Chapter Summaries

Plot points and events

• Li Tianyuan overwhelms Dugu Bo’s Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor Martial Soul Avatar with his Heavenly Demon Hand. He spares Dugu Bo, explaining that they have no personal feud, but says the defeated poisoner must face a consequence.
• Li demands that Dugu Bo become his servant. Dugu Bo initially recoils at the idea, but agrees rather than risk his life—and sees possible benefit in staying close to the powerful Li.
• Li’s system rewards him with the Immortal Herb Compendium, whose knowledge he absorbs. He identifies more than a hundred valuable immortal herbs growing in the valley.
• Li claims the valley and orders Dugu Bo to guard it against anyone who might take the herbs.
• Dugu Bo’s Martial Soul poison flares up. Li advises him to channel the poison into a Soul Bone and use immortal herbs to suppress the remaining poison.

Character developments

• Li Tianyuan demonstrates overwhelming strength and begins building his own following by recruiting Dugu Bo. His newly gained knowledge also lets him recognize the valley’s immense value.
• Dugu Bo shifts from proud opponent to submissive servant. He admits his ignorance about the herbs and accepts Li’s guidance on managing his chronic poison.

Significant themes

• Power and submission: Li’s victory makes Dugu Bo’s choice to serve him seem like the only practical option.
• Knowledge as power: The compendium reveals the value of plants Dugu Bo had overlooked for years.
• Mercy and obligation: Li spares Dugu Bo, but expects service and loyalty in return.
• Turning weakness into strength: Li’s advice reframes Dugu Bo’s poisonous condition as something that can be controlled and potentially used.

Character interactions

• Li tests his strength against Dugu Bo, then spares him and offers him service instead of death.
• Dugu Bo accepts the arrangement, addresses Li respectfully, and pledges to protect the valley.
• When Dugu Bo doubts Li’s medical advice, Li rebukes him; Dugu Bo quickly acknowledges his mistake and promises to remember it.

Key plot points and events

• Li Tianyuan gives Dugu Bo an aromatic silk beauty, an immortal herb whose fragrance and petals can suppress the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor’s poison. Dugu Bo promises to guard the surrounding herbs and prevent anyone from taking them.
• Several days later, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect announces that it is now the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, prompting widespread speculation that its martial soul has evolved and that a Nine Treasure Douluo may emerge.
• At Spirit Hall, Bibi Dong orders Hu Liena to investigate the change. She suspects someone in the sect has acquired the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda and worries that the sect’s new strength could affect Spirit Hall’s plans.
• In Suotuo City, Zhao Wuji and the others remain at Heavenly Secrets Tower, waiting for Li Tianyuan. Tang San wants to leave, but Zhao Wuji warns that Li might return—and suspects he may have been involved in the sect’s transformation.
• Li returns to the tower as the group is discussing him. Zhao Wuji greets him respectfully.

Character developments and interactions

• Dugu Bo becomes more convinced of Li Tianyuan’s knowledge and power after seeing the herb ease his poison; he accepts the duty of protecting the garden.
• Bibi Dong responds to the sect’s change with alert suspicion and orders Hu Liena to gather facts. Her pregnancy-related discomfort adds to her irritation, while she remains determined to have the child as part of her plan for revenge.
• Zhao Wuji keeps the others in line and remains cautious of Li, believing he may be connected to the sect’s advancement.
• Tang San and Dai Mubai are frustrated by the prolonged wait but remain too intimidated by Li’s demonstrated strength to act against him.
• Hu Liena promptly accepts Bibi Dong’s mission.

Significant themes

• Power and opportunity: The Nine Treasures announcement signals a major leap in the sect’s fortunes and shifts the balance that Spirit Hall monitors.
• Knowledge as authority: Li’s expertise in immortal herbs earns Dugu Bo’s respect as much as his strength does.
• Fear and uncertainty: Li’s mysterious abilities leave others unwilling to challenge him and unsure of his origins.

