Chapter Summaries

Chen Ze successfully broke through to the Nascent Soul Realm and learned that his Doppelgangers had Nascent Souls too, while leaving the question of whether they could survive the destruction of their bodies untested. As his Doppelgangers competed to collect the most secret-realm treasures, the forces in Longqing City remained unaware of the upheaval inside.

• Chen Ze inspected the Nascent Soul in his dantian and confirmed that Xiao Ping, Xiao An, and Li Hengwen had Nascent Souls as well, but decided not to test what would happen if their bodies were destroyed.
• Chen Ze ordered Li Hengwen to continue supervising the Dark Azure Jade mine and told Xiao Ping and Xiao An to stop sorting the secret-realm items because he had started an eight-day collection competition among the exploring Doppelgangers.
• Chen Ze returned to his residence, reassured Zhao Ling'er, and asked her to sing in celebration of his breakthrough.
• The Lineages and City Lord's Mansion in Longqing City wrongly assumed the secret-realm expedition was proceeding normally, though the City Lord's Mansion questioned why its spies and teams had sent no useful reports.
• Chen Ze's 101 Doppelgangers swept through the secret realm to gather treasures, while ignoring the remaining City Lord's Mansion teams as unworthy competition.

Three Golden Core Realm cultivators from the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce arrived in Wannan City to assess it as a location for a Branch Store. City Lord Xie Yuanwei welcomed them, and they accepted his invitation to the City Lord’s Mansion as they began planning their entry into the city’s trade.

• Three foreign Golden Core Realm cultivators descended outside Wannan City and entered on foot despite the City Guard Commander’s nervous questions.
• Shopkeeper Li explained that Wannan City’s location and proximity to Qingyun Sect made it promising for a Four Seas Chamber of Commerce Branch Store.
• The three discussed using their resources and trading platform to attract local cultivators and passing merchant caravans.
• Xie Yuanwei hurried to greet the cultivators and invited them to the City Lord’s Mansion.
• The three accepted Xie Yuanwei’s invitation, leaving Wannan City’s residents to wonder how their arrival would change the city.

Xie Yuanwei welcomed Shopkeeper Li and the other Four Seas Chamber of Commerce cultivators, who agreed to establish a Branch Store in Wannan City. After Xie Yuanwei explained how the Myriad Things General Store had transformed the city, the visitors were shocked to learn it sold goods cheaper than their own stores and demanded to see it for themselves.

• Xie Yuanwei hosted Shopkeeper Li and the other two Golden Core Realm cultivators at a lavish banquet and agreed to support a Four Seas Chamber of Commerce Branch Store in Wannan City.
• Shopkeeper Li asked why Wannan City had so few shops selling Cultivation Resources, and Xie Yuanwei explained how the Myriad Things General Store had changed the city.
• Yu Mingyuan and the others were stunned to hear that the Myriad Things General Store sold Cultivation Resources cheaper than the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce.
• Shopkeeper Li suspected Xie Yuanwei was lying to protect his own interests and the three visitors used their auras to pressure him.
• Xie Yuanwei denied having the power or reason to deceive them, and Shopkeeper Li asked him to lead them to the Myriad Things General Store.

Xie Yuanwei brought Shopkeeper Li and the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce visitors to Myriad Things General Store, where they discovered that Wannan City’s rogue cultivators were far stronger and the store far more influential than they had assumed. Yu Mingyuan challenged the queue and released his Golden Core Realm aura, but the waiting cultivators remained unfazed.

• Xie Yuanwei led Shopkeeper Li and the others to Myriad Things General Store, where they were shocked by the line of mostly Foundation Establishment Realm rogue cultivators.
• Yu Mingyuan questioned why the store stood in an inconspicuous location, and Xie Yuanwei explained that its shopkeeper had refused to move.
• Shopkeeper Li asked about the store and its customers, and Xie Yuanwei said its shopkeeper was at least Golden Core Realm and its quality, affordable resources had helped cultivators grow stronger.
• Xie Yuanwei advised the visitors to queue, warning that entering directly could anger the shopkeeper and cause trouble.
• Yu Mingyuan refused to wait, loudly asserted his Golden Core Realm status, and released his aura, but the cultivators in line looked at him as though he were a fool.

