Chapter Summaries

Xu Taiping’s apparent breakthrough drew abuse from cultivators, while Abbot Jiaye fought the Sky Demons to protect Jiaye Temple and keep the Pure Domain Canopy aloft. The hundred-zhang Sky Demon resurrected the Demon Bones slain by Xuanzhi and Dongfang Yuejian.

• Cultivators speculated that Xu Taiping was either recklessly attempting another breakthrough or baiting the Sky Demons, while Xiahou You restrained her anger at their accusations.
• Abbot Jiaye used Ancient Buddha Kasyapa’s golden body Dharma Aspect to repel the hundred-zhang Sky Demon and crush six ten-zhang Sky Demons.
• The hundred-zhang Sky Demon wielded Ultimate Realm blade and sword power, broke the Buddha’s golden light, and severed one of its arms; Abbot Jiaye restored the arm and summoned thousands more to strike the demons.
• As the Pure Domain Canopy shrank, Abbot Jiaye used Buddha Hand Holds Up the Heavens to support it, while more Demon Bones surged through its cracks.
• Xuanzhi and Dongfang Yuejian slew dozens of Demon Bones, but the hundred-zhang Sky Demon revived the headless corpses with its power.

Dongfang Yuejian and Master Xuanzhi struggled to defend Jiaye Temple as the Otherworldly Heavenly Demon sent increasingly powerful demon bones against them and the Pure Domain Canopy continued to contract. In the Old Dragon Court, Xiahou You and Xiahou Qingyuan clashed over their dead eldest brother as the battle grew more desperate.

• Dongfang Yuejian destroyed the first wave of resurrected demon bones with the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation, but more soon charged the temple, forcing her and Master Xuanzhi to keep fighting.
• Xiahou Qingyuan and Heavenly Lord Shihu warned that if the demon bones broke into Jiaye Temple, Xu Taiping's breakthrough and everyone's survival would be in danger.
• Xiahou You threatened Xiahou Qingyuan after he said their eldest brother's willingness to follow his heart had led to his death, and Heavenly Lord Shihu suppressed her killing intent.
• A Scarlet Fire Tree Mark appeared on Xiahou Qingyuan's palm, while Abbot Jiaye's Pure Domain Canopy shrank until it covered only a little over a hundred li around Jiaye Temple.
• An ox-headed demon bone shattered Master Xuanzhi's golden light, caught Dongfang Yuejian's Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation with its fist, and roared until the formation began to break.

Dongfang Yuejian and Master Xuanzhi struggled to stop a revived ox-headed demon skeleton from devouring other skeletons and growing stronger while a giant Otherworldly Heavenly Demon fought Abbot Jiaye. Xu Taiping called from Jiaye Hall, asking them to withdraw and lend him their remaining power as he stood one step from breaking through and facing the tribulation lightning.

• Master Xuanzhi sealed the ox-headed demon skeleton's power in the Diamond Ring, but the Otherworldly Heavenly Demon revived it and activated its devouring ability.
• Dongfang Yuejian attacked the skeleton while Master Xuanzhi held back the other demons, but the giant demon sent revived skeletons to intercept her.
• Dongfang Yuejian's full-strength strike failed to wound the skeleton, which shattered her sword formation with a punch and continued devouring demons.
• Master Xuanzhi and Dongfang Yuejian prepared to risk everything to destroy the growing skeleton, but Xu Taiping called for them and Abbot Jiaye to retreat into the temple and lend him their remaining power.
• Dongfang Yuejian asked whether Xu Taiping had finished tempering his body and was ready to face the tribulation lightning.

Xu Taiping asked his companions to trust him as Abbot Jiaye withdrew the protective canopy and defeated the Sky Demon, clearing the way for Xu Taiping to face the tribulation lightning. The chapter ended as five-colored tribulation clouds gathered above Jiaye Hall and the lightning descended.

• Xu Taiping asked Dongfang Yuejian, Xuanzhi, and Abbot Jiaye to trust him and prepare for his breakthrough, and Dongfang Yuejian and Xuanzhi retreated into Jiaye Temple.
• Abbot Jiaye withdrew the pure domain canopy, increasing his combat strength while the headless Ox-Head Demon Bone struck the temple and badly injured Dongfang Yuejian and Xuanzhi.
• The Sky Demon trapped Abbot Jiaye inside a five-colored crystal using eight mirrors, but Abbot Jiaye broke free and shattered the mirrors and demon.
• Abbot Jiaye held the Sky Demon's head and called on Benefactor Taiping to break through as tribulation clouds gathered above Jiaye Hall and the lightning descended.

