Recaps

A Titled Douluo from the Crimson Church appeared and trapped Zhu Yanfeng in a Shadow Cage, leaving him struggling against dark energy and poison. As the spectators prepared to risk their lives to help him, an unexpected miracle appeared.

• A Crimson Church Titled Douluo arrived, alarming Chen Xiaojun, Ji Chenglie, Zhu Yanfeng, and the watching families.
• Chen Xiaojun reassured the anxious Ji Boda and urged him to trust him.
• The Titled Douluo used his Sixth Soul Skill, Shadow Cage, to trap Zhu Yanfeng and block his perception.
• Zhu Yanfeng tried to break free as dark poison spread through his body, while the spectators prepared to rush in and help.
• An unexpected miracle appeared just as the spectators faced the danger.

Sea Dragon Douluo Long Ma arrived in time to destroy the Shadow Cage, rescue Zhu Yanfeng, and knock Pang Yanfeng back onto the battlefield. He confronted the Crimson Church’s Titled Douluo, identified as the Nine Hells Douluo with the Void Dark Snake Martial Soul, and prepared to fight him.

• Long Ma fired his High-Pressure Sea Dragon Cannon and shattered the Shadow Cage, freeing Zhu Yanfeng.
• Long Ma struck Pang Yanfeng out of the air and sent him crashing down before the Crimson Church’s Titled Douluo.
• Chen Xiaojun identified Long Ma to Liu Ruyan as Xixi’s Dao Protector and a Sea God Island Sacred Pillar, and Liu Ruyan thanked Xixi for the families’ aid.
• Long Ma recognized the enemy’s Void Dark Snake Martial Soul, and the spectral Douluo introduced himself as the Nine Hells Douluo.
• Long Ma challenged the Nine Hells Douluo to show his finest moves.

Long Ma fought Nine Hells Douluo, who used his Holy King tier soul bone skill to drain Zhu Yanfeng’s soul power and force Long Ma to defend him. The attack wave vanished after Nine Hells Douluo used it as a feint to wear down Long Ma and distract him.

• Long Ma’s Sea Dragon Spirit-Breaker missed Void Dark Snake Douluo, who vanished with Shadow Stealth, and Long Ma’s water dragon destroyed an artificial hill.
• Long Ma spread waves of water to search for Void Dark Snake Douluo, but Nine Hells Douluo remained hidden and announced his counterattack.
• Nine Hells Douluo appeared beside Zhu Yanfeng and used his eighty-thousand-year Left Arm Bone soul skill, Dark Snake Soul-Eater, to trap him and drain his soul power.
• Long Ma used Divine Dragon Scale Shake to shield Zhu Yanfeng, but the snake-shaped attack wave wore down his golden scales and defense.
• Nine Hells Douluo’s attack wave suddenly vanished, revealing that he had used it to exhaust Long Ma’s soul skill and divert his attention.

Nine Hells Douluo used his concealment and a powerful Soul Skill to attack the Heaven and Earth Big Dipper Formation and try to free Yan Shenglong. Inside the formation, Chen Cong and the Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon unleashed their ultimate attacks as the barrier neared collapse.

• Nine Hells Douluo used Shadow Stealth to approach the Heaven and Earth Big Dipper Formation without Long Ma detecting him.
• Nine Hells Douluo unleashed Eighth Soul Skill-Void Shadow Burst, shaking the formation’s barrier and bringing it close to breaking.
• Long Ma realized Nine Hells Douluo had used earlier attacks as diversions so he could reach the formation and rescue Yan Shenglong.
• Chen Cong formed a colossal Seven Kill Sword with Big Dipper Unity Sword Topples the World.
• The Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon transformed into a six-headed dragon and unleashed Demon Dragon Annihilation Across Heaven and Earth.

Chen Cong defeated the Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon, forcing Nine Hells Douluo and the other Black-Clothed Men to retreat. The Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon escaped into the shadow world, vowing that it would meet Chen Cong, the Chen Clan, and the Ji and Liu Families again.

