Chapter Summaries

Star Young Master suspected Star Light Branch Leader of being the Lord of the Night Demon, but Star Light convinced him with an account of his past and the hardships behind building the White Cloud Continent Branch. After Star Young Master investigated and appeared to accept his explanation, he suddenly stabbed Star Light, who welcomed the pain and urged him to continue.

• Star Light Branch Leader denied being the Lord of the Night Demon and explained that his rapid cultivation and sect history had made him look suspicious.
• Star Light told Star Young Master that he had grown up in the Gold Grass Hall, missed the Gu Cultivation to God Plan after being wounded, and later survived the purge of Ren Zhongyuan's followers.
• Star Light described how he had rebuilt the White Cloud Continent Branch alone and said the Lord of the Night Demon had killed ten of his subordinates there.
• Star Young Master sent a steward to verify Star Light's account, then accepted that he was probably not the Lord of the Night Demon and assured him Yin Shen Gong could not use him as a scapegoat.
• Star Young Master abruptly drove a sword through Star Light Branch Leader's chest during their conversation.
• Star Light refused to beg, said he wanted to live long enough to see the world again, and laughed as Star Young Master tortured him with the sword and Sword Qi.

Star Young Master healed Star Light Branch Leader with a Five-Colored Dan Yun Divine Pill, which restored his wound and raised him to King level, then recruited him. As they discussed the Sole True Sect’s history and Star Young Master’s uncertain prospects, Star Light swore loyalty to Feng Xing and was welcomed as his brother.

• Star Young Master recognized that Star Light Branch Leader was not Night Demon and gave him a Five-Colored Dan Yun Divine Pill to heal the sword wound.
• The pill restored Star Light Branch Leader’s body, shed his old skin, and advanced him from Martial Marquis peak to King-level first grade.
• Star Young Master asked Star Light Branch Leader to join his faction, and they discussed the sect’s past conflicts, the Extermination Plan, the Cloud Top rankings, and the shortage of advancement opportunities at headquarters.
• Star Light Branch Leader presented himself as a Golden-Scaled Dragonfish ready to transform and asked Star Young Master not to betray him; Star Young Master agreed.
• Star Light Branch Leader swore before the Heavenly Centipede God to serve Feng Xing, and Star Young Master welcomed him as one of his people and privately called him his brother.

Fang Che survived Star Young Master's tests and secured his support for One Heart Sect, while Yin Shen Gong prepared to travel to headquarters amid threats from the families seeking revenge for the Night Demon. Bu Chou then attacked the Moving Mountain Sect to avenge Deng Tianfang and sentenced Sun Changxiao to death.

• Star Young Master accepted Star Light Branch Leader as an ally, promised to resolve the Moving Mountain Sect identity problem, and left Fang Che shaken after testing him and demanding an oath.
• Yin Shen Gong learned that One Heart Sect's White Cloud Continent Branch had passed its assessment and prepared to travel to headquarters, warning his subordinates and Fang Che to protect the sect if he did not return.
• Fang Che told Yin Shen Gong that Feng Xing had suspected his identity and forced him to swear allegiance, then asked Yan Beihan and Chen Yin to protect his master.
• Yan Beihan persuaded Yan Nan to arrange protection for Yin Shen Gong, while Flying Sword Peak sent Fei Yibin to White Cloud Continent to press One Heart Sect for money and cooperation.
• Bu Chou reached the Moving Mountain Sect, smashed its mountain-protecting formation, and destroyed much of the sect while avenging Deng Tianfang.
• Bu Chou confronted Sun Changxiao and sentenced him to immediate execution.

Bu Chou avenged Deng Tianfang by destroying Moving Mountain Sect, then traveled onward while questioning the double standards used to judge revenge. Meanwhile, Fang Che was assigned to the Guardian selection as a King, and Star Young Master investigated Moving Mountain Sect before Yin Shen Gong arrived at headquarters fearing his fate.

