Chapter Summaries

After helping restore the Ziyang Sect, Shen Hao was rewarded with three days in its forbidden treasury to seek a way to break through to Mid Core Formation Stage. In the treasury’s deepest corner, he found an ancient Jade Slip containing the Nirvana Sword Art, which stirred his tri-colored sword intent.

• True Man Zi Xuan invited Shen Hao into the forbidden treasury to reward his role in defeating Ying Wuya and Qingyunzi and to help him overcome his bottleneck.
• True Man Zi Xuan used the Sect Master Token to open the treasury and gave Shen Hao three days to choose what he needed.
• Shen Hao examined spirit swords, Spirit Stones, and hundreds of Jade Slips but found nothing suited to him.
• Shen Hao discovered an ancient black Jade Slip whose sword intent resonated with his tri-colored sword intent.
• Shen Hao extended his Spiritual Sense into the Jade Slip and learned that it recorded the Nirvana Sword Art.

Shen Hao comprehended the Nirvana Sword Art in the treasure vault, fusing its power with his existing sword intent, and found a Three-Petal Snow Lotus that could help him break through to the middle Core Formation Stage. After sharing formation Jade Slips and medicinal herbs with the elders and True Man Zi Xuan, he returned to the Back Mountain to cultivate.

• Shen Hao mastered the Nirvana Sword Art's sword intent and made his Myriad Laws Return to One sword intent more complete.
• Shen Hao found and took a Three-Petal Snow Lotus, along with medicinal herbs and formation Jade Slips from the treasure vault.
• Shen Hao gave the formation Jade Slips to the two elders and handed Blood Spirit Grass and Foundation Establishment Flowers to True Man Zi Xuan for the sect.
• Shen Hao kept the Nirvana Sword Art Jade Slip and Three-Petal Snow Lotus secret, then went to the Back Mountain to seek a breakthrough to the middle Core Formation Stage.

Shen Hao used the Three-Petal Snow Lotus to break through to the mid Core Formation Stage, then learned that Lin Feng had reached the early Core Formation Stage. The two headed to Ziyang Hall to meet representatives from the Qingyun Sect, whose apology and compensation made Shen Hao wary.

• Shen Hao absorbed the Three-Petal Snow Lotus's medicinal power and fused Nirvana Sword Intent into his golden core, advancing to the mid Core Formation Stage.
• Shen Hao tested the power of his Lingyun Sword and concluded he could contend with a late Core Formation Stage cultivator.
• Lin Feng told Shen Hao that he had reached the early Core Formation Stage and credited Shen Hao's guidance with his progress.
• Shen Hao praised Lin Feng's cultivation and noted that his breakthrough strengthened the Ziyang Sect.
• Lin Feng informed Shen Hao that Qingyun Sect representatives had arrived to apologize and offer compensation over Qingyunzi's collusion with the Shadow Fiend Sect and the slaughter of Ziyang Sect disciples.
• Wary of the Qingyun Sect's motives, Shen Hao took Lin Feng with him to Ziyang Hall.

Qingyun Sect elder Yun Feng offered compensation and an alliance to the Ziyang Sect for Qingyunzi’s crimes, but Shen Hao demanded a public apology, double compensation, and the Qingyun Sword Art. Yun Feng finally agreed, though Shen Hao suspected the conflict was not truly over.

• Yun Feng arrived at Ziyang Hall with valuable compensation and proposed an alliance on behalf of the Qingyun Sect.
• Shen Hao rejected Yun Feng’s attempt to separate Qingyunzi’s actions from the sect and demanded a public apology, doubled compensation, and a copy of the Qingyun Sword Art.
• A Qingyun Sect disciple challenged Shen Hao, who subdued him with his sword intent and ordered him to leave.
• Yun Feng agreed to all three demands after Shen Hao threatened to end talks of an alliance.
• Yun Feng led the envoys away, while Shen Hao and True Man Zi Xuan recognized that tensions with the Qingyun Sect might continue.

Shen Hao studied the Qingyun Sword Art and fused its ethereal sword intent with his Myriad Laws Return to One Sword Manual, greatly advancing his swordsmanship. True Man Zi Xuan then told him that hundreds of Rogue Cultivators had come to join the Ziyang Sect, and they went to meet them.

• Shen Hao studied the Qingyun Sword Art and initially found its sword intent incompatible with his Three-Colored Annihilation Sword Intent.
• Shen Hao realized both arts used intent to command the sword and successfully fused their sword intents.
• Shen Hao tested his improved swordsmanship with the Lingyun Sword and gained confidence that he could defeat a late Core Formation Stage cultivator.
• True Man Zi Xuan told Shen Hao that several hundred Rogue Cultivators had gathered outside the sect gates to seek refuge with the Ziyang Sect.
• Shen Hao and True Man Zi Xuan headed to the sect gates to meet the Rogue Cultivators.

