Chapter Summaries

Xu Zixiao defeated the five Insect Cultivators, freed the captives, and subdued the Spirit-Devouring Mother Worm. He discovered a hidden underground chamber containing Blood Soil, an ancient book, and three insect eggs.

• The lead Insect Cultivator and his companions formed a poisonous insect-silk barrier, but Xu Zixiao tore through it and killed the leader's Blood Centipede.
• Xu Zixiao killed the lead Insect Cultivator and the remaining four, leaving the stronghold's worms uncontrolled.
• Xu Zixiao and Wang Han freed the imprisoned mortals and gave them medicine and food.
• Xu Zixiao trapped the Spirit-Devouring Mother Worm, then found and opened a hidden passage beneath the blood pool.
• Xu Zixiao discovered a Spirit Vein node, Blood Soil, an ancient book, and three dark-red insect eggs in the underground chamber.

Xu Changqing recovered a Spirit-Devouring Mother Worm and other treasures, then transformed the worm into a docile Spirit-Protecting Mother Insect. He used her to control the Spirit-Absorbing Leeches polluting his Spirit Field and began restoring it with the Profound Water Pearl.

• Xu Zixiao uncovered a lustrous cicada shell beneath the Blood Soil and collected it along with the other treasures before leaving with the Spirit-Devouring Mother Worm.
• Wang Han explained that the Spirit-Devouring Mother Worm had appeared fifty years earlier and caused devastation before Mo Qiushui dealt with it, then agreed to handle the aftermath at the stronghold.
• Xu Changqing examined the recovered items, found that the Spirit-Devouring Secret Record described how to turn the worm into a Spirit-Protecting Mother Insect, and used the method to make her docile.
• Xu Changqing brought the Spirit-Devouring Mother Worm to the polluted Spirit Fields, where she gathered the Spirit-Absorbing Leeches under her control.
• Xu Changqing chose to keep the leeches for future use and buried the Profound Water Pearl in the sludge to purify the field and stabilize its Spirit Vein.

Xu Zixiao disguised himself as Xu Changqing and led their group to Qingyue Fairy’s three-thousandth birthday banquet at the Moon-Inviting Immortal Sect. The banquet began after the guests presented their gifts, including Xu Changqing’s rare Millennium Moonheart Grass.

• Xu Changqing declined to leave the Immortal Sect and ordered Violet Firmament to impersonate him and attend Qingyue Fairy’s birthday banquet with their companions.
• Hu Bugui, Lin Xiaoyan, Zhao Ziyue, Pei Mo, Han Su, Zhou Yan, and Su Tiantian joined the journey to the Moon-Inviting Immortal Sect.
• Zhou Yan explained the sect’s competing factions as the group traveled through the sect’s floating immortal mountains to Moonheart Hall.
• The group presented their gifts at the birthday banquet, with Xu Zixiao offering a ripened Millennium Moonheart Grass on behalf of Xu Changqing and his family.
• Representatives from many sects presented lavish gifts, and the birthday banquet began with spirit cuisine, fruits, and wine.

Xu Changqing attended Qingyue Fairy’s three-thousandth birthday banquet on behalf of his absent master and later met with her privately. Qingyue Fairy praised the Millennium Moonheart Grass and offered him three return gifts.

• Qingyue Fairy arrived at the banquet in the form of a little girl, and the guests congratulated her on her three-thousandth birthday.
• Xu Changqing represented the Dongting Immortal Sect and told Qingyue Fairy that his master was absent from the Eastern Domain; she accused his master of choosing not to attend.
• After the banquet, Qingyue Fairy summoned Xu Changqing to Moonheart Hall and praised the Millennium Moonheart Grass.
• Qingyue Fairy gave Xu Changqing three treasures: a Spirit Field Manual jade slip, a bronze cauldron carved with spirit insects, and a blue jade token containing a crystal.

Qingyue Fairy offered Xu Changqing three treasures in exchange for helping her Spiritual Resonance Avatar, Qingyao, enter Dongting Immortal Sect and undergo training. Xu accepted the arrangement and a Moonlight Token, then Qingyao called him Master, prompting him to joke that he would have to call her Grandma.

