Chapter Summaries

Ling Xiao chose not to interfere directly with Kong Xuan’s attempt to recruit the Azure Luan Clan and began plotting to use the mission reward against him. Meanwhile, Kong Xuan visited West Kunlun, where the Sages expected Queen Mother of the West to reject him and invited her to the Heavenly Court’s Bestowment Ceremony.

• Ling Xiao chose to watch the conflict unfold, received Yuan Feng’s Nirvana Divine Fire, and planned to use it to turn the Phoenix Clan against Kong Xuan.
• Ling Xiao infused the Ren Water Flat Peach with Tongtian Jianmu’s origin, advancing it into a Top-Grade Primordial Spiritual Root, then began comprehending lightning and life laws.
• At Jade Void Palace, Grand Pure Laozi discovered that Kong Xuan had gone to West Kunlun to visit Queen Mother of the West.
• Zhen Yuanzi argued that Queen Mother of the West would favor the Heavenly Court over the Sect of Interception and suggested inviting her to the Bestowment Ceremony.
• Zhen Yuanzi gave Yuanshi Tianzun an invitation for Yang Chan to deliver to Queen Mother of the West, while Jieyin anticipated Kong Xuan’s failure.

The Queen Mother of the West planned to turn Kong Xuan’s attempt to subdue the Azure Luan Clan into a pretext for punishing him and earning favor with the Heavenly Court. After Yang Chan delivered Zhen Yuanzi’s invitation and asked about Kong Xuan, the Queen Mother assured her that a confrontation was imminent.

• The Queen Mother of the West persuaded Qing Zhi to pretend to cooperate with Kong Xuan, then use his actions against him and claim the Wu Tong Tree for herself.
• The Queen Mother of the West told Qing Zhi to bring Yang Chan to her dojo before meeting Kong Xuan.
• Yang Chan delivered Zhen Yuanzi’s invitation, and the Queen Mother of the West welcomed the chance to form ties with the Heavenly Court.
• The Queen Mother of the West offered to let Yang Chan choose a member of the Azure Luan Clan as her mount, and Yang Chan agreed to convey the offer to the Jade Emperor and Queen Mother.
• Yang Chan asked the Queen Mother of the West about Kong Xuan, and the Queen Mother declared that she would not tolerate his claim on the Azure Luan Clan as Kong Xuan approached.

Kong Xuan tried to force the Azure Luan Clan to submit, believing Queen Mother of the West’s seclusion left the clan vulnerable. Qing Zhi’s staged resistance drew him into attacking the valley’s restriction formation, where Qing Xuan launched a surprise strike against him.

• Kong Xuan arrived at Queen Mother of the West’s Dao field and demanded to meet her, but Qing Zhi said she was in closed-door cultivation and refused to discuss his proposal.
• Kong Xuan used his late-stage Quasi-Sage aura and Phoenix bloodline to injure Qing Zhi, then offered the Azure Luan Clan Nirvana Divine Fire if they acknowledged their ancestry and submitted to him.
• Several dozen elders knelt before Kong Xuan, and Qing Xuan urged the clansmen to join him while Qing Zhi feigned anguish at their betrayal.
• Kong Xuan demanded that Qing Zhi open the valley’s restriction formation, but she refused, so he used the Five-Colored Divine Light to attack it.
• As Kong Xuan prepared another strike, Qing Xuan burned his essence and blood to attack him from behind, and Kong Xuan instinctively swung the Five-Colored Divine Light at him.

Qing Zhi and Qing Xuan framed Kong Xuan for attacking West Kunlun and slaughtering Azure Luan Clan members, allowing Queen Mother of the West to suppress him. Queen Mother of the West planned to take the case to Jade Void Palace and force Tongtian to return to Kunlun Mountain, leaving Kong Xuan imprisoned and desperate to spare his master that humiliation.

