Chapter Summaries

Lu Changsheng explored the volcano, harvested high-grade Fire Crystals, and killed several Fire Toads while avoiding larger groups that might guard a Beast King. Back in Changping County, he used his Source Energy Points to advance Cloud Mist Steps and Giant Cauldron Art to minor mastery, greatly improving his speed and defense.

• Lu Changsheng found high-grade Fire Crystals in the volcano and absorbed them for Source Energy Points.
• Two third-tier Fire Toads attacked him near a lava river, and Lu Changsheng killed them and collected their bodies and nearby crystals.
• Over several days, Lu Changsheng gathered more crystals and killed lone Fire Toads while avoiding larger groups, suspecting a fourth-tier Beast King lived nearby.
• Lu Changsheng spent two hundred Source Energy Points to advance Cloud Mist Steps to minor mastery, increasing his movement speed.
• After gathering more resources, Lu Changsheng spent another two hundred Source Energy Points to advance Giant Cauldron Art to minor mastery.
• Lu Changsheng tested his upgraded defense with the Pig-Slaughtering Blade and found that it had grown substantially stronger.

Lu Changsheng learned that the Scent Worship Cult’s Ghost Soul Emissaries were targeting the Demon Suppression Department, then went on patrol after a Patrol Envoy was killed. He arrived too late to save an official escort team, but confronted and overpowered Duan Lingyun, leaving the battle poised to continue.

• Yue Shulan gave Lu Changsheng intelligence on the Scent Worship Cult’s ten Ghost Soul Emissaries, and he memorized their details.
• News spread that a Ghost Soul Emissary had killed one of Xiao Tianci’s Patrol Envoys, and Lu Changsheng received Qin Ruobing’s report identifying the ambush.
• Fang Qing and Fang Tao worried about Lu Changsheng as he left to patrol, and he used the Bone Shrinking Art to disguise himself outside the city.
• Lu Changsheng reached an official road more than two hundred li from Changping County and found Duan Lingyun and his followers had slaughtered an official escort team.
• Lu Changsheng attacked Duan Lingyun with the Pig-Slaughtering Blade and knocked him back, alarming the cultists who watched.

Lu Changsheng killed Duan Lingyun while concealing his identity, then gathered resources through his Exotic Beast body and ant swarm. After the Ant Queen advanced, Lu Changsheng used his accumulated Source Energy Points to bring Silver Arm Technique to major mastery, greatly increasing his strength.

• Lu Changsheng defeated and killed Duan Lingyun, then cut down more than ten fleeing cultists before leaving the scene.
• As the Scent Worship Cult and martial artists investigated Duan Lingyun's death, Lu Changsheng stayed home, hid his role, and continued cultivating and mining Fire Crystals.
• A fourth-rank Fire Toad chased Lu Changsheng near the lava river, but his powerful Soul Strike let him escape.
• Lu Changsheng fed the Ant Queen until it advanced to a third-rank Exotic Beast, then ordered the ant swarm to gather Fire Crystals from the volcanic area.
• After seven days, Lu Changsheng spent Source Energy Points to raise Silver Arm Technique to major mastery, bringing his strength close to the county's true powerhouses.

Lu Changsheng collected Fire Crystal Marrow, advanced his Profound Origin Chop to major mastery, and resumed patrolling in disguise. He rescued Tong Yuhua from two Scent Worship Cult Ghost Soul Emissaries, killing Liao Jinping while Bu Chichong escaped.

• Qin Ruobing warned Lu Changsheng about cult retaliation and the coming campaign, then gave him and Tong Yuhua Communication Gems.
• Lu Changsheng's ant colony found Fire Crystal Marrow, and he spent 520 Source Energy Points to advance Profound Origin Chop to major mastery.
• Lu Changsheng patrolled outside the city in disguise, killing cultists, rescuing civilians, and forcing back Blood Exchange Realm enemies.
• Tong Yuhua and government martial artists were surrounded by Liao Jinping and Bu Chichong, two Scent Worship Cult Ghost Soul Emissaries.
• Lu Changsheng arrived after sensing Tong Yuhua's Communication Gem, defeated Liao Jinping with Three-Fold Wave, and drove the cultists to flee as Bu Chichong escaped.

Lu Changsheng kept hunting cultists while concealing his strength, and the Scent Worship Cult assigned its two strongest Ghost Soul Emissaries to kill the mysterious expert. He focused on strengthening his exotic beast, which broke through to fourth-order Mountain Spirit, leaving him ready to take on the Fire Toads and gather resources for his main body.

