Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao's group is leaving, and Han Honghua and Yuan Xiao come to see them off at Shatterpeak Mountain.
• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Huangfu Wuqin ride the Roc and travel through the savage wilderness, encountering no legendary creatures despite Kong Jiao's tales.
• An old man with a banner appears beneath Shatterpeak Mountain after they leave, crossing out names from a register.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao shows his storytelling prowess and love for miscellaneous books, entertaining his companions during their journey.
• Shangguan Yuzhou displays his serious and earnest nature, taking Kong Jiao's stories at face value and asking insightful questions.
• Huangfu Wuqin appears more relaxed and at ease, enjoying Kong Jiao's stories and not minding her exposed figure in front of Kong Jiao.

Significant Themes

• The power of storytelling and its ability to entertain and distract from the monotony of travel.
• The contrast between the legendary tales of the wilderness and the reality of their journey so far.
• The brevity of human life compared to the longevity of immortals.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Huangfu Wuqin share a friendly dynamic, with Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou engaging in a mentor-mentee relationship, and Huangfu Wuqin acting as a caring senior sister.
• Han Honghua and Yuan Xiao show their respect and camaraderie towards Kong Jiao's group, sending them off with wine and well-wishes.
• The old man with the banner is introduced as a new, mysterious character, hinting at potential future developments.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group continues their journey on the Roc, encountering and defeating numerous demonic beasts, including a Silver-Winged Peregrine.
• Kong Jiao collects materials and beast blood from the defeated creatures for artifact refinement.
• They discover a third-grade Nine-Vine Blood Ginseng, a valuable spirit herb.
• Half a month later, they encounter a colossal black mountain with a serpentine body coiled around it, resembling a dragon.
• The mountain's owner, a True Person, opens its eyes, causing Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin severe injuries. They hastily retreat.

Character Developments

• The Roc's combat experience and strength improve rapidly, impressing Shangguan Yuzhou.
• Kong Jiao's Void-Soul vision helps him locate and gather valuable spirit herbs.
• Huangfu Wuqin's pride grows as the Roc's strength increases, a result of her sending it for training.
• Kong Jiao demonstrates respect and caution towards the True Person, bowing and asking for mercy.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of demonic beasts and True Persons.
• The value of spirit herbs and materials for artifact refinement.
• The importance of caution and respect when encountering powerful beings.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao, Huangfu Wuqin, and Shangguan Yuzhou work together to observe and react to the black mountain and its owner.
• Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin share their visions of the serpentine body and the True Person's eyes.
• Kong Jiao protects Shangguan Yuzhou from acting rashly when the True Person opens its eyes.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group encounters a terrifying, possibly Creation-Mystery Realm, Black Mountain with a crimson vertical pupil.
• They flee using the Roc's secret art, but Huangfu Wuqin suffers severe injuries from looking into the pupil.
• Kong Jiao realizes they can't continue traveling that day due to injuries and the Roc's exhaustion.
• Kong Jiao discovers Black Mountain is not on their map jade slip, suggesting it appeared suddenly.

Character Developments

• Huangfu Wuqin's injuries are severe, causing temporary blindness, but she maintains her stubborn and proud demeanor.
• Kong Jiao shows concern and care for Huangfu Wuqin, demonstrating his growth as a character.
• Shangguan Yuzhou takes responsibility for keeping watch, showing he can handle himself despite his slow nature.

Significant Themes

• The terrifying and unpredictable nature of the Great Wilderness.
• The power and danger of the Creation-Mystery Realm.
• The theme of fortune and its limitations, as Kong Jiao's instinct to avoid danger fails to warn him about Black Mountain.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin's relationship deepens as they support each other through the crisis.
• Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou work together to decide their next course of action.
• Huangfu Wuqin and Kong Jiao share a moment of understanding and mutual respect when she acknowledges his skill in alchemy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin decide to detour around Black Mountain instead of risking the direct route.
• They spend three days traveling slowly, stopping frequently to check for danger.
• The Roc recovers and resumes carrying them, but they still proceed cautiously.
• Huangfu Wuqin's injuries and vision begin to recover.
• After a month, they finally reach a safe point to rest. Shangguan Yuzhou collapses from exhaustion and sleeps for two days.
• The Roc brings back a mountain boar, and they have a feast. Kong Jiao confirms they've gone around Black Mountain's region.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao becomes more cautious and reverent after the Black Mountain incident.
• Huangfu Wuqin's injuries and vision improve, boosting Kong Jiao's confidence.
• Shangguan Yuzhou bears the greatest pressure during the journey, remaining vigilant and exhausted for over half a month.

