Chapter Summaries

The fallen heart flame broke free of Su Qian’s Energy Cage and targeted Han Feng’s sea heart flame, while also sensing Xiao Yan. Zhou Changqing led Xiao Yan and Zi Yan away as the creature attacked Han Feng and the Black-Corner Region’s forces, leaving Su Qian’s side time to recover.

• The fallen heart flame shattered the Energy Cage and fixed its gaze on Han Feng and Xiao Yan.
• Han Feng recognized the fallen heart flame and suspected Xiao Yan possessed a heavenly flame or another treasure it wanted.
• Yao Lao warned Xiao Yan that the fallen heart flame was too powerful to confront, so Xiao Yan asked Zhou Changqing to retreat with him and Zi Yan.
• The fallen heart flame pursued Han Feng instead of Xiao Yan, and Han Feng doubled the rewards to keep the Black-Corner Region’s fighters from fleeing.
• The fallen heart flame’s transparent flames overwhelmed the Black-Corner Region’s forces, while Su Qian ordered the academy elders to recover their Dou Qi.

Zhou Changqing watched the battle over the Jia Nan Inner Academy’s fallen heart flame, determined to help Xiao Yan grow strong enough to secure the Ancient Emperor’s inheritance. After the flame defeated Han Feng, it targeted Xiao Yan, who chose to face it, and Su Qian rushed to protect him and Zi Yan.

• Zhou Changqing reflected that Xiao Yan’s future strength could help him reach Dou Di and prepare for threats involving Hun Tiandi.
• The fallen heart flame routed the Black-Corner Region forces, then struck Han Feng into the ground with its giant tail.
• The fallen heart flame turned its attention to Xiao Yan, and Zhou Changqing warned him that it was targeting him.
• Xiao Yan decided to face the fallen heart flame and told Zhou Changqing and Zi Yan to leave, while Zhou Changqing chose to stay and fight.
• The fallen heart flame charged at Xiao Yan, Zhou Changqing, and Zi Yan, and Su Qian rushed toward them to help.

Xiao Yan borrowed Yao Lao’s soul power to battle the Fallen Heart Flame in its Giant Serpent form, astonishing the onlookers with strength comparable to a Peak Dou Emperor. As the fight continued, Xiao Yan began to feel overwhelmed, while Han Feng waited for both sides to weaken.

• Xiao Yan used Yao Lao’s soul power to reach Peak Dou Emperor-level strength and charged into battle with the Giant Serpent.
• Su Qian and the Black-Corner Region experts watched in shock as Xiao Yan fought through the sea of transparent flames; several grew greedy for his apparent secret technique.
• Han Feng recovered from the Fallen Heart Flame’s earlier strike and hoped Xiao Yan would weaken it so he could seize both heavenly flames.
• Su Qian asked Zi Yan about her condition, and she introduced Zhou Changqing as her friend and Xiao Yan’s close friend.
• Zhou Changqing greeted Su Qian, who praised his strength after he defeated Fan Lao, while the group stayed alert to Han Feng and the Gold and Silver Elders.
• Xiao Yan felt immense pressure against the Dou Zong-level Giant Serpent despite the Green Lotus Core Flame protecting him from much of its heat.

Xiao Yan identified and struck the Fallen Heart Flame’s true body, forcing it to manifest in a brief weakened state. As Xiao Yan raced to seize it and Han Feng broke through the elders’ interception, Zhou Changqing blocked Han Feng’s path.

• Yao Lao warned Xiao Yan to find the Fallen Heart Flame’s true body instead of fighting its giant python form head-on.
• Xiao Yan spotted a scale beneath the python’s jaw and pierced it with a spear of green flame, causing the python to shriek and dissolve into the manifested Fallen Heart Flame.
• The Fallen Heart Flame’s flaming meteors vanished, and Yao Lao urged Xiao Yan to seize it while it was weakened.
• Han Feng raced toward the Fallen Heart Flame, but Su Qian sent the academy elders to stop him as Han Feng’s allies clashed with them.
• Zhou Changqing stepped in front of Han Feng and told him the road was closed.

Zhou Changqing blocked Han Feng from reaching the battle over the fallen heart flame and exposed Han Feng’s betrayal of his master. Their first clash ended with Zhou Changqing holding the advantage, while Han Feng was driven back and the onlookers were stunned by Zhou’s strength.

• Zhou Changqing stopped Han Feng’s deep-blue flame ribbon with blazing silver lightning, forcing Han Feng to halt and reassess him.
• Han Feng tried to persuade Zhou Changqing to step aside, but Zhou condemned him for betraying his master and defiling his lineage.
• Han Feng demanded to know who Zhou was, then charged him with a trident formed from the sea heart flame.
• Zhou Changqing met Han Feng’s attack with the Glorious Thunder Tyrant Sword, shattering the trident and sending Han Feng flying farther back than himself.
• The watching experts were shocked that Zhou Changqing’s strength surpassed Han Feng’s, while Zhou judged that Han Feng’s heavenly flame still gave him formidable power.

