Chapter Summaries

Zhang Zujun confronted the cultivators who had attacked his family and warned them off with the threat of more powerful Spirit Talismans. Two Golden Core cultivators fled, leaving the badly wounded True Person Huang Tian behind.

• The remaining cultivators stopped after seeing their leader badly injured and noticed Zhang Hongzhan and the others carried several Third-grade Spirit Talismans.
• Zhang Zujun recovered somewhat with a Third-grade Mid-tier Healing Pill and challenged True Person Huang Tian and the two other Golden Core cultivators.
• Zhang Zujun threatened the three cultivators, while secretly hoping to avoid spending more valuable Spirit Talismans on them.
• The two Golden Core cultivators exchanged wary glances and fled, refusing to stay with True Person Huang Tian.
• True Person Huang Tian cursed the fleeing cultivators, spat blood, and glared resentfully at Zhang Zujun without daring to speak further.

Zhang Zujun and Zhang Hongzhan attacked True Person Huang Tian as he tried to leave, forcing him to surrender to the Zhang Family. Zhang Guangyao stopped Zhang Hongzhan's final strike, leaving Gou Fugui alive as a potential Golden Core ally and hidden trump card.

• Zhang Zujun signaled Zhang Hongzhan to attack True Person Huang Tian as he turned to flee.
• Zhang Hongzhan used a Heavy Mountain Talisman and a vine talisman to bind and wound True Person Huang Tian.
• True Person Huang Tian begged for his life and offered to submit to the Zhang Family.
• Zhang Hongzhan demanded a Heavenly Dao Oath, and True Person Huang Tian swore to obey the Zhang Family as Gou Fugui.
• Zhang Hongzhan's vine nearly pierced Gou Fugui, but Zhang Guangyao raised an ice barrier that broke the vines and hurled Gou Fugui into a mountain.

Ren Danxiong argued that the Xuandan Sect should build ties with the Zhang Family amid the Nine Splendor Sword Sect’s retreat and the struggle among powerful factions. Wang Teng approved sending Ren Shian and three Personal Disciples to study there for three years, while the Great Elder opposed the plan.

• The Great Elder mocked Ren Danxiong’s belief in the Zhang Family’s prospects and insisted the Xuandan Sect did not need to befriend them.
• Ren Danxiong defended an exchange of alchemy knowledge, cited his wish for Ren Shian to marry Zhang Xuanli, and urged the sect to form its own alliance amid the regional power struggle.
• Ren Danxiong declared that he would send Ren Shian to the Zhang Family regardless of the sect’s decision.
• Wang Teng considered Ren Danxiong’s proposal and supported sending Ren Shian with three Personal Disciples for a three-year exchange.
• The Great Elder inwardly regretted Wang Teng’s decision and remained convinced that the sect should wait for the conflict to resolve before choosing a side.

The Wang Family planned to hinder Bihai Immortal Sect while secretly building its strength, and sent Wang Qingkuang to investigate the Zhang Family. In the Yunjin Barren Ruins, Chu Zhiwei teased Zhang Chongxian as they approached the Yaoyang Sword Leaf Grass, but his rejection left her in tears.

• Wang Qingrou ordered Wang Qingkuang to visit the Zhang Family, assess its strength, and offer aid if needed to prevent Bihai Immortal Sect from unifying the Penglai Islands.
• Wang Qingrou revealed that the Wang Family was concealing its strength while waiting for Ancestor Defa to attempt a breakthrough to Half-step Nascent Soul.
• After traveling for over a month, Zhang Chongxian complained about Chu Zhiwei's chatter and pressed her to say how much farther they had to go for the Yaoyang Sword Leaf Grass.
• Chu Zhiwei openly teased Zhang Chongxian and asked whether he had feelings for her, but he insisted he had no interest in her and urged her onward.
• Chu Zhiwei hid her tears, resolved not to give up, and pointed out the Sword Mountain phantom where the Yaoyang Sword Leaf Grass was located.

Zhang Chongxian and Chu Zhiwei approached Sky Scar Sword Mountain, where Zhang hoped to cultivate the Great Evolution Geng Gold Scripture and find the Yaoyang Sword Leaf Grass. As they discussed the dangers ahead and Chu Zhiwei’s reasons for pursuing cultivation, they continued toward the mountain together.

