Chapter Summaries

Yuan Yujun explained that the sea folk’s invasion remained a mystery despite brutal interrogations of more than a hundred captives. When Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion’s elders asked whether to send reinforcements, she argued that the Pavilion had no obligation to intervene unless the invaders advanced toward them, leaving Ling Wuyuan and the others stunned by her choice to wait.

• Yuan Yujun said human intelligence organizations had failed to discover why the sea folk were invading Golden Mist Continent, even after capturing and torturing more than a hundred cultivators.
• An elder of Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion asked Yuan Yujun whether the Pavilion should send reinforcements to the distant battlefield.
• Yuan Yujun acknowledged that the Pavilion was the strongest nearby force but said it had no ties or obligations to the surrounding nations.
• Yuan Yujun said Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion would not intervene unless the sea folk continued advancing in their direction.
• Ling Wuyuan and the others were surprised that Yuan Yujun chose to watch the conflict rather than take action.

Yuan Yujun and the elders of [Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion] decided not to confront the Sea Folk first and instead prepare to defend their own territory while pressuring the imperial dynasties to deal with the threat. Ling Wuyuan approved of their self-preserving approach and cared only about protecting the sect that had become his home.

• Yuan Yujun said [Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion] would prepare for the Sea Folk but would not make the first move unless they posed a direct threat.
• Yuan Yujun proposed that the imperial dynasties, which controlled the surrounding nations, take the lead in testing the Sea Folk's strength.
• The elders agreed that [Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion] could defend itself by fortifying [White Mist Country] and, if necessary, abandoning territory outside [Snow Deer Prefecture].
• The elders discussed ways to strengthen the sect's defenses while showing little concern for the surrounding nations.
• Ling Wuyuan reflected that he cared about [Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion] but felt no responsibility for the other countries of [Golden Mist Continent].

Ling Wuyuan observed how Jade Night Snow City reacted to reports of the underground beast tide and the sea clans’ invasion, reflecting on Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion’s long-standing detachment from the outside world. The sect’s people remained largely indifferent even as its elders prepared for the growing crisis.

• Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion’s elders descended into Jade Night Snow City to inspect and reinforce its defenses after Yuan Yujun’s decision.
• The News Report and the sect’s notice boards informed the city about the Divine Ability Realm beasts in Wuchen Province and the sea clans’ invasion of the Golden Mist Continent.
• Ling Wuyuan walked through the city and noticed that most people reacted with surprise rather than fear.
• Ling Wuyuan reflected that the sect’s cold cultivation, isolation, and long peace had made its people indifferent to outside turmoil.
• Ling Wuyuan considered how Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion sometimes intervened in crises to restore order for its own convenience, despite helping civilians in the process.

Ling Wuyuan and the others studied the War Weapons on Jade Night Snow City’s outer wall as Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion prepared for a possible attack by the Oceanic Alien Race. Elsewhere, the Golden Mist Continent’s ancient formation barriers were revealed to be slowing the sea folk’s invasion.

• Ling Wuyuan, Yan Xiujin, Wu Yanlian, and Xi Xianlan admired the height of the outer wall until Zhu Danfeng ordered them to study the Rune Cannon and other War Weapons.
• Zhu Danfeng explained that Yujun had asked her to show the group the wall’s defenses because they might need to use them, while elders worked to inspect and reinforce the equipment.
• Zhu Danfeng worried about the extensive preparations but knew Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion had to stay alert to the Oceanic Alien Race’s landing.
• The Golden Mist Continent’s ruling forces responded to the invasion, which had already seized a large stretch of land and several coastal nations.
• The continent’s ancient formation barriers interfered with large-scale foreign landings and slowed the sea folk army, preventing its True Form Realm cultivators from conquering the continent swiftly.

Yue Zhaohan learned that the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion still had no plans to send large-scale support against the sea clans invading White Mist Country. His attempt to use the invasion to probe the Pavilion’s strength failed, leaving him frustrated and wary of its unexplained indifference.

• A visitor reported to Yue Zhaohan that the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion had shown no major movement or intention to support the front lines.
• Yue Zhaohan condemned the Pavilion for remaining uninvolved despite the sea clans’ invasion near its territory.
• Yue Zhaohan recalled that he had hoped the invasion would reveal the Pavilion’s capabilities and intentions.
• Yue Zhaohan concluded that the Pavilion was more detached from worldly affairs than he had expected, despite the sea clans’ proximity.

