Chapter Summaries

Qin Xi and the others discovered a strange, living ginseng that might be the legendary Ginseng Fruit. As Daoist Yangmei examined it, they wondered whether fate had brought it to them.

• Qin Xi remarked that the group had unexpectedly found a treasure.
• Ao Xin handed Daoist Yangmei a cloth bag and urged him to store the ginseng carefully.
• Qin Xi and Daoist Yangmei noticed the ginseng tremble and considered whether it was the legendary Ginseng Fruit.
• Ao Xin recalled the fruit’s rumored benefits of extending life and increasing cultivation, while Qin Xi asked Daoist Yangmei to identify it.
• Daoist Yangmei reached toward the ginseng’s roots, and it dodged his touch as though it were alive.

Daoist Yangmei discovered that the strange creature could absorb spiritual energy and treasured it as a possible lifesaving artifact. The four companions continued through the Magical Beast Mountain Range, leaving its future use undecided.

• Daoist Yangmei confirmed that the creature had a spirit of its own and could absorb the forest’s spiritual energy.
• Ao Xin asked to eat the creature to test whether it would increase her cultivation, but Daoist Yangmei refused and hid it in his pouch.
• Qin Xi suggested that Daoist Yangmei wash and eat the creature, but Daoist Yangmei decided to save it in case it could preserve a life.
• Daoist Yangmei tied the creature at his waist and led the four companions back onto the road through the Magical Beast Mountain Range.

After crossing the Magical Beast Mountain Range, Qin Xi told the group they would enter the mortal realm the next day to check on Qin Dao, Sweet Potato, and Yu Xue. The group ate and rested in the open, while Di Qun and Ao Xin looked forward to visiting the mortal realm.

• Di Qun and Ao Xin swiftly dealt with the blind magical beasts that attacked the group as they traveled through the mountain range.
• After a tiring day without finding shelter, Daoist Yangmei asked Qin Xi whether they would leave the mountain range the next day.
• Qin Xi said he had already informed the Big Bosses and planned to visit the mortal realm to see how Qin Dao, Sweet Potato, and Yu Xue were doing.
• Daoist Yangmei agreed that the desolate mountain range was not worth lingering in.
• Ao Xin returned with cleaned prey, and she and Di Qun roasted the magical beast meat for dinner.
• The group ate and prepared to leave the next day, while Di Qun and Ao Xin looked forward to seeing the mortal realm.

Qin Xi and his companions encountered rapidly changing weather in the Magical Beast Mountain Range as they prepared to leave. After a brief fog and a sudden downpour, the rain stopped just as abruptly, leaving them stunned.

• At dawn, Di Qun noticed thick white mist covering the area around the group.
• The mist dispersed within minutes, and Qin Xi told everyone to get ready to set out.
• A light drizzle began while Qin Xi and the others prepared breakfast, then quickly became a heavy downpour.
• Qin Xi's group took shelter beneath their small awning, and Daoist Yangmei complained as he wrung out his soaked clothes.
• The rain stopped suddenly, leaving the group surprised by the Mountain Range's unpredictable weather.

After a brief storm, Qin Xi and his companions continued their journey and arrived in the mortal world, where Daoist Yangmei eagerly looked forward to exploring its bustling streets. Qin Xi walked among the crowds as the group took in the lively surroundings.

• After the rain eased, Qin Xi dried his clothes and urged everyone to continue toward the mortal world.
• Daoist Yangmei cast a cleansing spell and said he was eager to visit the mortal world again.
• Qin Xi and the others set out, while Di Qun and Ao Xin scouted the route ahead.
• On arriving, Qin Xi asked Daoist Yangmei if he wanted to explore on his own, and Daoist Yangmei agreed.
• Qin Xi walked with the group through the crowded streets, surrounded by flowers, greenery, and ordinary people.

Qin Xi and his companions traveled from a bustling city to the town where Qin Dao lived, arriving after sunset. They planned to find Yu Xue and Qin Dao the next day, and settled into the Fortune Inn for the night.

• Di Qun warned Qin Xi that they needed to hurry if they wanted to reach Qin Dao's home before dark, and the group left the city.
• Daoist Yangmei regretted leaving the lively city but followed the others as they flew toward their destination.
• The group arrived in the town where Qin Dao lived and agreed to look for him and Yu Xue the next day.
• Qin Xi considered how to approach Qin Dao, who did not know him and believed himself to be an ordinary human.
• The group entered the Fortune Inn, where Di Qun requested four of the best rooms.

Qin Xi and his companions stayed at a bustling town inn after a tiring journey. The next morning, Di Qun and Ao Xin set out to find Sweet Potato and Yu Xue so they could bring them to the inn.

• The inn owner led Qin Xi and his companions to rooms upstairs and offered to prepare dinner.
• Qin Xi ordered light dishes for himself and spent the evening resting at the inn.
• The next morning, Di Qun and Ao Xin asked Qin Xi whether they should look for Sweet Potato and Yu Xue.
• Qin Xi told Di Qun and Ao Xin to find them after breakfast and bring them to the inn.
• After breakfast, Di Qun and Ao Xin went to look for Yu Xue.

