Arc 26Jing Jiu Awakens

Zhao Layue survived her perilous Snowfield expedition while Gu Qing and the Green Mountain disciples moved against Yin San and Fang Jingtian. Jing Jiu awoke, settled old conflicts, and returned to Green Mountain, where he and Fang Jingtian descended into the Sword Prison.

  • Zhao Layue crossed the Snowfield, killed Peng Si, and fought through waves of Snow Enchantresses until He Zhan found her gravely wounded and brought her back to safety.
  • Gu Qing used the Zhuxian Sword Formation against Yin San, while Zhao Layue and Zhuo Rusui opposed Fang Jingtian’s claim to the Sect Master's Seat.
  • Jing Jiu awoke, broke Yin San’s attack at the Old Plum Garden, saved Gu Qing and Liu S sui, and drove Yin San and his allies away.
  • Jing Jiu visited the Imperial Palace, spoke with Gu Qing and Empress Dowager Hu, and joined Yuan Qijing for a final day of mahjong before Yuan Qijing vanished into snowflakes.
  • Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue visited White City, where Jing Jiu repaired Cao Yuan’s saber, then killed He Wei at Blazing Sun Gorge and destroyed the Kunlun Sect’s formation.
  • Jing Jiu returned to Green Mountain, made a Sand Diagram, and later heard Yin San investigate the life of a child surnamed Liu before Jing Jiu received the cultivators’ welcome.
  • Jing Jiu confronted Fang Jingtian on Past Arrival Peak, and the two went to Shangde Peak and descended into the Sword Prison, where Corpse Dog opened his eyes.
Chapters 628–652 Vol. 7 Read

Ch. 628The reason for her short hair

Zhao Layue visited He Zhan and Se Se at the Snowfield, then spoke with the Blade Sage before flying into the Snowfield to seek combat. She left without explaining her deeper reasons, determined not to repeat Lian Sanyue’s path or alert the Snow Nation Queen.

  • Zhao Layue met He Zhan and Se Se at a courtyard near White City, where they discussed the Snowfield, the wounded Blade Sage, and the coming contest over Cold Mountain.
  • Zhao Layue told He Zhan and Se Se that her unstable cultivation required fighting, though they suspected she had another reason for coming.
  • Zhao Layue visited the temple behind White City and asked the Blade Sage how he was recovering from his battle with the Snow Nation Queen.
  • The Blade Sage warned Zhao Layue not to challenge the Queen alone and recalled Lian Sanyue’s failed attempt to gather cultivators for such a mission.
  • Zhao Layue said she was neither Lian Sanyue nor seeking to become her, then flew into the Snowfield with the Unthought Sword concealing its bloody light.

Ch. 629Your Name

Zhao Layue hunted Snow Nation Monsters deep in the snowfield and rested in the cave where Jing Jiu and Bai Zao had once been trapped. When she emerged and found a Kunlun elder had severed a Wind Saber Sect cultivator’s arm, she killed the elder.

  • Zhao Layue crossed the snowfield, killing 762 Snow Monsters over more than seventy days.
  • Zhao Layue found the cave where Jing Jiu and Bai Zao had been trapped, recognized traces of their time there, and rested.
  • Peng Si, a Kunlun Sect elder, claimed the Snow Monster corpses as Kunlun territory and severed a Wind Saber Sect cultivator’s arm.
  • Zhao Layue emerged from the cave and asked Peng Si his name; after learning who she was, he tried to leave.
  • Zhao Layue cut off Peng Si’s right arm and killed him with sword intent.

Ch. 630Life has always been this way

Zhao Layue crossed the Abyss into the Snowfield, where she fought a growing number of Snow Enchantresses to temper her sword and approach the peak of the sea-breaking realm. After surviving the battle and trying to leave, she was ambushed by a powerful, unseen attacker and fell wounded onto a glacier.

