Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sword Venerable Mingxiao is revealed to be Xie Xiuji, Song Zhizhi’s former lover and the father of her unborn child.
• Song Zhizhi is stunned by his appearance at the Sword Sect recruitment ceremony. She realizes he is not a Heavenly Feather Sect disciple as she had assumed, but the powerful Sword Sect elder and master of Red Cloud Peak.
• Mingxiao asks Song Zhizhi whether she will become his disciple and join Red Cloud Peak. She considers refusing because living with him would make concealing her pregnancy nearly impossible.
• Before she can answer, the beautiful guest elder Qingyu arrives and tries to recruit Song Zhizhi to Clear Snow Peak instead.
• Qingyu initially uses Charm Technique to influence Song Zhizhi, but Mingxiao exposes and stops it.
• Qingyu explains that she is a Mahayana-stage elder skilled in illusions, formations, and Daoist arts. Since she shares Song Zhizhi’s Single Fire Spiritual Root and Innate Exotic Fire physique, she claims to be a more suitable teacher than Mingxiao.

Character Developments

• Song Zhizhi: She struggles to process the revelation that Xie Xiuji is alive and standing before her under another identity. Her shock is intensified by the recent discovery that she is pregnant. She becomes anxious about whether to tell him and whether accepting his discipleship would expose her secret.
• Xie Xiuji/Sword Venerable Mingxiao: He recognizes Song Zhizhi and silently wonders why she abandoned him and left a false address. Her lack of happiness at seeing him wounds and disappoints him, causing his attitude to become colder. Despite this, he still openly seeks to take her as his disciple.
• Qingyu: She is introduced as a playful, confident, and highly skilled elder. Her beauty and Charm Technique make her manipulative but not overtly malicious; she competes with Mingxiao to recruit Song Zhizhi.

Significant Themes

• Hidden identities and misunderstandings: Xie Xiuji’s true identity overturns Song Zhizhi’s understanding of his background.
• Secrets and emotional avoidance: Song Zhizhi’s pregnancy and her unexplained departure create tension between her and Xie Xiuji.
• Fate and unexpected reunion: The two are brought together again in an unfamiliar cultivation-world context despite their painful separation.
• Choice and competing paths: Song Zhizhi must choose between two powerful mentors, each offering different advantages and implications for her future.
• Power and influence: Qingyu’s Charm Technique highlights how spiritual abilities can affect free will, while Mingxiao’s intervention restores Song Zhizhi’s clarity.

Character Interactions

• The sect master silently condemns Mingxiao, apparently assuming an inappropriate relationship with the eighteen-year-old Song Zhizhi; Mingxiao understands the accusation but cannot explain their history.
• Mingxiao questions Song Zhizhi about joining Red Cloud Peak, but her stunned reaction makes him believe she never expected to see him.
• Qingyu interrupts and directly competes with Mingxiao for Song Zhizhi as a disciple.
• Mingxiao reprimands Qingyu for using Charm Technique, revealing their senior-junior relationship and his more restrained personality.
• The chapter ends with Song Zhizhi caught between Mingxiao and Qingyu’s offers, with her decision—and the consequences for her pregnancy and relationship with Xie Xiuji—still unresolved.

Chapter Summary: “Escaping Is Shameful”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qingyu formally accepts Song Zhizhi as her direct disciple, making Mingxiao Song Zhizhi’s senior brother because their masters are fellow disciples.
• Qingyu cheerfully encourages Song Zhizhi to rely on Mingxiao if anyone bullies her, while Mingxiao agrees to help her with sword cultivation.
• Song Zhizhi and Mingxiao awkwardly acknowledge their new senior martial-sibling relationship.
• Qingyu brings Song Zhizhi to Clear Snow Peak, a beautiful, secluded forest filled with parasol trees, flowers, and wooden cottages.
• Song Zhizhi chooses a cottage near Qingyu’s residence because Qingyu makes her feel safe and reassured.
• Qingyu cleans the cottage with magic but immediately goes to sleep, leaving Song Zhizhi uncertain about how dependable her new master is.
• Song Zhizhi discovers that the Cloud Quilt in her belongings once belonged to Xie Xiuji, reminding her of their complicated relationship.
• She struggles over whether to keep the child growing inside her. A dream in which the unborn child begs her not to abandon him convinces her that he already possesses consciousness and feelings.
• Song Zhizhi decides to keep the child and promises him that she will not abandon him. However, she postpones telling Xie Xiuji, choosing temporary escape over confronting the situation.
• The following morning, Song Zhizhi learns that Qingyu must leave for a month and has assigned Mingxiao to teach her the basics of swordsmanship.

Character Development

• Song Zhizhi becomes more emotionally attached to her unborn child. Her uncertainty changes into a firm maternal decision to protect and keep him.
• She also begins adjusting to life in a new sect, accepting Qingyu as her master and becoming more comfortable with the peaceful environment of Clear Snow Peak.
• Qingyu reveals herself as warm, playful, and somewhat carefree. Although affectionate toward Song Zhizhi, her tendency to nap and leave suddenly makes her seem unreliable.
• Mingxiao remains reserved and aloof but accepts Song Zhizhi as his junior sister and agrees to guide her cultivation.
• Xie Xiuji, though absent, remains emotionally significant through the Cloud Quilt and Song Zhizhi’s concerns about his reaction to their child.

Significant Themes

• Family and belonging: Song Zhizhi gains a master and senior brother while also viewing her unborn child as her only true family in an unfamiliar world.
• Maternal responsibility: Her dream forces her to recognize the child as a conscious being rather than merely an embryo, leading her to choose motherhood.
• Escape versus confrontation: Song Zhizhi admits that avoiding Xie Xiuji and delaying the truth is shameful, but she still chooses it because she is not ready to face the consequences.
• New beginnings and safety: Clear Snow Peak represents peace and refuge, giving Song Zhizhi a temporary escape from the turmoil surrounding her.
• Awkward intimacy and romantic tension: The new senior brother–junior sister dynamic creates emotional awkwardness between Song Zhizhi and Mingxiao, especially because of their mutual awareness and Mingxiao’s quiet attention.

Character Interactions

• Qingyu enthusiastically introduces Mingxiao as Song Zhizhi’s senior brother and encourages her to depend on him.
• Song Zhizhi shyly calls Mingxiao “Senior Brother,” and he responds briefly but accepts the relationship.
• Qingyu gives Song Zhizhi a tour of Clear Snow Peak and explains the different areas, including Molan’s secluded bamboo forest.
• Song Zhizhi internally compares Qingyu’s reassuring presence with her own loneliness.
• In her dream, Song Zhizhi emotionally interacts with her unborn child, whose imagined plea changes her decision about the pregnancy.
• Qingyu’s message at the end establishes Mingxiao as Song Zhizhi’s temporary swordsmanship teacher.

Chapter Summary: “Senior Brother’s Lesson”

Key plot points and events

• Song Zhizhi discovers that the young man outside her room is actually Xie Xiuji, now known as Sword Venerable Mingxiao and her senior brother.
• Their relationship is complicated: they were once strangers who spent a night together, are now members of the same sect, and are expecting a child.
• Xie Xiuji visits to teach her swordsmanship at the request of their Martial Uncle.
• Song Zhizhi practices the Heavenly Profound Sword Art, which she previously learned inside the Heart-Trial Stone. Although she remembers the movements, she lacks physical experience and stamina.
• Xie Xiuji judges her technique as fundamentally correct but insufficiently polished. He orders her to swing her sword ten thousand times daily and practice the sword art for two hours to strengthen her foundation.
• Song Zhizhi accepts the demanding training without complaint. After completing the ten thousand swings, she collapses from exhaustion, while Xie Xiuji silently recognizes her talent and perseverance.

Character developments

• Song Zhizhi is embarrassed and emotionally unsettled by Xie Xiuji’s sudden appearance and formal attitude. She initially hopes for praise but becomes disappointed by his restrained response. Despite fearing hardship, she demonstrates discipline, endurance, and determination.
• Xie Xiuji/Sword Venerable Mingxiao behaves distant and strictly professional, apparently trying to separate his role as senior brother from their personal history. Nevertheless, he carefully observes Song Zhizhi, gives thoughtful instruction, and privately admires her potential. His discomfort with being addressed as “Sword Venerable” hints that he may want a more personal connection with her.

