Chapter Summaries

Chen Mobai prepared for the Spell Duels and learned that his outdated student data had matched him against another Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer student in the first round. After Qing Nü revealed her breakthrough and plans to attend Goumang Dao Academy, Chen Mobai resolved to win first place and join her there.

• Chen Mobai bought a large supply of combat Talismans and Water Storage Talismans, then received the Spell Duel schedule from He Jingshan.
• Xu Yuan warned Chen Mobai that Qiao Xingwen had trained in the army and had beaten Xu Yuan twice in their three fights.
• Shi Jingjing explained that Chen Mobai's outdated panel listed him at Qi Cultivation Level 6, leading to a first-round match against Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer Qiao Xingwen.
• Chen Mobai thanked Shi Jingjing, learned the Betting Odds Network's URL, and added her as a friend.
• Qing Nü gave Chen Mobai twenty-two tubes of Qi Replenishing Spirit Water and told him she had cultivated Spiritual Sense, though she remained at Qi Cultivation Level 6.
• After they ate grilled fish together, Chen Mobai told Qing Nü he would strive to win first place and attend Goumang Dao Academy with her.

Chen Mobai returned to Green Light Island as the Demon Beast siege began to stabilize, then helped repel another Black Plague Bird attack. Afterward, Qi Rui explained how Divine Wood Sect disciples pooled and borrowed Contribution Points to obtain Foundation Establishment Pills.

• Chen Mobai returned to Green Light Island and learned that a recent sneak attack had killed one teammate and badly wounded two others, while Wang Yuanwu's severed hand had been reattached.
• Qi Rui told Chen Mobai that reinforcements had arrived and that Old Ancestor Fu and True Person Nu Jiang would eventually sweep through the outer region of Cloud Dream Marsh.
• Chen Mobai volunteered for the night watch, and his team repelled a flock of Black Plague Birds until Ning Leshan and Peng Bei arrived and killed the attackers.
• Ning Leshan and Peng Bei pursued two Second Grade Bird Kings beyond the island but had to retreat after the west bank's Heavenly Wood Divine Lights broke the birds' Battle Formation.
• Qi Rui explained that Wang Yuanwu had once been a True Disciple but still owed Contribution Points after failing Foundation Establishment, and described how disciples lent or gifted points to help one another obtain Foundation Establishment Pills.

Chen Mobai left the Divine Wood Sect’s battle assignment to prepare for a breakthrough and his Spell Duel, while Qi Rui gave him notes on refining the Crimson Flame Sword Talisman. At home, Chen studied the demanding talisman-making process and checked the prices of the materials he would need.

• Chen Mobai told Wang Yuanwu he was leaving after the battle situation stabilized, and explained that he had sensed an opportunity to break through.
• Qi Rui gave Chen Mobai his notes on refining the Crimson Flame Sword Talisman and urged him to learn the craft before joining the Divine Wood Sect.
• Chen Mobai returned home and read how the sword talisman was built from simpler talismans, with more powerful versions requiring advanced skill and expensive materials.
• Chen Mobai checked the Immortal Sect Network for the cost of high-grade talisman paper and second-tier ink.
• Chen Mobai studied Qi Rui’s detailed instructions for making cinnabar ink and considered how troublesome the process was, though he had his own method.

Chen Mobai prepared for his Daoist Academy entrance Spell Duel by assembling affordable talisman-making equipment, testing his talismans, and scouting the arena at Vermillion Cinnabar Academy. On the morning of the duel, he waited at the arena with a carefully chosen set of talismans, ready to face the highly ranked Qiao Xingwen.

• Chen Mobai learned that a full Talisman Ink blending machine cost far too much, then found affordable separate tools through the Wood Spirit Talisman Shop and added them to his cart.
• Chen Mobai tested the talismans he had bought at a Cultivation Gym before taking a bus to Vermillion Cinnabar Academy to scout the Spell Duel arenas.
• Chen Mobai met Chan Si and Shen Juanxiu, who treated him to a meal, showed him around the arenas, and encouraged him to stay nearby before his duel.
• Chen Mobai woke at four in the morning, settled on a set of talismans he trusted, and arrived early at his arena.
• Shi Jingjing and Cao Yaling approached Chen Mobai and told him not to be nervous about facing Qiao Xingwen, whose odds ranked in the top hundred.

