Chapter Summaries

After returning from King Wu’s Secret Treasury, Jian Shang used the Huan Kingdom’s spoils to strengthen its resources and prepared to send its army against mounting threats. He refused the Athena Camp’s demand for the Gold Cloths, then began restoring the Heaven-Piercing Divine Ark with the Eternal Battle Flag.

• Li Yuan chose Iga Ryōkyū’s cultivation methods and secret arts from the six sets of Great Adept spoils offered by Jian Shang, then departed with his companions.
• Jian Shang moved King Wen’s Tomb to Hundred Flowers Valley, renamed it the Hall of Myriad Emperors, and made Qi Ji its manager and a hidden logistics base and training ground.
• During seclusion, Jian Shang studied the Great Emperor’s Genesis Record, the Cosmic Myriad Emperors Scripture, and the Virgo mysteries, but could not merge the scriptures or master Qin Shi Huang’s arts.
• Gao Hong reported that Canada’s Lance Fleet and the Russian Federation Grand Army were mobilizing, while several Chinese factions requested aid and the Athena Camp offered support in exchange for the Virgo and Gemini Gold Cloths.
• Jian Shang rejected the Athena Camp’s offer and ordered the ministers to prepare the army for deployment.
• Jian Shang summoned the Heaven-Piercing Divine Ark with the Eternal Battle Flag and drained the surrounding vegetation to repair the ancient vessel.

Jian Shang prepared the Huan Kingdom’s forces for the Sino-Canadian War and traveled toward Sishui Royal City to meet the assembled factions. There, Xiao He urged Li Yuan to submit to the Huan Kingdom, but Li Yuan had not yet made his decision.

• Jian Shang ordered twenty thousand Heaven-Piercing Divine Guards to accompany him and left ten thousand to defend the royal capital after Qi Ji and Hua Qiandai advised that the city’s defenses were sufficient.
• Tian Dan reported that Flower Immortal City and the Great Huan Era’s navy were ready, and Jian Shang named Tian Feng Sea-Pacifying General and assigned him command of a million naval troops.
• Jian Shang ordered Gan Lan to lead the Heaven-Piercing Divine Ark and Jingyang Water Estate east to join the navy and build momentum for the Sino-Canadian War.
• Ji Geng led forty thousand Heaven-Piercing Divine Guards into the Heaven-Piercing Divine Ark, where their weakening movements and reactions returned to normal.
• Three days later, Jian Shang’s arrival in Sishui Royal City was imminent, and Xiao He urged Li Yuan to choose the Huan Kingdom over Western Chu and the Han Kingdom.
• Li Kang objected that Western Chu and the Han Kingdom offered Li Yuan the title of King of Chu, while Xiao He argued that their schemes would endanger Li Yuan and that the Huan Kingdom was the strongest choice.

Li Yuan ended the debate over whether to oppose the Huan King, while the Yue State delegation waited at Sishui Royal City to negotiate its return to China and recognize Jian Shang as king. Jian Shang arrived with Hua Qiandai and Xiao Dieyi, and Dragon Soul introduced the delegation and its purpose.

• Xiao He warned Li Kang that opposing the Huan King could bring ruin on Li Yuan and his kin, and Li Yanyan urged her brother to remain neutral.
• Li Yuan ended the discussion, declared that he had decided how to proceed, and ordered everyone to await the Huan King's arrival.
• Dragon Soul waited at Sishui Royal City's southern gate with Ruan Shaoyuan and Yue State representatives, who had come to seek the Huan King's favor and discuss their country's return to China.
• Jian Shang arrived at the gate with Hua Qiandai and Xiao Dieyi, and Huan soldiers recognized and greeted him.
• Ruan Shaoyuan and the Yue State representatives prostrated themselves before Jian Shang, and Dragon Soul introduced them and explained that they had come to discuss the Yue State's return to China and its recognition of Jian Shang as king.

