Chapter Summaries

Chen Ping'an used a staged quarrel with Master Mu to conceal the Town Pacification Office’s operation against the Ten Thousand Demons Sect Stronghold. The constables surrounded Spring Rain Pavilion, leaving Master Mu stunned when an Inspector arrived.

• Chen Ping'an provoked Master Mu and sent Spring Rain Pavilion’s page boy out with his Town Pacification Office jade pendant.
• Chen Ping'an kept Ruchun and the courtesans distracted while the page boy confirmed the pendant had been delivered.
• Shen Shi Kang led the Town Pacification Office constables toward Spring Rain Pavilion and ordered them to let no one escape.
• Master Mu dismissed Chen Ping'an’s threat while waiting for the Town Pacification Office to appear.
• The constables entered Spring Rain Pavilion, and Master Mu recognized the black-uniformed leader as a Town Pacification Office Inspector.

Chen Ping'an learned that the Gu Family would maintain the marriage alliance despite his scandal, then returned home and continued cultivating while the Gu and Xue families remained publicly quiet. As the new talent rankings showed his progress and Mu Wanjun’s rise, news arrived from Wang Lingzhi in the North Azure Stronghold.

• Gu Qingchan told Chen Ping'an that the Gu Family would keep the marriage alliance but warned him to avoid further trouble and deal with Gu Qingcheng himself.
• Gu Qingchan recalled that the clan council had considered canceling the alliance, but she had helped secure its continuation; several elders remained deeply disappointed in Chen Ping'an.
• Chen Ping'an returned home, spoke with Little Girl about her upcoming school meeting, and spent the following days cultivating and refining the Mystic Light Treasure Mirror.
• The Gu Family and Xue Family made no public moves, while Chen Ping'an focused on strengthening himself and the scandal with Cloud Dream Fairy remained a major topic in Azure Dragon Province City.
• The updated New Talent Rankings placed Gu Qingcheng first, Chen Ping'an second, and Mu Wanjun thirteenth after her rapid progress.
• Wang Lingzhi sent news to Chen Ping'an from the North Azure Stronghold.

Xing Rongzi, revealed as the legendary Yin Calamity Sword, ambushed Sheng Tingshan but failed to kill him because Treasure Armor blocked the blow. As the group prepared to face Xing Rongzi, Chen Ping'an recognized his reputation and learned he belonged to the Heavenly Luo Sect.

• Xing Rongzi's sword strike shattered Sheng Tingshan's Blood Shadow Shield and knocked him down, but Sheng Tingshan's Treasure Armor kept him alive.
• Zhao Zhitin and Chu Long moved to protect Sheng Tingshan, who rose despite his injury and held onto the Blood Droplet.
• Chu Long identified Xing Rongzi as the Yin Calamity Sword, while Chen Ping'an studied Sheng Tingshan's armor and wondered how his own defense would withstand the sword.
• Chen Ping'an recalled Yin Calamity Sword's rise as a Rogue Cultivator and realized that the famed swordsman was a member of the Heavenly Luo Sect.

Chen Ping'an learned more about North Azure Stronghold's powerful factions and accepted Mu Wanjun's offer of support before continuing his cultivation. After Chen Er'ya was enrolled at Wei River School and its instructors treated her carelessly, he arranged a Town Pacification Office inspection that ensured she would be treated properly.

• Mu Wanjun explained North Azure Stronghold's factional interests and the strength of its leading experts, and Chen Ping'an assessed which opponents he could face.
• Chen Ping'an invited Mu Wanjun to dinner, and she offered the Mu Family's help as the trade route prepared to open.
• Chen Ping'an continued cultivating, then took Chen Er'ya to enroll at Wei River School, where guards initially turned them away.
• Chen Ping'an noticed that the school's instructors were careless in arranging matters for Chen Er'ya but said nothing to them directly.
• The Wei River Town Pacification Office conducted a sudden, thorough inspection, and its runners treated Chen Er'ya with conspicuous respect.
• Wei River School understood the reason for the inspection and stopped treating Chen Er'ya carelessly.

Chen Ping'an weathered the Horizontal Mountain Sect’s protest after killing Shi Panyue, while considering how to use his resources and new allies to secure cultivation materials. The investigation cleared him, and he gained a seat on the Mystic Spirit Major City Garrison Deliberation Council as Azure Dragon Province’s representative.

