Chapter Summaries

Li Jing regretted joining West Qi after he received no honor or position, while Jin Zha and Muzha learned their masters had expected him to bring Chentang Pass and other regional lords with him. The next morning, Li Jing was left waiting outside court until a minister summoned him and angrily asked why he had fallen asleep there.

• Li Jing berated Jin Zha and Muzha for bringing him to West Qi, where he was mocked and assigned a western side room instead of receiving status or an office.
• Jin Zha and Muzha tried to comfort Li Jing, then went to ask Manjushri and Cihang for guidance.
• Manjushri and Cihang scolded their disciples for bringing Li Jing alone instead of securing his followers and regional allies for West Qi.
• Li Jing waited anxiously through the night, regretting that he had abandoned Chentang Pass for West Qi.
• At morning court, guards barred Li Jing from entering because he had no Great Zhou office or court regalia, so he waited outside and fell asleep.
• A minister came out to summon Li Jing for King Wen and rebuked him for sleeping outside the hall.

Li Jing was humiliated by West Qi’s officials and court before Ji Chang appointed him Vanguard Grand Marshal for the assault on Jiameng Pass. After arriving at the brutal front, Li Jing realized that his new post might force him to fight personally.

• Ji Jiu scorned Li Jing and ordered him to follow West Qi’s rules as he escorted him to the court.
• Ji Chang questioned Li Jing about why he had come to West Qi, and ministers pressed him to reveal the reasons he had left Chentang Pass.
• Ji Chang appointed Li Jing Vanguard Grand Marshal for the attack on Jiameng Pass and ordered him to depart at once.
• Li Jing received his official tokens and traveled alone to Jiameng Pass, while Jin Zha and Muzha silently escorted him.
• Li Jing saw the fierce fighting at Jiameng Pass and feared that he would have to enter battle himself.
• Jiang Ziya sounded the gong to withdraw the troops and summoned the lords and generals to meet Li Jing.

Jiang Ziya warmly welcomed Li Jing and gave him command of the West Qi forces, winning Li Jing’s trust despite the other commanders’ resentment. Li Jing then learned that West Qi’s army had not even reached Jiameng Pass because Demon Wind Stockade blocked the route with a dangerous Three Flavors Divine Wind formation.

• Jiang Ziya halted the attack and personally welcomed Li Jing, inviting him to a banquet and making Li Jing feel valued.
• Jin Zha and Muzha praised Jiang Ziya’s kindness, while the assembled lords and commanders complained that the welcome had interrupted their attack.
• Jiang Ziya assured Li Jing that the complaints were slander and entrusted him with military command, allowing him to command any of the assembled forces.
• Nangong Shi challenged Li Jing to capture Demon Wind Stockade, explaining that its demon and Yin Shang defenders wielded a lethal Three Flavors Divine Wind formation.
• Li Jing was astonished to discover that West Qi’s army had fought for so long without reaching Jiameng Pass.

Li Jing persuaded the Zhou camp to give him three thousand soldiers and ten Grand Unity Golden Immortals, promising to take Demon Wind Stockade within ten days. When the defenders unleashed the Three Flavors Divine Wind, an invisible force suppressed it completely.

• Nangong Shi and the other generals explained why Demon Wind Stockade and Jiameng Pass were difficult to attack.
• Li Jing demanded troops and ten Grand Unity Golden Immortals, pledging to breach Demon Wind Stockade within ten days and promising the immortals eighty percent of the credit.
• The ten Grand Unity Golden Immortals agreed to accompany Li Jing, expecting him to fail and refusing to fight if he could not suppress the Three Flavors Divine Wind.
• Li Jing drilled three thousand soldiers for ten days, then led them toward Demon Wind Stockade while the ten immortals watched from afar.
• Li Jing led his troops beneath Demon Wind Stockade, where the defenders unleashed the Three Flavors Divine Wind, but an invisible force suppressed it without stirring dust.

