Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “The Arrival of the Golden Finger”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fa Wutian successfully breaks through to the Dou Practitioner realm after years of training and using a valuable Qi Gathering Powder.
• He tests his attributes and discovers that he possesses both fire and wood elements, confirming his potential to become an alchemist.
• Worried that his family’s best cultivation method is only a High Xuan-Tier technique, Fa Wutian laments that he lacks access to a stronger method like Xiao Yan’s Flame Mantra.
• Reflecting on his transmigration, Fa Wutian recalls that he was originally a college graduate who died in an accident and was reborn as the grandson of Fama, president of the Gama Empire’s Alchemist Association.
• His parents were killed ten years earlier in an assassination arranged by the Chuanyun Empire, leaving him as the Fa Family’s only descendant. This taught him that the Dou Continent is governed by survival of the fittest.
• Having determined the timeline, Fa Wutian realizes he is about two and a half years older than Xiao Yan and that Xiao Yan has not yet met Yao Lao or begun cultivating the Flame Mantra.
• Concerned about the future threat of Soul Tiandi and the destruction of the continent, Fa Wutian decides he needs a powerful long-term plan.
• While complaining that other transmigrators receive special advantages but he has none, Fa Wutian unexpectedly activates the Realm Achievement System.
• The system rewards him for previous cultivation milestones:
  • A Low Earth-Rank battle skill, Dragon Spear Wild Dance, for reaching the First Stage of Battle Qi.
  • The Flame Mantra, initially a Low Yellow-Rank cultivation method, for reaching the Dou Practitioner realm.
• Fa Wutian immediately masters the Flame Mantra, causing his Douqi to turn pale yellow, and decides to adopt the long spear as his weapon because of the spear-based battle skill.
• He travels to the Alchemist Association to ask his grandfather for a suitable spear.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian is established as ambitious, cautious, and highly motivated by the dangers of the future. His parents’ deaths and his awareness of the continent’s harsh power structure have made him determined to grow stronger.
• Despite being jealous of Xiao Yan’s advantages, Fa Wutian refuses to simply rely on or flatter him because they are both transmigrators.
• His confidence rises dramatically after obtaining the system and the Flame Mantra. He quickly shifts from frustration to excitement and begins planning his combat style around the spear.
• Fama is introduced as Fa Wutian’s grandfather, a powerful Seven-Star Dou Emperor and Fifth-Rank Alchemist who provides Fa Wutian with protection, resources, and social status.
• The guards and alchemists of the association treat Fa Wutian with exaggerated respect because of his family connections and his potential future position.

Significant Themes

• Power and survival: Fa Wutian recognizes that strength is essential in the Dou Continent, especially after losing his parents to political assassination.
• Destiny versus personal effort: Although Fa Wutian has the support of his grandfather, he has trained relentlessly since childhood and still seeks his own path to power.
• Transmigration and comparison: His life is contrasted with Xiao Yan’s, highlighting the resentment and rivalry that can arise between people who share similar extraordinary origins.
• The arrival of opportunity: The Realm Achievement System represents a turning point, giving Fa Wutian the resources needed to overcome his cultivation limitations.
• Inherited status and influence: Fa Wutian’s identity as Fama’s grandson grants him immediate respect, even before he proves his own abilities as an alchemist.

Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian has no direct interaction with Xiao Yan yet, but his thoughts reveal a complicated mixture of envy, rivalry, and unwilling admiration.
• The system communicates with Fa Wutian in a cold, mechanical manner, providing rewards but no emotional guidance.
• At the Alchemist Association, the entrance guards eagerly flatter Fa Wutian and compete to escort him to Fama, hoping to gain favor and receive rewards.
• Several alchemists introduce themselves to Fa Wutian, attempting to establish relationships with the future heir of the association. Overwhelmed by their enthusiasm, he quickly leaves the lobby with the guard.

Chapter Summary: The Chuanyun Empire Takes Notice

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fa Wutian visits his grandfather, Fama, the president of the Alchemist Association, to ask for a weapon suitable for practicing weapon-based battle skills.
• He reveals that he has already advanced from the Battle Qi stage to the Dou Practitioner stage after using the Qi Gathering Powder Fama gave him.
• Fama is shocked and pleased by his grandson’s rapid progress, especially after learning that Fa Wutian possesses both fire and wood attributes.
• When asked about his cultivation technique, Fa Wutian explains that he is practicing the Flame Mantra, currently only a Primary Yellow Tier technique.
• Fama assumes Fa Wutian has been deceived and urges him to abandon the technique and cultivate the family’s superior High Xuan Tier techniques instead.
• Fa Wutian refuses, secretly knowing that the Flame Mantra is actually an Emperor Tier technique capable of evolving by absorbing multiple Heavenly Flames.
• To prove the technique’s legitimacy and explain his request for a weapon, Fa Wutian shows Fama the Primary Earth Tier battle skill, Dragon Spear Wild Dance. Fama finally believes him.
• Fa Wutian makes Fama swear to keep the Flame Mantra secret. Fama agrees and praises his grandson as someone with the potential to become a great emperor.
• After Fa Wutian leaves, Fama widely publicizes his grandson’s breakthrough. News that a ten-year-old has become a Dou Practitioner spreads throughout the Gama Empire.
• The unusual achievement attracts attention and causes tension to build. In the Chuanyun Empire’s capital, its ruler decides that the “hidden piece” he planted should now make its move.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian demonstrates remarkable cultivation talent, reaching the Dou Practitioner stage at only ten years old. He also shows increasing confidence and secrecy regarding the true nature of the Flame Mantra.
• Fama is revealed as a loving and protective grandfather. Although initially skeptical and angry about Fa Wutian’s supposedly weak cultivation technique, he ultimately trusts and supports him.
• Fama’s pride in Fa Wutian leads him to publicize the breakthrough, unintentionally exposing his grandson to wider political and martial attention.
• The Chuanyun Emperor is introduced as a calculating figure who has apparently been monitoring events and has already placed someone or something in position to act against—or investigate—Fa Wutian’s growing influence.

Significant Themes

• Hidden potential and misunderstood power: The Flame Mantra appears weak because of its current rank, but Fa Wutian knows it possesses extraordinary future potential.
• Family trust and protection: Fa Wutian confides in Fama because he trusts his grandfather’s affection and loyalty.
• Secrecy versus fame: Fa Wutian wants to conceal his greatest advantage, but Fama’s pride makes his achievement publicly known.
• Political consequences of talent: A child’s exceptional cultivation breakthrough attracts the attention of powerful foreign forces, suggesting future conflict.
• Generational expectations: Fama sees Fa Wutian as destined for greatness, while Fa Wutian understands that such recognition may also make him a target.

Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian respectfully asks Fama for a weapon and later pleads for his support.
• Fama first treats him affectionately, then reacts with shock to his breakthrough and frustration over the Flame Mantra.
• Their disagreement highlights the contrast between Fama’s conventional understanding of cultivation and Fa Wutian’s secret knowledge.
• Fa Wutian earns Fama’s belief by displaying Dragon Spear Wild Dance and secures his promise to protect the Flame Mantra’s secret.
• Fama’s public praise indirectly leads to the Chuanyun Empire taking notice of Fa Wutian.

Chapter Summary: Assassination from the Chuanyun Empire

Key Plot Points and Events

• A month passes as Fa Wutian trains with the Flame Spirit Spear, a powerful weapon given to Fama in exchange for refining a fifth-grade medicinal pill. The spear contains a sixth-tier magical beast core and is expected to serve him until he reaches the Dou Emperor realm.
• Fa Wutian’s reputation as an unparalleled genius spreads throughout the Gama Empire. Both the Yunlan Sect and the Gama Royal Family attempt to recruit him, but he refuses, recognizing that they want to use him to win the Alchemist Association’s support.
• Fama discovers that a magical beast core intended for Fa Wutian has been tampered with. Injecting Dou Qi into it would cause an explosion comparable to a Nine-Star Dou King’s self-destruction.
• Realizing the Chuanyun Empire is behind the assassination attempt, Fama returns home with Wang Zhong to investigate and protect his grandson.
• During a family meal, Fama confronts Feng Feng, the household cook, after Wang Zhong reveals that the food may be poisoned. Feng Feng attempts to leave but is detained.
• Fama forces Feng Feng to drink the chicken soup. Feng Feng pretends that it is harmless, but soon reveals himself as an enemy agent. He admits to poisoning the soup and identifies himself as “Pangolin,” a senior spy from the Chuanyun Empire.
• Feng Feng attempts to activate a magical beast core to kill everyone, but the core has been replaced with a harmless one. Before he can attack Fa Wutian directly, the poison he consumed takes effect, killing him.
• Fama explains that Feng Feng had secretly served as a Chuanyun Empire agent for decades, but the family had allowed him to remain because he had never previously caused serious harm.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian continues to demonstrate exceptional talent and ambition. He remains politically independent, refusing to become a tool of either the Yunlan Sect or the royal family, and views the Gama Empire as only the beginning of his future.
• Fama shows both deep affection and fierce protectiveness toward his grandson. His calm investigative approach gives way to fury when he learns that Fa Wutian was targeted.
• Wang Zhong proves his loyalty and competence by identifying and replacing the explosive magical beast core and assisting Fama in exposing the assassin.
• Feng Feng/Pangolin is revealed to have been a long-term infiltrator. His confident deception collapses under pressure, and his desperation exposes his true identity.

