Arc 17The Western Chu Overlord

Xiang Yuan exposed the forces working against Western Chu, defeated the demon manipulating Great Awakening Temple, and helped secure Xiao Qian’s succession. He settled into his new Overlord Residence with Chan’er and the Xiao women, then turned his attention to turmoil in Southern Jin and Northern Qi.

  • Xiang Yuan sought alliances with Sword Heart Studio and White Cloud Manor, but learned that White Cloud Manor’s grandmasters were demons and that Forget Sword Manor served the mastermind.
  • With Bai Wuyan’s help, Xiang Yuan defeated the demons at White Cloud Manor, exposed their ties to the mastermind, and divided Forget Sword Manor’s seized assets among their allies.
  • Xiang Yuan was named the Western Chu Overlord, and his coalition backed Xiao Qian as crown prince while Great Awakening Temple’s support for Xiao Dong came under scrutiny.
  • Xiang Yuan and Ji Wuzhou exposed Self-Transforming Heaven’s possession of Abbot Huixing and destroyed the demon’s incarnations, ending the temple’s interference in Western Chu politics.
  • Sword Venerable Su Ran taught Xiang Yuan to understand and control his inner small world, then returned him to Shang Qingmeng and Ziping after keeping him at Sword Heart Studio for several days.
  • Xiang Yuan brought Chan’er to his Overlord Residence, where she and Xiao Lingyue fought and bickered over his other relationships.
  • Xiao He told Xiang Yuan that Southern Jin’s old emperor and several princes had died, and Xiang Yuan warned Shendu against intervening before asking Liu Che to restrain Northern Qi.
  • Liu Che refused Xiang Yuan’s request, and Xiang Yuan went to Bai Wuyan at White Lotus Palace, where she told him to cultivate before explaining his visit.
Chapters 402–426 Vol. 5 Read

Ch. 402He Slandered Me, He Slandered Me!

Xiang Yuan revealed that he and Xiao Lingyue were betrothed, leaving Xiao He stunned and determined to seek their mother’s help. He then told Xiao Lingyue about Xiao He’s secret cultivation and mission, before explaining that the Heavenly Emperor was behind the plot and that he planned to seek an alliance with Sword Heart Studio.

  • Xiang Yuan embraced Xiao Lingyue and revealed their betrothal, while Xiao He insisted that the two were deceiving him.
  • Xiang Yuan exposed Xiao He’s past role in introducing him to Chan’er and mentioned his marriage pact with Xiao Lingyan, prompting Xiao Lingyue to pull him into her room as Xiao He fled to find their mother.
  • Xiang Yuan told Xiao Lingyue that Xiao He had Spirit Transformation cultivation and was an Imperial City Directorate spy who had gone to Fengxian County on a mission.
  • Xiang Yuan explained that the Heavenly Emperor’s reincarnated body was the mastermind and described the Heavenly Sect’s plans to support King Zhao Residence and gather allies.
  • Xiang Yuan told Xiao Lingyue that he would visit Sword Heart Studio to seek an alliance with Sword Venerable Su Ran, and she warned him to be careful.

Ch. 403Let's See How You Die Today

Xiang Yuan visited Ziping to ask for her help entering Sword Heart Studio and gaining its support for King Zhao Residence. After Ziping took his blood medicine and brought him into the studio, Shang Qingmeng caught them and demanded an explanation about his betrothal to Xiao Lingyue.

  • Xiang Yuan found Ziping in her room and asked her to help him enter Sword Heart Studio as the Heavenly Sect’s Young Sect Master.
  • Ziping agreed to help in exchange for Xiang Yuan’s blood medicine, and he assisted her in refining it before they cultivated together.
  • Ziping used her sword technique to take Xiang Yuan into Sword Heart Studio and gave him a token for the Nine Absolute Sword Formation.
  • The formation transported Xiang Yuan and Ziping into its forbidden grounds, where Shang Qingmeng confronted them.
  • Shang Qingmeng focused on the rumors that Xiang Yuan was betrothed to two princesses, including Xiao Lingyue, and demanded the truth.

Ch. 404Heavenly Sect's Xiang Yuan Pays His Respects to the Sword Venerable

Shang Qingmeng learned that Xiang Yuan was betrothed to Xiao Lingyue of Unrivaled Palace and confronted him in Sword Heart Studio. Their battle tore through the Ninefold Absolute Grand Formation, and Xiang Yuan entered Sword Venerable Su Ran’s pocket realm to pay his respects while Shang Qingmeng pursued him.