The Ziyang Sect recruited hundreds of Rogue Cultivators, including the Core Formation Stage cultivator Tie Shan, strengthening the sect. Shen Hao and True Man Zi Xuan learned that the Righteous Path Alliance was marching against them, and the sect prepared for war.

• Tie Shan passed the Ziyang Sect's test by lifting a thousand-jin stone cauldron and became an outer sect elder.
• True Man Zi Xuan welcomed the gathered Rogue Cultivators and promised fair treatment and cultivation resources to those who joined.
• The Ziyang Sect assigned its new recruits to patrol, guard, teaching, and management duties as Shen Hao helped train disciples and orient the newcomers.
• True Man Zi Xuan told Shen Hao that the Qingyun Sect, Xuantian Sect, Liehuo Sect, and other major sects had formed the Righteous Path Alliance and were advancing with tens of thousands of cultivators.
• Shen Hao urged the sect to stand united, and True Man Zi Xuan ordered the Ziyang Sect to enter its highest alert and prepare for battle.

Shen Hao and the Ziyang Sect prepared their defenses against the approaching Righteous Path Alliance, then sprang forest traps when the alliance attacked. The battle began with heavy losses among the attackers, and Qingyun Daoist led the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators toward the sect’s barrier.

• Shen Hao and the Ziyang Sect elders planned to strengthen the Myriad Laws Mysterious Sky Array and use forest traps against the divided Righteous Path Alliance.
• Shen Hao led Lin Feng, Zhao Yang, and hundreds of disciples in setting up bewildering arrays, killing formations, and obstacles in the surrounding forest.
• True Man Zi Xuan and the elders empowered the Myriad Laws Mysterious Sky Array, raising a golden barrier around the sect.
• Qingyun Daoist, Daoist Master Xuantian, and Blazing Fire Daoist arrived with the Righteous Path Alliance and ordered an attack after exchanging accusations with True Man Zi Xuan.
• Shen Hao activated the forest traps, causing arrows and boulders to strike down many attackers.
• Qingyun Daoist ordered the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators to advance and break the barrier.

Shen Hao’s traps and flank attacks threw the Righteous Path Alliance into disarray, but Daoist Master Xuantian and Blazing Fire Daoist damaged the Myriad Laws Mysterious Sky Array. After joining the fight, Shen Hao faced Qingyun Daoist in a battle between Core Formation and Nascent Soul cultivators.

• Shen Hao ordered Lin Feng and Zhao Yang to lead Core Disciples around the Righteous Path Alliance’s flanks, disrupting their formation.
• Daoist Master Xuantian and Blazing Fire Daoist battered the Myriad Laws Mysterious Sky Array while True Man Zi Xuan and the elders tried to repair it.
• Shen Hao sent Elder Tie Shan and Outer Sect Disciples to reinforce the sect gate, then joined the battle himself.
• Shen Hao’s sword attacks sent Righteous Path Alliance cultivators fleeing until Qingyun Daoist confronted him.
• Shen Hao met Qingyun Daoist’s strike with his four-colored Sword Light, was forced back, and vowed to cross the gap between their realms.

Shen Hao fought Qingyun Daoist to protect Ziyang Sect and wounded the Nascent Soul Realm cultivator despite being a Core Formation Stage junior. As Shen Hao advanced on the injured Qingyun Daoist, Daoist Master Xuantian appeared, revealing that the greater challenge had only begun.

• Qingyun Daoist demanded that Shen Hao surrender and hand over Ziyang Sect's treasure vault, but Shen Hao refused and dodged his attack with the Myriad Laws Return to One Sword Manual.
• Shen Hao and Qingyun Daoist exchanged attacks in midair as the watching cultivators saw their duel determine the war's outcome.
• Shen Hao unleashed Myriad Laws Return to One, Silence Qingyun, and clashed with Qingyun Daoist's Qingyun Veils the Sun, leaving both badly injured.
• Shen Hao rose despite his exhausted Spiritual Power and advanced on Qingyun Daoist, who retreated in fear.
• Daoist Master Xuantian emerged from the Righteous Path Alliance camp with the aura of a late Nascent Soul Realm cultivator.

Shen Hao awakened the Clear Sword Heart as Daoist Master Xuantian moved to kill him. He wounded the Nascent Soul cultivator with the Lingyun Sword, leaving their confrontation unresolved.