  • Zhao Layue killed Kunlun Sect elder Peng Si because he had injured Liu S sui years earlier, fulfilling Jing Jiu's promise to retaliate for him.
  • Zhao Layue flew deep into the Snowfield, enjoying its solitude as she hunted monsters and admired the scenery.
  • Zhao Layue killed six Snow Enchantresses on a blue glacier, then fought more than twenty and suffered serious injuries while killing several more.
  • Zhao Layue realized the battle had tempered her dao tree and will, bringing her close to the sea-breaking peak, and turned to leave.
  • The Snow Enchantresses hurled their companions at Zhao Layue, but she cut them apart with the Unthought Sword.
  • An unseen attacker struck Zhao Layue from above with a Flying Sword; she caught it with her palms, but it pierced her body and sent her crashing onto the glacier.

Ch. 631White Snow and Red Broth Bewitch the Heart

Zhao Layue was gravely wounded by He Wei in the Snowfield and faced the approaching Snow Enchantresses near Peerless Ice Peak. At Green Mountain, Zhuo Rusui reached the Sea-Breaking peak, then learned Fang Jingtian planned to become Sect Master and said he would have to act.

  • He Wei ambushed Zhao Layue with his True Nature Sword and left her badly wounded in the Snowfield.
  • Zhao Layue suppressed He Wei's Sword Intent and fought the Snow Enchantresses, but they drove her into a crater below the glacier as she looked toward Peerless Ice Peak.
  • A powerful but slow gray flying sword appeared at Heavenly Light Peak, and Guo Nanshan said it resembled their Master.
  • Zhuo Rusui emerged from seclusion at the Sea-Breaking peak, and Yuan Qu told him he had advanced three years later than Jing Jiu had.
  • Yuan Qu took Zhuo Rusui to Yunji Town for hotpot, where Tong Yan told him Fang Jingtian intended to become Sect Master next spring.
  • Zhuo Rusui said he would have to make a move to prevent Fang Jingtian from taking the Sect Master's Seat.

Ch. 632The Disciples Return

At Jing Garden, Yuan Qu, Zhuo Rusui, and Tong Yan discussed putting Zhao Layue forward as Green Mountain’s sect master. Ping Yongjia and A Piao returned from the Netherworld expecting to attend the Green Mountain Assembly, but Gu Qing brought them to Chaoge City, where he explained that he could not return to Green Mountain and needed their help.

  • Tong Yan told Yuan Qu and Zhuo Rusui that they intended to put Zhao Layue forward as sect master, and Zhuo Rusui agreed to support her if she counted him as a disciple.
  • Ping Yongjia and A Piao returned from the Netherworld, where they had been helping A Piao contend for the Nether Emperor’s throne.
  • The Green-Curtain Sedan brought Ping Yongjia and A Piao to Chaoge City, frightening A Piao until Ping Yongjia reassured her that no one was trying to capture her.
  • Gu Qing welcomed Ping Yongjia and A Piao at the Jing Residence and sent them to see the sleeping Jing Jiu.
  • Gu Qing told Ping Yongjia that he could not return to Green Mountain and needed their help because he had encountered problems there.

Ch. 633Trust Yourself

Gu Qing asked Ping Yongjia to help him capture or kill True Person Taiping by using the Zhuxian Sword Formation, while Zhao Layue fought the Snow Enchantresses alone in the Snowfield. The chapter left Zhao Layue exhausted and surrounded, expecting to die.

  • Gu Qing sent A Piao to the Imperial Palace, where Empress Dowager Hu embraced her and Jing Yao later argued with his mother about her closeness to his Master.
  • Gu Qing told Ping Yongjia that he had located True Person Taiping and needed his help to kill him with the Zhuxian Sword Formation.
  • Ping Yongjia agreed to discuss the formation and the Three Hidden Forms of the Heaven-Bearing Sword Technique with Gu Qing.
  • Zhao Layue resolved to rely on herself and fought the Snow Enchantresses through a day and night, suffering severe wounds while killing many of them.
  • Five Snow Enchantresses surrounded Zhao Layue, who recognized that she could not continue and calmly faced her expected death.

Ch. 634A Reason to Live

After surviving the Snow Nation Queen’s overwhelming Divine Sense, Zhao Layue endured a brutal journey out of the Snowfield and collapsed when He Zhan found her. As Se Se and He Zhan struggled to keep her alive, Zhao Layue woke and explained that she had endured the pain because she had promised Jing Jiu she would live.

