Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Losing One’s Composure”

Plot Points and Events

• In Soaring Firmament Hall, Immortal Official Xuan Luan publicly accuses an unidentified murderer of killing his disciple, who had been guarding the Cloud-Dream Realm, and destroying the disciple’s soul.
• Xuan Luan emphasizes that the killer remains free and has even become a Sky-Patrolling Guard, openly violating Heavenly Court law.
• Although immortal murders are often concealed and ignored when politically convenient, this public accusation threatens the authority and reputation of the Heavenly Court.
• The Celestial Venerable, initially indifferent, becomes visibly angry and demands to know Xuan Luan’s affiliation and superior.
• Xuan Luan identifies himself as a subordinate of the Celestial Administration Office under the Nine Netherworlds Divine General.
• The Nine Netherworlds Divine General is forced to step forward and accept responsibility. He insists that he knew nothing of the matter because Xuan Luan never reported it to him.
• To protect himself politically, the Divine General promises to investigate and arrest the murderer, then escorts Xuan Luan away.
• After court is dismissed, another powerful regional divine general in blue-white armor intercepts them and asks to speak privately with Xuan Luan.
• The Nine Netherworlds Divine General realizes that the armored general has been supporting Xuan Luan behind the scenes. Though resentful, he avoids open conflict and leaves them together.
• Once alone, the armored general harshly rebukes Xuan Luan for bringing the matter before the entire Heavenly Court without authorization.

Character Developments

• Immortal Official Xuan Luan: Driven by grief and anger over his disciple’s death, he abandons caution and directly petitions the Celestial Venerable. His action shows both desperation and political recklessness. Despite his bold public accusation, he becomes terrified once confronted by his superior’s ally.
• The Nine Netherworlds Divine General: He feels ambushed and politically endangered because Xuan Luan bypassed him. Though outwardly cooperative before the Celestial Venerable, he privately intends to remove Xuan Luan from his command.
• The Blue-White-Armored Divine General: Revealed as Xuan Luan’s hidden supporter or patron. His calm exterior conceals intense fury, suggesting that Xuan Luan’s case is part of a larger political or personal conflict.
• The Celestial Venerable: Her attitude shifts from detached to imposing anger when the accusation threatens the Heavenly Court’s public authority and exposes factional conflict.

Significant Themes

• Political maneuvering and factional conflict: The incident reflects ongoing tension between the factions of Yuyu Heaven and Qingwei Heaven.
• Public law versus private corruption: Hidden murders may be tolerated, but openly challenging the court’s authority forces the leadership to respond.
• The danger of losing composure: Xuan Luan’s emotional decision draws the attention of powerful officials and jeopardizes everyone connected to him.
• Responsibility and scapegoating: The Nine Netherworlds Divine General attempts to distance himself from Xuan Luan’s actions while promising an investigation to preserve his position.
• Power and surveillance: The armored general stresses that Xuan Luan’s outburst attracted countless eyes, highlighting how closely officials’ actions are watched within the Heavenly Court.

Character Interactions

• Xuan Luan appeals directly to the Celestial Venerable, forcing the court to acknowledge the murder.
• The Celestial Venerable interrogates Xuan Luan’s chain of command, placing the Nine Netherworlds Divine General under pressure.
• The Divine General publicly claims ignorance, promises justice, and escorts Xuan Luan away while privately blaming him.
• The blue-white-armored general intervenes, revealing a connection to Xuan Luan and subtly provoking the Nine Netherworlds Divine General.
• In private, the armored general confronts Xuan Luan, warning him that his impulsive act has exposed their affairs to the entire Heavenly Court.

Chapter Summary: Secrets of the Water Marsh Sect

Key Plot Points and Events

• Immortal Official Xuan Luan confronts an azure-armored divine general over the delayed pursuit of Jiang Yuechu, whom he believes murdered his disciple. Xuan Luan argues that continued inaction will allow Jiang Yuechu to grow powerful and gain influential protection within the Heavenly Court.
• The divine general reminds Xuan Luan that he, too, has suffered the loss of a child, but urges him to remain patient and stop creating further complications. Xuan Luan reluctantly accepts the rebuke, though his grief and resentment remain intense.
• Alone, Xuan Luan mourns his fallen disciple, reflecting on how close she had been to escaping her hardships before her sudden death. Despite his efforts, he feels helpless and broken.
• Jiang Yuechu returns to the Water Marsh Sect’s ruins on Red Erlang’s back after pursuing a Buddhist Sect cultivator. She announces that the Buddhist Sect venerable has been killed, shocking both Zi Ling and Monk Kongming.
• The remaining Water Marsh Sect elders surrender and plead that they were coerced by their sect master and deceived by the Buddhist Sect. Jiang Yuechu asks about the Heavenly Rain Jade Well, prompting one elder to guide them to it.
• The group reaches a hidden cavern beneath the sect. They discover a well surrounded by formations and surrounded by countless dried corpses.
• Kongming identifies the formation as the Buddhist Order’s forbidden Great Compassion Bone-Pressing Formation, which extracts life force, marrow, and blood from living victims to create corpse oil.
• Jiang Yuechu realizes that the supposedly precious Jade Marsh Nectar, which attracted many cultivators, is actually refined corpse oil produced through this horrific process.

Character Developments

• Xuan Luan is shown as grief-stricken, desperate, and increasingly willing to take reckless measures to avenge his disciple. His fear that Jiang Yuechu will become untouchable drives him to challenge authority.
• The Divine General appears controlled and politically cautious. Although he shares Xuan Luan’s pain, he refuses to act hastily and suggests that he has a larger plan.
• Jiang Yuechu demonstrates overwhelming confidence and emotional composure. She treats the death of the Buddhist cultivator almost casually and intimidates the surviving elders into cooperation without needing to use force.
• Kongming continues to show concern for Jiang Yuechu, masking his personal anxiety behind polite Buddhist courtesy. His knowledge of forbidden formations establishes him as an important source of information.
• Zi Ling remains curious and attentive, reacting with shock to both the Buddhist cultivator’s death and the gruesome discovery beneath the sect.

Significant Themes

• Grief and helplessness: Xuan Luan’s mourning emphasizes the pain of losing someone close and the inability to undo death.
• Power, patience, and political calculation: The divine general’s restraint contrasts with Xuan Luan’s urgency, showing how power within the Heavenly Court is shaped by timing and influence.
• Religious hypocrisy and corruption: The Buddhist Sect’s use of a supposedly sacred or benevolent tradition to conduct brutal human sacrifice exposes the corruption hidden behind religious authority.
• Deception and hidden truths: The Jade Marsh Nectar is revealed to be corpse oil, transforming a coveted treasure into evidence of mass exploitation and murder.
• Moral horror and exploitation: The Great Compassion Bone-Pressing Formation treats living cultivators as raw materials, highlighting the extreme lengths powerful factions will take to obtain strength.

