Recaps

Zhong Haoran, Fei Yunshu, and Zhong Zhan argued over old accusations of betrayal and whether to confront the sword cultivators controlling Xuntian City. Zhong Zhan denied issuing the Sect Leader Token and explained that Xuntian City’s strategic position made it a valuable target for both sides.

• Zhong Haoran said he wanted to gather Creation Sect forces around Xuntian City, despite the risk of angering its sword cultivators.
• Fei Yunshu recognized Zhong Zhan as one of the supposed traitors and attacked him, but stopped when Zhong Haoran intervened.
• Zhong Zhan and Fei Yunshu disputed who had betrayed True Person Xiao’s lineage, while Zhong Haoran urged them to set aside their old grievances.
• Zhong Zhan denied issuing the Sect Leader Token, supported Zhong Haoran’s plan, and proposed besieging Xuntian City to drive out its sword cultivators.
• Zhong Zhan explained that Xuntian City was a strategic stronghold coveted by both Daoist cultivators and sword cultivators.

Zhong Zhan explained that rival Huan Kingdom sword gates may have used a fake Sect Leader Token to draw the Creation Sect into a trap around Xuntian City. He persuaded Zhong Haoran that the siege could also consolidate the Creation Sect and expose the hidden instigator, and they agreed to plan their advance together while guarding against an attack from behind.

• Zhong Zhan described how Xuntian City’s governing arrangement had weakened and suggested other Huan Kingdom sword gates might welcome its fall.
• Fei Yunshu worried the Creation Sect could face attacks from both Xuntian City and rival sword gates, but Zhong Zhan argued that the summons could not easily be withdrawn.
• Zhong Zhan revealed that Creation Sect forces and affiliated groups could muster millions of disciples, while Fei Yunshu reported that at least 120,000 Huan Kingdom sword cultivators were gathering.
• Zhong Haoran warned that the numerous low-level disciples could suffer heavy casualties in a siege, but Zhong Zhan said the campaign could reorganize the Creation Sect and establish its authority.
• Zhong Haoran agreed that they must besiege Xuntian City together and prepare for a possible attack from behind.

Xiao Hua returned to Myriad Thunder Valley after nearly a thousand years, resolved his sorrow over its changes, and advanced closer to ascension. He then expounded the Dao for the Thunder Control Sect, leaving its disciples with a rare cultivation opportunity.

• Xiao Hua brought hundreds of thousands of Myriad Thunder Valley disciples home and mourned how much the valley had changed.
• Wu Qing entered meditation after Xiao Hua’s sorrowful aura stirred his insight into life and death, and Xiang Zhili and Cui Yingying joined him.
• Xiao Hua accepted that the old Myriad Thunder Valley lived on in his heart, dispelled the heavenly tribulation signs, and resolved another karmic tie.
• Xiao Hua moved his family and senior disciples to Thunder Peak and announced that he would expound the Dao in repayment for Helpless’s, Xiangyang’s, and the Thunder Control Sect’s kindness.
• Fairy Xuanhua ordered the Thunder Control Sect disciples to stop their work and listen as Xiao Hua expounded the Dao for three days and nights.
• Thunder flowers descended upon the disciples, and True Person Leixiao reported that his bottleneck had loosened enough that he might reach the late Nascent Soul stage.

After expounding the Dao in Myriad Thunder Valley, Xiao Hua considered taking Wu Qing as his final disciple but held back because Wu Qing was his junior brother. He arranged for Thunderclap True Person to accept Wu Qing instead, while Cui Yingying and Wu Qing’s mutual feelings remained unspoken.

• Xiao Hua finished expounding the Dao, and Wu Qing thanked him for imparting the Dharma.
• Xiao Hua suggested taking Wu Qing as a disciple, but Wu Qing declined because he remained a disciple of Thunder Control Sect.
• Xiang Zhili revealed that Cui Yingying and Wu Qing cared for one another, but Wu Qing denied it when Zhuo questioned him.
• Xiao Hua summoned Thunderclap True Person and asked him to take Wu Qing as a disciple.
• Thunderclap True Person accepted Wu Qing, while Cui Yingying stayed silent despite Xiang Zhili and Dui Qimeng urging her to act.

