Chapter Summaries

Xu Taiping met Tian Qi at the Earth-Rank Arena and learned that the notorious fighter had a murderous reputation. As the two entered the arena, Fairy Lingyue warned Xu Taiping that Tian Qi might be cultivating through killing, while Zhao Linglong watched anxiously from Profound Seclusion Abode.

• Xu Taiping drew lot token Earth Eleven and went to the Earth-Rank Arena, where Tian Qi impatiently challenged him.
• The crowd recognized Xu Taiping as the cultivator who had defeated Qin Yuan and Sun Hu, and Tian Qi introduced himself as Ghost Shadow Kick Tian Qi.
• Tian Qi grew murderous when Xu Taiping admitted he had never heard of him, but Xu Taiping calmly met his gaze.
• The examiner called Xu Taiping and Tian Qi into the arena, and Fairy Lingyue warned that Tian Qi's killing intent might come from an unorthodox cultivation technique.
• Zhao Linglong watched Xu Taiping in the bronze mirror and worried that the crowd was bullying him.

Xu Taiping fought Tian Qi in Dragon Gate Hall, matching the Ghost Shadow Kick with Green Ox Fist and revealing his minor completion of the gate opening realm. He broke through Tian Qi’s defenses and began battering him with a relentless series of punches.

• Xu Ziyan and Dugu Qingxiao explained Tian Qi’s violent past and his deadly Ghost Shadow Kick to Zhao Linglong.
• Xu Taiping and Tian Qi began their match, trading rapid blows and reaching a stalemate at the arena’s center.
• Tian Qi overpowered Xu Taiping’s defenses with a heavy kick and tried to crush him beneath his leg.
• Xu Taiping revealed minor completion of the gate opening realm, forced Tian Qi’s leg aside, and struck him in the waist.
• Xu Taiping drove Tian Qi backward, seized an opening, and pounded his chest with successive Charging Ox Breaks the Formation punches.

Xu Taiping fought Tian Qi, whose Ghost Shadow Leg initially fell behind the escalating force of Xu Taiping’s Charging Ox Breaks the Formation. Tian Qi unleashed a Demonic Cultivation Technique, but Xu Taiping stayed composed and began the fist technique again, matching Tian Qi as Qingxiao recognized that Xu Taiping’s improved timing and understanding were driving his performance.

• Xu Taiping’s punches overwhelmed Tian Qi’s kicks, and his ninetieth punch struck Tian Qi in the abdomen and sent him stumbling backward.
• Tian Qi recovered and attacked again, but Xu Taiping’s growing fist force battered his legs until his final punch collided evenly with Tian Qi’s kick.
• Tian Qi revealed a Demonic Cultivation Technique, grew to ten feet tall, and launched a furious assault that alarmed the spectators and examiners.
• Xu Taiping used Wind Shadow Step to close in and resumed trading blows with Tian Qi, then began Charging Ox Breaks the Formation a second time.
• Xu Taiping’s punches kept pace with Tian Qi’s enhanced kicks, and Qingxiao explained that his precise timing and understanding of Green Ox Fist had improved.

Xu Taiping defeated Tian Qi after overpowering his sinister arts with the hundred-and-eighth punch of Charging Ox Breaks the Formation. The observers recognized Xu Taiping’s strength, but learned that his next opponent in the Dragon Gate Assembly would be Lu Yuan.

• Xu Taiping suppressed Tian Qi’s Ghost Shadow Kick and struck him with increasingly powerful punches.
• Tian Qi burned his blood qi and transformed into a half-human, half-wolf monster, but Xu Taiping shattered its head with a heavy punch that broke the platform.
• Ziyan, Qingxiao, and Zhao Linglong recognized Xu Taiping in the bronze mirror, and Zhao Linglong noticed his scars and injured fists.
• Dugu Qingxiao showed them the draw notice, which listed Xu Taiping and Lu Yuan as the next pair of opponents.
• Zhao Linglong asked Dugu Qingxiao how strong Lu Yuan was.