Li Jing’s forces captured Demon Wind Stockade after the Wind Settling Pearl nullified its Three Flavors Divine Wind, and Li Jing explained why he had kept the treasure’s role secret. A celebration eased tensions among the Zhou commanders, but Jiameng Pass’s commanding general then came out to challenge them.

• When the Three Flavors Divine Wind failed, Li Jing and ten Grand Unity Golden Immortals led the vanguard in breaking into Demon Wind Stockade, and the Zhou Army followed to seize it.
• After the Four Heavenly Kings withdrew, Jiang Ziya and Nangong Shi sent troops to occupy the surrounding Yin Shang strongholds.
• At a celebration, Li Jing told Jiang Ziya and the others that his master, True Man Du'e, had lent him the Wind Settling Pearl to suppress wind-based spells and formations.
• When the commanders criticized Li Jing for hiding his plan, he defended his decision as a life-risking gamble, and Jiang Ziya helped ease the dispute.
• As the Zhou camp prepared for battle after war drums sounded, Jiang Ziya learned that Jiameng Pass’s commanding general had come to challenge them.

Jiang Ziya tried to persuade Lu Ya to surrender, while Li Jing taunted and cursed him until Lu Ya returned to Jiameng Pass without retaliating. Li Jing grew confident during the quiet days that followed, but on the fifteenth day he suddenly fainted, prompting Jiang Ziya to rush to him.

• Jiang Ziya led over a hundred thousand troops to Jiameng Pass and urged Lu Ya to abandon Yin Shang and join Great Zhou.
• Lu Ya asked which of the West Qi commanders was Li Jing, and Li Jing insulted him and threatened to destroy the Demon Race.
• Lu Ya fixed Li Jing with a murderous stare, then returned to Jiameng Pass without making a threat or attacking.
• Li Jing claimed his insults had driven Lu Ya away, and the West Qi soldiers praised him.
• Li Jing stayed close to Jiang Ziya at first, then grew bolder as Jiameng Pass remained quiet for several days.
• On the fifteenth day, Li Jing suddenly fainted, and Jiang Ziya hurried to check on him.

Li Jing became mysteriously dazed and ill, prompting Jiang Ziya and Manjushri Guangfa to suspect Curse Arts, though neither could explain how he had been affected. Manjushri sent Jin Zha back with a Seven-Turn Resurrection Elixir while Li Jing remained under watch.

• Jiang Ziya examined Li Jing and suspected Curse Arts because his soul seemed to be dispersing and his consciousness was unclear.
• Jiang Ziya joked about Li Jing's burial and promised to find him a good feng shui site, leaving Li Jing, Jin Zha, and Muzha speechless.
• Jin Zha went to West Qi City and told Venerable Manjushri Guangfa that Li Jing had not left camp since cursing Lu Ya.
• Manjushri could not determine how Li Jing had been affected, so he gave Jin Zha a Seven-Turn Resurrection Elixir and told him to return and report any changes.

Li Jing’s condition worsened as Jin Zha and Muzha failed to find anyone willing or able to save him. On the twenty-first day after he insulted Lu Ya, Li Jing died in the Great Zhou camp from the Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book.

• Jin Zha and Muzha sought help from Chan Sect figures and Loose Immortals, but no one would treat Li Jing because they feared provoking Lu Ya or could not identify the curse.
• Li Jing grew weaker and began vomiting blood as rumors spread through the Great Zhou camp that Heavenly Retribution had struck him.
• Jiang Ziya rushed to Li Jing’s side, and a Quasi-Saint identified the curse as the Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book, which killed its victim on the twenty-first day.
• The soldiers realized Lu Ya had cursed Li Jing for insulting him, and Li Jing’s limbs and body were crushed by a mysterious force until he died.

Li Jing died under Lu Ya’s Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book, and Jin Zha and Muzha failed to revive him with the Seven-Turn Resurrection Elixir. Guangchengzi explained that the curse had scattered Li Jing’s True Spirit, but said its cost in blessings and Fortune Aura limited its threat.