Xiao Hua reunited with the disciples of Myriad Thunder Valley, supported them with resources, and honored his late master. The chapter left Wu Qing, Cui Yingying, and Xiang Zhili equipped with gifts as Xiao Hua promised to guide and protect them.

• Xiao Hua encouraged Cui Yingying to pursue her feelings for Wu Qing, and Thunderclap True Person accepted both of them as disciples and gave each a mysterious bottle.
• Thunderclap True Person left to attend to important matters, entrusting Wu Qing and Cui Yingying’s guidance to Xiao Hua.
• Xiao Hua returned to Wu Nai’s cave abode, paid respects to his late master, and reunited with Zhuo, Xiangyang, Cui Hongshen, and the others.
• Xiao Hua gave storage bags of resources and a Creation Sect token to Zhuo, Xiangyang, and Cui Hongshen to support Myriad Thunder Valley.
• Xiao Hua gave Wu Qing, Xiang Zhili, and Cui Yingying cultivation resources and pills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiao Hua reveals to Xiang Zhili that he has a genuine and a counterfeit bottle, the genuine one containing a secret that helped Bai Fei cultivate from Foundation Establishment to Nascent Soul stage. He entrusts Xiang Zhili to take care of Wuqing and Yingying.
• Xiao Hua returns to the Thunder Control Sect and meets with Zhuo **** and other disciples. He learns about Wu Nai's departure from the sect and receives a jade slip from Zhuo ****.
• Xiao Hua recounts his past to Zhuo **** and the disciples, revealing that Wu Nai and Xue Xue saved him from two Nascent Soul cultivators and sacrificed their lives to protect him.

Character Developments

• Xiao Hua: Shows his trust in Xiang Zhili by entrusting him with the genuine bottle. He also displays his loyalty and gratitude towards Wu Nai and Xue Xue.
• Xiang Zhili: Demonstrates his serious side when entrusted with the genuine bottle. He also shows his laziness and carefree nature afterwards.
• Wu Nai: Proves his selflessness and dedication to Xiao Hua by sacrificing his life to save him. His jade slip reveals his deep love for Xiao Hua.
• Xue Xue: Shows her determination and love for Xiao Hua by convincing Wu Nai to leave with her and ultimately sacrificing her life for Xiao Hua.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and Gratitude: Xiao Hua's actions show his deep loyalty and gratitude towards Wu Nai and Xue Xue.
• Sacrifice: Wu Nai and Xue Xue's actions highlight the theme of selfless sacrifice for the sake of others.
• Trust: Xiao Hua entrusts Xiang Zhili with the genuine bottle, showing his trust in him.

Character Interactions

• Xiao Hua and Xiang Zhili: Xiao Hua entrusts Xiang Zhili with the genuine bottle, showing his trust and confidence in him. Xiang Zhili, in turn, promises to take care of Wuqing and Yingying.
• **Xiao Hua and Zhuo ******: Zhuo **** gives Xiao Hua the jade slip left by Wu Nai, showing her trust in him and her belief that he deserves to know the truth.
• Wu Nai and Xue Xue: Their actions demonstrate their deep love and dedication to Xiao Hua, even to the point of sacrificing their lives for him.

Xiao Hua reunited with the Myriad Thunder Valley disciples, heard how the sect had endured and grown, and criticized Qian Diheng for abandoning it during its crisis. Meanwhile, Fairy Hongxia negotiated an alliance between the Cai Family and the Ye Family in Xuntian City, where Ye Xixiang began to raise a question.

• Xiao Hua told the Myriad Thunder Valley disciples about the wider world and his experiences, then said he still had no way to break the immortal formation trapping Xue Xue.
• Xiangyang and Cui Hongshen described the sect’s past troubles, and the group recalled the many disciples who had died over the centuries.
• Xiao Hua met the current Myriad Thunder Valley disciples, gave them gifts, and rebuked Qian Diheng for ignoring the valley while it was in danger.
• Fairy Hongxia discussed a Cai Family–Ye Family alliance with Ye Xixiang and Ye Qiangyu in Xuntian City.
• Ye Xixiang praised Fairy Hongxia and asked if he could raise something that troubled him.