Character Interactions

• Xuan Luan and the divine general clash over whether immediate vengeance is necessary, with the general ultimately asserting authority and demanding restraint.
• Jiang Yuechu dismisses Kongming’s indirect concern about her safety, leaving him awkward and unable to continue probing her about the pursuit.
• Zi Ling and Kongming react with disbelief when Jiang Yuechu confirms the Buddhist cultivator’s death.
• The Water Marsh Sect elders grovel before Jiang Yuechu, attempting to shift blame onto their sect master and the Buddhist Sect. Jianguechu uses their fear to force them to reveal the location of the Heavenly Rain Jade Well.
• Kongming explains the formation’s nature to Jiang Yuechu and Zi Ling, allowing them to understand the true source and horrifying purpose of the Jade Marsh Nectar.

Jiang Yuechu uncovered the Water Marsh Sect’s mass murder and used the Heavenly Court Edicts to justify wiping out the sect’s members. After summoning Long Zhi to handle the aftermath, she was surprised when Xu Ming arrived with her, his expression dark as they met again.

• Jiang Yuechu invoked the Heavenly Court Edicts and killed the Water Marsh Sect elders, while Zi Ling and Kongming sealed the sect’s exits.
• Jiang Yuechu burned every living soul in the cavern, collected Dao Essence and the elders’ belongings, then crushed a jade pendant to summon Long Zhi.
• Long Zhi arrived at the Water Marsh Sect’s ruined gates with a Wandering Void Sea cultivator and Xu Ming.
• Jiang Yuechu greeted Xu Ming calmly, and Long Zhi asked what had happened as Jiang Yuechu began explaining how she had met Zi Ling and Kongming.

Chapter Summary: “A Hard-Fought Narrow Victory Indeed”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Zhi listens to Jiang Yuechu’s deliberately incomplete account of the battle at Great Marsh Township. Jiang Yuechu claims that Fairy Zi Ling, Master Kongming, and she barely defeated and killed two Buddhist Sect Wandering Void Sea Venerables.
• Long Zhi immediately recognizes that the story is misleading. She knows Jiang Yuechu is powerful enough to kill such cultivators herself, and suspects she is concealing her true role.
• Jiang Yuechu subtly threatens Kongming by asking whether he found what he was seeking. Since Jiang Yuechu possesses the supreme treasure connected to the death of Kongming’s martial uncle, Kongming realizes he must support her version of events.
• Kongming reluctantly confirms that the battle was indeed a “hard-fought narrow victory,” allowing Jiang Yuechu to maintain the false narrative.
• A feather-fan-wielding official enthusiastically praises Kongming and Zi Ling, crediting them with the victory while largely dismissing Jiang Yuechu’s contribution because of her relatively low official rank.
• Long Zhi suppresses her desire to correct the misunderstanding, remembering prior instructions from the Heavenly Court, and accepts the public account.
• She sends a transmission jade talisman summoning the City God of Lingwater Commandery and other immortal officials to manage the aftermath at the destroyed Water Marsh Sect.
• Despite the danger posed by the Buddhist Sect’s losses, Jiang Yuechu decides not to return to Cloud Province Prefecture. Kongming stays because the Great Compassion Glazed Pearl remains in Jiang Yuechu’s possession, while Zi Ling remains to preserve her pride and continue investigating possible Buddhist Sect survivors.
• Long Zhi warns Jiang Yuechu that the Buddhist Sect will seek revenge and promises to come immediately if Jiang Yuechu calls for help.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yuechu: Demonstrates her usual concealment of strength and achievements, manipulating the situation through calm threats and strategic silence. She remains fearless and continues involving herself in increasingly dangerous conflicts.
• Kongming: Becomes increasingly trapped by Jiang Yuechu’s control over the narrative and her possession of the Great Compassion Glazed Pearl. Though he wants to reveal the truth, fear of the consequences forces him to cooperate.
• Zi Ling: Pretends to be composed and heroic while privately admiring Jiang Yuechu. Her willingness to remain behind suggests growing loyalty and possibly a developing friendship. Her connection to the Greedy Wolf Star Lord may also help protect Jiang Yuechu.
• Long Zhi: Acts decisively to organize the official response, while carefully protecting Jiang Yuechu by allowing the false account to stand. She remains concerned for Jiang Yuechu and offers her continued support.
• Xu Ming: Is frustrated and worried by Jiang Yuechu’s reckless behavior, especially her continued involvement in dangerous affairs. Nevertheless, he recognizes that her relationship with Zi Ling could help resolve her conflict with the Greedy Wolf Star Lord.
• The feather-fan man: Reveals the political hierarchy of the setting through his exaggerated praise of Kongming and Zi Ling and his dismissive attitude toward Jiang Yuechu.

Significant Themes

• Concealment and political survival: Jiang Yuechu’s hidden strength and fabricated version of events allow her to avoid attracting official scrutiny.
• Power and reputation: Public credit is assigned according to status and connections rather than actual contribution. Kongming and Zi Ling receive praise because of their affiliations.
• Manipulation and coercion: Jiang Yuechu controls Kongming through the secret of the treasure and the death of his martial uncle.
• Dangerous ambition: Jiang Yuechu repeatedly places herself in conflicts far beyond what her official position should permit.
• Loyalty and reluctant alliances: Despite fear and personal risk, Kongming and Zi Ling choose to remain with Jiang Yuechu, while Long Zhi continues to protect her from the sidelines.
• Political consequences: The deaths of two Buddhist Sect Venerables are likely to provoke retaliation, turning the local victory into a much larger threat.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yuechu and Kongming: Jiang Yuechu forces Kongming to validate her misleading account by reminding him—indirectly—that she possesses the treasure he needs.
• Jiang Yuechu and Zi Ling: Zi Ling appears increasingly impressed by Jiang Yuechu and chooses to stay with her rather than retreat, suggesting a growing bond.
• Long Zhi and Jiang Yuechu: Long Zhi sees through Jiang Yuechu’s story but chooses not to expose her. She warns her privately and promises immediate assistance if the Buddhist Sect retaliates.
• Xu Ming and Jiang Yuechu: Xu Ming reprimands her gently for leaving without warning and worries that her reckless actions will bring disaster.
• The official and Kongming/Zi Ling: The feather-fan man praises them extravagantly, reinforcing the false public version of the battle while overlooking Jiang Yuechu.
• Long Zhi and the group: Long Zhi organizes the official cleanup and accepts that Jiang Yuechu, Kongming, and Zi Ling will remain in Great Marsh Township to investigate further.

