Recaps

Lin Tian left Qingchuan County after bidding farewell to his family and returned toward Prefecture City. At the Heavenly Derivation Sect, the group bound for the Hundred Sects Plan waited for him until he appeared on a white horse.

• Lin Tian told Father Lin, Mother Zhao Clan, and Sister Lin Wan that he was leaving for Prefecture City, and Lin Wan gave him a peace talisman.
• Father Lin urged Lin Tian to stay cautious and consider a way out whenever trouble arose, and Lin Tian took his advice seriously.
• Lin Tian mounted the Divine Wind Colt and rode away from Qingchuan County.
• Two days later, Kui Shengyang, Yu Qinghan, and the other Heavenly Derivation Sect participants waited at the sect gate for Lin Tian to join their Hundred Sects Plan journey.
• Chen Qingyu watched the distant road with worry until Lin Tian appeared on a white horse.

Lin Tian joined the Heavenly Derivation Sect’s journey to the Dao Origin Sect, where Mu Qingxue gave him a letter from Old Man Hua. Near the end of the trip, the group encountered disciples from other sects, and Kui Shengyang greeted their leaders.

• Lin Tian arrived late, apologized to Kui Shengyang and Yu Qinghan, and rejoined the disciples, who greeted him respectfully.
• Mu Qingxue approached Lin Tian and handed him a letter from Old Man Hua, which he put away without opening.
• The Heavenly Derivation Sect traveled toward the Dao Origin Sect as Kui Shengyang entertained the disciples with stories about the places along the way.
• Near the Dao Origin Sect, Lin Tian recognized groups practicing Gu-raising arts and puppetry among the sects they encountered.
• Kui Shengyang greeted Miao Sheng of the Heavenly Gu Sect and Zong Liang of the Puppet Control Sect, and their leaders came over to speak with him.

The three sect teams traveled together, and Lin Tian met the Heavenly Gu Sect Core Disciples, Miao Tianwu and Miao Tianyin. After Miao Tianwu revealed that the sisters were Conjoined Heart Twins, she recognized Lin Tian as the young genius who had mastered Spear Intent and reached the Gang Realm at twenty.

• The Heavenly Derivation Sect disciples struck up conversations with the newly arrived Heavenly Gu Sect and Puppet Control Sect disciples.
• Lin Tian noticed unusual power in the Heavenly Gu Sect sisters, Miao Tianwu and Miao Tianyin, and studied it as a possible method of controlling gu insects.
• Ye Zhen warned Lin Tian that he had been staring at the sisters, and Lin Tian explained that he had been curious about their Gu-Controlling Secret Technique.
• Miao Tianwu approached Lin Tian, introduced herself and Miao Tianyin, and revealed that they were Conjoined Heart Twins who shared knowledge, senses, and cultivation results.
• Lin Tian introduced himself, and Miao Tianwu recognized him as the genius who grasped Spear Intent in the Core Condensation realm and reached the Gang Realm at twenty.

Lin Tian learned more about the Hundred Sects Prodigy List, where he ranked fifteenth, and puzzled Miao Tianwu by remaining unmoved by her charms. As the group neared Dao Origin Sect, they reached an inn prepared for the Hundred Sects Plan participants, where Kui Shengyang suddenly turned solemn.

• Miao Tianwu showed Lin Tian the Hundred Sects Prodigy List, which ranked Long Wukong first, Gu Qingtian second, and Lin Tian fifteenth.
• Lin Tian noticed Miao Tianwu's entry listed her Dual Body One Heart constitution and saw that the ranked prodigies were all in the Gang Realm.
• Miao Tianwu teased Lin Tian after he leaned close while reading, then grew doubtful when he showed no attraction to her and returned to her team.
• Chen Qingyu urged her horse farther ahead as the group continued toward Dao Origin Sect.
• The group arrived at an inn prepared for Hundred Sects Plan participants, and Kui Shengyang's expression turned solemn.

