Chapter Summaries

After Jiang Wang became Chongxuan Sheng’s retainer, Chongxuan Sheng gave him three rare Wood Element Daoist Arts and a Longevity Fruit. Jiang Wang accepted the gifts, moved by Chongxuan Sheng’s care, just as Chongxuan Sheng sensed someone outside.

• Chongxuan Sheng brought Jiang Wang three top-grade B-rank Wood Element Daoist Arts: Sea of Flowers, Crown of Thorns, and Tiger Binding.
• Jiang Wang chose Tiger Binding as the best fit for his fighting style, and Chongxuan Sheng let him keep all three jade slips.
• Chongxuan Sheng had Shi Si bring Jiang Wang a jade box containing a fully ripened Longevity Fruit that could add ten years to his life.
• Jiang Wang realized Chongxuan Sheng had arranged to find the fruit before Jiang Wang agreed to help him compete for the family head position, and he was deeply moved.
• Chongxuan Sheng told Jiang Wang that he deserved the gift, then turned toward the doorway after sensing someone outside.

Chongxuan Xin came to apologize to Chongxuan Sheng and blamed Chongxuan Zun for threatening him, while Jiang Wang subdued him and watched Sheng accept his pledge. Chongxuan Sheng explained why he trusted Jiang Wang, who was left reflecting on his lost chance for revenge and the powerful Lu Shuanghe.

• Jiang Wang quickly subdued Chongxuan Xin when he entered the courtyard, and Chongxuan Xin knelt to apologize to Chongxuan Sheng.
• Chongxuan Xin blamed Chongxuan Zun for making him oppose Sheng, and Sheng pretended to defend Zun before forgiving Xin and accepting his loyalty.
• Chongxuan Sheng told Jiang Wang that even unreliable people could be useful, then compared Jiang Wang’s white hair and sword skills to Lu Shuanghe.
• After Chongxuan Sheng and Shi Si left, Jiang Wang wondered whether he could already have been strong enough to take revenge if he had not been pushed into the river.
• Chongxuan Sheng told Shi Si that Jiang Wang was a greater genius than he was and someone he could trust, then vowed to win against Chongxuan Zun one step at a time.

Ling He buried the dead in the ruined Maple Forest Territory and recited the Supreme Scripture of Salvation, knowing Netherworld energy would soon consume him. Meanwhile, Jiang Wang traveled to Red Sun Prefecture, practicing his new Daoist Arts and refining his strength.

• Ling He remembered the little girl with braided pigtails dying in his arms and began burying the dead so their souls might find peace.
• Ling He buried the children and teacher from Mingde Hall, then continued through the ruined streets, reciting the Supreme Scripture of Salvation for the dead.
• Ling He resolved to keep burying and delivering souls until Netherworld energy consumed him, despite knowing he might not finish.
• Jiang Wang traveled by carriage to Red Sun Prefecture while repeatedly practicing his three new Daoist Arts.
• Jiang Wang judged his three personal sword forms to be stronger than any Daoist Art he had encountered so far.

Jiang Wang traveled to Nanyao City in Qi State and found its safe countryside and distinctive customs strikingly different from those of Zhuang Kingdom. Lian Que brought him to the Lian Clan’s ancient Sword Furnace, where Jiang Wang was to watch his sword being forged.

• Jiang Wang questioned the Chongxuan Family coachman about the lack of Ferocious Beasts in Qi and sent letters to Jiang An'an and Ye Qingyu.
• Jiang Wang arrived in Nanyao City and observed its bustling streets, fiery locals, and unfamiliar customs.
• Lian Que welcomed Jiang Wang and hurried him to the Lian Clan’s Sword Furnace.
• Lian Que led Jiang Wang through the Sword Forest to the enormous furnace, whose flames seemed to pulse like an ancient beast’s heartbeat.

