Chapter Summaries

Chu Zhiyuan learned that the abundant Spiritual Qi made Martial Skills powerful enough to overcome realm differences, then began practicing the Great Brightness Fist. He discovered that his detached state of mind let him wield the technique with startling force, and the chapter ended with him pulverizing a Green Bamboo with a punch.

• Chu Zhiyuan learned from Youlan that the mansion guards had been expelled after Chu Liezhao was gravely wounded, and that replacements had not yet arrived.
• Chu Zhiyuan returned to his courtyard and studied the Great Brightness Fist, realizing his detached perspective suited its demand for a mind free of grudges.
• Chu Zhiyuan threw a punch and drew a wisp of aura from the Yin-Yang Fish, producing a powerful fist imprint and a thunderous blast.
• Chu Zhiyuan struck a long saber with his fist, shattering it into fragments that toppled a Green Bamboo.
• Chu Zhiyuan punched the falling Green Bamboo and reduced it to powder.

Chu Zhiyuan learned that he could enter Great Bright Peak, but the Emperor required him to cultivate alone at the dreaded Contemplation Cliff. After receiving the entry Jade Token, he used it the next morning and arrived at the snow-covered mountain’s foot.

• Chu Zhiyuan heard that Imperial Consort had summoned him and learned that Imperial Guard experts were pursuing the Golden Tiger Clan assassin and the two traitors.
• Chu Zhiyuan complained that guards had not yet been chosen for his mansion and told Youlan to warn Wei Boyuan that he would confront him if the selection was not completed by the next day.
• At Fu Hui Palace, Noble Consort Hui told Chu Zhiyuan that he could enter Great Bright Peak but would have to cultivate separately at Contemplation Cliff.
• Chu Zhiyuan agreed to try cultivating there for ten days, while Noble Consort Hui gave him the Jade Token needed to enter Great Bright Peak.
• The next morning, Chu Zhiyuan infused the Jade Token with his energy, passed through a crystalline doorway, and appeared at the foot of a snow-covered mountain.

Chu Zhiyuan cultivated on Great Bright Peak, discovering that visualizing the mountain and sun greatly accelerated his progress without exhausting his mind. As he left the peak, he encountered Fourth Prince Chu Liexi, whom he had beaten there five years earlier.

• Chu Zhiyuan was escorted by two Imperial Guards to Contemplation Cliff on Great Bright Peak, where he began cultivating under their watch.
• Using Super Sensation, Chu Zhiyuan discovered that Great Bright Peak floated in the void and used the mountain and sun as his visualization, drawing in Spiritual Qi at remarkable speed.
• Chu Zhiyuan cultivated from sunrise until after sunset and estimated that ten more days of such practice could bring him to the Fifth Turn.
• Chu Zhiyuan considered visualizing the moon instead of the sun but sensed grave danger and abandoned the idea.
• Chu Zhiyuan suggested that the two Imperial Guards volunteer to serve at his residence, then headed down the mountain.
• Chu Zhiyuan saw Fourth Prince Chu Liexi approaching with two young men and recognized him as the prince he had beaten five years earlier.

Chu Zhiyuan left Great Bright Peak after encountering Fourth Prince, Twelfth Prince, and Sixth Prince, then returned to his courtyard unharmed. He learned that Wei Boyuan would act within three days, found no news from the Supervisory Department or Outer Court Guard, and resumed cultivating before falling asleep exhausted.

• Chu Zhiyuan exchanged restrained greetings with Fourth Prince at Great Bright Peak while Twelfth Prince mocked him.
• Fourth Prince stopped Twelfth Prince from provoking Chu Zhiyuan, warning that he might strike back regardless of the consequences.
• Youlan checked that Chu Zhiyuan had returned without injury and served him dinner.
• Chu Zhiyuan told Youlan that Wei Boyuan would act within three days and that he planned to raise his cultivation before confronting his enemies.
• Chu Zhiyuan tried and failed to visualize Great Bright Peak, then cultivated using the original Great Bright Meditation Technique until he was exhausted.

