Chapter Summaries

Lin Xuan investigated Heavenly Eye Sect and found that its disciples lived among mortals but kept their distance from outside cultivators. As tensions between the righteous and demonic sects escalated across You Province, he stayed at an inn rather than approach the mountain immediately.

• Lin Xuan bought a jade tube describing You Province’s sects and clans, then flew toward Heavenly Eye Mountain.
• Lin Xuan swallowed a Hidden Spirit Pill and entered the town beneath the mountain, where cultivators and mortals lived side by side.
• Lin Xuan learned that Heavenly Eye Sect encouraged its disciples to enter the mortal world but was hostile toward cultivators from far away.
• Lin Xuan discovered that Heavenly Eye Sect had tightened its checks on outsiders because the righteous and demonic sides were struggling over resources after the Supreme Demon of Extreme Evil gained power.
• Lin Xuan chose an inconspicuous inn in town instead of visiting Heavenly Eye Mountain.

Lin Xuan learned that Spirit Herb Mountain’s uncertain allegiance had kept the righteous and demonic sides from going to war, while rising tensions made him worry that Heavenly Eye Mountain might not stay out of the conflict. At an inn, he discovered the Heavenly Eye Sect would open a market city to outside cultivators the next day, giving him a chance to enter the sect’s territory.

• Lin Xuan analyzed how Spirit Herb Mountain’s strength and neutrality had preserved the balance between the righteous and demonic sides.
• Lin Xuan grew more urgent about increasing his strength and refining spirit herbs as tensions threatened to draw Heavenly Eye Mountain into conflict.
• Lin Xuan entered an inn disguised as a Rogue Cultivator and asked the waiter for a first-class room.
• The waiter explained that the Heavenly Eye Sect would open its market city to outsiders for three days starting the next day.
• The waiter told Lin Xuan that outside cultivators had to register and stay at an inn opened by the Heavenly Eye Sect.

Lin Xuan arrived at Heavenly Eye Mountain’s Immortal Guest House to register for its once-in-ten-years trade fair and seek the Myriad Phenomenon Herb. Though he found no immediate danger, his uneasy omen left him wary as he prepared to enter the mountain for the herb needed to complete his Spirit-Condensing Pill.

• Lin Xuan concealed his cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage and entered the Immortal Guest House, where visiting cultivators had gathered.
• A white-clothed Heavenly Eye Mountain disciple led Lin Xuan to Wang Shixuan, who examined him and gave him a Jade Token for entry into the mountain the following day.
• Lin Xuan followed the disciple to a secluded courtyard, searched it with his divine sense, and found no tampering.
• Lin Xuan worried that an unexplained omen foreshadowed upheaval at Heavenly Eye Mountain, but he decided to risk the trip because the Myriad Phenomenon Herb was the missing ingredient for his Spirit-Condensing Pill.

True Person Withered Wood consulted the Heavenly Eye Sect elders about pressure from the righteous and demonic factions to choose sides, while Ning Tianyu advised delaying a decision. The discussion was interrupted when a Sound Transmission Talisman arrived and left Withered Wood visibly unsettled.

• True Person Withered Wood asked the elders how the Heavenly Eye Sect should respond to letters from the righteous and demonic factions demanding its allegiance.
• Several elders dismissed the danger and compared the sect’s predicament to Spirit Herb Mountain’s ability to remain neutral.
• Withered Wood warned that the sect lacked Spirit Herb Mountain’s strength and advantages, while his junior brothers objected to being dragged into the conflict.
• Ning Tianyu advised postponing a decision until the balance of power and both factions’ hidden resources became clearer.
• Withered Wood worried that delay could provoke the factions, but Ning Tianyu argued they would not attack even if the sect stalled.
• A Sound Transmission Talisman flew in, and Withered Wood read it with an extremely complicated expression.

Ning Tianyu urged True Person Withered Wood to gather intelligence and delay choosing between the righteous and demonic sides, while the elders debated whether to change the sect’s isolationist rules. The sect learned that the Supreme Demon of Extreme Evil’s mysterious disciple was coming to Heavenly Eye Mountain and resolved to keep him safe, though they knew little about his identity.

• Ning Tianyu argued that Heavenly Eye Mountain could withstand an attack but should gather intelligence before choosing a side.
• Senior Brother Feng objected to abandoning the sect’s rules, and True Person Withered Wood halted the dispute to consider the matter.
• Ning Tianyu read the Sound Transmission Talisman and learned that the Supreme Demon of Extreme Evil’s disciple was coming to Heavenly Eye Mountain.
• True Person Withered Wood said his informant was reliable, but he did not know the disciple’s name or appearance and believed his cultivation was at Foundation Establishment Realm.
• Ning Tianyu and the elders agreed to protect the disciple during his stay and identify him by his yin spiritual power and Mystic Demon True Scripture aura.