Chapter Summary: The King’s Hound

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jian Shang rejects the proposal to return to Great Xia as king, insisting that his return is necessary but that he has no desire to rule the Otherworld.
• Dragon Soul and representatives of Moon State explain that they do not expect Jian Shang to personally manage Moon State. They only want his formal approval and appointment, while promising to obey his commands.
• Dragon Soul argues that accepting Moon State would benefit Jian Shang politically and militarily. Moon State’s Otherworld population, intelligence networks, and forces in the Forging the Sacred Court could strengthen the Huan Kingdom, especially during the coming Sino-Canadian War.
• Jian Shang recognizes that Moon State cannot simply be abandoned. Since its people and forces will continue to exist despite the extermination order against them, he decides it is better to control the situation and use it to his advantage.
• He agrees to enter the city and discuss the arrangement with the Moon State delegation.
• Jian Shang’s arrival in Sishui Royal City causes a major commotion, as his escort expands into a procession of more than a thousand people.
• Grand Commandant Han Xin welcomes him. Jian Shang praises Han Xin’s contributions to the Huan Kingdom and recognizes his transformation from a battlefield commander into a strategic leader with the bearing of a War Immortal.
• Ruan Shaoyuan presents Jian Shang with extensive intelligence on Moon State, the Otherworld, Forging the Sacred Court, Sishui Royal City, Great Xia factions, and the Sino-Canadian War. Jian Shang accepts the information as proof of Moon State’s value and sincerity.
• Jian Shang demands that Moon State give him a concise reason to become its king, allowing them only the time needed to drink a cup of tea.
• Ruan Shaoyuan bluntly declares that Moon State is willing to become Jian Shang’s “hound for hunting the world,” asking only that Jian Shang treat Moon State’s people well.
• Jian Shang then turns his attention to Dragon Soul and the Great Xia representatives, putting them under intense pressure to state their own position.

Character Developments

• Jian Shang remains unwilling to accept empty honors or unnecessary responsibilities, but he demonstrates political pragmatism. He is prepared to rule Moon State if doing so gives him greater control and strengthens the Huan Kingdom.
• Ruan Shaoyuan reveals his strength as both a general and a realist politician. Rather than clinging to Moon State’s former status, he openly acknowledges its defeat and offers complete loyalty in exchange for protection for its people.
• Dragon Soul and the Otherworlder Alliance show that they have learned from earlier failed attempts to persuade Jian Shang. They approach him with humility, careful planning, and substantial concessions, but Ruan Shaoyuan’s direct proposal leaves Dragon Soul uncertain about how to respond.
• Han Xin has matured considerably under Jian Shang’s trust and leadership. He has evolved from a brilliant but more impulsive commander into a composed strategist capable of overseeing the entire Huan Kingdom’s military situation.
• Moon State’s representatives effectively begin treating Jian Shang as their sovereign before he has formally accepted the title, signaling their submission and political flexibility.

Significant Themes

• Power and legitimacy: Rule is shown to depend less on ceremonial titles than on practical authority, military strength, and the consent—or submission—of those being ruled.
• Political pragmatism: Jian Shang accepts that abandoning Moon State would be dangerous and morally questionable, so he chooses the option that gives him the greatest control and benefit.
• Loyalty in defeat: Ruan Shaoyuan’s offer reflects the theme that a defeated nation can survive by abandoning pride and placing itself under a stronger ruler.
• Protection versus exploitation: Moon State offers its people and resources as tools of Jian Shang’s power, but asks that he preserve and protect them in return.
• The burden of kingship: Jian Shang does not seek kingship for prestige. He views it as a responsibility and strategic position that must be accepted only when it serves a larger purpose.
• The transformation of commanders: Han Xin’s growth illustrates how trust, responsibility, and political stability can turn a talented battlefield general into a mature national leader.

Character Interactions

• Jian Shang and Dragon Soul: Dragon Soul carefully appeals to Jian Shang’s interests, emphasizing Moon State’s usefulness and promising obedience. Jian Shang listens but remains skeptical and firmly in control.
• Jian Shang and Ruan Shaoyuan: Ruan Shaoyuan approaches Jian Shang with extreme respect and gives him the direct answer he demands. Their exchange establishes a potential relationship between sovereign and subordinate based on submission and mutual benefit.
• Jian Shang and Han Xin: Their warm reunion shows genuine trust and gratitude. Jian Shang publicly validates Han Xin’s accomplishments, while Han Xin responds with humility and loyalty.
• Moon State and the Huan Kingdom: Moon State’s representatives behave as though Jian Shang is already their king, offering intelligence and obedience to prove their value.
• Jian Shang and the Great Xia delegation: By asking Dragon Soul to speak next, Jian Shang shifts the pressure onto Great Xia and makes clear that every faction must explain what it can offer him.

