Chapter Summaries

He Song received Su Qian’s report about rising tensions between the Righteous Dao Alliance and the Devilish Dao Alliance, but chose to remain focused on cultivation. Several days later, Meng Guan, Wei Fan, and Black Crane True Person visited to explain the hidden business they had shared with White Cloud True Person and invite He Song to join.

• He Song received Su Qian’s monthly message describing a Golden Core demonic beast, supply stockpiling by both alliances, and a newly emerged Foundation Establishment cave abode.
• He Song inferred that the alliances’ stockpiling could lead to war, dismissed the distant threats, and returned his attention to cultivation.
• Meng Guan, Wei Fan, and Black Crane True Person visited He Song and asked whether he was satisfied with his new annual income of ten thousand Spirit Stones.
• Meng Guan invited He Song into a business venture, reminding him of the concealed auction in Qingyuan Immortal City where He Song had bought a Meridian-Protecting Pill.

He Song accepted White Cloud’s former share in the Tianquan Commerce Association, joining Meng Guan, Wei Fan, and Black Crane in operating it. He continued cultivating in Tianquan Xiancheng and later learned that Ping'er had advanced to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage and would become Yuheng Xiancheng’s guardian True Person.

• Meng Guan, Wei Fan, and Black Crane invited He Song to jointly operate the Tianquan Commerce Association, whose profits would provide each partner with several thousand Spirit Stones a year.
• He Song agreed after deciding the arrangement posed little danger, and Meng Guan explained that He Song could also sell his own goods through the association.
• After the three visitors left, He Song reflected on their caution and resumed cultivating with the Thick Earth Technique.
• Over the years, He Song gained a firm foothold in Tianquan Xiancheng while keeping to his cultivation and hearing news from others.
• In the sixth year after He Song arrived, Ping'er advanced to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, and He Song sent her congratulations.
• Ping'er told He Song that she would soon replace Clear Moon Real Person as Yuheng Xiancheng’s guardian True Person, and He Song advised her to beware of devil cultivators.

After ten years in Tianquan Xiancheng, He Song emerged from seclusion to harvest spirit herbs and spirit rice he had left behind, intending to advance his alchemy toward Foundation Establishment spiritual pills. He informed Wei Fan and Black Crane of his departure and flew toward the fields, while Meng Guan remained unavailable in seclusion.

• He Song reflected on his growing cultivation and resolved to conceal any future breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
• He Song saw Yu'er trying to make Clear Wind give her another Hundred Beasts Pill and fed her one himself.
• He Song decided to harvest the spirit herbs and spirit rice he had planted ten years earlier so he could practice refining Foundation Establishment spiritual pills.
• He Song activated the arrays around his residence, then sought permission from the other guardian True Persons to leave Tianquan Xiancheng.
• Meng Guan refused to receive He Song, so He Song informed Wei Fan and Black Crane and flew away as a stream of azure-blue light.

He Song secretly returned to his hidden medicinal garden, harvested its mature spirit herbs and Dragonfang Spirit Rice, and replanted the fields. After replenishing the arrays with Spirit Stones, he left for Tianquan Xiancheng, wary of rising tensions between the Righteous Dao Alliance and the Devilish Dao Alliance.

• He Song approached his medicinal garden underground after landing several hundred li away, then checked its arrays and surroundings before entering.
• He Song harvested the mature spirit herbs and Dragonfang Spirit Rice, turned over the fields, and planted new seeds.
• He Song considered using the harvest to improve his alchemy until he could refine Foundation Establishment spiritual pills, deciding to buy more herbs or wait for another harvest if necessary.
• He Song placed twenty thousand Spirit Stones into the arrays to keep them operating for years beyond the next harvest.
• He Song left the garden underground and flew toward Tianquan Xiancheng, avoiding anyone he encountered because he feared drawing attention amid tensions between the two alliances.

He Song returned to Tianquan Xiancheng after harvesting spiritual herbs and buying the ingredients needed for alchemy. He began refining an Earth Spiritual Pill in his specially prepared alchemy chamber, leaving the outcome uncertain as the medicinal ingredients started to fuse.

• He Song traveled cautiously through Lianshan Immortal City’s territory to buy the secondary ingredients for his pills, repeatedly changing his appearance to avoid suspicion.
• After leaving Lianshan Immortal City, He Song returned safely to his residence in Tianquan Xiancheng with the ingredients he needed.
• He Song entered his specially constructed alchemy chamber and prepared to refine an Earth Spiritual Pill using his Blazing Sun Furnace.
• He Song heated the furnace and added the medicinal ingredients, then began the delicate process of removing impurities and combining their medicinal liquids.

