Arc 54The Tournament Road

The Chen Clan crushed the Demon Dragon Legion, expanded its influence through currency and vocational academies, and prepared for the coming tournament. As the team traveled to Tianling City, Chen Xiaojun and Xiao Yi studied rival academies and planned how to counter their formations.

  • Zhu Yanfeng, Chen Wu, Shen Lang, and Xi Li Dao Gao fought Yan Jiu as the Chen Clan attacked Sea Lake Manor, while Lu Xueying and Leng Qingqiu intercepted Yan Qi and found intelligence documents and soul bones.
  • Shen Tianjun joined the battle against Yan Jiu, and the Chen Clan’s forces killed Xiong Ba and Yan Jiu before Zhuo Qianren, Lu Xueqi, Chen Hong, and Yang Jingxue crippled Yan Wufeng, who escaped with the Crimson Blood-Burning Escape Technique.
  • The Chen Clan secured Sea Lake Manor’s resources and intelligence, then helped drive a crackdown on Crimson Church bases as the Church planned retaliation.
  • Chen Xiaojun advanced plans for Chen Crystal Cards, Chen Gold Coins, and vocational academies, while leaders debated how to train mass forces without provoking Spirit Hall and the empire.
  • The Chen Clan and its partners agreed to share academy costs and graduates, expand the Brocade Guard, and create an elite warrior battalion, while Chen Xiaojun calculated the program’s substantial annual expense.
  • Xia Qingyun reunited with Xue Shiqiong, her former disciple, and promised to protect her from the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, and she also encouraged Xiao Yi to embrace her place atop the Heavenly Prodigy Ranking.
  • Chang'an Academy’s tournament party departed for Tianling City, and Chen Xiaojun had Chen Mu and Xiao Yi study rival teams, assigning Chen Mu to devise a counter to Changyu Academy’s formation.
  • Chen Xiaojun, Chen Mu, and Xiao Yi reached Tianling City on April 30 and stayed at the Chen Clan residence.
Chapters 1350–1374 Vol. 14 Read

Ch. 1350The Yan Family's counterattack (3K)

Zhu Yanfeng and Ling Yunxiao led the assault on the Yan Family Manor, but Yan Jiu revealed himself as a hidden Titled Douluo and stopped their advance. Chen Wu then clashed with Yan Jiu, leaving the battle raging as their sword qi and dragon energy tore through the Manor.

  • Zhu Yanfeng led more than a dozen Soul Douluos through the Yan Family Manor, while Ling Yunxiao unleashed his Wind and Cloud Fan to devastate the guards and clear a path into the Central Courtyard.
  • A pitch-black dragon claw attacked Ling Yunxiao, and Zhu Yanfeng stepped in to protect him with Golden Bell Shield.
  • Yan Jiu revealed that he was a Titled Douluo and used Nether Dragon Break to shatter Zhu Yanfeng’s defenses and hurl him away, though Zhu Yanfeng withstood the strike without injury.
  • The chapter recounted how Yan Wufeng had recognized Yan Guangxun’s potential, helping him rise from a neglected branch-family member to the Yan Family’s hidden Titled Douluo.
  • Chen Wu attacked Yan Jiu with Seven Kill Sword Shadows, but Yan Jiu countered with Demon Dragon Coiling in the Abyss and swept away the exploding sword qi with his dragon phantom.

Ch. 1351Three Against One (3K)

Chen Wu fought Yan Jiu but was forced to defend against his poisonous attacks until Shen Lang intervened. Xi Li Dao Gao then joined Shen Lang to block Yan Jiu’s strengthened Netherworld Demon Dragon, as Chen Wu prepared to settle their long-standing grudges.