• Chen Cong and the Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon survived their devastating clash, but the dragon was gravely wounded and Chen Cong declared victory.
• Nine Hells Douluo decided to retreat, used Shadow Gale Step to carry He Tiancheng and Pang Yanfeng away, and the Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon blocked Chen Cong’s lethal strike against him.
• The Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon activated Nethernight Dragon Movement · Shadow Evasion and vanished into the shadow world as Chen Cong chose not to pursue.
• The Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon blamed the Chen Clan’s interference for the mission’s failure and vowed to meet Chen Cong, the Chen Clan, and the Ji and Liu Families again.

Chen Cong destroyed the Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon, but Yan Shenglong and his allies escaped through the Shadow World. He identified their leader as Youguang Zhou, fourth of the Seven Demon Generals, and warned Long Ma that Sea God Island could soon clash with the Crimson Church.

• Chen Cong used Sword Rend Heaven and Earth and Moon Breathing to tear apart the Netherworld Dark Night Demon Dragon.
• The Shadow World entrance vanished, and Chen Cong explained that Yan Shenglong had escaped and would need months or longer to recover.
• Long Ma recognized the strength of the Nine Hells Douluo, and Chen Cong identified him as Youguang Zhou, fourth among the Seven Demon Generals and head of the You Family.
• Long Ma realized the Chen Clan had tracked the Crimson Church’s movements, while Chen Cong warned him that Sea God Island might soon encounter the Crimson Church.

After the Ji and Liu Families defeated the Crimson Church’s attackers, Chen Cong declined their offer of hospitality and left with Chen Xiaojun and the others. Ji Boda explained his alliance with Chen Xiaojun’s group, and the families considered how to repay their debt and handle the alliance.

• Ji Sijian and the Ji and Liu forces pursued the Black-Clothed Men, killing roughly a third of them before the rest escaped.
• Ji Chenglie and Liu Yirong thanked Chen Cong and Zhu Yanfeng for saving their families and invited them to rest at the residence.
• Chen Cong declined, explaining that his group would return to the Chen Clan’s residence so the Ji and Liu Families could tend to their own people and guests.
• Ji Boda stopped Ji Chenglie from pressing the invitation and later told him how he had formed an alliance with Chen Xiaojun, Xixi, and the others.
• Liu Yirong and Ji Chenglie agreed that Chen Cong’s group had granted them a great favor, and they began considering how to repay it and manage the situation.

After the Crimson Church’s attack, the Ji and Liu Families organized relief, investigations, and tighter security while agreeing to seek closer ties with Chen Cong and his companions. Back at the Chen Clan’s Chang'an residence, Chen Cong warned that the conflict was only beginning and ordered preparations for possible retaliation.

• Liu Ruyan described Chen Xiaojun and Xixi as easygoing, and Ji Chenglie and Liu Yirong agreed to pursue an alliance with Chen Cong’s group.
• Ji Chenglie and Liu Yirong assigned their families to treat the wounded, comfort the bereaved, investigate how the Crimson Church entered Chang'an City, strengthen security, and assist the banquet guests.
• The Ji and Liu Families later tracked down the covert agents involved in the attack and gradually restored order.
• Chen Cong’s group returned to the Chen Clan’s secondary residence, where Zhu Hefeng welcomed them and said he had begun arranging its defenses.
• Chen Cong ordered Zhu Yanfeng to send the village a detailed report of the attack and warned Zhu Hefeng to prepare the residence for possible retaliation.

After the battle, Chen Cong reprimanded Chen Xiaojun for repeatedly overexerting himself and Zhu Hefeng warned Zhu Wuneng to protect him better. Chen Cong then explained how the Crimson Church had created diversions across Chang'an and poisoned the City Guard Battalion, before confirming that Chen Xiaojun’s grandfather supported their plans.