• The immortals in the Great Zhou camp feared Lu Ya’s curse after seeing Li Jing die, while Jiang Ziya closed Li Jing’s eyes and Jin Zha and Muzha mourned him.
• Jin Zha gave Li Jing the Seven-Turn Resurrection Elixir, but it restored only his vitality and could not revive his curse-stricken soul.
• Jin Zha and Muzha carried Li Jing to West Qi and asked their masters for help, prompting Manjushri and Cihang to consult Guangchengzi about the curse.
• Guangchengzi said the Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book dispersed its victim’s True Spirit, making Li Jing impossible to revive even with a powerful elixir.
• Guangchengzi reassured Manjushri and Cihang that using the curse consumed far more Fortune Aura than the victim possessed, making it unlikely Lu Ya could use it against Saint disciples.

After Guangchengzi explained that Li Jing would eventually be resurrected through the Investiture List, Jin Zha and Muzha buried him with Jiang Ziya’s help. Meanwhile, the conflict within the Interception Sect escalated, and Daoist Duobao accepted Guangchengzi’s offer of a pill to help him purge Yun Zhongzi’s faction.

• Guangchengzi told Jin Zha and Muzha that Li Jing would regain his consciousness after the Conquest of Zhou but become Haotian’s subject.
• Jin Zha and Muzha carried Li Jing’s body back to camp, and Jiang Ziya helped them choose an auspicious burial ground.
• Jin Zha and Muzha explained the Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book’s limitations, restoring morale in the Great Zhou camp as its siege continued.
• Daoist Duobao’s faction clashed with Yun Zhongzi’s faction, and the fighting between Interception Sect disciples grew increasingly deadly.
• After negotiations with Yun Zhongzi failed, Daoist Duobao agreed to Guangchengzi’s conditions and took a pill that could temporarily make him a False Saint.
• Daoist Duobao ordered Immortal Dingguang to summon Yun Zhongzi and the others, threatening to stop being polite if they refused to submit.

Yun Zhongzi and Qingyuan's Personal Disciples confronted the turmoil Daoist Duobao had caused within the Interception Sect after he summoned them to Past Branch. Duobao demanded their submission, leaving their conflict unresolved.

• Yun Zhongzi and the disciples discussed Duobao's suppression of their branch and debated how to respond.
• Immortal Dingguang invited Yun Zhongzi's group to meet Duobao, and a vast crowd of Jie Sect Disciples followed them to his dojo.
• Duobao told Yun Zhongzi's group to support all his decisions and his management of the Interception Sect.
• Yun Zhongzi accused Duobao of unequal treatment, consolidating the sect's resources, refining its Fortune Aura, and probing the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation.
• Duobao praised the disciples' abilities but called their vision inadequate and offered them one final chance to submit to him.

Daoist Duobao used a False Saint’s power to imprison Yun Zhongzi and the others, crush dissenting Interception Sect Disciples, and force the sect to submit. After gathering the Interception Sect’s Fortune Aura, he went to Biyou Palace to ask Tongtian for authority over the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation.

• Daoist Duobao demanded that Yun Zhongzi, Golden-Winged Great Peng, and the others submit, but they refused.
• Daoist Duobao crushed pills to unleash a False Saint’s aura and imprisoned Yun Zhongzi and the others in layered Great Thousands.
• Daoist Duobao killed Interception Sect Disciples who tried to enter his Dojo or challenged him, then demanded the sect choose submission or death.
• Golden Spirit Holy Mother and the other Personal Disciples watched as Daoist Duobao’s pressure forced the Interception Sect Disciples into silence and submission.
• Daoist Duobao gathered the Interception Sect’s Fortune Aura into the Duobao Seal and rushed to Biyou Palace to request authority over the Immortal Slaying Sword Formation.

Daoist Duobao gained temporary control of the Four Immortal Slaying Swords and used them to secure support as Acting Sect Master, deepening the Interception Sect’s division. Meanwhile, Lu Ya remained stalled at Jiameng Pass without word from Great Shang and explained the heavy cost of using the Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book.