Significant themes

• Building a strong foundation: The chapter emphasizes that true cultivation requires patience, repetition, and basic training rather than shortcuts.
• Perseverance and discipline: Song Zhizhi’s willingness to complete exhausting exercises shows her growing commitment to becoming stronger.
• Emotional restraint and unresolved intimacy: Both characters maintain formal distance despite their complicated past and future as the parents of an unborn child.
• The contrast between appearance and feeling: Xie Xiuji appears cold and detached, but his careful attention and approval reveal concern beneath the reserved exterior.

Character interactions

• Song Zhizhi alternates between nervousness, politeness, and a desire for Xie Xiuji’s approval.
• Xie Xiuji offers brief, formal praise and rigorous criticism, misunderstanding Song Zhizhi’s disappointment while remaining quietly attentive to her.
• Their teacher-student exchange reveals mutual awkwardness: Song Zhizhi feels rejected by his coldness, while Xie Xiuji seems frustrated by her distant forms of address and uncertain how to express his feelings.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• After an exhausting morning of sword practice, Song Zhizhi rests on the ground at Clear Snow Peak, whose protective array keeps the mountain warm year-round.
• Sword Venerable Mingxiao/Xie Xiuji finds her and offers to help her up, but she is too tired and mistakes the encounter for a dream.
• When she falls asleep, Xie Xiuji carries her back to her room. He removes her shoes, cleans her with a spell, eases the soreness in her limbs with spiritual energy, and tucks her into bed before leaving.
• Song Zhizhi wakes refreshed, with only vague memories of being held and Xie Xiuji’s cool fragrance lingering in her mind. She feels embarrassed by how naturally she had clung to him in her sleep.
• Later, she discovers Xie Xiuji waiting outside with a food box. He has brought her a nourishing meal because her strenuous training has exhausted the effects of her Fasting Pill.
• Song Zhizhi enthusiastically eats the three dishes, soup, and spiritual rice, then asks where the food came from. Xie Xiuji avoids answering directly and promises to bring more the next day.
• She requests sweet-and-sour fish, and he agrees. Once she has finished eating, Xie Xiuji reminds her that he is responsible for caring for her at her master’s request—and immediately orders her to resume sword practice.

Character Developments

• Song Zhizhi: Her physical exhaustion reveals both her current lack of endurance and the intensity of her training. She becomes increasingly comfortable and familiar with Xie Xiuji, instinctively embracing him while asleep and openly asking him to bring specific foods. Her embarrassment afterward suggests growing romantic awareness.
• Xie Xiuji/Sword Venerable Mingxiao: Though outwardly cold and restrained, he quietly demonstrates considerable care. He carries Song Zhizhi, treats her soreness, cleans her, brings her food, and accommodates her request for fish. His brief emotional and physical reactions imply that her closeness affects him more deeply than he admits, though he quickly regains his composure.

Significant Themes

• Quiet acts of care: Xie Xiuji’s affection is expressed through practical actions rather than openly stated emotion.
• Growing intimacy: Song Zhizhi’s unconscious dependence and Xie Xiuji’s willingness to tend to her create a more intimate bond between them.
• Contrast between tenderness and discipline: The chapter balances domestic warmth—food, healing, and rest—with Xie Xiuji’s insistence that Song Zhizhi continue her demanding sword training.
• Romantic tension and restraint: Both characters remain outwardly composed, but their physical reactions, embarrassment, and subtle attention reveal developing feelings.

Character Interactions

• Xie Xiuji attempts to help Song Zhizhi, then carries her to bed when she falls asleep.
• While caring for her, he reacts to her involuntary moan and closeness but maintains his restrained demeanor.
• Over their meal, Song Zhizhi chats freely and makes requests, while Xie Xiuji responds with understated patience and concern.
• Their final exchange shows their dynamic clearly: Song Zhizhi enjoys being pampered, but Xie Xiuji, despite caring for her, remains a strict mentor who sends her back to practice.

Chapter Summary: “Sword Venerable Sparring Partner”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Zhizhi begins the afternoon’s two-hour sword-training session, determined to improve despite her reluctance and exhaustion.
• After observing her stiff transitions and numerous flaws in the Heavenly Profound Sword Art, Xie Xiuji decides that she needs practical sparring rather than repetitive practice alone.
• Using a freshly snapped paulownia branch as a sword, Xie Xiuji repeatedly interrupts Song Zhizhi’s forms and attacks her without spiritual power.
• He knocks her sword away several times, criticizing her nervousness, slow reactions, rigid transitions, poor timing, and lack of combat adaptability.
• Rather than becoming discouraged, Song Zhizhi repeatedly demands to try again. Through continued sparring, she gradually withstands more of Xie Xiuji’s attacks and stops repeating the same mistakes.
• In the final session, Song Zhizhi attacks first, forcing Xie Xiuji to alternate between defense and offense. Although she improves rapidly, he still overwhelms her and knocks her sword away.
• The intense practice exhausts all of Song Zhizhi’s spiritual power. She nearly collapses, but Xie Xiuji catches her and sends spiritual power into her meridians to stabilize her.
• Xie Xiuji ends the day’s training and instructs her to meditate and recover whenever her spiritual power is depleted. He announces that they will practice again at the hour of the Rabbit—around five in the morning—leaving Song Zhizhi shocked at the prospect of such an early start.

Character Development

• Song Zhizhi: Demonstrates strong determination, resilience, and significant natural talent in swordsmanship. Though initially nervous and technically awkward, she quickly adapts to criticism, refuses to surrender, and improves with every exchange. Her competitive spirit and willingness to endure hardship become increasingly apparent.
• Xie Xiuji / Sword Venerable Mingxiao: Acts as a severe but attentive instructor. He offers no leniency during combat, but his precise criticism is intended to prepare Song Zhizhi for real battles. He recognizes her talent and quietly assists her when she becomes physically overwhelmed.
• Xie Xiuji’s growing appreciation of Song Zhizhi’s potential is suggested by the approval that enters his gaze as he observes her rapid progress.

Significant Themes

• Perseverance and self-discipline: Song Zhizhi’s advancement comes from repeatedly facing failure rather than avoiding it.
• Growth through adversity: Xie Xiuji’s attacks expose her weaknesses more effectively than ordinary repetition could, showing that pressure and danger accelerate development.
• Calmness in crisis: A central lesson is that a sword cultivator must remain composed when confronted with unexpected danger.
• Talent combined with effort: Song Zhizhi possesses obvious swordsmanship talent, but her progress depends on relentless practice and the ability to learn from every mistake.
• Teacher-student trust: Though Xie Xiuji is harsh, his actions reveal a protective and constructive role as he guides her development.

Character Interactions

• Xie Xiuji repeatedly tests Song Zhizhi with a branch, interrupting her sword forms and forcing her to react under pressure.
• Song Zhizhi accepts his criticism and responds with repeated challenges of “Again,” turning their training into an intense exchange of wills.
• Their sparring evolves from one-sided instruction into a more active back-and-forth, with Song Zhizhi eventually initiating attacks and lasting longer against him.
• When Song Zhizhi nearly collapses, Xie Xiuji catches and supports her, briefly revealing concern beneath his stern demeanor.
• His announcement of a five-o’clock training session ends the chapter on a humorous note, contrasting Song Zhizhi’s heroic determination with her modern dislike of waking early.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Zhizhi negotiates with Xie Xiuji to move their morning training from five to seven o’clock, claiming she needs more sleep to continue growing.
• After exhausting her spiritual power through training, she meditates and discovers that cultivating while depleted improves her cultivation speed.
• She notices the red marks left on her arms, shoulders, and back by Xie Xiuji’s sword-training exercises. Though the injuries are minor, she angrily curses him for being rough.
• Unable to bathe properly, Song Zhizhi cleans herself with heated water and repeated Cleansing Spells, deciding she must eventually obtain a bathtub and footbath.
• Xie Xiuji leaves her a food box and a bottle of spiritual dew outside her door. The medicine rapidly heals her injuries and prevents scarring.
• Song Zhizhi enjoys the hot, carefully prepared meal and resolves to ask Xie Xiuji about the restaurant someday.
• While she sleeps, fire spiritual energy from several miles around gathers mysteriously and rushes into her lower abdomen. She hears what seems to be a tiny burp but dismisses it as part of a dream.
• The next morning, Song Zhizhi wakes on time for training and observes Xie Xiuji practicing the Heavenly Profound Sword Art. His movements resemble the original technique but contain his own unique adaptations, giving her a sudden moment of insight.

