Recaps

Qingyuan used the Eight Souls Banner to curse Hongjun, turning the tide of their battle and shattering his Chaos Demon God body. The Primordial Wilderness feared Hongjun had lost, but the absence of Blood Rain suggested he was still alive.

• Hongjun and the watching Saints were shocked when Qingyuan summoned the vicious Eight Souls Banner, whose eight banners bore Hongjun's name.
• Hongjun sensed the banner lock onto him across time, fate, and karma, then demanded that Qingyuan end their fight without killing him.
• Qingyuan activated the Eight Souls Banner, and its curse wounded Hongjun so severely that he could no longer suppress the God Slaying Spear, Chaos Pearl, and Head Umbrella.
• Qingyuan's treasures overwhelmed Hongjun, shattered his enormous body, and scattered his flesh throughout Chaos.
• The Heavenly Dao Saints believed Hongjun had lost, but they realized he had not fallen because no Blood Rain appeared in the Primordial Wilderness.

Qingyuan and Hongjun fought an extended battle of curses and karmic techniques in Chaos after Qingyuan destroyed Hongjun’s physical body. Unable to kill each other, they ended the fight and confronted one another outside the Primordial Wilderness, where Hongjun recovered the Investiture List and planned to seek another way to surpass Qingyuan.

• Hongjun gathered his scattered flesh into a cursed spear and attacked Qingyuan, then unleashed four hundred and eighty million Extreme Resentment Nails against him.
• Qingyuan retaliated with his own sinister treasures and curse-killing methods, and the two fought across Chaos for three days and nights.
• Hongjun declared that neither of them could kill the other and called for an end to their meaningless battle; Qingyuan agreed.
• The scattered flesh vanished, and Hongjun appeared above Zixiao Palace to face Qingyuan beyond the Primordial Wilderness.
• Hongjun asked whether Qingyuan had secretly interfered in the Investiture of the Gods Tribulation, and Qingyuan admitted that he had.
• Hongjun retrieved the Investiture List from the Heavenly Court and West Qi, intending to use it and other schemes to surpass Qingyuan.

Qingyuan and Hongjun entered Zixiao Palace to discuss how to settle the conflicts between them and determine the future of the Primordial Wilderness. They agreed to leave the Human Race’s fortunes to lesser beings, while Qingyuan warned Hongjun not to press him over the Earthly Dao.

• Hongjun invited Qingyuan to Zixiao Palace for tea and a discussion, and the two sat together in the Great Dao Hall.
• Qingyuan told Hongjun that he wanted a peaceful life and compared their reluctance to fight unless forced upon them.
• Hongjun proposed that they stop interfering with each other, restore the Interception Sect’s former standing, and leave the Human Race’s established course alone.
• Qingyuan rejected the idea that the Human Race’s future was fixed and proposed that neither side personally intervene, with beings above Saint level forbidden from interfering directly.
• Hongjun accepted Qingyuan’s proposal, but Qingyuan warned him not to be greedy over the Earthly Dao and threatened to wound the Heavenly Dao, gravely injure Hongjun, or destroy the Primordial Wilderness.

Qingyuan returned from Zixiao Palace after bargaining with Hongjun over the Primordial Wilderness’s future and arranging a Heaven-Pacifying Assembly. He reunited with Tongtian and paid respects to the other Saints, while the Two Sages of the West ingratiated themselves with him.

• Qingyuan showed Hongjun a fragment and pressed him to share authority over the Heavenly Dao; they later negotiated the future balance of power in the Primordial Wilderness.
• Qingyuan proposed a Heaven-Pacifying Assembly, and Hongjun agreed to hold it in Zixiao Palace in a hundred years.
• Qingyuan returned safely to the Primordial Wilderness, leaving the assembled Saints and great powers uncertain how to deal with him and the Interception Sect.
• Qingyuan bowed to Tongtian and declared that he had fulfilled his charge, prompting Tongtian to praise him with pride.
• Qingyuan paid respects to Saint Taiqing, Venerable Yuanshi, Saint Nuwa, Jieyin, and Zhunti; Venerable Yuanshi’s restraints dissolved and his cultivation returned.
• Jieyin and Zhunti approached Qingyuan with shameless smiles to ingratiate themselves with him.

