others also escape the collapsing passage. Dugu Qing is separated from them and disappears into the Void, while Dugu Yan is restrained from following her.
  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian emerge in a volcanic, black-rock region of Demon East. They discover the unconscious Dugu Qing and save her.
  • Ji Yuan changes from his “Long Chuan” identity into “Feng Jiuxiao” so that his Phoenix identity will be more useful when approaching the Qilin Clan. Unknown to him, the Soul Lamp bearing Long Chuan’s name extinguishes in the Horned Dragon ancestral land, causing the clan to believe he has died.
  • Dugu Qing awakens and immediately recognizes Ji Yuan despite his changed identity. She explains that she was separated from her companions and wants to find her elder sister.
  • Ji Yuan, Dong Qian, and Dugu Qing realize they have entered a Secret Realm. Dugu Qing mysteriously knows which direction will lead them out—and may also bring them good fortune—so Ji Yuan chooses to trust her.
  • Back at the Dragon Race’s teleportation harbor, Ao Zhun realizes the humans and the Qilin member did not die. He orders the formation repaired and plans to travel personally to Divine Deer City.
  • The chapter ends with the Horned Dragon Clan’s Third Elder informing the Clan Spirit that “Long Chuan” has died.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Demonstrates resourcefulness and leadership while surviving the collapsing teleportation passage. He becomes increasingly willing to trust Dugu Qing’s unusual abilities. His decision to adopt the Feng Jiuxiao identity shows his strategic caution and desire to sever his connection with Long Liuli.
  • Long Liuli: Reveals extensive knowledge of the True Dragon Clan and remains calm under pressure. She uses her ancestral defensive treasure and ultimately survives being swept away by the Void, though she becomes separated from Ji Yuan.
  • Dong Qian: Supports Ji Yuan throughout the crisis, combining her Qilin abilities with Long Liuli’s treasure. She becomes suspicious of Ji Yuan’s familiarity with Dugu Qing but maintains a polite relationship with her.
  • Dugu Qing: Shows extraordinary survival ability and possibly divination or fate-related powers. She recognizes Ji Yuan regardless of his disguise and instinctively identifies the route out of the Secret Realm.
  • Dugu Yan: Displays intense concern for her sister, attempting to follow Dugu Qing into the Void despite the danger.
  • Ao Zhun: Establishes himself as a powerful and domineering Void Refinement cultivator. His attack causes the crisis, but he becomes uneasy when he realizes his targets may have survived.
  • Jiang Jun: Protects the group with help from his grandfather but is forced to abandon Dugu Qing when she moves away from them.

Significant Themes

  • Overwhelming power and racial hierarchy: The Dragon Race’s willingness to destroy a formation containing a Qilin member reflects its confidence in its superiority over the Qilin Clan.
  • Survival through cooperation: Ji Yuan, Long Liuli, and Dong Qian survive only by combining their different treasures and abilities.
  • Identity and disguise: Ji Yuan’s transformation into Feng Jiuxiao allows him to escape recognition and pursue his goals, but it also creates the mistaken belief that Long Chuan has died.
  • Separation and uncertain fate: The characters are repeatedly divided by the collapsing teleportation passage, emphasizing the unpredictability and danger of the Void.
  • Hidden abilities and destiny: Dugu Qing’s rapid healing, ability to recognize Ji Yuan, and intuitive knowledge of the Secret Realm suggest that her powers and origins are more mysterious than they appear.
  • Political consequences: Ao Zhun’s attack risks provoking the Qilin Clan, while the apparent death of Long Chuan is likely to have major consequences within the Horned Dragon Clan.

Important Character Interactions

  • Long Liuli advises Ji Yuan on Ao Zhun’s identity and strength, while Ji Yuan relies on her knowledge to decide how to escape.
  • Dong Qian and Long Liuli combine their powers to stabilize their movement through the Void.
  • Jiang Jun and Dugu Yan clash over whether to rescue Dugu Qing, with Dugu Yan accusing him of valuing group survival over family.
  • Ji Yuan saves Dugu Qing after finding her unconscious, prompting Dong Qian to question their relationship.
  • Dugu Qing formally introduces herself to Dong Qian, who claims to be Ji Yuan’s Dao companion.
  • Dugu Qing recognizes Ji Yuan even after his transformation, hinting at a special connection or perception.
  • Ji Yuan ultimately trusts Dugu Qing’s instinct about the Secret Realm and follows her chosen path.
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Ch. 734An Unexpected Encounter with Ying Ning [Monthly Votes Requested]