Zhou Changqing fought Han Feng with his Gold Essence Sword Gang and Brilliant Thunder Finger, overcoming the Medicine Emperor’s powerful attacks. Han Feng fell grievously wounded while Zhou Changqing remained unhurt, leaving the Black-Corner Region forces in shock.

• Han Feng unleashed his full power and sent waves of Sea Heart Flame toward Zhou Changqing.
• Zhou Changqing split Han Feng’s flame waves with the Gold Essence Sword Gang, but Han Feng charged through the flames with a gigantic deep blue trident.
• Zhou Changqing countered the trident with his Brilliant Thunder Finger, and the collision unleashed a blinding explosion.
• After the light faded, Han Feng fell from the sky trailing blood, while Zhou Changqing hovered nearby without a wound.
• The Black-Corner Region forces recognized Han Feng and reacted in shock to his defeat.

After Zhou Changqing defeated Han Feng, the Black-Corner Region forces retreated, and the Inner Academy prepared to reseal the fallen heart flame. The flame absorbed a vast sea of fire and regained its strength, leaving Xiao Yan and the elders facing a renewed threat.

• Zhou Changqing reflected on how Han Feng's heavenly flame had offset his advantages and resolved to seek lightning powerful enough to strengthen his Thunder Qi.
• The Gold and Silver Elders took the gravely wounded Han Feng and fled with the Black-Corner Region forces, while Su Qian let them go to focus on the fallen heart flame.
• Xiao Yan remained locked in a stalemate with the fallen heart flame as Su Qian and the Inner Academy elders began activating the sealing formation.
• Su Qian ordered Xiao Yan to withdraw, and Xiao Yan reluctantly backed away rather than oppose the academy.
• The fallen heart flame unleashed a powerful suction, absorbed the surrounding fire and Han Feng's deep-blue flames, and regained an aura as strong as its giant-serpent form.
• Su Qian shouted for Xiao Yan to get away from the fallen heart flame.

The fallen heart flame swallowed Xiao Yan before the formation closed, and Su Qian sealed the flame beneath the Heavenly Flame Qi Refining Tower at the cost of severe injuries. Everyone believed Xiao Yan had died, but Zhou Changqing knew he had survived and hoped he would return.

• The fallen heart flame pursued Xiao Yan and swallowed him just before the formation barrier closed around it.
• Su Qian used an Energy Black Net and a Black Energy Pillar to force the fallen heart flame into the underground magma and seal it beneath the tower.
• Su Qian collapsed from exhaustion and injuries as the elders and students mourned Xiao Yan, including the Pan Gate members and Lin Xiuya.
• Zhou Changqing and Zi Yan arrived, and Su Qian apologized to Zhou Changqing for failing to protect Xiao Yan.
• Zhou Changqing reassured Su Qian and Zi Yan that Xiao Yan was alive and would eventually return, while privately knowing he had survived.

Trapped beneath the Heavenly Flame Qi Refining Tower, Xiao Yan learned from Yao Lao that the fallen heart flame was trying to refine him and agreed to a risky plan to weaken it. He began resisting its power with medicinal herbs and the green lotus core flame, entering a punishing struggle that gradually strengthened his body.

• Xiao Yan awoke inside the bone spirit cold flame’s protection in the underground magma and realized the fallen heart flame was trying to refine him.
• Yao Lao explained that the fallen heart flame remained powerful in its lair and proposed letting it attack Xiao Yan so they could exhaust it.
• Xiao Yan agreed to the plan because refining the fallen heart flame would boost his cultivation, strengthen his foundations, advance the Flame Mantra, and help resurrect Yao Lao.
• Xiao Yan took out the green lotus seat and his medicinal herbs, then Yao Lao drew the bone spirit cold flame into his body to protect his vital organs.
• The fallen heart flame invaded Xiao Yan, who resisted its refining power with Dou Qi and healed himself by absorbing medicinal herbs.
• Xiao Yan and the fallen heart flame entered a painful tug-of-war, and repeated cycles of injury and healing gradually strengthened his flesh.

After the Inner Academy began repairing the damage from the battle, Zhou Changqing decided to leave and travel the Black-Corner Region before heading to the Central Plains. Zi Yan secretly followed him, with Su Qian allowing her to go in hopes she would discover her origins and find a better future.