Ye Xixiang discussed the Cai Family’s rise with Fairy Hongxia and explained that her example had inspired him to take responsibility for the Ye Family. After the two agreed the Ye Family could consider alliances with both the Cai Family and the Xu Yanyun Family, Xiao Mao led Fairy Hongxia away from the hall to speak privately.

• Ye Xixiang recounted how Fairy Hongxia had taken control of the Cai Family and made the Luyang branch its main branch.
• Ye Xixiang said Fairy Hongxia’s example had inspired him to shoulder responsibility for the Ye Family and hinted that he might need her help.
• A Ye Family cultivator reported that the head of the Xu Yanyun Family had come to seek an audience, and Ye Xixiang agreed to meet him after Fairy Hongxia suggested a second alliance was possible.
• Ye Xixiang left the hall to receive the head of the Xu Yanyun Family, while Fairy Hongxia stayed to oversee the alliance discussions.
• Xiao Mao arrived at the hall entrance and invited Fairy Hongxia to follow him to a nearby observation platform to speak privately.

Fairy Hongxia and Xiao Mao discussed the Ye-Cai alliance and the loss of messages from Xuntian City, then returned to their business. In Myriad Thunder Valley, Xiao Hua learned that Qian Diheng had supported the valley for centuries, reconciled with him, and welcomed him as a brother.

• Fairy Hongxia told Xiao Mao that the Ye-Cai alliance’s outcome mattered little to her family, while Xiao Mao warned that messages sent out of Xuntian City had gone unanswered.
• Fairy Hongxia and Xiao Mao decided to settle the alliance quickly and leave Xuntian City, each going their separate way.
• Xiangyang, Zhuo, and Cui Hongshen explained that Qian Diheng had supported Myriad Thunder Valley with spirit stones, medicinal pills, and other aid over the years.
• Fang Lihe and Xiangyang confirmed Qian Diheng had sent medicinal pills and once given Xiangyang armor before the Hundred Halls Competition.
• Qian Diheng entered the cave abode and began explaining himself, but Xiao Hua embraced him and said brothers did not need to explain.
• Xiao Hua invited Qian Diheng to sit and offered him a cup in thanks for caring for Myriad Thunder Valley.

Xiao Hua celebrated his return with the Myriad Thunder Valley disciples, sharing Immortal Peaches and arranging for Qian Diheng to work with the Creation Sect. After Gen Qing and Sun Qian left, Xiao Hua refused to forgive the person who had nearly killed Xiangyang, while Qian Diheng struggled to find a chance to raise True Person Kuangtian’s apology.

• Qian Diheng tasted Xiao Hua’s spiritual wine and Immortal Peaches, then asked for more and received a jade token to contact the Creation Sect about merchant guild cooperation.
• Xiao Hua distributed Immortal Peaches to the gathered disciples, while deliberately giving none to Qian Diheng.
• Gen Qing and Sun Qian visited Xiao Hua, and Gen Qing hinted that Xiao Hua and Xun Shu might still have a chance to be together.
• Xiao Hua rejected Gen Qing’s attempt to plead for forgiveness, explaining that someone had nearly beaten Xiangyang to death during the Hundred Halls Competition.
• Qian Diheng tried to approach Xiao Hua about bringing True Person Kuangtian to apologize, but Xiang Zhili interrupted him with a toast.

Xiao Hua refused to forgive True Person Kuangtian but agreed not to make things difficult for him, then prepared to help Xiangyang repair his Golden Core and guide Myriad Thunder Valley’s disciples. He also confirmed that the Creation Sect was heading to Xuntian City over Fairy Hongxia’s engagement, and left with Xiangyang and the others for his cave residence.

• Xiang Zhili stopped Qian Diheng from leaving until he drank a cup of wine and heard Xiao Hua’s refusal to forgive True Person Kuangtian.
• Qian Diheng agreed to go accompany True Person Kuangtian after Xiao Hua promised not to make things difficult for him in the future.
• Xiangyang told Xiao Hua that True Person Kuangtian’s influence could harm Wu Qing’s prospects as Dry Thunder Palace Lord, but Xiao Hua dismissed the concern and offered to repair Xiangyang’s Golden Core.
• Xun Shu delivered a jade slip about Fairy Hongxia’s engagement, and Xiao Hua said the Creation Sect had already been sent toward Xuntian City.
• Zhuo asked Xiao Hua to take Qinglian, Hongshen, and Qi Meng along, and Xiao Hua led them and Xiangyang to his cave residence.

