Recaps

Jiang Ning used the Kui Ox Drum to summon lightning that tempered his body, drawing awe from the observers as his blood-and-qi dragon grew to ninety-nine feet. After becoming champion, he was presented to Emperor Changning, who ordered him, Mingxin, and Wan Jianyi to attend the next day’s court assembly.

• Jiang Ning struck the Kui Ox Drum as lightning coursed through him, strengthening his body and awakening its latent potential.
• Mingxin and Wan Jianyi watched Jiang Ning’s blood-and-qi dragon grow from ninety-six to ninety-seven feet, and Wan Jianyi confronted the gulf between his strength and that of Jiang Ning and Mingxin.
• The lightning ceased, the Kui Ox Drum shone purple, and Jiang Ning’s crimson dragon reached ninety-nine feet before dissipating.
• The man on the dragon throne and Xiao Wuque recognized Jiang Ning’s near-innate physique, while Ji Mingya took the champion’s robe from the maid and draped it over him.
• Jiang Ning, Mingxin, and Wan Jianyi greeted Human Emperor Emperor Changning, who praised them and commanded them to attend the next day’s court assembly.

After Ji Mingyue and Ji Minghao left, Ji Mingya warned Jiang Ning that his extraordinary talent and near-innate physique had made him a danger to powerful figures who feared another Martial Saint. Jiang Ning resolved to reach the first rank quickly, then returned inside with Qinghe to share the news of his martial top scholar honor.

• Ji Mingyue told Jiang Ning that Ji Mingya had changed after her husband died in the Northern Desert and her infant son died under mysterious circumstances, and Jiang Ning warned her to be careful.
• After Ji Minghao's carriage departed, Ji Mingya emerged from hiding and told Jiang Ning that experts had recognized him as a second-rank Grandmaster with a near-innate physique.
• Ji Mingya warned that Grandmasters, immortal-path experts, and even the imperial family would unite against the possibility of another person rising above them, and she urged Jiang Ning not to meet her husband's fate.
• Jiang Ning thanked Ji Mingya and resolved to reach the first rank before danger arrived; Ji Mingya departed after asking him to become her retainer.
• Qinghe came out through the gate, admired Jiang Ning's top scholar's robe, and helped him dress before he said they should go congratulate his elder brother and sister-in-law.

After becoming the martial champion, Jiang Ning received his imperial robes, waist token, and plaque, then considered the dangers facing the dynasty and his own path to greater strength. He began cultivating with Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid in the Inner Landscape Grounds, intent on advancing his spiritual method and eventually becoming a titled grandmaster.

• Jiang Ning reunited with Jiang Li and Liu Wanwan, confirmed he had won the martial championship, and waited with his family for the imperial procession.
• Zhou Qian delivered Jiang Ning’s champion’s robes, gilded waist token, and Emperor Ning’s plaque, and arranged to escort him into the palace the next morning.
• Jiang Ning told Jiang Li they should wait until peace and prosperity returned before taking the plaque to their old home in Luoshui County.
• Jiang Ning assessed the threats surrounding the Great Xia Dynasty and reflected on the danger of challenging the Martial Saint, while resolving to grow stronger and protect himself.
• Jiang Ning examined his powerful body and reviewed his abilities, then saw that his Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method was nearing its next breakthrough.
• Jiang Ning drank in the mist formed from Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid, entered the Inner Landscape Grounds, and began cultivating the method in stillness.

Jiang Ning cultivated the Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method with the Inner Landscape Grounds and Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid, making rapid progress while recovering from the strain. After sharing a meal with Su Qingying, he agreed to sleep in her room so she would not try to become pregnant before understanding what it entailed, while she prepared for his visit.

• Jiang Ning cultivated in the Inner Landscape Grounds, discovered that the Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid helped there too, and returned to reality after the distorted passage of time unsettled him.
• Jiang Ning restored himself with the spirit liquid and continued cultivating, raising his method’s progress toward major mastery.
• Su Qingying brought Jiang Ning braised beef noodles and dumplings made with Liu Wanwan, and he praised the food and shared bites with her.
• Su Qingying asked Jiang Ning to sleep with her because she thought she was not pregnant yet; he agreed while deciding not to explain the process and risk her forcing the issue.
• Jiang Ning resumed cultivating, while Su Qingying prepared two quilts, put on lipstick, and practiced smiling in her mirror.

