Chapter Summaries

The Artifact Sect’s leaders responded to the Azure Cloud Sect’s warning by ordering an internal investigation and a search for ancient Dao Artifacts. In the Southern Wilds, members of the Sacred Sect confirmed Fang Qianyuan had killed their agents and decided to recruit new disciples while setting him aside for now.

• The Artifact Sect’s leaders agreed to investigate the sect and search for Dao Artifacts from the Ancient Era.
• Black-robed members of the Sacred Sect performed a blood offering at a Torch Dragon altar in the Great Stone Hall.
• A gaunt old man confirmed that Fang Qianyuan had intercepted and killed the Sacred Sect’s missing agents.
• The Sacred Sect members discussed their failed attempt to recruit Fang Qianyuan and the risk that the Azure Cloud Sect and Artifact Sect might trace Spirit Venerable’s tradition to them.
• The gaunt old man urged the Sacred Sect to recruit rising Earth Rank talents and complete Heaven-Shifting Sun-Replacing quickly.
• The members proposed approaching Night King’s gifted disciples and agreed to consult potential recruits individually.

Fang Lian used her dream-based art to uncover several Demon Alliance leaders linked to Wu Lianyi, including the Night King, whose identity Fang Qianyuan suspected was connected to Ye Tianming. Fang Qianyuan planned to investigate further and considered contacting Ye Tianming about the alliance’s plans.

• Fang Qianyuan learned that Fang Lian had breached Jiao Zhong’s mental defenses and uncovered secrets about the Demon Alliance.
• Fang Lian reported that Zhuo Wuchen and Nangong Yan appeared to be working with Wu Ni and that the Demon Alliance was interested in the Demon Refinement Art.
• Fang Lian revealed that the Night King had recently advanced to Heaven Tier and possessed a Dream-Eating Heavenly Demon like hers.
• Fang Qianyuan connected the Night King to Ye Tianming’s former master and wondered why he had joined Wu Lianyi’s circle.
• Fang Qianyuan thanked Fang Lian and considered contacting Ye Tianming to learn what the Demon Alliance was planning.

Ye Tianming and Ye Tong received the Night King's summons and returned with the other disciples to the Spirit-Taming World after Ye Tianming experienced a dream omen of a treasure chest. At Mian Mountain, the Night King began introducing Elder Zhu of the Heavenly Saint Church and bringing his disciples into the holy church.

• Ye Tong told Ye Tianming that the Night King had summoned them and intended to end their search early.
• Ye Tianming used the Night Seed to enter a dreamscape, where he found and opened a treasure chest filled with treasures.
• Ye Tianming woke on the Moon-Howling Heavenly Wolf and wondered whether the dream foretold the treasures he was seeking.
• Several days later, Ye Tianming and the others returned to the Spirit-Taming World and traveled to Mian Mountain.
• The Night King gathered his disciples and began introducing Elder Zhu of the Heavenly Saint Church.

Zhu Fei recounted the origins of the Stone Mountain Zhu Clan and the long history of the Sacred Sect, tracing the struggle between the Supreme Heaven and Heavenly Realms from remote antiquity to the present order. Ye Tianming and the others were left in awe of how many legendary powers had ties to the two sects.

• Zhu Fei introduced himself as a guardian of the Stone Mountain totem and revealed that he had once been the infamous Thief King Wang Guo.
• Zhu Fei explained that he found the Hidden Treasury of the Heavenly Realms, joined the Sacred Sect as a Preaching Elder, and became part of the Stone Mountain Zhu Clan.
• Zhu Fei described how an ancient tribulation destroyed much of the world and ended humanity's access to the Immortal Dao before sages guided people into high antiquity.
• Zhu Fei recounted how the Supreme Heaven and Heavenly Realms sects arose, how Xie Yin's abuses led to the fall of the Xie Dynasty, and how conflict between the sects endured across later eras.
• Ye Tianming and the others listened in bewilderment, while Ye Tianming recognized that many renowned ancient powers and figures had been connected to the two sects.

Fang Qianyuan and Elder Long discussed the Azure Cloud Sect’s investigation into Wu Lianyi’s Warrior Path and its potential to uncover Dharma Power. The chapter ended with Elder Long warning that the inheritable, evolving “Dharma Lineages” described in Wu Lianyi’s texts could form the foundation of an entirely new Dao Path.

• Elder Long cautioned Fang Qianyuan that purging demonic forces would not erase aristocratic clans’ desire for power, and Fang reflected on how the sect might address that desire.
• Elder Long reported that the Northern Frontier purge had helped the Azure Cloud Sect study Wu Ni’s foundations and the Demon Refinement Arts.
• Elder Long explained that the Warrior Path might imitate ancient divine beings and pursue a way to wield Dharma Power and divine abilities.
• Elder Long told Fang that Wu Lianyi’s associates called refined powers such as demon bodies “Dharma Lineages,” which could be inherited, fused, and evolved.
• Elder Long warned that if Wu Lianyi’s claims were accurate, Dharma Lineages could establish a promising new foundation for the Dao.

