Chapter Summaries

Chen Mu relinquished his official posts, commissioned Fang Yi to forge Treasure Weapon soft armor, and began cultivating the Gen Mountain Power of Intent with an Earth Essence Azure Lotus Seed. Meanwhile, the Profound Mystery Pavilion stewards discussed their losses and debated how to respond to Chen Mu, leaving Duanmu Chun unwilling to escalate the conflict yet.

• Yan Jingqing explained how Martial Dao Will helped martial artists control the might of Heaven and Earth and break through the Mysterious Pass.
• Chen Mu resigned as Commandant of the Surveillance Department and Commandant of the Demon Subduing Office, while Yan Jingqing retained his official rank and grade.
• Chen Mu asked Fang Yi to forge Treasure Weapon soft armor and instructed him to prioritize the work for two months.
• Chen Mu returned to the Yu Family Residence, planned to send the Flame Jade Bed and Cold Jade Bed to Xu Hongyu, and swallowed an Earth Essence Azure Lotus Seed before cultivating Gen Mountain Power of Intent.
• Duanmu Chun and the Profound Mystery Pavilion stewards reviewed their casualties, blamed Chen Mu for the deaths, and considered asking an elder to kill him.
• Duanmu Chun rejected an immediate attack on Chen Mu, judging that it could provoke retaliation from the Seven Mysteries Sect.

After consuming the Earth Essence Azure Lotus Seed, Chen Mu spent thirty-three days immersed in comprehending the Gen Mountain Diagram and greatly deepened his Gen Mountain Power of Intent. He recovered from his prolonged fast and discovered that his accumulated experience had brought him close to the second step, so he decided to test how far the path beyond it extended.

• Chen Mu consumed the Earth Essence Azure Lotus Seed and perceived heaven and earth with unusual clarity as he studied the Gen Mountain Diagram.
• Chen Mu realized that Gen Mountain Power of Intent embodied stillness, constancy, steadiness, and defense of the body, heart, and will.
• Chen Mu emerged from the Quiet Room after thirty-three days, ravenous, and ate demon meat and drank water while Wang Ni and the maids hurried to care for him.
• Chen Mu checked his System Panel and found 37,146 experience points for Gen Mountain Power of Intent, leaving him close to its second step.
• Chen Mu decided to use his surplus experience to explore the distance between the second step and the Martial Dao Domain.

Chen Mu used deduction opportunities to advance his Gen Mountain Power of Intent to the second step and assessed how it strengthened his ability to combine Powers of Intent. He concluded that further deductions would bring gradual gains, while cultivating additional compatible Powers of Intent offered greater strength.

• Chen Mu spent experience points to comprehend the Gen Mountain Power of Intent, whose weight cracked the wooden tub beneath him.
• Chen Mu combined Gen Mountain with his Wind, Thunder, and Fire Powers of Intent, then reasoned that Qian Heaven and Kun Earth would be needed to unify conflicting aspects.
• Chen Mu estimated his own strength at nearly seven portions of the Power of Heaven and Earth, enough to contend for a place in the top twenty of the New Talent Rankings.
• Chen Mu used two more deduction opportunities and climbed imaginary mountain stairs until he could no longer see either the mountain's foot or its peak.
• Wang Ni entered with a towel, found the room flooded by the cracked tub, and helped Chen Mu dress.
• Chen Mu judged that two deductions had only slightly increased his Gen Mountain Power of Intent and recalled Meng Danyun's advice to cultivate other Powers of Intent after reaching the second step.

Chen Mu used a Golden Essence Pearl and an Earth Essence Pearl to complete the third and fourth temperings of his Five Viscera Realm, strengthening his Origin Astral Force. He then secretly pushed Chen Yue into awakening Sword Force before leaving her to practice.