After defeating the Dao Ancestor, Qingyuan met the Heavenly Dao Saints and revealed himself as the teacher of the Hunyuan Saints. Most of his disciples accepted him, but Chi You remained hostile and suddenly attacked him.

• Qingyuan spoke calmly with the Six Heavenly Dao Saints, easing their fear that he would retaliate against them.
• Candle Dragon and Kunpeng were the first Hunyuan Saints to pay respects to Qingyuan as their master, and the others followed.
• Haotian and Jiu Feng also acknowledged Qingyuan, while Chi You and Minghe hesitated because of their past conflicts and familiarity with him.
• Minghe overcame his awkwardness, paid respects to Qingyuan, and joined the others in laughter after Qingyuan called him Big Brother.
• Chi You raised the Zhurong Divine Saber and slashed at Qingyuan.

Qingyuan effortlessly defeated Chi You, who had erupted in anger over Qingyuan’s deception, then let him flee with the Zhurong Divine Saber returned to Xing Tian. The Primordial Wilderness’s powers realized that every major faction’s Hunyuan Saint had ties to Qingyuan, while Qingyuan sent the saints home and explained how those killed in the calamity could be restored or reincarnated.

• Chi You attacked Qingyuan in fury, but Qingyuan met his all-out slash with one finger and defeated him without effort.
• Chi You threw down the Zhurong Divine Saber and ran, and Qingyuan asked Xing Tian to keep the saber and return it to Chi You later.
• The powers of the Primordial Wilderness realized that the Hunyuan Saints behind its major factions had all come from Qingyuan’s tutelage, making the Interception Sect overwhelmingly powerful.
• Qingyuan dismissed the Hunyuan Saints and told them to continue their affairs as before without giving the Interception Sect special treatment.
• Qingyuan told the Mystic Gate’s saints that those killed in the calamity remained on the Heavenly Court’s Myriad Immortals List and could choose to join the Heavenly Court or enter reincarnation.

Qingyuan revealed that the Interception Sect disciples killed in the God-Sealing tribulation could reincarnate or be revived, and Sect Master Tongtian rejoiced. Qingyuan’s Saint disciples appeared before their grandmaster, while frightened Interception Sect disciples began blaming Daoist Duobao for their persecution of Qingyuan’s faction.

• Qingyuan told Sect Master Tongtian that he had secretly preserved the fallen disciples’ chances to reincarnate or be revived.
• Sect Master Tongtian praised Qingyuan, and the other Heavenly Dao Saints left with their disciples.
• Qingyuan summoned his Personal Disciples, who appeared as Hunyuan Saints and paid their respects to Tongtian.
• Interception Sect disciples feared Qingyuan would punish them for joining Daoist Duobao in ostracizing his faction.
• One of Daoist Duobao’s enforcers knelt and claimed Duobao had coerced him into carrying out false charges and suppressing fellow disciples.

Qingyuan and Sect Master Tongtian returned to the Interception Sect, where Tongtian punished its offending disciples but left Daoist Duobao alone. Isolated and consumed by resentment toward Qingyuan, Duobao entered secluded cultivation, while the Two Shakya rejoiced that their long-planted chess piece had succeeded.

• Interception Sect disciples exposed Daoist Duobao’s misconduct to Qingyuan, and Qingyuan left the Human Race’s affairs to Yun Zhongzi before returning with Sect Master Tongtian.
• Yun Zhongzi went to handle the Human Race’s affairs, and Di Xin expanded his conquests, established the Nine Provinces, and began rebuilding the realm.
• Sect Master Tongtian punished Interception Sect disciples for their offenses, but Daoist Duobao received no summons or punishment and was shut out of Biyou Palace.
• Daoist Duobao blamed Qingyuan for his downfall, withdrew into secluded cultivation, and nursed his hatred.
• The Two Shakya rejoiced in the Western Lands because their long-arranged chess piece had finally succeeded.

