Chapter Summaries

Tao Yu returned to Bright Summit and learned that Turkic fighters had arrived, challenging the Ming Cult to a tournament ring. After treating the qi injuries of several allies, he prepared to face their strongest fighter, Tuli.

• Tao Yu healed Left Emissary Shi and learned that Turkic experts had bypassed the main army and set up a ring at the foot of Bright Summit.
• Left Emissary Shi told Tao Yu that Tuli, two capable women, and mounted archers had challenged the Ming Cult, and that Zhang Wuji had been unable to match Tuli.
• Tao Yu found Wei Yixiao still suffering from foreign qi and learned that Zhang Wuji was keeping the Turkic fighters from discovering the Ming Cult's full strength.
• Tao Yu cleared the foreign qi from Zhang Wuji, praised him for blocking an attack, and said he would take over the confrontation.

Tao Yu returned to the Ming Cult and confronted Tuli, who had been using challenge matches to weaken the Cult and seek its martial arts. Tuli lost his temper at Tao Yu’s taunts and attacked him directly with his spear.

• Badar complained to Tuli about remaining in the Central Plains, while Chunyu Wei explained that she was there on her master’s and the khan’s orders.
• Tuli revealed that he had planted threads of internal energy in his opponents so he could force them to reveal their method of channeling power.
• Tao Yu arrived at the arena as the Ming Cult’s thirty-first-generation leader and accepted Tuli’s challenge.
• Tao Yu mocked Tuli about the woman at his side, provoking him to leap from his chair and thrust his spear at Tao Yu.

Tao Yu defeated Tuli and the Turkic fighters, then questioned Chunyu Wei about events in the Great Tang World. He learned that Yang Guang had been assassinated, the Jade Bi of He rumor was spreading, and Bi Xuan had taken Li Shimin as his disciple.

• Tao Yu broke through Tuli’s spear technique, disarmed him, and wounded him despite Tuli’s desperate dodge.
• Tao Yu struck the remaining Turkic fighters with four blood dragons, leaving them injured as the Ming Cult masters and Zhang Wuji watched proudly.
• Tao Yu questioned Chunyu Wei, who explained that Tuli was a renowned young warrior and that she was Bi Xuan’s third disciple; she also shared Badar’s history with Ba Fenghan.
• Chunyu Wei told Tao Yu that Yang Guang had been assassinated and rumors about the Jade Bi of He were spreading across the realm.
• Chunyu Wei revealed that Bi Xuan had taken Li Shimin as his disciple, surprising Tao Yu and making him reconsider Bi Xuan’s motives.

Tao Yu released Tuli after securing his oath, then prepared to travel to the Central Plains to explore the Great Tang World’s martial arts. He left Zhang Wuji in charge of strengthening Bright Summit’s defenses and intelligence network while he set out in his flying machine.

• Tao Yu decided not to fight or imprison Tuli and required him to swear never to make Bright Summit an enemy.
• Tuli swore his oath, described the renowned younger martial artists in the Central Plains, and invited Tao Yu to travel with him, but Tao Yu refused.
• Tao Yu told Zhang Wuji to guard the main routes, expand Bright Summit’s intelligence network, and monitor the Turks.
• Tao Yu advised Zhang Wuji and the others to study Tuli and Chunyu Wei’s techniques cautiously and prioritize the Three Great Miraculous Arts.
• Tao Yu took out his flying machine and set off toward the Central Plains, intending to focus his wish power on learning Great Tang World skills.

Tao Yu encountered the Turkic Grandmaster Bi Xuan on the grassland and, under his pressure, awakened a new artistic conception and fought him to a draw. Bi Xuan retreated, while Tao Yu recovered and resolved to master his new power before they met again.

• Tao Yu landed his aircraft on the grassland and sensed a powerful figure approaching as he began to establish a return connection.
• Bi Xuan arrived, demanded Tao Yu's aircraft and instructions for using it, and rejected Tao Yu's offer to trade it for the Blazing Sun Divine Skill.
• Bi Xuan attacked Tao Yu with his spear, and the pressure of his Grandmaster artistic conception pushed Tao Yu to awaken an artistic conception of death.
• Tao Yu used Chronostasis and the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms to meet Bi Xuan's spear strike head-on, and their collision shattered both of their auras.
• Bi Xuan retreated after Tao Yu's true energy injured him, and Tao Yu recovered with Nutrient Paste while considering how to develop his new artistic conception.

Tao Yu returned to his rented apartment and learned that the company was offering his parents safe, stable jobs, which they accepted. Later, he discussed saving for a mechanical upgrade with Wang Goudan and promised that newly discovered superconductive ore could help.