• Chen Ping'an considered building ties with Azure Cang Chamber of Commerce through Madam Biluo and planned how to use his Yin Yang Dew and other rare resources.
• Shen Huiqing reported that the Horizontal Mountain Sect had protested Chen Ping'an’s actions and that the Universe Control Division would investigate.
• Chen Ping'an received the Universe Control Division’s inspectors, who treated him with goodwill before leaving to inspect Lakeside Elegant Garden.
• The joint inspection report found that Shi Panyue had provoked the fight and bore responsibility, clearing Chen Ping'an of wrongdoing.
• The Garrison Deliberation Council rejected the proposed mineral-resource controls and approved a seat for the Azure Dragon Garrison, which Chen Ping'an would occupy.

Chen Ping'an's welcoming ceremony became a show of force after Fu Guangsheng and Tong Changchun arrived to honor him with rare gifts and open respect. As the banquet ended, Chen Ping'an stopped Shi Panyue from leaving, leaving their confrontation poised to erupt.

• Shi Panyue challenged Chen Ping'an and tried to provoke him into a fight, while the gathered representatives watched.
• Fu Guangsheng of the Azure Cang Chamber of Commerce arrived, presented Chen Ping'an with an Azure Spirit Fruit and Thousand-Year Stone Milk, and praised him on behalf of President Biluo.
• Tong Changchun of the Abyssal Sea Pavilion arrived, greeted Chen Ping'an warmly, and gave him a Luo Wen Fruit.
• The ceremony continued as a lively banquet, while Shen Huiqing mocked Shi Panyue for observing etiquette and Shi restrained his anger.
• When the guests prepared to leave, Chen Ping'an ordered Shi Panyue to stay, and his fierce aura filled the hall.

Chen Ping'an traveled with the Mu Family Caravan toward Azure Dragon Province City while news spread that Gu Qingchan had become a Great Grandmaster. The Gu Family’s rivals feared the effect of her breakthrough, and the chapter ended as the caravan encountered a small group outside the city.

• Mu Qingyao greeted Chen Ping'an warmly, and Mu Chenjie suspected that she had taken a liking to him before deciding not to interfere.
• Chen Ping'an learned that Gu Qingchan had entered the Great Grandmaster realm and checked his cultivation progress while traveling.
• The Wang Family elders worried that Gu Qingchan’s breakthrough had strengthened the Gu Family’s position.
• The Xue Family elders debated whether Gu Qingchan’s breakthrough signaled the bearing of a Queen and discussed how to break the political deadlock.
• Chen Ping'an arrived at Azure Dragon Province City with the Mu Family Caravan, which encountered a small group near the city.

Chen Ping'an confronted Seven Absolute Old Man, who sought revenge for his slain disciple, and revealed his strength as a Jade Balance Grandmaster during their fierce battle. When Seven Absolute Old Man trapped him with the Mind Bewilderment Art, Chen Ping'an broke free by unveiling his immense body-tempering power, leaving the fight poised to escalate.

• Chen Ping'an met the Old Farmer in the fields, recognized him as Seven Absolute Old Man, and blocked his Nether Rain Needles with the Soul Severing Saber Technique.
• Seven Absolute Old Man attacked with his claws, leg, sword, and Martial Will, but Chen Ping'an revealed that he had reached the Jade Balance Grandmaster realm.
• Chen Ping'an and Seven Absolute Old Man clashed with saber techniques, finger arts, and divine weapons, while Seven Absolute Old Man used his seven techniques and Nether Rain Needles to keep up the pressure.
• Seven Absolute Old Man struck Chen Ping'an with the Mind Bewilderment Art and moved to destroy his Spirit Platform, but Chen Ping'an regained his senses and transformed into a towering Vajra Giant.
• Seven Absolute Old Man recognized Chen Ping'an's mastered Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill and Dragon Elephant Overlord Body Art, along with his Greater Accomplishment in the Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art.

Chen Ping'an left for the Northern Cang Stronghold with Shui Furong after she claimed her patron had resolved his dispute with the Universe Control Division. Meanwhile, his promotion to fifth on the Azure Dragon Province New Talent Rankings shocked Wei River County City, and Liu Yuanhua realized Chen Ping'an had gained the favor of a powerful lord.

