Chapter Summaries

Xiao Ling and his companions dismantled the Dou Saint Skeleton and discovered that three of its ribs held fragments of a Heaven Grade Fighting Skill. He found the inscriptions were sealed and incomplete, so the group planned to investigate them further after returning.

• Xiao Ling stored the damaged Half-Saint Puppet and cautiously sent Heaven Grade Puppets to approach the Dou Saint Skeleton.
• The puppets dismantled the skeleton into scattered bones without triggering any hidden danger.
• Xiao Ling searched the bones with Soul Power and found strange inscriptions on one rib, then Xiao Yi Xian provided a second inscribed rib.
• Zi Yan found a third rib, and Xiao Ling recognized that the three ribs contained incomplete fragments of a Heaven Grade Fighting Skill.
• Xiao Ling tried to probe the inscriptions with Soul Power but found the ribs sealed, so he decided to study them after returning.

Xiao Ling postponed studying the sealed Heaven Grade Great Creation Palm and decided to leave the ruins after learning that factions were gathering outside. He hid the women in his Portable Space, disguised himself with Yao Chen’s black robe, and prepared to confront the gathered forces for their treasures.

• Xiao Ling explained that the Great Creation Palm was sealed and would require careful study before the women could cultivate it.
• After Xiao Yi Xian questioned his haste, Xiao Ling revealed that forces had gathered around the Skeleton Mountain Range and said they needed to leave quickly.
• Xiao Ling opened a Space Passage and sent Zi Yan, Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, and Qing Lin into his Portable Space.
• Xiao Ling put on Yao Chen’s concealing black robe and secretly headed for the ruins’ exit, intending to rob the factions outside if he could handle them.
• Xiao Ling observed the gathered human and Magical Beast forces and judged that their experts were few enough for him to take them on.
• Xiao Ling summoned the Destiny Talisman imprinted from the Devouring Ancestor Talisman.

Xiao Ling secretly positioned the Destiny Talisman, then a black barrier spread across the Skeleton Mountain Range and began draining its energy. The gathered factions failed to stop it with a combined attack, leaving everyone trapped beneath an expanding curtain of darkness.

• Xiao Ling sent the Destiny Talisman out of the ruins and placed it where he intended, anticipating the spectacle to come.
• Feng Tian sensed an unusual darkness and unease, but the Nine Nether Nether Python Clan elder dismissed his concerns as the factions awaited the ruins to open.
• A black barrier rapidly spread across the Skeleton Mountain Range, and Feng Tian warned that it was absorbing the surrounding natural energy.
• Feng Tian ordered the factions to combine their forces and attack the barrier, while the Nine Nether Nether Python Clan and Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan formed their respective arrays.
• The clans' serpent and phoenix attacks were swallowed by a Black Hole in the barrier, which grew stronger as it consumed their energy.
• The barrier covered the entire region and blocked out the sunlight, leaving the factions frightened and unable to stop its expansion.

Xiao Ling’s black-robed forces attacked the factions trapped beneath the ancient barrier, overwhelming them with superior numbers and strength. As Elder Feng Tian prepared to fight to the death, Xiao Ling appeared behind him and pierced his chest, leaving Feng Tian to recognize the famed prodigy before dying.

• Xiao Ling watched from outside the barrier as the trapped factions despaired, unable to contact the outside world.
• Countless black-robed figures emerged from vortices in the barrier and launched a sudden assault on the people below.
• The trapped factions struggled against the attackers, whose Dou Venerate strength and relentless attacks inflicted heavy casualties.
• Elder Feng Tian’s Demon Phoenix Bell cracked under the assault, and he resolved to risk his life fighting back.
• Xiao Ling suddenly pierced Feng Tian’s chest from behind, and the dying elder recognized him as the Middle Continent’s renowned prodigy and alchemist.

Xiao Ling killed the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan elder and oversaw the massacre of the factions trapped in the Ancient Ruins before leaving the Skeleton Mountain Range with Void Dragon and reuniting with Zi Yan and the other women. He then traveled to Dark Abyss Ghost Valley to check on Banner Slaves he had infiltrated into a Soul Hall branch.