  • Shang Qingmeng received White Cloud Manor’s letter revealing Xiang Yuan’s marriage ties to King Zhao Residence and Xiao Lingyue, then confronted him with the evidence.
  • Xiang Yuan blamed Ziping for exposing him, while Ziping and Qin Zhaorong traded accusations and Qin Zhaorong urged Shang Qingmeng to detain him for Sword Heart Studio’s benefit.
  • Shang Qingmeng attacked Xiang Yuan, activating the Ninefold Absolute Grand Formation, and Xiang Yuan countered with Nine Paths of Asking Heaven · Return to Ruins Without Question.
  • Xiang Yuan broke free of the sword realm and opened a rift into Sword Venerable Su Ran’s pocket realm, with Shang Qingmeng following him.
  • Xiang Yuan bowed before Sword Venerable Su Ran and introduced himself as Xiang Yuan of the Heavenly Sect while dodging Shang Qingmeng’s sword light.

Ch. 405Sword Venerable Su Ran: A joke, does my Sword Heart Studio still intend to keep you here?

Xiang Yuan visited Sword Heart Studio as a representative of the Heavenly Sect, where Sword Venerable Su Ran uncovered the unusual power of his blood medicine and the Celestial Emperor Dao Seed he carried. Su Ran refused to join the Heavenly Sect but revealed two of the mastermind’s pieces in Western Chu before imprisoning Xiang Yuan, leaving his freedom in Shang Qingmeng’s hands.

  • Shang Qingmeng attacked Xiang Yuan, and Sword Venerable Su Ran immobilized him so Shang Qingmeng could vent her grievances before explaining their relationship and her suspicions about Ziping.
  • Sword Venerable Su Ran drew blood from Xiang Yuan, confirmed that his blood medicine had advanced, and deduced that he carried the Heavenly Emperor’s blood and Bai Wuyan’s jade disc.
  • Xiang Yuan told Sword Venerable Su Ran about the Celestial Emperor Dao Seed, Ji Wuzhou, and the mastermind plotting against the world, then asked her to support the Heavenly Sect.
  • Sword Venerable Su Ran revealed that the Heavenly Sect was the prototype of the Heavenly Court and named Forget Sword Manor and White Cloud Manor as the mastermind’s pieces in Western Chu.
  • Sword Venerable Su Ran refused to support either side unless calamity threatened the common people, but detained Xiang Yuan in Sword Heart Studio and gave Shang Qingmeng a token that could free him.

Ch. 406Deep Night, Quiet Hours, Knocking Out and Stealing Medicine

Xiang Yuan tried to escape Sword Heart Studio, but Qin Zhaorong and Ziping helped summon Shang Qingmeng, who used him for cultivation before letting him leave with an entry-and-exit token. Sword Venerable Su Ran regretted his release and considered secretly knocking him out to extract more blood medicine.

  • Xiang Yuan remained detained in Sword Heart Studio until Qin Zhaorong visited and tried to bargain for the same treatment Ziping had received.
  • Xiang Yuan pinned Qin Zhaorong, then went to Ziping’s courtyard and triggered the summoning ritual by pressing her down on the couch.
  • Shang Qingmeng arrived, took Xiang Yuan into Ziping’s room, and later gave him a token allowing him to leave Sword Heart Studio.
  • Shang Qingmeng mocked Ziping, let Xiang Yuan go, and privately planned to lure him back for future cultivation.
  • Sword Venerable Su Ran regretted Shang Qingmeng’s decision and considered having Xiang Yuan knocked unconscious so she could secretly obtain his blood medicine.

Ch. 407The Three Pure Ones

Xiang Yuan reported Sword Heart Studio’s response to Xiao Lingyue, then learned from Bai Wuyan that his Celestial Emperor Dao Seed placed him on the Divine Path. After hearing that the Three Pure Ones defeated the Celestial Emperor, he left Unrivaled Palace and went to investigate White Cloud Manor.