• Chen Ping'an cultivated Three Points of Human Tribulation Finger and calculated that he could reach perfection in about half a month.
• Shui Furong arrived at the Town Pacification Office and invited Chen Ping'an to the Northern Cang Stronghold, saying her patron had settled the trouble surrounding his review.
• Chen Ping'an accepted the invitation, arranged his own carriage, and departed with Shui Furong for Northern Cang.
• The review of Chen Ping'an's appointment was canceled, and the new rankings announced him as fifth among Azure Dragon Province's new talents.
• Wei River residents celebrated Chen Ping'an's ranking, while Liu Ziming cultivated without his former resentment and Liu Yuanhua marveled at Chen Ping'an's talent and powerful connections.

A mysterious, gaunt intruder searched North Azure Stronghold for Chen Ping'an, then subdued Xue Kunsheng, while Chen Ping'an traveled toward Azure Dragon Province City and reflected on his growing strength and the political troubles awaiting him. After an overnight meditation in Earth Fire County, Chen Ping'an continued through the hills and came upon an old farmer working in terraced fields.

• A straw-caped old man entered North Azure Stronghold, searched several locations for Chen Ping'an, and found no trace of him.
• Xue Kunsheng weighed whether to follow his lineage’s order to undermine Chen Ping'an, but a gaunt intruder immobilized him and caused him to lose consciousness.
• Chen Ping'an traveled toward Azure Dragon Province City, assessed his growing combat strength, and considered his need for powerful divine weapons and the coming political reckoning.
• Chen Ping'an recalled the Gu Family’s letter about the Province Town Pacification Office’s likely punishment and the Shadowless Saber Sect’s demands, and he had asked the Gu Family to protect his Younger Sister.
• Chen Ping'an meditated overnight in Earth Fire County, made progress in the Soaring Dragon Movement Technique, and continued through the hills until he reached an old farmer’s terraced fields.

Chen Ping'an studied the New Talent Rankings and was astonished to find that the top three prodigies had all reached the Profound Light High Realm and could defeat Top Experts. He read about first-ranked Gu Qingcheng and the powerful Gu Family behind her, then looked forward to a future beyond Wei River County.

• Chen Ping'an examined the rankings and noted how the top prodigies’ Divine Techniques and Treasure Artifacts reflected the resources of their powerful families and sects.
• Chen Ping'an discovered that Xue Zirou and the two prodigies ranked above her had all advanced to the Profound Light High Realm within three months.
• Chen Ping'an read that Xue Zirou and Wang Siyuan had defeated Top Experts head-on after breaking through, and briefly compared their achievements with his own.
• Chen Ping'an learned that Gu Qingcheng was the top-ranked prodigy despite having no recorded victory over a Profound Light expert, and read of her renown and the Gu Family’s vast influence.
• Chen Ping'an reflected on how immense the world was and felt eager to pursue a brilliant future as his Profound Light Seed flickered.

Chen Ping'an focused on perfecting the Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art while the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office issued promotions and rewards to him and Wang Lingzhi. The chapter ended with Chen Ping'an reaching the art’s experience cap and preparing to advance his body forging.

• Li Xiangjun tried to seduce Chen Ping'an to regain access to information, but he rejected her and returned to cultivation.
• The Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office promoted Wang Lingzhi to several posts and granted him a seat on the Dragon Peace Stronghold Joint Administrative Office Deliberation Council.
• Chen Ping'an received generous Merit Points, an Excellent Evaluation, and accumulated qualifications, but decided to save his Merit Points for a Supreme Divine Skill.
• Wang Lingzhi began summoning North Azure officials to familiarize himself with their affairs, while Chen Ping'an ignored him because he had not crossed a serious boundary.
• Chen Ping'an cultivated until the Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art reached 3200/3200 experience, bringing it to the threshold of perfection.

Chen Ping'an’s victory over Shi Panyue secured his authority in Mystic Spirit and made him a celebrated genius, while the Gu Family Elder Council urged Gu Qingcheng to visit him before other families could pursue him. After Chen Ping'an discovered the city’s embellished rumors about his romantic life, he returned to cultivation and received a letter from Azure Green Province.

