Recaps

Xu Taiping and his companions learned that the Battle Merit Ledger had expanded their missions and offered rewards for letting the Dragon-Slaying Ranking project their circumstances. They hesitated over revealing their location, but Gu Yu’s news that horses were unavailable and donkeys cost twenty-three taels pushed Xu Taiping toward accepting a mission.

• Dongfang Yuejian recalled that the Immortal Burial Ruins might be using the Dragon Clan’s fortune to nurture something, and Xu Taiping wondered what could require such vast resources.
• The Battle Merit Ledger changed Gu Yu’s petition mission to demanding justice from the Eight Evils, then listed missions to find Gu Yu’s fortuitous opportunities and help him advance through five cultivation realms.
• The Ledger offered Xu Taiping’s team merit and silver for allowing the Dragon-Slaying Ranking to project their circumstances, but Xu Taiping hesitated while Dongfang Yuejian and Xuanzhi considered precautions.
• Gu Yu returned with a donkey and reported that the town had no horses available and that each of the remaining donkeys cost twenty-three taels.
• Xu Taiping concluded they had to accept the mission, but Dongfang Yuejian urged him to wait until she and Xuanzhi had tidied the courtyard.

Cultivators gathered at the Profound Elixir Palace to watch the teams in the Immortal Burial Ruins, while Xu Taiping’s friends discussed whether his team would allow them to observe. The viewing began with the Nine Abysses teams, revealing Pang Zhong facing two military formations before a great city.

• Zhang Moyan, Duan Xiaoyu, and Chu Tiancheng arrived with Martial God Zhu Huai, Jiang Cuicui, Zhang Tianze, and Lu Rushuang to watch the viewing.
• Chu Xiaoxiao told Chu Tiancheng she had won three hundred thousand Gold Essence Coins and offered to help her bet, but Zhang Moyan and Chu Tiancheng warned her off.
• Chu Xiaoxiao recounted Xu Taiping defeating the Heartless Demon Emperor, while Duan Xiaoyu regretted missing the event at the Martial Champion Tower.
• Lu Yun and Lu Wen explained that teams had to consent to being watched and could earn battle merit and money, including a top reward offered to Xu Taiping’s team.
• The steward elder announced a two-hour viewing of the Nine Abysses teams’ first day, and the projection showed Pang Zhong beside three Demon Cultivators atop a city wall, facing two military formations.

The spectators learned that Pang Zhong, the Nine Abysses' Dragon Catcher, possessed Martial God-level strength but was gravely injured. The Heartless Demon Emperor and his companions agreed to disguise themselves in armor and kill the Yan Kingdom's leading Battle General, easing Pang Zhong's immediate predicament.

• Jiang Cuicui and Zhu Huai judged Pang Zhong's physique to be at least at the Martial God Realm, alarming the spectators.
• Pang Zhong coughed blood and told the Heartless Demon Emperor, Li Yezhu, and the Qing He Demon Emperor that his injuries might soon prevent him from fighting.
• Pang Zhong explained that Yan Feiyu led the Yan Kingdom formation and that Yan Wushuang had Martial Venerable combat strength enhanced by Brightlight Armor.
• Li Yezhu offered to kill Yan Wushuang, but the Heartless Demon Emperor insisted that all three Demon Emperors act to avoid failure.
• The Heartless Demon Emperor asked Pang Zhong to prepare three suits of armor so they could enter the Yan Kingdom formation and kill its leading general.

The Heartless Demon Emperor’s forces broke the Yan Kingdom siege by killing its commander, Yan Wushuang, and the spectators discovered that Qing He Demon Emperor possessed a terrifying Hanba body. The pavilion’s spectators feared the coming struggle against Eldest Brother Taiping, but renewed their hopes as the Dragon-Suppressing Platform turned to his team’s first day in the Immortal Burial Ruins.

