Chapter Summaries

Xu Changqing received an order from Dao Lord Xuan Yan to attend the deliberations at Star Vault Palace in place of Si Geng. After arriving early, he waited as other powerful figures began to appear.

• Xu Changqing tested the Grand Unity Azure Lotus Throne's size and speed, then returned with his family and spirit pets to Red Maple Valley.
• Dao Lord Xuan Yan summoned Xu Changqing to Star Vault Palace in seven days, and Xu Changqing agreed to attend in Si Geng's place.
• Xu Changqing followed the Seven-Colored Rainbow Bridge to Star Vault Palace and learned from its artifact spirit, Hao Yuan, that the deliberations would not begin until noon.
• Xu Changqing took the third seat on the right and spoke with Ling Shuang, deputy peak master of Blood-Iron Peak.
• Yin-Yang Venerable Li Wudao and Chao Jin, peak master of Redflame Peak, arrived at Star Vault Palace.

At the Immortal Palace deliberations, Xu Changqing reported on the Spirit Fields and proposed cooperation with the Nine Yaoguang Domains, earning interest from the assembled leaders. After Grand Elder Xuan Yan approved cautious contact, representatives of other divisions delivered updates on their resources and operations.

• Chao Jin, Tuoba Ye, Yue Kunlun, and You Hai arrived, followed by the representatives of the Immortal Peaks and administrative divisions.
• Dao Lord Xuan Yan appeared and began the deliberations, and Xu Changqing gave the customary first report on the Spirit Fields’ improved yields and disciples.
• Xu Changqing revealed that someone from the Nine Yaoguang Domains had proposed cooperation, and Xuan Yan approved contact while warning him to beware of the Demon Race.
• Mu Yunsheng reported new Jade-Eyed Cloud Lynxes and a collected Frost Jiao Shedding, while Ou Yan announced the Azure Edge flying sword’s success and a shortage of Void Crystal.
• Mo Qiushui reported that the Nine-Bend Grand Array remained stable but warned that its Water Qi was turning turbid.

At a sect meeting, the leaders discussed worsening problems with Water Qi, Earth Veins, and other dangers across the realm. Li Wudao proposed entering the Grand Void Rift to secure resources for the Immortal Sect, and Grand Elder Xuan Yan approved.

• Mo Qiushui warned that Water Qi was showing signs of contamination and that Water-Congealing Snails were nearly extinct, while Dan Chen reported a shortage of Watercloud Grass.
• Xu Changqing planned to cultivate Purewater Spirit Lotus and increase Watercloud Grass production, but refused Dan Chen’s request for more Five-Element Lingzhi.
• Shi Yuan reported that disturbances in the seventy-two Earth Veins had increased, and Grand Elder Xuan Yan said he would ask the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect to investigate.
• The peak masters reported on threats and plans, including the coming opening of the Southern Radiance Secret Realm and the search for the reincarnated Demon God Chi Ye.
• Li Wudao requested permission to enter the Grand Void Rift for resources, and Grand Elder Xuan Yan approved.

Xu Changqing learned that Azurewood Peak's leaders had been targeted by a plot and declined Xuan Yan's offer to become an elder, choosing to remain in Red Maple Valley. After returning, he told Bei Qingtang he knew how hard things had been for her, then announced new Immortal Sect cultivation requirements at the Spirit Fields.

• Xuan Yan told Xu Changqing that Su Qingyao and others had tried to drag him into their schemes, but they had perished after endangering the Immortal Sect and Heavenly Origin Realm.
• Xuan Yan offered Xu Changqing an elder position at Azurewood Peak, but Xu Changqing declined and accepted three Frostfrost Purple Lingzhi seeds to cultivate.
• Xu Changqing contacted Bei Qingtang and told her, "It's been hard on you!" before ending the communication.
• Xu Changqing returned to Red Maple Valley, reunited with Linglong and Chi Ye, and went to the Core Administration Office the next morning.
• Xu Changqing ordered the Spirit Fields to cultivate Purifying Water Lotus seeds and increase Watercloud Grass production by at least fifty percent, and Li Sancai pledged to oversee the work.

Xu Changqing consulted Flower Elder about cultivating rare spirit plants in Grade-Two Spirit Fields and planted several varieties in Red Maple Valley. He began studying the Auspicious Grain Record and left his newly sprouted Living Body Grass in Lin Feng’s care.

