Chapter Summaries

Xiao Hua helped Xuan Songzi recover his life-bound Suspended Mountain Pagoda and pass on a technique for cultivating as a scattered nascent soul, then considered what the method might mean for his own Nascent Souls. As Xiao Hua continued toward the Yaotai Gathering, he met three Daoist cultivators led by Chang Yu of Qingzhou Qingyun Ridge.

• Xuan Songzi explained how he had discovered the cultivation method for scattered nascent souls and asked Xiao Hua to retrieve his Ink Cloud Pupil and Suspended Mountain Pagoda.
• Xiao Hua returned the Suspended Mountain Pagoda, read the Ink Cloud Pupil, and transmitted part of its technique to Xuan Songzi.
• Xuan Songzi entered the pagoda to cultivate, entrusting Xiao Hua with finding the unusual spiritual items he needed.
• Xiao Hua considered whether the scattered-nascent-soul method could help his own Nascent Souls and gave the Ink Cloud Pupil to Dragon Vein Xiao Hua to study.
• Three cultivators approached Xiao Hua, and Chang Yu introduced himself and confirmed that they were traveling to the Yaotai Gathering.

Xiao Hua met Chang Yu, Zhu Chengli, and Wu Tianxin near Yaotai, and they discussed why Daoist cultivators risked entering the Gathering despite its dangers. As they approached, Xiao Hua learned that the contests for National Teacher’s tokens varied unpredictably and that the Star Lord Palace showed no concern for those who died.

• Chang Yu introduced Zhu Chengli and Wu Tianxin to Xiao Hua, and they exchanged greetings.
• Chang Yu and Zhu Chengli argued that Daoist cultivators needed National Teacher status and cultivation resources, while Wu Tianxin warned that the Yaotai Gathering was dangerous and manipulated by Confucian cultivators.
• Xiao Hua suggested that Wu Tianxin could cultivate under a Daoist National Teacher, but Wu said he could not ingratiate himself with others.
• Chang Yu promised to invite the others to assist him if he obtained a National Teacher’s token, and the group discussed exchanging cultivation items at Yaotai.
• Xiao Hua and his companions approached Yaotai Mountain, where the chapter explained that the Star Lord Palace changed the contest sites, rules, and number of tokens, while leaving participants’ deaths unattended.
• Xiao Hua traveled with the three cultivators for several days and learned that no previous experience could reliably predict the Yaotai Gathering.

Xiao Hua and his companions arrived at Yaotai Mountain, where nations had gathered to recruit Daoist cultivators and offer patronage. After receiving entry tokens and choosing to stay near the mountain, Xiao Hua accepted dozens of recruitment tokens, leaving Chang Yu to tease him for being too softhearted.

• Xiao Hua and his companions saw armies and tents around Yaotai Mountain, where various nations had sent recruiters for Daoist cultivators.
• A Spirit Power Rank 2 cultivator delivered four entry tokens and said the group would have to arrange their own lodging before entering Yaotai Mountain in ten days.
• Xiao Hua agreed with Chang Yu’s suggestion to stay near the mountain, and the four descended toward the tents.
• A representative of Flying Swallow Kingdom offered the group swallow-shaped recruitment tokens, which Xiao Hua and the others accepted.
• Dozens of other recruiters gave Xiao Hua and his companions tokens, and Chang Yu joked that Xiao Hua’s kindness had left him with a pile of useless offers.

Xiao Hua and his companions reached the foothills of Yaotai Mountain, where they saw the vast formations and pavilions prepared for the gathering. A grand procession bearing True Person Yuanqing arrived, and Hong Songzi appeared to speak with Yuanqing, leaving Xiao Hua asking whether famous Nascent Soul cultivators had to serve as national preceptors.

• Xiao Hua and his companions passed the camps and saw the crimson-cloud formations conceal Yaotai Mountain from sight.
• Chang Yu suggested that the group choose nearby quiet rooms and stay together, and Xiao Hua agreed.
• A sea vessel escorted by giant turtles and python dragons approached, and a youth seized the Yaotai Gathering token from a cultivator trying to deliver it.
• Hong Songzi arrived in a silver rainbow and spoke with True Person Yuanqing, while Chang Yu and Zhu Chengli recognized the famous Nascent Soul cultivators.
• Chang Yu named other renowned Nascent Soul cultivators, and Xiao Hua asked whether they also had to serve as national preceptors.

