Chapter Summaries

Li Ping'an reunited with Changqing at the temple while attending the Unrestricted Assembly, after spending time reflecting and playing Go with a wealthy old man. Kitten greeted Changqing by repeating the embarrassing accusations she had heard about him.

• Changqing recognized the black stones and hurried to find the man who had given them to him.
• Li Ping'an reflected on cultivation and heart demons while Kitten tried to read and Old Ox dozed beside him.
• A wealthy old man told Li Ping'an about the upheaval in Nantong, then played Go and discussed the Unrestricted Assembly with him.
• Changqing arrived as Li Ping'an finished his game, and the wealthy old man left without realizing who Changqing was.
• Li Ping'an introduced Kitten to Changqing, and she asked whether he was the bald donkey accused of cheating at Go and sneaking looks at beautiful women.

Li Ping'an and Changqing reunited and traded stories and maps from their travels while Little Girl cooked for them. After Changqing returned to the temple, Buddha chased him for touching meat, though Changqing could not figure out what he had done.

• Li Ping'an forgave Changqing, and the two caught up on their travels and discussed places to visit.
• Changqing shared his experiences among the barbarians of the Eastern Snowfield and described nearby lands as Li Ping'an and Old Ox studied their maps.
• Little Girl cooked pumpkin and potato soup with flatbreads, and Li Ping'an, Changqing, and Old Ox praised the meal until Li Ping'an found a blackened mouse in the soup.
• Changqing drank eight bowls and stayed up late chatting with Li Ping'an and Old Ox before returning to the temple.
• Buddha chased Changqing for twenty li with a Demon-Subduing Pestle, then made him copy Buddhist Scriptures, while Changqing remained unable to figure out what meat he had touched.

Li Ping'an and Changqing agreed to help Luhe Village deal with a jiangshi that had been killing livestock and people. After meeting the village chief and Daoist Juyunzi, they prepared to face the monster that night.

• A farmer from Luhe Village told Li Ping'an that a jiangshi had appeared, and Li Ping'an informed Changqing.
• Changqing agreed to go to the village, and Li Ping'an decided to accompany him.
• Village chief Wu Da and Old Zhang described the jiangshi's attacks, which had escalated from livestock to people and two tigers.
• Wu Da introduced Daoist Juyunzi, whom the villagers had hired as a second safeguard.
• Changqing told the villagers to stay indoors that night, and he and Juyunzi exchanged names and introductions.

Li Ping'an and Changqing waited with Juyunzi for a zombie to appear, then discovered that a hidden evil force was using it as a shell. The force fled after breaking free of Juyunzi’s attacks, and Li Ping'an and Changqing pursued it.

• Juyunzi explained that he had watched for three days but could not find the wary, intelligent zombie, so Li Ping'an and Changqing waited with him and his disciples.
• As they waited, Juyunzi told Li Ping'an that he had left the declining Lingxiao Temple to make a living and hoped to prove himself by defeating the zombie.
• At the third watch, Juyunzi sensed the zombie and attacked it with a Golden Light Mantra and a talisman, while his disciples struck it with peach-wood swords.
• The zombie broke free after black mist rose from its body, briefly released a terrifying aura, then fled into the darkness.
• Li Ping'an identified the zombie as a shell concealing foreign evil energy, and he and Changqing realized it might have come for the unrestricted assembly.
• Changqing and Li Ping'an pursued the fleeing zombie, leaving Juyunzi and his disciples behind.

Li Ping'an and Changqing killed a zombie possessed by a strange demonic presence, then learned that the marking on its neck belonged to Extraterrestrial Demons. Changqing warned that their arrival foretold turmoil in the Nine Provinces, while Li Ping'an remained unconcerned.

• Li Ping'an and Changqing defeated the zombie and destroyed the black wisp that escaped from it.
• Changqing found an unfamiliar pattern on the zombie's neck, and the pair returned its corpse to Juyunzi's village.
• Juyunzi received a message from Li Ping'an and Changqing saying the zombie's defeat could count as his work.
• Li Ping'an returned to the Temple, where Kitten turned into Little Girl and cooked for him.
• Li Ping'an and Changqing waited at the Temple as visitors gathered for Changqing's Unrestricted Assembly, and Old Ox failed to recognize the zombie's pattern.
• Changqing told Li Ping'an that the pattern belonged to Extraterrestrial Demons from beyond the Nine Provinces, whose presence foretold great turmoil; Li Ping'an dismissed the warning.

