Chapter Summaries

Jiang Ning woke beside Su Qingying and worried about the trouble his encounter with Qingyi could cause. Ji Mingyue visited him, renewed their promise to marry in two years, and left him feeling responsible for her; afterward, Su Qingying offered to have his child, leaving Jiang Ning at a loss.

• Jiang Ning woke in bed with Su Qingying and realized that his experience the previous night had truly happened, which made him worry about the Old King's reaction to what he had done with Qingyi.
• Ji Mingyue arrived at the Imperial Advisor's Residence and found Jiang Ning with Su Qingying, then asked him to walk with her.
• Ji Mingyue showed Jiang Ning the Warm Jade he had kept and asked when he would marry her, and Jiang Ning promised to marry her if she still felt the same in two years.
• Ji Mingyue and Jiang Ning reaffirmed their promise with hooked pinkies before she left, and Jiang Ning resolved to help her brother Ji Minghao if he had the chance.
• Su Qingying told Jiang Ning she would let him remove her clothes if he wished and suggested motherhood might sever her Divinity; Jiang Ning fled to practice.

Jiang Ning explored the changes to his Immortal Seedling and used his Inner Scenery to cultivate the Spirit Platform Illuminating True Self Method. His Spiritual Power transformed, making him a Half-Step Second Rank Great Grandmaster and bringing him closer to a true Second Rank breakthrough.

• Jiang Ning found a new branch and a fifth, gold-and-silver leaf on his Immortal Seedling after returning from the Inner Scenery.
• Jiang Ning expanded his Inner Scenery, established the alternation of day and night, and cultivated the Spirit Platform Illuminating True Self Method within it.
• Jiang Ning accumulated enough experience for his Spiritual Power to transform, and he discovered that his Divine Sense could cover fifty li.
• Jiang Ning tested his transformed Spiritual Power and concluded that he had reached the Half-Step Second Rank Great Grandmaster level.
• Jiang Ning checked his Panel and saw that the Spirit Platform Illuminating True Self Method had advanced to Proficient 11/2000, leaving him one breakthrough from becoming a true Second Rank Great Grandmaster.

Jiang Ning explored his expanded Inner Scenery, refined a beast bone to strengthen his spirit, and cultivated the Spirit Platform Illuminating True Self Method toward a breakthrough. After sharing a bed with Su Qingying, he resumed training and ended the chapter close to becoming a Second Rank Great Grandmaster, two days before the Martial Examination Metropolitan Examination.

• Jiang Ning found that his Inner Scenery had expanded and refined a nameless beast bone, gaining a distinct increase in spiritual strength.
• Jiang Ning cultivated the Spirit Platform Illuminating True Self Method and advanced to Mastery 1799/2000.
• Jiang Ning visited Su Qingying, told her not to force changes to her figure, and let her sleep beside him when she said she was cold.
• Su Qingying woke beside Jiang Ning, pleased and hoping their night together would help her become pregnant.
• Jiang Ning returned to his Inner Scenery and raised the method's progress to Mastery 1933/2000, leaving himself one cultivation session away from transforming his Spiritual Power.

Jiang Ning accepted Ji Minghao’s invitation to the Lin Yuan Gathering, then cultivated in his secluded courtyard and broke through to become a Second Rank Great Grandmaster. He discovered that his breathing now resonated with heaven and earth, while Su Qingying concealed his breakthrough’s Spiritual Light from the capital.

• Jiang Ning welcomed Ji Minghao, who invited him to the Lin Yuan Gathering before the Martial Examination Metropolitan Examination, and Jiang Ning accepted for the promised wine, fruit, and roasted monster meat.
• After Ji Minghao left, Jiang Ning returned to his courtyard and began cultivating with the Spirit Platform Illuminating True Self Method to advance his rank.
• Jiang Ning’s True Spirit Mark merged completely with his Spirit Soul, and he broke through to become a Second Rank Great Grandmaster, sending Spiritual Light into the sky above the Royal Capital.
• Su Qingying recognized Jiang Ning’s breakthrough and concealed its Spiritual Light beneath mist before the capital’s powerful figures could identify its source.
• Jiang Ning examined his clearer Spirit Soul and found that his breathing now harmonized with heaven and earth, improving his recovery and allowing him to resonate with greater power.