• Qingyue Fairy explained the uses of three Treasure-Grade items and asked Xu Changqing to help her junior enter Dongting Immortal Sect.
• Qingyue Fairy revealed that her junior was Qingyao, her independent Spiritual Resonance Avatar, who needed tempering before merging with her to help her break through to Void Refinement.
• Xu Changqing weighed the risks and benefits, accepted the three treasures, and agreed to take Qingyao with him.
• Qingyue Fairy gave Xu Changqing a Moonlight Token that granted honored-guest privileges from the Moon-Inviting Immortal Sect.
• Qingyue Fairy altered Qingyao’s appearance to make her less recognizable, and Qingyao called Xu Changqing Master, prompting him to joke that he would call her Grandma.

Xu Changqing returned to Red Maple Valley with Qingyao, whom he had taken as his third disciple, and began planning a more organized system for the Immortal Sect’s Spirit Fields. After receiving the latest Heavenly Evolution Pavilion rankings, he noticed Chu Jinghong’s name and remembered Qing Xuan.

• Xu Changqing introduced Qingyao to Zhou Yan and the others as his new disciple, and they returned by flying ship to Red Maple Valley.
• Xu Changqing had Lin Feng teach Qingyao the Evergreen Formula, while Sun Shangxiang welcomed her as their Third Junior Sister.
• Xu Changqing told Ruo Qunshuang that Qingyao was connected to Master and discussed coordinating Water and Earth Spirit Root disciples’ work in the Spirit Fields.
• Lin Feng brought Xu Changqing the latest Heavenly Evolution Pavilion rankings, and Xu Changqing noticed that Chu Jinghong of the Azure Cloud Sect ranked first on the Rising Stars Ranking.
• Xu Changqing wondered about the Azure Cloud Sect and remembered that he had not seen Qing Xuan for many years.

Xu Changqing read the Heavenly Origin rankings and found himself listed sixty-sixth on the Golden Core Dragon-Tiger Tiger Ranking. After Han Su summoned him to a disaster site, Xu Changqing discovered that a Spirit Vein Conduction was drawing Spirit Crystals from the pit below.

• Xu Changqing read the rankings, noting the cultivators and Venerables listed and reflecting on the strength of the major sects.
• Xu Changqing found his name ranked sixty-sixth on the Golden Core Dragon-Tiger Tiger Ranking because of his rapid rise through agricultural posts.
• Han Su contacted Xu Changqing and reported that digging out the first disaster site had uncovered something unusual.
• Xu Changqing sensed a faint, living-like pulse beneath the pit where a Rage-Spirit Storm had occurred.
• Xu Changqing used the Spirit Vein Conduction to draw silver-gray crystals from the soil and recognized them as Spirit Crystals condensed from Rampaging Spirit.
• More Spirit Crystals surfaced until they formed a dense pile covering half a zhang and several feet high.

Xu Changqing secretly stored the Berserk Spirit Crystals and soil, then took his family to Flower Sea Market to celebrate the approaching New Year and buy Qingyao her first new clothes. Qingyao ended the outing delighted to have a dress of her own.

• Xu Changqing sent Han Su away, then stored the Berserk Spirit Crystals in the Tilling Officer Token and the excavated soil in his Portable Space.
• Nearly half a year later, Xu Changqing and Ruo Qunshuang decided to take the children to Flower Sea Market to buy new clothes for Qingyao.
• Linglong returned to Red Maple Valley, reunited with the children, and joined the family for their market trip.
• At Flower Sea Market, Xu Changqing and the others bought sugar paintings and strolled among the stalls with Qingyao.
• Ruo Qunshuang chose a moon-white dress embroidered with magnolias for Qingyao, and Xu Changqing bought it after seeing how much she liked it.

Xu Changqing reunited with Han Xin, who revealed Li Lingbi’s plans involving the Qingqiu Fox Clan and an ancient treasure, then celebrated the New Year at Red Maple Valley. After learning that his clones had found Riverheart Isle in the Nether River, he sent Xu Zixiao to explore it in his place.

