Chapter Summaries

Fang Qianyuan recalled how his father, Fang Hai, had been tortured and killed over a fragment of the Flying Immortal Records before revealing his final wish: that Fang Qianyuan avenge their family and recover the treasure. Now sixteen and training at the Azure Cloud Sect’s outer courtyard, Fang Qianyuan prepared for the autumn examination that could make him a Spirit Tamer and set him on that path.

• Fang Qianyuan remembered that Fang Hai had found a fragment of the Flying Immortal Records, been tortured by a powerful enemy, and returned to life after swallowing a mysterious silver pill.
• Fang Hai fled with Fang Qianyuan, but grief and illness eventually killed him after his enemy had also slain the rest of their family.
• A fellow odd-job worker called Fang Qianyuan back from the cliff, and they returned to the courtyard for dinner.
• Fang Qianyuan practiced the introductory cultivation method and reflected on his progress toward receiving a spirit entity.
• Fang Qianyuan recalled Fang Hai’s dying plea for him to avenge the family and recover the Flying Immortal Records, and resolved to first pass the sect’s examination.

Fang Qianyuan and the other outer academy youths arrived at Cang Mountain Academy for the autumn entrance examination, which required them to subdue a spirit creature and establish spirit communion. After welcoming them, the Institute Master began explaining the examination and the difficulty of becoming a spirit tamer.

• Fang Qianyuan joined 116 other probationary disciples at the inner academy gates for the autumn examination.
• Inner academy disciples led the youths through the valley on tamed gray wolves.
• The probationary disciples arrived at the examination grounds, where Cang Mountain Academy's elders and spirit tamers awaited them.
• The Institute Master welcomed the youths and explained that spirit communion was the final hurdle to becoming a spirit tamer.

At the branch academy, the Institute Master explained the spirit communion trial and its importance in becoming a spirit tamer. The trial began with a string of failures, and the chapter ended as Zhou Pengfei stepped forward and the results started to change.

• The Institute Master explained the origins of the Spirit Command Dao and how disciples could become spirit tamers by communing with Spirit Creatures.
• The attendant disciples arranged Swift Eagle spirits in earthenware jars, and the Institute Master said successful disciples would reach human rank first turn and enter the inner court.
• Huang Youde, Zhu Zhi, and Huang Yong each failed to establish spirit communion with a jar.
• Fang Qianyuan reflected that the trial was difficult and that poor performance could eliminate even disciples with adequate aptitude.
• More than twenty disciples failed in succession before Zhou Pengfei came forward and the situation began to change.

Zhou Pengfei and three other provisional disciples passed the Spirit Communion Ceremony, prompting the elders to discuss the academy’s prospects. Gong Yuan revealed that an unnamed common-born disciple had Earth Rank potential and was certain to pass, leaving the elders eager to see him tested as Fang Qianyuan was called.

• Zhou Pengfei established spirit communion and was directed to rest with the successful disciples.
• Three more provisional disciples passed, and the elders celebrated the ceremony’s early results.
• The elders praised Ye Tianming’s Earth Rank potential as Ye Li listened.
• Gong Yuan revealed that an unnamed common-born disciple had opened his Spirit Sea after three months of self-cultivation and possessed Earth Rank potential.
• The elders pressed Gong Yuan for the disciple’s name, but he kept it secret as the assessment continued.
• The officiating disciple called Fang Qianyuan to take the test.

Fang Qianyuan bonded with a Swift Eagle spirit during the test, revealing extraordinary potential that Gong Yuan believed could reach Heaven Tier. The elders praised his talent and popularity, and Gong Yuan began moving to take him under his wing.

• Fang Qianyuan approached the testing platform, causing all sixteen unopened jars to light up and shocking the crowd and elders.
• Gong Yuan recognized the response as evidence of Fang Qianyuan's exceptional Spirit Essence and suspected he had Heaven Tier potential.
• Fang Qianyuan opened a jar, bonded with a Swift Eagle, and advanced to Human Rank First Turn.
• The officiating disciple announced that Fang Qianyuan had passed, and the other provisional disciples cheered him.
• The elders discussed Fang Qianyuan's talent and standing, while Gong Yuan signaled his intention to recruit him and Ye Li remained confident in his own family's gifted youngster.

Fang Qianyuan settled into the Azure Cloud Sect’s inner court, began refining his Swift Eagle spirit, and learned that Spirit Tamers followed two distinct cultivation paths. The chapter left him watching Ma Wenhua demonstrate the way of transformation.

