Chapter Summaries

Chen Xiaojun negotiated major academy and currency plans with the women leaders while the Chen Clan’s power structure shifted to a new core led by Chen Zixiu, Bo Xian'er, Lu Xueqi, and Zhang Xiaofan. He postponed Ma Wencai’s request to become his follower until after the Gaoying Tournament’s Provincial Preliminary.

• Chen Xiaojun and the women agreed that the Chen Clan would fund academy construction while the women provided land, with ownership split equally.
• Chen Xiaojun discussed expanding Chen Crystal Card circulation and future local-currency swaps with Bo Xian'er, Xia Qingyun, Xue Chuxin, and Xue Churan.
• Soul Fighting City began preparing its own crystal card system after recognizing the potential of Chen Crystal Cards.
• Chen Zixiu, Bo Xian'er, Lu Xueqi, and Zhang Xiaofan discussed their arrangements as the Chen Clan’s new strategic power core, with Lu Xueqi formally taking office.
• Ma Tianyang and Ma Zhibin pressed Chen Cong and Chen Xiaojun to consider Ma Wencai as a follower, but Chen Xiaojun deferred the decision until after the tournament preliminary and said Ma Wencai still needed to prove his potential.

Xia Qingyun visited Xue Shiqiong at the Chen Residence, where their meeting revealed that Xue Shiqiong had once been Xia Qingyun’s disciple. The revelation stunned the women in the hall and left Xue Chuxin overwhelmed.

• Xia Qingyun brought Yang Jingxue and the Xue sisters to meet Xue Shiqiong, while asking Na Ruoyun to wait behind.
• Xia Qingyun entered Xue Chuxin’s hall and found Xue Shiqiong, Ji Tiantian, and Mu Lingyun waiting there.
• Xia Qingyun teased Mu Lingyun about her worn appearance, and Mu Lingyun reminded her that she had been left to manage the Chen Clan’s businesses.
• Xue Shiqiong knelt to serve Xia Qingyun tea and called her “Master,” revealing their past master-disciple relationship.
• Xue Shiqiong explained that she had recognized Xia Qingyun by her eyes and bearing, stunning Yang Jingxue, Mu Lingyun, and Xue Chuxin.

Xue Chuxin learned that Xia Qingyun had secretly been Xue Shiqiong’s master for years and worried about her motives. Xia Qingyun teased her, explained that she had simply liked Shi Qiong, and then resumed the hall’s proceedings before calling Shi Qiong outside.

• Xue Chuxin realized that Xia Qingyun was the mysterious master who had helped Xue Shiqiong advance her cultivation, and wondered whether their family had been under Xia Qingyun’s watch for decades.
• Xue Shiqiong struggled with the revelation that her eldest aunt was also her master, while Yang Jingxue privately found the situation amusing.
• Xia Qingyun approached Xue Chuxin, teased her about her alarm, and invited her to ask what was troubling her.
• Xue Chuxin asked why Xia Qingyun had taken Shi Qiong as her disciple, and Xia Qingyun said she had liked the girl and wanted her close.
• Xia Qingyun revealed that she had noticed Xue Chuxin using Phoenix Blood Heartlock to conceal Shi Qiong’s martial soul and talent, then traded barbed remarks with Xue Chuxin.
• Xia Qingyun gave gifts to Xue Shiqiong and Ji Tiantian, then called Xue Shiqiong outside.

Chang'an Academy assembled a large support team and prepared to leave for Tianling City for the Gaoying Tournament Provincial Preliminary. Before the departure, Xia Qingyun urged Xiao Yi to pursue her own path as an emperor, while revealing that the three families had changed their strategy to cultivate her god-level martial soul through harsher trials.

• Chang'an Academy assembled a party of fifty or sixty people, including competitors, advisers, scouts, analysts, medical staff, and logistics personnel, for the trip to Tianling City.
• Xia Qingyun and Yang Jingxue teased each other over whether Xiao Yi should call them Grandmother or Honorary Grandmother.
• Xia Qingyun told Xiao Yi that the Heavenly Prodigy Ranking's Top Rank was an honor rather than a restraint and urged her to shine boldly under the Donghuang name.
• Xiao Yi accepted Xia Qingyun's teaching and left, while Yang Jingxue asked whether the advice would work.
• Xia Qingyun explained that the three families had changed their plan for Xiao Yi and believed trials of blood and fire were needed to hone an emperor's edge.