Fang Qianyuan and Elder Long questioned Jiao Zhong about his Asura power and its possible connection to the Heavenly Realms Sect. Jiao Zhong recalled how he gained the power in the Asura Realm and revealed his later ties to Daoist Wuchen, deepening the suspicions surrounding Wu Lianyi’s rise.

• Fang Qianyuan and Elder Long discussed how Wu Lianyi’s Dharma Lineage might have been an attempt to recreate the power of ancient Dharma Cultivators.
• Fang Qianyuan ordered his subordinates to bring Jiao Zhong before him and Elder Long for questioning.
• Fang Qianyuan accused Jiao Zhong of possibly being a pawn of the Heavenly Saint Church, and Elder Long explained that his power resembled the Asura Bloodline.
• Jiao Zhong recalled entering the Asura Realm with fellow cultivators, losing them all, and somehow gaining the Asura power.
• Jiao Zhong said Daoist Wuchen had taken care of him after his return but seemed to have ulterior motives, and Fang Qianyuan connected Wuchen to Wu Lianyi.

Fang Qianyuan failed to recruit Jiao Zhong, who refused to entrust his life to another’s protection. At the Torch Dragon Hall, Zhu Fei severed Ye Tianming’s connection to his Spirit Creature and Heaven and Earth, challenging his belief that his power was truly his own.

• Fang Qianyuan offered to protect Jiao Zhong from his karmic debts and grudges if he joined the Warrior Hall, but Jiao Zhong refused because he distrusted Fang Qianyuan’s intentions.
• Elder Long privately warned Fang Qianyuan not to make rash promises, and Fang Qianyuan had Jiao Zhong taken away to consider the offer.
• Zhu Fei welcomed Ye Tianming to the Torch Dragon Hall and explained that the Torch Dragon totem had been carved into the plaza by a mighty being.
• Ye Tianming objected that he wanted true power rather than help from an outside force, and Zhu Fei argued that all things could be used in the pursuit of the Dao.
• Zhu Fei used an overwhelming force to sever Ye Tianming’s connection to his Spirit Creature and Heaven and Earth, then asked whether Ye Tianming still believed his power belonged to him.

Zhu Fei demonstrated the power of a Dharma Lineage to Ye Tianming and explained how it allowed an Earth Rank cultivator to command laws. Ye Tianming was tempted to accept the power but learned that refining it could be unpredictable and fatal.

• Zhu Fei's roar overwhelmed Ye Tianming, who realized it displayed a power beyond his understanding.
• Zhu Fei explained how Dharma Lineages used laws embodied in objects and how his Torch Dragon Mark let him command the sound dao.
• Zhu Fei revealed that his Torch Dragon Roar could strip Earth Rank Spirit Tamers of control over their spirit essence and will.
• Ye Tianming accepted Zhu Fei's admonition to set aside his prejudices and asked about the path's shortcomings before deciding whether to accept it.
• Zhu Fei warned Ye Tianming that the inherited laws were unpredictable and that refining them into an Earth Rank body could kill him.

Ye Tianming accepted Zhu Fei’s offer to follow the dharma lineage, but learned that its method required consuming his closest spirit creature, Xiao Yue. Zhu Fei left the choice to him as Ye Tianming struggled between his bond with Xiao Yue and his desire for power.

• Ye Tianming asked Zhu Fei how the dharma lineage related to the warrior path, and Zhu Fei said it fused spirit creatures with the cultivator at a deeper level.
• Ye Tianming agreed to join the Heavenly Saint Church, and Zhu Fei told him to truly erase and absorb his closest spirit creature, Xiao Yue.
• Zhu Fei explained that the dharma lineage used Fusion Refinement to absorb the laws contained in spirit creatures as a source of power.
• Ye Tianming protested that Xiao Yue was his brother and companion, but Zhu Fei argued that spirit creatures were resources to be fused into the body.
• Zhu Fei revealed Ye Tianming’s troubled past and left him to decide whether to sacrifice Xiao Yue for the chance to pursue greater power.

Fang Lian confessed her admiration for Fang Qianyuan and asked to transfer to the Warrior Administration, which he accepted while maintaining that he had no romantic feelings for her. After she left, Wang Ran urged him to make use of her devotion, but Fang Qianyuan rebuked him and ended the discussion.