  • The Snow Nation Queen’s Divine Sense entered Zhao Layue’s Sea of Consciousness, conveyed that they were alike and would both grow stronger, then withdrew.
  • In White City, He Zhan learned Zhao Layue had not returned from the Snowfield and decided to go look for her despite Se Se’s concern.
  • He Zhan reached Black Stone Mountain and found Zhao Layue emerging from the Snowfield, gravely wounded and barely able to walk.
  • Zhao Layue recognized He Zhan as real rather than a hallucination and collapsed into his arms.
  • The Wind Saber Sect tried to stabilize Zhao Layue while Se Se treated her wounds, but the Blade Sage admitted he had never seen injuries so severe.
  • Zhao Layue woke and told He Zhan and Se Se that she could endure anything as long as she lived, because she had promised Jing Jiu she would live forever.

Ch. 635Lovely spring days, nothing but a dream

After recovering enough to survive, Zhao Layue learned that Gu Qing had summoned Ping Yongjia and A Piao to Chaoge City, possibly to use the Zhuxian Sword Formation against True Person Taiping. She chose to return to Green Mountain and challenge Fang Jingtian, while Gu Qing confided in his sleeping master before making his own move.

  • True Person Guangyuan and Shiyue Peak elders treated Zhao Layue’s injuries with rare medicines and Sword Essence.
  • Tong Yan told Zhao Layue that Gu Qing had summoned Ping Yongjia and A Piao to Chaoge City without explaining why.
  • Tong Yan inferred that Gu Qing planned to use the Zhuxian Sword Formation to kill True Person Taiping, and Zhao Layue agreed to send him the Unthought Sword.
  • Zhao Layue said she would return to Green Mountain to kill Fang Jingtian because the sect could not choose a new Sect Master while he remained alive.
  • Gu Qing spoke to his sleeping master Jing Jiu about his doubts, his years in Chaoge City, and the nature he had kept hidden.

Ch. 636Willow catkins

Gu Qing prepared for a dangerous undertaking, leaving Jing Jiu in the Jing Residence and setting Ping Yongjia to gather sword intent in the Imperial Palace. He went to the Old Plum Garden and greeted the red-clad youth in the little nunnery, where the chapter left their meeting poised to begin.

  • Gu Qing tucked in Jing Jiu, then received the Unthought Sword from Zhao Layue and walked away from the Jing Residence.
  • Liu S sui noticed Gu Qing's unusual behavior and went to investigate, while Little Lotus stayed behind with his food.
  • Ping Yongjia summoned his sword intent in the Imperial Palace, and the First Child Sword flew from Jing Yao's sheath to him.
  • Gu Qing wrapped the Universe Edge in coarse cloth and headed for the Old Plum Garden, as Liu S sui watched and the sword bracelet vibrated urgently.
  • Gu Qing passed the busy Go stalls, entered the little nunnery, and bowed to the red-clad youth, greeting him as his Martial Uncle.

Ch. 637The Zhuxian Sword Formation Reappeared

Gu Qing used the Unthought Sword and a Heaven-Bearing Sword Formation to trap Yin San in the Old Plum Garden, accepting that he might die to protect the Fox Demon Empress Dowager. As Yin San struck at him, the First Child Sword and Nondual Sword arrived, joining Universe Edge in a four-sword formation that recreated the Zhuxian Sword Formation.

  • Gu Qing refused Yin San's remaining requests and revealed that he had used their meeting to bind Yin San with the Unthought Sword and activate the Heaven-Bearing Sword Formation.
  • Yin San recognized Gu Qing's resolve to die and declared that the formation could not hold him, then attacked Gu Qing with a sword formed from the sound of his Bone Flute.
  • Ping Yongjia sent the First Child Sword away from Imperial Palace Square, while Liu S sui reached the Old Plum Garden and the Nondual Sword flew from his sleeve into the nunnery.
  • Gu Qing blocked Yin San's invisible sword with Universe Edge but was wounded, then attacked as the First Child Sword and Nondual Sword arrived.
  • The Unthought Sword restrained Yin San while Universe Edge, the First Child Sword, and the Nondual Sword formed the Zhuxian Sword Formation.