Jiang Wang meditated on what kind of sword he wanted as Lian Que prepared to forge it in the Sword Furnace. After Lian Shao mocked Lian Que over the rumors surrounding his Life Tablet, Jiang Wang defended him, then began channeling Dao Essence into a Fire Stone to attune the sword to himself.

• Lian Que asked Jiang Wang to reflect on his hand, will, and heart before choosing what kind of sword he wanted, and Jiang Wang meditated as Lian Que prepared the materials.
• Lian Shao arrived with others and mocked Lian Que for spending one of his three chances to forge a sword for Jiang Wang.
• Jiang Wang told Lian Shao that Lian Que had given him the Life Tablet as a token and that he would not use it to threaten him.
• Lian Que sealed the sword formation and explained that only ten people in each Lian Clan generation could control their own Life Tablets, while Lian Shao could not.
• Lian Que gave Jiang Wang a Fire Stone and had him channel Dao Essence into it while meditating, attuning it to him as the forging began.

Lian Que forged a sword for Jiang Wang through the Ancient Furnace Weapon Casting method, binding Jiang Wang’s Dao Essence and labor into the blade. Jiang Wang named it Longing, and its inscription, “Swallow Returns to Nest,” reflected the homesickness shared by Jiang Wang and the displaced Lian Clan.

• Lian Que used rare materials and the Lian Clan’s secret method to begin forging Jiang Wang’s sword while Jiang Wang supplied Dao Essence and continued his cultivation.
• After days of preparation, Lian Que gave Jiang Wang a heavy hammer and instructed him to strike the sword blank thousands of times on each side.
• Jiang Wang endured the exhausting work, and the hammering helped him advance the White Tiger Chapter of the Four Spirits Body Refining Technique.
• Lian Que explained that the forging had imprinted Jiang Wang’s essence, energy, and spirit onto the sword, then asked him to name it.
• Jiang Wang named the sword Longing, and Lian Que inscribed “Swallow Returns to Nest” along its spine.

Jiang Wang received Longing as the Lian Clan’s Sword Furnace forged it into a famous artifact, while Lian Que broke through to the Soaring Dragon Realm. The chapter ended with Lian Zhuping taking Longing to the ancestral hall to complete the forging rites.

• Jiang Wang took Longing in hand and felt his sword style become complete as the sword formation rang out across Nanyao City.
• Lian Que used the forging of Longing to open his Heaven and Earth Gate and advance into the Soaring Dragon Realm.
• Lian Que opened the sword formation, revealing himself and Jiang Wang to the gathered Lian Clan members, who celebrated the famous artifact and praised him.
• Lian Zhuping congratulated Lian Que and asked Jiang Wang for Longing so the clan could complete the sword’s ceremonial rites.
• Jiang Wang reluctantly handed Longing to Lian Zhuping, who hurried off to the ancestral hall.

The Lian Clan prepared to enshrine Longing, the famous artifact Jiang Wang and Lian Que had forged, while the ceremony strengthened Jiang Wang’s standing and benefited Chongxuan Sheng. Elsewhere, Zhang Yong won a place in the Supernatural Inner Palace, but before he could return home, his entire family was massacred, leaving him the sole survivor.

• Jiang Wang learned that Longing’s birth restored the Lian Clan’s position among the world’s great weaponsmithing sites and that its ceremony would draw attention from across Qi.
• Chongxuan Sheng sent a congratulatory gift for Longing, hoping Jiang Wang’s growing fame would help him in his contest with Chongxuan Zun.
• Zhang Yong secretly entered the Heavenly Mansion Secret Realm despite his family’s fears and became its victor, earning a place in the Supernatural Inner Palace.
• The Zhang Family celebrated Zhang Yong’s achievement as visitors and officials came to congratulate them, and his father began planning to restore the clan’s former status.
• Two days before Zhang Yong was due home, unknown attackers killed all twenty-three Zhang family members and their servants, leaving Zhang Yong alone.