• Duan Xiaoyu asked whether the Heartless Demon Emperor and the others could recover their cultivation, and Zhu Huai explained that the siege would not count as lifted while the Yan Kingdom Army remained outside the city.
• The Heartless Demon Emperor, Qing He Demon Emperor, and Demon Emperor Li Yezhu broke through the Yan Kingdom Army’s formation and killed its commander, Yan Wushuang.
• The spectators watched Qing He Demon Emperor grow to a gigantic size and devour a soldier, prompting Jiang Cuicui to identify his physique as a Hanba body.
• The Yan Kingdom Army’s formation collapsed, and Li Yezhu led the Northern Garrison Army back into the city rather than pursuing the retreating enemy.
• Zhu Huai and Jiang Cuicui warned that the Heartless Demon Emperor would use the respite to scheme against the Yan Kingdom Army, while Duan Xiaoyu held out hope for Eldest Brother Taiping’s team.
• The steward elder announced that the Dragon-Suppressing Platform would show Dongfang Yuejian, Xuanzhi, and Xu Taiping’s circumstances after their first day in the Immortal Burial Ruins.

The Dragon-Suppressing Platform revealed Xu Taiping’s team living in a remote courtyard, where Dongfang Yuejian and Master Xuanzhi prepared a meal. The spectators learned that Xu Taiping’s Dragon Catcher was Gu Yu, not the veteran they had expected.

• Zhu Huai explained that the Profound Elixir Palace and other Shangqing powers sent disciples to the Heaven-Demon Battlefield, and that the Palace’s ancestor had vowed not to ascend while the Demon Mother lived.
• The image showed a quiet countryside courtyard, but Xu Taiping and his companions were initially nowhere to be seen.
• Dongfang Yuejian and Master Xuanzhi carried food from the kitchen and called out to Xu Taiping and Elder Gu.
• The spectators recognized Xu Taiping’s voice and guessed that his Dragon Catcher might be Qin Yun of Ancient Sword Manor.
• Xu Taiping emerged with an elderly man, and Chu Xiaoxiao identified the unexpected Dragon Catcher as Gu Yu.

In Profound Heaven Hall, Feng Tianxing defended Xu Taiping’s decision to choose Gu Yu as his Dragon Catcher, arguing that no safe choice could guarantee victory against the Nine Abysses. The illusory image then showed Xu Taiping and his companions eating and drinking, leaving spectators baffled and wondering whether he had forgotten the Dragon-Slaying Assembly.

• Jiang Xuanfeng urged Feng Tianxing to intervene because he feared Xu Taiping was acting recklessly by choosing Gu Yu.
• Feng Tianxing challenged Jiang Xuanfeng’s preference for a safe choice and warned that the human cultivators might be certain to lose if Xu Taiping played it safe against the Nine Abysses’ team.
• Feng Tianxing watched Xu Taiping’s group eat and drink and ordered the kitchen to prepare the same dishes for him.
• The cultivators watching from the Dragon-Suppressing Platform complained that Xu Taiping’s group was feasting instead of preparing to slay dragons.
• Zhu Huai, Jiang Cuicui, Lu Rushuang, and Chu Xiaoxiao questioned Xu Taiping’s behavior, with Chu Xiaoxiao wondering whether someone from the Nine Abysses had afflicted him with a gu.

Xu Taiping and his companions spent the day resting in Hongling Town while spectators argued over his apparent lack of interest in the Chief position. As the Battle Merit Ledger dimmed, Xu Taiping finally called Gu Yu over to begin teaching him the saber.

• Duan Xiaoyu and Chu Tiancheng noted how unusually relaxed Xu Taiping looked, and Lu Rushuang said she would accept his choices even if he did not contend for Chief.
• Spectators berated Xu Taiping for failing to go to Eight Heroes Valley, while he directed Gu Yu and the others to clean their courtyard and make bamboo chairs.
• The viewing audience shifted its attention to other teams before noticing Xu Taiping and his companions lounging and discussing what to eat the next day.
• Zhu Huai decided to watch the next viewing day because he suspected Xu Taiping was concealing something powerful enough to affect the Dragon-Slaying Assembly's contest for Chief.
• When the Battle Merit Ledger dimmed, Xu Taiping sat up and told Gu Yu to bring him his saber so he could teach him.