Significant Themes

• Family loyalty and protection: Fama’s actions show that harming Fa Wutian crosses a line that he will not forgive.
• Political manipulation: Fa Wutian understands that powerful factions want to exploit his talent for their own struggles.
• Hidden enemies and betrayal: The assassin’s decades-long presence in the household emphasizes the danger of concealed threats.
• Cunning versus deception: Fama defeats Feng Feng by anticipating his plan and replacing the explosive core before the confrontation.
• Ambition beyond one’s homeland: Fa Wutian’s refusal to become involved in local power struggles reflects his belief that his true destiny lies in the greater world.

Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian and Fama share a warm grandfather-grandson relationship, though Fama hides the assassination attempt to avoid alarming him.
• Fama and Wang Zhong cooperate closely to investigate the threat and trap Feng Feng.
• Fama confronts Feng Feng indirectly, using the poisoned soup to force him to reveal himself.
• Feng Feng attempts to manipulate the entire family into drinking the poisoned soup, but his own fear and impatience expose him.

Chapter Summary: The Alchemical Legacy of Medicine Emperor Yao Wushuang

Key Plot Points and Events

• Two years pass, during which Fa Wutian advances to the Two-Star Dou Master level and continues developing as an alchemist.
• His grandfather, Fama, obtains a sixth-tier beast flame called the Azure Flame from the Black-Corner Region. After Fa Wutian absorbs it, his Flame Mantra evolves to the mid-level Yellow Tier, confirming that the technique is genuine and exceptionally powerful.
• Fama warns Fa Wutian to keep the Flame Mantra secret, fearing that possessing such a treasure would make him a target. Fa Wutian agrees internally, though he knows he is not the only person connected to the technique.
• Fa Wutian successfully refines a Bone-Rebirth Pill, becoming a Second-Rank Alchemist at age twelve.
• He secretly possesses the complete alchemical inheritance of Medicine Emperor Yao Wushuang, an ancient Emperor-Tier Alchemist and ancestor of the Yao Clan. Because the legacy is extremely valuable, Fa Wutian hides it from everyone.
• Fama proudly praises his grandson but is inwardly shaken when Fa Wutian considers becoming a Second-Rank Alchemist “too slow.” He reflects that Fa Wutian may accomplish the sixth-rank breakthrough he himself could never reach.
• After leaving the alchemy room, Fa Wutian is surrounded by admiring alchemists, whose praise is interrupted when Fama disperses them for blocking the doorway.
• Fa Wutian heads toward the capital’s central district to join the Canaan Academy recruitment, believing the academy will provide the training and competition he currently lacks.
• He hopes eventually to enter the Inner Academy and use the Fallen Heart Flame to accelerate his cultivation. The chapter ends when he accidentally collides with someone while hurrying to the recruitment site.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian grows rapidly in both cultivation and alchemy, becoming a Two-Star Dou Master and Second-Rank Alchemist at only twelve. Despite his achievements, he remains ambitious and dissatisfied with his progress.
• His acquisition of Yao Wushuang’s legacy greatly expands his potential, but also creates a dangerous secret that could attract the Yao Clan or other powerful forces.
• Fama becomes increasingly proud of Fa Wutian while also worrying about the dangers surrounding his grandson’s gifts. He views Fa Wutian as the one who may fulfill his own unrealized alchemical ambitions.

Significant Themes

• Power and secrecy: The Flame Mantra and Yao Wushuang’s legacy must remain hidden because extraordinary treasures invite danger.
• Talent versus experience: Fa Wutian possesses remarkable natural and inherited advantages, yet recognizes that he lacks practical combat and life experience.
• Ambition and dissatisfaction: Even exceptional accomplishments do not satisfy Fa Wutian, who continues to measure himself against much greater goals.
• Family expectations and legacy: Fama places hope in Fa Wutian to achieve the alchemical heights that he could not reach himself.
• The need for genuine training: Fa Wutian realizes that resources alone are insufficient and seeks Canaan Academy to escape his sheltered “greenhouse” environment.

Character Interactions

• Fama and Fa Wutian discuss the Azure Flame, the Flame Mantra, and the dangers of revealing its secret.
• Fama praises Fa Wutian’s successful pill refinement, while Fa Wutian’s modest-sounding complaint about being “too slow” leaves Fama questioning the gulf between ordinary people and geniuses.
• Alchemists surrounding Fa Wutian enthusiastically flatter him, but Fama intervenes and sends them back to work.
• The chapter closes with Fa Wutian’s unexpected collision with an unidentified person, setting up the next encounter.

Chapter Summary: “An Encounter with Ya Fei”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fa Wutian accidentally collides with Ya Fei while rushing toward Canaan Academy’s recruitment.
• He recognizes her from the banquet held after his breakthrough to the Dou Practitioner realm two years earlier.
• Ya Fei asks why he is attending Canaan Academy despite having abundant cultivation resources. Fa Wutian claims he simply wants to leave home and experience the outside world, though she suspects he has another motive.
• Ya Fei reflects on her difficult position within her clan. Because of her limited cultivation talent and lack of authority, she is being treated as a bargaining chip in a possible marriage alliance.
• Mu Zhan arrives and pressures Ya Fei to pursue a relationship with him for the sake of cooperation between their families. His lecherous behavior reveals that he is primarily interested in her body.
• To escape Mu Zhan’s harassment, Ya Fei suddenly links arms with Fa Wutian and declares that he is the man of her dreams.
• She asks Fa Wutian to drive Mu Zhan away. He reluctantly agrees, partly because Ya Fei is clinging tightly to him.
• Mu Zhan underestimates Fa Wutian because of his young appearance and challenges him.
• The chapter ends by revealing that Fa Wutian is a Two-Star Dou Master, far stronger than Mu Zhan, an eighteen-year-old Seven-Star Dou Practitioner. Mu Zhan’s defeat is therefore implied to be inevitable.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Displays a calm, straightforward personality and retains a playful, somewhat awkward manner around Ya Fei. His true reason for attending Canaan Academy remains concealed. His strength has advanced dramatically, reaching the Two-Star Dou Master realm.
• Ya Fei: Shows cleverness and resourcefulness by using Fa Wutian as a false romantic partner to escape Mu Zhan. Beneath her composed exterior, she feels frustrated and powerless because her clan views her as a marriage asset. She also begins to develop romantic interest in Fa Wutian, admiring his talent, appearance, family background, and personality.
• Mu Zhan: Is portrayed as arrogant, persistent, and lustful. He believes his Seven-Star Dou Practitioner cultivation makes him superior to Fa Wutian, but his confidence is based on incomplete information.

Significant Themes

• Power and social status: Ya Fei’s lack of cultivation talent leaves her vulnerable to family manipulation, while Fa Wutian’s talent and powerful lineage grant him freedom and influence.
• Forced marriage and personal agency: Ya Fei resents being treated as a tool for clan diplomacy and uses deception to resist Mu Zhan’s unwanted advances.
• Underestimation and hidden strength: Mu Zhan judges Fa Wutian by his age and appearance, unaware that he has already surpassed him by an entire major realm.
• Romantic tension and attraction: Ya Fei begins to view Fa Wutian as an ideal partner, while their staged intimacy creates playful romantic tension.

Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian and Ya Fei: Their accidental meeting develops into a teasing and flirtatious exchange. Ya Fei is attracted to him and exploits their physical proximity to solve her problem.
• Ya Fei and Mu Zhan: Their interaction is hostile. Mu Zhan invokes family expectations to justify his pursuit, while Ya Fei openly dislikes and resists him.
• Fa Wutian and Mu Zhan: Mu Zhan challenges him after dismissing him as an inexperienced child. Fa Wutian accepts the confrontation at Ya Fei’s request, setting up the chapter’s impending clash.