• Chen Mu chose to prioritize cultivating Qian and Kun Artistic Conception later, then used a Golden Essence Pearl to complete his third Five Viscera Realm tempering.
• Chen Mu used an Earth Essence Pearl to complete the fourth tempering, raising his Origin Astral Force to three portions and considering how much stronger he would need to become to challenge Wind and Cloud Rankings experts.
• Chen Mu left his courtyard and stopped outside Chen Yue's courtyard when he heard her practicing swordsmanship.
• Chen Mu, disguised as a masked attacker, tested Chen Yue until she counterattacked with a move carrying Sword Force.
• Chen Mu revealed himself, praised Chen Yue for entering the hall with her swordsmanship, and watched her continue practicing before quietly leaving.

While preparations for his wedding to Xu Hongyu continued, Chen Mu recognized his deepest ambition: to make all things in the world follow his will. By facing that desire without evasion, he took an initial step toward Martial Dao Will and found it easier to wield the Power of Heaven and Earth.

• Chen Mu visited Xu Hongyu's courtyard, where Xiao He measured him for wedding clothes and he learned that she had reached Great Accomplishment of Yi Jin.
• Chen Mu reflected on his past actions and recognized that he wanted everything in the world to be determined by his will.
• After accepting this ambition, Chen Mu felt his spirit become firmer and found he could command his Artistic Conceptions with a single thought.
• Xiao He sensed that Chen Mu had changed, but he dismissed her observation and playfully embarrassed her before leaving.

On his wedding day, Chen Mu continued cultivating the Kan Water Branch before preparing to marry Xu Hongyu at the Yu Family Residence. His rise brought distinguished guests and old acquaintances together, and the chapter ended as Zhang Youying watched him pass by.

• Chen Mu received the Yu Family's Kan Water Diagram and studied its artistic conception, gaining an initial grasp of Kan Water Power of Intent.
• On the ninth day of the fourth month, the Yu Family Residence filled with guests for Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu's wedding.
• Chen Mu dressed for the ceremony while Wang Ni, Ku Er, and Le Er helped him prepare.
• Chen Mu greeted Min Baoyi, prompting senior officials to approach Min Baoyi warmly because of his connection to Chen Mu.
• Chen Mu greeted Chen Hong and saw Zhang Youying, who watched him pass by in a daze.

Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu completed their wedding ceremony before the Yu Family and celebrated their marriage in the bridal chamber. The chapter ended with Xiao He listening outside while Chen Yue and Yu Ru blushed and slipped away.

• Yan Jingqing presided over Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu’s wedding ceremony, and the newlyweds bowed to Heaven and Earth, the elders, and each other.
• Chen Yue reflected on the life she had found with Chen Mu and the Yu Family while Yu Ru watched the newlyweds with envy.
• Chen Mu lifted Xu Hongyu’s veil and praised her beauty as they spoke about how their feelings had grown.
• Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu entered the bridal chamber together, and Xiao He listened outside while Chen Yue and Yu Ru secretly ran away.

After spending a private morning with Xu Hongyu, Chen Mu learned that Meng Danyun had emerged from seclusion with her Xun Wind Power of Intent in the second step. The chapter ended with Chen Mu congratulating his senior sister on her breakthrough.

• Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu practiced controlling their Kan Water Power of Intent together, and Chen Mu advised her to keep developing it before pursuing another power of intent.
• Xiao He brought Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu water and watched as they got ready; Chen Mu then combed Xu Hongyu’s hair and arranged it with a jade hairpin.
• Chen Mu left Xu Hongyu to rest and asked Xiao He whether anything had happened outside; she said there was no news.
• Chen Mu met Meng Danyun in the front courtyard and learned she had emerged from seclusion that morning.
• Chen Mu sensed that Meng Danyun’s Xun Wind Power of Intent had entered the second step and congratulated her on her progress.

Chen Mu prepared to leave for the Seven Mysteries Sect with Meng Danyun, hoping to learn the secret techniques he needed to refine his use of Powers of Intent. After settling affairs at home and sharing a final few days with Xu Hongyu and Xiao He, he reached the day of departure.

