Chapter Summaries

Jiang Lu explained why Qianming could devour a Sword Spirit, then learned that the elders suspected she was the Chaotic Aura linked to a prophecy. The group fought a Level Six Sword Soul Beast, which fled before Jiang Lu could chase it.

• Jiang Lu warned You Xi and Chen Cheng not to use their bonded magical artifacts to devour Sword Spirits unless they met the same requirements as Qianming.
• Mu Xiaoqing asked Jiang Lu why she felt a loss after the Sword Spirit disappeared, then wondered how it was connected to her master.
• You Xi and Chen Cheng told Jiang Lu that the elders suspected she was the Chaotic Aura and had prodigies follow her to help align their fortunes.
• Jiang Lu decided she did not want a large group traveling with her and considered finding a way to separate from them.
• A Level Six Sword Soul Beast attacked, and Jiang Lu, You Xi, Chen Cheng, and Mu Xiaoqing fought until it fled.
• Mu Xiaoqing stopped Jiang Lu from pursuing the beast, explaining that the Jade Void Sect needed it to suppress the Sword Souls.

Jiang Lu spent two months tempering herself and Qianming in the Heavenly Void Sword Mound, then left for the Illusory Dream Forest. Demonic cultivators ambushed her on the way and recognized her, leaving her to fight them inside their formation.

• Jiang Lu stayed behind in the Sword Mound and strengthened her body, Divine Sense, and sword intent through two months of training with Qianming.
• Jiang Lu left the Sword Mound and agreed to let her spirit beasts train as they traveled toward the Illusory Dream Forest.
• Several demonic cultivators attacked Jiang Lu's Spirit Boat, and she fled until she could land and summon Qianming.
• The demonic cultivators recognized Jiang Lu and surrounded her, while she secretly prepared the Divine Soul Banner in case she could not hold out.
• Jiang Lu swallowed a pill and attacked the demonic cultivators, concealing spirit stones as she moved to set up a formation within their formation.

Jiang Lu was captured by magic cultivators who planned to refine her Chaos Body, and they brought her to a hidden lair in Illusory Forest. As the cultivators prepared a formation, she secretly arranged for Divine Soul Banner to protect her and summoned You Meng.

• The magic cultivators attacked Jiang Lu, captured her in a Spirit-Locking Cage, and carried her away on a spirit vessel.
• Jiang Lu realized the Heaven's Chosen Ranking had exposed her abilities and told Divine Soul Banner to hide in her hair, ready to strike if needed.
• The spirit vessel brought Jiang Lu to Illusory Forest, where the leader used a spell to reveal a concealed lair and its other occupants.
• The patriarch recognized Jiang Lu as a Chaos Body and ordered the magic cultivators to set up a formation to refine her.
• Jiang Lu noticed the Magic Beasts guarding her were distracted by her pouch, searched the lair, and summoned You Meng.

Jiang Lu was trapped in a formation by demonic cultivators, but used what she had learned to escape and turn the formation against them. After killing the cultivators and their captive Magic Beasts, she headed toward the cave where You Meng had discovered drained cultivators.

• You Meng escaped the Spirit-Binding Cage and returned to Jiang Lu with news of the cave and its victims.
• The clan chief ordered Jiang Lu, still inside the cage, thrown into the formation, and the demonic cultivators began activating it.
• Jiang Lu broke the Spirit-Binding Cage and summoned the Divine Soul Banner, which immobilized the demonic cultivators and absorbed their souls.
• Jiang Lu burned the demonic cultivators’ empty bodies and killed the two chained Magic Beasts.
• Jiang Lu searched the nearby houses, set them on fire, and headed toward the cave under You Meng's guidance.

Jiang Lu discovered the origins of a demonic cultivation lineage and destroyed its records and cave, then reflected on strengthening her state of mind. Disguised and heading into Illusory Forest, she overheard two women searching for Violet Luo Incense and decided to follow them.

