Chapter Summaries

Zhong Lin recovered after breaking through to the Grandmaster Realm and was recognized as the sect’s new Vice Sect Leader. He explained that he had cultivated both metal and water attributes, then remained with Yin Daoyan after Yu Jinglei left to teach him the Spirit Heart Sword Art once his cultivation was consolidated.

• Zhong Lin emerged from the ruins after sensing his new command of Heaven and Earth Origin Qi and his surroundings within a hundred meters.
• The sect disciples and elders bowed to Zhong Lin as Vice Sect Leader, and Yin Daoyan joyfully confirmed that his disciple had reached the Grandmaster Realm.
• Elder Lu Ming pleaded for Men Qingan, and Zhong Lin said Men Qingan’s future conduct would determine whether he was forgiven.
• Yu Jinglei asked how Zhong Lin broke through, and Zhong Lin revealed that he had mastered both metal- and water-attribute techniques.
• Yu Jinglei told Zhong Lin to consolidate his cultivation before learning the Spirit Heart Sword Art, then left Zhong Lin with Yin Daoyan.

After advancing to the Grandmaster Realm, Zhong Lin tested his Innate True Qi and discovered the tremendous power of his techniques. The chapter then shifted to Mei Weixuan teaching Little Shi a suspiciously immobile family fist technique.

• Zhong Lin traveled to a secluded valley and sensed his Innate True Qi drawing energy from the outside world.
• Zhong Lin fired a casual Sword Qi strike through a distant boulder and tested light swords formed from different kinds of Innate True Qi.
• Zhong Lin used Crouching Earth Seal to destroy a hill and spent the day learning the limits and power of his new abilities.
• Mei Weixuan told Little Shi that the reclining posture he had been taught was a family-inherited technique called Returning Yang Reclining.
• Little Shi questioned how the motionless technique could help him fight, while Mei Weixuan claimed it would strengthen his kidney Qi and recalled using it at XiaoXiang Pavilion.

Zhong Lin returned and punished Mei Weixuan for teaching Little Shi lewd nonsense, then helped him prepare to break through to Rank 3 Inner Breath. Zhong Lin and Gu Yourong ended the chapter alone together, with Gu Yourong asking how he had gotten in again.

• Zhong Lin caught Mei Weixuan trying to flee and beat him for teaching Little Shi lewd ideas.
• Little Shi mistook Mei Weixuan’s swollen face for a monster and kicked him, while Zhong Lin warned them both to stay away from trouble.
• Zhong Lin told Mei Weixuan to return to training and revealed he had left True Qi in his body to help him condense Inner Breath.
• Zhong Lin drew Gu Yourong into his embrace and carried her to the bedroom.
• An hour later, Gu Yourong begged Zhong Lin to stop and asked how he had gotten in again.

Zhong Lin learned from Yu Jinglei that martial artists could reach the Spirit Origin Realm beyond the Innate Realm, but pursuing higher realms meant risking a dangerous voyage across the sea. Yu Jinglei explained the stages of the Innate Realm, leaving Zhong Lin to learn that opening all 360 Innate Acupoints was only the middle stage.

• Zhong Lin asked Yu Jinglei whether a realm existed above the Grandmaster Realm, and Yu Jinglei explained that higher realms existed beyond their continent.
• Yu Jinglei described a sect senior who found a travel journal identifying a realm above Grandmaster as the Spirit Origin Realm.
• Yu Jinglei warned Zhong Lin that earlier martial artists had vanished while sailing across dangerous seas in search of higher martial arts.
• Yu Jinglei explained that newly advanced Innate martial artists opened Innate Acupoints to absorb and store Heaven and Earth Origin Qi.
• Zhong Lin realized his Five Elements Mixed Origin Skill had allowed him to open 36 Innate Acupoints, and Yu Jinglei clarified that opening all 360 marked only the middle stage of the Innate Realm.

Zhong Lin received the Sword Cauldron Sect’s Spirit Heart Sword Art and discovered how slowly he could fill his Innate Acupoints without spirit stones. After raising the art to max level with the System, he awakened sword intent and experienced the profound power of the sword Dao.