• Li Tianyuan returns: Zhao Wuji welcomes Li Tianyuan respectfully, mindful that Li spared his life before. Tang San asks when the Shrek group can leave, but Li demands 100,000 Gold Soul Coins per person. The group is dismayed, and Zhao Wuji jokes darkly that they may have to sell themselves to raise the money.
• Zhu Zhuqing becomes Li’s attendant: Li asks for tea, and Xiao Wu persuades Zhu Zhuqing to go in her place. Zhu is already attracted to Li and happily accepts his offer to stay and serve him. She settles into the role over the next two days, becoming more comfortable and openly affectionate in her gaze. Li notices her interest but recalls how his relationship with Bibi Dong became consuming, and feels wary of repeating that experience.
• The others remain trapped and uneasy: Dai Mubai worries about Zhu Zhuqing being alone with Li, while Zhao Wuji rebukes his suspicions. Xiao Wu is relieved not to face Li directly, fearing he may discover her identity and take her Soul Bone. Tang San worries the group will be torn apart, but sees no way to challenge Li’s strength.
• The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect arrives: Ning Fengzhi, Bone Douluo, and Ning Rongrong come to the Heavenly Secrets Tower with many gifts. Zhao Wuji directs them to Li, and Ning Fengzhi eagerly takes Ning Rongrong inside.
  Character developments and themes: Zhu Zhuqing’s admiration turns into willing devotion, while Li is increasingly aware of the influence he has over women and cautious because of his past with Bibi Dong. The chapter highlights the group’s powerlessness before Li, the danger of concealed identities, and the tension between attraction and control. Key interactions include Tang San’s respectful but resentful appeal to Li, Zhu Zhuqing’s eager service, and Zhao Wuji’s attempts to manage the anxious captives.

Key plot points and events

• Ning Fengzhi visits Li Tianyuan with Ning Rongrong, repays a debt of seven million Gold Soul Coins, and presents him with numerous additional gifts. Li accepts them.
• Ning Fengzhi asks Li to join the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect as its Great Enshrined. Li politely refuses, preferring to remain independent.
• Hoping to keep Li close to the family and provide Rongrong with protection, Ning Fengzhi asks him to take her as a disciple. Li declines, saying he is too close to her in age.
• Rongrong instead asks to help at Li’s place. He warns that the work is menial and unpaid, but she insists, and he agrees to let her come.
• Rongrong then asks Li to release her teachers and classmates. He demands ten Gold Soul Coins per person; Ning Fengzhi agrees to pay the ransom on the sect’s behalf.

Character developments

• Li Tianyuan remains independent and pragmatic: he accepts the gifts but refuses commitments that might bind him, and treats the prisoners’ release as a matter of payment.
• Ning Fengzhi tries several ways to build a connection with Li—offering wealth, a position, and then mentorship for Rongrong—but accepts Li’s refusals without pressing him.
• Ning Rongrong is more respectful and mature than before, showing both admiration and shyness around Li. She also demonstrates persistence by asking to work for him and compassion by seeking her companions’ release.

Significant themes

• Independence versus allegiance: Li values freedom over status or factional ties.
• Influence through relationships: Ning Fengzhi seeks Li’s protection and support by bringing Rongrong closer to him.
• Wealth and obligation: Gifts and ransom payments become tools for negotiation, while Li’s insistence on payment reflects his transactional approach.
• Personal growth and responsibility: Rongrong’s changed demeanor and concern for her classmates suggest growing maturity.

Character interactions

• Ning Fengzhi approaches Li with respect and generosity, then makes increasingly personal requests; Li responds courteously but firmly.
• Rongrong’s admiration for Li contrasts with her reluctance to become his disciple; she prefers a less formal connection through helping him.
• When Li sets a price for releasing the Shrek group, Rongrong appeals to her father, who agrees to pay.