He Song repeatedly failed to refine Foundation Establishment pills before finally producing his first batch of Earth Spiritual Pills. Over the next three years, he refined them with increasing success and stored the pills for future sale.

• He Song spent more than a month and dozens of attempts refining Foundation Establishment pills, recording each failure and adjusting his methods.
• He Song detected a success during an attempt and collected several Earth Spiritual Pills from the Blazing Sun Furnace.
• He Song failed at several more batches, then studied the successful attempt and tried to reproduce its conditions.
• After dozens of further failures, He Song produced a second batch and compared every step with his first success to improve his technique.
• Over the next three years, He Song's growing familiarity with Earth Spiritual Pill refinement raised his success rate, and he filled jade bottles with batches for future sale.

After three years of pill refining and cultivation in Tianquan Xiancheng, He Song had become more reliable at refining Earth Spiritual Pills and advanced steadily toward Foundation Establishment Late Stage. Meng Guan invited him to celebrate his own breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Late Stage, while He Song prepared to visit and planned to travel to other immortal cities to replenish his dwindling herbs.

• Over three years, He Song learned to successfully refine two or three batches of Earth Spiritual Pills out of every ten, but nearly exhausted his Earth Spiritual Ginseng and supplementary herbs.
• He Song increased his cultivation through pills and other resources, estimating that he was more than halfway to Foundation Establishment Late Stage and could reach it in roughly ten-odd years.
• After He Song successfully refined another batch of Earth Spiritual Pills, Meng Guan's Sound Transmission Talisman delivered an invitation announcing Meng Guan's breakthrough to Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
• He Song calculated that Meng Guan had taken at least thirty-five years to advance from Foundation Establishment Middle Stage to Late Stage, then felt dissatisfied with his own cultivation speed despite recognizing it was already unusually fast.
• He Song decided to visit Meng Guan to offer congratulations and planned to sell pills in other immortal cities to buy more Earth Spiritual Ginseng and supplementary herbs.

Meng Guan celebrated stabilizing his Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivation with He Song and Wei Fan, then revealed his worries about reaching the Golden Core realm and hinted at a new risky path. The chapter ended before he explained what that path was.

• He Song arrived at Meng Guan's residence, where Wei Fan and Black Crane had gathered to congratulate Meng Guan on stabilizing his breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
• After Black Crane left, Wei Fan explained that he was not suited to hear their secret plans because Meng Guan would soon be transferred closer to the sect mountain.
• Meng Guan said his cultivation had slowed, leaving him little confidence in reaching the Golden Core realm before his lifespan ran out.
• Meng Guan compared their gathering to the earlier meeting when they had learned of the Red Spirit Gold Mine, prompting Wei Fan to ask what new target they could pursue.
• Meng Guan said there was another path, adding that the Red Spirit Gold Mine had concealed something valuable enough to attract Golden Core True Lords and that he had learned the truth only after returning to it.

Meng Guan revealed that the Red Spirit Gold Mine had concealed valuable spirit ores and urged his friends to consider the One Yang Sect as a place to seek Golden Core opportunities. He Song shared maps and regional intelligence with Meng Guan and Wei Fan, after which Meng Guan announced that he planned to travel south and pursue a chance at the Golden Core realm.

• Meng Guan explained that the Red Spirit Gold Mine had been disguised as a minor mine despite producing rare ores and drawing several Foundation Establishment Real Persons to guard it.
• Meng Guan told He Song and Wei Fan about the Nascent Soul Sect One Yang Sect and its many Golden Core Forces.
• He Song copied maps and information about Cloud Province and three neighboring provinces onto Jade Slips and gave one to each friend.
• Meng Guan thanked He Song and said the information strengthened his plans to travel south after preparing for the journey.
• Meng Guan announced that he would leave for the One Yang Sect to seek a Congealed Golden Core and Golden Core secret arts, while Wei Fan considered whether he might pursue similar opportunities later.

Wei Fan decided that he would leave the Thick Earth Sect after reaching the Foundation Establishment Late Stage and stabilizing his combat strength. He Song suggested that Meng Guan travel outside while remaining affiliated with the sect, and Meng Guan agreed to keep them informed.

• Wei Fan reflected on how Meng Guan had overtaken him in cultivation speed and resolved to seek opportunities outside the Thick Earth Sect once he reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
• He Song suggested that Meng Guan report his plans to the sect so he could travel freely while retaining his Thick Earth Sect affiliation and a path back.
• Meng Guan said he and Wei Fan had already discussed that plan and promised to send He Song and Wei Fan news from the outside world after his transfer to the main gate.
• He Song anticipated that Meng Guan could become a valuable source of information and considered whether Wei Fan might eventually provide news as well.

