Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Heng and Daoist Xuanqing visit Guanguan, a courtesan suspected to be the White Lotus Saintess.
• Fang Heng uses Guanguan's interest in him to lure her into a trap, intending to capture her.
• A battle ensues between Daoist Xuanqing and Guanguan's protector, Elder Ming, while Fang Heng confronts Guanguan.
• Fang Heng reveals his true strength, using the Broken Rainbow Sword to attack Guanguan.

Character Developments

• Fang Heng demonstrates strategic thinking and combat prowess, hiding his true strength to lure Guanguan.
• Daoist Xuanqing showcases his power as a Tenth Realm expert, engaging Elder Ming in battle.
• Guanguan reveals her divine abilities, using illusory petals to create a white lotus for defense.

Significant Themes

• Deception and strategy in combat.
• The reveal of hidden strengths and abilities.
• The allure and danger of courtesans and their true identities.

Character Interactions

• Fang Heng and Daoist Xuanqing work together to capture Guanguan, with Daoist Xuanqing engaging Elder Ming while Fang Heng confronts Guanguan.
• Guanguan and Fang Heng engage in a battle of wits and power, with Guanguan using her charm and divine abilities against Fang Heng's strategic planning and combat skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Heng defeats Guanguan (Liu Nanyuan), a powerful cultivator and a descendant of the Great Jin imperial family, who is also a reserve Saintess of the White Lotus Sect.
• Liu Nanyuan reveals that the White Lotus Sect's main altar is located in the void and is constantly moving, making it difficult to attack.
• Fang Heng learns that there are three Tenth Realm powerhouses protecting Liu Nanyuan, including Elder Ming, who was present during the battle.
• Fang Heng decides to control Liu Nanyuan and let her go, increasing his Destiny/Luck by 10,000.
• Fang Heng exchanges his increased Destiny/Luck for the golden Fate Attribute [Second Incarnation].

Character Developments

• Fang Heng demonstrates his immense power and strategic thinking, defeating Liu Nanyuan and deciding to control her instead of killing her.
• Liu Nanyuan, despite being a powerful cultivator, is forced to submit to Fang Heng and reveals valuable information about the White Lotus Sect.
• Luo Qing, Fang Heng's disciple, shows her ability to control those with the same cultivation technique as hers, making her a powerful asset to Fang Heng.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for control within the White Lotus Sect and the Great Qian imperial family.
• The importance of information and intelligence gathering in achieving one's goals.
• The consequences of one's actions and the ripple effects they can have on others.

Character Interactions

• Fang Heng and Liu Nanyuan: Their interaction is one of power and control, with Fang Heng emerging victorious and deciding to use Liu Nanyuan as a pawn.
• Fang Heng and Luo Qing: Their interaction shows a mentor-student relationship, with Luo Qing proving her worth to Fang Heng and assisting him in controlling Liu Nanyuan.
• Liu Nanyuan and the White Lotus Sect: Liu Nanyuan's interaction with the White Lotus Sect is one of competition and struggle for power, with her revealing the internal workings of the sect to Fang Heng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Heng discovers he can share his Fate Attribute talent with his Second Incarnation, effectively creating a prodigy.
• Liu Nanyuan, the princess, escapes the pleasure boat, and Elder Ming retreats.
• Fang Heng and Daoist Xuanqing return to Evergreen Temple.
• Li Qingya faces qi deviation due to his defeat in the Heavenly Palace of Swords, but Elder Jian helps him stabilize his Invincible Heart.
• True Monarch Taixu, the Qiankun Sect leader, visits Li Manor and discusses Li Qingya's future and the identities of the two sword cultivators who defeated him.
• Fang Heng's senior martial brother begins upgrading his flying sword to a Treasured Artifact.

Character Developments

• Fang Heng: Discovers a new ability with his Second Incarnation and continues to grow stronger.
• Li Qingya: Struggles with the aftermath of his defeat but ultimately stabilizes his Invincible Heart with Elder Jian's help.
• True Monarch Taixu: Shows concern for Li Qingya's progress and plans for his future, indicating the Qiankun Sect's high investment in him.
• Fang Heng's Senior Martial Brother: Begins upgrading his flying sword, displaying his prowess in artifact forging.

