Chapter Summaries

Wu Tao received the complete Six Yang Li Fire True Technique and began studying it while discussing a new cultivation technique with Chen Yao. After meeting Feng Yuan, he learned that the Ethereal Void Sect had 132 Foundation Establishment cultivators and seven Golden Core Masters.

• After Wu Tao completed an immortal oath, Liu Sishu gave him a copied manuscript of the Six Yang Li Fire True Technique to copy and study.
• Wu Tao entered a cultivation room and began comprehending the full Foundation Establishment technique, which covered the first through ninth levels but not Golden Core Formation.
• Wu Tao and Chen Yao discussed replacing their current techniques, and Chen Yao planned to cripple her cultivation and restart using the Ethereal Void Qi Refining Technique.
• Feng Yuan visited Wu Tao, gave him Tier 2 Red Essence Iron as a congratulatory gift, and said that six rogue cultivators would be among the sect's Foundation Establishment cultivators after Wu Tao joined.
• Feng Yuan told Wu Tao that the Ethereal Void Sect had 132 Foundation Establishment cultivators and seven Golden Core Masters.

Wu Tao settled into his cave abode, met visiting Foundation Establishment cultivators, and learned that the Artifact Refining Hall had invited him to a welcome ceremony. As Zhao Zhen escorted him there, Wu Tao learned the hall had no Tier 4 Artifact Refiners, leaving him puzzled about how Nascent Soul True Lords obtained their magic tools.

• Feng Yuan told Wu Tao about the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the sect and mentioned that Senior Brother Qin was away on a mission in the Heavenly Gate Region.
• Feng Yuan left, and Wu Tao and Chen Yao explored their cave abode, made dinner, and spent the evening together.
• Over the next three days, Li Zhi, Guan Peng, and other Foundation Establishment cultivators visited Wu Tao.
• Zhao Zhen arrived and brought Wu Tao to the Artifact Refining Hall for a welcome ceremony with the other Tier 2 Artifact Refiners.
• Zhao Zhen told Wu Tao that the hall had six other Tier 2 Artifact Refiners and that the Hall Master was its only Tier 3 Artifact Refiner.
• Zhao Zhen said none of the seven major sects had a Tier 4 Artifact Refiner, leaving Wu Tao wondering where Nascent Soul True Lords got their magic tools.

Wu Tao joined the Artifact Refining Hall and met its members, including Zhang Ming, who was shocked to learn that Han Fan had become a Tier 2 Artifact Refiner. Hall Master Wen Xingrui examined Wu Tao’s Geomagnetic Spell Sword and assigned him to study under Zhao Zhen.

• Wu Tao followed Zhao Zhen to Artifact Refining Immortal Peak and encountered Zhang Ming, who blurted out his old name, Little Han.
• Fan Zhifeng corrected Zhang Ming’s manners, and Wu Tao explained how Zhang Ming had helped him learn artifact refining.
• Wu Tao entered the main hall, greeted Hall Master Wen Xingrui, and was introduced to the Artifact Refining Hall’s Tier 1 disciples as Martial Uncle Han.
• Zhao Zhen introduced Wu Tao to the other Tier 2 Artifact Refiners and asked him to present his Geomagnetic Spell Sword for inspection.
• Wen Xingrui praised parts of Wu Tao’s work, pointed out flaws from his rogue cultivator background, and ordered him to study under Zhao Zhen.

Wu Tao began rebuilding his artifact-refining foundation at the Ethereal Void Sect while settling an obligation to Zhou Zhongguan. The chapter ended with Hong Tiebao telling him that his initiation ceremony would be held at Ethereal Void Immortal Peak in a month, possibly attended by the Sect Leader.

• Zhao Zhen gave Wu Tao a comprehensive collection of tier 1 artifact-refining books and a sword letter for sending messages.
• Wu Tao studied the books, and Zhang Ming brought him lunch and renewed their friendship.
• Wu Tao asked Zhao Zhen to help bring Zhou Jinquan to the Artifact Refining Hall, and Zhao Zhen arranged for a disciple to fetch him.
• Hong Tiebao told Wu Tao that the General Affairs Hall had scheduled his initiation ceremony for a month later at Ethereal Void Immortal Peak, where the Sect Leader might attend.

Wu Tao prepared for his initiation into the Ethereal Void Sect while arranging for Zhou Zhongguan’s son, Zhou Jinquan, to study artifact refining at the sect. After Zhou Jinquan arrived, Wu Tao considered his promise to Zhou Zhongguan fulfilled and the karma settled.