At Jiaye Temple, Master Xuanzhi and Dongfang Yuejian struggled to hold back the headless Ox-Head Demon Bone as tribulation lightning approached. Dongfang Yuejian summoned Xu Taiping’s most powerful form, which stopped the demon bone’s punch without moving, leaving Heavenly Lord Shihu stunned.

• In the teahouse, Xiahou You defended Xu Taiping as a true seeker of the Dao, despite Xiahou Qingyuan’s warning to keep to oneself.
• The headless Ox-Head Demon Bone smashed through Jiaye Temple’s protective golden light and forced its way inside.
• Master Xuanzhi trapped the demon bone with his Vajra Demon-Subduing Circle, while Dongfang Yuejian’s Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation kept it from breaking free.
• Master Xuanzhi used his wooden fish to strengthen his own restraint and bolster Dongfang Yuejian as she wielded One Stroke Opens Heaven.
• After the demon bone escaped and attacked Dongfang Yuejian, her scroll summoned Xu Taiping’s enormous, dragon-scaled form, which stopped its punch.
• Heavenly Lord Shihu recognized the figure as the one who had severely wounded Yin God Su Yan.

Heavenly Lord Shihu and Xiahou Qingyuan realized Dongfang Yuejian had summoned the powerful figure who once defeated Yin God Su Yan, and watched that figure destroy the Ox-Head Demon Bone with one punch. Yin God Huangpao then shattered the summoned physique and grievously injured Dongfang Yuejian, while Abbot Jiaye arrived and warned that the first tribulation lightning was about to fall.

• Heavenly Lord Shihu regretted that their journey might have been for nothing after realizing Dongfang Yuejian had summoned the figure who defeated Yin God Su Yan.
• Xu Taiping's strongest physique from the River of Time formed the Ancestral Sage Fist stance and destroyed the Ox-Head Demon Bone with one punch.
• Xiahou You recognized similarities between the summoned physique and Young Master Taiping but doubted Xu Taiping could have forged such strength at his age.
• Yin God Huangpao broke through the Pure Domain Canopy and pierced the summoned physique, causing it to shatter and Dongfang Yuejian to spit blood.
• Master Xuanzhi sheltered Dongfang Yuejian with the Golden Light Mantra, and Abbot Jiaye arrived and said the first tribulation lightning was about to fall.

As Yin Gods besieged Jiaye Temple, Abbot Jiaye prepared a last defense while Xu Taiping faced his first tribulation lightning. The chapter ended as Xu Taiping soared through the rain toward the tribulation clouds with his saber drawn.

• Huangpao's attacks weakened Abbot Jiaye's defenses, but Jiaye spent his remaining Buddha fate power to shield the temple from a crushing palm.
• When the Yin Gods broke through the domain canopy, Abbot Jiaye told Master Xuanzhi and Dongfang Yuejian how to flee or form the Thunder Sound Banner formation depending on whether Xu Taiping survived the first lightning strike.
• Abbot Jiaye offered his blood to restore Dongfang Yuejian so she could face Xunqi and Ghost Servant Madam Lu if they entered the formation.
• Heavenly Lord Shihu explained that Xu Taiping's tribulation cloud contained far more thunder than an ordinary first-level tribulation cloud.
• As the storm reached its peak, Xu Taiping appeared through the rain and flew toward the tribulation clouds with a long saber in hand.

Xu Taiping faced the first level of tribulation lightning without using his treasures or spiritual power, enduring the bolts with his body before charging the clouds with his fists. He destroyed the ninth bolt and its tribulation cloud, leaving the cultivators watching in stunned silence.

• Cultivators watching the projection blamed Xu Taiping for gaining an opportunity at the cost of Xuanzhi, Dongfang Yuejian, Abbot Jiaye, and Jiaye Temple.
• As the tribulation lightning approached, Xu Taiping put away his treasures and raised his qi and blood only to the Python Flood Dragon Realm.
• The first bolt pierced Xu Taiping's body and knocked him onto the roof of Jiaye Hall, prompting cultivators to mock him.
• Xu Taiping rose, declared that Qingxuan Xu Taiping would challenge the Heavenly Dao with his fists, and charged the tribulation clouds in his dragon whale physique.
• After enduring eight bolts and taking the ninth in his fist, Xu Taiping shattered both the lightning and the tribulation cloud, silencing the watching cultivators.