• Yu Jinglei warned Zhong Lin that opening all Innate Acupoints was perilous and urged him to cultivate patiently before imparting the Spirit Heart Sword Art.
• Zhong Lin meditated in Green Bamboo Courtyard and realized filling his Innate Acupoints could take decades without more spirit stones.
• Zhong Lin used his last spirit stone to absorb spiritual energy and strengthen his Innate True Qi.
• Zhong Lin raised the Spirit Heart Sword Art to max level with the System and gained its memories and sword intent.
• Zhong Lin summoned a distant sword without True Qi and cut the air, recognizing the System had let him experience a supreme realm of swordsmanship.

Yin Daoyan and Elder Lian Shan refined the Barrier Breaking Pill in the Sword Cauldron Sect’s Medicine King Cauldron while Zhong Lin watched. The furnace produced two crimson pills, which Yin Daoyan collected in Jade Boxes.

• Yin Daoyan showed Zhong Lin the Medicine King Cauldron and explained the sect’s preparations for refining the Barrier Breaking Pill.
• After the sect gathered and processed rare herbs for half a month, Yin Daoyan, Elder Lian Shan, and Zhong Lin entered the sealed pill room.
• Elder Lian Shan controlled the cauldron’s heat while Yin Daoyan added and adjusted the herbs, and the two took turns maintaining the refinement.
• Yin Daoyan added the Heaven Essence Fruit after the other herbs had melted, and Elder Lian Shan weakened the flames as the pill stabilized.
• Once the furnace cooled, Yin Daoyan opened it to reveal two crimson pills and sent them into prepared Jade Boxes.

Zhong Lin used the medicinal power left in the pill residue to refine a Life Extension Pill, while Yin Daoyan and Elder Lian Shan successfully produced two Barrier Breaking Pills. Zhong Lin claimed the Barrier Breaking Pill promised to him, and the sect leaders learned from Yin Daoyan’s and Yu Jinglei’s expressions that the refinement had succeeded.

• Zhong Lin asked to use the Heaven Essence Fruit’s remaining medicinal power to refine a Longevity Pill, and Yin Daoyan let him proceed.
• Zhong Lin refined an emerald-green Life Extension Pill that could add up to ten years to a person’s life.
• Zhong Lin took one of the two Barrier Breaking Pills, citing the sect leader’s promise, and Yin Daoyan did not object.
• Yu Jinglei and the three Grand Elders waited anxiously outside the Cave Residence until its stone door opened.
• Yu Jinglei and the three Grand Elders saw Yin Daoyan’s and Yu Jinglei’s exhausted but proud expressions and realized the pill refinement had succeeded.

Zhong Lin claimed his Barrier Breaking Pill and gave it to Yin Daoyan to keep until his master was ready to use it. He then said he planned to travel the world with Gu Yourong, leaving her embarrassed and Yin Daoyan teasing him.

• Zhong Lin used his coercive pressure to rebuke Qi Qingfeng for coveting his Barrier Breaking Pill, and Yu Jinglei affirmed that the pill belonged to Zhong Lin.
• Yu Jinglei asked Zhong Lin to give the pill to a Sword Cauldron Sect disciple or someone willing to join the sect, and Zhong Lin agreed to bring a suitable candidate to the Main Peak.
• Yu Jinglei entrusted the other Barrier Breaking Pill to Lu Ming, hoping he would soon break through.
• Zhong Lin returned to Spirit Medicine Peak with Yin Daoyan and told him that he intended to give him his pill, but Yin Daoyan asked him to keep it until his True Qi was complete.
• Zhong Lin said he planned to travel the world with Gu Yourong, prompting her to blush and Yin Daoyan to tease him about his feelings for her.

Zhong Lin and Yin Daoyan witnessed Shi Yunyi break through to the Innate Realm through sword intent. The Sword Cauldron Sect celebrated gaining another powerful martial artist, and Shi Yunyi learned that Zhong Lin was also an Innate Martial Artist and a Rank 4 Pill Refiner.