• Jiang Lu read a dossier describing how a Foundation Establishment Lineage adopted demonic cultivation, preyed on the weak, and fled to the cave, where its strongest descendants reached Spirit Transformation.
• Jiang Lu burned the cave, dossier, and demonic cultivation methods to ashes before leaving with Mingyue.
• Jiang Lu concluded that her cultivation experience should improve her state of mind as well as her strength, and resolved to follow her heart as she once would have as a Rogue Cultivator.
• Jiang Lu changed her appearance, while Qianming, Chi Li, and Cangchen also disguised themselves to avoid recognition.
• Jiang Lu overheard Auntie Wang and a young woman searching for Violet Luo Incense to help the young woman's injured sister, and learned that the sister had been hurt saving a mortal man.
• The young woman spotted a clump of purple flowers, and Auntie Wang grew excited that they might have found Violet Luo Incense.

Jiang Lu saved Zi Xin and Auntie Wang from a Purple-Chasing Rat while they gathered Violet Luo Incense, then agreed to let them guide her out of the Illusory Forest. As Zi Xin explained why she needed the incense, Jiang Lu suspected her sister might be afflicted by gu poison.

• Zi Xin and Auntie Wang crossed a stream to gather Violet Luo Incense, waking a Purple-Chasing Rat that attacked them.
• Auntie Wang blocked the rat’s spines while Zi Xin picked three blossoms, but the rat turned on Zi Xin and knocked her down.
• Jiang Lu knocked the Purple-Chasing Rat unconscious, gathered several Violet Luo Incense plants, and agreed to travel with the two women as they guided her out.
• Jiang Lu explained that Purple-Chasing Rats helped the incense grow and did not need to be killed if left unprovoked.
• Zi Xin told Jiang Lu that she was gathering incense for her sister, who had become devoted to an unknown man and refused to explain herself.
• Jiang Lu suspected that Zi Xin’s sister might have been afflicted by gu poison.

Jiang Lu agreed to examine Zi Xin’s sister after suspecting that Gu poison had affected her, and traveled with Zi Xin and Aunt Wang to the family home. The family welcomed Jiang Lu as their benefactor, but warned her that Zi Xin’s sister had shut herself away and refused to see anyone.

• Jiang Lu explained that poison and Gu cultivation depended on dangerous firsthand trials and agreed to investigate Zi Xin’s sister’s condition.
• After hearing that Zi Xin’s sister had sworn to pursue detachment but was acting strangely, Jiang Lu suspected Gu poison.
• Zi Xin and Aunt Wang led Jiang Lu from the Illusory Forest to their family home in a nearby town.
• Jiang Lu surveyed the household and found no hidden cultivators or suspicious auras among the family.
• Zi Xin introduced Jiang Lu to her parents, who thanked her and asked her to save their daughter.
• The parents told Jiang Lu that their daughter had shut herself in her courtyard and refused to see anyone.

Jiang Lu used You Meng to draw a red Gu Insect from the unfamiliar man after Zi Yue recovered from her injuries. Zi Yue then collapsed in pain, and Jiang Lu explained that the captured insect was the mother gu and that the child gu inside Zi Yue was now attacking its host.

• Zi Xin led Jiang Lu and her parents to the courtyard, where Zi Yue took the Violet Luo Incense and meditated to heal her injuries.
• Jiang Lu watched the unfamiliar man while sitting on a swing, keeping her divine sense on Zi Yue as she recovered.
• Once Zi Yue had healed, Jiang Lu released You Meng, who knocked the man unconscious and forced a red Gu Insect from his body.
• Jiang Lu captured the Gu Insect in a black jade bottle, and Zi Yue suddenly collapsed in pain.
• Jiang Lu told Zi Xin and her parents that the captured insect was the mother gu and that the child gu inside Zi Yue was now thrashing wildly without it.

