Recaps

The Ghost King used the Dragon-Subduing Tripod and the Dragon-Trapping Gate formation to capture the rampaging Kui Ox, though the formation began to shift. He Dazhi then gathered the nine Big Bamboo Peak disciples to discuss a plan, leaving them poised to act.

• He Dazhi's disciples praised his prediction that the Demon Sect would come for the Kui Ox, while Tian Buyi proudly defended him.
• The Kui Ox broke free and killed or swallowed many Ghost King Sect disciples; the White-Faced Scholar failed to injure it and discovered its body carried electricity.
• The Ghost King deployed more disciples and the Dragon-Subduing Tripod to activate the Dragon-Trapping Gate formation, trapping the Kui Ox and angering other Demon Sect leaders who realized they had been used.
• The formation's iron-cone artifacts began rising from the ground, and the Ghost King ordered his disciples to hold it steady.
• He Dazhi gathered the Big Bamboo Peak disciples to explain a plan while the other Azure Cloud Sect disciples guarded them from interruption.

He Dazhi organized the Big Bamboo Peak and Small Bamboo Peak disciples into a plan to join the battle by the seaside after the Demon Sect had suffered losses. As the Azure Cloud disciples arrived, the Ghost King dispersed their Dragon Hanging with the Dragon-Subduing Tripod, but a new wave of danger surged toward the Demon Sect.

• He Dazhi assigned Lu Xueqi to accompany Tian Linger and asked the Small Bamboo Peak disciples to help transmit techniques with Dao Follows Nature.
• Lin Jingyu stopped Zeng Shushu and Qi Hao from joining the plan, while Cangsong and the other righteous leaders prepared to support the younger disciples.
• When the seaside battle quieted, He Dazhi led dozens of Azure Cloud disciples toward the coast, and Tian Buyi insisted they would be fine despite his worried words.
• The Ghost King spotted the approaching disciples, recognized the Dragon Hanging, and warned the Demon Sect to stay alert.
• The Ghost King struck the Dragon-Subduing Tripod and dispersed the Dragon Hanging, but rolling waves of earth began rushing toward the Demon Sect.

Zhang Xiaofan and his allies attacked the Demon Sect formation while their companions kept the White-Faced Scholar and Ghost King occupied. After Luo Yunji broke the formation's magical instrument, the righteous disciples advanced into battle.

• Tian Linger and Lu Xueqi attacked the White-Faced Scholar, but he blocked their strikes before Lu Daxin and Zheng Dali joined the fight.
• The Ghost King warned the White-Faced Scholar about Zheng Dali's flame dragons, and the two teamed up to repel them.
• Tian Linger sent Big Yellow and Little Gray toward the formation, but Big Yellow hurt its nose against it and she pulled them back.
• Zhang Xiaofan persuaded Luo Yunji to bite through the formation's magical instrument, then killed the Demon Sect disciple controlling it.
• He Dazhi called for the disciples to follow the plan, and Wu Dayi, Du Bishu, Lu Xueqi, and Tian Linger joined the battle as Song Daren went to help Lu Daxin and Zheng Dali.

Azure Clouds' disciples battled the Demon Sect while He Dazhi watched for the enemy's experts, and Small Bamboo Peak began a coordinated Daoist art that resembled an array. The fighting remained unresolved as Lin Jingyu slipped away from the mountain to guard Luo Yunji.

• He Dazhi intercepted Baidu Zi as Zhang Xiaofan joined the battle against Blood-Sucking Ancestor, while Song Daren faced Ancestor Duanmu and Sixth Senior Brother led Lu Xueqi and Tian Linger against Demon Sect disciples.
• Zhang Xiaofan left Luo Yunji with Big Yellow and Little Gray, telling them to watch over the Little Junior Brother before he chased after He Dazhi.
• Tian Buyi and Daoist Cangsong held back on the mountain as several Azure Clouds elders charged into battle to relieve pressure on Wu Dayi and the other disciples.
• He Dazhi sent up a green signal, and Small Bamboo Peak's disciples performed Dao Follows Nature in unison, gathering spiritual energy into a formation-like pattern.
• Lin Jingyu quietly left the crowd and went to Luo Yunji, who mistook him for someone seeking a share of his food.