Xiao Hua met True Person Yuanqing and Hong Songzi at the Yaotai Gathering and revealed enough strength to earn their respect. He settled into a Star Lord Palace with his companions, while a hidden onlooker watched his arrival with apparent intent.

• Zhu Chengli explained that some Nascent Soul cultivators relied on small Qi Stone mines instead of governing nations, then listed several renowned cultivators from Yangzhou.
• True Person Yuanqing and Hong Songzi sensed Xiao Hua's unusual power, greeted him respectfully, and invited him to become acquainted with them.
• Xiao Hua introduced himself as a cultivator from Yuzhou Heiyun Ridge and agreed to visit Yuanqing and Hong Songzi after settling in.
• Xiao Hua followed Chang Yu, Zhu Chengli, and Wu Tianxin to a palace for Nascent Soul cultivators, while a hidden onlooker watched him descend.
• Xiao Hua activated the Star Lord Palace with its jade tablet and entered with his companions, who chose its four quiet rooms.

Wu Tianxin told Xiao Hua that his divination art had revealed a deadly calamity awaiting him at Yaotai Mountain and that Xiao Hua might be his only chance of survival. Xiao Hua listened to Wu Tianxin’s history and learned that the crisis was already unavoidable, though its cause remained unknown.

• Xiao Hua activated the quiet room’s restrictions, and Wu Tianxin begged him to save his life at the Yaotai Gathering.
• Wu Tianxin revealed that he had an innate ability to sense fortune and misfortune and had discovered a fragmentary technique that taught him divination.
• Wu Tianxin explained that he had sensed a growing calamity for decades and came to Yaotai Mountain hoping to find a way to survive.
• After using his divination art in the quiet room, Wu Tianxin discovered that his crisis was on Yaotai Mountain and that Xiao Hua represented a slim chance of life.
• Xiao Hua observed that Wu Tianxin seemed trapped in a deathtrap with no way to return, and Wu Tianxin confirmed his fears.

Wu Tianxin warned Xiao Hua that he sensed danger to himself at the Yaotai Gathering, and Xiao Hua promised to protect him. Later, Xiao Hua welcomed Xue Ping, an old acquaintance from Xiguo, and asked why he had come to Yaotai Mountain.

• Wu Tianxin told Xiao Hua he sensed danger to himself and asked for help at the Yaotai Gathering; Xiao Hua agreed to keep him by his side and protect him.
• Zhu Chengli left Xiao Hua’s palace pleased after receiving a medicinal pill and a Nascent Soul cultivation technique.
• Xiao Hua studied Confucian scrolls and Buddhist scriptures, then reflected on how demons cultivated and decided to ask Xiao Huang and Xiaohei when they returned.
• Xiao Hua sensed that True Person Yuanqing had returned to Yaotai Mountain and went to greet his old acquaintance.
• Xue Ping apologized for his former discourtesy, and Xiao Hua welcomed him, offered him spiritual fruit, and asked why he had come to Yaotai Mountain.

Xue Ping explained that he resigned from his post in Xiguo to avoid being caught in the growing conflict around Changsheng Town, then found a powerful new position in Danliang Kingdom. Xiao Hua agreed to travel with him after the Yaotai Gathering, leaving their earlier agreement still ahead.

• Xue Ping told Xiao Hua that he had left Nanpu Commandery and offered to guide him on their planned journey after the Yaotai Gathering.
• Xue Ping recounted how Dharma Master Cihang’s fame transformed Changsheng Town into a major Buddhist pilgrimage site and stirred tensions among Buddhist, Confucian, and Daoist forces.
• Xue Ping explained that he resigned as Left General rather than risk being drawn into the conflict, then became a prefect’s aide in Butian Commandery of Danliang Kingdom.
• Xue Ping described how Danliang’s sovereign appointed him prefect’s aide with authority over military and governmental affairs, despite his Daoist affiliation.

Xue Ping told Xiao Hua about Danliang Kingdom’s Buddhist monarch, Xiao Jun, and invited him to meet the king, leaving Xiao Hua curious about the kingdom’s intentions. Later, Hong Songzi invited Xiao Hua to attend an evening banquet hosted by True Lord Huode, whose identity Xiao Hua asked Chang Yu to explain.

