Chapter Summaries

Protector Wu infiltrated the Misty Cloud Sect and offered Yun Shan Soul Hall support in exchange for attacking the Xiao Household. Yun Shan concealed his plans with Xiao Lin and rejected the offer, leaving Protector Wu unaware that his scheme had been anticipated.

• Protector Wu sneaked into the Misty Cloud Sect’s rear mountains, intending to recruit Yun Shan against the Xiao Household.
• Yun Shan confronted Protector Wu and learned that he was a Soul Hall protector named Wu Ying.
• Yun Shan recalled that Xiao Lin had predicted Protector Wu would approach him and decided not to attack before he could ensure success.
• Protector Wu proposed helping Yun Shan reach the Dou Zun Realm in exchange for turning against the Xiao Household.
• Yun Shan objected that Xiao Zhan was his disciple and dismissed Protector Wu’s offer, knowing the Soul Hall’s help could compromise his soul.

Yun Shan pretended to consider Protector Wu’s offer to help him reach the Dou Venerable Realm while negotiating for payment to target the Xiao Household. After collecting Protector Wu’s Storage Ring, Yun Shan left for the Xiao Household Ancestral Residence to see Xiao Lin.

• Yun Shan acted as though Protector Wu’s promise to help him break through had tempted him, while Protector Wu believed his deception was working.
• Yun Shan said he needed time to decide, then pointed out that Protector Wu should offer something before asking him to act against the Xiao Household.
• Protector Wu gave Yun Shan a Storage Ring full of resources, hoping to secure his cooperation.
• Yun Shan accepted the ring and promised to answer soon, leaving Protector Wu convinced his scheme had succeeded.
• After Protector Wu departed Misty Cloud Mountain, Yun Shan left for the Xiao Household Ancestral Residence to meet Xiao Lin.

Xiao Lin learned that Protector Wu had approached Yun Shan and planned to keep him alive as part of a scheme against the Soul Hall. Xiao Lin returned to Wutan City, where Xiao Zhan had just reached Dou Wang, unaware that Protector Wu still posed a danger.

• Yun Shan told Xiao Lin that Wu Ying had asked him to secretly help deal with the Xiao Household.
• Xiao Lin explained that he wanted to keep Protector Wu alive to delay the Soul Hall's higher-ups and told Yun Shan to proceed with their plan.
• Yun Shan returned to the Misty Cloud Sect to tighten its security, while Xiao Lin left the next day to guard the Xiao Household in Wutan City.
• Xiao Lin learned that Xiao Zhan had broken through to Dou Wang, prompting factions across the Jia Ma Empire to congratulate the Xiao Household.
• The Xiao Household celebrated Xiao Zhan's breakthrough, unaware that Protector Wu could still attack, though the Gu Clan's Eldest Miss and Ling Ying had kept him at bay.

Xiao Lin stayed in Wutan City and helped Yun Shan keep Protector Wu occupied while waiting for Xiao Yan to return for his Coming-of-Age Ceremony. In the mountains, Xiao Yan celebrated his birthday with Xiao Yi Xian, who gave him an ancient scroll.

• Xiao Lin stayed at the Xiao Household in Wutan City to guard against Protector Wu while letting Xiao Zhan believe he had returned to congratulate him.
• Yun Shan continued extracting benefits from Protector Wu on Xiao Lin’s orders, and Xiao Lin held back from killing the Soul Hall protector to avoid drawing greater attention.
• Xiao Lin expected Yun Shan to stall Protector Wu for another two or three months and anticipated Xiao Yan’s return for his sixteenth birthday and coming-of-age ceremony.
• Xiao Yan returned to the cave after training and felt envious that Xiao Yi Xian had reached Dou Wang while he had only reached seven-star Dou Master.
• Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian discussed his birthday and his planned return home, then Xiao Yi Xian presented him with an ancient-looking scroll.

Xiao Yi Xian gave Xiao Yan a map to the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame for his birthday, and Yao Lao confirmed that the Heavenly Flame was located in the Magical Beast Mountain Range. After Yao Lao prepared a Blood Lotus Pill, Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian followed the map to a gorge and entered it together.

• Xiao Yi Xian gave Xiao Yan the map to the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame as a birthday gift, and Yao Lao identified it and confirmed the flame was nearby.
• Xiao Yan excitedly hugged Xiao Yi Xian, who blushed but accepted the embrace.
• Yao Lao prepared a Blood Lotus Pill to help Xiao Yan refine the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame at his current strength.
• Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian traveled for several days to the gorge marked on the map.
• Xiao Yi Xian offered to scout the gorge, but Xiao Yan insisted they enter together.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian found the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame in the depths of a desolate valley, where Xiao Yan fought it with power lent by Yao Lao. Xiao Yan shattered its beast spirit form, forcing the Heavenly Flame back into its fundamental form.

• Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian reached the valley’s depths and found the sleeping Myriad Beast Spirit Flame in its beast spirit form.
• The Myriad Beast Spirit Flame awoke and attacked, so Yao Lao lent Xiao Yan his power to fight it.
• Xiao Yan used the Flame Splitting Wave Ruler to battle the Heavenly Flame, but his Dou Emperor-level strength could not suppress it.
• Yao Lao lent Xiao Yan power beyond the Dou Emperor level, warning that Xiao Yan’s body could withstand it for no more than three minutes.
• Xiao Yan struck the beast spirit twice, smashing it to the ground and then shattering its form to reveal the Myriad Beast Spirit Flame’s fundamental form.

Xiao Yan used three bursts of Dou Zong power to suppress the myriad beast spirit flame and began refining it under a one-hour deadline. When the flame broke free early, it unexpectedly became docile and let Xiao Yan refine it without using the Blood Lotus Pill or Naling.

• Xiao Yan used his final strike to temporarily seal the myriad beast spirit flame, then collapsed with aching muscles and torn muscle fibers.
• Xiao Yan told Xiao Yi Xian he had less than an hour to refine the flame, and she agreed to guard him.
• Xiao Yan swallowed the flame and circulated the Flame Mantra while Yao Lao warned that the Dou Qi confinement was failing.
• The myriad beast spirit flame broke free early, and Yao Lao urged Xiao Yan to prepare Naling and the Blood Lotus Pill.
• The flame sensed something after escaping, turned docile, and allowed Xiao Yan to refine it before he could use either item.

Xiao Yan questioned how he had refined the myriad beast spirit flame so easily, and Yao Lao concluded that the flame had willingly acknowledged him as its master. The hidden cause was Xiao Lin’s soul aura inside Xiao Yan, which the flame recognized, while Xiao Yan kept the unused refinement aids for the future.

• Xiao Yan asked Yao Lao why refining the myriad beast spirit flame had been so easy, and Yao Lao admitted he could not explain it.
• Yao Lao told Xiao Yan that he had not caused the successful refinement, and Xiao Yan stored the unused Blood Lotus Pill and Naling for later.
• Xiao Yan recalled that the flame had not resisted and said it seemed to have acknowledged him as its master.
• Yao Lao accepted that the flame had willingly let Xiao Yan refine it and guessed that something Xiao Yan possessed had attracted it.
• The narration revealed that the myriad beast spirit flame recognized Xiao Lin’s soul aura, which Xiao Lin had left inside Xiao Yan, and willingly submitted because of it.

Yao Lao discovered that a hidden Spirit-Gathering Formation had helped create the myriad beast spirit flame, and urged Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian to leave before its creator returned. After Xiao Yan grew accustomed to his new strength, he and Xiao Yi Xian parted outside the Magical Beast Mountain Range, both reluctant but unable to take their relationship further.

• Yao Lao recognized that a Spirit-Gathering Formation and concealment formation had been arranged in the valley to cultivate and hide the myriad beast spirit flame.
• Yao Lao warned Xiao Yan that the unknown creator might retaliate, so Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian fled the valley and returned to the cave behind the waterfall.
• Xiao Yan summoned the subdued myriad beast spirit flame and celebrated his gains: the Flame Mantra had reached low-level Profound Rank, and his cultivation had risen to Two-Star Great Dou Master.
• Xiao Yan spent the following days adjusting to his increased strength before the day came for him to return home.
• Xiao Yan and Xiao Yi Xian said goodbye outside the Magical Beast Mountain Range, neither asking the other to take their relationship further.

Xiao Yan parted ways with Xiao Yi Xian, who headed to the Cloud Empire to seek a way to delay her woeful poison body, while he returned to Wutan City after advancing to a three-star Da Dou Shi. There, he overheard people repeating something he claimed he had never said and rushed to the Xiao Household to confront the matter, unaware that his grandfather had set a trap for him.

• Xiao Yi Xian told Xiao Yan she planned to travel to the Cloud Empire, and Xiao Yan promised to gather the ingredients for a Poison Pill to help her.
• Xiao Yi Xian left, and Yao Lao urged Xiao Yan to return to the Xiao Household for his Coming-of-Age Ceremony and prepare for greater challenges.
• Xiao Yan earned Second-Grade Alchemist qualification in Black Seal City, acquired ice spirit cold spring, and advanced to a three-star Da Dou Shi.
• Xiao Yan returned to Wutan City after nearly three years away and heard passersby discussing a statement attributed to him.
• Xiao Yan denied having said it and hurried to the Xiao Household, where his grandfather's trap awaited him.