He Dazhi realized the Ghost King was stalling while the formation continued to subdue the Kui Ox, and Luo Yunji joined the battle with power from Small Bamboo Peak. The Ghost King blocked Luo Yunji’s powerful Dragon Slayer Art strike just before it hit the formation.

• He Dazhi discovered that the damaged formation still operated and warned the others that the Ghost King was buying time.
• Zhang Xiaofan struggled to escape the Blood-Sucking Ancestor’s attacks while He Dazhi signaled for the backup plan.
• Dabai told Luo Yunji to receive the Small Bamboo Peak disciples’ spiritual power and use the Dragon Slayer Art against the formation.
• Luo Yunji took Lin Jingyu’s Dragon Slayer Sword and unleashed a powerful strike toward the formation trapping the Kui Ox.
• The Ghost King appeared before the formation and blocked Luo Yunji’s sword strike.

The Ghost King confronted Tian Buyi and the Big Bamboo Peak disciples, revealing that he possessed two volumes of the Heavenly Book and threatening to kill them if they opposed his plan to claim the Kui Ox. After Luo Yunji’s appetite prompted an awkward request for Kui Ox meat, the disciples’ fighting spirit surged, and Tian Buyi led them in challenging the Ghost King and the Demon Sect followers.

• The Ghost King blocked Luo Yunji’s Dragon Slayer Art and said he had two volumes of the Heavenly Book, while Zhang Xiaofan realized Luo Yunji had not used the Yuqing Sword Art.
• Tian Buyi admitted he was no match for the Ghost King, who praised his disciples but threatened to kill them if Tian Buyi interfered with his plan for the Kui Ox.
• Tian Buyi offered to give up the Kui Ox, but Luo Yunji insisted it was his and wanted to eat it, leading Tian Buyi to ask the Ghost King for some meat.
• He Dazhi and the other Big Bamboo Peak disciples declared they were willing to fight, and Su Ru joined Tian Buyi at his side.
• Tian Buyi and the Big Bamboo Peak disciples challenged the Ghost King and the Demon Sect followers, while the gathered righteous and demonic cultivators felt their battle spirit rise.

The righteous and demonic factions launched a fierce battle on Liubo Mountain after the Ghost King accepted the challenge from Big Bamboo Peak. As Tian Buyi kept the Ghost King occupied, Luo Yunji gnawed apart the ritual implements restraining the Kui Ox and fled with Dabai as the formation weakened.

• Tian Buyi noticed Luo Yunji eating, while Su Ru pulled him aside and the Ghost King laughed before accepting the challenge on behalf of the Ghost King Sect.
• Righteous cultivators descended from the mountain as Demon Sect followers rallied behind the Ghost King, and Tian Buyi began fighting him while Song Daren and the others engaged their old opponents.
• Luo Yunji crept toward the formation holding the Kui Ox and tried to bite a ritual implement, while Dabai shielded him from the Demon Sect disciples guarding it.
• The Ghost King accused Tian Buyi of plotting to destroy the formation, but Tian Buyi denied arranging Luo Yunji’s actions and kept him occupied in battle.
• Luo Yunji bit through three magic tools, weakening the formation and allowing the Kui Ox to struggle harder; he then fled with Dabai as White-Faced Scholar pursued them.

Zhang Xiaofan and Luo Yunji disrupted the Ghost King's attempt to trap the Kui Ox, and the beast broke free amid the battle. The Kui Ox then attacked both sides and charged at Luo Yunji, who confronted it with an enormous ice sword.