  • Yan Jiu attacked Chen Wu with Netherworld Dragon Flame, but Chen Wu dodged the flames and wounded Yan Jiu with Starfall Evil-Slayer.
  • Yan Jiu used Dragon Whisker Coiling to trap Chen Wu in poisonous black mist, then attacked his back with Demon-Driven Fist.
  • Shen Lang intercepted Yan Jiu’s fists with the Jade-Blood Sword and identified himself as Fasno’s Fastest Sword.
  • Xi Li Dao Gao arrived and attacked Yan Jiu with Thunder Stirring the Nine Heavens.
  • Yan Jiu solidified the Netherworld Demon Dragon, but Xi Li Dao Gao and Shen Lang joined forces to block it.
  • Chen Wu declared that the time had come to settle their years of grudges.

Ch. 1352Besieged on Four Sides, Waiting for the Prey (3K)

The Chen Clan besieged Sea Lake Manor while Chen Wu, Shen Lang, and Xi Li Dao Gao fought Yan Jiu under Ning Jiang’s support. South of the manor, Lu Xueying and Leng Qingqiu ambushed Yan Qi and his attendants, then turned their attention to where Yan Wufeng might flee.

  • Ning Jiang empowered Chen Wu, Shen Lang, and Xi Li Dao Gao as they fought Yan Jiu, while Ling Yunxiao commanded the Chen Clan’s forces against the Demon Dragon Guards.
  • Chen Hua and Zhuang Mocheng led attacks on the manor’s flanks, while Ximen Rongcheng blocked the rear gate and the central force held off Yan Jiu.
  • Yan Qi and two attendants escaped through a hidden tunnel, but Lu Xueying and Leng Qingqiu ambushed them south of the manor.
  • Yan Qi realized the Chen Clan had more Titled Douluos than expected and killed himself rather than be captured.
  • Leng Qingqiu searched the bodies and found intelligence documents and three soul bones, then discussed Yan Wufeng’s likely escape routes with Lu Xueying.

Ch. 1353An overlord's chronicle of taming the world, a frost-eyed bid for supremacy (3K)

Leng Qingqiu explained to Lu Xueying how the Chen Clan planned to rise as a superpower by building military strength, influence, and alliances while challenging the soul master world's established overlords. The chapter ended with the two recognizing that the Chen Clan would eventually have to measure its strength against Spirit Hall.

  • Lu Xueying asked Leng Qingqiu for advice about their future responsibilities and the Main Lineage's strategy.
  • Leng Qingqiu explained that the Chen Clan had to break the existing order by strengthening its military and winning influence and the right to speak.
  • Leng Qingqiu described how the great churches had subdued rival powers and how Soul Fighting City gave the Chen Clan allies and a model for resisting that pressure.
  • Leng Qingqiu outlined the Main Lineage's plans to expand through its branches and address the Plant Guild, Xuan Ye Pavilion, and the Nine Imperial Gates of World Guardianship.
  • Leng Qingqiu said the Chen Clan would eventually confront Spirit Hall after resolving its relationships with other powers, and Lu Xueying acknowledged the challenge ahead.

Ch. 1354Yan Wufeng Appears, the World's Ultimate Speed! (3K)

Lu Xueying and Leng Qingqiu discussed choosing profound arts from the Sword Canon before a crash confirmed Yan Wufeng had appeared in the west. As Yan Wufeng fled the burning Sea Lake Manor, Zhuo Qianren intercepted him, and their battle left Yan Wufeng wounded and unable to escape easily.

  • Lu Xueying and Leng Qingqiu discussed which Sword Canon techniques to study, and Leng Qingqiu considered Chen Zixiu's recommendation of Great Luo Cave Observation.
  • After hearing a thunderous crash to the west, Leng Qingqiu and Lu Xueying set out according to their plan.
  • Yan Wufeng flew toward the Alps Mountains after seeing Sea Lake Manor engulfed in flames and mourning the losses of his forces.
  • Zhuo Qianren ambushed Yan Wufeng with Silver Falcon Kill, cutting through his Demon Dragon Wings and leaving him bleeding.
  • Yan Wufeng counterattacked with Dragon Soul Tear, but Zhuo Qianren evaded it with his speed and Dimensional Leap.
  • Zhuo Qianren struck with silver wind blades and told Yan Wufeng that he would not escape that night.

