Chapter Summaries

Chen Ping'an followed Lan Yingjun to a private trading convention, where he also clashed with Fang Yiqing and reunited with Luo Pingchuan. Lan Yingjun recognized Chen Ping'an and reconsidered their past, while the convention continued with Fang Yiqing still bristling at him.

• Chen Ping'an followed Lan Yingjun to a residence and encountered Luo Pingchuan and Fang Yiqing outside the entrance.
• Chen Ping'an entered the convention after Fang Yiqing produced her attendance token, leaving her angry and unsettled by his cold manner.
• Lan Yingjun recognized Chen Ping'an and recalled their past encounters, wondering whether he had been the one who defeated her and her mother.
• Fang Yiqing followed Chen Ping'an into a pavilion and argued with him, while Luo Pingchuan tried to smooth over their conflict.
• The trading fair began, and Luo Pingchuan served Chen Ping'an and Fang Yiqing strong spirit wine as Fang Yiqing continued to glare at Chen Ping'an.

At the Trading Convention, Chen Ping'an recognized Lan Yingjun beneath her Black Robe and learned she was seeking ways to restore her mother’s foundation and extend her lifespan. He offered a spiritual treasure capable of rebuilding a foundation in exchange for the Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm within her.

• Chen Ping'an watched the Trading Convention and listened as Lan Yingjun requested rare Longevity Fruits, Longevity Pills, and foundation-restoring secret arts.
• Fang Yiqing offered to trade her antidote and barrier-evading pills to Chen Ping'an, but he declined.
• Chen Ping'an approached Lan Yingjun during the free exchange session and revealed that he recognized her from their meeting in Northern Cang.
• Lan Yingjun offered poison pills, secret medicines, and other goods in exchange for the Longevity Pills and foundation-restoring arts she needed.
• Chen Ping'an revealed that he had neither requested item but possessed a spiritual treasure that could rebuild a foundation.
• Chen Ping'an said he wanted the Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm within Lan Yingjun.

At Alchemist Hua’s trading convention, Chen Ping'an learned more about the Gu Family Ancestor’s legendary past, a mutated Golden Crown Feathered Sparrow, and the Northern Sea Alliance’s husband selection. He left with Cang Mingzi’s token and considered using the Soul Guiding Art to build a more convincing alternate identity.

• Black Rock Old Freak watched Black Robe Old Monster mingle with the Celestials and worried about the status and influence he commanded.
• The Celestials discussed Gu Tianren’s past battle against a Hidden Radiance Realm cultivator and the growing pressure on the Gu Family as his health declined.
• Wang Changlie told Chen Ping'an that the shapeshifting demon was likely a mutated Golden Crown Feathered Sparrow with a fire-controlling ability and exceptional speed.
• Cang Mingzi confirmed that the Twin Lords’ daughter was expected to choose a husband, and Chen Ping'an became interested in the Cloud Thunder Twin Lords.
• Chen Ping'an recognized that his lack of worldly experience could expose his assumed identity and considered using the Soul Guiding Art to address the problem.
• Chen Ping'an bid farewell, accepted an azure token from Cang Mingzi, and departed as the gathering ended.

At Spring Rain Pavilion, Chen Ping'an repeatedly raised his rewards for Magnolia Girl, Peony, and Dream Butterfly, provoking wealthy patrons into competing with him. He left the hall stunned after bidding five hundred taels for each girl, prompting Master Mu to confront him.

• Ruchun announced Chen Ping'an's initial twenty-tael reward for Magnolia Girl, and other patrons began rewarding Peony and Dream Butterfly.
• Chen Ping'an ordered the page boy to offer Peony and Dream Butterfly twenty taels each, provoking patrons in the second-floor rooms to raise their bids.
• Chen Ping'an raised his offer to sixty taels for each of the three girls, and Master Mu, Young Master Meng, and Young Master Han joined the contest.
• Chen Ping'an offered two hundred taels per girl, causing the competing patrons to withdraw until Master Mu bid two hundred and fifty taels for Peony.
• Chen Ping'an raised his offer to five hundred taels for each girl, and Master Mu leaned out of his window to demand to know who he was and accuse him of mocking him.

After arriving in Wei River County City, Chen Ping'an discovered that his Three Points of Human Tribulation Finger had reached Minor Accomplishment, greatly increasing his combat strength and bringing him closer to the Grandmaster realm. He remained annoyed by his New Talent Rankings title and turned to the Dragon and Tiger Rankings to compare himself with the experts listed there.