• The Scent Worship Cult discussed the mysterious expert who had killed a Ghost Soul Emissary, and the woman on the jade throne ordered Zuo Jiliang and Qi Guangcheng to hunt him down.
• Lu Changsheng attended a Demon Suppression Department meeting where He Chunlin announced that the Patrol Envoy with the most points within three years would be nominated as Deputy Hall Master.
• Lu Changsheng decided to prioritize advancing his exotic beast so it could overcome the Fire Toads and collect more spiritual items.
• Lu Changsheng spent 300 Source Energy Points to raise his Mountain Spirit to Tier 3, then sent the ant swarm back to excavate the lava river despite its losses.
• After two months of gathering resources, Lu Changsheng advanced his exotic beast to Intermediate Mountain Spirit Tier 4, strengthening its abilities and Divine Bloodline.
• Lu Changsheng tested his beast’s increased power and planned to defeat the Fire Toads and gather Fire Crystal Marrow.

Lu Changsheng led his ant swarm to defeat the Fire Toads and excavate Fire Crystals, then spent his Source Energy Points mastering Cloud Mist Steps and improving the Giant Cauldron Art. After a Demon Suppression Department patrol envoy was killed by cultists, Lu Changsheng stayed cautious while Zhu Houyu plotted to win a promotion, and the chapter ended with Lu Changsheng testing his strengthened defense.

• Lu Changsheng and the ant swarm killed the Fire Toad King and drove off the Fire Toads, then collected their corpses and excavated Fire Crystals.
• Lu Changsheng spent 400 Source Energy Points to raise Cloud Mist Steps to mastery, increasing his speed and improving his chances of surviving patrol missions.
• Yue Shulan brought Lu Changsheng to the Demon Suppression Department, where Xiao Tianci reported that a patrol envoy had been killed by the First Ghost Soul Emissary and Qin Ruobing promised major merit for killing a Ghost Soul Emissary.
• Zhu Houyu told his father that he planned to let Chen Zhanpeng be defeated by the First Ghost Soul Emissary, then step in and claim the Deputy Hall Master promotion.
• Lu Changsheng spent 520 Source Energy Points to raise the Giant Cauldron Art to major mastery and tested its increased defensive power in his courtyard.

Lu Changsheng teamed up with Tong Yuhua to patrol outside Changping County, where they encountered a battle in which Zuo Jiliang defeated Chen Zhanpeng. After keeping a low profile for another month, Lu Changsheng used Source Energy Points to perfect the Silver Arm Technique and take his first step into Blood Exchange.

• Tong Yuhua invited Lu Changsheng to patrol outside the city with her, and he agreed while telling the Fang siblings to build a refined-iron cellar.
• Lu Changsheng refused to meet the Three Rivers Gang’s envoy, while Chen Zhanpeng prepared to challenge Zuo Jiliang for the position of Deputy Hall Master.
• Lu Changsheng and Tong Yuhua encountered Chen Zhanpeng fighting Zuo Jiliang and two other Ghost Soul Emissaries; when Chen lost, Lu and Tong retreated.
• News of Chen Zhanpeng’s defeat spread, and Zhu Houyu later revealed his hidden Blood Exchange strength and rose to prominence on the battlefield.
• After a month of mining and training at home, Lu Changsheng spent 600 Source Energy Points to perfect the Silver Arm Technique and entered the Blood Exchange realm.

Lu Changsheng perfected his Profound Origin Chop and decided to hunt the Scent Worship Cult’s Ghost Soul Emissaries, while the cult’s attacks deepened the crisis in Changping County. He reached Caohe Town disguised as a burly man and began gathering information about his target, Zhou Yunkou.

• Zuo Jiliang used a Blood Demon Pill to defeat Zhu Houyu, then ordered the cultists to slaughter the county martial artists.
• News of Zhu Houyu’s defeat spread, and the Demon Suppression Department’s leaders and County Magistrate Du Wentao chose to avoid an all-out war for the moment.
• Lu Changsheng spent half a month gathering resources, then used 600 Source Energy Points to raise his Profound Origin Chop to perfection.
• Lu Changsheng decided to hunt the Ghost Soul Emissaries for merit and left the city on patrol after reassuring Fang Qing.
• Lu Changsheng arrived in Caohe Town disguised with the Bone Shrinking Art, selected Zhou Yunkou as his target, and questioned a restaurant attendant about Miss Lin’s upcoming wedding.