Chapter Summary: “Encountering Ying Ning by Chance”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • The Horned Dragon Clan learns that Long Chuan’s Soul Lamp has gone out. The Clan Spirit refuses to assume he is dead, noting that a Soul Lamp can extinguish for reasons other than death, and orders an investigation.
  • The Third Clan Elder discovers that Ao Zhun of the True Dragon Clan destroyed a Teleportation Formation in Southern Dragon City. Long Chuan, Long Liuli, a Qilin woman, and Ji Yuan’s group were reportedly on it. The Elder decides to keep the incident secret temporarily and first determine whether Long Liuli is also in danger.
  • Meanwhile, Ji Yuan, Dong Qian, and Dugu Qing travel through a volcanic region of the Secret Realm. Ji Yuan detects a battle far ahead, despite Dong Qian’s powerful Divine Sense.
  • They find Ying Ning, a Nine-Tailed Cat Demon, being besieged by three Spirit Transformation Peak demons: a Winged Sky-Soaring Tiger, a Howling Moon Sky Wolf, and a Mountain-Shifting Ape.
  • Ying Ning is already badly wounded from obtaining a mysterious treasure and has lost several tails, each of which can absorb a fatal injury. She is close to exhausting all nine lives.
  • She reveals the treasure: a Lower-Grade Heavy Treasure called the Nine-Gate Soul-Calming Bell, which protects the Divine Soul without consuming spiritual power. Her attempt to use it to provoke conflict among the three attackers fails.
  • Ji Yuan realizes the bell is closely connected to the Soul-Calming Scripture he cultivates and believes it is destined to belong to him. He rushes into the battle with Dong Qian and Dugu Qing.
  • Ji Yuan easily destroys the restrictions protecting the bell and absorbs it into his Sea of Consciousness, where it merges with his existing Soul-Calming Bell. This confirms that he had already refined or resonated with it.
  • The three demons recognize Ji Yuan’s identity as Feng Jiuxiao, a powerful Phoenix Clan member, and initially choose to surrender rather than risk provoking him.
  • Ji Yuan refuses to let them kill Ying Ning, claiming that she trespassed into his residence and stole his treasure, giving him the right to personally settle the matter. The three demons reconsider because Ying Ning’s Storage Bag is valuable.
  • Before the confrontation begins, Dong Qian and Dugu Qing arrive. Dong Qian boldly declares herself Ji Yuan’s wife and warns the demons against offending both the Qilin and Phoenix Clans. Dugu Qing also takes Ji Yuan’s side, calling him her brother-in-law and warning them not to harm him.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Demonstrates vastly superior Divine Sense, overwhelming speed, and confidence in his strength. His connection to the Soul-Calming Bell deepens, reinforcing the idea that the treasure is linked to his cultivation and destiny. He also chooses to save Ying Ning because she previously helped him and possesses another Kunpeng Remnant Map.
  • Ying Ning: Is shown as resourceful but reckless. Her greed led her to enter a dangerous area alone and acquire the heavy treasure while suffering severe injuries. Her failure to sacrifice a tail earlier leaves her trapped and nearly helpless. Despite her desperation, she remains clever and attempts to manipulate the attackers into fighting over the bell.
  • Dong Qian: Recognizes Ji Yuan’s willingness to take risks for the treasure and confidently supports him. Her readiness to confront three Spirit Transformation Peak demons shows her loyalty and growing strength.
  • Dugu Qing: Continues to protect her disguised identity but openly supports Ji Yuan. Her willingness to stand beside him reflects her trust and familial closeness.
  • Third Clan Elder: Moves cautiously, resisting premature conclusions about Long Chuan’s fate. His concern grows after learning that the True Dragon Clan attacked a formation containing Horned Dragon and Qilin members.
  • The three demon attackers: Initially cooperate to kill Ying Ning, but their greed and fear create tension. Once Ji Yuan appears, they become cautious and attempt to avoid conflict, though Ying Ning’s possessions tempt them to reconsider.

Significant Themes

  • Fate and predestination: Ji Yuan believes the Soul-Calming Bell was destined for him because he was able to reach it and absorb it effortlessly. The demons’ repeated references to the “fated person” reinforce this idea.
  • Power and political influence: Ji Yuan’s Phoenix identity forces the three demons to reconsider their actions. The chapter also emphasizes the True Dragon Clan’s dominance and the political danger of harming members of the Horned Dragon or Qilin Clans.
  • Greed and its consequences: Ying Ning’s desire for the treasure caused her injuries and near-death situation. The three demons likewise risk their safety because they covet her Storage Bag.
  • Trust and alliances: Ji Yuan chooses to rescue Ying Ning because of their previous connection, while Dong Qian and Dugu Qing immediately support him. Clan affiliations provide both protection and intimidation.
  • Divine Soul protection: The Soul-Calming Bell highlights the importance of defending the Divine Soul, a vulnerability Ji Yuan previously experienced in battle.

Character Interactions

  • The Clan Spirit questions the Third Clan Elder about Long Chuan’s apparent death and orders him to investigate rather than speculate.
  • The Third Clan Elder receives a report from a black-robed subordinate about the True Dragon Clan’s attack and orders the information concealed.
  • Ying Ning argues with and attempts to deceive the three demons, offering the Soul-Calming Bell in hopes of turning them against one another.
  • Ji Yuan intervenes, takes possession of the bell, and intimidates the attackers through his identity and overwhelming presence.
  • When the demons consider killing Ying Ning anyway, Ji Yuan claims her as someone he must personally protect and avenge.
  • Dong Qian and Dugu Qing arrive at the decisive moment, publicly aligning themselves with Ji Yuan and strengthening his advantage through the combined authority of the Qilin and Phoenix Clans.
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Ch. 735Is There a Problem with the Cultivation Method?

