Chapter Summaries

After the Netherworld Cult’s raid devastated the Mount Lu Secret Realm, Zhao Xiaojie mourned Zhu Qimo and led his people north after recovering. Old Yu Ouyang reorganized the secret realm’s defenses, then entered the Dragon Tiger Mountain Ancestral Court’s grotto-heaven secret realm.

• Li Yifeng and the others returned to Jade Brew Small City, where reports revealed that the Netherworld Cult had plundered resources across the secret realm and nearly wiped out the Chen Family.
• Zhao Xiaojie learned that Zhu Qimo and everyone who had followed him had died in battle, and he resolved to review the operation with his companions.
• Old Yu Ouyang met with faction leaders, strengthened the secret realm’s defenses, and left to handle remaining matters.
• After recovering and receiving supplies, Zhao Xiaojie met with Earl Ying, returned Zhu Qimo’s belongings and ashes to the Shiqiao Zhu Family, and led his people north.
• Old Yu Ouyang touched an ancient stele in a hidden valley and entered a gate to the Dragon Tiger Mountain Ancestral Court’s grotto-heaven secret realm.

Zhao Xiaojie briefed Zhang Mingshu on the Mount Lu Secret Realm battles, Zhu Qimo’s death, and new opportunities for trade and cultivation. Zhang Mingshu began exploring cooperation with Mount Tai Sect while Zhao Xiaojie prepared to return to the front line.

• Zhao Xiaojie explained that Zhu Qimo had died after recklessly charging into battle, while Zhu Mingting had followed orders and survived.
• Zhao Xiaojie reported that the Dao Sect’s Artifact Hall was offering low-grade Storage Bags and had given Baishi Village exclusive rights to develop the Donghai Prefecture market.
• Zhang Mingshu tested the Storage Bags and sent some with a letter to Zhao Siqi, asking her to explore cooperation between Mount Tai Sect and Dragon Tiger Mountain.
• Zhao Xiaojie gave Zhang Mingshu the Chen family’s Spirit Brew-making technique and the Kuiyang Nine Forging Scripture before preparing to return to the front line.
• Zhao Xiaojie reported that the family’s territory had enjoyed a good harvest, repelled pirates, and relied on Little White to suppress demon spirits.

Zhang Mingshu convened Baishi Village’s family representatives to review their resources and organize a push to sell Storage Bags. After the meeting, he turned to studying the Kuiyang Nine Forging Scripture and quickly grasped its hidden meanings with the Life Book’s aid.

• Zhang Mingshu met with Liu Xiulin, Bai Chuangen, Zhu Jianzhen, Meng Haopeng, Wu Ergou, and Leng Yunuan to discuss their families’ plans for low-grade Storage Bags.
• Zhang Mingshu briefed the representatives on the past year’s resources and Zhao Xiaojie’s findings, including the Storage Bag technology and sales authorization.
• Zhang Mingshu assigned each family a region in which to promote Storage Bags and urged them to cooperate before Dragon Tiger Mountain began selling them in batches.
• The representatives discussed the opportunity throughout the day, then left Baishi Village after the meeting ended at night.
• Zhang Mingshu began studying the Kuiyang Nine Forging Scripture and quickly comprehended its hidden meanings with the Life Book’s aid.

Zhang Mingshu established a cultivation site in North Mountain Valley and began training in the Kuiyang Nine Forging Scripture beneath the morning sun. Meanwhile, families across the region explored the market for low-grade Storage Bags, and Zhang Mingshu arranged for the Dragon Tiger Mountain Dao Sect’s Artifact Hall to monopolize their production.

• Zhang Mingshu selected a site in North Mountain Valley, built a cultivation area, and activated a Spirit Gathering Array.
• Zhang Mingshu began cultivating the Kuiyang Nine Forging Scripture at dawn, tempering his body with Spiritual Energy as sentries guarded the valley.
• Representatives from Baishi Village’s families carried Storage Bags to their territories to assess interest and prices among Rogue Cultivators and Attendants.
• Liu Xiulin discussed Storage Bag quotas with affiliated families, while the Liu Family chose to avoid risky long-distance transport; the Meng and Zhu Families also weighed their next moves.
• Zhang Mingshu met Zhou Buding in the secret realm of Peach Blossom Island, and they agreed that the Dragon Tiger Mountain Dao Sect’s Artifact Hall should monopolize low-grade Storage Bags.
• Zhang Mingshu balanced nighttime Star Scripture cultivation and morning body training with household affairs, while Zuo Wuming and others prepared for studies and examinations.