• Bu Chou forced Moving Mountain Sect to make Tian Guang torture Wei Yunxiao's family, then killed the captives and several sect leaders, spared the sect from total destruction, and left with Deng Tianfang's Spirit Tablet.
• Dong Changfeng explained to Bu Chou why people condemned Guardians for acts they tolerated from villains, and Bu Chou resolved to fight the Sole True Sect despite his tarnished reputation.
• Song Yidao announced the Guardian selection, and Fang Che revealed he had advanced to first-grade King, prompting Song Yidao to assign him to the King-level competition.
• Star Young Master found Moving Mountain Sect in ruins, heard Tian Guang's account of Bu Chou's revenge, and ordered the sect to cooperate with the White Cloud Continent Branch of One Heart Sect.
• Star Young Master hurried back toward headquarters while considering his future, and Yin Shen Gong arrived there with Chief Official Wu, fearing that he had reached the end of his road.

Yin Shen Gong arrived at the Sole True Sect headquarters fearing revenge for Night Demon's actions, but powerful figures from three Vice Sect Leader families sought him out and invited him to banquets. At Yan Beihan's dinner, she revealed that Night Demon had begged her to protect him.

• Yin Shen Gong and Wu Xiang entered the city surrounded by hostile family experts, who followed them to their inn without attacking.
• Young Master Yue told Yin Shen Gong that Feng Xing wanted to meet him, and Ye Yun delivered Chen Yin's banquet invitation; Aunt Hong then brought Yan Beihan's invitation and said Yan Beihan had postponed Vice Sect Leader Yan's summons.
• Aunt Hong escorted Yin Shen Gong to Flying Phoenix Pavilion while they discussed the troubles facing his sects in the southeast, including branch halls being uprooted.
• Yan Beihan hosted Yin Shen Gong at a private dinner with Aunt Hong and the disguised Yan Nan, while Wu Xiang waited anxiously for news.
• After three rounds of wine, Yan Beihan told Yin Shen Gong she had invited him because Night Demon had begged her to protect him.

Yin Shen Gong revealed Night Demon’s hidden history and extraordinary rise to Yan Nan, who decided to cultivate him as a long-term infiltrator in the Guardian Hall while keeping his identity secret. When Night Demon reported that he had been selected for the Friendship Battle, Yan Nan learned he wanted to compete under his Night Demon identity and boastfully claimed he could defeat every opponent.

• Yin Shen Gong told Yan Beihan that Night Demon had asked her and Chen Yin to protect him, then refused to reveal Night Demon’s identity until Yan Nan pressured him.
• Yin Shen Gong recognized Yan Nan as the second Vice Head Sect Leader and recounted Night Demon’s origins, rapid cultivation, work as Starlight, and the events that made his identity a secret.
• Yan Nan concluded that Night Demon was a rare talent, ordered Yin Shen Gong to strengthen his position in the Guardian Hall and erase evidence of his past, and warned that Dongfang Sansan would target the One Heart Sect.
• Yan Nan told Yin Shen Gong to keep Night Demon out of the Friendship Battle, remain hidden, and develop patiently, while allowing his family to remain in place.
• Yin Shen Gong received Night Demon’s message asking how to handle his selection for the King-level Friendship Battle, and Yan Nan read his claim that he could sweep through the opponents with one sword each.

Yin Shen Gong survived a tense visit to Sole True Sect headquarters, where Yan Nan protected him and ordered Ye Feng to compete in the Guardians' selection. The chapter ended with Yin Shen Gong preparing to travel home, newly prosperous but still fearing an ambush, while Star Young Master forced him to let Star Light Branch Leader advance outside the One Heart Sect.

• Yin Shen Gong relayed Ye Feng's outrageous messages to Yan Nan, who ordered Ye Feng to compete for the Guardian Hall and place in the Friendship Battle.
• Yin Shen Gong warned Yan Nan that Fang Che's connection to Sun Yuan could expose Ye Feng, and Yan Nan ordered Li Chengfeng and Wang Tianlu to keep their families inactive for three years.
• Aunt Hong drove away people lurking in the darkness, and Yin Shen Gong later told Wu Xiang that Yan Nan had summoned him.
• Yan Nan granted the One Heart Sect lavish rewards and warned that anyone who tried to kill Yin Shen Gong would doom their family.
• Yin Shen Gong warned Ye Feng not to kill anyone recklessly, and Ye Feng explained that his urge to kill had become difficult to control.
• Star Young Master demanded that Yin Shen Gong protect and promote Star Light Branch Leader, while Yin Shen Gong prepared for the dangerous journey back to the One Heart Sect.