Lin Tian learned from Kui Shengyang that the hostile disciples at the inn belonged to the Spirit Jade Sect, which had a blood grievance with the Heavenly Derivation Sect. Kui Shengyang recounted how the sects fought after the Spirit Jade Sect’s Sect Master reached the True Essence Realm and targeted Gaoyan Prefecture City.

• Lin Tian noticed the Spirit Jade Sect disciples’ hostility toward Kui Shengyang and the Heavenly Derivation Sect, while the Heavenly Gu Sect and Puppet Control Sect elders withdrew to avoid involvement.
• Kui Shengyang led the Heavenly Derivation Sect group to their rooms, where they stayed inside and ate dry rations instead of the inn’s meals.
• Kui Shengyang visited Lin Tian and asked whether he understood the hostility at the inn.
• Kui Shengyang told Lin Tian that the group belonged to the Spirit Jade Sect, whose Sect Master had once reached the True Essence Realm and sought to expand into Gaoyan Prefecture City.
• Kui Shengyang explained that the Heavenly Derivation Sect and Spirit Jade Sect fought a devastating battle, with a Heavenly Derivation Sect member assassinating Spirit Jade Sect geniuses.

Kui Shengyang warned Lin Tian that the Spirit Jade Sect despised him because of his ties to Hua Chengming, and identified their leading prodigy as a dangerous rival. Lin Tian suspected Hua Chengming had secretly ambushed a True Essence Realm cultivator, then traveled with the Heavenly Derivation Sect to Dao Origin Sect, where the sight stunned the group.

• Kui Shengyang recounted how Hua Chengming had evaded a True Essence Realm cultivator from the Spirit Jade Sect, who was later ambushed, gravely injured, and killed.
• Kui Shengyang warned Lin Tian that the Spirit Jade Sect would target him and showed him a portrait of Bright Jade Thousand Hands, ranked eleventh on the Heavenly Prodigy Ranking.
• Lin Tian suspected Hua Chengming had secretly ambushed the True Essence Realm cultivator and wondered whether Hua Chengming had reached the True Essence Realm himself.
• The Heavenly Derivation Sect party left the inn the next morning, while the Heavenly Gu Sect and Puppet Control Sect had already departed ahead of them.
• After traveling half a day, Lin Tian and the others reached Dao Origin Sect and froze in astonishment at what they saw.

Lin Tian and the Heavenly Derivation Sect arrived at the Dao Origin Sect, where Deacon Song verified their identities and explained the sect’s disciple ranks and resources. The Hundred Sects Plan trial remained unknown, and Lin Tian noticed something unusual about the steps as they climbed.

• Lin Tian glimpsed a vast, obscured shadow above the white jade-like steps before Deacon Song appeared and introduced himself as their guide to the Dao Origin Sect.
• Kui Shengyang presented the Heavenly Derivation Sect’s token, and Deacon Song confirmed their identities and led the group onto the steps.
• Deacon Song explained the Dao Origin Sect’s rules, disciple ranks, and the increasingly valuable resources available at higher ranks.
• Kui Shengyang asked what the Hundred Sects Plan trial would involve, but Deacon Song said he did not know and that the sect’s higher-ups would reveal it later.
• As the group continued climbing, Lin Tian noticed that the steps beneath them seemed unusual.

Lin Tian noticed that the Dao Origin Sect’s Heavenly Ladder was an illusion formed by a True Essence martial artist’s will, impressing Deacon Song and earning the Heavenly Derivation Sect special lodging. After arriving in the Dao Origin Sect’s town, the group was insulted by an Inner Disciple, who challenged them as they tried to leave.

• Lin Tian noticed that the Heavenly Ladder’s steps had changed, and Deacon Song praised his sharp perception.
• Kui Shengyang realized the ladder carried the will of the Martial Way and was shocked that Lin Tian had sensed it.
• Deacon Song gave Kui Shengyang an Upper First token for special lodging and transported the Heavenly Derivation Sect group to the Dao Origin Sect.
• A purple-robed Inner Disciple ordered the group to check in and looked down on them, while Kui Shengyang restrained himself to avoid trouble.
• As Kui Shengyang led the group away, the Inner Disciple demanded to know whether they were dissatisfied with him.