Character Developments

• Song Zhizhi remains playful, outspoken, and somewhat spoiled, but she is also becoming more disciplined about cultivation. She successfully bargains with Xie Xiuji while concealing her true need for excessive sleep.
• Her physical condition and unusual pregnancy-related changes are hinted at through her increased need for sleep and the mysterious fire spiritual energy gathering in her abdomen.
• Song Zhizhi’s appreciation of Xie Xiuji deepens despite her verbal complaints. His thoughtful care, healing medicine, and meals make her view him as having “a conscience.”
• Xie Xiuji/Sword Venerable Mingxiao shows a restrained, quietly attentive side. He adjusts the training schedule, stays nearby while Song Zhizhi meditates, prepares or obtains food for her, and leaves medicine without seeking recognition.
• His swordsmanship is revealed to be highly advanced and individualized, suggesting that he has refined the Heavenly Profound Sword Art into a style of his own.

Significant Themes

• Hidden care and growing affection: Xie Xiuji expresses concern through practical actions rather than words, while Song Zhizhi gradually notices and appreciates these gestures.
• Cultivation through hardship: Exhausting one’s spiritual power before meditation proves beneficial, emphasizing the relationship between physical limits, perseverance, and growth.
• Emerging supernatural mystery: The fire spiritual energy flowing into Song Zhizhi’s abdomen suggests an important concealed development connected to her pregnancy or unusual body.
• Individual mastery: Xie Xiuji’s personalized sword technique highlights the difference between merely learning a tradition and truly making it one’s own.
• Domestic humor and romance: Song Zhizhi’s complaints about bathing, food, injuries, and sleep create a lighthearted contrast with the serious cultivation setting.

Character Interactions

• Song Zhizhi teasingly bargains with Xie Xiuji about her training schedule, while he responds with reluctant indulgence.
• Though she curses him when alone, she recognizes his thoughtfulness after receiving the healing spiritual dew and hot meal.
• Xie Xiuji silently guards her during meditation and later leaves provisions at her door, showing affection through unobtrusive service.
• The chapter ends with Song Zhizhi watching Xie Xiuji’s sword practice and gaining insight from his technique, marking both an intellectual connection and a developing admiration.

Chapter Summary: “Qi Refining Ninth Layer”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Zhizhi realizes that the mysterious white-robed cultivator whose sword strike she witnessed in Ten Thousand Swords City was actually Xie Xiuji, meaning they had already crossed paths before meeting properly.
• She continues her exhausting sword training, completing ten thousand swings despite her fatigue.
• During a meal of sweet-and-sour fish with Xie Xiuji and Sword Venerable Mingxiao, Song Zhizhi feels a sudden movement in her abdomen. She hides the incident, claiming she choked on her food, and privately wonders whether it was the child moving.
• Song Zhizhi decides not to reveal her pregnancy to Xie Xiuji yet. She plans to consult Liu Changfei later, though she believes the child is healthy.
• After seven days of intensive, one-on-one instruction from Xie Xiuji, Song Zhizhi masters the Heavenly Profound Sword Art well enough to match him when he uses only a tree branch and no spiritual power.
• Her cultivation advances to the Qi Refining Ninth Layer. Xie Xiuji tells her that the rapid progress is normal, though he privately realizes that she is refining part of the cultivation transferred to her during their previous dual cultivation.
• Liu Changfei invites Song Zhizhi to attend the annual Hundred Treasures Market at the outer sect. Xie Xiuji permits her to take the following day off because she has completed the first stage of her training.
• Although Song Zhizhi intends to sleep in, she wakes at her usual time, completes five thousand sword swings, and heads toward the outer sect.
• She discovers that the inner and outer sects are separated by a very long distance—about two hours on foot for a Qi Refining cultivator. A large white crane then lands before her and appears to invite her to ride on its back.

Character Developments

• Song Zhizhi: Becomes significantly stronger and more disciplined through relentless training. She reaches the ninth Qi Refining layer and improves her swordsmanship, while continuing to conceal her pregnancy and growing increasingly curious and protective toward her unborn child. Her cheerful reaction to receiving a day off also reveals her youthful, energetic side.
• Xie Xiuji: Takes on a patient instructor and caretaker role, personally guiding Song Zhizhi’s sword practice and noticing when she is uncomfortable. He remains outwardly composed but shows subtle emotional reactions to her calling him “Senior Brother.” He also privately worries about the consequences of their dual cultivation and the amount of cultivation she absorbed.
• Sword Venerable Mingxiao: Acts as a practical and caring companion during the meal, offering Song Zhizhi water and advising her to eat slowly. He does not suspect the true reason for her discomfort.
• Liu Changfei: Maintains a friendly relationship with Song Zhizhi and provides her with an opportunity to rest, shop, and potentially seek advice about her pregnancy.

Significant Themes

• Concealed pregnancy and maternal instinct: Song Zhizhi’s anxiety about revealing her pregnancy contrasts with her instinctive concern for the child’s health.
• Rapid growth through cultivation and relationships: Her progress is linked not only to her hard work but also to the unusual power gained through her connection with Xie Xiuji.
• Training and perseverance: Song Zhizhi’s repeated sword practice demonstrates her determination and increasing commitment to cultivation.
• Emotional restraint and unspoken feelings: Xie Xiuji’s subtle reactions and Song Zhizhi’s avoidance of him suggest growing emotional tension that neither openly acknowledges.
• Differences between worlds: Song Zhizhi continues to interpret pregnancy and cultivation through modern-world assumptions, while the cultivation world may follow different rules.

Character Interactions

• Song Zhizhi and Xie Xiuji: He trains her closely, monitors her condition, and grants her a day off. She respects him as a teacher but still hides her pregnancy and lightly addresses him as “Senior Brother,” provoking a subtle reaction.
• Song Zhizhi and Sword Venerable Mingxiao: He treats her with concern during the meal, while she masks her discomfort and keeps her secret.
• Song Zhizhi and Liu Changfei: Their friendship is shown through Liu’s invitation to the market and Song’s intention to ask him about her unusual pregnancy symptoms.
• Song Zhizhi and the white crane: At the chapter’s end, a mysterious spiritual crane approaches her and appears to offer her transportation to the distant outer sect.

Chapter Summary: “Extraordinary Talent”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Zhizhi rides a white crane to the Outer Sect to meet Liu Changfei. The crane’s cries suddenly become understandable to her, suggesting her growing connection to unusual spiritual creatures.
• Liu Changfei is missing from the meeting place, but Song Zhizhi hears an argument nearby and discovers her being confronted by Feng Yulong and two lackeys.
• Feng Yulong, now an Inner Sect Disciple at the Early Foundation Establishment Stage, uses his status and strength to bully Liu Changfei, an Outer Sect Disciple at the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining. He orders his followers to break her hands.
• Song Zhizhi intervenes and threatens to report Feng Yulong to the Enforcement Hall using a Recording Stone. Feng instead threatens to attack her and seize the evidence.
• Although Song Zhizhi is only at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining, she confidently prepares to fight. She recognizes that Feng’s cultivation is unstable because it was enhanced with pills, and that her stronger Fire Spirit Root gives her an advantage over his Water Spirit Root.
• Before the fight begins, someone from the Enforcement Squad arrives and orders Feng to be subdued.
• The newcomer is Song Miaomiao, who has also reached the Foundation Establishment Realm and is now serving in the Enforcement Squad. Her Ice Spirit Root counters Feng’s Water Spirit Root, allowing her to defeat and restrain him within three moves.
• Song Miaomiao seals Feng’s spiritual power with a Binding Spirit Ring and hands him over to the other Enforcement Squad members. She then checks whether Song Zhizhi is injured.