Zhao Xiaojie visited Gaoyou Town as Baishi Village harvested its first crop of Yellow Spirit Pomelos and reviewed how the village’s leaders and reporting system had developed. The village had quietly reorganized its military forces, leaving the old Families with little direct command over their troops.

• Zhao Xiaojie arrived in Gaoyou Town during the first Yellow Spirit Pomelo harvest and met the leaders overseeing the front lines and internal affairs.
• Han Gan rose from a squad leader to commander after surrendering, while Xia Qirui became a leading general and refused Zhao Kingdom’s recruitment offer.
• Zhang Mingshu delegated specific responsibilities to more capable workers but retained final authority through Baishi Village’s detailed reporting system.
• Zhao Xiaojie inspected the ripe pomelos and praised the harvest to the Spirit Planter Master.
• Zhang Mingshu reduced the independent authority of Family-born officials and assigned them more narrowly defined duties under supervision.
• Baishi Village gradually reorganized the troops so they answered to central command rather than individual Families, and the Families eventually yielded their control.

Zhao Xiaojie and Zhang Mingshu met with allied families to divide the profits from covert smuggling between Guangling Prefecture, Donghai Prefecture, and the southern enemy. They faced pressure to expand the operation, but worried that doing so would draw dangerous attention.

• Zhang Mingshu missed Qi Lu Academy’s preliminary selection after hesitating over his preparations.
• Zhao Xiaojie distributed Yellow Spirit Pomelo and harvest profits among the families, emphasizing their future shared interests and the soldiers who had defended the front lines.
• Families from four counties formed an alliance after rival families from six counties stirred up trouble and caused them heavy losses.
• The four-county alliance secretly cooperated with southern forces to strike the rival alliance, then began smuggling Spiritual Items to recover lost trade profits.
• Zhao Xiaojie convened a closed-door meeting to settle the smuggling profits before the New Year, while he and Zhang Mingshu worried about proposals to expand the operation.

Zhang Mingshu returned to managing the Lineage and took Zhang Xi with him on inspections, while Zhang Xi secretly concealed an unusual cultivation method taught by a mysterious academy teacher. The chapter left them beginning their tour of Lan Mountain Town.

• Baishi Village traded for a Formation Disk and arranged a staged battle to conceal its transfer.
• Zhang Xi returned home, and Zhang Mingshu found his academic results disappointing but encouraged him to keep working and explore other paths.
• Zhang Mingshu decided to take Zhang Xi on regional inspections and arranged for him to study mystic arts under Chong Li when he was away from the academy.
• Zhang Mingshu found nothing unusual about Zhang Xi in the Life Book, while Zhang Xi hid the secret of an unusual cultivation method taught by Teacher Old Wang.
• Zhang Mingshu and Zhang Xi traveled to Lan Mountain Town to inspect the Lineage amid celebrations over the year's harvest.

Zhang Mingshu took Zhang Xi to inspect Lan Mountain Town and its thriving port, teaching him about local administration, trade, and the forces tied to their territory. After exploring the town and receiving two potentially addictive Neon Fruits, Zhang Xi continued with Zhang Mingshu toward Dongguan Town to learn about its affiliated families and political arrangements.

• Zhang Xi reflected on his studies and his growing awareness of his position as Zhang Mingshu's heir as their ship approached Lan Mountain Town.
• Zhang Mingshu and Zhang Xi disembarked, where local officials briefed them on the port's trade and development.
• Zhang Xi explored the bustling markets and became interested in Neon Fruits, so Zhang Mingshu bought the stall's supply and gave him two while warning him about their hallucinogenic effects.
• Zhang Mingshu reviewed reports showing that the Leng Family and Wu Family had established influence in Lan Mountain Town.
• Zhang Mingshu led Zhang Xi toward Dongguan Town and explained the area's affiliations, including the relative standing of the Liu, Meng, and Zhu families.

