Chapter Summaries

Chen Ping'an confronted Luohou, who offered to trade with him in a desolate forest. Chen Ping'an acquired fourth-rank water-compatible treasure ore and a concealment technique derived from a True Scroll, then stopped to hear Luohou out as he called him back.

• Chen Ping'an revealed that he had detected Luohou following him and warned that he would kill him if he continued hiding.
• Luohou emerged from the gray mist and proposed a trade, while Chen Ping'an demanded rare demon-beast flesh or a True Scroll before they discussed other goods.
• Chen Ping'an traded for a substantial piece of fourth-rank treasure ore compatible with the power of the Deep Sea Waters.
• After inspecting the technique's core essence twice, Chen Ping'an negotiated with Luohou and paid with the White Bone Secret Technique, the Withered Wood Eternal Spring Skill, and nearly fifty thousand Origin Crystals for the Formless Freedom Method.
• Chen Ping'an confirmed that the concealment method carried a trace of inherited artistic conception and prepared to leave, but Luohou called him back.

Chen Ping'an confronted Cao Yingxiong over credit for defeating a Ten Thousand Demons Sect elder, and Cao Yingxiong threatened him while claiming the elder’s weapon. Chen Ping'an prepared to fight, but the arrival of three Universe Control Division subordinates made him conceal his killing intent and postpone the confrontation.

• Chen Ping'an recognized Cao Yingxiong as a powerful Profound Light High Realm expert and assessed how his own techniques might fare against him.
• Cao Yingxiong praised Chen Ping'an while proposing to report the elder’s defeat to the Universe Control Division, and Chen Ping'an insisted that the credit belonged with the Town Pacification Office.
• Cao Yingxiong seized the elder’s Serrated Dagger and warned Chen Ping'an not to pursue what others refused to give him.
• Chen Ping'an planned an attack using his Three Points of Human Tribulation Finger and Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill, intending to test his strength against Cao Yingxiong.
• Zhao Zhitin, Lu Shengyang, and Lin Wanying arrived, so Chen Ping'an concealed his killing intent and decided to wait for another chance to confront Cao Yingxiong.

Chen Ping'an left Northern Cang, bid farewell to Mu Wanjun in Wei River County City, and traveled toward Thunderclap to take up his new post as Chief Inspector General. His appointment stirred speculation among Thunderclap’s officials and factions as his carriage entered the region.

• Chen Ping'an handed Northern Cang's affairs to Lu Yuanzai, who officially became its Garrison Commander, then departed with a small escort.
• Chen Ping'an returned to Wei River County City, reunited with old acquaintances, and spent a final night with Mu Wanjun before leaving her pills, armor, and other supplies.
• Chen Ping'an considered the dangers of Thunderclap Mountain and planned to sell spoils, seek rare resources, and earn merit by confronting rogue cultivators.
• Wu Benqing and Gu Loping received news of Chen Ping'an's appointment and wondered whether he had come to inspect or interfere with their interests.
• Feng Wuhen heard of Chen Ping'an's transfer but remained focused on his growing Sword Path and his feelings for Qingchan.
• Officials throughout Thunderclap debated Chen Ping'an's reputation, strength, and motives as his carriage entered the region.

Chen Ping'an met Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office Deputy Division Head Yao Guang, who praised his recent achievements and treated him to rare Snow Spirit Tea. Yao Guang then appointed Chen Ping'an Chief Inspector of the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office, leaving him set to transfer to Leiming and enter the provincial inspection system.

• Chen Ping'an considered how his recent victories had brought him close to exchanging merit points for a Supreme Divine Skill or a powerful Divine Weapon.
• Yao Guang summoned Chen Ping'an and praised him for slaying Rotten Bone Granny, while passing on commendations from Director Zhang and the Sect Master.
• Yao Guang served Chen Ping'an Snow Spirit Tea and discussed his Northern Sea Chamber of Commerce Alliance friend and the Snow God Palace.
• Chen Ping'an reflected on the formidable prodigy Xuan Yueli, then resolved to become invincible among his peers within three years.
• Yao Guang read Chen Ping'an's appointment as Chief Inspector of the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office, granting him a Senior Division Head Candidate Title and ordering his transfer to Leiming.