At the Lian Clan’s ceremony, the clan tried to give Longing to the Fourteenth Imperial Prince despite Lian Que’s insistence that it belonged to Jiang Wang. As Chongxuan Sheng backed Jiang Wang and Lian Que was disbelieved by his own clan, Lian Que struck the crown of his head.

• The Lian Clan completed the ceremony’s rites and placed Longing on the offering stand before the Fourteenth Imperial Prince arrived.
• Lian Que tried to stop Lian Wuyong from taking Longing, but Lian Luyao and Lian Zhuping claimed the clan had authority over the sword.
• Jiang Wang declared that Longing belonged to him, and Jiang Wuyong insulted him and claimed everything in Qi belonged to the imperial house.
• Chongxuan Sheng arrived and challenged Jiang Wuyong’s standing, while Lian Que swore that Longing belonged to Jiang Wang and not the Lian Clan.
• Convinced that no one believed his protest, Lian Que told Jiang Wang he would not endure the humiliation and struck his own head.

Lian Que tried to kill himself rather than let his credibility be questioned over the sword he forged, but Jiang Wang stopped him and defended him against Jiang Wuyong. Chongxuan Sheng backed Jiang Wang with his own forces, and Jiang Wuyong challenged Jiang Wang to a duel over who deserved the renowned weapon.

• Lian Que tried to strike his own head with his blazing palm, and Jiang Wang restrained him with Tiger Binding before grabbing his wrist.
• Jiang Wang told Lian Que that he believed him, then accused Jiang Wuyong of trying to seize a sword that plainly belonged to Jiang Wang.
• Jiang Wuyong claimed that might was virtue and summoned his Heaven-Connecting Realm retainers and an Inner Palace Realm eunuch to threaten Jiang Wang.
• Chongxuan Sheng stood beside Jiang Wang, while a stout old man and ten Heaven-Connecting Realm cultivators arrived to counter Jiang Wuyong’s forces.
• Jiang Wuyong challenged Jiang Wang, who had not yet opened his Heaven and Earth Gate, to fight for the right to the renowned weapon.

Jiang Wuyong challenged Jiang Wang for Longing, but Chongxuan Sheng forced him to wager valuable Daoist Arts and Ten-Thousand Origin Stones as well. Jiang Wang began their duel with Longing and unleashed the Sword of Sun, Moon and Stars, leaving the fight unresolved.

• Jiang Wuyong tried to use the Lian Family ceremony to strengthen his political position and target Jiang Wang, but Chongxuan Sheng arrived and challenged his demands.
• Jiang Wuyong proposed settling the dispute with a duel, and Jiang Wang agreed after insisting that Jiang Wuyong stake rewards for the winner.
• Jiang Wang demanded two secret, top-grade, lower-class A-rank fire-element Daoist Arts, and Jiang Wuyong added ten Ten-Thousand Origin Stones to the wager.
• Jiang Wang took up Longing and faced Jiang Wuyong on the cleared platform.
• Jiang Wuyong attacked with a palm strike, broke free of Jiang Wang's Tiger Binding, and drew his famous soft sword, Beauty's Waist.
• Jiang Wang drew Longing and used the Sword of Sun, Moon and Stars to pierce the darkness.

Jiang Wang defeated Jiang Wuyong in a public duel, denounced the Fourteenth Imperial Prince for lacking both virtue and might, and won Chongxuan Sheng’s wager. After leaving Nanyao City, Jiang Wuyong blamed his father for withholding parts of the imperial cultivation canon, but his chief eunuch warned him to control his words and emotions.

• Jiang Wang used the Crown of Thorns to strengthen his Daoist arts, then overwhelmed Jiang Wuyong with the sword of Mountains and Rivers and pointed Longing at his brow.
• Jiang Wang condemned Jiang Wuyong for using power to seize others’ treasures and declared him a disgrace to the Qi imperial house before sheathing his sword.
• Chongxuan Sheng collected the jade slips and ten Ten-Thousand Origin Stones from Jiang Wuyong’s chief eunuch after winning their bet.
• Jiang Wuyong left Nanyao City humiliated and complained that his father’s favoritism had kept him from cultivating the Heaven Scripture and Earth Weft.
• The chief eunuch killed the ten sedan bearers after Jiang Wuyong’s outburst, warned him about the danger of losing control, and Jiang Wuyong calmed himself and said he understood.