Yue Zhaohan decided the Black Phase Dynasty would lead the response to the sea clan invasion and invoke an ancient agreement requiring Golden Mist Continent’s powers to aid the region under attack. As a Black Phase Dynasty delegation arrived near Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion to request its help, Yuan Yujun said the pavilion could attend without making a real effort.

• Yue Zhaohan chose to lead the Black Phase Dynasty against the sea clans and use the ancient agreement to involve other powers.
• The sea clans continued their attacks, destroying eight countries as many commoners fled toward safer regions.
• A Black Phase Dynasty Rune Skyship arrived near Jade Night Snow Mountain carrying envoys who intended to ask Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion to join the fight.
• Yuan Yujun rejected an elder’s suggestion to drive the envoys away and said the pavilion could attend while avoiding any real effort.

Ling Wuyuan recognized the approaching Rune Skyship as an official vessel from the Black Phase Dynasty and guessed it had come to discuss the sea clans with Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion. The woman leading the envoy learned that Ling Wuyuan was the sect’s only male member and questioned how extraordinary his talent could be.

• Ling Wuyuan identified the Rune Skyship as a high-ranking official vessel from the Black Phase Dynasty and inferred that an imperial family member was aboard.
• Ling Wuyuan guessed the envoy had come to discuss how to deal with the sea clans.
• The Rune Skyship’s barrier dispersed, revealing a dignified long-haired woman surrounded by female officials and maidservants.
• The woman was surprised to see a man at Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion and asked why he was there.
• A female official identified the man as Ling Wuyuan, the sect’s sole male member and a remarkably talented rising genius.
• The woman expressed curiosity and faint disdain as she asked how good Ling Wuyuan’s talent really was.

Yue Shuyun learned that Ling Wuyuan was a fifteen-year-old Source Gathering Realm cultivator who had defeated more than a thousand opponents, and she ordered an investigation into his true background. She then arrived at Jade Night Snow City on the Black Phase Dynasty’s business and was welcomed by Yuan Yujun.

• Yue Shuyun dismissed reports of geniuses until her female official told her Ling Wuyuan had defeated more than a thousand same-realm cultivators in three days without injury.
• Yue Shuyun learned Ling Wuyuan was fifteen, at the Source Gathering Realm, and reportedly born a pauper in White Mist Country.
• Yue Shuyun doubted Ling Wuyuan’s public origins and ordered her female official to investigate his real background and connections.
• Yue Shuyun’s Rune Skyship arrived before Jade Night Snow City, where she announced her visit under the decree of Yue Zhaohan and sent a golden calling card to the gate.
• Yuan Yujun welcomed Yue Shuyun and dispatched a formal party to receive her.

Ling Wuyuan learned that Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion might join the fight against the sea race and asked Zhu Danfeng about the sect’s strength. Zhu Danfeng revealed that four True Form Realm experts were on the Golden Mist Continent and hinted that the sect’s full power extended far beyond it, then resumed teaching Ling Wuyuan about war-model metal puppets.

• Ling Wuyuan noticed Yue Shuyun’s curiosity and expected her to investigate his background, but he did not care.
• Zhu Danfeng said the sea race invasion might draw Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion into the conflict and wondered which Grand Elder would respond.
• Ling Wuyuan asked whether the sect had many True Form Realm experts, and Zhu Danfeng said four were on the Golden Mist Continent.
• Zhu Danfeng hinted that Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion had considerable strength and influence beyond the Golden Mist Continent, which Ling Wuyuan would learn about in a few years.
• Zhu Danfeng continued teaching Ling Wuyuan about war-model metal puppets and said he could likely make low-level war puppets.

Yuan Yujun met with the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion’s three Grand Elders and explained the Black Phase Dynasty’s plan to confront the sea folk. One Grand Elder agreed to join the campaign and planned to meet Ling Wuyuan.

• Yuan Yujun reached an agreement with Yue Shuyun before returning to the Black Phase Dynasty, while Yuan went to the pavilion’s icy secret realm to meet its three Grand Elders.
• Yuan told the Grand Elders that the Black Phase Dynasty and other Southern Region forces would send around ten True Form Realm cultivators against the sea folk.
• The Grand Elders supported the plan to defeat the landed sea folk and purge the coastal regions afterward.
• One Grand Elder volunteered to leave the secret realm and join the operation, then teased Yuan about her unruly disciples.
• The Grand Elder asked to meet Ling Wuyuan, and Yuan confidently praised him and defended the pavilion’s decision to make an exception for him.