Ch. 1355It Was Time to Draw in the Net (3K)

Zhuo Qianren pursued Yan Wufeng until Lu Xueqi and Chen Hong arrived to help corner him. Meanwhile, Yan Jiu fought Chen Wu, Shen Lang, and Xi Li Dao Gao until Shen Tianjun descended and trapped the battlefield beneath a blood-colored dome, where Yan Jiu defended himself with a Demon Dragon Barrier.

  • Zhuo Qianren harried Yan Wufeng as he fled, and Lu Xueqi and Chen Hong arrived to support the pursuit.
  • Shen Tianjun observed the battle above Sea Lake Manor and decided it was time to draw in the net.
  • Chen Wu, Shen Lang, and Xi Li Dao Gao attacked Yan Jiu together, forcing him to unleash his Demon Dragon Vortex and Ninth Soul Skill, Demon Dragon Annihilation.
  • The three sword cultivators combined their defensive Soul Skills to withstand Yan Jiu's purple-black blast without retreating.
  • Shen Tianjun arrived and cast Bloodline Limit, enclosing the battlefield in a crimson dome filled with Sword Qi.
  • Yan Jiu raised a Demon Dragon Barrier beneath the dome and held back Shen Tianjun's descending Sword Qi.

Ch. 1356Put to death (3K)

Ximen Rongcheng and his allies defeated Xiong Ba, while Shen Tianjun’s forces destroyed the Crimson Church stronghold at Sea Lake Manor and killed the Titled Douluo Yan Jiu. The survivors secured the manor and awaited news from the western battle against Yan Wufeng.

  • Ximen Rongcheng, Ximen Rongchen, and Zhong Bai survived their battle with Xiong Ba, whom Lu Xueying helped kill with a strike through the heart.
  • Yan Jiu revealed that his Titled Douluo title was Dragon Nine, explained that he had acted according to his conscience, and died of his wounds.
  • Shen Tianjun surveyed the heavy losses among the Demon Dragon Legion and ordered his forces to search Sea Lake Manor for resources and information.
  • Shen Tianjun, Leng Qingqiu, and Lu Xueying discussed the destruction of the Crimson Church stronghold and warned that the Church would retaliate.
  • Zhang Xiaofan joined Shen Tianjun’s group and reported that Yan Wufeng had appeared in the west, while Shen Tianjun said the western battle should nearly be over.

Ch. 1357The Demon Dragon Lost His Arms, His Might Shook Fasno (3K)

The Chen Clan and its allies defeated Yan Wufeng’s forces, severing both of his arms, though he escaped by burning his blood essence. They secured valuable equipment and intelligence from the Crimson Church’s manor, and news of the Chen Clan’s victories sent Fasinuo Province into an uproar.

  • Lu Xueqi, Chen Hong, and Yang Jingxue struck Yan Wufeng with their attacks, severing both his arms, but he escaped using the Crimson Blood-Burning Escape Technique.
  • Zhuo Qianren returned to the group, and Lu Xueqi awarded him one of Yan Wufeng’s severed arms containing an inheritance-grade soul bone.
  • Chen Hua and the others searched the ruins, collecting documents, equipment, and valuable soul tools while Shen Lang’s team treated the wounded and tallied casualties.
  • Chen Hua found information about the Crimson Church’s organization and plans, and Shen Tianjun ordered the resources secured and the intelligence analyzed.
  • News spread that the Chen Clan had crippled Yan Wufeng and destroyed the Demon Dragon Legion, adding to its recent victories and alarming factions across Fasinuo Province.

Ch. 1358The Chen Clan's Joy, the Many Faces of Humanity (3K)

After the Chen Clan’s campaign crippled the Crimson Church’s forces in the Greater Northwest, the church’s leaders vowed revenge and prepared a new clash. In Chang’an, the Chen Clan rewarded its fighters with vast wealth and access to rare resources, leaving its allies eager to continue their cultivation under the clan’s support.

