Chapter Summaries

Fenglong returned to Red Maple Valley with treasures and warned Xu Changqing of a calamity tied to the underground seal beneath the Dongting Immortal Sect. After moving his household to Azurewood Peak, Xu Changqing learned Mu Ji was leaving for up to a thousand years and entrusted him with the peak’s affairs, making him acting peak lord.

• Fenglong gave Xu Changqing Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect manuals, spells, pills, stones, and talisman paper, then warned that the underground seal beneath the Dongting Immortal Sect would break within a hundred years.
• Xu Changqing spent half a year managing Spirit Field matters and guiding Sun Shangxiang and Qingyao before moving his household and spirit pets from Red Maple Valley to Azurewood Peak.
• Mu Ji told Xu Changqing he would leave with Qing Tang for at least a hundred years and placed Azurewood Peak and its members in Xu Changqing’s care.
• Xu Changqing became acting peak lord, though some members of Azurewood Peak resented his appointment.
• Seven days later, Xu Changqing attended the council meeting at Star Vault Palace as acting peak lord.

Xu Changqing attended the Star Vault deliberations as acting peak master and learned that the seal beneath the Immortal Sect was close to breaking, threatening a calamity within a century. The sect debated the Worldly Engagement Plan, which would send ordinary disciples into the mortal world, leaving Xu Changqing worried about the Spirit Farmers who had worked alongside him.

• Xu Changqing arrived at the Star Vault Palace and greeted the sect's peak masters and representatives as they gathered for deliberations.
• Hao Yuan announced that Blood-Iron Peak could not attend, and Xuan Yan opened the meeting by raising the Worldly Engagement Plan.
• Xuan Yan explained that the underground seal was nearing collapse and that the things imprisoned beneath the Immortal Sect could erupt within a hundred years.
• Tuoba Ye offered Vajra Peak's help, but Shi Yuan warned that the threat exceeded what one peak could withstand.
• Mo Qiushui, Yue Kunlun, and Mu Yunsheng argued over the risks and benefits of sending ordinary disciples into the mortal world.
• Xu Changqing worried that Spirit Farmers such as Xu Linshan and Zhao Ying would be endangered if they were sent away.

After the Dongting Immortal Sect approved the Worldly Engagement Plan and named Chao Jin its future sect master, Xu Changqing and Ruo Qunshuang decided to establish a new sect as a retreat from the coming calamity. They planned to call it the Spirit Melody Sect and take in trusted disciples assigned to the secular world.

• Xuan Yan announced that the Immortal Sect would equip and support members assigned to the secular world, and that each peak and department would select them within half a year.
• Xuan Yan announced that Chao Jin would succeed as sect master in three years, and the leaders congratulated him.
• Xu Changqing returned to Azurewood Peak and told Ruo Qunshuang about the plans discussed at the meeting.
• Ruo Qunshuang proposed rebuilding the Nine-Bend Sect to shelter trusted members and disciples, and Xu Changqing agreed that they should establish a sect together.
• Xu Changqing and Ruo Qunshuang discussed their teachings and the need to recruit loyal people, then chose the name Spirit Melody Sect.

Hu Bugui told Xu Changqing he had to leave the Immortal Sect and faced a choice between two assignments, so Xu Changqing offered him a third path through the planned Spirit Melody Sect. Over the next half year, Xu Changqing recruited twenty trusted members while Ruo Qunshuang found three possible sect sites, leaving Xu Changqing to inspect them before choosing.

• Hu Bugui told Xu Changqing he was leaving the Immortal Sect, and Xu Changqing offered him a place in the planned Spirit Melody Sect; Hu Bugui hesitated because Xiaoyan wanted to return to the Flameglow Sect.
• Xu Changqing and Ruo Qunshuang began working separately, with Xu Changqing recruiting members and Ruo Qunshuang searching for a suitable sect site.
• Xu Changqing persuaded Xu Linshan and other trusted acquaintances to join the Spirit Melody Sect, selecting twenty people over half a year.
• Ruo Qunshuang identified Clearbrook Valley, Watercloud Island, and Cloudrest Ravine as possible sect sites, each with distinct advantages and drawbacks.
• Xu Changqing postponed choosing a site and planned to send Xu Qiansui to inspect the three locations.

