Arc 8Trials and the Sword Mound
Jiang Lu cleared the secret realm’s trials, won first place for the Crimson Reed Domain, and obtained a Heaven’s Chosen Token. After learning she would face the cross-domain trial without a Dao Protector, she entered the Sword Mound, advanced her cultivation, and destroyed a sword spirit that had tried to recruit Mu Xiaoqing.
- Jiang Lu led the group past Ghost-Head Bees with a Ghostly Charm Flower, and the Secret Realm Spirit rewarded them for passing the stage.
- Jiang Lu escaped a Stone Beast with formation disks, then was separated from the others and entered a cold pool, where she saved Cangchen from a Dragon Bone and took a Sky-Mending Jade Flower.
- Jiang Lu cleared dangerous solo trials, gained a Stellar Stone, and reunited with the other teams as they fought mutated demonic beasts in a fog formation.
- You Xi accused Jiang Lu of conspiring against the other domains, but the trial ended and the presiding elder declared the Crimson Reed Domain first place because someone had obtained a Stellar Stone.
- Ye Qingluan gave Jiang Lu a Heaven’s Chosen Token and explained that other Heaven’s Chosen might train alongside her, but she would have no Dao Protector during the cross-domain trial.
- Jiang Lu entered the Sword Mound in disguise, absorbed ancient sword intents, advanced to the Middle Golden Core stage, and comprehended her own sword intent.
- Jiang Lu helped Mu Xiaoqing collect Swordheart Grass, then warned her against contracting with the spirit sword, which promised to heal Mu Xiaoqing’s master.
- Jiang Lu sent Mu Xiaoqing, You Xi, and Chen Cheng away and fought the sword spirit, while Qianming absorbed energy from the surrounding swords and shattered it.