Daoist Zhunti and Jieyin welcomed Daoist Duobao to the Western Pure Land and offered him leadership of the Western Teachings in exchange for joining them. Their disciples protested, but Zhunti declared Duobao their leader and granted him authority to execute anyone who disrespected him.

• Daoist Zhunti broke off his sermon and led the Western Teachings disciples to wait several days at the Pure Land gateway for an honored guest.
• Daoist Duobao approached the Western Pure Land, pausing to look back toward the East Sea as he struggled with his decision.
• Daoist Zhunti and Jieyin welcomed Duobao and said fate had brought him to the West.
• Daoist Duobao demanded absolute authority and said he would refuse to join unless he could reign supreme.
• Daoist Zhunti offered Duobao leadership of the Western Teachings, shocking the disciples, who protested his appointment.
• Daoist Zhunti declared Duobao the leader, ordered the disciples to obey him, and authorized him to kill anyone who disrespected him.

Daoist Duobao joined the Western Teachings as Tathagata Buddha, gained authority and followers, and recruited many Interception Sect disciples. The Interception Sect remained silent about his defection until the Heaven-Pacifying Assembly at Zixiao Palace began.

• Daoist Zhunti and Daoist Jieyin appointed Daoist Duobao leader of the Western Teachings, and he accepted the name Tathagata Buddha.
• Tathagata impressed the Two Sages with his insight, gathered allies, and suppressed Maitreya’s faction and the Earth Faction.
• Tathagata recruited Interception Sect disciples, including those who had come to curse him, and the Western Teachings’ ranks grew.
• Sect Master Tongtian and Qingyuan did not respond to Duobao’s defection or the recruitment of Interception Sect disciples.
• The Heaven-Pacifying Assembly announced by the Dao Ancestor began, inviting Daluo Golden Immortals to Zixiao Palace to hear the Dao Ancestor and Qingyuan lecture.

Qingyuan and Hongjun opened Zixiao Palace for the Heaven-Pacifying Assembly, and Qingyuan expanded attendance to include Golden Immortals and cultivators who understood Laws. As cultivators began arriving, the chapter ended with Laozi and Yuanshi reaching the palace and Qingyuan seated beside Hongjun.

• Hongjun announced that Grand Unity Golden Immortals and above could attend the Heaven-Pacifying Assembly at Zixiao Palace, prompting cultivators to travel there and speculate about a coming dispute between the Interception Sect and the Teachings of the Western Lands.
• Qingyuan announced that Golden Immortals and even lower-level cultivators with Law comprehension could follow the Cloud Bridges to Zixiao Palace, and living beings cheered at the chance to hear the Dao.
• Qingyuan and Hongjun discussed the attendance rules, and Hongjun accepted Qingyuan’s broader invitation despite his displeasure.
• Grand Pure Laozi arrived with Xuandu, Green Ox, and Registered Disciples; Qingyuan eased the disciples’ uncertainty about paying respects before they took their seats.
• Venerable Yuanshi arrived with the Chan Sect Disciples and took their seats.

At a grand gathering in Zixiao Palace, Zhao Gongming proposed an exchange of insights before the Dao lecture, and Qingyuan agreed. Zhao Gongming then challenged Tathagata to fight, leaving the Western Teachings at the center of a brewing confrontation.

• The Demon Sect, Interception Sect, and Western Teachings arrived at Zixiao Palace to pay respects to Dao Ancestor Hongjun.
• The gathered immortals recognized Daoist Duobao, now appearing as a Buddha and standing with Jieyin and Zhunti.
• Qingyuan hosted the banquet and guided the proceedings after Hongjun gave brief formal remarks.
• Zhao Gongming and the Three Xiāo stepped forward, and Qingyuan invited them to speak.
• Zhao Gongming proposed an exchange of insights before the lecture, then roared at Tathagata, “Do you dare fight?!”

Zhao Gongming challenged Tathagata to fight in Zixiao Palace, while Tongtian silenced Zhunti’s objections and allowed the younger generation to exchange moves. Tathagata accepted Zhao Gongming’s challenge and revealed a powerful Glazed Golden Body by catching his iron whip.