Significant Themes

• Caution vs. Speed: The group chooses safety over speed, detouring around Black Mountain and stopping frequently to check for danger.
• Trust and Teamwork: Kong Jiao, Huangfu Wuqin, and Shangguan Yuzhou rely on each other, with Kong Jiao leading the way, Huangfu Wuqin providing support, and Shangguan Yuzhou maintaining vigilance.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin have playful banter, with Huangfu Wuqin teasing Kong Jiao about his distraction while carrying her.
• Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou discuss the Roc's gender, showing their camaraderie and shared curiosity.
• The Roc is integrated into the group, showing loyalty and intelligence by bringing back food for them to feast on.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group enjoys a rare day of rest, with each member engaging in their own activities.
• An unusual sunset occurs, painting the mountains crimson and causing the temperature to rise instead of falling.
• Kong Jiao notices a heat wave approaching, and they witness a volcano erupting from the ground, spewing lava that melts mountains.
• A massive, unknown creature emerges from the volcano, restrained by ancient chains inscribed with seal-script characters.
• The creature and the volcano disappear, leaving behind a devastated landscape.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao demonstrates his sensitivity to temperature changes and uses his Void-Soul Vision to observe the distant phenomenon.
• Huangfu Wuqin and Shangguan Yuzhou show curiosity and awe at the spectacle, initially wanting to stay and watch but later deciding to leave due to the potential danger.

Significant Themes

• The great wilderness holds many secrets and dangers, far greater than those found in civilized regions like Wudong or Heavenly Qi.
• The group's curiosity and desire to learn lead them to observe the phenomenon, but they also recognize the importance of caution and self-preservation.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao warns his companions about the approaching heat wave and shares his observations using his eye technique.
• Huangfu Wuqin and Shangguan Yuzhou initially want to stay to watch the spectacle but eventually agree to leave when they sense danger.
• The group discusses their experiences and the implications of the events they've witnessed, expressing a mix of awe and caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Huangfu Wuqin discuss the recent strange phenomena in the Great Wilderness, speculating about their connection to ancient legends.
• They witness a volcanic eruption and later find an Azure Flame Fire Lotus, an Earth-grade essence of heaven and earth, in the cooled magma.
• Kong Jiao retrieves the lotus, much to the Roc's desire.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao demonstrates his Void-Soul vision and ability to withstand high temperatures, showcasing his growth and potential.
• Shangguan Yuzhou expresses regret about not obtaining an Earth-grade essence of heaven and earth suitable for him.
• Huangfu Wuqin displays her knowledge of essences of heaven and earth.

Significant Themes

• The power of essences of heaven and earth and their rarity.
• The connection between present phenomena and ancient legends.
• The potential return of an era when immortals walked the earth.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Huangfu Wuqin discuss their observations and theories about the recent phenomena.
• Kong Jiao comforts Shangguan Yuzhou about not obtaining an Earth-grade essence of heaven and earth.
• The Roc's desire for the Azure Flame Fire Lotus is evident, causing tension with Kong Jiao.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Huangfu Wuqin find an Azure Flame Fire Lotus and two Wheel-Ascension-grade spirit ores during their detour.
• They decide to wait out a rainstorm before continuing to Heavenly Qi.
• Kong Jiao senses a Wheel-Nourishing cultivator performing a heterodox sacrifice in a nearby forest.
• They observe the shaman cultivator collecting the blood and fur of a demonic beast for his ritual.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao demonstrates his ability to sense danger and avoid it, impressing Huangfu Wuqin.
• Kong Jiao shows interest in the shaman cultivator's sacrifice, suggesting he's open to learning about different cultivation methods.
• Shangguan Yuzhou becomes wary of sacrifices after his experience at the Astral Altar.

Significant Themes

• The dangers and opportunities hidden in the great wilderness.
• The curiosity and open-mindedness of Kong Jiao towards different cultivation methods.
• Shangguan Yuzhou's lingering fear and caution regarding sacrifices.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Huangfu Wuqin work together to decide their course of action, showing mutual respect and trust.
• Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou share a lighthearted moment, showing their camaraderie.
• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Huangfu Wuqin decide to observe the shaman cultivator together, indicating their shared curiosity and caution.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group follows a witch cultivator to a valley encampment, where they find a blood-stained altar used for witchcraft.
• The encampment is guarded by several hundred witch cultivators, including four at the Wheel-Ascension Realm.
• Kong Jiao, Huangfu Wuqin, and Shangguan Yuzhou are outnumbered but decide to confront the witch cultivators.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao: Shows caution and strategic thinking, trying to dissuade immediate action but ultimately joining the fight.
• Huangfu Wuqin: Reveals her royal lineage and takes a leadership role in the confrontation.
• Shangguan Yuzhou: Eager for a fight, he takes on the strongest opponent, an Embryonic Light Realm witch cultivator.