Xia Qingyun discussed Xiao Yi’s gifted goddaughter with Yang Jingxue, then explained how the Nine Yang Divine Skill strengthened her combat power and helped heal injuries from her fight with the Snake Emperor. She reassured Xue Shiqiong that she would protect her from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, leaving Xue Shiqiong more confident and at ease.

• Yang Jingxue praised the girl she had taught, and Xia Qingyun agreed that the girl was exceptionally talented and composed.
• Xia Qingyun drank Wine Reishi Wine and used the Great Sun Heaven-Burning Art and Nine Yang Divine Skill to purge the Snake Emperor’s God-Devouring Fire poison from her meridians.
• Xia Qingyun reflected that combining the two arts had raised her strength to the peak of level 96, with signs of early level 97 combat power.
• Xue Shiqiong told Xia Qingyun she preferred to let things take their natural course and continue living quietly.
• Xia Qingyun vowed to protect Xue Shiqiong from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, and Xue Shiqiong felt her burdens lift and gained confidence.

Chen Xiaojun’s team set out for Tianling City to compete in the Gaoying Tournament after enduring thirty consecutive training defeats. As the convoy traveled, Chen Xiaojun reviewed the team’s levels and newly acquired Soul Bones.

• The team departed, and its members complained about Chen Xiaojun’s brutal special training and thirty straight losses.
• The travelers discussed their comfortable custom carriages, the distance to Tianling City, and the several days their journey would take.
• Zhu Wuneng shouted that they were heading for the Alps, Danube River, and Tianling City, leaving Dugu Fu exasperated.
• Chen Mu asked what Chen Xiaojun was reading, and Chen Xiaojun showed him a tally of the team’s levels and Soul Bones.
• Chen Mu considered how recent Soul Bone acquisitions and training had strengthened the team, including Gao Cuilan and Ji Bochang receiving skull bones to improve their control abilities.

Chen Xiaojun, Chen Mu, and Xiao Yi studied intelligence on their Provincial Preliminary opponents, with Chen Xiaojun assigning Chen Mu responsibility for eighteen academies. After traveling to Tianling City, the team settled at the Chen Clan residence there.

• Su Ningxia and Ma Liang had absorbed inherited soul bones, while Chen Shurui and Chen Bin absorbed matching light- and dark-attribute left arm bones; Chen Mu and Zhu Wuneng had absorbed none.
• Chen Xiaojun made Chen Mu review a large stack of documents about the other tournament teams, and Xiao Yi joined them in studying the intelligence.
• Chen Mu discovered that Changyu Academy had developed a formation to counter control-type soul masters, and Chen Xiaojun assigned him to devise strategies against it.
• Chen Mu protested when Chen Xiaojun said only the Three Major Academies counted as the adults' table, leaving Chen Mu to handle the other eighteen academies; Xiao Yi then helped examine Changyu Academy's formation.
• Chen Xiaojun, Chen Mu, and Xiao Yi discussed ways to counter Changyu Academy before reaching Tianling City on April 30 and staying at the Chen Clan residence.

Chang'an Academy's delegation arrived at the Heavenly Spirit Arena for the advanced academy tournament, drawing attention for Xiao Hongchen and its other notable members. As the captains gathered, Chen Xiaojun exchanged courteous words with Zhong Weifeng while Shi Fei'ang prepared to pursue the title; the tournament was about to begin.

• Wang Baoqiang admired the Heavenly Spirit Arena as Dugu Fu explained the battle-hardened history of the Northern Four Commanderies.
• Spectators discussed Chang'an Academy's delegation, its recent injuries, and the reputations of Xiao Hongchen, Chen Mu, Ma Liang, and the others.
• The chapter identified the twenty-one advanced academy teams and described how their captains assessed one another before the competition.
• Zhong Weifeng asked Chen Xiaojun to go easy on Yuesi Academy, and Chen Xiaojun politely returned the request for guidance.
• Shi Fei'ang resolved to win the provincial championship for Canghui Academy before graduating.

Chang'an Academy prepared to face Changyu Academy in the opening match of the tournament, with Chen Mu leading the team and trading taunts with Changyu's captain. The referee started the match as both teams braced for battle.