• Xu Changqing showed Flower Elder the Frostfrost Purple Lingzhi seeds and learned that rare spirit plants suited his Golden Core status and Grade-Two Spirit Fields.
• Flower Elder recommended Chi Yan Dragon Nightshade, Azure Nether Spirit Ginseng, Jadeglow Soul-Nourishing Grass, and Golden-Pattern Nine-Leaf Orchid, explaining their growing conditions.
• Xu Changqing planted the rare spirit plants across five mu of his fields while reserving space for supreme-grade spirit rice.
• Xu Changqing used the Four Seasons Scripture to accelerate the seeds’ growth, and several rare plants sprouted.
• Lin Feng discovered the mature Living Body Grass, and Xu Changqing assigned him to care for it, prompting Sun Shangxiang to ask when she could cultivate spirit plants.
• Xu Changqing tended the plants and studied the Auspicious Grain Record until he finally began learning it.

Xu Changqing raised the Auspicious Grain Record to max level and discovered its powerful effects on spiritual plants and Spirit Fields. A month later, Long Chenyuan visited Red Maple Valley and addressed him as Spirit Envoy Xu, prompting Li Sancai to correct him.

• Xu Changqing spent eighty years of lifespan to master the Auspicious Grain Record, gaining effects that improved plant growth, harvests, and Spirit Field recovery.
• Xu Changqing considered whether Mu Ji’s cultivation technique was Immortal Grade and reflected that his ability to extend his lifespan could let him outlive stronger cultivators.
• A month later, Xu Changqing contacted Tai Bai about refining magic artifacts and planned to join him, his Fire Spiritual Root, and his Earth Spirit Root to investigate the cave beneath Golden Light Cave.
• Li Sancai reported that a young visitor named Long Chenyuan had come to see Xu Changqing.
• Long Chenyuan greeted Xu Changqing as Spirit Envoy Xu, and Li Sancai rebuked him and called Xu Changqing Grain Lord Xu.

Xu Changqing finalized preliminary cooperation terms with Long Chenyuan and reassured him that an Earth-Grade Golden Core cultivator would join the Long Clan. After discussing Pei Mo’s planned breakthrough and Li Sancai’s ambitions, Xu Changqing revealed the identity of his Water Spirit Root clone.

• Long Chenyuan asked to renegotiate the Long Clan’s share, but Xu Changqing said the Immortal Sect had approved a seventy-thirty split and would not change it.
• Long Chenyuan accepted the terms, and he and Xu Changqing spent an hour reaching a preliminary agreement that they would formalize with a Spirit Talisman Contract.
• Xu Changqing sent Lin Feng to escort Long Chenyuan and promised that he would provide an Earth-Grade Golden Core cultivator to reside with the Long Clan.
• Li Sancai told Xu Changqing that Pei Mo planned to return to break through to Golden Core after Ling Bi used a treasure to awaken Pei Mo’s Water Spirit Root.
• Xu Changqing rejected the idea of recruiting Pei Mo and left, prompting Li Sancai to decide he needed to form his Golden Core.
• Xu Changqing’s blue-robed Water Spirit Root clone, Gonggong, took form in his cultivation chamber.

Xu Changqing used a summer thunderstorm to investigate whether lightning could awaken a Lightning Spiritual Root, discovering that thunder made his Wood Spirit Root react even as he gradually adapted to the lightning. Pei Mo returned to the Immortal Sect to visit him but was stunned by the sight of Xu Changqing standing unharmed in the storm.

• Gonggong and Long Chenyuan left the Immortal Sect for the Nine Yaoguang Domains, while Xu Changqing planned to use the time to prepare for awakening a Lightning Spiritual Root.
• A powerful thunderstorm swept over Red Maple Valley, and Xu Changqing sensed a resonance between the lightning and his Wood Spirit Root.
• Xu Changqing walked into the rain and tested whether Green Wood Qi could draw near to lightning, but his first attempt failed.
• Xu Changqing kept listening to the thunder and noticed that it stimulated his Wood Spirit Root and accelerated its absorption of spiritual energy, though his reaction gradually grew calmer.
• Pei Mo returned to the Immortal Sect and hurried to Red Maple Valley, where he saw Xu Changqing standing dry in the storm and froze when Xu Changqing turned to look at him.