Xu Taiping shattered the first tribulation clouds with his bare hands and received an innate lightning pattern, then prepared to face twelve clouds with his blade. He merged his blade-practicing avatar into himself and gathered his resolve as the next lightning strike approached.

• Heavenly Lord Shihu explained that Xu Taiping’s flesh-and-blood trial and shattered clouds had earned him a Heavenly Dao gift, and Xu Taiping’s wounds healed as an innate lightning pattern appeared on his back.
• Xu Taiping rose, declared that he would challenge Heaven with his blade, and twelve tribulation clouds lit up overhead.
• The Lotus Eye offered Xu Taiping power from his future self, but he chose to rely on the Tribulation-Inquiry Method and asked whether surviving it could earn another Heavenly Dao gift.
• Xu Taiping sensed his remaining clones in the Demon-Suppressing Coffin and dispersed the avatar that had practiced the blade under the Blade Ghost, absorbing its strength and years of blade training.
• Xu Taiping’s sorrowful blade intent formed a stone stele bearing the names of those who had died defending the people and the Dao, with his own name appearing last.

Xu Taiping prepared to face the second wave of heavenly tribulation by drawing his blade against twelve glowing tribulation clouds, relying on his resolve and blade intent rather than treasures or a formation. As the onlookers debated whether he could survive, Lü Daoxuan urged the Azure Profound Sect to watch their disciple cleave the clouds and shatter the heavens.

• Xu Taiping drew on the resolve of the dead to raise his blade intent to its ultimate realm and took a blade-drawing stance beneath the twelve tribulation clouds.
• His blade intent spread through the Moonshadow Stone projection, astonishing the cultivators in the First-Rank Pavilion teahouse.
• Heavenly Lord Shihu praised Xu Taiping’s battlefield potential, while Xiahou Qingyuan called his plan to face the tribulation clouds with his blade reckless.
• The onlookers realized Xu Taiping had no treasures or formation to help him withstand the tribulation, and remembered that he was isolated from support.
• Zhao Qian lamented that the Azure Profound Sect had failed to provide Xu Taiping with a treasure, but Lü Daoxuan told the sect to watch him cleave the tribulation clouds.

Lü Daoxuan explained to Zhao Qian that Xu Taiping had shaped the plans surrounding his journey to the Wilderness through his pursuit of the Dao. As Xu Taiping faced the tribulation, his saber strikes severed lightning and shattered clouds, but the clouds gathered in greater numbers.

• Lü Daoxuan told Zhao Qian that Xu Taiping’s past victories and pursuit of the Great Dao had led True Martial Heaven and the Azure Profound Sect to support him.
• Zhao Qian accepted Lü Daoxuan’s view that Xu Taiping was a true Seeker of the Dao just as three tribulation clouds struck him.
• Xu Taiping used Unity Blade to sever three bolts of lightning and split their clouds, though the thunder left deep wounds in his body.
• Xu Taiping launched Shattering Blade as five tribulation clouds lit up and released lightning together.
• Xu Taiping’s strike shredded much of the five bolts’ power and destroyed three clouds, then he declared Burning Blade beneath the remaining tribulation clouds.

Xu Taiping used thunderflames formed from Blade Qi Manifestation to burn away the second round of tribulation clouds. As the third round began almost immediately, a vast eye-shaped vortex of lightning appeared above him.

• Xu Taiping’s thunderflame blade manifestations astonished the cultivators watching in the First-Rank Pavilion teahouse.
• Thirteen tribulation clouds unleashed their power of thunder, and Xu Taiping merged with his thunderflames to strike them.
• Xu Taiping’s thunderflames burned apart the second round’s tribulation clouds and cleared the sky above Jiaye Temple.
• Heavenly Lord Shihu received a message from Old Ox, who said he would break through the world’s shackles and join him.
• The sky darkened again, and a huge eye-shaped vortex of lightning appeared as the third round of tribulation began.

Xu Taiping learned that the heavenly tribulation eye could be broken only by enduring its lightning and striking during a brief opening, so he planned to use the Thunder Sound Formation and origin returning true fire. As his allies prepared to protect the formation at Jiaye Temple, Abbot Jiaye drew fragrant blood from his wrist.