• Daoist Duobao received the Four Immortal Slaying Swords from Biyou Palace and declared himself the true Acting Sect Master of the Interception Sect.
• Daoist Duobao told the assembled Jie Sect Disciples that Yun Zhongzi and the others had died for defying him, then demanded their unity and warned them about the coming tribulation.
• Daoist Duobao urged the disciples to stay in their caves but secretly instructed Immortal Dingguang, Zhao Gongming, and others to ostracize Qingyuan’s followers, driving many of them to leave for Yin Shang.
• Chan Sect and Great Zhou ambushed the departing Jie Sect Disciples, killing more than half; some survivors sought aid or revenge while the rest continued toward Yin Shang.
• At Jiameng Pass, Lu Ya and the Four Heavenly Kings waited for Great Shang’s reply and debated attacking West Qi, while Lu Ya explained that the Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book consumed the caster’s Fortune Aura.

After learning that Duobao had seized control of the Interception Sect and slaughtered fellow disciples on Golden Ao Island, Lu Ya welcomed fleeing Jie Sect Disciples into Jiameng Pass and blamed Duobao for their persecution and ambush. West Qi then attacked the pass, and Lu Ya led his forces out to meet them.

• Lu Ya recounted how the Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book’s backlash had depleted his Fortune Aura, while the collapse of the Internet continued to disrupt communications.
• A defending general reported that Jie Sect Disciples were seeking refuge outside Jiameng Pass, claiming an urgent crisis had struck the Interception Sect.
• The refugees accused Duobao of killing Yun Zhongzi and other senior disciples, seizing power, and driving out dissenters; they also reported a Chan Sect ambush on the way to the pass.
• Lu Ya ordered the refugees to show their identity tokens, admitted them, and killed several Chan Sect spies with the Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife.
• After hearing the refugees’ accounts, Lu Ya accused Duobao of betraying the sect and conspiring with the Chan Sect, while the Jie Sect Disciples questioned how Duobao could have become a Saint.
• A report announced that West Qi was attacking, and Lu Ya led the defenders out to meet the enemy.

At Jiameng Pass, Mo Lihong traded insults with Jiang Ziya’s army, mocking West Qi’s poverty and its leaders’ claims of virtue. Muzha challenged Mo Lihong to a duel, and Mo Lihong rode out to meet him.

• Mo Lihong jeered at Muzha and Jin Zha, insulting their father Li Jing and accusing them of betraying Great Shang.
• Jiang Ziya called on Jiameng Pass to surrender, but Mo Lihong condemned him for abandoning Great Shang and joining West Qi.
• Nangong Shi defended West Qi’s rule, and Mo Lihong mocked its poverty, leaving Nangong Shi unable to answer.
• Muzha challenged Mo Lihong to fight one-on-one, and Mo Lihong accepted.
• The Four Heavenly Kings led their troops out of Jiameng Pass as Mo Lihong charged Muzha on horseback with his horse-cleaving saber.

Muzha lost to Mo Lihong in a martial contest, but Jin Zha used a magic treasure to kill Mo Lihong, igniting a furious clash between the two sides. As battle erupted, Lu Ya used the chaos to kill Jiang Ziya with his gourd.

• Muzha fought Mo Lihong and was badly wounded before using the Immortal Binding Rope to bind him and strike his head.
• Jin Zha killed the bound Mo Lihong with an Innate Spiritual Treasure, prompting Muzha to protest and the Demon Brothers to attack.
• Great Zhou’s Immortals and Demon Gods joined the escalating fight as Lu Ya ordered them to protect the Demon Brothers.
• Lu Ya seized the chaos to use his gourd against Jiang Ziya, cutting off his head and killing him.

Jiang Ziya died in the disastrous battle at Jiameng Pass, leaving Great Zhou in turmoil and West Qi fearing the Conquest of Zhou could not continue. Jin Zha and Muzha brought his corpse to Guangchengzi, who calmly told them not to worry.