Chu Zhiyuan cultivated on Great Bright Peak and realized the Imperial Guards were likely to be assigned to his Prince’s Mansion. After he evaded Twelfth Prince’s attempt to bump into him, he challenged him to a spar in ten days, and the news spread through the imperial city.

• Chu Zhiyuan ate breakfast before using the Jade Token to travel to Great Bright Peak, where he asked the two Imperial Guards if they had reconsidered joining his Prince’s Mansion.
• Chu Zhiyuan told the guards that Wei Boyuan would likely assign them to his household and asked them to help identify any spies among his future guards.
• The Imperial Guards witnessed Chu Zhiyuan absorb Spiritual Qi with exceptional speed and agreed not to tell Wei Boyuan about his cultivation.
• On his way down the mountain, Chu Zhiyuan let Fourth Prince pass and dodged Twelfth Prince’s attempt to knock him aside.
• Chu Zhiyuan challenged Twelfth Prince to spar in ten days, and news of their upcoming match spread throughout the imperial city.

Chu Zhiyuan enjoyed a night out in the capital, then confirmed to Youlan that he planned to fight the Twelfth Prince to prove his aptitude and escape Contemplation Cliff. After demonstrating his Great Brightness Fist to Noble Consort Hui, Chu Zhen, and Chu Qiao, he wondered whether the Emperor’s attitude toward him had reasons beyond his temper and mischief.

• Chu Zhiyuan visited Feiyue Restaurant with Youlan and watched nine dancers perform a sword dance using the Devil Race technique Chaos God's Lure.
• Youlan asked whether Chu Zhiyuan would spar with the Twelfth Prince, and he said he intended to prove himself and earn a move away from Contemplation Cliff.
• Chu Zhiyuan decided to wait ten days before the pivotal fight so he could advance his cultivation and prepare carefully.
• Noble Consort Hui, Chu Zhen, and Chu Qiao warned Chu Zhiyuan that the Twelfth Prince was powerful and urged him to show mercy.
• Chu Zhiyuan demonstrated his Great Brightness Fist, and Noble Consort Hui explained that the Twelfth Prince had challenged him to uphold the Fourth Prince's authority.

Chu Zhiyuan continued cultivating and learned that his growing Divine Ability could let him create another avatar. At Great Bright Peak, the Twelfth Prince arrived with a crowd to challenge him, and Chu Zhiyuan offered to strike first.

• Chu Zhiyuan told Noble Consort Hui that his cultivation had advanced quickly, while Chu Zhen and Chu Qiao shared their progress and news of the Tenth Prince’s completed Ninth Turn.
• Chu Zhiyuan met the four Imperial Guards assigned to him, then spent the evening exploring the city before examining his growing Divine Ability.
• Chu Zhiyuan’s Divine Ability strengthened as news spread that he had destroyed the world’s evil sects, and he realized he could create another avatar.
• At Great Bright Peak, Chu Zhiyuan’s Spiritual Power increased his rate of drawing in Spiritual Qi while two new Imperial Guards watched.
• The Twelfth Prince arrived with the Fourth Prince, Sixth Prince, and a crowd of princes to press Chu Zhiyuan into their promised bout, and Chu Zhiyuan told him to take a punch.

Chu Zhiyuan demonstrated his mastery of the Great Brightness Fist by defeating Twelfth Prince and challenging the other princes. He then overwhelmed Fourth Prince with a final punch, leaving the outcome of their sparring unresolved.

• Chu Zhiyuan punched Twelfth Prince into a snowbank, then sent him back into the pit when he charged again.
• Twelfth Prince attacked with the Great Brightness Fist, but Chu Zhiyuan countered him and left him embedded in the rock wall.
• Chu Zhiyuan invited the princes to spar and challenged Fourth Prince after rebuffing Sixth Prince.
• Chu Zhiyuan and Fourth Prince exchanged repeated Great Brightness Fist strikes as the wind swept through the gathering.
• Chu Zhiyuan unleashed a massive, hazy fist imprint that blasted Fourth Prince away.

