Chapter Summaries

Jiang Zhi lu brought Zhang Yu back to Baishi Village and reported troubling conditions in the open sea to Zhang Mingshu. Zhang Mingshu then discussed the family’s pressures and assigned Zhang Yu to study alchemy on Peach Blossom Island.

• Jiang Zhi lu escorted Zhang Yu by boat to Baishi Village and reported recent abnormalities at sea to Zhang Mingshu.
• Zhang Mingshu dismissed Jiang Zhi lu to rest and spoke with Zhang Yu about his growth, martial skills, and future responsibilities.
• Zhang Mingshu explained that he could no longer advance and that Zhang Yu and his brother would need to learn to manage matters themselves.
• Zhang Mingshu said he had arranged for Zhang Yu’s elder brother to manage a village near Wenzhuang for a year or two.
• Zhang Mingshu ordered Zhang Yu to go to Peach Blossom Island to study alchemy, leaving Zhang Yu startled by the assignment.

Zhang Yu arrived at Peach Blossom Island to study alchemy under Fernan and began training in the island’s laboratories. He continued to struggle through basic lessons, learning from his early failures.

• Zhang Mingshu told Zhang Yu to prepare to leave for Peach Blossom Island and study alchemy while maintaining his martial arts.
• Chong Li took Zhang Yu through a teleportation array to Peach Blossom Island, where she showed him the alchemy and sorcerer districts.
• Chong Li introduced Zhang Yu to Alden, who assigned Fernan to guide him around and serve as his mentor.
• Fernan showed Zhang Yu the alchemy facilities and explained that alchemy required practice, innovation, and an understanding of nature.
• Zhang Yu began basic training with Fernan, learning to handle materials, control Spiritual Fire, draw arrays, compound potions, forge metal, and inscribe runes.

Zhang Yu adapted to life on Peach Blossom Island, advancing in cultivation and alchemy under Fernan’s guidance. After studying Star Sand and experimenting with it, he made a charm that could store starlight and help a cultivator build magical power, and Fernan suggested he try it during his next Spirit Awakening.

• Zhang Yu endured the secret chamber’s intense Spiritual Energy pressure for longer than expected and advanced ahead of his mentor’s schedule.
• Zhang Yu joined Fernan’s laboratory, where his stamina and precise control helped him learn from experiments quickly.
• Fernan gave Zhang Yu an ancient book about Star Sand and asked him to study it and create a magical artifact using the material.
• Zhang Yu studied Star Sand, ran countless experiments, and discovered that it absorbed starlight at night and released magical power during the day.
• Zhang Yu made the first Star Sand Charm, and Fernan praised him and told him to try it during his next Spirit Awakening.

Zhang Yu prepared for Peach Blossom Island’s Spirit Awakening ritual and observed how the Star Cult used a grand formation and the Power of Stars to advance sorcerers. The ritual continued into a second day, with no one yet completing their awakening and another attempt due that night.

• Zhang Yu studied alchemy and Star Sand Charms while waiting for the annual Spirit Awakening ritual, whose mentor-reserved slot was for him.
• Zhang Yu followed Mentor Fernand to the Spirit Initiation Platform and watched the sorcerers prepare within its formation.
• At night, the formation drew down the Power of Stars as the sorcerers used the Star Attraction Technique to strengthen and purify their spiritual power.
• Zhang Yu realized how unusual Zhang Mingshu’s success had been without orthodox instruction or a ritual.
• The next dawn arrived without anyone completing Spirit Awakening, so the sorcerers maintained the formation and rested before trying again that night.

Zhang Yu successfully entered the Spirit Awakening Realm at Peach Blossom Island, then returned home for the family’s sacrificial ceremony. After Zhang Xi’s awakening failed with several demon spirits, the Ice Fire Turtle bonded successfully and gained two abilities.