• Fang Qianyuan and the other new disciples registered in the inner court, received supplies, and were assigned rooms at Gending Court.
• Fang Qianyuan used his spirit jade to cultivate with the Swift Eagle and made progress toward the second revolution of Human Rank.
• Fang Qianyuan read the inner court handbook before the Teaching Hall gathered the new disciples the next morning.
• Ma Wenhua and Lan Mei explained the way of transformation and the manifestation path, advising the disciples to focus on the path suited to them.
• Ma Wenhua formed the Weapon Seal, called forth spirit markings, and demonstrated a transformation method.

Ma Wenhua and Lan Mei demonstrated the Way of Transformation and the Manifestation Path, then taught the new disciples how to begin cultivating with Swift Eagle Spirits. After everyone left, Fang Qianyuan successfully summoned a Swift Eagle and shared its vision, discovering the power of its extraordinary sight.

• Ma Wenhua used the blue-eyed gray wolf’s power to demonstrate the Way of Transformation’s strength and speed.
• Lan Mei formed the Hand Seal of Presence and manifested a blue-eyed gray wolf and ten gray wolves.
• Ma Wenhua explained the two cultivation paths, the nine hand seals, and why the new disciples should start by manifesting Swift Eagles.
• Ma Wenhua and Lan Mei taught the disciples cultivation methods and experience, then set a progress test for ten days later.
• After the others left, Fang Qianyuan summoned a Swift Eagle, used the Eagle Eye Art to share its vision, and watched through its eyes as it soared into the clouds.

Fang Qianyuan’s Swift Eagle was injured during a patrol encounter, but he revealed that he had learned to summon it almost immediately after joining Cang Mountain Academy. Elder Gong was so impressed that he decided to personally oversee Fang Qianyuan’s training.

• Fang Qianyuan used his Swift Eagle to scout the valley, but an academy guard’s larger Swift Eagle mistook him for a spy and wounded his spirit creature.
• The guard’s Swift Eagle realized Fang Qianyuan was a new inner academy disciple and apologized after he showed his identification token.
• The guard recognized Fang Qianyuan as the disciple Lan Mei had just taught and hurried to fetch her.
• Lan Mei confirmed that Fang Qianyuan could summon a Swift Eagle and told him that Elder Gong wanted to assess him.
• Fang Qianyuan demonstrated his ability to Lan Mei and Gong Yuan, who were left stunned by his talent.
• Gong Yuan decided to personally oversee Fang Qianyuan’s lessons and training arrangements.

Fang Qianyuan advanced rapidly under Gong Yuan’s guidance, gained a Gray Wolf Spirit, and learned its Borrowing Arts. At the library, he encountered Ye Tianming, whose extraordinary background and cultivation record Ding Long explained.

• Gong Yuan arranged a library steward post for Fang Qianyuan, who cultivated diligently and recovered his Swift Eagle Spirit.
• Fang Qianyuan practiced his new Wolf Rush and Claw Strike after establishing communion with a Gray Wolf ahead of schedule.
• Ding Long paid Fang Qianyuan his monthly salary and reminded him to report his Second Transformation for a higher stipend.
• Fang Qianyuan and Ding Long passed Ye Tianming, and Ding Long identified him as an exceptional academy disciple.
• Ding Long told Fang Qianyuan about Ye Tianming’s privileged upbringing, powerful Spirit Creature, rapid cultivation, and undefeated battle record.

Fang Qianyuan chose the transformation Dao after Elder Gong Yuan praised his cultivation progress and advised him on the two cultivation paths. He relied on the strength and healing bestowed by his father’s Treasure Pill, then advanced to human rank third turn.

• Ding Long told Fang Qianyuan about Ye Tianming’s talent, status, and fiancée, but Fang Qianyuan showed little interest.
• Elder Gong Yuan inspected Fang Qianyuan’s progress and learned he was nearing human rank third turn.
• Fang Qianyuan told Gong Yuan he had chosen the transformation Dao, a decision influenced by his father, Fang Hai.
• Fang Qianyuan recalled how Fang Hai gave him a golden Treasure Pill that granted him enduring strength, rapid healing, and seemingly inexhaustible spirit essence.
• Gong Yuan gave Fang Qianyuan introductory body-tempering techniques and explained how spirit creatures could aid cultivation.
• After another half month of diligent cultivation, Fang Qianyuan advanced to human rank third turn.

