Chapter Summaries

Huyan Lanruo relentlessly pursued Nie Li as Chen Linjian's group reached a ruined city and chose to investigate its Drill Ground. A black-robed bandit party followed them into the city, planning to kidnap the highest-ranking youths and kill the rest.

• Huyan Lanruo publicly declared that she intended to pursue Nie Li, who repeatedly escaped her advances while Ye Ziyun laughed at his flustered behavior.
• Nie Li and the others reached the ruined city, where Chen Linjian consulted his map and warned that Azure-Armed Giant Apes still occupied the area.
• Nie Li argued that the City Lord's Drill Ground might conceal something unusual, persuading Chen Linjian to lead the group there.
• Lord Yunhua ordered his black-robed followers to capture the highest-ranking youths for ransom and kill everyone else.

Chen Linjian's party fought off Azure-Armed Giant Apes, but a powerful leader summoned more beasts and forced them to retreat toward a fortress. The fight left A-Ming dead, and Chen Linjian divided the party into teams to regroup.

• Nie Li killed an Azure-Armed Giant Ape with an arrow, and Chen Linjian used the opening to kill another.
• Shen Yue missed repeatedly while Nie Li continued to hit the apes with every arrow.
• Nie Li warned that a Silver-Rank Azure-Armed Giant Ape was near Gold Rank, so Chen Linjian led the party into the forest to fight.
• Ye Ziyun and Huyan Lanruo helped kill the apes, while Huyan Lanruo used her Snow Cherry Demon Spirit to make two apes fight each other.
• After the Silver-Rank ape summoned more companions, Chen Linjian ordered a retreat toward the fortress, and A-Ming died saving him from an attack.
• Chen Linjian split the survivors into six teams and ordered them to regroup at the fortress.

After the Sky Screen ended with Nie Li facing the Azure-Armed Giant Ape, Nie Li went to the Alchemist Association to arrange the Nine Profound Pills that could help Ye Zong reach Legendary. The Sacred Family prepared to aid the Dark Guild, while Nie Li and the alchemists began preparations to refine the pills.

• The third Sky Screen broadcast ended as Nie Li stayed behind to face the Silver Rank Azure-Armed Giant Ape, and Huyan Lanruo believed he was risking himself to save her and Ye Ziyun.
• Ye Zong asked Nie Li about the Nine Profound Pills, then sent Ye Xiu with him to the Alchemist Association.
• Shen Hong revealed that he planned to support the Dark Guild from within and help it attack Glory City or escape under its protection.
• Yang Xin welcomed Nie Li and Ye Xiu at the Alchemist Association, where Nie Li gave Gu Yan and the other alchemists the lost Nine Profound Pill formula.
• Nie Li promised to guide the alchemists through refining the pills in a day and a night, then went with Yang Xin to select ingredients and an alchemy furnace.

Nie Li oversaw the successful refining of nine Nine Profound Pills and arranged for Glory City to prepare for the coming Hundred-Million Beast Tide. He left Ye Xiu to deliver the pills to the City Lord while the Alchemist Association began mass-producing his formulas and anti-beast-tide weapons.

• Nie Li selected the Alchemist Association’s best herbs and crimson Alchemy Furnace for refining Nine Profound Pills.
• Nie Li directed President Gu Yan, Elder Hu Shuo, and the other alchemists through a day and night of refining until they produced nine successful pills.
• Nie Li sent Ye Xiu to the City Lord’s Mansion with the pills so the City Lord could break through first.
• Nie Li warned the alchemists that a Hundred-Million Beast Tide had destroyed Glory City in his previous life and gave them eighteen inexpensive pill formulas to mass-produce.
• Nie Li also gave the Alchemist Association instructions for making weapons to counter the beast tide and spent two days answering questions and translating a Pharmacopoeia.

Ye Zong and Chen Zhenglong broke through to Legendary rank, while Du Ze, Xiao Ning'er, and Ye Ziyun advanced to Silver rank. Ye Zong planned a banquet for Han’s return, and Nie Li realized Ye Han had never appeared in his memories of his previous life.