Plot points and events

• Ning Fengzhi pays Li Tianyuan 500,000 Gold Soul Coins to secure the Shrek Academy group’s release. Li accepts and lets the students go.
• Zhu Zhuqing thanks Ning Fengzhi and apologizes to no one; Ning Rongrong regrets that Zhu had to endure the confinement, but Zhu reassures her. Zhu asks Li whether she may return, and he agrees.
• Ning Fengzhi departs. Zhao Wuji then thanks Li for sparing him, offers his help in the future, and leaves with the Shrek students. Tang San looks back at the tower, uneasy that Li may know his secrets.
• After the group leaves, Tang Hao arrives at the Heavenly Secrets Tower in disguise. He asks Li to divine whether Tang San is hiding anything, paying 100 Gold Soul Coins.
• Li reveals that Tang San’s unusual eyes come from the Purple Demon Eye technique, a method of cultivating the eyes that can eventually enable mental attacks. He says the technique originated in a place called the Tang Sect, though he cannot provide further details.

Character developments and interactions

• Ning Fengzhi acts generously to free the Shrek group, while Ning Rongrong shows concern and guilt toward Zhu Zhuqing. Zhu’s calm response preserves their friendship.
• Zhao Wuji acknowledges his debt to Li and leaves respectfully; his warning to the students shows his frustration with their repeated trouble.
• Tang San remains suspicious and anxious about Li’s knowledge of him.
• Tang Hao, who has apparently been watching over Tang San from nearby, reveals his own doubts by seeking a divination. Learning about the Purple Demon Eye and Tang Sect surprises him.

Significant themes

• Debt, mercy, and gratitude: Li’s decision to release the group leads Zhao Wuji to recognize the mercy shown to him.
• Loyalty and protection: Tang Hao’s unseen presence suggests his close, guarded concern for his son.
• Hidden identities and secrets: Tang Hao’s disguise, Tang San’s concealed technique, and Li’s divinatory knowledge drive the chapter’s mystery.
• Truth has a price: Li’s revelations are available through a paid divination, though the answers leave Tang Hao with new questions.

Key plot points and events

• Tang Hao challenges Li Tianyuan’s divination, refusing to believe Tang San joined the Tang Sect because he has secretly watched his son and seen no opportunity for it.
• Li insists that Tang San learned both his martial techniques and hidden weapons from the Tang Sect, though he offers no explanation of the sect itself.
• Tang Hao asks why Tang San seems unusually mature. Li reveals that Tang San has memories of a past life.
• Shocked, Tang Hao interprets this as someone having taken over his son’s body. He asks Li to keep the conversation secret, then leaves in a hurry to investigate.
• After Tang Hao departs, Li wonders how father and son will respond to the revelation.
• A well-dressed young man and a striking young woman arrive at the Heavenly Secrets Tower. The woman challenges Li to divine their names. Recognizing her unusual green eyes, Li suspects she is Dugu Yan, granddaughter of “Old Poison.”

Character developments and interactions

• Tang Hao shifts from skepticism about Li’s claims to alarm when he hears about Tang San’s past-life memories. His protectiveness and suspicion lead him to rush off and investigate.
• Li Tianyuan remains calm and firm, revealing only what his divination supposedly shows. He is curious about the consequences but stays detached.
• The newcomers appear confident and of distinguished background. The young man seems intimidated by Li’s appearance, while the young woman is impressed by him and tests his claimed abilities.

Significant themes

• Truth and uncertainty: Tang Hao struggles to reconcile his observations with revelations he cannot explain.
• Identity and reincarnation: The claim that Tang San has memories of a past life raises doubts about who he is and whether his body has been taken over.
• Secrecy and trust: Tang Hao asks Li to conceal the revelation, while Li’s selective answers leave important questions unresolved.