• Zhang Xiaofan summoned five Yin Spirits to help protect Luo Yunji from the Blood-Sucking Ancestor and the White-Faced Scholar.
• The Ghost King completed the formation around the Kui Ox, while Zhang Xiaofan struggled to defend Luo Yunji and Little Fatty from their attackers.
• The Blood-Sucking Ancestor struck Little Fatty, prompting Zhang Xiaofan to drive back the Blood-Sucking Ancestor and block the White-Faced Scholar's attack.
• Zhang Xiaofan and Little Fatty entered the formation, where Luo Yunji bit through its magical artifacts and broke it apart.
• The Kui Ox broke free and rampaged through the battlefield, forcing the righteous and demonic fighters to retreat.
• The Kui Ox charged at Luo Yunji, who formed a huge ice sword and knocked the beast aside.

Luo Yunji and the disciples of Big Bamboo Peak fought the Kui Ox, but their attacks could barely hinder the ancient beast. After Zhang Xiaofan was hurt protecting Luo Yunji, Luo Yunji unleashed a powerful sword strike that split the mountain.

• Wu Dayi, He Dazhi, and the other Big Bamboo Peak disciples attacked the Kui Ox, and Lu Daxin battered its head with a brick until it fell.
• The Kui Ox recovered, unleashed lightning, and charged at Luo Yunji, while the senior disciples' attacks failed to stop it.
• Zhang Xiaofan shielded Luo Yunji and Tian Linger from the charge with a Taiji formation, but the impact injured him.
• Luo Yunji raised his aura and prepared his Dragon Slayer Sword as Zhang Xiaofan used the Jiemo Bead and Bloodthirsty Orb to suppress and drive back the Kui Ox.
• Luo Yunji shouted "Slash!" and sent a seemingly quiet cut across the Kui Ox's chest, triggering an enormous crash that split open the mountain.

Luo Yunji defeated the Kui Ox with the Yin-Yang Orbs and the Black Water Mystic Snake, then woke and insisted the slain beast was his beef. He and Zhang Xiaofan approached the snake, leaving the gathered righteous and demonic disciples astonished by their fearlessness.

• Luo Yunji wounded the Kui Ox with the Taiji diagram, then summoned a golden stele and the Black Water Mystic Snake to restrain and strangle it.
• Zhang Xiaofan carried the exhausted Luo Yunji to Tian Buyi, who gave him a Great Yellow Pill while Daoist Cangsong reacted in disbelief at how casually Luo Yunji took it.
• Ghost King regretted not agreeing to Tian Buyi's request as the Kui Ox's cries faded and it died in the Black Water Mystic Snake's coils.
• Luo Yunji woke and demanded his beef, then rode on Zhang Xiaofan's back toward the snake after Zhang Xiaofan discovered his Fire Poker was missing.
• Zhang Xiaofan stepped through the air to the Black Water Mystic Snake, and Luo Yunji sprawled on its head, shouting that the beef was his.
• The Black Water Mystic Snake tightened its coils around the Kui Ox and pretended to sleep while Luo Yunji slapped its scales.

Righteous cultivators questioned Azure Cloud Sect over Zhang Xiaofan’s use of Buddhist power and the Bloodthirsty Orb, while Zhang Xiaofan continued cultivating beside Dahei. He Dazhi halted the brewing confrontation by asking what the accusers actually wanted.

• Lin Jingyu, Zeng Shushu, and Qi Hao approached Dahei, but its cold gaze frightened Lin Jingyu and Zeng Shushu into retreating.
• Qi Hao retrieved the Dragon Slayer Sword and returned it to Lin Jingyu, while Zhang Xiaofan and Luo Yunji remained near Dahei.
• Zhang Xiaofan cultivated the Dragon Slayer Art and Taiji Mystic Purity Dao as the conflicting spiritual powers within him grew increasingly unstable.
• Tian Buyi erupted when Tianyin Temple monks questioned his disciple, but Su Ru and Song Daren restrained him as He Dazhi stepped forward to answer.
• He Dazhi argued that the 'manji' character did not prove Zhang Xiaofan had learned Tianyin Temple’s Great Brahma Prajna, while an unseen voice stirred suspicion about the Bloodthirsty Orb.
• He Dazhi asked the righteous cultivators what they wanted, and the crowd fell silent because they had no answer.