Xu Taiping, Dongfang Yuejian, and Xuanzhi descended the old well to explore the underground river and search for the Earth Vein Eye. After they reached a vast cavern, a gigantic serpent lunged at Xu Taiping.

• Xu Taiping, Dongfang Yuejian, and Xuanzhi prepared their talismans and tools before Xu Taiping entered the well first.
• Xu Taiping used the Water-Repelling and Earth-Escaping Talismans to reach the underground river and left glowing gemstones to guide the others.
• Xu Taiping swam through a narrow passage into a broad cavern and waited for Dongfang Yuejian and Xuanzhi to join him.
• Xu Taiping illuminated the cavern, and Dongfang Yuejian shouted a warning when she saw a gigantic serpent behind him.
• Xu Taiping drew his saber and rolled aside as the serpent lunged down to bite him.

Xu Taiping and his companions confronted a Rock-Armored Demon Serpent in a karst cave, but its scales resisted his blade and its fire attacks threatened to overwhelm him. As Xu Taiping raced toward Dongfang Yuejian’s rune to escape a massive blast, a pillar of golden light enveloped him.

• Xu Taiping dodged the serpent’s attack and struck its neck with blade gang, but its rock-like scales repelled his saber.
• The serpent raised its scales and released a barrage of fireballs, burning away Xu Taiping’s protective gang qi.
• Master Xuanzhi urged Xu Taiping to retreat, and Xu Taiping agreed that they should return after preparing.
• The serpent swallowed a stalactite and revealed a verdigris-covered gate behind its coiled body, with seven bronze nails through its tail.
• The serpent formed a gigantic fireball and hurled it at Xu Taiping, while Dongfang Yuejian summoned a large golden rune on the water and called him over.
• Xu Taiping leaped toward Dongfang Yuejian’s rune as the fireball exploded, and a pillar of golden light rose from the rune to envelop him.

Xu Taiping and his companions escaped the sparks around the Earth Vein Eye and returned to train Gu Yu. After the Dragon-Slaying Ranking requested another projection, Dongfang Yuejian persuaded Xu Taiping to accept and proposed fishing at a lake on the Rear Mountain.

• Xuanzhi shielded Xu Taiping and Dongfang Yuejian from the sparks and led them back to the Underground River Passage.
• Xu Taiping watched Gu Yu master the Seven-Kill Strike, then knocked him down with a single blade exchange.
• Xu Taiping realized Gu Yu might be ready to draw on the power stored in his Divine-Human Variant Bone.
• The Battle Merit Ledger announced that the Dragon-Slaying Ranking wanted to project their situation into the Five Heavens of the Shangqing Realm.
• Dongfang Yuejian persuaded Xu Taiping to accept the projection and proposed that they fish for two hours at a large lake on the Rear Mountain.

At Dragon-Suppressing Platform, Li Yunxiao confronted Xiahou Qingyuan for disrespecting Zhang Moyan and the other guests, while Xiahou You tried to keep her brother in check. Xiahou Qingyuan backed down after Li Yunxiao warned that even Old Palace Master Jiang Xuanfeng could not protect him if he offended Feng Tianxing.

• Li Yunxiao brought Xiahou Qingyuan and Xiahou You to sit in Spring Rain Pavilion, where Zhang Moyan welcomed them because Xiahou You had helped Xu Taiping before.
• Xiahou Qingyuan objected to being placed at someone else's table, and Li Yunxiao ordered the siblings to leave when Xiahou Qingyuan denied knowing the group.
• Xiahou You stopped Xiahou Qingyuan from escalating the dispute by threatening that their Third Uncle would assign her a different Dharma Protector and send Xiahou Qingyuan to the Heaven-Demon Battlefield.
• Zhang Moyan confirmed Xiahou You had aided Xu Taiping, and Li Yunxiao invited Zhu Huai, Jiang Cuicui, and Lu Rushuang to a banquet in Azure Lotus Hall.
• Li Yunxiao reprimanded Xiahou Qingyuan and warned that offending the honored guests could bring Feng Tianxing's wrath, frightening Xiahou Qingyuan and Xiahou You into silence.