Key plot points and events

• Li Tianyuan charges Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan two Gold Soul Coins to divine their names, correctly identifying both.
• Yu Tianheng asks whether a clan elder’s martial soul—Yu Xiaogang’s, which has mutated into a pig—can be restored. Li says the person must come in person because each mutation requires a different remedy. Yu Tianheng reluctantly decides to visit Shrek Academy and bring Yu Xiaogang to the Heavenly Secrets Tower.
• Yu Tianheng cautions Dugu Yan not to provoke Li, suspecting his abilities and background are formidable. Dugu Yan is less concerned and admits she had wanted to flirt with him.
• At Shrek Academy, Zhao Wuji returns with five students after Ning Fengzhi pays their ransom. The group is relieved to be home, but Dai Mubai and Tang San notice that Zhu Zhuqing and Xiao Wu are unusually distant.
• Flender is surprised to see Zhao Wuji back. Zhao explains that Ning Fengzhi rescued them, while Flender awkwardly claims he had also been trying to find a way to help.

Character developments and interactions

• Yu Tianheng is respectful toward Li after seeing his divination skill, but remains reluctant to seek out Yu Xiaogang. His concern reflects the Yu Family’s hope of restoring its reputation.
• Dugu Yan is curious and somewhat flirtatious toward Li, though she dismisses Yu Tianheng’s warnings.
• Dai Mubai and Tang San return shaken by their experience at the Heavenly Secrets Tower and frustrated by the girls’ changed behavior. Zhu Zhuqing responds to Dai Mubai coldly; Xiao Wu likewise acts differently toward Tang San.
• Zhao Wuji and Flender reunite with some tension: Zhao is resentful about the ordeal, while Flender tries to explain his absence.

Significant themes

• Power and credibility: Li’s accurate divination earns Yu Tianheng’s respect and prompts the Yu Family’s interest.
• Family pride and damaged reputation: The Yu Family’s concern over Yu Xiaogang’s mutation is tied to its status and hopes of recovering its dignity.
• Rescue and obligation: Ning Fengzhi’s ransom payment brings Zhao Wuji and the students home, highlighting the importance of wealth and powerful allies.
• Changed relationships: The girls’ distance from Dai Mubai and Tang San suggests tensions or developments that remain unexplained.

Flender and Zhao Wuji urged Yu Xiaogang to visit Li Tianyuan for help with his martial soul, but Yu Xiaogang refused because he still resented Li Tianyuan. Later, Tang Hao confronted Yu Xiaogang about Tang San’s unexplained techniques and warned him to watch Tang San closely while he investigated whether someone had taken possession of his son’s body.

• Flender told Zhao Wuji that Li Tianyuan had ignored the Pope Token and demanded five hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins to free them from the Heavenly Secrets Tower.
• Zhao Wuji explained how Li Tianyuan had helped the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect become the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and Flender urged Yu Xiaogang to seek his help with his martial soul.
• Yu Xiaogang refused to return to the Heavenly Secrets Tower because he believed Li Tianyuan had been rude to him, then left the dean’s office.
• Tang Hao privately asked Yu Xiaogang whether Tang San knew techniques Yu Xiaogang had never taught him, and they realized neither of them had taught him those skills.
• Tang Hao said someone might have taken possession of Tang San’s body, told Yu Xiaogang to monitor Tang San, and left to investigate.
• Yu Xiaogang wondered whether Tang Hao had visited Li Tianyuan to have Tang San’s secret divined.

Key plot points and events

• Yu Xiaogang wrestles with whether to visit the Heavenly Secrets Tower to have his flawed martial soul examined. He hopes a remedy might let him return to the Yu family, but fears appearing inconsistent after previously refusing Flender.
• Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan arrive at the shabby-looking Shrek Academy, initially dismissing its reputation. Zhao Wuji’s powerful aura quickly checks their arrogance.
• The visitors introduce themselves: Yu Tianheng belongs to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, and Dugu Yan is the Poison Douluo’s granddaughter.
• Yu Tianheng explains that he came to ask Yu Xiaogang to visit the Heavenly Secrets Tower. Flender eagerly supports the request and brings them to Xiaogang.
• Yu Xiaogang reacts coldly to seeing someone from the family that expelled him and refuses to go. Yu Tianheng insists, while Flender presses him more firmly, invoking their bond as elder brother and younger brother.
• After hesitating, Xiaogang agrees to visit—but insists that he alone will choose what to ask and that nobody interfere in his affairs. Flender accepts.