Significant Themes

• The Invincible Path's flaw: the inability to fail, and the consequences of defeat.
• The importance of belief and mindset in cultivation, as seen in Li Qingya's situation.
• The power dynamics and plans of the Qiankun Sect, as revealed through True Monarch Taixu's actions.

Character Interactions

• Fang Heng and Daoist Xuanqing: The master-disciple duo returns to Evergreen Temple, with Daoist Xuanqing facing his wife's disapproval.
• Li Qingya and Elder Jian: The master-disciple pair works together to stabilize Li Qingya's Invincible Heart after his defeat.
• True Monarch Taixu and Elder Jian: The Qiankun Sect leader visits Li Manor to discuss Li Qingya's future and plans for revenge against the two sword cultivators.
• Fang Heng and his Senior Martial Brother: Although they don't interact directly in this chapter, the ripple from the senior martial brother's cave dwelling draws Fang Heng's attention.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Yichen attempts to refine his Purple Dawn Sword, but fails, causing its sentience to dissipate.
• Fang Heng intervenes, using his Wondrous Item Sentience destiny to revive the Purple Dawn Sword's sentience.
• Lin Yichen successfully refines the Purple Dawn Sword, which lets out a joyous hum, celebrating its completion.

Character Developments

• Lin Yichen learns from his failure and successfully refines his sword with Fang Heng's help, increasing his chances of reaching the Tenth Realm.
• Daoist Xuanqing is impressed by Fang Heng's talent in artifact refining and considers exchanging a favor to get a sword forging method for him.
• Ye Liuyun expresses a desire to learn the method of re-forming sentience, but Daoist Jueying hints that some things are not learnable by everyone.

Significant Themes

• Talent and its recognition (Fang Heng's innate talent in various fields)
• Failure and learning from it (Lin Yichen's sword refining attempt)
• The importance of mentorship and assistance (Fang Heng helping Lin Yichen)

Character Interactions

• Lin Yichen and Fang Heng: Lin Yichen is grateful to Fang Heng for saving his sword and expresses willingness to help him in the future.
• Daoist Xuanqing and Fang Heng: Daoist Xuanqing is impressed by Fang Heng's talent in artifact refining and considers finding a suitable method for him.
• Ye Liuyun and Daoist Jueying: Ye Liuyun wants to learn the method of re-forming sentience, but Daoist Jueying hints that it might not be possible for him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Crown Princess Tantai Yunzhao is exiled to the Cold Palace after the Crown Prince's deposition.
• Emperor Yuanchu allows her to return home for a "family visit," but his true intention is to manipulate her grandfather and use her phoenix aura.
• True Man Profound Thunder visits Emperor Yuanchu to plead for Tantai Yunzhao's return to the Divine Firmament Sect, offering a Dragon-Phoenix Marrow as a bribe.
• Emperor Yuanchu agrees to let Tantai Yunzhao return to the sect and sends the Dragon-Phoenix Marrow to Lu Wushuang for her Invincible Body cultivation.
• Fang Heng obtains the Five Heavenly Gang Transformations martial arts inheritance from the Sword Palace's artifact spirit for his Second Incarnation.

Character Developments

• Tantai Yunzhao: She remains calm and composed despite her exile, understanding Emperor Yuanchu's manipulation but unable to resist due to living under his roof.
• Emperor Yuanchu: He shows his cunning and manipulative side, using Tantai Yunzhao's phoenix aura for his own gain and accepting bribes.
• True Man Profound Thunder: He demonstrates his love for his granddaughter by offering a valuable treasure to Emperor Yuanchu to secure her return to the Divine Firmament Sect.
• Fang Heng: He plans to have his Second Incarnation participate in the imperial examinations to defeat Li Qingya and shatter his Invincible Heart. He obtains the powerful Five Heavenly Gang Transformations inheritance.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and power dynamics, as seen in Emperor Yuanchu's treatment of Tantai Yunzhao and True Man Profound Thunder's attempts to protect his granddaughter.
• The pursuit of power and resources, highlighted by the Dragon-Phoenix Marrow and the Five Heavenly Gang Transformations inheritance.