Xiahou Qingyuan dismissed Xu Taiping’s chances at the Dragon-Slaying Assembly, while Xiahou You and the others reacted uneasily to his arrogance. The first viewing began, showing Zhu Hong, Zhu Yuan, and Sun Bing arriving to treat Li Sanguan, but a lavishly dressed woman challenged Li Sisi for bringing them in.

• Xiahou Qingyuan said Xu Taiping had no chance after choosing Gu Yu, and Xiahou You kicked him for insulting their friends.
• Chu Xiaoxiao tried to summon Hall Master Li to remove Xiahou Qingyuan, but Chu Tiancheng stopped her.
• The steward elder announced that the first viewing would show the Zhu Clan of Chenglong Heaven, and the Dragon-Suppressing Platform projected Zhu Hong, Zhu Yuan, and Sun Bing.
• Zhu Yuan asked whether Sun Bing could cure Li Sanguan, and Sun Bing confidently said he could treat him and later help Li Sisi reach the Flying Dragon Realm.
• Li Sisi warned the three that her father had only three days to live, and Sun Bing accused Imperial Physician Liu of being dangerous.
• A lavishly dressed woman confronted Li Sisi for bringing the three men into Li Sanguan’s room.

Sun Bing and the Zhu elders tried to reach Li Sanguan, but Madam Li blocked them from treating him. After suspecting Imperial Physician Liu had used needles to control her, Sun Bing entered the bedroom and challenged Liu with a false prescription concealing a silver needle.

• Madam Li refused to let Sun Bing and the Zhu elders treat Li Sanguan, despite Li Sisi's pleas and their promise to cure him without payment if they failed.
• Sun Bing noticed a blood streak in Madam Li's pupils and suspected someone had used needles to block her heart aperture; he and the Zhu elders suspected Imperial Physician Liu.
• Li Sisi persuaded Madam Li to let the group enter only to look at Li Sanguan from a distance.
• Inside the bedroom, Sun Bing criticized the medicine and its preparation, prompting Imperial Physician Liu to demand that the outsiders leave.
• Sun Bing offered Liu a supposed ancestral prescription and secretly tucked a silver needle beneath the paper.

Physician Sun Bing and Zhu Yuan exposed Imperial Physician Liu’s attempt to control Li Sanguan with golden needles and revived Li Sanguan by making him cough up poisoned blood. As Li Sanguan awoke, purple light appeared around Zhu Yuan, Zhu Hong, and Sun Bing, signaling that their restrictions were about to be lifted.

• Physician Sun Bing secretly sent a silver needle into Madam Li and used a thunderous clap to trigger Imperial Physician Liu’s reaction.
• Old Madam Zhu slapped Imperial Physician Liu twice, and Zhu Yuan struck him down before Zhu Hong ordered him kept alive.
• Sun Bing explained that Imperial Physician Liu had sealed Madam Li’s heart apertures and that his own needle had made her lose her mind, then gave Li Sanguan a pill.
• Li Sanguan woke after coughing up blood, and Li Sisi joyfully recognized her father.
• Purple light appeared around Zhu Yuan, Zhu Hong, and Sun Bing, and Zhu Yuan announced that their restrictions were about to be lifted.

Zhu Yuan, Zhu Hong, and Sun Bing fulfilled Li Sisi’s petition, recovered their full strength, and received a clue to a fortuitous opportunity. As the spectators discussed Xu Taiping’s intentions, the next viewing began with the Nine Abysses visiting plague-stricken soldiers.