• Hong Tiebao told Wu Tao that the Ethereal Void Sect leader planned to attend his initiation ceremony, and Wu Tao continued alternating between studying cultivation techniques and artifact refining.
• Zhou Zhongguan waited for news from Han Fan and had his son Zhou Jinquan study artifact refining while Xu Zhongze visited his shop.
• An Artifact Refining Hall disciple brought Zhou Zhongguan news that Zhou Jinquan would be taken to the sect, and Zhou Zhongguan told Xu Zhongze that Han Fan was now a Tier 2 Artifact Refiner.
• Five days later, Meng Haoting brought Zhou Jinquan to Wu Tao at the Artifact Refining Hall Library, where Wu Tao urged him to study diligently and had Meng Haoting settle him in.
• Wu Tao reflected that he had fulfilled his promise to Zhou Zhongguan and settled that piece of karma.

Wu Tao comprehended the Six Yang Li Fire True Technique and began cultivating with Magic Power Pills as he prepared to join the Ethereal Void Sect. The chapter ended with him arriving at his initiation ceremony before Sect Leader Ning Qiudao.

• Wu Tao collected five wisps of Source Qi of Spells from his cave abode and considered how to repay Zhang Shenghong while preparing to condense a spirit body.
• Wu Tao comprehended the Six Yang Li Fire True Technique and found that Magic Power Pills made cultivation faster than spirit stones or ambient spiritual power.
• On the day of his initiation ceremony, Wu Tao and Chen Yao dressed for the occasion, and Hong Tiebao escorted them to Ethereal Void Immortal Peak.
• Wu Tao walked up the red-carpeted path past envious Qi Refining disciples and saw Chen Yao, Feng Yuan, and other Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered at the summit.
• Wu Tao recognized the dignified man in the golden robe beside Wen Xingrui as Ethereal Void Sect Leader Ning Qiudao.

Wu Tao completed his initiation ceremony into the Ethereal Void Sect, passed the Demon-Slaying Elder’s inspection, and received a generous exchange talisman from Sect Master Ning Qiudao. He returned to his cave abode planning to obtain the remaining materials needed to condense his spirit body.

• Wu Tao arrived at the summit main hall as Foundation Establishment cultivators and Qi Refining disciples gathered to witness his initiation.
• Hong Tiebao led Wu Tao through the sect’s welcoming rites, where he offered incense and paid respects to the founding patriarch and former sect masters.
• The Demon-Slaying Elder inspected Wu Tao with a treasure mirror, which briefly caused the coffin nail in Wu Tao’s Sea of Divine Sense to tremble, but declared that he had passed.
• Ning Qiudao welcomed Wu Tao into the sect and gave him a magic talisman that he could exchange for second-tier spiritual objects; he agreed when Wu Tao requested four low-grade objects.
• Wu Tao met the gathered Foundation Establishment cultivators, then returned to his cave abode with Chen Yao and resolved to visit the Merit Hall the next day.

Wu Tao went to exchange Ning Qiudao’s Sect Leader Magic Talisman for materials needed to condense his Spirit Body, while Chen Yao headed to the Cultivation Technique Pavilion to study a technique before rebuilding her cultivation. Ning Qiudao recalled the talisman and ordered Wu Tao’s records sealed, while Wu Tao returned to his Cave Abode with the materials and prepared to begin condensing his Spirit Body.

• Wu Tao escorted Chen Yao to the Cultivation Technique Pavilion and then flew to the Merit Hall to exchange the Sect Leader Magic Talisman for four spiritual materials.
• Xiang Jiyuan presented Wu Tao with the materials, but the Sect Leader Magic Talisman transformed into Magic Light and flew back to Ning Qiudao.
• Ning Qiudao reviewed a booklet listing Wu Tao and others, noted that Wu Tao still needed an earth-attributed material to condense his Spirit Body, and ordered Han Fan’s records sealed.
• Wu Tao returned to his Cave Abode, checked the materials, and confirmed that he had gathered the Five Elements Spiritual Objects needed to condense his Spirit Body.

Wu Tao completed the transformation into a spirit body, gaining powerful physical defenses, improved spiritual power conversion, and 150 years of lifespan. After fifteen days in seclusion, he reunited with Chen Yao, who was astonished by his younger appearance and began inspecting him.

• Wu Tao consumed five spiritual materials and used the Dragon Spear Body Tempering Art to condense a spirit body.
• Wu Tao discovered his body had become much stronger, his divine sense had expanded to thirty-five miles, and his spiritual power conversion had nearly tripled.
• Wu Tao checked his status and found his lifespan had increased by 150 years, reaching 459 years.
• Wu Tao left seclusion after fifteen days, and Chen Yao was shocked by how young and smooth-skinned he looked.
• Chen Yao touched Wu Tao all over as she tried to see whether the rest of his body had also become more delicate.

Wu Tao helped Chen Yao safely dissipate her Qi Refining cultivation so she could begin rebuilding with the Ethereal Void Qi Refining Technique. He then traveled to Ethereal Void Cultivation City to meet Yu Hai, arriving to a welcome from Chen Xiu.