  • Xiang Yuan returned to King Zhao Residence and told Xiao Lingyue that Sword Heart Studio’s grandmasters had challenged him, while Xiao Lingyue teased him about being drained and reacted unhappily to his engagement to Princess Harmony Mist.
  • Xiang Yuan reported Sword Venerable Su Ran’s ambiguous support and her warning that White Cloud Manor and Forgetting Sword Manor were pieces in the mastermind’s plans, then split the investigation with Broken Sampan’s master.
  • Bai Wuyan took Xiang Yuan to an Ancient Wilderness Realm grotto-heaven, where he absorbed its wood qi and strengthened his divine power and Primordial Spirit.
  • Bai Wuyan explained that Xiang Yuan’s Celestial Emperor Dao Seed put him on the Divine Path, described the conflict between immortals and gods, and said the Three Pure Ones had defeated the Celestial Emperor.
  • After Bai Wuyan detained him and used his blood and cultivation to refine her body, Xiang Yuan left Unrivaled Palace and disguised himself as Li Xianyuan to seek Yue Huanjiang at White Cloud Manor.

Ch. 408The World is a Giant Traveling Troupe

Xiang Yuan revealed to Yue Huanjiang and Qu Rou that he was Xiang Wentian and the Heavenly Sect’s Young Sect Master, then urged White Cloud Manor to support King Zhao Residence. He ended by confronting Qu Rou with the claim that the reincarnated Heavenly Emperor stood behind White Cloud Manor and Forget Sword Manor, leaving her and Yue Huanjiang stunned.

  • Xiang Yuan teased Yue Huanjiang about his awkward relationship with Qu Rou while Hongxiao and Qingli joined in the gossip.
  • Yue Huanjiang read the Daily Medicine News and learned that Xiang Yuan was Xiang Wentian, the grandmaster known as Heavenly King Himself.
  • Xiang Yuan announced that he was the Heavenly Sect’s Young Sect Master and persuaded Yue Huanjiang to take him into White Cloud Manor to meet Qu Rou.
  • Xiang Yuan revealed his identity to Qu Rou and urged her to have White Cloud Manor support King Zhao Residence.
  • Qu Rou said she needed to consult the elders, and Xiang Yuan claimed that Sword Venerable Su Ran had told him the reincarnated Heavenly Emperor directed both White Cloud Manor and Forget Sword Manor.

Ch. 409Not bringing an umbrella means encountering a snake demon, this is different from what the book said

Xiang Yuan confronted Qu Rou at White Cloud Manor, where she revealed herself and two other grandmasters to be powerful demons. After discovering that Yue Huanjiang was a snake demon, Xiang Yuan was left reeling from the revelation about his elder brother.

  • Xiang Yuan urged Qu Rou to abandon White Cloud Manor’s resistance and join forces against King Zhao Residence, but she refused and trapped him in the Cloud-Hidden Grand Array.
  • Qu Rou attacked Xiang Yuan with a seductive illusion, but he shattered it, injured her, and tore open the array to retrieve Bai Wuyan’s No Calamity Sword and Pure White Golden Wheel.
  • Qu Rou gathered Lian Song and Qing Zhuying in a hidden minor heavenly realm and broke the seals suppressing their demon power so they could confront Xiang Yuan.
  • Xiang Yuan searched White Cloud Manor, shrugged off Qu Rou’s ambush, and dragged her from a spatial rift before she escaped to join Lian Song and Qing Zhuying.
  • Xiang Yuan realized that White Cloud Manor’s grandmasters were demons and suspected Yue Huanjiang was one too; Qu Rou confirmed that Yue Huanjiang was a snake.

Ch. 410It's them, it's them who bullied me

Xiang Yuan fought Qu Rou, Lian Song, and Qing Zhuying at White Cloud Manor until Bai Wuyan arrived and defeated the three demons. As Bai Wuyan captured Qing Zhuying, the reincarnated body of the Heavenly Emperor appeared in the void above them.

  • Xiang Yuan fought the three demons, striking Lian Song back and trapping Qu Rou in illusions before Qing Zhuying healed them both.
  • Xiang Yuan summoned Bai Wuyan by throwing the No Calamity Sword into the air, and she joined the battle.
  • Bai Wuyan destroyed the Three Talents Array and gravely wounded Qu Rou and Lian Song with one sword strike.
  • Bai Wuyan used silver chains to bind Qing Zhuying and force her into her Qingluan form.
  • The reincarnated body of the Heavenly Emperor opened its eyes in the void and looked down at Bai Wuyan and Xiang Yuan.