• Zhu Yuan, Zhu Hong, and Sun Bing broke the Immortal Burial Ruins’ restraints after completing Li Sisi’s petition, earning doubled battle merit and a clue to a fortuitous opportunity.
• Sun Bing removed two silver needles from Old Madam Lu, and Zhu Yuan gave Li Sisi Impurity-Cleansing Pills to help her parents recover and live ten years longer.
• Zhu Hong slapped Imperial Physician Liu and called him a damned fly before rejoining Zhu Yuan and Sun Bing to discuss their clue.
• At the spectators’ seats, Chu Xiaoxiao regretted that the Zhu Family had recovered first, while Zhu Huai and Xiahou Qingyuan debated whether Xu Taiping would compete for first place.
• The next viewing showed Pang Zhong and the Nine Abysses entering a courtyard of plague-stricken soldiers, where Pang Zhong explained that the outbreak had begun during the siege and spread to several courtyards.

The Heartless Demon Emperor manipulated Pang Zhong into agreeing to infect the Yan Kingdom Army with a plague, using Northern Garrison City's infected soldiers as the means. As the spectators lamented Pang Zhong's choice, the Dragon-Suppressing Platform announced the next battle would feature Dongfang Yuejian, Xuanzhi, and Xu Taiping.

• Li Yezhu urged Pang Zhong to burn the infected soldiers, but the Heartless Demon Emperor proposed using them to spread a plague through the Yan Kingdom Army.
• Pang Zhong resisted the plan, then agreed after the Heartless Demon Emperor and Li Yezhu pressured him with the lives of the city's civilians and the threat of abandoning the siege.
• Zhu Huai and the other spectators condemned the scheme, while Xiahou Qingyuan and Xiahou You warned that the Nine Abysses trio were eroding Pang Zhong's character.
• The Heartless Demon Emperor winked at the spectators after Pang Zhong accepted the plan.
• The steward elder announced that Dongfang Yuejian, Xuanzhi, and Xu Taiping would be the next Dragon-Slaying Persons to watch, delighting Chu Xiaoxiao.

Xu Taiping and his companions appeared at a mountain lake, where they spent their time fishing instead of seeking an opportunity for Gu Yu or pursuing the contest. Their leisurely choice convinced the spectators that Xu Taiping had abandoned the race for Chief, while Chu Xiaoxiao feared she would lose her savings on her bet.

• Xiahou Qingyuan, Zhu Huai, Jiang Cuicui, and Zhang Moyan discussed whether watching Xu Taiping's team idle in their courtyard would be dull and noted that teamwork and choices mattered in the Dragon-Slaying Assembly.
• Chu Xiaoxiao said she had wagered her entire fortune on Xu Taiping and urged him to stop hiding his abilities.
• The Dragon-Slaying Ranking showed Xu Taiping, Dongfang Yuejian, Gu Yu, and their companion fishing beside a mountain lake.
• Dongfang Yuejian caught a large crucian carp, and the spectators reacted with disbelief when they realized the team was fishing rather than seeking an opportunity.
• Xu Taiping caught a crucian carp too, while Chu Xiaoxiao despaired over her bet and the spectators concluded he had abandoned the contest for Chief.

Xu Taiping fished at the Great Lake to investigate a scene revealed by the Great Deductive Power while the Dragon-Slaying Assembly’s viewing moved on to the Jiang Household. Comparing the lake with the vision, he discovered a gravestone that vanished just before sunset and concluded that removing it would reveal a fortuitous opportunity.

• The elder on the Dragon-Suppressing Platform announced that the Jiang Household would be observed next, drawing most viewers away from Xu Taiping’s fishing.
• Xiahou Qingyuan watched Xu Taiping closely, while Xu Taiping fished at the Great Lake because the Imperial Court would soon seal off the mountains.
• Dongfang Yuejian noticed that Master Xuanzhi’s fishing line had no hook, and Master Xuanzhi explained that only the willing took the bait.
• Xu Taiping compared the Great Lake with the scene revealed by the Great Deductive Power but initially found no clue to its secret.
• After Master Xuanzhi caught a fish, Xu Taiping noticed a burial mound and realized its gravestone vanished just before sunset in the vision.
• Xu Taiping concluded that removing the gravestone just before sunset would reveal the fortuitous opportunity.