Chapter Summary: “Teaching Mu Zhan a Lesson”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Zhan arrogantly challenges Fa Wutian, demanding that he kneel and apologize if he is afraid to fight.
• Fa Wutian retaliates by striking Mu Zhan across the face before he can react, revealing the overwhelming speed of his mid-Xuan-rank movement technique, Wind-Swept Shadow.
• Mu Zhan attempts to trap Fa Wutian with the mid-Xuan-rank technique Wooden Prison, creating a cage of thick vines.
• Fa Wutian easily destroys the prison with his Azure Flame, exposing the weakness of Mu Zhan’s technique and hinting at Fa Wutian’s identity as a powerful alchemist.
• When Mu Zhan demands to know who Fa Wutian is, Fa Wutian provocatively embraces Ya Fei and jokingly calls himself her “man.”
• Enraged by their apparent intimacy and Ya Fei’s defense of Fa Wutian, Mu Zhan reveals his true strength as a seven-star Dou Practitioner and uses Falling Maple Palm.
• Fa Wutian counters with Heaven-Opening Palm and decisively defeats Mu Zhan, sending him flying and causing him to spit blood.
• Mu Zhan realizes that Fa Wutian is actually a Dou Master, far beyond the strength he had expected.
• Fa Wutian reveals that the president of the Alchemist Association is his grandfather. Mu Zhan then recognizes him as Fa Wutian, the famed genius who became a Dou Practitioner at age ten and has now reached the Dou Master realm only two years later.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Demonstrates confidence, combat superiority, and a growing willingness to punish those who insult or threaten him. He uses advanced techniques, a powerful Beast Flame, and his higher cultivation level to dominate Mu Zhan.
• Mu Zhan: Begins as arrogant and convinced of his superiority, but quickly becomes shocked, humiliated, and fearful after discovering Fa Wutian’s strength and background. His jealousy and possessiveness toward Ya Fei drive him to abandon restraint.
• Ya Fei: Initially remains composed, but blushes when Fa Wutian publicly presents himself as her lover. She nevertheless plays along and openly supports him, telling Mu Zhan to stop harassing her.
• Fama/Fa Wutian’s background: The chapter emphasizes the immense resources available to Fa Wutian through his grandfather, the Alchemist Association president, including numerous high-level Dou Techniques.

Significant Themes

• Pride and humiliation: Mu Zhan’s arrogance leads directly to his public defeat and loss of dignity.
• Hidden strength and identity: Fa Wutian’s true cultivation and prestigious background are concealed until Mu Zhan is already committed to the confrontation.
• Power and status: Advanced techniques, Beast Flames, alchemy, and family connections reinforce Fa Wutian’s exceptional position.
• Jealousy and possessiveness: Mu Zhan’s obsession with Ya Fei intensifies the conflict and causes him to fight recklessly.
• The danger of underestimating others: Mu Zhan mistakes Fa Wutian for an inexperienced junior and pays heavily for the error.

Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian and Mu Zhan exchange hostile taunts before escalating into combat.
• Fa Wutian deliberately provokes Mu Zhan by putting his arm around Ya Fei and calling himself her man.
• Ya Fei supports Fa Wutian and warns Mu Zhan that continued harassment will result in repeated beatings.
• Their final palm clash establishes the enormous gap between Mu Zhan, a seven-star Dou Practitioner, and Fa Wutian, a young Dou Master.

Chapter Summary: “Mentor Wang Hao”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mu Zhan realizes that Fa Wutian is President Fama’s grandson and has already reached the Dou Master realm at only twelve years old.
• Although defeated and discouraged, Mu Zhan refuses to abandon his pursuit of Ya Fei. He vows to become stronger and defeat Fa Wutian someday before leaving.
• Fa Wutian feels uncomfortable after being used as Ya Fei’s shield and quickly escapes before she can involve him further.
• Ya Fei reflects on Fa Wutian’s astonishing growth since their last meeting. She worries that revealing his strength may attract danger from the suspicious royal family and feels guilty for exploiting him.
• Fa Wutian arrives at Canaan Academy’s recruitment site, where large crowds are waiting to register.
• The academy’s staff strictly enforce its age and cultivation requirements, rejecting an older man who falsely claims to be fifteen and warning others not to attempt similar deception.
• Fa Wutian joins the registration line. When he gives his name, the crowd recognizes him as the famed ten-year-old Dou Practitioner and begins discussing his reputation and privileged background.
• A burly academy mentor, Wang Hao, notices Fa Wutian and immediately takes an interest in him.
• During registration, Fa Wutian states that he is twelve years old and has reached the Two-Star Dou Master level. The registration mentor is stunned when Fa Wutian demonstrates his Battle Qi gauze robe, proving his claim.
• Mentor Wang Hao becomes even more determined to recruit Fa Wutian into his class.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Demonstrates not only overwhelming talent but also caution and social discomfort. He avoids becoming entangled in Ya Fei’s affairs and seeks admission to Canaan Academy despite already possessing exceptional cultivation.
• Mu Zhan: Though defeated, he retains his pride and determination, transforming his humiliation into motivation to improve and eventually defeat Fa Wutian.
• Ya Fei: Shows concern for Fa Wutian’s safety and begins to recognize the potential consequences of exposing his strength. Her feelings toward him become more complicated and guilt-ridden.
• Mentor Wang Hao: Is introduced as energetic, enthusiastic, and highly proactive. He immediately recognizes Fa Wutian’s value and intends to claim him as a student.
• Registration Mentor: Initially professional and skeptical, he becomes shocked by Fa Wutian’s rapid advancement from Dou Practitioner to Two-Star Dou Master.

Significant Themes

• Extraordinary talent: Fa Wutian’s advancement highlights how far he surpasses ordinary cultivators, astonishing even experienced academy mentors.
• Ambition and perseverance: Mu Zhan’s refusal to give up emphasizes the importance of determination despite overwhelming defeat.
• The dangers of fame: Fa Wutian’s reputation attracts attention and potential political danger, particularly from suspicious royal powers.
• Power and social status: His family background and rare cultivation talent make him a subject of admiration, speculation, and competition.
• Freedom versus entanglement: Fa Wutian repeatedly tries to avoid being drawn into Ya Fei’s schemes and the complications surrounding her relationships.

Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian and Mu Zhan: Fa Wutian defeats Mu Zhan, while Mu Zhan responds with a vow to surpass him.
• Fa Wutian and Ya Fei: Ya Fei uses him as a shield against Mu Zhan, causing Fa Wutian to flee. She later watches him leave with concern and regret.
• Fa Wutian and the registration mentor: The mentor questions his identity, age, and cultivation before being shocked by his true strength.
• Fa Wutian and Wang Hao: Wang Hao enthusiastically introduces himself and attempts to establish a friendly connection, while Fa Wutian responds politely but warily.
• Wang Hao and the registration mentor: Wang Hao impatiently interrupts the registration process because he wants to secure Fa Wutian for his class, revealing his eagerness to recruit the prodigy.

Chapter Summary: “The Royal Family’s Apprehension”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fa Wutian shocks everyone by revealing that, at only twelve years old, he has reached the Two-Star Dou Master level.
• He successfully passes the Canaan Academy assessment and is officially admitted.
• When asked to choose a mentor, Fa Wutian willingly joins Wang Hao’s class, much to Wang Hao’s delight. Wang Hao then prepares to introduce him to the other students.
• News of Fa Wutian’s advancement quickly reaches both the Yunlan Sect and the Gama Royal Family.
• Yun Yun and Yun Leng acknowledge Fa Wutian as an extraordinarily rare genius but regret that he appears uninterested in joining the Yunlan Sect.
• In the imperial palace, Princess Yao Ye warns Jia Xing Tian that Fa Wutian’s rapid cultivation and alchemical talent could eventually threaten the royal family’s authority.
• Jia Xing Tian is reluctant to act against Fa Wutian because he is Fama’s grandson. Any harm to him could provoke Fama and cause the neutral Alchemist Association to support the Yunlan Sect.
• Jia Xing Tian devises an undisclosed plan that may neutralize Fa Wutian’s future threat and possibly weaken the Yunlan Sect at the same time.
• He brings Yao Ye to visit Fama at the Alchemist Association, seemingly intending to involve her in his plan.
• The chapter ends with Fama questioning Jia Xing Tian’s unusual visit and revealing that Fa Wutian is currently registering at Canaan Academy.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Demonstrates extraordinary cultivation talent and confidently begins his academy life. His decision to join Wang Hao’s class suggests he values personal judgment over factional influence.
• Wang Hao: Becomes enthusiastic after recruiting Fa Wutian and appears eager to benefit from teaching such a rare genius.
• Yun Yun and Yun Leng: Grow more concerned about Fa Wutian’s potential but remain cautious because of his independence and powerful family connections.
• Jia Xing Tian: Reveals himself to be deeply worried about the political threat Fa Wutian may become. He balances fear of Fa Wutian’s growth against fear of provoking Fama.
• Yao Ye: Shows political awareness and recognizes that Fa Wutian’s cultivation and alchemy could destabilize the royal family. She also expresses personal admiration for him.
• Fama: Remains protective and suspicious, immediately noticing Jia Xing Tian’s unusual behavior and presence with Yao Ye.