• After Lu Ya killed Jiang Ziya, Great Zhou's troops panicked and retreated, suffering heavy losses.
• Great Zhou's soldiers and Immortals blamed Jin Zha for killing Mo Lihong without orders, while Jin Zha defended his actions and accused them of failing to fight.
• Nangong Shi ended the argument and sent Jin Zha, Muzha, and several Immortals to escort Jiang Ziya's corpse to West Qi.
• Ji Chang learned Jiang Ziya was dead and feared West Qi had no future without the commander recognized by the Chan Sect.
• Jin Zha and Muzha presented Jiang Ziya's corpse to Guangchengzi and admitted their fault, but Guangchengzi calmly told them not to worry.

After Lu Ya killed Jiang Ziya, Guangchengzi revived him and sent him back to lead the Conquest of Zhou, explaining that Jiang Ziya had to endure the tribulation of Seven Deaths and Three Calamities. More than ten days later, Jiang Ziya began to age and decay, and the others realized Lu Ya had used the Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book again.

• Guangchengzi explained that Jiang Ziya’s death was one of his destined calamities and that he would not truly die while the Tribulation of Calamity continued.
• Guangchengzi reattached Jiang Ziya’s head, gave him a mysterious Pill, and revived him.
• Jiang Ziya thanked Guangchengzi, then returned to the front lines with Jin Zha, Muzha, and several Immortals.
• Jiang Ziya harassed Jiameng Pass for more than ten days while Guangchengzi promised reinforcements and eventual victory.
• Jiang Ziya suddenly grew confused and unsteady, then began to age and rot as his soul scattered.
• The others recognized the symptoms as the effects of Lu Ya using the Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book again.

Jiang Ziya was repeatedly killed by Lu Ya’s schemes and revived by Guangchengzi, while begging to be relieved of leading the Conquest of Zhou. Guangchengzi sent him back to the frontline and promised that an elite surprise force would arrive, then entered the void in a fury.

• Jin Zha and Muzha brought Jiang Ziya’s body back to West Qi after Lu Ya’s Nail-Head Seven Arrows Book cursed him to death, and Guangchengzi revived him with a Nine Revolutions Soul-Returning Pill.
• Jiang Ziya begged Guangchengzi to replace him, but Guangchengzi insisted he continue leading the campaign and sent more Immortals to attack Jiameng Pass.
• Jiang Ziya was killed repeatedly by poisoning, hacking, Demonic Fire, and a Demon Race assault, then revived and returned to the frontline each time.
• After Jiang Ziya said he had died seventeen times in thirty days and pleaded for release, Guangchengzi promised an elite surprise force would support him.
• Jiang Ziya returned to the frontline, while Guangchengzi tore open the void and stepped into the chaotic darkness.

Guangchengzi pressed Tian Bo Xun to lead the Asura into the Primordial Wilderness and help conquer Shang Zhou, agreeing to Tian Bo Xun’s demands for Human Dao empowerment and most of the spoils. When Da Fan Tian and Shi Po tried to stop Tian Bo Xun from leaving without the Sect Master’s orders, Guangchengzi departed for West Qi and Tian Bo Xun turned on the two dissenting leaders.

• Guangchengzi summoned Tian Bo Xun in the Netherworld Sea of Blood and demanded a decision about their alliance.
• Tian Bo Xun said he could command only part of the Asura Race because Da Fen Tian and Shi Po refused to disobey the Sect Master’s orders.
• Guangchengzi ordered Tian Bo Xun to bring his forces to the East Sea Coast and agreed to Tian Bo Xun’s terms, including seventy percent of the spoils and Human Dao empowerment.
• Tian Bo Xun assembled hundreds of thousands of elite Asura, including eight Quasi-Saints and one hundred ninety-five Grand Unity Golden Immortals.
• Da Fan Tian and Shi Po moved to block Tian Bo Xun, so Guangchengzi left for West Qi and warned that he would find another ally if Tian Bo Xun did not come that day.
• Tian Bo Xun angrily accused Da Fan Tian and Shi Po of preventing the Asura Race from prospering.