Character Interactions

• Tantai Yunzhao and Eunuch Su: They discuss her return to the Divine Firmament Sect, with Eunuch Su acting as Emperor Yuanchu's messenger.
• True Man Profound Thunder and Emperor Yuanchu: They negotiate Tantai Yunzhao's return to the sect, with True Man Profound Thunder offering a bribe.
• Fang Heng and the Star Robe Boy: They discuss the Five Heavenly Gang Transformations inheritance, and the Star Robe Boy retrieves the cultivation resources for Fang Heng.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Heng learns about the Profound Stone Body cultivation method and its resource requirements.
• Heavenly Gang Martial Venerable's disciple, the Star Robe Boy, reveals that his master left to seize an Evil God's body and take its place, with no news since.
• Fang Heng's avatar cultivates the Profound Stone Body and breaks through three realms in the Martial Path.
• Fang Heng acquires and begins practicing four cultivation methods for the Five Elements Imagery.

Character Developments

• Fang Heng: Shows determination and resourcefulness in cultivating the Profound Stone Body and acquiring the Five Elements Imagery.
• Heavenly Gang Martial Venerable: Revealed to be an ambitious and powerful cultivator who left to confront an Evil God, with no known outcome.
• Lin Xihe: Struggles with the responsibilities of the imperial examinations and seeks help from a former Heavenly Marquis.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and its consequences (Heavenly Gang Martial Venerable's pursuit)
• Resourcefulness and determination in cultivation (Fang Heng's actions)
• Responsibility and seeking help (Lin Xihe's situation)

Character Interactions

• Fang Heng and the Star Robe Boy: The Star Robe Boy shares information about Heavenly Gang Martial Venerable and assists Fang Heng's avatar in cultivation.
• Lin Xihe and the former Heavenly Marquis: Lin Xihe seeks the former Heavenly Marquis's help for the imperial examinations, showing respect and humility.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Lin Xihe visits Jiang Chaosheng, a former Heavenly Marquis, to persuade him to help with the imperial examinations.
• Jiang Chaosheng initially refuses but agrees after learning about the Invincible Body scheme.
• The preliminary imperial examination begins, with each candidate under 30 eligible to participate.
• Fang Heng, using his avatar, plans to defeat Li Qingya and stop other candidates from achieving the Invincible Body.

Character Developments

• Lin Xihe demonstrates determination and persistence in convincing Jiang Chaosheng.
• Jiang Chaosheng shows reluctance to engage in court affairs but ultimately agrees to help due to his concern for commoners.
• Fang Heng, through his avatar, aims to exact revenge on Li Qingya and disrupt the plans of other Dao Courts.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence within the court.
• The desire for upward mobility and opportunity for commoners.
• The consequences of causing a sensation without a strong backing.

Character Interactions

• Lin Xihe and Jiang Chaosheng: Lin Xihe's persistence convinces Jiang Chaosheng to help with the imperial examinations.
• Fang Heng and the other princes: Fang Heng sits with the Second Prince on the viewing platform, and they discuss their recruitment targets for the imperial examinations.
• Fang Heng and the examinees: Fang Heng uses his Gentleman's Aura Observation Fate Attribute to observe the Destiny/Luck of the examinees, discovering Li Qingya and the candidates from the Ten Great Dao Courts and Emperor Yuanchu.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The imperial examination's preliminary test consists of three assessments: Sky-Propping Pillar, Thousand-Jin Crossbow, and Earth-Splitting Hammer.
• Li Qingya, a descendant of a Divine General and heir of the Li Manor, participates and excels in the first two assessments, earning two 'Grade A' scores.
• Fang Heng's avatar, Jiang Pojun, also participates and achieves two 'Excellent' scores, astonishing the examiners and princes observing.
• In the final assessment, Earth-Splitting Hammer, Jiang Pojun shatters the nine thousand-jin hammers with his bare body, leaving the examiners speechless.

Character Developments

• Li Qingya: Confident in his abilities, he expects to easily pass the preliminary test and aims for Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar).
• Jiang Pojun (Fang Heng's avatar): Despite his humble background, he outperforms Li Qingya in the second and third assessments, drawing significant attention from the princes.