Jiang Ning prepared for his first court assembly as the newly appointed Martial Top Scholar, then entered the palace with Zhou Qian. In the side hall, Mingxin questioned him about his training, and Jiang Ning named Jin Chan as the source of his Indestructible Vajra Body mastery.

• Jiang Ning spent the night beside Su Qingying, then rose early to prepare for the court assembly and discovered his Source Energy had reached 233177.
• Liu Wanwan prepared Jiang Ning a large breakfast before Zhou Qian arrived to escort him to court.
• Jiang Ning and Zhou Qian passed through Vermilion Bird Gate after the guards checked Jiang Ning's Top Scholar token.
• Jiang Ning joined Wan Jianyi and Mingxin in a side hall while Emperor Changning appeared before the assembled officials.
• Mingxin asked where Jiang Ning had studied and how he mastered the Indestructible Vajra Body, and Jiang Ning answered that he knew Jin Chan.

Jiang Ning was named Marquis of Dongling and appointed Inspector of Zeshan Prefecture after Emperor Changning revealed that he was a second-rank Grandmaster. Though the appointment placed him in danger near the Yellow Heaven Cult uprising, Xiao Wuque gave him a Dao Ancestor talisman to protect his life as he prepared to take up the post.

• Emperor Changning rewarded Wan Jianyi with command of the Imperial Guard Sword Guards and appointed Mingxin Dharma Master Protector of the Nation.
• Emperor Changning named Jiang Ning Marquis of Dongling, granting him all four counties of Dongling Commandery, and revealed that he was a second-rank Grandmaster.
• Emperor Changning also appointed Jiang Ning Inspector of Zeshan Prefecture, a decision Xiao Wuque said came from Martial Saint Manor because the prefecture needed an inspector amid the Yellow Heaven Cult uprising.
• Jiang Ning recognized that Xiao Wuque’s decision heightened tensions between Martial Saint Manor and Emperor Changning, while the court accepted the decree and dismissed court.
• After the officials congratulated him, Jiang Ning admitted his concern about being attacked like the previous inspectors, and Xiao Wuque gave him a Dao Ancestor talisman that could restore and protect him in a crisis.

Jiang Ning received two life-saving treasures from Xiao Wuque and rode through the Royal Capital as the martial examination’s top scholar. Xiao Wuque then brought him to meet the Martial Saint, who revealed that he was nearing the end of his life despite the life-extending tea in his Grotto-Heaven.

• Xiao Wuque gave Jiang Ning a Dao Ancestor Talisman Paper that could restore him to his peak during a crisis and a Small Teleportation Talisman that could send him a thousand miles away.
• Xiao Wuque told Jiang Ning that the Martial Saint wanted to meet him, and Jiang Ning agreed after learning the Northern Azure King’s son planned to pursue Ji Mingyue and expected Jiang Ning to eventually fall from power.
• Jiang Ning rode through the Royal Capital in a ceremonial procession as the new martial examination top scholar, while Wan Jianyi recognized how far Jiang Ning had surpassed him.
• Jiang Ning met Xiao Wuque at Martial Saint Manor, and they traveled to a sealed Grotto-Heaven where the Martial Saint drew them in.
• The Martial Saint served Jiang Ning and Xiao Wuque tea that could add three to five years to their lives, then explained that he had reached the limits of his lifespan and could only use the Grotto-Heaven and tea to cling to life.

Jiang Ning learned from the Martial Saint how to keep advancing toward the first rank and was warned that powerful factions would try to kill him before he could grow stronger. Xiao Wuque then revealed that the Martial Saint was dying after a failed attempt to absorb his Grotto-Heaven, leaving Jiang Ning fearful of the chaos his death would unleash.

• The Martial Saint explained to Jiang Ning and Xiao Wuque that breaking through required endless accumulation and growth, and Jiang Ning realized his ability to retain every attainment gave him an advantage.
• The Martial Saint judged that Jiang Ning could reach the first rank within a year or two, but warned that rival powers would not allow him to approach the Martial Saint’s level unchallenged.
• The Martial Saint gave Jiang Ning talismans and urged him to rely on himself, then let him drink life-giving tea before he and Xiao Wuque returned to the mountaintop.
• Xiao Wuque told Jiang Ning that the Martial Saint’s failed attempt to absorb a Grotto-Heaven had depleted his vitality, and that he had sent a spirit body to defeat Lord Fuyuan without revealing his true condition.
• Jiang Ning realized the Martial Saint’s death could shatter Great Xia’s order and expose him to the full force of his enemies.