Ch. 411Hope Everyone Is Okay

Bai Wuyan fought the hidden Heavenly Emperor reincarnation at Cloud-Hidden Peak, destroying White Cloud Manor’s stronghold and freeing its captives from teleportation. Xiang Yuan spared Qu Rou and Lian Song after arranging a marriage oath, then returned to the Heavenly Sect to check on Ji Wuzhou, where master and disciple traded secrets about White Cloud Manor and Forget Sword Manor.

  • Bai Wuyan shattered Cloud-Hidden Peak’s formation and fought the mastermind, who tried to teleport away the minor grotto-heaven and its occupants.
  • Bai Wuyan pursued the minor grotto-heaven and clashed with the mastermind in the eastern sky, while Xiang Yuan stopped her from killing Qu Rou and Lian Song.
  • Xiang Yuan accepted Qu Rou’s ransom and made her swear to marry Yue Huanjiang; Qu Rou left with Lian Song, while Qing Zhuying remained Bai Wuyan’s captive.
  • Bai Wuyan brought Xiang Yuan and Qing Zhuying to Unrivaled Palace, where she treated her injuries by drawing Xiang Yuan’s blood and told him to go to the Ancient Wilderness Realm.
  • Xiang Yuan went to the Heavenly Sect and found Ji Wuzhou injured; Xiang Yuan revealed that White Cloud Manor’s grandmasters were demons, and Ji Wuzhou said Forget Sword Manor’s people descended from Upper Zhou.

Ch. 412Thousand Mechanism Sword Tomb, Hundred Thousand Sword Peaks

Xiang Yuan divided the spoils from White Cloud Manor and Forget Sword Manor, informed Xiao Feng that Heavenly Sect now backed King Zhao Residence, and delivered Forget Sword Manor’s assets to Sword Heart Studio. He then joined Bai Wuyan in the Ancient Wilderness Realm, where she brought him to the Thousand Mechanism Sword Tomb to claim its Five Elements metal as she prepared to face the Wheel Prison Great Demon.

  • Ji Wuzhou gave Xiang Yuan the deeds and account books seized from Forget Sword Manor, and Xiang Yuan divided the assets among Heavenly Sect, Unrivaled Palace, and Sword Heart Studio.
  • Xiang Yuan told Xiao Feng that Heavenly Sect had switched its support to King Zhao Residence and explained that White Cloud Manor and Forget Sword Manor had been destroyed after their ties to the Demon Race and Upper Zhou were exposed.
  • Xiang Yuan gave Ziping Sword Heart Studio’s share of Forget Sword Manor’s assets, then left her disheveled when Shang Qingmeng arrived.
  • Xiang Yuan met Bai Wuyan at Unrivaled Palace and opened the Jambu Gate to the Ancient Wilderness Realm with her.
  • Bai Wuyan took Xiang Yuan to the Thousand Mechanism Sword Tomb, where Hundred Thousand Sword Peaks held the Five Elements metal, and told him to claim the opportunity while she held off the extraterritorial heavenly demons.

Ch. 413The Hegemon of Western Chu

Xiang Yuan refined the metal qi in the Thousand Mechanism Sword Tomb while Bai Wuyan fought off the Wheel Prison Great Demon and collected sword peaks. After they escaped his true body’s attack, Xiao Lingyue told Xiang Yuan that the Xiao Clan had made him a king and named him Ba.

  • Xiang Yuan entered the Thousand Mechanism Sword Tomb, refined its metal qi, and comprehended the Heavenfall Sword Strike as Bai Wuyan waited for the Wheel Prison Great Demon.
  • Wheel Prison Great Demon attacked, and Bai Wuyan repeatedly humiliated him before destroying his descending avatar’s head.
  • Xiang Yuan asked Bai Wuyan to take sword peaks for artifact refinement, and she collected three hundred before Wheel Prison Great Demon’s true body descended.
  • Xiang Yuan fled through the Jambu Gate, and Bai Wuyan followed after being struck; they entered the cold pool so she could recover.
  • Xiang Yuan met Xiao Lingyue, who told him the Xiao Clan had moved to Shendu and bestowed a kingship on him with the title Ba.

Ch. 414Don't Bully a Poor Youth, Don't Bully a Poor Middle-Aged Man, Don't Bully a Poor Old Man. Why Hasn't Hexi Arrived Yet?

Xiang Yuan learned that Xiao Dong had gained support as a candidate for Crown Prince and discussed the succession and the empress position with Xiao Lingyue. They visited Xiao He and Xu Jixian, where Xiang Yuan discovered he had been given two princely residences and heard that two princesses had already moved into his secondary palace.