Chu Zhiyuan defeated the Fourth Prince with his Great Brightness Fist, revealing that he had reached Intent Transformation. After the princes dispersed, Chu Lieyu invited him to train together, but Chu Zhiyuan declined and suggested watching from Great Bright Peak for three days instead.

• Chu Zhiyuan sent the Fourth Prince flying with one punch, and the Fourth Prince conceded that Chu Zhiyuan's Great Brightness Fist had reached Intent Transformation.
• The princes praised Chu Zhiyuan's martial talent, and he explained that his near-death experience had given him insight into the Great Brightness Fist.
• The Fourth Prince declared that their past grievances were wiped clean, though Chu Zhiyuan doubted his sincerity.
• The princes left, and Chu Lieyu stayed behind to ask whether Chu Zhiyuan was hurt and invite him to train together.
• Chu Zhiyuan refused Chu Lieyu's invitation and advised him to stand atop Great Bright Peak and watch for three days to gain insight into the Great Brightness Fist.

Chu Zhiyuan discussed the dangers of becoming the Phoenix Dynasty’s Imperial Son-in-Law with the Seventh Prince and reflected on how his martial arts prowess might persuade the emperor to protect him. After defeating the Twelfth Prince and Fourth Brother, he returned to his courtyard, where Chu Zhen and Chu Qiao celebrated his victory before a message from Noble Consort Hui cut short their plans.

• The Seventh Prince warned Chu Zhiyuan that factions seeking renewed war might target him in the Phoenix Dynasty, and Chu Zhiyuan said he would face any danger.
• Chu Zhiyuan reflected that his display of skill could make the emperor consider him valuable enough to protect as an Imperial Son-in-Law.
• Chu Zhiyuan returned to his courtyard, where Chu Zhen, Chu Qiao, and Youlan asked about the sparring match.
• Chu Zhiyuan told Chu Zhen and Chu Qiao that he had defeated the Twelfth Prince and Fourth Brother, and they hoped their mother could prevent his marriage alliance.
• Chu Zhiyuan and the two girls ate together, but a maid sent by Noble Consort Hui arrived before they could go out, and Chu Zhen and Chu Qiao returned to the palace.

Chu Zhiyuan moved his cultivation to Clear Wind Cliff and learned that the princes would compete for a place in Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven. Noble Consort Hui warned him not to enter the contest after revealing that his three strongest brothers had forced their way into it.

• Chu Zhiyuan arrived at Clear Wind Cliff, where the warmer weather and denser Spiritual Qi made it a far better place to cultivate than Contemplation Cliff.
• Seventh Prince Chu Lieyu told Chu Zhiyuan that princes would compete in the Great Brightness Fist for one of three places in Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven, with the contest set for ten days later at Diwu Academy.
• Chu Zhen and Chu Qiao told Chu Zhiyuan that the princesses had changed their opinion of him after his recent victory.
• Noble Consort Hui warned Chu Zhiyuan against competing for the grotto-heaven place because the eldest, second, and third princes had joined the contest despite being far stronger than the intended Qi Transformation Stage contestants.

Chu Zhiyuan decided he needed to master the Great Brightness Fist at Divine Manifestation to challenge the First, Second, and Third Princes for a place in the Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven. Fifteenth Uncle Chu Honglin arrived, and Chu Zhiyuan asked to see his Divine Manifestation-stage fist.

• Chu Zhiyuan concluded that the First Prince and the other princes had likely reached Intent Transformation in the Great Brightness Fist, so he would need Divine Manifestation to defeat them.
• Chu Qiao and Chu Zhen proposed asking Fifteenth Uncle for instruction, and Noble Consort Hui explained that he had recently returned from the Outer Realm Battlefield with severe injuries.
• While Chu Zhiyuan cultivated, Chu Honglin appeared and recognized his exceptional cultivation speed.
• Chu Honglin asked whether Chu Zhiyuan planned to contend for the Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven, and Chu Zhiyuan confirmed he did.
• Chu Zhiyuan told Chu Honglin he wanted to witness his Great Brightness Fist at the Divine Manifestation Stage.