After learning that growing stronger would inevitably put him in conflict with hidden powers, Jiang Ning focused on cultivating the Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method with Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid. He left the palace banquet determined to keep improving, while Ji Mingyue withheld her father’s demand that Jiang Ning seek a betrothal.

• Jiang Ning received an invitation to a palace banquet for the newly successful examination candidates and used Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid to cultivate in the Inner Landscape Grounds, raising his method’s progress.
• Jiang Ning recognized the danger of prolonged cultivation in the Inner Landscape Grounds and steadied himself by reconnecting with his family and the world around him.
• Jiang Ning cultivated again, raising the Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method to minor mastery 3361/5000.
• Jiang Ning attended the palace banquet, then told Ji Mingyue that he intended to focus on cultivation because growing stronger would bring him into conflict with powerful figures.
• Ji Mingyue told Ji Minghao she would not pressure Jiang Ning to propose, despite their father’s impatience and possible plans to choose differently.
• Jiang Ning returned home and resumed cultivating with Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid as his method’s experience continued to increase.

Jiang Ning cultivated the Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method throughout a snowy day, using Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid until his supply ran out. He reached major mastery and ended the chapter continuing to cultivate in his Inner Landscape Grounds.

• Jiang Ning saw that the tea from the previous day had raised his source energy to 301733 and began cultivating with Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid.
• Jiang Ning increased his method’s progress to 4011 and later received his Zeshan Prefecture inspector’s seal and robes, his marquis’s insignia, and the deed to his Royal Capital residence from Zhou Qian.
• Jiang Ning gave the residence deed to Jiang Li for safekeeping and reflected that his growing strength made it dangerous to let others become closely tied to him.
• Jiang Ning spent the day cultivating, used up his remaining Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid, and raised his method’s progress to 4833 before taking a hot bath.
• Jiang Ning returned to cultivating in his Inner Landscape Grounds and advanced the Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method to major mastery, reaching 77/10000.

Jiang Ning advanced his Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method, sensed the Heavenly Dao, and entered the Shangyang Inner Landscape with his disciple token. There, Shen Yue Ru shared her Grand Void Yin-Yang Sword insights with him, then began cultivating at the Dao Lecture Platform as Jiang Ning watched her sword energy surge.

• Jiang Ning reached major mastery in the Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method and sensed the Heavenly Dao Will, realizing he had taken another step beyond the second rank.
• Jiang Ning cultivated further, then used his Shangyang Immortal Sect token to enter the Shangyang Inner Landscape.
• Shen Yue Ru met Jiang Ning in the Upper Yang Grotto-Heaven and led him to the Yang Pool to share her understanding of the Grand Void Yin-Yang Sword through an intertwining of their souls.
• Shen Yue Ru took Jiang Ning to the Dao Lecture Platform, where they meditated and she became surrounded by fierce sword energy.

Jiang Ning witnessed a reflection of the Primordial Era, learned about the realms beyond immortality, and received the Ninefold Nether Tribulation Fire True Formula from the Nine-Nether Tribulation Flame Grand Celestial Venerable. After returning to the present, he found his Immortal Seedling had grown to seven leaves and discussed the experience with Shen Yue Ru.

• Jiang Ning spoke with a Heavenly Immortal woman, who explained the Human Immortal, Heavenly Immortal, and True Immortal realms and the growth of Dao Flowers and Dao Fruits.
• The Nine-Nether Tribulation Flame Grand Celestial Venerable arrived and taught the three chapters of the Ninefold Nether Tribulation Fire True Formula, causing crimson and black Dao leaves to appear on Jiang Ning's Immortal Seedling.
• Jiang Ning awoke from the reflection with seven leaves on his Immortal Seedling and found the first chapter of the formula had replaced Water-Fire True Force on his panel.
• Jiang Ning waited as Shen Yue Ru awoke, then told her he had received the teachings of the Nine-Nether Tribulation Flame Grand Celestial Venerable.
• Shen Yue Ru explained that Grand Celestial Venerables surpassed Celestial Venerables and that people who saw them could not retain their appearance in memory.
• Shen Yue Ru urged Jiang Ning to pursue the immortal Dao, and Jiang Ning said he would remember her words.

Jiang Ning climbed the Celestial Ladder to gauge his spiritual strength, then absorbed the tempered spiritual body and found his strength had increased. He advanced the Ninefold Nether Tribulation Fire True Formula twice, evolving both of its traits to purple grade.