Yin Shen Gong survived several assassination attempts on his journey back to the One Heart Sect and broke through to the peak of the Venerable realm, while the coming Friendship Battle stirred up the continent. Fang Che prepared for the selection battle and went to meet Dong Changfeng, where he came face-to-face with Duan Xiyang.

• Yin Shen Gong received gifts at sect headquarters, then survived an ambush thanks to Aunt Hong, who secretly escorted him along the road.
• Yin Shen Gong reflected on Ruo Chen beneath the stars and broke through to the peak of the Venerable realm; Aunt Hong later defeated two masked assassins and identified them as Faceless Soul Reaping Envoys from the Faceless Tower.
• The Friendship Battle sparked public debate over rankings, and Yan Nan defended her refusal to rank young fighters while Dongfang Sansan’s reputation spread across the Sole True Sect.
• Dong Changfeng visited the White Cloud Continent Guardian Hall to offer compensation for civilian deaths, while Fang Che prepared for the selection battle and bid farewell to the escort agency.
• Fang Che left home at the chou hour to meet Dong Changfeng, sensed overwhelming danger near the northern city wall, and encountered Duan Xiyang.

Fang Che encountered Duan Xiyang, survived his White Bone Soul Suppression by claiming his Night Demon identity, and received a brief assessment of his spear potential. Duan Xiyang later confronted Dong Changfeng over the Spear Devil Inheritance, while Fang Che remained on the city wall, beginning to grasp a new understanding of the spear.

• Duan Xiyang stopped Fang Che, recognized his natural Spear Bone, and brought him into a secluded domain after Fang Che addressed him as Duan Chief Seat.
• Fang Che proved he was Night Demon by showing his communications with Yin Shen Gong, then demonstrated his spear technique and told Duan Xiyang that he wanted to defeat him.
• Duan Xiyang questioned Fang Che under White Bone Soul Suppression, discussed the difference between his own spear path and the One Hole Spear Demon's, and released Fang Che without taking him as a disciple.
• After Duan Xiyang left, Fang Che contemplated the idea of learning the spear from the world around him and sat motionless on the city wall.
• Duan Xiyang told Yan Nan he had encountered Night Demon, and their conversation exposed a contradiction between Fang Che's spear and Yan Beihan's belief that Night Demon specialized in the sword.
• Yan Nan ordered Duan Xiyang to hunt the Faceless Tower and ordered a purge of the great Lineages, while Duan Xiyang confronted Dong Changfeng and demanded to know whom he was covering for.

Duan Xiyang tried to kill Dong Changfeng but fled after Xue Fuxiao, Bu Chou, and Yang Luoyu arrived, leaving both sides convinced Dongfang Sansan had arranged an ambush. Dongfang learned that Fang Che was the Child of Destiny, while Fang Che later brought Night Dream to the Guardian Hall's selection for a Friendship Battle and was called to join the Martial King participants.

• Duan Xiyang prepared to kill Dong Changfeng, but Xue Fuxiao interrupted their duel with a blade strike and told Duan that Dongfang Sansan had expected him to come.
• Bu Chou and Yang Luoyu arrived, and Duan Xiyang escaped through a White Bone Teleportation Gate after believing the gathered Guardians had surrounded him.
• Xue Fuxiao and the others misunderstood one another about the plan, went for drinks, and Dong Changfeng sent Dongfang Sansan the name Fang Che.
• Duan Xiyang returned to Sole True Sect Headquarters and told Yan Nan that Dongfang Sansan had ambushed him, while Fang Che arrived at their meeting place too late to find Dong Changfeng.
• Fang Che told Night Dream she would accompany him to the Guardian Hall selection, then spent four days training her and practicing saber techniques.
• Fang Che introduced Night Dream as his wife at the Guardian Hall and later traveled with her and Song Yidao to Southeast Headquarters for the selection; after the Martial Marquis candidates entered the hall, Fang Che was called in with the Martial King participants.