As Zhao Linglong, Dugu Qingxiao, Ziyan, and Lin Buyu watched Xu Taiping prepare to face Lu Yuan, they weighed his chances and worried that his years of effort might go unrewarded. On the arena, Xu Taiping surprised Lu Yuan and the crowd by saying he would fight with a saber, leaving them doubtful that he would follow through.

• Dugu Qingxiao and Ziyan explained that Lu Yuan had reached mid achievement in the Gate Opening Realm and practiced the supreme Blazing Sun Saber, making Xu Taiping an unlikely winner.
• Zhao Linglong lamented that Xu Taiping's years of training and visible injuries might count for nothing if he could not become an official disciple.
• Lin Buyu said her instinct told her Xu Taiping would not lose, recalling how he had faced the Demon Tiger in Red Maple Forest.
• Xu Taiping and Lu Yuan stepped onto the Heaven-tier arena, and Lu Yuan praised Xu Taiping's Green Ox Fist before taking his own saber stance.
• Xu Taiping announced that he would use a saber, astonishing Lu Yuan and the surrounding cultivators, who suspected he was bluffing.

Xu Taiping faced Lu Yuan in the Seven Peaks Selection and revealed his skill with the Seven-Kill Blade, using Full Moon to surprise his opponent before Lu Yuan’s Blazing Sun Saber forced him onto the defensive. When Lu Yuan broke Full Moon, Xu Taiping unleashed the Seven-Kill Blade’s ultimate kill, Life-Seizing.

• Xu Taiping and Lu Yuan tested each other with an opening saber clash, and the watching disciples were surprised by Xu Taiping’s skill.
• Xu Taiping used Full Moon to circle behind Lu Yuan and strike him, impressing Qingxiao, Zhao Linglong, and Ziyan.
• Lu Yuan launched a powerful Blazing Sun Saber assault, forcing Xu Taiping to retreat and defend.
• Xu Taiping tried Full Moon again, but Lu Yuan spun and broke the attack with a burst of golden blade shadows.
• Xu Taiping vanished and reappeared as seven afterimages around Lu Yuan, prompting Ziyan to recognize Life-Seizing.

Xu Taiping defeated Lu Yuan at the Dragon Gate Assembly by using the Seven-Kill Blade’s finishing moves, winning with the technique his opponent excelled at. After the victory, the Sixth Peak sought to recruit him, while Qingxiao warned that other peaks might compete for him and that his remaining opponents would be formidable.

• Xu Taiping struck Lu Yuan with Life-Seizing, then used Soul Pursuit to break his heart-guarding mirror and send him off the platform.
• Ziyan, Qingxiao, and Zhao Linglong discussed how the Seven-Kill Blade required years of relentless practice to master.
• Ziyan received a letter from the Sixth Peak Lord asking her to introduce Xu Taiping as a potential recruit, but Zhao Linglong rejected the idea.
• Ziyan warned that the other peaks might also approach Xu Taiping, and Qingxiao reassured Zhao Linglong that he would not choose before the final Seven Peaks Assembly.
• Qingxiao showed Zhao Linglong a roster of seven likely official disciples, removed Lu Yuan’s portrait, and said Xu Taiping would have less than a thirty percent chance against the remaining six.

Zhao Linglong learned that Xu Taiping faced powerful former mountain disciples at the Seven Peaks Assembly and decided to enter seclusion for the half month before it. Back at the Green Bamboo Abode, Xu Taiping revealed that his preparation had been two years of body tempering under a heavy weight, leaving Bai Yu astonished.

• Qingxiao and Ziyan explained that several Seven Peaks Assembly contestants had strong cultivation despite remaining in the Outer Sect, and Qingxiao doubted Xu Taiping could become an official disciple.
• Zhao Linglong asked Qingxiao to reserve her a spectator spot and announced that she would enter seclusion at the Nourishing Heart Pavilion for half a month.
• Bai Yu warned Xu Taiping that former mountain disciples on the roster could outmatch his martial arts, especially since he could not use the Azure Luan Ring or Ice Breath Art.
• Xu Taiping told Bai Yu that his preparation for the Seven Peaks Assembly had been body tempering, not simply practicing another spell.
• At Fairy Lingyue's suggestion, Xu Taiping removed the heavy weight he had worn while cultivating for two years, and its crash startled Bai Yu.