• Xiao Ling pulled the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan elder's Eighth Rank Monster Core from his body, killed him, and stored his corpse.
• The Banner Slaves slaughtered the trapped Magical Beasts and human cultivators, and Xiao Ling left the mountain range after the barrier faded.
• Void Dragon arrived, accepted high-grade medicinal ingredients from Xiao Ling, and carried him away from the Skeleton Mountain Range.
• Xiao Ling released Zi Yan and the other three women from his Portable Space and told them it was time to return to the Northwest Continent.
• Xiao Ling arrived at Dark Abyss Ghost Valley and headed toward the Soul Hall branch to check on the Banner Slaves he had placed inside the organization.

Xiao Ling visited the Soul Hall branch in Dark Abyss Ghost Valley and collected the Soul Origin gathered by his Banner Slaves. The Spirit of the Ancestor Stone offered to purify it, and Xiao Ling handed the Soul Origin over for processing.

• Xiao Ling entered the Soul Hall branch, bypassing its defenses and meeting the Banner Slaves who served him there.
• Azure Sea Venerate presented Xiao Ling with the branch’s accumulated Soul Origin, and Xiao Ling promised to reward the Banner Slaves with Soul Bodies to strengthen them.
• Xiao Ling sensed that the Soul Origin held lingering negative emotions and considered refining it with his Heavenly Flames before absorbing it.
• The Spirit of the Ancestor Stone warned Xiao Ling that someone had tampered with the Soul Origin and offered to purify it.
• Xiao Ling accepted the Spirit of the Ancestor Stone’s help and drew the sphere of Soul Origin into his body.

Xiao Ling secured the Soul Hall operation, then traveled with Zi Yan and the others back toward the Black Corner Region. As the group neared Jia Nan Academy, the story showed how the academy had flourished in his absence and celebrated his achievements.

• Xiao Ling had the Ancestral Stone Spirit purify the Soul Origin, discussed Soul Hall plans with Azure Sea Venerate, and sent him to place Dou Venerate Banner Slaves inside Soul Hall.
• Xiao Ling rejoined Zi Yan and the others, gave them an excuse for his absence, and continued with them toward the Northwest Continent.
• Xiao Ling and Zi Yan rode Void Dragon through a black storm, which quieted as Void Dragon passed, and Xiao Yi Xian recognized that they were nearing the Black Corner Region.
• The chapter described how Jia Nan Academy had grown into the Black Corner Region's dominant force, attracting students and Alchemists in part because of Xiao Ling's reputation.
• During Jia Nan Academy's celebration for new students and advancing Inner Academy students, newcomers discussed Xiao Ling's statue and accomplishments.
• Su Qian watched the ceremony and reflected proudly on Xiao Ling's success as champion of the Alchemist Convention and refiner of a nine-colored Eighth-grade Pill.

Xiao Ling, Zi Yan, Xiao Yi Xian, Qing Lin, and Medusa returned to Jia Nan Academy, where Su Qian, Hu Gan, Elder Huo, Xiao Yu, and Hu Jia welcomed them. As the reunion unfolded, Xiao Ling quietly reassured Medusa when she felt out of place.

• Su Qian, Hu Gan, and Elder Huo discussed their work at the academy while Xiao Yu and Hu Jia arrived to report that the new-student intake preparations were complete.
• Xiao Yu and Hu Jia teased each other about their feelings for Xiao Ling as the academy elders watched with knowing smiles.
• Xiao Ling and Zi Yan emerged from a Space Passage, surprising Su Qian and the others with their return.
• Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin joined the greetings, and Hu Gan and Elder Huo praised Xiao Ling’s achievements in the Central Plains.
• Su Qian teased Zi Yan about her height, prompting laughter and an indignant protest from her.
• Medusa felt like an outsider during the reunion until Xiao Ling took her hand, and she clasped his hand in return.

Xiao Ling and his companions reunited with Jia Nan Academy’s elders and revealed that they had all reached the Dou Venerate Realm, delighting the academy leaders. They discussed Zi Yan’s reunion with the Ancient Void Dragon Clan and their travels in the Central Plains, then planned to stay at the academy for a while to handle their affairs.