• Zhu Shiqing arrived to examine Chen Xiaojun’s injuries, and Chen Cong warned him against repeatedly risking his life in battle.
• Zhu Hefeng reprimanded Zhu Wuneng for failing to keep Chen Xiaojun out of danger, and Zhu Wuneng accepted the warning.
• Chen Cong learned that fires and unrest across Chang'an had kept the city’s forces occupied while the Ji Family received no support.
• Zhu Hefeng reported that more than half of the City Guard Battalion had collapsed before deploying, and Chen Cong suspected the Crimson Church had poisoned them.
• Chen Xiaojun asked about his grandfather’s response, and Chen Cong confirmed that he largely supported their requests and plan.

Chen Xiaojun assessed the fallout from the Crimson Church’s attack and outlined how his family should strengthen its position in Chang'an City. He proposed using the authorities’ coming crackdown to take control of an underground faction, though Zhu Hefeng questioned whether that would change their usual approach.

• Chen Xiaojun told Chen Cong that the authorities would face pressure from powerful local families, public unrest, economic disruption, and military scrutiny after the attack.
• Chen Xiaojun recommended staying in close contact with the authorities, strengthening security, and monitoring the market.
• Chen Xiaojun identified underground forces and bulk trading as priorities for expanding the family’s influence in Chang'an City.
• Chen Xiaojun learned that Cheng Hao led a ten-person Sword Shadow Hall squad and argued that the team needed greater strength for the risks ahead.
• Chen Xiaojun proposed taking control of an underground faction during the authorities’ crackdown, and Zhu Hefeng asked whether direct intervention would change their usual methods.

Chen Xiaojun proposed building a specialized medicinal herbs trade market in Chang'an City, alongside strengthening Sword Shadow Hall to expand the clan’s influence. Chen Cong and Zhu Hefeng agreed to develop the idea, and the chapter ended with them planning to study major trading firms and negotiate partnerships while protecting their interests.

• Chen Xiaojun urged Chen Cong and Zhu Hefeng to intervene more directly in Chang'an City's Underworld, and Chen Cong agreed to send more people to support Sword Shadow Hall.
• Chen Xiaojun proposed bringing Mo Yuqi and a Sword Shadow Hall team to Chang'an City, and Zhu Hefeng agreed to contact the village and Cheng Hao.
• Chen Xiaojun proposed a specialized medicinal herbs trade market to handle the growing surplus from the clan’s Secret Realms and use Chang'an City’s location near the Xieluo Mountains.
• Chen Xiaojun explained how the market could integrate the herb industry, create jobs, promote economic growth, and align the interests of local authorities and factions.
• Zhu Hefeng described the local herb trade and emphasized cooperation with major trading firms, while Chen Xiaojun and Chen Cong agreed to study the firms and protect the clan’s position in future partnerships.

Chen Xiaojun laid out a strategy for building a medicinal herb trade in Chang'an City through steady supply, expert appraisal, trustworthy business practices, and cooperation with trading firms and local families. The discussion ended with plans to draw in the Medical Alliance and potentially create a medical academy, forming a broader medicinal-herb ecosystem.

• Chen Xiaojun identified reliable herb supplies, professional appraisal, and business credibility as the foundations for cooperation.
• Chen Xiaojun proposed direct supply, joint development, and technical cooperation with major trading firms, while naming families and groups that could provide herbs or expertise.
• Chen Xiaojun argued that the Chen Clan could use its secret realms, alliances, and proximity to Chang'an City to establish a medicinal herb trade market and attract the Medical Alliance.
• Zhu Hefeng and Zhu Yanfeng supported Chen Xiaojun's plan to make the Medical Alliance a central partner.
• Chen Xiaojun proposed bringing in the Medical Alliance's herbs, physicians, and research capabilities, and later establishing a medical academy to train physicians and healing soul masters.

Chen Xiaojun outlined personnel for the Chen Clan's medicinal herbs market, proposing experienced leaders from the Garrison Team alongside Chen Chen. Chen Cong approved the plan, which would also create openings for promising members of the middle generation.