Significant Themes

• Outnumbered odds and facing superior enemies.
• The power of the altar and its potential threat.
• The ruthlessness and ferocity of the Black Serpent Tribe witch cultivators.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao, Huangfu Wuqin, and Shangguan Yuzhou work together, with Kong Jiao trying to plan, Huangfu Wuqin taking a leadership role, and Shangguan Yuzhou eager for combat.
• The Black Serpent Tribe witch cultivators show unity and aggression in response to the intruders.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin face off against the Black Serpent Tribe's witch cultivators.
• Huangfu Wuqin swiftly defeats three Wheel-Ascension cultivators, while Kong Jiao uses his Roc to hold off three more.
• Kong Jiao uses his Void-Soul vision to analyze the tribe's cultivation method, realizing they command demonic beast souls.
• Huangfu Wuqin breaks the altar's barrier, revealing a powerful old man.
• Kong Jiao's arrow is stopped by the old man, who is revealed to be a Nether Essence Wheel-Ascension cultivator.
• Kong Jiao uses Bind arrow to restrain the old man, and Huangfu Wuqin uses Azure Thunderfall to strike him.
• The old man's death triggers a dangerous reaction, and Kong Jiao warns Huangfu Wuqin to retreat.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao demonstrates his archery skills and strategic thinking, using his Roc to hold off enemies and analyzing the tribe's cultivation method.
• Huangfu Wuqin showcases her immense power, swiftly defeating three Wheel-Ascension cultivators and breaking the altar's barrier.
• The old man reveals himself as a powerful Nether Essence Wheel-Ascension cultivator.

Significant Themes

• The differences between witch cultivators and traditional cultivators, highlighting the unique methods and powers of each.
• The power of teamwork, as Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin coordinate their attacks against the old man.
• The consequences of underestimating enemies, as the old man's death triggers an unexpected danger.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin work together to take down the old man, showcasing their trust and coordination.
• Kong Jiao uses his Roc to hold off enemies, demonstrating his care for the spirit beast's well-being.
• The old man's death causes the remaining witch cultivators to panic, leading to a chaotic situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huangfu Wuqin and Kong Jiao face a powerful witch cultivator who has entered the Soul Transformation Realm through a sacrifice.
• The witch cultivator transforms into a giant spider with a humanoid torso, revealing a Witch God Statue on its abdomen.
• Huangfu Wuqin uses her Thunder Moves Nine Thousand technique to evade the witch cultivator's attacks, while Kong Jiao considers using the Soul-Calming Bell to defeat the enemy.
• The Roc, a powerful bird, easily defeats three Wheel-Ascension powerhouses sent by the witch cultivator.

Character Developments

• Huangfu Wuqin demonstrates her strength and resourcefulness, using her inheritance to evade the witch cultivator's powerful attacks.
• Kong Jiao shows concern for Huangfu Wuqin's safety and is willing to use the Soul-Calming Bell to help her, indicating his growing bond with his companions.
• The Roc displays its formidable combat abilities and fearlessness, quickly dispatching three powerful enemies.

Significant Themes

• The power of sacrifice and its consequences, as seen through the witch cultivator's ascension to the Soul Transformation Realm.
• The importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming power, as shown by Huangfu Wuqin's evasive maneuvers.
• The bond between companions and their willingness to aid each other, as seen in Kong Jiao's concern for Huangfu Wuqin.

Character Interactions

• Huangfu Wuqin and Kong Jiao work together to hold back the witch cultivator, with Huangfu Wuqin focusing on evasion and Kong Jiao considering using the Soul-Calming Bell to turn the tide.
• The Roc fights independently against the witch cultivator's reinforcements, showcasing its formidable combat abilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shangguan Yuzhou defeats the Embryonic Light Realm witch cultivator using his condensed Dao foundation and Eastern Immortal's inheritance.
• Huangfu Wuqin uses the Soul-Refining Gourd to summon a Palm-Birth-level monster, which kills the Black Serpent Tribe's clan chief with a single trident strike.
• Kong Jiao retrieves a witch god statue and a human-grade heaven-and-earth essence (Graystone Essence) from the altar.
• Huangfu Wuqin decides to take the captured witch cultivator back to the Heavenly Qi Dynasty for interrogation.

