Chapter Summaries

Xiao Yun introduced Shui Bing'er to skiing on White Phoenix Snow Mountain, explained how skis worked, and showed her an expert descent. Shui Bing'er asked him to teach her, and he agreed after warning her about the risks and giving her safety rules.

• Xiao Yun explained skiing to Shui Bing'er and demonstrated how a board could spread weight across the snow.
• Xiao Yun showed Shui Bing'er a light-screen image of an expert skiing down a steep mountain slope.
• Shui Bing'er asked Xiao Yun to teach her, and she said her Ice Phoenix Martial Soul could help protect her.
• Xiao Yun agreed to teach Shui Bing'er after checking that she was serious.
• Xiao Yun gave Shui Bing'er nine skiing safety rules, including checking equipment, wearing protective clothing, and never skiing alone in the wilderness.

Xiao Yun taught Shui Bing'er to ski on White Phoenix Snow Peak, guiding her from a gentle slope to a steep descent. By the end of the day, Shui Bing'er had become confident on the slopes and noticed her Soul Power had grown purer.

• Xiao Yun formed Black Ice skis and taught Shui Bing'er the basics of moving, steering, and stopping.
• Shui Bing'er followed Xiao Yun down the southern slope, then wore black gauze to reduce the glare and protect against snow blindness.
• Xiao Yun and Shui Bing'er repeatedly skied the southern slope until Shui Bing'er could turn and control her speed with ease.
• Xiao Yun led Shui Bing'er down the steeper northern slope, where she followed him through a narrow passage without slowing.
• After their final descent near dusk, Shui Bing'er noticed her aura was steadier and her Soul Power had become purer.

Shui Bing'er told Xiao Yun that her fifth Soul Power Metamorphosis had removed the bottleneck holding her back from becoming a Titled Douluo. The two built a snow house on the mountain and spent a warm, intimate night inside it.

• Shui Bing'er asked Xiao Yun to stay overnight on the snowy slope and build a snow house with her.
• Xiao Yun made molds and compressed snow into bricks while Shui Bing'er prepared the site and planned a round shelter.
• Xiao Yun and Shui Bing'er stacked and sealed the bricks, completing a semicircular snow house with a small entrance and ventilation opening.
• Xiao Yun furnished the snow house and lit a carefully tended bonfire to warm it.
• Xiao Yun and Shui Bing'er grilled dinner together as snow fell outside, then embraced and shared an intimate night inside the shelter.

Xiao Yun inspected the roads in his territory with Yao Zi and found several unfinished rural branches, then took her to the Star Dou Great Forest to train her wood spirit body. He demonstrated how to shape vines into a lifelike tiger after she practiced making simple beast forms.

• Xiao Yun invited Yao Zi to accompany him on an inspection of the roads outside the city.
• Xiao Yun found that several remote village roads remained unsurfaced and considered using concrete made from local limestone.
• Xiao Yun dismissed the carriage and flew with Yao Zi by Spirit Boat to the Star Dou Great Forest.
• Xiao Yun taught Yao Zi to sense the surrounding plants, and she practiced feeling the vines respond to her.
• Yao Zi shaped vines into simple beast forms, and Xiao Yun demonstrated by building a lifelike tiger from vines.

Xiao Yun used a Spirit Awakening Array to draw life force from the forest and improve Yao Zi’s Wood Spirit Body. After enduring the process, Yao Zi opened all Eight Extraordinary Meridians and began to release a previously suppressed ability.

• Xiao Yun advised Yao Zi to practice shaping her vines into snakes before attempting more complex beasts.
• Xiao Yun set up a Spirit Awakening Array around an old banyan tree and six other large trees to awaken Yao Zi’s Wood Spirit Body.
• Yao Zi entered the array and endured the life force flowing through her meridians as Xiao Yun maintained its operation.
• The array depleted its spirit stones, and Yao Zi opened all Eight Extraordinary Meridians.
• Yao Zi circulated True Qi repeatedly until it reached an invisible barrier above her head and her suppressed aura began to release.

Yao Zi broke through to the second level of the Eastern Azure Emperor Wood Path Formula and began transforming her True Qi into Spiritual Power. Xiao Yun demonstrated wood-element spells for her, leaving her with a view of the Myriad Wood Spear Forest.