Character Developments

• Song Zhizhi demonstrates courage, judgment, and confidence. She does not impulsively challenge Feng; instead, she carefully evaluates their cultivation, spiritual roots, and combat weaknesses before deciding she can confront him.
• Her ability to understand the white crane’s cries hints at an unusual talent or spiritual change that may become important later.
• Song Zhizhi continues to distance herself from the original host’s malicious behavior. She admires Song Miaomiao and feels guilty about the original host’s past attempts to harm her, making her hesitant to seek friendship despite wanting to grow closer.
• Liu Changfei is shown as loyal and self-sacrificing. Even while threatened, she worries about Song Zhizhi’s safety and urges her to escape rather than endanger herself.
• Feng Yulong is revealed as arrogant, vindictive, and reliant on status and intimidation. His unstable pill-based cultivation and poor combat foundation contrast with his confidence.
• Song Miaomiao makes a major entrance as a capable and disciplined cultivator. Her advancement to Foundation Establishment and role in the Enforcement Squad show that she is progressing rapidly and gaining authority.

Significant Themes

• Justice versus privilege: Feng assumes his Inner Sect status allows him to abuse weaker disciples, while Song Zhizhi and the Enforcement Squad emphasize that sect rules apply to everyone.
• True ability versus superficial power: Feng has a higher cultivation level but lacks a solid foundation, whereas Song Zhizhi’s carefully developed cultivation and Song Miaomiao’s disciplined technique prove more reliable.
• Growth and changed relationships: Song Zhizhi’s admiration for Song Miaomiao contrasts sharply with the original host’s hostility, highlighting her moral transformation after transmigration.
• Unexpected talent and shifting fate: Song Zhizhi’s understanding of the crane and Song Miaomiao’s altered role suggest that events are diverging from the original plot.
• Strength used to protect others: Unlike Feng, who uses power to intimidate, Song Zhizhi and Song Miaomiao use their abilities to defend weaker disciples and uphold justice.

Character Interactions

• Song Zhizhi shares a gentle, cooperative bond with the white crane, which willingly transports her.
• Feng Yulong humiliates and threatens Liu Changfei, treating her as powerless because of her Outer Sect status.
• Liu Changfei tries to protect Song Zhizhi by urging her to flee, even though she herself is in danger.
• Song Zhizhi confronts Feng with legal and moral authority before preparing to defend Liu Changfei physically.
• Song Miaomiao decisively intervenes, defeats Feng, and then shows concern for Song Zhizhi’s safety. Song Zhizhi responds with gratitude but remains emotionally awkward because of the original host’s past mistreatment of Miaomiao.

Chapter Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Song Miaomiao, from the Enforcement Hall, warns Song Zhizhi and Liu Changfei to seek help if they are bullied again. She emphasizes that sect rules apply equally to inner- and outer-sect disciples.
• Feng Yulong realizes Song Zhizhi likely summoned the Enforcement Squad and silently threatens revenge before being taken away. He is expected to be punished, possibly by confinement at Reflection Cliff.
• After Feng Yulong’s removal, Liu Changfei apologizes for nearly involving Song Zhizhi, but Song Zhizhi reassures her that friends should help one another.
• Song Zhizhi remembers that Song Miaomiao’s master, Unadorned Sword Lord, oversees the Enforcement Hall and practices the Heartless Sword Dao. This surprises her because the story’s original plot supposedly had Song Miaomiao cultivating the Azure Water Sword.
• Song Zhizhi and Liu Changfei continue their visit to the Hundred Treasures Market, an annual three-day market where disciples buy pills, magical tools, ores, herbs, and everyday items. They discuss rumors of miraculous bargains, though Song Zhizhi suspects many are exaggerated sales tactics.
• Song Zhizhi purchases a self-heating bathing tub and orders a massage foot-soaking tub.
• She becomes interested in a cute, rattle-drum-shaped magical tool advertised as a sound-attack weapon. The seller claims it can paralyze anyone below the Golden Core stage and asks for ninety-nine middle-grade spirit stones.
• Liu Changfei objects to the price. Song Zhizhi inspects the item, recognizes its poor materials and crude formations, and sharply bargains it down to nine middle-grade spirit stones.

Character Developments

• Song Zhizhi demonstrates increased maturity, kindness, and loyalty by defending Liu Changfei and treating her as a genuine friend. She also shows practical knowledge and confidence when evaluating and bargaining for magical tools.
• Song Miaomiao recognizes Song Zhizhi’s personal growth and improved cultivation, expressing relief that she has become less willful.
• Liu Changfei grows closer to Song Zhizhi, openly accepting their friendship and showing concern for her welfare. She also acts protectively by challenging the stall owner’s inflated price.
• Feng Yulong is exposed as vindictive and unable to accept responsibility, threatening Song Zhizhi even after being apprehended.
• The stall owner appears friendly and honest but uses exaggerated claims and emotional salesmanship to inflate the tool’s price.

Significant Themes

• Justice and equality: The Enforcement Hall insists that all disciples, regardless of status, are protected by sect rules.
• Friendship and loyalty: Song Zhizhi’s defense of Liu Changfei marks a meaningful change from her former selfish behavior.
• Personal growth and redemption: Song Zhizhi’s changed attitude contrasts with her past reputation and earns Song Miaomiao’s approval.
• Disrupted fate and changing destiny: Song Zhizhi notices that Song Miaomiao’s cultivation path has diverged from the original story, suggesting that events are no longer following the predetermined plot.
• Practicality versus deception: The market’s rumors and the stall owner’s sales pitch highlight how easily cultivators can be misled, while Song Zhizhi relies on observation and expertise.

Character Interactions

• Song Miaomiao offers Song Zhizhi and Liu Changfei protection and advice, while Song Zhizhi responds with conspicuous respect and enthusiasm.
• Feng Yulong’s hostile exchange with Song Zhizhi ends with his arrest and a silent threat.
• Liu Changfei apologizes to Song Zhizhi, and Song Zhizhi strengthens their bond by affirming that they are friends.
• Liu Changfei and Song Zhizhi discuss the likely punishment awaiting Feng Yulong.
• At the market, Liu Changfei protects Song Zhizhi from being overcharged, while Song Zhizhi directly exposes the stall owner’s inflated valuation through a forceful counteroffer.

Chapter Summary: “The Sword Venerable Coaxes Someone”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Zhizhi visits Hundred Treasures Market and bargains with a stall owner for a rattle drum decorated with a lifelike golden-feathered bird.
• She pays nine middle-grade Spirit Stones plus one additional stone in exchange for having the drum’s dangerous sound-attack Formation replaced with a harmless Formation that plays music when shaken.
• Song Zhizhi buys the toy for her unborn child, revealing her growing attachment to and anticipation of the baby.
• After leaving the market, Liu Changfei examines Song Zhizhi’s condition and confirms that the fetus is healthy and highly energetic.
• Liu explains that Song Zhizhi’s fatigue and constant drowsiness are not caused by excessive sword practice. Instead, the child possesses extraordinary talent and is consuming most of Song Zhizhi’s spiritual power.
• Because Song Zhizhi’s cultivation is too low to support the fetus, the child may eventually drain her completely, potentially causing both mother and child to die.
• Liu advises Song Zhizhi to receive spiritual power from the child’s father, whose energy would be most compatible. A cultivator with the same Spiritual Root could help, but less effectively.
• Song Zhizhi returns to Clear Snow Peak distressed and begins seriously considering how to obtain spiritual power without relying on the child’s father.

Character Developments

• Song Zhizhi: Displays practical knowledge of Formations, tenderness toward her unborn child, and increasing determination to protect it. Her joy at buying the rattle drum contrasts sharply with her fear after learning that the pregnancy threatens her life. She is forced to confront the possibility of seeking help from the child’s father, despite her reluctance.
• Liu Changfei: Acts as a compassionate and knowledgeable healer. She carefully examines Song Zhizhi, reassures her that the fetus is healthy, and honestly explains the danger of its extraordinary talent.
• The unborn child: Is revealed to possess exceptional potential, possibly surpassing Song Zhizhi’s own talent. Its powerful spiritual needs are already affecting its mother.
• The stall owner: Initially pretends to be simple and guileless, but quickly reveals his business-minded nature when Song Zhizhi recognizes the Formation on the drum.