• Yin Daoyan teased Gu Yourong and approved her willingness to be with Zhong Lin, who promised to treat her well.
• Zhong Lin remained at Green Bamboo Courtyard for two months, cultivating and exploring the Sword Cauldron Sect’s mountains.
• Zhong Lin and Yin Daoyan sensed a breakthrough at the Main Peak and set out to investigate.
• Zhong Lin recognized powerful sword intent rising from Sword Peak and hurried there after silencing the trembling swords in Green Bamboo Courtyard.
• Shi Yunyi emerged from the shattered stone gate as an Innate Martial Artist, and Sect Leader Yu Jinglei celebrated his breakthrough.
• Yu Jinglei introduced Zhong Lin to Shi Yunyi, who was surprised to learn Zhong Lin was an Innate Martial Artist and a Rank 4 Pill Refiner.

Zhong Lin met Shi Yunyi, who had just broken through, and learned how far the sect’s newest genius had advanced. Later, the two sparred in the bamboo forest, where Zhong Lin’s original Five Elements Cycle fist met Shi Yunyi’s swift sword strike.

• Zhong Lin praised Shi Yunyi’s sword talent, then departed after promising to visit once Shi Yunyi stabilized his cultivation.
• Yu Jinglei told Shi Yunyi that Zhong Lin had reached the Innate Realm in two years and was also the sect’s third Rank 4 Pill Refiner.
• Yu Jinglei planned a Grandmaster Banquet to celebrate the sect’s three new Grandmaster-level experts, while Zhong Lin stayed in Green Bamboo Courtyard.
• Zhong Lin defeated Shi Yunyi at chess, and the two began sparring above the bamboo forest.
• Shi Yunyi attacked with Sword Qi, and Zhong Lin countered with a powerful punch that shattered it.
• Shi Yunyi unleashed a swift sword strike, and Zhong Lin answered with his self-created Five Elements Cycle fist, alarming Shi Yunyi.

Zhong Lin defeated Shi Yunyi in combat and demonstrated his self-created Great River Sword, leaving Shi Yunyi stunned by his mastery of the Sword Dao. Zhong Lin gave Shi Yunyi a booklet and planned to cultivate him as a companion for the dangerous journey beyond the continent.

• Zhong Lin overwhelmed Shi Yunyi's sword techniques with his Five Elements Cycle and helped him to his feet after the fight.
• Shi Yunyi accepted his defeat and called Zhong Lin Senior Brother, while Zhong Lin offered to teach him his fist technique.
• Zhong Lin demonstrated sword intent with a bamboo staff and unleashed his Great River Sword, astonishing Shi Yunyi.
• Zhong Lin gave Shi Yunyi a booklet and invited him to ask questions, while Shi Yunyi quietly thanked him.
• Zhong Lin decided to nurture Shi Yunyi as a future companion for his planned voyage beyond the continent.

Jiang Yuan begged Zhong Lin for a Barrier Breaking Pill to save Great Chen from impending rebellion, but he refused. She then offered to take him to her royal family's Secret Realm, and Zhong Lin reacted with overwhelming excitement and pressure.

• Jiang Yuan visited Zhong Lin and asked him for a Barrier Breaking Pill, explaining that Great Chen faced unrest as the Royal Ancestor neared death.
• Zhong Lin rejected Jiang Yuan's plea and refused her offer of power, wealth, or herself in exchange for the pill.
• Jiang Yuan told Zhong Lin that her royal family controlled a Secret Realm with a spirit pool that could help him cultivate faster.
• Zhong Lin released his Innate aura at the mention of the Secret Realm, forcing Jiang Yuan to her knees.

Jiang Yuan traded a bottle of Spirit Liquid for Zhong Lin’s Life Extension Pill so her ancestor could protect Great Chen for another ten years. Zhong Lin planned to leave for the capital the next day, while preparations for the Grandmaster Banquet continued without him.