• Yao Zi sensed the changes in her body after her cultivation breakthrough and found she could perceive the roots of a nearby banyan tree.
• Xiao Yun congratulated Yao Zi on becoming a Refining Qi and Transforming Spirit cultivator, and Yao Zi confirmed her cultivation method had reached its second level.
• Xiao Yun explained the difference between Martial Skills and spells, then demonstrated the Growth Technique, Wood Shield Technique, and Wood Wall Technique.
• Xiao Yun demonstrated a wood spear, the Wood Man Technique, and the Wood Dragon Technique, explaining their uses and costs.
• Xiao Yun activated the Myriad Wood Spear Forest, raising hundreds of wooden spikes from the ground.

Xiao Yun demonstrated wood-element spells to Yao Zi and passed their cultivation knowledge to her, then carved a shelter beside a forest lake. They spent the night together, and the next morning Yao Zi urged him to return before Yue'er became angry.

• Xiao Yun used the Wood Strangulation Technique, Myriad Flowers Flying, and Thorn Domain, then explained to Yao Zi how the thorns absorbed the trapped Soul Beasts' blood and Soul Power.
• Xiao Yun gave Yao Zi knowledge about cultivating the spells and carried her to a lakeside rock, where he carved a shelter.
• Yao Zi woke in the evening, ate grilled fish, and asked to stay overnight with Xiao Yun instead of returning.
• Xiao Yun taught Yao Zi about the spells under the moonlight, and they fell together.
• The next morning, Xiao Yun found Yao Zi making grilled fish for breakfast and noticed changes in her Wood Spirit Body as she told him to hurry back before Yue'er got angry.

Xiao Yun inspected Dragon Ascending Town’s coastal batteries and naval base with Shui Yue'er, checking their readiness and discussing the fleet’s future support needs. He left the Sea-Suppressing and its crews behind as the naval base continued its work.

• Yao Zi said goodbye to Xiao Yun and went to the back courtyard to cultivate.
• Xiao Yun and Shui Yue'er inspected the North Battery, where Xiao Yun checked its defenses and reminded the garrison to follow the artillery management rules.
• At the South Battery, Xiao Yun watched the coastal guards conduct a firing drill and praised their performance despite minor problems.
• Xiao Yun met with Ma Sanbao and the naval officers, directing them to plan a shipyard, expand the Wharf, and improve repairs, supplies, crew rotations, and hydrographic records.
• Xiao Yun boarded the Sea-Suppressing, recognized the sailors’ contributions, and departed the naval base with Shui Yue'er as dusk fell.

Xiao Yun took Shui Yue'er to a hidden noodle shop in Dragon Soaring City, then flew with her to Dragon Star Island so she could gather seafood at low tide. They explored the tidal flats together and returned to the Spirit Boat as the tide rose.

• Xiao Yun disguised himself and Shui Yue'er, and she led him to a secluded noodle shop where they ate three-delicacy hand-pulled noodles.
• Shui Yue'er told Xiao Yun she wanted to gather seafood at Dragon Star Island, and he agreed to take her there despite the unsafe waters.
• Xiao Yun summoned the Spirit Boat and flew with Shui Yue'er across the sea to Dragon Star Island.
• Shui Yue'er explored the tidal flats, collecting coral fragments and a pale purple conch shell while Xiao Yun followed nearby.
• As the tide began to rise, Shui Yue'er retraced her steps to the Spirit Boat, and Xiao Yun followed her.

Xiao Yun spent a quiet night with Shui Yue'er in a Wooden House he made by the beach, then returned her to the Lord's Mansion in the morning. He later disguised himself and Sheng Minglan so they could stroll through Dragon Ascending Town as an ordinary couple.

• Xiao Yun built a Wooden House by the sea and sat with Shui Yue'er as they held hands and spent the night together.
• Before dawn, Xiao Yun carried the sleeping Shui Yue'er back to her room at the Lord's Mansion and tucked her into bed.
• Sheng Minglan waited for Xiao Yun at breakfast and said she wanted to stroll through the streets.
• Xiao Yun disguised himself and Sheng Minglan with an illusion, and they walked hand in hand through Dragon Ascending Town.
• Sheng Minglan bought roasted almonds and indigo cotton cloth, then examined a bamboo basket before putting it back.

Xiao Yun and Sheng Minglan spent the day together before he carried her to Heavenly Delight Mountain and built a wooden villa on its summit. They shared dinner beneath the stars and went inside together, leaving their new retreat behind them in the moonlight.