Chapter Summary: “Deliberations Among Many”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Long Gui conveys the Otherworld Heavenly Court’s proposal for Night Domain’s return to Great Xia. They suggest renaming it Night Province Extra-Territorial Region, allowing Jian Shang (Huan King) to remain its first administrator while permitting Heavenly Court personnel to participate in its governance.
• Jian Shang rejects the formal “extra-territorial region” designation. He explains that he wants to remain Huan King, not become an administrator, and has no interest in personally managing Night Domain’s affairs in the Otherworld.
• He permits the Heavenly Court to send personnel to help govern Night Province, but insists that the ultimate decision-maker must be someone he appoints. He also declares that Night Province will use the same ancient monarchical system as Huan Domain rather than Great Xia’s prevailing political ideology.
• Yuan Dan nearly implies that Night Domain might have the right to choose independence, but Yuan Shaoyuan quickly stops him. Both men recognize that they are dependent on Jian Shang and cannot openly challenge Great Xia’s authority.
• Jian Shang identifies Yuan Dan, the current administrator, and Yuan Shaoyuan as participants in the dispute. Yuan Dan immediately kneels and apologizes for speaking out of turn. Jian Shang does not punish him, but his intimidating response makes the danger of careless speech clear.
• Jian Shang appoints Yuan Shaoyuan to govern Night Province. Yuan Shaoyuan hesitates, noting that he is a military officer rather than a political administrator, but accepts when Jian Shang makes clear that refusal is not a realistic option.
• Jian Shang places Wushuang Marquis in charge of supervising and assisting Yuan Shaoyuan. He warns that failure will bring punishment and that exceeding his authority could cost him his life.
• Long Gui confirms that the Heavenly Court has already approved the arrangement and does not need to seek further instructions.
• Jian Shang ends the broader negotiations and sends Long Gui, Yuan Dan, and the others away. He then reminds Yuan Shaoyuan that, although Night Domain is returning to Great Xia, his first allegiance must remain to Jian Shang.

Character Developments

• Jian Shang/Huan King demonstrates confidence, political authority, and strategic independence. He refuses to be constrained by Great Xia’s bureaucratic terminology or ideology and makes clear that his authority comes from his position as king, not from Heavenly Court approval.
• He also reveals a pragmatic attitude: Night Domain is useful but not indispensable, while Huan Domain within the Forging the Sacred Court is his true priority.
• Long Gui acts as a careful diplomatic intermediary. He adapts quickly to Jian Shang’s demands, having anticipated many of his likely responses, and presents the Heavenly Court’s concessions as cooperative rather than submissive.
• Yuan Dan is shown to be intelligent but reckless. His attempted intervention nearly creates a serious political problem, and he quickly retracts his words when he realizes the implications.
• Yuan Shaoyuan is cautious and politically perceptive. He stops Yuan Dan from speaking further, accepts Jian Shang’s appointment despite his anxiety, and understands that serving Huan King is both an honor and a dangerous responsibility.
• The people of Night Domain react with concealed joy when Yuan Shaoyuan is chosen, suggesting they prefer Jian Shang’s rule to direct Heavenly Court control.

Significant Themes

• Authority versus ideology: Jian Shang argues that political systems are ultimately about who holds power, dismissing the difference between popular rule and individual rule as largely a matter of presentation.
• Political compromise and indirect control: The Heavenly Court preserves the appearance of ideological unity while allowing Night Province to operate under a monarchical system, showing its willingness to compromise for strategic reasons.
• Loyalty and divided allegiance: Night Domain is technically returning to Great Xia, but Jian Shang insists that its leaders must remain personally loyal to him first.
• Power backed by personal authority: Jian Shang’s threats and appointments show that his word carries immediate force, while those beneath him must accept both his protection and his punishment.
• Pragmatism over principle: Every side prioritizes stability and mutual advantage. The Heavenly Court tolerates Night Province’s unusual structure because cooperation with Huan Domain strengthens its influence and deterrence.

Character Interactions

• Jian Shang and Long Gui engage in a tense but controlled negotiation. Long Gui offers formal concessions, while Jian Shang repeatedly strips away bureaucratic language and states his demands directly.
• Jian Shang intimidates Yuan Dan after his improper remark, while Yuan Shaoyuan intervenes to prevent the situation from worsening.
• Jian Shang appoints Yuan Shaoyuan despite his reservations, establishing a relationship based on obedience, supervision, and potentially severe consequences.
• The final private exchange between Jian Shang and Yuan Shaoyuan emphasizes the chapter’s central political arrangement: Night Domain may belong to Great Xia officially, but its governing authority and true loyalty remain centered on Huan King.