Chu Honglin demonstrated the Divine Manifestation Stage of the Great Brightness Fist, and Chu Zhiyuan used Super Sensation to study and begin reproducing it. By sunset, Chu Zhiyuan had made remarkable progress but knew he had only grasped the surface, and Chu Honglin promised to continue teaching him the next afternoon.

• Chu Honglin struck Chu Zhiyuan with a radiant punch, sending him flying, then asked whether he had seen the technique clearly.
• Chu Zhiyuan analyzed Chu Honglin’s Great Brightness Fist and asked what spirit was; Chu Honglin explained that spirit was marrow, the soul, and that emptiness was the primal origin.
• Chu Zhiyuan spent the afternoon contemplating the Great Brightness Fist and suddenly struck Chu Honglin with a ball of light, demonstrating an early grasp of Divine Manifestation.
• Chu Honglin praised Chu Zhiyuan for reaching the stage in half a day, then exchanged more than a dozen punches with him as Chu Zhiyuan’s radiance grew brighter and purer.
• Chu Honglin ended their practice after sunset and said he would return the next afternoon, while Chu Zhiyuan thanked him.

Chu Zhiyuan learned that his brothers would compete for a rare slot and decided to contend despite Seventh Prince’s warning. Twelfth Princess sent Li Yuzhen, a Spirit Guard expert and trusted confidante, to protect him, and Chu Zhiyuan accepted her presence.

• Seventh Prince warned Chu Zhiyuan that Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Third Brother would compete fiercely for the slot, but Chu Zhiyuan insisted on participating.
• Seventh Prince invited Chu Zhiyuan to drink, and Chu Zhiyuan agreed.
• Youlan told Chu Zhiyuan that Twelfth Princess had sent a guard, and Chu Zhiyuan asked to meet her.
• Li Yuzhen introduced herself as a Spirit Guard transferred by imperial decree to protect Chu Zhiyuan.
• Chu Zhiyuan realized Li Yuzhen was Twelfth Princess’s trusted confidante and suspected she had sent her because someone might try to kill him.
• Li Yuzhen said she would follow Chu Zhiyuan in secret whenever he left the residence, and he agreed.

Chu Zhiyuan became wary of Li Yuzhen’s assignment and investigated whether she was truly sent by the Twelfth Princess. While studying the nature of the Great Brightness Fist, he broke through to Spirit Entry, astonishing Li Yuzhen.

• Chu Zhiyuan questioned whether Li Yuzhen was genuine and asked Youlan to have the Supervisory Department verify her with the Twelfth Princess’s residence.
• Chu Zhiyuan noticed Li Yuzhen stealthily following him and reflected on how martial comprehension traced the origins of life and light.
• A flash of insight led Chu Zhiyuan to retreat into an alley and focus his Spiritual Power as light gathered around him.
• Chu Zhiyuan formed a fist of light and struck toward Li Yuzhen, who drew her sword to meet the attack.
• Li Yuzhen recognized the Great Brightness Fist as Spirit Entry-level, and Chu Zhiyuan asked her to confirm his breakthrough.

Chu Zhiyuan comprehended the Spirit Entry Great Brightness Fist and learned how martial art realms could suppress cultivation realms. After he displayed his progress, Chu Honglin tested him with the Auspicious Ruyi, a treasure that restrained Devil Race and Demon Race souls, suspecting his sudden changes might mean possession.

• Chu Zhiyuan used his newly comprehended Spirit Entry Great Brightness Fist against Li Yuzhen, whose Crimson Cloud Sword Art dismantled his attacks.
• Li Yuzhen explained the nine grades of martial arts and how Spirit Entry techniques could suppress cultivation realms.
• Chu Lieyu told Chu Zhiyuan that Celestial Peak would reappear in the Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven and promised to explain more the next day.
• Chu Zhiyuan returned to his mansion and cultivated after watching a performance with Chu Lieyu.
• Chu Honglin saw Chu Zhiyuan demonstrate the Great Brightness Fist, then tapped his forehead with the Auspicious Ruyi to test whether he was possessed.

