Chapter Summaries

Shen Gongbao became the Shang Dynasty's State Preceptor while Xuanxiao watched Great Shang's decline without interfering. Seven years later, Bo Yikao traveled to Morning Song with Western Qi's treasures to seek his imprisoned father, and Xuanxiao recognized his future importance.

• Shen Gongbao accepted Di Xin's appointment as State Preceptor, and Xuanxiao assured him he would be safe if he stayed out of Di Xin's wrongdoing.
• Xuanxiao remained in Morning Song and observed as Di Xin's tyranny caused Great Shang's destiny to dwindle over seven years.
• Bo Yikao decided to travel to Morning Song and ransom Ji Chang despite his ministers' warnings, then entrusted Western Qi's affairs to Ji Fa.
• Bo Yikao arrived in Morning Song with Western Qi's three treasures, and Xuanxiao identified him as a future candidate for the Northern Imperial One.
• Bo Yikao went to Bi Gan's residence to seek advice, and Bi Gan personally welcomed him at the gate.

Bo Yikao sought Bi Gan’s help in securing Ji Chang’s release from Youli after seven years of imprisonment. Bi Gan agreed to report Bo Yikao’s tribute to Di Xin, who reluctantly admitted him to the palace the next morning.

• Bo Yikao greeted Bi Gan and asked how Ji Chang was faring after seven years in Youli.
• Bi Gan asked about Bo Yikao’s tribute, and Bo Yikao described the Seven-Fragrance Chariot, the Sobering Mat, and the White-Faced Ape.
• Bi Gan objected that the treasures would encourage Di Xin’s indulgence, but Bo Yikao explained that he needed to please the King to reach him.
• Bi Gan promised to report Bo Yikao’s request to Di Xin and invited him to wait at his residence.
• Bi Gan went to the palace at dawn, where Di Xin reluctantly ordered that he be admitted while feasting among the palace beauties.

Bi Gan persuaded Di Xin to receive Bo Yikao and consider releasing Ji Chang in exchange for treasures, but Daji’s interest in Bo Yikao complicated the audience. Xuanxiao secretly protected Bo Yikao, resolving to keep him from following his fate into the Investiture Register without his body.

• Bi Gan reminded Di Xin that Ji Chang’s seven-year imprisonment had ended, and Di Xin agreed to consider releasing him after inspecting Bo Yikao’s treasures.
• Di Xin summoned Daji to join him as Bo Yikao presented the Seven-Fragrance Chariot, the Sobering Mat, and the White-Faced Ape.
• Bo Yikao recognized a resemblance between Daji and Su Daji, while Daji suspected he might know her identity and considered killing him.
• Daji asked Bo Yikao to play the qin, and his performance impressed Di Xin and stirred Daji’s greed and feelings inherited from Su Daji.
• Xuanxiao watched from the void, sent purple light into Bo Yikao to protect him, and resolved to preserve his body when future calamity came.

Daji trapped Bo Yikao in the palace, then falsely accused him of attacking her and persuaded Di Xin to sentence him to the hash punishment. As the guards took him away, a violet Spirit Light secretly carried off his real body, leaving a puppet shell behind.

• Di Xin ordered Bo Yikao to remain in Morning Song and teach Daji the qin until he could return to Western Qi with his father.
• Daji tried to seduce Bo Yikao during lessons, but he rejected her, so she threatened to accuse him of molesting her.
• Bo Yikao refused to submit, and Daji later used the white-faced ape's attack as a pretext to accuse him of controlling it and harassing her.
• Di Xin had Bo Yikao seized, and Daji persuaded him to order Bo Yikao chopped into meat pies for Ji Chang in Youli.
• As the guards took Bo Yikao away, violet Spirit Light removed his real body and left a puppet shell for the execution.

Xuanxiao rescued Bo Yikao from his destined execution and sent him to the Eternal Divine Continent, while Shen Gongbao promised to arrange Ji Chang’s return to Western Qi. Ji Chang endured being tricked into eating meat pies made from his son, and the chapter ended with Ji Fa learning of Bo Yikao’s death and grieving.

• Xuanxiao revealed his identity as the Dao Venerable and sent Bo Yikao through a space passage to the Eternal Divine Continent, while Shen Gongbao promised to secure Ji Chang’s safe return.
• Ji Chang divined that Bo Yikao had been killed, then pretended to gratefully eat the meat pies Di Xin sent him before secretly retching in anguish.
• Di Xin and Daji mocked Ji Chang for eating the pies, but You Hun warned that releasing him could provoke Western Qi to rebel, so Di Xin kept him imprisoned.
• Xuanxiao ordered Shen Gongbao to arrange Ji Chang’s return to Western Qi, where he would meet Jiang Ziya and begin Western Qi’s rise.
• Bo Yikao’s attendants learned the truth of his death and reported it to Ji Fa, who broke down in grief.