He Dazhi deflected the righteous cultivators’ demands to inspect Azure Cloud Sect’s treasures, but the dispute was interrupted when Luo Yunji fought the Black Water Mystic Snake over the Kui Ox meat. After the Kui Ox was butchered, Zhang Xiaofan discovered that the Red Bead had absorbed its soul and might lose control, and He Dazhi arrived with a possible solution.

• He Dazhi challenged the hidden accuser to have Tianyin Temple verify the suspected Great Brahma Prajna and accused the accuser of trying to divide the three righteous sects.
• A disciple announced that Luo Yunji was fighting the Black Water Mystic Snake, and Tian Buyi and the others rushed to the shore.
• He Dazhi negotiated with Dahei to share the Kui Ox, then arranged for Lu Xueqi, Lin Jingyu, and Xiao Yicai to lend divine weapons so the Azure Cloud disciples could butcher it.
• Zhang Xiaofan found the Fire Poker and Dabai’s skull in the Kui Ox’s wound, and Dabai warned through Luo Yunji that the Red Bead had absorbed the beast’s soul and might become uncontrollable.
• Tian Buyi had no answer, but He Dazhi reasoned that the Mountain and River Fan might contain the Kui Ox’s soul and came up with a plan.

He Dazhi and the others found a way to split and contain the Kui Ox’s soul, then Zhang Xiaofan cooked its meat for the gathered Azure Clouds disciples. The feast proved rich in spiritual energy, and Big Bamboo Peak’s disciples all advanced into the ninth level of the Jade Purity Realm.

• He Dazhi suggested separating the Kui Ox’s soul, and Tian Buyi, Shuiyue, and He Dazhi realized Luo Yunji could help split it.
• The Blood Skull cracked as the Kui Ox’s soul escaped into the clouds and formed a stronger lightning Kui Ox.
• Luo Yunji’s Black Silk cut the lightning Kui Ox’s soul into three pieces, which He Dazhi and Dabai captured with the Mountain and River Fan and the Blood Skull.
• Su Ru used golden scissors made from Luo Yunji’s teeth to help Zhang Xiaofan and the others dismember the Kui Ox, and Dahei swallowed the leftover flesh.
• Zhang Xiaofan prepared a feast from the Kui Ox meat, and the Azure Clouds disciples discovered that the food contained spiritual energy.
• Big Bamboo Peak’s disciples advanced into the ninth level of the Jade Purity Realm, and Cangsong took some of the dishes back for his disciples.

Cangsong urged Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu to stay close to Big Bamboo Peak’s disciples, while the disciples enjoyed a rare peaceful moment together. He Dazhi repaired the Blood Skull with Cheng Liquid, making it resemble a Buddhist golden body, and its appearance drew Tianyin Temple and other righteous sect members into a fresh commotion.

• Cangsong told Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu to spend time with Big Bamboo Peak’s disciples, and Qi Hao urged Lin Jingyu to treat Zhang Xiaofan sincerely.
• Big Bamboo Peak’s disciples rested together while He Dazhi refined the Kui Ox’s soul in the Mountain and River Fan and Dabai kept the Blood Skull’s spirit subdued near Luo Yunji.
• He Dazhi repaired the cracked Blood Skull with Cheng Liquid, leaving it with the appearance of a golden Buddhist skeleton.
• Su Ru warned everyone to hide the skull from Tianyin Temple, but Faxiang and Fashan arrived and Fashan mistook it for a Buddhist golden body.
• Tian Buyi showed the skull to the gathered righteous sect members, who speculated about its origins as Cangsong and the other leaders blamed Big Bamboo Peak for stirring up trouble.