He Song weighed whether to leave the Thick Earth Sect after reaching Foundation Establishment Late Stage and decided to remain until he attained Perfect Foundation Establishment, unless turmoil forced him out. He then quietly left Tianquan Xiancheng in disguise to sell Earth Spiritual Pills without attracting suspicion.

• He Song considered the Thick Earth Sect’s factional tensions and rejected leaving immediately after reaching Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
• He Song decided to wait until Perfect Foundation Establishment before seeking opportunities beyond the sect, while relying on Meng Guan and Wei Fan to scout ahead.
• He Song gathered his remaining spiritual herbs and prepared to sell the Earth Spiritual Pills he had refined.
• He Song disguised himself in a black robe and left Tianquan Xiancheng without telling his friends.
• After traveling more than a hundred li with Earth Escape Technique, He Song transformed into a crimson streak of light and sped away.

He Song traveled to Youlu Immortal City to sell Foundation Establishment pills and buy herbs, taking precautions to conceal his identity while openly presenting himself as a Foundation Establishment cultivator. The chapter ended as pavilion master Bishui welcomed him at Treasure Gathering Pavilion.

• He Song left Tianquan Xiancheng’s territory, passed through Lianshan, and chose distant Youlu Immortal City as his destination.
• After half a month of travel, He Song disguised himself, set up three arrays outside Youlu Immortal City, and prepared for possible combat.
• He Song entered Youlu Immortal City displaying Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivation, causing nearby cultivators to retreat from him.
• He Song went to Treasure Gathering Pavilion to sell his pills, where pavilion master Bishui greeted him and invited him inside.

He Song, posing as True Person Red Maple, visited the Treasure Gathering Pavilion to sell Earth Spiritual Pills. True Person Bishui offered him a premium to secure future business, but his suspicions about He Song led He Song to decide to sell his pills there and buy refining herbs elsewhere.

• He Song introduced himself to True Person Bishui as True Person Red Maple and followed him to the Pavilion's reception area for Foundation Establishment cultivators.
• He Song presented ten bottles of Earth Spiritual Pills for inspection and said he would sell them only at a satisfactory price.
• A subordinate confirmed the pills were standard and valued each bottle at around one thousand Spirit Stones.
• True Person Bishui berated and drove out the subordinate, then offered He Song one thousand and fifty Spirit Stones per bottle to make amends and encourage future sales.
• He Song accepted the offer and decided to sell his remaining pills there, but to purchase refining herbs in other immortal cities because True Person Bishui had grown suspicious of him.

He Song sold 105 bottles of Earth Spiritual Pills to True Person Bishui in Youlu Xiancheng for 110,300 Spirit Stones, then carefully tested whether anyone was tracking him. After confirming he was alone, he traveled in disguise to WanHua Immortal City and began buying herbs to make more pills.

• He Song sold 105 bottles of Earth Spiritual Pills to True Person Bishui for 110,300 Spirit Stones, while Bishui hoped to secure his future business.
• He Song left the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, concealed his identity, and waited near his hidden formations to see whether anyone followed him.
• After several days passed without pursuit, He Song tested the area again, retrieved his formations, and headed toward Qionghua Sect territory.
• He Song entered WanHua Immortal City disguised as a Qi Refining Late Stage cultivator and bought several hundred sets of herbs for Earth Spiritual Pills, spending 100,000 Spirit Stones.

After returning to Tianquan Xiancheng with hundreds of sets of Earth Spiritual Pill herbs, He Song spent five years mastering their refinement and advancing his cultivation. With his pill-making income secure and Foundation Establishment Late Stage within reach, he began researching Blood Stasis Dissolving Pills.

• He Song bought several hundred sets of Earth Spiritual Pill herbs in WanHua Immortal City, evaded anyone following him, and returned safely to Tianquan Xiancheng.
• He Song spent five years refining pills and cultivating, becoming proficient in Earth Spiritual Pills and drawing close to Foundation Establishment Late Stage.
• He Song began researching Blood Stasis Dissolving Pills so he could save the Spirit Stones he spent buying them and potentially profit from making them.

He Song reflected on his pill refinement, Yu’er's growth, and the alliances and relationships around Tianquan Xiancheng as the Righteous and Devilish Dao Alliances remained on the brink of war. Meng Guan prepared to leave for the Thick Earth Sect’s mountain gate, and Fengquan True Person arrived to take over his post.