Xiao Hua repaired Xiangyang’s shattered Golden Core and taught Thunder Control Sect’s cultivators advanced cultivation methods, then met with Fairy Xuanhua and the Thunder Palace masters to discuss the sect’s recovery. He left them with gifts and urged them to cultivate diligently and protect Thunder Control Sect.

• Xiao Hua revealed that he had become a Human Race Supreme and encouraged Xiang Zhili and the others to pursue ascension through the Way of Thunder Cultivation.
• Xiao Hua repaired Xiangyang’s Golden Core and spent ten days teaching cultivation methods, Lightning Evasion, and the Five Elements Evasion Technique.
• Xiao Hua told Xiangyang, Yan Qinglian, Cui Hongshen, and Dui Qimeng to cultivate patiently, and allowed Yan Qinglian to pass his teachings to Myriad Thunder Valley disciples.
• Fairy Xuanhua and the masters of the seven great Thunder Palaces thanked Xiao Hua, and True Person Leixiao acknowledged both her mistakes and her loyalty to Thunder Control Sect.
• Xiao Hua warned that Luoxing Heaven might have left schemes within the sect, then gave storage bags to Fairy Xuanhua and the seven Thunder Palace masters.

Xiao Hua settled old karmic debts by confronting Feng Shu and Chan Simiao, who had plotted to seize his body, and then left with Xiang Zhili and his companions. He secretly gave True Person Leixiao cultivation resources and warned that the Xiaoyu Continent would soon become unsettled.

• Fairy Xuanhua sought to restore relations between the Thunder Control Sect and Xiao Hua’s Creation Sect, and Xiao Hua gave her a jade slip directing her to Huanghua Ridge to form an alliance.
• The Black Bear Spirit brought Feng Shu and Chan Simiao to Xiao Hua, who searched Feng Shu’s soul and killed him after learning of his past schemes.
• Chan Simiao confessed that he and Feng Shu had plotted to seize Xiao Hua’s body, then took his own life after Xiao Hua allowed his soul to enter reincarnation.
• Xiao Hua burned the two men’s bodies, then departed with Xiang Zhili, Wu Qing, Cui Yingying, and the Black Bear Spirit, warning the others that the Xiaoyu Continent would no longer be peaceful.
• Xiao Hua secretly told True Person Leixiao that his storage bag contained lightning cultivation methods and other resources, and that Xiang Zhili could help him with the Lightning Evasion Technique.

Venerable Genyuan entered Xiao Hua’s cave abode while Fairy Xuanhua warned Cui Hongshen to keep the secret of the Immortal Peaches. The story then shifted to Kunlun Sect, where Sect Leader Xuan Jing revealed an Immortal Alliance Arbitration Order and the elders debated whether to support it.

• Cui Hongshen invited Venerable Genyuan into Xiao Hua’s cave abode, and Fairy Xuanhua warned him not to reveal the secret spirit fruits and Immortal Peaches.
• A gray ape repeatedly tried to climb Kunlun Sect’s protected mountain ridge, while an elder intercepted a blood shuttle bearing Gu Yunzi’s mark and rushed to the sect hall.
• Kunlun Sect Sect Leader Xuan Jing convened the elders to discuss an Arbitration Order concerning the Yanjiang Sect.
• Sha Kongzi argued that Kunlun Sect should refuse to support the order, while True Person Xinghui warned that opposing the Immortal Alliance could bring trouble.
• Xuan Jing clarified that the order had not been issued by Immortal Alliance Leader True Person Xuanqing, and Fu Yuezi explained that the jade slip had been sent directly to Xuan Jing.
• True Person Xinghui questioned why the message had been sent only to Xuan Jing, suspecting a hidden complication.

Kunlun Sect leaders debated whether to resist Luoxing Heaven’s pressure to join his takeover of other sects, with most favoring refusal. A message from Gu Yunzi then revealed that Thunder Control Sect’s Xiao... Xiaohua had returned, leaving Xuan Jing astonished.