Chen Ping'an and Gu Qingchan were ambushed in the Mystic Spirit Mountain Range by Blood Demon Venerable, Deadly Poison Old Man, Treasure Staff Wanderer, and Golden Ring Protector. Gu Qingchan fought off the four while trying to protect Chen Ping'an, but Golden Ring Protector broke through her spiritual attack and charged at him.

• Gu Qingchan sensed an ambush, and four demonic heretics revealed themselves and blocked the pair's escape.
• Deadly Poison Old Man, Blood Demon Venerable, Treasure Staff Wanderer, and Golden Ring Protector attacked Gu Qingchan, who defended herself with the Ice Lotus Treasure Lamp and Snow Soul Silk.
• Chen Ping'an charged toward the battle as Gu Qingchan tried to keep Treasure Staff Wanderer and Golden Ring Protector from reaching him.
• Gu Qingchan unleashed Mystic Moon Soul Sever against the two, but Blood Demon Venerable and Deadly Poison Old Man used the opening to overwhelm her defenses.
• Golden Ring Protector escaped the spiritual assault and rushed toward Chen Ping'an, striking at him with Golden Ring Subdues the World.

Chen Ping'an’s authority helped unite Thunderclap’s factions in a sweeping campaign against the fiends, while he cultivated and prepared for an upcoming auction in Mystic Spirit. As Tyrant Saber neared perfection, a mysterious figure arrived above the battlefield and took notice of Chen Ping'an.

• Chen Ping'an let exaggerated street romances about himself circulate because they eased public tension, while his subordinates mistakenly thought he welcomed the gossip and fueled it further.
• Chen Ping'an entrusted Feng Wuhen with the encirclement campaign as Thunderclap’s factions contributed forces and resources; Wu Benqing and Gu Loping remained silent, and the suppression advanced with little resistance.
• Chen Ping'an refined his Divine Weapons, considered selling spoils and attending the Mystic Spirit auction, and continued investigating the Dream Illusion Pearl and the Purple Eye Demon Lord.
• After more than half a month of cultivation, Chen Ping'an raised Tyrant Saber to 3035 points, bringing it close to perfection as reports of victories arrived from the Leiming Suppression Campaign.
• As Thunderclap forces fought the fiend remnants, a mysterious man in a Black Patterned Demonic Robe observed the battle from above and identified Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an as a Hidden Dragon Heavenly Talent.

Chen Ping'an assassinated Li Wusheng in a carefully prepared attack, overcoming his defenses and killing him before collecting his belongings and destroying his corpse. As Chen Ping'an cleaned up the scene, someone from the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office approached.

• Li Wusheng considered his plans to delay Chen Ping'an’s promotion and assassinate him after he left Azure Dragon Province City.
• A Spirituality Secret Thrust struck Li Wusheng, and a concealed attacker drove him into a Four Directions Command Flags confinement domain.
• The Gray-robed Old Man overwhelmed Li Wusheng with successive attacks, thwarted his desperate counterattack, and killed him.
• Chen Ping'an took Li Wusheng’s Thousand Mechanisms Pouch and Black Jade Rings, then turned his body into bloody foam and began clearing the aftermath.
• Chen Ping'an spotted a streak of light from the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office heading toward him.

Gu Qingchan unleashed the Wishful Exquisite Ring and killed Treasure Staff Wanderer, but Deadly Poison Old Man poisoned her with Mysterious Wood Poison before she killed him. Blood Demon Venerable fled as Chen Ping'an broke through to Jade Balance Middle Stage Perfection, and Gu Qingchan took his hand and escaped with him.

• Chen Ping'an held off the Golden Ring Protector while Gu Qingchan fought Blood Demon Venerable, Deadly Poison Old Man, and Treasure Staff Wanderer.
• Gu Qingchan revealed the Wishful Exquisite Ring, whose azure waterlight disrupted her enemies’ techniques and helped her kill Treasure Staff Wanderer.
• Deadly Poison Old Man struck Gu Qingchan with Mysterious Wood Poison, but she pressed her attack and fatally wounded him.
• Deadly Poison Old Man detonated himself, creating a massive shockwave that opened a chance for Blood Demon Venerable to flee.
• Chen Ping'an broke through to Jade Balance Middle Stage Perfection and pursued Blood Demon Venerable with Overlord Heaven Slash.
• Gu Qingchan emerged from the shockwaves, seized Chen Ping'an’s hand, and fled with him.