Character Developments

• Shangguan Yuzhou demonstrates his growth by defeating a higher-realm opponent.
• Huangfu Wuqin shows her strategic thinking and lack of attachment to material gains by refusing the Graystone Essence.
• Kong Jiao reveals his skill in alchemy and knowledge of Gu Frontier cultivation methods by stabilizing the captured witch cultivator's condition and sealing her divine consciousness.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Gu Frontier and the Heavenly Qi Dynasty, with the latter showing superiority in this encounter.
• The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in battle, as shown by Huangfu Wuqin's decision to take the captured witch cultivator for interrogation.
• The consequences of overconfidence and underestimating opponents, as seen in the Black Serpent Tribe's clan chief's demise.

Character Interactions

• Shangguan Yuzhou and Kong Jiao work together to aid Huangfu Wuqin, showcasing their teamwork and mutual respect.
• Huangfu Wuqin, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Kong Jiao make decisions collectively, demonstrating their unity and shared goals.
• The captured witch cultivator's defiance and curses highlight the enmity between the Gu Frontier and the Heavenly Qi Dynasty, as well as the desperation of the captured cultivator.

Plot Points & Events

• Kong Jiao, Huangfu Wuqin, and Shangguan Yuzhou clean up the battlefield after defeating the Black Serpent Tribe.
• They capture a female witch cultivator from the tribe.
• Kong Jiao scolds his companions for their impulsive actions during the battle.
• Two days later, they take shelter in a cave due to heavy rain. Shangguan Yuzhou remains outside, meditating on the mountaintop.
• Kong Jiao plans to interrogate the captured witch cultivator about Gu Frontier.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao shows concern for his companions' safety and strategic planning.
• Shangguan Yuzhou demonstrates potential for enlightenment in his sword arts.
• The captured witch cultivator shows signs of recognition when Kong Jiao uses the Golden Chime Soul-Refining Art.

Significant Themes

• The importance of strategic planning and caution in battle, as shown by Kong Jiao's frustration with his companions' impulsiveness.
• The power of enlightenment and personal growth, as seen in Shangguan Yuzhou's meditation.
• The cultural and religious differences between the Heavenly Qi Dynasty and Gu Frontier, as hinted at through the witch cultivator's reaction to Kong Jiao's cultivation art.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao scolds Huangfu Wuqin and Shangguan Yuzhou for their reckless behavior during the battle.
• Huangfu Wuqin and Shangguan Yuzhou show remorse for their actions and apologize to Kong Jiao.
• The captured witch cultivator shows hatred towards Huangfu Wuqin and Shangguan Yuzhou, but curiosity and caution around Kong Jiao.
• Kong Jiao plans to interrogate the witch cultivator about Gu Frontier, showing his strategic thinking and preparation for future opportunities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao's consciousness explores the Soul-Calming Bell, revealing a witch god idol (Black Serpent Idol) with Life Wielder strength.
• The Black Serpent Idol exhibits sentience and a terrifying thirst for blood, alarming Kong Jiao.
• Kong Jiao encounters the captured female witch cultivator, Zuaifu Qiaoqiao, who recognizes his cultivation art as the Golden Chime Soul-Refining Art.
• Qiaoqiao reveals knowledge of a rogue Xianyu branch that fled the Gu Frontier, hinting at Kong Jiao's lineage.
• Qiaoqiao performs a grand salute and addresses Kong Jiao as 'Young Master', attempting to gain his favor.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao: Becomes aware of the Black Serpent Idol's power and danger. His resolve to kill Qiaoqiao strengthens due to her knowledge of his lineage.
• Zuaifu Qiaoqiao: Shows adaptability and resourcefulness by attempting to align herself with Kong Jiao, revealing her knowledge of the Gu Frontier's political landscape.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: The struggle for control over powerful entities (like the Black Serpent Idol) and the consequences of wielding such power.
• Identity and Lineage: The importance of one's lineage and the secrets surrounding it, as seen through Kong Jiao's reaction to Qiaoqiao's revelations.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Zuaifu Qiaoqiao: Their interaction shifts from captor and captive to a tense negotiation, with Qiaoqiao trying to leverage her knowledge to gain Kong Jiao's trust and protection.