• Fang Qianyuan and Fang Lian played Go, and she admitted she would soon return to her sect on official business.
• Fang Lian asked to join the Warrior Administration so she could serve Fang Qianyuan, and he agreed to her formal application.
• Wang Ran congratulated Fang Qianyuan on gaining an officer and suggested that Fang Lian was a worthy romantic match.
• Fang Qianyuan said he did not want to take her affection lightly because he had no feelings for her.
• Wang Ran argued that Fang Lian's devotion could benefit the Warrior Administration, and Fang Qianyuan rebuked him before sending him away.

Fang Qianyuan prepared to lead the Warrior Administration to the Eastern Sea to assist the Flying Immortal Sect and accepted Fang Lian’s offer to accompany him. They visited the Azure Cloud Sect’s spirit-creature husbandry Hall to select aquatic creatures for their mission.

• Yu Shixian explained that the Azure Cloud Sect had to help the Flying Immortal Sect in the Eastern Sea to preserve the Righteous Path Alliance’s standing.
• Fang Qianyuan told Wang Ran that he would take members of the Warrior Administration with him, while reserving enough people to guard Headquarters.
• Fang Lian joined the Warrior Administration and asked Fang Qianyuan to take her to the Eastern Sea, offering her experience with diplomatic affairs.
• Fang Lian suggested preparing aquatic spirit creatures, and Fang Qianyuan went with her to the Administrative Affairs Institute’s husbandry Hall.
• The Hall’s Chief Steward welcomed Fang Qianyuan and Fang Lian and said that a new batch of aquatic spirit creatures was ready for selection.

Fang Qianyuan visited Mu Qing’s Spirit Creature Office and learned about its organization and Qing Mountain Grotto Heaven, where the sect kept spirit creatures. He inspected aquatic creatures suited to the Eastern Sea and met the domesticated Stone Octopus, Bighead.

• Mu Qing explained the Spirit Creature Bureau’s branches, funding rules, and his role as chief steward of the Creature Rearing Office.
• Mu Qing proposed lending surplus breeding beasts to the Warrior Administration, and Fang Qianyuan agreed to have Fang Lian arrange the cooperation.
• Mu Qing brought Fang Qianyuan’s party through a world gate into Qing Mountain Grotto Heaven, a spirit-creature habitat built around a desolate star.
• Fang Qianyuan asked about aquatic spirit creatures for use in the Eastern Sea, and Mu Qing described Xi Fish, Drowned Ghosts, Dragon Sharks, Sea-Tower Beasts, and Stone Octopuses.
• Mu Qing called for Bighead, and the mature Stone Octopus surfaced from the lake and greeted the group.

Fang Qianyuan inspected Bighead the Stone Octopus, a mutated war beast kept in the Azure Cloud Sect’s reserves, and watched it demonstrate its abilities. Impressed by its strength and attacks, he considered taking it on the journey to the Eastern Sea.

• Mu Qing explained that Bighead had been purchased as a juvenile, remained a flesh-and-blood war beast, and had accumulated combat and training experience despite rarely being selected for missions.
• Fang Qianyuan reasoned that the Stone Octopus could provide useful support against aquatic enemies on the Eastern Sea journey, while Fang Lian questioned whether he intended to bring it.
• Mu Qing arranged a demonstration, and Bighead struck an illusory whale with its long arms, unleashed a Darkwater Arrow, and froze the surrounding seawater.
• Bighead wrapped its twelve arms around the resulting iceberg and crushed it, showing Fang Qianyuan its formidable close-combat strength and the advantages of keeping its physical body intact.

Fang Qianyuan selected spirit creatures for the Eastern Sea mission and approved Iron General and Nether Ogre as additions to the group. After seeing Nether Ogre demonstrate his abilities, Fang Qianyuan judged him strong enough to take on the journey.

• Fang Qianyuan decided to bring Bighead as battlefield support and continued reviewing the Spirit Creature Office’s collection.
• Mu Qing introduced Iron General, whose refined venom was especially dangerous to sea creatures, and Fang Qianyuan added him to the list.
• Mu Qing explained that Nether Ogre had once been a vicious mountain ogre who drowned and became a Drowned Ghost before being captured and tamed.
• Nether Ogre demonstrated his mist transformation, water control, intangibility, and illusion abilities for Fang Qianyuan.
• Fang Qianyuan judged Nether Ogre capable of matching powerful Earth Rank spirit creatures and worth bringing to the Eastern Sea.

Fang Qianyuan inspected Spirit Creatures for his Warrior Administration, then arrived at Sea City to prepare for his voyage to the Flying Immortal Sect. Three Treasure Ships were readied, and he agreed to take stranded travelers and cultivators along.

• Fang Qianyuan selected five Earth Rank Spirit Creatures and requested about a hundred Human Rank fighters from Mu Qing for his Warrior Administration.
• Fang Qianyuan arrived at Sea City, where local dignitaries welcomed him and hosted a feast at the City Lord's Mansion.
• Sea City's city lord reported that the Golden Toad, the Flood Dragon, and the Divine Wind had been prepared for Fang Qianyuan's voyage.
• Fang Qianyuan visited the harbor, saw the Treasure Ships and his Spirit Creatures, and ordered the ships to depart once supplies were loaded.
• Sea City's city lord asked Fang Qianyuan to carry stranded travelers and cultivators across the sea, and Fang Qianyuan agreed.

