Chapter Summaries

Jiang Ziyue discovered that Withered Gu were hidden on Drunken Soul Grass spreading through the northern district, and warned Jiang Qinghe that the insects were infecting people with low Cultivation Levels. The main division confirmed the threat the next morning, leaving the Demon Breaking Sub-Division alarmed for the safety of their families and friends.

• Jiang Ziyue examined Jiang Qinghe and confirmed that he had not been affected by the Withered Gu on a stalk of Drunken Soul Grass.
• Jiang Ziyue explained that her Glazed Medicine Heart and Ice Glaze Pendant let her detect the dormant Child Gu, which she had sensed on people across the city.
• Jiang Ziyue told Jiang Qinghe that the Child Gu seemed to be drawn toward something and used her senses to point out its direction.
• The main division confirmed that Drunken Soul Grass circulating in the northern district carried hidden gu insects and restricted the news to City Inspectors and above.
• The City Inspectors feared that their weaker relatives and friends would be vulnerable to the Withered Gu.

Jiang Qinghe secretly watched a residence on Xuanhua Street and discovered that Path of Rebirth was hiding beneath its artificial hill and preparing to hatch the mother gu. He learned that the group planned to seize control of the northern district’s population and withdrew to report to Commandant Yi Mingrui.

• Jiang Qinghe used Yao Xin's senses to locate a suspicious residence on Xuanhua Street and watched it alone from a nearby rooftop.
• Jiang Qinghe noticed the residence was surrounded by hidden sentries and, judging the risk too great, chose not to infiltrate it.
• Before dawn, more than twenty people emerged from behind an artificial hill, led by Dark Crow.
• Dark Crow warned the group to stay hidden and said that the mother gu's hatching would let Path of Rebirth hold hundreds of thousands of lives hostage and claim the northern district.
• Jiang Qinghe learned that Path of Rebirth had targeted him after Night Owl died, then silently withdrew to inform Commandant Yi Mingrui.

Jiang Qinghe reported the Path of Rebirth’s mother-parasite scheme to Yi Mingrui, prompting the Demon Slaying Division to authorize a purge led by Chen Lingxue. As Chen Lingxue’s force departed, Xiao Haoze chose to stay out of the operation and hoped its risks would weaken her authority.

• Jiang Qinghe told Yi Mingrui that the Path of Rebirth was cultivating a mother parasite that could threaten hundreds of thousands in the Northern District.
• Yi Mingrui sent a confidential report to headquarters, which verified the threat and authorized a purge.
• Yi Mingrui ordered the Guangming Ward branch to support the operation, deploy its strongest City Patrols, and blockade escape routes.
• Chen Lingxue led several dozen headquarters elites through the rain toward Xuanhua Street.
• Xiao Haoze declined to intervene, reasoning that the operation was risky and that Chen Lingxue’s possible losses could weaken her standing.

The Demon Slaying Division surrounded the Path of Rebirth’s nest, while Yin Hong feared his ties to Dark Crow would be exposed. Inside, the protector ordered the group to hold the nest until the mother parasite hatched, and a powerful woman arrived at the residence.

• The Demon Slaying Division sealed off the residence on Xuanhua Street, where Jiang Qinghe and Yi Mingrui awaited the headquarters commander.
• Yin Hong worried that Dark Crow might be inside the nest and reveal his secret dealings during the operation.
• The protector decided the Path of Rebirth could not abandon the blood pool and ordered Dark Crow to distribute Blood Burning Pills.
• A woman in deep crimson strode through the rain and arrived at the residence, drawing the attention of Jiang Qinghe and the assembled officers.

Grand Commander Chen Lingxue arrived with Grand Headquarters forces and led the assault on the Path of Rebirth’s hidden Mother Gu nest. After destroying the artificial mountain that concealed its entrance, the team triggered a poisoned spike trap, leaving several martial practitioners wounded as they prepared to continue.

• Chen Lingxue arrived at the estate with Lian Shuheng, Zhang Mingyu, and more than fifty Grand Headquarters elites, and Yi Mingrui reported that the compound was surrounded.
• Chen Lingxue recognized Jiang Qinghe as the inspector who had discovered the nest, then ordered Yi Mingrui and the division’s elites to enter while Yin Hong held the perimeter.
• Chen Lingxue used her Ice Soul Sword to destroy the artificial mountain and expose a Dark Iron Gate beneath it.
• A hidden mechanism released poisoned armor-piercing spikes from the estate buildings, and the four Innate Martial Venerables blocked them with energy barriers.
• One Grand Headquarters elite and three Guangming Ward inspectors were struck; Yi Mingrui ordered the wounded to take antidotes and others to fill their positions.