The Heavenly Derivation Sect’s party encountered a purple-clad upper sect disciple who had been provoking lower sect teams, but he changed his attitude after noticing Kui Shengyang’s Grade A Token. He led them past the queue to special lodging, leaving the Heavenly Gu Sect and Puppet Control Sect astonished by the treatment Lin Tian’s talent had secured.

• The purple-clad disciple provoked the Heavenly Derivation Sect, intending to vent his resentment on lower sects.
• The disciple noticed the Grade A Token in Kui Shengyang’s hand and realized the sect had a genius valued by the guides.
• The purple-clad disciple claimed his provocation had been a misunderstanding and offered to personally guide the party.
• Kui Shengyang followed the disciple through a special passage, and the Heavenly Derivation Sect members took pleasure in the attention their token brought.
• The Heavenly Gu Sect and Puppet Control Sect recognized the disciple who had mistreated them and stared in disbelief as he politely led the Heavenly Derivation Sect.

Lin Tian cultivated at the inn before Kui Shengyang brought him to a gathering of Gang Realm geniuses from the Hundred Sects. There, Lin Tian sensed that one of them possessed the aura of a water-attribute supreme treasure.

• Lin Tian checked his cultivation progress and continued working to advance his water and fire techniques toward condensing True Gang.
• Kui Shengyang visited Lin Tian, praised his diligence, and decided that Xiao Shaoyang needed to be made to train harder.
• Kui Shengyang took Lin Tian to a gathering where dozens of Gang Realm geniuses from the Hundred Sects had gathered to meet one another.
• Lin Tian entered the gathering, and Kui Shengyang left after deciding Lin Tian had no shortcomings.
• Lin Tian approached one of the figures and sensed the aura of a water-attribute supreme treasure.

Lin Tian sensed a water-attribute supreme treasure as he entered a gathering of Gang Realm prodigies and met Chi Xingyang, Liu Jingyue, and Shi Tianjing. The group discussed rumors that the Hundred Sects Plan trial would involve the Dao Origin Sect’s Dao Derivation Tower, though its exact details remained unknown.

• After absorbing three Five Elements supreme treasures, Lin Tian gained the ability to sense powerful Five Elements objects and detected a water-attribute supreme treasure ahead.
• Lin Tian entered a gathering where many cultivators recognized him because of the Heavenly Derivation Sect’s Grade A Token and the guide’s favor toward him.
• Chi Xingyang introduced himself to Lin Tian, followed by Liu Jingyue and Shi Tianjing, and Lin Tian joined their circle.
• The gathered prodigies discussed reports that the trial would be connected to the Dao Origin Sect’s Dao Derivation Tower, while acknowledging that its details were still unclear.
• The cultivators considered the Dao Origin Sect a chance to gain the resources and support needed to advance beyond the Gang Realm.

At a gathering of geniuses competing for places in the Hundred Sects Plan, Lin Tian declined to display his treasures but pursued Liu Jingyue’s water-attribute Sea Tear. He offered her a Refined Gang Condensation Pill after his cash offer failed, leaving Liu Jingyue surprised by the valuable item.

• The gathered geniuses considered the fierce competition for the Hundred Sects Plan, and many looked to twenty-year-old Lin Tian as one of the few young Gang Realm talents.
• The gathering moved from sharing information to trading treasures, and Chi Xingyang, Shi Jingtian, and Liu Jingyue presented their offerings.
• Lin Tian declined to display his own treasures, saying his collection could not compare with those of his senior brothers and sisters.
• Lin Tian approached Liu Jingyue to trade for her Sea Tear and offered three hundred thousand taels, but she refused the cash offer.
• Lin Tian handed Liu Jingyue a porcelain bottle containing a Refined Gang Condensation Pill, and she expressed surprise at his valuable offering.

Lin Tian traded for the Sea Tear and acquired part of the mysterious Myriad Beast Curse after recognizing its potential. As he returned to his quarters, the Dao Origin Sect illuminated the final sect’s name, signaling that the Hundred Sects Plan trial was about to begin.