Yu Mingyuan attacked the customers waiting outside Myriad Things General Store, but Zhong Shuai revealed his Nascent Soul Realm strength and stopped him. Zhong Shuai forced Shopkeeper Li to apologize to the customers, then swept the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce cultivators into the store as it temporarily closed.

• Yu Mingyuan released his Golden Core Realm pressure and knocked the customers waiting in line to the ground.
• Zhong Shuai appeared and sent Yu Mingyuan flying with his Nascent Soul Realm aura, shocking Xie Yuanwei and the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce group.
• Shopkeeper Li tried to leave, but Zhong Shuai immobilized him and demanded that he apologize to the customers.
• Shopkeeper Li apologized, and the customers silently accepted his words.
• Zhong Shuai announced that Myriad Things General Store would temporarily close, then swept Shopkeeper Li, Yu Mingyuan, and the others inside.

Chen Ze learned that the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce had sent three Golden Core Realm cultivators to open a Branch Store in Wannan City and investigate the Myriad Things General Store. He took control of Zhong Shuai to confront them, leaving the three to beg for mercy and wonder why a Nascent Soul Realm expert worked in such a small city.

• The Rogue Cultivators stayed outside the Myriad Things General Store to await the outcome, while Xie Yuanwei stood awkwardly among the onlookers.
• Zhong Shuai kept Shopkeeper Li, Yu Mingyuan, and their companion subdued inside the store as they waited anxiously for his judgment.
• Zhong Shuai informed Chen Ze that the three from the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce had come to Wannan City to open a Branch Store and probe the Myriad Things General Store.
• Chen Ze considered the Chamber of Commerce's expansion into smaller cities, then descended into Zhong Shuai's body to assess the three visitors.
• Chen Ze told Shopkeeper Li and the others to inspect the store, and Shopkeeper Li apologized and promised they would never return to Wannan City.

Chen Ze questioned Shopkeeper Li and his two companions about the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce’s expansion plans, then appeared to let them leave. Afterward, he revealed to Zhong Shuai that he would not let them get away, as he needed time to increase his cultivation before facing the Chamber’s backing.

• Chen Ze condemned Shopkeeper Li and the others for trying to suppress the Myriad Things General Store and demanded to know their circumstances.
• Shopkeeper Li explained that the three had been sent from Longqing City to assess Wannan City for a Four Seas Chamber of Commerce branch.
• Shopkeeper Li revealed that five teams had been dispatched and named Yuyang City, Fengming City, Qingyang City, and Yunxiao City as the other selected cities.
• Chen Ze dismissed the three and decided he would eventually visit Longqing City to investigate the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce’s true background.
• Zhong Shuai questioned Chen Ze about letting the three leave, and Chen Ze said they would not get away because he needed time to improve his cultivation.

After the Myriad Things General Store drove off Shopkeeper Li and his companions, Chen Ze arranged to capture them before they could return to Longqing City and summon reinforcements. The three surrendered to Ye Huairen and Ye Panshan, who incapacitated them and sent them into the Myriad Things Space.

• Chen Ze told Zhong Shuai to keep the Myriad Things General Store operating and went to the Myriad Things Space to prepare.
• Liang Yongchun reopened the store, while Shopkeeper Li and the other two Golden Core Realm cultivators left in disgrace.
• Xie Yuanwei considered reporting the confrontation to the dynasty and hoped he could still shop at the Myriad Things General Store.
• Ye Huairen and Ye Panshan intercepted Shopkeeper Li and his companions as they flew away from Wannan City.
• Shopkeeper Li and the others surrendered when Ye Huairen and Ye Panshan revealed their Nascent Soul Realm cultivation.
• Ye Huairen and Ye Panshan sealed the three cultivators' cultivation, knocked them unconscious, and sent them into the Myriad Things Space.