After becoming a Second Rank Great Grandmaster, Jiang Ning found that his sharper mind accelerated his sword training, allowing him to break through the Twofold Yin-Yang Sword and awaken a powerful Sword Seed. As he spent Source Energy on the Seven Stars Demon Subduing Sword, the Blind Old Man saw seven stars stir and wondered whether Su Qingying was responsible.

• Jiang Ning discovered that his thoughts had become far more efficient and confirmed that his Twofold Yin-Yang Sword gained experience faster as he practiced.
• Jiang Ning trained the Twofold Yin-Yang Sword until it reached its breakthrough threshold, then spent Source Energy to advance it and strengthen its Sword Seed trait.
• Jiang Ning found that his Immortal Seedling had absorbed the Sword Seed, producing a pale-silver leaf, and then discovered the withered seed had appeared in his palm.
• Jiang Ning dismissed his doubts about whether the world was illusory and began spending Source Energy to break through the Seven Stars Demon Subduing Sword.
• At the Heavenly Surveillance Bureau, the Blind Old Man saw seven stars in the sky and suspected Su Qingying, whose origins he had never been able to uncover.

Jiang Ning broke through in sword cultivation, gave Su Qingying a withered Sword Seed, and went out with her in the Royal Capital. Meanwhile, Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan arrived at the city gates, where officials recognized them and arranged for Miss Qinghe to meet them; Jiang Ning ended the chapter thinking of the crises awaiting him.

• Jiang Ning completed a breakthrough in the Seven Stars Demon Subduing Sword, though his Sword Dao Talent did not increase.
• Jiang Ning gave Su Qingying a withered Sword Seed, and she explained that Life Spring Water might restore it and let its bearer cultivate the sword path.
• Jiang Ning and Su Qingying visited Qiong Lou, where Jiang Ning overheard a young man falsely boasting that he had fought him.
• Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan reached the Royal Capital, and a red-armored general recognized them and arranged for Miss Qinghe to come from the Imperial Advisor's Residence.
• Jiang Ning and Su Qingying left Qiong Lou and walked through the busy streets; Jiang Ning reflected on the dangers involving Qingyi, the One-Worded Shoulder-to-Shoulder King, and the princes' Contend for the Throne.

Jiang Ning welcomed Jiang Li, Liu Wanwan, and their family to the Imperial Advisor's Residence, then used his Inner Scenery insights to rapidly improve his Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword. The chapter ended with Ji Mingyue arriving with gifts and offering to accompany him to the Lin Yuan Gathering.

• Jiang Ning reunited with Jiang Li, Liu Wanwan, and Xiao Doubao on Vermilion Bird Street, where Su Qingying gifted Xiao Doubao a bracelet and welcomed the family to her residence.
• Jiang Ning assured Jiang Li that he was highly confident of winning the Martial Examination Metropolitan Examination and brought the family to the safety of the Imperial Advisor's Residence.
• Jiang Ning practiced the Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword, using his Inner Scenery insights to raise its mastery to 10133/20000 in just over an hour.
• Liu Wanwan suspected Su Qingying held a subordinate's position toward Jiang Ning, but she and Jiang Li decided to trust him without asking about his secrets.
• Ji Mingyue arrived at the Imperial Advisor's Residence with gifts for Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan and offered to accompany Jiang Ning to the Lin Yuan Gathering.

Ji Mingyue visited Jiang Ning's family and presented gifts to his relatives, revealing her generosity and the care behind each offering. The chapter ended with Jiang Yiming accepting seven Seven Aperture Exquisite Pills from her.

• Ji Mingyue arrived at the Imperial Advisor's Residence and told Jiang Ning's family that she and Jiang Ning had privately settled their engagement.
• Ji Mingyue gave Liu Wanwan a set of jewelry and placed a jeweled hairpin in her hair.
• Ji Mingyue presented Jiang Li with the Snow Scale Blade forged by Master Pingyezi, and he accepted it.
• Ji Mingyue gave Xiao Doubao a Painted Jade Doll that could save her life, though she kept its wondrous effect secret from the child.
• Ji Mingyue offered Jiang Yiming seven Seven Aperture Exquisite Pills, and he accepted them after Jiang Ning told him to.