Key Plot Points & Events

• Kong Jiao and Zuaifu Qiaoqiao, previously enemies, engage in a conversation in the rain.
• Zuaifu Qiaoqiao reveals her tribe's history and her loyalty to Kong Jiao, believing him to be a descendant of Xianyu Yanhe.
• Kong Jiao, without revealing his true identity, plays along to gain Zuaifu Qiaoqiao's trust and the opportunity she offers.
• Zuaifu Qiaoqiao gives Kong Jiao her natal soul as a pledge of allegiance.
• Kong Jiao warns Zuaifu Qiaoqiao against using her charms on him, as he plans to preserve his primal yang for cultivation.
• Zuaifu Qiaoqiao reveals that the Black Serpent Tribe's expedition into the Great Wilderness is due to a seer's divination about an upcoming transformation.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao: Maintains his deception, plays along with Zuaifu Qiaoqiao's belief in his identity, and shows resolve in preserving his primal yang for cultivation.
• Zuaifu Qiaoqiao: Reveals her tribe's history and her loyalty to Kong Jiao, demonstrates her cleverness and willingness to pledge herself to him, and shows disappointment when Kong Jiao rejects her advances.

Significant Themes

• Trust and loyalty: Zuaifu Qiaoqiao's pledge of allegiance to Kong Jiao, and Kong Jiao's trust in her after she gives him her natal soul.
• Deception and identity: Kong Jiao's continued deception about his true identity, and Zuaifu Qiaoqiao's belief in his false identity.
• Cultivation and self-control: Kong Jiao's determination to preserve his primal yang for cultivation, and his warning to Zuaifu Qiaoqiao against using her charms on him.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Zuaifu Qiaoqiao: They engage in a conversation where Zuaifu Qiaoqiao reveals her tribe's history and her loyalty to Kong Jiao, and Kong Jiao plays along with her belief in his identity. Kong Jiao also warns Zuaifu Qiaoqiao against using her charms on him.
• An unknown observer: Watches Kong Jiao and Zuaifu Qiaoqiao's conversation and comments, "He's talked another one into limping!" before disappearing into the rain.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao learns about the prophecy of an upcoming upheaval by a revered prophet from the Gu Frontier.
• He discovers that the Gu Frontier's tribes have been infiltrating the Great Wilderness for three years, seeking an unknown opportunity.
• Kong Jiao learns that the closer they get to the Heavenly Qi Dynasty's border, the more likely they are to encounter Gu Frontier shaman cultivators.
• Shangguan Yuzhou awakens from his enlightenment after five days, unleashing a powerful sword attack that slices through several mountains.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao: Shows curiosity about the prophecy and the Gu Frontier's activities. He decides to keep Zuaifu Qiaoqiao as his subordinate and plans to let her go when they reach the Heavenly Qi border.
• Huangfu Wuqin: Continues to act indifferent towards Kong Jiao but acknowledges his strength when comparing him to Shangguan Yuzhou.
• Zuaifu Qiaoqiao: Proves to be clever and resourceful. She gains Kong Jiao's trust and becomes his subordinate.
• Shangguan Yuzhou: Successfully comprehends the Dao and achieves a significant breakthrough in his sword intent, demonstrating his powerful swordsmanship.

Significant Themes

• The prophecy of an upcoming upheaval and the Gu Frontier's activities hint at an impending conflict or event that will affect the Great Wilderness and the Heavenly Qi Dynasty.
• The power dynamics between the Heavenly Qi Dynasty and the Gu Frontier are explored, with the Heavenly Qi Dynasty's dislike for Gu Frontier shaman cultivators being highlighted.
• The theme of trust and loyalty is shown through Kong Jiao's decision to keep Zuaifu Qiaoqiao as his subordinate and his plan to let her go once they reach the Heavenly Qi border.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao interacts with Zuaifu Qiaoqiao, learning about the Gu Frontier's activities and deciding to keep her as his subordinate.
• Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin discuss Shangguan Yuzhou's swordsmanship, with Huangfu Wuqin acknowledging Kong Jiao's strength in comparison.
• Shangguan Yuzhou's awakening from his enlightenment is witnessed by Kong Jiao, Huangfu Wuqin, and Zuaifu Qiaoqiao, showcasing his powerful sword intent.