Lu Changsheng ambushed Zhou Yunkou during his attack on Lin Wanjun and killed the Ghost Soul Emissary with one slash. He returned to the Dong Family with the captured bottles and jars, leaving the family to deal with the injured Dong Zhi and the wedding’s uncertain future.

• Lu Changsheng watched the Dong Family wedding, suspecting Zhou Yunkou would target the bride, Lin Wanjun.
• Zhou Yunkou, disguised as the steward, restrained Dong Zhi and prepared to assault the drugged Lin Wanjun in the bridal chamber.
• Lu Changsheng broke into the room and pursued Zhou Yunkou across the rooftops after he fled through the roof.
• Zhou Yunkou stopped to fight, but Lu Changsheng overwhelmed him and killed him with a slash.
• Lu Changsheng searched Zhou Yunkou’s body, then returned to the Dong Family with possible antidotes and gave the name Ye Chen.
• Lin Wanjun explained what had happened as the Dong Family confronted Dong Zhi’s injuries and wondered how to conclude the wedding.

Lu Changsheng perfected his Cloud Mist Steps, then joined a caravan as it traveled toward Changping County City, expecting an ambush by the Ghost Soul Emissaries. When the caravan was attacked, he revealed his strength, killed Jia Changning, and continued after the fleeing Bu Chichong.

• Martial artists searched Changping County City for Ye Chen, while the Demon Suppression Department and the Ghost Soul Emissaries discussed the mysterious fighter.
• Lu Changsheng spent his days gathering resources and perfected his Cloud Mist Steps, greatly increasing his speed.
• Lu Changsheng disguised himself and joined a caravan traveling toward Changping County City, suspecting the Ghost Soul Emissaries would attack it.
• Bu Chichong and Jia Changning led an assault on the caravan, and the authorities' defenders began to lose ground.
• Lu Changsheng struck Jia Changning down with a single blow, while Bu Chichong fled the battlefield.
• Lu Changsheng took Jia Changning's head and hurried after Bu Chichong as the caravan survivors watched in awe.

Lu Changsheng perfected the Giant Cauldron Art, strengthening his defenses, then investigated the disappearances of children in Shayun Town. He found the town’s streets unnaturally empty and encountered Tong Yuhua and his former teammates at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

• The Holy Cult’s red-robed Venerable Master ordered Zuo Jiliang and Qi Guangcheng to handle Ye Chen while prioritizing the abduction of young boys and girls.
• Lu Changsheng spent his days cultivating and mining until he used 820 Source Energy Points to perfect the Giant Cauldron Art and gain a protective barrier.
• Tong Yuhua summoned Lu Changsheng to meet Qin Ruobing, who asked them to investigate the missing children and avoid contacting Ye Chen.
• Lu Changsheng traveled to Shayun Town in disguise and learned that seven or eight children had vanished there in twenty days, while parents kept their families indoors.
• As Lu Changsheng planned to investigate after midnight, Tong Yuhua arrived at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion with Xiao Chao, Yue Shulan, and their former teammates.

Lu Changsheng joined the Demon Suppression Department’s raid on a northwestern estate and protected Tong Yuhua’s group from three Blood Exchange experts. He fought them off with his perfected defensive art, and the chapter ended with Zuo Jiliang fleeing the battle.

• Tong Yuhua led the Demon Suppressors to the northwestern estate, where they joined Xiao Tianci’s two Patrol Envoys and were ambushed by Scent Worship Cult heretics.
• Zuo Jiliang, Qi Guangcheng, and Zhao Changgong emerged as three Blood Exchange experts and overwhelmed the government martial artists.
• Lu Changsheng arrived and struck all three experts at once, giving Tong Yuhua’s group hope and turning the battle’s momentum.
• Lu Changsheng used his perfected Giant Cauldron Art to withstand the three experts’ attacks, even after they activated their secret arts.
• Lu Changsheng replenished his strength with Source Energy Points and kept fighting until Zuo Jiliang retreated from the battlefield.

Lu Changsheng killed Zhao Changgong after the Scent Worship Cult emissaries fled, then discovered a Purple Cold Jade mine that supplied enough Source Energy Points to push his Silver Arm Technique beyond perfection. He emerged far stronger and planned to keep upgrading his techniques before attempting a Blood Exchange breakthrough.