• Wu Tao prepared pills and guarded Chen Yao as she dissipated her cultivation, which fell below Qi Refining Layer One.
• Wu Tao left Chen Yao with Spirit Source Pills and access to the Main Cultivation Room while he went to meet Yu Hai.
• Wu Tao flew toward Ethereal Void Cultivation City, using the Blood Escape Technique to shorten the trip to five days.
• Wu Tao flew over Ethereal Void Cultivation City, where the rogue cultivators looked up at him and the patrol withdrew after Chen Xiu identified him.
• Wu Tao landed at the Ethereal Void Cultivation City Guard Station.

Wu Tao returned to Ethereal Void Cultivation City and met with Chen Xiu, then went to collect Yu Hai. Yu Hai chose to stay in the city and establish a life there, so Wu Tao left him Spirit Source Pills and returned to the Ethereal Void Sect alone.

• Wu Tao arrived openly at the Foundation Establishment Guard Station, where Chen Xiu welcomed him and they spoke for half an hour.
• Yu Hai and Zhou Zhongguan discussed Yu Hai's doubts about joining the Ethereal Void Sect, since he feared he would be of little use to Wu Tao and would not fit in.
• Wu Tao went to Yu Hai's home and asked him to pack for the trip to the Ethereal Void Sect.
• Yu Hai explained that he wanted to remain in Ethereal Void Cultivation City, open a magic tool shop, and start a family rather than become a burden to Wu Tao.
• Wu Tao respected Yu Hai's decision, promised to help any talented descendants join the sect, and left him Spirit Source Pills before departing.

Wu Tao returned to the Ethereal Void Sect, cared for his Golden Winged Eagle, and resumed cultivation with Chen Yao. At Artifact Refining Peak, Zhao Zhen gave him a higher-grade flying tool and explained that he would teach Wu Tao the structures used to analyze Magic Restrictions after he finished his reading.

• Wu Tao returned to his cave abode, fed his rapidly growing Golden Winged Eagle, and told Chen Yao that Yu Hai planned to open a Magic Tool Shop in the Cultivation City.
• Chen Yao said her cultivation progressed faster after restarting the Ethereal Void Qi Refining Technique, and Wu Tao returned to his own cultivation.
• Wu Tao visited Artifact Refining Peak, where Zhao Zhen gave him a First-Rank Level 9 Flying Sword Boat to replace his Green Leaf Boat.
• Zhao Zhen explained that Second Tier Artifact Refiners studied Magic Restriction structures rather than practicing each restriction individually, and told Wu Tao he would teach him after he finished reading the books.

Wu Tao reviewed spirit body cultivation techniques at the Cultivation Technique Pavilion and realized he needed to earn Merit Points to afford one. Feng Yuan visited to ask about buying Wu Tao’s Second-Rank Spell Sword, but offered a secret technique instead, which Wu Tao identified as the Qi Observation Technique.

• Wu Tao traveled to the Cultivation Technique Pavilion and browsed the roster of early Foundation Establishment cultivation techniques.
• Wu Tao found three spirit body techniques that suited him but was discouraged by their high Merit Point costs.
• Feng Yuan visited Wu Tao after losing his Second-Rank Spell Sword to a Tier 2 Demonic Beast on a mission.
• Feng Yuan said he lacked enough Merit Points and Source Qi of Spells to buy Wu Tao’s sword, then offered a secret technique in exchange.
• Wu Tao examined Feng Yuan’s yellow jade slip and recognized the Qi Observation Technique.

Wu Tao traded a second-rank spell sword to Feng Yuan for an incomplete Qi Observation Technique and five wisps of Source Qi of Spells, then began cultivating the technique. After demonstrating that he could use it to identify Qi Refining disciples’ cultivation levels, he learned from Zhao Zhen that the Artifact Refining Hall had new arrangements for him.

• Wu Tao agreed to trade his geomagnetic spell sword to Feng Yuan for the incomplete Qi Observation Technique and five wisps of Source Qi of Spells.
• Wu Tao gave Feng Yuan a discount offer for future purchases and asked him to refer other Foundation Establishment cultivators.
• Wu Tao added the Qi Observation Technique to his daily cultivation and spent two months improving its proficiency.
• Wu Tao used the technique to probe the cultivation levels of Qi Refining disciples at the Artifact Refining Peak library plaza.
• Zhao Zhen told Wu Tao that, after completing his Tier 1 artifact-refining studies, the Artifact Refining Hall had new arrangements for him.

Zhao Zhen confirmed that Wu Tao had mastered his foundational studies and began teaching him Tier 2 artifact refining, explaining how magic restrictions were learned through shared structures. Wu Tao saw the potential to earn merit points by creating new restrictions as he began studying the path toward higher-tier refining.