• Daoist Master Xuantian attacked the badly injured Shen Hao, accusing him of being a Demonic Heretic, while Shen Hao called out the Righteous Path Alliance's motives.
• The Jade Slip of the Myriad Laws Return to One Sword Manual restored Shen Hao's meridians and dantian, helping him comprehend the Clear Sword Heart.
• Shen Hao merged his four-colored sword intents into a colorless sword intent, and the Lingyun Sword began to mend its crack.
• Shen Hao broke free of Daoist Master Xuantian's pressure and pierced his shoulder with the Lingyun Sword.
• Shen Hao told Daoist Master Xuantian that his Dao heart existed to protect, while Xuantian's had been stained by fame and profit.

Shen Hao’s sword wounded Daoist Master Xuantian and broke the Righteous Path Alliance’s morale, allowing the Ziyang Sect to drive off its attackers. Shen Hao killed Qingyun Daoist and Daoist Master Xuantian, then vowed to protect the sect and honor its fallen disciples.

• Shen Hao severely wounded Daoist Master Xuantian with a sword strike, while Qingyun Daoist was already grievously injured.
• Blazing Fire Daoist called for a retreat, and the Righteous Path Alliance cultivators fled as Qingyun Daoist failed to stop them.
• True Man Zi Xuan and the two elders lowered the Myriad Laws Mysterious Sky Array, and Lin Feng led the Ziyang Sect disciples in pursuit.
• Shen Hao stayed behind to confront Qingyun Daoist and Daoist Master Xuantian, who charged at him in a desperate attack.
• Shen Hao pierced Qingyun Daoist and Daoist Master Xuantian through the heart with a single Sword Light, killing them both.
• Shen Hao mourned the Ziyang Sect disciples who had died and vowed to protect the sect.

Ziyang Sect recovered from its victory over the Righteous Path Alliance as news of Shen Hao’s feats spread across the Cultivation World. Daoist Xuanling arrived and offered to take Shen Hao as his Personal Disciple, leaving the sect waiting for his answer.

• True Man Zi Xuan praised Shen Hao and ordered rewards for the victors and lifelong support for the families of fallen disciples.
• Ziyang Sect buried its dead, treated the wounded, and repaired and reinforced the sect’s buildings and Myriad Laws Mysterious Sky Array.
• Cultivators across the Cultivation World reacted with astonishment to Ziyang Sect’s victory and Shen Hao’s slaying of two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators.
• Daoist Xuanling arrived at Ziyang Sect and praised Shen Hao’s sword Dao and steadfast Dao heart.
• Daoist Xuanling invited Shen Hao to join Xuanling Sect as his Personal Disciple, while True Man Zi Xuan and the elders awaited Shen Hao’s response.

Shen Hao refused Daoist Xuanling’s invitation to join the Xuanling Sect, choosing to remain with the Ziyang Sect and protect his home. Daoist Xuanling respected his resolve, gave him the Xuanling Sword Dao, and departed after offering future aid to the sect.

• Shen Hao turned down Daoist Xuanling’s offer to become a Personal Disciple, explaining that his Dao Heart and loyalties belonged to the Ziyang Sect.
• Daoist Xuanling accepted Shen Hao’s decision and gifted him a Jade Slip containing the Xuanling Sword Dao.
• Daoist Xuanling urged True Man Zi Xuan to nurture Shen Hao and offered to help the Ziyang Sect if it faced difficulties.
• Daoist Xuanling and his disciples departed, and Shen Hao vowed to protect the Ziyang Sect for the rest of his life.

Shen Hao comprehended the Xuanling Sword Dao and fused four sword intents, reaching the Sword Dao Grandmaster realm. After True Man Zi Xuan gave him a Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Pill, Shen Hao went with him to meet representatives of the major sects gathered at Ziyang Hall.

• Shen Hao studied the Xuanling Sword Dao in the secluded valley chamber and gradually fused its sword intent with his other three sword intents.
• Shen Hao formed a new sword intent and reached the Sword Dao Grandmaster realm.
• True Man Zi Xuan brought Shen Hao a Nine Revolutions Soul Returning Pill, which healed his damaged meridians and stabilized his cultivation.
• True Man Zi Xuan told Shen Hao that representatives from the major sects had come to congratulate the Ziyang Sect and asked him to meet them.
• Shen Hao agreed and accompanied True Man Zi Xuan to Ziyang Hall.

Envoys from across the Cultivation World visited the Ziyang Sect to offer congratulations and gifts, acknowledging Shen Hao’s strength and seeking to mend relations. After the banquet, Shen Hao and True Man Zi Xuan reflected on the sect’s growth and the lives lost to protect it.

