Chapter Summaries

Lu Yu realized he had returned to an earlier period, where Zhu Zhuqing did not recognize him and faced a bandit gang. He stepped in to protect her, and the bandits prepared to attack him.

• Lu Yu recognized Zhu Zhuqing but realized she did not know him, then deduced that he had returned to the past.
• Jin Baiwan and his bandits threatened Zhu Zhuqing and Luoshen, and Zhu Zhuqing prepared to fight despite being outnumbered.
• Zhu Zhuqing fought the bandits, while Luoshen urged Lu Yu to help when one tried to attack her from behind.
• Lu Yu used a streak of golden light to stop the bandits' attack and stood in front of Zhu Zhuqing to protect her.
• Lu Yu challenged the bandits to attack together, and they angrily warned him that their numbers would overwhelm him.

Lu Yu used the Four Gates Heavenly Gang Talisman to defeat the bandits who threatened him and Zhu Zhuqing. Although Jin Baiwan tried to appease him by offering the women to him, Lu Yu refused to let the bandits go.

• The bandits charged Lu Yu, and he activated the Four Gates Heavenly Gang Talisman before striking several of them down with a single attack.
• Zhu Zhuqing and the wounded bandits were shocked that Lu Yu had defeated them without revealing his martial soul.
• Jin Baiwan apologized and begged Lu Yu to spare them, offering to stop pursuing the two women.
• Lu Yu said Jin Baiwan's offer made sense, briefly causing Zhu Zhuqing to lose her favorable impression of him.
• Lu Yu then said he still might not let the bandits off, surprising Jin Baiwan and the others.

Jin Baiwan unleashed his strongest Soul Skill against Lu Yu, who blocked the attack with six layers of the Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman. The saber struck the barriers, and the clash’s outcome remained unresolved.

• Jin Baiwan recovered, gathered his strength, and charged at Lu Yu with his saber.
• Jin Baiwan used his third Soul Skill, Wild Bull Violent Slash, while Lu Yu stood without summoning his martial soul.
• Six silvery-white protective barriers appeared around Lu Yu, surprising Jin Baiwan and Zhu Zhuqing.
• Jin Baiwan’s saber hit the barriers, creating a piercing metallic screech and a shockwave that shook nearby trees and cracked the ground.

Lu Yu killed Jin Baiwan with a bolt of thunder after effortlessly blocking his strongest attack, then killed two bandits who had insulted Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing. The remaining bandits fled, and Zhu Zhuqing recognized that Lu Yu had spared them rather than killing them indiscriminately.

• Jin Baiwan's strongest soul skill failed to break Lu Yu's Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman barrier.
• Lu Yu struck Jin Baiwan with the Power of Thunder, killing him and leaving his body charred with a hole in his chest.
• Jin Baiwan's lackeys panicked and began fleeing when they realized their leader was dead.
• Lu Yu used Yang Five Thunders to kill the scarred brute and Heizi, who had insulted Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing.
• Zhu Zhuqing understood that Lu Yu had punished the men who insulted them while sparing the other fleeing bandits.

After driving off the robbers, Lu Yu introduced himself to Zhu Zhuqing and used the chance to draw close to her while Luoshen spoke with her. Lu Yu then secretly left to pursue the fleeing robbers, intent on eliminating them.

• Lu Yu let the robbers escape for the moment, deciding not to use violence in front of Zhu Zhuqing.
• Lu Yu introduced himself, pulled Zhu Zhuqing away from a fallen tree branch, and held her close until she asked him to let go.
• Lu Yu reassured Zhu Zhuqing that he had only meant to protect her, then released her after secretly rubbing her waist.
• Luoshen thanked Zhu Zhuqing for helping them and led her aside to ask questions, while Lu Yu agreed to return shortly.
• The exhausted robbers stopped to rest and worried that Lu Yu might come after them as Lu Yu silently departed.

Lu Yu returned to Zhu Zhuqing and Luoshen after killing the bandits in Sunset Forest, bringing them wild fruit. Zhu Zhuqing felt an inexplicable familiarity with Lu Yu and asked whether they had met before.

• The bandits wondered why Lu Yu had appeared in Sunset Forest, but he suddenly appeared behind them and confronted them.
• Lu Yu swiftly killed the bandits despite their pleas for mercy, then left the forest.
• Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing chatted while Lu Yu searched for edible fruit; Luoshen found Zhu Zhuqing likable, and Zhu Zhuqing patiently explained the world to her.
• Lu Yu returned with fruit and handed some to Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing, who accepted it and found it delicious.
• Zhu Zhuqing asked Lu Yu if they had met before because she felt strangely familiar with him.