Jiang Lu removed the Gu poison from Zi Yue and recognized a possible connection between the unconscious stranger and Lingyun Venerable. Zi Yue revealed how she had encountered the man, and Jiang Lu arranged to take him back to her sect for investigation.

• You Meng drew the Child Gu out of Zi Yue, and Jiang Lu sealed it in a black jade bottle before waking Zi Yue with spiritual energy.
• Qiming told Jiang Lu that the unconscious man's suppressed aura resembled that of a top-tier prodigy, prompting her to suspect he was connected to Lingyun Venerable.
• Zi Yue told her family that she had found the wounded stranger in Illusory Forest, lost consciousness near him, and believed he had secretly plotted against her with Gu poison.
• Jiang Lu offered the Zi Household cultivation resources in exchange for taking the stranger, but Zi Yue refused the compensation and let Jiang Lu deal with him.
• Jiang Lu explained that the man's complicated origins required her to take him back to her sect, and she considered which low- and middle-grade resources would suit the Zi Household.

Jiang Lu gave the Zi Lineage valuable cultivation resources, then investigated Lingyun Venerable’s connection to Senior Sister Mu and suspected his incarnations were part of a scheme involving gu poison. After a night of waiting, You Xi arrived with Mu Xiaoqing and Chen Cheng, and Mu Xiaoqing’s reaction to the unconscious man confirmed Jiang Lu’s suspicions.

• Jiang Lu left the Zi Lineage a collection of pills, protective talismans, and the earth-rank 'Spirit Control Art' before carrying the unconscious man to another courtyard.
• Zixin and her family recognized the gift’s immense value, secured the resources, and summoned the Lineage Head and elders to arrange their use.
• Jiang Lu examined Lingyun Venerable’s information on the Recording Stone, noticed his striking resemblance to Senior Sister Mu, and sent her findings to her master and You Xi.
• Jiang Lu suspected Lingyun Venerable had used gu poison and countless incarnations to evade a punishment from the Heavenly Dao, then waited through the night while watching the unconscious man.
• At dawn, You Xi, Mu Xiaoqing, and Chen Cheng arrived; Mu Xiaoqing trembled when she saw the unconscious man, confirming the group’s suspicions.

Mu Xiaoqing told Jiang Lu, You Xi, and Chen Cheng how Lingyun Venerable had rescued and raised her, and how her love for him brought Heavenly Punishment and forced their separation. After learning that he had sought to defy the Heavenly Dao to reunite with her, she broke down, and Jiang Lu claimed Mu Xiaoqing’s feelings might not be love.

• Jiang Lu asked Mu Xiaoqing whether the unconscious man was an avatar of Lingyun Venerable, and Mu Xiaoqing confirmed it.
• Mu Xiaoqing recounted how Lingyun Venerable had saved her as a child, taken her as his disciple, and raised her in the Immortal Cultivation Realm.
• Mu Xiaoqing explained that her attachment to her master had become forbidden love, which caused Heavenly Punishment to descend upon them.
• Mu Xiaoqing said Lingyun Venerable had borne most of the punishment and promised to find a way for them to reunite before the sect separated them.
• Mu Xiaoqing concluded that the avatar and its schemes were Lingyun Venerable’s attempt to break the Heavenly Dao’s restrictions, then sobbed as Jiang Lu comforted her.
• Jiang Lu suggested that Mu Xiaoqing’s obsession with her master might not be love, shocking You Xi and the others.

Jiang Lu persuaded Mu Xiaoqing that her feelings for Lingyun Venerable came from dependence and filial affection, not romantic love. Replies from the Joyful Union Sect confirmed Jiang Lu’s explanation, leaving Mu Xiaoqing’s obsession on the verge of collapse.