Ch. 638The Green Mountain Assembly Convened Again

Gu Qing trapped Yin San in the Imperial City Grand Formation at the Old Plum Garden and tried to kill or cripple him, while the Green Mountain Sect gathered to choose a new Sect Master. Fang Jingtian and True Person Guangyuan began a sword contest above the Void Realm, leaving the assembly to await its outcome.

  • Yin San parried the swords of Gu Qing and the Divine End Peak disciples, but Gu Qing activated the Imperial City Grand Formation and bound Yin San with a blood formation.
  • The nunnery collapsed under the formation's pressure, leaving Yin San battered and Gu Qing gravely injured as he tried to perish with his enemy.
  • Fang Jingtian surveyed the Green Mountain Peak Masters as sect representatives arrived for the assembly, including the Water-Moon Convent Abbess.
  • After the Green Mountain Sword Trial, Jin Sidao nominated Fang Jingtian for Sect Master, and Elder He nominated True Person Guangyuan.
  • Fang Jingtian and True Person Guangyuan rose above the Void Realm to duel, and distant flashes of sword light appeared in the sky.

Ch. 639Sunset Is Beautiful

Fang Jingtian returned from the Void Realm and appeared poised to become Green Mountain Sect Master, but Zhao Layue and Zhuo Rusui openly opposed him while allies invoked Jing Jiu’s claim and the Imperial Court’s displeasure. As Fang Jingtian asserted that only Green Mountain could decide its affairs, Liu A'da’s meow transformed the sky into sunset clouds, and Zhuo Rusui’s Swallowing Boat Sword appeared amid them.

  • Fang Jingtian and True Person Guangyuan returned from the Void Realm, and Fang Jingtian approached the sect master’s chair, which collapsed before he could sit.
  • Zhuo Rusui admitted he had damaged the chair, and Fang Jingtian dismissed it as unimportant.
  • Zhao Layue challenged Fang Jingtian’s right to lead Green Mountain without the Heaven-Bearing Sword, while Zhuo Rusui also declared his opposition.
  • Zhao Layue and Zhuo Rusui rejected the earlier agreement to choose a new sect master, and Que Niang, Duke of Lu, the Fruitful Accomplishment Temple, and the Hanging Bell Sect raised objections on Jing Jiu’s behalf.
  • Fang Jingtian insisted that outsiders could not decide Green Mountain’s affairs, and Liu A'da’s meow turned the scattered sunlight into sunset clouds.
  • Zhuo Rusui admired the sunset as his Swallowing Boat Sword drifted into view, and Zhao Layue agreed.

Ch. 640Not letting dusk draw near

As Gu Qing, Liu S sui, and their allies fought to hold off powerful attackers in Chaoge City, Jing Jiu finally woke from his century-long sleep. He learned that the battle was at the Old Plum Garden and vanished, leaving Little Lotus behind.

  • Ping Yongjia sustained the Zhuxian Sword Formation as the Imperial City Grand Formation pressed down on the Old Plum Garden, while Yin Phoenix was trapped by Zen Child's mirror.
  • Liu S sui confronted the Profound Yin Ancestor outside Chaoge City, and Su Ziye returned to help him withstand the ancestor's ghostly flames.
  • Liu S sui and Su Ziye combined their fires against the Profound Yin Ancestor as Gu Qing struggled to hold Yin San back with the Zhuxian Sword Formation.
  • Yin San broke through the formation and sent a sword shadow toward Gu Qing's brow.
  • Jing Jiu woke, asked where the battle was, and vanished after the azure bird answered that it was at the Old Plum Garden.

Ch. 641Heaven and Earth Brought Forth a Great Figure

Jing Jiu awakened after a century and fought Yin San, forcing him to flee while defeating Profound Yin Ancestor and wounding Yin Phoenix. Afterward, Jing Jiu confirmed that he had reached Heavenly Access and gave the Bone Flute to Liu S sui.