  • Officials in Marseille Commandery and Florida City sought the Chen Clan’s help, and a crackdown destroyed Crimson Church bases across Fasno and spread into neighboring provinces.
  • Crimson Church leaders learned of the losses at Sea Lake Manor and across the Greater Northwest, then ordered their Halls to plan retaliation against the Chen Clan.
  • Ma Zhibin and Ximen Rongchen left the Heaven and Earth Duke’s Mansion carrying crystal cards after receiving their operation rewards.
  • The Chen Clan opened its high-grade resource exchange to its fighters and issued its own crystal cards, backed by a promise that they could be exchanged for official cards or gold coins.
  • Ma Zhibin, Zhuang Mocheng, and Wang Wei celebrated their windfalls, while Zhuo Qianren gained his ninth soul ring and two Soul Bones, including an eighty-thousand-year Head Bone.

Ch. 1359Grand ambitions and a new chapter (3K)

Chen Xiaojun discussed his financial ambitions with Xia Qingyun, including plans to introduce Chen Currency and expand the Chen Clan’s businesses. The chapter ended with the clan poised to launch cigarettes after three years of preparation.

  • Chen Xiaojun saw the Soul Douluos off at the Duke's Mansion while considering the clan’s large-scale operation.
  • Xia Qingyun teased Chen Xiaojun for hiding his banking plans, and he acknowledged his idea for currency backed by spirit medicines, pills, and spirit wines.
  • Chen Xiaojun planned to promote Chen Crystal Cards for large transactions and Chen Gold Coins for everyday use, using the clan’s markets as distribution channels.
  • Chen Xiaojun reviewed the clan’s expanding industries and considered moving Liu Ruyan to oversee the market chain alongside Shen Youchu.
  • Chen Xiaojun prepared to launch cigarettes, backed by tobacco plantations, machinery, and rolling paper acquired through years of planning.

Ch. 1360A Father and Son's Debate: Hoping Father Becomes a Dragon (3K)

Ma Wencai refused the Golden-Crowned Eagle skull his father brought him, explaining that he wanted to strengthen his foundations and would rather see Ma Zhibin become a Titled Douluo. Ma Tianyang then arrived and demanded that Ma Zhibin share part of his earnings with the Ma Family, leaving the dispute over the spoils unresolved.

  • Ma Zhibin offered Ma Wencai a fifty-six-thousand-year-old Golden-Crowned Eagle Head Soul Bone before the Gaoying Tournament.
  • Ma Wencai refused the soul bone, saying he needed to master his abilities and build a stronger foundation before pursuing a breakthrough.
  • Ma Wencai urged Ma Zhibin to use the soul bone to advance toward becoming a Titled Douluo, and Ma Zhibin revealed that his recent work had earned him enough resources to cultivate toward level 90.
  • Ma Tianyang entered and demanded that Ma Zhibin give half of his fortune to the Ma Family, while Ma Zhibin countered that two million was enough.

Ch. 1361Father and Son Conspire (3K)

Ma Tianyang and Ma Zhibin argued over money before agreeing to seek the Chen Clan’s support for Ma Wencai’s future as a Follower. Ma Tianyang then revealed an urgent matter had brought him back, and hurried Ma Zhibin to the Chen Clan before they left the next day.

  • Ma Tianyang angrily confronted Ma Zhibin over the two-million reward, while Ma Wencai slipped away from their argument.
  • Ma Tianyang asked whether Ma Wencai’s plan to become Xiaojun’s Follower was settled and learned Xiaojun might evolve his martial soul to seventh grade.
  • Ma Tianyang and Ma Zhibin agreed to approach the Chen Clan together, hoping Ma Wencai could become a Titled Douluo Seed.
  • Ma Zhibin suggested the Ma Family might revive martial souls damaged by malignant mutation, but Ma Tianyang warned that such efforts were costly and uncertain.
  • Ma Tianyang revealed he had come with Xia Qingyun and Uncle Xiaoran because something serious had happened, then urged Ma Zhibin to leave for the Chen Clan immediately.

