Chapter Summaries

Styx, Nuwa, and Houtu visited Di Xin to inform him that the Tribulation would soon begin through Imperial Dynasty Hegemony. Di Xin recognized the three and learned that the eight hundred Vassal Lords and the tribes of the Myriad Races could participate.

• Dream Spirit thanked Styx, Nuwa, and Houtu for helping her stabilize her breakthrough, then returned to Zhou Mountain to prepare the battlefield.
• Styx decided to notify Di Xin and restrain the Human Emperor's greatest trump card, while Nuwa and Houtu chose to accompany him.
• Styx, Nuwa, and Houtu appeared in the Nine-Chamber Hall, where Di Xin recognized them and respectfully greeted them as Zi Shou.
• Styx showed Di Xin a phantom image of the Virtual God Realm and announced that the Tribulation would soon begin, with the Vassal Lords and Myriad Races eligible to participate.
• Di Xin was shocked to learn that the Tribulation would take place during his reign.

Styx explained that the Tribulation would pit Great Shang, its vassals, and the Myriad Races against one another in the Virtual God Realm, where they would begin with Fortune reset and a chance to compete. He gave Di Xin three Truce Tokens and revealed that the Tribulation was also a response to dwindling Spiritual Qi, leaving Di Xin, Houtu, and Nuwa awaiting his explanation of Heaven and Earth’s self-rescue.

• Styx told Di Xin that participants would enter the Virtual God Realm and rebuild their Fortune, while Great Shang risked being attacked by everyone.
• Di Xin embraced the challenge, saying he had wanted to purge the universe, and Styx praised his fighting spirit.
• Styx gave Di Xin three Truce Tokens, each of which could stop fighting for one month when used.
• Di Xin asked whether the Tribulation would harm the All Beings of the Great Wilderness, and Styx said the Virtual God Realm would preserve the Great Wilderness’s vitality.
• Styx explained that Innate Spiritual Qi was thinning as the population grew and said the Tribulation was a Heaven-and-Earth self-rescue mechanism; Di Xin, Houtu, and Nuwa pressed him for more details.

Styx explained that Tribulations restored Heaven and Earth by reducing the Great Wilderness’s population and returning their origins and spiritual energy. He revealed his plan to make the Tribulation controllable and send its losers to Mortal Realms, then left Di Xin ready to lead Great Shang through the coming struggle.

• Styx explained that Tribulations arose from the Great Wilderness being burdened by too many Living Beings, and Di Xin concluded that their deaths returned origins and spiritual energy to Heaven and Earth.
• Styx revealed that he had moved the Tribulation battlefield to the Virtual God Realm and would create Mortal Realms to receive the losers and preserve the Great Wilderness.
• Nuwa realized that Styx’s earlier policies, including limiting lifespans and sending ascenders to Chaos to create worlds, had been intended to delay the Tribulation and protect the Great Wilderness’s vitality.
• Styx described a Three Realms system in which the Great Wilderness was the root, the Mortal Realms were the leaves, and Chaos was the branches.
• Di Xin pledged to lead Great Shang in opening this new path, and Styx promised him an opportunity to Attain Dao if Great Shang won the Tribulation.

Styx and the other Dao Venerates warned Di Xin about the risks of the Tribulation, and Di Xin vowed that Great Shang would fight with everything it had. Styx then went to Zhou Mountain and began a plan to draw the souls of beings below the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm into the Virtual God Realm, leaving their physical bodies restrained.

• Styx, Nuwa, and Houtu warned Di Xin that losing the Tribulation would send Great Shang to the Mortal Realm, and urged him to beware of hostility and political contests.
• Di Xin accepted their warning and pledged that Great Shang would give everything in the Tribulation.
• Styx announced that he would go to Zhou Mountain to begin the Tribulation, and Nuwa and Houtu accompanied him.
• At Zhou Mountain, Styx met Meng Ling, who reported that the preparations were complete.
• Styx used the Earth God List and his Earth God Incarnations to restrain beings below the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm, while Meng Ling activated the Virtual God Realm.
• Styx and Meng Ling drew a strand of each restrained being’s Nascent Soul into the Virtual God Realm and reconstructed bodies there.