• Xu Taiping asked the Lotus Eye how to counter the heavenly tribulation eye, and it explained that he needed to survive its lightning and strike when its power briefly ran out.
• Xu Taiping decided to use the Thunder Sound Five-Direction Earth-Splitting Formation and origin returning true fire against the tribulation eye.
• Xu Taiping thanked Abbot Jiaye, Dongfang Yuejian, and Xuanzhi for protecting him and said that he had a plan for the next tribulation.
• As Yin Gods and Demon Bones battered the Courtyard-Guarding Golden Light, Abbot Jiaye assigned Xuanzhi and Dongfang Yuejian to guard the Thunder Sound Banner alongside him.
• Abbot Jiaye cut his wrist, and Dongfang Yuejian noticed that his fragrant blood smelled like musk and orchids.

Dongfang Yuejian drank Abbot Jiaye’s blood to strengthen herself before taking her position at Jiaye Hall’s south gate, while Jiaye lured the Yin Gods and Demon Bones with his flesh and blood. As the attackers overwhelmed the temple defenses, Xuanzhi began chanting the Seven-Character Great Light Mantra, revealing that the defenders had set a trap.

• Dongfang Yuejian drank two mouthfuls of Abbot Jiaye’s blood, then hurried to the south gate as Master Xuanzhi took the north gate.
• Abbot Jiaye tore flesh from his chest, drawing the Yin Gods and Demon Bones into a frenzy that shattered the Courtyard-Guarding Golden Light.
• Yin God Huangpao flew toward Jiaye Hall, while Xunqi of Ningchan Cave and Ghost Servant Madam Lu followed and expected the defenders to fall.
• The attackers broke through Jiaye Hall’s protective light and surged toward Abbot Jiaye at the east gate.
• Xuanzhi struck a wooden fish, scattered millet, and began chanting, prompting Xunqi to realize that Xuanzhi had mastered Buddhism’s Seven-Character Great Light Mantra.

Master Xuanzhi’s Seven-Character Great Light Mantra destroyed the Demon Bones and stripped Ghost Servant Madam Lu of Yin God Su Yan’s power, but it could not harm ordinary cultivators. Xunqi and Madam Lu charged toward Jiaye Hall as the watchers worried that no one inside could stop them.

• Master Xuanzhi completed the Seven-Character Great Light Mantra, whose Buddha Light destroyed the Demon Bones and scattered the Yin Gods’ black fog.
• The mantra erased the divine power Yin God Su Yan had given Ghost Servant Madam Lu, while Xunqi survived unharmed and urged her to attack Jiaye Temple.
• Xunqi and Madam Lu charged toward Jiaye Hall, and Madam Lu raced ahead, calling for her master.
• At the First-Rank Pavilion teahouse, Heavenly Lord Shihu and Xiahou You doubted Xu Taiping could survive the Heavenly Tribulation Eye, while Ningchan Cave’s elders expected the temple defenders to fall.
• Heavenly Lord Shihu worried that the wounded people inside Jiaye Hall could not stop Xunqi and Madam Lu.

As Xu Taiping endured his breakthrough, Dongfang Yuejian used the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation to trap Xunqi of Ningchan Cave and Madam Lu, but Xuanzhi took Madam Lu’s attacks in her place with the Diamond Self-Sacrifice Curse. Xu Taiping held back from intervening, waiting for the Heavenly Tribulation Eye to light so he could activate the Thunderflame Five-Direction Earth-Splitting Formation.

• Dongfang Yuejian used the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation to trap Xunqi of Ningchan Cave and Madam Lu, and the teahouse learned she had gained power from Abbot Jiaye’s blood.
• Xunqi of Ningchan Cave tore open the sword formation and sent Madam Lu to attack Dongfang Yuejian while he held the gap open.
• Xuanzhi used the Diamond Self-Sacrifice Curse to block Madam Lu’s sword strike for Dongfang Yuejian, then began reciting scriptures beneath a Lotus Throne.
• Madam Lu unleashed a volley of Ice-Soul Swords, and Xuanzhi took the wounds for Dongfang Yuejian before collapsing but continuing to recite.
• Lotus Eye urged Xu Taiping to endure until the Heavenly Tribulation Eye lit, and Xu Taiping agreed to wait before activating the Thunderflame Five-Direction Earth-Splitting Formation.