Ling Wuyuan met Murong Yan, a Grand Elder of Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion, who sensed his extraordinary strength and praised his potential. Murong Yan asked him to demonstrate what he had learned about war puppets, and he agreed.

• Ling Wuyuan saw Zhu Danfeng and Yuan Yujun respectfully greeting Murong Yan and considered slipping away.
• Murong Yan sensed Ling Wuyuan's immense Qi and Blood and true qi, which far surpassed those of ordinary cultivators.
• Murong Yan approached Ling Wuyuan, praised his talent, and introduced herself as a former Pavilion Master and current Grand Elder.
• Ling Wuyuan greeted Murong Yan respectfully, and she asked him to demonstrate what he had learned about war puppets.
• Ling Wuyuan agreed to show her his skills.

Murong Yan watched Ling Wuyuan demonstrate his skill at designing and forging a war puppet, despite having studied the craft for only two days. His drawings and ability to control ten furnaces at once convinced her that his talent was extraordinary, though the puppet was still in its early stages of manufacture.

• Murong Yan recalled the difficulty and secrecy of war-puppet crafting and doubted Ling Wuyuan could learn it so quickly.
• Murong Yan examined Ling Wuyuan's design drawings for a three-legged humanoid war puppet and confirmed that their structure and principles were sound.
• Ling Wuyuan controlled ten furnaces with his mind and true qi, adjusting their flames and temperatures as he forged components.
• Murong Yan was shocked by Ling Wuyuan's precision and compared his performance with the decades she had spent mastering the same skills.

Ling Wuyuan used Flawless Circle to precisely smelt and forge the parts for his war puppet, impressing Murong Yan, Zhu Danfeng, and Yuan Yujun with his skill. After he assembled the fearsome puppet and prepared to inscribe its runes, a vast procession of Floating Battleships appeared on the horizon.

• Ling Wuyuan expanded Flawless Circle to examine the ores and control the smelting and forging with microscopic precision.
• Murong Yan, Zhu Danfeng, and Yuan Yujun watched Ling Wuyuan craft multiple components at once and recognized his exceptional skill.
• Ling Wuyuan assembled a 4.2-meter-tall war puppet with arm-blades, three jointed legs, and a barbed metal shell.
• Murong Yan and Zhu Danfeng judged the assembled puppet a masterpiece capable of devastating large numbers of weak opponents.
• As Ling Wuyuan prepared to inscribe the puppet's runes, Floating Battleships appeared in a vast procession on the distant horizon.

Yue Xiuran and his younger brother approached the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion with the Golden Mist Continent Allied Army Against the Oceanic Alien Race. As the fleet arrived to receive the pavilion, Yue Xiuran remained cautious about its hidden strength and the danger of probing its long seclusion.

• Yue Xiuran admired Jade Night Snow Mountain and learned that Jade Night Snow City had a history of over ten thousand years.
• Yue Xiuran warned his Seventh Brother not to underestimate the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion or mistake the Black Phase Dynasty's strength for invincibility.
• Yue Xiuran wondered why the pavilion had secluded itself for ten thousand years but decided that investigating its secrets would be too dangerous.
• The fleet sounded orderly war drums to show respect as the Golden Mist Continent Allied Army Against the Oceanic Alien Race arrived to receive the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion.

As the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion prepared to join the allied army against the Oceanic Alien Race, Murong Yan invited Ling Wuyuan to witness the war and broaden his horizons. Yuan Yujun brought her disciples along and asked to join the expedition herself, and Murong Yan reluctantly agreed as the army approached.

• The allied army against the Oceanic Alien Race assembled, with the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion set to provide its final top-tier combatant.
• Murong Yan regretted that there was no time to see Ling Wuyuan's finished work and invited him aboard the Pavilion's combat-focused Floating Battleship.
• Yuan Yujun worried that witnessing a True Form Realm battle would be too much for Ling Wuyuan, but Murong Yan said the war could temper his state of mind.
• Murong Yan discovered that Yuan Yujun had brought Yan Xiujin, Wu Yanlian, Xi Xianlan, and other disciples, and scolded her for claiming they were absent.
• Yuan Yujun admitted she wanted to witness the war herself, and Murong Yan reluctantly let her join as the allied army drew near.