The Saints began the Tribulation by drawing the Nascent Souls of beings below the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm into the Virtual God Realm, where they would compete on a recreated Primordial Continent. Di Xin ordered Great Shang to enter, then awakened in the Nine-Chamber Hall and sensed the immense power of the Virtual God Realm.

• Zi Wei, Fengdu, and Ming joined Nuwa and Houtu at the Summit of Zhou Mountain, and together they activated the Heaven Emperor Seal, Fengdu Seal, and Kongtong Seal to send beings into slumber.
• Dream Spirit, Ming, and the others prepared a Virtual God Realm battlefield that replicated the Primordial Continent, and the Saints drew in the Nascent Souls of beings below the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm.
• A heavenly Dao Sound announced the Tribulation, while blood-colored Dao Patterns protected those drawn in and Styx warned that anyone who committed evil would be destroyed.
• Styx struck several malicious cultivators with blood-colored lightning, causing wicked cultivators across the Great Wilderness to restrain themselves and enter the Virtual God Realm or stay away.
• Di Xin ordered Great Shang's officials and Three Armies to enter the Tribulation, then opened his eyes in the Nine-Chamber Hall and marveled at the power above the Saints.

Styx’s message about the Tribulation’s rewards and Di Xin’s limits stirred ambition and suspicion among the vassal lords and tribes. In East Lu, Jiang Huanchu hesitated over whether to rebel, while Jiang Wenhuan urged him to seize the chance to Attain Dao.

• Styx’s message reached the Eight Hundred Vassal Lords, the Myriad Races’ tribes, and other powerful participants, prompting them to reconsider their loyalties.
• Jiang Wenhuan told Jiang Huanchu that the Tribulation could let East Lu rise, but Jiang Huanchu warned that Great Shang remained formidable and that rebellion could endanger his daughter, the Queen.
• Jiang Wenhuan argued that attaining Dao would restore East Lu’s ancestral glory and protect his sister, while Jiang Huanchu questioned whether East Lu could win and avoid exile to the Mortal Realm.
• Jiang Huanchu acknowledged the temptation of attaining Dao but ordered Jiang Wenhuan to keep the matter quiet while he thought it over.

Ji Chang failed to divine the heavenly secrets and warned Bo Yikao and Ji Fa about the deadly struggle for the Tribulation’s final chance to Attain Dao. He urged Western Qi to conceal its strength and court powerful cultivators, while he and Ji Fa privately considered Bo Yikao.

• Ji Chang’s divination failed because the heavenly secrets and karma were blocked, and he warned that another attempt could kill him.
• Ji Fa argued that Great Shang’s instability gave Western Qi a chance to change its fate, and predicted Di Xin would move against powerful vassals.
• Ji Chang and Bo Yikao discussed how Western Qi might respond to the Human Emperor’s summons and avoid carrying out his orders.
• Ji Chang said Western Qi must stay low-profile while recruiting powerful cultivators, despite the risk that secrecy would make them less appealing.
• Ji Chang and Ji Fa glanced at Bo Yikao with signs of inner conflict, but neither told him what they were thinking.

Chan School disciples arrived in Western Qi and met with Ji Chang, Bo Yikao, and Ji Fa to offer their support in the Tribulation. They explained that other factions were also choosing sides and that Great Shang’s decline was already underway.

• A guard reported that disciples of Primordial Heavenly Venerate had arrived outside Western Qi City, and Ji Chang set out with his sons to welcome them.
• Guangchengzi greeted Ji Chang and introduced Yu Ding, Taiyi, Jiang Shang, and Shen Gongbao as disciples of Jade Void.
• Guangchengzi praised Bo Yikao and Ji Fa and said he and his fellow disciples had come to aid Western Qi in the Tribulation.
• Ji Chang denied that Western Qi feared an attack from Great Shang, and Guangchengzi led the group to a secret chamber to speak privately.
• Guangchengzi and Taiyi said other factions were backing different candidates, Great Shang’s National Fortune was weakening, and Western Qi need not hide its alliance with Chan School.

