Chapter Summaries

Xu Changqing subdued a wisp of Yellow Qi and then followed his Treasure-Seeking Chisel to a hidden Golden Breath Flower beneath a golden skeleton. After collecting both, he left the Earth Vein and received a vibration from his Eldest Senior Sister's Communication Talisman.

• Xu Changqing compressed the Yellow Qi into a sphere and stored it in his Square-Inch Ring for a future magical artifact.
• As Xu Changqing neared the Earth Vein exit, his Treasure-Seeking Chisel led him to a hidden chamber containing a dark-gold skeleton.
• Xu Changqing lifted the skeleton and uncovered a Golden Breath Flower buried beneath it.
• Xu Changqing stored the golden skeleton and Golden Breath Flower, then left the Earth Vein.
• Xu Changqing received a vibration from his Eldest Senior Sister's Communication Talisman after emerging.

Xu Changqing helped Han Su and Li Xianglin look for Green-Pattern Grass for their Body Tempering Pill plans, then learned why Bei Qingtang had avoided inviting him to the Luohe Bei Clan’s anniversary banquet. Her warning about his many identities made him suspect trouble within Azurewood Peak, and half a month later the Spirit Grain Society challenged the Azure Alliance over competing goods.

• Han Su and Li Xianglin asked Xu Changqing to help them find a spirit farmer willing to supply ingredients for their Body Tempering Pills, and he suggested they reconsider their risky plan.
• Xu Changqing asked Miao Huayu about Green-Pattern Grass and learned that spirit farmers in their mutual aid circle had grown a substantial supply.
• Bei Qingtang explained that Xu Changqing’s overlapping roles made his attendance at the Luohe Bei Clan’s banquet awkward, and he realized Bei Qinghui had misrepresented his reaction to the invitation.
• Bei Qingtang warned Xu Changqing that he had too many identities, prompting him to suspect that someone at Azurewood Peak might oppose his position.
• Xu Changqing kept a low profile for half a month, but Ji Mingxuan then led the Spirit Grain Society into a growing conflict with the Azure Alliance over overlapping goods sold in Flower Sea Market.

Xu Changqing intervened in a market dispute between the Azure Alliance and the Spirit Grain Society, requiring both sides’ spirit plants to be judged by passersby. The Azure Alliance’s produce proved superior, forcing Ji Mingxuan’s group to lower their prices as Xu Changqing reprimanded them for neglecting their cultivation.

• Xu Changqing and Miao Huayu arrived at Flower Sea Market and found the Azure Alliance and Spirit Grain Society arguing over their prices.
• After confirming that the Farmer's Heart Society had not taken sides, Xu Changqing asked Niu Bochang how it would resolve the dispute and proposed comparing the spirit plants’ quality.
• Xu Changqing invited nearby passersby to judge both sides’ spirit plants, and the crowd concluded that the Azure Alliance’s produce was better.
• Xu Changqing told Ji Mingxuan to lower the Spirit Grain Society’s prices, and Ji Mingxuan reluctantly agreed.
• Xu Changqing praised Miao Huayu for growing a supreme grade spirit plant and warned Ji Mingxuan to focus on cultivation before the Thousand Sects Dharma Assembly.

Xu Changqing refused the Farmer's Heart Society's request to consolidate the Spirit Fields' factions, then learned that Ji Mingxuan had targeted him for years at the urging of a masked Immortal Peak elder. The elder's identity remained unknown, and Xu Changqing suspected someone was exploiting his master's seclusion.

• Xu Changqing settled the dispute between the Spirit Grain Society and the Azure Alliance, and Niu Bochang invited him into the Farmer's Heart Society trading point.
• Niu Bochang asked Xu Changqing to lead efforts to consolidate the Spirit Fields' lineages and factions, but Xu Changqing refused rather than risk making enemies.
• After Ji Mingxuan and the Spirit Grain Society left, Xu Changqing reported Niu Bochang's proposal to Flower Elder, who warned that trouble would arise while Xu Changqing's master remained in seclusion.
• Ji Mingxuan came to Xu Changqing's home and confessed that a masked elder from an Immortal Peak had promised the Spirit Grain Society benefits in exchange for driving Xu Changqing from his position.
• Ji Mingxuan could not identify the elder, and Xu Changqing suspected the plot came from Azurewood Peak.