At the Seven Peaks Assembly, Zhao Linglong, Qingxiao, Ziyan, and Lin Buyu gathered to watch the Outer Sect Disciples compete for places on the mountains. Gongsun Sheng arrived, stirring memories of Lu Chen’s past, before Jin Hezhi and Ye Xuan approached their seats.

• Zhao Linglong and Qingxiao found seats with Ziyan and Lin Buyu after Linglong slept through her half-month seclusion.
• Ziyan explained that her master had given Lin Buyu storybooks to help her learn about worldly affairs, and Qingxiao recalled why Linglong resented Ziyan’s master.
• Gongsun Sheng arrived at the arena, and Ziyan explained that he had once been expelled after his cultivation was crippled but could return to the fifth peak.
• Lin Buyu and Zhao Linglong condemned Lu Chen for abandoning them during a Tiger Demon ambush, and Qingxiao threatened to gouge out his eyes if he bothered Linglong again.
• Jin Hezhi and Ye Xuan approached Ziyan’s seats.

Xu Taiping arrived at the Seven Peaks Assembly and drew the attention of Zhao Linglong, Xu Ziyan, and Lin Buyu, while Jin Hezhi and Ye Xuan mocked his chances. The chapter left Xu Taiping facing Gongsun Sheng, his opponent in the first round.

• Jin Hezhi and Ye Xuan forced two disciples to give up their seats, then Jin Hezhi pestered Xu Ziyan and insulted Zhao Linglong until Qingxiao drove them back with his aura.
• Xu Taiping was announced at the Sword-Suppressing Sword Platform, and Zhao Linglong excitedly went with Xu Ziyan and Lin Buyu to see him.
• Jin Hezhi mocked Zhao Linglong's hopes for Xu Taiping, claiming former mountain disciples would make it impossible for him to earn one of the seven places.
• Gongsun Sheng approached Xu Taiping and told him they would face each other in the first round.

Xu Taiping faced Gongsun Sheng in the Seven Peaks Selection after Gongsun threatened him on Lu Chen’s behalf. Encouraged by Zhao Linglong and the others, Xu Taiping affirmed that he would win a place as an official disciple of the Seventh Peak, then entered the arena to fight Gongsun Sheng.

• Gongsun Sheng told Xu Taiping that Lu Chen wanted him crippled and urged him to withdraw, but Xu Taiping refused and walked toward the arena.
• Zhao Linglong, Qingxiao, Ziyan, and Lin Buyu arrived to welcome Xu Taiping, and Qingxiao confronted Gongsun Sheng for threatening an outer sect disciple.
• Zhao Linglong urged Xu Taiping not to push himself and promised they would find a way to bring him to the Seventh Peak, but Xu Taiping said he would win the Seven Peaks Selection and become its official disciple.
• Xu Taiping and Gongsun Sheng entered the arena for the first match, where Gongsun Sheng threatened to kill Xu Taiping despite Dugu Qingxiao’s backing.

Xu Taiping fought Gongsun Sheng on the Sword-Suppressing Sword Platform, using Green Ox Fist and the Setting Sun Glow Art to withstand Gongsun Sheng’s spells. The match remained unresolved as Gongsun Sheng advanced his Golden Bell Shield to the Immovable Like a Mountain realm.

• Gongsun Sheng opened the match with Lion-Slaying Fist, but Xu Taiping shattered its lion phantom and battered him with a rapid series of punches.
• Gongsun Sheng used Golden Bell Shield to block Xu Taiping’s Ox Horn Crashes the Mountain, then struck Xu Taiping with Lion-Slaying Fist.
• Xu Taiping’s Profound Ice Armor absorbed Gongsun Sheng’s blow, and Xu Taiping counterattacked, driving him back and launching a relentless assault with Charging Ox Breaks the Formation.
• Gongsun Sheng planted his feet and activated Immovable Like a Mountain, leaving Zhao Linglong and Dugu Qingxiao worried that Xu Taiping’s Green Ox Fist could not break through.