Xu Changqing discovered that his master and Eldest Senior Sister had joined the Three Purities Alliance, then spent three years preparing for Chao Jin’s succession ceremony. As distinguished guests gathered at Star Vault Palace, he reunited with Qing Xuan and met his Nine-Tailed Fox Dao companion, Huyao.

• Xu Changqing used Xu Zixiao’s shared vision to inspect the Grand Void Rift and saw his master and Eldest Senior Sister arrive by Guiding Spirit Light.
• Xu Changqing confirmed that the Dongting Immortal Sect was the Azure Jade Cloud Cliff of the Three Purities Alliance and wondered why it lacked a Teleportation Array.
• After three years of fulfilling his duties and advancing the Spirit Melody Sect’s construction, Xu Changqing attended Chao Jin’s succession ceremony as acting peak master.
• Representatives from major sects and factions arrived at Star Vault Palace, including Zhao Tianxiong, Qingyue Fairy, and Qing Xuan.
• Xu Changqing reunited with Qing Xuan, met his Dao companion Huyao, and declined an offer to be introduced to her sisters.
• Xu Changqing and the other guests waited at Star Vault Palace for the succession ceremony to begin.

Chao Jin assumed the position of sect master of the Dongting Immortal Sect, demonstrating his formidable Spirit Transformation power and promising to lead the sect through its century-long calamity. The ceremony continued with representatives from other sects presenting valuable gifts.

• Chao Jin arrived at the succession ceremony aboard the Abyss-Cleansing Mountain Chariot, accompanied by a Fire Phoenix, and revealed his powerful Primordial Spirit.
• Chao Jin declared himself sect master and vowed to safeguard the Dongting Immortal Sect, unite its disciples, and resist the calamity; his crimson-gold light aided those it touched.
• The disciples and guests acclaimed Chao Jin, and the gift-giving ceremony began.
• Zhao Tianxiong presented the Dragon-Tiger Immortal Sect's Mountain-Suppressing Dragon-Pattern Jade, which Chao Jin accepted.
• Qingyue Fairy presented the Moon-Inviting Immortal Sect's Grand Yin Tidal Chart, and Chao Jin thanked her.
• Qing Xuan and representatives of other sects offered gifts including a Profound Ice Lotus, Starfall Iron, a Soul-Suppressing Bell, and a Rainbow Spirit Deer.

After Chao Jin appointed Li Sancai as Grain Lord, Xu Changqing sent Xu Qiansui to investigate Ruo Qunshuang’s proposed sites for the Spirit Melody Sect. Xu Qiansui explored Clearbrook Valley and found rich spiritual resources, but its narrow entrance could trap anyone inside.

• Qing Xuan told Xu Changqing that Chi Ye Demon God was accumulating power and that the Demon Realm was contacting the Grand Void Rift.
• Chao Jin asked Xu Changqing to recommend a Grain Lord, and Xu Changqing proposed Li Sancai for the position.
• Chao Jin appointed Li Sancai Grain Lord of the Spirit Fields, responsible for their daily affairs.
• A month later, Xu Changqing sent Xu Qiansui to investigate the three sites Ruo Qunshuang had selected for the Spirit Melody Sect.
• Xu Qiansui explored Clearbrook Valley and discovered a medium-sized Spirit Vein, abundant spirit plants, cultivation caves, and mostly gentle Lesser Demons.
• Xu Qiansui noted that Clearbrook Valley’s narrow entrance would be easy to defend but difficult to escape through if enemies surrounded it.

Xu Qiansui surveyed Watercloud Island and Cloudrest Ravine, comparing both with Clearbrook Valley before planning to consult Ruo Qunshuang about the Spirit Melody Sect’s future base. Meanwhile, Lin Feng found Windsplit Valley with the help of Niu Hongxi, but Niu revealed that two accomplices were lying in wait to rob him.

• Xu Qiansui explored Watercloud Island, noting its plentiful aquatic spirit plants and Water Qi as well as its dangerous demons and damp terrain.
• Xu Qiansui surveyed Cloudrest Ravine and found pure spiritual qi and rare resources, but judged its cramped, perilous terrain unsuitable for the sect’s growth.
• Xu Changqing compared the three candidate sites and planned to make the final choice with Ruo Qunshuang.
• Lin Feng and Niu Hongxi reached Windsplit Valley, where Lin Feng sensed dense Wind Qi and Innate Wind Intent suited to his Wind Spirit Root.
• Lin Feng paid Niu Hongxi for guiding him, but Niu said the silver was not enough for three people, and two armed men emerged to block the valley entrance.