Tian Buyi’s gathering ended after the Skull Artifact was confirmed not to be a Buddhist golden body, but Luo Yunji accused Li Xun of trying to claim it and charged after him. Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu found Luo Yunji beating Qi Hao with a bone while Zhang Xiaofan and others tried to restrain him.

• Tian Buyi accepted the Skull Artifact after Faxiang handed it back, and an unseen speaker suggested giving it to Tianyin Temple.
• Tian Buyi dismissed the gathered cultivators after no one admitted to stirring trouble, and He Dazhi noticed someone in the crowd.
• Luo Yunji identified Li Xun as the person who had said he wanted the Skull Artifact and rushed at him with it.
• An elder of Incense Valley stopped Luo Yunji’s first swing, but Li Xun retreated out of the tent as Luo Yunji pursued him.
• Qi Hao and Lin Jingyu found Luo Yunji sitting on Qi Hao and beating him with a large bone while Zhang Xiaofan tried to keep Luo Yunji from biting.

Zhang Xiaofan and the Big Bamboo Peak disciples caused a brawl with Incense Valley that ended when Big Yellow distracted Luo Yunji. Days later, Bi Yao arranged a meeting with the Ghost King, who offered a volume of the Heavenly Book in exchange for the Kui Ox’s soul, while Luo Yunji eagerly accepted his food.

• Zhang Xiaofan kicked Li Xun after Li Xun cursed Luo Yunji, while the Big Bamboo Peak disciples faced down Incense Valley.
• Big Yellow breathed fire at Luo Yunji, then fled, and Luo Yunji and Zhang Xiaofan chased after him, ending the fight.
• A few days later, Bi Yao asked Zhang Xiaofan to meet her father, but Zhang Xiaofan refused until Aunt You offered Luo Yunji a basket of food.
• The Ghost King offered a volume of the Heavenly Book for the Kui Ox’s soul, while Luo Yunji ate the food and agreed to the deal.

Luo Yunji and the Azure Cloud disciples left Liubo Mountain after a trade with the Ghost King, but Luo Yunji’s poor sense of direction sent them far off course. Dahei eventually stopped carrying them, leaving the group stranded near the Imperial City.

• The Ghost King traded the larger portion of the Kui Ox's soul for an incomplete version of the Heavenly Book, while He Dazhi and the others handed over about a quarter of the soul.
• Tian Buyi disapproved of the deal, and the righteous cultivators departed Liubo Mountain after confirming the Demon Sect had left.
• Luo Yunji gathered fruit before leaving, and his rain clouds disrupted the other cultivators’ flight; He Dazhi secretly helped send Li Xun plunging into the sea after Li Xun insulted Azure Cloud Sect.
• Daoist Cangsong discovered that Tian Buyi’s group was flying in the wrong direction, and Tian Buyi admitted he had forgotten Luo Yunji got lost easily.
• Luo Yunji pointed out they were heading the wrong way, so Dahei crashed to the ground and retreated into the Treasure Pearl; He Dazhi said they were near the Imperial City's territory, and Sixth Senior Brother guessed Dahei missed Dabai.

The Azure Cloud Sect party visited the Imperial City and reunited Luo Yunji with his twin brother, Liao Xing. After the disciples spent a rowdy day at Lixiang Pavilion, Tian Buyi confined the drunken disciples, while Luo Yunji and Zhang Xiaofan escaped punishment.

• Su Ru, Shuiyue, Cangsong, and Shang Zhengliang joined Tian Buyi on a visit to the Imperial City with their disciples.
• Luo Yunji reunited with Liao Xing, and the Emperor hosted Cangsong and Shang Zhengliang at the palace while the other disciples stayed at the Prince's Mansion.
• He Dazhi gave Tian Buyi, Su Ru, and Perfected Shuiyue spirit stones that restored their spiritual power in the Forbidden Spirit Land.
• Luo Yunji and the other disciples went to Lixiang Pavilion, where they stayed drinking and making music until late at night as crowds gathered outside.
• Tian Buyi sent the drunken disciples to rest and confined Song Daren and the others the next day, but Luo Yunji and Zhang Xiaofan escaped punishment.

