Chapter Summaries

Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong arranged for Ning Rongrong to visit Canghai City, while agreeing not to interfere in her feelings for Zhou Qiubai. Ning Fengzhi also asked Gu Rong to look for Zhu Zhuqing there, since the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had lost track of her.

• Ning Fengzhi said he needed to remain in Tiandou City to support Qinghe amid Xue Ye's declining health and Xue Beng and Xue Xing's unrest.
• Gu Rong proposed that Ning Rongrong visit Canghai City to greet its new city lord and gain experience, and Ning Fengzhi agreed to the trip.
• Gu Rong told Ning Fengzhi that Ning Rongrong had feelings for Zhou Qiubai, and they agreed that her feelings could not be forced into a marriage.
• Ning Fengzhi said he would not risk his friendship with Zhou Qiubai by interfering, especially since Zhou Qiubai and Shui Bing'er had fallen in love first.
• Ning Fengzhi asked Gu Rong to look for Zhu Zhuqing in Canghai City, because the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's intelligence network had been unable to find her.

Ning Fengzhi sent Gu Rong to look for Zhu Zhuqing and worried that Spirit Hall might act as Canghai City rose in power. In Four Elements City, Feng Xiaotian and the others learned Zhou Qiubai had become Canghai City’s City Lord, changing Shui Bing’er’s prospects and giving her family a possible way out of its political constraints.

• Ning Fengzhi explained that he wanted to find Zhu Zhuqing because her determination to escape her fate might make her a valuable future ally, and Gu Rong left to search for her.
• Ning Fengzhi worried that Canghai City’s rise might disrupt Bibi Dong’s plans and feared Spirit Hall’s power.
• Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wu, Huo Wushuang, Shui Bing’er, and Shui Yue’er read a report that Zhou Qiubai had become Canghai City’s City Lord after breaking through its tower.
• Huo Wushuang and Feng Xiaotian recognized that Canghai City’s Title Douluo and Soul Master force could outmatch Four Elements City’s factions and change the balance of power.
• Huo Wushuang pointed out that Shui Bing’er’s marriage to Zhou Qiubai could free the Shui Clan from the Yu Clan’s influence, and Shui Yue’er urged her sister to pursue him.

Shui Bing'er and her childhood friends put a plan into action to help her escape Four Elements City and travel to Canghai City. She slipped out through an abandoned drainage gap while her friends stayed behind to mislead the Shui Clan and delay any pursuit.

• Shui Bing'er agreed to leave, and Shui Yue'er decided to stay behind to cover for her while Huo Wu planned to distract the Shui Clan.
• Feng Xiaotian described a hidden route out through the old city wall, and the friends assigned their roles and set a departure time.
• Huo Wu visited the Shui Clan for two days, helping conceal Shui Bing'er's plans without raising suspicion.
• Huo Wushuang and Feng Xiaotian waited with Wind Clan fighters at the wall gap and gave Shui Bing'er supplies, a map, and a signal flare.
• Shui Bing'er slipped through the gap, and Feng Xiaotian and Huo Wushuang agreed to claim she had gone missing and help search for her.

Huo Wu’s daily visits to the Shui Clan exposed that Shui Bing'er had secretly left, and Shui Yuanbo learned she had likely reached Tiandou City. In the council hall, he confronted Shui Yuanming over blaming him for the failed marriage alliance and revealed his brother’s illegitimate son.

• Shui Yuanting questioned Huo Wu about her daily visits and realized Shui Bing'er was no longer in the residence.
• Huo Wu shouted for Shui Bing'er to run, then fled when Shui Yuanting stopped the guards from pursuing her.
• Shui Yuanbo learned Shui Bing'er had been gone for at least seven days and decided she had likely reached Tiandou City.
• Shui Yuanming blamed Shui Yuanbo for delaying the marriage alliance with the Yu Clan, but Shui Yuanbo defended his decision and said he would bear the consequences.
• Shui Yuanbo accused Shui Yuanming of keeping an illegitimate son, silencing the council hall.

Shui Yue'er comforted Shui Yuanbo after Shui Bing'er left and explained why the failed marriage alliance might create a new path for the Shui Clan. Shui Yuanbo faced the clan's internal threats without support from Canghai City, and he asked whether Bing'er had mentioned him.

• Shui Yuanming left the council hall after Shui Yuanbo asserted his authority as clan head, and Shui Yuanting followed him out.
• Shui Yue'er joined her father in the dark council hall and reassured him that his marriage-alliance decision had come from concern for the Shui Clan.
• Shui Yue'er said Shui Bing'er's achievements had already supported the clan and argued that going to Canghai City could offer the Shui Clan another path.
• Shui Yue'er warned that Canghai City would not support the Shui Clan soon and urged Shui Yuanbo to deal with corrupt relatives now that Second Uncle had lost his leverage.
• Shui Yuanbo recognized Shui Yue'er's insight and asked whether Shui Bing'er had mentioned him before leaving.