• Nie Li used the Meridian-Sealing Hand to force Du Ze, Xiao Ning'er, and Ye Ziyun from five-star Bronze to Silver rank, and they repaired their meridians with pills.
• Ye Zong emerged from seclusion as a Legendary Demon Spirit Master, and Ye Xiu reported that Chen Zhenglong had reached Legendary rank as well.
• Nie Li advised Ye Zong and Chen Zhenglong to conceal their new ranks, and Ye Zong sealed part of his Soul Sea to appear as a five-star Black Gold Demon Spirit Master.
• Ye Zong asked Nie Li to choose demon spirits for the three new Silver Rank Demon Spirit Masters and announced a banquet after Han returned.
• When Ye Zong explained that Han was his adopted son Ye Han, Nie Li said Ye Ziyun had never mentioned him in his previous life.

Nie Li searched the City Lord's Mansion's demon spirit treasury and found god-tier growth potential spirits for Du Ze, Xiao Ning'er, and Ye Ziyun. Outside Glory City, Ye Han returned with Elder Ye Ming and learned from the Sky Screen visions that Nie Li was close to Ye Ziyun, a revelation he refused to accept.

• Nie Li explained demon spirit growth potential to Du Ze, Ye Ziyun, and Xiao Ning'er, then searched the treasury for exceptional spirits.
• Ye Zong showed Nie Li his Black-Scaled Earth Dragon, which Nie Li judged to have exceptional growth potential.
• Nie Li found a god-tier Black Gold Rank Nether Bear for Du Ze and selected a god-tier Gold Rank Gale Thunder Eagle for Xiao Ning'er and Iceglass Frost Sparrow for Ye Ziyun.
• Nie Li also chose several Silver Rank and Gold Rank demon spirits for Lu Piao and the others preparing to break through.
• Ye Han returned to Glory City with Elder Ye Ming, and they saw the Sky Screen visions about Nie Li and his knowledge.
• Ye Han learned that Nie Li and Ye Ziyun were husband and wife in the visions, and he resolved not to accept the revelation.

Nie Li integrated with the Fangtooth Panda and attended the City Lord's Mansion banquet, where he and his companions drew attention for their strength. After Shen Fei insulted Xiao Ning'er, Nie Li sent him flying and warned him to watch his mouth.

• Nie Li broke through to Silver rank, integrated with the Shadow Demon Spirit, and chose the weak Bronze-rank Fangtooth Panda for its god-tier growth potential.
• Ye Han returned to Glory City as a three-star Gold Demon Spirit Master and learned that Nie Li had been reborn and that Nie Li and Ye Ziyun had been spouses in a previous life.
• Nie Li and his companions attended the banquet, where the aristocratic families marveled at the youths' cultivation ranks and Shen Hong watched Nie Li with murderous intent.
• Shen Fei accused Xiao Ning'er of violating her marriage agreement and insulted Nie Li, so Nie Li knocked him into a pillar and threatened to cripple him.

At the banquet, Nie Li humiliated Shen Fei and confronted Shen Hong over the Sacred Family’s future conduct during the beast tide. He secured the Wind Snow Family’s control of the western wall’s City Defense Army, while Ye Han grew determined to stop Nie Li from rising further.

• Nie Li kicked Shen Fei across the banquet, then dodged Huyan Lanruo as she rushed to thank him and accidentally hugged Xiao Ning'er.
• Shen Hong intervened to defend Shen Fei, and Nie Li accused the Sacred Family of abandoning Glory City in his previous life when the western wall fell.
• Shen Hong swore the Sacred Family would lead the defense when the beast tide came, and Nie Li asked for the Wind Snow Family to take over the City Defense Army at the western wall.
• The family patriarchs approved Nie Li’s request, and Yang Xin increased the Sacred Family’s cultivation-pill allotment in return.
• Ye Han realized he had lost his chance to become City Lord and resolved to prevent Nie Li from growing stronger.