Chapter Summary: “Sishui Council”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jian Shang formally instructs Ruan Shaoyuan that, upon returning to the real world, he must make Yue Province fully part of China. Although Ruan may retain authority over his former clan and territory, his primary loyalty must be to the Huan King. The Huan Kingdom will support him, and he may consult the Wushuang Marquis when facing difficulties.
• Han Xin briefs Jian Shang on the approaching Sino-Yue War, describing the forces of the Huan Kingdom, Western Chu, Liu Bang’s faction, the Otherworlder Alliance, and numerous smaller Chinese factions.
• The Huan Kingdom plans to deploy an enormous army, including fifty million new troops, regular forces, elite cavalry, beast armies, elephant troops, heavy infantry, and other specialized units. Han Xin views the campaign partly as the Huan Kingdom’s largest military exercise, intended to strengthen and transform its armed forces.
• Western Chu has mobilized most of its national strength under Xiang Yu, though many of its hastily conscripted troops are poorly trained. Liu Bang’s faction has sent a substantial army despite pressure in the northern war zone. The Otherworlder Alliance possesses the greatest overall numbers and a large concentration of powerful experts, but its mixed membership makes organization difficult.
• The major factions are disputing who should lead the coalition. Western Chu and Liu Bang have formed an apparent alliance, with some Otherworlder factions supporting them. Rumors suggest they may try to weaken the Huan Kingdom or assassinate Jian Shang.
• Jian Shang refuses to fight over leadership. He declares that strength determines authority and orders Han Xin to be prepared to withdraw Huan forces from the entire battlefield if other factions attempt to undermine them.
• Li Yuan has not yet chosen a side. Xiao He has privately held extensive discussions with Han Xin but has avoided openly betraying Li Yuan. Jian Shang believes Xiao He will eventually join the Huan Kingdom if Li Yuan does not, but orders Han Xin not to pressure or recruit him.
• Shao Yu Niang arrives in disguise and requests an audience. Jian Shang deliberately refuses to meet her, believing that doing so might place her and Xiao He in a difficult position. He trusts the Huan Kingdom’s overwhelming strength and his own ability to survive any plot.
• Jian Shang dismisses the council and conceals his presence by making his aura vanish. Afterward, Ruan Shaoyuan approaches Han Xin to ask how the weakened Yue Province should participate in the war.

Character Developments

• Jian Shang demonstrates confidence, decisiveness, and strategic detachment. He delegates Yue Province’s administration to Ruan Shaoyuan while demanding personal loyalty, and he treats the war as both a political contest and an opportunity to train the Huan military.
• Ruan Shaoyuan becomes increasingly aware of the Huan Kingdom’s immense military power. Though formally granted broad authority, he remains anxious about misinterpreting Jian Shang’s wishes and carefully seeks Han Xin’s guidance.
• Han Xin is established as the indispensable military strategist of the Huan Kingdom. His detailed knowledge of every faction’s troops, capabilities, and political relationships highlights his reputation as the War Immortal.
• Xiao He is portrayed as politically cautious and morally conflicted. He appears likely to support Jian Shang eventually but refuses to betray Li Yuan openly while Li Yuan remains undecided.
• Shao Yu Niang attempts to contact Jian Shang, suggesting she may possess important information, but Jian Shang avoids meeting her to protect her position.
• Hua Qiandai and Xiao Dieyi serve as Jian Shang’s trusted protectors. Hua Qiandai understands his intentions and helps ensure that his message to Shao Yu Niang is delivered correctly.

Significant Themes

• Power as the basis of authority: Jian Shang insists that the strongest faction naturally deserves leadership, dismissing political disputes over command.
• Loyalty and political incorporation: Ruan Shaoyuan’s return requires him to abandon divided loyalties and integrate Yue Province into China under Jian Shang’s authority.
• Military strength and preparedness: The war is not only a conflict but also a large-scale test and training exercise for the Huan Kingdom’s armies.
• Confidence versus political intrigue: Jian Shang believes overwhelming strength renders assassination plots, alliances, and conspiracies largely ineffective.
• Political neutrality and strategic patience: Rather than forcing Xiao He or Li Yuan to choose immediately, Jian Shang prefers to observe events and allow circumstances to reveal their loyalties.

Character Interactions

• Jian Shang and Ruan Shaoyuan establish a political relationship based on delegated authority and absolute loyalty.
• Han Xin’s military report impresses and unsettles Ruan Shaoyuan, revealing the vast disparity between the Huan Kingdom and Yue Province.
• Jian Shang and Han Xin discuss coalition leadership, enemy plots, and the possibility of withdrawing from the war.
• Jian Shang assesses Xiao He’s loyalty through Han Xin and chooses not to interfere directly.
• Hua Qiandai challenges Jian Shang’s decision to refuse Shao Yu Niang, but he explains that his refusal is intended to avoid compromising her and Xiao He.
• After the council, Ruan Shaoyuan privately seeks Han Xin’s advice on Yue Province’s role, particularly because the unresolved extermination order prevents Yue Province’s Otherworlders from participating effectively.

Jian Shang arrived at the City Lord's Manor for Li Yuan's banquet while maintaining a silent, eyes-closed bearing, and Hua Qiandai and Xiao Dieyi displayed the Huan Kingdom's power along the way. After the procession entered the crowded gathering, Xiao Dieyi unsettled Poison-Hand Vajra, leaving the assembled factions wary of the Huan delegation.