• Qing Xuan survived Kong Xuan’s Five-Colored Divine Light with the Plain Cloud Flag while Qing Zhi accused Kong Xuan of attacking the sacred ground and killing Azure Luan Clan members.
• Kong Xuan realized Qing Zhi and Qing Xuan had baited him, then attacked them to silence them before Queen Mother of the West could arrive.
• Queen Mother of the West emerged with Yang Chan and Azure Luan Clan members, halted Kong Xuan’s attack, and blamed him for his crimes.
• Queen Mother of the West used her three Top-Grade Primordial Spiritual Treasures and laws of pure yin to seal Kong Xuan’s Mana and take him prisoner.
• Queen Mother of the West announced she would seek judgment at Jade Void Palace and make Tongtian return to Kunlun Mountain, while Kong Xuan begged her not to involve his master.

Kong Xuan was brought to Jade Void Palace after Queen Mother of the West exposed his defeat and the Azure Luan Clan’s plot. He accepted blame for being careless and tried to protect Tongtian, but Queen Mother of the West refused his demands, and the messenger had already reached Golden Turtle Island.

• Queen Mother of the West brought Kong Xuan to Jade Void Palace, where the Sect of Enlightenment disciples mocked him and praised Yang Chan’s Azure Luan mount.
• Perfected Lord Jade Tripod advised Qing Zhi to have the Azure Luan Clan pledge loyalty to the Heavenly Court and seek guidance at the Bestowment Ceremony.
• Yuanshi Tianzun urged Queen Mother of the West to build a relationship with Ling Xiao, and she agreed to bring the Azure Luan Clan to the Heavenly Court.
• Grand Pure Laozi questioned Kong Xuan, who admitted his carelessness and asked them to direct any punishment at him rather than insult Tongtian.
• Grand Pure Laozi freed Kong Xuan from his restraints, but Kong Xuan accused Queen Mother of the West of scheming for Heavenly Court benefits and asked her to recall the messenger.
• Queen Mother of the West refused, revealing that the messenger had already arrived at Golden Turtle Island.

The Sect of Interception debated how to rescue Kong Xuan without disrupting Tongtian’s recovery, and Duobao, Our Lady of Wudang, and Yun Xiao set out for Kunlun Mountain to negotiate. Tongtian learned of Kong Xuan’s plight and accepted more of the Heavenly Dao’s will to recover faster, leaving his fate increasingly bound to it.

• Jinguang Xian and Our Lady of Golden Spirit condemned the Queen Mother of the West for framing Kong Xuan and worried that seeking Tongtian’s help would humiliate the Sect of Interception.
• Qiong Xiao proposed sending senior disciples to Kunlun Mountain to apologize and compensate the Azure Luan Clan, while Yun Xiao suggested invoking Kong Xuan’s role as the Great Shang Dynasty’s guardian divine beast.
• Our Lady of Wudang agreed to go with Duobao and Yun Xiao, and Duobao opened a spatial gate for their journey to Kunlun Mountain.
• Holy Mother Turtle Spirit blamed Ling Xiao for the Sect of Interception’s troubles, while Jinguang Xian warned that the sect could not afford to provoke Demon Ancestor Rahu or confront Ling Xiao directly.
• Tongtian learned of Kong Xuan’s predicament, condemned the Queen Mother of the West, and hoped Duobao would rescue his disciple.
• Tongtian stopped resisting the Heavenly Dao’s will and accepted its restraints to accelerate his recovery, despite becoming more tightly bound to it.

Ling Xiao mastered the Laws of Lightning and Life and set out for Kunlun Mountain with Wangshu, intending to remove Kong Xuan from the Phoenix Clan and advance his plans for the Bestowment Ceremony. At Kunlun Mountain, Daoist Duobao, Our Lady of Wudang, and Yun Xiao faced the Sect of Enlightenment and hostile Saints as they sought to rescue Kong Xuan.

• Ling Xiao decided to go to Kunlun Mountain and bring Wangshu to the Bestowment Ceremony after settling the matter there.
• Daoist Duobao, Our Lady of Wudang, and Yun Xiao arrived at Kunlun Mountain and saw that Yuanshi Tianzun had restored Ling Xiao's former cave abode as East Pole Dao Palace.
• Antarctic Immortal and Perfected Lord Jade Tripod taunted the three disciples, while Our Lady of Wudang threatened to fight the Sect of Enlightenment if necessary.
• Daoist Duobao, Our Lady of Wudang, and Yun Xiao entered Jade Void Palace and paid respects to the Saints and Queen Mother of the West.
• Yuanshi Tianzun feigned a warm welcome and mocked Tongtian for not attending, while Zhunti sarcastically praised Tongtian's recovery from his injuries.