• Chen Ping'an’s killing of Shi Panyue and the rejection of the Horizontal Mountain Sect’s proposal strengthened his position in Mystic Spirit, while rumors spread about his talent and romantic exploits.
• Officials in the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office reacted with shock to Chen Ping'an’s victory and recognized him as a pillar of the province’s interests.
• The Gu Family Elders praised Chen Ping'an’s growing reputation and persuaded Lan Lao to take Gu Qingcheng to Mystic Spirit so she could assert her claim as his fiancée.
• Chen Ping'an emerged from seclusion, learned that exaggerated stories about his love life were circulating, and worried that Gu Qingcheng might hear them.
• Chen Ping'an reviewed his progress in cultivation, restrictions, the Soul Guiding Art, and the Dream Illusion Pearl, then decided to continue training and prepare to contact Biluò’s side.
• Three days later, Chen Ping'an received a letter from Azure Green Province and wondered whether Purple Eye Demon Lord had once been in a similar situation.

After the Trading Convention, Chen Ping'an reviewed his gains, resources, and combat strength as he flew away from Mystic Spirit Major City. He stopped in a secluded woodland and called on an unseen fellow cultivator to reveal themself.

• Chen Ping'an reflected on the Celestial Realm and the lessons he had gained from meeting other Celestials at the Trading Convention.
• He assessed his newly acquired treasures, pills, ores, and bargaining chips, and considered what he still needed to forge a treasure.
• Chen Ping'an judged that his Soul Power exceeded that of a First Realm Perfection Celestial and that he could contend with Second Realm Celestials using the Black and White Artistic Conception.
• He left Mystic Spirit Major City under concealment and flew a hundred li before descending into a barren rocky woodland.
• Chen Ping'an looked into the darkness and demanded that the hidden fellow Daoist show themself.

Chen Ping'an neared the end of his Iron Cloth training and prepared for Little Tiger Lord’s final deadline to repay his debt. While patrolling Tiger Run Alley, he faced Liu Er and the Tiger Head Gang, who threatened both a debtor and Chen Ping'an’s family before promising to see him the next day.

• Chen Ping'an saw that Iron Cloth had reached 14/15 after seven days of practice and planned to train again that night to reach Minor Accomplishment.
• Chen Ping'an joined Monkey Head and Da Shan on patrol in Tiger Run Alley, where they encountered Tiger Head Gang members beating a man over his unpaid debt.
• Monkey Head drew his saber and ordered Liu Er’s men to stop, and Liu Er ended the beating while threatening the debtor’s son if the money was not repaid by the next day.
• Liu Er reminded Chen Ping'an that Little Tiger Lord’s deadline to repay fourteen taels ended tomorrow and implied that Chen Er'ya might be targeted.
• Chen Ping'an rejected Liu Er’s concern, and Liu Er left after telling him they would meet the next day.

Chen Ping'an forced Leiming’s factions to support his campaign against the evil fiends, using his power and the deaths of Blood Owl Gang leaders to silence opposition. As the five great forces of the Thunderclap Mountain Range submitted, the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office gained nominal supreme authority.

• Gu Qingrong and other representatives objected to Chen Ping'an’s manpower roster, but Chen used rhythmic taps to overwhelm them with his Great Grandmaster power and displayed the heads of Owl Dragon and Xiao Hu.
• Chen threatened to kill anyone obstructing the campaign and gave the Gu Family two days to decide before he would visit them personally; Gu Qingrong hurried home with the news.
• The Gu Family and other factions learned that Chen had killed Owl Dragon and Xiao Hu, while Wu Benqing realized the factions had underestimated Chen’s strength.
• Two days later, all Leiming factions agreed to follow Chen’s orders and join the extermination campaign.
• Chen subdued the Left Path Alliance and won the Five Directions Family’s support, while Feng Wuhen reported that the Black Spirit Gate and Outer Path Alliance had submitted.
• The five great forces of the Thunderclap Mountain Range bowed to the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office, placing nominal supreme authority in its hands.

Chen Ping'an declined Mu Wanjun’s offer to join the Mu Family, but listened as she shared detailed intelligence about the Dragon Peace Trade Route and recent events. When Mu Wanjun connected the deaths of Fang Rui and Fang Qixian to Chen Ping'an’s movements, she began to suspect he was involved.