• Jian Shang continued meditating in the Huan Kingdom residence as Hua Qiandai ordered a grand procession to the City Lord's Manor.
• Jing Wujian challenged the Huan Kingdom procession, and Hua Qiandai and Xiao Dieyi defeated the Sword Firmament Sect's fighters, killed many, and sent Jing Wusheng away with an ultimatum for the sect and Jing Clan.
• The Huan Kingdom procession entered the City Lord's Manor despite the Sishui Swordsmen's hesitation, and Jian Shang walked to his assigned seat without acknowledging the gathered factions.
• Poison-Hand Vajra muttered against Jian Shang, and Xiao Dieyi approached him before withdrawing and returning to Jian Shang's side.

At the Sishui Alliance gathering, the Huan King’s imposing presence kept Liu Bang’s and Xiang Yu’s supporters from openly challenging him. When Li Yuan opened the alliance’s first military council, factions began backing Liu Bang and Xiang Yu as alliance leader, while the Huan King’s camp stayed silent.

• Xiao Dieyi startled Poison-Hand Vajra with a feint, and Jian Shang returned to the Huan Kingdom’s seats beside the Huan King.
• Cao Wuyin considered confronting the Huan King, but Yan Wuji and Ye Wuxue warned him that the Imperial Residence could not afford to antagonize the Huan Kingdom.
• Li Yuan arrived with Xiao He, Li Kang, Li Xing, and others, but the Huan King ignored him, leaving Li Yuan regretful about his earlier actions.
• Li Yuan welcomed the gathered factions and proposed choosing an alliance leader to command the campaign against invading forces.
• Elder Bamboo and other factions nominated Liu Bang, while an elder of the Big Dipper Sect and their supporters backed Xiang Yu; the Huan King’s supporters remained quiet.

Chapter Summary: “Intimidating the Heroes”

Key Plot Points and Events

• The alliance-leader debate narrows to Han King Liu Bang and Western Chu Hegemon Xiang Yu, while the Huan Kingdom remains completely silent.
• Because Xiang Yu possesses greater apparent strength, prestige, and influence, the crowd overwhelmingly chooses him as alliance leader.
• City Lord Li Yuan hesitates to announce the result, hoping the Huan King will respond. His delay causes tension, especially because the Huan Kingdom has deployed the strongest army among the Chinese factions.
• At Li Yanyan’s urging, Hua Qiandai finally speaks for the Huan Kingdom and declares that they have “no objections.”
• She then reveals that the Huan Kingdom does not consider itself part of the alliance and may withdraw its entire army at dawn. Her sarcastic remarks expose the alliance’s dependence on Huan Kingdom’s military strength.
• The crowd panics. Dragon Soul, Abbot Tianyun, major Jianghu sects, and powerful Otherworlder factions immediately reverse their positions and declare support for the Huan King as alliance leader.
• Hua Qiandai’s strategy of remaining silent and then threatening withdrawal completely overturns the earlier decision. Liu Bang and Xiang Yu’s apparent victory is exposed as meaningless without Huan Kingdom’s participation.
• Xiang Yu, enraged and humiliated, challenges the Huan King to a battle, promising that Western Chu will obey him if defeated.
• The Huan King finally opens his eyes, unleashing a terrifying aura that causes thunder, lightning, and violent winds.
• He dismisses Xiang Yu as unworthy and refuses an ordinary duel, stating that he will only accept a fight to the death—and only after Xiang Yu fully fuses with the Martial King’s Heart and becomes Western Chu’s true ruler.

Character Developments and Interactions

• Hua Qiandai demonstrates sharp political intelligence and confidence. Her calm “no objections” is not surrender but a calculated threat: by withdrawing Huan Kingdom’s army, she forces everyone to recognize its indispensable strength.
• The Huan King/Jian Shang remains silent throughout the political dispute, suggesting complete confidence and disdain for the competing factions. His silence allows others to expose their own shortsightedness before he takes control of the situation.
• Li Yuan becomes increasingly frustrated and ultimately regrets favoring the debate between Liu Bang and Xiang Yu. He realizes that he underestimated the Huan King and allowed pride to influence his judgment.
• Li Yanyan acts as a mediator, recognizing the danger of Li Yuan openly offending the Huan King and persuading him to avoid announcing the alliance result prematurely.
• Xiao He and Yu Niang understand the growing political danger and prompt Li Yanyan to intervene.
• Dragon Soul initially supported the alliance process but quickly adapts, openly declaring that the Otherworlder Alliance will follow the Huan King.
• Abbot Tianyun and numerous Jianghu leaders also abandon the earlier consensus, choosing practical strength and public duty over the previously stated result.
• Xiang Yu shifts from apparent victor to humiliated challenger. His anger reveals his pride, but his challenge also offers a way for Western Chu to regain authority.
• Liu Bang, Zhang Liang, and Fan Zeng recognize that Xiang Yu’s challenge could resolve the crisis in their favor. Liu Bang pretends concern for the silent Huan King, likely hoping to exploit the situation.
• Hua Qiandai’s contemptuous laughter and glance toward Liu Bang and Xiang Yu emphasize that their schemes have been effortlessly defeated.