Chapter Summary: Sleeping Hill City

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shangguan Yuzhou awakens from his sword insight and creates a new sword technique. Although he believes it is incomplete, Kong Jiao and Huangfu Wuqin recognize its great potential.
• Kong Jiao helps name the technique Tide-Riding, reflecting its repeated, wave-like Sword Intent and Shangguan’s bold, unrestrained style. Shangguan is delighted by the name and gains renewed confidence in his sword path.
• A massive, illusory mountain made of shimmering, water-like light briefly appears in the sky before vanishing. This is the third strange phenomenon the group has encountered, following Black Mountain and the volcano.
• Kong Jiao suspects the mountains are connected and may signal the “great upheaval” predicted by the Prophet of the Gu Frontier. However, he decides that the phenomenon is beyond their current strength and urges everyone to leave the Great Wilderness quickly.
• As they travel toward the Heavenly Qi Dynasty, the group encounters increasing numbers of witch cultivators. Zuaifu Qiaoqiao guides them around tribal strongholds, occasionally using her identity to avoid conflict. When avoidance fails, Kong Jiao and the others decisively kill troublesome Wheel-Ascension cultivators.
• Qiaoqiao warns Kong Jiao about the powerful Day-Tiger Tribe, one of the Gu Frontier’s strongest tribes and a major force under the Golden Chime Tribe. Its Soul Transformation Realm chieftain and infiltrators in Heavenly Qi may pose a threat to Kong Jiao.
• After three days of travel, the group reaches Sleeping Hill City, a heavily defended border city near the Great Wilderness. Before entering, Kong Jiao allows Qiaoqiao to leave so she will not attract attention. She promises to contact him later and warns him to act cautiously.
• Sleeping Hill City has been unusually tense for three months because large numbers of golden-armored imperial guards have secretly gathered there, suggesting that the dynasty is preparing for a major event.
• The city’s alarm is triggered when guards spot a terrifying white-feathered demon bird approaching from the Great Wilderness. The bird’s aura and killing intent identify it as a Wheel-Ascension demon beast.
• The city sounds the City-Shocking Drum, causing guards and cultivators to mobilize or flee. Ten thousand arrows are fired, but the bird effortlessly blocks them with demon qi.
• The enraged bird prepares to attack the city, while three powerful Wheel-Ascension experts—an experienced black-clad warrior, a golden-armored young general, and a noble young man in a python robe—arrive to confront it.
• Just before the battle begins, a voice commands the bird, “Do not harm anyone!” The scene strongly implies that the supposedly dangerous demon bird is the Roc carrying Kong Jiao and the others.

Character Developments

• Shangguan Yuzhou advances significantly in swordsmanship by creating the Tide-Riding Sword Art. His initial regret over its incompleteness is replaced by excitement and ambition after Huangfu Wuqin compares his achievement to Eastern Immortal’s early sword insights.
• Kong Jiao continues to act as the group’s cautious strategist. He recognizes the danger behind the Great Wilderness phenomena, avoids unnecessary battles, gathers intelligence, and prioritizes reaching safety in Heavenly Qi.
• Zuaifu Qiaoqiao becomes increasingly obedient and loyal toward Kong Jiao, openly treating him as her master or “Young Master.” Her knowledge of the Gu Frontier proves invaluable, and she intends to continue assisting him despite separating from the group.
• Huangfu Wuqin remains observant and playful. She notices Qiaoqiao’s unusual submission to Kong Jiao and appears to be quietly plotting or anticipating the reason behind it.
• The three powerful figures in Sleeping Hill City are introduced as potential opponents or important authorities, but their identities and motives remain unclear.

Significant Themes

• The birth of a great technique: Shangguan’s Tide-Riding Sword Art shows how a new art begins from a rough foundation and may eventually develop into something legendary.
• Foreshadowing of catastrophe: The recurring appearances of strange mountain phenomena reinforce the possibility of a massive upheaval in the Great Wilderness.
• Caution versus ambition: Although the characters are powerful, Kong Jiao understands that some dangers exceed their current level and chooses retreat over reckless investigation.
• Loyalty and influence: Qiaoqiao’s growing devotion to Kong Jiao suggests that trust, fear, or gratitude has deeply altered their relationship.
• Hidden political tension: The unexplained presence of imperial guards in Sleeping Hill City hints at secret preparations by the Heavenly Qi Dynasty.
• Misjudgment and appearances: The Roc’s terrifying form causes the city to mistake the group’s arrival for a demon-beast attack, setting up a confrontation based on misunderstanding.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Shangguan discuss the new sword technique, with Kong Jiao helping refine its name from Tides to Tide-Riding.
• Huangfu encourages Shangguan by comparing his achievement to Eastern Immortal’s early accomplishments, strengthening his confidence.
• Qiaoqiao provides Kong Jiao with intelligence about the Day-Tiger Tribe and its threat within Heavenly Qi.
• Kong Jiao quietly dismisses Qiaoqiao before entering the city, while she promises continued contact and protection.
• Shangguan notices Qiaoqiao’s submissive behavior but does not question it; Huangfu notices as well and silently treats it with amusement.
• The chapter ends with the city’s forces preparing to battle the Roc until Kong Jiao intervenes and orders the bird not to attack.
  The chapter concludes with an author’s note explaining that the writer could not attend a wedding banquet as planned and may miss the next update.