After Fang Qianyuan reached Human Rank Third Turn, Gong Yuan assigned him to gain experience in the Demon Suppression Cavern with a team of fellow disciples. Fang and his teammates arrived at the cavern’s entrance, where he spotted Ye Tianming leading a separate group.

• Gong Yuan explained the Demon Suppression Cavern assignment and arranged for Fang Qianyuan to join a patrol team.
• Gong Yuan introduced Fang Qianyuan to Ding Long, Wei Wen, Wei Wu, and Ning Yuerong, and they agreed to depart on the fifth day of the month.
• Fang Qianyuan and his teammates registered at the Merit Hall and descended beneath an Ancient Pagoda to the cavern’s enormous sealed gate.
• Fang Qianyuan noticed Ye Tianming at the gate with a separate team, while the other disciples also waited in distinct groups.

Fang Qianyuan entered the Demon-Suppressing Grand Array with Wei Wen’s group and traveled through its ancient passages. The group prepared to let Fang Qianyuan take the lead if they encountered demons on the first level.

• The disciples entered the cavern after its gate opened, and Fang Qianyuan rode a Gray Wolf summoned by Wei Wen.
• Ning Yuerong summoned a Crimson-Patterned Tiger, while Ye Tianming rode his Shadow Wolf ahead of the main group.
• Wei Wen led the group through a sealed alternate dimension to a Teleportation Array and used five pieces of spirit jade to transport them.
• The group arrived in a blue-brick passage within the Demon-Suppressing Grand Array and continued onward.
• Wei Wen proposed that Fang Qianyuan fight any demons they encountered while the others supported him, and Fang Qianyuan agreed.

Fang Qianyuan led the group through the Demon Suppression Cavern, swiftly killing wild wolves and collecting soul crystals. As the group cleared more halls, he refined a fighting style built around his exceptional stamina and earned his companions’ respect.

• Fang Qianyuan rushed ahead and killed the first enormous wolf with Wolf Rush Strike, then killed a second with Wolf Lunge as Ding Long and Wei Wu engaged the other wolves.
• Ning Yuerong collected the three soul crystals and praised Fang Qianyuan for his decisive fighting.
• Fang Qianyuan reflected that real combat was helping him turn practiced techniques into fighting instincts and recognized soul crystals as valuable cultivation resources.
• The group cleared several more halls, with Fang Qianyuan leading each battle and adapting his moves while his companions watched out for him.
• Fang Qianyuan developed a fighting style centered on repeated Wolf Rush Strikes, using Wolf Spirit Movement Technique to reposition when his attacks missed.
• Fang Qianyuan easily defeated first and second transformation wild wolves, impressing the group until they accepted him as a capable junior brother.

Fang Qianyuan and his companions discussed the spirit creatures he might obtain and the secret arts that could help spirit tamers sustain more of them. After entering the Demon Cave’s second level, they encountered an unexpected swarm of third transformation dwarf demons.

• Wei Wen divided twenty soul crystals among the group, and he and Ding Long advised Fang Qianyuan to seek a stronger spirit creature than a blue-eyed gray wolf.
• Ning Yuerong suggested Elder Gong might arrange a better spirit creature for Fang Qianyuan, and the group resumed fighting their way through the Demon Cave.
• Wei Wen and Ning Yuerong joined the battle on the second level, summoning gray wolves that helped the group defeat the demons they encountered.
• Wei Wen explained that the Azure Cloud Sect’s Wolf-Taming Secret Art reduced the burden of sustaining wolf spirits and urged Fang Qianyuan to seek secret arts.
• The group entered a hall and found a swarm of third transformation dwarf demons, which turned toward them with bloodthirsty expressions.

Fang Qianyuan and the other disciples fought through Dwarf Demons and Ratmen in the Demon Suppression Cavern, then realized a Void Tide had loosened the seals and triggered a major Demon Calamity. As they tried to retreat, another wave of Demons blocked their way.

• Wei Wen, Ning Yuerong, Fang Qianyuan, and the others killed the Dwarf Demons that had poured through a broken seal.
• Wei Wen concluded that Demonic Qi had breached the seal from within, raising fears that a Demon Calamity was beginning.
• A group of Ratmen appeared, and the disciples defeated them before hurrying back without collecting their soul crystals.
• The Demon Cave shook as a Void Tide rippled through it, and Wei Wen realized the disaster could cause an unusually severe Demon Calamity.
• Dozens of wild wolves appeared ahead and blocked the disciples' route back.