Jiang Wang spoke with Chongxuan Sheng about the consequences of offending Jiang Wuyong, then met Lian Que, who explained the Lian Clan’s history of controlling members through their Life Tablets. The story left with Lian Que reflecting on how Lian Shao’s anger came from being denied freedom from birth.

• Chongxuan Sheng explained why humiliating Jiang Wuyong benefited his family and boosted his own reputation, and Jiang Wang asked him to apologize to Lian Que.
• Jiang Wang visited Lian Que, who asked about his injured hand and described how his only friend had died after a forging accident left him without eyes.
• Lian Que told Jiang Wang that the Life Tablet revealed the Lian Clan’s old rule of placing every member’s life in the hands of powerful Family Elders.
• Lian Que recounted how the rule once protected the clan but later enabled abuse, and how a rebellion nearly destroyed the family a century earlier.
• Lian Que explained that Lian Shao resented the freedom he himself lacked, then reflected that Lian Clan members were controlled from birth.

After learning why Lian Que wanted to change the Lian Family, Jiang Wang helped him form a secret alliance with Chongxuan Sheng. The group left Nanyao City, while Chongxuan Sheng explained that he was willing to risk everything to challenge Chongxuan Zun.

• Lian Que told Jiang Wang that the Lian Family had lost its honor and said he intended to contend for the patriarch position, asking for Jiang Wang's help.
• Jiang Wang warned Lian Que that Chongxuan Sheng's struggle against Chongxuan Zun was difficult, but Lian Que said he trusted Jiang Wang and would support whoever Jiang Wang helped.
• Jiang Wang contacted Chongxuan Sheng, who agreed to ally with Lian Que and promised to help him change the Lian Family if they took control of the Chongxuan Family.
• Chongxuan Sheng arranged for the alliance to remain secret and told Jiang Wang to leave immediately and meet him at the tavern.
• Jiang Wang joined Chongxuan Sheng's party as they departed Nanyao City, and Chongxuan Sheng said he had to stake everything to compete with Chongxuan Zun.

Chongxuan Sheng introduced Jiang Wang to his uncle, the famed Slaughterer Chongxuan Chuliang, who answered Jiang Wang’s cultivation questions during their journey. Jiang Wang agreed to investigate a depleted Chongxuan Family mine in Yang State and visit Zhang Yong after learning his family had been wiped out, then set out for Fengxian Prefecture.

• Chongxuan Sheng introduced Chongxuan Chuliang to Jiang Wang and recounted his role in Qi’s war against Xia.
• Chongxuan Chuliang praised Jiang Wang’s swordsmanship and answered his cultivation questions.
• Jiang Wang asked Chongxuan Sheng for a task, and Chongxuan Sheng sent him to investigate the Chongxuan Family’s unexpectedly depleted Azure Stone mine in Yang State.
• Chongxuan Sheng told Jiang Wang that Zhang Yong’s family had been wiped out, and Jiang Wang agreed to visit him in Fengxian Prefecture.
• Jiang Wang’s carriage left the convoy and headed toward Fengxian Prefecture.

Jiang Wang tested the two fire Daoist arts he had won from Jiang Wuyong, discovered their hand seals had been tampered with, and submitted them to the Great Void Illusion Realm. Their contributions unsealed the Dao Evolution Platform’s second level, leaving him to investigate how its Law system rewarded submitted arts.