After Bo Yikao’s death, Western Qi’s officials urged Ji Fa to rebel, but Sanyi Sheng warned that doing so would endanger Ji Chang, who remained imprisoned in Morning Song. Ji Fa approved Sanyi Sheng’s plan to win over Fei Zhong and You Hun to secure Ji Chang’s release, but their gifts and persistent appeals failed.

• Nangong Shi called for Western Qi to march on Morning Song and avenge Bo Yikao, prompting the officials to demand rebellion.
• Sanyi Sheng stopped the officials by reminding them that Ji Chang was still held by Di Xin, and Nangong Shi apologized to Ji Fa for his reckless words.
• Sanyi Sheng argued that Fei Zhong and You Hun controlled the court and that bribing them was Western Qi’s best chance to free Ji Chang; Ji Fa agreed to the plan.
• Sanyi Sheng sent two envoys with carts of treasures to Morning Song, where Fei Zhong and You Hun accepted neither the request nor the gifts.
• For more than a month, the envoys repeatedly visited Fei Zhong and You Hun, but the officials refused to help and eventually shut their gates to them.

Shen Gongbao intervened with Fei Zhong and You Hun to secure their agreement to seek Ji Chang’s release from Youli. Afterward, he reported to Xuanxiao, who instructed him to quietly build ties with Western Qi while continuing to observe human affairs.

• Shen Gongbao arrived at Fei Zhong’s residence and asked why Western Qi’s envoys were waiting outside.
• After learning the envoys sought Ji Chang’s release, Shen Gongbao reminded Fei Zhong and You Hun that Ji Chang’s seven-year sentence had ended, and they agreed to petition Di Xin.
• Fei Zhong told the envoys to wait for good news and accept their treasures, while You Hun reasoned that releasing Ji Chang could give them a future escape route.
• Shen Gongbao told Fei Zhong and You Hun that Ji Chang’s return would benefit them, then left for his estate.
• Shen Gongbao reported his success to Xuanxiao, who ordered him to quietly cultivate relations with Western Qi.
• Xuanxiao watched Morning Song and reflected on how human joys and sorrows deepened his understanding of the Dao of Sentiment.

Fei Zhong and You Hun persuaded Di Xin that Ji Chang was loyal and deserved release, securing an imperial pardon for him. After divining that his return was near, Ji Chang prepared to leave Youli and rode to Morning Song to receive the decree.

• Fei Zhong and You Hun praised Ji Chang's loyalty to Di Xin and urged him to pardon the Lord of the West.
• Di Xin challenged You Hun over his earlier accusations, but You Hun and Fei Zhong defended their changed judgment and recommended Ji Chang's release.
• Di Xin pardoned Ji Chang, restored him as Lord of the West, and ordered him to return to his domain.
• Ji Chang divined that he could finally go home and ordered his attendants to pack.
• An imperial messenger delivered Di Xin's decree, and Ji Chang hurried toward Morning Song to receive it.

After Di Xin pardoned Ji Chang, Ji Chang concealed his hatred and learned through divination that Di Xin would imprison him again at dawn. Huang Feihu gave him a command token, and Ji Chang fled Morning Song with his attendants before the order could be revoked.

• Ji Chang humbly thanked Di Xin for his pardon while hiding his hatred over his imprisonment and Bo Yikao’s death.
• Di Xin promised to restore Ji Chang’s authority and ordered him to be escorted home and honored in the streets.
• Ji Chang visited Bi Gan and Huang Feihu, where Bi Gan apologized for failing to protect Bo Yikao.
• Ji Chang divined that Di Xin would reverse the pardon and imprison him again at dawn.
• Huang Feihu gave Ji Chang his command token, and Ji Chang hurried out of Morning Song with his attendants.

After Ji Chang escaped Morning Song and crossed the Yellow River, Fei Zhong and You Hun reported his flight to Di Xin and pleaded to pursue him. Di Xin sent Yin Pobei and Lei Kai with three thousand elite flying cavalry to capture Ji Chang alive or kill him, and the hunt began.

• Xuanxiao recalled how Ji Chang found the infant Lei Zhenzi and how Yun Zhongzi raised him as a Chan Sect disciple.
• Ji Chang fled through the night, crossed the Yellow River, and continued toward Western Qi.
• Fei Zhong and You Hun told Di Xin that Ji Chang had escaped and begged to lead the pursuit to prove their loyalty.
• Di Xin rebuked Fei Zhong and You Hun, then ordered Yin Pobei and Lei Kai to pursue Ji Chang with three thousand elite flying cavalry.
• Yin Pobei and Lei Kai led the cavalry out of Morning Song to hunt Ji Chang.