Xu Changqing turned a golden skeleton into a puppet he named Gold Miner, planning to send it to the mineral veins at Cangyan Peak. To bridge the distance, he began accelerating the growth of his Spatial Earth-Origin Fruit Tree so he could make a teleportation array.

• Ji Mingxuan claimed their conversation had made him realize he should treat Xu Changqing better, but Xu Changqing suspected he was hiding another motive.
• Xu Linglong admitted she had added Spirit Rice dew to her wine, and Xu Changqing praised its strange flavor without drinking it all.
• Xu Changqing refined the golden skeleton with runes, Spirit Marrow, lotus root powder, and the Mirage Dragon Transformation, then named the puppet Gold Miner.
• Xu Changqing decided to send Gold Miner to the mineral veins at Cangyan Peak and considered using the Spatial Earth-Origin Fruit Tree to create a teleportation array.
• Xu Changqing poured his mana into the Spatial Earth-Origin Fruit Tree, causing it to grow rapidly and produce a tall flower stalk.

Xu Changqing cultivated two Spatial Earth-Origin Fruits and gathered the materials needed for a Small Teleportation Array. After Miao Huayu delivered the final materials, Xu Changqing began preparing the array in his Portable Space, where Little Linglong waited for him with a dangerously unusual wine.

• Xu Changqing used Earth Qi and spiritual power to mature two Spatial Earth-Origin Fruits, draining nutrients from the surrounding soil.
• Over two months, Xu Changqing gathered the remaining array materials with help from the Azure Alliance and Miao Huayu, while asking them to watch the Spirit Grain Society.
• Miao Huayu delivered the completed materials, and Xu Changqing paid him fifty Mid-Grade Spirit Stones for the group's work.
• Xu Changqing entered the Portable Space and began preparing the array materials, soaking one Spatial Earth-Origin Fruit in Earth Spirit Marrow and setting Meteorite Sand beneath the moonlight.
• Little Linglong told Xu Changqing that she had made wine with Five-Colored Soil, ground Spirit Rice, Spirit Rice Wine, and Iceheart Jade-Flask Wine, then insisted he taste it.

Zhao Ziyue asked Xu Changqing for help preparing spirit artifacts, talismans, and pills for his planned breakthrough to an Earth-Grade Golden Core, and Xu gave him protective treasures. Xu then completed a Small Teleportation Array in his Portable Space and sent the Gold Miner to transport Earth-Origin Crystals for its calibration.

• Zhao Ziyue visited Xu Changqing and explained that he had reached Foundation Establishment Perfection and was preparing to break through to an Earth-Grade Golden Core.
• Xu Changqing gave Zhao Ziyue a High-Grade Soul-Protection Pearl and a powerful Body-Protecting Talisman, and promised to ask around about suitable supplies and prices.
• Zhao Ziyue said he had more than enough demon cores of all five attributes for his tribulation and left with Xu Changqing's gifts.
• Xu Changqing constructed a Small Teleportation Array in his Portable Space, completing its platform, array eye, and inner and outer runes in one attempt.
• Xu Changqing prepared to calibrate the array at Golden Profound Master's cave dwelling on Cangyan Peak and sent the Gold Miner to carry Earth-Origin Crystals to the new location.

Xu Changqing prepared to help Zhao Ziyue with his tribulation and learned that Zhao’s father had died, prompting Zhao to consider returning home before forming his Golden Core. After Gold Miner found Cangyan Peak and established the teleportation exit, Xu Changqing began considering how Little Linglong could gradually explore the outside world.

• Xu Changqing researched the costly spiritual artifacts, talismans, and pills Zhao Ziyue would need to attempt an Earth-Grade Golden Core.
• Xu Changqing invited Hu Bugui and Zhao Ziyue to dinner, where Zhao revealed that his father had died and recounted how he had left home after failing the provincial examination.
• Zhao Ziyue decided to return to Fengrao Commandery to see his family before forming his Golden Core, and Xu Changqing offered to accompany him.
• Xu Changqing entered his Portable Space and found that Gold Miner had established the teleportation exit to Cangyan Peak.
• Little Linglong asked when she could leave the Portable Space, and Xu Changqing told her she could go out when she was older before sending her to bed.