Luo Yunji and Zhang Xiaofan returned to the Imperial City with gifts, and Tian Buyi agreed to accept the Emperor and Prince’s help debating Tianyin Temple over the cultivation technique. After the group returned to Azure Cloud Mountain, Daoist Cangsong tried to search for the person he believed was on Heaven-Reaching Peak, but Tian Buyi stopped him and dragged him into his study.

• Luo Yunji, Zhang Xiaofan, and Liao Xing returned late with gifts for Tian Buyi and Su Ru, easing Tian Buyi’s anger at their absence.
• The Emperor and Prince offered elder ministers to argue on behalf of Big Bamboo Peak, and Tian Buyi accepted after Su Ru and Perfected Shuiyue urged him.
• The Azure Cloud group left the Imperial City aboard the Giant Chi and Black Water Mystic Snake and returned to Azure Cloud Mountain, alarming the sect’s leaders.
• The Black Water Mystic Snake entered Luo Yunji’s Yin Orb, while Daoist Cangsong tried to rush to Heaven-Reaching Peak to find the person he suspected was there.
• Tian Buyi warned Cangsong not to act recklessly, then stopped him again after Daoxuan left and pulled him into his study.

Tian Buyi learned from Zhang Xiaofan that the one-armed old man from the Wildlands matched the figure in the portrait, then left to seek him. Meanwhile, Cangsong confronted Daoxuan at the Forbidden Ground to confirm a long-buried secret, and the chapter ended with a soft thud.

• Zhang Xiaofan told Tian Buyi, Su Ru, and Shuiyue that he had met a one-armed old man who resembled the person in the portrait.
• Tian Buyi recalled the group’s journey into the Wildlands, then left alone on Scarlet Flame to find the old man.
• Cangsong went to the Ancestral Hall’s Forbidden Ground, where Daoxuan blocked his way.
• Cangsong insisted on entering to confirm something and said Daoxuan could kill or punish him afterward.
• Daoxuan realized Cangsong might know his long-hidden secret and confronted him with anger and force.
• Cangsong lowered his head, and a soft thud sounded just as Daoxuan was about to relax.

Cangsong begged Daoxuan to let him enter the Forbidden Ground and see whether the person he revered was alive, but Daoxuan refused and drove him away. Tian Buyi secretly witnessed their confrontation, knew the hidden truth about the person in the Ancestral Hall, and left without entering the Forbidden Ground.

• Cangsong repeatedly bowed until his forehead bled, pleading with Daoxuan to let him investigate the Forbidden Ground.
• Daoxuan warned Cangsong to return to Dragon Head Peak and threatened him with killing intent when he refused to stop.
• Cangsong cursed Daoxuan, then left after glancing toward the Ancestral Hall, while Daoxuan watched him go.
• After Daoxuan departed, Tian Buyi emerged from hiding and considered entering the Forbidden Ground to confirm the person was alive, but chose to leave without crossing the boundary.
• Tian Buyi reflected that Daoxuan was concealing the person because the accusation of patricide could not be cleared without endangering the Azure Cloud Sect.

Bi Yao and Youji came to Big Bamboo Peak to warn Zhang Xiaofan that the righteous sects’ arrival had put him in grave danger and urged him to leave Azure Clouds. Zhang Xiaofan refused to abandon Big Bamboo Peak, while Bi Yao and Tian Linger argued over what he should do before Luo Yunji turned their dispute into a farcical contest.