  • Xiang Yuan complained about being titled the Western Chu Overlord, while Xiao Lingyue explained why the Xiao Clan would not retract the decree and questioned him about Bai Wuyan’s Qingluan bird.
  • Xiao Lingyue told Xiang Yuan that Xiao He and Xiao Dong were the remaining Crown Prince candidates, with Great Awakening Temple and some of Xiao Yan’s adopted sons supporting Xiao Dong.
  • Xiang Yuan and Xiao Lingyue discussed Xiao He’s lack of interest in the position and Cheng Yuling’s hopes of becoming Empress, before Xiang Yuan brought Xiao Lingyue to Shendu.
  • Xiang Yuan and Xiao Lingyue found Xiao Yan sneaking around the imperial palace’s rear quarters, and Xiao Lingyue alerted Cheng Yuling before pulling Xiang Yuan away.
  • Xiang Yuan arrived at Mind-Nourishing Manor and found Xiao He beating Xu Jixian, then joined them for barbecue and shared poisonous Southern Border mushrooms.
  • Xiao He told Xiang Yuan that he had been granted residences in Shendu and Zhendian Prefecture, and that two princesses had already moved into the secondary palace.

Ch. 415How Are You Like Your Master

Xiang Yuan and Xiao He discussed the crown-prince succession, while Xiao Yan and Xiao Qian struggled with the political pressures surrounding the choice. Xiang Yuan’s allies declared support for Xiao Qian, and the chapter ended with Xiao Lingyue sending Xiang Yuan to visit Xiao Lingyan and guide her cultivation.

  • At Mind-Nourishing Manor, Xiang Yuan told Xiao He he planned to support Xiao Qian as crown prince, and Xiao He admitted he did not want the position himself.
  • Xiao Yan was caught comforting the late Emperor’s consorts, and Xiao Qian reminded him that he needed to handle imperial affairs without relying on his son.
  • Xiao Qian explained that he considered himself unfit to be crown prince and thought Xiao He was a better choice, while Xiao Yan worried over the succession and the clan’s demands.
  • A message arrived declaring that the Heavenly Sect, Yellow Springs Dao, Unrivaled Palace, Sword Heart Studio, and Shendu Xiao Clan would support Xiao Qian as crown prince, while Great Awakening Temple would be persuaded to withdraw its support for Xiao Dong.
  • Xiang Yuan visited Xiao Lingyue, who told him about the other princess consort in his temporary palace and sent him to visit Xiao Lingyan to guide her cultivation.

Ch. 416Oops, I Forgot to Coax Her

Xiang Yuan helped Xiao Lingyan break through to Spirit Transformation, then asked Bai Wuyan about his newly formed inner world and the suspicious Great Awakening Temple. Bai Wuyan’s divination pointed to extraterrestrial heavenly demons, and Xiang Yuan tried to leave for the Heavenly Sect before realizing he had forgotten to coax her.

  • Xiang Yuan ate the heavenly treasures in Xiao Lingyan’s room and used his blood to help her reach the Spirit Transformation realm.
  • Xiang Yuan visited Bai Wuyan, who began reforging his Storm Mist Blade and confirmed that a small world had formed within him.
  • Bai Wuyan warned Xiang Yuan that Sword Venerable Su Ran might detain and refine him, and Xiang Yuan promised not to visit Sword Heart Studio.
  • Bai Wuyan divined that Great Awakening Temple was unrelated to the mastermind but found a connection to extraterrestrial heavenly demons.
  • Xiang Yuan announced that he would go to the Heavenly Sect, then saw Bai Wuyan’s cold reaction and realized he had forgotten to coax her.

Ch. 417Within Reclining Lotus Mountain, a Great Thousand Exists

Xiang Yuan and Ji Wuzhou traveled to Great Awakening Temple to investigate rumors that it was involved in a conspiracy, while Xiang Yuan planned to rely on Bai Wuyan if danger arose. At the Clearwater Lotus Pond, they met Abbot Huixing after Lingxiu revealed the temple’s defenses and secret techniques.