Pei Mo reunited with Xu Changqing and asked him for Azure Nethergrass and cultivation resources to support his Golden Core breakthrough and counteract poison accumulated from dangerous pools. Xu Changqing supplied him with valuable resources, and Pei Mo offered Wind Biao Horse hides made with the Fur-Clad Technique for Xu Changqing’s children.

• Xu Changqing welcomed Pei Mo warmly, and the two reminisced about their early days as struggling cultivators.
• Pei Mo explained that he had awakened a Water Spirit Root and wanted to break through to the Golden Core Realm, but poison from the Meat-Simmering Blood Pools threatened to shorten his life.
• Pei Mo asked Xu Changqing for Azure Nethergrass and other cultivation resources, and Xu Changqing promised to help him.
• Xu Changqing gave Pei Mo a large quantity of Supreme-Grade Spirit Rice, spirit wine, and spirit plants.
• Pei Mo gave Xu Changqing Wind Biao Horse hides stitched with the Fur-Clad Technique, which could become mounts when brought to life.

Xu Changqing hosted Pei Mo and their friends, then considered how to awaken a Lightning Spiritual Root and agreed with Ruo Qunshuang to wait until she reached Golden Core before having a child. In the following days, he discovered that his second senior brother Zhou Yan was growing Azure Nethergrass, despite the distance that had formed between them over Su Tiantian.

• Xu Changqing explained that Linglong and Sun Shangxiang were his disciples and Lin Feng was his daughter, then gave each of the three a Wind Biao Horse hide from Pei Mo.
• Pei Mo gave the youngsters spirit stones and promised to help Xu Changqing if needed.
• Xu Changqing invited friends to drink; Zhao Ziyue said Hu Bugui had gone to the Flameglow Sect and suggested he was pursuing Lin Xiaoyan.
• After the gathering, Xu Changqing thought about finding a stronger lightning source to stimulate his Spiritual Root, and Ruo Qunshuang said they could have a child after she reached Golden Core.
• Xu Changqing learned that Zhou Yan was growing Azure Nethergrass and recalled that they had stopped discussing spirit plants after Zhou Yan helped Su Tiantian remain in the sect.

Xu Changqing visited Zhou Yan and Su Tiantian to obtain Azure Nethergrass for Pei Mo and help ease the tension between them. After Su Tiantian agreed to let the past matter pass, Zhou Yan gave Xu Changqing the herb, and Xu Changqing left to visit his Eldest Senior Sister and Fifth Senior Sister.

• Xu Changqing contacted Zhou Yan and asked for Azure Nethergrass to help a friend purge toxins before breaking through to the Golden Core Realm.
• Xu Changqing arrived at Azurewood Peak, where Zhou Yan and Su Tiantian met him to discuss the resentment surrounding Su Qingyao's fate.
• Zhou Yan told Su Tiantian that Xu Changqing had been a victim of the affair and had pleaded for her, and Xu Changqing let the claim stand.
• Xu Changqing explained that he too could have lost everything if he had been implicated, and Su Tiantian agreed to let the matter pass.
• Zhou Yan gave Xu Changqing a three-hundred-year-old, forcibly ripened stalk of Azure Nethergrass, and Xu Changqing left to visit his Eldest Senior Sister and Fifth Senior Sister.

Xu Changqing reflected on Wangwang’s limited lifespan and resolved to find a way to extend his spirit pets’ lives. He then led Sun Shangxiang and Lin Feng to harvest the ripe spirit rice, where Sun Shangxiang’s crop had failed to grow.

• Xu Changqing massaged Wangwang and Wangzai, then realized Wangwang was already seventeen and had spent much of its life by his side.
• Xu Changqing vowed to find a way to extend the lifespans of Wangwang and Cluck-Cluck, whom he regarded as family.
• Cluck-Cluck crowed at dawn, and Sun Shangxiang and Lin Feng joined Xu Changqing outside.
• Xu Changqing harvested his ripe Second-Grade spirit rice and used the Auspicious Grain Record to nourish its roots for another growing cycle.
• Lin Feng showed Xu Changqing his flourishing rice crop, while Sun Shangxiang lamented that her special physique had left her Spirit Field bare.

