Recaps

Huang Xiao and Demon Phoenix discussed how Huang Xiao could gain the Heavenly Demon Hall’s support, and Huang Xiao considered killing Chao Jue to become the Hall’s chosen hope. Demon Phoenix explained the limits and hidden potential of Huang Xiao’s demonic arts and saber techniques, leaving Huang Xiao determined to master the fifth saber form before the Imperial Province Ranking Contest.

• Demon Phoenix suggested the Masked Old Man may have selected Huang Xiao as a future Heavenly Demon Hall expert, and Huang Xiao agreed that gaining the Hall’s support could secure his position.
• Huang Xiao said Chao Jue might need to die so the Heavenly Demon Hall would have no choice but to choose him, surprising Demon Phoenix with the killing intent in his words.
• Huang Xiao explained that he was willing to do whatever it took to survive, while Demon Phoenix warned that demonic arts could intensify his bloodlust.
• Demon Phoenix revealed that the Demon Hall’s three great halls had secret methods to refine true qi beyond the limit of a cultivation stage, and that Huang Xiao’s ninth-stage Heavenly Demon Skill had little room for further growth without such a method.
• Demon Phoenix said Huang Xiao’s fifth saber form could let him contend with Void Martial Realm experts, while later forms required the final stages of the Heavenly Demon Skill.
• Huang Xiao realized the Masked Old Man had limited how far he could master the saber manual without deeper cultivation, and resolved to master the fifth form before the Imperial Province Ranking Contest.

Huang Xiao and Demon Phoenix discussed his lost identity as the Transcendent Immortal Sword Lord’s successor and his plans to rely more on his own strength as they traveled toward Imperial Province. Meanwhile, a high steward investigated Xuan Ju’s disappearance and the missing supreme-grade Beast Immortal Grass, and Physician Chen recalled that Xuan Ju had asked about Huang Xiao’s little black bird.

• Demon Phoenix urged Huang Xiao to be less cautious and to use his backing, while Huang Xiao resolved to face the Jianghu as a member of the Demonic Path.
• Huang Xiao resumed practicing his saber technique as Demon Phoenix drew Heavenly Fire flames from the Minghong Saber.
• Physician Chen reported what he knew about Xuan Ju to the high steward, while Yang Fatty stood terrified beside him.
• The high steward rejected Physician Chen’s attempt to accept responsibility, and Yang Fatty fainted from fear.
• Asked whether Xuan Ju had mentioned any plans, Physician Chen remembered that Xuan Ju had asked about the little black bird and realized the question might be linked to his disappearance.

Physician Chen told the Upper Steward that Xuan Ju had likely pursued Huang Xiao, prompting a search for the disguised man. After two months of training, Huang Xiao and Demon Phoenix prepared to leave for Imperial Province, with Huang Xiao still unable to master the fifth saber form.

• Physician Chen described Huang Xiao and his intelligent black bird to the Upper Steward, who ordered portraits made and sent Mountain Manor agents to search for him.
• The Upper Steward set out toward Imperial Province, while Yang Fatty thanked Physician Chen and promised to repay any losses.
• Huang Xiao failed once again to execute the fifth saber form, and Demon Phoenix urged him not to force a breakthrough.
• Demon Phoenix explained that it had spent two months absorbing Heavenly Fire Flame from the Minghong Saber and was ready to continue recovering on the road.
• Huang Xiao decided to travel to Imperial Province for the Ranking Contest and keep Pang Yi as his target, despite not mastering the fifth form.

Huang Xiao and Demon Phoenix reached Imperial Province ahead of the Ranking Contest and settled into an inn in Chengde City. At the restaurant, Huang Xiao heard that the Heavenly Sword Sect’s failed attack on the Four Directions Trading Company had become a major Jianghu scandal, with rumors that powerful experts had died.

• Huang Xiao traveled with Demon Phoenix for a month and entered Imperial Province, where the Ranking Contest had brought many Jianghu figures but curtailed fighting near the Imperial City.
• Huang Xiao booked the last available private courtyard in Chengde City because the city’s inns were full.
• Huang Xiao noticed a decorative long flute in his room and became briefly excited before saying it was ordinary and recalling something from his past.
• Huang Xiao went to the inn’s restaurant with Demon Phoenix to hear recent Jianghu news.
• Diners discussed the Heavenly Sword Sect’s failed attack on the Four Directions Trading Company, saying the sect had lost experts and might have lost Half-Step or Void Martial Realm fighters.

Huang Xiao encountered the Fat and Thin Twin Demons after they killed four men over a restaurant seat. When the Alliance Guards arrived to investigate, the demons were still confronting Huang Xiao, and the chapter left their dispute unresolved.

• The Fat and Thin Twin Demons stormed into the restaurant, and Fat Demon killed a man who mocked him.
• After their identities as Fallen Help experts were revealed, Fat Demon ordered three more men to kneel and then killed them.
• Fat Demon demanded Huang Xiao give up his table, but Huang Xiao refused and learned that the inn had given him priority as an honored guest.
• The young master arrived and insisted on taking Huang Xiao's table, while Demon Phoenix urged Huang Xiao to kill the demons.
• Five Alliance Guards entered the restaurant to investigate the disturbance, and Huang Xiao learned they served the Wulin Alliance Leader but were currently controlled by the Heavenly Sword Sect.