Chen Mobai defeated Qiao Xingwen in the first round of the Spell Duel tournament in just one minute, then waited with Cao Yaling until Shi Jingjing returned. After Shi Jingjing arrived, Chen Mobai left to meet Chan Si and Senior Sister Fu.

• Shi Jingjing asked Chen Mobai to keep Cao Yaling company while she competed, and he agreed.
• Cao Yaling used her Spiritual Eye to notice that Qiao Xingwen’s right-hand fingers were suited to a Spirit Bullet spell and warned Chen Mobai.
• Chen Mobai fought Qiao Xingwen and knocked him unconscious within a minute, winning their first-round match.
• Chen Mobai returned to Cao Yaling and learned that she expected to win her own match against a Qi Cultivation Level 6 opponent.
• Shi Jingjing returned after her opponent defended for ten minutes with turtle-shield Talismans, and Chen Mobai left to meet Chan Si and Senior Sister Fu.

After Chen Mobai defeated Qiao Xingwen with a clever Water Control Technique, his classmates watched the duel and celebrated his sudden fame. The chapter ended with Chen Mobai posting on the city forum to thank supporters and promote Immortal Sect Fifth High School.

• Shi Jingjing watched the duel video with Cao Yaling and realized Chen Mobai had used the Water Sword Talisman's scattered water and Water Control Technique to knock Qiao Xingwen unconscious.
• Shi Jingjing and Cao Yaling went looking for Chen Mobai, and Shi Jingjing messaged him to join the meal.
• Chan Si invited Chen Mobai and many classmates to lunch at Vermillion Cinnabar Academy's snack street.
• Shen Juanxiu told Chen Mobai that his duel video was spreading across Vermilion Cloud City's City Net Forum, where posts praised his victory.
• Chen Mobai read the forum posts and published a message thanking readers and supporting Immortal Sect Fifth High School.

Chen Mobai met two powerful Mutated Spiritual Root students, Kong Feichen and Yang Jing, at a meal with the other Spell Duel competitors. After sizing up the new challenges, he and Kong Feichen agreed that they hoped to face each other in the finals.

• Mo Simin noted that six students who had advanced were missing, and the group began eating while they waited for Yan Bingxuan.
• Yan Bingxuan arrived with Kong Feichen and Yang Jing, whom Shi Jingjing identified as Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer students with Wind and Dark Spiritual Roots.
• Kong Feichen joined the meal, while Yang Jing refused to sit with the group and stayed by herself.
• Chen Mobai considered how he might fight Kong Feichen and Yang Jing, recognizing that they could challenge him despite his confidence after defeating Qiao Xingwen.
• Kong Feichen praised Chen Mobai’s decisive victory over Qiao Xingwen and told him not to lose before they met; Chen Mobai said he would wait for him in the finals.

Chen Mobai stayed in Vermillion Cinnabar Academy to study his opponents and prepare for the second round of the entrance exam. He defeated Shen Jian with his Water Control Technique and left him bloodied.

• Kong Feichen left after exchanging a parting challenge with Chen Mobai, while Gong Xiangyu watched Chen Mobai's duel video and looked forward to facing him.
• Chen Mobai rented a Spiritual Vein Cave Mansion and spent seven days observing the other contestants and their fighting styles.
• At the start of the second round, Shen Jian provoked Chen Mobai and attacked with Talismans, boosted speed, and close-range punches.
• Chen Mobai blocked Shen Jian's punches with a Water Element Shield, bound him with Black Water and an Entangling Talisman, and smashed two of his front teeth loose with a water fist.

Chen Mobai defeated his second-round opponent and backed his confidence by betting his Merit Points on himself to win the championship. As the third round began, the remaining Fifth High School students drew formidable opponents, while Chen Mobai was matched against an ordinary Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer student.