Chapter Summary: “Is There a Problem with the Cultivation Method?”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan, Dong Qian, and Dugu Qing confront the Mountain-Shifting Ape, Winged Sky-Soaring Tiger, and Howling Moon Sky Wolf. Once Ji Yuan’s Phoenix aura is revealed, the three demons immediately apologize and flee into the lava lake.
  • Ji Yuan chooses not to pursue them, preferring to avoid making enemies before returning to the Phoenix Clan.
  • Ji Yuan summons Ying Ning, the injured Nine-Tailed Cat Demon. Rather than killing her for taking the Nine-Tower Soul-Calming Bell, he explains that he only intervened because the three demons were bullying her. Ying Ning is overwhelmed with gratitude and leaves after bowing to them.
  • The group travels through the lava lake and discovers its exit beneath a floating black island. Ji Yuan and Dong Qian reveal their Sacred Race auras, frightening away the surrounding Demon Beasts.
  • Dong Qian senses the direction of the Qilin Clan’s Ancestral Land, while Dugu Qing senses that her sister, Dugu Yan, is in the same general direction. They initially travel south together.
  • Near the East Sea, Dong Qian recognizes the region as being close to the underwater Secret Realm where she once encountered a Fish-Woman. Ji Yuan decides to investigate it before returning to the Ancestral Land.
  • Ji Yuan raises concerns about the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art and Demon-Transforming Art. Although he successfully cultivated them, Long Fei and Long Yun have been unable even to comprehend the Demon-Transforming Art, suggesting that the techniques may contain unknown restrictions or peculiarities.
  • Dugu Qing agrees to accompany Ji Yuan and Dong Qian overseas, since her divination abilities may help them locate the Secret Realm.
  • Meanwhile, Ying Ning recovers and vows revenge against the three demon tribes, intending to destroy them after reaching the Void Refinement Realm.
  • In the Northern Demonlands, the Horned Dragon Clan learns that Long Chuan, Long Liuli, and a Qilin woman were sent through the teleportation formation. Long Liuli is safe, but Long Chuan’s fate is unknown.
  • The Horned Dragon Clan suspects that the Dragon Race may be deliberately eliminating its strongest younger generation to weaken it. The Clan Spirit acknowledges that subordinate races are largely powerless against the Sacred Races, but ultimately agrees that Long Chuan’s death cannot be ignored.
  • Ji Yuan’s group reaches the seabed and descends into a deep trench. They find no obvious entrance to the Secret Realm, so Ji Yuan asks Dugu Qing to search for it using her mysterious abilities.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Demonstrates restraint by sparing the three demon leaders and Ying Ning. He becomes increasingly suspicious of the cultivation methods he created, recognizing that their ability to transform human bloodlines into Sacred Race bloodlines may involve hidden conditions or limitations.
  • Dong Qian: Continues to act as a reliable guide and protector. She can now sense the direction of the Qilin Ancestral Land and shares her knowledge of the nearby Secret Realm.
  • Dugu Qing: Reveals both remarkable divination abilities and emotional dependence on her sister, Dugu Yan. Though initially timid and inexperienced socially, she chooses to remain with Ji Yuan’s group and becomes a valuable companion.
  • Ying Ning: Changes from a desperate survivor into someone driven by revenge. Ji Yuan’s mercy leaves a strong impression on her, while the loss of three tails and her near-death experience intensify her hatred of the demon tribes.
  • Horned Dragon Clan Clan Spirit and Third Elder: Their concern shifts from uncertainty over Long Chuan’s fate to suspicion that the Dragon Race is intentionally suppressing the Horned Dragon Clan’s future strength.

Significant Themes

  • Mercy versus revenge: Ji Yuan refuses to pursue weakened enemies, while Ying Ning responds to her suffering with a vow of total retaliation.
  • Power imbalance among races: The subordinate races fear that the Sacred Races manipulate or destroy them whenever they become too powerful.
  • Hidden dangers of cultivation: The unprecedented power of Ji Yuan’s techniques raises questions about their requirements, limitations, and possible consequences.
  • Loyalty and companionship: Dugu Qing’s desire to find her sister and willingness to travel with Ji Yuan’s group emphasize the importance of familial and group bonds.
  • The vulnerability of prodigies: Even exceptionally talented younger cultivators remain exposed to political struggles between powerful clans.

Important Character Interactions

  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian silently coordinate their identities and Sacred Race disguises.
  • The three great demons quickly surrender once Ji Yuan’s Phoenix identity becomes apparent.
  • Ji Yuan reassures Ying Ning that he will not punish her, prompting her to offer an emotional show of gratitude.
  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian both hope Dugu Qing will accompany them because of her divination talent; Dugu Qing agrees after realizing they want her help.
  • The Third Elder voices his concerns to the Clan Spirit, who already understands that the Dragon Race may be targeting the Horned Dragon Clan.
  • At the chapter’s conclusion, Ji Yuan relies on Dugu Qing to locate the hidden entrance to the underwater Secret Realm.
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Ch. 736Demon Master—Bai Ze! [Monthly Votes Requested]