Ch. 1362Security Council (3K)

Chen Xiaojun proposed a five-country Security Council to coordinate long-term efforts against the soul beasts in the Xieluo Mountains and manage civilian fighters. The leaders discussed its structure and the Chen Clan’s role, but the proposal remained preliminary.

  • Chen Xiaojun reported that nearly ten thousand people had arrived after the Soul-Slaying Decree was announced and proposed a long-term council led by the Five Great Countries.
  • Xue Churan supported the council in principle, and Chen Xiaojun outlined permanent government seats, rotating civilian seats, majority decisions, and a permanent secretariat.
  • The attendees debated the council’s benefits and the disputes its authority and resource allocation might cause.
  • Xia Qingyun questioned whether the Chen Clan would hold a special position, and Chen Xiaojun said it should participate as an equal member with any leadership chosen fairly.
  • Xia Qingyun called the proposal feasible, while the Chen Clan’s potential gains from the council remained clear even without a presiding role.

Ch. 1363Sea God Island Enters the Fray, Chen Xiaojun Stirs the Waters (3K)

Chen Xiaojun proposed measures to counter the soul beast threat in the Xieluo Mountains, including targeting Crimson Cultist networks and founding a Vocational Technical Academy. The chapter left the Five Great Countries facing Sea God Island’s entry into the conflict as Chen Xiaojun laid out a nine-year training plan for professional warriors.

  • Bo Xian'er announced that Sea God Island would send five thousand to ten thousand troops into the Xieluo Mountains to fight soul beasts and train its soldiers.
  • Chen Xiaojun gave Xia Qingyun and Xue Chuxin records of Demon Dragon Legion strongholds in Fasino and Barak, while noting that he had no information about the Dark Snake Legion.
  • Chen Xiaojun warned that Crimson Cultists supporting the soul beasts must also be targeted and said the Chen Clan would help address the threat.
  • Chen Xiaojun proposed a Vocational Technical Academy with a six-year program for students beginning at age nine and a three-year advanced program for selected graduates.
  • Chen Xiaojun said the academy would recruit skilled practitioners and cooperate with industry guilds to train professional warriors for the coming calamity.

Ch. 1364A Scheme to Cut Off Spirit Hall's Lifeline! (3K)

Chen Xiaojun proposed building a vast network of warrior academies to train ordinary people, a plan that could rival Spirit Hall’s influence and alarm the empire. He left the gathering facing warnings that his proposal could destabilize the state, while later historians would debate the system’s consequences for centuries.

  • Chen Xiaojun proposed Basic Academies in small cities and Vocational Technical Advanced Academies in medium-sized cities, aiming to train hundreds of thousands of warriors in the Southern Five Commanderies.
  • Chen Xiaojun argued that the academies’ students could become a mass force capable of resisting beast tides, while Lu Xueying questioned how the project could be funded.
  • Xia Qingyun warned that Spirit Hall would oppose the system, and Shen Tianjun pointed out that blocking it would anger commoners while allowing it would strengthen the Chen Clan.
  • Xue Churan protested that the plan could shake the foundations of the state, and Chen Zixiu stopped Chen Xiaojun from replying as the gathering considered the empire’s likely reaction.
  • Chen Xiaojun recalled recognizing the potential of professional warrior systems and decided that a merit-based structure could expand martial power while keeping it under institutional control.

Ch. 1365An agreement reached, the martial soul pyramid (3K)

Chen Xiaojun and the Chen Clan reached an agreement with the Chang'an Military District to establish a smaller network of warrior academies, then agreed to extend the cooperation to the Balak Kingdom. The discussion turned to reviving the Featherwing Warrior Corps and the challenges clans faced in supporting people without soul power.