Concise Chapter Summary — The Arhat’s Fury

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Long Zhi and the others depart, Kongming asks Jiang Yuechu to return Taining Temple’s treasured Great Compassion Glazed Pearl, which she obtained after defeating the Wandering Void Sea Venerable.
• Jiang refuses to return, lend, or sell it, treating it as her rightful spoils. Zi Ling supports her, arguing that Jiang defeated the enemy and therefore claimed the treasure according to martial-world customs.
• Unable to reclaim the pearl by force, Kongming decides to remain with Jiang, hoping he may eventually negotiate for its return. Jiang says she intends to wander aimlessly.
• Elsewhere, the Greedy Wolf Star Lord receives a Buddhist Sect message sealed in a golden bodhi seed. The message manifests as an Arhat’s phantom, which launches a symbolic attack against him.
• The Star Lord easily destroys the attack with a breath, recognizing it as a deliberately provocative warning rather than a genuine attempt to harm him.
• The Arhat accuses him of acting on behalf of Heavenly Court and threatens him with an impending confrontation. The Star Lord realizes that Jiang Yuechu must have caused a major incident.
• At Taining Temple, the abbot receives the same message and concludes that Kongming must have successfully located Jing Ye and recovered the Great Compassion Glazed Pearl.
• The abbot orders the Demon-Subduing Formation to be reactivated so the pearl can be sealed when Kongming returns.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yuechu remains unapologetically possessive and confident, refusing to surrender a powerful treasure once it falls into her hands.
• Kongming shifts from politely requesting the pearl’s return to quietly planning to follow Jiang and wait for an opportunity to recover it. His frustration is restrained by fear of Jiang’s overwhelming strength.
• Zi Ling reinforces her alliance with Jiang through playful but self-serving reasoning, openly siding with her against Kongming.
• The Greedy Wolf Star Lord is introduced as an immensely powerful figure in the consummate Myriad-Forms Heaven realm. Though irritated and confused by the Arhat’s challenge, he quickly connects it to Jiang’s actions.
• The Taining Temple abbot is revealed to be pragmatic and politically cautious. He sees Kongming’s mission as a success but worries about the wider conflict between Heavenly Court and the Buddhist Sect.

Significant Themes

• Power and ownership: Jiang’s refusal reflects the principle that strength and victory determine possession, even when the item originally belongs to an institution.
• Political caution and self-preservation: Taining Temple seeks to avoid being implicated in the Buddhist Sect’s schemes or Heavenly Court’s retaliation.
• Escalating conflict: The recovery of the pearl has provoked a powerful Arhat and widened the confrontation beyond Jiang and Kongming.
• The consequences of Jiang’s actions: Jiang’s carefree wandering contrasts with the increasingly serious trouble her actions create for powerful factions.
• Institutional responsibility: Taining Temple wants the pearl secured not merely for its value, but to prevent Jing Ye and the Buddhist Sect from using it to accumulate Incense-Fire Power and Merit.

Character Interactions

• Jiang and Kongming: Their exchange highlights Jiang’s dominance and Kongming’s helplessness. He cannot challenge her directly, so he chooses to stay close and seek a future bargain.
• Jiang and Zi Ling: Zi Ling humorously defends Jiang, strengthening their cooperative relationship while mocking Kongming’s claim.
• Greedy Wolf Star Lord and the Arhat: Their indirect confrontation establishes mutual hostility. The Arhat’s harmless attack serves as a formal warning, while the Star Lord’s effortless defense demonstrates the vast gap in power.
• The Taining Temple abbot and his elder monk: The abbot gives precise orders to secure the pearl, showing the temple’s disciplined and defensive response to the growing crisis.

Jiang Yuechu collected the Heavenly Court's reward for her latest assignment and went to an inn to cultivate, hoping to turn her resources into greater strength. She reviewed her current cultivation and considered how to spend her Dao Essence.

• Jiang Yuechu collected three gui of merit from the Lingwater Commandery City God's temple, more than she had received after the Great Marsh Township battle because she was the only Sky-Patrolling Guard on the assignment.
• Jiang Yuechu told Zi Ling and Kongming they would rest at an inn before continuing their journey.
• Jiang Yuechu discovered she had no mundane money, so Kongming reluctantly paid for their rooms.
• Jiang Yuechu checked her cultivation status and considered using her ninety-three Dao Essence to advance her technique, enrich her Myriad Demon Records, or extrapolate her other immortal arts.

Jiang Yuechu raised the Heart-Intent Qi Primordial Unity Technique to the Supreme Realm, reaching Perfected Inkfall and discovering how to bestow the power of her Dao Painting upon herself. She then strengthened and imprinted the Black-Scaled Giant Tiger, raising the Myriad Demon Records to Profound-Grade and triggering a transformation within its Scroll World.

• Jiang Yuechu used merit and Dao Cultivation to raise the Heart-Intent Qi Primordial Unity Technique to the Supreme Realm and broke through to Perfected Inkfall.
• Jiang Yuechu awakened the dormant power of the sixteen Heavenly-Grade Dao Chess pieces and realized she could bestow the demons and objects in her Dao Painting upon herself.
• Jiang Yuechu strengthened the Black-Scaled Giant Tiger with Dao Cultivation until its Mountain Might reached great accomplishment, then imprinted it into the Myriad Demon Records.
• The Myriad Demon Records rose to Profound-Grade, and its Scroll World shook as the Scarlet Fire Spirit Phoenix, Black-Scaled Giant Tiger, and Yin-Yang Fish stirred and clashed.

After the Myriad Demon Records advanced to Profound-Grade, Jiang Yuechu discovered that the Tiger Mountain God and Cosmic Demon King had returned by devouring two newly recorded Great Demons and inheriting their power and memories. She welcomed the two Cinnabar Flow allies just as Zi Ling reported that someone had abducted the little monk.

• Jiang Yuechu summoned the Tiger Mountain God and Cosmic Demon King, whose forms had replaced the Black-Scaled Giant Tiger and Scarlet Fire Spirit Phoenix in the Myriad Demon Records.
• The Tiger Mountain God explained that he had devoured the Black-Scaled Giant Tiger’s soul, while the Cosmic Demon King had defeated the Scarlet Fire Spirit Phoenix within the records.
• The Cosmic Demon King said the records’ old inhabitants had an advantage over newly imprinted demons, and both demons confirmed they had inherited memories from their victims.
• Jiang Yuechu realized the records had helped the Tiger Mountain God and Cosmic Demon King seize the Great Demons’ foundations, leaving both at the Cinnabar Flow level.
• Zi Ling called through the closed door and told Jiang Yuechu that someone had abducted the little monk.