Chen Ze used Doppelgangers to replace Shopkeeper Li and the other two, then had the originals forced to mine in the Myriad Things Space. He instructed Shen Wansan to avoid unnecessary conflict with the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce and went to meet Qin Songyun, the Qingyun Sect's Sect Master.

• Chen Ze had Doppelgangers search Shopkeeper Li, Yu Mingyuan, and Gao Jin's souls, then sent the doubles away to carry out their traitor missions.
• The real Shopkeeper Li, Yu Mingyuan, and Gao Jin awoke in darkness with their cultivation sealed, and Li Hengwen whipped them into taking pickaxes and mining.
• Chen Ze told Shen Wansan's store-opening group to monitor the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce, avoid clashes when possible, and capture its people if conflict became unavoidable.
• Zhong Shuai informed Chen Ze that Qin Songyun had arrived, so Chen Ze took control of Zhong Shuai's body to meet him at the Myriad Things General Store, where Liang Yongchun was receiving him.

Qin Songyun visited Myriad Things General Store seeking the Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pill, and Chen Ze persuaded him to hand over its recipe for the store to refine. Qin Songyun also asked to watch the alchemists work, but Chen Ze refused, leaving the recipe with the store and Qin Songyun waiting for results.

• Qin Songyun asked about the Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pill, and Chen Ze introduced himself as Zhong Shuai and said the store did not have it.
• Chen Ze offered to have the store's alchemists refine the pill if Qin Songyun provided its recipe, citing the store's supply of mid-grade pills.
• Qin Songyun revealed that he had created the recipe and handed it to Chen Ze, hoping the pill could finally be refined successfully.
• Qin Songyun asked to watch the store's alchemists refine the pill, but Chen Ze declined and promised the pill would be made.

Chen Ze accepted Qin Songyun’s Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pill recipe and agreed to refine the pill while keeping it off the market without permission. Qin Songyun proposed a long-term partnership between the Qingyun Sect and Myriad Things General Store, and Chen Ze offered the sect a ten percent discount.

• Qin Songyun gave Chen Ze the Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pill recipe and the required spirit herbs, and Chen Ze promised to refine the pill within ten days without charging a fee.
• Qin Songyun told Chen Ze that the recipe now belonged to Myriad Things General Store and asked him to keep the pill’s sale under control.
• Qin Songyun proposed buying all of the Qingyun Sect’s Cultivation Resources from Myriad Things General Store at a reduced price.
• Qin Songyun explained that he had investigated the store, recognized its strength, and saw cooperation as a way to develop the Qingyun Sect.
• Chen Ze agreed to provide the Qingyun Sect’s purchases at ten percent off and asked Qin Songyun what resources the sect needed.

Chen Ze and Qin Songyun finalized a deal that gave Qingyun Sect a ten-percent discount on its purchases, and Qin bought a large stock of cultivation resources. After Qin left, Chen Ze restocked the store and began using Qin’s recipe and materials to refine Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pills.

• Qin Songyun accepted Chen Ze’s ten-percent discount and listed the cultivation resources Qingyun Sect needed.
• Chen Ze and Liang Yongchun arranged the available resources, and Chen Ze handed Qin ten Storage Rings of supplies in exchange for a Mid-grade Spirit Stone.
• Qin Songyun left satisfied with the purchase, and Chen Ze returned Zhong Shuai’s body to him.
• Chen Ze spent three million on new stock covering resources from the Qi Refining Realm to the Golden Core Realm.
• Chen Ze gave Zhong Shuai a Mid-grade Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pill to pass to Qin Songyun when he returned in ten days.
• Chen Ze used Qin Songyun’s recipe and materials in the Automatic Alchemy Room and began refining Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pills.