  • Jing Jiu appeared in the Old Plum Garden, broke Yin San’s attack, seized the formations, and sent Gu Qing to safety.
  • Jing Jiu and Yin San exchanged words through divine sense as their battle resumed; Jing Jiu wounded Yin San, who escaped in the form of a red bird.
  • Jing Jiu saved Liu S sui and Su Ziye from Profound Yin Ancestor’s attack, then wounded Profound Yin Ancestor and Yin Phoenix, who fled together.
  • Jing Jiu told Su Ziye not to share his suspicions with Tong Yan, then confirmed to Liu S sui that he had been asleep for a hundred years.
  • Jing Jiu played the Bone Flute, whose bloodline vanished, and gave it to Liu S sui as signs of his breakthrough to Heavenly Access appeared in the sky.

Ch. 642You and I Both Reach Heaven

As Fang Jingtian challenged Green Mountain’s succession, Jing Jiu awakened in Chaoge City and reached the heaven-connecting realm, while Nan Wang also broke through and confronted Fang Jingtian. Jing Jiu then arrived at the Jing Residence, and Zen Child decided to leave for White City to avoid him.

  • Zhao Layue and Zhuo Rusui challenged Fang Jingtian on Heavenly Light Peak, but both were defeated before Yuan Qu could take his turn.
  • A sword omen appeared above Green Mountain, and its disciples realized Jing Jiu had awakened in Chaoge City and entered the heaven-connecting realm.
  • Nan Wang broke through to the heaven-connecting realm, arrived on Heavenly Light Peak, and asked Fang Jingtian whether he still intended to claim the Sect Master's Seat.
  • Fang Jingtian returned to Past Arrival Peak, while Zhao Layue explained that Jing Jiu was himself to her, not merely a man or a sword.
  • Jing Jiu entered Chaoge City with Liu S sui and went to the Jing Residence, where he thanked Zen Child for his efforts.
  • Zen Child ordered the monks to pack and leave for White City because he did not want to see Jing Jiu.

Ch. 643Reasons not to enter the palace

Jing Jiu returned to the Jing Residence, met with the Zen Child, and considered the problems ahead as he recovered from his breakthrough to the Heaven-Connecting Realm. He remained in Chaoge City, while Gu Qing continued healing in the Imperial Palace under Empress Dowager Hu’s watch.

  • Jing Jiu brought Liu S sui to the Jing Residence, where Jing Li wept and Little Lotus welcomed them.
  • Liu S sui explained that Jing Li had grown old and grief-stricken, and Little Lotus told Jing Jiu that her family had died; Jing Jiu sent Liu S sui back to One-Thatch Studio.
  • Jing Jiu visited the Zen Child and discussed his plans to resolve Yuan Qijing’s problem, deal with Taiping and the Zhongzhou Sect, and continue cultivating.
  • The Zen Child left Chaoge City for White City, and Jing Jiu later visited Zhao Garden and drifted across the lake.
  • Gu Qing recovered in the Imperial Palace as Ping Yongjia, Zhen Tao, and A Piao cared for him, and Empress Dowager Hu privately asked whether he wanted to die.

Ch. 644Together, together

Jing Jiu finally visited the Imperial Palace and heard Gu Qing confess to his relationship with Empress Dowager Hu and his actions at court. He accepted Gu Qing’s choices and urged him to face their consequences, while Empress Dowager Hu prepared to meet him expecting death.

  • Gu Qing and Empress Dowager Hu held hands and worried that Jing Jiu had not returned to the palace.
  • Months later, Jing Jiu arrived at the Imperial Palace and remembered the Battle of Chaoge City before meeting Gu Qing.
  • Gu Qing confessed his relationship with Empress Dowager Hu and described the schemes he had used in court.
  • Jing Jiu told Gu Qing he did not consider his choices wrong, though he called Gu Qing’s attempt to seek death foolish.
  • Jing Jiu advised Gu Qing to keep the relationship secret or tell Zhen Tao and let her choose; Gu Qing understood that he and Empress Dowager Hu were already together.
  • Empress Dowager Hu sent away the palace attendants and knelt in the hall, expecting Jing Jiu to kill her.