Ling Xiao arrived at Jade Void Palace as the Sect of Interception tried to negotiate Kong Xuan’s release, and he invoked heavenly law to condemn Kong Xuan while displaying his mastery of the Law of Lightning. Yun Xiao saw Wangshu beside Ling Xiao and fell deeper into regret over losing her chance with him.

• Our Lady of Wudang asked Yuanshi Tianzun, Zhunti, Queen Mother of the West, and Qing Zhi to spare Kong Xuan, but Qing Zhi demanded an explanation for the Azure Luan Clan deaths and said the Heavenly Court should judge his actions in West Kunlun.
• Kong Xuan rejected the accusations, struck Qing Zhi with his aura, and clashed with Randeng until Ling Xiao and Wangshu arrived at Jade Void Palace.
• Yun Xiao saw Wangshu alongside Nuwa and Pingxin, felt unworthy of competing with Wangshu for Ling Xiao, and regretted severing her bond with him.
• Ling Xiao condemned Kong Xuan for slaughtering the Azure Luan Clan and declared that heavenly law called for Purple Firmament Divine Lightning, while offering him a chance to reconcile with Queen Mother of the West and Qing Zhi.
• Grand Pure Laozi and Zhen Yuanzi praised Ling Xiao after he displayed his perfected mastery of the Law of Lightning, and Ling Xiao modestly credited his success to fortune.

Ling Xiao revealed that he possessed Yuan Feng’s Nirvana Divine Fire and invited Qing Zhi to bring the Azure Luan Clan into the Heavenly Court. Kong Xuan lost the Wu Tong Tree to compensate the clan, while Ling Xiao warned that further retribution would come at the Bestowment Ceremony.

• Ling Xiao revealed Yuan Feng’s Nirvana Divine Fire, enraging Kong Xuan, who demanded its return.
• Ling Xiao invited Qing Zhi to lead the Azure Luan Clan into the Heavenly Court, and she agreed.
• Qing Zhi absorbed the Nirvana Divine Fire and demanded the Wu Tong Tree as compensation for Kong Xuan’s slaughter of her clansmen.
• Kong Xuan tried to attack Qing Zhi, but Yuanshi Tianzun subdued him, and Jieyin urged him to take the Wu Tong Tree as compensation.
• Yuanshi Tianzun extracted the Wu Tong Tree from Kong Xuan, causing his self corpse to begin dispersing.
• Ling Xiao warned Kong Xuan that retribution for offending Queen Mother of the West would be decided at the Bestowment Ceremony.

At the Jade Void Palace, Ling Xiao gave Qing Zhi the Phoenix relics and spiritual treasures Kong Xuan had hoped to claim, helping her rise to the mid Quasi-Sage realm. Qing Zhi and Qing Xuan then set out to bring the Phoenix Clan under the Heavenly Court, while Kong Xuan watched helplessly and regretted driving Ling Xiao from the Sect of Interception.

• Ling Xiao gave Qing Zhi the Li Fire Divine Furnace and declared that she could guide the Phoenix Clan toward redemption under the Heavenly Court.
• Qing Zhi refined Primordial Phoenix's Nirvana Divine Fire as Kong Xuan grieved, and Ling Xiao rebuked him until he vomited blood.
• Zhunti stopped Duobao and the other Sect of Interception disciples from leaving the Jade Void Palace before Qing Zhi advanced.
• With help from the Sages, Ling Xiao, and Queen Mother of the West, Qing Zhi used the Wu Tong Tree and Li Earth Flame Light Flag to reach the mid Quasi-Sage realm.
• Ling Xiao ordered Qing Zhi to lead the Azure Luan Clan to Undying Volcano and bring the Phoenix and Azure Luan Clans to the Heavenly Court's Bestowment Ceremony.
• Qing Zhi and Qing Xuan departed with several hundred Azure Luan experts, while Kong Xuan watched helplessly and regretted forcing Ling Xiao out of the Sect of Interception.