After the Unrestricted Assembly, Li Ping'an slowed his journey and asked the Old Celestial Master about the Extraterrestrial Demons. The reply warned that they were hard to find and had appeared amid past turmoil, while the Old Celestial Master again demanded the return of the White Jade Capital.

• Li Ping'an and Old Ox left the temple, and a man who had recognized Changqing regretted missing the chance to speak with him.
• Li Ping'an sent the Old Celestial Master a paper crane with an account of the Extraterrestrial Demons, while Kitten rejected learning the spell because it would mean contacting friends when they were apart.
• Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten traveled slowly along the road, where a woman mistook Old Ox for a sick, disabled ox that Li Ping'an had been forced to carry.
• After more than half a month, Li Ping'an received the Old Celestial Master's warning that demons hid among mortals and often appeared during upheaval, along with another demand for the White Jade Capital.
• Li Ping'an burned the letter and decided not to dwell on the coming turmoil, while Kitten discovered that the mouse Old Ox had been watching had escaped.

Li Ping'an, the little girl, and Old Ox took shelter from the snow at an old hunter’s home, where they learned about the Eastern Snowfield and a disreputable Mountain God. The next morning, Li Ping'an discussed the shrine with the hunter, leaving the travelers’ eastward journey ahead.

• An old hunter let Li Ping'an, the little girl, and Old Ox stay in his cottage after his protective talisman gave no warning of danger.
• Li Ping'an told the hunter that he was traveling east from Great Sui, and the hunter warned him that the Eastern Snowfield was dangerous to cross.
• The old hunter explained that a nearby Mountain God had once been an imperial uncle and had been appointed to the remote shrine despite opposition.
• Li Ping'an said the Mountain God should lose the people’s incense offerings if he did evil instead of protecting them.

Li Ping'an learned that the Mountain God of Eastern Grain Mountain planned to take a young woman as a bride, then questioned the local Land God about the Mountain God’s abuses. He entered the Mountain God Temple to confront him.

• An old hunter told Li Ping'an that the Mountain God intended to marry by sacrificing an innocent young woman, and Li Ping'an condemned the plan.
• Old Ox ate the meat Little Girl offered him, leaving her to complain to Li Ping'an, before the group continued toward Eastern Grain Mountain.
• On the mountain, Li Ping'an summoned Qian Youcai, the Land God, and asked about the Mountain God’s treatment of the people.
• Qian Youcai reluctantly confirmed that the Mountain God sometimes abused his authority, and Li Ping'an said it was better not to be a Mountain God like that.
• Li Ping'an entered the Mountain God Temple and said he had come to ask the Mountain God something.

Li Ping'an sealed the Mountain God beneath the mountain after declaring that the god lacked virtue, and left Qian Youcai to guard him. Days later, disciples from Great Shun's Imperial Astronomy Bureau and several City Gods went to investigate the destroyed temple.

• Li Ping'an confronted the Mountain God, who appeared in his colossal divine form and refused to answer to him.
• An avalanche surged toward a village, but Old Ox raised a barrier of mountains that stopped it.
• Li Ping'an split the peak, sealed the Mountain God inside, and calmed the storm and falling snow.
• Li Ping'an asked Qian Youcai to keep watch over the Mountain God and left a spirit-bearing short sword behind; Qian Youcai agreed to help.
• Li Ping'an introduced himself, Old Ox, and Cat Immortal to Qian Youcai before leaving the mountain.
• Rumors of the Mountain God's sealing reached nearby villages and the county authorities, and several days later Imperial Astronomy Bureau disciples and City Gods climbed the mountain to investigate.

The Imperial Astronomy Bureau disciples and City Gods investigated the mountain and learned that Li Ping'an had sealed the Mountain God. When they tried to break the seal, Li Ping'an’s Flying Sword drove them from the summit.