• Su Qian left Hu Gan to oversee the new student selection while he led Xiao Ling and the others from the platform, and Hu Gan stopped the remaining elders from leaving him alone.
• Xiao Ling told Su Qian and the elders that he and his companions had reached the Dou Venerate Realm, earning their astonished praise and pride.
• Zi Yan said the Ancient Void Dragon Clan had taken her back, though she had not yet seen her parents and trouble had arisen within the clan.
• Zhu Kun sensed an unexplained unease outside Tou She Ancient God's Cave Mansion, then blamed Tou She Ancient God and struck the mansion with his tail.
• Xiao Ling and his companions shared stories about the Central Plains with Su Qian, Xiao Yu, Hu Jia, and the others as the day passed.
• Xiao Ling said the group would stay at Jia Nan Academy for a while and offered to refine pills for the elders.

Xiao Ling and his companions returned to Jia Nan Academy’s Inner Academy, where they reunited with its familiar grounds and settled into their old courtyard. As Xiao Ling rested in his room, the Spirit of the Ancestor Stone appeared and revealed a large sphere of soul light, leaving its purpose unexplained.

• Xiao Ling and his companions rode a Griffon Beast back toward the Inner Academy with First Elder Su Qian and other elders.
• Su Qian opened the spatial gate, and Xiao Ling’s group entered the Inner Academy, where Su Qian told them the Supreme Freedom Gate remained its strongest faction.
• Xiao Ling and the others returned to their old courtyard, and Xiao Ling encouraged everyone to rest and enjoy their time back in the Northwest Continent.
• The Spirit of the Ancestor Stone appeared in Xiao Ling’s room and raised a sphere of soul light before him.

Xiao Ling absorbed the purified Soul Origin in seclusion, aiming to break through to the Great Talisman Sect, while the Spirit of the Ancestor Stone shielded the courtyard and Xiao Yi Xian and the others kept visitors away. Nearly a month later, Xiao Ling remained in cultivation, and Elder Huo was eager to seek his guidance on an opportunity to advance his Alchemy Art.

• Xiao Ling absorbed the Soul Origin, and the eight Destiny Talismans in his Niwan Palace devoured the incoming soul power, with the Devouring Ancestor Talisman imprint absorbing the most.
• The Spirit of the Ancestor Stone raised an isolation barrier around the courtyard and told Xiao Yi Xian and the other women that Xiao Ling was safe and should not be disturbed.
• Xiao Yi Xian and the others agreed to guard Xiao Ling's seclusion and turn away anyone who came to see him.
• Xiao Ling cultivated without moving for nearly a month, while Xiao Yi Xian and the others repeatedly turned away visiting Inner Academy elders, including Su Qian and Elder Huo.
• Elder Huo told Su Qian that Xiao Ling's Alchemist's Notes had inspired him to pursue a breakthrough in his Alchemy Art, and he lamented that Xiao Ling was still in seclusion.

Xiao Ling broke through to the Great Talisman Sect, triggering a Wind Thunder Tribulation that threatened Jia Nan Academy. He relocated to a mountain in the Magical Beast Mountain Range, where the tribulation began as the academy watched from afar.

• Su Qian and Elder Huo discussed Xiao Ling's cultivation as ominous clouds gathered over Jia Nan Academy.
• Zi Yan, Xiao Yi Xian, Medusa, and Qing Lin suspected Xiao Ling's cultivation was causing the heavenly disturbance and worried about his emergence.
• The Spirit of the Ancestor Stone concealed Xiao Ling's surging Spiritual Power as he broke through to the Great Talisman Sect.
• The Spirit of the Ancestor Stone warned Xiao Ling that his Wind Thunder Tribulation could devastate the academy and urged him to relocate using Space Power.
• Xiao Ling and the Spirit of the Ancestor Stone transported themselves to a mountain in the Magical Beast Mountain Range before the tribulation descended.
• Lightning erupted over the mountain, and Jia Nan Academy's students and elders watched the terrifying disturbance from the academy.

Xiao Ling confronted a terrifying lightning tribulation above the Magical Beast Mountain Range and used it to temper his Azure Heaven Dragon Transformation Art. As Jia Nan Academy watched in alarm, he endured devastating injuries while guiding the lightning with his Destiny Talismans.