• Zhao Zhen tested Wu Tao with over a thousand questions, and Wu Tao answered them all.
• Zhao Zhen brought Wu Tao more than ten books on Tier 2 artifact refining and explained that he would teach him over the coming months.
• Zhao Zhen explained how Tier 2 artifact refiners grouped magic restrictions by structure and demonstrated an earth-element restriction that contained a pattern similar to Wu Tao's geomagnetic spell sword restriction.
• Wu Tao understood that learning restriction structures would let him deduce and inscribe restrictions more efficiently, and Zhao Zhen praised his ability to reason.
• Wu Tao asked about earning spirit stones by creating protected magic restrictions, then privately imagined earning merit points from a restriction used by all artifact refiners.

Wu Tao studied Tier 2 artifact refining knowledge and chose Meng Haoting as his assistant. After comprehending the River Severing spear technique, he practiced it but realized he needed a river to grasp its true essence.

• Zhao Zhen taught Wu Tao about magic restrictions and left him to study Tier 2 artifact refining books.
• Zhao Zhen brought three First-Rank Level 9 artifact refiners for Wu Tao to choose as an assistant, and Wu Tao selected Meng Haoting.
• Wu Tao thanked Meng Haoting for previously bringing Zhou Jinquan back from Ethereal Void Cultivation City and let him practice in an adjacent room.
• After returning to his cave abode, Wu Tao studied River Severing for five days and recorded it as mastered at 1%.
• Wu Tao practiced River Severing with the Blazing Flame Spear but realized that the dry cultivation room could not teach him the technique's true essence.

Wu Tao found a turbulent river outside the Ethereal Void Sect and practiced River Severing there, advancing his body cultivation over half a year. Zhao Zhen then assigned him to inspect Void Boats, and Wu Tao asked how many Merit Points the work would earn.

• Wu Tao learned from Meng Haoting about a turbulent river in the sect's cleared territory, checked that it was safe, and began practicing River Severing there.
• Wu Tao met Zhang Shenghong, who complained that the sect had rejected his request to have Artifact Refiners and Formation Masters accompany Void Boats, and Wu Tao returned the thirty strands of Source Qi of Spells he had borrowed.
• Over the next half year, Wu Tao improved his cultivation and raised Dragon Spear · River Severing to Proficient (61%).
• Zhao Zhen told Wu Tao to follow Fan Zhifeng and inspect Void Boats before they set sail, and Wu Tao asked how many Merit Points he would receive.

Wu Tao settled into safe, well-paid Void Boat inspections and built connections with the Sect’s artifact refiners and formation masters. After years of preparation and cultivation, he broke through to Foundation Establishment Layer 2.

• Zhao Zhen explained that inspecting the Void Boat paid Wu Tao one thousand Merit Points per month and warned that Four Arts specialists were protected from spell battles.
• Wu Tao brought Meng Haoting to the Void Boat, where he met Fan Zhifeng and Liu Qinyuan and began learning the inspection work.
• Wu Tao inspected the Void Boat twice each month, found the work exhausting, and watched Zhang Ming flatter Fan Zhifeng as Wu Tao had once flattered Zhang Ming.
• After a year, Fan Zhifeng handed the inspections over to Wu Tao, who reported problems for Zhao Zhen or Gao Xing to repair.
• Five years after reaching Foundation Establishment, Wu Tao used the Spirit Gathering Formation and the Six Yang Li Fire True Technique to break through to Foundation Establishment Layer 2.

After three years of cultivation, Wu Tao had reached Foundation Establishment Layer 2 and saved enough merit points to seek a spirit body cultivation technique. He arrived at the Cultivation Technique Pavilion and began reviewing the available techniques.

• Wu Tao assessed his cultivation progress, his prospects for Golden Core Formation, and his advances in artifact restrictions, sword techniques, and body cultivation.
• Wu Tao collected his monthly merit points in the Merit Hall, confirming a balance of thirty-four thousand.
• Wu Tao went to the Cultivation Technique Pavilion, where Liu Sishu provided a roster of cultivation techniques.
• Wu Tao read descriptions of several spirit body techniques, including the Sword Spirit Body Tempering Technique, Five Spirit Demon Transformation, and Star Body Tempering Technique.

Wu Tao exchanged merit points for the Star Body Tempering Art and began studying it before returning to his cave abode. There, Feng Yuan told him that Fellow Daoist Ming was near death, and Wu Tao agreed to visit him that night.

• Wu Tao chose the Star Body Tempering Art and exchanged thirty thousand merit points for it.
• Wu Tao studied the technique in the Cultivation Technique Pavilion and returned the jade slip before closing.
• Wu Tao resolved to earn merit points for a Tier 2 flying magic tool crafting manual.
• Wu Tao returned to his cave abode, where Feng Yuan told him that Fellow Daoist Ming was unlikely to survive the night.
• Wu Tao agreed to accompany Feng Yuan to see Fellow Daoist Ming.