Chapter Summary: Heavenly Qi Runs Deep

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Huangfu Wuqin arrive at Sleeping Hill City aboard Kong Jiao’s fierce Wheel-Ascension Roc.
• Kong Jiao assesses the city’s defenses with his Void-Soul vision, identifying three Wheel-Ascension cultivators: two at Foundation Establishment and one at Bright Spirit.
• The city’s forces initially prepare for a possible attack, but the Roc’s obedience reveals that it has an owner.
• Once the travelers land, the city lord, Lu Changbin, and the guards kneel before Huangfu Wuqin, revealing the strict imperial hierarchy of the Heavenly Qi Dynasty.
• Huangfu is welcomed by her cousin, Bai Xiangming, the heir apparent, and Jing Yushou, a powerful Imperial Guard commander assigned to protect her.
• Kong Jiao and Shangguan observe the political dynamics surrounding Huangfu and recognize that Bai Xiangming and Jing Yushou may represent competing imperial factions seeking influence over her and the Cangwu Sect.
• The group declines a welcoming banquet and proceeds to a teleportation array. Bai Xiangming spends over ten thousand spirit crystals to activate it for their journey to the imperial city.
• Kong Jiao resolves that they will pay respects to Huangfu Ying’s wife, then distance themselves from the Heavenly Qi Dynasty’s internal struggles and focus on visiting Emperor-Worship Ancient City.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao remains calm, perceptive, and politically cautious. He evaluates everyone’s cultivation and quickly understands the significance of Huangfu Wuqin’s dual identity as both a Heavenly Qi princess and the daughter of Wudong’s foremost sect master.
• Shangguan Yuzhou displays his blunt, impatient nature. He dislikes the imperial court’s formalities and political maneuvering, preferring the directness and self-cultivation of the Dao, particularly sword cultivation.
• Huangfu Wuqin appears uncomfortable with the strict etiquette and constant kneeling demanded by her imperial status. She is more at ease in Wudong, where she can behave freely, and seems strained by the attention and expectations placed upon her in Heavenly Qi.
• Bai Xiangming is introduced as a courteous and warm heir apparent. However, his low cultivation and mediocre Dao foundation suggest limited talent compared with other imperial heirs. His friendly behavior may also conceal political motives.
• Jing Yushou is revealed to be a strong and observant young commander at the peak of Foundation Establishment. He carefully assesses Kong Jiao, Shangguan, and the Roc, recognizing their unusual strength.
• Lu Changbin, the city lord, is respectful and deferential but relatively weak and limited in cultivation, reinforcing the rigid hierarchy of the dynasty.