Significant Themes

• Fear of exceptional talent: Fa Wutian’s brilliance inspires admiration but also causes powerful factions to fear being surpassed.
• Political balance and restraint: The royal family cannot simply control Fa Wutian because doing so might trigger conflict with Fama and the Alchemist Association.
• Factional rivalry: The Yunlan Sect, royal family, and Alchemist Association are engaged in a delicate struggle for influence.
• Power versus independence: Fa Wutian’s refusal to join a major faction makes him both difficult to control and increasingly threatening.
• Marriage or alliance as strategy: Jia Xing Tian’s decision to bring Yao Ye to meet Fama hints that he may try to use a personal or familial connection to secure influence over Fa Wutian.

Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian and Wang Hao: Their brief exchange leads to Fa Wutian joining Wang Hao’s class, strengthening Wang Hao’s position.
• Yun Yun and Yun Leng: They discuss Fa Wutian’s talent and the danger of losing him to another faction.
• Jia Xing Tian and Yao Ye: They debate the threat Fa Wutian poses, with Yao Ye emphasizing his potential and Jia Xing Tian considering a carefully calculated solution.
• Jia Xing Tian and Fama: Their conversation is outwardly friendly but filled with suspicion. Fama recognizes that Jia Xing Tian’s visit, especially with Yao Ye, likely conceals a political motive.

Chapter Summary: “Marriage Alliance?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fama and Jia Xing Tian discuss Fa Wutian’s decision to apply to Canaan Academy. Although Wutian already possesses abundant resources, Fama supports his choice, believing that young people need to experience the wider world.
• Jia Xing Tian reveals that he has come to propose a marriage alliance between his granddaughter, Yao Ye, and Fa Wutian.
• Yao Ye realizes that her grandfather intends to use the marriage to secure Fa Wutian’s support against the Yunlan Sect. Though initially saddened that her own wishes are not being prioritized, she becomes more accepting after considering the advantages of marrying a powerful and talented cultivator.
• Fama hesitates and indirectly rejects the proposal, claiming that Fa Wutian is too young for marriage. Jia Xing Tian counters by suggesting that the two could become engaged first and marry later.
• Unable to dismiss Jia Xing Tian directly, Fama decides that Fa Wutian himself should make the decision once he returns.
• Fa Wutian comes back to the Alchemist Association and is summoned by Fama. He finds Fama, Jia Xing Tian, and Yao Ye waiting for him.
• After Jia Xing Tian asks what he thinks of Yao Ye, Fa Wutian sincerely calls her beautiful. Jia Xing Tian immediately interprets this as interest and proposes that she become Wutian’s wife.
• Fa Wutian strongly refuses, explaining that admiring Yao Ye’s appearance is not the same as wanting to marry her. He states that his ambition is to reach the pinnacle of cultivation and that marriage would interfere with his progress.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Demonstrates independence and unwavering dedication to cultivation. Despite respecting Jia Xing Tian’s status and acknowledging Yao Ye’s beauty, he refuses to let marriage distract him from his ambitions.
• Fama: Shows protectiveness toward his grandson and cleverly avoids accepting the marriage proposal himself, shifting the decision to Wutian.
• Jia Xing Tian: Reveals his politically pragmatic side by attempting to secure an alliance with Fama’s family. He is confident that Yao Ye’s beauty and status will make the proposal appealing.
• Yao Ye: Initially feels helpless at being treated as part of a political arrangement, but gradually accepts the possibility because it could give her family protection and help eliminate the Yunlan Sect’s threat.
• Yao Ye and Fa Wutian: Their first significant interaction in this context establishes that she may be interested or at least receptive to the alliance, while Wutian remains focused solely on cultivation.

Significant Themes

• Ambition versus personal relationships: Fa Wutian prioritizes becoming a supreme expert over romance or marriage.
• Political marriage and strategic alliances: The proposed marriage is less about affection and more about combining power to counter the Yunlan Sect.
• Individual choice versus family duty: Yao Ye’s feelings are secondary to her grandfather’s political goals, though she recognizes the potential benefits of the arrangement.
• The vastness of the cultivation world: Fama and Jia Xing Tian acknowledge that even powerful figures in the Northwest Continent may be insignificant in the Central Plains, motivating Wutian’s desire to broaden his horizons.

Character Interactions

• Fama and Jia Xing Tian argue indirectly over whether Yao Ye is suitable for Fa Wutian.
• Jia Xing Tian tries to pressure Fama into accepting the alliance, while Fama repeatedly deflects.
• Fama ultimately leaves the decision to Fa Wutian.
• Jia Xing Tian attempts to persuade Wutian by emphasizing Yao Ye’s beauty, but Wutian rejects the proposal and clearly separates admiration from romantic commitment.

Chapter Summary: “Arrival at Peace Town”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jia Xing Tian proposes that Fa Wutian become engaged to his granddaughter, Yao Ye, offering him access to the imperial family’s resources and support for his cultivation.
• Fa Wutian hesitates because he does not want a relationship based purely on political or material benefits. Yao Ye unexpectedly rejects the proposal as well, saying they should focus on improving their strength and consider marriage later.
• Jia Xing Tian accepts their refusal, though he is visibly displeased. Fa Wutian is relieved to have avoided the arrangement.
• Fama reassures Fa Wutian that he had tried to reject the proposal, but Jia Xing Tian had forced him to leave the decision to his grandson.
• Fama warns Fa Wutian that Canaan Academy requires students to fight for their own cultivation resources and urges him to prioritize his safety, since he is the Fa Family’s last heir.
• After returning to the imperial palace, Jia Xing Tian angrily questions Yao Ye about refusing the marriage. She explains that forcing Fa Wutian into an alliance could create resentment, which he might act on once his immense talent allows him to become powerful.
• Yao Ye recommends befriending Fa Wutian rather than pressuring him. Jia Xing Tian reluctantly agrees, recognizing that Fa Wutian’s potential and family influence make antagonizing him dangerous.
• Several days later, Fama sees Fa Wutian off at the airship station as he departs for Canaan Academy.
• During the journey, Wang Hao comforts Fa Wutian, who feels reluctant to leave home. Wang encourages him to seek greater opportunities and suggests that the Central Plains may eventually be the proper destination for someone of his talent.
• The airship arrives in Peace Town, where the students are met by Canaan Academy’s Enforcement Squad. Wang Hao reveals that among the recruits is an exceptionally rare “super S-rank genius,” implying that the academy will reward him for discovering Fa Wutian.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Demonstrates independence and strong principles by refusing to accept an arranged engagement based solely on benefits. He remains intensely focused on cultivation and confidently believes he will continue advancing beyond even the Central Plains.
• Yao Ye: Shows political awareness and maturity. Rather than accepting an advantageous marriage, she considers the long-term consequences of coercing Fa Wutian and advocates building a friendly relationship with him.
• Jia Xing Tian: Initially seeks to secure Fa Wutian’s loyalty through marriage, but realizes that pressure could backfire. He shifts toward a more cautious strategy of befriending him.
• Fama: Acts as a concerned grandfather, warning Fa Wutian about the dangers of Canaan Academy and emphasizing his responsibility as the family’s sole heir. He struggles with letting Fa Wutian leave but ultimately supports his journey.
• Wang Hao: Serves as a mentor-like figure during the trip, encouraging Fa Wutian to broaden his horizons and pursue a greater future.

Significant Themes

• Freedom versus political obligation: Fa Wutian rejects the expectation that his talent and family status should bind him to a strategic marriage.
• Long-term strategy and restraint: Yao Ye recognizes that temporary pressure may create a powerful future enemy, making diplomacy more effective than coercion.
• Ambition and growth: Leaving home and entering Canaan Academy symbolize Fa Wutian’s transition toward a larger world and a more demanding path of cultivation.
• Family concern and independence: Fama’s farewell highlights the tension between protecting Fa Wutian and allowing him to forge his own destiny.
• The burden of exceptional talent: Fa Wutian’s status as a super S-rank genius attracts political attention and creates expectations for both himself and those around him.

Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian and Yao Ye: Their brief interaction establishes mutual independence; Yao Ye’s refusal saves Fa Wutian from an unwanted engagement and earns his gratitude.
• Fa Wutian and Jia Xing Tian: Their exchange reveals Jia Xing Tian’s attempt to secure Fa Wutian’s allegiance and Fa Wutian’s unwillingness to be controlled.
• Fa Wutian and Fama: Their conversation emphasizes their familial bond, Fama’s concern, and Fa Wutian’s determination to pursue his own path.
• Yao Ye and Jia Xing Tian: Yao Ye successfully persuades her grandfather to abandon coercion and adopt a strategy of friendship.
• Wang Hao and Fa Wutian: Wang encourages Fa Wutian during his departure and predicts that his achievements may eventually bring fame to Canaan Academy.
• Wang Hao and the Enforcement Squad: Wang proudly announces that he has recruited a super S-rank genius, setting up heightened expectations for Fa Wutian’s arrival at the academy.

Chapter Summary: “Taking a Master?”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fa Wutian arrives at Canaan Academy after resting in Peace Town, intending to obtain the Fallen Heart Flame.
• He outlines several future objectives connected to the academy and the Underground World:
  • Build a relationship with Zi Yan in order to gain the support of her father, Zhukun, the Dragon Emperor of the Void Ancient Dragon Clan.
  • Seek Tuoshe Ancient Emperor’s inheritance, which is connected to the Flame Mantra and contains Origin Qi.
  • Rescue or assist the remnant soul of a Dou Venerable, potentially gaining a powerful enforcer and the Five-Wheel Flame Separation Technique.
  • Acquire the newly born Fallen Heart Flame in the Underground World to compensate Canaan Academy for the flame he intends to take.
  • Defeat Han Feng to obtain his Sea Heart Flame and use his remnant soul as leverage in a possible deal with Yao Chen.
• After Wang Hao introduces the academy and its facilities, Fa Wutian arranges to skip regular classes because they would not benefit him at his current level. In exchange, he must rank first in the final assessment.
• He plans to use the Alchemy Department’s free low-tier medicinal ingredients to improve his alchemy and visit the Black-Corner Region to gain combat experience.
• News of his arrival causes an uproar among the academy’s leadership because he is a twelve-year-old two-star Dou Master and second-tier alchemist.
• Elder Huo, a fifth-tier alchemist, becomes determined to take Fa Wutian as his disciple.
• The chapter ends when Elder Huo arrives at Fa Wutian’s room and introduces himself.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Demonstrates extensive ambition and strategic planning. He views Canaan Academy not merely as a school, but as a source of Heavenly Flames, allies, techniques, resources, and future political leverage. His confidence is reinforced by his exceptional cultivation and alchemy talent.
• Elder Huo: Initially feels discouraged upon realizing that Fa Wutian has achieved in under two years what took him most of his life. He quickly overcomes his jealousy and decides to recruit Fa Wutian as a successor.
• Wang Hao: Acts as Fa Wutian’s guide and grants him special permission to skip classes, provided he excels in the final assessment.
• Hu Gan: Recognizes that Elder Huo’s attempt to claim Fa Wutian as a disciple may be futile because Fa Wutian already has a fifth-tier alchemist grandfather.

Significant Themes

• Exceptional talent versus ordinary effort: Fa Wutian’s achievements cause established experts to question their own accomplishments.
• Strategic cultivation and resource gathering: Fa Wutian approaches cultivation as a long-term plan involving Heavenly Flames, powerful allies, techniques, alchemy, and political connections.
• Ambition and manipulation: His plans involve using relationships—particularly with Zi Yan and Yao Chen—to obtain support, treasures, and expertise.
• The value of opportunity: Canaan Academy represents access to resources and connections rather than merely education.
• Legacy and mentorship: Elder Huo’s desire to take Fa Wutian as a disciple introduces the possibility of a new master-student relationship.

Character Interactions

• Wang Hao welcomes the students to Canaan Academy and explains their upcoming studies.
• Fa Wutian negotiates with Wang Hao for permission to skip classes, agreeing to win first place in the final assessment.
• Hu Gan informs Elder Huo about Fa Wutian’s remarkable achievements, prompting Elder Huo’s decision to recruit him.
• Hu Gan privately doubts that Elder Huo can become Fa Wutian’s master because of Fa Wutian’s existing connection to a powerful alchemist grandfather.
• Elder Huo arrives at Fa Wutian’s dormitory, and Fa Wutian respectfully opens the door, setting up their first direct conversation.

Chapter Summary

• Elder Huo offers to become Fa Wutian’s master: Elder Huo visits Fa Wutian and asks him to become his disciple, emphasizing that he is a Fifth-Rank Alchemist, a Dou King, and has a valuable personal collection. Fa Wutian is surprised but politely refuses, explaining that he has no intention of taking a master. In reality, Fa Wutian already possesses the inheritance of an Emperor-Rank Alchemist and has his grandfather, Fama, a Fifth-Rank Alchemist, to guide him.
• Elder Huo learns the reason for the rejection: After returning dejectedly to the dean’s office, Elder Huo discusses the matter with Hu Gan. Hu Gan shows him information about Fa Wutian’s family background, revealing that Fa Wutian’s grandfather is already a Fifth-Rank Alchemist. Elder Huo realizes that his offer could not compete with Fa Wutian’s existing advantages and feels embarrassed, though Fa Wutian’s tactful refusal spared him humiliation. Hu Gan concludes that Fa Wutian is destined for a path beyond what either of them can teach.
• Fa Wutian’s rapid progress: One year later, after training and gaining experience in the Black-Corner Region, Fa Wutian reaches the Six-Star Dou Grandmaster realm. His alchemy also advances to the Fourth Rank, while his soul strength reaches the peak of the Mortal Realm through Yao Wushuang’s Soul Tempering Technique. He is close to the Spirit Realm, but his body is not yet strong enough to endure that level of soul power.
• Acquisition of the Reincarnation Cauldron: Upon breaking through to the Dou Grandmaster realm, Fa Wutian receives the Reincarnation Cauldron, the highest-ranked Heavenly Cauldron. He greatly values it, recognizing that a superior cauldron is extremely important to an alchemist.
• Refining and consuming the Three-Pattern Azure Spirit Pill: Fa Wutian and Elder Huo jointly refine a perfect Three-Pattern Azure Spirit Pill using Fa Wutian’s Azure Flame, the Alchemy Department’s Earthfire, and Elder Huo’s Redwood Flame. The pill can temporarily raise a Dou Grandmaster’s strength by three stars, though it carries a risk of reducing strength afterward. Fa Wutian consumes it while at the Six-Star Dou Grandmaster level and spends an entire day refining its medicinal energy with the Flame Mantra.
• Final breakthrough: The pill’s power successfully breaks through Fa Wutian’s realm barrier, allowing him to reach the Nine-Star Dou Grandmaster level.

Character Developments and Themes

• Fa Wutian remains confident, polite, and aware of his exceptional advantages. His growth demonstrates his overwhelming talent in cultivation, alchemy, and soul power.
• Elder Huo is shown to be sincere and eager to guide a gifted successor, but he also learns that Fa Wutian’s background and inherited advantages make him nearly impossible to recruit as a disciple.
• Hu Gan acts as a knowledgeable observer who understands Fa Wutian’s unusual status and future potential.
• Major themes include the importance of inheritance and background, humility despite overwhelming talent, the pursuit of power through cultivation and alchemy, and the gap between ordinary experts and true prodigies.

Chapter Summary: “The Tournament Begins”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After consuming the Three-Pattern Azure Spirit Pill, Fa Wutian successfully advances to the Nine-Star Dou Grandmaster realm, saving himself months of cultivation.
• He heads to the plaza for the day’s two-part event:
  1. The first-year final assessment.
  2. The Inner Academy Selection Tournament.
• Wang Hao explains that Fa Wutian is the strongest first-year student, with Huang Lei as the only other freshman to reach the Dou Master realm.
• The Inner Academy selection includes prominent older students such as Lin Xiuya, Han Yue, Bai Cheng, and Lin Yan. The top twenty contestants will enter the Inner Academy, while the top five receive additional rewards.
• Wang Hao warns Fa Wutian that the older students are extremely powerful, especially Lin Xiuya, who has just reached the Five-Star Dou Grandmaster realm. Fa Wutian remains confident and declares that his true goal is the Inner Academy tournament, not merely the freshman assessment.
• Hu Gan officially announces the tournament rules: matches are decided by drawing lots, and the final victor becomes champion.
• Fa Wutian’s first opponent is Wang Xiaofeng from Profound Class Two. He dramatically enters the stage using the Wind-Swept Shadow technique.
• Wang Xiaofeng attacks with her sword technique, “Myriad Sword Blossoms,” creating a storm of sword projections. Fa Wutian effortlessly tracks and evades every attack.
• Before he can counterattack, Wang Xiaofeng concedes. Fa Wutian wins, though he is dissatisfied because the brief match provided no real challenge and she appeared to use him to test her technique.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Reveals a major increase in strength, reaching the Nine-Star Dou Grandmaster realm. His confidence and ambition grow; he is no longer focused only on winning the freshman assessment but intends to compete seriously for entry into the Inner Academy.
• Wang Hao: Remains supportive but becomes concerned by Fa Wutian’s confidence. He believes Fa Wutian may be overestimating himself and expects the stronger older students to humble him.
• Wang Xiaofeng: Demonstrates courage by challenging Fa Wutian despite recognizing their overwhelming difference in strength. She uses the battle to test her sword technique, then wisely concedes rather than prolonging a hopeless fight.
• Lin Xiuya and the other older students: Their mention establishes them as major rivals and benchmarks for the upcoming tournament, particularly Lin Xiuya as the strongest contestant.