Chen Ping'an returned to the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office with Feng Wuhen and presented the Golden Ring Protector’s head to Wu Benqing as proof of merit. His arrival stunned the officials, who realized that Reckless Saber had killed a Top Great Grandmaster.

• Feng Wuhen eagerly welcomed Gu Qingchan, but she greeted him formally and quickly dismissed him to attend to her affairs.
• Chen Ping'an left with Feng Wuhen for the Thunderclap Town Pacification Office after Gu Qingchan agreed to discuss her business with him the next day.
• Chen Ping'an and Feng Wuhen arrived at the office, where news of Chen Ping'an's return quickly spread and startled its personnel.
• Gu Loping and Wu Benqing came to meet Chen Ping'an, and he said he needed Wu Benqing to report his merits.
• Chen Ping'an opened a box containing the Golden Ring Protector's severed head, shocking Wu Benqing, Gu Loping, Feng Wuhen, and the others.

Chen Ping'an and Luohou discussed joining forces to explore the Netherworld Secret Realm, which was expected to open within a year or two. After Luohou departed, Chen Ping'an revealed he had hidden nearby and weighed the danger of confronting Luohou and his Fourth-Tier Strange Bird before leaving.

• Luohou invited Chen Ping'an to explore the Netherworld Secret Realm with his group and gave him a way to contact him in Wentian City.
• Chen Ping'an left the invitation open and warned Luohou to be more careful before departing.
• Luohou reflected that Chen Ping'an had detected his pursuit and explained that his Fourth-Tier Strange Bird's alarm had made him abandon his plan to attack.
• Luohou believed he had profited from trading the Formless Freedom Method and the Fourth-Tier water area treasure ore for other techniques and resources.
• Chen Ping'an emerged from hiding and concluded that Luohou and his strange bird made a fight too risky, then left under cover of night.

Chen Ping'an completed his trade with Lan Yingjun, receiving the Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm manual and other resources while Lan Yingying prepared to rebuild her Dao Foundation with Yin Yang Dew. After Chen Ping'an received the technique’s Inheritance Jade Book, a mysterious crimson-faced figure sensed a breakthrough near Black Mist Valley and descended toward it.

• Lan Yingying recognized Chen Ping'an’s Yin Yang Dew, apologized for prying, and accepted the trade, while Chen Ping'an praised Lan Yingjun’s filial efforts.
• Chen Ping'an received Azure Water, poison pills, alchemy notes, and the Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm manual, then waited in the valley for Lan Yingjun to impart the technique’s artistic conception.
• Chen Ping'an considered using Azure Water in his next blood refinement and studied the palm technique, but found its poison principles too difficult to grasp without the inherited artistic conception.
• Lan Yingjun gave Chen Ping'an an Inheritance Jade Book containing the palm technique’s intent as Lan Yingying went into seclusion to rebuild her Dao Foundation.
• A crimson-faced figure sensed someone breaking through near Black Mist Valley, decided to investigate for a possible gain, and flew down toward the valley.

Chen Ping'an returned to the battle at Dragon Peace Stronghold and killed Rotten Bone Granny, rescuing Zhou Zhaowu and the Earth Splitting Rock Bear. His arrival turned the tide and left Blood Spirit Child facing him as he tried to flee.

• Nie Yunlong and the Long'an Grandmasters continued their siege of Yang Ziyan and Yin Jiuyou as the battle around Dragon Peace Stronghold devastated the area.
• Rotten Bone Granny exploited the Earth Splitting Rock Bear's rampage, trapped it in a Gray Fine Net, and struck Zhou Zhaowu down when he tried to intervene.
• Chen Ping'an arrived carrying a head and wounded Rotten Bone Granny with a powerful saber strike, then killed her with Tyrant Saber, Severing Earth Strike.
• Zhou Zhaowu and the watching Grandmasters reacted in shock to Rotten Bone Granny's death, while Blood Spirit Child decided to retreat.
• Blood Spirit Child beat back Du Moyuan and fled, but Chen Ping'an blocked his path and warned him that he would not escape.