• Shen Yue Ru and Jiang Ning climbed the Celestial Ladder, and Jiang Ning passed the hundredth step with ease.
• Jiang Ning reached the 187th step, where he judged his spiritual strength to be close to that of a Primordial Spirit Immortal, then returned before reaching his limit.
• Jiang Ning absorbed his tempered spiritual body, increasing his spiritual strength by about five percent, and confirmed his existing powers remained intact.
• Jiang Ning spent 10,000 source energy to break through the Ninefold Nether Tribulation Fire True Formula, evolving Water-Fire Immortal Robe to light purple.
• Jiang Ning spent another 20,000 source energy to break through the formula again, evolving Fiery Spirit Sight to light purple.

Jiang Ning strengthened his Fiery Spirit Sight and mastered Heart Tribulation Fire, a powerful divine ability that burned his life force to multiply his strength. As he considered pursuing another breakthrough, Yun Shanhe and a cloaked ally prepared a formation in Dongling City to ambush him when he returned.

• Jiang Ning spent source energy to advance the Ninefold Nether Tribulation Fire True Formula and gained the Heart Tribulation Fire trait, a divine ability containing the power of the Dao's origin.
• Jiang Ning tested Heart Tribulation Fire and found that it greatly multiplied his physical power, spirit, and inner energy, while consuming his essence, qi, and spirit if sustained.
• Jiang Ning cultivated the formula further, saw a branch grow on the Immortal Seedling, and used Kan Water and Li Fire to cleanse his body and quiet his desires.
• Jiang Ning decided that grinding for the next breakthrough would take too long and chose to sleep rather than continue cultivating.
• Yun Shanhe and a cloaked man in black found Jiang Ning's residence in Dongling City and agreed to wait for his return while the cloaked man laid a formation to trap and kill him.

Jiang Ning continued cultivating in the snow until Shen Mengyun visited and revealed that the Grotto-Heavens had cursed Emperor Changning, who was close to death. She asked Jiang Ning to help the Eighth Prince, Ji Minghao, inherit the throne, and Jiang Ning decided to consider Ji Mingyue’s ties to her brother before returning to cultivation.

• Jiang Ning spent several days cultivating the Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method and advanced it to 3877/10000 while refusing the princes’ attempts to recruit him.
• Qinghe told Jiang Ning that Shen Mengyun had come to see him, and he agreed to meet her.
• Shen Mengyun revealed that the Grotto-Heavens had joined forces to curse Emperor Changning and that the emperor would soon die without having named an heir.
• Shen Mengyun admitted she served Ji Minghao and asked Jiang Ning to help him become emperor, arguing that Ji Mingyue’s devotion gave Jiang Ning reason to help her brother.
• Jiang Ning considered Ji Mingyue’s bond with Ji Minghao, decided to help the Eighth Prince, returned home, and resumed cultivating.

Jiang Ning left the Royal Capital and returned to Dongling City, where he learned that Dongling Commandery had become his fief and found the city weathering the winter well. As he approached his home, he sensed something amiss in the East District.

• Jiang Ning received Wan Jianyi and Li Qing, heard Wan Jianyi would return to the Royal Capital after the New Year, and learned Li Qing planned to return to Luoshui County after her training.
• After seeing the eighth prince, Ji Minghao, Jiang Ning decided to leave for Dongling the next morning to escape the constant visitors and resume his cultivation.
• Jiang Ning said goodbye to his family, promised Little Doubao he would visit before the New Year, entrusted his family to Su Qingying, and gave Jiang Yiming a bottle to drink.
• Jiang Ning used his spatial mastery and speed to travel from the Royal Capital to Dongling City, where the gate guards greeted him as Marquis Dongling.
• Jiang Ning saw that the city had endured the winter without obvious signs of famine and recognized Wang Shouyi's efforts to secure grain.
• After crossing the Nu River into the East District, Jiang Ning sensed an unusual flow of energy near his home.

Jiang Ning discovered a hidden sword array around his residence and identified Yun Shanhe and an Immortal Dao cultivator as the men waiting to kill him. After sending Zhong Ling and Lü Yi away, he entered the trap; the array activated, cutting off the Heavenly Surveillance Bureau’s view as help raced to reach him.