Significant Themes

• Talent and background: The disparity between Li Qingya's and Jiang Pojun's backgrounds is evident in their performances, with Jiang Pojun's exceptional talent despite his humble origins being a notable theme.
• Astonishing everyone: Fang Heng's strategy to make his avatar stand out and attract attention from the princes is successful, highlighting the power of spectacle and surprise.

Character Interactions

• Li Qingya and Jiang Pojun: Though not directly interacting, their performances in the assessments are compared and contrasted, with Jiang Pojun's achievements overshadowing Li Qingya's.
• Princes observing the examination: The princes are impressed by Jiang Pojun's performance, leading to discussions about recruiting him after the examination.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Pojun (Fang Heng's avatar) withstands the Earth-Splitting Hammer with his bare body and shatters it, leaving the examiner speechless and unsure of how to grade his performance.
• Chief Examiner Xie Jianzhi initially tries to disqualify Jiang Pojun due to his humble background but is overruled by Jiang Chaosheng, the former Heavenly Marquis, who gives Jiang Pojun an 'Excellent A+' score.
• The results are announced, with Jiang Pojun scoring 'Excellent A+' and Li Qingya coming in second. Jiang Pojun's score and humble background spark widespread admiration and generosity from the nobility, who send him gifts and courtesans.

Character Developments

• Jiang Pojun (Fang Heng's avatar) gains recognition and admiration for his exceptional strength and humble background, becoming the talk of the town.
• Li Qingya shows magnanimity by sending a gift to Jiang Pojun despite coming in second, demonstrating his confidence and composure.
• Chief Examiner Xie Jianzhi is revealed to be biased and willing to unfairly disqualify Jiang Pojun to curry favor with Li Qingya.
• Jiang Chaosheng, the former Heavenly Marquis, shows his power and influence by overruling Xie Jianzhi and supporting Jiang Pojun.

Significant Themes

• The examination system's fairness and the impact of one's background on success.
• Recognition and admiration for exceptional talent, regardless of origin.
• The influence of powerful figures and their ability to sway decisions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Pojun (Fang Heng's avatar) interacts with various noble families and princes who send him gifts and courtesans, demonstrating their admiration and desire to befriend him.
• Li Qingya sends a gift to Jiang Pojun, showing respect and magnanimity despite his second-place finish.
• Chief Examiner Xie Jianzhi and Jiang Chaosheng have a tense interaction, with Xie Jianzhi attempting to disqualify Jiang Pojun and Jiang Chaosheng overruling him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Chaosheng, a legendary former Heavenly Marquis, meets the avatar (Fang Heng) and believes him to be a descendant of Divine Generals, naming him 'Pojun'.
• Jiang Chaosheng tests Fang Heng's military strategy understanding using a Sand Table simulation, asking him to defeat a larger enemy force with a smaller one.
• Fang Heng successfully strategizes to defeat the enemy, impressing Jiang Chaosheng.
• Emperor Yuanchu learns of Lu Wushuang's death and punishes Han Que, the commander of the Black Ice Platform. He then decides to visit the Imperial Astronomical Bureau personally.

Character Developments

• Fang Heng (Avatar): Shows exceptional military strategy skills, impressing Jiang Chaosheng. Jiang Chaosheng believes him to be a descendant of Divine Generals and a potential successor.
• Jiang Chaosheng: Recognizes Fang Heng's military prowess and sees him as a potential successor to carry on his legacy. He decides to help Fang Heng prepare for the imperial examination.
• Emperor Yuanchu: Becomes enraged upon learning of Lu Wushuang's death and punishes Han Que. He decides to visit the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, hinting at his desire to investigate Lu Wushuang's death further.

Significant Themes

• Class Struggle: The divide between the Humble Class and the aristocratic families is evident in Jiang Chaosheng's desire to help a Humble Class individual like Fang Heng and his disdain for the aristocratic scions.
• Power Dynamics: The power struggle between Emperor Yuanchu and the Ten Great Dao Courts is evident in his suspicion that they are involved in Lu Wushuang's death.