Xu Changqing tested the Small Teleportation Array and confirmed it led to Cangyan Peak, then hid it inside the mountain and returned to his duties at Azurewood Peak. While caring for Zhou Yan’s rare spirit plants, he met Su Tiantian, who said her mother, Medicine Fairy Su Qingyao, wanted to meet him.

• Xu Changqing sent Crow Five through the Small Teleportation Array, confirmed it reached Cangyan Peak, and moved the array into the mountain before settling there for the night.
• The next day, Zhao Ziyue and Hu Bugui left, and Xu Changqing agreed to care for the rare spirit plants in Zhou Yan’s Grade-Three Spirit Field.
• Xu Changqing traveled to Azurewood Peak’s Verdant Haze Domain and boosted the Wood Qi around Zhou Yan’s spirit plants.
• Su Tiantian approached Xu Changqing, introduced herself, and told him that her mother, Medicine Fairy Su Qingyao, wished to meet him.

Xu Changqing visited the Threefold Splendor Domain after Su Tiantian invited him to meet her mother, the Medicine Fairy Su Qingyao. There, he reunited with Mu Beiyun and learned that her master, the Orchid Fairy, was Su Qingyao’s sister, just as someone inside called his name.

• Su Tiantian invited Xu Changqing to meet Su Qingyao, and he agreed to go after finishing his work.
• Xu Changqing visited Mu Ning and gave her the Thunder-Gold Kui, then asked Gu Qiao whether Mu Ji had any conflict with Su Qingyao.
• Xu Changqing traveled to the Threefold Splendor Domain and admired its rare spirit plants before entering Su Qingyao’s medicinal garden with Su Tiantian.
• Xu Changqing recognized Mu Beiyun in the cottage, and she explained that she had come with her master to visit Su Qingyao.
• The Orchid Fairy emerged, and Su Tiantian called her Auntie, revealing that she and Su Qingyao were sisters.
• A gentle voice from inside called Xu Changqing by name.

Xu Changqing met Su Qingyao, who proposed that he marry Su Tiantian and then asked him to raise a rare spirit-plant seed. After accepting the seed, he returned to Red Maple Valley, planted it, and reunited with Wangwang and Wangzai.

• Xu Changqing met Su Qingyao, who asked about his age, cultivation, and romantic prospects before proposing that he marry Su Tiantian and join the Su Family.
• Xu Changqing declined the marriage proposal, then agreed to cultivate the seed Su Qingyao identified as a Living Spirit Grass seed.
• Outside, Xu Changqing found Mu Beiyun, Orchid Fairy, and Su Tiantian reacting to the conversation; his system identified the seed as a Living Body Grass Seed with insufficient spiritual energy, slight damage, mild toxicity, root symbiosis, and spirit plant perception.
• Xu Changqing returned to Red Maple Valley, planted the seed in his seventh acre, and used Spirit Spring water and Wood Qi to repair its damage and restore its spiritual energy.
• Wangwang and Wangzai greeted Xu Changqing by crashing into him, and he played with the dogs before heading to the kitchen to prepare food.

Xu Changqing tested the max-level Nine Golden-Splitting Slashes and discovered the immense power and mana cost of its Geng Metal Domain. A month later, he accompanied Zhao Ziyue and Hu Bugui to Water Immortal Peak, where Zhao Ziyue planned to form an Earth-Grade Golden Core, and the group entered the peak’s water-filled inner world.

• Xu Changqing used his Portable Space to test Nine Golden-Splitting Slashes, slicing through a thick earthen wall and testing the spell’s varied attacks.
• Xu Changqing discovered that the Geng Metal Domain combined the spell’s traits into automatic attacks but could drain his mana after at most half an hour.
• Little Linglong confessed she was afraid of monsters, and Xu Changqing pretended to be hurt so she would massage his shoulders.
• A month later, Zhao Ziyue prepared to undergo tribulation and form an Earth-Grade Golden Core, and Xu Linyuan led him, Xu Changqing, and Hu Bugui toward Water Immortal Peak.
• Xu Linyuan revealed that the apparent lake was a mirror and explained that Water Immortal Peak was formed from a fragment of the ancient Azure-Tide Mirror.
• The four entered Water Immortal Peak and found a vast landscape-like world made entirely of water, with nine water veins and abundant Liquid Water Essence.