• He Song continued practicing Blood Stasis Dissolving Pill refinement, while Yu'er advanced to the Qi Refining Late Stage, grew larger, and showed greater agility and intelligence.
• He Song noted that the Righteous Dao Alliance and the Devilish Dao Alliance remained in a tense standoff, prompting cultivators to leave the region.
• He Song learned that Meng Guan and Wei Fan had helped arrange his transfer to Tianquan Xiancheng, and he understood Fengquan True Person’s connection to White Cloud True Person.
• After five years in Tianquan Xiancheng, Meng Guan sent He Song a message inviting him to the Meng residence before his transfer to the mountain gate.
• He Song attended Meng Guan’s farewell gathering and met Fengquan True Person, who would take over Meng Guan’s post as garrison commander.

After Meng Guan departed Tianquan Xiancheng, Fengquan True Person took his place among its four guarding True Persons, and He Song resumed his quiet routine. A monthly letter from Su Qian revealed that she had advanced to Qi Refining stage 7 and was probing whether He Song had achieved Foundation Establishment, so he decided to confirm it under the name Chen Zhou.

• At the farewell banquet, Meng Guan said goodbye to He Song and the others, then flew away from Tianquan Xiancheng.
• Fengquan True Person took over Meng Guan's duties and connections, accepted an invitation to join the merchant association, and became one of the city's four guarding True Persons.
• He Song continued refining pills and cultivating while receiving monthly reports from Su Qian and Meng Guan.
• Su Qian wrote that she had reached Qi Refining stage 7, become a steward at the Spirit Skill Pavilion, and heard that the Li Family planned to relocate from Eight Vein Immortal City.
• He Song decided to answer Su Qian's probing by revealing that Chen Zhou was a Foundation Establishment Real Person, possibly using the daoist title Red Maple True Person.

He Song revealed his Foundation Establishment identity to Su Qian, who agreed to keep supplying information and warned him about the Li Family of Eight Vein Immortal City. Meng Guan reported that he had reached Eight Vein Immortal City and found an opportunity there, leaving He Song to suspect he might target the Li Family; Su Qian’s investigation had found no hidden secrets so far, but her message ended on an unfinished “Only...”

• He Song sent Su Qian a message under the Daoist title Red Maple, revealing his Foundation Establishment status and asking her to continue sending information.
• Su Qian pledged to serve Red Maple True Person and warned him that the Li Family of Eight Vein Immortal City might be involved in a troubling matter.
• He Song read Meng Guan’s message saying he had reached Eight Vein Immortal City and found a promising opportunity.
• He Song suspected Meng Guan’s opportunity was the Li Family and asked Su Qian to investigate the family’s rumored secrets.
• Su Qian replied that she had found no other hidden secrets, but began to add, “Only...”

He Song learned that Meng Guan had intervened in the Li Family’s crisis in Eight Vein Immortal City and defeated a challenger, revealing his Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivation. Meng Guan’s fearsome reputation drove off the Li Family’s other enemies, though people wondered what price the family would pay for his protection.

• He Song read Su Qian’s report that several Foundation Establishment Real Persons were targeting the Li Family and decided there was no need to warn Meng Guan.
• The Li Family’s plan to leave Eight Vein Immortal City was exposed, and a cultivator killed one of its members before the family recalled its disciples into the city.
• The Li Family’s businesses suffered, but a Foundation Establishment Real Person arrived, secretly met with the patriarch, and declared the family under his protection.
• Meng Guan told He Song he had become involved in a disturbance because of an opportunity, and He Song inferred that Meng Guan was protecting the Li Family.
• A Rogue Cultivator Foundation Establishment Real Person challenged Meng Guan, who defeated him and took his possessions, revealing his Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivation.
• Meng Guan’s reputation spread through Eight Vein Immortal City, ending the threats against the Li Family and prompting speculation about what they would owe him.

He Song received uncertain reports that a Foundation Establishment battle had erupted at the Li Family residence in Eight Vein Immortal City, where Meng Guan had been helping the family. He set aside the rumors and waited for Meng Guan’s firsthand account while continuing to focus on cultivation and pill refinement.

• He Song continued practicing Blood Stasis Dissolving Pill refinement and prepared to learn Three Lives Spirit Pills using herbs he had cultivated.
• Su Qian sent word that Foundation Establishment True Persons were fighting at the Li Family residence, but the battle was still underway and details were scarce.
• Several days later, Su Qian relayed conflicting rumors that the fight involved Soul-Severing Real Person, the Li Family, or people seeking revenge against the family.
• He Song considered the rumors and decided to wait for Meng Guan’s firsthand account rather than guess what had happened.
• At the beginning of the month, He Song received the news he had been waiting for.