• Chen Ping'an entered Wei River County City under the protection of his rank as Outer Perimeter Patrol Envoy, drawing attention from the crowds and spies of every faction.
• Chen Ping'an settled his group at an elegant courtyard residence instead of heading directly to the Wei River Town Pacification Office.
• Chen Ping'an complained that the New Talent Rankings still called him Reckless Saber, despite his mastery of both saber and sword techniques.
• Chen Ping'an reviewed his Golden Finger Panel and recognized Xun Wind Finger after Three Points of Human Tribulation Finger advanced to Minor Accomplishment.
• Chen Ping'an noted the cracks forming on his Profound Light Seed and considered how close he was to reaching the Grandmaster realm.
• Chen Ping'an opened the Dragon and Tiger Rankings, curious about the strength of the experts listed there.

Gu Qingchan received the Gu Family’s Top Divine Weapon, Snow Soul Silk, and refused to meet Feng Wuhen when he came to congratulate her breakthrough. Chen Ping'an bought resources for Wan Jun and his servants, assessed what the Wishful Treasure Pavilion could offer, and began cultivating the Seven Absolute Divine Skill as he prepared for greater realms.

• Gu Qingchan reported the marriage alliance with Chen Ping'an to the Hall of Elders, which deliberated over the family’s stance in the Azure Cang Prince Manor succession struggle.
• The Gu Family ancestor bestowed Snow Soul Silk on Gu Qingchan, who believed seeing Chen Ping'an again could help her complete the Mystic Maiden Heart Sutra.
• Gu Qingchan rejected Feng Wuhen’s repeated request for an audience and threatened to report him to the Province Town Pacification Office.
• Chen Ping'an spent nearly two hundred Origin Crystals at the Wishful Treasure Pavilion on pills and cultivation resources, including supplies for Wan Jun, Er Ya, and Peony.
• Chen Ping'an learned that the pavilion rarely sold top-tier Divine Techniques or Powerful Divine Weapons and decided he would need another route to obtain what he wanted.
• Chen Ping'an perfected the Soaring Dragon Movement Technique and began cultivating the Seven Absolute Divine Skill to strengthen his Spirituality and mental defenses.

After breaking through to the Great Grandmaster Realm, Chen Ping'an visited the Gu Family and the Province Town Pacification Office to discuss a new saber inheritance and learn about the Celestial Threshold. He returned to secluded cultivation as his reputation spread, then began breaking through the Grand Void Wind Riding Step.

• Chen Ping'an traveled to the Gu Family, where the Elders celebrated his breakthrough and he learned that the Ancestor was in seclusion.
• Chen Ping'an visited the Province Town Pacification Office and secured Zhang Tianyuan's support for a resource application to obtain a saber inheritance.
• Chen Ping'an asked Zhang Tianyuan and Leng Dingqingfan about the Celestial Threshold and learned how the Spirit Platform, Soul Origin, and Heart Demon Pass shaped a cultivator's chances.
• Chen Ping'an secluded himself, cultivated with Premium Snow Spirit Leaves, and gained fame as news of his Great Grandmaster breakthrough spread.
• Chen Ping'an completed his cultivation experience for the Grand Void Wind Riding Step and began breaking through to its next level.

Chen Ping'an met the Gu Family elders, received their congratulations and valuable gifts after reaching the Grandmaster Realm, and left with the marriage alliance intact. The next morning, the Gu Family publicly announced that Gu Qingcheng would enter a Marriage Alliance with Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an, and news of his achievements spread across Azure Dragon Province and beyond.

• Gu Qingchan introduced Chen Ping'an to the Gu Family elders, including the renowned Hua Lao, who praised Chen Ping'an's talent and accomplishments.
• The elders welcomed Chen Ping'an warmly and gave him gifts to celebrate his promotion to Grandmaster, while Gu Qingchan presented him with a High-Grade Ice Crystal Stone.
• Chen Ping'an thanked the elders, departed under their respectful gaze, and reflected on the Gu Family's support and his fiancée Gu Qingcheng.
• After Chen Ping'an returned to his courtyard, factions across Azure Dragon Province City learned he had emerged from seclusion and visited him.
• The Gu Family publicly announced Gu Qingcheng's Marriage Alliance with Chen Ping'an, prompting widespread reaction as news of his breakthrough and victory over Wei Yiqi spread to nearby provinces.