  • Chen Zixiu reduced Chen Xiaojun’s proposed academy network, and Xue Chuxin agreed on behalf of the Chang'an Military District on the condition that it jointly allocate graduates with the Chen Clan.
  • Chen Zixiu agreed that the Chen Clan and the Chang'an Military District would split academy costs, divide graduates, and encourage retired soldiers to join the Brocade Guard.
  • Xia Qingyun pointed out that Chen Xiaojun’s ambitious proposal had been a ploy to retreat by advancing, then asked to bring the Balak Kingdom into the same model; Chen Zixiu accepted.
  • Xia Qingyun suggested that the Divine Bird Sect’s Featherwing Warrior Corps could be revived, and Xue Chuxin agreed that the profession could give people who had lost soul power a future.
  • The discussion explained how martial soul branches formed over generations and outlined the constructive and destructive paths available to soul-powerless people in their clans.

Ch. 1366Ambition! The Legendary Force of the Chen Clan's Enshrined Elders Pavilion (3K)

Chen Xiaojun outlined plans to build vocational academies and expand the Brocade Guard through the Chen Clan’s branches. The chapter ended with his ambition to make the Chen Clan a true overlord capable of facing Spirit Hall without relying on outside powers.

  • Chen Xiaojun explained that the Chen Clan’s investment in vocational academies would help the Xue and Xia branch families train warriors and potentially awaken soul power in rare cases.
  • Chen Xiaojun proposed establishing several basic vocational academies and one advanced academy in each region where the families resided, and Lu Xueqi and Leng Qingqiu tacitly approved.
  • The chapter described the Enshrined Elders Pavilion’s ranks, membership rules, benefits, and role in gathering the Chen Clan’s elders and balancing branch interests.
  • The Brocade Guard expanded across several regions, with warriors forming its foundation, soul masters supporting its ranks, and elite battalions serving as its core force.
  • Chen Xiaojun planned an Elite Warrior Battalion with a minimum Soul Saint requirement, modeled on the Black Hawk Swordsmen and intended to rival Spirit Hall’s Angel Legion.
  • Chen Xiaojun aimed for the Chen Clan to become a true overlord with enough strength to face Spirit Hall alone.

Ch. 1367A Grand Game of Burning Money (3K)

Chen Xiaojun explained that the Chen Crystal Card and cigarette launches were being accelerated to raise funds for vocational warrior academies. The projected cost of training students across ten commanderies reached 100 million gold coins annually, before construction expenses.

  • Shen Tianjun, Lu Xueying, and Leng Qingqiu’s combat power surged after their breakthroughs, while Zhu Hongzhen and the other great elders also advanced rapidly.
  • Chen Cong asked whether the Chen Crystal Card rollout and cigarette launch had been brought forward to support the academy plan, and Chen Xiaojun confirmed it.
  • The Chen Clan calculated rewards from the mountain battle, paying participants through contribution points, crystal cards, goods, and materials while retaining most materials to process into higher-value products.
  • Chen Xiaojun’s plan estimated that the Chen Clan and its partners would subsidize each student’s training, with students expected to accept service arrangements after graduation unless they paid their own way.
  • Chen Xiaojun calculated that ten commanderies would need up to 100 million gold coins yearly to train students, excluding the initial cost of building academies.

Ch. 1368New power in the Chen Clan, a changing core (3K)

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.

Ch. 1369The Matriarch and the Illegitimate Daughter, the Master and the Disciple?

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.

Ch. 1370An Iconic Scene for the Ages!

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.

Ch. 1371A new journey! An emperor, blazing like the sun overhead (3K)

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.

Ch. 1372Waves! The Great Sun Art and Nine Yang Divine Skill

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.

Ch. 1373Setting out! The team with thirty straight losses (3K)

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.

Ch. 1374Fuck your uncle! (3K)

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.
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