The Demon Slaying Division attacked the Path of Rebirth's manor to stop the Mother Gu from hatching, and both sides clashed in a fierce battle. As the Path of Rebirth followers began to lose ground, the Protector urged them to take scarlet pills, leaving the battle poised to intensify.

• The Path of Rebirth Protector burst through the Dark Iron Gate and attacked Chen Lingxue, who cut the gate apart and deflected his Soul Chasing Whip.
• Zhang Mingyu accused the Protector of refining evil Gu, and Chen Lingxue launched an attack while promising merit points to Demon Slaying Division fighters who joined the battle.
• Chen Lingxue fought the Protector as Yi Mingrui, Zhang Mingyu, and Lian Shuheng engaged the three brown-robed stewards, while the two forces clashed across the manor.
• Jiang Qinghe observed that the Demon Slaying Division's better-trained fighters were driving back the Path of Rebirth's weaker followers.
• The Protector, alarmed that his forces were retreating while the Mother Gu remained vulnerable underground, called on his followers to offer their bodies to the Dao and ferry themselves to rebirth.
• The Path of Rebirth followers answered with a fanatical chant and swallowed scarlet pills.

The Demon Slaying Division’s battle against the Path of Rebirth turned desperate after its followers took Blood Burning Pills, while a tremor signaled that the underground mother parasite was nearing birth. Chen Lingxue offered ten thousand merit points for destroying it, and the fighters surged toward the entrance as the chapter ended with Zhang Mingyu still pinned down.

• Path of Rebirth followers took Blood Burning Pills, gaining temporary strength and turning the battle against the Demon Slaying Division.
• Jiang Qinghe saved Hu Lei by killing two drug-enhanced followers with swift strikes.
• Chen Lingxue realized she had underestimated the Path of Rebirth as casualties mounted and the Protector held her at bay.
• A tremor from underground revealed that the mother parasite’s hatching had entered its final stage, and the Protector ordered his followers to guard the entrance.
• Chen Lingxue used Profound Ice, Weeping Blood to drive the Protector away from the entrance, then announced a ten-thousand-merit reward for destroying the parasite.
• The reward drove the Demon Slaying Division fighters into a desperate charge, but Zhang Mingyu remained trapped in combat with a brown-robed deacon.

Jiang Qinghe reached the Flawless Realm while the Demon Slaying Division fought to break through Path of Rebirth’s defense and claim the ten thousand merit points. As the mother parasite neared completion underground, Dark Crow emerged to reinforce the line and came face-to-face with Yin Hong.

• Yin Hong abandoned his command duties and rushed toward the battle after hearing about the ten thousand merit points and Purple Crystal Stone.
• Jiang Qinghe spent all his Potential Points to advance his Marrow Cleansing realm to Flawless, greatly increasing his strength and senses.
• The Path of Rebirth defenders’ Blood Burning Pills wore off, and the Demon Slaying Division pressed to break through their weakened line.
• Dark Crow’s followers saw the mother parasite’s cocoon nearing completion, so Dark Crow went aboveground to hold back the attackers.
• Dark Crow repelled two elite commanders and moved to attack Yu Zhiqiang, but spotted Yin Hong as Yin Hong rushed into the fight.

Jiang Qinghe broke through to the Flawless Realm and fought his way into the underground chamber, where he destroyed the Withered-Prosperity Mother Gu before it could emerge. Above ground, Dark Crow exposed Yin Hong’s connection to him, and the Protector cried out in fury as the explosion shook the battlefield.

• Dark Crow confronted Yin Hong, called him Deputy Commander, and accused him of absorbing a Purple Crystal Stone, stirring suspicion among the Demon Slaying Division.
• Jiang Qinghe broke through to the Flawless Realm and cut through the Path of Rebirth followers guarding the underground entrance.
• Chen Lingxue held off the Protector as Jiang Qinghe killed the entrance guard and entered the underground chamber.
• Jiang Qinghe slashed the cracked Gu cocoon, thrust his blade into the Mother Gu’s head, and fled as it exploded.
• The blast shook the underground chamber and the battlefield above, while the Path of Rebirth Protector let out a furious, despairing howl.

After Jiang Qinghe destroyed the Withered-Prosperity Mother Gu, Chen Lingxue killed the Path of Rebirth Protector and helped defeat the remaining fighters. The battle ended with one deacon captured and Dark Crow restrained alive, while the other followers were killed.