• Yan Chengyi told Chen Xiaojun's team that Changyu Academy was their first-round opponent, and Chen Mu reviewed the teachers' tactics before deciding to keep the lineup and strategy they had prepared.
• Chen Mu led Chang'an Academy's standard lineup onto the field, where Chang'an and Changyu's supporters filled opposing halves of the arena.
• Chang Kuan taunted Chang'an Academy over its missing Golden Generation, and Chen Mu answered that they were babies at home but savage beasts outside.
• Chen Mu rallied his teammates to repay their past losses, while Chang Kuan warned Changyu's team to watch the level-37 Soul Elder in Chang'an's lineup.
• The referee raised his hand and declared the match begun.

Chang'an Academy launched a coordinated attack that shattered Changyu Academy's layered water defenses. Chen Mu defeated captain Chang Kuan and declared Chang'an the winner.

• Ma Wencai trapped Changyu Academy's team in an illusion, and Gao Cuilan's soul skill further disrupted their movements.
• Ma Liang and Zhu Wuneng attacked with fire from above and below, while Chang Kuan and two teammates raised layered water defenses.
• Chen Bin and Chen Shurui joined their sword skills into a vortex that combined with the fire to form the Wind-Fire Sword Wheel.
• The combined assault shattered Changyu Academy's defenses and blasted its members across the arena, knocking two Soul Elders unconscious.
• Chen Mu held his sword to Chang Kuan's neck and taunted Changyu Academy after defeating its captain.

Chang'an Academy defeated Changyu Academy with a swift, coordinated attack, prompting rival teams to analyze ways to counter its tactics. The chapter ends with Yun Huayi and Zuo Tingjun discussing why Yun traveled to the Northern Region, hinting that he had another reason beyond studying Zhuo Qianren.

• Chen Mu and his teammates withdrew their martial souls after Chang'an Academy won, while spectators celebrated and rival coaches discussed the team's targeted, high-speed strategy.
• Zhong Weifeng led Yuesi Academy in identifying ways to counter Chang'an Academy's illusions and Wind-Fire Sword Vortex, then ordered targeted training before their match.
• Shi Fei'ang and Shi Liuguang praised Canghui Academy's illusion skills and teamwork while acknowledging that Chang'an Academy could not be underestimated.
• Chen Xiaojun, Chen Mu, and Ma Liang warned their teammates that other academies would prepare countermeasures and that their extreme attack tactic could not be relied on repeatedly.
• Yun Huayi told Zuo Tingjun that he had come to observe Zhuo Qianren's breakthrough, but suggested that this was not his only reason for visiting the Northern Region.

Yun Huayi met with Zuo Tingjun and Yin Duruo to discuss a major opportunity for their faction and the possibility of promotions within the military and civil service. The chapter explains the Silver Plume Alliance’s rise and the political maneuvering behind Xue Chuxin’s recommendations for two Chang’an Military District posts.

• Yun Huayi told Zuo Tingjun and Yin Duruo that important business could increase their faction’s prestige and help the Great General gain promotion to Marshal.
• Zuo Tingjun said the military ministry might soon approve Soul Douluo governors for principal cities, allowing Yin Duruo to advance without surrendering his post as Tianling City’s City Lord.
• The narration described how the Silver Plume Alliance grew into the powerful Silver Plume Faction through the rise of Xue Chuxin, Zuo Tinggang, and the Chen Clan.
• Xue Chuxin recommended Ge Yingtian to command the Chang'an Guard and Yun Huayi for the vacant southern deputy general post after the Guard’s service at Xieluo Mountain.
• Xue Chuxin’s recommendations honored her deal with the Ge Family and helped restore Ge Laizheng’s reputation, while giving Ge Yingtian the backing he needed for the appointment.

Chang'an Academy and Ruian Academy faced off after Ruian’s coach revised his tactics to account for Chang'an’s unexpected lineup. The battle began with fierce matchups across the arena, and Zhu Wuneng sent Ruian captain Niu Ben flying with his Wind Wheel.