Chen Ping'an and the Heavenly Luo Saintess discovered that the Dream Illusion Pearl linked their injuries, then exchanged treasures while discussing the Purple Eye Demon Lord’s secret realm. The Saintess left with the Great Luo Heart Sutra, while Chen Ping'an kept the Black Mystic Iron Mask and urged her not to die.

• Chen Ping'an and the Heavenly Luo Saintess tested their shared injury mechanism and found that injuries, rather than pain, passed between them, with each person’s physique affecting how severely they suffered.
• Chen Ping'an showed the Saintess the Turbulent Phoenix Dance scroll, and she revealed that she had taken the Heavenly Luo Sect’s Great Luo Heart Sutra from the secret realm.
• The Heavenly Luo Saintess demanded her veil and scent pouch back, and Chen Ping'an traded them for the Black Mystic Iron Mask, Thousand-Year Stone Milk, an Exploding Essence True Pill, and other resources.
• As the Saintess prepared to leave, Chen Ping'an told her, “Don't die!” and she returned to the grand hall before leaving with the scattered divine weapons.

Chen Ping'an attended Azure Dragon School’s Academic Discussion Meeting and saw Chen Er'ya praised as a model student. The meeting was unexpectedly prolonged after word arrived of a surprise Joint Inspection by the Inner City Pacification Office, which Chen Ping'an recognized as part of the investigation he had set in motion.

• News of Gu Qingchan’s upcoming promotion ceremony overtook discussion of the New Talent Rankings across Azure Dragon Province City.
• Chen Ping'an waited outside Azure Dragon School, then entered for the Academic Discussion Meeting and listened as Chen Er'ya showed him her classroom.
• Deputy Headmaster Guo Tang welcomed Madam Li, the mother of Li Zeyou, and the parents later learned of her family’s extensive business and official connections.
• Instructor Lin praised Chen Er'ya’s studies, while Madam Li dismissed the value of academic achievement and asked sharp questions about the school’s policies.
• An urgent message told Instructor Lin that the Inner City Pacification Office had launched a surprise Joint Inspection, so she continued the meeting while Chen Ping'an recognized it as part of the investigation intended for Zhong Zeyu.

Chen Ping'an finished refining the Mystic Light Treasure Mirror and continued cultivating while rumors spread that Gu Qingcheng would marry him. As powerful forces gathered in Azure Dragon Province City for Gu Qingchan’s promotion celebration, Tantai Jinfeng arrived with the Shadowless Saber Sect, vowing revenge on Chen Ping'an for Yan’s death.

• Chen Ping'an completed the Mystic Light Treasure Mirror’s refinement and considered how its ability to slow enemies could help him kill powerful opponents.
• Rumors that Gu Qingcheng would enter a marriage alliance with Chen Ping'an threw Azure Dragon Province City into an uproar, prompting the Xue Family and Wang Family to prepare for either possibility.
• Wang Siyuan lamented his failed attempt to reach the Grandmaster Realm, while Mu Chenjie and others struggled to accept the marriage rumors.
• Chen Ping'an remained focused on cultivation and prepared to attend Gu Qingchan’s promotion celebration before returning to Northern Cang.
• The Shadowless Saber Sect arrived in Azure Dragon Province City, and its leader, Tantai Jinfeng, vowed to avenge Yan by making Chen Ping'an repay blood with blood.

At a banquet, Chen Ping'an crushed Fang Zhengyu with his Martial Will and recognized him as a pawn of Li Wusheng, while Li paid Fang for provoking him. News of Chen Ping'an's promotion and talent spread, stirring rival factions, and Chen Ping'an arrived at the Gu Family to bid farewell and pursue another purpose as the latest Hidden Dragon Rankings were released.

