Chapter Summaries

Song Qingming failed to trade for the Golden Sun Fire Essence at the Heavenly Pill Alliance Auction. Afterward, he reunited with Xu Ziyan, who invited him to travel with her and her companion toward Yangshan Marketplace.

• Song Qingming bid on several Grade 2 pills, then offered a Grade 3 spirit medicine in hopes of trading for the Golden Sun Fire Essence.
• The Heavenly Pill Alliance ended the Auction without accepting Song Qingming's offer, and he left disappointed but understanding that his spirit medicine was not valuable enough.
• Song Qingming encountered two masked women on the way out and boarded the Carefree Sect's Teleportation Array without incident.
• Xu Ziyan recognized Song Qingming after he left the cave, and he greeted her and learned that she had reached Foundation Establishment Layer 9.
• Xu Ziyan explained that she and her companion had concealed their identities and invited Song Qingming to travel with them toward Yangshan Marketplace.

Song Qingming, Xu Ziyan, and Hu were pursued by five foreign cultivators who demanded the Golden Sun Fire Essence, which they believed Xu Ziyan and Hu had taken from the auction. As Xu Ziyan prepared to fight, Song Qingming warned the attackers not to act rashly.

• Song Qingming and Xu Ziyan discussed their cultivation and the opportunities that had brought them to Foundation Establishment Layer 9.
• Xu Ziyan asked Song Qingming about the Heavenly Pill Alliance Auction, and Hu reacted subtly when he mentioned the Golden Sun Fire Essence.
• Xu Ziyan spotted a scarlet flying light following their group, but it caught up and blocked their path with five Foundation Establishment Cultivators.
• The purple-robed leader demanded that Xu Ziyan and Hu surrender the Golden Sun Fire Essence, dismissing their denials and Carefree Sect affiliation.
• Xu Ziyan drew her purple longsword as Hu tried to protest, and Song Qingming warned the five attackers not to be rash.

Song Qingming defended Xu Ziyan and her companion after a group of cultivators tried to rob them. He defeated the three opponents who attacked him, leaving Xu Ziyan still struggling against the purple-robed woman.

• Song Qingming refused the purple-robed woman's offer to leave and joined Xu Ziyan and the Green-robed Woman against the attackers.
• Song Qingming fought three cultivators, while Xu Ziyan's Junior Sister faced another and Xu Ziyan was pressured by the purple-robed woman.
• Song Qingming trapped the gaunt old man and his Spirit Insects inside the Azure Water Bell, then killed one of his other opponents with the Black-backed Silver Saber.
• Song Qingming killed the fleeing opponent with a transparent spike and then beheaded the gaunt old man after releasing him from the Azure Water Bell.
• The gaunt old man's Spirit Insects became masterless as Xu Ziyan continued fighting the purple-robed woman.

Song Qingming helped Xu Ziyan and Junior Sister Hu defeat a group of attackers, though their purple-robed leader escaped. After the survivors gathered the spoils, Junior Sister Hu identified the remaining spirit insects as Golden Illusion Butterflies and gave Song Qingming their Spirit Beast Pouch.

• The purple-robed woman fled by Flying Boat after Song Qingming defeated her companions, while Xu Ziyan pursued her and failed to catch up.
• Song Qingming returned to help Junior Sister Xu, and they killed the bald burly man after he tried to escape.
• Xu Ziyan and Junior Sister Hu thanked Song Qingming for saving them, and he urged everyone to leave before other cultivators arrived.
• The group collected the fallen attackers' belongings, with Song Qingming taking the spoils from the three who had fought him.
• Junior Sister Hu identified the spirit insects as Golden Illusion Butterflies and handed their Spirit Beast Pouch to Song Qingming.

Song Qingming returned to his clan after learning more about the Golden Illusion Butterflies and confirming that the clan was safe. He questioned Song Qingshi and Song Qingsi about a flying sword made by Xin De, leaving them to explain why it was in his possession.

• Song Qingming asked Hu about the Golden Illusion Butterflies, and she explained their illusion technique and suggested the defeated cultivator's Storage Bag might contain a method for raising them.
• Song Qingming parted from Xu Ziyan and Hu, returned his rented cave abode, and traveled back to Funiu Mountain.
• Song Qingming showed himself to the clan members and learned from the elders that nothing significant had happened during his absence.
• Song Qingming kept Song Qingshi and Song Qingsi behind and asked whether Xin De had refined a blue flying sword.
• Song Qingsi confirmed that Xin De had made the sword but said it had quality issues and had stayed with him; Song Qingming asked whether Song Qingshi had known about it too.

Song Qingming learned that Song Xinde had struggled financially while trying to become a Level 2 Artifact Refiner, despite his skill and potential. He ordered the Song Family to support Xinde’s breakthrough, and Song Qingshi agreed to take charge of it.