• Zhou Changqing told Zi Yan he planned to leave the Inner Academy, explaining that it needed time to recover and that he had his own path to follow.
• Zhou Changqing rejected Zi Yan's attempts to hide her sadness and left her behind as she claimed she did not need his company.
• The next morning, Zhou Changqing accepted Su Qian's farewell gift and departed secretly without alerting the Inner Academy.
• Zi Yan watched Zhou Changqing fly away, then unfurled her Dou Qi Wings and followed him, insisting to herself that they were merely going the same way.
• Su Qian revealed that he had seen Zi Yan leave and let her follow Zhou Changqing, believing the young prodigy could protect her and help her uncover her origins.

Zhou Changqing caught Zi Yan secretly following him on his way to Blood Fiend City and teased her by pretending an unseen expert was nearby. Zi Yan admitted she wanted to travel with him, and he tacitly allowed her to come along.

• Zhou Changqing sensed Zi Yan following him and vanished to shake her off.
• Zi Yan lost his trail, complained about him, and was startled when Zhou Changqing spoke beside her without revealing himself.
• When Zhou Changqing touched her shoulder, Zi Yan punched him, then recognized him and realized he had been teasing her.
• Zhou Changqing teased Zi Yan until she admitted she had followed him and insisted that he could not leave her behind.
• Zhou Changqing set off again and allowed Zi Yan to travel with him.

Zhou Changqing and Zi Yan visited Rakshasa Tower to learn about major auctions in the Black-Corner Region. Gate Master Su Mei revealed an upcoming auction in Black Emperor City and explained that Zhou Changqing was already known to the region’s major forces for defeating powerful enemies.

• Zi Yan grew impatient while she and Zhou Changqing waited at Rakshasa Tower, complaining that she had run out of pills.
• Su Mei and another beautiful woman entered the reception room, and Su Mei told Zhou Changqing that a major auction would be held in Black Emperor City in half a month.
• Zhou Changqing decided to travel to Black Emperor City to sell his weapons and armor and seek valuable items and cultivation resources.
• Su Mei introduced herself as the Gate Master of Rakshasa Gate and explained that news of Zhou Changqing killing Fan Lao and severely wounding Medicine Emperor Han Feng had spread across the region.

Zhou Changqing accepted Su Mei’s offer to travel with the Rakshasa Gate to Black Emperor City and reached the city with the party. At the gates, a group of men leered at the travelers and insulted Zhou Changqing, provoking a confrontation.

• Su Mei invited Zhou Changqing and Zi Yan to travel with the Rakshasa Gate to the auction, and Zhou Changqing accepted.
• The next day, Zhou Changqing and Zi Yan departed Blood Fiend City with Su Mei’s party aboard a flying magical beast.
• After five days of travel, the party reached Black Emperor City and continued on foot because flight was prohibited over the city.
• As the group approached the gates, Zhou Changqing saw the violence and disorder common in the Black-Corner Region.
• A group of burly men made lewd remarks about the party and mocked Zhou Changqing, whose gaze turned toward them.

Zhou Changqing let Su Mei handle the Blackwater Gang, and Rakshasa Gate’s experts captured and brutally tortured its men for provoking them. After entering Black Emperor City, Zhou agreed to stay at the Black Emperor Pavilion and began planning how to present his Spirit-Gathering Armor at the auction in ten days.

• Su Mei asked Zhou Changqing to leave the Blackwater Gang to her, and he ordered that the men not be allowed to die easily.
• Elder Ding and three Rakshasa Gate Dou Ling defeated the Blackwater Gang, then began torturing its captured members.
• Zhou Changqing and the others entered Black Emperor City while the crowd discussed the Blackwater Gang’s defeat.
• Su Mei invited Zhou Changqing to stay at the Black Emperor Pavilion until the auction, and he accepted.
• Zhou Changqing planned to prepare and promote his Spirit-Gathering Armor before the auction began in ten days.

Zhou Changqing devised a plan to use the Blackwater Gang to promote the Spirit-Gathering Armor and asked Su Mei to help carry it out. Su Mei, intent on winning his favor and advancing the Rakshasa Gate, was delighted by his request.

• Zhou Changqing and Su Mei entered the Black Emperor Pavilion, where elder Che Cheng recognized Zhou Changqing.
• Su Mei told Zhou Changqing that the Blackwater Gang had sent the ruffians who caused trouble the previous day and offered to deal with them.
• Zhou Changqing realized he could use the Blackwater Gang to make the Spirit-Gathering Armor famous.
• Su Mei resolved to win Zhou Changqing over so she could strengthen the Rakshasa Gate and advance her own cultivation.
• Zi Yan noticed Su Mei's interest in Zhou Changqing and watched her warily.
• Zhou Changqing explained his plan to Su Mei, who reacted with astonishment and delight.