• Chen Ping'an's Martial Will overwhelmed Fang Zhengyu at the banquet, leaving him injured, while the gathered guests refused to intervene.
• Fang Zhengyu reported to Li Wusheng and collected his promised reward, and Li expressed interest in his conflict with Chen Ping'an.
• Yao Guang learned of the confrontation and recognized the enmity between Chen Ping'an and Li Wusheng as a matter worth watching.
• News of Chen Ping'an's promotion to North Azure Garrison and Division Head Candidate spread across Azure Dragon Province City and reached Liang Xiaoxian, who discussed the failed recruitment attempt with Earth Splitting Old Man and Raging Wave Guest.
• Liang Xiaoxian rejected Earth Splitting Old Man's suggestion to force Chen Ping'an into the Azure Cang Prince Manor and decided to return to Bicang to consult her Foster Father.
• Chen Ping'an visited the Gu Family to bid farewell and pursue another purpose as the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion released the latest Hidden Dragon Rankings.

After the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce abruptly canceled its promised meeting with the Gu Family, Chen Ping'an recognized that the slight reflected the lineage’s weakening position and left to return to the Town Pacification Office. The Gu Family’s elders offered to seek another way to help him, while the wider threat to the family remained unresolved.

• Chen Ping'an reviewed the gains from the auction and planned to visit Wan Jun after handling matters with the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce.
• At the Gu Family Elder Hall, Hua Lao told Chen Ping'an that the Five Blessings Chamber of Commerce had canceled its banquet and would not meet him.
• The Gu Family elders discussed the unexplained cancellation and apologized to Chen Ping'an, promising to find another source for the Snow Spirit Leaf.
• Chen Ping'an considered how the Gu Family’s aging Ancestor and limited Pseudo Celestial strength had left the lineage vulnerable to outside pressure.
• Chen Ping'an accepted the Gu Family’s auction proceeds for the Golden Light Hoop and departed with Xiong Sanrang for the Town Pacification Office.

Chen Ping'an prepared for the welcome ceremony while Mystic Spirit Major City's factions gathered to assess him and Canglong Garrison. At the ceremony, a black-robed man’s attempt to introduce a gray-haired elder to Shen Huiqing collapsed when she warmly welcomed Chen Ping'an as her superior, revealing that he had not been sidelined.

• Chen Ping'an reviewed his cultivation progress and continued studying the Dream Illusion Pearl, the Soul Guiding Art, and the Forbidden Inheritance before leaving for the ceremony.
• Representatives from Mystic Spirit Major City's factions arrived at the Elegant Garden residence, bringing gifts and pursuing their own interests.
• A black-robed man brought a gray-haired elder to meet Shen Huiqing, believing his connection to her would help him arrange an introduction.
• When Shen Huiqing smiled and approached, the black-robed man mistook her welcome for a sign of their closeness and the elder grew confident in the introduction.
• Shen Huiqing saluted Chen Ping'an as her lord, leaving the black-robed man and the gray-haired elder stunned to see the new Garrison Envoy treated with respect.

Chen Ping'an met Gu Qingchan, a Gu Family Grandmaster, at Cloud Arrive Pavilion, where she proposed a marriage alliance. He resisted being matched without a say, but Gu Qingchan agreed to seek his opinion before arranging anything.

• Shui Furong escorted Chen Ping'an through the Northern Cang Stronghold to Cloud Arrive Pavilion.
• Chen Ping'an greeted Gu Qingchan respectfully, and she assessed his Martial Path Realm and praised his standing on the New Talent Rankings.
• Gu Qingchan proposed that the Gu Family marry one of its daughters to Chen Ping'an, but he tactfully declined because he wanted to focus on the Martial Path.
• Gu Qingchan challenged Chen Ping'an's refusal, and he said he would consider a suitable match who could cultivate the Martial Path alongside him.
• Gu Qingchan recognized that Chen Ping'an wanted a say in choosing his match, struck him lightly when he joked with her, and agreed to ask his opinion before arranging the marriage alliance.

After Chen Ping'an killed Golden Ring Protector, the news reached Azure Dragon Province, where officials reconsidered his promotion and reported his achievement to the Northern Border Pacification Bureau. Chen Ping'an arrived in Azure Dragon Province City, having spent the journey cultivating and studying secret arts, and was summoned to meet Ning Zhengyue.

• Ning Zhengyue received word that Chen Ping'an had killed Golden Ring Protector, a Top Great Grandmaster, and reported the news to Zhang Tianyuan.
• Zhang Tianyuan considered how Chen Ping'an's merit could affect his pending appointment as Deputy Division Head and ordered a message sent to the Northern Border Pacification Bureau.
• The Province Town Pacification Office transmitted its report through the Celestial Pivot Spiritual Instrument while Chen Ping'an's carriage approached Azure Dragon Province City.
• During the journey, Chen Ping'an cultivated, refined the Dream Illusion Pearl, studied the Soul Guiding Art, and began considering how to adapt the Ten Thousand Demons Blood Restriction into a new secret art.
• Chen Ping'an entered Azure Dragon Province City and, after being announced, met Ning Zhengyue at the Province Town Pacification Office.