Ji Chang was hunted by Di Xin’s forces as he fled toward Western Qi, and Yun Zhongzi sent Lei Zhenzi to rescue him. Lei Zhenzi learned Ji Chang was his father, found the Golden Staff at Tiger Cub Cliff, and was drawn by a strange fragrance as he prepared to leave.

• Ji Chang realized Di Xin’s pursuers were closing in and feared he would be captured before reaching Western Qi.
• Yun Zhongzi sensed Ji Chang’s danger and summoned Lei Zhenzi to descend the mountain and save his father.
• Yun Zhongzi revealed that Ji Chang was Lei Zhenzi’s adoptive father and explained that Di Xin’s troops were pursuing him.
• Yun Zhongzi sent Lei Zhenzi to Tiger Cub Cliff to find a weapon before going to Ji Chang’s aid.
• Lei Zhenzi found the Golden Staff in a cave and was drawn to a strange fragrance as he prepared to leave.

Lei Zhenzi ate two Immortal Apricots and transformed into a powerful form with Wind-Thunder Wings, which Yun Zhongzi explained was suited to the Dao of wind and thunder. After teaching Lei Zhenzi how to use his new powers, Yun Zhongzi sent him to rescue his father, Ji Chang, and ordered him to escort him out of the Five Passes without killing his pursuers or returning to Western Qi.

• Lei Zhenzi found two Immortal Apricots on Tiger Cub Cliff and ate them, awakening wings and transforming his appearance.
• Lei Zhenzi rushed to Jade Pillar Cave, where Yun Zhongzi explained that his changed body was a true form suited to the Great Dao of wind and thunder.
• Yun Zhongzi imparted wind-and-thunder techniques to Lei Zhenzi, who mastered his wings and thanked his master.
• Yun Zhongzi told Lei Zhenzi that Ji Chang was being pursued near Tong Pass and ordered him to escort his father out of the Five Passes without killing the pursuers or returning to Western Qi.
• Lei Zhenzi obeyed and flew from Zhongnan Mountain toward Ji Chang.

Lei Zhenzi reached Tong Pass and rescued Ji Chang from the pursuing Shang army, revealing himself as Ji Chang’s adopted son. He blocked the three thousand cavalry with a fissure in the road and identified himself to the generals, leaving the pursuit at a standstill.

• Lei Zhenzi spotted Ji Chang fleeing alone and confirmed his identity by stopping him on the road.
• Lei Zhenzi knelt before Ji Chang and explained that he was the adopted infant Ji Chang had named seven years earlier.
• Lei Zhenzi told Ji Chang that Yun Zhongzi had sent him to protect his father and promised to keep him safe.
• Lei Zhenzi split the ground with his Golden Staff, halting the three thousand pursuing cavalry.
• Yin Pobei and Lei Kai confronted Lei Zhenzi, who identified himself as Ji Chang’s hundredth son.

Lei Zhenzi drove Yin Pobei and Lei Kai’s troops away and prepared to escort Ji Chang back to Western Qi. Ji Chang left his longtime mount behind and flew with Lei Zhenzi toward home.

• Lei Zhenzi defended Ji Chang’s virtue and warned the pursuing soldiers against attacking him.
• Yin Pobei charged Lei Zhenzi, who struck the ground with his staff and frightened the pursuers into retreating.
• Lei Kai and Yin Pobei headed for Morning Song, saying the Imperial Preceptor had anticipated that an immortal sect would protect Ji Chang.
• Lei Zhenzi returned to Ji Chang and offered to carry him through the Five Passes to Western Qi.
• Ji Chang reluctantly released his mount, then climbed onto Lei Zhenzi’s back as they flew toward Western Qi.

Ji Chang returned safely from Morning Song and reached the outskirts of Western Qi after Lei Zhenzi carried him through the Five Passes. Madam Jiang divined his return, and Ji Fa and the court prepared to welcome him home.

• Lei Zhenzi brought Ji Chang to Golden Rooster Ridge, then refused to accompany him into Western Qi and flew back to Zhongnan Mountain to continue his studies.
• Ji Chang set out for Western Qi City, while Madam Jiang divined that he had escaped Morning Song and would soon return.
• Ji Fa rushed to Madam Jiang after hearing her weep and learned that she had known of Bo Yikao's death and was crying with joy over Ji Chang's return.
• Madam Jiang told Ji Fa to arrange a welcome for Ji Chang, and Ji Fa notified his brothers and Western Qi's officials.
• Ji Chang's children and the court officials rejoiced and began preparing to welcome him.

Ji Chang returned to Western Qi and, overcome by grief for Bo Yikao, spat out three rabbits that Xuanxiao transformed into boys and sent to join Bo Yikao. Xuanxiao then met Jiang Ziya at Pan Creek, told him Ji Chang would soon seek him out, and strengthened his Dao foundation before vanishing.