Ch. 645Eating Hotpot, Playing Mahjong...

Jing Jiu honored the Divine Emperor’s last request by urging Empress Dowager Hu to live happily, then spent Yuan Qijing’s final day playing mahjong and eating hotpot with him and their companions. Yuan Qijing left the world contentedly, dissolving into snowflakes.

  • Jing Jiu told Empress Dowager Hu that the Divine Emperor had wanted her to survive his death and find happiness by loving someone again.
  • Jing Jiu visited Yuan Qijing, thanked him for holding the fort while he slept, and invited him to play mahjong and eat hotpot.
  • Empress Dowager Hu and Que Niang joined Jing Jiu and Yuan Qijing for mahjong as Jing Yao, Ping Yongjia, A Piao, and Gu Qing attended them.
  • After a day and night of games, Yuan Qijing revealed he had never made Nine Gates before, then won the hand and accused Jing Jiu of having fooled him over the years.
  • Yuan Qijing said his last few centuries had been happy, then walked outside and vanished into snowflakes.

Ch. 646Returning to the Mortal World, Honing Your Edge

Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue visited places tied to old friends and losses before reaching the little temple at White City. There, Jing Jiu began honing the notched iron saber as sparks scattered along its edge.

  • Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue left Chaoge City and visited Young Master Li’s grave at Three Thousand Courtyard, where Zhao Layue identified the girl in his painting as possibly Lian Sanyue.
  • Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue saw Bai Zao still sleeping, and Zhao Layue embraced Jing Jiu and promised she would not leave him.
  • At White City, Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue visited He Zhan and Se Se, then discussed love, promises, and Gu Qing’s troubles.
  • Jing Jiu encountered the middle-aged monk grieving his deceased master and struck him unconscious; the Zen Child thanked Jing Jiu for helping him sleep.
  • Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue discussed his time in the Azure Sky Mirror, Zhang’s plans, and the Fire Carp King as they walked to the little temple.
  • Jing Jiu placed his hand on the damaged iron saber and walked along its edge, sending sparks flying.

Ch. 647First Glimpse

Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue left the Snowfield and learned that He Wei had seized Cold Mountain for the Kunlun Sect. Jing Jiu attacked He Wei at Blazing Sun Gorge, cutting off his right arm.

  • Jing Jiu repaired Cao Yuan's iron saber and used his sword intent to help treat the Blade Sage's injuries.
  • Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue discussed her choice to risk her life in the Snowfield and accepted that their paths might differ.
  • In Juye City, Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue learned that He Wei had defeated the Wind Saber Sect and that the Kunlun Sect was rebuilding at Blazing Sun Gorge.
  • The Azure Bird told Zhao Layue that He Wei was at Blazing Sun Gorge, and Zhao Layue insisted on eating red-broth hotpot.
  • He Wei ordered the Kunlun Sect to work faster at Blazing Sun Gorge, then Jing Jiu appeared and severed He Wei's right arm with a sword strike.

Ch. 648There Were Always So Many Things One Could Not Escape

Jing Jiu killed He Wei, crushed the Kunlun Sect’s resistance, and met True Person Tan as Green Mountain’s strength reshaped the balance between the great sects. Back at Jing Garden, Jing Jiu ascended into the sky amid lightning, then returned as an imposing visitor knocked at the gate.

  • Jing Jiu severed He Wei’s limbs and killed him, while Zhao Layue destroyed He Wei’s fleeing sword ghost and Jing Jiu broke the Kunlun Sect’s formation.
  • Su Ziye bowed to Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue, who left him to secure the spirit veins and build his sect with covert support.
  • Jing Jiu and Zhao Layue visited the Fire Carp, then Jing Jiu argued with True Person Tan about Green Mountain’s rising momentum and the limits of defeating the Zhongzhou Sect.
  • Jing Jiu’s growing power shifted attitudes across the cultivation world, and Jing Garden became busy again as cultivators gathered around it.
  • Jing Jiu suddenly flew into the sky amid lightning, then returned to the courtyard as Tong Yan left Jing Garden for a walk.
  • Someone knocked thunderously at Jing Garden’s gate, and Zhao Layue and Zhuo Rusui went to meet the visitor while Yuan Qu and Ping Yongjia argued over who should open the door.