• Fu Yuezi explained that Luoxing Heaven’s Arbitration Order had bypassed True Person Xuanqing and suggested the Deputy Alliance Leader was testing Kunlun Sect’s allegiance.
• Xuan Jing and Fu Yuezi warned that Luoxing Heaven had gained influence over Xi Kingdom and might target Kunlun Sect if it refused to cooperate.
• Sha Kongzi and True Person Xinghui favored rejecting Luoxing Heaven, while other disciples warned that Kunlun Sect could be isolated if neighboring sects sided with him.
• Xuan Jing said Kunlun Sect would uphold its principles and revealed that True Person Xuanqing had invited allied Immortal Alliance seniors to discuss the crisis.
• Hou Qing delivered a blood shuttle message from Gu Yunzi, and Xuan Jing read that Thunder Control Sect’s Xiao... Xiaohua had returned.

Kunlun Sect learned that Xiao Hua had returned with Mahayana or Tribulation Transcendence strength and had gifted the sect powerful cultivation methods, prompting Xuan Jing to prepare for recruitment and send help to Gu Yunzi. A report from Thunder Control Sect then revealed Xiao Hua’s overwhelming victory over Luoxing Heaven and several sects, leaving Kunlun’s leaders stunned.

• Hou Qing left the hall after Fu Yuezi dismissed him, while Xuan Jing examined Sha Kongzi’s jade slip and learned of Xiao Hua’s return.
• Xuan Jing told Fu Yuezi that Xiao Hua had given Kunlun Sect a Spiritual Root selection technique, a complete cultivation method, and secret techniques through Gu Yunzi.
• Xuan Jing copied the cultivation method, sent Fu Yuezi to enlist True Person Xuanqing’s help, and decided to lead Kunlun Sect disciples to Thunder Control Sect.
• Hou Qing brought a blood shuttle message from True Person Yuhuan, and Xuan Jing sent him away before reading it to the gathered cultivators.
• Xuan Jing revealed that Xiao Hua had crushed Luoxing Heaven’s deputy leader and a Spirit Severing subordinate, forced Xunyunzi to die, and routed several sects’ disciples.
• Xuan Jing reported that Xiao Hua had also killed Feng Shu and that Chan Simiao had taken his own life, leaving the Kunlun Sect cultivators shocked.

Xuan Jing decided to lead Kunlun Sect forces to support Xiao Hua and the Creation Sect at Xuntian City, while Ye Xixiang declared his intention to truly become engaged to Fairy Hongxia. Yu Tong learned of Ye Xixiang’s change of plan and prepared to intervene as the conspirators’ secret operation neared its appointed date.

• Xuan Jing ordered Sha Kongzi and other Kunlun Sect cultivators to gather forces and march to Xuntian City, while assigning True Person Xinghui and others a separate task at Kunlun Mountain.
• Xuan Jing dispatched Kunlun Sect troops openly, and news of their departure quickly spread through the Three Cultivation Kingdoms.
• Ye Xixiang told Yun Zichong that he genuinely intended to become engaged to Fairy Hongxia, despite Yun Zichong warning that she remained devoted to Xiao Hua.
• Ye Xixiang said Fairy Hongxia’s consent was no longer up to her and urged Yun Zichong to obtain an answer before their planned action in ten days.
• Yun Zichong reported Ye Xixiang’s decision to Yu Tong, who dismissed the risk to their long-running plan and decided to visit the Ye Family Head personally.
• Yu Tong ordered Yun Zichong to guard their grand formation, and Yun Zichong reaffirmed his commitment to their plan and the promised Four Spirits Blood Curse.

Yu Tong and Yun Zichong arranged to use the Four Spirits Blood Curse on their descendants, choosing Yu Xisong and Yun Xiaoying for the families’ plans. Yu Tong then visited the Ye Family elder in Xuntian City to discuss a new complication: Ye Xixiang wanted to become engaged to Fairy Hongxia.

