Chapter Summaries

Hun Ruoruo called Xiao Yan her husband in front of Xiao Ding and Xiao Li, who arranged for her to stay with the mercenary group. Xiao Ding confronted Xiao Yan about their relationship, then promised to cover for him if their father asked.

• Hun Ruoruo called Xiao Yan her husband, shocking Xiao Ding and Xiao Li.
• Xiao Ding arranged a room and a meal for Hun Ruoruo, while Xue Lan took her to her quarters.
• Xiao Ding stopped Xiao Li from telling the mercenaries about Hun Ruoruo and Xiao Yan's relationship.
• Xiao Ding asked Xiao Yan whether their father knew about Hun Ruoruo and whether Xiao Yan truly liked her; Xiao Yan said it had to be her.
• Xiao Ding promised to cover for Xiao Yan if their father asked, then cried out when Xiao Yan hugged him too hard.

After discovering his strength had surged from consuming the Green Lotus Core Flame, Xiao Yan visited Hun Ruoruo and tried to understand her teasing declarations of affection. Ruoruo ended by suggesting he was ready to seduce and abandon her, leaving Xiao Yan unsure what she meant.

• Xiao Yan wondered why the Green Lotus Core Flame had greatly increased his physical strength and decided to ask Old Man Yao after he recovered.
• Xiao Yan dismissed the mercenaries training under Xiao Ding's instructions, then went to Hun Ruoruo's courtyard.
• Hun Ruoruo greeted Xiao Yan as her Husband, and he hurriedly pulled her inside to avoid being overheard.
• Xiao Yan asked Hun Ruoruo not to use Husband as a teasing form of address, and she said she liked him before admitting she had lied.
• Hun Ruoruo asked whether Xiao Yan was ready to seduce and abandon her, promising to plead his case before Master.

Xiao Yan visited Hun Ruoruo, who explained that she had called him Husband to appease his brothers and improve their lodging, then teased him about bringing another girl to meet them. Qing Lin arrived with food, mistook the scene between Xiao Yan and Hun Ruoruo, and fled in embarrassment.

• Hun Ruoruo told Xiao Yan she had called him Husband to head off questions from his brothers and secure better treatment.
• Xiao Yan said the girl he liked would not lose to Hun Ruoruo, then prepared to leave to handle the Mercenary Group's affairs.
• Qing Lin entered carrying food for Xiao Yan and Hun Ruoruo, and stared at Hun Ruoruo's disheveled Daoist Robe.
• Qing Lin nearly dropped the food and tried to flee, but Xiao Yan caught her and the wooden box.
• Qing Lin apologized for coming at the wrong time because she thought Xiao Yan and Hun Ruoruo were together, leaving Xiao Yan bewildered.

Xiao Yan and Hun Ruoruo reassured Qing Lin about her scales, and Ruoruo revealed that her own scales were an illusion. Their conversation left Xiao Yan wondering whether Ruoruo was comforting Qing Lin because she had once felt the same way about her own condition.

• Xiao Yan corrected Qing Lin’s misunderstanding about his relationship with Hun Ruoruo and urged her to return and greet Ruoruo.
• Hun Ruoruo teased Qing Lin about her name and scales, frightening the girl until Xiao Yan explained Ruoruo could sense them with her Soul Force.
• Hun Ruoruo revealed light-blue scales on her arm, showing Qing Lin that she was not afraid of her scales.
• Hun Ruoruo explained that her own scales were fake and asked Qing Lin which appearance she preferred.
• Qing Lin said ordinary was best, and Xiao Yan wondered whether Ruoruo had spoken from her own experience as he resolved to help restore her health.

Hun Ruoruo comforted Qing Lin while secretly trying to make use of her Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, then experimented on Yan Ci’s soul and discovered that a Snake Person and Snake Spirit could be separated. Old Man Yao warned Xiao Yan that Hun Ruoruo’s kindness might serve a purpose, and Xiao Yan decided to investigate Qing Lin’s abilities.