• Lu Changsheng pursued and killed Zhao Changgong, while the surviving Black-clad men and the two Ghost Soul Emissaries escaped.
• Tong Yuhua reported the battle to Qin Ruobing, who said the mysterious fighter was not known within the Demon Suppression Department and advised against investigating him.
• Su Qilong and Liu Shiqi discussed their anger at the Scent Worship Cult’s retreat, while Zuo Jiliang received a Shadow Needle from the red-robed Venerable Master to counter Lu Changsheng’s body-protection art.
• Lu Changsheng’s Blazing Fire Ants found a Purple Cold Jade vein, and he collected enough ore to raise his Source Energy Points to 1200.
• Lu Changsheng used the points to upgrade his Silver Arm Technique beyond perfection, doubling his strength and gaining the ability to deduce techniques further.

Lu Changsheng perfected Giant Cauldron Art, greatly strengthening his Gang Qi, then raided an evil cult stronghold and killed both Ghost Soul Emissaries. He escaped into the forest after Protector Han arrived, leaving the cult’s powerful elder unable to catch him.

• Lu Changsheng spent 800 Source Energy Points to perfect Giant Cauldron Art, making his protective Gang Qi more than twice as strong.
• Lu Changsheng raided evil cult strongholds, rescued children, and killed cultists while Zuo Jiliang and Qi Guangcheng waited for a chance to ambush him.
• Lu Changsheng infiltrated Yan Family Manor, where Zuo Jiliang and Qi Guangcheng recognized him and attacked with a concealed weapon that his Gang Qi withstood.
• Lu Changsheng killed Qi Guangcheng, chased down Zuo Jiliang, and killed him despite Zuo Jiliang’s attempt to hold out for reinforcements.
• Protector Han arrived too late to save Zuo Jiliang, and Lu Changsheng escaped at high speed before Han Yong could catch him.

After the Scent Worship Cult and the authorities escalated their conflict, Lu Changsheng joined a mission to destroy a suspected cult stronghold in Xiaowang Village. The mission turned into an ambush, but Lu escaped and killed the mid-stage Blood Exchange protector Jiang Yunqi, revealing that his strength could defeat an ordinary mid-stage expert.

• News spread that Lu Changsheng had slain two Ghost Soul Emissaries, prompting the Scent Worship Cult to send its experts into action as fighting with the authorities intensified.
• Lu Changsheng spent 800 Source Energy Points to raise Profound Origin Chop to perfection, increasing his attack power.
• Qin Ruobing sent Lu Changsheng, Tong Yuhua, and the other Patrol Envoys to destroy a suspected Scent Worship Cult stronghold in Xiaowang Village.
• The Patrol Envoys found the village empty until cultists led by two Blood Exchange experts emerged and attacked them; Jiang Yunqi then arrived and killed two of Xiao Tianci's Patrol Envoys.
• Jiang Yunqi pursued Lu Changsheng into the forest, where Lu activated his secret technique and killed him after a fierce battle.

Lu Changsheng returned to the Demon Suppression Department as conflict with the Scent Worship Cult intensified, then upgraded his Cloud Mist Steps and was approached by Yue Shulan for help. He agreed to aid Yue Wanting in retaining the Sea Shark Gang in exchange for a share of its profits and intelligence, and prepared to confront her opponents all at once.

• Lu Changsheng returned to the Demon Suppression Department, where Xiao Tianci and the others discussed the escalating conflict with the evil cult and bandits.
• The authorities discovered that Scent Worship Cult members were using infants' essence and blood to refine pills as fighting around the county city worsened.
• Lu Changsheng spent more than half a month cultivating, accumulated 1,100 Source Energy Points, and upgraded his Cloud Mist Steps to consummate mastery.
• Yue Shulan brought Lu Changsheng to meet Yue Wanting, who asked him to help stop the two Deputy Gang Leaders from taking over the Sea Shark Gang.
• Yue Wanting offered Lu Changsheng money, cultivation techniques, and herself, but he instead demanded command of the gang and a share of its profits in return for his help.
• Yue Wanting accepted Lu Changsheng's terms of thirty percent of the gang's yearly profits, and he told her to gather all those opposing her so they could deal with them at once.