Character developments

• Yu Xiaogang shifts from conflicted uncertainty to reluctant agreement, though he maintains firm control over how his personal problem will be handled.
• Flender moves from trying to persuade Xiaogang gently to giving him a direct order, driven by concern that Xiaogang will miss a chance to improve his fate.
• Yu Tianheng shows deference toward his uncle but becomes resolute when Xiaogang refuses, framing the matter as important to both Xiaogang and the Yu family.
• Dugu Yan remains curious about Shrek but privately judges Xiaogang as needlessly difficult.
• Zhao Wuji establishes authority by confronting the visitors before learning who they are.

Significant themes

• Pride versus hope: Xiaogang’s reluctance reflects his pride and fear of seeming weak, despite his hope that his martial soul can be repaired.
• Family, estrangement, and belonging: The visit forces him to confront his ties to the Yu family and the possibility of returning.
• Loyalty and intervention: Flender and Yu Tianheng press Xiaogang because they believe he should not face his predicament alone, while Xiaogang insists on personal autonomy.

Character interactions

• Zhao Wuji’s intimidation tempers Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan’s initial arrogance.
• Flender quickly aligns with Yu Tianheng’s request, seeing it as a chance to overcome Xiaogang’s earlier refusal.
• Xiaogang’s cold exchange with Yu Tianheng contrasts with the younger man’s respectful address and persistence.
• Flender’s appeal to their brotherly relationship helps break Xiaogang’s resistance, though Xiaogang sets strict boundaries before agreeing.

Yu Xiaogang asked Li Tianyuan whether his mutated martial soul could be remedied, and Li Tianyuan revealed that a Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma could restore it and help him break through. The group then sought the herb’s location, but Li Tianyuan demanded a much higher fee, leaving Flender short of the required amount.

• Flender, Yu Xiaogang, Yu Tianheng, and Dugu Yan arrived at the Heavenly Secrets Tower and asked Li Tianyuan to divine a remedy for Yu Xiaogang’s martial soul.
• Flender paid Li Tianyuan ten thousand Gold Soul Coins, and Li Tianyuan divined that Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma could repair Yu Xiaogang’s defects and let him break through to rank thirty.
• Yu Xiaogang and Yu Tianheng reacted with excitement, and Flender offered to accompany Yu Xiaogang to find the herb.
• Yu Xiaogang asked where the Nine-Grade Purple Ganoderma could be found, and Li Tianyuan said that its location required a separate divination costing one hundred thousand Gold Soul Coins.
• Flender offered a pouch containing over ninety thousand Gold Soul Coins and asked Li Tianyuan to lower the price, but Li Tianyuan refused.

Li Tianyuan divined that the nine-grade purple ganoderma was in the Sunset Forest's Water-Fire Yin-Yang Well, and Yu Xiaogang resolved to seek it despite the danger. After Yu Tianheng and the others left, Dugu Yan returned to the Heavenly Secrets Tower and seduced Li Tianyuan.

• Yu Tianheng paid Li Tianyuan for a divination, and Li Tianyuan returned the extra Gold Soul Coins.
• Li Tianyuan located the nine-grade purple ganoderma at the Water-Fire Yin-Yang Well in the Sunset Forest, and Yu Xiaogang decided to go after it without asking his father for help.
• Yu Tianheng invited Li Tianyuan to become an honored retainer of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, but Li Tianyuan refused.
• Yu Xiaogang and Flender set out for the Sunset Forest, while Yu Tianheng returned to his clan and Dugu Yan stayed in Suotuo City.
• Dugu Yan returned to the Heavenly Secrets Tower after dark and openly tried to seduce Li Tianyuan.