Significant Themes

• Imperial authority versus sect freedom: The kneeling guards and elaborate formalities contrast sharply with Wudong’s and the Cangwu Sect’s more relaxed relationships.
• Political intrigue: Huangfu’s status makes her a valuable link to both the Heavenly Qi imperial family and the powerful Cangwu Sect. Different factions appear eager to gain her loyalty.
• The dangers of involvement: Kong Jiao recognizes that the imperial succession struggle is treacherous, even among family members, and intends to avoid being drawn into it.
• Cultivation and personal integrity: Shangguan’s disdain for political maneuvering reflects the chapter’s contrast between pursuing the Dao and relying on status, wealth, and influence.
• Hidden strength and judgment: Kong Jiao and Jing Yushou both carefully evaluate one another, while the Roc’s ferocity signals the extraordinary power accompanying the travelers.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Shangguan exchange observations about the city’s defenses and the excessive force assembled to welcome Huangfu.
• The city lord and guards show absolute submission to Huangfu, while she attempts to reduce the formality by telling them they need not kneel.
• Bai Xiangming warmly greets Huangfu and politely handles the city lord, while Jing Yushou introduces himself as her protector and examines her companions.
• Kong Jiao and Shangguan privately discuss the political motives behind Bai Xiangming’s and Jing Yushou’s attention toward Huangfu.
• Huangfu confides in Kong Jiao about the teleportation array and its enormous spirit-crystal cost, reinforcing the trust between them.
• The chapter ends with the group preparing to travel onward to the imperial city, wary of the dynasty’s political “deep waters.”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Huangfu Wuqin arrive in the Heavenly Qi Dynasty's imperial capital via a teleportation array.
• Bai Xiangming, the Azure Luan Prince, invites them to his residence, but they decline, stating they must first visit Mistress Huangfu.
• Jing Yushou, the Crown Prince's representative, attempts to invite Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou to the Crown Prince's Residence, but they refuse.
• Jing Yushou orders his Golden-Armored Imperial Guards to detain them, leading to a confrontation.
• Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou fight back, with Shangguan Yuzhou clashing with Jing Yushou and Kong Jiao threatening Jing Yushou with an arrow.
• Jing Yushou withdraws, claiming he seeks instruction in Wudong's peerless arts.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou demonstrate their formidable strength and unity, capable of contending with the Heavenly Qi Dynasty's elite.
• Jing Yushou shows his prowess in battle and strategic thinking, acknowledging their strength and backing down to avoid further conflict.
• Huangfu Wuqin maintains a low profile, prioritizing his mother's well-being.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Heavenly Qi Dynasty and Wudong, with Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou asserting their independence.
• The importance of respect and deference, with Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou refusing to yield to Jing Yushou's authority.
• The value of strategic retreat, as seen in Jing Yushou's decision to withdraw from the confrontation.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou display strong camaraderie, fighting back-to-back against Jing Yushou and his guards.
• Jing Yushou and Kong Jiao engage in a tense standoff, with Kong Jiao threatening Jing Yushou with an arrow.
• Huangfu Wuqin maintains a distance from the conflict, prioritizing his personal matters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao warns Jing Yushou not to act rashly, but Jing Yushou leaves without heeding the warning.
• Kong Jiao fires a Void-Annihilating Arrow, severely injuring Jing Yushou, who is then taken away by his guards.
• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Bai Xiangming proceed to the princess's residence, leaving the crowd in awe of Kong Jiao's strength.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao demonstrates his formidable archery skills and strategic thinking, earning respect and fear from the Heavenly Qi Dynasty's people.
• Jing Yushou suffers a humiliating defeat, realizing he is no match for Kong Jiao.
• Bai Xiangming decides to support Kong Jiao and the Cangwu Sect to curry favor with the Second Prince.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Cangwu Sect and the Heavenly Qi Dynasty.
• The importance of respect and authority in maintaining relationships between powerful entities.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Jing Yushou: Kong Jiao warns Jing Yushou, then defeats him with a single arrow, establishing his authority.
• Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou: They work together to handle Jing Yushou and discuss their strategy.
• Kong Jiao and Bai Xiangming: Bai Xiangming attempts to befriend Kong Jiao and the Cangwu Sect, recognizing their strength.
• Huangfu Wuqin and Kong Jiao/Shangguan Yuzhou: She leads them to her mother's residence and acts as their guide.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kong Jiao, Shangguan Yuzhou, and Bai Xiangming discuss the prominent figures and sects in the Heavenly Qi Dynasty.
• Kong Jiao learns about Bitterlike Temple from Bai Xiangming, but the latter has no information about it.
• The trio is summoned by Princess Qing, Kong Jiao's master's wife, to her studio in Clear Cloud Hall.

Character Developments

• Kong Jiao: Shows curiosity and initiative in gathering information about the Heavenly Qi Dynasty's power dynamics and Bitterlike Temple.
• Shangguan Yuzhou: Reveals his eagerness to challenge experts and gather intelligence about powerful figures.
• Bai Xiangming: Demonstrates his knowledge of the Heavenly Qi Dynasty's political landscape and powerful cultivators, but feels inferior due to his cultivation talent.
• Princess Qing: Shows warmth and affection towards Kong Jiao and the others, revealing her gentle and caring nature.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and prominent figures in the Heavenly Qi Dynasty.
• Kong Jiao's search for information about Bitterlike Temple.
• The relationship between Kong Jiao and Princess Qing, and the respect they hold for each other.

Character Interactions

• Kong Jiao and Shangguan Yuzhou: They understand each other's intentions and work together to gather information from Bai Xiangming.
• Kong Jiao and Princess Qing: Kong Jiao shows respect and deference to Princess Qing, while she praises him for his extraordinary nature and inquires about his master.
• Bai Xiangming and Princess Qing: Bai Xiangming seems nervous around Princess Qing, and she playfully teases him about his previous avoidance of her.