Lu Yu explained to Luoshen that the Power of Thunder had returned him to his youth, where he had just met Zhu Zhuqing before she remembered their past relationship. After Zhu Zhuqing left, Lu Yu described her arranged engagement and their former romance, and Luoshen encouraged him to win her over again.

• Zhu Zhuqing left Lu Yu and Luoshen, unsettled by her familiarity with Lu Yu and determined to meet her fiancé at the academy.
• Luoshen inferred that Lu Yu and Zhu Zhuqing had shared a past, and Lu Yu explained that the Power of Thunder had sent him back to his youth.
• Lu Yu told Luoshen that Zhu Zhuqing was betrothed to Dai Mubai because of the alliance between the Zhu Clan and Dai Clan and their complementary Martial Souls.
• Lu Yu explained that Zhu Zhuqing hated her arranged marriage and that, in his previous life, he had helped her escape her family before they fell in love.
• Luoshen sympathized with Zhu Zhuqing and told Lu Yu he would need to win her over again; Lu Yu then placed both hands on Luoshen's shoulders.

After reuniting with Luoshen, Lu Yu shared an intimate moment with her while Zhu Zhuqing continued toward the academy, determined to grow strong enough to control her own fate. The chapter ended with Lu Yu teasing Luoshen as they rested together.

• Lu Yu admired Luoshen's restored appearance and kissed her, and the two became intimate in the forest.
• Zhu Zhuqing reflected on her family's brutal succession rules, her unwanted engagement to Dai Mubai, and her hope that the academy would help her become stronger.
• Zhu Zhuqing recalled Lu Yu's effortless fighting and wished she could learn his technique, then vowed to take him as her goal and control her own life.
• Lu Yu rested with Luoshen in a tree, teased her about another encounter, and caught her foot when she kicked at him.

Lu Yu and Luoshen discussed the missing Heavenly Emperor remnant soul and decided to embrace an unpredictable new life in this world. They caught up with Zhu Zhuqing on the road to Suotuo City, where Lu Yu explained that he wanted to test Luoshen’s martial soul.

• Lu Yu said the Heavenly Emperor Sword had become ordinary and that he could no longer contact the Heavenly Emperor’s remnant soul, while Luoshen urged him not to worry and to plan their next move.
• Lu Yu rejected the idea of repeating his old life and resolved to pursue new possibilities, including winning over Zhu Zhuqing after meeting her earlier than before.
• Lu Yu and Luoshen followed Zhu Zhuqing, who stopped in a clearing and demanded that her unseen pursuers show themselves.
• Lu Yu and Luoshen emerged from behind the trees, and Zhu Zhuqing cautiously asked why they had followed her.
• Lu Yu said they were also headed to Suotuo City and wanted to test Luoshen’s martial soul, which had never been examined or cultivated.

Lu Yu persuaded Zhu Zhuqing to travel with him and Luoshen to Suotuo City, where he planned to arrange a martial soul test for Luoshen. The group stopped for the night, and Lu Yu returned from the woods with three wild chickens.

• Luoshen explained to Zhu Zhuqing that she had lived in the mountains and had never undergone a Soul Power test.
• Zhu Zhuqing agreed to accompany Lu Yu and Luoshen to Suotuo City, though Lu Yu's nonstop chatter quickly irritated her.
• Lu Yu learned Zhu Zhuqing's name and began calling her Qingqing as the three continued through the forest.
• As night fell, the group chose a flat place to rest, and Lu Yu used his spatial Soul Tool to provide supplies.
• While Zhu Zhuqing and Luoshen prepared the campsite, Lu Yu went into the woods and returned carrying three large wild chickens that were soul beasts.

Lu Yu cooked a meal for Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing, and the three ate together before sensing an approaching creature. Zhu Zhuqing spotted a Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent, and Lu Yu explained its abilities as it came toward them.