• Chu Zhiwei pointed out the distant Sword Mountain and grew sad as she realized her time with Zhang Chongxian was nearing its end.
• Zhang Chongxian sensed the mountain’s powerful Sword Intent and hurried toward it, hoping to cultivate Nirvana Sword Intent.
• Chu Zhiwei worried that Zhang was rushing into danger, but he explained that he wanted the Yaoyang Sword Leaf Grass and a place to cultivate.
• Chu Zhiwei told Zhang that Sky Scar Sword Mountain was a dangerous region where sword cultivators and treasure seekers often fought over rare treasures.
• Chu Zhiwei explained that she had come to gain experience and seek a treasure for her grandfather, and Zhang urged her to stay mindful of those around her while pursuing the Great Dao.

Chu Zhiwei explained Sky Scar Sword Mountain’s three regions to Zhang Chongxian, who resolved to explore the deadly Sky Scar Apex someday. At the mountain’s foot, Zhang Chongxian discovered he could assimilate Rust Spiritual Qi, but before he could investigate further, two Golden Core cultivators confronted them and provoked Chu Zhiwei.

• Chu Zhiwei described the Rust Iron Forest Sea and Bare Rock Sword Ridge, then warned Zhang Chongxian that nobody returned from Sky Scar Apex.
• Zhang Chongxian said he intended to explore Sky Scar Apex when he was strong enough, and Chu Zhiwei objected before flying ahead.
• Zhang Chongxian and Chu Zhiwei reached the foot of Sword Mountain, where Zhang Chongxian found that Rust Spiritual Qi merged with the Geng Gold Spiritual Qi in his body without harming him.
• Zhang Chongxian concealed his discovery from Chu Zhiwei and claimed he could not refine Rust Spiritual Qi.
• A Thin Middle-aged Man and a Scarred Big Man appeared and mocked Zhang Chongxian and Chu Zhiwei.
• Chu Zhiwei erupted in anger and attacked the Thin Middle-aged Man with her Flame Spear.

Zhang Chongxian pretended to be a coward so Curved Blade True Person would attack him from behind, then revealed his true strength and killed him. Overlord Body True Person and the watching cultivators fled, while Zhu Jue approached Zhang Chongxian to make his acquaintance.

• The Scarred Big Man blocked Chu Zhiwei’s Fire Dragon, and nearby Golden Core cultivators gathered to watch the fight.
• Zhu Jue recognized Zhang Chongxian’s concealed Late Golden Core cultivation but stayed silent as Zhang Chongxian pretended to fear Curved Blade True Person and Overlord Body True Person.
• Curved Blade True Person attacked Zhang Chongxian from behind, but Zhang Chongxian unleashed his Sword Intent and pierced Curved Blade True Person’s heart with the Lin Jin Sword.
• Zhang Chongxian burned Curved Blade True Person’s corpse and collected his Storage Ring, while Overlord Body True Person and the two distant cultivators fled.
• Chu Zhiwei teased Zhang Chongxian for his shameless tactic, and Zhu Jue approached him to make his acquaintance.

Zhu Jue praised Zhang Chongxian’s outlook before Zhang Chongxian and Chu Zhiwei flew toward Sky Scar Sword Mountain. Meanwhile, Ren Danxiong brought Xuandan Sect’s young disciples to the Zhang Family for an exchange, warning them to behave and hoping Ren Shian would court Zhang Xuanli.

• Zhu Jue admired Zhang Chongxian’s reflections on reputation, ambition, and following one’s chosen path, then bowed to him in respect.
• Zhang Chongxian flew toward Sky Scar Sword Mountain, and Chu Zhiwei hurried after him as Zhu Jue privately guessed she had fallen in love.
• On the way to the Zhang Family, Ren Danxiong scolded Ren Shian, He Miaomiao, and the other disciples for looking down on the Zhang Family and warned them about its strength.
• Ren Danxiong told Ren Shian that he hoped he would marry Zhang Xuanli into the Xuandan Sect, and Ren Shian agreed to the plan.
• Zhang Hongzhan received the Xuandan Sect delegation and sent Zhang Xuanming and Zhang Xuanli to show the young visitors around, giving Zhang Xuanli and Ren Shian time together.