• Yu Tong warned Yun Zichong that Huang Mengxiang could threaten their plans and said they should make her enter their trap willingly if possible.
• Yun Zichong asked Yu Tong to choose a descendant for the Silver Tiger bloodline, and Yu Tong ordered him to use Yu Xisong for the Four Spirits Blood Curse.
• After Yun Zichong left, Yu Tong worried that the Ye Family elder might disrupt his plans involving Fairy Hongxia.
• Yu Tong went to Qiming Mountain Villa in Xuntian City and met the Ye Family elder in the Qingfeng Sword Chamber.
• Yu Tong told the elder that Ye Xixiang wanted to become engaged to Fairy Hongxia, and the elder replied that Ye Xixiang had already been expected to do so.

Yu Tong and the Ye Family Head discussed Xixiang’s wish to marry Fairy Hongxia and the uncertainty surrounding Immortal Envoy Wen’s plans. At Qingfeng Peak, True Person Heping decided the Joyful Sect would head to Xuntian City, then urged Hengming to search for Li Zongbao afterward.

• The Ye Family Head agreed to ask Xixiang about his feelings for Fairy Hongxia while Yu Tong reported the matter to Immortal Envoy Wen.
• Hengming brought True Person Heping a report that Xuan Jing was leading Kunlun Sect disciples toward Xuntian City.
• True Person Heping suspected the Immortal Alliance’s message about Yanjiang Sect was being used to claim the moral high ground and ordered the Joyful Sect to join the gathering at Xuntian City.
• True Person Heping asked about Li Zongbao, and Hengming explained that Li Zongbao’s devotion to a dead woman had stalled his cultivation.
• True Person Heping told Hengming to search for Li Zongbao after the matter at Xuntian City ended.

News that Xiao Hua had killed Deputy Alliance Leader Luo sent sects across several kingdoms mobilizing toward Xuntian City. At the Shanghua Sect, Yang Yu spoke with his Ancestor about the sect’s alliance with Luoxing Heaven and the risks of acting amid the spiritual qi aberration.

• Heng Ming received reports of hundreds of thousands of Creation Sect disciples marching toward Xuntian City and brought the news to True Person Heping.
• Fang Jin delivered word that Xiao Hua had slapped Deputy Alliance Leader Luo to death, prompting True Person Heping to order the Joyful Sect’s battle-ready disciples to assemble and march.
• Sects across Lian Kingdom and Meng Kingdom dispatched forces toward Xuntian City, while the sects of Xi Kingdom also learned of the developments.
• Yang Yu waited beside the ice crystal as the Shanghua Sect’s late Void Refining Ancestor ended his cultivation and told him to return to Jingyuan Hall.
• Yang Yu warned that Deputy Alliance Leader Luo’s schemes might make the Shanghua Sect pay for its gains, and the Ancestor discussed Luoxing Heaven’s plans and the dangers posed by the spiritual qi aberration.

Jifengzi died of shock after learning that Xiao Hua had crushed Luoxing Heaven’s late Void Refining cultivator and devastated the four sects. Shanghua Sect and the other Xi Kingdom sects rushed toward Xuntian City to beg forgiveness, while the Ye Family Head met sword cultivators outside the city and heard their plan had changed.

• Jifengzi read a jade slip reporting Xiao Hua’s victory and died as its news overwhelmed him.
• Yang Yu learned that Xiao Hua had killed Qi Jianghai, True Person Kuye, Fairy Poyue, and many disciples, then led Shanghua Sect forces toward Xuntian City to seek forgiveness.
• The heads of the Xunyan Sect, Seven Skill Gate, and Huanhua Sect also sent disciples toward Xuntian City, while Creation Sect forces advanced across Xi Kingdom.
• The Ye Family Head suspected Fairy Hongxia possessed an Innate Spirit Body, then left Xuntian City after receiving a message from Qin Jing.
• Qin Jing and Cheng Pi told the Ye Family Head that their previous plan had undergone sudden changes, but a fierce sword cry interrupted Cheng Pi before he could explain.

Zuo Ming arrived and agreed to support Ye Yaotian’s plan to reshape Xuntian City’s order, assigning Ling Jiju to assist the conspirators. After Zuo Ming intimidated three Heavenly Demon Sect vice sect masters, Ye Yaotian and Ling Jiju began coordinating how to handle the approaching Creation Sect.