• Chen Cong asked Chen Xiaojun who would manage the medicinal herbs market, and Chen Xiaojun nominated Chen Chen to gain experience as its main-lineage representative.
• Chen Cong and Zhu Yanfeng agreed that Chen Chen was capable but lacked the experience to oversee the operation alone.
• Chen Xiaojun proposed Ling Yunxiao as the market's overseer and Chen Chen as his assistant, with Zhao Lin serving as deputy.
• Chen Xiaojun argued that transferring Ling Yunxiao, Zhao Lin, and Chen Chen from the Garrison Team would use their experience with the village's factions and make room for new personnel.
• Chen Cong approved the arrangement and remarked that Chen Xiaojun had understood the clan's generational transition plans despite receiving only fragments of information.

Chen Xiaojun proposed building a medicinal herbs market with the Chen Clan and affiliated families, then negotiated Sea God Island’s role in the venture. Xixi and Chen Xiaojun agreed that Sea God Island would receive fifteen percent of the shares, leaving both sides poised to jointly lead the market.

• Chen Xiaojun proposed bringing Ye Xiuxin and Chen Surong into the market project and recruiting skilled assistants and promising young people from the clan and village families.
• Chen Cong urged the Chen Clan’s branches and affiliated forces to join, and Chen Xiaojun proposed giving the clan the largest share of the market’s profits.
• Chen Xiaojun suggested guaranteeing the Medical Alliance at least twenty percent and giving the Chen Clan thirty to forty percent; Chen Cong approved the plan.
• Xixi and Long Ma offered Sea God Island’s medicinal herbs, medical knowledge, and strength to the project, and Chen Xiaojun welcomed their participation and suggested opening branch markets.
• Xixi asked for twenty percent, Chen Xiaojun countered with ten percent, and they settled on fifteen percent for Sea God Island.

Chen Xiaojun and the Chen Clan finalized a partnership with Sea God Island to establish a medicinal herbs market in Chang'an City. As the meeting ended, Chen Cong ordered a report to be taken back to the Village, including plans for the market and a new economic intelligence organization.

• Chen Xiaojun and Chen Cong agreed to cooperate with Xixi and Long Ma on opening a medicinal herbs market in Chang'an City.
• Xixi and Long Ma left, and Chen Cong praised Chen Xiaojun's planning while emphasizing that the Chen Clan needed to prepare quickly for the approaching Calamity.
• Chen Cong asked Zhu Yanfeng to return to the Village and report the market plan to his elder brother in person.
• Chen Xiaojun gave Zhu Yanfeng the market charter and two proposals on the Chen Clan's economic strategy and an economic intelligence organization.
• Chen Cong instructed Zhu Yanfeng to coordinate Xiuxin and Xun'er's trip to the Ye Family and discuss the intelligence organization with his elder brother.
• Chen Xiaojun, Chen Cong, and Zhu Yanfeng continued discussing the plans late into the night.

Liu Ruyan and Ji Boda discussed why Ito Makoto’s attempt to disrupt their engagement seemed strangely flawed and suspected it concealed a larger purpose linked to the Crimson Church. They resolved to investigate the mystery with help from the Chen Clan, ending with Liu Ruyan expressing her trust and affection for Ji Boda.

• Liu Ruyan told Ji Boda that Ito Makoto’s actions at the engagement banquet did not fit his cautious, calculating nature.
• Liu Ruyan pointed out that Ito Makoto’s group lacked intelligence about the Chen Clan and had little chance of taking her, while Yan Shenglong had said the attempt was useless.
• Ji Boda suggested Ito Makoto might have been pursuing an unknown objective or sending them a message.
• Liu Ruyan wondered whether Ito Makoto had discovered the Crimson Church’s role in his grandfather’s death, and Ji Boda promised to help investigate.
• Ji Boda said the Chen Clan’s intelligence network could help uncover the connection between Ito Makoto and the Crimson Church.
• Liu Ruyan reassured Ji Boda that she trusted him, and the two embraced.

Ji Boda and Liu Ruyan shared a tender moment before realizing Ito Makoto may have left a clue about a possible mole watching him. They narrowed the likely hiding places to the Medicinal Garden or somewhere close to Liu Ruyan, especially her study.