Significant Themes

• Maternal love and sacrifice: Song Zhizhi’s purchase of the toy and decision to keep the child show her emotional commitment, while the threat of “one corpse, two lives” emphasizes the cost of motherhood.
• Talent as both blessing and burden: The child’s extraordinary potential is advantageous for its future but dangerous to Song Zhizhi, suggesting that exceptional ability can bring suffering.
• Responsibility and difficult choices: Song Zhizhi must choose between risking her life, seeking help from someone she wishes to avoid, or finding an inferior alternative source of spiritual power.
• Affection amid danger: The cheerful rattle drum and Song Zhizhi’s excitement about giving it to the baby create a warm moment before the chapter shifts into serious peril.

Character Interactions

• Song Zhizhi and the stall owner engage in a playful but firm negotiation, ending with a practical modification to the drum.
• Liu Changfei and Song Zhizhi share a close, trusting interaction during the medical examination. Liu comforts Song Zhizhi while warning her of the pregnancy’s dangers.
• The discussion of the child’s father introduces an absent but emotionally significant figure. Song Zhizhi’s immediate hesitation indicates unresolved feelings, fear, or unwillingness to depend on him.
• The chapter closes with Song Zhizhi alone on Clear Snow Peak, mentally struggling with Liu Changfei’s advice and the urgent need to act.

Chapter Summary

Plot and Events

• Song Zhizhi reflects on her chaotic recent life: transmigrating into another world, being poisoned, unexpectedly cured by Xie Xiuji, joining the Sword Sect, discovering her pregnancy, and reuniting with him.
• Because her unborn child requires spiritual power, she depends on Xie Xiuji’s Ice Spirit Root, but worries that he may reject the child or refuse to help.
• Xie Xiuji is absent from Clear Snow Peak for three days while handling urgent matters in Extreme Sea City. Song Zhizhi continues her demanding sword practice and reads in the library, but becomes increasingly upset by his unexplained disappearance.
• She vents angrily to herself, insisting that she does not need Xie Xiuji and could seek help from another Ice Spirit Root user, possibly Song Miaomiao.
• Xie Xiuji unexpectedly returns and explains that he had gone to Extreme Sea City to deal with Sea Demons. He apologizes for failing to inform her.
• Song Zhizhi remains hurt and responds coldly, deliberately addressing him as “Sword Venerable” rather than more familiarly. Their training ends in an awkward, tense atmosphere.
• Confused about how to handle her anger, Xie Xiuji consults Sect Master Mingxu, asking how to comfort an angry woman. Mingxu mistakenly assumes he has upset his own Dao companion, Mingwei, and overreacts.

Character Development

• Song Zhizhi: Her concern for her unborn child deepens her emotional dependence on Xie Xiuji. Although she recognizes logically that he owes her no explanation, she cannot control her feelings of abandonment and jealousy. Her anger reveals growing attachment and emotional vulnerability.
• Xie Xiuji: He remains responsible and powerful, easily resolving the Sea Demon crisis, but is inexperienced and awkward when dealing with romantic or emotional matters. His attempt to explain himself and later seek advice shows that Song Zhizhi’s feelings matter to him.
• Sect Master Mingxu: His protective concern for Mingwei is humorously exaggerated, revealing his deep devotion and tendency to lose his composure where she is concerned.

Themes

• Emotional vulnerability versus rational understanding: Song Zhizhi knows Xie Xiuji has no obligation to report his movements, yet still feels hurt by his absence.
• Growing romantic attachment: Her resentment, jealousy, and desire for his attention suggest that her relationship with Xie Xiuji is becoming emotionally significant.
• Responsibility and family: Song Zhizhi worries about whether Xie Xiuji will accept their unborn child, while her continued training demonstrates her determination to protect both herself and the baby.
• Comedic contrast: The mighty Sword Venerable is capable of defeating powerful demons but helpless when faced with an angry woman.

Important Interactions

• Song Zhizhi and Xie Xiuji reunite after his absence, but her restrained anger creates distance between them.
• Xie Xiuji apologizes and tries to explain, while Song Zhizhi responds with deliberate formality.
• Xie Xiuji seeks relationship advice from Sect Master Mingxu, whose misunderstanding creates a humorous scene and highlights the Sword Venerable’s lack of romantic experience.

Chapter Summary: Sword Venerable Admits His Mistake

Key Plot Points and Events

• Sword Venerable Mingxiao clarifies to the Sect Master that the woman he upset was not his junior sister, Mingwei, but Song Zhizhi.
• He explains that he left without informing Song Zhizhi and failed to properly apologize upon returning. The Sect Master criticizes him for prioritizing his dignity as a Sword Venerable over Song Zhizhi’s feelings.
• The Sect Master advises Mingxiao to:
  1. Admit fault immediately, regardless of who is technically right.
  2. Apologize by giving his Dao companion something she likes.
• Mingxiao worries about Song Zhizhi being with another man and asks for guidance, revealing his possessiveness and growing emotional attachment.
• Following the advice, Mingxiao brings Song Zhizhi several varieties of her favorite dumplings the next morning.
• Song Zhizhi initially refuses, insisting that food cannot erase her anger, but changes her mind when she realizes the dumplings are among her favorite foods.
• While eating, she maintains that she is only avoiding waste and is not being easily coaxed. Internally, however, she remains angry and suspicious that Mingxiao is trying to control or placate her with delicious food.
• Mingxiao recognizes that she is still upset and sincerely admits that he was wrong to leave without saying goodbye or sending a message. He promises not to repeat the mistake.

Character Developments

• Sword Venerable Mingxiao: Begins to recognize that his emotional distance and concern for dignity have harmed his relationship with Song Zhizhi. His jealousy at the thought of her with another man exposes how deeply he cares for her. He makes a genuine effort to follow advice, bringing her favorite food and directly acknowledging his mistake.
• Song Zhizhi: Remains principled and guarded despite being tempted by the dumplings. She refuses to let a meal immediately erase her resentment, though her eagerness to eat reveals a softer, more playful side. Her internal suspicion and sarcasm show that she is still emotionally affected by Mingxiao’s actions.
• The Sect Master: Acts as a humorous but practical relationship adviser. He uses his own experience with Junior Sister Mingwei and the example of the neighboring sect master to warn Mingxiao about the consequences of neglecting a Dao companion.

Significant Themes

• Communication in relationships: The central conflict stems from Mingxiao leaving without explanation. The chapter emphasizes that even urgent circumstances do not excuse failing to communicate.
• Pride versus affection: Mingxiao’s status and pride initially prevent him from apologizing properly, but he learns that maintaining a relationship requires lowering one’s dignity when necessary.
• Actions as expressions of care: Bringing Song Zhizhi food she loves becomes Mingxiao’s first practical attempt to show that he values her.
• Emotional vulnerability: Mingxiao’s jealousy and willingness to seek advice reveal his increasing emotional investment, while Song Zhizhi’s resistance masks her own attachment and sensitivity.
• Humor in romance: The Sect Master’s blunt relationship advice and Song Zhizhi’s exaggerated internal complaints create a lighthearted contrast with the underlying romantic tension.

Character Interactions

• The Sect Master teases and scolds Mingxiao while giving him relationship advice based on his experience with Mingwei.
• Mingxiao listens seriously, despite initially struggling to understand Song Zhizhi’s anger.
• Song Zhizhi and Mingxiao interact awkwardly the next morning: she remains cold, while he attempts reconciliation through food and a sincere apology.
• Their exchange shows a shift from misunderstanding toward communication, though Song Zhizhi is not yet fully ready to forgive him.