Ji Mingyue brought Jiang Ning to the Lin Yuan Gathering, where the princes welcomed him as a Heaven Rankings prodigy and he eagerly consumed the gathering’s spirit delicacies for Source Energy. The gathering’s attention shifted when Wan Jianyi, first on the Heaven Rankings, arrived with Li Qing and appeared to have a close relationship with Fifth Prince Ji Mingyuan.

• Ji Mingyue visited Jiang Ning’s family and claimed her betrothal to him, while Su Qingying joined them and Liu Wanwan welcomed both women to dinner.
• Ji Mingyue and Jiang Ning left for the Lin Yuan Gathering, where Ji Minghao greeted them at the entrance while Ji Mingyuan waited for another guest.
• The Third Prince welcomed Jiang Ning inside Lin Yuan Pavilion and offered him Spirit Wine, while Jiang Ning ate fruit, wine, and roasted monster meat to gain Source Energy.
• Wan Jianyi arrived with Li Qing and another companion, drawing attention as the top-ranked Heaven Rankings prodigy and a leading candidate for Martial Champion.
• Ji Minghao observed Jiang Ning’s appetite and noted that Ji Mingyuan seemed to have a good relationship with Wan Jianyi.

At the Lin Yuan Gathering, Jiang Ning focused on eating and drinking while Wan Jianyi sized him up as a potential rival. After watching a brief martial exchange, Wan Jianyi challenged Jiang Ning to spar, but Jiang Ning refused, leaving the gathering abuzz with speculation.

• Wan Jianyi arrived at Lin Yuan Pavilion and recognized Jiang Ning as his likely competitor in the upcoming Martial Examination Metropolitan Examination.
• The Third Prince welcomed the guests, invited them to exchange Martial Path insights, and rewarded two volunteers with weapons and Dragon Tiger Strength Pills.
• A swordsman and a staff wielder sparred on the first floor, but Jiang Ning quickly lost interest and returned to eating to gain Source Energy.
• The Seventh Princess mocked Jiang Ning's appetite, and Ji Mingyue sharply defended him.
• Wan Jianyi challenged Jiang Ning to spar, but Jiang Ning declined, prompting guests to call him afraid of the Heaven Rankings' top-ranked swordsman.

At the Lin Yuan Gathering, Jiang Ning avoided Wan Jianyi’s challenge but agreed to face him at the Martial Examination in two days. After meeting Li Qing and parting from her, Jiang Ning returned to the Imperial Advisor's Residence and entered his Inner Scenery to practice the Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword.

• Wan Jianyi challenged Jiang Ning at the gathering, and Jiang Ning agreed to meet him at the Martial Examination in two days.
• The Third Prince learned that Jiang Ning had nearly consumed the gathering’s food and fruit, while Ji Minghao and Jiang Ning discussed the martial students.
• After leaving Lin Yuan Pavilion, Jiang Ning walked with Li Qing, encouraged her about her martial progress, and encountered Wan Jianyi, who renewed his anticipation for their match.
• Li Qing later watched Jiang Ning leave and lamented that they no longer belonged to the same world.
• Jiang Ning returned to the Imperial Advisor's Residence, checked his Panel, and entered his Inner Scenery to continue practicing the Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword.

Jiang Ning advanced the Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword through relentless practice, briefly escaping the Inner Scenery when its timeless monotony threatened his mind. On the eve of the Martial Examination, he reached Minor Completion and unleashed the sword strike Return to Void.

• Jiang Ning practiced the Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword in the Inner Scenery until its unchanging surroundings began to unsettle his mind, so he returned to reality and rested.
• After the Lin Yuan Gathering, Jiang Ning found that his Source Energy had increased by fifty thousand points and practiced the sword until he entered a mysterious state.
• Su Qingying visited Jiang Ning, and he brought her to breakfast with Liu Wanwan, who welcomed her and promised to cook for her.
• With the Martial Examination approaching, Jiang Ning practiced in his courtyard until the Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword reached Minor Completion.
• Jiang Ning discovered that Minor Completion had granted him the sword strike Return to Void and tested it, twisting the void and drawing in everything around him.

Jiang Ning tested the Ruined Void Sword and found it could disrupt three layers of space, then practiced the Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword as its slow progress exposed the limits of his talent. He left for a meal with Jiang Yiming, whose questions about the looming unrest led Jiang Ning to explain how Great Xia’s stability depended on the Martial Saint.