• Qing Lin admitted that she preferred to look ordinary, and Hun Ruoruo used a Dou Technique to disguise her snake scales as human skin.
• Hun Ruoruo sent Xiao Yan away, then revealed that she wanted Qing Lin’s Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils to help control Queen Medusa with a Soul Seal.
• Hun Ruoruo cut apart the connection between Yan Ci and his Snake Spirit, killing Yan Ci and confirming that their souls could develop separate traits when forcibly split.
• Old Man Yao told Xiao Yan that Qing Lin should not have survived as a mixed-blood and warned that Hun Ruoruo might be guiding others’ impressions of her for a purpose.
• Xiao Yan accepted Old Man Yao’s suggestion to examine Qing Lin’s abilities.

After Qing Lin sensed Queen Medusa’s aura east of Shimo City, Xiao Yan decided to investigate the treasure she might have sought. He revealed that he had become a Da Dou Shi and set out with Xiao Li and Qing Lin to confront the Sand Mercenary Group.

• Qing Lin told Xiao Yan she had sensed Queen Medusa’s injured, chaotic aura east of Shimo City, and Xiao Yan believed her.
• Xiao Yan suspected Queen Medusa had sought a Heavenly Flame and its Green Lotus Platform, then invited Qing Lin to help give her sister Ruoruo a gift.
• Xiao Li warned Xiao Yan that the eastern area belonged to the Sand Mercenary Group and proposed confronting its leader, Luobu, once Xiao Yan’s eldest brother recovered.
• Xiao Yan revealed he had recently become a Da Dou Shi and said they could wipe out the Sand Mercenary Group’s base.
• Xiao Li picked up his spear and went with Xiao Yan and Qing Lin, agreeing to keep their plan from the eldest brother.

Xiao Yan led the Desert Iron Mercenary Group to confront Luobu and the Sand Mercenary Group. After effortlessly dispersing Luobu’s pressure, Xiao Yan challenged him to survive one punch, leaving both sides stunned.

• Xiao Li led the Desert Iron Mercenary Group’s elites toward the Sand Mercenary Group’s camp while Xiao Yan said he would handle the fight alone.
• A scout warned Luobu that the Desert Iron Mercenary Group was approaching, and Luobu gathered over a hundred men while assigning Moxing to join him.
• Luobu confronted Xiao Li and unleashed his Da Dou Shi strength, while his men mocked Xiao Li’s chances against Dou Qi Armor.
• Xiao Yan stopped Xiao Li from fighting, casually dispersed Luobu’s pressure, and offered to spare the Sand Mercenary Group if Luobu survived one punch.

Xiao Yan defeated Luobu with a single punch and forced the Sand Mercenary Group to submit to the Desert Iron Mercenary Group. After reuniting with Qing Lin, he learned that she had found Queen Medusa’s aura in a cave and set out with the others to retrieve a gift for Ruoruo.

• Xiao Yan revealed his Heavenly Flame-enhanced Dou Qi Armor and warned Luobu to defend with all his strength.
• Xiao Yan’s punch shattered Luobu’s armor and brought down the Sand Mercenary Group’s Black Iron Flag, leaving Luobu terrified and defeated.
• Xiao Yan gave Luobu the choice to submit or die, and Luobu pledged the Sand Mercenary Group to the Desert Iron Mercenary Group.
• Moxing and the other mercenaries dropped their weapons, while Xiao Li’s men began taking over the group’s assets.
• Xiao Yan and Xiao Li reunited with Qing Lin, who told them Queen Medusa’s aura was inside a cave being excavated.
• Xiao Yan agreed to go with Qing Lin and the others to retrieve a gift for Ruoruo.

Xiao Yan retrieved the Green Lotus Platform from beneath the magma and discovered that Qing Lin possessed the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils. Old Man Yao suspected that someone had arranged the connection between Qing Lin, the Green Lotus Core Flame, and Queen Medusa, leaving Xiao Yan questioning the mysterious girl's plan.