Summary: “Setting Out, Saving the Little Monk”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Monk Kongming, despite being a powerful Wandering Void Sea Realm cultivator, is mysteriously taken away by a beautiful woman. He offers no resistance and says nothing before leaving.
• Zi Ling, unsure whether Kongming followed willingly or was overpowered by an unknown expert, seeks Jiang Yuechu’s help rather than pursuing the woman alone.
• Zi Ling speculates that the woman may be connected to the Buddhist Sect, possibly even a demon or devil in human form.
• Jiang Yuechu decides that Kongming must be rescued. She invokes her duty as a Heavenly Court Sky-Patrolling Guard, declaring that she cannot ignore a companion’s danger or allow demons and evil forces to act unchecked.
• Inspired by Jiang Yuechu’s courage, Zi Ling follows her despite recognizing that their enemy may be overwhelmingly powerful.
• Several days later, the two travel rapidly through the sea of clouds on Zi Ling’s Purple Firmament Tusita Cloud, a valuable imitation Profound-grade Dao Armament.
• As they near the edge of Heavenly Court territory, Zi Ling becomes concerned that they may be heading into an increasingly dangerous region.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yuechu reveals a strong sense of responsibility beneath her normally cold and pragmatic exterior. Although she is not especially close to Kongming, she immediately commits to rescuing him once she believes he may have been abducted by a dangerous supernatural being.
• Her bold declaration about “slaying demons and eliminating evil” shows her willingness to act decisively and accept personal risk.
• Zi Ling initially acts cautiously, recognizing that pursuing the abductor alone could mean certain death. However, Jiang Yuechu’s fearless resolve awakens Zi Ling’s admiration and inspires her to embrace the heroic ideal she has long sought.
• Zi Ling also displays her privileged background and resources as the Greedy Wolf Star Lord’s disciple, especially through her use of the luxurious and extremely fast auspicious cloud.
• Kongming remains absent, but his unexplained compliance with the mysterious woman raises questions about whether he was controlled, willingly summoned, or connected to her in some way.

Significant Themes

• Heroism and moral duty: Jiang Yuechu chooses to help Kongming not because of personal closeness, but because allowing a potentially evil force to harm him would violate her principles.
• Courage in the face of overwhelming danger: Both women understand that their enemy may be strong enough to abduct a Wandering Void Sea cultivator effortlessly, yet they proceed anyway.
• Admiration and inspiration: Zi Ling’s understanding of heroism changes as she witnesses Jiang Yuechu embody the fearless, wandering-hero spirit she has always admired.
• Appearance versus inner strength: Kongming’s abduction cannot be explained by simple attraction to beauty, emphasizing the importance of cultivation, willpower, and hidden supernatural abilities.
• Uncertainty and hidden affiliations: The woman’s identity, her possible connection to the Buddhist Sect, and the reason for Kongming’s obedience remain unclear.

Character Interactions

• Zi Ling anxiously explains Kongming’s disappearance to Jiang Yuechu, while Jiang Yuechu calmly questions her about the mysterious woman.
• Their exchange includes light humor: Jiang Yuechu matter-of-factly agrees that the woman was beautiful because Zi Ling compared her appearance to Jiang’s own.
• Zi Ling’s suggestion that the woman might be a demon or devil briefly creates awkwardness, but Jiang Yuechu ignores the implication and focuses on the rescue.
• Jiang Yuechu’s decisive departure prompts Zi Ling to overcome her hesitation and join her.
• During their journey, Jiang Yuechu admires Zi Ling’s valuable cloud and bluntly asks to borrow it, causing Zi Ling’s pride to collapse before she redirects the conversation toward the growing danger ahead.

Chapter Summary: The Palace Sisters

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yuechu confirms through the Cosmic Demon King that their target has been located and deliberately instructs Zi Ling to slow their flight toward the destination. Although Zi Ling suspects Jiang may want Kongming to die so she can keep the Taining Temple treasure, she ultimately trusts that Jiang has a deeper plan.
• The setting shifts to a magnificent Grotto-Heaven cave abode decorated for a grand wedding. Cultivators and demons from the surrounding region arrive peacefully, unaware of the crisis unfolding behind the scenes.
• The Fifth and Third Palace Sisters anxiously await the return of their Second Sister. Their “fairy” has announced a wedding to celebrate the advancement of a former male companion, but that man abandoned her after using the Grotto-Heaven’s resources to cultivate and went to the Heavenly Court to become an immortal official.
• Because the fairy’s public wedding announcement cannot be withdrawn, the sisters have sent the Second Palace Sister to abduct a replacement cultivator of comparable strength so the ceremony can proceed without exposing the truth.
• The Second Sister returns with Kongming, a Wandering Void Sea cultivator—but he is a monk. The sisters are horrified, since a monk is an absurd and potentially disastrous substitute for the man the fairy intended to marry.
• Despite the problem, the wedding is imminent. With no time to abduct anyone else, the sisters decide to dress Kongming in wedding clothes and conceal his bald head with a hat, hoping to complete the ceremony before anyone notices.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yuechu remains calculating and composed. Her decision to slow down suggests she is coordinating a larger plan rather than rushing blindly to rescue Kongming.
• Zi Ling briefly becomes suspicious of Jiang’s motives but reassesses her judgment, concluding that Jiang likely has a strategic reason for her unusual instructions.
• The Third Palace Sister is practical, discreet, and focused on preserving the fairy’s reputation. She suppresses panic and repeatedly tries to keep the others from revealing the scandal.
• The Fifth Palace Sister is outspoken and resentful. She openly condemns the man who betrayed their fairy and shows little concern for etiquette when angry.
• The Second Palace Sister is powerful but frustrated and unlucky. She successfully captures a strong substitute, yet her choice of a monk creates a new crisis.
• Kongming is introduced as the unwilling “groom” in the sisters’ improvised wedding scheme, apparently unconscious or unable to resist.

Significant Themes

• Appearance versus reality: The wedding is a public performance designed to conceal the absence of the true groom.
• Improvisation under pressure: The sisters must maintain a carefully crafted illusion despite having no suitable replacement.
• Betrayal and resentment: The fairy’s former companion exploited her support, then abandoned her, leaving the palace sisters angry and humiliated.
• Reputation and social expectations: The sisters fear ridicule from nearby cultivators and demons more than the absurdity of forcing a monk into a wedding ceremony.
• Strategic patience: Jiang Yuechu’s deliberate slowing of the rescue party contrasts with the palace sisters’ frantic, improvised actions.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yuechu gives Zi Ling controlled instructions, while Zi Ling internally questions her motives before choosing to trust her.
• The Third and Fifth Palace Sisters discuss the missing Second Sister and criticize the fairy’s former lover, revealing both their loyalty to the fairy and their frustration with the situation.
• When the Second Sister arrives, the three sisters react with shock to Kongming’s identity. The Fifth Sister voices the strongest objection, while the Third Sister focuses on damage control.
• The Second Sister explains that she did not enter the wrong territory and simply encountered Kongming in the Heavenly Court borderlands. The sisters ultimately agree to disguise him and proceed with the wedding.