• Jiang Lu told Mu Xiaoqing that she had mistaken the care of her teacher and father figure for romantic love.
• Jiang Lu questioned Mu Xiaoqing about jealousy, abandoning her cultivation, and harming others for Lingyun Venerable, and Mu Xiaoqing rejected each possibility.
• Jiang Lu urged Mu Xiaoqing to consult senior sisters from the Joyful Union Sect about her feelings.
• Mu Xiaoqing sent the questions to several Joyful Union Sect senior sisters through a Communication Spirit Slip.
• The senior sisters replied that Mu Xiaoqing’s feelings were dependence and familial longing rather than romantic love, and Mu Xiaoqing’s certainty crumbled.

Jiang Lu persuaded Mu Xiaoqing to reconsider her feelings for Lingyun Venerable, and Mu Xiaoqing decided to take his unconscious clone back to the sect and report what happened. Jiang Lu and You Xi joined her for the journey, though You Xi and Chen Cheng doubted Mu Xiaoqing had truly understood the situation.

• Jiang Lu reassured Mu Xiaoqing that her feelings for her master could have come from loneliness and years of care, while You Xi and Chen Cheng watched in astonishment.
• Mu Xiaoqing decided to return Lingyun Venerable's unconscious clone to the sect and let its leaders decide what to do.
• Mu Xiaoqing said she would try to persuade her master to abandon his obsession, and Jiang Lu worried that her advice had pushed Mu Xiaoqing toward becoming a villain.
• You Xi stopped Jiang Lu from saying more and offered to accompany Mu Xiaoqing back to the sect; Jiang Lu agreed to go with them.
• Mu Xiaoqing carried Lingyun Venerable's clone aboard You Xi's luxurious Spirit Boat, and the group prepared to depart.

Jiang Lu traveled with You Xi and the others to the Jade Void Sect, marveling at its Spirit Boat and vast territory. She decided to seek out a chosen hero’s opportunities and take them for herself if she could, then learned that the Xuancheng Domain’s sects controlled the region’s spiritual resources.

• Jiang Lu admired the Spirit Boat’s jeweled hull and resolved to decorate her own boat similarly.
• Seeing the unconscious Lingyun Venerable’s avatar, Jiang Lu suspected that a deeper issue lay behind the situation but left it to her elders to handle.
• Jiang Lu decided she would find a novel’s chosen hero and seize opportunities before he could, rather than merely follow behind him.
• The Spirit Boat carried Jiang Lu and her companions into Jade Void Sect territory, where she saw its immense cities, marketplace, mountains, and mountain gate.
• You Xi explained that the Xuancheng Domain’s sects controlled the best resources and concentrated spiritual energy, unlike the resource-rich Crimson Reed Domain.

Jiang Lu and her companions returned to the Jade Void Sect, where the elders confronted Lingyun Venerable over his actions. Lingyun denied using evil or demonic techniques but was accused of sending avatars to control people with Love Gu.

• You Xi explained how the Jade Void Mountains' Spirit-Gathering Array supported cultivation while allowing the surrounding wilderness to recover.
• Mu Xiaoqing, Jiang Lu, You Xi, and Chen Cheng entered the Jade Void Sect and greeted the sect master and elders.
• The Grand Elder awakened Lingyun Venerable's bound avatar, which admitted it had nothing to say.
• The true Lingyun Venerable entered the hall and absorbed his avatar back into his Sea of Consciousness.
• Lingyun Venerable exchanged a brief greeting with Mu Xiaoqing before the sect master demanded an explanation.
• Lingyun denied using evil or demonic techniques, and the sect master challenged him over using Love Gu to control others.

Lingyun Venerable explained that he had taken Mu Xiaoqing in because her Creation Body might help him ascend, though he had not meant to harm anyone. Mu Xiaoqing insisted their bond was familial rather than romantic, and Lingyun asked how she had reached that conclusion, prompting Jiang Lu to offer an explanation.