Significant Themes

• Strength determines authority: Political titles and public votes are meaningless when one faction possesses overwhelming military power.
• Strategic silence and psychological warfare: The Huan Kingdom’s refusal to participate in the debate creates uncertainty and allows its opponents to overplay their hands.
• Advancing by retreating: By threatening to withdraw instead of competing for leadership, the Huan Kingdom gains control of the entire alliance without openly demanding it.
• The danger of pride and miscalculation: Li Yuan, Liu Bang, and Xiang Yu all misjudge the Huan King, while Xiang Yu’s wounded pride pushes him into a dangerous challenge.
• Pragmatism versus appearances: The crowd initially follows popularity and prestige, but when Huan Kingdom’s withdrawal becomes possible, everyone immediately recognizes the reality of its importance.
• Power as intimidation: Jian Shang’s awakening and overwhelming aura transform the political dispute into a demonstration of near-divine dominance.

Overall Significance

The chapter reveals that the alliance vote was never truly decisive because the Huan Kingdom’s participation is essential to China’s war effort. Hua Qiandai’s calculated provocation forces the assembled factions to acknowledge Jian Shang’s supremacy. Xiang Yu’s challenge escalates the conflict from political maneuvering to a potentially lethal confrontation, while Jian Shang’s demand for a fight to the death establishes the enormous gap between himself and the other heroes.

Jian Shang’s overwhelming aura made Xiang Yu and the other leaders believe he could trigger celestial phenomena, but Fan Zeng talked Xiang Yu out of a potentially disastrous duel. When Jian Shang challenged Liu Bang’s faction to fight him to the death, Xiao Dieyi’s enchantment made Poison-Hand Vajra expose Liu Bang’s schemes, and the chapter revealed Jian Shang’s display as a calculated bluff to prevent infighting.

• Jian Shang’s aura shook the gathering, and Xiang Yu prepared to fight until Fan Zeng warned him that either victory or defeat would bring ruin.
• Liu Bang suggested Jian Shang might be hiding weakness, but Jian Shang challenged Liu Bang’s entire faction to fight him to the death.
• Liu Bang declined the challenge in the name of unity, and Xiang Yu abandoned his renewed hopes of fighting Jian Shang.
• Poison-Hand Vajra revealed that Liu Bang had planned to weaken the Huan Kingdom and had sent the Sword Firmament Sect to obstruct Jian Shang.
• Zhang Liang and others restrained Poison-Hand Vajra, who realized Xiao Dieyi had used an illusion to make him reveal his thoughts.
• Jian Shang dismissed Zhang Liang’s accusation, and the narration explained that his sealed senses had stored up his aura for a show of force meant to deter internal conflict.

At a night council in Sishui, Jian Shang secured leadership of the China Alliance and Han Xin laid out the campaign against the Lance Fleet. Afterward, Li Yuan privately confronted Jian Shang about Shao Yu Niang’s role in his plans to take Sishui Royal City.

• Jian Shang argued that the Huan Kingdom should lead the war and announced that he would take its navy behind the Lance Fleet to attack it at sea.
• Jian Shang nominated Han Xin to oversee the campaign, rebuked Liu Bang over his lost Imperial Dao fortune, and received Xiang Yu’s offer of naval support.
• Li Yuan proposed Jian Shang as alliance leader, with Han Xin coordinating the campaign and Xiang Yu, Liu Bang, Dragon Soul, and Chan Master Tianyun as deputy leaders.
• Han Xin assigned the land defenses to the Huan Kingdom, Western Chu, and Liu Bang’s forces, while the Otherworlder Alliance and Jianghu warriors formed elite units for raids.
• After the military council ended, Li Yuan privately invited Jian Shang and his party to the rear residence, where he asked whether Shao Yu Niang had been his pawn in the plan to take Sishui Royal City.

Li Yuan offered to submit Sishui Royal City to the Huan Kingdom in exchange for a marquisate and for the Huan King to take Li Yanyan as his consort. After the Huan King accepted Li Yanyan’s feelings and promised Li Yuan a title after the battle, a Secret Division report revealed that the Lance Fleet had gained major reinforcements from the Greece Region.