Chapter Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Zhizhi’s emotions stabilize after Xie Xiuji gives her water and breakfast. She recognizes that her pregnancy is causing heightened sensitivity and mood swings, rather than genuine anger at him.
• Xie Xiuji explains that she is at the Qi Refining Ninth Layer and nearing Foundation Establishment. Until she is ready to choose a cultivation method and advance, he arranges for her to attend Foundation Establishment lessons taught by elders at Teaching Peak.
• He gives her a carefully prepared class schedule tailored to her needs, revealing that he has thoughtfully considered her circumstances despite lacking teaching experience himself.
• Because Song Zhizhi cannot yet fly on a sword and Teaching Peak is far away, Xie Xiuji offers to take her there. When a white crane volunteers to carry her, Xie Xiuji intimidates it into fleeing, then claims it must have suddenly become busy.
• Song Zhizhi rides behind Xie Xiuji on his narrow flying sword, holding tightly to his waist. Her physical closeness and thoughts about his unexpectedly muscular body leave her embarrassed and flushed.
• After arriving, she lies that the wind caused her red face. Xie Xiuji believes her and instructs her to wait after class so he can escort her home.
• Song Zhizhi attends her first lesson and finds the material challenging but understandable. Her presence attracts attention because, unlike most students, she is an Inner Sect disciple whose master has disappeared and whose temporary senior brother is not experienced at teaching.

Character Developments

• Song Zhizhi becomes more self-aware about her pregnancy-related emotions and tries to respond reasonably rather than blame Xie Xiuji. She also begins taking her cultivation more seriously as she approaches Foundation Establishment.
• Xie Xiuji/Sword Venerable Mingxiao shows a quietly caring, protective side. He prepares Song Zhizhi’s schedule, escorts her personally, makes sure she will not fall during flight, and waits to collect her after class. His jealousy or possessiveness toward the white crane is played for humor.
• Song Zhizhi’s attraction to Xie Xiuji becomes more apparent as their physical closeness causes her to imagine intimate scenes and feel embarrassed.
• The white crane remains playful and childlike but is frightened away by Xie Xiuji’s threatening presence.

Significant Themes

• Pregnancy and emotional vulnerability: Song Zhizhi struggles with unfamiliar mood swings and learns to distinguish hormonal sensitivity from genuine resentment.
• Care expressed through actions: Xie Xiuji does not openly express affection, but his detailed planning, protection, and concern demonstrate his investment in her.
• Romantic tension and intimacy: The flight to Teaching Peak creates physical closeness and highlights Song Zhizhi’s growing awareness of her feelings for Xie Xiuji.
• Cultivation and preparation: The chapter marks Song Zhizhi’s progress toward Foundation Establishment and emphasizes the importance of proper guidance.
• Humor through jealousy and misunderstanding: Xie Xiuji’s silent intimidation of the crane and Song Zhizhi’s false explanation for her flushed face add lightheartedness to the romantic development.

Important Character Interactions

• Song Zhizhi reassures Xie Xiuji that she is not angry, while privately acknowledging that pregnancy has made her unusually sensitive.
• Xie Xiuji demonstrates care by creating her study schedule and arranging to escort her to class.
• His threatening glance drives away the white crane, though Song Zhizhi mistakenly accepts his excuse that it left for another reason.
• During the flight, Xie Xiuji places Song Zhizhi’s arms around his waist to keep her safe, intensifying her romantic and physical attraction.
• After dropping her off, he adopts a protective, almost paternal tone by telling her not to wander and promising to pick her up after class.

Chapter Summary: Class Sparring

Key Plot Points and Events

• Song Zhizhi continues attending classes at Teaching Peak in her conspicuous Inner Sect Disciple robes, attracting attention despite trying to remain unnoticed.
• After class, Liu Changfei warns Song Zhizhi that Feng Yulong has left Reflection Cliff and will likely seek revenge. She also reprimands Song Zhizhi for neglecting her worsening health.
• Song Zhizhi encounters Xie Xiuji waiting to escort her home. She introduces him to Liu Changfei only as her senior brother, concealing his true identity as the renowned Sword Venerable Mingxiao.
• Xie Xiuji’s intimidating presence makes Liu Changfei suspicious. Afterward, she realizes he may be the mysterious senior brother from Red Cloud Peak and becomes so preoccupied with the revelation that she cannot properly rest or cultivate.
• The following day, during basic swordsmanship class, Feng Yulong insults Liu Changfei and Song Zhizhi, calling Liu Changfei “trash” for failing to reach Foundation Establishment and mocking her association with Song Zhizhi.
• Liu Changfei retaliates by comparing Feng Yulong to a mad dog and pulling Song Zhizhi away from him.
• The class elder begins teaching students how to identify and counter sword techniques, using the Heavenly Profound Sword Art as an example. The lesson proves unusually advanced, confusing nearly everyone present.
• Song Zhizhi carefully takes notes on the material she does not understand, intending to ask Xie Xiuji for help later.

Character Developments

• Song Zhizhi: Remains composed under public scrutiny and refuses to be provoked by Feng Yulong. She is increasingly aware that her health is deteriorating, though she has not yet told Xie Xiuji. Her dedication to learning swordsmanship is shown through her attentive note-taking.
• Liu Changfei: Demonstrates loyalty and concern for Song Zhizhi by warning her about Feng Yulong and urging her to protect her health. She also displays a sharp tongue and courage when confronting Feng Yulong. Her discovery of Song Zhizhi’s connection to Xie Xiuji leaves her shocked and distracted.
• Xie Xiuji: Quietly and consistently supports Song Zhizhi by waiting for her after class and personally taking her home. His normally intimidating aura softens around her and when she introduces him to Liu Changfei, suggesting his special regard for Song Zhizhi.
• Feng Yulong: Shows no genuine remorse after his punishment at Reflection Cliff. He remains petty and vindictive, directing his resentment toward Song Zhizhi and attacking her friend through insults.

Significant Themes

• Hidden identities and social suspicion: Song Zhizhi conceals Xie Xiuji’s identity, while Liu Changfei begins piecing together the truth, creating humorous tension and possible future complications.
• Loyalty and protection: Liu Changfei verbally defends Song Zhizhi, while Xie Xiuji protects and escorts her in a quieter, more personal way.
• Restraint versus provocation: Song Zhizhi chooses not to respond to Feng Yulong’s hostility, relying on the presence of elders and Enforcement Hall disciples to prevent escalation. Liu Changfei, however, openly counters his insults.
• Learning and self-improvement: Song Zhizhi continues building her swordsmanship foundation despite the difficulty of the lesson, showing persistence and humility.
• Romantic undertones: Xie Xiuji’s repeated efforts to accompany Song Zhizhi and his unusual attentiveness suggest a growing closeness that others may begin to notice.

Character Interactions

• Liu Changfei advises Song Zhizhi about both Feng Yulong’s hostility and her declining health.
• Song Zhizhi introduces Liu Changfei to Xie Xiuji, deliberately obscuring his status.
• Liu Changfei later confronts Feng Yulong with a sarcastic insult after he attacks both women.
• Song Zhizhi ignores Feng Yulong and focuses on the swordsmanship lesson, planning to rely on Xie Xiuji for clarification afterward.

Chapter Summary

Plot and events

After the elder’s theoretical lesson, he announces that two students will demonstrate their skills in a Martial Arena match. Feng Yulong volunteers and deliberately challenges Song Zhizhi, addressing her as “Junior Martial Aunt” with concealed mockery. Refusing would damage her reputation, so Song Zhizhi accepts despite being only at Qi Refining while Feng Yulong is at Foundation Establishment.
Song Zhizhi and Feng Yulong proceed to the arena, where the imbalance becomes even clearer: she uses an ordinary sect-issued sword, while Feng wields a powerful superior spirit sword. Liu Changfei objects that the match is unfair, but the elder explains that facing overwhelming disadvantages is itself part of practical combat training. Feng privately offers to let Song Zhizhi retain some dignity if she kneels, admits defeat, and leaves the Inner Sect. She rejects his provocation and orders him to begin. The actual fight has not yet started.