The Queen Mother of the West sought Ling Xiao’s help over her awkward status, and he reassured her that she could join the Heavenly Court; Wangshu also gave her a cultivation opportunity. Duobao’s group returned to Golden Ao Island after their humiliating failure, while Kong Xuan received Duobao’s Golden Bowl to replace the vessel for his self corpse. Sect Master Tongtian continued absorbing the Heavenly Dao’s origin, resigned to the path he had chosen.

• The Queen Mother of the West asked Ling Xiao for help, and he advised her to join the Heavenly Court and resolve the misunderstanding with the Queen Mother.
• Pingxin assured the Queen Mother of the West that they would not make things difficult for her, and Wangshu helped deepen her comprehension of the Law of Pure Yin.
• Duobao concluded that the situation was lost and gave Kong Xuan his Golden Bowl to serve as a vessel for his self corpse.
• Duobao, Our Lady of Wudang, Yun Xiao, and Kong Xuan returned to Golden Ao Island, where the Sect of Interception learned of their humiliation and erupted in anger.
• Yun Xiao went to cultivate, while Sect Master Tongtian accelerated his absorption of the Heavenly Dao’s origin and accepted that there was no turning back.

The Heavenly Court prepared for its Bestowment Ceremony as Haotian praised Ling Xiao’s contributions and the assembled great beings discussed appointments and factional affairs. The Sages and Ling Xiao’s party arrived to acclaim, while Primal Lord of Heaven pointed out that Tongtian and the Sect of Interception were still absent.

• Haotian told Qiongqi that Ling Xiao had made the Heavenly Court prosperous and promised an even grander celebration for Ling Xiao’s wedding to Wangshu.
• Yaochi praised the Asura Clan’s strength and discussed appointing Tian Boxun as Emperor Fengdu, while Old Ancestor Styx said Tian Boxun would first build his experience and merit.
• Perfected Immortal Taiyi and Taibai Jinxing discussed Qing Zhi’s efforts to unite the Phoenix and Azure Luan Clans and predicted trouble for the Sect of Interception at the ceremony.
• The Sages, Ling Xiao, Wangshu, and their companions arrived at the South Heaven Gate and walked the avenue formed by the Dragon, Phoenix, and Qilin Clans as the gathered beings saluted them.
• Primal Lord of Heaven noted that Tongtian and the Sect of Interception were the only ones missing, suggesting they would arrive to face humiliation.

Sect Master Tongtian returned to the Sect of Interception after suppressing the Heavenly Dao's will, then brought his disciples to Lingxiao Palace for the Bestowment Ceremony. There, he traded barbs with Yuanshi Tianzun and calmly answered Zhunti and Ancestor Kunpeng, leaving Ling Xiao curious whether the change would last.

• Sect Master Tongtian returned to the Nine Heavens Clouds, and his disciples sensed the Heavenly Dao's will still afflicting him despite his improved strength.
• Duobao apologized for failing to protect Kong Xuan, but Tongtian absolved him and said they would settle their debts during the Investiture of the Gods War.
• Tongtian led his disciples to Lingxiao Palace, where Yuanshi Tianzun mocked his injuries and warned that the Heavenly Dao's will would turn him into a puppet.
• Haotian postponed announcing the Rites Classic and invited the gathered Sages to a banquet with Enlightenment Tea.
• Zhunti and Ancestor Kunpeng teased Tongtian about his lack of Enlightenment Tea, but Tongtian calmly said he would enjoy it, surprising Ling Xiao.

At Lingxiao Palace, Lord Lao distributed immortal pills while Ling Xiao reassured the guests that the Enlightenment Tea Tree would recover. The Sect of Enlightenment and Western Sect disciples taunted the Sect of Interception, whose members reaffirmed their loyalty; as the Bestowment Ceremony was about to begin, Kong Xuan grew wary that his brother might be assigned as Yang Jian’s mount.