• Xiao Yan promised medicinal pills to mercenaries who explored the cave, then discussed Qing Lin's unusual ability to endure its intense fire energy with Old Man Yao.
• Xiao Yan, Xiao Li, and Qing Lin reached the magma cavern, where Qing Lin sensed a powerful beast below.
• Xiao Yan flew into the magma, fought off the Double-Headed Python with his flames, and retrieved the Green Lotus Platform.
• Qing Lin stopped Xiao Yan from killing the wounded python, saying she could feel its thoughts; the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils appeared in her eyes and healed the beast.
• Old Man Yao recognized Qing Lin's pupils and suspected that someone had arranged the connection between them, the Green Lotus Core Flame, and Queen Medusa.

Hun Ruoruo purified her soul after devouring Yan Ci, then planned to use Qing Lin and the Three-Year Pact to pursue stronger souls. A sinister thread of black mist secretly influenced her thoughts, and she went to the tent looking for Xiao Yan, only to find him gone.

• Hun Ruoruo recovered from consuming Yan Ci’s soul and used Soul Sea Spirit Crossing to cleanse its lingering malice.
• Hun Ruoruo recalled that her mother had secretly replaced her cultivation method to protect her emotions, and that Hun Tiandi had taken her mother away after discovering it.
• Hun Ruoruo planned to wait for Qing Lin’s Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils to awaken before returning to the Misty Cloud Sect for the Three-Year Pact.
• Hun Ruoruo unexpectedly considered devouring Yao Chen’s soul, then panicked, unaware that a thread of black mist had slipped into her soul.
• Hun Ruoruo hurried to the small tent and called for her husband, Third Young Master, Xiao Yan, and Pug, but no one answered.

Hun Ruoruo searched for Xiao Yan and, after learning he had left with her second brother, visited Xue Lan to find company and distract herself from disturbing changes in her emotions. Xue Lan offered her a bold desert-style outfit, but Hun Ruoruo remained skeptical that changing clothes would help.

• Hun Ruoruo visited Xiao Ding to ask where Xiao Yan had gone, and he told her Xiao Yan had secretly left with a group of people.
• Xiao Ding suggested Hun Ruoruo visit Xue Lan and reflected that Xiao Yan's attentions might cause trouble with Xun'er.
• Hun Ruoruo wondered why she had developed malicious thoughts toward Old Man Yao and tried to reassure herself that the feelings had passed.
• Hun Ruoruo followed Xiao Ding's directions to Xue Lan's courtyard, where Xue Lan welcomed her in from the wind and sand.
• Xue Lan brought out a bold desert-style outfit and suggested Hun Ruoruo try dressing to feel more at home, but Hun Ruoruo doubted it would help.

Hun Ruoruo discovered a way to work around the scars on her arm and tried on the desert outfit Xue Lan had chosen for her. After Xiao Yan returned from awakening Qing Lin’s Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils and taming the Two-headed Fire Spirit Snake, he went to find Hun Ruoruo and caught her dressed in the revealing outfit.

• Hun Ruoruo noticed her Soul Clan scars could not be concealed by her Disguise Dou Technique, then found an idea involving her sleeve that lifted her mood.
• Xiao Yan returned to the Desert Iron Mercenary Group with Qing Lin, the Green Lotus Platform, and the Two-headed Fire Spirit Snake after removing the Sand Mercenary Group’s threat.
• Xiao Yan realized Hun Ruoruo might have known about Qing Lin’s special physique and resolved to repay her for helping him pursue the Heavenly Flames.
• Xiao Ding told Xiao Yan that Hun Ruoruo had asked where he was, and Xiao Yan headed to Xue Lan’s residence to see her.
• Xiao Yan overheard Hun Ruoruo and Xue Lan discussing her figure and relationship with him, then pushed open the door and found Hun Ruoruo wearing the desert outfit.

Hun Ruoruo teased Xiao Yan in revealing desert attire, while Xue Lan mistook their playful act for a genuine relationship. Xiao Yan finally pushed back by pulling Ruoruo close, leaving her flustered and privately furious as he discussed mercenary business with Xue Lan.