Ch. 649Why Should I?

Nan Wang visited Jing Jiu, questioned his feelings for Lian Sanyue, and warned him not to go too far in his conflict with True Person Taiping. After she left, Jing Jiu reunited with Liu A'da and Zhao Layue, then began using sand to depict heaven and earth as he prepared for what came next.

  • Ping Yongjia brought Nan Wang to Jing Garden, where she and Jing Jiu shared wine and discussed Lian Sanyue and his feelings for her.
  • Nan Wang asked Jing Jiu why he had prevented her from liking him; he said he liked them all and wanted to avoid the trouble of being liked in return.
  • Nan Wang warned Jing Jiu that she would watch over Green Mountain and that he and True Person Taiping must not go too far.
  • Liu A'da arrived, and Jing Jiu stroked him before placing Cold Cicada on his head; Zhao Layue joined them while Zhuo Rusui and the others fled at the sound of the cat's purring.
  • Jing Jiu said his calculations surpassed True Person Taiping's and placed a grain of sand on a porcelain plate, where it formed an image of heaven and earth.

Ch. 650A Tray of Loose Sand

Jing Jiu returned to Green Mountain with Zhao Layue and the others, then ordered the portraits of himself and True Person Taiping removed until one of them died. Elsewhere, Yin San, the Profound Yin Ancestor, and Yin Phoenix considered their failed plans and uncertain future.

  • Jing Jiu completed a precise Sand Diagram, and Zhao Layue burned the braid he offered her.
  • Jing Jiu and his companions left Jing Garden, passed through Yunji Town, and entered Green Mountain.
  • Jing Jiu visited the Small Tower and ordered the portraits of himself and True Person Taiping taken down, saying one should be rehung when either of them died.
  • Yin Phoenix complained that Jing Jiu had ruined True Person Taiping's plans, while the Profound Yin Ancestor said age was weakening him.
  • Yin San sat in a locust tree and wondered when his long, troubled days would end.

Ch. 651All Talk and No Practice Is Just Empty Show

Yin San investigated Jing Jiu’s past by visiting his birthplace and learned that the Liu Household’s prominence came from an Immortal Master who had taken two gifted children away. He began learning farming from an old villager, while Jing Jiu returned to Green Mountain and was welcomed as its Sect Master True Person.

  • Yin San considered why his plans kept failing and wondered whether Jing Jiu had foreseen events in this lifetime, then decided to investigate how Jing Jiu had lived.
  • Yin San returned to Yunji Town, visited Jing Garden, and recalled being bound by Zhao Layue’s Unthought Sword twice.
  • Yin San traveled to a remote village and learned that an Immortal Master had taken away two gifted children about a hundred and fifty years earlier, including a child surnamed Liu whose descendants now ruled the village.
  • Yin San asked a farmer to teach him farming, explaining that he wanted real skills instead of empty show.
  • Jing Jiu returned to Green Mountain and received a welcome from the assembled cultivators, while True Person Guangyuan formally paid his respects as Sect Master True Person.

Ch. 652To return to Green Mountain was to fight

Jing Jiu returned to Green Mountain and confronted Fang Jingtian over his long-standing hostility, while Zhao Layue argued that the two had to fight because strength was what made the sect acknowledge Jing Jiu. They departed for Shangde Peak and descended into the Sword Prison together.

  • Jing Jiu told Ping Yongjia he could become Sword Peak's Peak Master, then headed straight to Past Arrival Peak.
  • Jing Jiu faced Fang Jingtian as Green Mountain's elders tried to prevent a fight.
  • Zhao Layue said the sect had accepted Jing Jiu as Martial Uncle because he could fight, and Fang Jingtian agreed to contend with him.
  • Fang Jingtian and Jing Jiu left for Shangde Peak, where Fang Jingtian asked about Yuan Qijing before descending into the Sword Prison with Jing Jiu.
  • Corpse Dog opened his eyes as the two arrived at the bottom of the Sword Prison.
Arc 26 of 41