• Meng Danyun concealed her newly advanced Powers of Intent and told Chen Mu she would leave for the Seven Mysteries Sect after settling a few matters.
• Chen Mu agreed to travel with Meng Danyun, intending to improve his techniques for wielding Powers of Intent and pursue the path toward the complete Qiankun Power of Intent Realm.
• Chen Yue and Yu Ru hid to watch Meng Danyun leave, and Chen Mu teased them about listening to the newlyweds the previous night.
• Chen Mu told Xu Hongyu he would leave in a few days and promised he would return; Xu Hongyu embraced him while Xiao He worried about their separation.
• Three days passed as Chen Mu settled household affairs and spent time with Xu Hongyu and Xiao He, and the fourth day arrived.

Chen Mu left Jade City with Meng Danyun to join the Seven Mysteries Sect, accompanied secretly by Sect Guardian Chu Jingsu. His family and friends accepted his departure and resolved to keep cultivating while awaiting news of his progress.

• Meng Danyun teased Chen Mu before telling him that a Sect Guardian would secretly accompany their journey to the Seven Mysteries Sect.
• Chen Mu noticed Chu Jingsu watching from hiding, then left Jade City with Meng Danyun as Chu followed them.
• Xu Hongyu and Xiao He reflected on Chen Mu's departure and returned to their cultivation.
• Chen Yue and Yu Ru broke their wooden swords while sparring, then vowed to continue practicing and hoped to hear Chen Mu's name in jianghu tales.

Chen Mu and Meng Danyun reached the Seven Mysteries Sect, where Chen Mu witnessed the sect’s powerful earth-vein formation and prosperous town before entering the mountain gate. Meng Danyun led him toward Ling Xuan Peak to meet her master, while Chu Jingsu hoped Chen Mu would join that peak despite its troubled leader, Qin Mengjun.

• Chen Mu and Meng Danyun arrived at the Seven Mysteries Mountain Range, and Meng Danyun explained how the Qiankun Locking Dragon Formation suppressed Jade Province’s dragon vein.
• Chen Mu and Meng Danyun passed through prosperous Seven Mysteries Town and reached the mountain gate, where Chen Mu felt the lingering intent on the founding sect master’s stone stele.
• Meng Danyun led Chen Mu into the sect and said she would take him to meet her master on Ling Xuan Peak.
• Chu Jingsu persuaded Shi Bian not to interfere with Chen Mu’s choice of peak, then reflected that Qin Mengjun’s damaged mind had contributed to Ling Xuan Peak’s decline.

Chen Mu followed Meng Danyun to Ling Xuan Peak and met its master, Qin Mengjun, whose presence revealed a Martial Dao realm far beyond his perception. After emerging from her long daze, Qin Mengjun recognized Chen Mu by the Power of Intent he had cultivated.

• Meng Danyun led Chen Mu up Ling Xuan Peak, where disciples recognized him as a likely future true disciple.
• Linghu Shang told Shen Lin that Chen Mu had mastered three aspects of Power of Intent and compared his prospects with Zhou Hao's.
• Meng Danyun warned Chen Mu that her master, Qin Mengjun, sometimes stared blankly and should not be disturbed until she recovered.
• Chen Mu observed Qin Mengjun sitting beneath an ancient tree and realized he could not sense her presence, despite her being a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster.
• Qin Mengjun came back to herself, greeted Meng Danyun, and identified Chen Mu from the Power of Intent he had cultivated.

Chen Mu joined Ling Xuan Peak as Qin Mengjun’s fourth True Disciple and settled into his new life at the Seven Mysteries Sect. He visited the Technique Transmission Hall and studied the Qian Heaven Diagram, confident that he could comprehend its Power of Intent.