• True Man Zi Xuan welcomed the visiting envoys as Shen Hao entered Ziyang Hall and drew their attention.
• The Liehuo Sect elder praised Shen Hao and offered friendship to the Ziyang Sect.
• The Qingyun Sect envoy apologized and offered half the sect’s Spirit Stones and Spiritual Medicine, and Shen Hao said the sect must restrain its disciples from wrongdoing.
• Envoys from other sects presented gifts and sought ties with the Ziyang Sect throughout the day-long banquet.
• After the envoys departed, True Man Zi Xuan and Shen Hao reflected on the sect’s prosperity and the fallen disciples who had made it possible.

Shen Hao recovered in the secluded valley and broke through to the late Core Formation Stage. After learning that the Ziyang Sect was attracting new members, he sensed a familiar aura approaching the sect.

• Shen Hao cultivated on the Cold Jade Bed, restoring his meridians and refining his Spiritual Power.
• Shen Hao broke through to the late Core Formation Stage and tested Lingyun Sword, whose Sword Light left no mark on the stone wall.
• Lin Feng congratulated Shen Hao and reported that the Xuanling Sect had sent cultivation resources and Rogue Cultivators wanted to join the Ziyang Sect.
• Shen Hao told Lin Feng to ask the Sect Master to screen the applicants according to the rules.
• Shen Hao looked toward the horizon, and a streak of light bearing a familiar aura flew toward the Ziyang Sect.

Su Qingyue visited Shen Hao at Ziyang Sect and invited him to join Xuantian Sect's expedition to the Myriad Sword Tomb at Black Wind Ridge. Shen Hao agreed to go in three months and received a protective jade pendant from True Man Zi Xuan as he began preparing for the journey.

• Su Qingyue arrived at Ziyang Sect and told Shen Hao that the Myriad Sword Tomb would open at Black Wind Ridge in three months.
• Su Qingyue invited Shen Hao to travel with the Xuantian Sect group, which Daoist Xuanling would oversee, and Shen Hao accepted.
• Su Qingyue left, and Shen Hao informed True Man Zi Xuan and two elders about the expedition.
• True Man Zi Xuan gave Shen Hao the Heart-Protecting Jade, which could withstand one full-force strike from a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator.

With three months until the Myriad Sword Tomb opened, Shen Hao refined his cultivation and sword intent while studying formations. After learning about the tomb’s ancient inheritance and dangers, he prepared to depart for Black Wind Ridge when Su Qingyue arrived.

• Shen Hao spent his time consolidating his late Core Formation Stage cultivation and refining his four merged sword arts.
• Shen Hao studied formation Jade Slips from the sect treasury and mastered their principles within a month.
• Lin Feng brought Shen Hao a Jade Slip describing Jian Chenzi, the Dust Heart Sword Dao, and the Myriad Swords Return to Origin array.
• Lin Feng asked to join Shen Hao at the Myriad Sword Tomb, but Shen Hao refused because Lin Feng’s cultivation was insufficient.
• Shen Hao continued cultivating as the three months passed, and Su Qingyue arrived at the Ziyang Sect to signal the departure for Black Wind Ridge.

Shen Hao joined Su Qingyue and the Xuantian Sect disciples on their journey to Black Wind Ridge, where cultivators from many factions had gathered for the Myriad Sword Tomb. After Jin Yan challenged him, the tomb’s entrance began to open, and Daoist Xuanling announced its opening.

• Shen Hao met Su Qingyue, Zhao Xuan, and the other Xuantian Sect disciples, then traveled with them toward Black Wind Ridge.
• The group reached the ridge after three days and saw the entrance to the Myriad Sword Tomb glowing amid the fierce tornadoes.
• Jin Yan mocked Shen Hao and told him to leave, but Shen Hao ignored him and joined the gathered cultivators.
• Shen Hao greeted Daoist Xuanling, who stood among the cultivators as the tornadoes intensified.
• Daoist Xuanling announced that the Myriad Sword Tomb had opened.

The Myriad Sword Tomb opened at Black Wind Ridge, and Shen Hao led Su Qingyue, Zhao Xuan, and Xuantian Sect disciples through its powerful entrance resistance. Inside, they discovered a valley filled with treasured swords and saw Jian Chenzi’s Dust Heart Sword Dao inheritance waiting on a central platform.

• The pillar of Sword Qi faded, revealing the Myriad Sword Tomb’s stone gate, and Daoist Xuanling warned the gathered cultivators about its dangers.
• Shen Hao, Su Qingyue, Zhao Xuan, and several Xuantian Sect disciples joined the crowd heading for the entrance.
• Shen Hao used his Sword Dao Grandmaster sword intent to overcome the gate’s resistance and protect those following him.
• The group entered a vast valley filled with treasured swords beneath a massive sword aura.
• Zhao Xuan identified the central stele’s inscription, Dust Heart Sword Dao, as Jian Chenzi’s Sword Dao inheritance, drawing everyone’s attention.