Chapter Summaries

Xun Er gave Xiao Yao the first two seals of the Emperor Seal Skill and asked him to keep their gift secret from her father. After refining thousands of pills, Xiao Yao prepared to visit the Misty Cloud Sect and agreed to deliver items for Xiao Yu to her father when he returned to the Xiao Clan.

• Xun Er teased Xiao Yao with a black scroll, then explained that it contained the first two seals of the Emperor Seal Skill and urged him to cultivate it.
• Xiao Yao accepted the skill as Xun Er's token of affection and promised to grow strong enough to find her in the Ancient Clan.
• Xun Er told Ling Ying to keep her gift secret, even from her father, and Ling Ying agreed.
• Xiao Yao spent several days refining Second-Grade through Fourth-Grade Pills and produced several thousand pills.
• Xiao Yu asked Xiao Yao to deliver items to her father when he returned to the Xiao Clan after Xiao Yan's Three-Year Pact, and he agreed.

Xiao Yao prepared to leave the Inner Academy to support Xiao Yan at the Three-Year Pact and agreed to bring Zi Yan along. Before departing for the Misty Cloud Sect, he comforted Xun Er, who asked him to stay with her for the night.

• Xiao Yu gave Xiao Yao a Storage Ring containing items for the Xiao Clan and asked him to bring Little Flame back.
• Xiao Yao informed the Grand Elder that he planned to leave the Inner Academy, and the Grand Elder promised to protect Immortal Fall Pavilion in his absence.
• Zi Yan persuaded Xiao Yao to take her outside the Inner Academy, and he agreed on the condition that she behave herself.
• Xiao Yao told Xun Er that Qing Lin, Zi Lin, and Zi Yan would travel with him while she stayed at Immortal Fall Pavilion.
• Xun Er asked Xiao Yao to stay with her, and he agreed before carrying her toward the bed.

Xiao Yao restrained himself when Xun Er reminded him of her condition, then spent the night embracing her. The next morning, he departed with Qing Lin, Zi Yan, and Zi Lin, while the Grand Elder reassured others that Xiao Yao could handle the Misty Cloud Sect.

• Xiao Yao stopped when Xun Er told him they could not continue, and promised never to force her into anything she did not want.
• Xun Er and the others said farewell as Xiao Yao prepared to leave the Immortal Fall Pavilion.
• Xiao Yao flew toward the mountains with Qing Lin, Zi Yan, and Zi Lin following him.
• Elder Hao worried that the Misty Cloud Sect's Sect Master might have reached Dou Zong, but the Grand Elder said Xiao Yao's three Heavenly Flames made him more than a match.

Xiao Yao set out with Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Zi Lin for the Imperial Capital, intending to find his younger brother Xiao Yan before the Three-Year Pact. After crossing space to reach the city, he led the group toward the gate and warned Zi Yan not to cause trouble.

• Xiao Yao gave White Fang and Ice Dragon pills so they could recover their cultivation before the coming battle.
• Xiao Yao chose to visit the Imperial Capital first, hoping Xiao Yan was still there after the alchemist competition, and stopped Zi Yan from volunteering to attack the Misty Cloud Sect.
• Xiao Yao put Qing Lin, Zi Yan, and Zi Lin into his Soul Storage Ring so he could cross space while Qing Lin rested.
• Xiao Yao reached the Imperial Capital, brought the others out, and said they would search for Xiao Yan before going to the Misty Cloud Sect.
• Xiao Yao warned Zi Yan to behave in the city, then led the group toward the gate as they discussed the Central Plains.

Xiao Yao entered the Imperial Capital with Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Zi Lin after revealing his credentials to the city guards. Once inside, he prepared to take the girls to the auction house and brought out snacks from his System Space, leaving them curious.

• Xiao Yao heard that Yan Xiao had won the Alchemist Grand Meeting and realized his younger brother Xiao Yan was likely still in the Imperial Capital.
• Zi Yan nearly attacked two city guards who tried to make the group join the line, but Xiao Yao stopped her.
• Xiao Yao showed the guards his Fourth-Grade Alchemist badge and Alchemist Association Honorary Elder token, then warned them against mistreating travelers again.
• Xiao Yao led Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Zi Lin into the Imperial Capital and looked toward the auction house as Qing Lin asked how they would find Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Yao took potato chips and candy from his System Space, catching the girls’ attention and prompting Zi Lin to recognize the snacks Phoenix Cry had praised.

Xiao Yao brought Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Zi Lin to the Imperial Capital auction house to find Xiao Yan. Ya Fei greeted him and led the group toward Xiao Yan, while Zi Yan teased and clung to Xiao Yao along the way.