Shui Yuanbo decided to purge the Shui Clan’s wavering factions, while Zhu Zhuqing fled east and reached the unusual city of Canghai City. There, she met Zhao Laoliu, a tea seller whose Soul King strength surprised her.

• Shui Yue'er told Shui Yuanbo that Bing'er did not hate him and thought stepping back might be wiser, prompting him to summon the Great Elder to clean up the Shui Clan.
• Zhu Zhuqing wandered east to escape the Star Luo Empire, relying on herself and growing far weaker than her peers despite hard-fought battles.
• Zhu Zhuqing reached a cliffside city and found its gate open and unguarded.
• Zhao Laoliu recognized signs of Zhu Zhuqing's Zhu Clan heritage and invited her to rest at his tea stall.
• Zhao Laoliu revealed his five spirit rings, convincing Zhu Zhuqing that he was a Soul King and that she was safe enough to sit and drink tea.

Zhu Zhuqing learned about Canghai City’s welcoming rules and its new city lord, while Zhou Qiubai and Yang Guyun discussed the threats facing the city. The chapter ended with Yang Guyun receiving news that the Breaking Clan planned to relocate to Canghai City.

• Zhao Laoliu recognized Zhu Zhuqing as a member of the Star Luo Zhu Clan and explained Canghai City’s origins and rules to her.
• Zhao Laoliu told Zhu Zhuqing that the city had become lively because a new city lord had appeared, and he said the lord was an acquaintance of his.
• Zhou Qiubai and Yang Guyun sparred on Canghai Cliff and discussed how Spirit Hall and Bibi Dong might respond to Canghai City’s return.
• Huzi delivered a letter from the Breaking Clan, and Yang Guyun learned that the clan’s chief wanted to move the clan to Canghai City.
• Zhou Qiubai read that the Breaking Clan’s chief planned to discuss a joint relocation with the Defense Clan and the Speed Clan at their upcoming gathering.

Yang Guyun agreed to accompany Zhou Qiubai to the gathering of the four clans, while Yang Wudi visited Niu Gao to discuss the continent’s growing instability and the Breaking Clan’s need for protection. Yang Wudi left Niu Gao considering whether the Defense Clan should move with them before war reached their doorstep.

• Yang Guyun read Yang Wudi’s letter inviting him to return for the four clans’ gathering, and Zhou Qiubai offered to go with him.
• Yang Wudi visited Niu Gao in Longxing City, and the two celebrated Yang Guyun’s success over wine.
• Yang Wudi warned Niu Gao that Spirit Hall and the empires were expanding their power as conflict approached.
• Yang Wudi explained that he wanted to move the Breaking Clan before war endangered its people, and Niu Gao listened as his drunkenness faded.

Yang Wudi persuaded Niu Gao and the Defense Clan to move to Canghai City, warning that the four clans were vulnerable to an approaching war. After learning how Tai Tan had joined Tang San, Niu Gao condemned him, and the chapter left Yang Wudi about to explain White Crane’s position.

• Yang Wudi told Niu Gao that troop movements and requisitioned ships suggested the empires were preparing for war, making the clans’ territories dangerous.
• Niu Gao agreed to consult the Defense Clan, and two days later told Yang Wudi that the clan would move to Canghai City.
• Yang Wudi asked whether they should notify Tai Tan and White Crane before the gathering of the four clans.
• Yang Wudi recounted how Tai Tan had submitted to Tang San and turned a Strength Clan branch into a Tang Sect stronghold, angering Niu Gao.
• Niu Gao asked what White Crane had done, and Yang Wudi paused before answering.

Yang Wudi advised Niu Gao not to force White Crane to choose sides, and Niu Gao resolved to give their decades of brotherhood a proper farewell. A week later, Yang Guyun and Zhou Qiubai met White Crane at the Defense Clan’s gates, where Zhou Qiubai said he wished people would forget he was a city lord.

• Yang Wudi reminded Niu Gao that White Crane had legitimate ties to both Tang San and the Four Clans, and urged Niu Gao not to expect him to choose a particular side.
• Niu Gao accepted that the brothers might part ways but insisted they should share a farewell meal and part on good terms.
• A week later, Yang Guyun arrived at the Defense Clan’s gates and encountered White Crane, who teased him about his appearance and bearing.
• Zhou Qiubai stepped in to ease Yang Guyun’s awkwardness and greeted White Crane respectfully as a junior rather than presenting himself as Canghai City’s lord.
• White Crane praised Zhou Qiubai, then asked whether he minded setting aside his status; Zhou Qiubai replied that he wished people would forget he was city lord.