• Song Qingming examined Song Xinde’s blue flying sword and recognized that its craftsmanship was close to Level 2.
• Song Qingshi explained that the family had stopped supporting Xinde after repeated failures and financial strain from upgrading the spirit vein.
• Song Qingming learned that Xinde had borrowed Spirit Stones and eventually refined a flawed Level 2 flying sword.
• Song Qingming said the Song Family needed its own Level 2 Artifact Refiner and ordered the family to give Xinde more chances and support.
• Song Qingshi accepted responsibility for helping Xinde pursue the breakthrough.

Song Qingming encouraged Song Xinde to strengthen his Artifact Refining foundations and restored the Song Family’s support for his attempt to become a Level 2 Artifact Refiner. Song Xinde left determined to keep pursuing his goal, but planned to spend another year or two honing his skills on Level 1 Magic Tools first.

• Song Qingming returned Song Xinde’s flawed Level 2 Flying Sword and explained that he needed more practice before he could reliably refine Level 2 Magic Tools.
• Song Xinde apologized for failing despite using the family’s resources, and Song Qingming reassured him that the family would resume supporting his breakthrough.
• Song Qingming gave Song Xinde several Spirit Talismans as an early congratulatory gift.
• Song Xinde reflected on years of debt, setbacks, and persistence in pursuing his ambition to become the Song Family’s first Level 2 Artifact Refiner.
• Song Xinde returned to his cave abode and decided to spend a year or two refining and repairing Level 1 Magic Tools to consolidate his skills.

Song Qingming opened the Storage Bags taken from three Foundation Establishment cultivators and found valuable loot in the elderly cultivator’s bag, including the Golden Hearing Insect Control Record. After learning that the captured Golden Illusion Butterflies could not recognize a new master, he set them aside for his clan to cultivate and ended with nearly ten thousand Spirit Stones’ worth of spoils.

• Song Qingming opened the three Storage Bags and found that the two Mid Foundation Establishment Cultivators had carried little of value.
• Song Qingming found nearly two thousand Spirit Stones, magic tools, talismans, and the Golden Hearing Insect Control Record in the elderly cultivator’s Storage Bag.
• Song Qingming read that Golden Illusion Butterflies could recognize a master only as eggs and would take decades to raise into useful spirit insects.
• Song Qingming placed the captured Golden Illusion Butterflies in a box to give to clan members skilled in beast control.
• Song Qingming counted his spoils at nearly ten thousand Spirit Stones’ worth and felt pleased with the haul.

Song Qingming refined a Mysterious Soul Pill and slightly strengthened his divine sense, but half a year later a black-robed Foundation Establishment cultivator attacked Funiu Mountain. Song Xintang and the Law Enforcement Team confronted the attacker with the Azure Wood Cloud Smoke Formation as Song Qingming’s family rallied to defend the mountain.

• Song Qingming refined the Mysterious Soul Pill in seclusion and strengthened his divine sense, though its effect was weaker than expected.
• Half a year later, the Heavenly Pavilion Bell rang, alerting the Song Family that an enemy was attacking Funiu Mountain’s Mountain Protection Array.
• Song Qingshi organized the family cultivators to assemble and ordered them to bring the Skyfire Roc.
• A black-robed Foundation Establishment cultivator attacked Song Qingshi after he emerged from the protective formation.
• Song Xintang and eight Late Qi Refining Stage cultivators used the Azure Wood Cloud Smoke Formation to intercept the black-robed figure.

Song Qingyu returned to Funiu Mountain disguised as a mysterious Foundation Establishment Cultivator and tested the Song Family's defenses, then warned them that the news of Song Qingming's departure had spread too widely. She later appeared at Immortal Phoenix Tower to reunite with Song Xin hu and Li Hongyu.

• The Black-robed Figure broke through the Song Family's formation defenses, prompting Song Qingsi to confront her with the Swift Wind Beast while the Skyfire Roc arrived overhead.
• The Skyfire Roc landed beside the Black-robed Figure, who revealed herself as Song Qingyu and was recognized by Song Qingshi.
• Song Qingyu greeted the Song Family members and explained she had tested the mountain because she heard Song Qingming was away.
• Song Qingyu criticized the family for letting news of Song Qingming's departure spread and warned Song Xintang not to overestimate their formation against a true Foundation Establishment expert.
• At Immortal Phoenix Tower, Song Xin hu and Li Hongyu went to meet an old acquaintance, who greeted them after many years.

Song Qingming refined a Crimson Green Fruit in Fire Phoenix’s territory to strengthen his dantian before attempting core formation. After he emerged from seclusion, he asked Fire Phoenix for more Thousand Year Spirit Milk, but she challenged him to offer something in return.