Shao Dongyuan challenged Lian Tu to a fight to the death in Black Emperor City on behalf of the Rakshasa Gate, drawing a crowd eager to see how the weaker faction would fare. Though frightened by Lian Tu’s Dou Wang pressure, Shao Dongyuan followed his Gate Master’s instructions and provoked him as the battle became inevitable.

• Shao Dongyuan went to the Black Emperor Sect’s information office and arranged a fight to the death against Lian Tu, drawing spectators and faction leaders to the central plaza.
• Lian Tu hesitated when the challenge reached him but decided to defend the Blackwater Gang’s reputation and led its members toward the plaza.
• Lian Tu entered the arena and demanded that Shao Dongyuan summon Su Mei, then pressured the old man with his Dou Wang aura.
• Shao Dongyuan drew his Crescent Moon Saber, accused the Blackwater Gang of insulting Su Mei, and challenged Lian Tu with a barrage of insults.

Lian Tu’s attacks failed to break through Shao Dongyuan’s golden defensive membrane, while Shao Dongyuan’s Crescent Moon Blade damaged Lian Tu’s saber. Lian Tu took to the air and struck Shao Dongyuan with a Blade Aura, leaving the old fighter staggering but protected.

• Lian Tu charged Shao Dongyuan, but the golden membrane from his Inner Armor deflected the saber strike and left him unharmed.
• Shao Dongyuan counterattacked with his Crescent Moon Saber, whose golden edge cut a deep notch into Lian Tu’s black saber.
• Lian Tu knocked Shao Dongyuan back and retreated, recognizing that the golden membrane and Crescent Moon Saber posed serious threats.
• Lian Tu summoned his Dou Qi Wings, flew high above Shao Dongyuan, and launched a Blade Aura downward.
• Shao Dongyuan took the Blade Aura head-on; his golden membrane held, but the impact sent him staggering ten meters backward.

Shao Dongyuan used the flight ability of his Inner Armor and the power of his Crescent Moon Blade to fight Lian Tu in the sky. After a crushing strike left Lian Tu gravely wounded and falling, Shao Dongyuan pursued him, but an enormous energy palm and a furious command interrupted the chase.

• Shao Dongyuan activated his Inner Armor's golden wings and rose to face Lian Tu in the air.
• Shao Dongyuan and Lian Tu clashed with their weapons as Lian Tu gathered his full strength and Shao Dongyuan unleashed the power of his armor and blade.
• Shao Dongyuan's crescent-shaped blade aura broke through Lian Tu's attacks and cut deeply across his chest and abdomen.
• Lian Tu lost his Dou Qi Wings and fell toward the square, so Shao Dongyuan pursued him to finish the fight.
• As Shao Dongyuan closed in on Lian Tu, an enormous energy palm struck toward him and a voice shouted, "Stop right there!"

Eighth Elder Chai Ping of the Black Emperor Sect interrupted Shao Dongyuan’s duel with Lian Tu and tried to seize Shao’s treasures as compensation. Shao resisted Chai Ping’s attack with his hidden defensive armor and Golden-Patterned Great Blade, leaving the clash unresolved amid the destruction of the plaza.

• Chai Ping caught the badly injured Lian Tu, gave him a healing pill, and attacked Shao Dongyuan, who survived by activating a second suit of inner armor.
• Chai Ping recognized Shao’s defenses and demanded the treasures he carried, while Shao refused and warned that the Rakshasa Gate would not be bullied.
• The watching faction leaders identified Chai Ping as the Black Emperor Sect’s Eighth Elder and a three-star Dou Emperor.
• Chai Ping formed a powerful energy hand and brought it down on Shao, who channeled his dou qi into the Golden-Patterned Great Blade and slashed through its outer energy layer.
• The energy hand exploded, cracking the plaza and filling it with dust as Chai Ping realized Shao’s blade was more formidable than his Crescent Moon Blade.

Zhou Changqing watched Shao Dongyuan’s Spirit-Gathering Armor withstand Chai Ping’s attack, then intervened when Chai Ping tried to seize it. His arrival stunned the square’s leaders, who recognized him as the young expert who had defeated Fan Lao and wounded Han Feng.

• Chai Ping saw that Shao Dongyuan had survived his attack thanks to a defensive treasure and decided to spare him so he could claim it.
• Shao Dongyuan called for Gate Master Su Mei, while Chai Ping charged to seize the treasures before she arrived.
• At a restaurant, Su Mei admired Zhou Changqing’s armor, Zi Yan grew interested in his weapons, and Zhou Changqing was pleased by the armor’s performance.
• Zhou Changqing, Zi Yan, and Su Mei flew to the square, where Zhou Changqing’s golden dou qi cut Chai Ping’s palm and forced him back.
• The leaders recognized Zhou Changqing as the young expert who had killed Fan Lao and severely wounded Medicine Emperor Han Feng.