• Xue Ping explained that he had urged Xiao Jun to recruit Daoist cultivators and offered to arrange a meeting, but Xiao Hua told him not to discuss Xiao Hua’s affairs without permission.
• Xue Ping gave Xiao Hua his communication talisman and left with Chang Yu.
• Xiao Hua shared spirit fruits and wine with Chang Yu, Wu Tianxin, and Zhu Chengli, then asked what they thought of Danliang Kingdom and its monarch.
• Chang Yu suggested that Xiao Jun might genuinely want to improve his country, while Wu Tianxin argued that the kingdom was using Daoist cultivators for Buddhism.
• Qingmu delivered Hong Songzi’s invitation to attend True Lord Huode’s evening banquet, and Xiao Hua asked Chang Yu who True Lord Huode was.

Xiao Hua accepted an invitation to True Lord Huode’s banquet, bringing Chang Yu and his companions along. After revealing his mid-stage fourth-rank Yuan force cultivation to Hai Hongzi, Xiao Hua arrived at the banquet and saw True Lord Huode seated at the head of the hall.

• Xiao Hua learned that True Lord Huode was the National Teacher of Lihuo Kingdom and agreed to attend his banquet with Chang Yu and the others.
• Hong Songzi, True Person Yuanqing, and Hai Hongzi came to greet Xiao Hua, and Xiao Hua revealed his mid-Nascent Soul cultivation.
• Xiao Hua told the other cultivators that he had come to seek the National Teacher’s token, while Hai Hongzi hinted at a possible rare treasure.
• Hong Songzi brought his disciples together with Chang Yu’s group, and they flew into a cave on Yaotai Mountain toward True Lord Huode’s palace.
• Xiao Hua entered the banquet hall and saw the childlike True Lord Huode surrounded by an aura of powerful fire.

Xiao Hua attended True Lord Huode’s banquet, where Huode praised his efforts to improve relations between Daoist and Confucian cultivators. The banquet ended its opening toast with Xiao Hua’s wine cup vanishing in his hand, leaving him publicly slighted and Hai Hongzi wary of associating with him.

• Xiao Hua sat with Hong Songzi and the others, then contemplated the method for dispersing the Nascent Soul while waiting for the banquet to begin.
• True Lord Huode welcomed the cultivators and presented Li Fire Fruits and Ganli Wine as the banquet’s offerings.
• Xiao Hua remembered Xue Xue and the Three Elders of Fire Fierce Mountain, and his attention drifted from Huode’s speech.
• A Nascent Soul cultivator praised True Lord Huode for helping increase the number of National Teacher’s tokens at the Yaotai Gathering a thousand years earlier, and the guests raised their cups to him.
• Xiao Hua’s jade wine cup vanished when he tried to grasp it, so he could not join the toast while the others drank.
• Hai Hongzi decided Xiao Hua’s slight against True Lord Huode made him too risky to cooperate with.

At True Lord Huode’s banquet on Yaotai Mountain, True Lord Qingxu denounced Daoist cultivators’ dependence on Confucian cultivators and left after urging them to remember the seniors who fought for the Daoist sect. The gathering resumed, and a newly introduced Nascent Soul cultivator toasted True Lord Huode while hoping to obtain a National Teacher’s token.

• Hai Hongzi drank Li Fire spirit wine and hurriedly refined the fire-aspected Primordial Qi it stirred within him.
• True Person Xuanpu praised True Lord Huode’s generosity, but True Lord Qingxu challenged the Daoist guests to reject dependence on Confucian cultivators and honor the seniors who had sacrificed themselves.
• True Lord Qingxu drank a toast to the Daoist ancestors, threw down his cup, and left the cave dwelling; True Lord Huode stopped True Person Xuanpu from pursuing him.
• True Lord Huode reassured the guests, and the banquet became lively again as cultivators offered toasts.
• Hong Songzi quietly suggested that Xiao Hua apologize to True Lord Huode, and Xiao Hua agreed to offer him a cup of wine.
• At True Lord Jinxu’s suggestion, Zhang Cheng introduced himself as Zhi Chengzi, toasted True Lord Huode, and said he hoped to obtain a National Teacher’s token.