• Ruian coach scrapped the team’s planned tactics after seeing Chang’an Academy’s roster, and Niu Ben assigned opponents based on the new lineup.
• Both teams charged at the starting whistle, and Bai Jin and Mei Jibo began a close-range battle with their opposing dragon martial souls.
• Wang Baoqiang attacked Tie Xin, Niel Seven pinned Shi Lei in a defensive duel, and Ma Wencai intercepted Lin Xiao.
• Dugu Fu struck Lei Gang with his Fierce-Yang Wind-Snow Saber and drove him backward.
• Su Yao’s Mass Stone Armor protected Ruian’s team while Xiao Yi’s Life Force Field enhanced Chang’an’s teammates.
• Niu Ben charged Zhu Wuneng, but Zhu Wuneng countered with Wind Wheel and sent the Ruian captain flying several meters.

Zhu Wuneng’s Primordial Immortal Herb-enhanced strength helped Chang'an Team dominate Ruian Team in a contest of individual combat. Ruian Team launched a coordinated counterattack that trapped Zhu Wuneng in a dangerous combination of magma, fire, and tremors, and the battle continued.

• Zhu Wuneng’s strength and soul power had surged after absorbing the Primordial Immortal Herb, and he sent Niu Ben staggering backward.
• Chang'an Team revealed six attackers and abandoned its usual coordinated tactics, while Zhu Wuneng and Dugu Fu pressed Ruian Team’s line.
• Dugu Fu pinned down Lei Gang with alternating ice- and fire-based attacks as Zhu Wuneng drove Niu Ben back.
• Bai Jin moved toward the center and used Molten-Throat Spray to disrupt Wang Baoqiang and Niel Seven, then signaled Niu Ben.
• Niu Ben and Bai Jin combined Earthquake Stomp and Earthfire Surge to create Magma Purgatory around Zhu Wuneng.
• Zhu Wuneng countered with Earthquake Wave, but Mei Jibo froze the ground with Frost Dragon Breath as Bai Jin and Niu Ben continued attacking.

The Ruian team’s fighters traded powerful attacks, while Xiao Yi kept Chang'an Academy’s team healed and calmly evaded Lin Xiao’s spear. The chapter ended with an observer praising Xiao Yi’s Penetrating Insight and calling her a world-settling azure luan.

• Shi Lei and Tie Xin teamed up to block Wang Baoqiang and Niel Seven, then Tie Xin wounded Niel Seven with Armor-Piercing Strike.
• Lei Gang feinted at Dugu Fu with Thunderclap Sky-Piercing, but his lightning attack instead forced Ma Wencai to defend himself.
• Ma Wencai’s Sun True Fire weakened Lin Xiao’s Gale War Spear, but Lei Gang’s attack disrupted their clash and gave Lin Xiao an opening.
• Lin Xiao hurled his spear toward Xiao Yi, who dodged it with three small steps while maintaining her team’s healing field.
• Xiao Yi healed Niel Seven with Heavenly Dewfall, and spectators marveled at her perception and composure.
• In Luxury Box No. 88, an observer told Old Wang that Xiao Yi possessed Penetrating Insight and was a world-settling azure luan.

Xiao Yi healed and empowered the Chang'an Team as Zhu Wuneng launched a devastating attack against Ruian Academy. Niu Ben and Bai Jin were knocked unconscious, while Tie Xin and Shi Lei were left struggling against the other Chang'an fighters.

• Xiao Yi used [Heavenly Dewfall] to heal the team and [Life Force Awakening] to empower Zhu Wuneng.
• Zhu Wuneng fused Six Ding Divine Fire with Prison Wheel to create Earth Fiend Prison Wheel, trapping Niu Ben and Bai Jin.
• Zhu Wuneng added the Earth Wheel Phoenix Wheel and Flame Tiger to his attack, leaving Niu Ben and Bai Jin unconscious and badly burned.
• Wang Baoqiang used [Mass Battle Roar] to strengthen the team, while Niel Seven trapped Tie Xin and Shi Lei with [Raging Quicksand].
• Wang Baoqiang struck Tie Xin and Shi Lei with [Earth-Splitting Heavy Fist], leaving them near collapse.

Niel Seven, Dugu Fu, and Ma Wencai overwhelmed the Ruian team, leaving five fighters gravely injured before Su Yao conceded. Xiao Yi and her teammates treated the defeated fighters, whose physician said they could recover and compete again.