Fang Qianyuan's group was surrounded by several powerful demon packs in the Demon Suppression Cavern and fought to escape. As the battle turned against their Gray Wolves, Fang Qianyuan attacked the wild wolves to relieve the pressure, leaving the fight ongoing.

• A wolf king, a Seven-Star Demon Spider and its smaller spiders, Dwarf Demons, and Ratmen emerged to confront the group.
• Wei Wen assigned the group to fight the demon leaders and their followers while they sought a way out of the cavern.
• Wei Wen engaged the Seven-Star Demon Spider, Ning Yuerong fought the wolf king, and Ding Long and Wei Wu took on the Dwarf Demons and Ratmen.
• Fang Qianyuan watched the battle and saw that the lesser demons were pressing the Gray Wolves and narrowing their room to maneuver.
• Fang Qianyuan charged into the wild wolf pack, using Wolf Rush and Black Tiger Rips Out Its Heart to kill several wolves.

Fang Qianyuan used Shadow Step to kill the ratman chief and dwarf demon chief, then collapsed from exhaustion. As his companions caught him, the precious pill’s power began strengthening his physique and restoring his stamina and spirit essence.

• Fang Qianyuan fought among the gray wolves while helping his companions, until Wei Wu was wounded and Ding Long moved to protect him.
• Fang Qianyuan used Shadow Step to evade the ratman chief and tear open its back with repeated claw strikes.
• Fang Qianyuan pierced the ratman chief’s heart with spirit essence, killing it.
• Fang Qianyuan used Shadow Step and spirit essence attacks to kill the dwarf demon chief as well.
• After nearly collapsing from exhaustion, Fang Qianyuan was caught by Ding Long and Wei Wu, then felt the precious pill’s power restore him and strengthen his physique.

Fang Qianyuan’s Treasure Pill triggered a second transformation, advancing him to human rank fourth transformation and strengthening his sinews, bones, and spirit sea. After the group defeated the demons, they assessed their losses and prepared to continue onward with Fang Qianyuan’s new strength.

• The Treasure Pill’s lingering power surged through Fang Qianyuan, expanding his spirit sea and healing his injuries as he advanced to human rank fourth transformation.
• Ding Long and Wei Wu rejoined Fang Qianyuan, who confirmed his breakthrough and urged them to finish off the demons.
• Fang Qianyuan, Ding Long, and Wei Wu defeated the remaining Dwarf Demons and Ratmen, then helped Wei Wen and Ning Yuerong kill the wolf king and Seven-Star Demon Spider.
• The group discovered that Wei Wen had suffered mild poisoning and that Wei Wen’s and Ning Yuerong’s Gray Wolves had lost much of their fighting strength.
• Ding Long reassured the group that Fang Qianyuan’s breakthrough gave them a dependable Fourth Transformation fighter for the journey back.

After resting and collecting their spoils, Fang Qianyuan and the others used Ning Yuerong’s spirit cat to scout a safe route back to the first level. They reached the Teleportation Array cavern and learned that a Void Tide had trapped the disciples inside the Demon Suppression Cavern.

• The group divided more than a hundred soul crystals and other spoils, and Wei Wen gave Fang Qianyuan the Seven-Star Demon Spider fangs as a reward.
• Ning Yuerong sent her spirit cat ahead to scout, allowing the group to travel safely through the passages and return to the first level.
• Wei Wen and his companions joined more than a dozen Training Institute disciples in fighting a horde of demons in the cavern.
• A disciple told Wei Wen that a once-in-a-century Void Tide had struck the Demon Suppression Cavern.
• Wei Wen and the others found the entrance passage blocked by thousands of demons surging through the black vortex.

Fang Qianyuan and the other trainees gathered near the Teleportation Array, treated their wounded, and debated whether to wait for reinforcements or fight their way out. Ye Tianming proposed a vote to settle the dispute, and the group agreed to stay and defend.

• Wei Wen and Fang Qianyuan realized the path to the stone gate was blocked by demons, so the trainees decided to wait near the Teleportation Array for the Training Institute’s reinforcements.
• All thirty-six trainees from eight squads regrouped, and Senior Sister Mi healed the injured with the powers of rejuvenation grass and the origin lotus.
• The squad leaders argued over whether to wait safely or organize an attempt to fight their way upward, while some of the stronger trainees competed for the right to lead.
• Ye Tianming proposed that one person from each squad vote and that everyone follow the majority decision.
• Wei Wen and several other squad leaders supported staying, and Wu Longjie reluctantly agreed.