• Jiang Ning used his Heavenly Eye to inspect the layered space and hidden array foundations in the Imperial Advisor's Residence, then confirmed that the Ruined Void Sword could disrupt three layers of space but not a fourth.
• Jiang Ning discovered that his Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword experience increased far more slowly after he reached Minor Completion, and that his Inner Scene could not help him comprehend the technique beyond his current ability.
• Jiang Ning resumed practicing the Tai Xu Yin Yang Sword until its experience reached 117, then stopped when Jiang Yiming arrived to call him to eat.
• Jiang Ning told Jiang Yiming that Dongling County would remain relatively safe through the winter, while Nan'an Province was vulnerable to the Yellow Sky Sect after its inspector's assassination.
• Jiang Ning explained that Great Xia’s rule depended on the Martial Saint’s survival and warned that the empire could be overturned if the Martial Saint died.

Ji Minghao gave Jiang Ning Earthly Milk Spiritual Marrow, which strengthened Jiang Ning’s body and Immortal Seedling before he resumed cultivating the Spirit Platform Illuminating True Self Method. Ji Minghao revealed that he was preparing for the imminent Heir Struggle and wanted Jiang Ning to protect Little Seventeen if he died, while his teacher decided to seek support from the North Cang King's line against Ji Minghao’s wishes.

• Ji Minghao visited Jiang Ning before the Metropolitan Examination and gifted him Earthly Milk Spiritual Marrow, calling him his brother-in-law.
• Jiang Ning consumed the spiritual marrow, felt his body recover and his Immortal Seedling grow, then continued cultivating the Spirit Platform Illuminating True Self Method.
• Ji Minghao told his teacher that The Emperor was near death and the Heir Struggle was approaching, and explained that he was helping Jiang Ning so Jiang Ning could protect Little Seventeen if he failed.
• Ji Minghao rejected his teacher’s suggestion to ally with the North Cang King's line, insisting that Little Seventeen’s wishes mattered and that he would not force her toward the North Cang King's Heir.
• After Ji Minghao left, his teacher resolved to pursue North Cang King's support anyway, fearing for his own family if Ji Minghao lost the struggle.

On the morning of the Martial Examination Metropolitan Examination, Jiang Ning cultivated with Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid before arriving at the Training Ground. There, he reunited with Yan Youjiao and faced Wan Jianyi, whose challenge to the monk Mingxin set up a clash on the examination field.

• Jiang Ning received Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid from Su Qingying and used it to greatly increase the experience gained from the Spirit Platform Illuminating True Self Method.
• Jiang Ning said farewell to Su Qingying, Qing He, Liu Wanwan, and Jiang Li before leaving for the Martial Examination Metropolitan Examination.
• Jiang Ning submitted his credentials, changed into the examination uniform, and received his candidate Token at the Training Ground.
• Yan Youjiao greeted Jiang Ning, apologized for his past behavior, and sat beside him as they waited.
• Wan Jianyi challenged Jiang Ning and declared him a worthy opponent, while Jiang Ning asked why Wan Jianyi was not focused on Mingxin.
• Wan Jianyi and Mingxin debated whether competing in the Martial Examination conflicted with Buddhist detachment, then agreed to test their beliefs against each other on the Training Ground.

The Emperor revealed to Ji Mingyue that he was being targeted by powerful enemies and planned to let his sons compete for the throne, warning her to find protection after his death. The Metropolitan Examination began, and Jiang Ning’s age of nineteen astonished the assembled crowd.

• The Emperor privately told Ji Mingyue that Nascent Soul experts and surviving Immortals were trying to Curse Kill him, and he feared she would be mistreated after he died.
• The Emperor explained that he would let his sons fight to prove who was most capable of inheriting the throne, and Ji Mingyue said Jiang Ning would protect her.
• The Emperor ordered the Metropolitan Examination to begin, and Jiang Ning entered the Training Ground with the other Martial Students.
• Jiang Ning saw Ji Mingyue, the princes, and the Emperor on the northern platform, while the Emperor recognized Jiang Ning from the portraits sent to him.
• The examiner verified the Martial Graduates’ identities, and the crowd reacted to Mingxin’s and Wan Jianyi’s ages and reputations.
• The examiner announced Jiang Ning as the first-place Martial Graduate from Dongling County at age nineteen, stunning the crowd and drawing Wan Jianyi’s grave attention.