• An old hunter told the Imperial Astronomy Bureau group that he had met the Blue Robes Man, whom Qian Youcai identified as Li Ping'an.
• Qian Youcai explained that Li Ping'an had subdued and sealed the Mountain God, then warned them not to undo the seal.
• The leading disciple ordered the group to break the formation despite Qian Youcai’s warning.
• Li Ping'an’s Flying Sword appeared, shattered a Cultivator’s Magic Treasure, and suppressed the group with its Sword Qi.
• The group retreated from the mountain and ran to its foot before stopping to catch their breath.

After the Imperial Astronomy Bureau’s disciples retreated from the sealed mountain, Qian Youcai gained authority over the local mountain affairs. Li Ping'an, Kitten, and Old Ox camped beneath the highest mountain range in the Eastern Snowfield, then began climbing it.

• The Imperial Astronomy Bureau’s disciples left Qian Youcai to guard the seal and report any changes, then a senior official inspected the formation and flying sword before departing.
• Qian Youcai was promoted one rank and given authority over the local affairs formerly handled by the Mountain God.
• Li Ping'an camped with Kitten and Old Ox as snow fell, and the Drizzle Sword returned to him during the night.
• Several days later, Li Ping'an, Kitten, and Old Ox started climbing the mountain, and Kitten learned to control the Wooden Armor Puppet, Ice Armor Puppet, and Earth Armor Puppet at once.

Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten celebrated the New Year on a snowy mountain while watching two distant cultivators fight. Kitten decided she needed to stay with Li Ping'an and Old Ox to take care of them, and Old Ox ended the night outside the tent after Li Ping'an kicked him out.

• Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten watched two cultivators clash in the sky as they climbed the mountain and celebrated the New Year.
• Li Ping'an explained the Jianghu to Kitten, who wondered whether she could venture into it but worried that Li Ping'an and Old Ox would be helpless without her.
• Kitten cooked a New Year’s meal, played word riddles, and compared her height with Old Ox’s as the battle continued overhead.
• Kitten woke Li Ping'an at night and said she had decided to stay and take care of him and Old Ox.
• Li Ping'an kicked Old Ox out of the tent, and Old Ox blocked the battle’s falling residual force before settling down in the snow.

Cao Gui and Wang Ying’s long-running feud erupted into a magical duel in the mountains, but Old Ox charged in and overwhelmed both practitioners. The two men fled across the countryside as their spells and treasures failed to stop him.

• Old Ox grew angry at the fallout from Cao Gui and Wang Ying’s battle and charged toward them.
• Cao Gui and Wang Ying continued their duel, using mountain-moving magic and Wang Ying’s Dharma Body Golden Form amid destructive lightning.
• Cao Gui tried to shift the battlefield but found his spells and magic treasure could not stop Old Ox’s charge.
• Wang Ying laughed as Old Ox tossed Cao Gui around, then attacked the ox with lightning and his Dharma Body Golden Form.
• Old Ox rammed Wang Ying’s Dharma Body Golden Form and sent Wang Ying tumbling, forcing both practitioners to flee.

Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten slowly climbed the highest snowy peak in the east and spent several days admiring its starry summit. After sharing tea with a passing cultivator, they continued their journey down the mountain.

• Kitten covered Old Ox with a blanket, cooked breakfast, and then joined him and Li Ping'an on the climb.
• Kitten used three summoned figures to push and pull one another up the snowy slopes, while her breathing cultivation gradually strengthened.
• After four months, Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten reached the summit and rested beneath the stars.
• A middle-aged man arrived on a Flying Sword, shared tea with Li Ping'an, and said he was going to mediate between two fighters.
• After several days admiring the scenery, Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten began their descent.

Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Little Girl met the giant barbarians of the Eastern Snowfield and followed them to their settlement. The barbarians welcomed the strangers, though Li Ping'an had to endure their foul-tasting milk wine to show respect.

• Li Ping'an encountered a hunting party of giant barbarians and offered their leader a bolt of cloth, earning their invitation to follow them.
• Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Little Girl traveled with the barbarians through the snow, while Old Ox kicked Li Ping'an off when he tried to climb on.
• The group reached the barbarian settlement, where mounted patrols rode enormous white-haired beasts and a young barbarian girl watched them.
• The barbarians admitted Li Ping'an and his companions into a wheeled tent and served them bowls of strong-smelling milk wine.
• Li Ping'an poured his first bowl into Old Ox's mouth, then drank a second bowl himself to satisfy the barbarian host, who promptly offered them more.