Character development

• Song Zhizhi demonstrates courage, pride, and responsibility. Although she dislikes conflict and knows Feng has an advantage, she refuses to retreat because she does not want to disgrace herself or undermine Xie Xiuji’s reputation as her teacher. She is also genuinely interested in testing her abilities against someone at a similar level of swordsmanship.
• Feng Yulong is revealed as jealous, vindictive, and obsessed with surpassing Song Zhizhi. He resents her for receiving Xie Xiuji’s attention, for allegedly causing his arrest and imprisonment at Reflection Cliff, and for taking the position he believes should have been his.
• Liu Changfei acts as Song Zhizhi’s sincere and protective friend. Though initially frightened for her safety, she becomes confident after remembering that Song Zhizhi has been personally instructed by Sword Venerable Mingxiao.
• The elder remains detached and treats the confrontation as a lesson in dealing with unequal strength rather than intervening to make the match fair.

Character interactions

Feng uses formal family-rank language to disguise an insult and publicly pressure Song Zhizhi into accepting. Liu Changfei warns Song Zhizhi not to fall into his trap, while Song reassures her that Xie Xiuji taught her techniques that will allow her to defend herself. On the arena, Feng continues to taunt and threaten Song, but she dismisses his words and responds firmly. Their exchange establishes the match as a confrontation fueled by Feng’s jealousy and resentment rather than a simple training exercise.

Significant themes

The chapter explores courage versus avoidance, emphasizing that a sword cultivator must not fear combat. It also highlights that true strength cannot be judged solely by cultivation level or equipment, since skill, instruction, and composure may overcome a numerical disadvantage. Other important themes include honor and reputation, the danger of envy and wounded pride, and the contrast between genuine friendship and malicious rivalry.

Chapter Summary: “Sparring Injury”

• Feng Yulong challenges Song Zhizhi to a public sparring match, hoping to defeat her and prove his superiority. He is unaware that his actions are already violating sect rules and may earn him punishment from the Enforcement Squad and Sword Venerable Mingxiao.
• Feng begins with a powerful sword strike, expecting Song Zhizhi’s Qi Refining cultivation to leave her unable to react. However, because she regularly trains with the exceptionally fast Xie Xiuji, Feng’s movements appear slow to her.
• Song Zhizhi immediately gains the upper hand. She dodges his attack, strikes the acupoint on his wrist, and knocks his spiritual sword from his hand. The spectators are shocked that a Qi Refining cultivator has so easily defeated someone at Foundation Establishment.
• Feng refuses to acknowledge defeat. Although Liu Changfei protests, Elder Yu rules that the match is not over because Feng has neither fallen from the arena nor lost the ability to fight.
• Feng launches a second, more serious assault. With Feng no longer underestimating her, Song Zhizhi is forced into a defensive position. The difference between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment becomes clear: Feng possesses far greater spiritual power and stamina.
• Despite appearances, Song Zhizhi is not simply being overwhelmed. She carefully studies Feng’s attacks, predicts his movements, and maintains an almost flawless defense. Feng becomes increasingly anxious when he realizes that his attacks consume more energy than her defensive responses.
• Fearing defeat, Feng abandons his usual sword art and uses a heavier, unfamiliar technique. The powerful blows numb Song Zhizhi’s hand and begin to strain her defense.
• Rather than continuing to defend, Song Zhizhi changes tactics and launches her own attack. Feng’s swordsmanship relies on overwhelming force, while hers emphasizes extreme speed. She resumes using the foundational Heavenly Profound Sword Art, moving so quickly that only the Golden Core Elder Yu can clearly follow her techniques.
• The chapter ends with the true contest beginning: Feng is fighting desperately to preserve his pride, while Song Zhizhi’s superior technique and battle awareness allow her to challenge the gap in cultivation.

Character Development and Interactions

• Song Zhizhi demonstrates exceptional composure, perception, and swordsmanship. She moves from effortless counterattack to careful defense and finally to aggressive offense, showing that she can adapt rather than relying solely on her initial advantage.
• Feng Yulong is revealed to be prideful, insecure, and desperate to prove himself. His cultivation was strengthened through pills and is less stable than that of a normal Foundation Establishment cultivator. His refusal to accept defeat pushes him toward increasingly ruthless methods.
• Liu Changfei acts as Song Zhizhi’s supporter, first worrying about her safety and then calling out Feng’s refusal to admit defeat.
• Elder Yu enforces the Martial Arena’s technical rules, allowing the match to continue despite Feng’s dropped sword. He is also one of the few people capable of recognizing the sophistication of Song Zhizhi’s movements.
• Song Zhizhi’s training with Xie Xiuji has significantly improved her reactions and combat instincts, allowing her to counter an opponent who should possess a major cultivation advantage.

Significant Themes

• Skill versus cultivation: Song Zhizhi’s refined technique, experience, and judgment allow her to challenge Feng’s superior realm.
• Pride and desperation: Feng’s obsession with proving himself causes him to reject defeat and fight more recklessly.
• Perception versus appearance: The spectators believe Song Zhizhi is barely surviving, but she is actually studying Feng and waiting for an opening.
• Adaptability in combat: Both fighters change strategies, but Song Zhizhi’s ability to shift from defense to offense gives her the greater tactical advantage.

Chapter Summary

Plot and major events

Song Zhizhi decisively defeats Feng Yulong for the second time using the Heavenly Profound Sword Art, proving that her victory was based on genuine skill rather than trickery. Elder Yu recognizes that her swordsmanship resembles someone he has encountered before and questions who taught her. Before Song Zhizhi can answer, Feng Yulong, enraged by his defeat, attacks her from behind with murderous intent. She manages to block the strike, but her sword breaks and she suffers a shallow wound. Sword Venerable Mingxiao arrives just in time, severs Feng Yulong’s attacking arm, and saves her from a potentially fatal injury. Feng is taken to the Enforcement Hall for attempting to murder a fellow disciple.

Character development

Song Zhizhi demonstrates rapid growth and confidence, overcoming a stronger opponent through speed, precision, and superior technique. Despite being injured, she remains calm and reassures Mingxiao, showing emotional maturity and consideration for his guilt. Feng Yulong’s humiliation turns into madness, revealing his inability to accept defeat and his dangerous pride. Elder Yu becomes increasingly suspicious of Song Zhizhi’s origins and her connection to an exceptionally powerful swordsman. Mingxiao’s normally cold demeanor is shaken by concern; he openly blames himself for arriving too late and protects Song Zhizhi with unusual tenderness.

Character interactions

Elder Yu questions Song Zhizhi about her sword art, while Song Zhizhi proudly prepares to answer after noticing Mingxiao’s arrival. Feng Yulong’s violent attack interrupts them. Mingxiao shields Song Zhizhi, treats her wound with spiritual power, apologizes, and carries her back to Clear Snow Peak. Liu Changfei rushes to help, but discovers that Song Zhizhi’s injury is only superficial and teases the severity of Mingxiao’s reaction through her dry assessment. Song Zhizhi comforts Mingxiao and insists that the injury is insignificant. Mingxiao then confronts the elders over Feng Yulong’s attempted murder.

Significant themes

The chapter emphasizes hidden talent and mysterious origins, as Elder Yu senses that Song Zhizhi’s swordsmanship is connected to a powerful figure. It also explores pride, humiliation, and the consequences of refusing to accept defeat, embodied by Feng Yulong’s desperate attack. The contrast between Mingxiao’s fearsome reputation and his gentle care for Song Zhizhi highlights themes of protectiveness, emotional vulnerability, and deepening affection. The chapter ends with Elder Yu realizing that Song Zhizhi is under the protection of the formidable Sword Venerable Mingxiao, suggesting serious consequences and further revelations.