• Zhunti objected to a fight in Zixiao Palace, but Tongtian ordered him to be quiet and approved the duel.
• Zhao Gongming called out Tathagata and challenged him to demonstrate the Western Teachings’ skills.
• Tathagata rose and accepted Zhao Gongming’s challenge, saying he could reveal a wrathful vajra form.
• Zhao Gongming charged and swung his iron whip at Tathagata’s head.
• Tathagata caught the whip with one hand, his Glazed Golden Body resisting the blow.

Zhao Gongming challenged Tathagata at the Zixiao Palace exchange conference, where Tathagata revealed the Eight-Nine Profound Art and drew challenges from cultivators across the Primordial Wilderness. After the exchanges, Hongjun lectured on the Dao of the Quasi-Saint and some of his experience as a Saint, then invited Qingyuan to speak.

• Zhao Gongming fought Tathagata but withdrew after Tathagata used his superior cultivation and the Eight-Nine Profound Art to withstand him.
• Tathagata introduced the Eight-Nine Profound Art as an accessible technique he had created by drawing on many schools, and invited interested cultivators to learn it in the Ultimate Bliss World.
• The Three Xiāo challenged Tathagata and lost, while Golden Spirit Holy Mother, Holy Mother Wudang, and Turtle Spirit Holy Mother defeated him.
• Cultivators from the Mystic Gate and other Primordial Great Powers exchanged techniques and tested their strength without serious harm.
• Hongjun interrupted the exchanges to lecture on the Dao of the Quasi-Saint and share some of his experience cultivating the Great Dao as a Saint.
• Hongjun finished his lecture and yielded the floor to Qingyuan, who set down a Great Dao Incense Burner.

Qingyuan used the Great Dao Incense Burner to help the assembly enter a state of Dao Unity, then began teaching a cultivation system from the Golden Immortal Realm through the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Realm. As the Saints and other cultivators listened closely, Hongjun grew uneasy, wondering whether Qingyuan would next explain the Primordial Golden Immortal Path.

• The Great Dao Incense Burner spread mist throughout Zixiao Palace, settling the minds of the Immortals and even the Heavenly Dao Saints into Dao Unity.
• Hongjun examined the mist, found nothing harmful, and allowed Qingyuan to begin expounding the Dao.
• Qingyuan announced that he would teach cultivation from the Golden Immortal Realm through the Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortal Realm and warned the audience not to interrupt.
• Qingyuan described a Golden Immortal method that fused the Primordial Spirit with a primary Law to form a vessel for exploring the Sea of Laws and accumulating comprehension.
• The Immortals and Heavenly Dao Saints became engrossed in Qingyuan's explanation, while Hongjun grew troubled and wondered whether Qingyuan would teach the Primordial Golden Immortal Path next.

Qingyuan taught the Grand Unity Golden Immortal Path and then openly explained the Primordial Golden Immortal Method, challenging the limits imposed by Hongjun’s Immortal Dao. Hongjun endured the sermon and resolved to record Qingyuan’s teachings and spread his own version through the Heavenly Dao.

• Qingyuan lectured for millions of years on a path that let cultivators surpass the limits associated with their Daluo Flower’s grade by deepening their understanding of the Great Dao Law and crossing the Nine Heavens.
• Hongjun listened without interrupting, though Qingyuan’s teachings made his face grow ashen.
• Qingyuan began explaining the Primordial Golden Immortal Method in detail, including how Daluo Golden Immortals could enter the Primordial Origin Golden Immortal realm.
• Hongjun recognized that Qingyuan’s method was more complete and easier to cultivate than his Severing Three Corpses Method, and considered stopping the sermon.
• Hongjun suppressed his urge to attack Qingyuan and decided he could record the teachings, improve on them, and spread his version through the Heavenly Dao Saints.

Qingyuan explained the Primordial Origin Golden Immortal cultivation method to the assembly in Zixiao Palace, prompting even Heavenly Dao Saints to consider changing paths. After ten million years, he announced that he would teach the Primordial Daluo Golden Immortal method, while Hongjun reluctantly let him continue and Qingyuan focused on attracting disciples.