Character Interactions

• Fang Heng and Jiang Chaosheng: Jiang Chaosheng tests Fang Heng's military strategy skills and is impressed by his understanding and insight, leading to a mentor-mentee relationship.
• Emperor Yuanchu and Han Que: Emperor Yuanchu punishes Han Que for his failure to protect Lu Wushuang, showing his displeasure and the power dynamics between them.
• Emperor Yuanchu and Eunuch Su: Eunuch Su understands Emperor Yuanchu's decision to visit the Imperial Astronomical Bureau personally, hinting at their close relationship and understanding of each other's intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emperor Yuanchu visits the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to request divination of the Ten Great Dao Courts' Invincible Body candidates, but the Director persuades him to drop the matter.
• The Netherworld Forest Realm, crucial for Evergreen Temple's alchemy, opens earlier than expected.
• Evergreen Master teaches the Evergreen Seed Pill Method to the disciples, including Fang Heng, who shows exceptional talent by reaching basic proficiency during the lecture.

Character Developments

• Emperor Yuanchu: Shows determination to retaliate against the Ten Great Dao Courts but is persuaded by the Director to wait.
• Fang Heng: Demonstrates remarkable talent in alchemy, reaching basic proficiency in the Evergreen Seed Pill Method during Evergreen Master's lecture.
• Evergreen Master: Recognizes Fang Heng's exceptional talent and is impressed by his progress.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political intrigue between the imperial court and the Ten Great Dao Courts.
• The importance of talent and potential in cultivation, as seen in Fang Heng's rapid progress in alchemy.

Character Interactions

• Emperor Yuanchu and the Director of Imperial Astronomical Bureau: The Director uses his knowledge and skills to persuade the emperor to drop his plan, showing his wisdom and loyalty.
• Fang Heng and Evergreen Master: Evergreen Master is impressed by Fang Heng's talent and progress in alchemy, leading to a deeper understanding and appreciation between them.
• Fang Heng and Xue Duanhong: They reunite, and Xue Duanhong expresses her admiration for Fang Heng, hinting at a potential romantic interest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Netherworld Forest Realm opens, and disciples enter, including Fang Heng.
• Fang Heng receives three divinations, choosing to stay put and meditate.
• Fang Heng captures a Jianmu sapling, a rare and intelligent spiritual wood.

Character Developments

• Fang Heng demonstrates his extraordinary talent and luck by capturing the Jianmu sapling without seeking it out.
• Daoist Xuanqing shows confidence in Fang Heng's abilities and believes he has guided him well.
• Daoist Jueying becomes even more interested in recruiting Fang Heng to Seven Kill Pavilion.

Significant Themes

• Destiny/Luck: Fang Heng's capture of the Jianmu sapling is attributed to his immense Destiny/Luck.
• Talent: Fang Heng's exceptional talent in artifact refining is highlighted when Daoist Xuanqing asks Daoist Jueying for the Sword Forging Method on his behalf.
• Guidance vs. Destiny: Daoist Xuanqing believes he has guided Fang Heng well, while Evergreen Master seems to think Fang Heng's achievements are due to his destined connection with the patriarch.

Character Interactions

• Daoist Xuanqing and Daoist Jueying subtly compete over Fang Heng's potential recruitment to Seven Kill Pavilion.
• Evergreen Master and Daoist Xuanqing have a silent exchange regarding Fang Heng's accomplishments.
• Daoist Jueying's interest in recruiting Fang Heng grows, even overshadowing his usual favorite, Ye Liuyun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Heng subdues the Jianmu sapling, naming it Xuanxiao, and learns about the Evil Turtle in the Azure Water Pool.
• Xue Duanhong is attacked by the Evil Turtle while exploring the Azure Water Pool.
• Fang Heng rescues Xue Duanhong using his Void Escape Technique, evading the Evil Turtle.
• Evergreen Master and Daoist Xuanqing arrive to secure the Netherworld Forest Realm.

Character Developments

• Fang Heng demonstrates his mastery of Void Sword Intent and Void Escape Technique, further showcasing his prowess.
• Xue Duanhong shows interest in learning Void Sword Intent from Fang Heng, hinting at potential dual cultivation.
• Xuanxiao, the Jianmu sapling, shows intelligence and adaptability, agreeing to follow Fang Heng.

Significant Themes

• The power of spiritual awareness and its significance in the cultivation world.
• The value of rare materials like the Black Tortoise Shell and the Jianmu sapling.
• The importance of guidance and mentorship in cultivation, as seen in Xue Duanhong's request to learn Void Sword Intent from Fang Heng.