• Tao Yu returned to his apartment and met Zhi Lan, Panda's mother and an Internal Affairs Department employee, who explained the company's job program for his parents.
• Tao Yu agreed to the offer, and Zhi Lan said she would take his parents to work and show them the ropes the next day.
• Zhi Lan gave Tao Yu an invitation to the company's matchmaking event, which he accepted before she left.
• Tao Yu went with Wang Goudan to get his flight pack serviced and heard that people had been asking Wang Goudan whether he was Tao Yu's brother.
• Tao Yu told Wang Goudan that superconductive ore could benefit mechanical modification, and Wang said he would keep saving for a platform upgrade and ask Tao Yu for protection when the time came.

Tao Yu and Wang Goudan discovered that their fish soup had been poisoned during an expensive meal, exposing an attempted assassination. The culprit escaped, and the Security Team suspected the Thieves Guild had acted on a bounty against Tao Yu.

• Tao Yu treated Wang Goudan to a lavish meal after leaving his flying machine for maintenance and listing the Cart Titan at the Auction House.
• Tao Yu stopped Wang Goudan from drinking the fish soup after his Spiritual Sense and herbal-identification ability detected poison.
• Tao Yu used his presence to silence the restaurant and ordered the guards to take him to the surveillance room, but the cameras were out.
• The Security Team identified the toxin as Preserved Fruit and found that the assassin had killed a server and used her place to poison the bowls.
• The Security Team captain said the attack likely came from the Thieves Guild and shared reports of its activity in C17 District’s sewers.
• After Tao Yu gave the captain Wish Power Metal, the captain explained that the Thieves Guild might have roots in another city and could replace captured branches with reserve crews.

After an incident involving unreliable ingredients, Tao Yu went to investigate the Thieves Guild, whose shifting entrances and dangerous patrons made it a risky place to visit. He learned how the recently reopened guild operated and entered its sewer headquarters, where the story left off with its limits on assassination jobs still in mind.

• Tao Yu told Wang Goudan to return first and said he would stick to ingredients Wang Goudan bought; Wang Goudan warned him that the Thieves Guild was chaotic.
• Tao Yu found the guild’s current sewer entrance and paralyzed a man who had just climbed out, then demanded information about the guild.
• The man offered Tao Yu his introduction token and explained that the guild’s entrances changed regularly and that visitors generally avoided causing trouble there.
• Tao Yu entered the sewers and learned that the Thieves Guild had recently reopened after the Morning Sun Society’s leader defeated it, prompting the guild to remove related assassination contracts.
• Tao Yu learned that the guild used the God of Wealth to store faith power and secure anonymous jobs through a dual-key payment system, with cancellations costing fees.
• Tao Yu concluded that the guild’s compromises and cautious limits on contracts helped it survive, while clients who accepted a job bore the risk themselves.

Tao Yu found a bounty on himself at the Thieves Guild and claimed the reward for poisoning Shi Zhi Xuan. When another guild member exposed himself as the real poisoner and tried to flee, Tao Yu killed him and the other witnesses despite the bartender's warning.

• Tao Yu entered the Thieves Guild and saw a 300,000-Willpower bounty listing his identity, abilities, and residence.
• Tao Yu told the Clown-masked bartender that he had completed the poisoning job at Shi Zhi Xuan and was told the public kill would be verified by the next day.
• A nearby man challenged Tao Yu and accidentally revealed that he had poisoned the target before bolting.
• The bartender ordered Tao Yu to let the fleeing man go because the Thieves Guild was a neutral zone.
• Tao Yu used Finger Flicking Divine Skill to explode the poisoner's head and kill the other guild members who tried to escape.

Tao Yu crushed the Thieves Guild branch that had targeted him, then celebrated his birthday with his family and the little rich girl. He returned to the Tang Dynasty to pursue the Longevity Art and flew toward the Central Plains after a brief, silent encounter with Bi Xuan.

• Tao Yu forced the Clown-masked Thieves Guild leader to reveal that the bounty contact used an obscure radio frequency, then killed her and burned the bodies.
• Tao Yu celebrated his birthday with his family, encouraged Tao Shi to prepare for the New Frontier, and resolved to grow stronger in the Abyss to protect them.
• Tao Yu met the little rich girl to celebrate their shared birthday before returning to the Tang Dynasty.
• Tao Yu assessed his Grandmaster Realm, considered seeking the Longevity Art from Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong, and flew toward the Central Plains.
• Tao Yu sensed Bi Xuan leaving a nearby tent, but the two men exchanged no words and continued on their way.

Tao Yu set out for Luoyang, hoping to obtain the Jade Bi of He before the Twin Dragons could claim it. After hiding his flying machine and reaching the road, he secured a horse and companions for the journey to the city.