  • Xiang Yuan tended to Bai Wuyan, helped her dress, and left Unrivaled Palace after she allowed him to depart.
  • Xiang Yuan told Ji Wuzhou that Great Awakening Temple might be helping the mastermind behind the scenes destabilize Western Chu by interfering in the crown prince’s succession, and Ji agreed to investigate with him.
  • Xiang Yuan secretly prepared Bai Wuyan’s magical treasures as backup, while Ji Wuzhou’s divination convinced him that an Upper Three Realm helper was available.
  • Xiang Yuan and Ji Wuzhou climbed Reclining Lotus Mountain and entered Great Awakening Temple, where Lingxiu welcomed them on Abbot Huixing’s orders.
  • Lingxiu led the visitors toward the back mountain and explained the Buddha Kingdom Grand Formation and the Future Three Thousand Scrolls, while Ji Wuzhou revealed that Lingxiu was a prince of Northern Qi seeking to become abbot.
  • Lingxiu brought Xiang Yuan and Ji Wuzhou to the Clearwater Lotus Pond, where they saw Abbot Huixing seated beneath a bodhi tree.

Ch. 418To deal with these outer realm demons, there's no need for chivalry

Xiang Yuan and Ji Wuzhou confronted Abbot Huixing after learning that an Extraterritorial Heavenly Demon had possessed him, while Lingxiu fought to contain the demon inside the temple’s formation. When Xiang Yuan recognized the demon as Self-Transforming Heaven, he joined the battle, determined to kill it before it could abduct Chan'er again.

  • Huixing admitted that Self-Transforming Heaven had possessed him, explaining that he had lured a fated person to Great Awakening Temple for help.
  • Xiang Yuan recognized Self-Transforming Heaven as the demon that had once pursued Chan'er, and resolved to kill it.
  • Lingxiu kicked Huixing into the distance, then activated the Buddha Kingdom Grand Formation and fought the possessed abbot with the temple’s golden bodies.
  • Huixing countered the formation with the thirty-six Buddhas in his prayer beads, forcing Lingxiu to call on Ji Wuzhou and Xiang Yuan.
  • Ji Wuzhou split Huixing’s golden body with Regretless Blade, revealing the demon, while Xiang Yuan’s Merit Golden Wheel scorched away its demonic aura.
  • Self-Transforming Heaven recognized Xiang Yuan and demanded that he hand over the one of reincarnation, so Xiang Yuan ordered everyone to attack without regard for martial-world code.

Ch. 419Your Buddhist teachings are no good, they're male, afraid of me, a female

Xiang Yuan and Ji Wuzhou battled Other-Transformation Heaven inside Lingxiu’s Buddhist Kingdom formation, while Xiang Yuan’s power and Buddhist treasures overwhelmed the demon’s Buddha-demon techniques. Ji Wuzhou severed Other-Transformation Heaven’s connection to his true body and escape route, and Xiang Yuan destroyed the fused incarnation with Chaos Sword Qi.

  • Xiang Yuan opened the battle with the No Calamity Sword’s golden-crow sun, and Ji Wuzhou followed by cutting Other-Transformation Heaven apart as the Buddhist Kingdom formation contained the destruction.
  • Other-Transformation Heaven split into linked Buddha and demon incarnations, while Ji Wuzhou prepared to sever his retreat and Xiang Yuan attacked in Three Heads and Six Arms form.
  • Xiang Yuan’s strength overpowered Other-Transformation Heaven, and he fought Huixing’s Buddha body while using the golden lotus and other treasures to suppress Huixing’s Nine-Grade Lotus Platform.
  • Xiang Yuan crushed the Nine-Grade Lotus Platform, breaking Huixing’s Buddha Kingdom Pure Land and causing Huixing to spit golden blood.
  • Ji Wuzhou used Sever Reincarnation to cut off Other-Transformation Heaven’s connection to his true body and his return to the Dry Abyss Realm.
  • Xiang Yuan aligned the vertical eye with the Buddha and demon bodies and pierced Other-Transformation Heaven’s fused incarnation with Chaos Sword Qi.

Ch. 420Go, follow me to Sword Heart Studio

Xiang Yuan returned the magical treasures to Bai Wuyan, visited Xiao Feng to announce Abbot Huixing’s supposed nirvana, and then went with Ziping to Sword Heart Studio. He ended up in Shang Qingmeng’s arms while she punished Ziping, and his request to meet Sword Venerable Su Ran sparked a scandalous misunderstanding.