• Xiao Yao shared snacks with Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Zi Lin, then led them to the Imperial Capital auction house.
• Xiao Yao asked an attendant to notify Ya Fei or Hai Bo Dong that he was there.
• Ya Fei came to greet Xiao Yao, exchanged playful remarks with him, and agreed to take him to Xiao Yan.
• As they left the auction house, Xiao Yao introduced Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Zi Lin to Ya Fei.
• Zi Yan accused Xiao Yao of badmouthing her and threatened to tell Xun Er, then clung to his back and demanded snacks and pills.

Xiao Yao reunited with Xiao Yan at an inn, where they caught up and Xiao Yan learned about Zi Lin’s transformation and Xiao Yao’s alchemy rank. After Xiao Yan brought them inside, Yao Lao appeared and revealed that he had awakened after Xiao Yan used the Seven Illusion Green Spirit Saliva.

• Ya Fei led Xiao Yao and his companions to Xiao Yan’s room, where Xiao Yan and Xiao Yao happily reunited.
• Xiao Yan greeted Qing Lin and learned that Zi Lin was the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King who had taken human form.
• Xiao Yao carried the sleeping Zi Yan into Xiao Yan’s room and laid her on the bed.
• Xiao Yao told Xiao Yan to focus on the Three-Year Pact with Nalan Yanran, and Yao Lao emerged from Xiao Yan’s Storage Ring.
• Yao Lao explained that he had awakened after Xiao Yan used the Seven Illusion Green Spirit Saliva and had been observing him without revealing himself.

Xiao Yao introduced Qing Lin to Yao Lao and revealed the strength of his other companions, leaving Xiao Yan stunned. Medusa demanded that Xiao Yao refine a Spirit Fusion Pill for Xiao Yan, but their argument escalated into a clash of auras that left the room’s space cracking.

• Xiao Yao introduced Qing Lin to Yao Lao, who praised her talent and offered to provide her with cultivation resources.
• Xiao Yao teased Xiao Yan about being the weakest in the room and explained how the Purple Crystal Winged Lion King had advanced to a Sixth Rank magical beast.
• Medusa emerged from Xiao Yan’s sleeve and demanded that Xiao Yao refine a Sixth-Grade Spirit Fusion Pill for her.
• Xiao Yao refused Medusa’s demand and offered to deal with her, prompting her to challenge him.
• Medusa released her pressure, but Xiao Yao unleashed a stronger aura that crushed it and caused black cracks to spread through the room’s space.

Xiao Yao subdued Medusa and left Xiao Yan to settle their dispute, then promised to watch over Xiao Yan during the Three-Year Pact without interfering unless his life was in danger. Two days before the duel, Nalan Yanran resolved to accept the consequences of either outcome, while Yun Yun decided to attend.

• Xiao Yao overwhelmed Medusa with his Soul Force, and Yao Lao urged him to let Xiao Yan and Medusa resolve their matter themselves.
• Xiao Yao withdrew his aura and warned Medusa, who transformed into the Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python and eagerly accepted Amethyst Companion Source from Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Yao told Xiao Yan he would watch the Three-Year Pact with Nalan Yanran but would intervene only if the Misty Cloud Sect endangered Xiao Yan's life.
• Xiao Yan declared confidence in facing Nalan Yanran, while Xiao Yao advised him to follow his heart about whether to fight at her cultivation level.
• Nalan Yanran told Yun Yun she would accept the price if she lost and peacefully dissolve the engagement if she won.
• Yun Yun said she would set aside sect affairs to witness the Three-Year Pact, and Nalan Yanran renewed her resolve.

Xiao Yan set out for the Misty Cloud Sect to fulfill his Three-Year Pact with Nalan Yanran, while Xiao Yao and the others followed separately. As the sect and invited guests gathered on the mountaintop, Xiao Yan’s footsteps sounded on the stairs below the plaza.

• Xiao Yan prepared his black ruler and told Xiao Yao he would defeat the Misty Cloud Sect’s young sect master in front of everyone.
• Xiao Yao instructed Zi Yan to stay hidden and not fight without permission, then accompanied Xiao Yan and the others out of the city.
• Xiao Yan continued alone toward the Misty Cloud Sect, while Xiao Yao, Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Zi Lin vanished to follow separately.
• Xiao Yan reached the foot of the mountain as nearly a thousand Misty Cloud Sect disciples gathered on the plaza with Nalan Yanran and the sect elders.
• Hai Bo Dong, Fa Ma, Jia Xing Tian, Nalan Jie, and other guests arrived and observed the sect disciples’ synchronized formation.
• The disciples opened their eyes as Xiao Yan’s footsteps approached up the stone stairs.

Xiao Yan arrived at the Misty Cloud Sect to honor his agreement with Nalan Yanran, accompanied by stirring flute music and a vision that declared itself the Desolate Heavenly Emperor. The sect’s leaders and gathered experts were left wondering how Xiao Yan was connected to the mysterious figure.