Chapter Summary: “Demon Master—Bai Ze!”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Dugu Qing attempts to divine the location of the Secret Realm beneath the seafloor but initially fails. On her second attempt, she senses a terrifying presence and realizes that an unseen senior is nearby.
  • A hidden figure gradually appears: a white-haired man in a fur robe embroidered with red plum blossoms, accompanied by a Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox. The seafloor transforms into Water-Town Villa, revealing that the “Secret Realm” is actually the man’s dwelling.
  • The man permits Ji Yuan, Dong Qian, and Dugu Qing to enter and explains their connections to him:
    • He recognizes Dugu Qing as someone whose arrival signals that an important matter is nearing its conclusion.
    • He reveals that he originally created the Demon-Transforming Art and the Myriad Demon-Bearing Art. Together, the two techniques form a complete method for transforming a human into a demon while granting two demon identities.
    • Dong Qian survived a previous disaster because the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox, called Little Slave, recognized her as a member of the Heavenly Fox Clan and asked the white-haired man to save her.
  • The white-haired man explains that the Heavenly Dao restricted the complete Demon-Transforming Art because it violated the natural order. He was forced to split the art into two parts and hide them separately.
  • However, Heaven left a path of survival: no more than five people can cultivate the complete art. Ji Yuan and Dong Qian occupy two of the places, while the remaining three were likely descended from a disciple of the ancient Barbarian God and now belong to the Demon God Continent.
  • Ji Yuan reveals that an unknown immortal helped improve the cultivation art. The white-haired man is deeply surprised by the existence of such an immortal.
  • Before sending them away, the white-haired man gives Ji Yuan two important pieces of information:
    1. The upcoming Kun Ruins contain a Celestial Palace established by him and the Demon Deity. Those selected may comprehend the laws of the Great Dao and advance from Spirit Transformation to Void Refinement.
    2. The Purple-Eyed Clan’s Mahayana ancestor is actually the weakest among the Human Realm’s Mahayana cultivators, possessing true strength around the Tribulation Transcendence Middle Stage.
  • When Ji Yuan asks the man’s identity, he reveals his former title: Demon Master—Bai Ze.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan becomes increasingly aware of how extraordinary his circumstances are. He gains confirmation that the Demon-Transforming Art is not inherently flawed, learns about its five-person limit, and realizes that an immortal’s influence lies behind his cultivation path. His ambition is also redirected toward reaching Spirit Transformation Peak Stage within fifteen years to enter the Kun Ruins.
  • Dong Qian receives recognition from Bai Ze and the Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox for cultivating the Demon-Transforming Art and preserving her Heavenly Fox identity. Her gratitude toward Bai Ze and Little Slave highlights her loyalty and humility.
  • Dugu Qing demonstrates that her divination ability involves manipulating mysterious laws beyond what should normally be possible at her cultivation level. Bai Ze’s cryptic comments imply that her origins and future are tied to a major unresolved matter.
  • Bai Ze is revealed as an ancient, immensely talented creator of the Demon-Transforming Art and a former ally of the Demon Deity. Though only a remnant soul remains, he retains enormous knowledge, pride in his achievements, and regret over his inability to achieve true longevity.
  • The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox/Little Slave is shown to be a remnant soul but remains intelligent and capable of human speech. She acts as Bai Ze’s companion and protects members of the Heavenly Fox Clan.

Significant Themes

  • Fate and inevitability: Dugu Qing’s arrival, Dong Qian’s discovery of Bai Ze’s technique, and the group’s meeting with Bai Ze are all described as manifestations of fate.
  • Heavenly restrictions versus human achievement: Bai Ze’s creation of the Demon-Transforming Art challenged the natural order and provoked the Heavenly Dao, showing both the limits imposed by Heaven and the heights genius can reach.
  • The cost of genius and mortality: Bai Ze’s pride in creating a world-shaking technique contrasts with his realization that even peerless talent ultimately ends in death and decay.
  • Inheritance and legacy: Bai Ze’s arts, the Celestial Palace, and his connection to the Demon Deity continue to influence later generations long after his physical death.
  • Identity and transformation: The cultivation arts blur the boundaries between human and demon, while characters such as Dong Qian and Ji Yuan struggle to preserve or understand their identities amid their powerful bloodline transformations.
  • Hidden power and the wider world: The revelation of an unknown immortal and the true strength of the Purple-Eyed Clan suggest that the Human Realm conceals powers far beyond common knowledge.

Character Interactions

  • Dugu Qing’s divination leads the group to Bai Ze, while Bai Ze addresses her with unusual familiarity and hints at her unknown destiny.
  • Bai Ze praises and questions Dong Qian’s cultivation, while Little Slave confirms Dong Qian’s connection to the Heavenly Fox Clan and accepts her as a clanswoman.
  • Bai Ze closely examines Ji Yuan’s role, recognizing that Ji Yuan—not Dong Qian—is the key figure in the group. Their conversation focuses on the origins, limitations, and future of the Demon-Transforming Art.
  • Ji Yuan respectfully questions Bai Ze about the technique’s dangers, its failure to preserve human identity, and the identities of its other practitioners.
  • Bai Ze listens to the group’s account of the modern Human Realm and repays their information by revealing the opportunities in the Kun Ruins and the hidden weakness of the Purple-Eyed Clan.
  • The chapter ends with Ji Yuan learning the true name of the mysterious senior: Bai Ze, the ancient Demon Master.
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Ch. 737Did the Phoenix Clan Want a Marriage Alliance with the Qilin Clan? [Please Vote]