• Chen Ping'an welcomed Mu Wanjun after she visited him at the Wei River Inner City, and they caught up in the main hall.
• Mu Wanjun offered Chen Ping'an generous terms to join the Mu Family, but he refused because he did not want to attach himself to an aristocratic family.
• Mu Wanjun shared detailed information about the trade route’s strongholds, powerful experts, and rival factions, and warned Chen Ping'an to be cautious around North Azure Stronghold.
• Mu Wanjun told Chen Ping'an that Fang Qixian had vanished and was rumored dead, then mentioned his son Fang Rui.
• Mu Wanjun realized that the timing of Fang Rui and Fang Qixian’s deaths coincided with Chen Ping'an’s absences and return, and she stopped speaking as suspicion took hold.

Chen Ping'an fought the Heavenly Luo Saintess in his Ten Thousand Demons True Body and overwhelmed her despite her secret techniques and protective treasures. She escaped after using the Glazed Lamp to weaken him, vowing to kill him for the humiliation.

• Chen Ping'an resisted the Heavenly Luo Saintess's Spirituality Secret Technique and counterattacked with Nether Rain Needles, while she blocked them with the Moonlight Flowing Light Jade.
• Chen Ping'an revealed his Ten Thousand Demons True Body, shattered the Heavenly Luo Saintess's defenses, and battered her until her protective treasures began to fail.
• The Heavenly Luo Saintess used the Glazed Lamp to strip away Chen Ping'an's Ten Thousand Demons True Body, but Chen Ping'an took a Burning Blood Great Pill and continued attacking her.
• Chen Ping'an and the Heavenly Luo Saintess grappled at close range until her scent pouch made him dizzy and let her break free.
• Chen Ping'an slowed the fleeing Heavenly Luo Saintess with the Mystic Light Treasure Mirror, but she used the Glazed Lamp again and escaped after both fighters were left weakened.
• The Heavenly Luo Saintess vowed never to forget her humiliation and flew away, promising to kill Chen Ping'an.

After Gu Qingchan secured Chen Ping'an half the credit for killing three Ten Thousand Demons Sect elders, she warned him that Tong Guan might retaliate for Chen Ping'an killing Tong Jin. Chen Ping'an set out to bring Er Ya to safety, while the Province Town Pacification Office approved his promotion to Deputy Brigade Commander.

• Chen Ping'an read Gu Qingchan's letter explaining that she had contested the Universe Control Division and won the Town Pacification Office half the credit for the three elders, while warning him about Tong Guan.
• Chen Ping'an considered the Gu Family's growing association with him, resolved to gather intelligence on Tong Guan, and wrote to Gu Qingchan for help with Er Ya's move to Azure Dragon Province City.
• Chen Ping'an left Five Peaks Mountain City for Wei River County City to see Er Ya and cultivated during the journey, aiming to advance his Dragon Elephant Overlord Body Art.
• The Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office appointed Chen Ping'an Deputy Brigade Commander, prompting Liu Yuanhua to question his rank and accumulated credit.
• Fan Zhengheng explained that Chen Ping'an's comparable combat strength and additional commendation for killing the Seven Absolute Old Man's disciple qualified him for promotion.

Chen Ping'an used a carefully planned assault to kill the Skeleton Elder, then fought the Ten Thousand Demons Sect Master and Blood Nightmare Luo while they struggled over the spiritual treasure. After his power forced both enemies to join forces against him, Chen Ping'an prepared to attack them head-on.

• Chen Ping'an trapped the Ten Thousand Demons Sect Master, drew the Skeleton Elder into battle, and killed the Skeleton Elder in one strike.
• The Ten Thousand Demons Sect Master unleashed Ten Thousand Demons Soul Devour, but Chen Ping'an countered with his martial arts and attacked him as Blood Nightmare Luo rushed for the stone pillar.
• The Ten Thousand Demonic Sect Master and Blood Nightmare Luo clashed near the pillar, while Chen Ping'an struck at them and prevented Blood Nightmare Luo from claiming the opportunity.
• Chen Ping'an used Nether Prison Lock against the Ten Thousand Demons Sect Master, injuring him but failing to overcome the protection of his blood robe.
• Blood Nightmare Luo recognized Chen Ping'an's strength, and he and the Ten Thousand Demons Sect Master agreed to join forces to kill him before pursuing the opportunity.
• Chen Ping'an faced the two Pseudo-Celestials and declared that they could die as his vast aura surged outward.