Chapter Summaries

The Investigation Group arrived in Jibei Province to examine the breach, the province’s political stability, and its military strength, with members divided over Chen Chuan’s record and the deaths of other Fighters. As the investigators finally left their airship, Qi Weizhao asked Qiao Yang to notify Chen Chuan and prepare for their coming scrutiny.

• Sol Laxon and the Investigation Group debated whether Jibei Province’s recent crossings and unstable politics posed a serious threat, then reviewed documents describing Central City’s orderly recovery.
• Eldrick Skalson and Ignatius Korwa assessed Jibei Province’s Fighters and disputed whether Chen Chuan’s many victories and Fighter deaths made him a security concern.
• Skalson warned that Chen Chuan’s forceful actions could weaken the world’s defenses, while Korwa argued that Chen Chuan had protected Jibei Province and served Great Shun’s interests.
• Qi Weizhao waited with Government Affairs Hall officials and chose to cooperate with the international investigation rather than resist it.
• After the Investigation Group members emerged from the airship, Qi Weizhao told Qiao Yang to notify Chen Chuan that they had arrived.

Chen Chuan cultivated in the Rift and learned how his Spirit Manifestation was developing a protective Domain Field, then went to meet the International Investigation Group in Central City. After two of its Fighters questioned him about his combat record, he defended killing Fighters who had threatened him and endangered the nation.

• Chen Chuan cultivated in the Rift, where his Spirit Manifestation expanded and formed a Domain Field that helped conceal him.
• A message alerted Chen Chuan that the International Investigation Group had arrived, and he went to meet its members at the Mooring Tower.
• Sol Laxon challenged Chief Administrator Qi Weizhao about the heavy security, and Qi introduced Chen Chuan as Central City's security director.
• Scarlson and Corva approached Chen Chuan and asked to speak privately, so he led them to a nearby park.
• Scarlson asked whether Chen Chuan had considered that the Fighters he killed might have helped maintain the World Ring, and Chen Chuan answered that they had threatened him and endangered the nation.

Chen Chuan answered Scarlson’s questions about his loyalties and lethal force without promising to spare weaker Fighters, so Scarlson challenged him to a wagered duel. Chen Chuan accepted, and the two stood over Zhao Cai Lake as their powers flared.

• Chen Chuan told Scarlson that he would protect the World Ring when responsible, but would put his country and family first otherwise.
• Chen Chuan refused to promise that he would spare weaker Fighters, saying his reasons for killing opponents did not depend on their strength.
• Scarlson challenged Chen Chuan to a wagered duel, offering an Old Era treasured weapon if he lost, and Chen Chuan accepted.
• Chen Chuan contacted Zou Handan of the Secret Serpent Sect to keep people away from Zhao Cai Lake during the duel.
• Chen Chuan and Scarlson landed on the lake and faced each other as their flames of light rose.

Chen Chuan sparred with Scarlson on the lake, studying and countering the North Island Cage Art before using the Great Azure Void Style and Furnace Breathing Method to gain the advantage. Scarlson was forced to retreat repeatedly as Chen Chuan’s assault intensified.

• Scarlson warned Chen Chuan that he had studied Great Shun’s fighting arts, then charged across the lake with the North Island Cage Art.
• Chen Chuan blocked Scarlson’s rapid, shifting attacks and observed how the technique used changes in speed and rhythm to sustain its offense.
• After defending against more than a hundred strikes, Chen Chuan punched through Scarlson’s assault, while Scarlson concentrated his Spiritual Fire to protect himself and counterattack.
• Chen Chuan’s hardened-body force absorbed Scarlson’s punch, and his Great Azure Void Style force field slowed Scarlson and let Chen Chuan weaken his defenses.
• Scarlson unleashed more power to break free, but Chen Chuan activated the Furnace Breathing Method and pressed him with a close-range assault.
• Chen Chuan struck Scarlson’s weakened defenses repeatedly, forcing him to retreat across the lake as the momentum shifted decisively.

Chen Chuan overwhelmed Scarlson in a relentless fight across Zhao Cai Lake, defeating him after anticipating his attempt to recover with his Spiritual Form. Scarlson conceded, leaving Chen Chuan the victor.

• Chen Chuan kept up a punishing assault, forcing Scarlson to retreat and spend his strength defending.
• Scarlson gave up his surrounding Spiritual Fire and summoned his Spiritual Form to escape the Great Azure Void Style's force field.
• Chen Chuan broke through the Spiritual Form and struck Scarlson with a Spiritual Impact he had prepared in advance.
• Chen Chuan charged through the mist without pausing, shattered Scarlson's defense, and sent him crashing across the lake.
• Scarlson floated on the water and admitted that Chen Chuan had won.