• Qingyuan taught the cultivators how the Primordial Origin Golden Immortal method strengthened the self and cultivated a Hunyuan Law, contrasting it with the Severing Three Corpses Method.
• The Heavenly Dao Saints, especially Jieyin and Zhunti, considered whether the new method could improve their foundations, though it conflicted with their existing cultivation path.
• Ten million years passed as Qingyuan explained the Primordial Golden Immortal method, and many listeners remained absorbed in his teachings.
• Qingyuan announced that he would next explain the Primordial Daluo Golden Immortal method, astonishing the assembly.
• Hongjun considered stopping Qingyuan but decided to let him teach, believing he could eventually suppress him after merging with the Heavenly Dao.
• Qingyuan continued teaching, intending to attract disciples and gain power and rewards.

Qingyuan finished teaching the Primordial Grand Unity Golden Immortal Dao and announced that he would establish a Dojo in the Primordial Wilderness for those with affinity. After the other cultivators left Zixiao Palace, Hongjun challenged Qingyuan about his intentions, and Qingyuan demanded that he speak his thoughts openly.

• Qingyuan concluded his lecture, and many cultivators bowed to him and thanked him for teaching the Dao.
• Qingyuan announced that he would establish a Dojo in the Primordial Wilderness, where those with affinity could cultivate.
• Hongjun opened Golden Bridges and ordered the cultivators to leave Zixiao Palace in an orderly manner.
• After the lesser cultivators departed, Hongjun asked Qingyuan before the Saints what he planned to do in the Primordial Wilderness.
• Qingyuan said he wanted only to wander and teach disciples, then challenged Hongjun to openly state what he suspected.

Qingyuan and Hongjun ended their tense exchange, after which the Two Shakya reminded Hongjun of his promise to make the Western Lands flourish. Hongjun said the wider Primordial Wilderness would have to help, and the Two Shakya secured tentative support from Taiqing, Yuanshi, and Nuwa before turning to Tongtian.

• Qingyuan assured Hongjun that he respected his teachers and the Dao, and Hongjun dismissed the gathered saints.
• Daoist Zhunti and Daoist Jieyin complained that the Western Earth Veins had broken again and reminded Hongjun of his promise of Western Flourishing.
• Hongjun acknowledged the promise but said the whole Primordial Wilderness and its factions would need to support the effort.
• Daoist Zhunti asked Taiqing and Yuanshi for help, and both agreed to lend a hand.
• Nuwa said she would help if the others did, while Tongtian's response remained unresolved.

Qingyuan agreed to help the Two Shakya advance the Western Flourishing, but demanded a share of its merit. He proposed a thirty-seventy split, leaving the Two Shakya to decide whether to accept.

• Sect Master Tongtian angrily rebuked the Two Shakya for their past attacks on the Interception Sect and refused to help them.
• The Two Shakya pleaded with Dao Ancestor Hongjun to mediate, but Hongjun declined to intervene on their behalf.
• The Two Shakya begged Qingyuan for support, and he reminded Daoist Zhunti that he had asked him for help before.
• Qingyuan agreed to support the Western Flourishing in exchange for a share of its merit.
• Qingyuan proposed splitting the merit thirty-seventy, and Zhunti asked what division he had in mind.

Qingyuan negotiated a written agreement granting the Interception Sect seventy percent of the Merit from the Western Flourishing and the Western Teachings thirty percent. After leaving Zixiao Palace, he invited the Six Heavenly Dao Saints to Golden Ao Island to discuss the Great Dao and cultivation.

• Daoist Zhunti and Daoist Jieyin accepted Qingyuan’s proposed seventy-thirty split, and Qingyuan wrote the agreement specifying seventy percent for the Interception Sect and thirty percent for the Western Teachings.
• Daoist Zhunti and Daoist Jieyin protested the allocation, but Qingyuan refused to yield and argued that the Interception Sect deserved compensation for its losses.
• Hongjun and the others watched as both sides signed the agreement, making its terms binding.
• Hongjun dismissed the gathering, and Qingyuan invited the Six Heavenly Dao Saints to Golden Ao Island for a discussion of the Great Dao.
• Qingyuan arrived at Biyou Palace, greeted the Saints, and said he would share methods of the Great Dao and cultivation.