• Hun Ruoruo changed into desert attire and asked Xiao Yan whether he liked it, making him fluster and protest that she should not wear it outside.
• Xue Lan teased Xiao Yan about his relationship with Hun Ruoruo, and Xiao Yan went along with her misunderstanding.
• Hun Ruoruo pretended to scold Xiao Yan for barging into Xue Lan’s courtyard, so Xiao Yan pulled her against him and claimed he had to discuss matters with Xue Lan.
• Hun Ruoruo restrained her anger because she could not reveal her identity, while Xiao Yan explained the Sand Mercenary Group’s defeat and the Two-headed Fire Spirit Snake’s subjugation to Xue Lan.
• As Xiao Yan continued holding her, Hun Ruoruo reacted to his touch and breath, then privately threatened to drain his soul if he took advantage of her again.

After leaving Xue Lan, Hun Ruoruo confronted Xiao Yan about touching her, and the two tested whether his actions came from desire or concern. Hun Ruoruo punished his admitted thoughts with her Soul Mark, while Old Man Yao realized her unusually playful behavior came from the effects of soul purification.

• Hun Ruoruo slapped Xiao Yan's hand away after they left Xue Lan and accused him of taking advantage of her.
• Xiao Yan said he had acted to prevent Xue Lan from getting the wrong impression and used his gaze to convince Hun Ruoruo he was sincere.
• Hun Ruoruo asked whether Xiao Yan had any desire to take advantage of her, and he admitted he had a little.
• Hun Ruoruo triggered the Soul Mark's punishment, leaving Xiao Yan clutching his head in pain, then teased and comforted him.
• Old Man Yao observed Hun Ruoruo's playful behavior and suspected that it reflected her true nature, temporarily amplified by Soul Sea Spirit Crossing.

Hun Ruoruo struggled with the fear that pursuing strength could make her lose her true self, then teased Xiao Yan when he visited her courtyard. Xiao Yan gave her the Green Lotus Platform to repay her for helping him, and she realized he had noticed her slow Dou Qi recovery.

• Hun Ruoruo avoided the room where she had lost control and reflected on whether gaining strength was worth losing her feelings and principles.
• Xiao Yan arrived at Hun Ruoruo's courtyard, and she teased him before he explained that he had come to discuss something with her.
• Hun Ruoruo anticipated Xiao Yan's questions about Qing Lin, but he surprised her by saying he wanted to give her a gift in return for helping him obtain the Heavenly Flames.
• Xiao Yan presented Hun Ruoruo with the Green Lotus Platform, and she warned him that it would be more useful to someone below the Dou Wang realm.
• Xiao Yan explained that the Green Lotus Platform could help Hun Ruoruo recover Dou Qi, revealing that he had noticed her weakness.
• Hun Ruoruo told Xiao Yan that the weakness came from her rather than her cultivation method, but he insisted that even a small benefit made the gift worthwhile.

Hun Ruoruo worried that Xiao Yan’s easygoing attitude would keep him from becoming strong enough to face Hun Tiandi, and decided it was time to leave his side. After Old Man Yao explained what her acceptance of the Earth Fire Lotus Seeds meant, Xiao Yan resumed training and considered hiring a bodyguard before confronting the Misty Cloud Sect.

• Hun Ruoruo rejected the Green Lotus Platform, accepted a few Earth Fire Lotus Seeds, and resolved to return so Xiao Yan could face challenges without her protection.
• Xiao Yan asked Old Man Yao why Hun Ruoruo had dismissed him, and Old Man Yao explained that she had accepted the seeds as a gesture toward their relationship.
• Xiao Yan realized Hun Ruoruo had taken the seeds out of consideration rather than because she needed them, and resolved to grow strong enough to help her someday.
• Xiao Yan returned to his tent and resumed meditation, confident in the Earth-tier Fierce Heaven Art but wary of the Misty Cloud Sect’s response to his coming duel with Nalan Yanran.
• Xiao Yan decided to seek a bodyguard rather than rely on Hun Ruoruo’s power when facing the Misty Cloud Sect.