Chen Chuan defeated Scarlson in a sparring match and claimed his gauntlets, while Scarlson still intended to oppose losses among the Fighters protecting the World Ring. As Scarlson and Corva waited to meet Principal Yao Zhiyi, Scarlson reconsidered Chen Chuan’s character after noticing his concern for bystanders.

• After his injuries healed, Scarlson accepted defeat and gave Chen Chuan the gauntlets he had received from his teacher.
• Scarlson offered Chen Chuan High-Energy Nutrients, then departed with Corva aboard Chen Chuan’s Airship to meet another Fighter at Wu Yi Academy.
• Chen Chuan sent Qi Weizhao a report about the encounter and reflected on Scarlson’s combat skills and his own restraint during the match.
• While waiting at Wu Yi Academy, Corva asked why Scarlson had not fought Chen Chuan underwater, and Scarlson explained that he suspected the lake was a trap.
• Scarlson told Corva that Chen Chuan’s precautions to keep tourists away from the fight showed compassion, though he remained committed to preventing Fighters from being wasted.
• A receptionist informed Scarlson and Corva that Principal Yao Zhiyi had returned and invited them to meet him.

Chen Chuan received Scarlson’s compensation while foreign observers and corporate lobbyists gathered around Jibei Province. As the International Investigation Group prepared its final evaluation, Chen organized security for its members and learned that Scarlson and Corva were investigating another abnormality.

• Chen Chuan opened Scarlson’s compensation package, read his letter, and pocketed an item from the box.
• Foreign observers, media personnel, dissidents, and lobbyists arrived in Jibei Province to gather information and influence the Investigation Group.
• Two modified men discussed Chen Chuan’s role in the reform movement and decided to execute a plan to prevent upheaval.
• The International Investigation Group concluded that Jibei Province’s governance had improved but questioned whether the World Ring breach had been fully resolved.
• Qi Weizhao convened a security meeting, and Chen Chuan coordinated a protection plan with City Patrol, the Handling Bureau, and the Esoteric Sect Handling Bureau.
• An Shield informed Chen Chuan that Scarlson and Corva were heading to Hongsheng District to investigate a third abnormality in half a month.

Investigation Group members Scarlson and Corva found an unstable anomaly point in an abandoned building outside Hongsheng District. Corva attacked Scarlson and staged evidence of a Rift to frame the Jibei Province Government Affairs Hall and Director Chen, leaving Scarlson gravely injured as the anomaly stirred.

• Corva and Scarlson traveled to Hongsheng District to investigate reports of anomalies, with Corva questioning the investigation and Scarlson insisting they follow procedure.
• The pair found an anomaly point in an abandoned shopping mall, but their World Tokens could not reach the Government Affairs Hall through the weak Domain Field.
• As Scarlson approached the anomaly to suppress it, Corva used the Tier 3 Lost Object Cold Claw to strike him and break his spine.
• Corva poured black powder onto the anomaly, making it appear as though something was about to emerge from a Rift.
• Corva explained that he planned to make the incident look like a security failure in Central City, blaming Director Chen and using Scarlson's injuries to support his fabricated story.

Corva revealed that he had arranged the anomalies to seize Central City for the Investigation Group, then crippled Scarlson after Scarlson refused to join him. As Corva prepared to begin his takeover, Chen Chuan appeared and warned him that he had crossed into Great Shun territory.

• Corva showed Scarlson a recording of their fight and admitted that his plans involved others and the earlier anomalies.
• Corva attacked Scarlson, exploiting the agreement’s loopholes to avoid its effects while leaving Scarlson gravely injured.
• Corva explained that he wanted the Investigation Group to claim Central City so it could protect itself and endure the coming Great Collision.
• Scarlson refused, insisting that he would defend the world rather than seize resources from those he was meant to protect.
• Chen Chuan entered and warned Corva that he had crossed into Great Shun territory.

Chen Chuan confronted Corva after Scarlson exposed his suspicions, and Corva transformed into a Tama Giant and fought him. Chen Chuan overwhelmed him and left him badly defeated in the ruins.

• Chen Chuan revealed a Demon Whale Bone, and Scarlson explained that Corva had searched his luggage for weapons, confirming his suspicions.
• Scarlson urged Corva to give up, but Corva swallowed medicine and transformed into the Tama Giant.
• Corva used his Variant Appearance to vanish and reappear behind Chen Chuan, but Chen Chuan dodged and threw him through the building.
• Chen Chuan battered Corva with repeated blows until Corva escaped underground and emerged in a larger form covered in bone spikes.
• Corva charged again, but Chen Chuan struck him down and stomped on his deformed head.