• Sheng Minglan and Xiao Yun walked through town, shared noodles, and returned to the Lord's Mansion holding hands.
• Xiao Yun found Sheng Minglan working in the Finance Bureau, carried her away, and flew with her to Heavenly Delight Mountain.
• Xiao Yun cleared a mountaintop platform and used Wood Release: Villa Technique to build a wooden villa.
• Xiao Yun and Sheng Minglan watched the sunset from the balcony, ate dinner beneath the stars, and rested in rocking chairs.
• Xiao Yun carried Sheng Minglan inside as the moonlight fell over the villa's balcony.

Xiao Yun declared a Lantern Festival holiday for most departments and ordered projects and schools to resume full operations afterward. The Lord's Mansion's residents and guards hung lanterns throughout the courtyard, which Xiao Yun later walked through beneath their light.

• Xiao Yun announced that the fifteenth would be a holiday for every department except the Guard Army and Public Security Bureau, and set deadlines for projects and schools to begin full-scale work after the festival.
• Shui Yuntian agreed to post the notice before noon, and news of the holiday spread through the territory.
• Households began hanging paper lanterns along the streets, while Shui Ruoyan, Yao Yuerou, Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, Yao Zi, Sheng Minglan, and others decorated the Lord's Mansion.
• Huo Wushuang and Feng Xiaotian brought lanterns to the courtyard, while Xue Wu and Huo Wu helped arrange and adjust them.
• After dark, Xiao Yun straightened a wind-shifted lantern and walked through the courtyard beneath the newly hung lights.

Xiao Yun opened the Lantern Festival Eve banquet with a brief toast, then left the Training Ground so everyone could celebrate freely. Shui Ruoyan discovered Yao Yuerou dining privately with Xiao Yun and joined them, and the three went behind the screen together after the meal.

• Xiao Yun toasted the guests at the banquet and left the Training Ground.
• Huo Wushuang and Feng Xiaotian raised bowls of wine as the Imperial Guards and other guests began to relax and celebrate.
• Shui Ruoyan noticed Yao Yuerou's seat was empty and went to Xiao Yun's bedroom.
• Shui Ruoyan found Yao Yuerou eating with Xiao Yun, joined them at the table, and shared their meal.
• Yao Yuerou wiped sauce from Xiao Yun's fingers, then went behind the screen with Shui Ruoyan, followed by Xiao Yun.

Dragon Ascending Town celebrated the Lantern Festival as residents and officials filled its streets with lanterns, stalls, and crowds. The day continued peacefully under the watch of security officers stationed along Dragon Ascending Street.

• Shop owners and vendors hung lanterns and opened stalls across Dragon Ascending Town before dawn.
• Shui Yuntian walked through town, sampled sweet cakes, and looked over the festival stalls.
• Feng Wuhen visited the school, left yuanxiao and candles, and walked along the riverbank.
• Children, families, and townspeople browsed stalls and gathered beneath the lanterns throughout the day.
• Young people and older residents spent the festival strolling, shopping, and watching the crowds.
• Security officers stood watch in booths along Dragon Ascending Street as the festival continued peacefully.

Xiao Yun and the women walked along Dragon Ascending Street during the Lantern Festival, browsing stalls before reaching Dragon Creek. They released flower lanterns onto the river and watched them drift downstream.

• Xiao Yun walked with Shui Bing'er while Yao Zi, Shui Yue'er, and Sheng Minglan browsed Lantern Festival stalls and bought treats and trinkets.
• Shui Bing'er noticed Shui Yue'er's paper lantern but continued following Xiao Yun without asking for one.
• Xiao Yun selected flower lanterns at a riverbank stall and gave them to Shui Bing'er, Yao Zi, Shui Yue'er, and Sheng Minglan.
• Yao Zi and Shui Yue'er wrote on their lanterns, while Sheng Minglan set hers on the water.
• Sheng Minglan and Yao Zi released their lanterns into the current, where they drifted among the other lights downstream.

After releasing their flower lanterns, Xiao Yun took Shui Bing'er, Yao Zi, Shui Yue'er, and Sheng Minglan to his villa on Celestial Delight Peak, where they shared a late-night supper and wine. The five went into the inner room together, and Xiao Yun woke the next morning before the women and quietly left the bed.

• Shui Bing'er and Xiao Yun released their flower lanterns and walked back toward the main street together.
• Sheng Minglan asked Xiao Yun to take the group to the villa on Celestial Delight Peak, and he brought the four women there by Spirit Boat.
• Yao Zi suggested a late-night supper, and the women and Xiao Yun prepared and shared grilled meat, fruit, and wine on the balcony.
• Shui Yue'er and Yao Zi helped the relaxed Xiao Yun stand, and the five went together into the inner room.
• Xiao Yun woke the next morning with Shui Yue'er, Yao Zi, Sheng Minglan, and Shui Bing'er beside him, then slipped out of bed and left the room.