Fang Che won the Southeast Headquarters King-level selection after breaking through during a succession of arena battles, earning the chance to represent the region at Headquarters. At a wedding feast for Fang Che and Night Dream, An Ruoxing's hastily chosen wedding gift turned out to be a familiar-looking purple Jade Pendant, leaving him pale with alarm.

• Zhao Shanhe clashed with Fang Che over his salute and the selection reward, while Old Man Shen and Li Changkong mocked Zhao until he left the hall.
• Fang Che promised Old Man Shen and Li Changkong a wedding feast for him and Night Dream, then watched the Martial Marquis selection before entering the King-level arena battle.
• Fang Che defeated challenger after challenger, broke through to the second grade of the King level and the second level of the Limitless True Scripture, and won the selection after Li Changkong helped temper his power.
• Old Man Shen and Li Changkong decided to accompany Fang Che to Headquarters, while Fang Che and Night Dream celebrated their wedding with a feast attended by An Ruoxing and Song Yidao.
• An Ruoxing rushed home to fetch a wedding gift, then opened the box with Fang Che and Night Dream to reveal a purple Jade Pendant that looked familiar to the couple and frightened An Ruoxing.

Fang Che crippled ten young men who harassed Night Dream outside Sanchuan City, then declared that Guardians should not sacrifice themselves to protect people like them. Dongfang Sansan responded by ordering a continent-wide investigation of the great lineages, and Fang Che's group found the Eastern Decree posted across Sanchuan City.

• An Ruoxing gave Fang Che a piece of Heavenly Heart Jade, and Fang Che and Night Dream realized it matched Night Dream's string of beads.
• As Zhao Shanhe led the group toward Guardian Headquarters, Zhu Qiyun and six other young men harassed Night Dream and ignored Fang Che's warning that she was his wife.
• Fang Che unleashed his killing intent and terrified the ten young men into madness, then announced his name and said he would stay in Sanchuan City.
• Dongfang Sansan heard what Fang Che had done, reprimanded representatives of the Zhu, Liu, and Yin families, and ordered a thorough investigation of every great lineage across the continent.
• Fang Che's group left their meal and saw Guardian officials posting the Eastern Decree throughout Sanchuan City.

Dongfang Sansan used the harassment of Fang Che’s wife to launch a continent-wide purge and planned to make the great families supply fighters and bear greater risks. At Guardian Headquarters, Fang Che impressed the other King-level selection candidates, while Mo Ganyun, Rain Song, and two others secretly trained as they continued absorbing the Amethyst Soul.

• Zhu Yuntian and the other Family Heads apologized to An Ruoxing and Fang Che, whose refusal of their gifts surprised them.
• Dongfang Sansan drafted orders to reorganize the great families, recruit their fighters, and send their privileged heirs into dangerous service.
• Zhao Shanhe introduced Kanke Mountain to Fang Che, who felt the weight of the Guardians’ sacrifices as they climbed to Headquarters.
• Snow Condensing Sword warmly greeted Fang Che and arranged upper-quarters accommodations for his party.
• Fang Che entered the selection hall, held off the combined auras of thirty King-level candidates, and became their accepted leader before they learned that nine of them would be chosen.
• Mo Ganyun, Rain Song, and two other hidden trainees reached peak King-level Grade Nine, but still could not conceal that they had absorbed the Amethyst Soul.

Rain Song, Mo Ganyun, Qiu Yunshang, and Jing Shuanggao trained while Ding Ziran devoted himself to sword practice and agreed to watch Fang Che compete in the Friendship Battle. Fang Che brought his thirty-five opponents to Elegant Garden for a lively gathering with Night Dream, where the group celebrated his good fortune and drank late into the night.