Chapter Summary: “Sword Venerable Applies Medicine”

Key Plot Points and Events

• After Feng Yulong’s attempted sneak attack on Song Zhizhi at the Martial Arena, the Enforcement Hall begins investigating. The disciples who witnessed the attack are kept behind as witnesses and speculate about the identity of the terrifying elder who intervened.
• The disciples assume the mysterious elder is Song Zhizhi’s senior brother. Some notice the intense concern he showed for her and begin wondering whether their relationship is romantic.
• Liu Changfei knows the elder is actually Sword Venerable Mingxiao, Xie Xiuji, but avoids revealing the truth. She also privately worries about the implications of Song Zhizhi’s pregnancy and her connection with Xie Xiuji.
• Xie Xiuji carries the injured Song Zhizhi back to Clear Snow Peak. He intends to treat her wound with Spirit Dew but becomes awkward when he realizes the injury is on her back and that he would need to expose her skin.
• He initially leaves the medicine beside her and waits outside, asking her to apply it herself. Song Zhizhi cannot reach or see the wound, however, so she calls him back.
• Song Zhizhi lies face down and asks Xie Xiuji to apply the medicine. Though deeply embarrassed, he eventually lowers the quilt and begins exposing her back so he can inspect the injury.
• The chapter ends as the wound is revealed, with both characters increasingly conscious of their physical closeness and mutual embarrassment.

Character Developments

• Xie Xiuji / Sword Venerable Mingxiao: His normally calm, intimidating demeanor gives way to shyness and uncertainty when faced with Song Zhizhi’s exposed back. His hesitation demonstrates that, despite his overwhelming power and concern for her, he has little experience handling intimate situations.
• Song Zhizhi: She starts out embarrassed but quickly regains her composure by focusing on the practical need to treat her injury. Once she realizes Xie Xiuji is more flustered than she is, she teases and pressures him into helping.
• Liu Changfei: She remains protective of Song Zhizhi and attempts to suppress the disciples’ romantic speculation. Internally, however, she is confused and increasingly suspicious about Song Zhizhi and Xie Xiuji’s relationship.
• The disciples: Their observations establish that Xie Xiuji’s concern for Song Zhizhi is unusually intense, leading them to view the pair as possible lovers rather than merely senior and junior sect members.

Significant Themes

• Romantic tension and awkward intimacy: A simple medical task becomes emotionally charged because both characters are conscious of their attraction and physical proximity.
• Public perception versus private reality: The disciples misinterpret Xie Xiuji’s identity and relationship with Song Zhizhi, while Liu Changfei knows more than she can safely disclose.
• The contrast between power and vulnerability: Xie Xiuji is feared as a cold and formidable Sword Venerable, yet becomes visibly nervous in a personal situation. Song Zhizhi, though injured, takes control of the interaction.
• Growing emotional closeness: Xie Xiuji’s fierce response to Song Zhizhi’s injury and his willingness to care for her reveal the deepening bond between them.

Important Character Interactions

• The disciples question Liu Changfei about the mysterious elder, prompting her to defend the possibility of a purely platonic senior brother–junior sister relationship.
• Xie Xiuji and Song Zhizhi exchange awkward but increasingly teasing dialogue over the medicine.
• Song Zhizhi’s directness contrasts with Xie Xiuji’s restraint, creating romantic tension as he slowly lowers the quilt and prepares to treat her wound.

Chapter Summary

Key plot points and events

Song Zhizhi’s wound from Feng Yulong’s spirit sword reopens because lingering Sword Qi continues to corrode it. Sword Venerable Mingxiao (Xie Xiuji) personally treats the injury, removes the Sword Qi, cleans the blood, applies spiritual dew, and orders her to rest on Clear Snow Peak instead of attending classes. He also indulges her requests for lunch, though he restricts her to light food.
Xie Xiuji then goes to the Enforcement Hall, where Feng Yulong is being punished for his attempted sneak attack. Feng has lost an arm to Xie Xiuji’s Blood Drinker sword; his meridians are destroyed, he can no longer use the hand properly, and he will remain at the Golden Core stage. The Enforcement Hall expels him from the inner sect and demotes him to an outer disciple.
The investigation also reveals that Teaching Peak elder Yu Guangtian accepted bribes from Feng Yulong, altered the curriculum, and enabled the dangerous match despite knowing Feng’s intentions. Yu Guangtian is stripped of his position and sent to guard Extreme Sea City.
Unadorned Sword Lord proudly praises his young disciple Song Miaomiao, who uncovered Yu Guangtian’s involvement and possesses extraordinary talent. Xie Xiuji responds by teasing him about remaining stuck at Spirit Transformation for three centuries.

Character developments

Xie Xiuji’s normally cold exterior contrasts sharply with his tenderness toward Song Zhizhi. He shows exceptional patience and concern, carefully nursing her and readily agreeing to satisfy her wishes. His protective instincts are also evident in his severe attitude toward Feng Yulong, though he accepts the Enforcement Hall’s impartial judgment.
Feng Yulong suffers the consequences of his repeated misconduct: his attack leaves him physically crippled, limits his cultivation permanently, and causes his demotion. His continued wickedness after a previous punishment confirms that he has not reformed.
Song Miaomiao gains recognition for her intelligence and investigative ability, adding to her reputation as a rare and exceptionally gifted disciple.
Unadorned Sword Lord is shown to be proud and competitive despite practicing the Heartless Sword Dao; his “heartlessness” means devotion to justice and principle, not a lack of emotion.

Significant themes

• Protective affection beneath emotional restraint: Xie Xiuji’s icy demeanor hides deep concern for Song Zhizhi.
• Justice and institutional fairness: The Enforcement Hall refuses to alter Feng Yulong’s punishment based on personal influence, balancing his serious offense against established sect rules.
• Consequences of corruption and abuse of power: Feng Yulong and Yu Guangtian are punished for manipulating the competition and endangering another disciple.
• Talent and rivalry: Song Miaomiao’s achievements provoke Unadorned Sword Lord’s pride and Xie Xiuji’s dry counterteasing.
• The difference between appearance and reality: Characters who seem cold may be deeply caring, while a seemingly fair martial contest conceals bribery and a planned assassination.

Character interactions

Song Zhizhi and Xie Xiuji share a warm, lightly flirtatious domestic exchange over her recovery and meal requests. Xie Xiuji’s gentle treatment of her contrasts with his intimidating return to the Enforcement Hall. There, he interacts sternly with Feng Yulong and accepts the ruling delivered by Unadorned Sword Lord. The two sword masters then engage in understated verbal sparring, with Unadorned Sword Lord boasting about Song Miaomiao and Xie Xiuji deflating his pride by pointing out his long stagnation in cultivation.

Chapter Summary: “Confessing the Pregnancy”

• Unadorned Sword Lord and Sword Venerable Mingxiao: Mingxiao teases Unadorned Sword Lord about remaining stuck at Peak Spirit Transformation for three centuries. He then bargains for several rare Silver Sand Fish from the lotus pond, offering a valuable cultivation notebook in exchange. Unadorned Sword Lord readily agrees because the notebook contains insights into the Heartless Sword Dao, but grows suspicious when Mingxiao refuses to explain whom he plans to feed with the fish.
• Song Zhizhi’s pregnancy crisis: After changing clothes on Clear Snow Peak, Song Zhizhi suddenly experiences swollen meridians, a constricted Dantian, and an alarming loss of spiritual energy. She realizes that the energy is being absorbed by the child in her womb. Through their emotional connection, she senses that the child is suffering from hunger and seems to hear it call for its mother.
• Song Zhizhi seeks help: Frightened and unsure how to treat the problem, Song Zhizhi considers contacting Xie Xiuji but remembers that he is not a Healing Cultivator. She instead sends an urgent voice transmission to Liu Changfei, asking for help.
• Liu Changfei’s arrival: Liu Changfei rushes to Clear Snow Peak and finds Song Zhizhi pale and still losing spiritual energy despite trying to replenish it. After examining her pulse, Liu Changfei reacts with confusion, increasing Song Zhizhi’s fear. Song Zhizhi grips her hand and anxiously asks about the child, setting up the chapter’s cliffhanger.
• Character development and interactions: Song Zhizhi’s maternal protectiveness and vulnerability become clear as she panics over the baby’s condition. Liu Changfei acts as a dependable friend and immediately responds to the emergency. Meanwhile, Mingxiao and Unadorned Sword Lord’s teasing, bargaining, and long-standing friendship provide comic relief and contrast with the tense pregnancy scene.
• Themes: The chapter emphasizes friendship, mutual reliance, maternal anxiety, and the growing importance of Song Zhizhi’s unborn child. It balances lighthearted cultivation-world humor with emotional suspense while reassuring readers that the situation will ultimately have a happy outcome.