Zhou Qiubai explained why he feared being remembered only as Canghai City’s Grand City Lord before joining the Four Clans gathering with Yang Guyun. At the gathering, Yang Wudi confronted his grandson for leaving without a word, but White Crane and Niu Gao intervened before the argument escalated.

• Zhou Qiubai told White Crane he wanted people to remember his achievements and who he had been, not just his title as Grand City Lord.
• White Crane welcomed Zhou Qiubai into the Four Clans gathering because of his bond with Yang Guyun, and Bai Chenxiang greeted them.
• Zhou Qiubai objected to Bai Chenxiang calling him Grand City Lord while addressing Yang Guyun as Brother, and joked that his trip to Longxing City had made him an outsider.
• Niu Gao welcomed Yang Guyun and Zhou Qiubai with forceful slaps on their shoulders, praising Zhou Qiubai’s strike in the Soul Master Tournament.
• Yang Wudi scolded Yang Guyun for becoming Second City Lord without sending a letter home, and Yang Guyun quietly addressed him as Grandfather.
• White Crane and Niu Gao calmed Yang Wudi and urged him not to take his anger out on Yang Guyun.

At a gathering with Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, White Crane, Zhou Qiubai, and Yang Guyun, the elders argued over Tai Tan joining Tang Hao and his son. Tai Tan arrived at the courtyard gate just as Yang Wudi faced him down, leaving the two men on the verge of a confrontation.

• Niu Gao hosted a meal and drinks for Yang Wudi, White Crane, Zhou Qiubai, and Yang Guyun.
• White Crane asked why Tai Tan had not arrived, and Niu Gao revealed that Tai Tan had gone with Tang Hao.
• Yang Wudi condemned Tai Tan for serving Tang Hao and reminded White Crane and Niu Gao of how their clans had suffered after the Clear Sky Sect abandoned them.
• Niu Gao said he would rather haul bricks than serve Tang Hao's son, and Tai Tan entered the courtyard, telling him not to force others to join.
• Yang Wudi and Tai Tan met each other's gaze as tension rose between them.

Tai Tan tried to persuade the Four Clans to follow Tang San, but Yang Wudi rejected him and challenged his claims about Tang San’s talent and character. The argument ended with Yang Wudi implying that better candidates to oppose Spirit Hall were already present.

• Tai Tan arrived alone, and Yang Wudi called him a coward before accusing him of siding with Tang Hao’s son.
• Tai Tan and Yang Wudi released their auras and nearly fought until White Crane intervened.
• Tai Tan praised Tang San’s Twin Martial Souls, talent, and potential to lead the clans against Spirit Hall.
• Yang Wudi cited Tang San’s past conduct and his grandson’s persecution as reasons he would never follow him.
• Tai Tan argued that Spirit Hall threatened all their clans, but Yang Wudi ended by hinting that two better candidates were present.

Tai Tan failed to persuade Niu Gao and Yang Wudi to join the Tang Sect, and the clans chose to move to Canghai City instead. White Crane left with Tai Tan, while Yang Wudi planned to reunite with Niu Gao in Canghai City after his clan finished its work.

• Yang Wudi mocked Tai Tan's claims for the Tang Sect and praised the status and strength of Canghai City.
• White Crane suggested meeting Tang San before deciding, but Niu Gao said the Defense Clan would move to Canghai City and stay out of future conflicts.
• Niu Gao condemned Clear Sky Sect for abandoning his clan after its losses, and Tai Tan ended their brotherhood before leaving.
• White Crane chose to leave with Tai Tan, and Bai Chenxiang followed him out of the hall.
• Zhou Qiubai urged Yang Wudi and Niu Gao to accept that White Crane had chosen his own path, and they agreed to meet in Canghai City after Niu Gao's project was finished.
• Zhou Qiubai told Yang Wudi to contact Dantai Canglan in Canghai City and say he was Zhou Qiubai's friend.

Zhou Qiubai and Yang Guyun traveled to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to meet Chen Xin for their long-promised duel. The chapter ended as Chen Xin and Ning Fengzhi arrived at the Martial Arts Arena to receive them.

• Yang Wudi sent Yang Guyun off and stayed behind with the departing caravan, while Zhou Qiubai and Yang Guyun set out for Tiandou City.
• After half a month of travel, Zhou Qiubai and Yang Guyun reached the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, where they sensed Chen Xin's powerful Sword Intent.
• Ning Fengzhi told Chen Xin that Zhou Qiubai had cleared Canghai Tower and become Canghai City's new city lord, while Yang Guyun had reached its ninety-eighth floor.
• Chen Xin said he was happy to face Zhou Qiubai and left with Ning Fengzhi for the Martial Arts Arena.
• Ning Fengzhi explained that Ning Rongrong and Bone Douluo had missed Zhou Qiubai and Yang Guyun in Canghai City and were returning separately.