• Tao Yu studied his map and decided to head to Luoyang to pursue the Jade Bi of He and learn more about the Twin Dragons and the city's turmoil.
• Tao Yu considered how Bi Xuan's influence on Li Shimin might change the struggle for the realm, then landed his flying machine near Luoyang.
• Tao Yu buried his flying machine, reached the main road, and stopped a group of riders to ask about buying a horse.
• The riders offered Tao Yu an extra horse and invited him to travel with them toward Luoyang, and he accepted their offer.

Tao Yu traveled toward Luoyang with Li Yong and his veteran companions, questioning the authority of the Jade Bi of He and the Buddhist Sect’s choice of a ruler. Outside Luoyang, he met a man whom Li Yong recognized as Xu Shiji.

• Li Yong told Tao Yu how his group had served several warlords before leaving Wagang Stronghold after its leader was killed, and Tao Yu comforted them about their difficult journey.
• Li Yong said the group hoped to follow whoever the Jade Bi of He chose as the rightful ruler, while Tao Yu challenged the idea that the jade or Ning Daoqi should decide the realm’s future.
• Tao Yu reflected on Shi Feixuan’s reputation and strength, and on how Cihang Jingzhai’s influence gave her an advantage over Wanwan.
• Tao Yu and Li Yong’s group reached Luoyang near sunset and marveled at its immense walls and gates.
• A handsome man in riding clothes praised Tao Yu’s remark about breaking a city’s people rather than its walls, and Li Yong recognized him as Xu Shiji.

Tao Yu captured Xu Shiji and questioned him about Zhang Sanfeng, learning that the old Daoist had become famous and fought Ning Daoqi to a draw. Tao Yu realized rumors were being spread to undermine Zhang Sanfeng’s standing, while he took Xu Shiji toward Luoyang to find Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong.

• Tao Yu recognized Xu Shiji, captured him and his guards with the Heaven and Earth Great Shift, and took several horses.
• Tao Yu brought Xu Shiji along toward Luoyang, intending to use him to encounter Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong.
• Tao Yu asked Xu Shiji about people from beyond the heavens, and Xu Shiji described Zhang Sanfeng’s rise and his even fight with Ning Daoqi.
• Xu Shiji reported rumors that Zhang Sanfeng would challenge Ning Daoqi and might have Koguryo blood.
• Tao Yu suspected the Buddhist Sect was spreading claims to discredit Zhang Sanfeng and limit his acceptance in the Central Plains.

Tao Yu entered Luoyang with Xu Shiji and searched for a place to stay, only to learn that Manqing Courtyard was hosting a major gathering arranged by Wang Bo. He persuaded Song Shidao to bring them inside, leaving them on the verge of witnessing the festivities.

• Tao Yu used the Spirit Nurturing Method and Soul Shifting to pass the guarded gates of Luoyang with Xu Shiji and other Wagang captives.
• After finding the inns full, Tao Yu went to Manqing Courtyard and learned that Wang Bo had reserved it for a gathering of martial artists.
• Xu Shiji told Tao Yu that Shang Xiufang would perform and Qu Ao and Fu Qian would duel over the Jade Bi of He, and Tao Yu recognized that Xu Shiji had hoped Wagang allies might rescue him.
• Tao Yu asked Song Shidao to let him enter without an invitation, and Song agreed after Tao Yu mentioned his friendship with the Twin Dragons of Yangzhou.
• Tao Yu and Xu Shiji followed Song Shidao into Manqing Courtyard, where Wang Bo was entertaining guests in the Tingliu Pavilion.

Tao Yu met Song Shidao in Luoyang and explained that he wanted the Longevity Art, then quickly came face-to-face with Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, and Ba Fenghan. He offered the captured Xu Shiji as a gift to show his sincerity, leaving Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling surprised by his request and generosity.

• Tao Yu joined Song Shidao's table, ate freely, and told him he had come to Luoyang to find Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling for the Longevity Art.
• An attendant announced that Song Shidao's friend Fu Renzhong had arrived, and Song Shidao went to greet him.
• Song Shidao brought Kou Zhong, Xu Ziling, and Ba Fenghan to meet Tao Yu, who recognized the Twin Dragons beneath their masks.
• Kou Zhong recognized Xu Shiji, and Tao Yu offered the captured Wagang leader to the Twin Dragons as a gift for their first meeting.
• Tao Yu said he would trade any help they needed for the Longevity Art, and Xu Ziling and Kou Zhong considered his offer.

Tao Yu and the Twin Dragons discussed Xu Shiji, the Longevity Art, and their plans to avenge their mother before Shi Feixuan arrived in Luoyang under the alias Qin Chuan. After Tao Yu exposed her hidden approach and identity, Shi Feixuan met him and openly suspected his youthful appearance concealed a demonic secret art.