• Niel Seven used Wang Baoqiang, Mei Jibo, and Xiao Yi’s support to launch an enormous ice-covered stone spike that shattered Shi Lei’s Bedrock Bastion and badly injured Shi Lei and Tie Xin.
• Dugu Fu trapped Lei Gang and Lin Xiao in poison and fire with his Netherworld Purgatory combination technique, then Ma Wencai struck them with Blazing Sun Wheel.
• Su Yao conceded after only the badly injured Tie Xin remained on the field.
• Xiao Yi used Heavenly Dew and Life Force Field to stabilize and heal all six Ruian fighters while Zhu Wuneng, Dugu Fu, and Ma Wencai withdrew the fire and poison.
• The Ruian team’s physician said the fighters’ injuries were no longer serious and that they could compete again after resting for a few days.

The Chang'an Team defeated Five Mountains Academy in a one-sided match, overwhelming its illusions and defenses with coordinated fire and poison. Afterward, Mu Zizhu playfully complained to Chen Mu, while the chapter explained her family ties to him and the Mu Family’s connection to the Chen Clan.

• Five Mountains Academy fielded a balanced team featuring Xia Shuyao, Mu Zizhu, and other powerful soul masters from prominent families.
• The Chang'an Team burned through Xia Shuyao’s illusions, destroyed Li Yinuo’s Poison Thorn Vine, and pressed the Five Mountains Team with fire attacks and Dugu Fu’s poison.
• Gao Cuilan interrupted Xia Shuyao’s ultimate formation, and the Chang'an Team surrounded the Five Mountains Team before securing victory after five minutes.
• Mu Zizhu visited Chen Mu afterward, pouted that the Chang'an Team had bullied her, and asked why they had not let Five Mountains Academy win.
• Chen Mu’s relatives and the Mu Family’s history were explained, including Mu Xuan’s return to the Chen Clan and her role in its administration.
• Xia Shuyao told Mu Zizhu not to take the defeat to heart, saying their team was naturally outmatched by the Chang'an Team.

Xia Shuyao discussed the team’s High-Press Tactic and treated Qin Huabin after his martial soul broke. She then arranged to exchange illusion-technique insights with Xiao Yi, leaving open the prospect of improving her mastery of the Soul-Shifting Technique.

• Xia Shuyao teased Zhu Wuneng and compared her abilities and past setbacks with Zhu Wuxin’s.
• Xiao Yi used [Heavenly Dew] and [Life Force Awakening] to heal Qin Huabin and restore his Red-Tassel Meteor Spear.
• Xia Shuyao praised Gao Cuilan for intercepting her and disrupting her plan to trap the team and ambush Xiao Yi.
• Chen Xiaojun and Chen Mu explained how their Crescent Moon Kill Chain, or High-Press Tactic, linked pressure, defense, long-range support, and healing.
• Xia Shuyao learned that Xiao Yi knew the Soul-Shifting Technique and asked to exchange guidance with her, which Xiao Yi accepted.

Yin Duruo and his allies attacked the Black Jade Alliance, accusing it of colluding with the Crimson Cultists, while Chang'an Academy faced Sauron Academy in the Gaoying Tournament the next day. Chang'an’s team countered Sauron’s attempt to target Xiao Yi, but the match remained underway as the Shadow Blades Mantis struck Ji Bochang.

• Chen Xiaojun saw the battle near the marketplace and sent Qin Ximing to investigate the Medicinal Herbs Market.
• Yin Duruo, Yue Qiansong, and Belon Parker attacked Qiu Ban'an and the Black Jade Alliance, declaring them traitors allied with the Crimson Cultists.
• Chang'an Academy fielded Xiao Yi, Ji Bochang, Gao Cuilan, Mei Jibo, Ma Liang, Chen Shurui, and Chen Bin against Sauron Academy.
• Xin Yu enhanced Sauron Academy with three applications of [Trade Wind Blessing], and the teams clashed across the arena.
• Ling Han used [Phantom Tracelessness] to attack Xiao Yi, but Gao Cuilan exposed his real body and Ji Bochang’s flute technique knocked him down.
• The Shadow Blades Mantis soul master ambushed Ji Bochang and struck his Nine Phoenix Arrival Flute with a Bone Blade.