Qin Xi reunited with Yu Xue and Sweet Potato after they came to visit him. He told them that his bet with the Masked Man had been settled and offered them the choice to stay with Qin Dao or leave with him.

• Qin Xi stayed in his room to rest and cultivate while Daoist Yangmei remained in bed.
• Yu Xue and Sweet Potato came to see Qin Xi, greeted him emotionally, and asked how he had been.
• Qin Xi welcomed them and asked how their lives in the mortal world had gone.
• Sweet Potato asked about Qin Xi's bet with the Masked Man.
• Qin Xi said the matter had been resolved and told Yu Xue and Sweet Potato they could stay with Qin Dao or leave with him later.
• Yu Xue asked Qin Xi which side had won the bet.

Qin Xi learned that Qin Dao had been weak and unusually sleepy, but Yu Xue and Sweet Potato did not know why. He decided to live with them so he could observe Qin Dao, and they began discussing how to explain his presence.

• Qin Xi recounted how he had beaten the Masked Man and admitted that he had not disappeared as promised.
• Qin Xi asked Yu Xue about the black qi around Qin Dao, and she said Qin Dao had been weak and sleeping a lot.
• Sweet Potato wondered if something bad was affecting Qin Dao, and Qin Xi promised to resolve the matter.
• Qin Xi said he needed to live with Yu Xue and Sweet Potato to observe Qin Dao, and Yu Xue offered rooms in their house.
• Sweet Potato suggested claiming Qin Xi was Qin Dao's distant relative, but Yu Xue objected that Qin Dao had no relatives there.

Qin Xi agreed to go with Yu Xue and Sweet Potato to where they were staying, posing as Yu Xue’s distant male cousin so Qin Dao would not grow suspicious. He praised the two for guiding Qin Dao and said he would remain in the mortal world for a few days, while Yu Xue declined to return to the Heavenly Dao Dojo.

• Qin Xi and Yu Xue decided she would introduce him as an older male cousin from a distant branch of her family.
• Qin Xi said he would accompany Yu Xue and Sweet Potato to their lodging once everyone had gathered.
• Yu Xue offered to cook Qin Xi a meal, and he praised her and Sweet Potato for helping Qin Dao stay on the right path.
• Qin Xi promised Yu Xue and Sweet Potato rewards when they returned to the Heavenly Dao Dojo and said he would stay in the mortal world for a few days.
• Yu Xue shook her head when Qin Xi offered them the chance to return to the Heavenly Dao Dojo.

Qin Xi and the others left the inn and walked with Yu Xue to the neighborhood where she and her companions lived. Qin Xi asked whether Yu Xue wanted to return to the Heavenly Dao Dojo after their mission, but she wanted to stay until Qin Dao's situation was resolved.

• Di Qun paid the inn bill, accepting that the owner had overcharged them, and Qin Xi's group left.
• Yu Xue guided Qin Xi through town and told him about the local customs and the people who had helped them.
• Yu Xue showed Qin Xi the neighborhood where she and the others lived, including the home of Wang Wei from the Weiyuan Escort Agency.
• Qin Xi thanked Yu Xue for explaining how the escort agency had cared for them and asked if she wanted to return to the Heavenly Dao Dojo after the mission.
• Yu Xue said she wanted to stay and accompany Qin Dao until her matter was resolved.

Yu Xue and Sweet Potato told Qin Xi they would stay with Qin Dao if he chose not to return, leaving the final decision to Qin Dao. They brought Qin Xi to their home, where Yu Xue introduced him as a distant cousin, and Qin Dao was struck by Qin Xi’s imposing appearance.

• Qin Xi agreed to respect Yu Xue’s and Sweet Potato’s wishes about staying with Qin Dao or returning to the Heavenly Dao Dojo.
• Sweet Potato said he would stay with Qin Dao until the end of his life if Qin Dao did not return.
• Yu Xue brought Qin Xi and Sweet Potato to the siheyuan where she lived with Qin Dao.
• Qin Dao stopped chopping firewood when Yu Xue returned with the strangers and asked who they were.
• Yu Xue introduced Qin Xi as her distant cousin who would stay for a few days, and Qin Dao stared at Qin Xi in surprise.

Qin Dao learned that he and Qin Xi were relatives and was startled by how closely they resembled each other. After inviting Qin Xi and the others inside, Qin Dao reflected on how hardship in the mortal world had changed him, while Qin Xi approved of his humility.

• Qin Dao stared at Qin Xi in shock over their resemblance, while Qin Xi waited quietly.
• Di Qun and Ao Xin observed how much Qin Dao had changed during his time in the mortal world.
• Daoist Yangmei explored Qin Dao's modest but tidy courtyard and sat down for tea.
• Qin Dao apologized for staring and invited Qin Xi and the others inside as guests.
• Qin Xi and Qin Dao remarked on their resemblance, and Qin Xi felt satisfied with Qin Dao's newfound humility.