Xu Changqing welcomed Bei Qingtang, Qin Ye, and Mu Ning, then learned that the Lifeless Insect Mother was an ancient, intelligent being known as the Shed-Shell Immortal. After Bei Qingtang warned him not to investigate it, Xu Changqing asked her to teach him a secret method for extending his spirit pets’ lifespans.

• Xu Changqing greeted Bei Qingtang, Qin Ye, and Mu Ning with his disciples, Sun Shangxiang and Lin Feng, and the visitors gave the children Spirit Stones.
• Qin Ye invited Xu Changqing to explore a Secret Realm, but Xu Changqing refused, saying he preferred tending his Spirit Fields.
• Mu Ning explained that the Lifeless Insect Mother was known among cultivators as the Shed-Shell Immortal, an intelligent creature formed from the shell of an ancient spirit insect.
• Mu Ning said the Shed-Shell Immortal’s original body had died in the great war of the Elder Era, and Bei Qingtang warned Xu Changqing that investigating it was too dangerous for a Golden Core cultivator.
• Xu Changqing asked Bei Qingtang whether she knew how to extend his spirit pets’ lifespans, and she mentioned a secret method held by her clan before he pleaded with her to help.

Xu Changqing secured Azure Nethergrass for Pei Mo’s simulated tribulation and learned that Mu Yunsheng might know the Fur-Clad Technique. After failing to find Hu Bugui, he asked Zhao Mo for help and heard about Zhao Mo’s problem with his prospective master.

• Xu Changqing acted cute toward Bei Qingtang, who said she would consider his request and contact him with a Communication Talisman.
• Sun Shangxiang and Lin Feng harvested the Spirit Rice as the valley’s animals basked in the sun.
• Zhao Ziyue and Pei Mo arrived, and Xu Changqing gave Pei Mo the Azure Nethergrass for his planned tribulation simulation.
• Pei Mo said Mu Yunsheng had likely learned the Fur-Clad Technique while traveling in the Central Region, so Xu Changqing headed to Beast Spirit Valley.
• Xu Changqing found Hu Bugui absent and then learned from Zhao Mo that Jiang Bo’s alcohol-based techniques would require Zhao Mo to become a heavy drinker.

Xu Changqing visited Mu Yunsheng to ask to learn the Fur-Clad Technique, and Mu Yunsheng offered to teach it in exchange for help cultivating a rare Soul-Nurturing Grass seed. Xu Changqing accepted the challenge, leaving the two with a deal to pursue.

• Xu Changqing encouraged Zhao Mo to reconsider giving up his hard-won opportunity to learn from Jiang Bo, then asked him to arrange a meeting with Mu Yunsheng.
• Zhao Mo contacted his acquaintances and secured Xu Changqing an audience with the Valley Lord, then guided him to Mu Yunsheng's island residence.
• Xu Changqing asked Mu Yunsheng about the Fur-Clad Technique, and Mu Yunsheng confirmed that he knew it and warned that it was an evil art.
• Mu Yunsheng offered to teach Xu Changqing the technique if he cultivated a rare Soul-Nurturing Grass seed with exceptionally demanding requirements.
• Xu Changqing assessed that his resources and cultivation methods could meet the challenge and agreed to cultivate the seed.

Xu Changqing learned the Fur-Clad Technique’s requirements from Mu Yunsheng and received news of an upcoming exchange with the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect. He then sought a way to grow Soul-Nurturing Grass and arranged to bring it to Gu Qiao when ordinary Spirit Soil proved unavailable.

• Mu Yunsheng explained the Fur-Clad Technique’s three requirements and gave Xu Changqing a beast-hide scroll covered in demonic runes.
• Mu Yunsheng told Xu Changqing that the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect might visit for exchanges at the end of the year or early next spring, giving him a chance to seek ancient Spirit Plant seeds.
• Xu Changqing decided to cultivate the Soul-Nurturing Grass at Azurewood Peak rather than risk exposing his Portable Space.
• Xu Changqing asked Gu Qiao about obtaining Grade-Three Spirit Soil, and Gu Qiao explained that it could not be taken away from Azurewood Peak.
• After Xu Changqing revealed that he had a Soul-Nurturing Grass seed, Gu Qiao warned him about its demands and offered to help grow it.