Xiao Yan returned to the Xiao Household as a Da Dou Shi and reunited with his parents and grandfather. After joking with his father, he asked his family to explain the rumors he had heard, leaving their answer for what followed.

• Xiao Yan raced into the Xiao Household, where members celebrated his return and marveled that he had reached the Da Dou Shi realm.
• Xiao Yan went to the main hall and found Xiao Lin with Xiao Zhan and Yang Xiyue.
• Xiao Yan greeted his mother, who embraced him and checked that he was well after three years away.
• Xiao Yan and Xiao Zhan praised each other's cultivation, and Xiao Zhan teased Xiao Lin by saying his son was better than his own.
• Xiao Yan asked Xiao Lin, Xiao Zhan, and Yang Xiyue what was behind the rumors he had heard.

Yun Shan publicly backed Nalan Yanran’s marriage arrangement with Xiao Yan, turning their private promise into a match with the Nalan Family at stake. After Xiao Lin falsely announced that Nalan Yanran would become Xiao Yan’s concubine if he won, she entered the Gate of Life and Death, leaving Xiao Yan unable to explain and facing a powerful opponent in a year.

• Half a month earlier, Yun Shan publicly supported Nalan Yanran’s proposal that Xiao Yan marry into the Nalan Family if she won their match.
• Nalan Yanran felt conflicted about Yun Shan’s support but did not object to the arrangement becoming public.
• Xiao Lin issued a false statement in Xiao Yan’s name that Nalan Yanran would only be his concubine if Xiao Yan won.
• Nalan Yanran became angry when she heard the statement and entered the Misty Cloud Sect’s Gate of Life and Death.
• Xiao Yan returned to the Xiao Household, learned what Xiao Lin had done, and cried out that his grandfather had screwed him over.

Xiao Lin reassured Xiao Zhan and Yang Xiyue that his public announcement about Nalan Yanran was part of a secret plan with Yun Shan to mislead a hostile schemer, while also pushing Xiao Yan toward Nalan Yanran. Xiao Yan left to consider his grandfather’s trap, then met Xiao Xun’er, who was delighted by his return and by the prospect of Nalan Yanran becoming his secondary wife.

• Xiao Yan left the Main Hall after Xiao Lin sent him away, and he considered how to handle the situation his grandfather had created.
• Xiao Lin told Xiao Zhan and Yang Xiyue that he and Yun Shan had arranged the public announcement to mislead a hostile person backed by a troublesome force.
• Xiao Lin suggested the situation could temper Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran and bring them closer, while Xiao Zhan and Yang Xiyue worried that Nalan Yanran resented Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Xun’er approached Xiao Yan in the Xiao Household, and he stared at her with admiration as she welcomed him back.
• Xiao Xun’er felt pleased that Xiao Yan had returned and that Nalan Yanran might become his secondary wife, leaving her hopeful of becoming his principal wife.

Xiao Yan reunited with Xun'er and prepared for the Xiao Household's Coming-of-Age Ceremony as tensions grew over the Misty Cloud Sect's absence. The ceremony reached its final test, placing Xiao Yan under every faction's scrutiny.

• Xiao Yan reunited with Xun'er, and they walked through the Xiao Household together while their clansmen looked on.
• Xiao Yan had no chance to explain matters to Nalan Yanran because she had entered the Gate of Life and Death and he was preparing for his Coming-of-Age Ceremony.
• Protector Wu gave Yun Shan more benefits after Yun Shan asked for them again.
• The Misty Cloud Sect sent no one to the Xiao Household's Coming-of-Age Ceremony, stirring suspicion among the visiting factions and members of the household.
• Second Elder Xiao Ying hosted the ceremony, and Xiao Yan calmly walked forward for the final test as everyone watched.

Xiao Yan revealed that he had reached three-star Da Dou Shi at sixteen, astonishing the guests at the Xiao Household's Coming-of-Age Ceremony. Xiao Xun'er then joined the ceremony a year early and displayed two-star Da Dou Shi strength, leaving the crowd stunned.

• Xiao Yan tested at three-star Da Dou Shi, impressing the guests and prompting speculation about the Misty Cloud Sect's hostility toward the Xiao Household.
• The ceremony continued, with Xiao Ning, Xiao Mei, and the other participants appearing less remarkable beside Xiao Yan.
• Xun'er told Xiao Yan that she had asked Xiao Zhan to let her participate a year early so she could share the occasion with him.
• Xun'er tested at two-star Da Dou Shi, surprising the Xiao Household members and the guests who had known her only for her beauty.