  • Xiang Yuan and Ji Wuzhou left Great Awakening Temple after Other-Transformation Heaven’s bodies were destroyed, and Ji Wuzhou vomited blood from the backlash before returning to Mahayana Mountain to recuperate.
  • Xiang Yuan returned Bai Wuyan’s treasures in person, then visited Xiao Feng and claimed that Abbot Huixing had entered nirvana after agreeing Great Awakening Temple would stop meddling in Western Chu’s politics.
  • Xiang Yuan watched Xiao Lingyue guide Xiao Lingyan in cultivation, then went to Bishui County and persuaded Ziping to take him to Sword Heart Studio.
  • Shang Qingmeng arrived while Xiang Yuan and Ziping were together, and Xiang Yuan blamed Ziping before Shang Qingmeng scolded them both and brought him back to Sword Heart Studio.
  • Shang Qingmeng used the mountain-protecting formation to keep Xiang Yuan at Sword Heart Studio and punished Ziping, while Xiang Yuan said he wanted to meet Sword Venerable Su Ran.
  • Shang Qingmeng misunderstood Xiang Yuan’s request as a desire to share intimacy with Su Ran, and Su Ran prepared to summon Shang Qingmeng and reprimand her.

Ch. 421Boasting, Disrespecting Elders, a Small Punishment, and Learn Your Lesson

Sword Venerable Su Ran abducted Xiang Yuan after overhearing Shang Qingmeng criticize her, then examined his medicinal blood and taught him a method for cultivating the Celestial Emperor’s inheritance. The chapter ended with Shang Qingmeng pounding on the Little Grotto-Heaven’s door, furious that Su Ran had taken Xiang Yuan inside.

  • Shang Qingmeng accused Xiang Yuan of knowingly offering himself to Sword Venerable Su Ran, while Ziping secretly listened to their gossip.
  • Sword Venerable Su Ran suddenly seized Xiang Yuan through twisted space and declared that she was punishing Shang Qingmeng for disrespecting her.
  • Su Ran brought Xiang Yuan to the Sword Pillar Forbidden Ground, rinsed him in the spirit spring, and secretly drank his medicinal blood while examining him.
  • Xiang Yuan asked Su Ran to explain the changes in the small world within his body, and she described her own world and the Celestial Emperor’s power.
  • Su Ran warned Xiang Yuan that pursuing the Celestial Emperor’s inheritance would draw greater attention, then passed on her cultivation method with a tap to his brow.
  • Shang Qingmeng and Ziping arrived outside the Little Grotto-Heaven, where Shang Qingmeng pounded on the door and demanded that Su Ran let her in.

Ch. 422Full and Satisfied, Feeling Sorry for My Disciple

Xiang Yuan cultivated the Dao Sword Realm under Sword Venerable Su Ran, who secretly drained his blood and kept him at Sword Heart Studio for days. After Shang Qingmeng retrieved him, Xiang Yuan visited Bai Wuyan and returned to Shendu, where he learned that Xiao Qian had become crown prince and prepared to move into his renovated princely residence.

  • Xiang Yuan projected his inner small world into the Little Grotto-Heaven and deepened his understanding of the laws of heaven and earth while learning the Dao Sword Realm from Sword Venerable Su Ran.
  • Sword Venerable Su Ran secretly drained Xiang Yuan's blood during his cultivation, then kept him at Sword Heart Studio for seven or eight days and taught him how to control his small world.
  • Sword Venerable Su Ran sent Xiang Yuan out to Shang Qingmeng, who accused her master of keeping him, while Ziping watched and later faced Shang Qingmeng's anger.
  • Xiang Yuan visited Bai Wuyan at Unrivaled Palace, received the reforged Storm Mist Blade, and concealed his time at Sword Heart Studio by blaming his absence on Xiao Lingyue.
  • Xiang Yuan returned to Shendu and learned from Xiao Lingyue that Xiao Qian had become crown prince, Cheng Yuling's position as empress was secure, and his princely residence in Zhendian Prefecture was ready.
  • Xiang Yuan decided to move into his residence immediately and told Xiao Lingyan that Chan'er, the Holy Maiden of Yellow Springs Dao, would be another elder sister.

Ch. 423The Weakling's Heart is Bitter, But the Weakling Doesn't Want to Speak

Xiang Yuan traveled south with his cavalry, collected gifts, and visited Chan'er at Yellow Springs Dao to ask her to move to the Overlord Residence as his wife. After she agreed, he continued to Fengxian County, where he reunited with former colleagues and reminded Old Liu of the advice that had once guided him.