Raging Wave Guest and Earth Splitting Old Man invited Chen Ping'an to meet Azure Prince Ji Changkong, stirring public pressure while Shen Huiqing wrestled with whether to interrupt his seclusion. Chen Ping'an created the Bewildering Eye and planned his cultivation and identities, then sensed that visitors had arrived and prepared to face them.

• Raging Wave Guest and Earth Splitting Old Man personally invited Chen Ping'an to Ji Changkong's manor, and their visit sparked heated discussion across Mystic Spirit Major City.
• Cao Penghai welcomed the mounting conflict, while Raging Wave Guest and Earth Splitting Old Man trusted that Shen Huiqing would notify Chen Ping'an.
• Shen Huiqing struggled to decide whether to interrupt Chen Ping'an's seclusion, but a visiting woman resolved her dilemma.
• Chen Ping'an created the Soul Secret Technique Bewildering Eye, reviewed his martial progress, and planned how to develop his techniques and alternate identities.
• Chen Ping'an sensed someone outside his residence, rose from his jade cushion, and prepared to meet the visitors.

Lan Yingjun visited Chen Ping'an to trade for a spiritual item that could help her mother reshape her foundation and continue her Dao Path. They agreed on a deal and set out together to test the item, leaving its effectiveness and Lan Yingying’s future unresolved.

• Shen Huiqing brought Lan Yingjun to Chen Ping'an’s residence on Mystic Spirit Mountain, where he received her after emerging from seclusion.
• Chen Ping'an negotiated with Lan Yingjun, securing a Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm jade book with some inheritance intent and Azure Fire Poison-Repelling Water among other items in exchange for a small bottle of diluted Yin Yang Dew.
• Chen Ping'an and Lan Yingjun agreed that he would accompany her to test whether his spiritual item worked, with the trade proceeding if it did.
• Lan Yingjun urged Chen Ping'an to leave at once because her mother’s condition could not wait, and he agreed to go with her.

After Chen Ping'an killed Raging Waves Splitting the Earth, news of their deaths shook Mystic Spirit Major City and left Ji Changkong devastated. Untroubled by the uproar, Chen Ping'an traveled with Lan Yingjun toward a Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm transaction, where he encountered several cultivators caught by a mysterious suction force.

• Shen Huiqing delivered Raging Waves Splitting the Earth's heads to Ji Changkong and warned that Chen Ping'an could send another grand gift if he remained dissatisfied.
• Ji Changkong broke down over his defeat by Chen Ping'an, while Ning'er promised to stay by his side.
• Cao Penghai, the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office, and Lan Taiwen learned of the deaths and feared Chen Ping'an's rising strength.
• Rumors spread through Mystic Spirit Major City that Chen Ping'an could rank among the Wind and Cloud Great Grandmasters, even though he was not yet twenty-eight.
• Chen Ping'an left Mystic Spirit City with Lan Yingjun and headed toward the Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm transaction, reflecting on his concealed Celestial Realm strength.
• Several cultivators flying through the mountains were dragged down by an invisible force and saw a Lotus Robe Man with a revolving Lotus Ring before one of them fell unconscious.

Chen Ping'an visited Lan Yingjun and Lan Yingying in their secluded valley to complete a trade involving Yin Yang Dew and the Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm. Lan Yingying accepted the arrangement, and the chapter ended as she recognized the rare item Chen Ping'an presented and asked where he had obtained it.

• Lan Yingjun led Chen Ping'an through the fog and restrictions to her hidden valley, then went to tell her mother about the trade.
• Lan Yingying objected when she learned Lan Yingjun had promised Chen Ping'an part of the Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm’s inherited artistic conception, but Lan Yingjun persuaded her that the risks were limited.
• Lan Yingjun assured Lan Yingying that bearing part of the artistic conception would not harm her foundation, and Lan Yingying agreed to proceed with the trade.
• Chen Ping'an met Lan Yingying, exchanged pleasantries with her, and presented a bottle of diluted Yin Yang Dew.
• Lan Yingying recognized the Yin Yang Dew and asked Chen Ping'an where he had obtained it.