• Chen Mobai knocked out his opponent in under a minute, and Shi Jingjing secretly bet that he would reach the fourth round.
• Cao Yaling narrowly defeated a martial artist by spotting his weakness and exhausting his spiritual power.
• Chen Mobai transferred his 3,000 Merit Points to Qing Nü, who bet on him to win the championship as his odds shortened.
• Yan Bingxuan defeated a Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer opponent with her Ice Spiritual Power, but Shi Jingjing lost to Hong Gang despite finding his vulnerable gate.
• Song Zheng, Xu Yuan, and Shi Yuanqing advanced to the next round, while the other Fifth High School students were eliminated.
• The third-round matchups paired Xu Yuan with Cao Yaling, Yan Bingxuan with Yan Feng, Song Zheng with Xue Luan, and Shi Yuanqing with Wu Xue; Chen Mobai drew an ordinary Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer opponent.

Cao Yaling defeated Xu Yuan with her Golden Light Cannon, while Yan Bingxuan lost to Yan Feng in a swift match. Chen Mobai watched Shi Yuanqing face Wu Xue and realized her Divine Speed Talismans could pose a serious challenge.

• Cao Yaling unleashed her Golden Light Cannon and defeated Xu Yuan, who conceded after being badly injured.
• Xu Yuan warned Shi Yuanqing not to hesitate in a spell duel before passing out.
• Mo Simin told Chen Mobai that Yan Feng had defeated Yan Bingxuan in half a move.
• Wu Xue used two Divine Speed Talismans to dodge Shi Yuanqing's stone whips and flame, then attacked him at close range.
• Chen Mobai learned how Divine Speed Talisman grades depended on their duration and began considering ways to counter them.

Shi Yuanqing defeated Wu Xue with his Jade Talisman after she attacked with the Water Dragon Talisman. As Chen Mobai headed toward his own match, Shi Yuanqing predicted that Song Zheng was unlikely to beat Xue Luan, whom he had once lost to in a fierce duel.

• Shi Yuanqing bound Wu Xue with dust from the arena and attacked her with flying stones, but Wu Xue defended herself with a Water Dragon Talisman.
• Shi Yuanqing activated his Jade Talisman and defeated Wu Xue in a collision of their talismans, then struck her unconscious and called the referee.
• Shi Jingjing explained that Shi Yuanqing was a talented cultivator who had restrained his progress for Xu Yuan's sake, and Chen Mobai told him to carry on Xu Yuan's share.
• Chen Mobai decided to leave before Song Zheng's match and urged his classmates to cheer Song Zheng on, but Shi Yuanqing said Song Zheng had less than a ten percent chance of winning against Xue Luan.
• Shi Yuanqing recalled that Xue Luan had injured Xu Yuan during military training and later defeated him in a duel.

Chen Mobai advanced through the fourth and fifth rounds with precise tactics, while Shi Yuanqing also advanced and Cao Yaling was eliminated. With nine competitors remaining, the tournament prepared for a final lottery, and Kong Feichen began considering how to exploit a possible weakness in Chen Mobai’s Spiritual Sense.

• Chen Mobai defeated Kan An in under two minutes, and Song Zheng later lost to Xue Luan.
• Chen Mobai defeated an ordinary Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer opponent in the fourth round using an Ambush Talisman, while Shi Yuanqing beat a Qi Cultivation Level 8 opponent and Cao Yaling lost to Ji Jing.
• Chen Mobai defeated Jia Mo by countering his wind talismans and stopping him with an Entangling Talisman before Jia Mo could use his Spirit Shocking Talisman.
• The fifth round ended with nine competitors remaining, including Chen Mobai, and the tournament announced a new lottery ceremony attended by True Person Scarlet Robe and Dao Academy representatives.
• Kong Feichen and Yang Jing visited Jia Mo, who warned that Chen Mobai might have a weakness in Spiritual Sense and suggested tactics to target it.