• Liu Jingyue accepted Lin Tian’s offer of a Refined Gang Condensation Pill and extra banknotes in exchange for the Sea Tear.
• Lin Tian found the Myriad Beast Curse, and its seller explained that he had obtained it in the dangerous Black Abyss but could not master it.
• The middle-aged Gang Realm expert offered Lin Tian only part of the Myriad Beast Curse in exchange for five Heaven-and-Earth Treasures.
• After reading the technique, Lin Tian agreed to trade five drops of Heavenly Derivation Liquid for it.
• Lin Tian returned to his quarters after the trading gathering ended, while a Dao Origin Sect administrator illuminated the final sect’s name in the Hundred Sects Plan.

Lin Tian obtained the Myriad Beast Curse and the Sea Tear, then learned that a trial to climb the Dao Derivation Tower had begun. Kui Shengyang led the Heavenly Derivation Sect’s disciples to the tower, where the tense crowd made clear how much was at stake.

• Lin Tian examined the Myriad Beast Curse, saw that its first layer required 5,000 progress, and wondered whether its spoken commands could control humans as well as beasts.
• Lin Tian considered how the Sea Tear could help him cultivate Mystic Water True Gang and fuse True Essences, but a beam of light appeared before he could begin.
• Kui Shengyang explained that the Dao Derivation Tower trial had begun and led the assembled Heavenly Derivation Sect disciples toward the tower.
• Kui Shengyang told the disciples that climbing the tower could earn a five-year exemption from resource tributes, a prize that could reshape the balance of power among rival sects.
• The Heavenly Derivation Sect arrived at the crowded Dao Derivation Tower, and Kui Shengyang’s confidence faltered as he felt the tense atmosphere.

Kui Shengyang and the Heavenly Derivation Sect disciples arrived at the Hundred Sects Plan and were overwhelmed by the gathered geniuses, though Lin Tian focused on the Dao Derivation Tower and the trial ahead. The sects drew entry groups, and the first teams began the trial, with many disciples eliminated almost immediately.

• Kui Shengyang and the Heavenly Derivation Sect disciples saw the gathered geniuses and felt intimidated by their numbers and cultivation.
• Lin Tian briefly assessed the strongest opponents, including Long Wukong and Gu Qingtian, then turned his attention to the Dao Derivation Tower.
• A white-robed Transcendent Realm man announced that the sects would enter the tower in six groups because of its quota limit.
• Kui Shengyang met elders from the other Ten Great Sects, and they agreed that earlier groups would share trial information in exchange for payment.
• The Spear Sect drew the first entry slot, the Cold Sky Sword Sect drew fourth, and the Heavenly Derivation Sect drew fifth.
• The first group entered the Dao Derivation Tower, and large numbers of disciples reappeared within ten breaths after being eliminated.

The Hundred Sects disciples learned that the Dao Derivation Tower’s early trials paired them against coordinated puppets, while the first successful challengers stalled on the fourth floor. Above the tower, Elder Zhou and Elder Wan discussed how the Hundred Sects Plan was a wager between the Dao Origin Sect’s Old and New Factions over its ten True Disciple positions.

• A Spear Sect disciple who had been teleported out explained that the first floor held puppets equal to each challenger’s strength, while the second floor paired two puppets to fight together and eliminate many entrants.
• Lin Tian listened to the report and suspected the tower tested more than battle power.
• Several disciples passed the third floor, but their progress appeared to stop at the fourth.
• Elder Wan asked Elder Zhou whether any of the Hundred Sects disciples could break the Dao Origin Sect’s deadlock.
• Elder Zhou and Elder Wan discussed the conflict between the Old Faction and the New Faction, and how the Hundred Sects Plan wagered the ten True Disciple positions.

Elder Zhou explained why he considered Lin Tian a potential rival to the Hundred Sects’ top prodigies, praising his talent despite his poor background. As the Dao Derivation Tower trial continued, the disciples learned that its third floor tested their deepest fears, and Lin Tian prepared to face it.