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan, Dong Qian, and Dugu Qing meet the ancient figure Bai Ze in the Kun Ruins. Bai Ze’s immense reputation is emphasized: he once helped the Demon Deity conquer the Demon God Continent and was honored as the Demon Race’s teacher. His death suggests that even powerful Mahayana cultivators can no longer ascend because the path to heaven has been severed.
  • Before disappearing, Bai Ze privately advises Ji Yuan to spend more time with Dugu Qing and consider making her his Dao companion, claiming she would greatly benefit him during a future Immortal Ascension Tribulation. Ji Yuan becomes suspicious that Bai Ze may have told Dugu Qing something similar.
  • After leaving the trench, the group discusses the Kun Ruins and the Celestial Palace. Ji Yuan and Dong Qian decide they must enter the Kun Ruins because it may provide a rare chance to break through to Void Refinement. However, Bai Ze’s information indicates that Ji Yuan must first reach Spirit Transformation Peak Stage.
  • Dugu Qing reveals that she and the other body cultivators are also seeking the Kun Ruins, but not for the Celestial Palace. They are searching for an item connected to the Martial God Tower, under Jiang Jun’s leadership. They already possess four Kunpeng Remnant Maps and plan to wait for the Kun Ruins to open.
  • Dugu Qing leaves to search for her sister. Ji Yuan tells her that he will later return to the Phoenix Clan Ancestral Land and offers assistance if she encounters danger.
  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian travel to White Deer City, the Qilin Clan’s territory. Their arrival attracts attention because Dong Qian is an unknown member of the Qilin Clan, while Ji Yuan is identified as a Phoenix Clan cultivator.
  • A Void Refinement cultivator from the White Deer Clan escorts them to White Deer Mountain, where they meet Lu Xiangrui of the Qilin Clan. Dong Qian confirms that she is the mysterious qilin previously seen in the Northern Demonlands and declares that she has come “home.”
  • Lu Xiangrui brings them into the Qilin Clan Ancestral Land. Ji Yuan observes the clan’s powerful but deteriorated state: its ancestral formations and relics are extraordinary, but many residences are abandoned because only roughly two hundred Qilin Clan members remain.
  • Three Qilin elders receive Dong Qian warmly. They identify her as a genuine clan member and express sympathy for the hardships she endured outside the ancestral land.
  • During the elders’ questioning, Ji Yuan reveals that Dong Qian is his Dao companion. The elders are stunned: the Qilin and Phoenix Clans may be forming a marriage alliance for the first time in tens of thousands of years.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Becomes fully committed to entering the Kun Ruins and pursuing the Celestial Palace opportunity. He shows confidence about advancing his cultivation despite the difficult timeline. He also publicly acknowledges Dong Qian as his Dao companion, using their relationship to strengthen ties between the Phoenix and Qilin Clans.
  • Dong Qian: Takes an important step toward reclaiming her Qilin identity and ancestral heritage. She handles the elders’ scrutiny calmly, openly declares that she has “come home,” and asks them to bless her relationship with Ji Yuan.
  • Dugu Qing: Reveals more about her group’s mission and demonstrates a growing closeness with Ji Yuan, though she remains somewhat shy around him. Her connection to the Martial God Tower and Jiang Jun becomes an important parallel plotline.
  • Bai Ze: Serves as a mysterious guide whose advice influences Ji Yuan’s future relationships and cultivation path. His death also reinforces the chapter’s concern with the decline of the ancient cultivation world.
  • Qilin Elders: Initially investigate Dong Qian cautiously, but quickly become affectionate and hopeful once they confirm her identity. Their reaction to Ji Yuan suggests they recognize the political and bloodline significance of a Qilin-Phoenix union.

Significant Themes

  • Decline of ancient powers: Bai Ze’s death, the severed path to ascension, and the Qilin Clan’s dwindling population all show that even once-mighty races and cultivators are suffering under the current age.
  • Inheritance and return: Dong Qian’s arrival at the Qilin Ancestral Land represents a return to her origins and the recovery of a lost family identity.
  • Marriage as alliance: Ji Yuan and Dong Qian’s relationship has personal meaning but also major political and bloodline implications, potentially uniting two Sacred Clans.
  • Hidden opportunities and fate: The Kun Ruins, Celestial Palace, Martial God Tower, and Kunpeng Remnant Maps suggest that many factions are moving according to incomplete prophecies and concealed knowledge.
  • Family and belonging: The Qilin elders’ warmth toward Dong Qian contrasts with her years spent outside the clan and emphasizes her desire for recognition and homecoming.

Important Character Interactions

  • Bai Ze privately advises Ji Yuan regarding Dugu Qing, causing Ji Yuan to question whether Dugu Qing received similar advice.
  • Dugu Qing and Ji Yuan part on friendly terms, with Ji Yuan offering help and Dugu Qing teasing him and Dong Qian about marriage and children.
  • Dong Qian and Lu Xiangrui share an emotional bloodline connection when she returns to the Qilin Clan, though she initially gives him little information beyond saying she is “coming home.”
  • Ji Yuan impresses and surprises Lu Xiangrui by explaining that he and Dong Qian were both born overseas.
  • The Qilin elders affectionately welcome Dong Qian as a lost clan member.
  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian jointly announce their relationship, leaving the elders shocked by the possibility of a historic Qilin-Phoenix marriage alliance.
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Ch. 738Women? They Only Slow My Sword Draw [Monthly Ticket Request]