• Jian Shang admitted that Yu Niang was not his pawn and assured Li Yuan that she had never harmed Sishui Royal City.
• Li Yuan offered to submit Sishui Royal City, asking for a Marquis Rank title and for Jian Shang to take Li Yanyan as his consort.
• Hua Qiandai encouraged Li Yanyan to acknowledge her feelings, and Jian Shang gave her the Liyuan World-Swaying Qin as a token of affection.
• Xiao He urged Jian Shang to keep Li Yuan’s allegiance unspoken until after the campaign, and Jian Shang promised Li Yuan a title no lower than Pacify-Chu Marquis.
• A Secret Division agent reported that the Lance Fleet had grown by roughly fifty percent and gained thousands of Greece Region Cloth Warriors, including four Gold Saints and three gold Sea Warriors.

Jian Shang left Sishui Royal City for the Eastern Sea with Hua Qiandai, Xiao Dieyi, and Li Yanyan as China’s naval forces gathered for war. The chapter ended with the Lance Fleet waiting to confront them when a mysterious flute melody summoned sea beasts and towering waves.

• Jian Shang dismissed concerns about the Greece Region’s forces, while Xiao He warned that its Sea Warriors could be dangerous in naval battles.
• Hua Qiandai invited Li Yanyan to join them, and Li Yuan encouraged his sister to go with Jian Shang.
• Jian Shang, Hua Qiandai, Xiao Dieyi, and Li Yanyan flew east, while Liu Bang and Zhang Liang reflected on the Huan King’s departure and Liu Bang’s wounded pride.
• Chong Shiqie led a fleet centered on the Jingyang Water Estate along the Huai River, while Gan Lan led another centered on the Heaven-Piercing Divine Ark along the Yangtze River.
• The Lance Fleet assembled a formidable force at the Huai River mouth, where the Azure Wave Archsage and Duke Fettes questioned the need to ally with the Greece Region.
• A flute melody sounded across the sea, and cries from sea beasts accompanied towering waves that surged toward the Lance Fleet.

Sea Witch Disili attacked the Lance Fleet with a Sea-Beast Tide after overhearing the Canadians dismiss the Greece Region’s alliance as unnecessary. She admitted it was her personal retaliation, then the Azure Wave Archsage ordered the fleet to restore its formation before the Huan Kingdom’s forces arrived.

• A Sea-Beast Tide struck the Lance Fleet, overturning thousands of ships and scattering its formation while Sea King Beasts drove the Golden Colossus and Iron Colossi backward.
• The Azure Wave Archsage spotted Sea Witch Disili among the sea beasts and demanded to know why she was attacking them.
• Disili stopped the tide and said she had only been playing, while Prince Tianyao Els threatened to bring the Golden Fleet into the Sea Emperor’s waters.
• Disili explained that she had retaliated because the Canadians had said the Greece Region was not qualified to ally with them and that the alliance was unnecessary.
• Disili claimed she was still underage, leaving the Canadians unable to hold her responsible, and the Azure Wave Archsage ordered the fleet to rebuild its formation before the Huan Kingdom’s forces arrived.

Sea Witch Disili disrupted the Canada Faction’s fleet before Aquarius Kadi arrived and revealed that she was an exceptionally powerful ally. As the commanders prepared to face China’s navy, Disili warned that it was approaching beneath the sea, but Prince Tianyao dismissed her claim.

• Sea Witch Disili refused Prince Tianyao’s invitation and stayed with her sea beasts after the Canada Faction reorganized.
• Aquarius Kadi arrived with Saint Warriors, froze a tiger shark and attacking fish, and stopped Disili from summoning the sea beasts against him.
• Kadi explained that Disili could surpass even the Sea Prince and other gold-ranked warriors, especially at sea.
• Kadi reassured the commanders that they had prepared to confront the Huan King and Princess Dieyi, who possessed fused Gold Cloths.
• Disili warned that China’s navy was beneath the sea, but Prince Tianyao accused her of fooling around as the surface remained calm.

Prince Tianyao’s fleet discovered that the Sea Witch’s warnings were true when China’s forces approached beneath the sea and the Bird Army attacked from above. The Canada Fleet scrambled into battle against the combined assault, while China’s navy had yet to appear.