Murong Yan and Yuan Yujun led the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion’s Floating Rune Warship out to meet the allied army gathered against the Oceanic Alien Race. After the Black Phase Dynasty invited them aboard its flagship, Yuan Yujun agreed to attend the likely pre-battle meeting despite finding it bothersome.

• Murong Yan realized she had ended up bringing a crowd along while escorting Ling Wuyuan and preparing to join the battle.
• Murong Yan observed that the Black Phase Dynasty’s enormous flagships made it appear to lead the allied army and display its military strength.
• The allied army stopped a hundred li from Jade Night Snow City and waited for the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion’s warship to come out.
• The Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion’s Floating Rune Warship sailed toward the allied fleet, attracting curious attention from its forces.
• The Black Phase Dynasty sent an invitation for the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion to gather aboard its flagship, and Murong Yan let Yuan Yujun decide how to respond.
• Yuan Yujun agreed to meet the allied forces, though she suspected they were holding a bothersome pre-battle meeting.

Yuan Yujun and Murong Yan arrived at the Black Phase Dynasty’s Floating Rune Warship to join a meeting of the Golden Mist Continent Alliance Against the Oceanic Alien Race. Their reception revealed Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion’s standing as a power on equal footing with the region’s super factions.

• Ling Wuyuan crossed to the Black Phase Dynasty’s Floating Rune Warship with Yuan Yujun and the others, wearing a mask among the veiled women.
• Yue Bofang welcomed the visitors and escorted them to the meeting room, where Ling Wuyuan and the other attendants waited outside.
• Yuan Yujun and Murong Yan entered the room and took seats reserved for super factions possessing a True Form Realm cultivator.
• The Black Phase Dynasty’s leader greeted Yuan Yujun and Murong Yan, shocking observers with this public acknowledgment of Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion’s stature.
• A person from the White Mist Royal Family realized Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion far surpassed the White Mist Royal Family and surrounding factions.

Yuan Yujun and Murong Yan remained indifferent to the White Mist Royal Family’s resentment as they took their seats. Meanwhile, Ling Wuyuan’s group waited on the open-air deck, silently chatting through Xi Xianlan’s secret technique, until someone approached to ask if they belonged to the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion.

• The White Mist Royal Family’s history of resentment toward the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion was recounted, while Yuan Yujun and Murong Yan paid its schemes no heed.
• Yuan Yujun and Murong Yan took their seats, and a waiter led Ling Wuyuan’s group to the open-air deck.
• Ling Wuyuan’s group stood apart from the other factions and used Xi Xianlan’s secret technique to chat silently, including Yan Xiujin through a special adaptation.
• Ling Wuyuan considered how the secret technique might underpin a vast mental network but recognized the danger of exposing one’s mind to strangers.
• Someone approached Ling Wuyuan’s group and asked whether they were members of the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion.

Yu Qiqing, a member of the Profound Wood Dynasty’s imperial family, approached the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion group to introduce himself. When Ling Wuyuan answered for the silent women, Yu Qiqing mistakenly concluded that Ling Wuyuan was the group’s highest-ranking member.

• Yu Qiqing greeted the Snow Moon Cloud Heaven Pavilion group, and the members remained unmoved by his friendly manner.
• Yu Qiqing introduced himself and said he had come to make their acquaintance.
• Xi Xianlan and the others silently left Ling Wuyuan to handle the conversation, joking in their mental chat group.
• Ling Wuyuan replied that Yu Qiqing’s curiosity was only human.
• Seeing that the women would not speak, Yu Qiqing concluded that Ling Wuyuan held the highest status among the group present.

Yue Xiuran and his younger brother Yue Xiuming approached Ling Wuyuan and Yu Qiqing, and Yue Xiuran praised Ling Wuyuan while concealing his jealousy and hostility. Ling Wuyuan sensed Yue Xiuran’s ill intent but kept making polite small talk as he carried out the task Xi Xianlan and the others had assigned him.

• Yue Xiuran and Yue Xiuming joined Ling Wuyuan and Yu Qiqing, and Yue Xiuran introduced himself and his brother.
• Yue Xiuran praised Ling Wuyuan’s achievements and claimed to admire his courage and strength.
• Yue Xiuran concealed the jealousy and urge to kill Ling Wuyuan that his success had stirred in him.
• Ling Wuyuan sensed Yue Xiuran’s hostility but chose not to confront or attack him.
• Ling Wuyuan continued exchanging empty pleasantries with Yue Xiuran and Yu Qiqing while completing his task of dealing with background NPCs.