Zhang Mingshu brought Zhang Xi to Dongguan Town and showed him how its trade, location, and history had made it a prosperous hub. They learned that the Iron Blood Alliance had arrived seeking to trade iron ore for Spirit Stones, and Zhang Mingshu and Meng Qingyan decided to wait and see what the northerners truly wanted.

• Zhang Xi toured Dongguan Town with Zhang Mingshu and observed its merchants, martial artists, scholars, and foreign visitors.
• Zhang Mingshu explained that Dongguan's strategic position and the Meng Family's management had made it a trusted center for trade and travel.
• A group of riders from the Iron Blood Alliance galloped through town, and Zhang Mingshu warned Zhang Xi that they had an ulterior motive.
• Meng Qingyan told Zhang Mingshu that the Iron Blood Alliance wanted to sell iron ore in the south in exchange for Spirit Stones.
• Zhang Mingshu and Meng Qingyan agreed not to rush into negotiations, while Zhang Mingshu encouraged Zhang Xi to recognize the effort and opportunity behind Dongguan's prosperity.

Zhang Mingshu brought Zhang Xi to a Meng Family banquet, where the guests discussed the Iron Blood Alliance and the two families’ cooperation. Afterward, Zhang Xi met Meng Qiuyan in the garden, and Zhang Mingshu encouraged him to enjoy being a child.

• The Meng Family strengthened its defenses and developed its younger members through Zhang Mingshu’s arrangements for rotating forces on the front lines.
• Zhang Mingshu took Zhang Xi to the Meng Family banquet, where Meng Haoming presided and Meng Qingyan welcomed them.
• The guests discussed the Iron Blood Alliance while Zhang Mingshu and Meng Qingyan shared their insights.
• After the banquet, Zhang Mingshu took Zhang Xi for a walk in the Meng Family garden.
• Meng Qiuyan offered Zhang Xi a wildflower and pointed out fireflies, and Zhang Mingshu urged him to go play with her.

Zhang Mingshu considered a possible marriage alliance between Zhang Xi and Meng Qiuyan, then sent Zhao Siqi a letter to ask her opinion. After several days together, Meng Qiuyan accompanied Zhang Xi as Zhang Mingshu continued his inspection in Liukeng Town, where they arrived at the Great Willow Tree’s formation.

• Zhang Mingshu observed Zhang Xi and Meng Qiuyan together and decided to consult Zhao Siqi before making a decision about their marriage alliance.
• Zhang Xi spent the night cherishing the flower Meng Qiuyan had given him, while Zhang Mingshu prepared a letter for Zhao Siqi and sent it with her Spirit Pigeon.
• After several days of growing close, Zhang Xi and Meng Qiuyan set out together when Zhang Mingshu continued his inspection, with Meng Qiuyan accompanying Zhang Xi as a playmate and study attendant.
• Zhang Mingshu arrived with Zhang Xi at the Liu Family Mansion in Liukeng Town and learned that Liu Xiulin was handling the family’s affairs while Liu Yun remained in secluded cultivation.
• Zhang Mingshu and Zhang Xi bowed outside the Great Willow Tree’s grand formation, but Zhang Xi had not yet proven himself worthy of entering.

Zhang Xi visited the Liu Family Mansion with Zhang Mingshu, who discussed cooperation with Liu Xiulin while the Liu Family presented ten girls as candidates to become Zhang Xi’s study companion. Zhang Xi chose Liu Shiyuan, and she was appointed to assist him and study alongside him.

• Zhang Mingshu brought Zhang Xi and Meng Qiuyan to a welcoming banquet at the Liu Family Mansion, where Liu Xiulin greeted them.
• The Liu Family presented ten girls who had volunteered to serve as Zhang Xi’s study companion, and Zhang Mingshu left the choice to his son.
• Zhang Xi hesitated as he considered the candidates and thought of his academy friend Wen Yuhan.
• Zhang Xi chose the oldest candidate, Liu Shiyuan, whose quiet composure and hardworking nature had stood out to him.
• Zhang Mingshu appointed Liu Shiyuan as Zhang Xi’s study companion, and the children were sent away while the adults resumed their discussions.