Chapter Summary: “They Really Were Arrogant”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Yuechu and Zi Ling locate Kongming at a lavish cave abode hidden in the mountains. The site is decorated with red silk, lanterns, and wedding ornaments for the wedding of the powerful Jadeface Fairy.
• The two descend into the crowd of guests and quietly blend in, while the Tiger Mountain God and Cosmic Demon King arrive separately after observing from a distance.
• Their appearance immediately silences the surrounding guests. Both demons possess Cinnabar Flow Perfection cultivation, making them exceptionally powerful in the remote wilderness.
• Palace Fourth Sister, a seductive Wandering Void Sea cultivator and one of Jadeface Fairy’s attendants, comes to receive them. She is visibly attracted to the Tiger Mountain God but ignores the Cosmic Demon King.
• Offended by being overlooked, the Cosmic Demon King rudely challenges her and boasts about his and the Tiger Mountain God’s status as wandering demons.
• Palace Fourth Sister suppresses her anger to avoid causing conflict during the wedding celebration. She publicly welcomes them but secretly orders a maid to seat them near the main table, where Third Sister can monitor and restrain them if necessary.
• Jiang Yuechu and Zi Ling continue into the gathering. Zi Ling questions how two Cinnabar Flow demons can behave so arrogantly in front of a Wandering Void Sea cultivator unless they possess powerful backing.
• Jiang Yuechu agrees that they are excessively arrogant and privately decides she should later “educate” similarly spoiled and ignorant young heirs.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yuechu: Displays an unusual fondness for banquets and briefly smiles while recalling earlier celebrations. She remains calm, observant, and deliberately conceals her connection to the two demons. Her self-image as extremely low-key contrasts humorously with the arrogance of the Cosmic Demon King.
• Zi Ling: Acts as Jiang Yuechu’s close companion and provides an outside perspective on the dangerous social situation. She is puzzled and concerned by the two demons’ reckless behavior.
• Tiger Mountain God: Remains silent, composed, and unmoved by Palace Fourth Sister’s flirtation. His imposing appearance and powerful aura make him a natural focus of attention.
• Cosmic Demon King: Reveals himself to be proud, impulsive, and extremely status-conscious. Feeling slighted when Palace Fourth Sister favors his companion, he aggressively asserts himself and insults her hospitality.
• Palace Fourth Sister: Shows both seductive charm and political restraint. Though irritated by the Cosmic Demon King’s insult, she prioritizes preserving the wedding’s dignity and quietly arranges surveillance rather than retaliating openly.
• Jadeface Fairy: Does not appear directly, but her immense influence is emphasized. Her wedding attracts powerful guests from far away, and her organization commands several Wandering Void Sea cultivators.

Significant Themes

• Arrogance versus true power: The chapter contrasts the Cosmic Demon King’s loud self-importance with Palace Fourth Sister’s greater cultivation and controlled response.
• Concealed strength and appearances: Jiang Yuechu hides in the crowd despite her importance, while the two demons openly display their strength. Guests judge one another based on aura, status, and reputation.
• Social restraint and political calculation: Palace Fourth Sister suppresses her anger because public violence would damage the wedding’s auspicious atmosphere and Jadeface Fairy’s reputation.
• Low-key behavior versus ostentation: Jiang Yuechu’s quiet approach is humorously set against the demons’ flamboyant arrogance.
• Power structures in the wilderness: Even outside formal royal territories, powerful cultivators dominate large regions, and guests attend major events partly to build connections with them.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yuechu and Zi Ling travel together and discuss the wedding and the demons’ behavior.
• The Tiger Mountain God and Cosmic Demon King enter as a pair, but their contrasting personalities become clear: the Tiger Mountain God is stoic, while the Cosmic Demon King is boastful.
• Palace Fourth Sister attempts to welcome both demons but focuses her attention on the Tiger Mountain God, provoking the Cosmic Demon King.
• The Cosmic Demon King insults Palace Fourth Sister’s questioning, prompting her to conceal her anger and arrange discreet supervision.
• Jiang Yuechu observes the exchange without revealing that she knows the two demons, while Zi Ling comments on the suspiciously confident behavior.

Chapter Summary: “Waiting for the Feast”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The procession of cultivators and demons continues toward Jadeface Fairy’s wedding banquet. Most guests behave respectfully, contrasting sharply with the two arrogant demons who caused trouble earlier.
• Jiang Yuechu learns through overheard conversations that the cave abode contains numerous powerful cultivators. Jadeface Fairy is reportedly a Wandering Void Sea Perfection expert, while several of her sisters are also in the Wandering Void Sea Realm.
• Jiang realizes that she could perhaps fight ordinary Wandering Void Sea cultivators using her current strength, but she would be no match for Jadeface Fairy without expending her precious Dao Cultivation.
• Zi Ling suggests returning to Gluttonous Wolf Mountain to summon her senior brother, who is also at Wandering Void Sea Perfection, but Jiang Yuechu refuses to retreat immediately. She decides to observe the situation and “see how things go.”
• Guests present lavish wedding gifts at the entrance. Jiang Yuechu, apparently unaware—or unconcerned—that she is expected to contribute, attempts to walk past the gift tables.
• A maidservant stops her and demands a congratulatory gift. Jiang asks Zi Ling to cover the cost, and Zi Ling reluctantly offers an exquisite treasure box. The maidservant is immediately satisfied and allows them entry.
• Jiang and Zi Ling are seated at a remote table with a few rogue cultivators. Jiang prefers the distant location because it gives her a better view of the banquet and its important guests.
• Near the head table, the atmosphere is tense. Tiger Mountain God sits silently with a blade across his knees, radiating killing intent, while the Cosmic Demon King behaves offensively and arrogantly, eating a spirit bird and insulting the food and wine.
• The cultivators sharing the Cosmic Demon King’s table become increasingly angry but endure his behavior, likely because they fear his power.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yuechu: Remains calm, observant, and strategically cautious despite discovering that the enemy’s strength greatly exceeds her expectations. She acknowledges the danger but refuses to retreat prematurely, suggesting confidence in her own judgment and combat ability. Her casual disregard for the expected wedding gift also highlights her unconventional, somewhat oblivious manner.
• Zi Ling: Becomes more cautious after learning that Jadeface Fairy is at Wandering Void Sea Perfection. She proposes seeking outside assistance, showing practical judgment and concern for their safety. Despite her reluctance, she continues supporting Jiang and pays the required gift.
• Jadeface Fairy: Although she does not appear directly, her reputation grows. Her status as a Wandering Void Sea Perfection expert establishes her as the dominant power of the region.
• Tiger Mountain God: Presents a restrained but threatening presence. His silence and killing intent make others avoid him, implying that he is dangerous and potentially volatile.
• Cosmic Demon King: Displays extreme arrogance, rudeness, and disregard for social rules. His conduct alienates the other guests and creates an atmosphere of suppressed hostility.
• The banquet guests: Most demonstrate caution and respect for the rules, revealing that they understand the overwhelming power held by the wedding’s hosts and the consequences of provoking them.