• Prince Tianyao trusted Sea Witch Disili’s warning and ordered the Canada Fleet to its highest state of readiness as the Bird Army gathered overhead.
• Disili warned that China’s navy was advancing along the seabed, and the sea beasts dived as the Sea King Beast shifted position and disrupted the fleet’s formation.
• Bubbles, blood, carcasses, and a huge shape rose from below, confirming an underwater enemy; Prince Tianyao sounded the drums and ordered the fleet to prepare for attack.
• After receiving word that China’s navy was being towed toward the Eastern Sea by giant birds and sea beasts, Prince Tianyao divided the fleets to guard the outlet and surround the bubbling waters.
• The Bird Army swooped down and attacked the warships, while beast warriors leaped aboard and fought the sailors as the sea battle erupted across the sky, surface, and depths.

The Yue Army’s beasts and birds threw Canada’s warships into chaos as the Greece Region debated whether to intervene. When a Sea-Covering Dragon Whale surfaced, Canada and Aquarius Kadi attacked it, but the beast vanished and the Huan King appeared above the sea.

• Yue’s giant birds and ferocious beasts attacked Canada’s warships, disrupting its forces before the China Navy arrived.
• The Sea Witch and Aquarius Kadi agreed to send Greece Region Saints to help Canada while keeping their strongest fighters ready for the Huan King.
• The Sea-Covering Dragon Whale surfaced, surprising the Canadian and Greek forces who had expected the China Navy.
• Prince Tianyao ordered an attack, and Canada’s ballistae, Atlantis’s God-King Warriors, and Kadi’s Aurora Punishment struck at the whale.
• The whale vanished as the attacks landed, and the Huan King appeared overhead in dark-gold royal robes with rainbow butterfly wings.

The Huan King revealed himself as the Canada Faction attacked, and the Jingyang Water Estate emerged to turn the sea battle against them. While Jian Shang fought the enemy’s experts, a flute-playing girl’s soul-striking attack caught him off guard, leaving Chong Shiqie, Di Wushuang, and Xu Tian rushing to protect him.

• Prince Tianyao realized the Huan King had appeared and ordered the Canada Faction to watch the seabed.
• The Jingyang Water Estate surfaced, with its barrier repelling arrows as its dragon, water walls, ballistae, and Jingyang Water Wraiths attacked the Canadian fleet.
• The flute-playing girl unleashed Death Sonata of the Sea, overwhelming Jian Shang’s Vast Liyuan as Canada Faction experts attacked the Huan King.
• Hua Qiandai and Xiao Dieyi countered enemy attacks while Jian Shang used the Fire God Technique to stop Aquarius Kadi’s cold current.
• The girl’s sonic attack filled Jian Shang with despair and sleepiness, but he broke it with Doomsday Roar.
• Chong Shiqie, Di Wushuang, and Xu Tian heard the roar and rushed to protect the Huan King.

Jian Shang fought the Sea Witch Di Sili and Aquarius Kadi as the Huan Kingdom’s reinforcements approached. After discovering Di Sili could return after being struck down at sea, Jian Shang threatened the Sky Blue Whale to force her withdrawal, but she answered with another spell.

• Aquarius Kadi unleashed Absolute Ice Coffin, and Chong Shiqie blocked the freezing current with water barriers before confronting him.
• Di Sili’s Sea’s Death Guidance drew Bird Army soldiers into a dreamlike vision, but Jian Shang dispelled it with his Moon-Howling Technique.
• Di Sili identified herself as the Sea Witch, then attacked Jian Shang with Death Symphony while Kadi warned that powerful reinforcements were coming.
• Jian Shang broke through Di Sili’s music and beheaded her, but her body vanished and she reappeared on the sea, claiming she was immortal there.
• Jian Shang wounded the Sky Blue Whale and demanded that Di Sili withdraw or watch him kill it, and Di Sili began playing Sea’s Enchanting Fantasy Music.

Jian Shang battled the Sea Witch and the Sky Blue Whale, whose devastating roar wrecked ships and struck both armies, while Chong Shiqie and Yu Ji and Li Yanyan helped him attack. As Jian Shang exhausted himself, the Sea Witch unleashed her ultimate curse, the Symphony of Death's End.

• Jian Shang resisted Di Sili's Sea Flute illusion and wounded the Sky Blue Whale, which regenerated and retaliated with its roar.
• Jian Shang used the Rift-Splitting Technique to carve a deep, bleeding wound across the whale, while its cries and thrashing devastated soldiers and ships from both sides.
• Chong Shiqie sent Jian Shang eight Sea-Breaking Divine Ballista bolts, and he hurled them into the whale as Di Sili's Sea Emperor's Judgment threatened him.
• Yu Ji and Li Yanyan arrived on a phoenix and used their instruments to break Di Sili's spatial attack, allowing the bolts to pierce the whale.
• The whale's violent thrashing capsized and shattered ships, and Jian Shang nearly fell into the sea from exhaustion.
• Li Yanyan moved to aid Jian Shang as Di Sili unleashed the Symphony of Death's End.