Chapter Summary

1. Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan proposes a marriage alliance between the Phoenix Clan and the declining Qilin Clan, suggesting that he and Dong Qian marry.
  • The Qilin Clan’s three elders are initially surprised, since Sacred Races traditionally preserve bloodline purity and do not form marriage alliances with one another. However, they agree to support the marriage if the Phoenix Clan also consents.
  • Dong Qian explains that she and Ji Yuan were born in the Endless Sea and later traveled to the Demon God Continent. Her account is vague, but the elders accept it because they recognize her as a genuine Qilin and believe she poses no threat.
  • The elders promise to protect Dong Qian from any enemies and welcome her back into the clan.
  • The Qilin clansmen gather to meet their newly returned relative. Dong Qian openly clings to Ji Yuan, causing several young male Qilin to become jealous and hostile toward him because of his Phoenix Clan identity.
  • The elders privately discuss Dong Qian’s mysterious past. The Third Elder senses that someone has concealed her history, but divination indicates that her return will bring great benefits to the Qilin Clan.
  • When the Third Elder attempts to divine Ji Yuan’s fate, he suffers a powerful backlash and can only glimpse a mysterious “Star-Gazing Tower.” The elders suspect that Ji Yuan has an exceptionally powerful backer, possibly connected to the ancient Immortal Court.
  • Dong Qian chooses an abandoned floating-island Cave Abode belonging to a deceased Body Integration Qilin. She is also told that the clan’s inheritance secret realm, the Moon Pool, may help her reach the Spirit Transformation Peak Stage.
  • At the welcoming banquet, Ji Yuan becomes acquainted with many Qilin. The event reveals the clan’s unusual obsession with reproduction, as having children is treated as a major contribution to the race’s survival.
  • The chapter ends with Ji Yuan noticing Lu Tianming, the strongest Spirit Transformation cultivator in the Qilin Clan. When a woman suggests that Dong Qian would suit him better than Ji Yuan, Lu Tianming coldly declares that women only hinder his swordsmanship and threatens the woman for manipulating him.

2. Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan: Becomes more confident about his relationship with Dong Qian after gaining the Qilin elders’ conditional approval. He remains cautious about his identity and realizes that strength will determine whether the marriage succeeds. He also begins forming friendly connections within the Qilin Clan.
  • Dong Qian: Publicly affirms her lifelong commitment to Ji Yuan and grows more comfortable displaying their intimacy. She is accepted as a true member of the Qilin Clan and receives promises of protection, guidance, and access to clan inheritances.
  • The Qilin Elders: Though initially conservative, they prioritize the clan’s survival and recognize the advantages of an alliance with the Phoenix Clan. They become protective of Dong Qian and decide not to investigate her hidden past too deeply.
  • Lu Xiangrui: Acts as a mediator and guide, helping Ji Yuan and Dong Qian navigate the clan’s customs and introducing Dong Qian to her relatives.
  • Lu Tianya: Welcomes Ji Yuan warmly and helps him integrate into the Qilin social circle.
  • Lu Tianming: Is introduced as the foremost Spirit Transformation cultivator of the Qilin Clan. He appears aloof, fiercely devoted to swordsmanship, and resistant to romantic manipulation.

3. Significant Themes

  • Bloodline purity versus political alliance: The traditional separation between Sacred Races is challenged by the potential Phoenix–Qilin marriage.
  • Clan survival and reproduction: The Qilin Clan’s declining population dominates its priorities, turning marriage and childbirth into matters of racial survival and even “immortal merit.”
  • Acceptance and belonging: Dong Qian’s return allows her to reclaim her heritage, while Ji Yuan must earn acceptance as an outsider connected to the Phoenix Clan.
  • Hidden identities and powerful backing: Both protagonists possess concealed histories. The failed divination of Ji Yuan suggests that their origins and future may be tied to ancient, formidable forces.
  • Strength as authority: The elders’ willingness to accept the marriage depends partly on the power and status of both clans, while Ji Yuan recognizes that future success will require rapid cultivation advancement.
  • Comic contrast: The Qilin Clan’s immense strength and dignified status contrast humorously with its blunt fixation on matchmaking, childbirth, and clan reproduction.

4. Character Interactions

  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian jointly present their marriage intentions to the three elders, with Dong Qian affirming that they have already pledged themselves to one another.
  • The elders question Dong Qian about her origins and enemies, but respond with protection rather than suspicion.
  • Dong Qian stays physically close to Ji Yuan during her introduction to the clan, provoking jealousy among young male Qilin.
  • Ji Yuan befriends Lu Tianya and several other Qilin during the banquet, gradually easing their initial hostility.
  • The Qilin elders discuss Dong Qian and Ji Yuan privately, agreeing to let events unfold while waiting to see how the Phoenix Clan responds.
  • Lu Tianming rejects a woman’s attempt to provoke rivalry over Dong Qian, making clear that he has no interest in women or romance and values swordsmanship above all else.
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Ch. 739One Step from Void Refinement and the Heaven-Piercing Creation Diagram [Monthly Ticket Request]