• Xu Changqing met Han Xin, learned she had reached an Earth-Grade Golden Core, and heard that Li Lingbi was conspiring with the Qingqiu Fox Clan over an ancient treasure.
• Xu Changqing and Han Xin exchanged news before parting, and he rejoined Ruo Qunshuang and the children.
• Xu Changqing hosted a stream of New Year visitors at Red Maple Valley, including Hu Bugui, Lin Xiaoyan, and their daughter Hu Ning.
• Xu Changqing entered his Portable Space, where Nü Tu reported that the clones had found ancient relics and Riverheart Isle deep in the Nether River.
• Xu Changqing decided not to risk going himself and ordered Xu Zixiao to explore Riverheart Isle with the other clones.

Xu Changqing declined an invitation to join the expedition to the Nine Mountains Nine Bends Secret Realm, choosing to remain in Red Maple Valley. On his way back, he wondered whether Li Lingbi and the Immortal Sect had their own plans for the realm, but focused instead on Riverheart Isle and the clone and puppet in the Nether River.

• Xu Changqing gathered the disaster-struck Spirit Soils and set them apart in his Portable Space while awaiting the results from Riverheart Isle.
• The Great Elder summoned Xu Changqing to Cloudglory Realm and invited him to join the group heading to the Nine Mountains Nine Bends Secret Realm.
• Xu Changqing refused the invitation, citing his limited combat ability and responsibilities in the Spirit Fields, despite Li Wudao explaining the realm’s benefits.
• Xuan Yan, Li Wudao, Zhao Lie, and Lingxiao praised Xu Changqing’s steady judgment and discussed his prospects for promotion.
• On his way back to Red Maple Valley, Xu Changqing wondered whether Li Lingbi and the Qingqiu Fox Clan were targeting the Secret Realm, then turned his thoughts to Riverheart Isle and the Nether River.

Xu Changqing taught Qingyao to identify spirit plants while sharing vision with Xu Zixiao, who reached Riverheart Isle through the deadly Yin-Yang Annihilation Array. Xu Zixiao found a black jade box guarded by three dried corpses, leaving the island’s treasures and its threat before him.

• Xu Changqing taught Qingyao about Lunar Yin Grass and its cultivation, then explained the properties and uses of other plants to her and the other disciples.
• Xu Changqing shared vision with Xu Zixiao and saw the avatars travel deeper into the Nether River, past a ruined archway and toward Riverheart Isle.
• Tai Bai tested the island’s Yin-Yang Annihilation Array and found that even his Golden Core strength could not overcome it.
• Xu Changqing ordered Xu Zixiao to approach the island, and Xu Zixiao forced his way through the array while Nü Tu, Zhurong, and Tai Bai failed to follow.
• Xu Zixiao surveyed Riverheart Isle and found a black jade box floating above a ruined stone platform, guarded by three dried corpses.

Xu Zixiao fought the three dried corpses guarding Riverheart Isle and seized the black jade box before escaping back to the Ferry Boat. The corpses were left trapped behind the island’s formation, while Xu Changqing’s group recovered Xu Zixiao and the box.

• Xu Changqing ordered Xu Zixiao to attack the three dried corpses guarding the jade box.
• Xu Zixiao used Spirit Runes to resist the corpses’ attacks, bind them with vines, and tear an arm from the central corpse.
• Xu Changqing told Xu Zixiao to absorb the island’s Yin-Yang spiritual energy and focus on taking the jade box rather than fighting head-on.
• Xu Zixiao endured the corpses’ assault, used the False Golden Core Pattern to make them hesitate, and wrapped vines around the black jade box.
• Xu Changqing ordered a retreat, and Xu Zixiao fled to the Nether River with the box despite suffering severe damage.
• Nü Tu, Zhurong, and Tai Bai brought the Ferry Boat close and rescued Xu Zixiao, while the formation stopped the three corpses from following.

Xu Changqing’s avatars returned from Riverheart Isle with a black jade box, and he opened it to discover a Profound Origin Golden Light Talisman and mysterious silver qi. The silver qi revealed the name Ninefold Netherworld Passage Technique, leaving Xu Changqing with a new cultivation mystery to investigate.