  • Xiang Yuan rode into Earth Dragon Fort with the Overlord Iron Cavalry and brushed aside the fort's lord and leaders.
  • Chan'er waited eagerly for Xiang Yuan, while Zuo Lengxie ordered Yellow Springs Dao not to resist his arrival.
  • Xiang Yuan told Chan'er he wanted to take her home, and she agreed before questioning him about the women already living at the Overlord Residence.
  • Xiang Yuan explained his marriage contract with Xiao Lingyan, and Chan'er grew wary of joining the Xiao women at the residence.
  • Three days later, Xiang Yuan reached Fengxian County, where Sima Changhui and the county officials welcomed him.
  • Xiang Yuan recognized Liu Jingsheng, recalled Old Liu's advice about seizing good fortune, and said he still owed him silver.

Ch. 424If Others Respect Me One Foot, I'll Respect Them Ten

Xiang Yuan returned to Dezhou to repay the people who had helped him, arranging a martial arts master for Old Liu’s daughter and gifts for Lu Ming and Zhang Celiang. Back at the Overlord Residence, Chan’er and Xiao Lingyue faced off while Xiang Yuan watched with Xiao Lingyan, and the two women began fighting.

  • Xiang Yuan repaid Old Liu’s favor by arranging for Mingxia of the Heavenly Sect to teach Old Liu’s daughter, and he awakened Liu Jingsheng’s saber intent.
  • Xiang Yuan visited Lu Ming at the Martial Arts School and arranged wealth for his old instructor through Shendu.
  • Xiang Yuan stayed at Sea Gathering Manor, thanked Zhang Celiang for his past help, and left him a saber technique.
  • Chan’er arrived at the Overlord Residence in a grand procession and complained about the halls until Xiang Yuan teased her into taking back her demands.
  • Xiao Lingyue and Chan’er confronted each other at the residence while Xiang Yuan sat with Xiao Lingyan and explained their past closeness.
  • Xiao Lingyue and Chan’er began fighting as Xiang Yuan watched from a distance.

Ch. 425Xiao Lingyue: I Originally Liked My Sister Quite a Bit

Xiao Lingyue and Chan'er fought through Xiang Yuan’s layered spatial restrictions while he indulged Xiao Lingyan and teased both women. After the household settled into its familiar rivalry, Xiao He arrived with news that Southern Jin’s old emperor and several princes had died in the same manner as Western Chu’s late emperor.

  • Xiao Lingyue and Chan'er battled with their linked powers, and Xiao Lingyue broke through Chan’er’s Reincarnation Six Paths Grand Array into another spatial battlefield.
  • Xiang Yuan kissed and flirted with Xiao Lingyan, prompting Xiao Lingyue and Chan'er to stop fighting briefly before resuming their rivalry at the residence.
  • Chan'er tried to use the Ancient Mirror of Reincarnation against Xiao Lingyan, but Xiao Lingyue restrained her and Xiang Yuan continued to favor Chan’er.
  • Xiang Yuan and the women shared dinner, while Xiao Lingyue and Chan'er continued their bickering and fighting around the household.
  • Xiao He arrived at Overlord Residence, and Xiang Yuan learned that Southern Jin’s old emperor and several princes had died in a manner matching the deaths in Western Chu.

Ch. 426So This is the Unrivaled Palace

Xiang Yuan learned that Southern Jin had collapsed into a succession struggle after its emperor and most of the imperial clan died, and he tried to keep Northern Qi from exploiting the chaos. He then went to Unrivaled Palace to find Bai Wuyan, but their reunion turned into cultivation before he could explain his purpose.

  • Xiang Yuan heard from Xiao He that Southern Jin's six Noble Families had divided their support among three surviving princes and that the court was in chaos.
  • Xiang Yuan asked Xiao He to warn Shendu against coveting Southern Jin, then traveled to Tai'an Prefecture to ask Liu Che to hold Northern Qi back.
  • Liu Che refused to restrain Northern Qi again, and Xiang Yuan left without negotiating a marriage alliance.
  • Xiang Yuan found Bai Wuyan in White Lotus Palace studying her Immaculate White Lotus alongside Qing Zhuying.
  • Bai Wuyan sent Xiang Yuan away briefly, then brought him back and told him to cultivate before he could explain why he had come.
Arc 17 of 23