Significant Themes

• Power and hierarchy: The chapter emphasizes the vast gap between ordinary cultivators, Wandering Void Sea experts, and Wandering Void Sea Perfection masters. Reputation and cultivation determine status, seating, and how others respond to bad behavior.
• Caution versus boldness: Zi Ling advocates retreat and preparation, while Jiang Yuechu chooses to remain and assess the situation. Their differing approaches create tension between prudence and daring.
• Outward etiquette versus hidden hostility: The guests follow formal customs by presenting gifts and observing rules, but resentment, fear, and murderous intent simmer beneath the surface.
• Social rituals and power politics: The wedding banquet functions not merely as a celebration but as a gathering where powerful figures display status, make connections, and test boundaries.
• Composure under pressure: Jiang’s calmness contrasts with Zi Ling’s anxiety and the Cosmic Demon King’s aggressive behavior, reinforcing Jiang’s image as someone difficult to intimidate.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yuechu and Zi Ling: Zi Ling warns Jiang about the danger of confronting a Wandering Void Sea Perfection expert and offers to summon her senior brother. Jiang rejects the suggestion for now, but her confidence reassures Zi Ling enough to continue.
• Jiang Yuechu and the gift-receiving maidservant: The maidservant confronts Jiang for trying to enter without presenting a gift. Jiang responds by making Zi Ling pay, and the conflict ends once the valuable treasure is accepted.
• Jiang Yuechu and the banquet crowd: Jiang remains detached from the social bustle, observing the guests rather than seeking connections or attention.
• Cosmic Demon King and the other guests: He insults the banquet’s food and wine while eating messily, provoking the cultivators and demons at his table. They are visibly angered but tolerate him because they fear the consequences of confrontation.
• Tiger Mountain God and the surrounding guests: His silent, blade-bearing presence and intense killing intent discourage anyone from approaching, marking him as another dangerous and isolated figure.

Jiang Yuechu considered exploiting the Buddhist Sect’s threat to seize the Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds and its Incense-Fire Power, possibly by intensifying the conflict between its leaders. At Fairy Jadeface’s wedding, she discovered that the groom was an eminent monk from Taining Temple, apparently unwilling to marry.

• A gray-robed cultivator warned the banquet guests that White Ape might annex the Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds for the Buddhist Sect’s Buddha Son.
• Jiang Yuechu weighed taking the territory’s Incense-Fire Power and considered stirring up conflict so she could profit from the aftermath.
• Nine chimes announced the wedding, and Fairy Jadeface arrived on the platform in bridal attire.
• Zi Ling recognized the groom as an eminent monk from Taining Temple and exclaimed that he had come to get married.
• The Palace Clan’s third sister welcomed the guests and raised a cup in thanks for their attendance.

Chapter Summary: “Who Was More Overbearing?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• During Fairy Jadeface’s wedding feast, the guests celebrate peacefully as the ceremony is about to begin.
• The Buddhist Sect’s White Ape Great Demon suddenly arrives with several hostile-looking demons. His entrance injures the guards and disrupts the banquet.
• The White Ape claims he has merely come to drink wedding wine, but immediately behaves arrogantly, intimidating a weaker rogue cultivator and forcing powerful guests from their seats.
• Palace Third Sister suppresses her anger and diplomatically offers him the seat of honor to prevent open conflict with the Buddhist Sect.
• The wedding ceremony resumes, but the atmosphere becomes tense.
• Just as the couple is about to bow to Heaven and Earth, the White Ape crushes his wine cup and loudly declares, “This venerable one objects.”
• He insults Monk Kongming as too delicate to be a proper husband and crudely suggests that Fairy Jadeface leave with him instead.
• When confronted, the White Ape pretends his behavior is merely wedding-related joking, then openly declares that he intends to cause trouble.
• Someone suddenly smashes a wine jar over the White Ape’s head. After tasting the wine running down his face, he turns furiously toward the attacker, ending the chapter on a cliffhanger.

Character Developments

• White Ape Great Demon: Reveals himself as deliberately provocative, domineering, shameless, and confident in the Buddhist Sect’s power. His supposed desire to drink wedding wine is exposed as a pretext for humiliating the Palace Clan and challenging the wedding.
• Palace Third Sister: Demonstrates restraint and political awareness. Although deeply humiliated, she repeatedly prevents her sister from attacking, prioritizing the Palace Clan’s larger relationship with the Buddhist Sect.
• Palace Second Sister: Is more openly hot-tempered and ready to defend the clan’s dignity, but allows herself to be restrained by Third Sister.
• Fairy Jadeface: Remains composed and largely silent, communicating with Third Sister through subtle gestures. Her calmness contrasts with the White Ape’s crude behavior.
• Monk Kongming: Appears bewildered and passive, requiring the maids to guide him through the wedding ceremony. The White Ape uses his delicate appearance to question his suitability as a groom.

Significant Themes

• Humiliation versus diplomacy: The Palace sisters must endure insults to avoid provoking a powerful enemy, raising the question of how long restraint can be maintained.
• Power and intimidation: The White Ape uses his strength and status to bully weaker guests and challenge the authority of the Palace Clan.
• Public ceremony and disrupted order: The wedding represents harmony and alliance, while the White Ape’s actions deliberately undermine its ritual and social order.
• Overbearing behavior and retaliation: The chapter contrasts the White Ape’s escalating arrogance with the guests’ suppressed anger, culminating in an unexpected act of defiance.

Character Interactions

• The White Ape intimidates a low-level rogue cultivator after the guards question his identity.
• Palace Third Sister placates him by apologizing and offering the seat of honor, while Palace Second Sister repeatedly attempts to confront him.
• The White Ape sits beside the Tiger Mountain God and Cosmic Demon King, physically displacing other guests.
• He openly insults Fairy Jadeface and Monk Kongming, turning the wedding celebration into a personal provocation.
• Palace Third Sister challenges his conduct, but he dismisses her objections and threatens the entire gathering.
• An unidentified person finally strikes him with a wine jar, directly challenging the White Ape and shifting the balance of the confrontation.

The Tiger Mountain God and the Cosmic Demon King provoked White Ape at Fairy Jadeface’s wedding, turning a dispute with the Buddhist Sect demon into a fight. White Ape’s attack left the Cosmic Demon King’s body close to rupturing, and the battle continued with him at a disadvantage.

• The Tiger Mountain God slapped White Ape into the cave floor after White Ape threatened him.
• Fairy Jadeface stopped White Ape’s punch and asked him to let the clash end without bloodshed.
• The Cosmic Demon King threw leftover soup and scraps into White Ape’s face and challenged him to swallow them.
• White Ape attacked the Cosmic Demon King, who summoned a halberd and met the blow head-on.
• White Ape overpowered the Cosmic Demon King’s Cinnabar Flow body and pressed his attack, shouting for him to die.