Xu Taiping waited for the Heavenly Tribulation Eye to send down its first lightning strike while Dongfang Yuejian and Master Xuanzhi held off Xunqi of Ningchan Cave and Madam Lu. As Xunqi weakened the Immortal-Slaying Sword Formation and Madam Lu attacked, Dongfang Yuejian endured the pain and refused to let go.

• Xu Taiping steadied his mind and used the Heavenly Dao’s reward to temper and repair his body as he waited for the first tribulation lightning.
• Xunqi of Ningchan Cave cracked one of the immortal swords with two full-strength slashes, grievously injuring Dongfang Yuejian’s divine soul.
• Madam Lu sent Ice-Soul Flying Swords into Master Xuanzhi’s golden protection and urged Xunqi to wear down the defenders rather than risk shattering a sword.
• Xunqi attacked the Immortal-Slaying Sword, causing more cracks and making Dongfang Yuejian spit blood again.
• Dongfang Yuejian endured the pain and reminded herself that she would regret it if she let go of Spring and Autumn and the Thunder Sound Banner.

Dongfang Yuejian and Master Xuanzhi endured devastating attacks without releasing the banner pole as they protected Xu Taiping during his cultivation. When the Heavenly Tribulation Eye opened for the third tribulation, Xu Taiping activated the Thunder Sound Banner and called the formation to battle.

• Xunqi struck the Immortal-Slaying Sword again, spreading cracks through the blade and gravely wounding Dongfang Yuejian's divine soul, but she refused to let go.
• Ghost Servant Madam Lu attacked Dongfang Yuejian's protective light, tearing apart half of it and mutilating Master Xuanzhi, who continued chanting and holding the banner pole.
• Xuanzhi told Dongfang Yuejian that he was willing to protect her, and his words helped her steady herself despite her pain and guilt.
• Xunqi and Ghost Servant Madam Lu struck again, leaving Dongfang Yuejian in agony and Xuanzhi collapsed in a pool of blood, yet neither released the banner pole.
• The Heavenly Tribulation Eye opened fully, and Xiahou You announced that the third heavenly tribulation was coming.
• Xu Taiping drove the Commandant-Rank Thunder Sound Banner into Jiaye Hall's roof and shouted for the formation to activate and slay the enemy.

Xu Taiping and the others activated the Thunder Sound Banners, revealing that they were forming the legendary Thunder Sound Five-Direction Earth-Splitting Formation. As the formation’s battle intent gathered at Jiaye Temple, Xunqi and Ghost Servant Madam Lu faced a growing threat.

• Xu Taiping shouted the Heavenly Thunder Army’s battle cry, prompting the wounded Dongfang Yuejian to rise and activate her Thunder Sound Banner.
• The banner’s power summoned armored warriors who shattered Madam Lu’s sword and forced her to retreat.
• Master Xuanzhi activated his banner at the north gate, while Xunqi and Madam Lu attacked Abbot Jiaye at the east gate.
• Abbot Jiaye activated his banner, and thunder arrows struck Xunqi and Madam Lu as the four banners’ battle intent began to merge.
• A war drum sounded, and Xunqi recognized the formation as the legendary Thunder Sound Five-Direction Earth-Splitting Formation.

Xu Taiping used the Thunder Sound Five-Direction Earth-Splitting Formation to trap and crush Xunqi of Ningchan Cave, while Yellow Robe intervened to pull him free. Xu Taiping opened the formation’s Death Gate as Yellow Robe’s arm reached inside.

• Xunqi of Ningchan Cave seized Ghost Servant Madam Lu as a shield and fled toward Jiaye Temple’s exit in his Fire Luan form, but Xu Taiping struck him with the formation’s thunder.
• The thunder shattered Madam Lu’s protective qi and burned her body, while Xunqi broke free of the lightning palm only to be pinned down by thunder spears.
• The formation’s earth dragon and charging battle generals ground Xunqi toward their central opening, prompting spectators to identify the Thunder Sound Five-Direction Earth-Splitting Formation.
• Heavenly Lord Shihu of Jade Balance Mountain realized the Thunder Sound Banners might save his Eldest Brother from the Heaven-Demon Battlefield.
• Yellow Robe reached into the formation and grabbed Xunqi, but Xu Taiping commanded the formation to open its Death Gate beneath Yellow Robe’s arm.