After becoming a First-grade Top-tier alchemist, Zhang Xuanchen discussed creating a cultivation method suited to himself with Zhang Xuanjing, who pledged to help. He planned to begin after dealing with the Bihai Immortal Sect and stabilizing the Penglai Islands, while still prioritizing his cultivation and his ability to protect Luo Lingshuang.

• Zhang Xuanchen successfully refined seven First-grade Top-tier Rapid Healing Pills and decided to sell the Inferior Grade pills to Rogue Cultivators and the Standard Grade pills to the Lineage.
• Zhang Xuanjing told Zhang Xuanchen that Ling Shuang's Golden Core breakthrough was progressing smoothly and might take another two or three months.
• Zhang Xuanchen asked Zhang Xuanjing to help him create a cultivation method suited to himself, and she agreed to handle its technical deductions without hindering his cultivation.
• Zhang Xuanchen chose to build his method by combining existing cultivation methods rather than creating one from scratch.
• Zhang Xuanchen planned to start creating the method after dealing with the Bihai Immortal Sect, unifying the Penglai Islands, and stabilizing the situation.

Zhang Xuanchen worked with Xuanjing to create a cultivation method that could balance his Wind and Fire spiritual power, but his repeated attempts injured his Spiritual Sense. As he recovered, a tremendous breakthrough began in the room next door, and Han Li suspected Luo Lingshuang was forming a legendary Great Dao Golden Core.

• Zhang Xuanchen asked Xuanjing to help him develop a cultivation method suited to his Wind and Fire spiritual power, starting with one that could carry him to the Golden Core Realm.
• Zhang Xuanchen repeatedly tested circulation routes in the Three Lives Samsara Realm while Xuanjing studied the methods left by Profound Dragon Venerable.
• After two and a half months and eighty-one attempts, Zhang Xuanchen's simulated body exploded again, leaving his Spiritual Sense in severe pain.
• Xuanjing gave Zhang Xuanchen a Soul Healing Pill and suggested that wind and fire could take turns leading in a cycle rather than being forced to merge.
• A surge of Water Attribute spiritual power and dark storm clouds filled the Small World as Han Li sensed the breakthrough and suspected Luo Lingshuang was condensing a Great Dao Golden Core.
• Han Li decided not to offend Zhang Xuanchen and Luo Lingshuang or fight over the Small World.

Luo Lingshuang endured the heavenly tribulation after condensing a Great Dao Golden Core and realized the Heavenly Dao was holding back to protect her. Zhang Xuanjing warned Zhang Xuanchen that the world faced a looming threat, while Luo Lingshuang continued absorbing the lightning into her Golden Core.

• Zhang Xuanchen encouraged Luo Lingshuang through her tribulation and withdrew with Xuanjing to watch Han Li.
• Luo Lingshuang formed a water curtain that dissolved the first lightning bolt and fed its power into her Great Dao Golden Core.
• Luo Lingshuang used a Water Dragon to withstand the second bolt and recognized that the Heavenly Dao was deliberately going easy on her.
• Zhang Xuanjing sensed the Heavenly Dao's fear and desire to nurture powerful experts, then warned Zhang Xuanchen that the world would soon face great changes, possibly tied to the Upper Realm.
• Luo Lingshuang formed a Xuanshui Giant Cauldron that absorbed the third lightning bolt and transformed its power into lightning water for her Golden Core.

After Luo Lingshuang condensed a Great Dao Golden Core, she and Zhang Xuanchen promised to marry once his family united the Penglai Islands. Han Li arrived to congratulate her and ask about the lightning tribulation, leaving Zhang Xuanchen ready to discuss it with him.