Nie Li arranged to sabotage the Sacred Family’s pills and warned Ye Zong that Ye Han might not accept losing the City Lord position. Ye Han secretly resolved to claim the position and Ye Ziyun for himself, while Nie Li prepared to target the Sacred Family’s lower-ranking members.

• Nie Li gave Yang Xin a list of common ingredients that would make the Sacred Family’s pills boost cultivation while destabilizing soul force and causing a toxin to accumulate.
• Ye Han told Ye Zong he would support Ye Ziyun, but after he left, Nie Li warned Ye Zong that Ye Han’s motives might be more dangerous than they appeared.
• Ye Han read a letter from Shen Xiu and vowed that the City Lord position and Ye Ziyun belonged to him.
• On the fifth day, Nie Li received information from Ye Shuo about the Sacred Family’s main and collateral lines, then disguised himself and entered their estate.
• Nie Li headed for the Sacred Family’s estate, where he planned to target the collateral members who were being denied cultivation pills.

Nie Li infiltrated the Sacred Family and recruited Shen Ning and Shen Xiao as undercover agents by offering them better cultivation resources and techniques. He left them with soul seals, poisoned pills to avoid, and orders to gain the main line’s attention while gathering intelligence for him.

• Nie Li disguised himself as a Sacred Family servant and entered the branch-family grounds to find Shen Ning and Shen Xiao.
• Shen Ning and Shen Xiao complained about receiving fewer resources than the main-line descendants, especially Shen Fei.
• Nie Li revealed himself and offered the two talented branch members cultivation techniques, demon spirits, pills, and a chance to work for him.
• Shen Ning and Shen Xiao agreed to become Nie Li’s agents, and he secretly planted soul seals in their Soul Seas.
• Nie Li tested their Soul Sea forms, gave them suitable techniques and pills, warned them that the Sacred Family’s pills were poisoned, and ordered them to gain influence and pass him intelligence.

Nie Li secretly drugged Shen Fei, Shen Yue, and Shen Xiu in the Sacred Family’s grounds, leading to a scandalous encounter. The next day, Xiao Ning’er brought news of a major incident at the Sacred Family, and Ye Xiu began explaining what had happened.

• Nie Li found Shen Fei drunk and arguing with Shen Xiu and Shen Yue, then secretly put two powders into the sobering soup and tea.
• Shen Xiu forced Shen Fei to drink the soup, while Shen Yue and Shen Xiu drank the tea; the powders caused them to hallucinate and grow excited.
• Shen Fei and Shen Yue mistook Shen Xiu for Xiao Ning’er and Ye Ziyun, then began groping her as the three lost control of themselves.
• The next day, Nie Li finished cultivating while Du Ze and Lu Piao trained in the City Lord’s Mansion courtyard.
• Xiao Ning’er rushed in and announced that something huge had happened to the Sacred Family, and Ye Xiu began explaining the previous day’s events.

The Sacred Family’s scandal ruined Shen Xiu, Shen Yue, and Shen Fei, while Nie Li’s group reached Silver Rank and the fourth Sky Screen began showing Nie Li fleeing an Azure-Armed Giant Ape. Nie Li tricked the Dark Guild into confronting the beast, then escaped after blaming Shen Yue, who fainted in rage as he watched.

• Shen Hong punished Shen Fei and Shen Yue, confined Shen Xiu, and saw the scandal spread through Glory City; Xiao Yunfeng canceled the marriage agreement, and the Holy Orchid Institute expelled Shen Xiu.
• Ye Han fell silent over Shen Xiu’s fate, while Nie Li regarded the consequences as partial repayment for old grievances.
• By the seventh day, Nie Li and his companions had reached Silver Rank and integrated compatible demon spirits, and the fourth Sky Screen appeared.
• Nie Li fought the Silver Rank Azure-Armed Giant Ape, lost his Flame-Rage Sword, and used soul force to escape its grasp.
• Nie Li lured the Azure-Armed Giant Ape into Steward Yun Hua’s Dark Guild group, blamed Shen Yue, and fled while the group fought the beast.
• Shen Yue watched Nie Li use his name on the Sky Screen, spat blood, and fainted.