• Jiang Yuan explained that the Jiang Clan Royal Family’s spirit pool could only be inherited by someone who had opened all their Meridians, then offered Zhong Lin a bottle of Spirit Liquid.
• Zhong Lin refined the Spirit Liquid into his Innate cultivation and agreed to trade a Life Extension Pill for access to the Jiang Clan Royal Spirit Pool.
• Zhong Lin gave Jiang Yuan a pill made from the remnants of the Heaven Essence Fruit, which would extend her ancestor’s life by ten years, and she accepted the deal.
• Jiang Yuan left to prepare for their journey to the capital, while Zhong Lin declined to attend the Grandmaster Banquet and invited Gu Yourong to accompany him.
• Gu Yourong chose to stay behind and cultivate toward condensing Inner Breath, and Zhong Lin left her to prepare for seclusion.
• Representatives from several factions arrived to congratulate Zhong Lin, Shi Vice Sect Leader, and Lu Elder on entering the Grandmaster Realm and presented gifts.

Zhong Lin and Jiang Yuan returned to the Capital City of Chen Country, where Niu Dali welcomed them and escorted them through the city. They reached the imperial palace, and Jiang Yuan led Zhong Lin inside on horseback.

• Zhong Lin teased Jiang Yuan about the Jiang Clan Royal Family’s decline as they rode toward the capital.
• Zhong Lin and Jiang Yuan arrived at the Capital City of Chen Country after more than half a month of travel.
• Niu Dali welcomed Jiang Yuan and Zhong Lin outside the city and cleared the way for their return to the palace.
• Jiang Yuan explained that the Emperor and Ancestor had waited in the palace instead of holding a public welcome for Zhong Lin.
• Niu Dali escorted them through the outer and inner cities, then took leave at the palace gates.
• Jiang Yuan rode into the palace city on horseback, and Zhong Lin followed her.

Zhong Lin met Emperor Jiang Sheng and Jiang Clan ancestor Jiang Feng, who agreed to exchange a Life Extension Pill for access to the clan’s secret realm. After Zhong Lin left with Jiang Feng for Imperial Dragon Mountain, Jiang Yuan revealed her ambition to restore Chen Country and eventually unify the continent.

• Jiang Feng and Jiang Sheng respectfully welcomed Zhong Lin and agreed to continue the exchange for the Life Extension Pill.
• Jiang Sheng and Jiang Yuan pretended to grieve over Chen Country’s decline, but Zhong Lin saw through their performance.
• Jiang Feng led Zhong Lin to the secret realm on Imperial Dragon Mountain after Zhong Lin declined a welcoming banquet.
• Jiang Yuan told Jiang Sheng that Zhong Lin had helped her reach the third rank and cultivate inner breath, then shared her plans to strengthen Chen Country.
• Jiang Yuan vowed to restore Chen Country and revealed her ambition to unify the continent.
• Jiang Feng and Zhong Lin entered a dark stone corridor inside the mountain cave.

Zhong Lin entered the Jiang Clan Royal Spirit Pool and used its abundant spiritual energy to fill all three hundred and sixty Innate Acupoints. After three days of cultivation, he linked the acupoints with True Qi and completed the Innate Realm, reaching the Line Between Life and Death.

• Zhong Lin and Jiang Feng passed murals in the Jiang Clan Ancestral Land that depicted Jiang Feng's exaggerated youthful exploits.
• Jiang Feng brought Zhong Lin to the Jiang Clan Royal Spirit Pool and explained how its natural formation gathered dense Heaven and Earth Origin Qi.
• Zhong Lin entered the pool and circulated the Five Elements Mixed Origin Skill, drawing in spirit liquid to fill his Innate Acupoints.
• Jiang Feng retreated from Zhong Lin's powerful Aetheric Wind and left as the spirit liquid rapidly diminished.
• After three days, Zhong Lin filled all three hundred and sixty Innate Acupoints, linked them with True Qi, and completed the Innate Realm.