Lin Xuan befriended the sheltered clan cultivator Tian Xiaojian while traveling to Heavenly Eye Mountain for a trade fair. When the mountain’s Cloud Sea Splitting Light Array began to stir, Tian Xiaojian explained its immense power, leaving Lin Xuan surprised by what the formation could do.

• Lin Xuan met Tian Xiaojian on the way to Heavenly Eye Mountain and agreed to travel with him.
• Tian Xiaojian accidentally revealed that he had family subordinates, then admitted he was a young Foundation Establishment cultivator who wanted a friend.
• Lin Xuan explained his own cultivation as the result of consuming a strange immortal fruit, and Tian Xiaojian accepted the story.
• The Cloud Sea Splitting Light Array began churning the mountain fog and surrounding spiritual energy as the cultivators gathered.
• Tian Xiaojian said the ancient formation could draw on the mountain’s Spirit Vein and might even trap Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.

Tian Xiaojian explained how the Cloud Sea Splitting Light Array had saved the Heavenly Eye Sect from destruction and protected its Spirit Vein and rare herbs. Lin Xuan learned that the array’s full power remained unknown, while the sect had since recovered and flourished.

• Lin Xuan asked Tian Xiaojian which array was most famous in You Province, and Tian Xiaojian identified the Cloud Sea Splitting Light Array before them.
• Tian Xiaojian said Heavenly Eye Mountain’s Spirit Vein and rare herbs had attracted many sects, but the array had kept them from attacking.
• Tian Xiaojian recounted how, fifteen hundred years earlier, the weakened Heavenly Eye Sect faced an alliance of enemies seeking its Spirit Vein and herbs.
• The Cloud Sea Splitting Light Array annihilated the invading cultivators, though Tian Xiaojian said it had displayed only half its power.
• Tian Xiaojian said the Heavenly Eye Sect later regained strength as several disciples achieved Core Condensation and the sect master advanced to the late Core Condensation stage.

Lin Xuan and the other cultivators entered Heavenly Eye Mountain for its ten-year trade fair, passing through the sect’s dangerous Cloud Sea Splitting Light Array. The arrival of Golden Core cultivators on an enormous immortal crane left Lin Xuan wondering what the major righteous and demonic powers were planning.

• The Cloud Sea Splitting Light Array transformed the fog into a sea of clouds, and Lin Xuan recognized that it concealed a deadly formation while Tian Xiaojian showed signs of caution.
• Lu Yu inspected the cultivators’ Jade Tokens and led them through the formation to Heavenly Eye Mountain’s temporary market, warning them not to climb beyond the gorge.
• Lin Xuan wondered why no Core Condensation experts had arrived, and Tian Xiaojian pointed out an enormous immortal crane carrying powerful Golden Core cultivators.
• Lin Xuan noticed that the major righteous and demonic powers had sent no representatives as the crane flew to a pavilion reserved for Core Condensation cultivators.

Lin Xuan grew suspicious of Tian Xiaojian after their conversation at the valley entrance. Tian Xiaojian revealed that he planned to infiltrate Heavenly Eye Mountain and destroy its Spirit Vein to weaken the Cloud Sea Splitting Light Array and prove himself to the cultivators under his ancestor.

• Lin Xuan declined Tian Xiaojian's invitation to browse the market together but said he might accompany him later.
• After entering the valley, Lin Xuan suspected Tian Xiaojian of concealing his cultivation and approaching him with ill intentions.
• Tian Xiaojian spoke with Night Demon, a strange face on his arm, after the other cultivators had left.
• Tian Xiaojian explained that his ancestor's forces had discovered how to weaken the Cloud Sea Splitting Light Array by destroying Heavenly Eye Mountain's Spirit Vein.
• Tian Xiaojian said he intended to undertake the dangerous mission himself to earn merit and establish his prestige among the Core Condensation cultivators.

Lin Xuan searched Heavenly Eye Mountain’s market for the Myriad Phenomenon Herb and eventually spent several hours inspecting Hundred Herb Hall. The herb was not on display, but an old man finally approached him, leaving Lin Xuan hopeful that the shop’s master might have more information.