Nie Li and Ye Ziyun found an ancient statue before falling into a deep chasm and discovering Emperor Kongming’s tomb. They searched for a way out and learned the tomb belonged to a mysterious Sacred Empire emperor.

• Nie Li told Ye Ziyun he had lured the giant ape toward the Dark Guild, and the two continued through the dark wilderness together.
• Nie Li translated the writing on an enormous statue from the Sacred Empire era, then avoided explaining how he knew the language.
• The ground split beneath Ye Ziyun, and Nie Li jumped after her; after his dagger broke, Ye Ziyun used ice snow spider demon silk to stop their fall.
• Nie Li accidentally groped Ye Ziyun while pulling her back to safety, and she slapped him.
• At the bottom of the chasm, Nie Li and Ye Ziyun found a stele identifying the place as Emperor Kongming’s tomb, and Nie Li explained the emperor’s legend.

Nie Li and Ye Ziyun navigated Emperor Kongming’s tomb, where they discovered the remains of Gulan City’s people and gathered supplies to strengthen Glory City. Meanwhile, the Dark Guild captured Shen Yue but left him under guard, and Nie Li ended the chapter approaching the soul-force-emitting coffin.

• Nie Li explained that even cultivation beyond Legendary rank could not grant immortality and guided Ye Ziyun through a triggered arrow trap in Emperor Kongming’s tomb.
• Steward Yun Hua’s Dark Guild group captured Shen Yue, then released him into the custody of one guard after learning he was from the Sacred Family.
• Nie Li and Ye Ziyun found a hall filled with skeletal remains and learned it had likely served as a refuge during Gulan City’s fall.
• Nie Li insisted that they take the weapons and treasures to help protect Glory City, while Ye Ziyun apologized to the dead as she gathered the items.
• Nie Li noticed that the coffin at the center of the hall emitted soul-force fluctuations and turned his attention to it.

Nie Li opened Emperor Kongming's coffin, absorbed its soul force, and found a remnant page of the Book of Time and Space Spirit and the Deep Sapphire necklace. After rescuing the unconscious Ye Ziyun, he treated her injuries and confessed that he liked her as they searched for a way out.

• Nie Li touched the coffin and absorbed a surge of soul force while Ye Ziyun tried to reach him through the Restriction and collapsed unconscious.
• Nie Li opened the coffin and found no body, but discovered a remnant page of the Book of Time and Space Spirit and the Deep Sapphire necklace.
• Nie Li treated Ye Ziyun's wounds, placed the Deep Sapphire necklace around her neck, and covered her with a blanket.
• Ye Ziyun woke, accepted the necklace for safekeeping after Nie Li explained its value, and changed into a fresh dress.
• As Nie Li and Ye Ziyun searched the secret passage for an exit, Nie Li told her he liked her, and Ye Ziyun said she would consider it once he became a Gold Demon Spirit Master.

Nie Li and Ye Ziyun explored the tomb beneath Gulan City, found its treasure chamber, and reunited with Chen Linjian’s group. After Nie Li claimed the Shadow Demon Spirit Lamp, Chu Yuan’s resentment toward him deepened.

• Ye Ziyun promised to keep her word if Nie Li became a Gold Demon Spirit Master next year, while Glory City’s residents grew confident in his potential.
• Chu Yuan mocked Huyan Lanruo’s hope that Nie Li would return, and Chen Linjian split his group to search the ruins and drill ground.
• Nie Li told Ye Ziyun that the tomb had no exit, but they might escape if Chen Linjian dug through the sealed entrance at the drill ground.
• Nie Li and Ye Ziyun entered a treasure chamber, where Nie Li claimed the Shadow Demon Spirit Lamp and Ye Ziyun chose two valuable cultivation items.
• Chen Linjian’s group broke into the chamber from the drill ground, and Chen Linjian let Nie Li keep his chosen item while the others gathered the remaining treasures.
• Chen Linjian rejected Chu Yuan’s suggestion to force Nie Li and Ye Ziyun to surrender their valuables, leaving Chu Yuan to direct his anger at Nie Li.