Significant Themes

• Rapid growth and cultivation: The Azure Spirit Pill allows Fa Wutian to make an exceptional breakthrough, emphasizing the importance—and risks—of cultivation resources.
• Confidence versus arrogance: Fa Wutian’s immense strength fuels his certainty, while Wang Hao’s doubts highlight the danger of underestimating experienced opponents.
• Power hierarchy: The tournament introduces a clear gap between first-year students and veteran academy students, setting up the challenge Fa Wutian will face.
• Competition and advancement: The tournament is tied directly to future cultivation resources and access to the Inner Academy, making it a crucial turning point for the students.

Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian and Wang Hao discuss their opponents and the difficulty of the tournament. Wang Hao tries to temper Fa Wutian’s confidence, but Fa Wutian remains determined.
• Hu Gan addresses the students and establishes the tournament’s structure and rewards.
• Wang Xiaofeng politely asks Fa Wutian to guide her before attacking. After realizing the vast difference in ability, she concedes, leaving Fa Wutian annoyed but ultimately helpless to change the outcome.

Chapter Summary: “Bai Cheng’s Provocation”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The freshman final assessment concludes with a match between Fa Wutian of Profound Class One and Huang Lei of Profound Class Two.
• Huang Lei, aware of Fa Wutian’s reputation as a powerful alchemist, asks whether Fa Wutian has reached the Dou Grandmaster realm.
• After Fa Wutian confirms that he has, Huang Lei immediately concedes rather than fight an opponent he knows he cannot defeat.
• The spectators are disappointed and mock Huang Lei, while the students of Profound Class Two feel humiliated. Profound Class One celebrates Fa Wutian’s victory.
• Fa Wutian then registers for the Inner Academy Selection Tournament, despite being a freshman. Both the freshmen and older students are shocked by his decision.
• Bai Cheng, a powerful older student, ridicules Fa Wutian for challenging students with several more years of experience. Encouraged by his lackeys, Bai Cheng openly threatens to teach Fa Wutian a lesson if they meet.
• Fa Wutian ignores the provocation after secretly sensing Bai Cheng’s cultivation and realizing that Bai Cheng is only a Two-Star Dou Grandmaster.
• Wang Hao advises Fa Wutian to withdraw, warning that the tournament is too dangerous and that he has already attracted trouble. Fa Wutian refuses, insisting that he has a reason for participating.
• From the elevated platform, Hu Gan and Elder Huo observe the situation. Elder Huo remains unconcerned, hinting that Fa Wutian is far stronger than he appears and revealing the absurdity of a Two-Star Dou Grandmaster provoking a Six-Star Dou Grandmaster.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian demonstrates overwhelming confidence and hidden strength. He defeats Huang Lei without even fighting and calmly enters a competition intended for older, stronger students.
• Huang Lei shows pragmatic self-awareness. Rather than act recklessly, he accepts defeat once he confirms Fa Wutian’s realm.
• Bai Cheng is portrayed as arrogant and boastful, relying on his reputation and followers to intimidate Fa Wutian.
• Wang Hao acts as a concerned mentor, attempting to protect Fa Wutian while recognizing that his student has independent motives and abilities.
• Elder Huo displays superior insight, recognizing that Bai Cheng has drastically underestimated Fa Wutian.
• Hu Gan becomes curious about Fa Wutian’s true cultivation after Elder Huo implies that Fa Wutian has already reached the Dou Grandmaster realm.

Significant Themes

• Strength and intimidation: Reputation alone causes Huang Lei to surrender, while Bai Cheng’s confidence leads him to underestimate a much stronger opponent.
• Humility versus arrogance: Huang Lei accepts reality without shame, whereas Bai Cheng’s arrogance blinds him to the danger Fa Wutian represents.
• Hidden power: Fa Wutian deliberately reveals little about his actual abilities, causing others to misjudge him.
• Ambition and challenging limitations: Fa Wutian refuses to wait for conventional advancement and enters a tournament beyond the expected level of freshmen.
• Public perception and pride: The crowd’s reaction shows how easily reputations affect honor, class identity, and social standing within the academy.

Character Interactions

• Huang Lei questions Fa Wutian about his cultivation, then concedes after receiving confirmation.
• The spectators insult Huang Lei, while Profound Class Two shares his embarrassment and Profound Class One celebrates.
• Bai Cheng and his followers provoke and threaten Fa Wutian, but Fa Wutian dismisses them internally rather than responding.
• Wang Hao counsels Fa Wutian to withdraw, but Fa Wutian respectfully rejects the advice.
• Hu Gan and Elder Huo discuss the confrontation, with Elder Huo suggesting that Bai Cheng has foolishly challenged an opponent far beyond his level.

Chapter Summary: “Hu Gan’s Interference”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Elder Huo reveals that Fa Wutian recently helped him refine a Three-Pattern Azure Spirit Pill, suggesting that Fa Wutian’s cultivation has reached the Nine-Star Dou Grandmaster level.
• Hu Gan is shocked by Fa Wutian’s progress, especially because Fa Wutian had previously rejected Elder Huo’s offer to become his disciple.
• Fa Wutian is matched against Bai Cheng in the Inner Academy Selection Tournament.
• Bai Cheng, angered by Fa Wutian’s dismissive attitude and jealous of his talent, uses his strongest technique, the High Xuan-tier Bloodland Eight Cracks, intending to kill him.
• Fa Wutian appears to be struck directly, but emerges unharmed wearing Dou Qi Armor, revealing that he has already broken through to the Dou Grandmaster realm.
• Fa Wutian becomes enraged because Bai Cheng’s attack could have killed him before his breakthrough. He summons the Flame Spirit Spear and launches Dragon Spear Wild Dance, aiming to kill Bai Cheng.
• Just before the attack lands, Hu Gan intervenes and neutralizes Fa Wutian’s strike, preventing Bai Cheng’s death.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: His true strength is revealed. He is no longer merely a talented newcomer but a Dou Grandmaster capable of overwhelming older students. His experience in the Black-Corner Region has also made him ruthless and battle-hardened. Bai Cheng’s lethal attack brings out his killing intent.
• Bai Cheng: His arrogance and jealousy drive him to use a deadly technique prematurely. Once Fa Wutian survives, Bai Cheng’s confidence collapses and is replaced by fear.
• Hu Gan: Initially astonished by Fa Wutian’s cultivation and alchemical achievements, Hu Gan demonstrates his authority and judgment by stopping Fa Wutian from killing Bai Cheng.
• Wang Hao: He worries that Fa Wutian will be killed but later realizes that Fa Wutian had deliberately entered the tournament because he possessed sufficient strength. Wang Hao is also humbled by the enormous gap between his own long cultivation and Fa Wutian’s rapid advancement.
• Lin Xiuya and the spectators: They initially assume Fa Wutian is doomed, but his survival changes their view and confirms the seriousness of his hidden strength.

Significant Themes

• Hidden strength and underestimated talent: Fa Wutian conceals his true cultivation, causing others to mistake him for an overconfident newcomer.
• Jealousy and arrogance: Bai Cheng’s resentment leads him to make a reckless attempt on Fa Wutian’s life.
• Power and survival: The battle emphasizes that strength determines one’s ability to survive and advance in the cultivation world.
• Restraint versus vengeance: Fa Wutian seeks immediate revenge, but Hu Gan’s intervention reinforces the need for discipline and control within the academy.
• The importance of resources: The Inner Academy and Burning Sky Qi Refining Tower are presented as essential for supporting advanced cultivation, especially for those approaching the Dou Spirit realm.

Character Interactions

• Elder Huo’s disclosure causes Hu Gan to reassess Fa Wutian’s status and accomplishments.
• Bai Cheng provokes Fa Wutian with threats and insults, while Fa Wutian’s indifference further inflames Bai Cheng’s anger.
• Wang Hao attempts to worryingly intervene, but Hu Gan assures him that Fa Wutian can handle the battle.
• After surviving Bai Cheng’s attack, Fa Wutian openly threatens him and launches a killing blow.
• Hu Gan directly steps between them, stopping Fa Wutian and bringing the confrontation to an abrupt end.