Zhang Mingshu and Liu Xiulin reviewed their households’ finances and planned new cooperation, while Zhang Xi, Liu Shiyuan, and Meng Qiuyan grew closer through conversation in the medicine garden. In a dream, Zhang Xi approached the Great Willow Tree and felt its energy resonate with his own.

• Liu Xiulin told Zhang Mingshu that pill production had declined because spirit herb harvests were poor, and they discussed new suppliers, improved formulas, and cooperation plans.
• Liu Shiyuan showed Zhang Xi and Meng Qiuyan the medicine garden and explained how Condensing Fragrance Grass was used to refine Qi Gathering Powder.
• Zhang Xi, Liu Shiyuan, and Meng Qiuyan shared their knowledge of pills, cultivation, formations, history, and geography, forming a friendship.
• Zhang Mingshu and Liu Xiulin concluded their discussion and agreed to implement their cooperation plans in the new year.
• In a dream, Zhang Xi approached the Great Willow Tree, touched its trunk, and felt its energy resonate with the Spiritual Energy in his body.

Zhang Mingshu learned that Zhang Xi had received the Yin Yang Harmony Cultivation Method from the Great Willow Tree and watched his son begin cultivating it. He then brought Zhang Xi to Stone Bridge Town to inspect the area and assess the Zhu Household’s loyalty.

• The Life Book revealed that Zhang Xi had failed the trials in his dream but received the Yin Yang Harmony Cultivation Method, including a sealed fifth section.
• Zhang Mingshu suspected the Great Willow Tree had arranged the opportunity to influence his family through Zhang Xi’s descendants, while Zhang Xi worried about telling his father.
• Zhang Mingshu inspected his villages and workshops as a declaration of his authority, while Zhang Xi quickly advanced in the new technique through his dreams.
• Zhang Xi began practicing the Yin Yang Heart Cultivation Method at home, and Zhang Mingshu watched silently from outside.
• Zhang Mingshu took Zhang Xi to Stone Bridge Town to inspect its industries and observe the Zhu Household’s attitude and the residents’ allegiance.

Zhang Mingshu and Zhang Xi inspected Stone Bridge Town and learned how the Zhu Family’s water-based industries and shared Spiritual Energy network could fit into Baishi Village’s plans. After Zhang Xi met six-year-old Zhu Qimeng, the Zhu Family kept her at home pending further testing, and the party set off for Wenzhuang.

• Zhu Jiancheng welcomed Zhang Mingshu and Zhang Xi, then showed them Stone Bridge Town’s Spiritual Energy fields, workshops, and marketplace.
• Zhang Xi examined the Zhu Family’s Water Spirit Rice and learned how its harvest supported the family’s talisman-paper production and income.
• Zhang Xi considered how the town’s Water Vein spread Spiritual Energy across the area, and Zhang Mingshu discussed the town’s industries and development plans with Zhu Jiancheng.
• Zhu Jiancheng introduced his six-year-old daughter, Zhu Qimeng, to Zhang Xi, who wondered why families kept sending young girls to him.
• Zhang Xi cultivated through the night and felt his cultivation and understanding of the Yin Yang Harmony Cultivation Method improve.
• Zhu Qimeng remained with her family until after the New Year for further aptitude testing, while Zhang Mingshu and Zhang Xi departed for Wenzhuang.

Zhang Mingshu took Zhang Xi, Meng Qiuyan, and Liu Shiyuan through Wenzhuang’s busy market, where Zhang Xi learned about cultivation-world trade and bought several Spiritual Items. Zhang Mingshu also found Cold Moon Jade to help balance Zhang Xi’s condition, and Zhang Xi discovered it worked better while he circulated the Yin Yang Harmony Cultivation Method.