Lin Feng killed Niu Hongxi and his two accomplices after they tried to rob him, then began cultivating in Windsplit Valley. At the Dongting Immortal Sect, Hu Bugui departed with his family for the Flameglow Sect, while Zhao Ziyue planned to return home before setting out to travel.

• Niu Hongxi and his two accomplices revealed their plan to rob Lin Feng in Windsplit Valley.
• Lin Feng killed the two armed men with wind blades, then killed Niu Hongxi after rejecting his plea for mercy.
• Lin Feng buried the bodies beneath the snow and cultivated in the valley, drawing on its wind spiritual energy and intent to temper his Golden Core and deepen his understanding of wind.
• At the Dongting Immortal Sect, Xu Changqing, Zhao Ziyue, Li Sancai, and others bid farewell to Hu Bugui, Lin Xiaoyan, and Hu Ning as they prepared to leave for the Flameglow Sect.
• Xu Changqing gave Hu Ning a protective jade talisman, and Hu Bugui's family departed aboard a flying ship.
• Zhao Ziyue told Xu Changqing he would return home to spend time with his mother, then travel the world.

Xu Changqing and Ruo Qunshuang led their companions to Clearbrook Valley to establish the Spirit Melody Sect. The group began building their new home, completing the Spirit Melody Hall as construction got underway.

• Xu Changqing learned from Mu Ning that his Master and Eldest Senior Sister had gone to Fallen Star before crossing realms.
• Xu Changqing told Ruo Qunshuang that the group would leave for Clearbrook Valley, and the gathered cultivators departed the Dongting Immortal Sect aboard the Grand Unity Green Lotus Throne.
• Xu Changqing and the others reached Clearbrook Valley and surveyed its Spirit Vein, clear streams, ancient trees, and natural cavern.
• Xu Changqing assigned the cultivators to build residences and halls, reclaim Spirit Fields, and inspect the valley for hazards.
• The Wood Spirit Root cultivators completed the Spirit Melody Sect’s main hall, Spirit Melody Hall, at the source of the Spirit Vein.

Xu Changqing and the others completed the Spirit Melody Sect’s base in Clearbrook Valley, and he prepared to report the sect to the Immortal Sect. The chapter ended with Xu Changqing leaving daily management to Ruo Qunshuang as he planned to return to Azurewood Peak.

• Xu Changqing guided construction in Clearbrook Valley while Han Su turned the ground near the Spirit Vein into nearly third-grade Spirit Fields, and Xu Linshan and Lin Xiaoman searched the valley for danger.
• A secret crack filled with black mist appeared beneath the Dongting Immortal Sect, but Shi Yuan swiftly covered it with Yellow Qi and recognized its return.
• After a month, the group completed Spirit Melody Hall, more than a hundred mu of Spirit Fields, and a Yin-Yang Transposition Array at the valley entrance.
• Ruo Qunshuang told Xu Changqing that three medium-sized sects and five small sects were nearby, and that Azurebrook Town offered a marketplace for the sect’s goods.
• Xu Changqing said he would report the Spirit Melody Sect to the Immortal Sect and entrusted its daily management to Ruo Qunshuang before returning to Azurewood Peak.

Spirit Melody Sect established itself and displayed its high-quality products at an exchange gathering, where Ruo Qunshuang faced harassment from Windward Sect’s Wang Kun before Liu Changfeng revealed her connection to Xu Changqing. Afterward, the sect began earning income by helping Azurebrook Town’s farmers cast the Cloud Rain Technique, while Xu Changqing continued supporting it from Azurewood Peak.

• Xu Changqing reported Spirit Melody Sect’s establishment to Dongting Immortal Sect, which approved the new sect and let it begin recruiting and conducting business.
• Ruo Qunshuang represented Spirit Melody Sect at Azurebrook Town’s exchange gathering, where its quality Spirit Rice Grain and spirit talismans attracted attention.
• Wang Kun harassed Ruo Qunshuang and tried to persuade her to leave her Dao companion, but Liu Changfeng intervened and revealed that her partner was Xu Changqing of Dongting Immortal Sect.
• Wang Kun apologized to Ruo Qunshuang and hurried away after learning Xu Changqing’s identity, while Liu Changfeng offered Clearwater Hall’s support to Spirit Melody Sect.
• Ruo Qunshuang told Xu Changqing about the gathering and the town mayor’s offer to pay the sect to cast Cloud Rain Technique over local farms; Xu Changqing approved the arrangement.
• Spirit Melody Sect’s members began helping Azurebrook Town’s farmers, improving their spell skills, increasing the sect’s income, and attracting new applicants as Xu Changqing continued supporting the sect.