Qingyuan preached on the Great Dao to the saints at Biyou Palace while secretly visiting the Stone Fetus on an East Sea island. After centuries, the sermon ended and the saints departed.

• Qingyuan refused to take Sect Master Tongtian's seat and preached about applying and understanding the Great Dao Law as the saints listened.
• Jie Sect Disciples and other beings gathered around Biyou Palace to cultivate and trade while Qingyuan secretly left the sermon unseen.
• Qingyuan visited the Stone Fetus, reassured his disciple, and asked it to take part in a performance with him.
• Qingyuan agreed to teach the Stone Fetus to cultivate and promised to find someone to protect it before vanishing.
• After several centuries, the sermon’s radiance faded, and the Heavenly Dao Saints emerged from Biyou Palace and returned to their homes.

Saint Nuwa altered the rules around the Immortal Stone on Flower Fruit Mountain, but the stone rejected her claim about its origin. Meanwhile, the Primordial Wilderness entered a peaceful golden age, and Great Shang rose to unmatched power before an unexpected event disrupted its rise.

• Saint Nuwa used Rule Power to make future cultivators believe the Immortal Stone was a Sky-Mending Stone left by her, but the stone showed contempt for her intervention.
• The Interception Sect restored its standing, compensated its partners, and introduced strict internal oversight while imposing high tariffs on the Chan Sect and Western Teachings.
• Haotian used the Myriad Immortals List to recruit fallen powers into the Heavenly Court, while Zhang Bairen rose rapidly through its ranks.
• The Human Sect, Chan Sect, Demon Sect, Western Teachings, and other forces focused on discreet development as the Immortal Dao entered a golden age.
• Di Xin led Yin Shang to unite the East Sea Coast and make Great Shang the mightiest nation under heaven, but an unexpected event followed.

After Di Xin abdicated, his youngest son Di Tian died soon after taking the throne, and rival princes and regional lords plunged Great Shang into centuries of war and decline. When Di Xin returned from Huoyun Cave and tried to rebuild the kingdom, Venerable Yuanshi warned that interfering in the Human Race’s history would bring Heavenly Retribution, leaving Di Xin desolate.

• Di Xin abdicated to his youngest son, Di Tian, and left the Human Race to cultivate at Huoyun Cave.
• Di Tian died from excitement soon after ascending the throne without naming an heir, and princes and vassal lords fought for control of Great Shang.
• Centuries of warfare fractured the Nine Provinces, devastated their people and economy, and caused the vassal states to isolate themselves.
• Di Xin emerged from Secluded Cultivation, discovered Great Shang had fallen apart, and resolved to build a new Great Shang.
• Rule Power carried Di Xin to the Kunlun Mountains, where Venerable Yuanshi warned him not to interfere in the Human Race’s history.
• Di Xin left the Kunlun Mountains desolate after Venerable Yuanshi explained that he was no longer the Human Emperor and would suffer Heavenly Retribution if he intervened.

Di Xin wandered the Primordial Wilderness in despair after accepting that he could no longer interfere in the Human Race’s affairs, while Zhang Bairen survived increasingly dangerous assignments and continued rising in the Heavenly Court. Haotian personally welcomed Di Xin to the Heavenly Court, where Di Xin asked whether joining could let him help the Human Race.

• Di Xin grieved over the Human Race’s division and accepted that, no longer the Human Emperor, he had no right to interfere in its affairs.
• Haotian intensified Zhang Bairen’s training by transferring him to the dangerous military ranks and giving him difficult assignments through Yang Jian.
• Zhang Bairen survived his missions, rose rapidly in rank, and refused to receive most of the immortals who returned to curry favor with him.
• Haotian, Yaochi Queen Mother, and the immortal emperors of the Nine Heavens gathered at the Heavenly Gate to welcome Di Xin.
• Di Xin greeted the Heavenly Emperor and asked whether joining the Heavenly Court would allow him to help the Human Race.