• Zhang Yu condensed his spiritual power into a spiritual core during the ceremony on Peach Blossom Island and entered the Spirit Awakening Realm.
• Mentor Fernand praised Zhang Yu, who continued studying alchemy and spellcraft and improved his Star Sand Charm.
• Zhang Yu returned home at the end of the year for the family sacrificial ceremony, where Zhang Mingshu presided and Zhang Xi was to undergo Spirit Awakening.
• Zhang Xi’s awakening failed with the family’s high-quality demon spirits, so Zhang Mingshu tried other demon spirits from Qunwa Island.
• The Ice Fire Turtle successfully awakened and gained [Ice Fire Shield] and [Extreme Cold Flame Burst].

Zhang Yu awakened the Winged Shadow Bat Ray and gained powerful abilities, while Zhang Xi continued cultivating and preparing for marriage. Zhang Mingshu and Zhao Siqi traveled to Liukeng to discuss Zhang Xi’s marriage to Liu Shiyuan with the Liu family.

• Zhang Yu underwent the new spirit-awakening ritual and gained Phantom Wings, Wing Slash, and Shadow Spirit from the Winged Shadow Bat Ray.
• Zhang Yu rested for two days, then returned to Peach Blossom Island to cultivate, conduct alchemy experiments, and train as an occultist.
• Zhang Xi continued cultivating the Yin Yang Harmony Cultivation Method and managing villages in Wenzhuang, while Zhang Mingshu planned to assign him more responsibility after the New Year.
• Zhang Mingshu and Zhao Siqi discussed arranging Zhang Xi’s marriages, with Liu Shiyuan as his principal wife and Meng Qiuyan and Zhu Qimeng as secondary wives.
• Zhang Mingshu and Zhao Siqi visited the Liu family in Liukeng to begin marriage discussions for Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan.

Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan celebrated their wedding in Baishi Village amid a lavish gathering of families and allies. Half a year later, Zhang Mingshu took the newlyweds to the Ancient Yan Kingdom Secret Realm, where the factions prepared to formally end the war and begin a new era.

• Baishi Village and the surrounding towns hosted Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan's wedding, drawing guests and gifts from across the region.
• Zhang Yu and senior fellow disciples produced elaborate alchemical fireworks for the wedding celebrations.
• Zhang Mingshu and Zhao Siqi welcomed the guests and watched the festivities spread across all eight towns under Baishi Village's administration.
• Half a year later, Zhang Mingshu took Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan through Hejian Prefecture to the Ancient Yan Kingdom Secret Realm, while Zhao Siqi stayed behind in seclusion.
• The secret realm's factions reached an agreement on territorial adjustments and prepared an official ceremony to end the war, while the Zhao Family moved selected families out of the secret realm.

Zhang Mingshu brought Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan through the new passage from Hejian Prefecture into the Ancient Yan Kingdom Secret Realm, where they saw its checkpoint and expanding settlements. The chapter left them heading toward Shucheng, as the Secret Realm’s new cities and territories continued to develop.

• Zhang Mingshu took Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan to Hejian Prefecture’s new teleportation passage, where travelers paid a Spirit Stone and passed strict identity checks.
• The formation transported the group into the Secret Realm, where they entered through a guarded underground tunnel and Liu Shiyuan noticed the stronger Spiritual Energy.
• Zhang Mingshu took Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan toward Shucheng, his Household’s property, and explained how the Secret Realm’s settlements and territories were being developed.
• Zhang Mingshu’s Lineage had built six cities around Shucheng and borrowed against future resources and taxes to fund their construction.

Zhang Mingshu showed Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan Shucheng and its six specialized new cities, explaining how the Zhang family built and managed them. After two days of learning about the family’s affairs, they were due to hurry north to Youzhou City.

• Zhang Mingshu led Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan through Shucheng and described how its markets, workshops, spiritual fields, and six new cities supported the Zhang family’s growth.
• Zhang Mingshu, Zhang Xi, and Liu Shiyuan watched explorers compete at Huaiyi City’s martial arena, where Zhang Mingshu explained how it attracted talent and strengthened the family’s influence.
• Zhang Xi asked how the family had built and managed the new cities, and Zhang Mingshu described recruiting talent, working with other factions, establishing regulations, and prioritizing safety.
• Zhang Mingshu returned to the manor with Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan, who would spend two days learning about Shucheng before traveling north to Youzhou City.
• Zhao Xiaojie had already carried the County Princess’s belongings ahead, while the County Princess planned to teleport to Youzhou City on the final day.