Xu Changqing sent Nü Tu to secretly sabotage the Windward Sect’s feng shui and set its decline in motion. Meanwhile, a battle for Starfall Essence Gold in the Grand Void Rift was interrupted by the arrival of a powerful force from the Yellow-Mystic Realm.

• Xu Changqing ordered Nü Tu to alter the Windward Sect’s feng shui without confronting it directly.
• Nü Tu muddied the sect’s hidden river, weakened its Spirit Vein with the Dragon-Eroding Formation, and subtly shifted the surrounding peaks.
• Nü Tu predicted that the Windward Sect would decline over the coming decade, and Xu Changqing approved before they left unseen.
• The Three Purities Alliance and the Myriad Demon Ancestral Court fought over a mine of Starfall Essence Gold in the Grand Void Rift.
• A Void Rift opened, and several hundred golden-armored cultivators from the Yellow-Mystic Realm emerged, led by three Spirit Transformation cultivators claiming the mine.

Xuanhuang Realm cultivators returned to the Grand Void Rift and clashed with the Three Purities Alliance, where Mu Ji fought Jin Qingcang in a battle of powerful Dao methods. At the fringe, the Myriad Demon Ancestral Court negotiated with the Blackflame Bull Demon Clan, whose members had been sent as an offering to the Primordial Demon Court.

• Xuanhuang Realm cultivators invaded the Grand Void Rift, and one used the Golden Court Method to defeat a Three Purities Alliance Nascent Soul Cultivator.
• Xu Changqing watched through Xu Zixiao and recognized his master, Mu Ji, among the Three Purities Alliance forces.
• Jin Qingcang challenged Mu Ji over the Starfall Essence Gold and attacked with the Golden Court Apparition.
• Mu Ji unleashed his Wither-Bloom Dharma Aspect, and its collision with Jin Qingcang's Golden Court Apparition shook both factions' Nascent Soul Cultivators.
• A Nine-Tailed Fox of the Myriad Demon Ancestral Court met the Blackflame Bull Demon Clan, whose leader sought a path to survival in the Grand Void Rift.
• The Blackflame Bull Demon Clan had crossed the spatial barrier with Demon God Kong Fang's aid and served as an offering to the Primordial Demon Court.

The Nine-Tailed Fox recruited the Blackflame Bull Demon Clan to cooperate in the Grand Void Rift, while the Lifeless Insect Mother’s forces tightened their grip on the Nine Yaoguang Domains. At the Dongting Immortal Sect, Xu Changqing learned that the Rong Family would relocate part of its clan to the Southern Domain after finding a Spirit Vein.

• The Nine-Tailed Fox agreed to provide the Blackflame Bull Demon Clan with intelligence and protection in exchange for cooperation and resources.
• Nine-Headed Insect defeated the Long Clan and Mermaid Clan’s counterattack, killing a Nascent Soul Cultivator and driving the survivors into retreat.
• Xu Changqing and Li Sancai inspected the improved Spirit Fields, and Xu Changqing proposed raising Spirit Farmers’ compensation and training new disciples.
• Rong Yan told Xu Changqing that the Rong Family would move one-third of its members to the Southern Domain to develop a newly discovered frozen Spirit Vein.

Five years later, Xu Ping'an and Xu Linglong were preparing to break through to the Golden Core Realm. Xu Ping'an chose to risk a Heaven-Grade Golden Core, and Xu Changqing agreed to support him as Li Wudao offered help; Xu Linglong’s breakthrough preparations also began on Water Immortal Peak.

• Five years passed, and Xu Changqing’s family and disciples advanced in age and cultivation while Lin Feng remained missing.
• Li Wudao brought Xu Ping'an to Xu Changqing and explained the risks and advantages of pursuing a Heaven-Grade Golden Core.
• Xu Ping'an decided to complete his Metal Spiritual Root and attempt the dangerous Heaven-Grade Golden Core, and Xu Changqing supported his choice.
• Li Wudao offered Water Immortal Peak’s help in finding the treasures needed to complete Xu Ping'an’s Metal Spiritual Root and took him back to prepare.
• Mo Qiushui brought Xu Linglong to Water Immortal Peak to prepare for her Golden Core breakthrough, and Xu Changqing hurried there to join them.