After returning from Gulan City, Nie Li dealt with Huyan Lanruo’s affection and learned that Shen Yue had returned, likely after the Dark Guild collected a ransom. Meanwhile, Shen Fei clashed with Ye Hong over Xiao Ning’er, and Shen Hong turned to two talented collateral relatives to strengthen the Sacred Family; the chapter ended with Nie Li and his friends fleeing campus enforcement as Xiao Ning’er approached.

• Chen Linjian thanked Nie Li for helping the expedition and led the group back after they collected the treasures from Gulan City.
• Huyan Lanruo embraced Nie Li on his return, and the Golden Feather Eagle reached Gold Rank after consuming pills.
• Nie Li learned from Du Ze and Lu Piao that Shen Yue had returned and suspected the Dark Guild had released him after receiving a ransom.
• Shen Fei overheard gossip about Xiao Ning’er and Huyan Lanruo competing for Nie Li, then argued with Ye Hong when Ye Hong warned him not to mistreat Xiao Ning’er.
• Shen Hong summoned Shen Ning and Shen Xiao after they reached two-star and five-star Gold Rank, intending to bring them into the Sacred Family’s inner affairs.
• Nie Li and his friends climbed over the campus wall to evade the enforcement team, and Xiao Ning’er came over as they argued in the street.

Nie Li recognized a Dark Guild leader at the Star Picking Restaurant and concluded that the Sacred Family was secretly allied with the Dark Guild. He brought Xiao Ning'er, Lu Piao, and Du Ze to the Alchemist Association, where he announced that he would take the junior Alchemy Master examination.

• Nie Li reassured Xiao Ning'er that he did not like Huyan Lanruo while Lu Piao and Du Ze teased them.
• Nie Li recognized a passing man and his companions as members of the Dark Guild, and Xiao Ning'er identified their affiliation with the Sacred Family's Star Picking Restaurant.
• Nie Li concluded that Glory City was no longer safe and set out with his companions to find support.
• After the Sky Screen exposed the apparent collusion, Ye Zong ordered Ye Shuo to investigate the Sacred Family, while Shen Hong prepared to withdraw his forces and flee when the beast tide came.
• Nie Li and his companions entered the deserted Alchemist Association, where he told Xiao Lan he would take the junior Alchemy Master examination.

Nie Li took the Junior Alchemy Master examination and answered every question perfectly, astonishing the examiners despite being only thirteen. President Gu Yan ordered him to take the next round after learning his age.

• Nie Li paid the examination fee and ignored Chu Ning's mockery before entering the exam hall.
• Nie Li completed twenty question sheets quickly, and Hu Yanming and Mu Yang found every answer flawless.
• Chu Ning struggled through the exam, failed for the third time, and challenged Nie Li to prove he could pass.
• Nie Li said the examination was too easy and discussed supporting aspiring alchemists and improving Glory City's defenses.
• Hu Yanming and Mu Yang showed Nie Li's answers to President Gu Yan, who approved the next round and was stunned to learn Nie Li was thirteen.

Nie Li passed the Junior Alchemy Master theory exam and astonished the Alchemist Association by answering every question on its Council Hall wall in an hour. After President Gu Yan praised his talent and ordered an Advanced Alchemy Master's robe and badge, Nie Li claimed his answers came from his master, then said that he really did have one.

• President Gu Yan summoned Nie Li to the Council Hall after learning he had passed the Junior Alchemy Master theory exam, while Chu Ning was devastated by the news.
• Nie Li began answering the Alchemist Association's unanswered alchemy questions despite Hu Yanming's warning, and Hu Yanming was astonished by his solutions.
• Nie Li answered every question on the wall in an hour, and President Gu Yan, Yang Xin, and Mu Yang found no flaws in his work.
• Yang Xin recognized Nie Li as the author of a letter about purple mist grass, and Nie Li claimed his master had written his alchemy answers and sent him to take the exam.
• President Gu Yan ordered Yang Xin to prepare an Advanced Alchemy Master's robe and badge, and Nie Li told Xiao Ning'er that he really did have a master.