Chapter Summary: “Showdown with Lin Xiuya”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hu Gan stops Fa Wutian from killing Bai Cheng after determining that Fa Wutian’s final attack would have exceeded Bai Cheng’s ability to survive.
• Hu Gan explains that Bai Cheng’s powerful family connections—including a Battle Ancestor expert—would make killing him extremely dangerous for Fa Wutian and could ruin his plans at Canaan Academy.
• Although both students violated academy rules by fighting, Hu Gan rules that Bai Cheng was primarily responsible because he initiated the deadly attack out of jealousy.
• As punishment, Hu Gan initially revokes Bai Cheng’s qualification for the Inner Academy competition.
• Fearing that he will lose a year of progress and possibly his position as a future Bai Clan patriarch, Bai Cheng begs for leniency.
• Hu Gan offers him a chance to regain his qualification if he can obtain Fa Wutian’s forgiveness.
• Fa Wutian demands Bai Cheng’s High-Level Black Class Dou Technique, Bloodland Eight Cracks, in exchange for forgiveness.
• Bai Cheng reluctantly agrees, provided Fa Wutian does not teach the technique to anyone else. Hu Gan then restores his competition qualification.
• After the incident, the crowd recognizes Fa Wutian as the tournament’s greatest dark horse. His overwhelming victory over Bai Cheng causes later opponents to surrender or withdraw rather than face him.
• The chapter ends with the tournament’s final match being announced: Fa Wutian versus Lin Xiuya.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Demonstrates overwhelming strength, tactical restraint, and considerable ambition. Although he wants to kill Bai Cheng, he accepts Hu Gan’s intervention and cleverly uses the situation to obtain a valuable spear-based technique.
• Bai Cheng: Is exposed as jealous, reckless, and willing to kill a fellow student. His confidence collapses after being defeated and threatened with disqualification, forcing him to sacrifice a prized clan technique to preserve his advancement.
• Hu Gan: Shows himself to be pragmatic and politically careful. He protects Fa Wutian from the consequences of killing Bai Cheng while still punishing Bai Cheng and arranging a compromise that maintains academy discipline.
• Lin Xiuya: Gains increased significance as the strongest remaining challenger. His recognition that he could not replicate Fa Wutian’s victory over Bai Cheng suggests that the final match will be a serious test for both fighters.

Significant Themes

• Power and consequences: Fa Wutian’s strength gives him the upper hand, but killing Bai Cheng would have triggered dangerous retaliation from the Bai Clan.
• Justice versus political pragmatism: Hu Gan balances academy rules, Bai Cheng’s family influence, and Fa Wutian’s safety rather than applying punishment mechanically.
• The value of cultivation resources and techniques: Bai Cheng’s fear of losing a year in the Inner Academy shows how critical advancement and training opportunities are in this world.
• Humiliation and reversal of status: Bai Cheng begins as a powerful competitor but ends up pleading for mercy and surrendering a treasured technique to someone he had underestimated.
• Rising reputation: Fa Wutian’s decisive victory transforms him from an unknown competitor into the tournament’s most feared contender.

Character Interactions

• Hu Gan privately warns Fa Wutian about the consequences of killing Bai Cheng, persuading him to abandon the finishing blow.
• Hu Gan publicly defends his earlier lack of intervention, explaining that he knew Fa Wutian could withstand Bai Cheng’s attack but had to prevent Fa Wutian from killing him.
• Hu Gan condemns Bai Cheng’s attempted murder, then uses Fa Wutian’s forgiveness as the condition for restoring Bai Cheng’s eligibility.
• Bai Cheng begs Fa Wutian to name a price for forgiveness, and Fa Wutian exploits the opportunity to claim Bloodland Eight Cracks.
• The chapter concludes by setting up the anticipated confrontation between Fa Wutian and Lin Xiuya.

Chapter 17: “Champion” — Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Inner Academy Selection Tournament reaches its final match: Fa Wutian versus Lin Xiuya.
• Lin Xiuya praises Fa Wutian for becoming the strongest student in the Outer Academy despite being only a first-year. Fa Wutian modestly attributes his success to luck.
• The two begin their battle using only physical strength and weapon techniques:
  • Fa Wutian fights with his Flame Spirit Spear.
  • Lin Xiuya uses his sword with speed and precision.
• After several hundred exchanges, Fa Wutian gains the advantage, holding his spear at Lin Xiuya’s throat and knocking away Lin Xiuya’s sword.
• Fa Wutian returns Lin Xiuya’s weapon and agrees to continue with battle skills.
• Fa Wutian uses the Mid Xuan Tier technique Sea-Seeking Swimming Dragon.
• Lin Xiuya counters with his strongest technique, the High Xuan Tier Willow Fluff Sword Formation. The two attacks cancel each other out, surprising Lin Xiuya because his superior-grade technique only matches Fa Wutian’s seemingly casual attack.
• Fa Wutian prepares to finish the match with Dragon Spear Wild Dance, the powerful technique he previously used against Bai Cheng.
• Realizing he cannot withstand the attack—and that Fa Wutian would be excessively overpowering him—Lin Xiuya concedes.
• Fa Wutian is declared the overall champion of the tournament and earns qualification for the Inner Academy.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian demonstrates overwhelming combat ability, weapon mastery, restraint, and confidence. He intentionally limits himself to the strength of a Four-Star Dou Grandmaster during much of the fight, concealing his true Nine-Star Dou Grandmaster cultivation and stronger techniques.
• He also shows respect toward worthy opponents, becoming more serious once Lin Xiuya proves willing to fight without fear.
• Lin Xiuya is established as courageous, talented, and honorable. Though he knows he is weaker, he challenges Fa Wutian directly and refuses to surrender without testing the gap between them.
• Lin Xiuya’s determination to surpass Fa Wutian foreshadows his future growth and eventual rise as a major expert and leader of Wolf Fang.
• Their battle creates mutual recognition: Fa Wutian finds Lin Xiuya impressive, while Lin Xiuya accepts the defeat but vows to catch up.

Significant Themes

• True talent versus luck: Fa Wutian’s modest claim that his success is luck is contrasted with Lin Xiuya’s recognition that his achievements come from exceptional effort and ability.
• Strength and restraint: Fa Wutian’s victory is even more impressive because he hides most of his power and avoids unnecessarily injuring Lin Xiuya.
• Respect among rivals: The battle is not fueled by hatred but by a desire to measure skill, leading to admiration between the two competitors.
• Determination and future growth: Lin Xiuya’s vow to surpass Fa Wutian emphasizes that defeat can motivate rather than break a strong warrior.
• The gap between realms: The battle highlights how enormous the difference in cultivation can be, especially between Fa Wutian’s concealed Nine-Star level and Lin Xiuya’s Four-Star level.

Character Interactions

• Lin Xiuya openly praises Fa Wutian, while Fa Wutian responds with humility.
• Their exchange before and during the duel shows Lin Xiuya’s boldness and Fa Wutian’s growing interest in facing a fearless opponent.
• After Lin Xiuya concedes, he humorously criticizes Fa Wutian’s suggestion that he should “struggle” against an overwhelming attack.
• Lin Xiuya leaves with a determined promise to catch up, and Fa Wutian watches him with amusement and respect.
• A brief comedic interruption occurs when a large, freckled female student loudly declares her desire to have Fa Wutian’s children, shocking the spectators and amusingly embarrassing the situation.

Chapter Summary: “Nine Heavens Dragon’s Roar!”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hu Gan explains the rules of the Library Pavilion: the five participants—Fa Wutian, Lin Xiuya, Han Yue, Lin Yan, and Bai Cheng—have one hour to choose and take only one item.
• Inside, they discover countless golden bubbles containing cultivation rewards. Bai Cheng breaks one and finds a Primary Xuan Tier combat technique.
• While the others search normally, Fa Wutian uses his soul power to identify a bubble with an unusually powerful aura.
• He struggles to break the bubble, even after using one and then two Soul-Piercing Awls. The resistance confirms that the item inside is exceptionally valuable.
• As the time limit approaches, Fa Wutian finally cracks the bubble and escapes the Library Pavilion just before the barrier closes.
• Hu Gan warns the group that they will soon participate in an important competition—the Fire Energy Hunting Tournament—which will affect their future in the Inner Academy.
• Lin Xiuya asks what Fa Wutian obtained. Fa Wutian only reveals that it is a combat technique, concealing its true rank.
• Fa Wutian later begins studying his prize: Nine Heavens Dragon’s Roar, an Intermediate Earth Tier soundwave combat technique.
• The technique requires the cultivator to experience a dragon’s roar and mentally merge with the image of an ancient dragon. Realizing he needs access to an actual dragon, Fa Wutian thinks of a powerful dragon-related individual in the Inner Academy and decides to seek her help.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian demonstrates patience, discernment, and confidence by ignoring ordinary rewards and targeting the strongest item. His ability to break the unusually durable bubble highlights his powerful soul force.
• He obtains the highest-ranked combat technique currently in his possession, greatly increasing his potential strength.
• Lin Xiuya remains competitive and ambitious. Though he suspects Fa Wutian gained a powerful technique, he is not intimidated because he obtained the Primary Earth Tier technique Azure Whirlwind Slaughter and intends to use it to surpass Fa Wutian.
• Bai Cheng is shown eagerly exploring the Pavilion after winning the revival match.
• Han Yue watches Fa Wutian and Lin Xiuya thoughtfully but ultimately leaves without intervening.
• Hu Gan acts as a strict guide and hints that Fa Wutian’s performance in the upcoming competition will be especially important.