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan arrives at the Qilin Clan’s welcome banquet expecting hostility, challenges, or even poisoning, but is surprised to find the clan friendly and uncomplicated.
  • Several Void Refinement Qilins forcibly teach him the Qilin Clan’s “Creation Secret,” jokingly wondering whether a union between a qilin and phoenix would produce a qilin or phoenix. Ji Yuan plans to study it with Dong Qian later.
  • He learns that most Qilin Clan members either cultivate at Demon God Mountain or fight on the front lines, leaving weaker and less ambitious members in the Ancestral Land. The clan heavily encourages reproduction because of its declining population.
  • After the banquet, Ji Yuan and Dong Qian spend a day studying the Creation Secret together before resting in Lingtai Square-Inch Mountain.
  • Dong Qian is summoned alone to the Founders’ Hall, presumably to receive news about her inheritance. Ji Yuan chooses to explore the Qilin Clan while waiting.
  • Lu Tianya, likely arranged by the Qilin Clan’s elders to accompany him, offers to guide Ji Yuan around White Deer Mountain.
  • Lu Tianya introduces three important cultivation locations:
    • Medicine-Washing Pool, which strengthens the body and heals injuries.
    • Divine Passage Valley, which tempers and strengthens the Divine Soul.
    • Hidden Mist Mountain, which improves one’s state of mind through illusions.
  • Ji Yuan enters Divine Passage Valley and withstands progressively stronger Divine Soul pressure, moving from the Spirit Transformation Early Stage level to the Spirit Transformation Peak Stage.
  • Under the pressure, his Divine Soul continues growing, while his Soul-Calming Bell merges with the Nine-Tower Soul-Calming Bell. The treasure advances from a Lower-Grade Heavy Treasure to a Mid-Grade Heavy Treasure.
  • Ji Yuan reaches the boundary marked “Void Refinement,” recognizing that he has reached the current limit of his Divine Soul. He retreats before being overwhelmed.
  • He realizes that once his cultivation reaches the Spirit Transformation Late Stage, his Divine Soul may break into the Void Refinement Stage, even though his body and mana will remain at lower levels.
  • Ji Yuan then enters Hidden Mist Mountain with Lu Tianya. The mountain immediately induces drowsiness and illusions, but Ji Yuan resists them almost instantly with the Soul-Calming Bell.
  • Lu Tianya is secretly astonished by Ji Yuan’s powerful state of mind, since even the outskirts of Hidden Mist Mountain should overwhelm an ordinary Spirit Transformation Middle Stage cultivator.
  • The Ghost Envoy identifies the source of the mysteries surrounding Divine Passage Valley and Hidden Mist Mountain: the Dao Armament known as the Heaven-Piercing Creation Diagram.

Character Developments

  • Ji Yuan demonstrates strong adaptability and social awareness, quickly becoming comfortable with the Qilin Clan despite his initial suspicion.
  • His Divine Soul improves dramatically through Divine Passage Valley, reaching the peak of the Spirit Transformation Stage.
  • The fusion of his two Soul-Calming Bells greatly strengthens his defensive and mental abilities.
  • Ji Yuan becomes increasingly aware of the difficulty of advancing toward Void Refinement and begins planning how to upgrade his Spirit Field.
  • His resistance to Hidden Mist Mountain’s illusions confirms that his state of mind is unusually powerful.
  • Dong Qian remains closely connected to Ji Yuan but is temporarily separated from him to handle matters concerning her inheritance.
  • Lu Tianya acts as Ji Yuan’s guide and possible evaluator. Though friendly, he deliberately tests Ji Yuan in Hidden Mist Mountain and is shocked by the results.
  • The Ghost Envoy continues serving as Ji Yuan’s source of ancient knowledge and detects the presence of the hidden Dao Armament.

Significant Themes

  • Expectations versus reality: Ji Yuan anticipates betrayal and conflict but instead encounters hospitality, revealing that the Qilin Clan is less sinister and more straightforward than expected.
  • Cultivation through pressure: Divine Passage Valley symbolizes the idea that extreme pressure can force hidden potential to emerge.
  • The imbalance of cultivation: Ji Yuan’s Divine Soul is advancing faster than his body and mana, raising questions about the consequences of possessing strength beyond one’s cultivation realm.
  • Mental strength and illusions: Hidden Mist Mountain emphasizes the importance of state of mind, especially for resisting Heart Demons, illusions, and future tribulations.
  • Decline and reproduction: The Qilin Clan’s desperate efforts to increase its population hint at the deeper decline of the Sacred Races.
  • Hidden ancient power: The discovery of the Heaven-Piercing Creation Diagram suggests that the Qilin Clan’s cultivation grounds are connected to powerful relics from the ancient Immortal Court era.

Character Interactions

  • The Qilin elders and younger members welcome Ji Yuan warmly, with several elders humorously forcing the Qilin Creation Secret upon him.
  • Ji Yuan and Dong Qian privately study the Creation Secret together after the banquet.
  • Dong Qian trusts Ji Yuan enough to leave him alone while she attends the Founders’ Hall.
  • Lu Tianya adopts a cheerful, hospitable attitude toward Ji Yuan while subtly evaluating his abilities.
  • Ji Yuan asks Lu Tianya detailed questions about the Qilin Clan’s sacred cultivation sites, and Lu Tianya explains their respective benefits.
  • Lu Tianya intentionally exposes Ji Yuan to Hidden Mist Mountain’s illusions, but Ji Yuan resists them so quickly that Lu Tianya is left deeply impressed.
  • Ji Yuan consults the Ghost Envoy throughout the journey, and the Ghost Envoy ultimately reveals the identity of the Dao Armament hidden within the mountain.
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Ch. 740Breakthrough—A Clear Heart! [Monthly Ticket Request]

Chapter Summary: “Breakthrough—A Clear Heart!”