• A vast lightning tribulation gathered over the Magical Beast Mountain Range, and Jia Nan Academy disciples saw a lone figure fly toward it.
• Su Qian, Elder Huo, Zi Yan, and Xiao Yi Xian suspected the figure was Xiao Ling, while guardians Qian Mu and Bai Lie discussed the stranger's power and Xiao Ling's return to the academy.
• Xiao Ling entered the Thunder Sea, transformed his body, and used his lightning and devouring Destiny Talismans to control and absorb the tribulation's energy.
• The Spirit of the Ancestor Stone warned Xiao Ling that the lightning could destroy him, but Xiao Ling insisted he could survive and wanted to temper his Azure Heaven Dragon Transformation Art.
• The lightning ravaged Xiao Ling, cracking his scales and skin and leaving him bloodied as he continued enduring the tribulation.

Xiao Ling endured the Great Floating Bell’s Wind Thunder Tribulation for hours, using its destruction and his rapid recovery to strengthen his body, cultivation, and dragon scales. As the lightning faded and onlookers failed to see what had caused it, the Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda opened at Jia Nan Academy and eager students rushed inside.

• Xiao Ling faced the Wind Thunder Tribulation without defenses or pain-relieving pills, enduring repeated injuries and healing as the lightning tempered his body.
• The lightning awakened residual medicinal power in Xiao Ling, strengthened his Dou Qi and dragon scales, and formed mysterious azure dragon markings across his shoulders and back.
• The Spirit of the Ancestor Stone witnessed Xiao Ling's endurance and recognized his recovery and determination as the reasons he survived the tribulation.
• The tribulation raged for hours before weakening, while onlookers from Jia Nan Academy and across the Black Corner Region watched from afar and speculated about its cause.
• The Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda opened, and Jia Nan Academy disciples hurried inside to cultivate with the friendly infant Fallen Heart Flame.

Xiao Ling brought Zi Yan to the bottom of the Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda and led her into the Underground Magma World, where he believed a hidden opportunity awaited. As they traveled deep through the magma, Zi Yan realized their destination was far below and might conceal something extraordinary.

• Xiao Ling and Su Qian discussed how the growing Inner Academy student population had made cultivation spots in the Heavenly Flame Refining Pagoda scarce.
• Xiao Ling, Zi Yan, and Su Qian arrived at the pagoda’s bottom, where Xiao Ling kept the purpose of the trip secret from Zi Yan.
• Su Qian opened the passage to the Underground Magma World and warned Xiao Ling and Zi Yan about the Flame Lizardmen below.
• Xiao Ling shielded Zi Yan from the magma’s heat with the Bone Spirit Cold Flame and led her deeper into the underground sea.
• After traveling for a long time without reaching their destination, Zi Yan realized the vast depths might hide a powerful opportunity.

Xiao Ling and Zi Yan encountered the Flame Lizardmen while descending through the Underground Magma World, and Zi Yan fought them to test her strength. After Zi Yan unleashed her Heavenly Rank skill and devastated the area, Xiao Ling praised her as they continued onward.

• Zi Yan sensed approaching creatures, and Xiao Ling identified them as Flame Lizardmen inhabiting the Underground Magma World.
• Dozens of Flame Lizardmen approached, and Zi Yan accepted Xiao Ling's challenge to fight them while he cleared the surrounding magma.
• Zi Yan transformed, equipped her gauntlets, and killed several Flame Lizardmen with attacks imbued with Space Power.
• Zi Yan unleashed her Heavenly Rank Fighting Skill, Dragon Emperor Otherworld, collapsing space and destroying the remaining Flame Lizardmen's position.
• At Tou She Ancient God's Cave Mansion, Zhu Kun awoke and wondered whether he had sensed an illusion.
• Zi Yan asked Xiao Ling for praise after her attack, and he congratulated her on the display of strength.

Xiao Ling and Zi Yan traveled deeper into the Underground Magma World, where two Half-Saint Flame Lizardmen warned them away from the Graveyard of Gods. Xiao Ling fought back with his Spiritual Power and Heavenly Flames, leaving the two leaders struggling to withstand his attack.