Chen Ping'an defeated and killed Raging Wave Guest and Earth Splitting Old Man after they attacked him outside Mystic Spirit City. He sent their heads to Ji Changkong, who learned that the two elders had returned only as corpses.

• Ji Changkong heard that Chen Ping'an had left seclusion and ordered him to wait in the side hall while he sought more information about the veiled woman.
• Cao Penghai learned that Chen Ping'an had left Mystic Spirit City with Shen Huiqing and went out to witness what happened.
• Chen Ping'an overwhelmed Raging Wave Guest and Earth Splitting Old Man, who joined forces and prepared to use their trump cards.
• Chen Ping'an killed both elders with two saber strikes after they briefly combined their secret arts to withstand him.
• Chen Ping'an gave Shen Huiqing the elders' heads to deliver to Ji Changkong, then left with Lan Yingjun.
• Cao Penghai arrived too late to see the battle, while Ji Changkong received news that Raging Wave Guest and Earth Splitting Old Man had returned as heads.

Chen Ping'an met Yun Ya, a woman disguised as a young master, who sought his friendship and possessed Premium Snow Spirit Leaves. He bought the leaves from her and departed, agreeing to meet again after she mentioned her family’s Saber Dao Treasure Scroll.

• Tong Changchun introduced Chen Ping'an to Yun Ya, who revealed her identity and said she wished to befriend him.
• Chen Ping'an asked Yun Ya for Snow Spirit Leaves, and she showed him a box of Premium Snow Spirit Leaves.
• Yun Ya offered to give him the leaves, but Chen Ping'an insisted on paying, and they agreed on a price.
• Chen Ping'an inspected the jade box, paid Yun Ya, and took the Premium Snow Spirit Leaves.
• As Chen Ping'an left, Yun Ya mentioned her family’s Saber Dao Treasure Scroll and said she awaited his return gift; he said he looked forward to meeting her again.

Chen Ping'an secluded himself to cultivate the Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm and study the Heavenly Lotus Sect's plans from the Lotus Mist Man's damaged memories. He reached Initiation but failed to advance to the Guan Hong Realm, then decided to confront the sect's group in Xuanling and test his strength while seeking gains.

• Chen Ping'an left Lan Yingjun and flew to a mountain range to cultivate in seclusion.
• Chen Ping'an established protective restrictions and reviewed the useful information he had glimpsed from the Lotus Mist Man's soul.
• Chen Ping'an cultivated the Five Poison Earthly Fiend Palm to Initiation, but it did not form a true Spirit Bridge or advance his realm.
• Chen Ping'an learned that a Heavenly Lotus Sect Supreme Elder and several powerful Pseudo Celestials planned an operation in Xuanling after the Grand Event.
• Chen Ping'an resolved to act soon, aiming to test his battle strength and gather gains, and summoned numerous items before him.

Chen Ping'an studied the Formless Freedom Method, then focused his secluded cultivation on the Grand Void Wind Riding Step. After half a month, the step reached perfection and strengthened his martial path, while Ji Changkong and Raging Waves Splitting the Earth continued waiting in Mystic Spirit Major City for him to emerge.

• Chen Ping'an comprehended the remnant Formless Freedom Method and grasped nearly one-tenth of its cultivation framework.
• Chen Ping'an cultivated the method for a day, found its progress slower than the Grand Void Wind Riding Step, and temporarily shifted his focus to the latter.
• Chen Ping'an continued his secluded studies and preparations as half a month passed and the Xuanling Grand Gathering's crowds dispersed.
• Ji Changkong and Raging Waves Splitting the Earth remained in Mystic Spirit Major City, waiting to visit Chen Ping'an after his seclusion.
• Chen Ping'an perfected the Grand Void Wind Riding Step, and his soul power and martial path advanced another step.