• Fire Phoenix and two giant birds watched Song Qingming meditate, with the birds doubting his cultivation talent and chances of forming a core.
• Song Qingming spent two months refining the Crimson Green Fruit, absorbing much of its spiritual power and strengthening his dantian despite the strain.
• Fire Phoenix sensed something and left her cave shortly before Song Qingming emerged from seclusion.
• Fire Phoenix praised Song Qingming for refining much of the fruit and said she had fulfilled her promise, but could not guarantee his core formation would succeed.
• Song Qingming asked Fire Phoenix for more Thousand Year Spirit Milk, and she pointed out that she had never promised to give it to him for free.
• Song Qingming offered to provide whatever she wanted, then regretted having already given away the gifts he had brought.

Song Qingming obtained the Thousand Year Spirit Milk he needed and entered seclusion to form his Golden Core. While he cultivated, two black-robed cultivators arrived on Phoenix Cloud Mountain searching for their dead junior brother’s possessions and clashed with Long Feng.

• Song Qingming received a bottle of Thousand Year Spirit Milk from Long Feng to help replenish his mana during core formation.
• Song Qingming prepared his spiritual land, Crimson Green Fruit, Jade Dust Pill, and Spirit Gathering Array before entering seclusion with an estimated thirty percent chance of success.
• More than ten days later, two black-robed cultivators arrived on Phoenix Cloud Mountain, following their junior brother’s life talisman to search for his Storage Bag.
• Long Feng confronted the intruders, and the senior black-robed cultivator demanded his junior brother’s possessions.
• Long Feng denied having the possessions, and the black-robed cultivator drew his flying sword before Long Feng attacked with lightning-charged wings.

Long Feng fought a Red-faced Man seeking his deceased Junior Brother’s relics, but Fire Phoenix drove him away after recognizing the danger of his powerful master, the Blood Demon Ancestor. Long Feng blamed Song Qingming for stirring up trouble while Song continued cultivating, and the Red-faced Man later suspected his Junior Brother had hidden a treasure to form his core.

• Long Feng’s lightning attacks failed to stop the Red-faced Man, who counterattacked with a blood spear.
• Fire Phoenix appeared, broke the blood spear, and ordered the Red-faced Man to leave despite his appeal to the Blood Demon Ancestor’s name.
• Fire Phoenix warned Long Feng that killing the Red-faced Man could bring a stronger enemy, and Long Feng regretted having helped Song Qingming kill the man’s Junior Brother.
• Song Qingming continued absorbing Spiritual Energy in secluded cultivation, unaware of the confrontation.
• After fleeing with his disciple, the Red-faced Man considered whether his missing Junior Brother had hidden valuable relics and tried to form his core.

Ma Wuchen learned that Hong Qijun had died and, after nearly losing his life to Fire Phoenix, decided to abandon his investigation in Wei State and return to Blood Demon Old Ancestor. At his hideout, Du Yucheng revealed himself and asked Ma Wuchen to honor his promise to take him as a disciple.

• The chapter recounted how Hong Qijun had searched for Xiao Huang, discovered his sealed true body, and died with his men after pursuing Song Qingming into the Floating Cloud Mountain Range.
• Ma Wuchen concluded that Hong Qijun had acted recklessly and complained that his own investigation had cost him disciples and brought him into conflict with the Carefree Sect.
• After encountering Fire Phoenix, Ma Wuchen hurried away with his disciple and ordered his followers to end their mission and gather so they could leave Wei State.
• Ma Wuchen told his followers that he would return to report to Blood Demon Old Ancestor.
• Du Yucheng, who had survived the Black Stone Valley battle, asked Ma Wuchen to take him as a disciple as promised.

Du Yucheng lost Xiao Huang’s control and sought a new patron, while three years later Song Qingming returned to the Song Family and discussed its recent changes with Song Yuanfang. The chapter ended with Song Qingming proposing another warning stone tablet at the Council Hall.

• Ma Wuchen offered Du Yucheng a Blood Fiend Pill as a test of loyalty before admitting him into his sect, and Du Yucheng stared at the pill with vicious malice.
• Song Qingming returned to the Song Family’s mountain and met Song Yuanfang at the gate.
• Song Yuanfang explained that Song Qingyu had erected a Cautionary Stone Tablet and was punishing clansmen who broke her rules.
• Song Yuanfang guided Song Qingming up the mountain and recounted events from the previous three years.
• At the Council Hall, Song Qingming proposed erecting a more conspicuous stone tablet and asked Song Yuanfang what he thought.