• Chen Mu chose Ling Xuan Peak despite Qin Mengjun warning that her trances might prevent her from guiding him, and he became her fourth True Disciple.
• Qin Mengjun fell into a trance, so Meng Danyun carefully returned her to her seat and warned Chen Mu not to approach her while she was in that state.
• Meng Danyun showed Chen Mu a bamboo house on the upper peak and explained Ling Xuan Peak’s rules and his access to the sect’s texts and diagrams.
• Chen Mu settled into his new residence, while Qi Zhiyuan and people at Tai Xuan Peak learned that he had joined Ling Xuan Peak.
• Chen Mu went to the Technique Transmission Hall, examined the Qian Heaven Diagram, and saw on his System Panel that he had not yet comprehended Qian Heaven Power of Intent.

Over the year after entering the Seven Mysteries Sect, Chen Mu became Ling Xuan Peak’s True Disciple while remaining largely unnoticed by the martial world. After instructing newly promoted Inner Sect Disciples about martial arts, he revealed that he had cultivated the Qiankun Power of Intent Realm to the Second Step, though the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal remained difficult to master.

• Zhou Hao, Zuo Qianqiu, and Yuan Yingsong made names for themselves through major battles, while Chen Mu remained secluded at Ling Xuan Peak.
• Meng Danyun entered the Six Bowel Realm, and Chen Mu succeeded her as Ling Xuan Peak’s True Disciple without ceremony or much attention.
• Chen Mu taught the new Inner Sect Disciples how the Eight Trigrams of Heaven and Earth formed the foundation of martial arts and advised them to follow paths suited to themselves.
• After the disciples left, Chen Mu retrieved his Li Fire Saber and checked the System Panel, which showed his Qiankun Power of Intent Realm at the Second Step.
• Chen Mu reflected that it had taken nearly a year to gather all eight aspects into the Qiankun Power of Intent Realm, and that he had only barely cultivated the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to its first level.

Chen Mu tested the first level of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal in a secluded valley, using it to command the Eight Trigrams’ Power of Heaven and Earth and devastate cliff walls. He left with a clearer grasp of his strength, able to freely control fifteen portions of that power and combine it with four portions of Yuangang True Force.

• Chen Mu traveled to a secluded valley and demonstrated the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, merging eight wheel seals into an attack that hollowed out a cliff face.
• Chen Mu considered how the art improved his control of the Power of Heaven and Earth and allowed him to borrow further strength from his surroundings.
• Chen Mu borrowed power from Qian Heaven and struck another cliff, destroying it while controlling fifteen portions of Power of Heaven and Earth.
• Chen Mu assessed that his four portions of Yuangang True Force, gained through eight internal temperings, brought his combined strength close to twenty portions.

Chen Mu assessed the strength and limits of his newly fused Qiankun Power of Intent Realm, then went to the Seven Mysteries Sect’s Scripture Transmission Hall to seek movement and concealment techniques. He found an obscure concealment manual, the Son of Heaven Qi Concealment Formula, whose requirements matched his Qiankun cultivation.

• Chen Mu determined that his current strength had reached the lower threshold of the Wind and Cloud Rankings, though he would still be at a disadvantage against a domain wielder like Yan Jingqing.
• Chen Mu reviewed how his Qiankun Power of Intent Realm gathered experience and concluded that improving the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal was his best immediate route to greater strength.
• Chen Mu returned to the Seven Mysteries Sect and entered the Scripture Transmission Hall to search for a movement technique and a concealment technique.
• Chen Mu examined several concealment manuals, including Sun Moon Without Trace, and noted the technique’s reliance on the power of the sun and moon.
• Chen Mu discovered the dusty Son of Heaven Qi Concealment Formula and saw that it required mastery of the Qiankun Power of Intent Realm.

Chen Mu learned the Son of Heaven Concealing Qi Art and Hidden Abyss Shrinking Earth before returning to his residence and dismissing the New Talent Rankings as unimportant. There, Meng Danyun told him that his master might sleep for a long time and passed on her guidance about advancing the Power of Intent, along with a protective Qian Heaven Seal.