Xu Changqing and Hu Bugui explored Water Immortal Peak’s Inner Waters while Zhao Ziyue prepared to simulate a Turbid Lightning tribulation with Xu Linyuan. Xu Changqing discovered that the original Yin Water Generates Yang Art was being used to lure visitors into overpaying, and the story left him finding a cheap copied version at another stall.

• Xu Linyuan explained how Water Immortal Peak’s Illusion Mask formation could simulate Turbid Lightning for Zhao Ziyue and how the Immortal Peaks aided tribulation.
• Xu Changqing and Hu Bugui entered the Inner Waters and explored its buildings, water-themed wares, and Water Spirit Fruit Trees.
• Hu Bugui considered moving to Water Immortal Peak, but Xu Changqing warned that adding a Water Spiritual Root would worsen his Golden Core tribulation.
• Xu Changqing found an original copy of Yin Water Generates Yang Art, but refused to trade valuable water-related treasures for it.
• Xu Changqing and Hu Bugui found a cheap copied version of the art and realized the original was being used to bait outsiders into a scam.

Zhao Ziyue used Water Immortal Peak’s illusion formation to prepare for his Golden Core tribulation, but the test exposed the Mirage Dragon’s attempt to seize his body. He turned the real Turbid Lightning against it, formed an Earth-Grade Golden Core, and later reunited with Xu Changqing and Hu Bugui.

• Zhao Ziyue simulated an Earth-Grade Golden Core tribulation in the illusion formation, and the Mirage Dragon tried to possess him when it sensed the Turbid Lightning.
• Zhao Ziyue revealed that the first lightning strike was an illusion, while the Mirage Dragon threatened to block his cultivation by controlling his kidneys.
• Zhao Ziyue activated his protective artifacts and talismans as a real Turbid Lightning bolt fell, destroying the Mirage Dragon’s illusory body and leaving only its remnant soul.
• Zhao Ziyue formed an Earth-Grade Golden Core and awakened the Void Water Mirror, a divine ability that he secretly strengthened with the Dragon Pearl’s power.
• Xu Linyuan approved Zhao Ziyue’s move to Water Immortal Peak, while Zhao Ziyue’s black water serpent recognized him as its new master.
• Xu Changqing captured the drifting Mirage Dragon remnant soul, then returned with Hu Bugui and learned that Zhao Ziyue had broken through.

Xu Changqing buried Prison Mirage’s shattered dragon soul in his Portable Space, transforming the land and greatly increasing its spiritual energy. After Chu Qiu, Pei Mo, and Ruo Qunshuang returned injured from the Nine-Bend Sect, Ruo Qunshuang hinted at her feelings for Xu Changqing and asked what he thought of her.

• Xu Changqing realized Lao Zhao had likely found Prison Mirage’s Dragon Pearl, then suppressed the remnant dragon soul after it called to Little Linglong.
• Xu Changqing buried Prison Mirage in the Five-Colored Soil, causing his Portable Space to expand and its spiritual energy to grow denser.
• Little Linglong’s troubling voice disappeared, and Xu Changqing reassured her that he had defeated the monster.
• Chu Qiu, Pei Mo, and Ruo Qunshuang returned injured, reporting that Central Region beast tamers had attacked them while they searched for heavenly treasures.
• After Chu Qiu and Pei Mo left to recuperate, Ruo Qunshuang asked Xu Changqing why he had no Dao companion and then asked what he thought of her.

Xu Changqing and Ruo Qunshuang began seeing each other, but his daughter and his possible marriage to Su Tiantian unsettled her. After Xu Changqing reassured her, the two went to his bedroom together.