• Zhurong and Tai Bai defeated a giant Nether Sea Turtle while Nü Tu kept the Ferry Boat steady, and they reached Taiyin Hermit's seclusion site safely.
• Xu Changqing reunited with his avatars in the Portable Space and decided to pause Nether River exploration, shift focus to the Nine Yaoguang Domains, and send Zhurong to the Wan Family to gather information.
• Xu Changqing tried several ways to open the black jade box before Nü Tu suggested opening it directly, which worked.
• Xu Changqing found a Profound Origin Golden Light Talisman and silver qi inside the box, then had Xu Zixiao touch the silver qi.
• Xu Changqing sensed four cryptic lines appear, which merged into the name Ninefold Netherworld Passage Technique.

Xu Changqing discovered the dangerous Ninefold Netherworld Passage Technique and decided to postpone cultivating it until he developed a Lightning Spiritual Root. Meanwhile, cultivators from across the Heavenly Origin Realm gathered at the Nine Mountains Nine Bends Secret Realm, which opened as its ancient ruins stirred.

• Xu Changqing, Nü Tu, and Zhurong examined the Ninefold Netherworld Passage Technique, and Xu Changqing resolved not to cultivate it until he developed a Lightning Spiritual Root.
• Nü Tu planned to ask experienced formation masters about the technique, while Zhurong returned to the Wan Family to prepare for exploring the Nether River's Taiyin True Fire.
• Xu Changqing stayed in his Portable Space and helped Xu Zixiao recover as he studied the technique.
• Nascent Soul cultivators, including the three great Immortal Sects' representatives, gathered at the Nine Mountains Nine Bends Secret Realm.
• The nine peaks and rivers stirred, a rift opened to reveal palaces within, and someone announced that the Secret Realm had opened.

Xu Changqing enjoyed a peaceful stretch in Red Maple Valley before proposing a new framework to unite the Spirit Fields, Earth Vein, and Water-Control Pavilion. The Abyss Lord, Shi Yuan, approved the plan and offered to help secure the Immortal Sect’s approval.

• Xu Changqing spent time with Wangwang and his disciples in Red Maple Valley, then shared Spirit Cuisine with Ruo Qunshuang.
• After five days, Xu Changqing contacted Yang Zhenyue and proposed replacing the Immortal Sect’s task system with a cooperative framework centered on the Spirit Fields.
• Xu Changqing told Yang Zhenyue that True Lord Mo and Valley Lord Mu had agreed, while the Earthfire Zone had rejected his proposal.
• Yang Zhenyue reported the plan to the Abyss Lord, Shi Yuan, who praised Xu Changqing’s initiative and agreed to support it.
• Shi Yuan instructed Yang Zhenyue to tell Xu Changqing that he approved and would personally negotiate with the Immortal Sect’s management.

Xu Changqing presented the Grand Elder with his Four Seasons Heavenly Craft Manual, a detailed plan to reform cooperation among the Spirit Fields, the Earth Vein, and the Water-Control Pavilion. Xuan Yan approved the changes and appointed Xu Changqing to lead their implementation.

• Xu Changqing used the Tilling Officer Token to request an audience with Grand Elder Xuan Yan and traveled to the Cloudglory Realm.
• Xu Changqing proposed reforming the three groups’ cooperation system, citing rigid procedures, inefficiency, and unfair point distribution.
• Xu Changqing presented the Four Seasons Heavenly Craft Manual, which assigned duties and coordinated work according to the solar terms.
• Xuan Yan examined the manual, praised its thoroughness, and approved the reform, including contribution-based points jointly set by the three groups.
• Xuan Yan ordered Xu Changqing to coordinate implementation with the Earth Vein and the Water-Control Pavilion, authorizing him to invoke the Grand Elder’s name if challenged.

Xu Changqing gained the Grand Elder's and the Earth Vein Abyss Lord's approval for his Four Seasons Heavenly Craft Manual, a system coordinating Spirit Farmers and cultivators with Wood, Earth, and Water Spirit Roots. Mo Qiushui warned that replacing the old system would provoke resistance, but Xu Changqing's ties to powerful figures gave him strong backing; the three sides prepared to begin their first collaboration during Rain Water.