• Elder Zhou named Long Wukong, Gu Qingtian, Zhou Xuan, Wei Jing, Zhao Wuxing, and Lin Tian as prodigies who might challenge the True Disciples.
• Elder Zhou told Elder Wan that Lin Tian’s achievements despite his impoverished family showed exceptional talent and mentality.
• The disciples learned that the Dao Derivation Tower’s third floor made challengers confront what they feared most, while few had reached the fourth floor.
• Lin Tian reflected that he could not think of anything he feared and decided to see what the third-floor test would show him.
• Lin Tian exchanged a nod with Han Shuangjiang and then turned his gaze toward the Spirit Jade Sect.

Lin Tian watched the Dao Derivation Tower trials as the first three batches of disciples competed, with Zhao Sheng, Tang Bailiang, and others reaching the eleventh floor. Gu Qingtian then entered the tower and rapidly climbed toward the top, leaving the crowd stunned.

• Lin Tian noticed the Spirit Jade Sect and the aristocratic families gathering near the Dao Derivation Tower as the first batch finished, with its strongest disciple reaching the fifth floor.
• Zhao Sheng broke through to the eleventh floor, remained there for a quarter of an hour, and emerged pale and unwilling after facing an unknown trial.
• The third batch entered the tower; Chi Xingyang and Shi Jingtian reached the tenth floor, while Tang Bailiang and another top-ranked prodigy reached the eleventh floor and emerged injured.
• Gu Qingtian began climbing the tower at extraordinary speed, reaching the tenth floor without slowing and drawing startled cries from the crowd.

Gu Qingtian reached the fifteenth floor of the Dao Derivation Tower, setting a new record, while Lin Tian discovered that Gu’s three strands of True Gang shared one attribute but could not be fused. The next day, Lin Tian entered the tower for his trial without realizing Long Wukong had entered in the same batch.

• Gu Qingtian climbed to the fifteenth floor before the tower expelled him, and the crowd marveled at his three strands of True Gang.
• Lin Tian used the Nine Phases Map to examine Gu Qingtian’s True Gang and found that all three strands shared an attribute but could not be fused.
• The next morning, disciples gathered for the final two batches, and the crowd watched Long Wukong, first on the Heavenly Prodigy Ranking.
• Ye Zhen reached the fourth floor, Chen Qingyu the fifth, and Mu Qingxue the eighth, placing eighty-eighth on the Earth Ranking List.
• Lin Tian entered the Dao Derivation Tower with his spear, unaware that Long Wukong had entered alongside him.

Lin Tian entered the Dao Derivation Tower and swiftly defeated its puppets before facing a Heart Inquiry Trial built around losing his family and being offered a chance to practice martial arts. He chose the Martial Way without hesitation, reaffirming that he pursued it for its own sake, and continued toward the tower’s higher trials.

• As Lin Tian entered the Dao Derivation Tower, Ye Zhen expected him to make the rankings, while Kui Shengyang hoped he would earn a high position.
• Lin Tian defeated the first-floor puppet by piercing its throat, then overcame the second floor’s two puppets in less than three breaths.
• Lin Tian cleared the third floor’s five puppets and reached the fourth-floor Heart Inquiry Trial.
• The trial showed Lin Tian an imagined life in which his sister, father, and mother died, then asked whether he would still pursue the Martial Way.
• Lin Tian chose to begin practicing despite the hopelessness of the trial’s circumstances and resolved to follow the Martial Way to its pinnacle, even if he died on the road.

Lin Tian and Long Wukong raced up the Dao Derivation Tower until they reached the eleventh floor, surprising the watching crowd. Lin Tian discovered that the new trial tested comprehension of an incomplete cultivation method and immediately stood up to leave.

• Kui Shengyang and the Heavenly Derivation Sect disciples worried that Lin Tian might fail the Heart Inquiry Trial, while onlookers discussed Long Wukong's chances.
• Lin Tian and Long Wukong passed the fifth floor, and the crowd learned that Lin Tian was a twenty-year-old Gang Realm cultivator.
• The two disciples rapidly climbed the rankings, overtaking each other as they reached the eleventh floor.
• Lin Tian assessed his performance against two mid-stage Gang Realm puppets and planned to pass the eleventh floor without revealing his trump cards or standing out too much.
• Lin Tian sat on the eleventh floor's prayer mat, learned that the trial required comprehending an incomplete cultivation method, and immediately got up to leave.