• Tian Buyi learned that Daoxuan had summoned him to bring Zhang Xiaofan to the Jade Purity Hall the next day, and resolved to stand firm for his family and disciples.
• Luo Yunji and Zhang Xiaofan searched the bamboo grove for Big Yellow and Little Gray until Bi Yao and Youji arrived.
• Tian Linger warned Bi Yao and Youji to leave, but Bi Yao explained that the righteous sects’ arrival had put Zhang Xiaofan in grave danger.
• Tian Linger told Zhang Xiaofan that Tian Buyi would take him to the Jade Purity Hall, while Bi Yao urged him to come with her and he refused to leave Big Bamboo Peak.
• Bi Yao and Tian Linger argued over Zhang Xiaofan’s safety, then Luo Yunji embarrassed them by comparing their figures and reaching toward Youji.

Zhang Xiaofan refused Bi Yao’s plea to leave, explaining that Big Bamboo Peak had become his home after years of loneliness and hard cultivation. The next morning, as the sect prepared for the likely consequences of his Buddhist cultivation, he arranged food for Luo Yunji and formally bowed to his master, mistress, and senior brothers.

• Zhang Xiaofan pulled Luo Yunji away from the angry women, then thanked Bi Yao for coming but refused to leave.
• Zhang Xiaofan told Bi Yao that he had once felt unwanted and inferior, but Luo Yunji’s arrival and his family’s acceptance had made Big Bamboo Peak his home.
• Bi Yao left with Youji, while Tian Linger reflected on how much effort Zhang Xiaofan had put into cultivation.
• At dawn, Zhang Xiaofan prepared a table full of food for the sleeping Luo Yunji as Tian Buyi, Su Ru, and his six senior brothers watched.
• Zhang Xiaofan finished his preparations, then bowed formally to Tian Buyi, Su Ru, and each of his six senior brothers.

Zhang Xiaofan left Big Bamboo Peak with Tian Buyi, Su Ru, and Tian Linger to face the matter awaiting him at Jade Purity Hall. His senior brothers worried about the consequences if he were forced out of the Azure Cloud Sect, while Zhang Xiaofan arrived at Heaven-Reaching Peak calm and resolved to defend his family and Big Bamboo Peak.

• Tian Linger insisted on accompanying Zhang Xiaofan, and Tian Buyi agreed to take her along.
• Song Daren encouraged Zhang Xiaofan as he departed with Tian Buyi, Su Ru, and Tian Linger.
• He Dazhi told his fellow disciples he would leave with Zhang Xiaofan if he were forced out of the sect, fearing Luo Yunji would follow him.
• The senior brothers worried that the Azure Cloud Sect might mistreat Zhang Xiaofan, though Wu Dayi hoped the situation would be less serious than they feared.
• Tian Buyi and the others flew to Heaven-Reaching Peak, where Zhang Xiaofan and Tian Linger joined Song Daren above the Sea of Clouds.
• Zhang Xiaofan ignored the other branches' whispers and resolved to protect his master, mistress, senior brothers, and Big Bamboo Peak if anyone attacked them.

Zhang Xiaofan and the Big Bamboo Peak disciples were escorted to Jade Purity Hall, where Zhang Xiaofan anticipated how the righteous sects would judge him. Before entering, he encountered Uncle Wang Er, the other surviving villager, and then reached the hall’s entrance as Chang Jian called out to him.

• Zhang Xiaofan’s fierce resolve unsettled the Azure Cloud disciples watching him, and Chang Jian escorted him, Song Daren, and Tian Linger toward Jade Purity Hall.
• Zhang Xiaofan climbed the steps, wondering how the righteous sects would respond to the Azure Cloud Sect’s presence on the night Grass Temple Village was destroyed.
• Zhang Xiaofan spotted Uncle Wang Er sitting silently by the steps and watched him before continuing toward the hall.
• Uncle Wang Er followed Zhang Xiaofan with his gaze as Zhang Xiaofan reached Jade Purity Hall’s entrance.
• Chang Jian called out to Zhang Xiaofan just before he entered, and the three Big Bamboo Peak disciples turned to him.