Zhang Mingshu, Zhang Xi, and Liu Shiyuan arrived in Youzhou City for the Dao Discussion Ceremony and witnessed the forced relocation of the Fan Family. Zhang Xi became captivated by Fan Ruohua, and Zhao Xiaojie arranged to keep her behind, leaving Zhang Xi waiting anxiously to learn what had happened.

• Zhang Mingshu led Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan through Yingzhou, Mozhou, and Zhuozhou to Youzhou City, warning them to be careful among its tangled factions.
• The group saw soldiers driving the depleted Fan Family toward relocation in Pingzhou, and Zhang Xi became fascinated by Fan Ruohua.
• Zhao Xiaojie met them and explained that the Fan Family had delayed its departure while its members fought over family property.
• Zhao Xiaojie used his connections, money, and Spiritual Items to intercept Fan Ruohua from people who had secretly detained women from the relocation procession.
• Zhang Xi tried to chase after Fan Ruohua when she was taken away but lost sight of her, then returned to the lodgings with Zhang Mingshu to wait for Zhao Xiaojie.

Zhao Xiaojie brought Fan Ruohua to the Zhang Family’s courtyard, where Zhang Mingshu offered her refuge as the Dao Discussion Conference approached. The five Great Cultivators lectured the city’s cultivators, reshaping perceptions of power in the secret realm, while Zhang Mingshu considered the Zhang Family’s obligations and future under the new order.

• Zhao Xiaojie brought Fan Ruohua to Zhang Mingshu and explained how he had rescued her from her family’s upheaval.
• Zhang Mingshu welcomed Fan Ruohua into the Zhang Family, and Zhao Xiaojie arranged for her to conceal her identity to avoid provoking another enemy.
• As the Dao Discussion Conference drew near, Li Fengxian, Shang Xingjian, Wei Nuo, Yu Dong, and Baili Yichang appeared above Youzhou City and shared their insights into the Dao.
• Zhang Xi and Liu Shiyuan listened intently to the five Great Cultivators, while their lecture revealed that the secret realm’s former powers had lost their invincible status.
• After the five Great Cultivators departed, Zhang Mingshu recorded their teachings and considered how the Zhang Family should fulfill its obligations to the Zhao Kingdom and the County Princess.

Zhang Mingshu and the Star Moon Squad returned from Youzhou, broadening their horizons and assessing who could serve independently as the Zhang Family expanded. In Jadefall Valley, a Beast Spirit named Xueling charged at the group but recognized Fan Ruohua and stopped.

• After the five Great Cultivators concluded their discourse, Zhang Mingshu led Zhang Xi, Liu Shiyuan, Fan Ruohua, Zhao Xiaojie, and the Star Moon Squad back toward Mozhou and Yingzhou.
• As the group crossed the grassland, Liu Shiyuan guided Fan Ruohua in the Zhang Family's rules, and Zhang Mingshu recognized Liu Shiyuan's ability to become its next Matriarch.
• Back in Mozhou, Zhang Mingshu assessed the Star Moon Squad and considered sending some members out to work independently.
• Near Jadefall Valley, a huge white Beast Spirit named Xueling burst from the mist and charged at the group.
• Zhao Xiaojie formed a defensive line, but Fan Ruohua recognized Xueling, spoke to it, and stopped its attack.

Fan Ruohua calmed a Snow Spirit and explained that rare Snow Spirit Flowers could help bring it back to the Zhang Household. After Zhang Mingshu and the Star Moon Squad defeated the beast guarding the flowers, they transplanted them and left with the Snow Spirit, while Zhang Mingshu considered training Fan Ruohua and reorganizing the squad.