• Zuo Ming confronted Ye Yaotian over his scheme against Xuntian City, then agreed that the city’s disorder should be corrected and sent Ling Jiju to help.
• Ye Yaotian promised benefits to the Lingfeng Sword Gate and said the Creation Sect would be disciplined as part of the plan.
• Zuo Ming sensed three Heavenly Demon Sect cultivators approaching and warned Ye Yaotian to keep their cooperation within proper limits.
• Yue Zhongkui, Yang Ji, and Yao Chengxi arrived, and Zuo Ming’s sword intent frightened them into paying their respects before he departed.
• Ye Yaotian explained Zuo Ming’s position to the three vice sect masters, who agreed to cooperate, while Ling Jiju placed his gathered disciples at the group’s disposal.

Ye Yaotian secured the Immortal Envoy’s approval for Ye Xixiang to pursue Fairy Hongxia while keeping the planned operation on track. Xuntian City then came under an unexpected siege, and Ye Gu Xing struggled to understand the alarm and the confused defenses.

• Ye Yaotian, Ling Jiju, and the sect leaders agreed on how to divide the Creation Sect and Xuntian City, with Ling Jiju placing the Lingfeng Sword Gate’s forces under Ye Yaotian’s control.
• Ye Yaotian told Yu Tong that Ye Xixiang wanted to become sword companions with Fairy Hongxia, and Yu Tong said the Immortal Envoy would allow him an opportunity during the operation.
• Yu Tong walked through Xuntian City as the Enemy Attack Bell rang, then concluded that the Creation Sect had attacked earlier than expected and hurried to join Yun Zichong.
• Meng Peng confirmed to Ye Gu Xing that Daoist cultivators had surrounded Xuntian City, but explained that he could deploy only the Xunshan Sword Gate’s patrol squads.
• Ye Gu Xing questioned the absence of the Feiyu Gate and Qushan Sect’s city-defense generals as three rune-covered artifact cultivators arrived to demand details about the attack.

Ye Gu Xing and the other defenders of Xuntian City investigated reports of Daoist cultivators approaching from every direction. He Jun returned with news that nearly two million, mostly low-level cultivators had encircled the city, leaving the three Sword Masters stunned and questioning how the threat had gone unnoticed.

• Zhuang Hong and Zhu Jing discussed their incomplete reports with Ye Gu Xing before Xue Sheng arrived and ordered He Jun to investigate.
• Meng Peng reported that Daoist cultivators had appeared in every direction around Xuntian City, prompting Xue Sheng to suspect a Dao Sword Great Battle.
• Ye Gu Xing and Zhuang Hong argued that the Daoist kingdoms had little reason to start another war and concluded that the lack of warning pointed to a deeper problem.
• Meng Peng recalled that many patrol disciples had gone missing in recent months, and Ye Gu Xing ordered him to investigate the losses.
• He Jun returned from scouting and estimated that nearly two million Daoist cultivators had surrounded Xuntian City, with the strongest in the area he surveyed at Golden Core Mid-stage.
• Ye Gu Xing, Zhuang Hong, and Xue Sheng reacted with disbelief, while Xue Sheng suggested the Xunshan Sword Gate’s missing patrol disciples might have discovered the attackers.

Ye Gu Xing, Zhuang Hong, and Xue Sheng realized that the Creation Sect’s siege of Xuntian City was likely a smokescreen for Nascent Soul Grandmasters and a plot to ignite another Dao Sword Great Battle. They fortified the city and chose He Jun to risk carrying a warning back to Huan Country.

• A blood sword message revealed that disciples of Xunyan Villa, Creation Sect’s largest branch, were besieging Xuntian City.
• Ye Gu Xing, Zhuang Hong, and Xue Sheng suspected hidden Nascent Soul Grandmasters were behind the siege and feared it would trigger another Dao Sword Great Battle.
• Ye Gu Xing ordered the city’s sword formation activated, and the three Sword Masters sent their tokens to compel the sword cultivators in Xuntian City to join the defense.
• Ye Gu Xing asked Xue Sheng to let He Jun carry a warning to Huan Country, and He Jun agreed to make the dangerous journey.
• He Jun transformed his back into wings and prepared to fly out of Xuntian City.