• The Protector charged at Jiang Qinghe, but Chen Lingxue blocked him and fatally wounded him; he shattered his own heart meridian before she could capture him.
• Chen Lingxue killed a deacon fighting Yi Mingrui, then joined Zhang Mingyu and Lian Shuheng to corner the last two deacons.
• One deacon shattered his own heart meridian, while Chen Lingxue subdued and captured the other.
• With the Mother Gu destroyed and their leaders dead, the Path of Rebirth followers lost their resolve and were killed or captured by the Demon Slaying Division and City Guards.
• Dark Crow tried to kill himself, but someone sealed his movements and suppressed the attempt, leaving him alive and mentally shattered.

After the battle at the estate, Chen Lingxue ordered Yin Hong arrested for colluding with the Path of Rebirth and awarded Jiang Qinghe the foremost merit. The prisoners were taken to headquarters, while Jiang Qinghe’s achievement earned him recognition from the Demon Slaying Division.

• City Guards and Demon Slaying Division personnel cleared the ruined estate and gathered the dead after the battle.
• Chen Lingxue restrained Yin Hong and ordered him taken to headquarters for interrogation, despite his protestations of innocence.
• Headquarters elites arrested Yin Hong alongside Dark Crow and the captured steward and prepared to escort them for trial.
• Chen Lingxue awarded Jiang Qinghe the foremost merit and promised him ten thousand merit points to spend at the subdivision or headquarters treasury.
• Lian Shuheng and the headquarters elites showed approval of Jiang Qinghe, while Zhang Mingyu concealed his jealousy and remained aloof.

After the battle against the Mother Gu, Jiang Qinghe was promoted to Deputy Commander of the Demon Slaying Division, while the losses were addressed through new appointments. Yi Mingrui urged him to focus on cultivation and prepare for a possible transfer to headquarters, leaving Jiang Qinghe to settle into his new position.

• Yi Mingrui coordinated the battlefield aftermath, including compensation for the fallen, treatment for the wounded, and evaluations of merit.
• The next day, a notice stripped Yin Hong of his Deputy Commander post and placed him under investigation for colluding with the Path of Rebirth; headquarters promoted Jiang Qinghe to replace him.
• The division promoted five experienced City Guards to acting City Patrol Officers and appointed Zhou Yi to fill Jiang Qinghe's former post.
• Yi Mingrui welcomed Jiang Qinghe as Deputy Commander, credited him with killing the Mother Gu, and advised him to delegate routine duties and prioritize cultivation.
• Yi Mingrui told Jiang Qinghe that reaching the Innate Realm within ten years could lead to a transfer to headquarters, and Jiang Qinghe promised to remember Yi Mingrui's support.

After being promoted to Deputy Commander, Jiang Qinghe settled into his new office and enjoyed the improved position, but he soon turned his attention to the unresolved threat posed by Yin Ping. He concluded that Yin Ping had helped set the attempt on his life in motion and resolved to deal with him.

• Jiang Qinghe moved into his spacious fourth-floor office after his promotion to Deputy Commander.
• Zhou Yi delivered Jiang Qinghe's new official robes and Black Gold Blade, and thanked him through his deferential service.
• Jiang Qinghe inspected the blade and reflected on the freedom and authority his new position gave him.
• Jiang Qinghe connected Dark Crow's confession about Yin Hong to the failed assassination by Night Owl and concluded Yin Ping had helped provoke it.
• Jiang Qinghe resolved not to spare Yin Ping, whom he considered the root of the conflict.

After becoming Deputy Commander, Jiang Qinghe moved against Yin Ping, who was arrested at his residence after pleading for mercy. The Demon Slaying Division later announced Yin Ping would be beheaded for colluding with the remnants of the Path of Rebirth and plotting to murder colleagues.

• Jiang Qinghe ordered Zhou Yi to find Yin Ping and led officers to surround his private residence.
• Zhou Yi and another officer broke down Yin Ping’s doors, and Yin Ping rushed out with a woman.
• The officers accused Yin Ping of colluding with the Path of Rebirth and trying to murder Jiang Qinghe, then subdued him.
• Yin Ping recognized Jiang Qinghe as Deputy Commander and begged him to spare his life, but Jiang ordered his men to take Yin Ping away.
• The Demon Slaying Division posted a notice that Yin Ping would be beheaded for collusion and attempted murder.

Jiang Qinghe led the Demon Slaying Division into Nishang Pavilion to arrest steward Liu Gong for helping Yin Hong bring Drunken Soul Grass into the city. Miss Xiao Mengrong challenged Jiang Qinghe and prepared to protect Liu Gong, leaving the confrontation unresolved.

• Jiang Qinghe arrived at Nishang Pavilion with more than twenty Demon Slaying Division officers, and an inspector shoved aside a gatekeeper who tried to stop them.
• Xiao Mengrong came out with Liu Gong and recognized Jiang Qinghe as the Deputy Commander leading the raid.
• Liu Gong realized the officers had come for him and his brother because he had helped Yin Hong transport Drunken Soul Grass into the city.
• Xiao Mengrong underestimated Jiang Qinghe because of his humble origins and his past as an escort runner.
• Jiang Qinghe accused Liu Gong and Liu Gun of aiding the enemy and declared their crime punishable by death.
• Xiao Mengrong decided she could not let the Demon Slaying Division take Liu Gong away in front of her staff.