Qin Xi stayed with Yu Xue and Sweet Potato, catching up with them and Qin Dao over tea. As lunchtime approached, Yu Xue prepared to buy groceries while Daoist Yangmei enthusiastically planned a feast.

• Qin Xi told Daoist Yangmei he planned to stay because Yu Xue and Sweet Potato were there.
• Qin Xi asked Yu Xue if she had adjusted to living there, and she said she was comfortable and that the neighbors treated them well.
• Qin Xi asked Qin Dao about her health after Yu Xue had told him she was unwell, and Qin Dao said she was feeling better.
• Yu Xue offered to buy groceries for lunch, and Daoist Yangmei asked her to make a big feast and began discussing the menu.

Qin Xi told Qin Dao he came from Kyoto, then examined Qin Dao’s pulse and noticed the black qi surrounding him. Qin Xi realized the Masked Man had left it there and feared it would eventually take over Qin Dao’s body.

• Qin Xi told Qin Dao that he came from Kyoto and suggested he try developing himself there.
• Qin Dao said people from a small place like his should not go to Kyoto, recalling his own painful return.
• Qin Xi took Qin Dao’s pulse and found no major problems, though Qin Dao admitted he sometimes felt briefly weak.
• Qin Xi observed the black qi around Qin Dao and concluded the Masked Man had left it there.
• Qin Xi realized Qin Dao was growing weaker and feared the black qi would eventually occupy his body.

Qin Xi realized that Masked Man’s plan involved taking Qin Dao’s body and decided to stay in the mortal world to protect him. He left the matter poised for further action, while Yu Xue and Daoist Yangmei returned with vegetables and meat.

• Qin Dao asked Qin Xi whether something was seriously wrong with his body, and Qin Xi said he had merely been distracted by a thought.
• Qin Xi concluded that Qin Dao, Masked Man, and himself were connected because Qin Dao was one of his avatars and Masked Man was his dark side.
• Qin Xi asked Qin Dao to let him stay for a while, and Qin Dao welcomed him into his home.
• Qin Xi warned Qin Dao that his health might need treatment and asked him to cooperate when the time came; Qin Dao agreed.
• Yu Xue and Daoist Yangmei returned to the courtyard with vegetables and meat, and Daoist Yangmei looked forward to lunch.

Qin Xi watched Yu Xue cook with newfound skill and reflected on how much steadier she had become. Ao Xin and Di Qun returned and helped prepare the meal, and everyone gathered around the table to eat.

• Qin Xi and Daoist Yangmei watched Yu Xue cook and remarked on how much she had changed.
• Ao Xin and Di Qun returned, bowed to Qin Xi, and went to help Yu Xue in the kitchen.
• Sweet Potato and Qin Dao came back from chopping firewood, and Yu Xue told them to wash their hands.
• Qin Xi invited everyone to eat as they set out the bowls and chopsticks around a table full of dishes.

Qin Xi and the others enjoyed Yu Xue’s cooking after their journey, and Yu Xue treated Qin Xi with conspicuous respect. The meal ended with Qin Xi preparing to speak privately with his companions, while Qin Dao wondered about Yu Xue’s unusual behavior.

• Qin Xi tasted Yu Xue’s dishes and praised her cooking, and Qin Xi and the others joined the meal.
• Yu Xue blushed at Qin Xi’s praise and invited him to stay longer, while Qin Dao noticed she had called him “big boss Qin Xi.”
• After the meal, Qin Xi told Yu Xue that he and his companions would rest, though he actually wanted to share what he had figured out.
• Yu Xue assigned Qin Xi and Daoist Yangmei separate rooms and addressed Qin Xi respectfully as her cousin.
• Qin Xi signaled Daoist Yangmei to go to his room, and Qin Dao resolved to watch more carefully as Di Qun and Ao Xin looked toward Qin Xi.

After Qin Xi and the others returned to their rooms, Qin Dao asked Sweet Potato about their backgrounds, while the visitors wondered why Qin Xi had sent them away. The group rested without learning what Qin Xi intended to do next.

• Yu Xue greeted Qin Xi and the others, who said they were tired and went back to their rooms.
• Qin Dao asked Sweet Potato whether Qin Xi and the others had an impressive background, and she told him they came from powerful places and deserved respect.
• Daoist Yangmei eagerly collapsed onto his bed and celebrated finally being able to rest.
• Ao Xin asked Di Qun why Qin Xi had signaled them to return to their rooms, but Di Qun could only guess that he wanted them to rest.

Qin Xi gathered the group to discuss the black qi around Qin Dao, which he believed was connected to Masked Man and to himself. The others were stunned and asked whether something had happened to Qin Xi.

• Qin Xi returned to his room and opened the video Chat Group to discuss his suspicions.
• Di Qun, Ao Xin, Forever Seventeen-Year-Old Girl, Daoist Yangmei, Wukong, and the others joined the group.
• Qin Xi told them he had reached the human world and had something important to discuss.
• Qin Xi said the black qi around Qin Dao seemed related to Masked Man and to him.
• Daoist Yangmei sat up and asked Qin Xi whether something had happened to him.