• Chen Mu chose and memorized the Son of Heaven Concealing Qi Art and Hidden Abyss Shrinking Earth, both based on the Qiankun Power of Intent Realm.
• On his way back, Chen Mu overheard disciples discussing the updated New Talent Rankings, Zuo Qianqiu's victory over Yuan Yingsong, and Chen Mu's own fall from twenty-seventh to thirty-third place.
• Chen Mu returned to his bamboo house, reflecting that the New Talent Rankings and younger martial artists no longer held his attention.
• Meng Danyun told Chen Mu that his master was awake for increasingly shorter periods and might soon sleep for a long time.
• Meng Danyun relayed the master's guidance that reaching the third step of Power of Intent required relying on oneself, then gave Chen Mu the Qian Heaven Seal, which could block an ordinary grandmaster's strike.

Chen Mu learned that Qin Mengjun had been crippled by a deliberate earth-vein ambush while she attempted to enter the Blood Exchange Realm, and he vowed to settle accounts with those responsible. When Qin Mengjun finally awakened, she was astonished to discover that Chen Mu had mastered the complete Qiankun Power of Intent Realm in just one year, then began explaining why martial artists rarely pursue more Artistic Conceptions after entering the Six Bowel Realm.

• Chen Mu accepted the Qian Heaven Seal and asked Meng Danyun how Qin Mengjun had been injured.
• Meng Danyun explained that an unknown Blood Exchange Realm attacker had disrupted the earth veins during Qin Mengjun's secluded cultivation, causing a backlash, and that the sect's investigation had failed to identify a traitor.
• Chen Mu resolved to remember the ambush and seek justice for Qin Mengjun if he eventually became a Martial Saint.
• Chen Mu waited beside Qin Mengjun beneath the ancient tree until she awoke and noticed his transformed cultivation.
• Qin Mengjun recognized that Chen Mu had mastered the complete Qiankun Power of Intent Realm at its second step in a single year.
• Qin Mengjun asked Chen Mu whether he knew why Six Bowel Realm martial artists rarely pursued additional or more fundamental Artistic Conceptions, and he asked her to explain.

Qin Mengjun explained to Chen Mu why his Qiankun Power of Intent Realm would make breaking through the Mysterious Pass exceptionally difficult but yield a stronger grandmaster physique, and urged him to cultivate his realm and Martial Dao Will. Chen Mu learned to comprehend heaven and earth directly, while reports of unrest across the provinces left the story amid growing chaos.

• Qin Mengjun explained the Mysterious Pass and told Chen Mu that the Qiankun path was difficult but suited to his talent.
• Chen Mu asked how to advance his Power of Intent Realm, and Qin Mengjun advised him to draw insight from heaven and earth rather than relying on diagrams.
• Chen Mu tested the advice from the roof of his bamboo house and gained experience by sensing the mountains, rivers, and sky.
• Chen Mu decided he was not yet ready to leave the mountain, though he thought the time to travel was approaching.
• Reports from 1429 described border raids, a locust plague and epidemic, and escaped Heavenly Corpse Sect remnants as unrest spread across the provinces.

After reaching Wind and Cloud Rankings-level strength, Chen Mu learned that a Sand Disaster had sparked a demon beast crisis in Sha County and set out to help defend Yunlu Pass. Shen Lin tried to accompany him, but Chen Mu quickly left her behind.

• Chen Mu tested his fourth-level Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and reflected that his new techniques had brought him to Wind and Cloud Rankings-level strength.
• Shen Lin told Chen Mu that a Sand Disaster had struck Sha County and that Chu Jingsu and Meng Danyun had led disciples there.
• Chen Mu decided to join the defense, packed his weapons and equipment, and set out for Sha County.
• Shen Lin caught up with Chen Mu and told him Ling Xuan Peak would defend Yunlu Pass.
• Chen Mu thanked Shen Lin and hurried away, leaving her behind as she prepared to travel after him.