• Kou Zhong joked about killing Xu Shiji, while Ba Fenghan eagerly wanted to test his strength against him until Tao Yu mentioned Badar.
• Xu Ziling explained that the Twin Dragons could not teach the Longevity Art, and Song Shidao vowed to kill Yuwen Huaji before visiting Fu Junzhuo's grave with them.
• Tao Yu offered to kill Yuwen Huaji, but the others insisted they wanted to take revenge themselves; then Tao Yu sensed someone approaching.
• Qin Chuan called for Song Shidao, and Tao Yu revealed that Shi Feixuan was on the roof and had concealed herself from the others.
• Shi Feixuan entered the room, met Tao Yu, and warned that his unaging appearance might come from a special secret art.

Tao Yu confronted Shi Feixuan, then pushed Kou Zhong to answer her questions about choosing a ruler before dismissing her. After Shi Feixuan left, Xu Ziling explained that the group had come to capture Shangguan Long, a name Tao Yu did not recognize.

• Shi Feixuan questioned Song Shidao about the Way to Rule, and Tao Yu rebuked her for judging him by his age.
• Tao Yu urged Shi Feixuan to question Kou Zhong about his ambitions, but Kou Zhong admitted he was unprepared to discuss governing.
• Tao Yu dismissed Shi Feixuan, who left after closing the door, and the others were astonished by how readily she yielded to him.
• Kou Zhong thanked Tao Yu, and Tao Yu reminded the group to finish their business before visiting Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling's mother's grave with Song Shidao.
• Xu Ziling said the group had come to capture Shangguan Long, and Tao Yu admitted he had never heard of him.

Tao Yu discussed the plan to capture Shangguan Long and revealed the Abyss to Song Shidao, Xu Ziling, and Ba Fenghan. The chapter left them wondering whether the Abyss was connected to the world’s coming upheaval.

• Song Shidao identified Shangguan Long as the owner of Manqing Courtyard, and the Twin Dragons explained that they wanted to capture him to learn about Aunt Yu’s kidnapping.
• Tao Yu asked about nearby experts and learned that Qu Ao had ties to the Demonic Sect and had weakened since losing to Bi Xuan.
• Kou Zhong proposed challenging Shangguan Long to provoke him into revealing Demonic Sect techniques, but Song Yuzhi called Kou Zhong outside before they could act.
• Tao Yu told Xu Ziling, Ba Fenghan, and Song Shidao about the World Beyond the Heavens and the Abyss, asking them to keep it secret.
• Song Shidao connected Tao Yu’s account of the Abyss to his father Song Que’s warning that the world was changing and troubled times were coming.

Tao Yu intervened when Qu Ao and the Demonic Sect attacked Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling in Luoyang, crippling Qu Ao and forcing Zhu Yuyan to retreat after a powerful clash. The Twin Dragons escaped with Shangguan Long while Tao Yu’s growing Grandmaster strength left Zhu Yuyan badly injured and fearful of him.

• Kou Zhong challenged Shangguan Long in public, and Shangguan Long fought him until Qu Ao suddenly attacked Kou Zhong.
• Tao Yu intercepted Qu Ao and sent him flying with one palm, then pursued Bian Fuchu as Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling took Shangguan Long away.
• Tao Yu sensed a nearby master and found Zhu Yuyan attacking the Twin Dragons, who were already badly injured.
• Tao Yu confronted Zhu Yuyan and struck her with seven converging Dragon Subduing Palms, shattering her Heavenly Demonic Force Field and driving her off.
• Zhu Yuyan returned to the Yin Gui Sect hideout, spat blood, and told Bian Fuchu she needed to retreat and heal from Tao Yu’s attack.

After Tao Yu drove off Yin Empress Zhu Yuyan, Ba Fenghan brought the captive Xu Shiji to the battered group while Shen Luoyan and the Twin Fiends of Changbai pursued them. Tao Yu and the Twin Dragons released Xu Shiji after his apology, but Shen Luoyan saw their restraint as weakness and declared a new conflict.

• Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling recovered from their injuries and realized Tao Yu had beaten Zhu Yuyan and subdued the woman with him.
• Ba Fenghan arrived with Xu Shiji as Shen Luoyan and the Twin Fiends of Changbai pressed their attack.
• Kou Zhong warned Shen Luoyan that the group had just fought Zhu Yuyan, making the pursuers hesitate and allowing Ba Fenghan to rejoin them.
• Shen Luoyan apologized to Tao Yu for Xu Shiji, and Tao Yu left the decision to Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling.
• Xu Shiji apologized to the Twin Dragons, who agreed to release him and end their old grievance.
• Shen Luoyan declared a new grudge and accused Tao Yu and the others of backing down because they were wounded.