Chapter Summary: “No Sooner Said Than Done!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The confrontation at the Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds wedding escalates when the White Ape Great Demon, a powerful Wandering Void Sea cultivator from the Buddhist Sect, attempts to assert dominance and threaten the gathering.
• Tiger Mountain God suddenly intervenes, drawing his saber and forcing the White Ape to abandon its attack on the Cosmic Demon King. He and the Cosmic Demon King then face the White Ape together despite being only peak Cinnabar Flow cultivators.
• Tiger Mountain God publicly condemns the White Ape’s tyranny, arguing that allowing the Buddhist Sect to act unchecked will eventually cost everyone their homes and access to the region’s Incense-Fire Power.
• His speech resonates with the surrounding cultivators, demons, and members of the Palace Clan. Many realize that surrendering now would leave them defenseless against the Buddhist Sect’s planned annexation of the three lands.
• From the sidelines, Jiang Yuechu decides that the tension has reached the right point and loudly praises Tiger Mountain God’s words. Her unexpected declaration draws everyone’s attention and further humiliates the White Ape.
• Furious, the White Ape accuses the entire gathering of opposing the Buddhist Sect and turns its attention toward the Jadeface Fairy, demanding to know whether she will join the resistance.
• Before the Jadeface Fairy can decide how to respond, the Cosmic Demon King boldly insults the White Ape and challenges its authority.
• At the same time, Jiang Yuechu launches an immediate attack on the Buddhist Sect’s accompanying demons, targeting a Cinnabar Flow Black Bear Demon with a dark-golden, magma-infused punch.

Character Developments

• Tiger Mountain God: Reveals a strong sense of justice and loyalty to his principles. Though aware of the danger of confronting a Wandering Void Sea expert, he refuses to tolerate bullying or the Buddhist Sect’s attempt to dominate the region.
• Cosmic Demon King: Initially resents Tiger Mountain God’s intervention but quickly joins the confrontation. His reckless provocation shows his pride, courage, and willingness to stand against a stronger enemy.
• Jiang Yuechu: Demonstrates that her calm behavior has concealed an active plan. She deliberately waits until the conflict reaches a critical point, then publicly supports the resistance before immediately taking action herself.
• Zi Ling: Becomes increasingly confused by Jiang Yuechu’s behavior. She initially believes Jiang is sincerely acting out of heroic indignation, then remembers that they originally came to disrupt the wedding themselves.
• Jadeface Fairy: Her careful strategy is disrupted by the unexpected escalation. Although she wants the White Ape to suffer a setback, she recognizes that openly joining the conflict could have serious consequences.
• White Ape Great Demon: Its confidence shifts into fury and wounded pride as increasingly weaker opponents defy and humiliate it. It begins treating the entire gathering as an enemy.

Significant Themes

• Resistance against tyranny: The chapter emphasizes that tolerating small acts of domination can lead to the loss of one’s entire livelihood and freedom.
• Courage versus overwhelming power: The Cinnabar Flow demons knowingly challenge a much stronger opponent, showing that moral conviction and collective resistance can overcome fear.
• Collective interest and solidarity: The gathering’s cultivators realize that the Buddhist Sect’s threat affects everyone, encouraging them to reconsider their passive stance.
• Masks and hidden intentions: Jiang Yuechu appears to be acting from righteous indignation, but her actions are also part of a larger plan to manipulate the situation.
• Escalation and loss of control: What began as a tense dispute rapidly becomes an open battle, leaving the Jadeface Fairy and others unable to follow their original plans.

Character Interactions

• Tiger Mountain God intervenes to protect the Cosmic Demon King, despite the latter’s annoyance at being helped.
• Tiger Mountain God addresses the gathered cultivators, turning his personal confrontation with the White Ape into a broader appeal for regional unity.
• Jiang Yuechu’s sudden shout publicly reinforces Tiger Mountain God’s position and embarrasses the White Ape.
• The White Ape attempts to pressure the Jadeface Fairy into declaring her allegiance, but she hesitates because of the political consequences.
• The Cosmic Demon King openly insults the White Ape, escalating the confrontation.
• Jiang Yuechu bypasses the White Ape and attacks one of its Buddhist Sect allies, transforming the standoff into direct combat.

Jiang Yuechu attacked the Buddhist Sect demons and killed a Cinnabar Flow Realm Bear Demon, shocking both sides and shifting the battle. White Ape tried to flee, but Fairy Jadeface trapped him among her tails and moved in to strike.

• Jiang Yuechu's punch broke the standoff and prompted the Palace Clan sisters and the other cultivators and demons to attack.
• Jiang Yuechu overpowered the Bear Demon with her dark-gold flames and killed him, gaining forty-three Dao Essence.
• The Bear Demon's death briefly silenced the cave abode and left White Ape regretting his decision to confront the Linked Clouds forces.
• White Ape knocked back the white fox and tried to escape, but Fairy Jadeface's tails sealed the sky and trapped him.
• Fairy Jadeface appeared before White Ape and raised her hand to attack.

Summary: “The Two Demons’ Heroic Sacrifice”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The White Ape, a powerful Wandering Void Sea Realm demon serving the Buddhist Son, is overwhelmed by Fairy Jadeface’s extraordinary strength. He suspects she may have reached the higher Myriad-Forms Heaven Realm.
• Realizing that Fairy Jadeface hesitates to kill him because of the Buddhist Sect’s likely retaliation, the White Ape threatens to destroy the Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds through the Buddhist Son’s vengeance.
• Palace Second Sister challenges Fairy Jadeface’s hesitation, arguing that the Buddhist Sect has already made them enemies by attempting to seize their Incense-Fire Power. Whether the White Ape lives or dies, conflict with the Buddhist Sect is unavoidable.
• Before Palace Second Sister can attack, the Cosmic Demon King and Tiger Mountain God—two outsider demons at the Cinnabar Flow Realm—charge the White Ape to defend the Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds.
• The White Ape unleashes his full Wandering Void Sea power. With a single palm strike, he shatters the Cosmic Demon King’s halberd and kills him instantly.
• Despite witnessing his brother’s death, Tiger Mountain God continues attacking. He declares that they live by loyalty and righteousness and that his brother died defending the innocent.
• Moved and angered by the sacrifice of the two outsiders, Palace Second Sister condemns the group’s continued hesitation. She attacks the White Ape, followed by Palace Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sisters, who reveal their true fox-demon forms and join the battle.

Character Developments

• Fairy Jadeface: Her immense power is revealed, but so is her vulnerability. She remains below the Myriad-Forms Heaven Realm and worries that killing the White Ape will bring catastrophic retaliation from the Buddhist Son. Her usual decisiveness gives way to hesitation.
• Palace Second Sister: She emerges as a forceful and courageous leader. Refusing to accept submission or delay, she recognizes that confrontation with the Buddhist Sect is inevitable and acts decisively when Fairy Jadeface falters.
• Cosmic Demon King: Though only at the Cinnabar Flow Realm, he displays exceptional bravery by attacking a vastly stronger enemy. He dies instantly, sacrificing himself for the people of the Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds.
• Tiger Mountain God: His character is defined by loyalty, courage, and moral conviction. Rather than retreat after his brother’s death, he continues the attack and publicly affirms that they fight for righteousness rather than personal gain.
• Palace Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sisters: They are inspired—or compelled—by the unfolding crisis to abandon restraint. They join Palace Second Sister and reveal their powerful fox-demon forms.