Chen Chuan rescued Scarlson, detained Corva, and helped the Security Team assess the failed Investigation Group operation against Central City. As the team focused on stabilizing Jibei Province, hidden conspirators withdrew and Commissioner Cao received a warning over his investigation.

• Chen Chuan gave Scarlson medicine, agreed not to expose the Investigation Group publicly, and demanded an explanation for its actions in Jibei Province while keeping Corva in custody.
• Chen Chuan briefed Qi Weizhao, and the Security Team concluded that rogue Investigation Group members had been used by forces seeking to destabilize Great Shun.
• Chen Chuan and Qi Weizhao agreed to secure Jibei Province and investigate the people behind the operation after receiving Scarlson's account.
• Two men in White Bird District decided to withdraw and clean up loose ends after learning their plan had failed.
• Commissioner Cao received photographs of two dead operatives he had planted in White Bird District and ordered compensation for their families.
• Lao Chu warned Commissioner Cao not to cross certain lines, and Commissioner Cao rebuked him before the call ended.

The Investigation Group endorsed Jibei Province Central City’s security and administration, easing international pressure on the Government Affairs Hall. Chen Chuan learned that a fighter had voluntarily undergone memory removal, then reunited with Lao Feng, who had been transferred to Central City.

• Councilor Ai and former chairman Quan Zengming appeared at the Investigation Group meeting and denied that the Municipal Council system had been abolished.
• Solrakson announced that Jibei Province Central City had no security risks, and the Investigation Group concluded that it could be trusted with its defense responsibilities.
• Chen Chuan watched the meeting from an airship as security stopped attempts to disrupt it, and reviewed a Covert Department report about contacts with Investigation Group members.
• Scarlson met Chen Chuan, thanked him with a case of gifts, and said the returned fighter had voluntarily undergone ritual memory removal alongside the Deflection Protocol.
• Chen Chuan left the airship and met Lao Feng, who said Lao Cao had transferred him to Central City.

Chen Chuan met Lao Feng, who relayed a senior leader’s warning about internal opposition and gave him a map to a thousand-year-old Hidden Treasure. Back at his villa, Chen Chuan examined a Lost Object called the Cold Claw and received reporters from Flying Wing Magazine, who came to present him with an award.

• Chen Chuan met Lao Feng at Greenland Park, where Lao Feng explained that powerful conservative forces within Great Shun had obstructed government reforms and were linked to the dead Investigation Group personnel.
• Lao Feng told Chen Chuan that Skyline and the balance of power within the Highest Security Advisory Group were crucial, then gave him a jade calling card that revealed a map to a Hidden Treasure.
• Chen Chuan returned to his villa and found the Tier 3 Lost Object Cold Claw among the items Scarlson had sent; its effects could hinder Fighters and other powerful beings.
• Chen Chuan agreed to meet Flying Wing Magazine reporters Stomach and Osney, who arrived at his villa to present him with an award.

Chen Chuan accepted Flying Wing Magazine’s award and discovered that its Lost Object could protect Zhao Ming with a powerful shadow film. He then researched the Hidden Treasure on the Daye Plains and prepared to visit it next month, learning that it had belonged to the famed general Yuwen Yuanqi.

• Stomach presented Chen Chuan with Flying Wing Magazine’s trophy, and Chen Chuan signed the disclaimer and authorization before accepting it.
• Chen Chuan found a black stone sphere inside the trophy and discovered it could become a shadow that merged with Zhao Ming and formed a protective layer.
• Chen Chuan reviewed the jade card’s information and learned that the Hidden Treasure on the Daye Plains could be entered at a fixed time next month.
• Chen Chuan called Cheng Zitong, learned that his teacher expected to arrive in Central City before November, and researched the Hidden Treasure’s history.
• Chen Chuan learned that the Hidden Treasure beneath the Daye Plains had belonged to Yuwen Yuanqi, the Emperor Ying’s younger brother and a famed general.

Chen Chuan followed the jade card’s clues to enter the Hidden Treasure at Daye Plains, while another group discovered a newly opened path and prepared to explore it. The two groups headed into the treasure from different routes as the ritual changed.

• Chen Chuan researched Yuwen Yuanqi and the Hidden Treasure, then traveled to Daye Plains after gathering supplies and cultivating in the Convergence Zone.
• At midnight, a misty path appeared before Chen Chuan, and he entered the ridge, triggering subtle changes in the Landscape Ritual.
• Young Master Xu’s expedition found a trestle bridge beyond the known route and summoned his Great-Uncle, Mister Qiao, and their armed groups.
• Young Master Xu’s Great-Uncle warned that the Hidden Treasure was dangerous but led his party inside with his implanted dog.
• Young Master Xu gathered his companions and security guards, then ordered them to cross the bridge and enter.