• Ruo Qunshuang told Xu Changqing she had given up on revenge and wanted a peaceful life, and he agreed they could see each other while admitting he had a daughter.
• Ruo Qunshuang accepted Xu Changqing's daughter, but hesitated because she needed to cultivate at Water-Control Pavilion.
• Su Tiantian arrived with the month's care fee and toured Red Maple Valley, delaying Xu Changqing's plan to escort Ruo Qunshuang back.
• Ruo Qunshuang asked about Su Tiantian, and Xu Changqing revealed that Elder Su wanted him to marry into her family and that Su Tiantian was his fiancée, though he had refused.
• Xu Changqing reassured Ruo Qunshuang that he would rather be with her than marry into Su Tiantian's family, and they went to his bedroom together.

Xu Changqing fused five cultivation arts into the Heaven Grade Return-to-Origin Art, whose unique effect let him project his spiritual roots as independent avatars. He split off four roots, named and shaped the projections, and ended with five versions of himself ready to act separately.

• Xu Changqing fused the Golden Seal Heaven-Commanding Art, Water-Wood Circulation Canon, Yin Water Generates Yang Art, Thick Earth Heaven-Bearing Art, and Five-Element Art into the Return-to-Origin Art.
• Xu Changqing discovered that the new art’s unique effect could turn spiritual roots into independent projected avatars, though doing so weakened his own cultivation and strength.
• Xu Changqing projected his Metal, Water, Fire, and Earth Spiritual Roots, leaving his Wood Spirit Root as the main body.
• Xu Changqing named the projections Roushou, Gonggong, Zhurong, and Houtu, assigning each specialties in cultivation and work.
• Xu Changqing molded the four projections into lifelike forms, and the five greeted one another with, “Fellow Daoists, please!”

Xu Changqing ate the Spatial Earth-Origin Fruit and awakened the Shrinking the Earth to Inches divine ability, then prepared his three Spiritual Root projections with abilities, skills, and equipment. He sent Roushou, Houtu, and Zhurong off through the Small Teleportation Array to act on their own.

• Xu Changqing ate the Spatial Earth-Origin Fruit, and after unsealing his Earth Spiritual Root, awakened Shrinking the Earth to Inches.
• Xu Changqing tested the new ability by traveling instantly to Water Spirit Palace, then assigned divine abilities and skills to Roushou, Houtu, and Zhurong.
• Xu Changqing equipped the three projections with sets of high-grade spirit artifacts.
• Xu Changqing sent Roushou, Houtu, and Zhurong through the Small Teleportation Array and told them to manage on their own.

Xu Changqing prepared to take Little Linglong to meet her mother, while visitors from several sects arrived at the Spirit Fields ahead of the Thousand Sects Dharma Assembly. The chapter ended with Azure Cloud Sect representative Qing Xuan explaining why his secluded sect had joined the gathering.

• Xu Changqing left his three Spiritual Root projections to develop independently and felt relieved that his reduced Earth-Grade Golden Core would be less likely to expose him.
• Xu Changqing told Little Linglong they would leave Cangyan Peak and go to Red Maple Valley to meet her mother.
• Ruo Qunshuang discussed the approaching Dharma Assembly and its many participants with Xu Changqing before they spent the night together.
• Representatives from several Immortal Sects and cultivation sects arrived at the Spirit Fields, where Qian Duoduo and Chi Huo exchanged barbs.
• Chi Huo questioned why the secluded Azure Cloud Sect had sent a representative, and Qing Xuan replied, "In prosperous times, do not contend; in chaotic times, do not hide!"

Xu Changqing guided visitors from several sects around the Spirit Field Core, surprising them with his knowledge, Mu Beiyun’s gift, and his unusual home in Red Maple Valley. After returning home, he received a late visit from Qing Xuan, who showed him a sick stalk of ink-black bamboo.

• Xu Changqing introduced himself to the visiting cultivators and accurately answered Qian Duoduo’s questions about the Spirit Field Core’s farmers and acreage.
• Chi Huo learned that Mu Beiyun had given Xu Changqing his flying artifact, and the visitors were astonished when he revealed Red Maple Valley was his home.
• Xu Changqing returned home, told Ruo Qunshuang about the visitors, and began discussing how busy the Thousand Sects Dharma Assembly might make him.
• Qing Xuan arrived at night, entered Red Maple Valley, and showed Xu Changqing a landscape painting that held an ink-black bamboo grove.
• Qing Xuan pulled out a stalk of ink-black bamboo and said it was sick.