True Lord Huode accused Xiao Hua of being a Confucian cultivator spy to restore his standing at the banquet, then attacked him when Xiao Hua mocked his motives. Xiao Hua revealed late Nascent Soul-level power and shattered Huode’s fiery Nascent Soul hand, leaving the gathered cultivators stunned.

• True Lord Huode singled out Xiao Hua for not offering a toast, but refused his wine and called him “Fellow Immortal.”
• True Lord Huode cited a secret warning from Zhenhong and True Person Yufeng’s testimony to accuse Xiao Hua of being a Confucian cultivator spy.
• Xiao Hua recognized Huode’s attempt to regain face after True Lord Qingxu’s departure and challenged Huode’s accusations.
• True Lord Huode flew into a rage and struck at Xiao Hua with a giant fiery Nascent Soul hand.
• Xiao Hua released pressure comparable to a late Nascent Soul cultivator and formed a golden hand that crushed Huode’s fiery hand, shocking the banquet guests.

Xiao Hua intimidated True Lord Huode and left the gathering, but worried that his strength and past deeds had drawn the attention of Confucian cultivators. True Lord Qingxu invited him to the Trading Meet, where Xiao Hua browsed the Golden Core stalls without buying anything.

• Xiao Hua crushed True Lord Huode's Nascent Soul hand, declared his past deeds, and flew away while the other cultivators watched in fear.
• True Person Yufeng identified Xiao Hua and recounted rumors about his actions in Tongzhu Kingdom as True Person Chu and True Person Yifeng questioned him.
• Xiao Hua worried that True Lord Huode had exposed him to Confucian cultivators, then decided to return to Black Cloud Ridge after obtaining the National Teacher's token.
• Xiao Hua learned from Jin Hong that the Trading Meet was on its final day and encountered True Lord Qingxu outside it.
• True Lord Qingxu invited Xiao Hua to the Trading Meet and offered to give him an item, and Xiao Hua accepted.
• Xiao Hua browsed stalls selling goods for Golden Core cultivators, asking about their wares but making no purchases.

Xiao Hua searched the Gathering of Exchange for unusual materials while True Lord Qingxu tried to learn about his background and offered to help him. True Lord Qingxu urged Xiao Hua to seek the protection of Daoist seniors, but Xiao Hua grew impatient with his indirect advice.

• Xiao Hua traded a bottle of Profound Yin Pills for some discarded bone joints and a jade slip marking where they had been found.
• Xiao Hua continued buying unwanted, unremarkable materials, leaving True Lord Qingxu puzzled about their value.
• Nascent Soul cultivators from True Lord Huode's banquet arrived, and True Lord Qingxu told Xiao Hua he wanted to discuss something with him.
• Xiao Hua asked True Lord Qingxu about Heavenly Soul, Earthly Essence, Human Vitality, but True Lord Qingxu said he had never heard of it and offered to help investigate.
• True Lord Qingxu questioned Xiao Hua about his lineage and warned him to seek a Daoist senior's shelter, prompting Xiao Hua to demand that he speak plainly.

At True Lord Huode’s banquet, he accused Xiao Hua of being a Confucian cultivator’s spy and attacked him after Xiao Hua challenged his motives. Xiao Hua answered with power equal to the late Nascent Soul stage and shattered Huode’s fiery Nascent Soul hand, leaving the gathered cultivators stunned.

• True Lord Huode questioned Xiao Hua’s origins, and other cultivators pressed Xiao Hua to toast him.
• True Lord Huode called Xiao Hua “Fellow Immortal” and accused him of being a Confucian cultivator’s spy, citing True Person Yufeng’s claim that he had never heard of Xiao Hua.
• Xiao Hua challenged True Lord Huode’s suspicions and mocked him for targeting Xiao Hua to restore his authority after True Lord Qingxu’s departure.
• True Lord Huode erupted in anger and attacked Xiao Hua with a fiery Nascent Soul hand.
• Xiao Hua released late Nascent Soul-stage pressure and formed a golden hand that crushed True Lord Huode’s attack into scattered firebirds.

Xiao Hua intimidated True Lord Huode and left the gathering, furious that Huode had exposed his power to the Confucian cultivators. True Lord Qingxu invited him to the Trading Meet, where Xiao Hua browsed the Golden Core cultivators’ wares without buying anything.