Xiao Yan asked Hun Ruoruo to explain the stages of soul cultivation after she refused to let him observe her imprinting a Soul Seal on Qing Lin's Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python. Old Man Yao and Hun Ruoruo discussed her pursuit of strength, and Xiao Yan learned that Ruoruo had reached the Spirit Realm before she sent him away to watch the imprinting.

• Hun Ruoruo took back the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python from Xiao Yan and prepared to imprint it with a Soul Seal, but refused Xiao Yan's request to observe.
• Hun Ruoruo teased Xiao Yan into calling her Teacher, prompting Old Man Yao to appear and joke about Xiao Yan having two masters.
• Old Man Yao cautioned Hun Ruoruo against pursuing strength too hastily, and she silently acknowledged his warning.
• Hun Ruoruo explained that soul realms comprised the Mortal, Spirit, Heaven, and Emperor stages, and that a cultivator generally needed to reach Dou Emperor to enter the Mortal Realm.
• Hun Ruoruo revealed that she had reached the Spirit Realm but called the reason a secret, then sent Xiao Yan out of the courtyard and told him to enjoy the show.

Xiao Yan accepted that his Soul Force could not advance as quickly as his Dou Qi, then left Shimo City with Old Man Yao to prepare pills for Hai Bodong. Back in her room, Hun Ruoruo confronted Qing Lin about her desire to be valued and used her control over the girl to complete a deal, leaving Qing Lin unconscious.

• Xiao Yan told Old Man Yao he would not rush his Soul Force cultivation, then asked him to handle the pills promised to Hai Bodong.
• Hun Ruoruo sensed Xiao Yan and Old Man Yao leave Shimo City and reflected on her earlier decision to call Xiao Yan “Young Master” before Hai Bodong.
• Hun Ruoruo recalled her plans to deal with Queen Medusa and later seek revenge for old grudges.
• Hun Ruoruo challenged Qing Lin’s claim that she preferred being ordinary, and Qing Lin realized she had enjoyed the Mercenary Group’s admiration.
• Hun Ruoruo took control of Qing Lin and told her to sleep, declaring that their deal was complete.

Hun Ruoruo sealed the souls inside the Little Snake and entrusted Qing Lin with the snake and a scroll for Xiao Yan. Before leaving, Hun Ruoruo questioned Qing Lin about coercion and love, then vanished, leaving Qing Lin to await Xiao Yan.

• Hun Ruoruo explained that Medusa’s two souls remained dangerously linked and planted Soul Seals in both sleeping souls inside the Little Snake.
• Hun Ruoruo woke Qing Lin, asked her to give Xiao Yan the Little Snake and a scroll when he returned, and told her not to read the scroll beforehand.
• Hun Ruoruo asked whether a relationship gained through coercion could be love, and Qing Lin said she did not hate the father who had abandoned her.
• Hun Ruoruo asked whether Qing Lin would hate Xiao Yan if he coerced someone, then said goodbye and left.
• Qing Lin found Hun Ruoruo had vanished and noticed moisture on the doorframe where she had leaned.

Xiao Yan returned to Ruoruo’s residence with Hai Bodong, only to learn that Ruoruo had left behind a Soul Scroll and disappeared again. As Xiao Yan reacted to her teasing message, Hun Ruoruo reached a mountain pass and eyed its lingering souls as a weapon against a Dou Zong.

• Xiao Yan brought Hai Bodong back to the city and agreed to refine the Calamity Breaking Pill after they returned to Shimo City.
• Qing Lin gave Xiao Yan Ruoruo’s Soul Scroll and told him that Ruoruo had left after settling everything.
• Xiao Yan found Ruoruo’s room empty and heard her message urging him to keep up with the Three-Year Pact.
• Xiao Yan vowed to tie Ruoruo up if she toyed with him again.
• Hun Ruoruo arrived at the mountain ridges beyond the desert and planned to use the lingering souls there against a Dou Zong.