• Lord Lao distributed immortal pills throughout the Thirty-three Heavens and praised Ling Xiao’s Enlightenment Tea, while Ling Xiao said he could restore the tea tree’s origin.
• Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and Maitreya Buddha mocked Duobao and suggested that he join the Western Sect as Shakyamuni Buddha.
• Immortal Pilu rejected the Western Sect’s taunts and swore that he would never defect, prompting Duobao, Our Lady of Wudang, and the other Sect of Interception disciples to affirm their loyalty to Tongtian.
• Bhaisajyaguru Buddha predicted that some Sect of Interception disciples would eventually join the Western Sect, but Perfected Lord Jade Tripod interrupted and announced that the ceremony would assign Yang Jian a mount.
• Kong Xuan became alarmed that the Heavenly Court might make his brother, the Golden-Winged Great Peng, Yang Jian’s mount.

Haotian, Yaochi, and Ling Xiao conferred Qiongqi the title of Emperor Gouchen of the Western Extremity, earning him Heavenly Dao merit and raising his cultivation. Holy Mother Turtle Spirit’s complaint about the Heavenly Dao drew a lightning strike, worsening Tongtian’s anger and straining Yun Xiao’s defense of Ling Xiao.

• Tai Xuan announced the auspicious hour, and Haotian, Yaochi, and Ling Xiao ascended the platform to confer titles.
• Qiongqi led the Ferocious Beast Clan in offering congratulations to Haotian and Yaochi.
• Haotian named Qiongqi Emperor Gouchen of the Western Extremity, and Heavenly Dao merit raised Qiongqi to the late Golden Immortal of Hunyuan stage.
• Holy Mother Turtle Spirit criticized the Heavenly Dao and was struck by lightning, while Perfected Immortal Taiyi and Cihang Daoist mocked her.
• Tongtian grew more hostile toward Holy Mother Turtle Spirit as Daoist Duobao and other Sect of Interception disciples blamed Ling Xiao.
• Yun Xiao defended Ling Xiao, but Chang'e and the Mystic Maiden of the Nine Heavens rebuked her for interfering.

Yun Xiao recovered her Dao Heart and recommitted herself to the Sect of Interception as Ling Xiao began conferring the Five Old Emperors. Guangchengzi then appeared alive as a mid-stage Quasi-Sage, revealing that he had entered the Investiture of the Gods List in advance and was set to become the foremost of the Five Old Emperors, leaving Tongtian humiliated and furious.

• Our Lady of Wudang steadied Yun Xiao and urged her to put the Sect of Interception before romantic entanglements, prompting Yun Xiao to regain her resolve and dedicate herself to the sect.
• Ling Xiao established the Five Old Emperors and called for them to reveal themselves as the Investiture of the Gods List gathered the fortune and authority of heaven and earth.
• Guangchengzi entered the hall alive, displaying mid-stage Quasi-Sage cultivation and standing alongside Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Ancestor Kunpeng.
• Kong Xuan realized Guangchengzi had signed the Investiture of the Gods List before his apparent death and accused the others of arranging his appointment.
• Tongtian understood that Yuanshi Tianzun and the others had concealed Guangchengzi's survival and destiny, while Yuanshi Tianzun mocked him and explained Guangchengzi's path to power.
• Grand Pure Laozi accepted that Guangchengzi could become Central Emperor Xuanling Huanglao Yiqi Celestial Lord, while the Sect of Interception disciples reacted with anger and regret.

Guangchengzi and four others were appointed as the Five Elder Emperors, strengthening the Heavenly Court while the Sect of Interception disciples endured mockery. Guangchengzi then threatened to burden Tongtian’s listed disciples with work, leaving Tongtian regretful and defeated.

• Dingguang Immortal and Perfected Immortal Taiyi mocked Daoist Duobao and the Sect of Interception disciples for their failed attack on Guangchengzi and its consequences for Tongtian.
• The Daoist proclamation appointed Guangchengzi, Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Ancestor Kunpeng as the Five Elder Emperors, increasing the Heavenly Court’s luck and authority.
• Vermilion Bird, Azure Dragon, and White Tiger delegated routine duties to others, while Ancestor Kunpeng suggested Bai Ze take on more work.
• Hong Yun teased Ancestor Kunpeng and Bai Ze about their closeness, prompting jokes about Hong Yun and Zhen Yuanzi while Tongtian sat apart.
• Guangchengzi taunted Tongtian and suggested he could assign Our Lady of Fire Spirit, Zhao Gongming, Shi Ji, and other listed Sect of Interception disciples to work under him.
• Tongtian, suffering the backlash of initiating the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation, stood dazed and regretted his actions.