• Fan Ruohua calmed the Snow Spirit and revealed that Snow Spirit Flowers near its nest could help them take it along.
• Led by the Snow Spirit, Zhang Mingshu and the others entered a cave and found several Snow Spirit Flowers guarded by a powerful wolf-shaped monster.
• Fan Ruohua failed to communicate with the wolf-shaped monster, so Zhang Mingshu and the Star Moon Squad fought it.
• Zhang Mingshu used his Demonic Spirit abilities to kill the wolf-shaped monster with help from Zhu Mingting and Wu Sanchai.
• Zhao Xiaojie and the others carefully transplanted the Snow Spirit Flowers, and the Snow Spirit left with the group.
• On the journey home, Zhang Mingshu considered finding a cultivation-method inheritance for Fan Ruohua and making adjustments to the Star Moon Squad.

Zhang Mingshu returned to Yingzhou City and finalized the broad terms of cooperation with Xiao Lingying, including trade, taxation, and Cangzhou’s development. Xiao Lingying prepared to enter seclusion to break through, while the two sides left implementation to their subordinates.

• Zhang Mingshu brought half of the Star Moon Squad to Yingzhou City, where Xiao Lingying had already returned and reached the peak of the Spirit Transformation Realm.
• Zhang Mingshu and Xiao Lingying confirmed their cooperation and agreed that their subordinates would handle its implementation under rules set by their leaders.
• Zhang Mingshu confirmed which Spiritual Items his Household could transport through the secret-realm passage and secured passage discounts for some items.
• Zhang Mingshu proposed using Cangzhou’s withheld taxes to build roads and offering provisions or subsidies to help new migrants develop land.
• Zhang Mingshu warned Zhao Xiaojie and Xiao Lingying that Baishi Village’s methods could not simply be copied elsewhere, and Xiao Lingying’s people had struggled to learn from Shucheng’s experience.

Zhang Mingshu returned to Baishi Village and reunited with Zhao Wuji, then inspected the Zhang Household’s territories before the New Year. In Yuanshan Town, he assessed its valuable but understaffed mountain defenses and the threat posed by clans stealing its Spirit Fruits and Spirit Medicines.

• Zhang Mingshu and his companions returned from Yingzhou to Baishi Village just before the New Year.
• Zhao Wuji defeated the Town Guard members at the training ground, and Zhang Mingshu praised his progress.
• Zhang Mingshu and the others began their routine territory inspection, visiting Lan Mountain Town before heading to Yuanshan Town.
• Zhang Mingshu had appointed the Butcher as Yuanshan Town’s mayor and An Muyuan as its commander after nearby clans repeatedly stole its resources.
• Gu Canchi surveyed Yuanshan Town’s mountains so the Zhang Household could plan defenses, including using poisonous creatures where appropriate.
• Zhang Mingshu considered striking the nearby clans but lacked troops and needed the Zhao Kingdom court’s approval to recall forces from Guangling Prefecture.

Zhang Mingshu inspected Yuanshan Town and found its defenses and administration in poor shape, then considered how to address its shortage of capable personnel. He approved Zhao Wuji’s proposal for a Starry Field Regiment and planned additional changes to the family’s squads after the New Year.

• An Muyuan welcomed Zhang Mingshu to Yuanshan Town and asked for guidance on its complicated situation.
• Zhang Mingshu reviewed the town’s flawed records and inspected its infrastructure without deciding how to handle its problems, telling An Muyuan and the Butcher to stabilize their forces and improve management.
• Zhang Mingshu visited Meng Family and discussed preparing for Meng Qiuyan’s wedding and her joining the family after the New Year.
• Zhao Wuji proposed creating the Starry Field Regiment to train more recruits, and Zhang Mingshu approved a ten-star ranking system based on strength and merit.
• Zhang Mingshu tasked Zhao Wuji with helping Zhang Xi finalize the plan for launch after the New Year and planned a Dark Moon Squad for Zhang Wushuang.

Zhang Mingshu and his family tried to resolve Zhang Wushuang’s conflicting Water and Wood Spiritual Roots by awakening a Flame Spiritual Root for her. The dangerous ceremony succeeded, leaving her three spiritual powers temporarily balanced as the family planned to pursue an Earth Spiritual Root next.