Xu Taiping and his companions received a legendary cache of treasures from the spirit turtle, including the Fire God Armor, the Cloud-Splitting Saber, and the Origin-Burning Scripture. As the viewing session ended, the spectators expected Xu Taiping to pursue the chief position, while he promised Gu Yu the three treasures if Gu Yu mastered his Seven-Kill Blade and slew the Eight Evil Ones.

• A school of golden carp towed a treasure-laden boat and a giant turtle to Xu Taiping and his companions at the Great Lake.
• The spectators recognized the turtle’s arrival as the Divine Turtle’s Gift of Treasures, a legacy left by Profound Elixir Palace ancestor Feng Tianxing.
• Xu Taiping examined the Fire God Armor, which burst into flames when he infused it with true essence.
• The viewing projections ended, and Xiahou Qingyuan wondered whether he and the others had misjudged Xu Taiping.
• Xu Taiping promised Gu Yu the Fire God Armor, Cloud-Splitting Saber, and Origin-Burning Scripture if Gu Yu mastered his Seven-Kill Blade and slew the Eight Evil Ones of Eight Heroes Valley.

Du He used a jade disc to discover that Gu Yu was connected to the Divine Turtle's Gift of Treasures, which Xu Taiping and the others were about to receive. The Jiang Household decided to exploit Gu Yu's enemies to seize the opportunity, leaving Eight Heroes Valley poised to hunt him down.

• Chi Feng stabilized his cultivation after Du He lifted his restrictions, and Jiang Li and Jiang Jiuxuan asked Du He to find him another opportunity.
• Du He used a jade disc filled with Spirit Marrow Liquid and saw Gu Yu practicing saber techniques, then spent another bottle to reveal Xu Taiping and the others meeting the divine turtle carrying treasures.
• Du He recognized the Divine Turtle's Gift of Treasures, and Jiang Jiuxuan and Jiang Li realized the group had found a major opportunity before their own Dragon Catcher.
• Du He proposed that Chi Feng inform the Valley Lord of Eight Heroes Valley about Gu Yu, and Jiang Jiuxuan concluded that Eight Heroes Valley would go after him.

Du He, Jiang Jiuxuan, and Jiang Li arranged for Eight Heroes Valley to attack Xu Taiping and his companions, while the group prepared to help Gu Yu cultivate. One month later, Eight Heroes Valley agreed to ambush them in Hongling Town, and Chi Feng was promised a reward if the plan succeeded.

• Du He drew a Golden Summit Talisman to counter the Fireball Talisman as he and Jiang Jiuxuan planned to use Eight Heroes Valley's attack to catch Xu Taiping's group off guard.
• Dongfang Yuejian inventoried the treasures Old Tortoise had given them, and Xu Taiping and Xuanzhi agreed to wait for Gu Yu to master the power of his divine-human variant bone.
• Xu Taiping agreed that the group would accept the Dragon-Slaying Ranking's viewing request and buy more meat to feed Gu Yu, whose Seven-Kill Blade practice consumed enormous amounts of energy.
• A month later, Chi Feng reported that Eight Heroes Valley had agreed to attack Gu Yu and the others in Hongling Town at the appointed time.
• Du He, Jiang Jiuxuan, and Jiang Li praised Chi Feng and promised to help him break through the Roaming Dragon Realm if the ambush succeeded.

Gu Yu tested his blade against Xuanzhi’s Body-Protecting Golden Light before the viewing, but his first strike failed to break it. Xu Taiping warned that Gu Yu had only two strikes left to avoid swinging his blade ten thousand times.