Chen Ze refined an ultimate-grade Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pill and gave it to Liang Yongchun, who used it to raise his spiritual root to ultimate-grade. After confirming the result, Chen Ze gave Liang Yongchun a Foundation Establishment Pill to help him advance.

• Chen Ze completed a batch of three Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pills: two high-grade and one ultimate-grade.
• Chen Ze chose Liang Yongchun to test the ultimate-grade pill and told him it could improve his spiritual root.
• Liang Yongchun swallowed the pill, endured its painful effects, and sensed his cultivation nearing a breakthrough.
• Chen Ze tested Liang Yongchun's spiritual root and confirmed it had risen from low-grade to ultimate-grade.
• Chen Ze gave Liang Yongchun a Foundation Establishment Pill, and Liang Yongchun resolved to cultivate diligently and repay the Myriad Things General Store.

Qin Songyun returned to the Qingyun Sect with abundant resources from the Myriad Things General Store and arranged a new supply deal, leaving Li Qiang to lead the sect’s development. As the others resolved to work harder, Chen Fan, Yu Xingsi, and Zhou Quan gathered to share a drink.

• Qin Songyun summoned Li Qiang, Zhao Ji, Chen Fan, Yu Xingsi, and Zhou Quan, then gave Li Qiang ten Storage Rings filled with cultivation resources.
• Qin Songyun explained that he had arranged for the Myriad Things General Store to supply the Qingyun Sect and buy the sect’s materials in return.
• Qin Songyun urged Chen Fan, Yu Xingsi, and Zhou Quan to work hard, then decided to leave sect affairs to Li Qiang while he focused on cultivation and alchemy.
• Li Qiang and Zhao Ji resolved to advance the sect by requiring its disciples to complete missions rather than receive resources without effort.
• Yu Xingsi invited Chen Fan and Zhou Quan to drink, and Chen Fan agreed to bring out his immortal brew.

Chen Fan learned that Zhou Quan had rejected Mo Yao to focus on cultivation, then shared a meal with Zhou Quan and Yu Xingsi and resolved to report honestly to Chen Ze. Meanwhile, Chen Ze completed and tested a sixth-grade defensive formation, and looked ahead to studying the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation.

• Chen Fan asked Zhou Quan whether Mo Yao had sought him out, and Zhou Quan confirmed she had.
• Zhou Quan explained that he had told Mo Yao his heart yearned for the Dao and asked her not to disturb his cultivation; Yu Xingsi confirmed the account.
• Chen Fan noticed Zhou Quan had become calmer, and the three drank together and spoke about supporting one another on the path of cultivation.
• Chen Fan decided to report truthfully to Chen Ze rather than prepare a story to avoid criticism.
• Chen Ze finished studying the Golden Bell Spirit Gathering Formation, installed it in his residence, and tested its defenses with spiritual arrows.
• Chen Ze noted that he had already obtained the sixth-grade Immortal Slaying Sword Formation and expected to finish studying it after another nine days.

Chen Ze spent three peaceful days cultivating, managing his expanding store network, and checking on his doppelgangers’ activities. As new Branch Stores prepared to open and his doppelgangers continued competing in Longqing City’s secret realm, Chen Ze expanded the Myriad Things Space’s Scripture Repository to hold the books they had collected.

• Chen Ze reached the Second Layer of the Nascent Soul Realm, neared Legendary proficiency in the Primordial Sword Scripture, and saw Chen Dong make progress learning alchemy in the Danxin Sect.
• Chen Ze learned that Shen Wansan’s store-opening team was preparing Branch Stores in several medium-sized cities cautiously, while a batch of other Branch Stores was set to open the next day.
• Chen Ze checked the Longqing City secret realm, where 100 doppelgangers continued competing after Qi Shi withdrew and returned to the Myriad Things Space to help Xiao Ping and Xiao An.
• Chen Ze learned that his 152 traveling doppelgangers had found no valuable opportunities but had collected many new books, so he had an unused palace furnished as Scripture Repository No. 2.