Chen Chuan explored the Hidden Treasure and discovered its elaborate, dangerous outer grounds, while Young Master Xu led a large group inside from another route. After breaking the central statue of a blood-soaked sacrificial ritual, Chen Chuan found a scarlet egg-shaped object and continued toward the palace complex.

• Young Master Xu led more than three hundred people into the Hidden Treasure and told Lao Lai to approach any other explorers peacefully.
• Chen Chuan climbed the stone steps with Zhao Ming and discovered that the outer grounds were paved with Six Yang Gold bricks.
• Chen Chuan used bee-like reconnaissance creatures to scout the misty plaza before advancing past carved dragon-and-serpent pillars.
• Chen Chuan found an Iron Thorn Forest used for ancient sacrifices and identified a dragon-serpent statue as the ritual's Pivot Pillar.
• Chen Chuan shattered the statue, picked up the scarlet egg-shaped object that fell from it, and hurried toward the palace complex.

Young Master Xu's group survived a swarm of worms in the Hidden Treasure and continued exploring, while Chen Chuan entered the palace and learned a powerful combat method from a divine general. He discovered that the hall contained weapons and armor usable by a spiritual form and began claiming them.

• Mister Qiao had Young Master Xu's group wear Protective Suits before they entered a cavern filled with 283 hanging corpses.
• The corpses burst open and released black worms, but the Protective Suits and Flame Throwers kept the group safe.
• Chen Chuan entered the palace alone after the civet cat refused to approach the hall.
• A divine general statue demonstrated a combined blade-and-jian technique and breathing method, which Chen Chuan copied, causing the statue to disperse.
• Chen Chuan recognized the Long Jian and long blade as World-Fused Weapons and absorbed them with his spiritual form.
• Chen Chuan identified the general's armor as Great Might Bright Light Armor and began drawing it toward his spiritual form.

Chen Chuan explored the palace complex, found ancient techniques and fading treasures, and was summoned to court by a lantern-bearing attendant. Meanwhile, Young Master Xu and his group crossed a snake-infested stone forest before a similar figure appeared and ordered them to the hall.

• Chen Chuan recorded the ancient fighting techniques and collected seeds from the weakened Vermillion Flame Fruits, which Zhao Ming and the civet cat ate.
• Chen Chuan inspected the Monarch Bathing Pond, took the military official's Ivory Tablet and jade seal, and continued toward the palace.
• A lantern-bearing attendant addressed Chen Chuan as a general and led him toward the hall, while Chen Chuan glimpsed the palace's ruined state beneath its illusion.
• Mister Qiao cleared a path through the snakes with a Flame Thrower, allowing Young Master Xu and his companions to cross the Stone Pillar Forest.
• Young Master Xu saw a palace ahead, then a lantern-bearing figure appeared and ordered him to hurry to court.

Young Master Xu became trapped in a Netherworld Domain, where Mister Qiao rescued him from an execution procession and a squad of Xiaoguo Cavalry Guards. Chen Chuan arrived, destroyed the cavalry, and headed toward the main hall while Qiao Qianli and Young Master Xu stayed behind.

• Young Master Xu was forced into a procession where warriors executed his companions, but Mister Qiao grabbed him and carried him away.
• Mister Qiao explained that they were caught in a Netherworld Domain and warned that the others might still be trapped inside.
• Mister Qiao faced five Xiaoguo Cavalry Guards, but a blast of light destroyed them before they could attack him.
• Chen Chuan appeared and asked where Qiao Qianli and Young Master Xu had entered the domain.
• Chen Chuan warned them to hide and went toward the main hall, while Qiao Qianli suspected he might be Jibei Province's Defense Department chief.

Chen Chuan and Xu Mutang fought through the decayed creatures and illusions in the Hidden Treasure as both headed toward its inner halls. Chen Chuan found evidence that the place was more closely tied to Emperor Ying than its reputation suggested and continued toward the palace above.

• Chen Chuan entered a side hall and crushed three serpent-dragons that had surrounded him.
• Xu Mutang killed the palace servant leading him up the mountain, saw through the Netherworld Domain illusion, and reached the Dragon Pool.
• Xu Mutang fought a serpent-dragon at the inner hall, smashed it apart, and continued deeper into the palace.
• Chen Chuan headed toward the sounds of fighting and destroyed a crimson-armored Imperial Guard demon ghost with the Snow Monarch Blade.
• Chen Chuan picked up the guard's golden seal, identified it as belonging to the Xiaoguo Right Guard, and set off toward the palace above.