At the Metropolitan Martial Examination, Jiang Ning watched the competitors attempt the Mountain River Cauldrons as the princes discussed the likely champion. The Emperor proposed marrying Shen Mengyun to Ji Minghao, but General Shen refused because she already admired someone; the chapter ends as Mingxin entered the weightlifting test and Jiang Ning recalled Buddha's Disciple Jin Chan.

• The examiner announced that the Martial Examination would test weightlifting and Foot Archery, while Ji Minghao, Ji Mingyuan, Ji Mingyue, and the other royals discussed the contenders, including Jiang Ning and Wan Jianyi.
• Zhao Meng lifted the first Mountain River Cauldron, then failed to set the second down steadily after holding it overhead for three breaths.
• The Emperor proposed Shen Mengyun as a bride for Ji Minghao, but General Shen said she already admired someone, and the Emperor withdrew the offer.
• Shen Mengyun lifted the second and third cauldrons steadily but stopped before attempting the fourth.
• Yan Youjiao failed to lift the first cauldron and realized how far he lagged behind prodigies from great places and powers.
• Mingxin, marked by Twelve Scarlet Marks, walked down to the Training Ground as Jiang Ning recalled Buddha's Disciple Jin Chan.

Jiang Ning easily lifted the fifth Mountain River Cauldron and qualified for the next Martial Examination event, Foot Archery, where the candidates began testing their skill. The emperor questioned Su Qingying about her closeness to Jiang Ning and pressed General Shen about his daughter’s suitor, leaving the viewing platform tense.

• Mingxin lifted the fifth Mountain River Cauldron one-handed, and Wan Jianyi raised it with difficulty before lowering it after three breaths.
• Jiang Ning lifted the fifth cauldron with both hands and set it down silently, earning First Class as the weight-lifting event ended with eleven qualifiers.
• Su Qingying told the emperor that Jiang Ning had been staying at her residence, prompting him to ask whether she had given her heart to Jiang Ning.
• The candidates began Foot Archery, and Zhao Meng shattered only the first Bronze Mirror with his arrow.
• Shen Mengyun shot an arrow that broke the sound barrier, and the emperor questioned General Shen about the young man who had caught her eye before dismissing it as a joke.

Jiang Ning’s arrow matched or surpassed the leading contenders’ shots, and he debated the Martial Path with Mingxin and Wan Jianyi before the Foot Archery event ended. Chief Examiner Wang Hong announced the preliminary rankings, placing Jiang Ning first, Mingxin second, and Wan Jianyi third.

• Shen Mengyun and the other Martial Students completed Foot Archery, with Mingxin and Wan Jianyi each shattering nine Bronze Mirrors.
• Jiang Ning shot an arrow that broke the Sound Barrier, shattered all nine mirrors, and sank one foot into the Refined Iron wall.
• Jiang Ning discussed desire and self-improvement with Mingxin and Wan Jianyi, then mentioned Mingxin’s acquaintance Jin Chan.
• The final Martial Students finished shooting, and Chief Examiner Wang Hong announced the preliminary evaluations.
• The Yellow Silk Scroll listed Jiang Ning first, Mingxin second, and Wan Jianyi third; Jiang Ning understood that his youth had raised his ranking, while Wan Jianyi accepted his third place.

The First Class and Grade B evaluation results were revealed, and the seven First Class Martial Jinshi entered a combat tournament to determine the top honors. Mingxin defeated Xie Fei with ease, while Wan Jianyi and Xu Sansheng prepared to fight next.

• Wang Hong revealed the examination rankings, and the Martial Students reacted to their results.
• Daoist masters established a formation around the Training Ground, and Wang Hong issued Combat Tokens to the seven First Class Martial Jinshi.
• Mingxin and Xie Fei fought; Mingxin’s Indestructible Vajra Body repelled Xie Fei’s attacks, and Mingxin sent him flying without injuring him.
• Wang Jiadi told Jiang Ning he looked forward to exchanging blows with him, and Jiang Ning said he wanted to see Wang Jiadi’s Four Emperors Suppressing Heaven Fist.
• Wang Hong called for the Number Three Combat Token holders, and Wan Jianyi identified Xu Sansheng as his opponent.