Xu Taiping’s Charging Ox Fist broke through Gongsun Sheng’s Golden Bell Shield and killed him in the arena. The spectators were left in stunned silence.

• Xu Taiping’s hundred and first through hundred and third punches made Gongsun Sheng stagger and broke through his Immovable Like a Mountain defense.
• Gongsun Sheng embedded his arms in the arena to keep from being pushed out, confident that his Golden Bell Shield could withstand Xu Taiping’s attacks.
• Xu Taiping’s hundred and seventh punch sent Thousandfold Force through Gongsun Sheng’s shield and split his forehead open.
• Xu Taiping struck with his final punch before Gongsun Sheng could concede, shattering the ground beneath him and killing him.
• Gongsun Sheng’s Golden Bell Shield shattered several breaths later, leaving the arena and Cloud Tower in silence.

After defeating Gongsun Sheng, Xu Taiping prepared for his next match while discussing with Fairy Lingyue how he wanted to test himself and seek the Ultimate Realm. Ji Wuyou then faced Qi Baili, giving Xu Taiping a chance to study the sword-controlling art that might be used against him.

• The examiner declared Xu Taiping the winner, and Zhao Linglong and Dugu Qingxiao discussed the effort behind his victory and the dangerous opponents still ahead.
• Xu Taiping reflected that he had won by striking first and using the Green Ox Fist and Seven-Kill Blade, while Fairy Lingyue warned his next opponents might prevent him from taking the initiative.
• Xu Taiping told Fairy Lingyue he wanted to set those advantages aside and try to reach the Ultimate Realm, and she approved of his plan.
• Ji Wuyou threatened Xu Taiping before flying onto the arena, where the examiner announced his match against Qi Baili.
• Fairy Lingyue explained that Ji Wuyou used an ordinary Qi-Driven Sword-Controlling Art rather than true Sword Flight, and Xu Taiping decided to watch the match closely.

Ji Wuyou killed Qi Baili after severing both his arms, then faced Xu Taiping in the final match of the Seven Peaks Selection. As the peak disciples debated whether Xu Taiping should withdraw, he entered the arena carrying six sabers to fight for first place and a chance to become an official disciple.

• Qingxiao and Ziyan explained that Ji Wuyou had once been a Fourth Peak disciple who was expelled after killing a fellow disciple, and that his sword control was driven by qi rather than divine soul.
• Ji Wuyou used a gust of wind and his flying sword to sever both of Qi Baili’s arms, then killed him as he begged to surrender.
• Jin Hezhi urged Zhao Linglong and Qingxiao to persuade Xu Taiping to quit, but Lin Buyu said Xu Taiping would not retreat from the danger.
• Xu Taiping and Ji Wuyou entered the arena for the final match, which would decide first place and a place in the Seven Peaks Sword Inquiry.
• Ji Wuyou mocked Xu Taiping for carrying six sabers, and Xu Taiping told him he would understand soon.

Xu Taiping fought Ji Wuyou by sacrificing his own body to restrain the flying sword and severing Ji Wuyou’s arm. As Ji Wuyou began casting the Mutual Harm Spell, the match’s outcome remained uncertain.

• Xu Taiping chained saber techniques against Ji Wuyou, but Ji Wuyou’s flying sword shattered two of his sabers and disrupted his footing with a spell.
• Xu Taiping let Ji Wuyou’s flying sword pierce him, then froze the blood around his body and trapped the sword in ice.
• Xu Taiping struck Ji Wuyou with Soul Pursuit, cutting off one of his arms before Ji Wuyou pulled the flying sword free.
• Xu Taiping sealed his back wound with Crimson Dawn True Qi and continued attacking, gaining the advantage as Ji Wuyou struggled to fight with one arm.
• Ji Wuyou used the Wind, Come Spell to create distance, then invoked the Mutual Harm Spell to return Xu Taiping’s pain tenfold.