• Rain Song and the others planned to keep training toward the Emperor level and discussed disguising themselves to watch the Friendship Battle.
• Ding Ziran refused to leave his sword practice until Snow Condensing Sword told him Fang Che would compete, then agreed to go watch his only friend.
• Fang Che tried to keep his thirty-five opponents from visiting Night Dream, but they escorted him to Elegant Garden after learning where he lived.
• Fang Che introduced his guests to Zhao Shanhe, An Ruoxing, Old Man Shen, and Night Dream, and the group settled in to eat and drink.
• Old Man Shen sealed his Spiritual Power and attacked Zhao Shanhe, starting a brawl while An Ruoxing watched and cheered.
• Night Dream charmed the guests, then withdrew after drinking with them, leaving Fang Che to continue the gathering with his friends.

Fang Che hosted his fellow Guardians in Elegant Garden, where the Soaring Sky Vine nourished them and he helped Night Dream rebuild her foundation. After the Guardians selected their fighters, the group set out for the Friendship Battle at Chessboard Mountain, leaving Night Dream under orders to remain hidden and act cautiously.

• Fang Che tricked thirty-five young men into fighting over Night Dream’s nonexistent younger sister, then quietly left them to absorb the spiritual energy from the Soaring Sky Vine.
• Fang Che stopped drawing in the courtyard’s spiritual energy so his guests could benefit, and he served them Soaring Sky Rice before the King-level selection battle.
• Fang Che and eight others won places on the King-level roster, while the other contestants stayed to watch and support them.
• Fang Che and Night Dream cultivated in Elegant Garden over the next seven days, and Night Dream’s foundation recovered as Fang Che advanced to King-level Grade Three.
• Commander Yan Xifeng ordered the group to travel to Chessboard Mountain, while Night Dream received instructions to remain hidden and Fang Che questioned his master Yin Shen Gong about the battle.
• Fang Che returned the gate token and joined the assembled Guardians as Dongfang Sansan, Xue Fuxiao, and the other leaders prepared to depart for the Friendship Battle.

The Guardians and Sole True Sect gathered at the Victory Chessboard for a major contest, where Dongfang Sansan reunited with retired Guardians and Fang Che learned about the factions assembled. Yan Nan arrived with the Sole True Sect’s leaders and challenged Dongfang Sansan to raise the stakes, leaving the two sides poised to negotiate.

• Fang Che and the other contestants traveled aboard the Guardians’ flying vessel as Dongfang Sansan discussed betting pools, public works, and the possibility of a future golden age.
• Yan Nan reviewed the Guardians’ contestant list and planned to raise the contest’s rewards, believing that either outcome would benefit him.
• At the Victory Chessboard, Dongfang Sansan greeted former Guardians by name, urged them to keep living, and welcomed the leaders of the Secluded Mountain Gates.
• Fang Che learned about Heavenly Palace’s past refusal to aid the Guardians and watched Cold Sword Mountain Gate’s Gu Changhan join the leaders welcoming the Sole True Sect.
• Yan Nan and the Sole True Sect’s leaders arrived to fervent cheers, and Yan Nan exchanged challenges with Dongfang Sansan before proposing higher stakes for the contest.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Yan Nan and Dongfang Sansan discuss the betting terms for the Friendship Battle.
• Dongfang Sansan agrees to bet a Soul Condensing God Crystal Heart for the Martial Emperor level, aiming to restore Yu Tianqi's strength.
• The Martial Marquis level battle begins, with the Sole True Sect winning 6-3.
• Mu Feng, a disciple from the Sole True Sect's Southeast Headquarters, wins the Martial Marquis championship, reminding some of Night Demon's fighting style.

Character Developments

• Dongfang Sansan shows her strategic prowess and willingness to take risks, betting a valuable resource to restore Yu Tianqi's strength.
• Yan Nan remains cautious and guarded, suspecting Dongfang Sansan's intentions but unable to refuse her demands.
• Mu Feng demonstrates exceptional combat skills and potential, catching the attention of both sides.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Sole True Sect and the Guardian, with both sides trying to gain an advantage through the Friendship Battle.
• The value of potential and talent, as seen in the focus on the young disciples' performances and the bets placed on their victories.