Fang Qianyuan agreed to let a thousand additional passengers join the Azure Cloud Sect’s chartered ships, while Cloud Immortal Luo Qing cultivated in Sea City as Li Yulou pursued her. The chapter ended with Li Yulou telling Luo Qing that he had arranged their passage.

• Fang Qianyuan offered the lord of Sea City a thousand places aboard the chartered ships, then returned to his lodgings to rest before departure.
• Cloud Immortal Luo Qing cultivated at a mansion in Sea City while Li Yulou watched her and reflected on her exceptional talent.
• Li Yulou resolved to win Luo Qing’s affection, believing it would benefit both himself and his lineage.
• After Luo Qing finished cultivating, Li Yulou approached her and said he had settled their passage arrangements with the city lord.

Li Yulou arranged passage aboard the treasure ship Divine Wind for Luo Qing and escorted her to their accommodations. The fleet departed Sea City toward the Eastern Sea, while Luo Qing remained focused on cultivation.

• Li Yulou told Luo Qing that the city lord had secured places aboard the fleet after meeting a master from the Azure Cloud Sect.
• Li Yulou guessed that a high-ranking Azure Cloud Sect figure had chartered the ships to address demonic activity connected to Qunyao.
• Li Yulou escorted the veiled Luo Qing aboard the Divine Wind and led her to Suite A-1.
• Li Yulou arranged their meals, guards, and attendants while Luo Qing stayed in her room cultivating.
• The Divine Wind and the Flood Dragon sailed alongside the Golden Toad toward the Eastern Sea, and Li Yulou invited Luo Qing to dinner.

Fang Qianyuan surveyed the sea and reflected on his path toward a true Heaven Tier breakthrough, while Luo Qing accepted Li Yulou’s attentions aboard the Divine Wind. Li Yulou arranged to send a visiting card to a senior from the Azure Cloud Sect, setting up a meeting for that evening or the next day.

• Fang Qianyuan spread his spirit essence across nearly a hundred li of ocean, startling whales and seabirds, and concluded that he needed to strengthen his cultivation foundation before advancing to Heaven Tier.
• Fang Qianyuan sensed several unfamiliar Earth Rank presences aboard the Divine Wind and surmised they were passengers with connections to Sea City’s lord.
• Luo Qing noticed an unusual shift in the energy of heaven and earth but dismissed it as a natural change in the sea and went out to watch the water.
• Li Yulou invited Luo Qing to breakfast, waited while she prepared, and took her to the Cloud Arrival Restaurant for Three Delicacies Soup.
• Li Yulou told Luo Qing he would send a visiting card to a senior from the Azure Cloud Sect, and she agreed to the arrangement.

Fang Lian arranged an evening audience aboard the Golden Toad for Earth Rank Spirit Tamers traveling to Penglai Island, while Fang Qianyuan agreed to meet them as Grand Elder of the Azure Cloud Sect. Li Yulou and Luo Qing joined the gathering, where they met the renowned Daoist Pingbo and other Eastern Sea figures.

• Fang Lian asked Fang Qianyuan when he wished to meet the visiting Spirit Tamers, and he agreed to receive them at the hour of the Dog.
• Li Yulou and Luo Qing boarded the Golden Toad, and Li Yulou explained that the Warrior experts on deck confirmed their host's status.
• Li Yulou recognized Daoist Pingbo, Li Xiuping, and greeted him alongside Luo Qing.
• Li Xiuping welcomed Li Yulou and Luo Qing, teased them about traveling together, and introduced them to Zhong Yun of Zhanfu Island.
• Zhong Yun greeted Li Yulou and Luo Qing as the Jade Sword Young Master and Immortal Maiden Luo.

Li Yulou learned that Fang Qianyuan, the man who had once taken a fortuitous opportunity from him, was the Azure Cloud Sect magnate aboard their ship. As the guests entered the treasure ship’s main hall, Luo Qing entertained a bold idea about Fang, who waited there in luxurious surroundings.

• Li Xiuping told the group that Fang Qianyuan, the Peerless Young Master, had been sent to help hunt Qunyao.
• Li Yulou recognized Fang as his former rival and privately panicked at the thought of traveling aboard the same ship.
• Luo Qing reacted to Fang’s reputation by rekindling an idea she had held for years.
• Zuoqiutang escorted the guests into the treasure ship’s lavish main hall.
• Sha Wuyin and Shui Lanyue recognized performers and a chef serving the host, while the group looked toward Fang Qianyuan reclining with a white cat.