Xu Linglong endured a real fire-attributed Turbid Lightning tribulation, formed an Earth-Grade Golden Core, and awakened the Mirage-Ice Illusory Realm. Xu Changqing returned to Azurewood Peak, while Xu Ping'an completed his five elements during seclusion.

• Xu Linglong practiced simulated tribulations for seven days as Xu Changqing and Mo Qiushui helped her refine her defenses and prepare artifacts, talismans, and pills.
• Xu Linglong blocked the real Turbid Lightning with the Frostmoon Shield and defensive talismans, then formed an Earth-Grade Golden Core.
• The Mirage Dragon Bloodline awakened Xu Linglong's Mirage-Ice Illusory Realm as she entered the Golden Core Realm.
• Mo Qiushui took Xu Linglong to the Water-Control Pavilion to consolidate her cultivation, and Xu Changqing returned to Azurewood Peak, where he saw Sun Shangxiang and Li Muyao sharing an intimate moment.
• Xu Ping'an absorbed rare Metal treasures in seclusion with help from Little Fish and completed all five elements.

Xu Ping'an began his Golden Core tribulation under the Immortal Sect’s support and used his five-element mastery and prepared spiritual artifacts to overcome three increasingly powerful lightning strikes. The tribulation continued as his armor showed its first damage, but he restored his meridians and spiritual power.

• Sect Master Chao Jin ordered the seven great Immortal Peaks to prepare spiritual artifacts, pills, talismans, and formation support for Xu Ping'an’s tribulation.
• Xu Changqing gave Xu Ping'an additional talismans and warned him to take the tribulation seriously, then told him his mother was on her way.
• Xu Ping'an used the Baleful-Breaking Spear to guide and shatter the first Fire-Melting Metal lightning strike.
• Xu Ping'an combined the Azure Water Pearl, an Earth-Fortifying Talisman, and the Baleful-Breaking Spear to defeat the second Fire-Wood lightning strike.
• Xu Ping'an drew out and countered the attributes of the third Fire-Wood-Water strike, though the Vajra Armor developed a faint crack.
• Xu Ping'an drank Iceheart Jade-Flask Wine to heal his meridians and replenish his spiritual power, leaving Xu Changqing astonished by how different their tribulations seemed.

Xu Ping'an endured the five-element Turbid Lightning and overcame the second layer of tribulation lightning, defeating the five Thunder Serpents. The Tribulation Clouds had begun a new assault, and he remained in the midst of his Golden Core tribulation.

• Xu Ping'an used defensive talismans, spirit artifacts, source springwater, and the Five-Element Secret Art to withstand the fifth Turbid Lightning and absorb its power into his Golden Core Embryo.
• Xu Changqing expressed pride in Xu Ping'an, and Li Wudao praised his disciple as the Tribulation Clouds began churning again.
• Five elemental Thunder Serpents emerged and attacked Xu Ping'an from all directions.
• Xu Ping'an dodged the serpents, weakened them with countering talismans, and bound the wood serpent with the Immortal-Binding Cord before destroying it with his spear.
• After half an hour of fighting, Xu Ping'an bound and pierced the final metal serpent, overcoming the second layer of tribulation lightning.

Xu Ping'an faced the third wave of tribulation lightning, a Five-Elements Thunder Beast, and used its power to temper his Golden Core Embryo. After enduring the beast’s attacks, he overcame the third wave as the lightning was devoured by his embryo.

• Xu Ping'an took an Essence-Stabilizing Pill, but the Tribulation Clouds formed a vortex and summoned a Five-Elements Thunder Beast.
• Xu Ping'an used the Profound Yellow Pagoda and Soul-Calming Jade to defend himself while attacking the beast with his Baleful-Breaking Spear, Golden Crow Talismans, and Immortal-Binding Cord.
• The Five-Elements Thunder Beast battered Xu Ping'an’s defenses with attacks from its four unbound heads.
• Xu Ping'an allowed tribulation lightning to pierce his defenses and guided it into his Golden Core Embryo to temper it.
• Xu Ping'an endured the lightning until the Five-Elements Thunder Beast exhausted its power and shattered, and his Golden Core Embryo devoured the remaining lightning.