Zhou Qiubai arrived at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to fulfill his five-year promise and duel Chen Xin. The contest began with Zhou Qiubai pressing Chen Xin back, before Chen Xin enveloped the arena in his Seven Kill Sword Intent.

• Ning Fengzhi welcomed Zhou Qiubai and Yang Guyun to the Martial Arts Arena, where Chen Xin was waiting.
• Yang Guyun told Ning Fengzhi that Yang had been strong and that White Crane had left with Tai Tan.
• Zhou Qiubai and Chen Xin acknowledged their five-year promise and took their positions inside the arena’s protective barrier.
• Chen Xin invited Zhou Qiubai to begin, and Zhou Qiubai adopted an unconventional stance that made Chen Xin wary.
• Zhou Qiubai attacked with the White Clothes Sword, forcing Chen Xin to retreat after redirecting his strikes toward Chen Xin’s shoulder and wrist.
• Chen Xin held the Seven Kill Sword before his chest and spread his Sword Intent across the arena.

Chen Xin and Zhou Qiubai fought a fifty-move swordsmanship duel, matching Chen Xin’s overwhelming force against Zhou Qiubai’s flowing technique. Chen Xin revealed how he had learned to bear his chosen responsibilities, then summoned his Seven Kill Avatar as Zhou Qiubai invited him to fight without restraint.

• Chen Xin introduced himself as a rank-ninety-seven Title Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Zhou Qiubai identified himself as a rank-sixty-five Rogue Cultivator wielding White Clothes Sword.
• Chen Xin and Zhou Qiubai clashed their Sword Intent and fought without using soul skills, with Chen Xin’s heavy strikes meeting Zhou Qiubai’s swift, evasive swordsmanship.
• After fifty moves, Chen Xin stopped and explained that he had accepted the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect as a responsibility he chose to bear rather than a shackle to escape.
• Zhou Qiubai invited Chen Xin to stop holding back, and Chen Xin raised Seven Kill Sword and activated his Seventh soul skill, Martial Soul Avatar, Seven Kill Avatar.

Chen Xin unleashed his Seven Kill Avatar and pressed Zhou Qiubai with the Wind Chasing Sword Technique, forcing him to reveal his full strength. Zhou Qiubai activated his six soul rings and stood ready to answer Chen Xin’s attack as Ning Fengzhi considered an alliance with Canghai City.

• Chen Xin revealed his Seven Kill Avatar and unleashed the Wind Chasing Sword Technique against Zhou Qiubai.
• Zhou Qiubai retreated through Chen Xin’s sword attacks, then stopped and activated his six soul rings.
• Ning Fengzhi recognized the exceptional age of Zhou Qiubai’s soul rings and decided to discuss an alliance with Canghai City after the duel.
• Yang Guyun and Chen Xin recognized that the match had become a contest between equals.
• Zhou Qiubai closed his eyes and let his Sword Intent shift into an unpredictable state.

Chen Xin and Zhou Qiubai fought a devastating sword duel that left the Martial Arts Arena in ruins and both men near exhaustion. As they faced one another for the deciding exchange, Ning Fengzhi recognized how much Zhou Qiubai had grown and regretted not valuing him sooner.

• Chen Xin unleashed his full-powered final strike, and Zhou Qiubai met it with a slow thrust of the White Clothes Sword.
• Their Sword Intents collided, destroying the arena’s light barrier and twelve soul guide crystals while leaving a crater in the field.
• Chen Xin and Zhou Qiubai remained standing, wounded and nearly spent, as they prepared to settle the fight through sheer will.
• Ning Fengzhi recalled first meeting Zhou Qiubai and realized he had nearly failed to recognize the young swordsman’s worth.
• Chen Xin moved first in the final struggle.

Zhou Qiubai defeated Chen Xin in a sword duel by flowing with the Seven Kill Sword Intent and reaching a profound state of sword unity. After Chen Xin accepted the loss, Zhou Qiubai sensed that something in the heavens was watching him, and Ning Fengzhi invited the group to a banquet.

• Chen Xin attacked Zhou Qiubai with his strongest Seven Kill Sword strike, but Zhou Qiubai moved with its intent and found openings in its flow.
• Zhou Qiubai shut off his senses and became one with his sword, conjuring the feeling of all four seasons before stopping his blade three inches from Chen Xin's throat.
• Chen Xin admitted defeat, praised the experience, and left the Martial Arts Arena after Zhou Qiubai said he had lost to himself.
• Zhou Qiubai sensed that something in the sky was watching him, while Ning Fengzhi invited him and Yang Guyun to eat and offered him a robe.
• Xie Ru watched the three leave and remarked that Zhou Qiubai had left Chen Xin's sword speechless.