Key Plot Points and Events

  • Ji Yuan enters Hidden Mist Mountain with the Ghost Envoy and learns that it contains the Heaven-Piercing Creation Diagram, an ancient Dao Armament from the Immortal Court era.
  • The Ghost Envoy explains that the diagram is essentially a complete small world with limitless uses—trapping, suppressing, protecting, and killing enemies—but the Qilin Clan currently uses it merely as an illusion realm to temper cultivators’ minds. Its diminished state suggests the armament has been badly damaged.
  • After Ji Yuan leaves, Lu Tianya discusses him with the Qilin Clan’s Third Elder. They conclude that Ji Yuan’s Divine Soul is extraordinarily powerful for his cultivation level and that he must have an unusual background. Lu Tianya orders the clan to promote a marriage alliance between Ji Yuan and Dong Qian, hoping to strengthen the Qilin Clan’s position against the Dragon Race.
  • Inside Hidden Mist Mountain, Ji Yuan’s Divine Sense begins to weaken under the illusion realm’s influence. The Ghost Envoy reminds him to release Dream Butterfly.
  • Dream Butterfly’s presence immediately stabilizes Ji Yuan’s consciousness. She absorbs the mountain’s spiritual energy and breaks through from the Fourth Tier to the Fifth Tier, then discovers that the environment may allow her to advance even further.
  • With Dream Butterfly guiding him, Ji Yuan gathers several extremely valuable Fifth-Tier heavenly treasures, including a water lily associated with illusion and dream arts. He gives them, along with Supreme-Grade Spirit Stones, to Dream Butterfly so she can continue cultivating.
  • While Dream Butterfly enters seclusion to refine the treasures, Ji Yuan falls into one of Hidden Mist Mountain’s illusion realms and loses consciousness.
  • He experiences a long, vivid alternate lifetime as a mortal named Ji Yuan in the Great Chu Dynasty. Through hardship, martial training, diligent cultivation, and repeated breakthroughs, this version of Ji Yuan rises from a poor fisher boy to the “World’s Number-One Sword Immortal.”
  • In the dream, he defeats powerful enemies, including the Black Tiger Gang, the imperial innate expert Gongsun Lie, the immortal Yuxu Zi, and finally battles the High Immortal Chixiao. Though he ultimately dies standing at the East Sea, his life embodies perseverance, self-reliance, and unwavering dedication to cultivation.
  • Ji Yuan awakens after nine months, discovering that Dream Butterfly helped shape the dream. She created the initial “proficiency panel” in an attempt to assist him, but his mind transformed it into the extraordinary system that guided his dream-life.
  • Initially troubled by the thought that his achievements had depended on Dream Butterfly’s help, Ji Yuan achieves sudden enlightenment: even without supernatural assistance, an ordinary life would still have been his own life. He accepts himself without relying on accomplishments or external advantages.
  • The Ghost Envoy announces that Ji Yuan has attained the Luminous State of Mind, a major advancement that will aid his future progress toward Void Refinement. The chapter ends with the introduction of the five states of mind: Purity, Clarity, Seeing One’s Nature, Guarding the One, and Guizhen.

Character Development

  • Ji Yuan: Demonstrates exceptional Divine Soul strength and develops greater self-awareness. His dream forces him to confront the difference between external aid and personal identity. By accepting that he remains himself regardless of talent, achievements, or assistance, he breaks through a mental barrier and attains the Luminous State of Mind.
  • Dream Butterfly: Advances to the Fifth Tier and reveals impressive control over illusion realms. Her loyalty and affection toward Ji Yuan deepen, and her abilities prove vital to keeping him alive and helping him awaken from the dream.
  • Lu Tianya: Recognizes Ji Yuan as a powerful and potentially influential figure. He adopts a strategic approach, seeking to connect Ji Yuan with Dong Qian and use a Phoenix-Qilin marriage alliance to strengthen the Qilin Clan.
  • The Ghost Envoy: Serves as Ji Yuan’s guide, explaining the Heaven-Piercing Creation Diagram, assisting him through the illusion realm, and identifying the significance of his breakthrough.

Significant Themes

  • Self-identity and authenticity: Ji Yuan realizes that his worth and identity do not depend on extraordinary gifts, systems, or accomplishments.
  • Diligence versus destiny: The dream emphasizes that persistent effort can allow even a mortal to challenge immortals and alter fate.
  • Illusion and reality: Hidden Mist Mountain blurs the boundary between dream and reality, using illusions to expose a cultivator’s deepest beliefs and weaknesses.
  • State of mind as cultivation: Ji Yuan’s greatest breakthrough comes not from physical combat but from accepting himself and eliminating inner distractions.
  • The waste and preservation of ancient power: The Heaven-Piercing Creation Diagram represents the lost greatness of the Immortal Court era and raises questions about damaged or forgotten inheritances.

Important Character Interactions

  • Lu Tianya and the Third Elder evaluate Ji Yuan’s strength and discuss arranging his relationship with Dong Qian for political advantage.
  • The Ghost Envoy repeatedly advises Ji Yuan about the Heaven-Piercing Creation Diagram and warns him of the dangers of the illusion realm.
  • Dream Butterfly supports Ji Yuan physically and mentally, helps him resist the illusions, guides him to treasures, and ultimately plays a decisive role in his enlightenment.
  • Ji Yuan’s confrontation with Dream Butterfly’s explanation of the dream becomes the emotional core of the chapter, leading him to understand and affirm: “I am myself.”
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