• Lu Yu roasted three wild chickens, while Zhu Zhuqing wondered about his background and felt unsettled by his closeness with Luoshen.
• Lu Yu gave Zhu Zhuqing red fruits when her stomach growled, then served the roast chicken to her and Luoshen.
• After the three finished eating, Lu Yu sensed danger, and Zhu Zhuqing climbed a tree to scout the area.
• Zhu Zhuqing spotted a flying snake with a large red crest and fan-shaped tail moving toward them.
• Lu Yu identified it as a Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent and explained that it used its crest to boost its speed.
• Lu Yu pulled Luoshen behind him and told her to stay close as the serpent approached.

Lu Yu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Luoshen encountered a pregnant Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent and stopped fighting it when they realized it was only trying to escape and lay its eggs. A girl called A Meng and her twin companions caught up, claimed the serpent as her soul ring, and threatened the group, prompting Zhu Zhuqing to challenge them.

• Zhu Zhuqing attacked the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent while Luoshen watched, but the serpent dodged her strike and retaliated with a cloud of rainbow-colored smoke.
• Lu Yu noticed the serpent's swollen abdomen and guessed it was carrying eggs and trying to reach a safe place to lay them.
• Lu Yu agreed to spare the serpent, and Zhu Zhuqing withdrew from the fight because she had no use for its soul ring.
• A Meng and two twin boys arrived pursuing the serpent, claimed it for A Meng, and threatened Lu Yu's group not to interfere.
• Zhu Zhuqing answered the twins' threat by telling them to keep a low profile.

Lu Yu and his companions faced A Meng and the Wen brothers, who demanded the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent and threatened Zhu Zhuqing and Luoshen. Luoshen challenged their claims, and the brothers’ history revealed that Wen Yao had stolen his first Soul Ring from another Chen family disciple.

• A Meng ordered Wen Yao and Wen Hui to capture Zhu Zhuqing and Luoshen after she claimed the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent’s Soul Ring.
• Lu Yu rejected their threats, said he had planned to let the serpent go, and decided to claim it after the trio’s arrogant demands.
• Luoshen mocked A Meng and the Wen brothers for claiming the serpent without proof and accused them of being shameless.
• The Wen brothers’ past showed that Wen Hui had baited a dying soul beast toward himself so Wen Yao could kill it and take the Soul Ring intended for a Chen family branch disciple.
• The Chen family elders allowed Wen Yao to absorb the stolen Soul Ring, while the displaced disciple cried out in fury.

The Wen brothers’ stolen century-old Soul Ring changed their fortunes after the Chen family accepted their excuse and invested heavily in them. Years later, Lu Yu and Zhu Zhuqing confronted the brothers and A Meng over a Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent, and the two sides prepared to settle the dispute by fighting.

• The Chen family forgave Wen Hui and Wen Yao for taking a collateral disciple’s century-old Soul Ring, and their improved standing earned them further resources and century-old Second Soul Rings.
• Lu Yu had reached the peak of level twenty-five and developed formidable combat skills, while Zhu Zhuqing had become a two-ringed Soul Grandmaster with two century-old Soul Rings.
• A Meng challenged Lu Yu to compare his strength with Wen Hui and Wen Yao, but he claimed he could defeat a Soul Elder without using Soul Rings, and they mocked him.
• When Wen Yao attacked the restless Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent for A Meng, Zhu Zhuqing intercepted him, and A Meng attacked Zhu Zhuqing but missed.
• Wen Yao proposed that strength decide who would claim the serpent, and A Meng welcomed the fight while considering how she could injure Zhu Zhuqing during the battle.

Lu Yu defeated Wen Yao and Wen Hui with talisman techniques, then knocked A Meng out of the air when she attacked him. A Meng blamed the brothers for her humiliation, while they swallowed their anger and continued to tolerate her for the Chen family's resources.

• A Meng declared that Lu Yu could claim the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent if he defeated Wen Yao and Wen Hui, but would have to leave if he lost.
• Lu Yu sent Zhu Zhuqing to stand with Luoshen and used the Four Gates Heavenly Gang Talisman to evade the brothers' attacks.
• Wen Yao and Wen Hui attacked together, but Lu Yu struck them with four Thunder Talismans and left them scorched and beaten.
• A Meng attacked Lu Yu with her broadsword, and Lu Yu used a Giant Spirit Palm Talisman to slap her out of the air and into the dirt.
• A Meng angrily blamed Wen Yao and Wen Hui for not protecting her, while the brothers suppressed their resentment because the Chen family could still provide them with resources.