• Zhang Mingshu inspected Stone Bridge Town, Wenzhuang, and Huang Village before returning to Baishi Village for the New Year.
• Zhang Wushuang told Zhang Mingshu that her Water and Wood Spiritual Roots were conflicting and making cultivation dangerous, so he and Zhao Siqi examined her.
• Zhang Mingshu captured a Flame Rat with Zhou Buding’s help and used it to awaken Zhang Wushuang’s Flame Spiritual Root.
• Zhang Yu and Zhao Wuji supplied water and ice while Zhang Wushuang’s Water Concealment Technique and Regeneration abilities activated to help her survive the ceremony.
• Zhang Wushuang’s Flame Spiritual Root formed, and her Water, Wood, and Fire spiritual powers reached a temporary balance.
• Zhang Mingshu recorded the danger of awakening multiple Spiritual Roots and decided the family would seek an Earth Element Demon Spirit next.

After Zhang Wushuang awakened her Fire Spiritual Root, the Zhang Family strengthened its cultivation, training, and recruitment efforts. Zhao Wuji and Zhang Yu led a selected group toward Liangshan Marsh for the annual trial, where Zhang Yu would encounter the modern Demon Hunter organization.

• Zhang Wushuang awakened her Fire Spiritual Root, balancing her Water, Wood, and Fire Spiritual Roots and gaining new insights into ice and fire spells.
• Zhao Siqi organized the Lineage’s histories, cultivation methods, and craft records with help from Lü E, Zhang Xi, Liu Shiyuan, and others.
• Zhang Mingshu and Zhao Siqi expanded the Lineage’s Scripture Repository and secured its core texts within the secret realm in the Town Wind Stone.
• Zhang Mingshu appointed Zhang Yu as a deputy to the Starry Field Regiment, which Zhang Xi commanded alongside deputy Zhao Wuji.
• After more than a month of training in the mountains, Zhao Wuji selected a group that included Zhang Yu and led them toward Liangshan Marsh for the annual trial.

Zhang Mingshu had condensed 101 astral stars while secretly carrying a major role in the Ancient Yan Kingdom Secret Realm battles, and he suspected he needed 108 to advance. At the Liangshan Marsh training expedition, newcomers Han Yuan and Chen Aifan fought fiercely using their Demonic Spirits before Zhang Mingshu stopped the duel.

• Zhang Mingshu continued cultivating astral stars and suspected that reaching 108 would let him break through to the next realm.
• Xiaoqing's battle records helped Xiao Lingying recognize Zhang Mingshu's crucial role, despite his modest assignments and habit of sharing credit.
• The Zhang Household youths followed different cultivation paths, while Zhao Wuji remained more involved in lineage affairs than in study or cultivation.
• Zhao Wuji obtained [Demonic Spirit: Heavenly Darkness Star - Green-Faced Beast], Zhang Yu obtained [Demonic Spirit: Heavenly Investigation Star - Unrestrained], and Han Yuan and Chen Aifan gained tiger Demonic Spirits.
• Han Yuan and Chen Aifan fought with their Demonic Spirit abilities, trading attacks until Han Yuan broke Chen Aifan's grappling skill and struck him back.
• Zhang Mingshu called a halt, and Han Yuan and Chen Aifan stopped fighting and briefly embraced in mutual respect.

Zhang Mingshu watched the newly empowered young fighters test their Demonic Spirit skills in the training arena, while wondering why Liangshan Marsh had supplied so many Demonic Spirits. The battles ended without a clear winner, and Zhao Wuji and Zhang Yu led their teams onto the field next.

• Zhang Mingshu reviewed the Life Book and confirmed that Qilin and the others had arranged the group’s Demonic Spirit acquisitions.
• Wu Zixuan challenged Zhou Minglu, while Leng Wensi and Huang Baihao joined as their partners in a four-person battle.
• Leng Wensi and Zhou Minglu exchanged attacks as Wu Zixuan and Huang Baihao used supporting skills, and the match ended in a draw.
• Zhang Mingshu used the battles to assess the young fighters’ skills, then Zhao Wuji and Zhang Yu each led a team into the arena.