Character Interactions

• Fang Heng and Xuanxiao: Fang Heng subdues Xuanxiao, and they form a master-disciple relationship.
• Fang Heng and Xue Duanhong: Fang Heng rescues Xue Duanhong, and she expresses interest in learning Void Sword Intent from him, hinting at a potential romantic or dual cultivation relationship.
• Evergreen Master and Daoist Xuanqing: They work together to secure the Netherworld Forest Realm and ensure the safety of the cultivators inside.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Evergreen Master defeats the wicked tortoise in the Azure Water Pool, ending the Netherworld Forest Realm exploration.
• Fang Heng retrieves a mysterious tortoise shell left behind by Black Tortoise using his avatar.
• Xue Duanhong visits Fang Heng late at night.
• The second imperial examination focuses on military strategy, with candidates attempting to decipher ancient military strategy remnant scrolls.

Character Developments

• Fang Heng demonstrates his cunning by retrieving the tortoise shell without the wicked tortoise's knowledge.
• Xue Duanhong shows interest in Fang Heng, visiting him late at night, suggesting a potential romantic interest or alliance.
• Jiang Pojun, confident in his military strategy after learning from Jiang Chaosheng, enters the Dragon-Locking Remnant Scroll.

Significant Themes

• The disparity between the aristocratic and humble classes is highlighted during the imperial examination, with military strategy being a skill predominantly known by the aristocracy.
• The power of ancient military tactics is emphasized through the remnant scrolls.

Character Interactions

• Fang Heng and Xue Duanhong have a late-night conversation, hinting at a potential relationship or alliance.
• Jiang Pojun interacts with the other candidates and examiners, drawing attention as the top scorer of the preliminary test.
• The aristocratic scions and Humble Class students interact, with the aristocrats showing arrogance and the humble students feeling disheartened by the military strategy focus.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Pojun successfully navigates the Dragon-Locking Remnant Scroll, a military strategy test, in under twenty breaths, surprising everyone.
• Lin Xihe, the chief examiner, acknowledges Jiang Pojun's achievement, boosting the morale of the Humble Class candidates.
• Jiang Pojun proceeds to break the Profound Heaven Remnant Scroll and the Blood Fiend Remnant Scroll consecutively, further astonishing the crowd.
• After the exam, Jiang Pojun sells his military strategy insights for one copper coin each, with Lin Xihe feigning sleep and allowing it.
• All Humble Class candidates pass the military strategy exam, causing Lin Ying, a candidate with an Invincible Heart, to collapse and shatter his heart.
• Elder Zhao of the Earth Mother Palace appears, revealing their involvement with Lin Ying.

Character Developments

• Jiang Pojun: Proves his exceptional military strategy prowess, boosting the confidence of the Humble Class candidates.
• Lin Xihe: Shows favoritism towards the Humble Class candidates, allowing Jiang Pojun to sell his insights and encouraging the candidates.
• Lin Ying: Fails the exam and shatters his Invincible Heart due to his psychological fragility.
• Elder Zhao: Reveals his connection to Lin Ying and his displeasure at Lin Ying's failure.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between the Humble Class and the aristocratic candidates in the imperial examination.
• The psychological impact of failure on those with Invincible Hearts.
• The favoritism and manipulation of the imperial examination by powerful figures.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Pojun interacts with Lin Xihe, the chief examiner, displaying his military strategy prowess and challenging the aristocratic candidates.
• Lin Xihe interacts with Jiang Pojun, showing favoritism towards the Humble Class candidates and allowing Jiang Pojun to sell his insights.
• Lin Ying interacts with Elder Zhao, revealing their connection and Elder Zhao's displeasure at Lin Ying's failure.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Emperor Yuanchu decides to open the entire Path of Inquiry for the third stage of the imperial examination, surprising the Right Prime Minister.
• The Right Prime Minister visits the Earth Mother Palace to discuss this change.
• Li Dingguo visits Jiang Pojun, offering a Heaven Forbidden Treasured Artifact and asking for his help in breaking a formation in an ancient Military School ruin, aiming to sideline Jiang Pojun from the imperial examination.