• Zhang Mingshu explained the market’s goods and trade to Zhang Xi as they walked through Wenzhuang with Meng Qiuyan and Liu Shiyuan.
• Zhang Xi examined a Flowing Cloud Ring at a stall and asked Zhang Mingshu to buy it for him.
• Zhang Mingshu bought Cloud Piercing Arrow Talismans and small Spiritual Items for Zhang Xi, Meng Qiuyan, and Liu Shiyuan.
• Zhang Mingshu found Cold Moon Jade and had Zhang Xi wear it to suppress his yang energy.
• Zhang Xi held the jade and found that its effects improved when he circulated the Yin Yang Harmony Cultivation Method.

Zhang Mingshu organized a new generation of recruits to support Zhang Xi, while he and Zhao Xiaojie continued their patrols and secret training. At the sect, Zhang Wushuang competed in a swordsmanship contest, aiming to win the Xueya Sword.

• Zhang Mingshu gathered young recruits, including Meng Qiuyan, Liu Shiyuan, Leng Wensi, and Shi Xianghao, and arranged their training and studies to prepare them to assist Zhang Xi.
• Zhang Xi cultivated with the Cold Moon Jade, which complemented the yin-attributed spiritual power in his Yin Yang Harmony Cultivation Method.
• Zhao Xiaojie led his special operations team on patrol, while Zhang Mingshu trained a secret squad that included Tuoba Zhìrè and Xianyu Shuangfu.
• Zhang Wushuang entered the sect's morning sword contest and defeated two fellow disciples while pursuing the Xueya Sword as her prize.
• Zhang Wushuang countered a disciple's Blazing Fire Sword Style, outlasted his attack, and claimed victory when he admitted defeat.

Zhang Wushuang awakened the Xueya Sword’s true sword spirit and comprehended the Proud Snow Plum Blossom Sword Art, advancing to the second layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. Chen Biqiu invited him to join the mission to the Fuding Sect secret realm, making him the youngest person selected.

• Zhang Wushuang practiced with the Xueya Sword beneath the moon and comprehended the Proud Snow Plum Blossom Sword Art.
• The Xueya Sword’s sword spirit awakened, and Zhang Wushuang’s sword dance formed a giant phantom cold plum blossom.
• Zhang Wushuang advanced to the second layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, while Chen Biqiu and Zhao Siqi praised his swordsmanship.
• Zhang Wushuang kept the sword spirit’s awakening secret and agreed to accompany Chen Biqiu on the Fuding Sect secret realm mission.
• Zhang Wushuang became the youngest person selected for the mission.

Zhang Wushuang traveled with cultivators from several factions toward Fuding Sect’s secret realm in Changbai Mountain, where they planned to confront demon beasts and barbarian tribes. After reaching the mountain’s outskirts and preparing camp, she killed an ambushing demon beast and helped organize the defenses.

• Zhang Wushuang and Liu Hanyan joined the expedition’s main roster and prepared to travel to Fuding Sect’s secret realm.
• Zhang Wushuang set out with her sect and Fuding Sect’s representatives, then met contingents from the Zhao royal family and other factions along the northern route.
• Dai Zong led half the forces ahead to scout while the rest waited for the delayed Qi Lu Academy contingent.
• The groups met the Northern Liao contingent in Liaoxi Prefecture, crossed the mountains, and camped near Changbai Mountain after encountering demon beasts and probing barbarians.
• A demon beast ambushed the camp, but Zhang Wushuang killed it with one sword strike and then helped arrange defenses and patrols.

Zhang Wushuang fought off demonic beasts, then followed the Xueya Sword spirit to a hidden Spirit Spring, where he discovered a Shadow Sable and barbarians near the camp. After warning Chen Biqiu, he led his team back to patrol the valley while the main force remained several days away.

• Zhang Wushuang fought alongside his fellow disciples during attacks by demonic beasts and impressed them with his swordsmanship.
• The disciples explored the mountain in assigned teams, then gathered at camp that night to share cultivation insights.
• Zhang Wushuang followed the Xueya Sword spirit to a secluded cave and found a Spirit Spring guarded by a Shadow Sable, which he defeated.
• Zhang Wushuang hid when barbarian warriors entered the valley, then returned to camp and warned Chen Biqiu and the others.
• Chen Biqiu ordered Zhang Wushuang's team to patrol the valley and gather spirit herbs as the main force was still several days away.