• Xu Changqing told Yang Zhenyue that the Grand Elder had approved his proposal and sent him the Four Seasons Heavenly Craft Manual.
• Yang Zhenyue praised the manual's integration of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms and Seventy-Two Pentads, then confirmed the Earth Vein Abyss Lord would cooperate.
• Xu Changqing contacted Mo Qiushui and sent her the complete manual, revealing that the Rainmaking Schedule she had previously seen was incomplete.
• Mo Qiushui warned Xu Changqing that supporters of the old system would retaliate, but noted that his connections to Mu Ji, Mo Qiushui, and Li Wudao protected him.
• Several days later, during the Rain Water solar term, the three sides prepared to begin their first collaboration.

Xu Changqing demonstrated that the Four Seasons Heavenly Craft Manual greatly improved spirit-plant quality and yields, leading the Immortal Sect to promote Seasonal Coordination. When alchemists resisted the change to protect their control over plant prices, Xuan Yan answered their appeal with a firm call to adapt to the times.

• Xu Changqing and the other parties compared two Dewdrop Grass fields and saw that the field planted according to Rain Water grew far better than the one planted under the old system.
• Mu Yunsheng praised the benefits for Beast Spirit Valley, and Xu Changqing warned that supporters of the old system would resist before receiving purple qi from the Grand Elder.
• Xu Changqing led further tests during the Spring Equinox and Clear and Bright, which confirmed higher yields, greater spiritual energy, and stronger medicinal properties under the new method.
• The Immortal Sect ordered Seasonal Coordination promoted, prompting senior Advanced Alchemists to oppose it because it threatened their ability to depress Spirit Farmers' prices.
• Wang Yangyin went to Cloudglory Realm and asked Xuan Yan to withdraw the order, but Xuan Yan replied, "Answer the seasons, adapt to the times!"

Wang Yangyin ended the Alchemy Pavilion elders’ resistance to the new system, while Xu Changqing’s reforms sharply increased the Immortal Sect’s spirit plant and beast-rearing yields. A Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud appeared, and Mu Ji summoned Xu Changqing and Qingyao to Azurewood Peak.

• Wang Yangyin warned Zhou Yue, Wu Xian, and Chen Mo that opposing the new system would be treated as betrayal and ordered them to stop resisting.
• Wang Yangyin rejected Chen Mo’s suggestion to eliminate Xu Changqing, citing his powerful connections and standing within the Immortal Sect.
• Xu Changqing’s solar-term planting system doubled spirit plant output, raised the share of high-grade plants from thirty percent to fifty percent, and improved young beasts’ survival by thirty percent.
• A Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud descended over the Immortal Sect, bringing gentle spiritual energy and fine spiritual rain.
• Mu Ji summoned Xu Changqing and Qingyao to Azurewood Peak, and Xu Changqing brought Qingyao there with him.

Venerable Mu Ji gathered the Azurewood Peak disciples to distribute treasures from the Nine Mountains Nine Bends Secret Realm. He gave Xu Changqing a Dao Seed embodying his Wither-Bloom Grand Dao, leaving the others to wonder whether Xu Changqing had been chosen as his heir.

• Xu Changqing brought Qingyao to Azurewood Peak's main hall, where Mu Ji welcomed the disciples and explained that Zhao Lie and Ling Shuang had secured treasures from the secret realm's outskirts.
• Mu Ji distributed five treasures suited to Bei Qingtang, Zhou Yan, Qin Ye, Gu Qiao, and Mu Ning.
• Mu Ji gave Xu Changqing a leaf containing his Wither-Bloom Grand Dao comprehension, equivalent to a Dao Seed.
• Zhou Yan asked whether Mu Ji intended to name Xu Changqing his heir, while Qin Ye, Gu Qiao, and Mu Ning reacted to the inheritance.
• Xu Changqing stood stunned, unsure how to respond to Mu Ji's gift.