• Ji Chang arrived at Western Qi, but remembering Bo Yikao’s death caused him to collapse and spit out three rabbits formed from his son’s remains.
• The three rabbits went to the Sacrificial Hall, where Xuanxiao transformed them into boys and sent them to the Eternal Divine Continent to serve Bo Yikao.
• Xuanxiao observed Jiang Ziya fishing at Pan Creek and recalled that Ma had remarried in Morning Song.
• Jiang Ziya told Xuanxiao that his hookless, baitless line was meant to await an enlightened ruler, not catch ordinary fish.
• Xuanxiao told Jiang Ziya that Ji Chang would soon hunt near Pan Creek and seek him out, then helped restore his Dao foundation and urged him not to betray his sect or the common people.
• Xuanxiao vanished, leaving Jiang Ziya wondering who the mysterious visitor had been.

Ji Chang rejected calls to rebel against Di Xin and focused on strengthening Western Qi, then ordered the Spirit Terrace built to observe celestial signs and prepare for disasters. When workers uncovered unclaimed bones, Ji Chang gave them a proper burial, further raising his reputation and drawing people to Western Qi.

• Ji Chang refused his officials' calls to raise an army against Di Xin, and Sanyi Sheng calmed the court.
• Ji Chang proposed building the Spirit Terrace to observe celestial signs and predict disasters, and Sanyi Sheng suggested hiring volunteers with wages, food, and lodging.
• The people voluntarily registered to build the Spirit Terrace, and construction progressed smoothly for several months.
• Ji Chang found an unclaimed skeleton at the construction site and ordered it buried properly, offering sacrifices himself.
• The story of Ji Chang's kindness spread, raising his prestige and bringing people from neighboring regions to seek refuge in Western Qi.

After Ji Chang dreamed of a winged tiger and flames, Sanyi Sheng interpreted it as a sign that a great sage awaited him, prompting Ji Chang to seek Jiang Ziya. Xuanxiao watched the Shang Dynasty’s destiny drain away and found Bi Gan fearing that Di Xin’s rule was bringing the dynasty to ruin.

• Ji Chang dreamed of a winged tiger leaping into his tent and explosions behind the newly completed Spirit Terrace, then summoned Sanyi Sheng to interpret the omen.
• Sanyi Sheng declared that the Flying Bear foretold a great worthy minister in the northwest, and Ji Chang ordered carriages prepared so he could seek him out.
• Xuanxiao observed that Jiang Ziya had caused Ji Chang’s dream to draw him to the fishing platform, while Grand Tutor Wen’s imminent return threatened to strengthen the Shang Dynasty.
• Xuanxiao saw Shang destiny leaking toward Western Qi and gave the Destiny Dragon Spirit Light, promising to help it enter reincarnation after the dynasty fell.
• Bi Gan, under house arrest after opposing Di Xin’s accelerated construction of Deer Terrace, hoped Grand Tutor Wen’s return could restrain the king and save the Shang Dynasty.

After Deer Terrace was completed at the cost of immense suffering, Daji and her sisters were pressed by Di Xin to summon immortals, despite having no way to do so. Bi Gan and Huang Feihu resolved to remove the three demon women, while Shen Gongbao chose to let their deception deepen the chaos.

• Di Xin forced Deer Terrace to be completed in a month, and more than ten thousand commoners died during its construction.
• Di Xin celebrated at Deer Terrace and asked Daji to invite immortals from the Immortal Court.
• Daji stalled by saying she and her sisters needed several days to prepare a ritual, and Di Xin dismissed the banquet to wait for their attempt.
• Bi Gan and Huang Feihu condemned Daji, the Pipa Spirit, and the Nine-Headed Pheasant Spirit and began considering how to drive them from Morning Song.
• Shen Gongbao recognized that the three women could not summon immortals but kept silent because he wanted the Shang Dynasty to fall into greater chaos.

Daji and the other two demons arranged for Xuanyuan Tomb demons to impersonate Immortal Court immortals and deceive Di Xin, despite Bi Gan’s warnings. Their staged arrival dazzled Di Xin, but Bi Gan grew suspicious as the banquet began.

• Daji rebuked the Pipa Spirit and the Nine-Headed Pheasant Spirit for promising Di Xin they could invite immortals, but agreed to their plan to disguise Xuanyuan Tomb descendants as immortals.
• Bi Gan and Huang Feihu persuaded Di Xin to let Bi Gan accompany him while Huang Feihu stationed Imperial Guards around Deer Terrace.
• Daji’s group created a spectacular display with stellar illusions, which Xuanxiao recognized as a dangerous act that could incur karma with the Starry Sky Clan.
• The disguised demons arrived at Deer Terrace, where Daji presented Clear Moon Fairy to Di Xin as an immortal from the Immortal Court.
• Di Xin welcomed the impostors and feasted with them, while Bi Gan noticed their suspicious behavior and doubted they were real immortals.