• Luo Lingshuang successfully condensed a Great Dao Golden Core and embraced Zhang Xuanchen, celebrating her new standing in the Luo Clan.
• Zhang Xuanchen promised to win the Luo Clan elders' approval and said he would marry Luo Lingshuang within two years, after his family united the Penglai Islands.
• Luo Lingshuang and Zhang Xuanchen reaffirmed their marriage promise as they resolved to return and turn the tide against their enemies.
• Han Li arrived to congratulate Luo Lingshuang, and she agreed they could address each other as peers.
• Han Li asked Zhang Xuanchen and Luo Lingshuang about the lightning tribulation, and Zhang Xuanchen invited him into the courtyard to talk.

Luo Lingshuang confirmed that she had formed a Great Dao Golden Core, and Zhang Xuanchen suggested that the world’s Heavenly Dao might have weakened her tribulation because the world faced a threat. Han Li left to pursue his cultivation and vengeance, while Zhang Xuanchen and Luo Lingshuang set out for Xuanxiao Mountain; at the Bihai Immortal Sect, True Person Canghun ordered an attack on the Su Family in one month.

• Luo Lingshuang confirmed her Great Dao Golden Core and asked Han Li to keep it confidential.
• Han Li asked why her heavenly tribulation had been unusually weak, and Zhang Xuanchen guessed that the Heavenly Dao was protecting a future genius against an external threat.
• Han Li decided to verify Zhang Xuanchen’s theory later and left to cultivate so he could avenge his family and destroy the Ancient Blade Sect.
• Zhang Xuanchen and Luo Lingshuang prepared to return to the Zhang Family and flew toward Xuanxiao Mountain after leaving the Small World.
• True Person Canghun revealed that Yang Haoyu had reached Golden Core and he had advanced to Golden Core Peak, then ordered the Bihai Immortal Sect to attack the Su Family in one month.

True Person Canghun planned to use the Bihai Immortal Sect’s opportunity to attack the isolated Su Family while secretly cooperating with the Soul Devouring Cult brothers. He intended to eliminate the brothers after the Zhang Family was destroyed, and Bu Yun left to handle the sect’s internal problems.

• True Person Canghun ordered the Bihai Immortal Sect’s members to prepare for battle and told Bu Yun to remain behind.
• True Person Qingxie appeared in the Main Hall and offered the brothers’ help against the Su Family in exchange for cultivator corpses.
• True Person Canghun warned True Person Qingxie against further insolence, then agreed to provide corpses and told the brothers to wait for the sect’s move.
• Bu Yun protested that True Person Qingxie and True Person Yangxie had abused the sect’s female disciples, but True Person Canghun refused to kill them until after the Zhang Family was destroyed.
• True Person Canghun told Bu Yun to compensate the victims’ families and keep the brothers placated, and Bu Yun agreed to handle the matter.

Xu Yun struggled with guilt over spying on the Bihai Immortal Sect while his master Pang Quan treated him with kindness and promised him a valuable pill. After learning the sect planned to raid the Su Family in one month, Xu Yun reported the intelligence to Zhang Hongqing.

• Pang Quan summoned Pang Gu, Xu Yun, and Taishan and reassured Xu Yun, who hid his status as a spy beneath a slave seal.
• Pang Quan promised to obtain a Quenching Meridian Profound Pill for Xu Yun, while Pang Gu urged him to accept it as family.
• Pang Quan announced that the Bihai Immortal Sect would raid the Su Family in one month and told the others to prepare for battle.
• Xu Yun met Zhang Hongqing in a distant grove and reported the planned raid, confirming that he had heard it directly from Pang Quan.

Zhang Hongqing threatened Xu Yun into serving the Dark Hall, then reflected on the organization’s growth and traveled to Yunhua Immortal City. There, he met Zhang Hongkai and complained about how hard he had been working.

• Zhang Hongqing threatened Xu Yun’s family and promised to help his cultivation if Xu Yun obeyed, so Xu Yun returned to the Bihai Immortal Sect as his subordinate.
• Zhang Hongqing considered how the Dark Hall had grown to 138 members, including seven people controlled by his Black Seal, and resolved to expand it beyond the Penglai Islands.
• Zhang Hongqing arrived at the Xuanxiao Merchant Guild in Yunhua Immortal City and entered using his Golden Token.
• Zhang Hongqing met Zhang Hongkai in a private room, where he complained of exhaustion and joked that even livestock could not be worked so hard.