Li Ping'an and his companions traded goods with the Barbarians, earning their trust through fair dealing and helping them discover new seasonings. After a successful first day of trade, a young Barbarians girl led Li Ping'an away for a reason he did not yet know.

• The Barbarian leader welcomed Li Ping'an and his companions after they offered goods from the Central Plains, and Li Ping'an exchanged tea for an item from him.
• Li Ping'an showed the Barbarians how to season their meat, then he, Old Ox, and Kitten began trading goods with the settlement.
• Kitten stopped a Barbarian from stealing seasonings, and the tribal elder beat the thief and returned the jars to Li Ping'an.
• The trading went smoothly afterward, and Kitten sorted through the unusual goods they had received, including a heavy hat, a tooth necklace, and a scimitar.
• A Barbarians girl brought Li Ping'an a bundle of animal hides and bone tools, refused his offer of trade goods, and led him away.

Li Ping'an treated the barbarians' sick and injured, then left with Kitten and Old Ox after befriending the tribe. As his escort guided him through a canyon, an avalanche crashed down toward them.

• Li Ping'an used Sixteen Needles to treat the little barbarian girl's mother, who recovered enough to hunt again within half a month.
• Li Ping'an taught the barbarians how to treat wounds and find medicinal herbs, while Kitten learned to ride White Fur Giant Beasts.
• After three months with the tribe, Li Ping'an and his companions set out, and Kitten exchanged parting gifts with the little barbarian girl.
• The Clan Chief sent more than a dozen barbarians to escort Li Ping'an through the snowfields and into a canyon.
• A massive avalanche swept down the canyon, and one of the barbarians grabbed Li Ping'an and prepared to flee on a White Fur Giant Beast.

Li Ping'an stopped an avalanche, but the barbarians took him for a god and used the legend to strengthen their tribe. He continued east with Old Ox and Kitten, eventually reaching a valley where two tribes had fought a bloody battle.

• Li Ping'an halted the avalanche and restored the snow, rocks, and timber, prompting the barbarians to worship him as a god.
• The barbarians spread stories of the Snowfield God, carved statues of Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten, and used their improved saddles and stirrups to conquer two neighboring tribes.
• Li Ping'an continued east with Old Ox and Kitten, traveling through fierce winds and snow until they reached a valley where two tribes were fighting.
• After the battle ended, Li Ping'an found a badly wounded barbarian among the corpses and gave him the rest of his wine before leaving.

Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten crossed the Eastern Snowfield and met Tushan Ya, a steward of the Cave-Heaven Paradise. After she recognized Li Ping'an's Knight-Errant Brush, she agreed to take them there.

• Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten waited out the heavy snow in a cave before continuing east across the snowfield.
• The trio encountered increasingly many beasts and fewer barbarian tribes as they traveled through the snow.
• Kitten spotted Tushan Ya, who introduced herself as a member of the Tushan Fox Clan and one of the Five Direction Stewards of the Cave-Heaven Paradise.
• Tushan Ya explained the Cave-Heaven Paradise's rules, and Li Ping'an said he was interested in visiting it.
• Li Ping'an showed Tushan Ya the Knight-Errant Brush, and she recognized it and invited the trio to accompany her to the Cave-Heaven Paradise.
• Tushan Ya prepared to fly and saw Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten arranged in their usual human pyramid.

Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten entered the Cave-Heaven Paradise, where Tushan Ya adjusted Kitten's size and showed them to a town. They settled into Wen Yuan Tea Shop, unaware that townspeople expected the shop to swindle them.

• Tushan Ya brought Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten to the Cave-Heaven Paradise, where Kitten remained enormous because her cultivation was insufficient.
• Tushan Ya found a way to make Kitten a size suitable for the paradise, then guided the group to a town and left them there.
• Li Ping'an, Old Ox, and Kitten chose Wen Yuan Tea Shop for tea and pastries, and the attendant offered them a place to stay.
• Passing townspeople whispered that newcomers were often tricked into visiting Wen Yuan Tea Shop and swindled.
• The attendant amiably served the group, while an old man was the shop's only other customer.