• Yun Yun, Yun Leng, Hai Bo Dong, and others heard flute music that stirred their emotions as Xiao Yan approached the plaza.
• Xiao Yan climbed the final steps, faced Yun Yun, and announced that Xiao Clan’s Xiao Yan had come to honor their agreement.
• An emerald-green soundwave passed through the Misty Cloud Sect’s people, revealing a golden-armored figure behind Xiao Yan who declared, “I am the Desolate Heavenly Emperor!”
• Jia Xing Tian and Hai Bo Dong speculated about the figure’s identity and its connection to Xiao Yan.
• Hai Bo Dong recalled that Xiao Yan had an absurdly powerful older brother who had nearly killed him.

Xiao Yao concealed his group with a Hidden Breath Formation before leading them to the Misty Cloud Sect, where he was surprised to find Yun Yun. As Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran faced each other, Jia Xing Tian and Hai Bo Dong discussed Xiao Yan’s formidable brother and the changes his arrival might bring.

• Hai Bo Dong told Jia Xing Tian that Xiao Yan’s brother had a Dou Emperor aura and a purplish-brown Heavenly Flame, and Jia Xing Tian wondered what impact the Desolate Heavenly Emperor would have on the continent.
• Jia Xing Tian teased Nalan Jie about Xiao Yan nearly becoming his son-in-law, while Nalan Yanran watched Xiao Yan and reflected on how much he had changed.
• Fifteen minutes earlier, Xiao Yao formed a Sixth Rank Hidden Breath Formation that concealed everyone within ten miles from detection.
• Xiao Yao gave Qing Lin the formation flag and told her, Zi Yan, and Zi Lin to stay hidden unless he called for them.
• Xiao Yao led the group to the Misty Cloud Sect plaza, saw Yun Yun there, and wondered how his intervention had changed the future.

Xiao Yao arrived at the Misty Cloud Sect and played the Astral Flute as Xiao Yan came to honor his agreement with Nalan Yanran. The flute conjured a terrifying illusion that overwhelmed the sect’s disciples, while Xiao Yao remained troubled by his history with Yun Yun.

• Xiao Yao told Qing Lin that the woman seated above was Yun Yun, the Misty Cloud Sect’s leader, and reflected on their difficult past.
• Xiao Yan climbed the stone steps toward the plaza as Xiao Yao played the Astral Flute, drawing the attention of Yun Shan and Eagle Protector.
• Xiao Yan entered the plaza and declared that he had come to honor the agreement, prompting Xiao Yao to unleash a jade-green soundwave from the Astral Flute.
• The Misty Cloud Sect crowd saw an illusion of a golden phantom swinging a spear and creating a vast abyss, whose aura forced disciples to their knees.
• Hai Bo Dong slapped Mu Zhan to test whether the scene was real, then joked about the illusion as Mu Zhan returned to his seat in anger.

Xiao Yao's Astral Flute display left him exhausted, while Yun Yun and the Misty Cloud Sect reacted to the immense phantom's vanished aura. Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran agreed to let fate decide the outcome of their Three-Year Pact, and the duel began.

• Yun Yun and Yun Shan sensed the golden phantom's overwhelming power, but it disappeared before Eagle Protector could investigate.
• Xiao Yao explained nothing to Zi Yan, Qing Lin, and Zi Lin, then used a Seventh-Grade Instant Qi Pill to restore most of his Dou Qi.
• Xiao Yan challenged Yun Yun to preside over the Three-Year Pact, and she agreed while warning him and Nalan Yanran not to take each other's lives.
• Xiao Yan declared that life and death would be left to fate, and Nalan Yanran accepted his terms.
• Xiao Yan accused Nalan Yanran of humiliating his clan, while she defended her right to choose her own marriage and said she would make the same choice again.
• Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran raised their Dou Qi and weapons as the Three-Year Pact duel began.

Xiao Yan and Nalan Yanran began their duel in earnest, trading attacks as Xiao Yan pressed her to reveal her full strength. The chapter left them facing off at the Da Dou Shi level, with Nalan Yanran preparing to unleash her full power.

• Xiao Yan charged Nalan Yanran with the Heavy Xuan Ruler, and they exchanged blows as she used the Wind Spirit Separation Sword.
• Xiao Yan broke through Nalan Yanran’s sword attack and crashed down near her, then revealed green Dou Qi armor.
• Nalan Yanran agreed to use her true strength, and her aura rose to the level of a Two-Star Da Dou Shi.
• Xiao Yao and Zi Yan commented on the duel, while Yun Yun realized Xiao Yan had refined the Green Lotus Core Flame.
• Nalan Jie regretted not stopping Nalan Yanran from breaking the engagement and praised Xiao Lin for having Xiao Yan as a grandson.