Li Tianyuan spent the night with Dugu Yan, then received Hu Liena, who had come on Bibi Dong's orders to investigate the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. After Li Tianyuan refused to return to Spirit Hall and easily repelled her, Hu Liena challenged him and began removing her robe.

• Li Tianyuan gave in to Dugu Yan's advances, and she left the Heavenly Secrets Tower the next morning.
• Hu Liena arrived at the Heavenly Secrets Tower and recognized Li Tianyuan as the person who had helped the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect become the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.
• Hu Liena revealed that Bibi Dong had sent her to investigate the sect, and Li Tianyuan said Bibi Dong felt threatened.
• Hu Liena ordered Li Tianyuan to return to Spirit Hall, but he refused and sent her flying with a sweep of his sleeve.
• Hu Liena challenged Li Tianyuan to show his strength and began undoing her black robe.

Li Tianyuan let Hu Liena try to charm him while she attempted to capture him for the Spirit Hall. He revealed he had never been bewitched, leaving Hu Liena furious at being toyed with.

• Li Tianyuan teased Hu Liena about her appearance, and she used Martial Soul Possession to transform into her fox-girl form.
• Hu Liena released pink mist and tried to seduce Li Tianyuan, who pretended to be entranced and approached her.
• Hu Liena danced for Li Tianyuan and repeatedly used her seductive gaze, but her charm techniques had no effect.
• Hu Liena kissed Li Tianyuan and fed him bewild ering mist before trying to knock him unconscious, but he caught her wrist.
• Li Tianyuan told Hu Liena he had been pretending to be bewitched, and she angrily accused him of toying with her.

Hu Liena left the Heavenly Secrets Tower after Li Tianyuan refused to return to Spirit City, while Dugu Yan returned to tease him. Two days later, Yu Tianheng told Yu Yuanzhen that Li Tianyuan could restore Yu Xiaogang’s martial soul, and Yu Yuanzhen planned to visit the tower.

• Li Tianyuan refused Hu Liena’s request to return to Spirit City and told her to keep his location and secrets hidden from everyone except Bibi Dong.
• Hu Liena left the Heavenly Secrets Tower, and Dugu Yan returned after confirming Hu Liena had not doubled back.
• Dugu Yan questioned Li Tianyuan about Hu Liena and sat on his lap, prompting him to pull her close.
• Yu Tianheng returned to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and told Yu Yuanzhen that Li Tianyuan believed an immortal herb could restore Yu Xiaogang’s martial soul.
• Yu Yuanzhen ordered Yu Tianheng to return to Suotuo City with more people and supplies, and said he would visit the Heavenly Secrets Tower once Yu Xiaogang’s problem was resolved.

Bibi Dong learned from Hu Liena that Li Tianyuan had become wealthy and influential in Suotuo City, and ordered Hu Liena to spy on him and keep women away from him. When Hu Liena revealed that Li Tianyuan was rumored to be a Titled Douluo, Bibi Dong reconsidered his hidden strength and wondered if he could be the mysterious Space Douluo.

• Bibi Dong worried that her pregnancy symptoms might expose her and wondered where Li Tianyuan had gone.
• Hu Liena reported that Li Tianyuan had opened a Heavenly Secrets Tower in Suotuo City, earned over ten million Gold Soul Coins from the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and attracted interest from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
• Bibi Dong grew furious when Hu Liena said Li Tianyuan had asked her not to reveal his whereabouts or disturb him, then ordered Hu Liena to spy on him and kill any woman who tried to seduce him.
• Hu Liena told Bibi Dong that factions in Suotuo City and the Heaven Dou Empire believed Li Tianyuan was a Titled Douluo.
• Bibi Dong reconsidered Li Tianyuan's strength and suspected he might have been the mysterious Space Douluo who fought the Worship Hall, then felt pleased that her unborn child might have a powerful father.