Zhang Hongqing told Zhang Hongkai that the Bihai Immortal Sect planned to destroy the Su Family in a month, and the Zhang Family considered whether to help. Zhang Zujun agreed to visit the Su Family and learn whether its ancestor would risk herself to cripple the Bihai Immortal Sect.

• Zhang Hongqing warned Zhang Hongkai that the Bihai Immortal Sect would raid the Su Family in a month and try to wipe it out.
• Zhang Hongkai and Zhang Hongqing agreed that the Zhang Family would seek Wang Family aid only if the Su Clan Old Ancestor was willing to fight to the end.
• Zhang Xuntong delivered an urgent letter from Yunhua Immortal City to Zhang Hongzhan, who called the elders to a meeting and went to inform Zhang Zujun.
• Zhang Hongzhan advised Zhang Zujun to test the Su Clan Old Ancestor's resolve before committing the Zhang Family to help.
• Zhang Zujun agreed to visit the Su Family and told Zhang Hongzhan to secure a Golden Core Peak cultivator from the Wang Family if they sought aid.

Zhang Zujun warned the Su Family that the Bihai Immortal Sect planned to attack them in a month and might have a Golden Core Peak expert. Su Jiaru chose to make the Su Family an Affiliated Family of the Zhang Family and pledged to burn her Golden Core to cripple the Bihai Immortal Sect.

• Zhang Zujun left to visit the Su Family while Zhang Hongzhan headed to the Main Hall to plan the Zhang Family’s unification of the Penglai Islands.
• Su Zhengyi learned that Bihai Immortal Sect disciples had been behind attacks on Su Family holdings, caravans, and clan members.
• Su Zhengyi welcomed Zhang Zujun and brought him to the Guest Welcoming Hall, where Su Jiaru joined them.
• Zhang Zujun revealed that the Bihai Immortal Sect would launch a Night Raid on the Su Family in one month and that Cang Hun Old Ghost might have reached Golden Core Peak.
• Su Jiaru asked whether the Zhang Family intended to unify the Penglai Islands, and Zhang Zujun answered yes.
• Su Jiaru offered to make the Su Family an Affiliated Family of the Zhang Family and vowed to use Burning Golden Core to grievously wound the Bihai Immortal Sect; Zhang Zujun reacted in disbelief.

Zhang Zujun agreed to help the Su Family resist Bihai Immortal Sect by enlisting the Wang Family. In the Yunjin Barren Ruins, Chu Zhiwei confessed her love to Zhang Chongxian and vowed to pursue him unless he rejected her.

• Su Jiaru explained why the Su Family had chosen to rely on the Zhang Family rather than submit to Bihai Immortal Sect.
• Zhang Zujun promised that the Zhang Family would aid the Su Family in a month and invite experts from the Wang Family.
• Zhang Chongxian told Chu Zhiwei she could leave him to search for the Yaoyang Sword Leaf Grass alone.
• Chu Zhiwei confessed that she loved Zhang Chongxian and said she would pursue him unless he hated her.
• Zhang Chongxian stood frozen, stunned by Chu Zhiwei's sincere confession.

Zhang Chongxian accepted Chu Zhiwei's feelings and killed a King Kong Desolate Shadow Wolf that had tried to ambush her. As they searched for the Yaoyang Sword Leaf Grass, the Treasure Seeking Rat warned him of danger on the mountain, and he fled with Chu Zhiwei as the Sword Mountain began to shake.

• Chu Zhiwei demanded to know whether Zhang Chongxian liked her, and he admitted his feelings and promised to protect her.
• Zhang Chongxian killed the early Third Stage King Kong Desolate Shadow Wolf and collected its Blood Essence and corpse.
• Chu Zhiwei happily linked arms with Zhang Chongxian, and he told her that having her by his side was enough.
• Zhang Chongxian decided to keep searching for the Yaoyang Sword Leaf Grass before returning to his family.
• The Treasure Seeking Rat warned Zhang Chongxian that danger lay above, so he carried Chu Zhiwei down the mountain as yao beasts fled and the Sword Mountain shook.