Lin Tian instantly passed the Dao Derivation Tower’s eleventh-floor trial after his Fate Grid mastered the damaged Taotie Source Devouring technique, drawing astonishment from the crowd. He appeared on the twelfth floor as a mysterious dagger raced toward him, while Kui Shengyang watched him with a sharp gleam.

• Lin Tian received the Taotie Source Devouring technique, and his Fate Grid completed the task and sent him to the twelfth floor.
• A dim dagger deep within the Dao Derivation Tower sensed Lin Tian’s rapid progress and shot toward him through space.
• Lin Tian overtook Long Wukong on the ranking board, reaching ninth place and stunning the spectators.
• Gu Qingtian judged that Lin Tian’s comprehension surpassed theirs, while Elder Zhou attributed the feat partly to luck and declined to bet on him.
• Kui Shengyang watched Lin Tian with a sharp gleam in his eyes.

Lin Tian’s ninth-place ranking astonished the sects and drew Elder Wan’s interest, but Elder Zhou still wanted a candidate ranked in the top five for a True Disciple wager. Lin Tian stopped challenging the Dao Derivation Tower to avoid attracting factional attention, until something suddenly charged toward him.

• Kui Shengyang and Yu Qinghan celebrated Lin Tian reaching ninth place, while Ye Zhen and the other Heavenly Derivation Sect disciples envied his achievement and the resources it could bring their sect.
• Chi Xingyang, Shi Jingtian, and Liu Jingyue were shocked by Lin Tian’s potential, while the Spirit Jade Sect elder and Tang Bailiang worried about having him as an enemy.
• Elder Wan praised Lin Tian’s ranking, but Elder Zhou remained unconvinced and wanted to see him reach the top five before considering him a True Disciple candidate.
• On the twelfth floor, Lin Tian decided to stop challenging the tower so he could avoid drawing the Dao Origin Sect’s factions into his affairs.
• As Lin Tian pondered his future, he sensed something suddenly charging toward him.

Lin Tian was struck by a Broken Sword on the twelfth floor of the Dao Derivation Tower, then endured a painful mental assault while six puppets attacked him. After he was expelled from the tower and recovered, the crowd focused on Long Wukong, who broke the record by clearing the eighteenth floor and taking first place.

• A Broken Sword slipped past Lin Tian's defense and plunged into his mind, causing intense pain as six Mid Gang Realm puppets charged him.
• The Dao Origin Sect's Sect Master sensed an ancestor's will and appeared above the sect, where powerful figures greeted him.
• Lin Tian barely defended himself against the puppets until one thrust stopped short of his heart and the tower sent him outside.
• Kui Shengyang treated Lin Tian, and Lin Tian's mental pain vanished; Lin Tian then noticed he was ranked ninth.
• Long Wukong cleared the eighteenth floor, surpassing Gu Qingtian's record and claiming first place on the rankings.

The Hundred Sects Trial concluded with Lin Tian and Mu Qingxue among the top hundred disciples selected to join the Dao Origin Sect. At a meeting of the sect’s leaders, the Sect Master said the brief, faint aura they had sensed might not have come from an ancestor’s inheritance.

• Long Wukong emerged from the Dao Derivation Tower after reaching the eighteenth floor, and the final disciples completed their trials.
• The elder announced the top hundred rankings, and golden light marked the disciples selected to join the Dao Origin Sect.
• Lin Tian noticed Mu Qingxue had barely made the top hundred at ninety-fifth place and wondered whether she had held back.
• The Dao Origin Sect elder ended the Hundred Sects Plan, and the gathered sects dispersed.
• An elder asked the Sect Master whether the unusual aura they had sensed came from an ancestor’s inheritance, and the Sect Master said he was not sure.