Character Interactions

• Yan Nan and Dongfang Sansan engage in a subtle battle of wits, each trying to gain information and advantages from the other.
• Mu Feng's impressive performance draws the attention of both sides, hinting at potential future interactions with other characters, such as Night Demon.

Mu Feng’s unexpected championship stirred speculation that he might be Night Demon, while Yan Nan and Dongfang Sansan traded guarded remarks before the King-level Friendship Battle. The Guardians won the opening match through Luo Shishui, lost the second when Ling Kong outmaneuvered Tan Dashi, and prepared for the third match between Bai Xu and Dongfang Zhe.

• Sole True Sect members wondered whether the mysterious Mu Feng was Night Demon, while Yan Nan and Dongfang Sansan discussed the wager and watched the King-level battle begin.
• Fang Che recognized Huo Churan on the opposing lineup, mocked him for being a devilspawn and a traitor, and provoked furious reactions from both sides.
• Dongfang Sansan gave Yan Nan Compassionate Heart Wood and then had her provide him with two pounds of Dragon Whisker Tea.
• Luo Shishui defeated Ice Sword with a decisive sword strike, giving the Guardians the first victory.
• Ling Kong defeated Tan Dashi with a broken-sword trick, concealed needles, and a sword hidden inside his hilt.
• Bai Xu and Dongfang Zhe were announced for the third match, and Dongfang Sansan revealed that Dongfang Zhe was descended from her twenty-eighth elder brother.

The Guardians won the first round of the tournament but lost their numerical advantage after the next draw, leaving Fang Che alone against four Sole True Sect fighters. Fang Che began his first fight against Ling Kong and drove him into the ground with a powerful strike.

• Bai Xu and Dongfang Zhe fought to a draw, then Fang Che defeated Huo Churan after countering his flame technique and striking his dantian; the referee stopped Fang Che from killing him.
• Wu Shuang defeated Chu Wuqing, Bi Ren defeated Xue Wanren, and Meng Wuhen, Feng Xiangdong, and Yu Zhongkuang won their matches, giving the Guardians five wins and one draw in the first round.
• Xue Fuxiao encouraged Xue Wanren after his defeat, publicly acknowledging his own loss to Duan Xiyang and promising that they would both fight to win in three years.
• The Sole True Sect drew the next matchups, and Luo Shishui, Dongfang Zhe, Meng Wuhen, and Yu Zhongkuang all lost, leaving Fang Che as the Guardians' sole remaining fighter against four opponents.
• Feng Xiangdong lost to Wu Shuang and urged Fang Che to defend the Guardians' honor; Fang Che then drew Ling Kong and battered him with a series of powerful strikes.

Fang Che defeated Ling Kong, Bai Xu, Bi Ren, and Wu Shuang to win the King-level battle for the Guardians, revealing formidable saber and sword techniques as well as his quick judgment against Wu Shuang’s poison pets. The chapter ended with Fang Che celebrated across the continent while Wu Shuang and the other defeated contestants faced the consequences of their losses.

• Fang Che crushed Ling Kong in a rapid opening attack, and Mei Han stopped him before he could deliver a finishing stomp.
• Fang Che defeated Bai Xu with the Great Sun Sword, then taunted the Sole True Sect’s young nobles when they criticized his manners.
• Fang Che overwhelmed Bi Ren’s hidden double attack with the Hate Heaven Saber and defeated him in a single decisive exchange.
• Fang Che outmaneuvered Wu Shuang’s Heavenly Poison Threadworms, used Seven Stars in the Sky to wound him, and won the King-level battle for the Guardians.
• Wu Zhiyun warned Wu Shuang to abandon his poison pets and focus on martial training, but Wu Shuang remained convinced the pets were necessary to survive stronger opponents.
• The Guardians carried Fang Che around the arena in celebration, while Mo Ganyun and his companions admitted they were not ready to challenge him again.