• Lingyun Venerable confessed that he had brought Mu Xiaoqing from the Mortal Realm after learning her Creation Body could help him ascend, and admitted that he had hoped they would become Dao companions.
• Lingyun Venerable said his incarnations had only sought a way to break their deadlock and would have had their memories erased without harming their Dao Hearts.
• Mu Xiaoqing knelt before Lingyun Venerable and declared that their relationship was familial affection between master and disciple, not love.
• Mu Xiaoqing argued that their dependence and desire to stay together had been mistaken for romance, leading the Heavenly Dao to misjudge them.
• Lingyun Venerable asked how Mu Xiaoqing had decided there was no love between them, and she credited Jiang Lu and the Joyful Union Sect senior sisters.
• Jiang Lu awkwardly began to explain herself while Lingyun Venerable and the elders looked confused.

Jiang Lu left the sect after Mu Xiaoqing and Lingyun Venerable accepted punishment and chose to conceal their love. She used divination to confirm that tangled fortunes needed to return to their proper places, then recovered and headed to the marketplace.

• Mu Xiaoqing asked to go to Reflection Cliff, while Lingyun Venerable accepted punishment and agreed to recall his incarnations.
• Jiang Lu, You Xi, and Chen Cheng left the sect, and Jiang Lu later separated from her companions.
• Jiang Lu performed a divination and saw eleven bright stars tied to the Purple Tenuity Star, with two stars severed from their other connections.
• The divination exhausted Jiang Lu, cracked her tortoiseshell, and caused her to spit out dark blood.
• After recovering for several days, Jiang Lu summoned Spirit Beasts and went to the marketplace.

Jiang Lu bought ordinary-looking seeds at a market, and Lingxi discovered that some were rare, high-rank spirit plant seeds. Jiang Lu modified her Spirit Boat and reached the Nine Nether Sea, where she overheard cultivators warning that rumors of a secret treasure had stirred up the area.

• Jiang Lu bought two piles of seeds for three hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones and secretly transferred them into her pocket-dimension space.
• Lingxi found that several seeds were Rank Eight or Ninth-Rank Spirit Plant seeds and carefully stored them for planting.
• Jiang Lu left the market for the Nine Nether Sea, where she practiced artifact refining and added crystals and formations to her Spirit Boat.
• Jiang Lu landed near a gathering of cultivators, changed her appearance, and listened as a female cultivator warned that the sea had grown unsettled amid rumors of a secret treasure.
• A male cultivator questioned who had spread the secret-treasure rumor, noting that the people already at the Nine Nether Sea had seen no sign of one.

Jiang Lu investigated rumors of a secret treasure in the Wuyou Sea Area, and Qiming sensed something in the deep sea. She prepared to set out with Cangchen and Qiming, then replenished her strength after making talismans through the night.

• Jiang Lu heard cultivators say that major sects and clans had hurried into the Wuyou Sea Area amid strange tides and rumors of an emerging treasure.
• A bearded cultivator warned Jiang Lu that the sea was dangerous and advised her to form a team before venturing in.
• Qiming insisted that it sensed a secret treasure and told Jiang Lu it knew the direction.
• Jiang Lu chose to enter the sea with Cangchen and Qiming, while the other Spirit Beasts returned to the space.
• Jiang Lu set up protective barriers and spent the night making talismans, then cultivated for two days and two nights to replenish her spiritual energy.

Jiang Lu followed the cultivators across the Wuyou Sea, where towering waves capsized her Spirit Boat and drove her beneath the surface. She descended into a dark coral forest and was trapped when the living coral closed around her.

• Jiang Lu concealed her aura and followed the cultivators toward the secret treasure in the Wuyou Sea.
• A towering wave struck the group, and a fleeing cultivator crashed into Jiang Lu's Spirit Boat, capsizing it and sending her into the sea.
• Jiang Lu used a Water-Repelling Pearl to protect herself and plunged into the deep sea with Qiming and Cangchen.
• Qiming sensed something ahead, and Jiang Lu found a silent coral forest filled with floating bubbles.
• The living coral trapped Jiang Lu in a cage, and her strike caused it to expand into another barrier.