Significant Themes

• Heroism through sacrifice: The two outsider demons risk and ultimately give their lives for a community to which they have no familial obligation.
• Loyalty and righteousness: Tiger Mountain God insists that true loyalty is worth defending even against overwhelming power and political threats.
• Dignity versus survival: The characters must choose between preserving their lives through submission and defending their dignity against the Buddhist Sect.
• The burden of leadership: Fairy Jadeface’s hesitation reflects the responsibility of protecting an entire faction from the consequences of one decisive act.
• Inevitability of conflict: Palace Second Sister recognizes that appeasing the Buddhist Sect will not prevent war; resistance is unavoidable because the Buddhist Sect has already targeted their foundations.
• Power and hierarchy: The White Ape’s effortless killing of the Cosmic Demon King emphasizes the enormous gap between the Cinnabar Flow and Wandering Void Sea Realms, while the weaker demons’ courage challenges the idea that strength alone determines worth.

Character Interactions

• The White Ape attempts to manipulate Fairy Jadeface through threats of the Buddhist Son’s retaliation, successfully creating a moment of doubt.
• Palace Second Sister confronts Fairy Jadeface, urging her to stop prioritizing future consequences over the immediate defense of their people.
• The Cosmic Demon King and Tiger Mountain God jointly attack the White Ape, transforming their earlier humiliation into a final act of defiance.
• After killing the Cosmic Demon King, the White Ape taunts Tiger Mountain God, but Tiger responds with a declaration of loyalty and righteousness rather than fear.
• Tiger Mountain God’s sacrifice and resolve shame and inspire the residents of the Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds, prompting Palace Second Sister and the other sisters to enter the battle against the White Ape.

White Ape attacked the fox demons but was overwhelmed after Tiger Mountain God died, then pleaded for his life. Jiang Yuechu intervened and killed him herself, making herself the one the Buddhist Sect would target.

• White Ape shattered the tiger demon's saber and sent him flying, but Tiger Mountain God turned to ash and declared that his brothers would go ahead.
• Palace Second Sister and the other fox demons blamed White Ape for Tiger Mountain God's death and wounded him until he fell and begged for mercy.
• Fairy Jadeface prepared to kill White Ape, but Jiang Yuechu rushed in, seized him, and punched him repeatedly.
• Jiang Yuechu killed White Ape with a final punch and received 145 dao essence.
• The onlookers stared at Jiang Yuechu, realizing she had taken responsibility for killing the Buddhist Sect's servant.

Chapter Summary: “I Just Couldn’t Hold Back”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Jiang Yuechu kills the Buddhist Sect’s White Ape, she apologizes to Fairy Jadeface, explaining that she simply could not restrain her anger at the Buddhist Sect’s actions.
• Fairy Jadeface reflects on Jiang Yuechu’s courage and on her own earlier hesitation. She realizes that, as guardian of the Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds, she must preserve her courage and moral resolve rather than constantly calculating gains and losses.
• Fairy Jadeface asks Jiang Yuechu about her origins. Jiang Yuechu claims to be a wandering rogue cultivator, concealing her true background. Fairy Jadeface and the Palace Clan sisters are astonished that such fearless and righteous rogue cultivators exist.
• Fairy Jadeface orders the two Cinnabar Flow demons who died defending the region to be honored with a cenotaph and grand funeral rites. Their sacrifices and offerings are to continue for as long as the region’s Incense-Fire Power survives.
• The guests leave the ruined wedding celebration, recognizing that the Buddhist Sect will likely retaliate against Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds. The fake wedding is abandoned, and the manor begins preparing for the coming crisis.
• Jiang Yuechu and Zi Ling remain behind to retrieve Kongming, who had been brought to the manor and forced into the wedding ceremony. Fairy Jadeface discovers that her subordinates had abducted him merely to fill out the wedding party.
• Fairy Jadeface awakens Kongming from his dazed state and apologizes to Jiang Yuechu for the misunderstanding. Jiang Yuechu prepares to leave with Zi Ling and Kongming, but Fairy Jadeface suddenly asks her to stay.

Character Developments

• Jiang Yuechu demonstrates her strong sense of justice and impulsive courage. Her willingness to confront the Buddhist Sect, despite the consequences, impresses Fairy Jadeface and reinforces her image as a chivalrous and fearless cultivator.
• Fairy Jadeface undergoes an important change in perspective. She recognizes that her cautious concern for advantages and losses had made her less decisive than the outsiders who defended her territory. Inspired by Jiang Yuechu and the fallen demons, she renews her resolve to protect Eight Hundred Miles of Linked Clouds.
• The Palace Clan sisters show remorse and solemn respect after realizing the gravity of the day’s events. The second sister accepts responsibility for arranging the fallen demons’ memorial and appears embarrassed by the mistake involving Kongming.
• Zi Ling admires the bravery of the two deceased demons and feels humbled by their chivalry. Although she is uneasy in Fairy Jadeface’s presence, she relies on Jiang Yuechu’s calm confidence.
• Kongming is revealed to have been unwillingly drawn into the fake wedding and remains mentally dazed until Fairy Jadeface restores his clarity.

Significant Themes

• Chivalry and moral courage: Jiang Yuechu and the two sacrificed demons embody the rare willingness to defend others without regard for personal cost.
• Duty versus self-interest: Fairy Jadeface realizes that leadership requires moral decisiveness, not merely careful calculation of benefits and risks.
• Honor and remembrance: The decision to establish a permanent memorial emphasizes that righteous sacrifice deserves recognition regardless of social ties or origin.
• Consequences of resistance: The manor’s defense against the Buddhist Sect protects its dignity but also leaves it expecting severe retaliation.
• False appearances: The fake wedding, Jiang Yuechu’s concealed identity, and Kongming’s forced participation all highlight the contrast between outward appearances and the truth beneath them.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Yuechu’s apology softens Fairy Jadeface’s attitude toward her and prompts the older demon to reassess herself.
• Fairy Jadeface publicly honors the fallen demons, earning the respect and grief of the Palace Clan and the gathered rogue cultivators.
• Jiang Yuechu calmly explains Kongming’s situation without accusing Fairy Jadeface, while Fairy Jadeface responds with an apology after realizing her subordinates’ mistake.
• The chapter ends with Fairy Jadeface stopping Jiang Yuechu before she leaves, suggesting that she intends to discuss an important matter or seek her assistance regarding the Buddhist Sect’s impending attack.