• Jiang Ning detected the concealed array at his residence, used his Heavenly Eye to inspect it, and recognized Yun Shanhe and his companion at the Star-Picking Tower.
• Jiang Ning secretly warned Zhong Ling and Lü Yi to leave, and they went out shopping without alerting the two men.
• Jiang Ning waited until the women were safely away, then returned to his residence and entered through the open door.
• Yun Shanhe and the ordinary-looking man went to Jiang Ning’s roof and activated the sword array, trapping him inside.
• The Heavenly Surveillance Bureau detected the array but lost sight of Jiang Ning, and its long-browed figure ordered White Immortal Aunt to send help while warning that she would need thirty breaths.
• Yun Shanhe urged his companion to finish Jiang Ning within ten breaths.

Jiang Ning killed Yun Shanhe and another attacker with the Six-Foot Golden Body and Heart Tribulation Fire, then joined Granny Bai in dismantling the sword formation. After deciding to leave for the Royal Capital to grow stronger and avoid further attacks, he remained wary of the greater threats ahead.

• Jiang Ning transformed into a towering golden figure wreathed in crimson flames and killed Yun Shanhe and his companion with two punches.
• Granny Bai broke through the sword formation and found Jiang Ning safe, then warned him that his attackers could try again.
• Granny Bai explained that the Luo Heaven Disk could detect first-rank and Immortal Dao experts, while Jiang Ning admitted he still feared Primordial Spirit powerhouses.
• Jiang Ning said he planned to return to the Royal Capital for the year-end holidays and remain there until spring.
• Jiang Ning used his Fire Eye to find and consume the formation's spirit crystals, then removed the eight swords and gave the formation to Granny Bai.
• After seeing Granny Bai off, Jiang Ning decided to leave for the Royal Capital and continue strengthening himself rather than risk growing careless.

The Martial Saint traced the attack on Jiang Ning to the Mysterious Origin Blessed Land and destroyed it, killing the Xuan Yuan Patriarch and every other being within. His retaliation made Jiang Ning’s safety a warning to the realm, and the chapter left Jiang Ning back at his residence with Lü Yi and Zhong Ling, displaying his martial champion’s plaque.

• The Martial Saint arrived in Dongling City, questioned Jiang Ning about his attackers, and used his power to identify the Mysterious Origin Blessed Land as their origin.
• The Martial Saint declared that the blessed land would be destroyed for sending assassins after Jiang Ning, then shattered it with a punch.
• The Martial Saint killed the Xuan Yuan Patriarch and destroyed the Mysterious Origin Blessed Land, then warned that he would strike again if anyone attacked Jiang Ning.
• News of the Martial Saint’s retaliation spread across the Nine Provinces, while Jiang Ning decided not to remain long in Dongling City despite his new protection.
• Jiang Ning returned to his residence, confirmed that Lü Yi and Zhong Ling were safe, and had them hang up his champion’s plaque.

Jiang Ning welcomed Zhao Yulong and Bai Luoyu, then met Commandery Governor Wang and discussed how to handle his duties while staying safe after a Martial Saint intervened on his behalf. As Marquis Shen arrived, he confirmed that grandmasters across the Nine Provinces had witnessed the destruction of Mysterious Origin Blessed Land and warned Jiang Ning that his dazzling rise could bring danger.

• Jiang Ning told Zhao Yulong and Bai Luoyu that a Martial Saint had intervened and said he planned to return to the Royal Capital before coming back to Dongling City in spring.
• Wang Shouyi brought Wang Qingtan to visit Jiang Ning and proposed that Jiang Ning petition the court to manage Zeshan Prefecture from the Royal Capital during the dangerous period.
• Jiang Ning accepted Wang Shouyi's proposal, and Wang Shouyi offered to draft the memorials; Wang Qingtan volunteered to help prepare the meal.
• Jiang Ning sensed a grandmaster approaching and led Zhao Yulong, Wang Shouyi, and Bai Luoyu outside to greet Shen Wenyuan, Marquis Wenyuan.
• Shen Wenyuan told Jiang Ning that grandmasters throughout the Nine Provinces had witnessed the Martial Saint destroy Mysterious Origin Blessed Land and warned that Jiang Ning's rapid rise might not be good for him.

Jiang Ning prepared to leave Dongling City, warned that the Martial Saint’s protection had made him a target, and entrusted local affairs to his trusted followers. Wang Qingtan chose to pursue her own path despite her father’s warning that closeness to Jiang Ning could endanger her.