• Ji Boda read Liu Ruyan’s poem and added a line expressing his love, and Liu Ruyan kissed his cheek in reply.
• Ji Boda wondered why Ito Makoto had waited until the engagement banquet to speak with Liu Ruyan, despite having had earlier chances.
• Ji Boda and Liu Ruyan suspected someone had been watching Ito Makoto and that he might have left them a clue.
• Ji Boda reasoned that Ito Makoto could have hidden something in the Medicinal Garden or somewhere near Liu Ruyan.
• Liu Ruyan realized Ito Makoto might have left something in her study, where he had often visited and where servants did not clean.

Liu Ruyan and Ji Boda searched Ito Makoto’s study and found his Withered Vine Martial Soul, then uncovered a hidden note inviting them to meet at the usual place. The chapter left them with a new clue to the truth behind Ito Makoto and the Crimson Church’s attack.

• Liu Ruyan and Ji Boda searched Ito Makoto’s study and discovered his Withered Vine Martial Soul concealed in a corner.
• Ji Boda reasoned that Ito Makoto had deliberately revealed his Head Soul Bone and accompanied them to Mount Li, possibly to warn them and monitor the Crimson Church.
• Liu Ruyan infused the vine with soul power, but it showed no reaction, so Ji Boda suggested that its location might hold the clue.
• Liu Ruyan pressed a tiny protrusion beneath the vine, opening a hidden compartment in the study wall.
• Yan Ruliu opened a small box from the compartment and found a note that read, “If you wish to know the truth, meet me at the usual place.”

Ji Boda and Liu Ruyan deciphered Ito Makoto’s note and found a buried chest of nether blood lilies and seeds in the Bamboo Grove. They began investigating the plants’ purpose, with Liu Ruyan planning to consult old records about their possible use in pill refining.

• Ji Boda realized the emphasized word “old” in Ito Makoto’s note could point to a place he visited long ago, and Liu Ruyan recalled his visits to the Bamboo Grove.
• Ji Boda and Liu Ruyan searched the Bamboo Grove and uncovered a sealed chest buried beneath dried bamboo leaves.
• Ji Boda and Liu Ruyan opened the chest and found it packed with nether blood lilies and seeds.
• Liu Ruyan explained that nether blood lilies could be used medicinally and might also be ingredients for pills such as the Bloodthirst Pill.
• Ji Boda urged Liu Ruyan to study the lilies and seeds to discover what Ito Makoto intended, and Liu Ruyan decided to consult old books and records.

Liu Ruyan and Ji Boda discovered Ito Makoto’s letter explaining his family’s ties to the Crimson Church and the value of the nether blood lilies he left behind. The letter revealed the Church’s role in her grandfather’s death and its pursuit of Ito’s family, while leaving the purpose of the ancient rituals at the heart of its factional conflict unknown.

• Ji Boda found a box hidden inside a crate and gave it to Liu Ruyan, who discovered Ito Makoto’s letter and two books inside.
• Ito Makoto explained that his family belonged to the Crimson Church and had cultivated the preserved nether blood lilies, which he left to Liu Ruyan as an apology.
• Liu Ruyan read that a struggle between the Crimson Church’s two main factions had forced Ito’s family into hiding and led to his parents’ deaths.
• Ito Makoto revealed that the Crimson Church had killed Liu Ruyan’s grandfather and sought his family because of their ability to cultivate nether blood lilies.
• Ito Makoto explained that the lilies were used with drunken life flowers in ancient rituals and formations that had sparked the Church’s factional conflict.

Liu Ruyan read Ito Makoto’s letter and learned that the Crimson Church planned to attack the Ji and Liu Families, while nether blood lilies and netherworld soil were tied to the threat. She and Ji Boda decided to seek an alliance with the Chen Clan, using the lilies as leverage, and vowed to face the coming conflict together.

• Liu Ruyan read Ito Makoto’s letter, which revealed his Crimson Church origins, his use of netherworld soil to cultivate nether blood lilies, and the Church’s plan to move against the Ji and Liu Families.
• Ito Makoto explained that he had provoked an early confrontation and leaked his danger to the Crimson Church, hoping to force it to act before it was ready; he thanked the Liu Family and left to return to his path.
• Liu Ruyan and Ji Boda recognized that the chest of nether blood lilies could help them resist the Crimson Church.
• Liu Ruyan proposed approaching the Chen Clan with the lilies as an inducement to form an alliance, and Ji Boda agreed to stand by her.