Chen Mobai and the other finalists drew lots for the final Spell Duel round, and Chen Mobai was matched against Gong Xiangyu. Before their fight began, True Person Scarlet Robe asked which Dao Academy they would choose if they won, and Gong Xiangyu declared his ambition to cultivate the Six Imperial Scripture at Kunpeng Daoist Academy.

• True Person Scarlet Robe arrived with representatives from the Four Great Dao Academies and oversaw the drawing of lots.
• True Person Scarlet Robe drew the first seven names, setting the matchups Ji Jing versus Kong Feichen, Yang Jing versus Hong Gang, and Xue Luan versus Shi Yuanqing.
• Chen Mobai was drawn eighth and matched against Gong Xiangyu, while Yan Feng received the final spot and a bye.
• True Person Scarlet Robe announced that Chen Mobai and Gong Xiangyu would fight first.
• True Person Scarlet Robe asked which Dao Academy the finalists would choose if they won, and Gong Xiangyu chose Kunpeng Daoist Academy, declaring his dream of cultivating the Six Imperial Scripture and attaining Dao Attainment.

True Person Scarlet Robe questioned Chen Mobai about his Dao Academy choice, and Chen Mobai’s reasons unsettled Gong Xiangyu before their spell duel began. Gong Xiangyu struck first with the Spirit Taming Art, but Chen Mobai’s water barrier dispersed the attack.

• Gong Xiangyu declared his ambition to attain the Dao, and Chen Mobai chose Goumang Dao Academy because he wanted to accompany a friend.
• When True Person Scarlet Robe explained that each Cave Heaven Blessed Land could recruit only one person, Chen Mobai chose Sky Mending Dao Academy and said he hoped to become Immortal Sect Master.
• Gong Xiangyu’s Dao heart cracked at Chen Mobai’s remarks, while True Person Scarlet Robe assured the academy representatives that he would not use his recommendation right for Chen Mobai.
• Gong Xiangyu launched a fist strike accompanied by a Second Grade spirit-tamed beast, and Chen Mobai’s Wood Shield Talisman shattered under the force.
• Chen Mobai formed a swirling water barrier around his neck that dissolved Gong Xiangyu’s attack.

Chen Mobai defeated Gong Xiangyu by combining Talismans, spells, and a prearranged trap. His battle awareness impressed the Daoist Academy representatives, who began considering recruiting him.

• Chen Mobai survived Gong Xiangyu’s opening attack and used a feint to catch him with a Green Arrow Talisman.
• Chen Mobai combined the Water Sword Talisman with Ice Spell, forcing Gong Xiangyu to retreat from the deadly strike.
• Gong Xiangyu attacked at high speed, but Chen Mobai used his Water Element Shield and Black Water Net to study and restrict his movements.
• Gong Xiangyu escaped the Black Water Net with a sudden burst of speed, then stepped into Chen Mobai’s concealed Wood Prison Talisman.
• Chen Mobai struck the wooden cage with a fist of black water and knocked Gong Xiangyu out of bounds.

Chen Mobai defeated Gong Xiangyu in the Spell Duel by knocking him out of the arena, even after Gong’s Transformation Spirit Talisman greatly enhanced his power. Fifth High School celebrated Chen’s victory as he reflected on how Gong’s transformation had nearly overwhelmed him.

• Chen Mobai’s Wood Prison Talisman briefly trapped Gong Xiangyu, and Chen knocked the prison beyond the arena.
• Gong used his spirit-transformed, snake-like arm to grab the arena’s edge and pull himself back toward it.
• Chen controlled the icy Water Sword to attack Gong’s grip, then unleashed a Crimson Flame Sword Talisman.
• Chen cut away the arena edge Gong was holding and blasted Gong more than ten meters outside the arena.
• The referee declared Chen Mobai the victor, and Fifth High School’s students and supporters celebrated.

After Chen Mobai advanced, Shi Yuanqing fought Xue Luan in a fierce Spell Duel that left the arena shattered. Xue Luan revealed a lightning-wreathed technique and struck Shi Yuanqing away, leaving Chen Mobai wondering if he had mastered a Thunder Method.