After reaching Innate Perfection, Zhong Lin forced the spirit inside a Black Iron Ring to reveal itself and learned that greater realms and worlds lay beyond the Profound Tortoise Continent. Chen Jia began recounting how he left the continent, while Zhong Lin listened for more answers.

• Zhong Lin reached Innate Perfection and decided to investigate the Black Iron Ring.
• The ring drained Zhong Lin's Innate True Qi until he threatened to throw it into a latrine pit, prompting a phantom to emerge.
• Zhong Lin greeted the phantom, who recognized the Sword Cauldron Sect as Yan You's legacy.
• Ring Uncle told Zhong Lin that Spirit Origin, Transcendence, and Mystic Core lay beyond the Innate realm.
• Chen Jia introduced himself and recounted his failed sea voyage and how a Stone Tablet Array transported him off the Profound Tortoise Continent.

Zhong Lin learned Chen Jia’s past and agreed to become his disciple in exchange for helping him rebuild his body. After leaving Imperial Dragon Mountain, Zhong Lin revealed his pill-refining talent to Chen Jia and reunited with Jiang Feng.

• Chen Jia told Zhong Lin how he left the Profound Tortoise Continent through a Teleportation Array, became a Profound Core Cultivator, and was attacked as a Sinful Blood Descendant.
• Chen Jia offered to teach Zhong Lin martial arts beyond the Innate Realm if Zhong Lin helped him reforge his physical body, and Zhong Lin accepted him as his master.
• Chen Jia instructed Zhong Lin to nourish the Soul Nourishing Ring with True Qi every three days and promised to teach him once his cultivation stabilized.
• Zhong Lin left Imperial Dragon Mountain and told Chen Jia that he had refined the Life Extension Pill himself and was a Rank 4 Pill Refiner.
• Jiang Feng greeted Zhong Lin after he emerged from seclusion and invited him to share wine and dishes.

Chen Jia explained to Zhong Lin why cultivation on the Profound Tortoise Continent stopped at the Innate Realm and described the realms beyond it. Zhong Lin left with a deeper understanding of how little he knew about martial cultivation and looked forward to learning from Chen Jia.

• Jiang Feng dismissed the palace maid and cleared the wine from his body with Innate True Qi.
• Chen Jia told Zhong Lin that thin Heaven and Earth Origin Qi prevented cultivators on the Profound Tortoise Continent from breaking through to Spirit Origin.
• Chen Jia explained the Acquired and Innate Realms, including the process of opening and linking the three hundred and sixty Innate Acupoints.
• Chen Jia promised to teach Zhong Lin how to compress True Qi after they returned to the Fallen Star Islands, where richer Origin Qi would help him reach Spirit Origin.
• Chen Jia described the Transcendent Realm's Spirit Sea, Spirit Embryo, and Soul Nurturing levels, and Zhong Lin marveled at how far real martial cultivation extended beyond the Innate Realm.

Chen Jia gave Zhong Lin the Crimson Flame Skill and Sunset Sword Art, and Zhong Lin began studying them in seclusion. Meanwhile, Jiang Feng discovered that Zhong Lin had nearly drained the Jiang Clan Royal Family’s Spirit Pool, and Jiang Yuan proposed spreading a rumor linking herself to him.

• Chen Jia taught Zhong Lin that the Crimson Flame Skill was an Earth Rank, mid-grade method containing the Crimson Flame Dragon and Crimson Flame Skyflight secret arts.
• Chen Jia passed Zhong Lin the Heaven Rank, lower-grade Sunset Sword Art and warned him that the Fallen Star Islands were perilous.
• Zhong Lin thanked Chen Jia by channeling Innate True Qi into his Black Iron Ring, then studied the Crimson Flame Skill and considered merging it with the Five Elements Mixed Origin Skill.
• Jiang Feng inspected the Spirit Pool and found that Zhong Lin had consumed nearly all the spirit liquid accumulated over three hundred years.
• Jiang Yuan reasoned that Zhong Lin’s unusual consumption meant his strength had likely increased, then proposed spreading rumors that she was enamored with him and had conceived his child.