• Xiao Hua crushed True Lord Huode’s Nascent Soul hand with a surge of magic power, rebuked him, and flew out of the cave dwelling.
• True Person Yufeng recognized Xiao Hua as the figure connected to the events in Tongzhu Kingdom, while True Person Chu and True Person Yifeng praised Xiao Hua’s bold words.
• Xiao Hua worried that True Lord Huode had drawn the attention of powerful Confucian cultivators and resolved to obtain the National Teacher’s token before consulting Li Xiang.
• Xiao Hua learned that the nearby Trading Meet was the final chance to prepare for entering Yaotai Mountain, but initially chose to leave without attending.
• True Lord Qingxu caught up with Xiao Hua and persuaded him to visit the Trading Meet, offering to make amends for the trouble with True Lord Huode.
• Xiao Hua examined the Golden Core cultivators’ wares for a long while without buying anything, leaving True Lord Qingxu unable to tell whether he was browsing sincerely.

Xiao Hua searched the Gathering of Exchange for obscure materials and questioned True Lord Qingxu about Heavenly Soul, Earthly Essence, Human Vitality. True Lord Qingxu then urged him to seek protection from a Daoist sect senior, but Xiao Hua grew impatient with his indirect advice.

• Xiao Hua traded Profound Yin Pills for unusual bone joints and obtained a jade slip marking where they had been found.
• Xiao Hua collected several unwanted-looking materials while True Lord Qingxu wondered what use they had.
• Nascent Soul cultivators from True Lord Huode's banquet arrived and headed into the other half of the cave dwelling.
• Xiao Hua asked True Lord Qingxu about Heavenly Soul, Earthly Essence, Human Vitality, but Qingxu said he had never heard of it.
• True Lord Qingxu offered to help Xiao Hua find information and urged him to seek a Daoist sect senior's protection.
• Xiao Hua challenged True Lord Qingxu to speak directly, growing impatient with his indirect advice.

Xiao Hua learned from True Lord Qingxu that Ancestor Hongmeng had escaped his seals and was seeking to unite the Daoist sect, but Xiao Hua refused to pledge loyalty and proposed trading artifact-refinement services for protection and materials. At a market stall, he met a disguised demon from the Sacred Realm of a Thousand Demons who explained the uses of a Snake Eye Fruit.

• True Lord Qingxu told Xiao Hua that Ancestor Hongmeng had escaped the seals of the Buddhists, Confucians, and demons and intended to direct the Daoist sect's revival.
• Xiao Hua recalled releasing Ancestor Hongmeng from the Sea Eye of the West Sea and agreed to consider cooperation, but refused to pledge loyalty in person.
• True Lord Qingxu gave Xiao Hua a message-transmitting jade image and promised to ask Ancestor Hongmeng about supplying its refining method and materials in exchange for Xiao Hua's work, protection, and twenty percent of the materials.
• After True Lord Qingxu left, Xiao Hua examined market wares and picked up a black Snake Eye Fruit.
• A disguised demon from the Sacred Realm of a Thousand Demons told Xiao Hua the fruit healed injuries and confirmed that he was a demon.

Xiao Hua bought demon goods from Ying Bo and arranged an ongoing trade for supplies from the Sacred Realm of a Thousand Demons. After hearing rumors about his deeds at True Lord Huode’s banquet, he found a broken mirror at the Trading Meet and stopped another cultivator from snatching it.

• Xiao Hua bought Ying Bo’s goods and asked him to bring spirit-fruit and spirit-tree seeds, artifact materials, maps, and other items from the Sacred Realm of a Thousand Demons.
• Xiao Hua and Ying Bo sealed their agreement with a high-five oath, and Xiao Hua gave him a deposit and a communication talisman before Ying Bo left to gather goods.
• Xiao Hua disguised himself and entered the Nascent Soul cultivators’ trading area, where he heard that True Lord Huode had left the banquet and that rumors about Xiao Hua’s deeds had spread.
• Xiao Hua found little of interest at the Trading Meet until an old man arrived with several items, including a broken mirror.
• When another Nascent Soul cultivator tried to seize the mirror with a blast of wind, Xiao Hua scattered the attack with his sleeve and picked up the mirror.