• Lu Hongsheng celebrated Chen Mobai's victory, while Shi Jingjing cried because she had bet on Chen Mobai losing and spent her winnings.
• Shi Yuanqing and Xue Luan took the arena and began their duel with matching Military Killing Fist stances.
• Shi Yuanqing and Xue Luan traded rapid blows, breaking the arena and injuring one another as the fight continued through water mist.
• Xue Luan activated a Water Sword Talisman from his tongue when his hands were injured, while Shi Yuanqing attacked with mud whips and pale-red flames.
• Xue Luan tore through the water mist with a thunderous punch, sending Shi Yuanqing flying as lightning flickered over him, and Chen Mobai recognized a possible Thunder Method.

Xue Luan and Shi Yuanqing fought a brutal Spell Duel, and Shi Yuanqing broke through to the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer during the battle. Xue Luan drew heavenly thunder into himself to meet Shi Yuanqing’s strongest sword strike, leaving the clash’s outcome unclear.

• Cao Yaling explained that Xue Luan’s Purple Lightning Art may have transformed his spirit root, while Mo Simin told Chen Mobai that Yan Bingxuan needed time to recover.
• Xue Luan battered Shi Yuanqing and shattered his Jade Talisman, but Shi Yuanqing pierced Xue Luan’s shoulder and the two continued trading blows.
• Shi Yuanqing used flames, rock, and ceramic weapons to keep fighting, and Xue Luan suffered another wound when a ceramic sword pierced his waist.
• Shi Yuanqing broke through to the Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer and formed new Snow White Ceramic Swords and Porcelain Armor.
• Xue Luan summoned heavenly thunder despite the Five Thunder Academy representative warning him of the danger, while Shi Yuanqing unleashed his strongest Sword Light.
• Heavenly thunder struck Xue Luan, who met Shi Yuanqing’s Sword Light with a thunder-charged fist, and a blinding explosion obscured the result.

Ning Anning treated the badly injured Shi Yuanqing and Xue Luan after their fierce duel, while the remaining Spell Duel matches continued. Yang Jing quickly defeated Hong Gang, and Kong Feichen overwhelmed Ji Jing, leaving the competition’s next round ahead.

• Ning Anning and Chen Mobai stabilized Shi Yuanqing and Xue Luan, and Ning Anning treated their injuries before sending them away to recover.
• The Daoist Academy representatives discussed recruiting Xue Luan and Shi Yuanqing, while Ning Anning noticed something unusual about Yang Jing and Yan Qiongzhi reacted with surprise.
• Yang Jing defeated Hong Gang in ten moves by exploiting his Spiritual Sense with her Yin Spiritual Power.
• Kong Feichen bombarded Ji Jing with wind-thunder talismans and forced her to admit defeat.

After the magic combat’s next matches disappointed the Daoist Academy representatives, Chen Mobai learned he would face Yan Feng in the semifinals and discussed Yang Jing’s permitted Forbidden Technique with Kong Feichen. Back at his upgraded Cave Mansion, he began preparing to make talismans and asked Vermillion Cinnabar Academy’s students about finding a Spirit Brush.

• The representatives kept the existing brackets, with Xue Luan unable to fight, and scheduled the semifinals for three days later.
• Chen Mobai and Kong Feichen agreed to meet in the finals, while Chen Mobai assessed Yan Feng as potentially the strongest competitor.
• Kong Feichen told Chen Mobai that Yang Jing’s Forbidden Technique was permitted, but that she would lose to him rather than suffer its effects or be rejected by the Four Great Dao Academies.
• Vermillion Cinnabar Academy’s student council protected Chen Mobai from provoking Yuheng High School students and upgraded his Cave Mansion’s spiritual energy to second-order low-grade.
• Chen Mobai asked Chan Si and Shen Juanxiu about a retired Spirit Brush, and Shen Juanxiu offered him her first-order high-grade Green Bamboo Brush, which he refused as too valuable.