Ji Chang, Jiang Ziya, and Shen Gongbao agreed that Western Qi should stay low-profile while secretly encouraging conflict between Great Shang and the Vassal Lords. Shen Gongbao proposed sending a hostage to Zhaoge, leaving Ji Chang troubled because Bo Yikao was the only suitable choice.

• Ji Chang rejected raising Western Qi’s banners and urged the group to develop discreetly.
• Jiang Ziya advised waiting for rivals to weaken before acting, while Shen Gongbao proposed secretly provoking conflict between Great Shang and the Vassal Lords.
• Ji Chang asked how Western Qi could conceal the signs of the Chan School members’ arrival and reassure the Human Emperor.
• Shen Gongbao suggested sending a hostage to Zhaoge to demonstrate Western Qi’s loyalty and keep its enemies at bay.
• Ji Chang realized Bo Yikao was the only suitable hostage but struggled to send his beloved eldest son away.

Bo Yikao agreed to go to Zhaoge as a hostage so Ji Chang could remain in Western Qi and pursue victory in the Tribulation. He departed with his family and allies’ advice and support, while Ji Fa and the others hoped he would return safely.

• Ji Chang proposed going to Zhaoge himself, while leaving Western Qi in Bo Yikao’s hands.
• Bo Yikao offered to take his father’s place as a hostage and said he would protect Western Qi’s relationship with Great Shang.
• Jiang Shang and Shen Gongbao praised Bo Yikao’s filial devotion and promised to support Ji Chang and Western Qi.
• Ji Fa offered to go instead, but Bo Yikao refused and urged him to assist their father.
• Ji Chang accepted Bo Yikao’s decision, and Jiang Shang gave him a pouch of strategies for the journey.
• Ji Fa and the Twelve Golden Immortals wished Bo Yikao a safe return and pledged to help bring him home.

After Bo Yikao gave his forces to Ji Fa and set out for Zhaoge as a hostage, Nuwa lamented the ruthless schemes among Ji Chang, Ji Fa, and Bo Yikao. Styx explained that desire and conflict were part of the Human Dao’s growth, leaving Nuwa resolved to spend more time among mortals while Bo Yikao’s journey still held the possibility of a turning point.

• Bo Yikao handed his forces to Ji Fa, took Ji Chang’s gifts and letter, and departed for Zhaoge.
• Nuwa asked Styx how the Human Race had come to allow such ruthless schemes between family members.
• Styx explained that desire and the coexistence of good and evil naturally accompanied the Human Dao’s development.
• Houtu wondered whether conflict helped the Human Race grow stronger, and Styx agreed that Bo Yikao might still find a turning point in Zhaoge.
• Dream Spirit said Bo Yikao could receive great fortune if he remained true to his kind nature.
• Styx advised Nuwa to spend more time in the mortal world, and she resolved to do so.

Styx uncovered that Bo Yikao was the reincarnation of a faint remnant of Star Lord Ziwei’s spirituality, reborn through countless cycles until it formed a new True Spirit. Since Bo Yikao could not reclaim Ziwei, Styx decided to grant him a fortune to settle the Karma he owed him.

• Styx examined Bo Yikao and traced his origins to a trace of Star Lord Ziwei’s spirituality that had survived the Star Demon God’s battle.
• After the Star Seal expelled the remnant, it drifted through the starry sky before Houtu’s Reincarnation swept it into the Underworld.
• The remnant passed through countless lifetimes as simple creatures before reincarnating as Bo Yikao, heir of the Marquis of the West.
• Styx secretly sent a wisp of blood light into Bo Yikao’s sea of consciousness and found that his remnant spirituality had developed into a new True Spirit.
• Styx concluded that Bo Yikao had only a slight affinity with Ziwei Star and could not reclaim it, so he resolved to grant him a fortune to repay his Karma.

Bo Yikao awakened after Blood Radiance and Ziwei Star Origin transformed him into an innate Ziwei Dao Body, then resumed his journey to Zhaoge. Meanwhile, the Three Sisters chose to join the Marquis of the East's faction for the insights the Tribulation could bring.