Significant Themes

• Competition and ambition: Fa Wutian and Lin Xiuya each obtain powerful techniques and privately prepare to outdo one another.
• Hidden strength and secrecy: Fa Wutian conceals the true nature of his reward, maintaining an advantage over his peers.
• Risk and reward: The most valuable treasure requires far greater effort to obtain, and Fa Wutian risks missing the deadline to secure it.
• Cultivation through experience: Nine Heavens Dragon’s Roar requires more than memorization; it demands direct exposure to a dragon’s power and psychological transformation.
• Preparation for the future: The Library Pavilion visit serves as a transition toward the Fire Energy Hunting Tournament and the group’s eventual entry into the Inner Academy.

Character Interactions

• Hu Gan instructs the group and later gives Fa Wutian a meaningful look while warning them about the upcoming competition.
• Fa Wutian and Lin Xiuya exchange a brief but competitive conversation about their newly acquired techniques.
• Lin Xiuya’s confidence in Azure Whirlwind Slaughter establishes renewed rivalry with Fa Wutian.
• Fa Wutian’s final realization about needing a dragon sets up his next interaction with the powerful dragon-related figure in the Inner Academy.

Chapter Summary: Fire Energy Hunting Tournament Begins!

Key Plot Points and Events

• The top twenty entrants in the Inner Academy Selection Tournament gather in a dense forest for the Fire Energy Hunting Tournament.
• An Inner Academy mentor explains that the participants must reach a towering tree within seven days. Their Fire Energy Cards will function as currency in the Inner Academy.
• After the mentor leaves, Fa Wutian realizes the true purpose of the event: older Inner Academy students are hiding in the forest to ambush and steal the newcomers’ Fire Energy.
• Most participants mistakenly assume the contest is simply a race and immediately set off toward the destination.
• Fa Wutian deliberately waits, intending to let the older students rob weaker newcomers before taking their accumulated Fire Energy himself.
• Han Yue stays behind with Fa Wutian, correctly suspecting that the tournament is more complicated than a simple test of speed.
• After traveling for a while, Fa Wutian detects five older students concealed in the bushes. They attempt to ambush him and Han Yue, but he defeats all five almost instantly using Wind-Swept Shadow and the Heaven-Opening Palm.
• Fa Wutian reverses the situation, forcing the defeated students to surrender their Fire Energy. He obtains 800 Fire Energy but is disappointed by the relatively small amount.
• The older students flee after Fa Wutian dismisses them.

Character Developments

• Fa Wutian demonstrates exceptional awareness, strategic thinking, and overwhelming combat strength. Rather than rushing ahead, he understands the hidden rules of the tournament and plans to profit from the older students’ attacks.
• His confidence borders on arrogance, but it is supported by his ability to defeat five opponents—including a Five-Star Dou Grandmaster leader—with ease.
• Han Yue shows caution and intelligence by recognizing that the competition is unlikely to be as simple as it appears. She chooses to follow Fa Wutian for protection, trusting his strength despite his unwillingness to openly share his information.
• Han Yue’s decision proves valuable, as she realizes she would likely have lost her Fire Energy if traveling alone.
• The older students are portrayed as opportunistic bullies who enjoy repeating the treatment they once received as newcomers, but they quickly become frightened once they encounter someone much stronger.

Significant Themes

• The cruelty of competition: The tournament is designed to expose newcomers to the harsh, resource-driven environment of the Inner Academy.
• Predator and prey reversal: The older students expect to hunt the newcomers, but Fa Wutian turns them into victims instead.
• Strength and preparation: Speed alone is insufficient; awareness, strategy, and combat ability determine survival.
• Trust and reliance: Han Yue places her safety in Fa Wutian’s hands, while Fa Wutian reluctantly allows her to accompany him.
• Scarcity of resources: Fire Energy is established as essential for future cultivation, making every confrontation a struggle over power and opportunity.

Character Interactions

• The mentor warns the participants about the Inner Academy but deliberately withholds the existence of the older-student ambushes.
• Lin Xiuya questions why Fa Wutian is not competing for an early lead, interpreting his patience as arrogance.
• Han Yue follows Fa Wutian because she believes his strength will protect her, despite his initial desire to shake her off.
• Fa Wutian confronts and humiliates the five older students, forcing them to surrender their Fire Energy before allowing them to escape.
• Han Yue later asks whether Fa Wutian knew about the ambushes, and his blunt response leaves her frustrated but grateful that she stayed with him.

Chapter Summary: “Storms Gather”

1. Key Plot Points and Events

• Han Yue thanks Fa Wutian for helping her escape the senior students, but he tells her that he never intended to bring her along and advises her not to accompany him while he hunts the stronger teams.
• Realizing that she might slow him down, Han Yue accepts the separation and rests before continuing toward the destination.
• Fa Wutian uses his movement technique and soul power to track senior students. He encounters and easily defeats another team led by a Six-Star Dou Grandmaster, gaining roughly 1,000 units of Fire Energy.
• Encouraged by the large amount of Fire Energy carried by stronger teams, Fa Wutian looks forward to confronting the remaining groups, particularly the powerful Black-and-White Fiends.
• The White Fiend captain, Luo Feng, and the Black Fiend captain, Chen Liang, meet to discuss Fa Wutian, a newcomer who has been defeating senior-student teams alone. They resolve to defeat him to preserve their reputations.
• Han Yue is attacked by the senior students Fa Wutian previously defeated. Though she escapes, she is exhausted and eventually rescued by Lin Xiuya and the other remaining newcomers.
• With Fa Wutian absent, the newcomers look to Lin Xiuya for guidance. He concludes that they cannot defeat the senior students directly and suggests splitting up so that at least some of them can reach the destination.

2. Character Developments

• Fa Wutian: Demonstrates overwhelming strength and confidence, easily defeating multiple senior-student teams. He becomes increasingly motivated by the prospect of collecting more Fire Energy and is established as a major threat to the senior students.
• Han Yue: Shows practical judgment by recognizing that she cannot keep up with Fa Wutian. Her later defeat and rescue emphasize her vulnerability, but she remains resourceful enough to escape and rejoin the newcomers.
• Luo Feng and Chen Liang: Their discussion reveals pride and competitiveness. Although they are confident in their ability to defeat Fa Wutian, Luo Feng senses that the newcomer may become a serious danger.
• Lin Xiuya: Takes on a leadership role after Fa Wutian’s departure. He realistically assesses the group’s weakness and proposes a survival strategy rather than pursuing a direct confrontation.

3. Significant Themes

• Strength and survival: The competition rewards individual power, while weaker participants must rely on caution, escape, or cooperation.
• Pride versus realistic judgment: The senior students underestimate Fa Wutian because of his newcomer status, while Lin Xiuya correctly recognizes the limits of his group’s strength.
• Reputation and rivalry: The Black-and-White Fiends are determined to defeat Fa Wutian partly to avoid humiliation, turning the competition into a personal challenge.
• Isolation and dependence: Fa Wutian’s decision to separate from Han Yue highlights the tension between individual strength and group cooperation.
• The coming confrontation: The chapter builds anticipation for a clash between Fa Wutian and the Black-and-White Fiends, suggesting that the competition is about to become more dangerous.

4. Character Interactions

• Fa Wutian and Han Yue part on practical but somewhat emotionally distant terms; Han Yue feels rejected, though she understands his reasoning.
• Fa Wutian confronts and defeats a senior-student team that mistakenly believes he is easy prey.
• Luo Feng and Chen Liang discuss the threat Fa Wutian poses, revealing mutual rivalry and shared concern over their status.
• Han Yue reunites with Lin Xiuya’s group after being pursued by the team Fa Wutian defeated.
• The newcomers place their hopes in Lin Xiuya, whose plan to split up reflects their desperate situation.