Ji Wuyou used the Mutual Harm Spell to make Xu Taiping suffer ten times his pain, then tried to humiliate him as he weakened him. Xu Taiping endured the agony, severed Ji Wuyou’s remaining arm, and kept advancing as Ji Wuyou launched a desperate flying-sword attack.

• Ji Wuyou stabbed and mutilated himself to inflict tenfold pain on Xu Taiping through the Mutual Harm Spell.
• Zhao Linglong protested that the match was unfair, but Xu Ziyan explained that the rules did not ban the cursed art, while Jin Hezhi defended Ji Wuyou.
• Ji Wuyou made Xu Taiping suffer by tearing off his fingernail and demanded that he kneel and lick his boot.
• Xu Taiping suddenly slashed through Ji Wuyou’s Protective Gang Qi and severed his remaining arm, showing little sign of being overcome by the pain.
• Ji Wuyou cut into his own body with his flying sword as Xu Taiping continued toward him, then poured out his true essence and sent the sword thrusting at Xu Taiping.

Xu Taiping defeated Ji Wuyou despite enduring the Mutual Harm Spell, earning a place in Sword Inquiry with the Seven Peaks. Jin Hezhi then arranged for Ye Xuan to challenge him, revealing his deep hatred of the Seventh Peak and mentioning the fall of Ye Xuan’s homeland.

• Xu Taiping endured the pain of Ji Wuyou’s Mutual Harm Spell and killed him, winning their bout.
• Qingxiao explained that Xu Taiping had likely borne ten times the pain Ji Wuyou suffered, while the Examiner announced his victory and qualification for Sword Inquiry.
• Xu Taiping smiled toward Zhao Linglong and the others, who congratulated him, but Jin Hezhi insisted the First Peak could challenge him first.
• Jin Hezhi revealed his resentment toward the Seventh Peak because its Peak Lord had killed his mother, whom he believed had not succumbed to demonic corruption.
• Ye Xuan volunteered to undertake Sword Inquiry against Xu Taiping, and Jin Hezhi accepted his offer.
• Ye Xuan mocked Xu Taiping’s name and recalled learning that the Wei Kingdom had destroyed the Heavenly Wolf Kingdom and killed or captured its imperial clan.

At the Seven Peaks Sword Inquiry, the First Peak chose Xu Taiping, who still intended to join the Seventh Peak. The First Peak sent Ye Xuan to challenge him, setting up their trial.

• Jin Hezhi provoked Dugu Qingxiao and Xu Ziyan, but Xu Ziyan and Zhao Linglong stopped Dugu Qingxiao from attacking him.
• Xu Taiping told Bai Yu that he would choose the Seventh Peak even if another peak selected him, and Fairy Lingyue warned him not to repeat his reckless tactic from the last match.
• Elder Black Dragon announced that the First Peak would choose the first challenger for the Sword Inquiry.
• The First Peak's Peak Lord selected Xu Taiping, surprising the watching disciples and leaving Xu Taiping reluctant to accept.
• The examiner explained the trial's rules to Xu Taiping, and the First Peak named Ye Xuan as its challenger.

Xu Taiping faced Ye Xuan in Sword Inquiry and discovered that Ye Xuan harbored intense killing intent toward him. The match began with both revealing formidable cultivation and exchanging fierce sword and saber strikes, leaving their fight unresolved.

• Xu Taiping recognized Ye Xuan as the boy from the spirit bone test three years earlier and noticed Ye Xuan's hostility.
• Ye Xuan declared that he could kill Xu Taiping without treasures or spells, while Xu Taiping prepared to defend himself.
• The examiner announced the start of the match, and both fighters revealed cultivation at Great Completion of the Gate Opening Realm or higher.
• Ye Xuan launched an attack with his sword, and Xu Taiping countered with the Seven-Kill Blade's Third Kill, Steel-Breaking.
• Xu Taiping and Ye Xuan traded repeated clashes, impressing the onlookers with Xu Taiping's strength.