• Blood Radiance merged with Bo Yikao's True Spirit, and Ziwei Star Origin transformed him into an innate Ziwei Dao Body with a new Star Power cultivation method.
• Bo Yikao woke, thanked the unknown benefactor, and set out again for Zhaoge.
• The Marquis of the South and the Marquis of the North halted their ambitions after hearing that Western Qi had sent its Heir to Zhaoge as a hostage.
• Jiang Huanchu sent gifts to Zhaoge in the Empress's name and decided the Marquis of the East's Mansion would wait before choosing a course.
• Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, and Bixiao chose to join the Marquis of the East's faction, seeking cultivation insights from the Tribulation.

Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, and Bixiao joined the Marquis of the East's Mansion to observe the Tribulation, while factions and cultivators entered the Virtual God Realm and chose sides. The Vassal Lords prepared for conflict as the Great Shang's political situation grew turbulent.

• Yunxiao chose the Marquis of the East's Mansion and warned Qiongxiao and Bixiao not to cause trouble during the Tribulation.
• Yunxiao, Qiongxiao, and Bixiao arrived at the Marquis of the East's Mansion, where Jiang Huanchu welcomed them and gave them a courtyard.
• Jiang Wenhuan was encouraged by the Three Sisters' arrival, while Jiang Huanchu restrained his ambitions and told him to strengthen the army.
• Gui Ling and Zhao Gongming joined the Marquis of the East, while the Sect of Interception chose Great Shang and Kong Xuan took command at Sanshan Pass.
• Hong Yun led the disciples of Buddhism to support E Chongyu, Human Teaching took in disciples, and Daoist Sect disciples scattered among the Vassal Lords.
• The Ten Golden Crows and many rogue cultivators entered the Virtual God Realm, leaving Great Shang's factions increasingly divided.

After Yuan Futong and his allies rebelled in the North Sea, Di Xin planned a swift campaign to crush them and strengthen Great Shang. He appointed Wen Zhong to lead the expedition, with Kong Xuan and Li Jing supporting him.

• Di Xin learned that Yuan Futong had raised a rebellion with seventy-two Human Race Vassal Lords and several hundred powerful Ten Thousand Spirits Tribes.
• Wen Zhong volunteered to lead the campaign, while Bi Gan urged Di Xin to send Huang Feihu instead.
• Di Xin decided that Wen Zhong was needed to defeat the rebels quickly and planned to reinforce him with troops from Sanshan Pass and Chentang Pass, the disciples of Ancestor of Literature, and his nephew.
• Di Xin appointed Wen Zhong commander-in-chief, Kong Xuan deputy commander, and Li Jing vanguard, ordering them to set out at once and return the North Sea to Great Shang's control.

Wen Zhong led Great Shang’s army out from Zhaoge to confront the Vassal Lords, while Di Xin warned him to report any danger. Styx and the others questioned Bi Gan and Shang Rong’s loyalties and decided to wait for events to reveal the truth.

• Di Xin hosted Wen Zhong and the generals at a farewell banquet, urged Wen Zhong to act swiftly, and promised reinforcements if needed.
• Wen Zhong accepted the imperial wine and led Great Shang’s army away from Zhaoge.
• Di Xin watched the army depart and declared that he would see which Vassal Lord could take his place.
• Nuwa asked Styx whether Bi Gan was loyal or treacherous, and Styx considered Bi Gan’s ties to Ji Chang and his repeated chances to claim the throne.
• Styx suspected that Shang Rong might also have a hidden agenda, but he and the others chose to let time reveal what was happening beneath Zhaoge.

Wen Zhong’s army joined forces with Li Jing’s and Kong Xuan’s legions as the Vassal Lords watched their advance toward the North Sea. Jiang Ziya and Shen Gongbao planned to publicly support Great Shang while secretly prolonging the rebellion, leaving Western Qi positioned to benefit from the conflict.