Tongtian tried to hold Guangchengzi accountable, but Yuanshi Tianzun and the Heavenly Court maneuvered around him and left him feeling helpless. Yang Jian then asked to make the Golden-Winged Great Peng his mount, leaving Tongtian unable to stop the proposal.

• Tongtian accused Guangchengzi of disrespecting a Sage and demanded that Yuanshi Tianzun answer for his disciple, but Yuanshi Tianzun shifted responsibility to the Heavenly Court and reminded Tongtian that his disciples were being lost to the Investiture of the Gods.
• Yuanshi Tianzun's words plunged Tongtian into painful memories, while Ling Xiao recognized how the Heavenly Dao's erosion had destabilized his mind.
• Zhen Yuanzi urged Guangchengzi to apologize, and Guangchengzi apologized while insisting that he now acted as the Yellow Emperor and a Heavenly Court official.
• Haotian accepted Guangchengzi's apology, leaving Tongtian unable to press the matter further.
• Yang Jian asked his uncle Yang Tianyou and Ling Xiao to help him make the Golden-Winged Great Peng his mount, claiming that riding it through the skies would impress everyone.
• Hong Yun declared the enfeoffment an internal Heavenly Court matter and asked Tongtian whether he objected, leaving Tongtian feeling powerless to intervene.

Tongtian objected to the Golden-Winged Great Peng becoming Yang Jian’s mount, but the Heavenly Court’s deities argued that the arrangement would benefit him. As Kong Xuan tried to speak for his younger brother, Qing Zhi moved to expel him from the Phoenix Clan, leaving him isolated after Tongtian chose not to intervene.

• Hong Yun and Ling Xiao defended the Golden-Winged Great Peng’s appointment as Yang Jian’s mount, while Yuanshi Tianzun and Grand Pure Laozi urged Tongtian to accept it.
• Zhen Yuanzi admonished Qingfeng and Mingyue for their arrogance, and Mingyue promised they would change their behavior.
• Kong Xuan stepped forward to speak for the Golden-Winged Great Peng, but Qing Zhi declared that he was unworthy to remain in the Phoenix Clan and began the expulsion.
• The Phoenix Clan’s members called for Kong Xuan’s expulsion, and Kong Xuan accused Qing Zhi of purging his supporters before preparing to fight her.
• Qing Zhi said Kong Xuan’s supporters had sacrificed themselves to suppress the Undying Volcano, while Haotian told Tongtian not to interfere in Phoenix Clan affairs.
• Tongtian yielded, and Kong Xuan was left without support.

Qing Zhi severed Kong Xuan’s ties to the phoenix clan while the Sect of Interception could only watch. Ling Xiao then restored the Golden-Winged Great Peng and appointed him Yang Jian’s mount, leaving Tongtian blaming himself for failing to protect his disciples.

• Duobao and Our Lady of Wudang stopped Kong Xuan from attacking Qing Zhi and urged him to endure the humiliation until he became stronger.
• Qing Zhi declared that Kong Xuan was expelled from the phoenix clan and used the Li Earth Flame Light Flag to sever his karmic and luck-bound ties to the clan.
• Kong Xuan spat blood and secretly vowed to kill disciples of the Sect of Enlightenment, the Western Sect, and the Human Sect during the Investiture of the Gods War.
• Tongtian prepared the Pangu Banner and Immortal Slaying Sword Formation, but Zhen Yuanzi taunted him and he calmed himself by relying on the Heavenly Dao.
• At Haotian’s request, Ling Xiao released the Golden-Winged Great Peng from the Mountain and Rivers State Diagram, named him Golden Peng Divine Lord, and restored his cultivation.
• The Golden-Winged Great Peng accepted his post under Yang Jian, while Tongtian again blamed himself for being unable to protect his disciples.