• Zi Yan thanked Xiao Ling for the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, and the two shared a kiss while his barrier kept the returning magma at bay.
• Xiao Ling and Zi Yan pressed deeper into the Underground Magma World, where Xiao Ling defeated the Flame Lizardmen they encountered and collected their Fire Pearls.
• Two Half-Saint Flame Lizardmen blocked the way and warned Xiao Ling and Zi Yan not to enter the Graveyard of Gods or awaken its Guardian.
• Xiao Ling rejected the warning, and the enraged Flame Lizardmen launched an attack; he set Zi Yan aside and faced them alone.
• Xiao Ling used his Spiritual Power to freeze the two Half-Saints in midair, then unleashed Heavenly Flames that burned through the surrounding Flame Lizardmen while the leaders struggled to endure.

Xiao Ling defeated the two Half-Saint Flame Lizardmen and traveled with Zi Yan through the Underground Magma World toward Tou She Ancient God's Cave Mansion. They reached its bronze gate and discovered an enormous purple-gold creature coiled in the darkness beyond it.

• Xiao Ling shattered the two Half-Saint Flame Lizardmen with Space Rifts and collected their Fire Pearls.
• Xiao Ling returned to Zi Yan, and they continued through the magma while he worried about meeting Dragon Emperor Zhu Kun.
• Xiao Ling and Zi Yan entered a dark, silent expanse where the magma ended, then followed a distant light.
• Xiao Ling and Zi Yan found the bronze gate inscribed with “Ancient Emperor's Cave Mansion,” and Xiao Ling warned Zi Yan not to look directly at the characters.
• Zi Yan spotted an enormous purple-gold creature coiled motionlessly in the void beyond the gate.

Xiao Ling and Zi Yan encountered Zhu Kun, who recognized Zi Yan as his daughter and transformed into human form. Zi Yan struggled to accept him and wept over her lonely childhood, while Zhu Kun apologized for being absent and tried to comfort her.

• Zi Yan noticed the resemblance between the mysterious creature’s scales and an Ancient Void Dragon, while the Spirit of the Ancestor Stone warned Xiao Ling that Zhu Kun was a peak Dou Saint and sensed a blood connection to Zi Yan.
• Zhu Kun awakened, asked whether Xiao Ling and Zi Yan possessed the ancient jade, and threatened them when Xiao Ling said they did not.
• Zhu Kun sensed Zi Yan’s bloodline and recognized her as his child, and Zi Yan was stunned and denied that she had a father.
• Zhu Kun changed into human form and tried to approach Zi Yan, who asked whether he was truly her father and then angrily rejected his mention of her mother.
• Zi Yan broke down in tears, and Zhu Kun blamed Tou She Ancient God for trapping him and apologized to her, promising to do whatever she asked.

Xiao Ling and Zi Yan reunited with Zhu Kun, who began to earn Zi Yan’s trust and learned about her relationship with Xiao Ling. After hearing about the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit and the Ancient Dragon Clan’s division, Zhu Kun learned how much the clan had changed during his long imprisonment and vowed to deal with the rebels once he escaped.

• Zi Yan gradually softened toward Zhu Kun, asked why he had been absent since her birth, and heard how Tou She Ancient God had trapped him while he sought a way to reach the Dou Emperor realm.
• Zi Yan asked Zhu Kun for a gift; he offered to teach her the Ancient Void Dragon Clan’s Dragon Emperor techniques and explained that the Cave Mansion’s opening was tied to the restriction keeping him imprisoned.
• Xiao Ling asked about the Cave Mansion’s chance to become an Emperor, and Zhu Kun confirmed it existed while withholding its deeper secrets; he then questioned Xiao Ling about his relationship with Zi Yan.
• Xiao Ling explained that he and Zi Yan had grown close through years of shared experiences, and Zi Yan recounted their past as Zhu Kun gradually accepted their bond.
• Zi Yan told Zhu Kun about the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit, and Xiao Ling explained that Zhu Li of East Dragon Island had taken it back to the Ancient Dragon Clan.
• Zi Yan described the Ancient Dragon Clan’s split and the three elders’ rule, prompting Zhu Kun to erupt in anger and vow to punish those who had rebelled against his authority.