• Wen Zhong’s army advanced toward the North Sea, concealing its strength with a Military Formation that grew more imposing after Li Jing’s and Kong Xuan’s forces joined it.
• Jin Zha and Mu Zha drew attention with their Innate Spiritual Treasures, while Nezha, Yang Jiao, Yang Jian, and Yang Chan also stood out among the young generals.
• Jiang Ziya and Shen Gongbao sent Jin Zha and Mu Zha on the expedition to gauge Great Shang’s army and demonstrate Western Qi’s loyalty to Di Xin.
• Jiang Ziya and Shen Gongbao aimed to make Great Shang appear weak by prolonging the North Sea war and secretly supporting Yuan Futong’s side.
• Jiang Ziya and Shen Gongbao planned for Western Qi to intervene openly only after Great Shang had been worn down by repeated crises.

Nezha and the siblings Yang Jiao, Yang Jian, and Yang Chan joined Kong Xuan’s Great Shang forces, displaying an impressive array of Spiritual Treasures and powerful equipment. The chapter ended with Nezha and Yang Chan standing out as the army’s most lavishly equipped young fighters.

• Nezha appeared on the battlefield wearing and wielding numerous Spiritual Treasures, leaving onlookers envious but wary of his powerful background.
• Yang Jiao, Yang Jian, and Yang Chan joined Kong Xuan’s command after learning that their father, Yang Tianyou, was among the expedition’s disciples.
• Yang Jiao and Yang Jian arrived in powerful armor personally forged by Haotian, carrying their signature battlefield weapons.
• Yang Chan appeared with a Plain Immortal Robe, a Lotus Divine Lamp, and numerous Spiritual Treasures gifted by Wood Spirit and her senior siblings.
• Kong Xuan privately marveled that Nezha and Yang Chan possessed more Spiritual Treasures than even powerful immortals.

Wen Zhong led Great Shang’s army toward the North Sea rebellion, with Nezha and Yang Jian serving as vanguard officers and Yuan Hong joining Kong Xuan’s camp with his Grass Head Soldiers. The army camped at Great Shang’s border, where the generals debated how to respond to the rebellion and its possible hidden supporters.

• Nezha grew close to Yang Jian and the others, while his brothers Jin Zha and Mu Zha initially seemed like outsiders.
• Wen Zhong appointed Nezha as Vanguard Officer and paired him with Yang Jian, then led the army through Teleportation Arrays to the Great Shang border.
• Nezha and Yang Jian organized the construction of the military camp before Wen Zhong summoned the generals to discuss the campaign.
• Nezha urged the army to strike directly at the North Sea rebels, but Wen Zhong asked Kong Xuan for his assessment.
• Kong Xuan warned that Great Shang needed to crush the rebellion decisively because the Vassal Lords were watching.
• Yuan Hong explained how he and Yang Jian had fought, settled their dispute, and joined forces, then questioned why the army had not attacked the rebels’ heartland.

Yang Jian and the others discussed how the Marquis of the North might be involved in Yuan Futong’s rebellion and how to avoid letting him delay their campaign. Wen Zhong approved a plan to investigate the Marquis while secretly sending elite troops toward the North Sea, leaving the army prepared to act against him if he revealed hostile intent.

• Yang Jian suggested that Chonghou Hu might have instigated or supported Yuan Futong’s rebellion, and Wen Zhong agreed that the Marquis of the North posed a threat to the campaign.
• Li Jing warned that Great Shang could not attack Chonghou Hu without clear evidence of rebellion, while Nezha noted that this left the army in a difficult position.
• Wen Zhong explained that he had camped near the northern border to provoke Chonghou Hu into revealing his intentions.
• Kong Xuan offered to visit Chonghou Hu’s Mansion under the pretense of meeting his old acquaintance Chong Yingbiao, whom he had once taught martial arts.
• Yang Jian proposed using Nezha’s Chaos Tunic to conceal elite troops as they secretly advanced toward the North Sea while Kong Xuan drew attention to the main camp.
• Wen Zhong welcomed Yang Jian’s proposal, which would let the surprise force suppress the rebellion quickly and leave Great Shang able to act against Chonghou Hu if he intervened.