Character Developments

• Emperor Yuanchu shows favor towards Jiang Pojun, seeing him as a potential candidate to fill Lu Wushuang's position.
• Li Dingguo demonstrates his ambition and ruthlessness, willing to eliminate competitors for his son's success in the imperial examination.
• Jiang Pojun shows his strength and determination, refusing Li Dingguo's offer and standing his ground.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Power Struggle: Characters like Emperor Yuanchu, Li Dingguo, and Jiang Pojun display their ambition, each aiming to gain power and influence.
• Class Struggle: Jiang Pojun's actions highlight his concern for the Humble Class, contrasting with the aristocratic families' disregard for them.

Character Interactions

• Emperor Yuanchu and the Right Prime Minister: The Emperor shares his plans with the Right Prime Minister, who then acts as a liaison between the Emperor and the Earth Mother Palace.
• Li Dingguo and Jiang Pojun: Li Dingguo attempts to manipulate Jiang Pojun, offering him a gift and asking for his help, but Jiang Pojun refuses.
• Jiang Pojun and Jiang Chaosheng: Jiang Chaosheng, impressed by Jiang Pojun's actions, supports him and intervenes when Li Dingguo's men try to take Jiang Pojun away.

Key Plot Points

• Li Dingguo sends Elder Leng to challenge Jiang Pojun, but Jiang Chaosheng intervenes.
• Elder Leng apologizes and offers a Heavenly Gang Primordial Pill to Jiang Pojun to avoid further conflict.
• The avatar advances to the True Gang Realm after taking the pill.
• True Monarch Taixu assigns Elder Lin to recruit Jiang Pojun, but they struggle to find his family and friends.
• Xu Moyuan, a young master of the Xu Manor, decides to meet Jiang Pojun to seek justice for his younger sister, whose engagement with Li Qingya was broken.

Character Developments

• Jiang Pojun: Advances to the True Gang Realm, showing potential and attracting attention.
• Elder Leng: Shows flexibility and submission when faced with Jiang Chaosheng.
• Xu Moyuan: Determined to meet Jiang Pojun to seek justice for his sister.

Significant Themes

• The importance of family and connections in Great Qian.
• The power dynamics between different families and their influence on the imperial examinations.
• The value of cultivation resources, like the Heavenly Gang Primordial Pill.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Chaosheng and Elder Leng: Jiang Chaosheng's intervention leads Elder Leng to apologize and offer a pill to Jiang Pojun.
• Xu Moyuan and his confidant: Xu Moyuan decides to meet Jiang Pojun despite his confidant's warnings about the Li family's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xu Moyuan visits Jiang Pojun, seeking help to teach Li Qingya a lesson in exchange for treasures from his private collection.
• Jiang Pojun agrees, choosing a seemingly ordinary, broken black iron rod (Mysterious Iron Rod) as his reward.
• Fang Heng learns from the Artifact Spirit that the Mysterious Iron Rod is a Spirit Treasure Fragment, possibly severed by the Tai'a Sword during the battle between True Monarch Taixu and True Monarch Divine Firmament.

Character Developments

• Xu Moyuan: Shows determination to teach Li Qingya a lesson, willing to part with his treasures to achieve it. Reveals his family's background and the reason behind his engagement with Li Qingya's sister being annulled.
• Jiang Pojun (Fang Heng's clone): Agrees to help Xu Moyuan, showing curiosity about the Mysterious Iron Rod. Later, Fang Heng learns about the rod's true nature from the Artifact Spirit.
• Fang Heng: Discovers the Mysterious Iron Rod's true identity as a Spirit Treasure Fragment, speculates about its origin, and considers the implications for the Ten Great Dao Courts.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Fortune: Xu Moyuan's luck is highlighted when he finds the Spirit Treasure Fragment, and Jiang Pojun's clone notices the fortune associated with it.
• Power Dynamics: The Qiankun Sect's influence over the Li family is emphasized, showing the Xu family's inability to resist their pressure.
• Alliances and Rivalries: The relationship between the Ten Great Dao Courts is hinted at, with the battle between True Monarch Taixu and True Monarch Divine Firmament potentially involving other sect masters.