Xiao Yun prepared to leave Dragon Ascending Territory for Heaven Dou City and assigned its senior officials to manage the territory in his absence. Before departing, he gave them guidance on infrastructure, industry, education, security, and settlement policies.

• Xiao Yun returned to the Lord's Mansion with the four women and announced that he would leave for Heaven Dou City that afternoon.
• Xiao Yun put Shui Yuntian, Feng Wuhen, Huo Lie, Yao Yang, and the Sheng Family's Old Madam in charge of decisions and set priorities for roads, a naval survey, and workshop production.
• Xiao Yun instructed Huo Lie to schedule road and workshop supplies separately and told Ma Sanbao to prepare charts and extra provisions for the navy's voyage.
• Xiao Yun transmitted basic principles of electricity to Shui Yuntian and Yao Yang to help them develop the water turbine generator.
• Xiao Yun gave Feng Wuhen a framework for ordinary school textbooks and told Huo Lie to focus the Public Security Bureau and City Guard Corps on management and conduct.
• Xiao Yun told the Sheng Family's Old Madam how many soul master families of different ranks could settle in the territory.

Xiao Yun returned to Years Manor in Heaven Dou City with six women, where they reunited with Liu Erlong and the others. That evening, the manor held a welcome feast as its residents discussed academy plans and daily affairs.

• Xiao Yun gave Ma Sanbao a compass and a Voice Transmission Jade before the group departed.
• Xiao Yun piloted the Spirit Boat back to Years Manor with Shui Ruoyan, Yao Yuerou, Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, Yao Zi, and Sheng Minglan.
• Liu Erlong, Spirit Flame Maiden, and Dai Xiaozhao welcomed them and told Xiao Yun where the manor's other residents were.
• Xiao Yun invited everyone to a reunion dinner in the Hall of Time.
• At the feast, Liu Erlong, Tang Yuehua, Shui Ruoyan, and Yao Yuerou discussed academy preparations and etiquette instructors, while Dugu Yan, Xivia, and Shenghua talked about school life.

Xiao Yun hosted an evening banquet where the women shared news about academy plans, Snow Spirit Province, their cultivation, and their past experiences. After the guests gradually returned to their rooms, Xiao Yun remained alone at the table as the night quieted.

• Ning Rongrong said Blue Tyrant Academy would introduce a new practical combat course after the New Year, and Mao Xiangling reported encountering a suspicious Soul Hunter near the manor.
• Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, Yao Zi, and Sheng Minglan discussed Snow Spirit Province, family matters, and Yao Zi's cultivation breakthrough and newly gained Spiritual Sense.
• Shui Bing'er and Yao Zi reassured Sheng Minglan that her cultivation would improve quickly with Xiao Yun and the manor's Spirit-Gathering Formation.
• Shui Yue'er recalled surpassing her former Skywater Academy teammates in cultivation while keeping Water Moon Manor and Xiao Yun secret.
• Dai Xiaozhao, Spirit Flame Maiden, and Xue Qianren shared stories from their pasts.
• Xiao Yun invited the guests to toast, listened to the conversations without joining any group, and remained seated after everyone else left.

Xiao Yun held a secret ballot on whether Ye Lingling should study under him, and the estate agreed to accept her. He assigned Dugu Yan to deliver the news and discussed Dai Xiaozhao’s cultivation and schooling with Liu Erlong, leaving Xiaozhao to continue studying at the estate for now.

• Xiao Yun told everyone that Heaven Dou Academy’s education committee wanted Ye Lingling to study under him and asked them to decide whether to accept her.
• Xiao Yun held a secret ballot, and the group voted six in favor, three against, and eight abstentions, so he agreed to take Ye Lingling as a disciple.
• Xiao Yun decided Ye Lingling would live in Start of Winter Courtyard and asked Dugu Yan to inform the education committee members.
• Dai Xiaozhao told Xiao Yun she had reached level 34 Soul Elder and obtained two Thousand-Year Spirit Rings with Liu Erlong’s help.
• Xiao Yun urged Dai Xiaozhao to train toward the Star Luo Empire’s Imperial Court Duel while balancing cultivation and studies.
• Liu Erlong explained that Dai Xiaozhao could not yet keep up academically at Blue Tyrant Academy, so she would study at the estate until her level improved.