• Jiang Wang tested Exploding Flame Sparrow and Flame Meteor on the Dao Evolution Platform and found that both contained altered hand seals that could cause mishaps in battle.
• Jiang Wang submitted the two arts, unsealing the Dao Evolution Platform’s second level and learning that testing and submitting arts earned Law while platform matches earned Merit.
• Jiang Wang examined the platform’s records and found that ordinary arts he submitted earned no Law, while his variation combining Vine Snake Wall with Devouring Flower earned three points.
• Jiang Wang concluded that contributions depended on an art’s power and rarity, and decided to keep his three original sword forms to himself for now.

Jiang Wang received affectionate letters from Jiang An'an and Ye Qingyu, then visited the grieving Zhang Yong in Fengxian Prefecture. He left Zhang Yong a Chongxuan Family contact and departed for Yang State, asking Chongxuan Sheng to consider Zhang Yong carefully if he sought them out.

• Jiang Wang read Jiang An'an's letter, which repeatedly said she missed him, and Ye Qingyu's brief reply that Cloud Kingdom bought its Vein-Opening Pills.
• Jiang Wang arrived at Zhang Family Town and learned from a neighbor that Zhang Yong was refusing visitors.
• Jiang Wang spoke with Zhang Yong, offered condolences, and heard that the Prefecture Office had found no clues about the massacre.
• Jiang Wang offered to ask Chongxuan Sheng for help investigating, but Zhang Yong declined and said finding the culprits would make no difference.
• Jiang Wang left Zhang Yong a Chongxuan Family contact and departed, then sent Chongxuan Sheng a message to consider Zhang Yong carefully if he came to them.

Jiang Wang left Zhang Yong and continued toward Yang State, while Ling He struggled through the devastated Maple Forest Territory, burying its dead and reciting scripture for them. After finding and burying Wang Changxiang and the Orange Cat, Ling He discovered an annotated Scripture of Salvation and decided to study it as he continued his work.

• Jiang Wang sensed that Zhang Yong's gaunt, sorrowful manner seemed more genuine than his earlier reserved demeanor, then left without trying to recruit him.
• Ling He wandered the ruined Maple Forest Territory, burying corpses and reciting scripture to deliver their souls.
• Ling He found the Orange Cat dismembered in an intact courtyard, buried it, and then found Wang Changxiang dead in the bedroom.
• Ling He buried Wang Changxiang beside the Orange Cat and discovered an annotated copy of the Scripture of Salvation beneath a reclining chair.
• Ling He read the scripture and its annotations, then took the book with him and resolved to study two pages each day while continuing to bury the dead.

Lin Youxie found the Inner Palace Realm culprit behind the Fengxian Zhang clan massacre, but he killed himself before she could learn his motive. In Yang State, Jiang Wang restored his lifespan, changed his appearance, and set out in disguise toward Jia City.

• Lin Youxie led Green Badge Constables to a courtyard and confronted the scarred Inner Palace Realm man suspected of slaughtering the Fengxian Zhang clan.
• The culprit exploded himself, and Lin Youxie ordered his remains taken to the surviving Zhang child and declared the case closed.
• Jiang Wang arrived in Yang State and stopped in the wilderness before entering Jia City, where the Chongxuan Family controlled an Azure Stone vein.
• Jiang Wang swallowed a Longevity Pill and a Longevity Fruit, restoring much of his lost lifespan and vitality.
• Jiang Wang removed his white hair, grew it back black, and walked along the Official Path in disguise.

Yin Guan founded an outlaw organization called Hell's Gate with six formidable companions at Soul-Severing Gorge, while Jiang Wang disguised himself as Dugu An to investigate falling output at the Chongxuan Family's Azure Stone mine. The chapter left Dugu An negotiating for a guard's position at the mine.

• Yin Guan gathered six companions at Soul-Severing Gorge and proposed naming their new organization Hell's Gate.
• Jiang Wang suspected that the Mo Family might be secretly sabotaging the Azure Stone mine in Green Sheep Town.
• Jiang Wang disguised himself as Dugu An and sought steady work guarding the Hu Family Mine.
• Steward Hu learned that Dugu An was a Wandering Vein Realm cultivator and cautiously began discussing the job's rough conditions.