Character Interactions

• Xu Moyuan and Jiang Pojun (clone): Xu Moyuan seeks Jiang Pojun's help, offering his treasures in exchange. Jiang Pojun agrees, showing interest in the Mysterious Iron Rod.
• Fang Heng and the Artifact Spirit: Fang Heng consults the Artifact Spirit about the Mysterious Iron Rod, learning it's a Spirit Treasure Fragment and speculating about its origin.
• Fang Heng and Xu Moyuan: Although they don't interact directly in this chapter, Fang Heng's actions are influenced by Xu Moyuan's visit to his clone, leading him to discover the Mysterious Iron Rod's true nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fang Heng uses Gentleman's Aura Observation and discovers two individuals with purplish-gold luck: Xu Moyuan and his sister Xu Jingci, indicating they are exceptional.
• Xu Moyuan visits Xu Jingci to share that he's invited Jiang Pojun to teach Li Qingya a lesson.
• Xu Jingci advises Xu Moyuan to use Jiang Pojun's help to remove Li Qingya's influence completely.
• Shang Hongye visits Fang Heng, revealing a dual cultivation secret art to sense the Thunder Abyss entrance, which she offers to practice with him.

Character Developments

• Xu Moyuan: Shows determination to help his sister and befriend Jiang Pojun.
• Xu Jingci: Demonstrates intelligence and wisdom, advising her brother to use Jiang Pojun's help strategically.
• Fang Heng: Shows responsibility and respect towards Shang Hongye's feelings, declining her offer initially.
• Shang Hongye: Offers a dual cultivation secret art to Fang Heng, showing determination to help him.

Significant Themes

• Luck and Destiny: The purplish-gold luck of Xu Moyuan and Xu Jingci signifies their exceptional destinies.
• Strategy and Planning: Xu Jingci advises her brother to use Jiang Pojun's help strategically, showing the importance of planning.
• Responsibility and Respect: Fang Heng shows responsibility towards his duties and respect towards Shang Hongye's feelings.

Character Interactions

• Xu Moyuan and Xu Jingci: The siblings share a close relationship, with Xu Jingci advising Xu Moyuan.
• Fang Heng and Shang Hongye: They discuss the Thunder Abyss and the dual cultivation secret art, showing mutual respect and understanding.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Fang Heng learns the mysterious iron rod is a spiritual treasure fragment and gives it to his avatar.
• The avatar names the rod "Star-Shattering Rod" and begins cultivating the "Big Dipper Subduing Dragon Rod" technique.
• The Ten Great Dao Courts, including the Divine Firmament Sect, are probing the Qiankun Sect's Invincible Body candidates, with Su Yuntian being one.
• The Earth Mother Palace proposes fully opening the Path of Inquiry for the imperial examination, causing concern among the Dao Courts.
• Fang Heng, in seclusion, successfully advances to the Profound Light Realm and begins refining his Natal Profound Light using the five-element energies.
• The third imperial examination begins with candidates gathering at Wenyuan Pavilion, and the Path of Inquiry is revealed.

Character Developments

• Fang Heng's avatar shows selflessness by giving the spiritual treasure fragment to his main body, demonstrating growth in character.
• True Monarch Divine Firmament shows cunning and strategic thinking in dealing with the changes in the imperial examination.
• Fang Heng exhibits determination and ambition in his cultivation, aiming to refine his Natal Profound Light quickly.

Significant Themes

• Selflessness vs. Greed: Fang Heng's avatar shows selflessness by giving the spiritual treasure to his main body, contrasting with potential greed.
• Cunning vs. Honesty: True Monarch Divine Firmament's cunning strategies contrast with the more straightforward approach of other characters.
• Ambition vs. Contentment: Fang Heng's ambition in his cultivation is juxtaposed with his contentment in his current progress.

Character Interactions

• Fang Heng's avatar interacts with his main body, showing trust and selflessness.
• True Monarch Divine Firmament interacts with his subordinates, displaying his strategic thinking and leadership.
• Lin Xihe and the Right Prime Minister interact, showing their tacit understanding and cooperation in managing the imperial examination.
• The candidates interact with each other, showing a mix of emotions such as admiration, apprehension, anger, and jealousy towards Fang Heng's avatar.