• Lin Xuan browsed the market’s spiritual tools and bought a few talismans sealed with defensive spells.
• Lin Xuan entered Hundred Herb Hall and inspected its many rare medicinal ingredients, but did not find the Myriad Phenomenon Herb.
• The shop assistant grew uneasy as Lin Xuan lingered for several hours without explaining what he wanted.
• An unusual-looking old man asked Lin Xuan whether the shop lacked what he needed, and Lin Xuan was surprised when he examined the man with his divine sense.

Lin Xuan searched Hundred Herb Hall for the rare Myriad Phenomenon Herb, but learned that the shop did not carry it. Yellow Crane Loose Immortal gave him a token that could lead him to the Heavenly Eye Sect’s higher-level trade fair, where he might find it.

• Lin Xuan met the Hundred Herb Hall shopkeeper, Yellow Crane Loose Immortal, and followed him upstairs to inspect the rare medicinal ingredients.
• Lin Xuan said he needed Myriad Phenomenon Herb, and Yellow Crane Loose Immortal explained that the ancient herb was no longer available at the shop.
• Yellow Crane Loose Immortal told Lin Xuan that Core Condensation cultivators could attend a higher-level trade fair held by the Heavenly Eye Sect.
• Yellow Crane Loose Immortal gave Lin Xuan a sandalwood waist token and directed him to the end of the valley to seek entry to the trade fair.

Lin Xuan used a ploy at Hundred Herb Hall to obtain a token for a secluded trade fair, hoping to find the Myriad Phenomenon Herb. He reached the hidden entrance and was escorted inside while Heavenly Eye Sect disciples watched him and debated admitting Foundation Establishment cultivators.

• Lin Xuan recognized that Yellow Crane Loose Immortal had given him the token with ill intent, but decided to seek the trade fair for the Myriad Phenomenon Herb anyway.
• Lin Xuan followed the directions to a concealed cave entrance and opened it by pressing his palm against the mountain wall.
• Zhang Xiaodie emerged, checked Lin Xuan's waist token, and led him into the cave as he secretly examined the surroundings.
• Six Heavenly Eye Sect disciples monitored Lin Xuan through a ball of light, and one questioned why Foundation Establishment cultivators were allowed into a fair for Core Condensation cultivators.

Lin Xuan arrived at Heavenly Eye Mountain’s screening hall and learned that only three cultivators would be admitted to the Core Condensation trade fair. Zhou Hai announced a competition to gather Wood Spirit Fruits and keep them from being stolen, setting the cultivators against one another.

• Lin Xuan entered the hall with Zhang Xiaodie and found dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered there.
• Lin Xuan reunited with Tian Xiaojian, who explained that only three cultivators would be allowed into the higher-level trade fair.
• Zhou Hai introduced himself and announced that Heavenly Eye Mountain would select three attendees from the gathered cultivators.
• Zhou Hai revealed that contestants would be divided into three groups and compete to gather Wood Spirit Fruits within a time limit.
• Zhou Hai said contestants could lose their gathered fruits to other cultivators, alarming the crowd with the prospect of fighting over entry.

Lin Xuan joined the Heavenly Eye Sect’s contest to qualify for a Core Condensation trade fair, where cultivators were split into groups and teleported into a mountain forest to compete for the Wood Spirit Fruit. After setting out to search for it, he was ambushed by Hu Fan, a powerful Foundation Establishment cultivator whom Lin Xuan detected through his disguise.

• Zhou Hai announced that cultivators had to compete for three trade-fair slots, and most chose to stay and draw lots.
• The cultivators drew Jade Tokens, formed three groups, and teleported to separate locations in a mountain region.
• Lin Xuan surveyed his surroundings and set out to find the fruit trees, determined to obtain the Wood Spirit Fruit.
• Hu Fan attacked Lin Xuan with Thunderbolt Strike, but Lin Xuan blocked the lightning with a shield.
• Lin Xuan saw through Hu Fan’s Shape-Shifting Talisman and demanded that the disguised cultivator reveal himself.

Lin Xuan faced Hu Fan, who attacked him after Lin Xuan saw through his Earth-rank Shape-Shifting Art. Lin Xuan captured Hu Fan’s Ghost Snake Sword and claimed it, leaving Hu Fan shocked and disarmed.

• Hu Fan was stunned that Lin Xuan had seen through his Shape-Shifting Talisman, while Lin Xuan realized the danger he had narrowly avoided.
• Hu Fan attacked Lin Xuan with his top-grade spiritual artifact, the Ghost Snake Sword, which curved around Lin Xuan’s shield.
• Lin Xuan released black mist that swallowed the Ghost Snake Sword and severed Hu Fan’s connection to it.
• A giant ghostly hand emerged from the mist, gripping the sword as Lin Xuan declared that he would take it.
• Lin Xuan pulled the Ghost Snake Sword into his hand, and the ghostly hand dispersed.