Jiang Qinghe forced Nishang Pavilion to surrender Liu Gong and Liu Gun after Miss Xiao Mengrong tried to protect them. He killed her guard captain when the man drew his sword, then left with the brothers as the pavilion’s people stood aside.

• Miss Xiao Mengrong challenged Jiang Qinghe’s accusation against Liu Gong and offered to investigate him herself.
• Jiang Qinghe refused to negotiate and ordered his men to arrest Liu Gong and Liu Gun, warning that anyone who obstructed them would be killed.
• The guard captain drew his sword to stop the arrest, and Jiang Qinghe killed him with two swift strikes.
• Jiang Qinghe told Miss Xiao Mengrong that he was acting according to the law and that she could not stop him from taking the Liu brothers.
• Liu Gong accepted that he would go with the Demon Slaying Division, and Jiang Qinghe led his men away with him and the captured Liu Gun.

After resolving the Liu brothers’ affairs, Jiang Qinghe visited the Demon Slaying Headquarters treasury to exchange his Merit Points Value for resources. He found no Origin Magnetic Sand, but chose pills to advance his cultivation and a technique to conceal his aura.

• Jiang Qinghe left for Zhengyang Ward after entrusting Zhou Yi with several matters.
• Jiang Qinghe entered the Demon Slaying Headquarters and went to its underground treasury.
• Jiang Qinghe searched the treasury dossier but found no Origin Magnetic Sand.
• Jiang Qinghe passed over new martial arts and decided to prioritize raising his cultivation.
• Jiang Qinghe focused on the Clear Sight Pill, Crimson Gold Pill, and Breath Concealment Technique.

Jiang Qinghe exchanged for pills and a Breath Concealment Technique manual, then was summoned to meet Grand Commander Chen Lingxue. After examining his background and foundation, Chen Lingxue decided he was worth nurturing and had a box brought before him.

• Jiang Qinghe exchanged three Clear Sight Pills, three Crimson Gold Pills, and a Breath Concealment Technique manual at the treasure vault.
• A patrol officer informed Jiang Qinghe that the Grand Commander had summoned him to the seventh floor.
• Chen Lingxue asked Jiang Qinghe whether he had encountered martial arts before entering the Martial Academy in Lin'an County, and he confirmed he had not.
• Chen Lingxue praised Jiang Qinghe's talent and tested his foundation with her true qi.
• Chen Lingxue judged Jiang Qinghe a promising candidate for her personal investment and instructed a female patrol officer to bring him a dark iron box.

Jiang Qinghe received Origin Magnetic Sand from Chen Lingxue and pledged his loyalty to her, while she weighed his potential against his uncertain future. Meanwhile, Xiao Haoze ordered a discreet effort to recruit Jiang Qinghe before Chen Lingxue gained his allegiance completely.

• Chen Lingxue gave Jiang Qinghe Origin Magnetic Sand to help him cultivate Primordial Chaos Armor, and Jiang Qinghe declared that he would follow her.
• After Jiang Qinghe left, Chen Lingxue considered his potential and lingering limitations before beginning to cultivate her fourth meridian.
• Xiao Haoze learned that Chen Lingxue's operation had exposed his pawn Yin Hong and strengthened her standing in the Grand Division.
• Xiao Haoze ordered his subordinate to discreetly assess Jiang Qinghe's interests and offer generous terms to recruit him.

Jiang Qinghe played chess with Zheng Borui at the Spring Return Branch Pavilion, then reunited with Jiang Ziyue after she refined another batch of pills. He praised her role in uncovering the Withered-Prosperity Mother Gu and resolved to protect the secret of her Glazed Medicine Heart as she continued to advance in alchemy.

• Jiang Qinghe and Zheng Borui joked and played chess, ending their match in a draw.
• Zheng Borui said Jiang Ziyue had mastered Bear Tendon Pills and would soon be ready to attempt Bone Forging Pills.
• Jiang Qinghe met Jiang Ziyue as she left Pill Room B after successfully refining pills and congratulated her on her alchemy and cultivation.
• Jiang Qinghe thanked Jiang Ziyue for finding the Withered-Prosperity Mother Gu and reflected that her Glazed Medicine Heart had to remain secret.
• Jiang Qinghe left the pavilion, hopeful that Jiang Ziyue would eventually surpass Zheng Borui and become an Alchemy Grandmaster.