Xiao Yan gained the upper hand over Nalan Yanran in their duel, while the Misty Cloud Sect elders and other onlookers watched. After Xiao Yan urged her to use her strongest technique, Nalan Yanran prepared to reveal her trump card, bringing the match to its final stage.

• Yun Leng reassured the elders that Nalan Yanran still had the advantage of her Misty Cloud Sect techniques, though he privately felt uneasy.
• Gu He and Liu Ling arrived and joined Hai Bo Dong, Xiao Yao, and the other spectators watching the duel.
• Nalan Yanran charged Xiao Yan, but he released the Heavy Xuan Ruler, appeared behind her, and struck her with Eight Extremes Collapse.
• Nalan Yanran recovered before hitting the ground, admitted Xiao Yan had surprised her, and stood by her beliefs despite her injury.
• Xiao Yan demanded that Nalan Yanran use her strongest Dou Technique, and she removed the ribbon from her hair as Yun Yun and the spectators recognized her trump card.

Nalan Yanran unleashed her Extreme Wind, Setting Sun Radiance technique against Xiao Yan, who revealed his flames and exposed that he was the alchemist Yan Xiao. The spectators recognized Xiao Yan’s identity as Nalan Yanran realized who he was, and Nalan Jie lamented the Nalan Family’s lost chance to keep him.

• Qing Lin accepted Xiao Yao’s advice to pursue what she truly desired, while Xiao Yao predicted the Misty Cloud Sect would not let Xiao Yan leave easily.
• Nalan Yanran rose above the plaza and gathered energy into her sword before launching Extreme Wind, Setting Sun Radiance at Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Yan produced green flame and spat out purple flame, drawing the attention of Jia Xing Tian, Fa Ma, and the other experts.
• Nalan Yanran recognized Xiao Yan as Yan Xiao, the alchemist who had impressed her at the Imperial Plaza.
• Jia Xing Tian teased Hai Bo Dong for keeping Xiao Yan’s identity secret and regretted that the Nalan Family had lost such a promising young man.
• Gu He recognized the green flame as the Green Lotus Core Flame he had lost in the Tagore Desert.

Xiao Yan unleashed his Buddha's Fury Fire Lotus against Nalan Yanran's Blazing Sun Light Sword, and the collision devastated the plaza. After Nalan Yanran was injured by the shockwaves, Xiao Yan confronted her and struck her as he brought the Three-Year Pact to an end.

• Xiao Yan fused green and purple flames into a Buddha's Fury Fire Lotus and launched it at Nalan Yanran's Blazing Sun Light Sword.
• The attacks collided above the plaza, unleashing shockwaves that shattered the Misty Cloud Sect disciples' defenses and forced them to form a larger barrier.
• Nalan Yanran dodged the shockwaves until one struck her and made her cough up blood.
• Xiao Yan told Nalan Yanran that the Three-Year Pact was over and pressed his palm against her chest.
• Yun Leng threatened Xiao Yan, but Xiao Yan ignored him and released the force in his palm, making Nalan Yanran groan and bleed.

After Xiao Yan defeated Nalan Yanran, she insisted on honoring their old agreement by becoming his maidservant, despite Yun Leng’s objections and Yun Yun’s concern. Xiao Yan refused to accept her service, but Nalan Yanran remained determined to take responsibility and prove herself through cultivation.

• Xiao Yao received the divine skill One Qi Transforms into Three Pure Ones after witnessing the Three-Year Pact’s famous scene.
• Nalan Yanran recovered enough to show Xiao Yan their written agreement and declared that she would serve him as a maidservant because she had lost.
• Yun Leng told Nalan Yanran not to damage the Misty Cloud Sect’s reputation, but she accepted responsibility for her choice and knelt to apologize to Yun Yun.
• Yun Yun urged Nalan Yanran to think carefully and said she would have to walk her chosen path alone.
• Xiao Yan rejected Nalan Yanran’s offer and said their match ended everything between them, but Nalan Yanran insisted she would honor her promise and regain her dignity through strength.

After Xiao Yan won the Three-Year Pact, Nalan Yanran accepted her promised role as his maid, despite Yun Leng's protests. As Xiao Yan prepared to leave with her, Yun Leng stopped him and raised the Misty Cloud Sect's suspicions about several past killings.

• Hai Bo Dong and Jia Xing Tian teased Nalan Jie about Nalan Yanran becoming Xiao Yan's maid.
• Yun Leng warned Xiao Yan not to mistreat Nalan Yanran, but Xiao Yan said she would have to perform a maid's duties or leave.
• Nalan Yanran accepted Xiao Yan's conditions as repayment and followed him out of the square.
• Yun Leng stopped Xiao Yan and demanded that he verify his connection to the deaths of a Misty Cloud Sect elder, Mo Cheng, and the Mo Clan.
• The crowd mocked Yun Leng's accusation and doubted that the Misty Cloud Sect had a credible reason to detain Xiao Yan.