Chen Ze received reports on his agents’ progress across the Anyuan Dynasty, Lunshi City, and the border secret realm while continuing his life in Wannnan City. A Xuantian Hall cultivator investigating Ye Kai’s death reached a dead end and decided to secretly visit the Ye Family.

• Chen Lao Liu and Chen Nan settled into the Anyuan Dynasty and captured bandit cultivators, while Li Dahai and his companions left Longqing City for another assignment.
• Zhao Yun and Zhao Wushan led the Wanze Sect into Lunshi City, where it established itself, and Zhao Yun distributed two Profound Sun Clear Spirit Pills that raised two members’ Spirit Roots.
• Lu Zhiwen observed increased Dagan Dynasty troop movements and suspected it planned an offensive formation to break the border secret realm’s Light Screen; Chen Ze told him to keep watch.
• A Xuantian Hall investigator learned that Shen Wansan had left Wannnan City and found the Ye Family strangely unchanged despite Ye Kai’s death and the loss of several important members.
• After failing to advance his investigation, the Xuantian Hall cultivator decided to secretly visit the Ye Family that night.

Wei Ding, an envoy from Xuantian Hall, investigated the Ye Family in Wannan City and was startled to find its head and elders missing from his Spiritual Sense. Ye Qinggang, Ye Huairen, and Ye Panshan surrounded him, and Wei Ding launched an attack to break free.

• Wei Ding reflected on how a general store had transformed Wannan City and strengthened its cultivators and Lineages.
• Wei Ding waited outside the Ye Family residence, then searched for its head using his Spiritual Sense.
• Wei Ding failed to detect the Ye Family Head or elders, though he sensed that everyone was still inside.
• Ye Qinggang, Ye Huairen, and Ye Panshan revealed themselves and surrounded Wei Ding.
• Wei Ding confirmed they were Ye Family members, then attacked Ye Huairen to break their encirclement.

Wei Ding attacked Ye Huairen, only to discover that Ye Qinggang, Ye Panshan, and Ye Huairen were all Nascent Soul Realm cultivators and drove him out of Wannan City. Zhong Shuai pursued them and alerted Chen Ze, who briefly checked the fight before deciding to go back to sleep.

• Wei Ding attacked Ye Huairen, but Ye Huairen dodged and joined Ye Qinggang and Ye Panshan in fighting back.
• Ye Qinggang, Ye Panshan, and Ye Huairen overwhelmed Wei Ding with their combined spells, and Wei Ding realized all three were Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.
• Wei Ding retreated toward the outskirts of Wannan City as the battle damaged buildings, while the city's cultivators and Xie Yuanwei stayed indoors in fear.
• Zhong Shuai sensed the Nascent Soul Realm battle, found the devastation near the Ye Family, and pursued the fighters beyond the city walls.
• Zhong Shuai informed Chen Ze, who confirmed through Ye Qinggang's vision that the others were fighting a mid-stage Nascent Soul Realm cultivator.
• Chen Ze decided Ye Qinggang and the others could handle Wei Ding and went back to sleep.

Ye Qinggang and two others battled Wei Ding outside Wannan City, trying to capture him alive and learn why he had caused trouble there. When Zhong Shuai arrived and blocked Wei Ding’s desperate attack, Wei Ding chose to self-destruct, and Zhong Shuai unleashed the Taihe Sword to stop him.

• Ye Qinggang and two others chased Wei Ding out of Wannan City and fought him fiercely, leaving the surrounding land in ruins.
• Wei Ding began to tire as the three men kept up their assault, then gathered his spiritual power for a final attack when he sensed another Nascent Soul Realm cultivator approaching.
• Zhong Shuai arrived with the Taihe Sword and warned the others that Wei Ding was preparing his ultimate move.
• Zhong Shuai blocked Wei Ding’s full-force attack with a sword strike, leaving Wei Ding surrounded by four Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.
• Wei Ding began channeling his spiritual power into his dantian to self-destruct, and Zhong Shuai unleashed the Taihe Sword to stop him.