Lu Changsheng backed Yue Wanting in a Sea Shark Gang power struggle and swiftly killed the faction’s three Bone Forging Perfection leaders. Yue Wanting retained control of the gang and pledged to develop it and establish Lu Changsheng’s intelligence network.

• Yue Wanting and Yue Shulan faced a challenge from the gang’s four Bone Forging Perfection experts, including Qiu Guanglin, who had betrayed them.
• Lu Changsheng entered the council hall, claimed he was investigating suspected cultists, and killed a gang member who challenged him.
• The rival faction attacked Lu Changsheng and Yue Wanting’s group, but Lu Changsheng killed Zhou Qijie with one strike.
• Lu Changsheng defeated and killed Lan Chenhao and Qiu Guanglin after they tried to resist with their Essence Blood Secret Arts.
• Yue Wanting spared the kneeling gang members, accepted Lu Changsheng’s guidance, and agreed to develop the gang and establish an intelligence organization.

Lu Changsheng developed the Great Soul Bewitching Art, used it to clear cultist strongholds, and gathered spirit jade in the Exotic Beast mine. After reaching 2,400 Source Energy Points, he deduced the Golden Body Art and broke through to early Blood Exchange; the next morning, he found the Demon Suppression Department assembled under a tense atmosphere.

• Huang Tianba learned that Lu Changsheng had killed his agents in the Sea Shark Gang and considered sending a secret letter to outside forces.
• Lu Changsheng and Tong Yuhua discussed the escalating clashes beyond the city and the possibility that cultists and bandits were targeting the small towns.
• Lu Changsheng acquired the Hypnosis Technique and Sonic Wave Art, then deduced the Soul Bewitching Art and Great Soul Bewitching Art, which helped him expose cultists and clear several strongholds.
• Lu Changsheng and the ant swarm killed Purple Frost Centipedes and collected spirit jade, raising his Source Energy Points to 2,400.
• Lu Changsheng deduced the Golden Body Art from the Silver Arm Technique and broke through to early Blood Exchange, greatly increasing his strength.
• The next morning, Lu Changsheng entered the Demon Suppression Department's tense main hall and stood beside Tong Yuhua.

Lu Changsheng joined a Demon Suppression Department mission to defend Wuqiong Town from cultists and bandits, while Qin Ruobing warned him that some government officials could not be trusted. As the attackers gathered outside town, he strengthened his saber, movement, and defensive arts, leaving him better prepared for the coming battle.

• Qin Ruobing assigned Lu Changsheng, Tong Yuhua, and other officials to support towns threatened by cultists and Black Mountain Bandits, and privately urged the two promising fighters to retreat if the mission became impossible.
• Lu Changsheng rode with Zhao Yicheng, Tong Yuhua, and other Patrol Envoys to Wuqiong Town, where town chief Mei Yongchang and commander Mo Wanyun welcomed them.
• Lu Changsheng investigated the growing enemy presence around Wuqiong Town and found signs that the cultists and bandits planned to breach its defenses.
• Lu Changsheng spent 1,000 Source Energy Points to deduce the supreme saber technique Spirit Severing Slash and tested its powerful Blade Aura.
• As enemy forces openly gathered outside town, Lu Changsheng used 2,200 Source Energy Points to deduce Footprints on Snow and Body Protection True Gang, then tested their speed and defensive strength.
• Lu Changsheng rejected two maidservants whom the town chief's steward brought to serve him.

Lu Changsheng warned his former teammates that Wuqiong Town faced an imminent attack, then joined the defenders when Duan Changhe and Zhu Quan led cultists and bandits against its walls. The attackers withdrew after hours of fighting without committing their Blood Exchange experts, leaving Lu Changsheng wary that they still had a hidden plan.

• Lu Changsheng met Yue Shulan, Lu Xue, Xiao Chao, and their companions, warning them to flee if the battle turned against them.
• Tong Yuhua told Lu Changsheng that Wuqiong Town was likely a target and agreed to act with him according to the situation.
• Duan Changhe and Zhu Quan planned to breach Wuqiong Town from within while dividing its wealth, as a young man and his father inside the town struggled under the cult's control.
• Two days later, Duan Changhe and Zhu Quan led their forces in an assault on Wuqiong Town, and Mo Wanyun directed the defenders as they exchanged volleys of arrows.
• The cultists and bandits withdrew at nightfall without their Blood Exchange experts fighting, prompting Tong Yuhua to urge the defenders to stay vigilant.