Lin Xuan killed Hu Fan after revealing his Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivation, then found the Wood Spirit Tree. Two approaching cultivators arrived, and Lin Xuan recognized them as the twin brothers who were also Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivators.

• Hu Fan tried to flee after attacking Lin Xuan with a fire talisman, but Lin Xuan’s Hook Swords killed him and captured his soul.
• Lin Xuan took Hu Fan’s Storage Bag and Ghost Snake Sword, finding several dozen mid-grade spirit stones in the bag.
• Lin Xuan found the Wood Spirit Tree and prepared to pick its fruits, but sensed two powerful cultivators approaching.
• Lin Xuan chose to face the newcomers openly rather than hide or abandon the fruits.
• The two cultivators landed, and Lin Xuan recognized them as twin brothers and the other Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivators in the group.

Lin Xuan recognized the notorious Luo Brothers at the Wood Spirit Tree and realized the encounter could not end peacefully. He launched a rapid series of powerful spells to test his own strength, leaving the brothers facing his attacks.

• Lin Xuan recalled the Luo Brothers’ reputation and their past victory over a pair of False Core Dao companions.
• The Luo Brothers spotted Lin Xuan at the Wood Spirit Tree and reached for their Storage Bags, while Lin Xuan decided to strike first.
• Lin Xuan activated his Spirit Power Shield and layered several defensive barriers with talismans.
• Lin Xuan unleashed a thousand ice needles and sent a Fire Bird formed from his Innate True Fire toward the Luo Brothers.
• Lin Xuan used the Mud to Stone Technique to shape dozens of sharp stone pillars and send them flying at his opponents.

Lin Xuan’s spells failed to break through Luo Tong’s unusual defenses, while Luo Biao countered with a barrage of talismans and revealed a formidable set of Mother-Child Swords. The brothers remained confident as Lin Xuan recognized the rare top-grade weapon in their possession.

• Luo Tong shielded Luo Biao with a glowing barrier and used a cold current and a strange body-hardening ability to withstand Lin Xuan’s spells.
• Lin Xuan sent stone pillars crashing into Luo Tong, but they bounced off his body after the barrier broke.
• Luo Biao threw several dozen talismans at Lin Xuan, who blocked them with a top-grade shield and summoned his Hook Sword.
• Luo Biao summoned seven Mother-Child Swords, and Lin Xuan recognized the azure primary blade as a rare top-grade treasure.

Lin Xuan fought the Luo Brothers, countering their coordinated spiritual tools with his own treasures before revealing his ghostly cultivation and using the Hundred Soul Banner. He captured Luo Biao’s six Mother-Child Swords and threatened to take both brothers’ lives.

• Luo Biao attacked Lin Xuan with the Mother-Child Swords’ water tornado, while Lin Xuan sent his Hook Sword in the form of a fire dragon to meet it.
• Lin Xuan attacked with a Gold Brick, but Luo Tong used the Silver Arm to block it as Luo Biao prepared a throwing dart.
• Lin Xuan brought out the Hundred Soul Banner, revealing dense ghostly qi and making the Luo Brothers question how he could wield both orthodox Daoist and ghost-path powers.
• Luo Biao sent the six child swords at Lin Xuan, who used ribbons of ghostly mist to bind them despite their attempts to cut free.
• Lin Xuan recalled the six sword cocoons and told the Luo Brothers he would take their swords and lives.

The Luo Brothers unleashed their Green Glow Maggots against Lin Xuan, but his zombies resisted the poison and crushed many of the insects. The brothers fled, and Lin Xuan pursued them to keep them from revealing his mastery of both yin and yang spiritual power.

• The Luo Brothers combined their divine senses and used Luo Biao's blood essence to send their Green Glow Maggots swarming at Lin Xuan.
• Lin Xuan summoned zombies from the Hundred Soul Banner, and they crushed the maggots despite being covered by them.
• Luo Biao recalled the surviving maggots, and the Luo Brothers fled after realizing they could not defeat Lin Xuan.
• Lin Xuan chased them because they had witnessed him using both orthodox Daoist arts and ghost Dao abilities.
• As Lin Xuan closed to within a hundred zhang, Luo Tong burned a talisman that formed a golden wall to delay him.