Xu Changqing planted the Soul-Nurturing Grass seed on Azurewood Peak with Gu Qiao’s help, then deciphered and mastered the Spirit-Locking Soul-Sealing Array. The array’s expanded abilities gave him a powerful tool for working with hides and protecting his divine soul.

• Xu Changqing brought the Soul-Nurturing Grass seed to Azurewood Peak, where Gu Qiao prepared a Grade-Three Spirit Field plot and agreed to care for it.
• Xu Changqing planted the seed, hastened its growth with the Four Seasons Scripture, and enriched the soil with the Auspicious Grain Record.
• Xu Changqing traveled between Azurewood Peak and Red Maple Valley while studying the twisted runes he had obtained from Mu Yunsheng.
• Xu Changqing identified the runes as the Spirit-Locking Soul-Sealing Array and learned that it was central to the Fur-Clad Technique.
• Xu Changqing spent lifespan to raise the Spirit-Locking Soul-Sealing Array to Masterful Tier, gaining the ability to preserve and combine hides, seal souls in fur, and shield himself from divine soul damage.

Xu Changqing learned that Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect disciples would visit next spring, then welcomed Yu Caiqing to Red Maple Valley after she failed to form an Earth-Grade Golden Core. He agreed to find rare ingredients for her Soul-Restoring Pill, but she left before he could invite her to stay.

• Flower Elder told Xu Changqing that Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect's top five core disciples, including Lei Yuan, would visit next spring.
• Xu Changqing shared a winter meal with Ruo Qunshuang, Linglong, Sun Shangxiang, and Lin Feng, while Sun Shangxiang teased Lin Feng about wetting the bed.
• Xu Changqing sensed Yu Caiqing waiting at the valley entrance and brought her inside to warm up.
• Yu Caiqing told Xu Changqing that her attempt to form an Earth-Grade Golden Core had failed and that her divine soul was badly damaged.
• Yu Caiqing asked Xu Changqing for Millennium Soul Grass, Profound Ice Jade Marrow, and heart's blood from a Three-Tailed Spirit Fox to make a Soul-Restoring Pill, and he agreed to help.
• Yu Caiqing left Red Maple Valley without looking back, and Xu Changqing told Ruo Qunshuang that he had been Yu Caiqing's Dao companion.

Xu Changqing attended a meeting welcoming the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect and learned that their core disciples would compete with Dongting Immortal Sect disciples in three days. Afterward, Zhao Chengdao visited Xu Changqing with his wife and young son, surprised to find him already a Grain Lord.

• Xu Changqing saw the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect arrive in force and went to Star Vault Palace at the Grand Elder's summons.
• At Star Vault Palace, Zhao Tianxiong proposed a sect exchange and discussed the Earth Vein, Earth Abyss, and Mountain-Suppressing Chariot with Xuan Yan.
• Xuan Yan set the core disciple competition for Blood-Iron Peak three days later, and the gathered representatives voiced support for exchanges in their fields.
• Xu Changqing and Mu Yunsheng discussed the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect's formidable lineup and wondered about the missing Qin Baili.
• At Red Maple Valley, Zhao Chengdao introduced Xu Changqing to his wife, Liu, and son, Zhao Nianhe, and expressed surprise that Xu had become a Grain Lord.

Xu Changqing brought his companions to watch the duel between the Dongting Immortal Sect and the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect, where Mo Cha faced Xiao Qian in the first battle. Mo Cha turned Xiao Qian’s lightning sword attack against him with earth, wood, and venomous flames, leaving the fight hidden behind a ring of walls as a scream sounded.

• Zhao Chengdao told Xu Changqing that he would try to obtain ancient spirit plant seeds from the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect’s Spirit Fields steward.
• Xu Changqing and his companions traveled to Blood-Iron Peak to watch the sect duel, where Zhao Ziyue remarked that Dongting lacked strong contenders.
• An elder announced that Xiao Qian of the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect would fight Mo Cha of the Dongting Immortal Sect first.
• Xiao Qian unleashed a storm of sword lights, but Mo Cha blocked them with earth walls and protected himself with a wood barrier and emerald flames.
• Xiao Qian enlarged his Thunder Spirit Sword and pierced Mo Cha’s defenses, but Mo Cha’s flames consumed the sword light and his earthen walls enclosed the fighters.
• A scream sounded from within the walls, leaving the outcome of Xiao Qian and Mo Cha’s battle unseen.