Chu Zhiyuan examined the Auspicious Ruyi and questioned Chu Honglin about the vanished Divine Race, Celestials, and the Void Secret Treasures found at Celestial Peak. After learning that Celestial Peak would appear when Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven opened, Chu Zhiyuan considered seeking a treasure there to improve his chances of becoming a Spirit Venerable.

• Chu Zhiyuan inspected and waved the Auspicious Ruyi, startling Chu Honglin, who explained that the ancient treasure was said to have come from the Divine Race.
• Chu Honglin described competing legends about the Divine Race’s disappearance and explained that Celestials had once pursued its cultivation methods.
• Chu Honglin told Chu Zhiyuan that Celestial Peak appeared once every thousand years and contained Celestial methods and Void Secret Treasures that could enhance comprehension.
• Chu Honglin recounted how past treasure holders had advanced but had not necessarily become Spirit Venerables, and Chu Zhiyuan questioned whether the treasure was truly useful.
• Chu Zhiyuan asked for something to improve his comprehension, and Chu Honglin said his quota for Celestial Peak was now his and urged him to try his luck there.

Chu Zhiyuan learned that the competition for a slot in the Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven had been moved up to three days away, and that its rewards could accelerate cultivation. As he prepared to face the other Princes, Chu Honglin warned him about the First Prince’s unknown extraordinary art, then revealed that the First Prince’s Great Brightness Fist had not reached Spirit Entry.

• Chu Zhiyuan and Chu Honglin discussed the Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven, where exotic flowers and strange fruits could increase cultivation, and learned the competition would take place in three days.
• Chu Zhiyuan objected that the Emperor’s decision to share the grotto’s treasures with all Princes unfairly benefited them at the expense of whoever won the slot.
• Chu Zhiyuan dismissed the First Prince’s martial prowess, while Chu Honglin cautioned him that the First Prince was steady and might have cultivated another extraordinary art.
• Chu Honglin told Chu Zhiyuan that the First Prince’s Great Brightness Fist had not reached Spirit Entry, but kept secret which other art he had chosen.
• Chu Honglin urged Chu Zhiyuan not to reveal that his own Great Brightness Fist had reached Spirit Entry, and Chu Zhiyuan agreed.

Chu Zhiyuan learned that First Prince had cultivated the Forget Worry Divine Finger and declined his banquet, choosing instead to watch a martial arts tournament. The chapter left Chu Zhiyuan warned that First Prince would likely test him as he competed for the coveted position.

• Chu Lieyu told Chu Zhiyuan that Third Paternal Granduncle had confirmed First Prince cultivated the Forget Worry Divine Finger, then encouraged him to seek a Void Secret Treasure at Celestial Peak.
• Chu Zhiyuan returned to his courtyard and refused First Prince’s invitation to a banquet for the princes, suspecting it was a scheme.
• Chu Zhiyuan went to Tianya Academy to watch its martial arts tournament and returned home late that night.
• Chu Lieyu told Chu Zhiyuan that First Prince had promised to share Heavenly Treasures with the princes and apologized to them at the banquet, winning their praise.
• Chu Lieyu warned Chu Zhiyuan that First Prince had been cautioned not to underestimate him and would likely try to test him.

Chu Zhiyuan discussed First Prince Chu Liechu’s reputation and the princes’ rivalry before Chu Liechu visited him to apologize and question his plans for the Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven slots. Chu Zhiyuan refused to yield, and after their brief clash, Chu Liechu left with the competition still ahead.

• Chu Lieyu and Chu Zhiyuan discussed First Prince’s exceptional martial comprehension and the other princes’ desire to surpass him.
• Chu Zhiyuan stayed in seclusion for several days and declined an invitation to First Prince’s banquet.
• First Prince Chu Liechu visited Chu Zhiyuan, who accused him of taking a slot and offering a hypocritical apology.
• Chu Zhiyuan declared that he would fight for a Jade Scenery Grotto-Heaven slot despite his lower cultivation.
• Chu Liechu tested Chu Zhiyuan with a five-colored flower attack, and Chu Zhiyuan blocked it but appeared injured.
• Chu Liechu left, saying they would meet again when they competed for the slots.