Song Qingming returned to Funiu Mountain after failing to form a Golden Core and recovering from his injuries, while Song Qingyu welcomed him home. He told her about the attempt and its uncertain prospects, and she encouraged him before asking him to accompany her for a walk.

• Song Qingming asked Song Yuanfang to arrange a stele outside the family Council Hall, and Song Yuanfang agreed.
• Song Qingyu reunited with Song Qingming and hinted that she had returned late for a reason involving him, but refused to explain.
• Song Qingming returned to his dusty cave abode, reflected on his failed Core Formation attempt, and continued recovering from his injuries.
• Song Qingyu questioned Song Qingming about his seclusion, and he told her that he had failed to form a core and had been injured.
• Song Qingming and Song Qingyu discussed the difficulty of Core Formation, and Song Qingming praised her work managing the family.
• Song Qingyu asked Song Qingming to accompany her for a walk and reward her for her efforts.

Song Qingming reunited with Huang Siyuan at Qinghe Market and learned why she had disappeared from Wei State and how she had achieved Foundation Establishment. After spending time together, the two resumed their companionship, while Huang Siyuan’s return left their relationship renewed.

• Song Qingyu brought Song Qingming to Immortal Phoenix Tower, where he recognized Huang Siyuan’s cooking in a dish of Fine White Carp.
• Huang Siyuan entered the private room, and Song Qingming stayed in Qinghe Market to spend time with her.
• Huang Siyuan told Song Qingming that she had left Wei State for Zheng State after learning the truth about her mother’s disappearance and seeking a chance to establish her Foundation.
• Huang Siyuan explained that she had accepted a thirty-year service agreement with a Golden Core Cultivator in exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill.
• Song Qingyu had encountered Huang Siyuan during the battle over the Lone Peak Mountain Spirit Stone Mine, then returned years later and brought her back to Wei State.

Song Qingming received a letter from Song Xinyu about a Foundation Establishment Pill and hurried to meet the cultivator offering it. He offered a Longevity Fruit, but the seller demanded a Rank 3 Mid-grade Fire Attribute Spiritual Medicine instead.

• Huang Siyuan brought Song Qingming spirit food while he recovered, and Song Qingyu delivered Song Xinyu's letter about a Foundation Establishment Pill.
• Song Qingming learned that Song Xinyu had arranged a meeting with a Carefree Sect cultivator and set out for Yangshan Marketplace without delay.
• Song Xinyu told Song Qingming that Senior Brother Hu would trade the pill only for spiritual items, and the pair went to meet him at Mount Guyang.
• At the meeting, Song Qingming recognized Bai Yunhua and worried that his past connection to Black Stone Valley might be discovered.
• Song Qingming offered Senior Brother Hu a Longevity Fruit and Spirit Stones, but Hu said he wanted a Rank 3 Mid-grade Fire Attribute Spiritual Medicine.

Song Qingming obtained the fire-attributed Grade 3 Spiritual Medicine he needed to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill, then agreed to help Bai Yunhua repair a damaged ancient formation. After securing the pill, he returned to Muxia Peak and joined Bai Yunhua’s group of Formation Masters.

• Bai Yunhua proposed that Hu exchange Song Qingming’s Longevity Fruit with Bai Yuxian for the fire-attributed spirit medicine, and Hu agreed to the plan.
• Bai Yunhua obtained the spirit medicine for Song Qingming and asked him to help repair an ancient formation that needed another Grade 2 or higher Formation Master.
• Song Qingming agreed to stay at the Carefree Sect for the repair, which Bai Yunhua expected to take about three months.
• Song Qingming exchanged the spirit medicine with Hu for the Foundation Establishment Pill, paying a small amount of Spirit Stones to cover the price difference.
• Song Qingming returned to Muxia Peak and met the other cultivators Bai Yunhua had gathered before they entered a palace together.

Song Qingming helped Bai Yunhua and three other cultivators repair an ancient array formation, then was trapped on Mount Guyang when the Carefree Sect sealed the mountain for an unexplained emergency. After the seal lifted, Song Qingming left the sect and heard fighting in a forest in Qinghe County.

• Song Qingming examined the Golden Light Five Thunders Formation and joined Bai Yunhua, the woman surnamed Chen, the man surnamed Hu, and the man surnamed Xiao in repairing an ancient array formation.
• The five cultivators restored the formation to Grade 2 High-grade, and Bai Yunhua thanked them with Spirit Tea.
• An ancient bell rang, and the Carefree Sect activated its Mountain Protection Array and sealed Mount Guyang under martial law.
• After four days, the Carefree Sect lifted the seal, and Song Qingming left Mount Guyang and traveled north out of Guyang Prefecture.
• Several days later, Song Qingming heard fighting in a forest in Qinghe County, stopped his flying sword, and went to investigate.