• Shen Wenyuan warned Jiang Ning that the Martial Saint’s support would draw greater danger, while Jiang Ning resolved to use the quiet after the destruction of Mysterious Origin Blessed Land to grow stronger.
• Wang Shouyi told Wang Qingtan that Jiang Ning’s enemies might use her against him, but she firmly said she would make her own choice.
• Jiang Ning summoned Lü Yi, Xie Xiaoj iu, Feng Ji, and Zhou Xing as he prepared to leave Dongling City and develop trusted subordinates to manage affairs there.
• Jiang Ning gave Xie Xiaoj iu, Feng Ji, and Zhou Xing golden wine that strengthened their cultivation and told them to digest it properly.
• Jiang Ning handed Xie Xiaoj iu his marquis’s seal and ordered the three to organize Dongling City’s affairs and use his authority when needed.

Jiang Ning spent the night with Wang Qingtan, who resolved to bear his child, then focused on cultivation as danger gathered around the Royal Capital. The chapter left him training in the snow, steadily improving his Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method.

• Jiang Ning entered the Commandery Governor's Office and told Wang Qingtan he had only a fifty-fifty chance of surviving the coming ordeal.
• Wang Qingtan decided to try to bear Jiang Ning's child, and the two spent the night together.
• Jiang Ning left Wang Qingtan sleeping, cleared the snow from a path for Lü Yi, and cultivated in the Inner Landscape Grounds, increasing his technique's experience.
• Wang Qingtan read a confidential report with Wang Shouyi warning that powerful figures in the Royal Capital might accelerate their plans after the Martial Saint's display of strength.
• Jiang Ning resumed cultivating in his courtyard, sensing the barrier before the peak of the second grade and gaining experience in his technique.

Jiang Ning left Dongling City for the Royal Capital, hoping to avoid bringing danger to the city, and Xia Xuanyan intercepted him on the road. Xia Xuanyan offered him protection and resources in the Primordial Yellow Grotto-Heaven if he married Xia Wanqin and accepted restrictions, but Jiang Ning rejected the idea of shackling himself.

• Jiang Ning departed Dongling City with Lü Yi and Zhong Ling, while Wang Shouyi and Zhao Yulong discussed the dangers awaiting him in the Royal Capital.
• During the journey, Jiang Ning continued cultivating the Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method until he sensed Xia Xuanyan ahead and stopped the carriage.
• Xia Xuanyan told Jiang Ning that the Martial Saint's destruction of the Mysterious Origin Blessed Land had made many factions consider killing him, though they would not dare while the Martial Saint lived.
• Xia Xuanyan offered to protect Jiang Ning in the Primordial Yellow Grotto-Heaven if he married Xia Wanqin and accepted restrictions in exchange for its resources and safety.
• Jiang Ning said he could not accept shackles without compromising the spirit needed to reach the Martial Saint's level, and Xia Xuanyan urged him to choose long life over an unlikely chance at surpassing it.

Jiang Ning rejected Xia Xuanyan’s offer and hurried to the Royal Capital to buy cultivation resources. At Myriad Splendor Tower, he learned Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid cost a thousand taels per bottle and ordered eighteen bottles.

• Jiang Ning refused Xia Xuanyan’s offer to survive by raising descendants, and Xia Xuanyan left while keeping the invitation open.
• Jiang Ning gave Lü Yi and Zhong Ling Spirit-Feeding Pills and his official tokens, then set off ahead of their carriage for the Royal Capital.
• Jiang Ning used his newfound ability to merge with space to reach the Royal Capital before noon and entered the city as Marquis Dongling.
• Jiang Ning went to Myriad Splendor Tower and asked Steward Liu for Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid.
• Steward Liu quoted a price of one thousand taels of gold per bottle, and Jiang Ning ordered eighteen bottles before being led to a VIP room.

Jiang Ning acquired Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid and accepted Ji Minghao’s generous resources, agreeing to owe the prince a favor. He took refuge at the National Preceptor’s Residence and began cultivating with the spirit liquid, dramatically accelerating his progress toward the first rank.

• Jiang Ning collected nine bottles of Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid from Myriad Splendor Tower.
• Ji Minghao gave Jiang Ning a spatial ring full of resources, including thirty-six bottles of Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid, and asked him to remember the favor; Jiang Ning accepted.
• Jiang Ning arrived at the National Preceptor’s Residence, where Su Qingying welcomed him and Qinghe greeted him before he reunited with Jiang Li, Liu Wanwan, and the children.
• Jiang Ning used Dragon Hibernation Spirit Liquid to cultivate the Spiritual Altar Illumination of the True Self Method, gaining experience much faster than before.
• Jiang Ning saw that his method had reached Great Accomplishment at 6417/10000 and continued cultivating under the moon, encouraged by his rapid progress.