• Du He, Jiang Jiuxuan, and Jiang Li set out for Hongling Town to watch the viewing and take advantage of the ensuing conflict.
• Xu Taiping, Dongfang Yuejian, Xuanzhi, and Gu Yu prepared a feast for the cultivators watching from the Shangqing Realm.
• Xu Taiping arranged for Gu Yu to test his blade against Xuanzhi’s Body-Protecting Golden Light, warning him to break through within three strikes or swing his blade ten thousand times.
• Xuanzhi raised his Body-Protecting Golden Light and invited Gu Yu to strike.
• Gu Yu drew his saber and unleashed a sevenfold blade attack, but the golden light only trembled and remained intact.
• Xu Taiping told Gu Yu he had two strikes left, and Gu Yu feared the punishment awaiting him.

Gu Yu tested his saber against Xuanzhi’s Body-Protecting Golden Light under Xu Taiping’s guidance, finally breaking through it with a strike infused with blade intent. After the practice, the group gathered for Dongfang Yuejian’s feast, and Xu Taiping opened the Battle Merit Ledger and consented to spectators.

• Gu Yu steadied himself and struck Xuanzhi, but his second attack only cut an opening in the Body-Protecting Golden Light before his pain forced him to retreat.
• Gu Yu prepared another strike as his murderous pressure grew, and Xuanzhi and Xu Taiping recognized that he was becoming a true blade cultivator.
• Gu Yu’s third strike shattered Xuanzhi’s Body-Protecting Golden Light, and Xu Taiping intercepted the uncontrolled blade force before it could hit Xuanzhi.
• Xu Taiping praised Gu Yu, who picked up his saber and stood despite his exhaustion.
• Dongfang Yuejian served a large feast, and Xu Taiping unfurled the Battle Merit Ledger and consented to spectators.

Spectators at the Dragon-Suppressing Platform wondered whether Xu Taiping’s team would compete for the Dragon-Slaying Assembly’s chief position and worried that Gu Yu might be behind the other Dragon Catchers. The Dragon-Slaying Ranking announced the Dongfang Clan as the first team available for viewing, leading Chu Xiaoxiao and the others to believe Xu Taiping’s team had agreed confidently after a month of trials.

• Chu Xiaoxiao impatiently waited for the Profound Elixir Palace steward to begin the viewing, while Chu Tiancheng warned her to sit properly.
• Duan Xiaoyu and the others discussed whether the Divine Turtle’s Gift of Treasures had lifted Xu Taiping’s team’s cultivation restrictions and whether Gu Yu could catch up before the Dragon Catcher competition.
• Xiahou You explained that the Dragon-Slaying Ranking would eliminate the ten weakest Dragon Catchers and their teams after a competition six months after the Dragon-Slaying Persons entered the Immortal Burial Ruins.
• Xiahou Qingyuan questioned whether Xu Taiping would even try to compete for the chief position, leaving the Spring Rain Pavilion uncertain.
• The steward announced the Dongfang Clan as the first team available for viewing, and Chu Xiaoxiao concluded that Xu Taiping’s team had agreed quickly because they were confident after their month of trials.

Xu Taiping and his companions were watched feasting in Gu Yu’s courtyard until the eight villains of Eight Heroes Valley attacked Hongling Town and threatened to massacre its people. Xu Taiping rallied Gu Yu to face them, and the four rode toward the town.

• Xu Taiping and his companions ate while cultivators watched through the projection, leaving their spectators puzzled and amused.
• An explosion and a spreading fire revealed that someone had set fire to Hongling Town, and a flaming arrow struck Gu Yu’s courtyard gate.
• Xu Taiping stopped Master Xuanzhi and Dongfang Yuejian from rushing into the woods, recognizing a possible Lure-the-Tiger-Away-from-the-Mountain Stratagem.
• Xu Taiping found a note from the eight villains of Eight Heroes Valley challenging Gu Yu to come to the town shrine and threatening to wash Hongling Town in blood.
• Gu Yu overcame his fear, accepted a saber from Xu Taiping, and agreed to confront the villains.
• Xu Taiping, Gu Yu, Master Xuanzhi, and Dongfang Yuejian mounted horses and rode toward Hongling Town.