After killing Golden Ring Protector, Chen Ping'an returned to the Gu Family Residence and carefully sorted the spoils he had collected from the battle at Serene Pool Cave Abode. He spent the day cultivating while waiting for Gu Qingchan, then decided at midnight to go see her himself.

• Chen Ping'an reported Golden Ring Protector's death at the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office, astonishing Wu Benqing and Gu Loping with his strength.
• At the Gu Family Residence, Chen Ping'an learned that Gu Qingchan was busy and accepted a prepared guest courtyard instead of a welcome reception.
• Chen Ping'an sorted his spoils, keeping useful weapons and materials while reserving other items for sale or barter; he also inspected the Blood Devouring Demonic Jar and the Evil Extremity Pupil.
• Chen Ping'an used Mystic Tortoise True Blood to cultivate the Azure Sun Blood Refinement Method, then trained in the Grand Void Wind Riding Step through the evening.
• After Gu Qingchan did not come to see him by midnight, Chen Ping'an left his room to visit her.

After spending the night with Gu Qingchan, Chen Ping'an left Leiming without meeting her, while she concealed their intimacy and focused on her cultivation. As he returned to Canglong, news of his killing a Golden Ring Protector reached Azure Dragon Province City and stirred the Pacification Office.

• Gu Qingchan recalled her night with Chen Ping'an, then met Senior Night Owl when he appeared in her chamber.
• Chen Ping'an left Gu Qingchan’s residence, and she ordered her Clan Elders to send him back to Canglong without meeting him.
• Gu Qingchan learned that their harmonized cultivation had stabilized her Seventh Spirit Pattern and brought her closer to inscribing the Eighth.
• Feng Wuhen entered deathly seclusion, vowing not to emerge until he became a Great Grandmaster and could make Qingchan notice him.
• Chen Ping'an departed Leiming by carriage, and Gu Qingchan blushed at his farewell about visiting again to talk.
• The Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office received a report that Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an had slain the Top Great Grandmaster Golden Ring Protector.

Chen Ping'an recovered in North Azure Stronghold while rumors spread about the battle between the Heavenly Luo Saintess and seven grandmasters. He learned the truth behind their crushing defeat, then had the head of Mountain Shaking Fist verified for merits before returning to his recovery.

• Yuan Zutong reported that the brothers in Secluded Elegant Courtyard had survived the unrest with only a few injuries, and Chen Ping'an promised them rewards.
• Chen Ping'an reflected on the Heavenly Luo Saintess's strength and resolved to pursue greater martial arts achievements.
• North Azure Stronghold struggled to restore order as rumors about the grandmasters' battle circulated, while Xue Kunsheng learned that two grandmasters had died, five had been injured, and the Heavenly Luo Saintess had escaped unharmed.
• Xue Kunsheng worried that a mysterious expert who had defeated several powerful fighters might still be hiding in the stronghold.
• After more than ten days of recovery, Chen Ping'an took Mountain Shaking Fist's head to the North Azure Town Pacification Office and earned merits for killing the heretical expert.

Chen Ping'an entered Azure Dragon Province City after parting with the Mu siblings, reflecting on the city and his journey as he made his way through its busy streets. He grew eager to find Little Girl and headed toward the courtyard she had described in her letter.

• Xue Guangyu mocked Mu Chenjie and led his carriage ahead of the Mu Family Caravan, while Mu Qingyao watched him leave with thoughtful concern.
• Chen Ping'an paid the entrance fee and entered Azure Dragon Province City, where Wang Head and Qin Head inspected him and warned him to mind his conduct around nobles.
• Commander Lin reprimanded the gate guards for chatting, and Chen Ping'an continued into the city.
• Chen Ping'an and the Mu siblings exchanged farewells; Mu Qingyao asked him not to forget their promised drink, while Mu Chenjie privately hoped they would never meet again.
• Chen Ping'an walked through the bustling city, remembered Little Girl’s letter, and decided to go directly to the small courtyard to find her.