After Xun'er revealed her Da Dou Shi cultivation at the Xiao Household's Coming-of-Age Ceremony, Xiao Yan spent time with his family and promised to find a way to cure Xiao Lin's lingering condition. Xun'er then announced Xiao Li had returned with a friend, and Xiao Lin realized the guest was likely an acquaintance from the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace.

• Xun'er revealed that she had reached the Da Dou Shi level, astonishing the crowd and winning Xiao Yan's praise.
• Xiao Yan promised to protect Xun'er, and the Xiao Household's Coming-of-Age Ceremony ended as news of their abilities spread through Wutan City and nearby cities.
• Xiao Yan offered to examine Xiao Lin's condition, and Xiao Lin told him that only a seventh-grade pill or higher could cure it.
• Xun'er told Xiao Yan and Xiao Lin that Xiao Li had returned with a friend who wanted to see Xiao Lin.
• Xiao Lin inferred that the friend was one of his acquaintances from the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace and rose to meet him.

Ji Li visited the Xiao Household with Xiao Li and reunited with Xiao Lin, explaining that he had come to see the clan and check on his friend. The visit left Xiao Yan curious about Ji Li’s connection to his grandfather and the strength he concealed.

• Xiao Yan reunited with his older brother Xiao Li in the Xiao Household Main Hall, and Xiao Li greeted Xiao Lin.
• Ji Li revealed that he had asked Xiao Li to bring him to visit the Xiao Household, surprising Xiao Lin and the others.
• Yao Lao told Xiao Yan that Ji Li was about as old as Xiao Lin, then recognized that Ji Li could sense his presence.
• Ji Li greeted Yao Lao and silently acknowledged him, while Xiao Yan wondered about Ji Li’s strength and relationship with Xiao Lin.
• Ji Li complained that Xiao Lin had left the others to handle their work while he returned home, then said he was curious to see the Xiao Household.

Ji Li visited Xiao Lin at the Xiao Household and revealed that he had come to the Northwest Continent to seek a way to break through from Nine-Transformation Dou Venerable to Dou Sheng. He left Baili Qing and Qing Lin training in the Heavenly Serpent Empire, while Xiao Lin agreed to watch over the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace.

• Xiao Li reunited with Xiao Zhan, Yang Xiyue, and Xiao Yan, who asked about Xiao Ding and learned that he was in seclusion.
• Xiao Lin questioned Ji Li about his visit, and Ji Li admitted he was seeking opportunities to break through to Dou Sheng.
• Xiao Lin agreed to oversee the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace while Ji Li pursued his breakthrough.
• Ji Li revealed that Baili Qing had taken Qing Lin to the Heavenly Serpent Empire for training.

Baili Qing prepared to take Qing Lin to the Heavenly Serpent Empire to gain experience, while Ji Li and Xiao Li temporarily stayed with the Xiao Household. The household was soon surprised by a visit from Yao Ye, a renowned general and direct member of the Jia Ma Imperial Family.

• Xiao Lin supported Qing Lin's plan to travel with Baili Qing to the Heavenly Serpent Empire, where Qing Lin could gain experience and possibly advance to Dou Zong.
• Ji Li settled temporarily at the Xiao Household, and Xiao Li explained that he would soon return to the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace while keeping his sect's name and strength secret.
• Xiao Zhan, Yang Xiyue, and Xiao Yan learned that Xiao Li had trained in the Central Plains and were reluctant to see him leave.
• Yao Ye arrived at the Xiao Household with guards and presented her calling card to the gatekeeper.
• Xiao Zhan personally welcomed Yao Ye and invited the accomplished imperial princess inside.

Princess Yao Ye visited the Xiao Household to investigate two suspected enemy spies who had entered its grounds. Xiao Zhan identified them as his son Xiao Li and Xiao Li’s friend Ji Li, and Yao Ye went with him to meet them and Old General Xiao Lin.

• Xiao Zhan asked Princess Yao Ye why she had come to Wutan City, and she said her scouts had tracked two suspected spies into the Xiao Household.
• Xiao Zhan sprang to his feet and swore that the Xiao Household had never betrayed the Jia Ma Empire.
• Yao Ye described the suspects as two young men, one of whom had unusually bewitching looks.
• Xiao Zhan recognized the men as his returning son Xiao Li and Xiao Li’s friend Ji Li, who were with Xiao Lin.
• Yao Ye asked to pay her respects to Xiao Lin, and she and Xiao Zhan headed to his courtyard.