Xue Churan investigated the aftermath of the attack on the Ji and Liu Families, checked on the wounded and the people of Chang'an City, and met with representatives of the major factions. As factions across the city reacted and pursued their own interests, the truth behind the attack remained unknown.

• Xue Churan learned that the Azure Feather Falcon had not yet returned from the Imperial Capital and ordered the guard to report as soon as it arrived.
• Xue Churan heard that the Liu Family and Medical Alliance branch had controlled most viral infections and that the city's people were largely unharmed.
• Xue Churan went to the Council Hall, promised the faction representatives she would uncover the truth, and listened to their concerns.
• News of the attacks on the Ji and Liu Families and the fires spread throughout Chang'an City, drawing concern from their allies and opportunism from their rivals.
• Aristocratic families and sects strengthened their security and secretly investigated, while mysterious factions and curious citizens also sought clues.

As unrest over the attacks on the Ji and Liu Families spread through Chang'an City, Xue Churan visited Chen Cong at the Chen Clan's secondary residence with Zuo Tinggang, who revealed himself as Sky Falcon Douluo and delivered the Heaven Dou Emperor's honors for Chen Cong. Chen Cong accepted his duke's rank and gifts, while the city remained tense and the truth behind the attacks was still unknown.

• Members of the Crimson Church held a secret meeting as rumors and unrest over the attacks on the Ji and Liu Families spread through Chang'an City.
• Major clans and sects prepared for further turmoil, while Xue Churan and other forces watched for threats and opportunities.
• Xue Churan visited Chen Cong with an elderly attendant, and Chen Cong recognized him as Zuo Tinggang.
• Zuo Tinggang revealed that he was Sky Falcon Douluo and presented the emperor's decree, duke's token, purple gold coins, formal attire, and a mansion to Chen Cong.
• Chen Cong accepted the imperial honors and pledged to serve the Heaven Dou Empire.

Xue Churan met Chen Cong to discuss the Crimson Church’s attack on the Ji and Liu Families and enlisted the Chen Clan’s help investigating the attackers. Chen Cong also proposed expanding his clan’s influence in Chang’an City, and Xue Churan agreed to support the plans.

• Xue Churan thanked Chen Cong and Long Ma for helping the Ji and Liu Families survive the Crimson Church’s attack.
• Chen Cong told Xue Churan and Zuo Tinggang that the Yan and You Families had led the attackers, and that four of the Seven Demon Generals belonged to the main fundamentalist branch.
• Xue Churan asked Chen Cong to use the Chen Clan’s intelligence network to find the attackers, and Chen Cong agreed.
• Xue Churan decided to let rumors about the attack spread further before taking action.
• Chen Cong proposed strengthening the Chen Clan and expanding into Soul Tool production and Soul Master services, including a medicinal herb trade market, and Xue Churan promised her support.

Chen Cong agreed to help Xue Churan and Zuo Tinggang investigate, then planned a short trip with Chen Xiaojun and Xiao Yi to seek Xiao Yi’s third soul ring in the Chen Clan’s secret realm. Xue Churan and Zuo Tinggang continued their confidential plans in Chang'an City as a storm approached.

• Chen Cong promised Xue Churan and Zuo Tinggang that he would begin investigating and then arranged to leave with Chen Xiaojun and Xiao Yi.
• Chen Cong asked Long Ma to watch over the Chen Clan Villa while they were away.
• Xixi asked to join Xiao Yi’s soul-ring hunt, but Chen Cong explained they would travel to the Chen Clan’s secret realm without her.
• Xue Churan and Zuo Tinggang discussed Chen Cong, and Zuo Tinggang reminded her that he had come secretly to Chang'an City for an important matter.
• Xue Churan assured Zuo Tinggang she would arrange everything, and their confidential conversation continued through the night.