Lu Yu kept A Meng and the Wen brothers at bay with talisman protection, then revealed that his second Soul Ring was a thousand-year ring. The group was left stunned by his strength and talent.

• Wen Hui and Wen Yao placated A Meng by blaming Lu Yu and praising her, until she decided the three of them should attack him together.
• A Meng and the Wen brothers launched their Martial Soul attacks, but Lu Yu used Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talismans to withstand them without harm.
• Lu Yu mocked A Meng and refused to leave his protective barrier, while the attackers exhausted their Soul Power trying to break through.
• Lu Yu revealed his yellow and purple Soul Rings, shocking A Meng, the Wen brothers, and Zhu Zhuqing with his thousand-year second ring.
• Wen Hui recalled how difficult it had been to absorb a hundred-year ring, and Lu Yu said his own superior talent explained the difference.

Lu Yu defeated Wen Yao and Wen Hui in their contest for the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent, then released the soul beast instead of giving it to A Meng. He left A Meng speechless with a rebuke over her insults and entitlement, and began criticizing her choice of a soul ring for her Agility Attack System martial soul.

• Lu Yu asked whether Wen Yao and Wen Hui wanted to continue fighting, and Wen Yao admitted defeat and conceded the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent.
• Lu Yu let the Phoenix-tail Crested Serpent leave, prompting A Meng to accuse him of making things difficult for her.
• A Meng blamed Wen Yao and Wen Hui for losing, while Wen Yao tried to calm her and Wen Hui stayed silent.
• Lu Yu challenged A Meng over her earlier insults and her attempt to blame him, leaving her unable to answer.
• Lu Yu rejected the claim that he should indulge A Meng because she was a girl and reminded her that she had proposed the contest.
• Lu Yu said the soul beast was his to release and criticized A Meng for not choosing a soul ring to strengthen her weak attack and defense.

Lu Yu left A Meng and her companions with Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing, then explained Soul Rings and encouraged Zhu Zhuqing when she grew gloomy about her future. That night, he reflected on his Heaven-Defying Seal and the path he would take in his new life before beginning to cultivate.

• Lu Yu dismissed A Meng and the others, then took Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing to find another place to rest.
• Lu Yu explained Soul Ring colors and absorption limits as Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing asked about his strength.
• Lu Yu released Zhu Zhuqing's hand at their new campsite and encouraged her by praising her potential and optimal Soul Ring configuration.
• Lu Yu reflected on the Heaven-Defying Seal, his return to this life, and his decision not to repeat his old path.
• Lu Yu sat cross-legged in a tree and began cultivating.

Lu Yu, Luoshen, and Zhu Zhuqing spent the morning preparing a plentiful breakfast in the forest, while Lu Yu’s affection for Luoshen and his efforts to win over Zhu Zhuqing shaped their banter. The chapter left them cooking grilled fish and fish soup over a campfire, with Lu Yu also bringing back wild fruit.

• Lu Yu and Zhu Zhuqing cultivated through the night, and Zhu Zhuqing watched Lu Yu’s unusual method before imitating him.
• Lu Yu found a pond, caught and cleaned several fish, and returned to camp with them.
• Luoshen eagerly asked about breakfast, and Lu Yu promised grilled fish and fish soup, delighting her and drawing a jealous reaction from Zhu Zhuqing.
• Lu Yu found wild garlic and mushrooms, while Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing gathered branches and started a fire.
• Lu Yu prepared skewered fish for the girls to grill and carved a stone pot to stew fish soup with mushrooms and wild garlic.
• Lu Yu picked ripe wild fruit while the grilled fish and soup cooked.

Lu Yu, Luoshen, and Zhu Zhuqing traveled together through the forest, sharing lavish meals before reaching Suotuo City. They explored the city and entered a wine shop, where the owner began explaining how his martial soul helped him brew wine.

• Lu Yu cooked grilled fish and fish soup for Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing, and the three enjoyed the meal together.
• Luoshen and Zhu Zhuqing gathered ingredients while Lu Yu hunted; he cooked sliced meat and mushrooms for their lunch.
• After traveling together for two more days, Lu Yu, Luoshen, and Zhu Zhuqing arrived in Suotuo City at dusk.
• Zhu Zhuqing decided to stay with them until Luoshen had her martial soul tested at Spirit Hall.
• Luoshen led Lu Yu and Zhu Zhuqing into a wine shop, where the owner described his vat martial soul and its role in brewing wine.