Huang Xiao avoided a fight with the Fat and Thin Twin Demons after the Alliance Guards intervened, but soon encountered Li Chaoxun, who challenged him over their unfinished contest. Before they could fight, a young master approached a veiled woman and her maid, and the maid ordered him to leave.

• The Alliance Guards warned the Fat and Thin Twin Demons against further trouble, and the young master had them clean up the four bodies.
• Huang Xiao spotted Li Chaoxun arriving at the wine shop with a veiled woman and her maid, then met Li Chaoxun upstairs.
• Li Chaoxun demanded that Huang Xiao fight him, and Huang Xiao mocked his boast by mentioning Sword God Yi.
• The Fat and Thin Twin Demons realized Huang Xiao was far stronger than they had thought and considered leaving with their young master.
• The young master approached the veiled woman to invite her to his table, and her maid coldly told him to get lost.

Huang Xiao encountered Zhangsun Youyue and Xiao Qing at an inn, where Li Chaoxun killed three members of the Fallen Help after they threatened the women. Huang Xiao tried to leave without revealing himself, but Zhangsun Youyue invited him to meet, and Li Chaoxun learned that the disguised man knew about his identity as the Transcendent Immortal Sword Lord’s true successor.

• The young master of the Fallen Help insulted the Veiled Woman, but the Fat and Thin Twin Demons recognized her and Xiao Qing as dangerous and tried to placate them.
• Li Chaoxun killed the young master and the Fat and Thin Twin Demons with Sword Qi after the young master revealed his Demonic Path affiliation.
• The Veiled Woman identified herself as Zhangsun Youyue, and Huang Xiao recognized her while worrying that she might detect him beneath his disguise.
• Huang Xiao tried to leave, but Li Chaoxun blocked him; Zhangsun Youyue urged Li Chaoxun to save his strength for the Ranking Contest and invited Huang Xiao to become acquainted.
• Huang Xiao declined Zhangsun Youyue’s invitation and called Li Chaoxun the Transcendent Immortal Sword Lord’s successor, prompting whispers about the impostor who had used that identity.
• Li Chaoxun resolved to punish Huang Xiao, whom he believed had impersonated him and deceived Zhangsun Youyue.

Huang Xiao left the restaurant without revealing his identity, while Li Chaoxun and Zhangsun Youyue realized that the man they had met was disguised and went to seek lodging in his courtyard. Back there, Demon Phoenix noticed Huang Xiao’s emotions had shifted when he mentioned Zhangsun Youyue and warned that she and Li Chaoxun might have sensed it too.

• Huang Xiao left the restaurant with Demon Phoenix while Li Chaoxun continued to believe he had confronted an unremarkable stranger.
• Li Chaoxun and Zhangsun Youyue sensed that the stranger’s appearance and presence did not match and concluded he was disguised.
• After learning the city’s inns were full, Li Chaoxun paid a waiter to lead them to a separate courtyard with vacant rooms, and Zhangsun Youyue joined him.
• Huang Xiao returned to his courtyard and told Demon Phoenix he had avoided fighting Li Chaoxun to prevent injury or exposing his identity.
• Demon Phoenix told Huang Xiao that Zhangsun Youyue’s look had seemed unusual and that Huang Xiao’s emotional reaction might have been noticed by her and Li Chaoxun.

Huang Xiao’s flute stirred his longing for You Lian'er, his family, and his friends, while Demon Phoenix teased him about Zhangsun Youyue and Jiang Liuli. As Zhangsun Youyue and Li Chaoxun approached his courtyard to investigate the music, the waiter leading them suddenly collapsed at the entrance.

• Demon Phoenix noticed Huang Xiao’s unease after he saw Zhangsun Youyue and teased him about his feelings for her and Jiang Liuli.
• Huang Xiao thought of his four wives, family, and friends, and resolved to seek Senior Li at sea for clues about returning home.
• Huang Xiao played the Bright Moon Tide-Rising Song and poured his longing into the flute’s notes.
• Demon Phoenix heard people approaching and realized a confrontation might be coming.
• Zhangsun Youyue, Li Chaoxun, and Xiao Qing followed the flute music to Huang Xiao’s courtyard, where the waiter suddenly crumpled to the ground.

Huang Xiao, disguised as Brother Ling, allowed Zhangsun Youyue, Li Chaoxun, and Xiao Qing to stay in his courtyard for the night. As Zhangsun Youyue settled in, Xiao Qing challenged her lingering thoughts about Huang Xiao and argued that Li Chaoxun was the better match, leaving their conversation tense.

• Zhangsun Youyue drew the unconscious waiter away from the entrance and debated with Xiao Qing and Li Chaoxun whether Huang Xiao’s flute music had been meant as a warning.
• Huang Xiao realized the three visitors had come seeking lodging and invited them inside, while Demon Phoenix acted like a clumsy little bird to conceal his abilities.
• Li Chaoxun asked for two rooms, and Huang Xiao readily offered them; Zhangsun Youyue thanked him and called him Brother Ling.
• Zhangsun Youyue and Li Chaoxun chose rooms on either side of Huang Xiao’s, while Xiao Qing warned that their host might be dangerous.
• Xiao Qing asked why Zhangsun Youyue remained interested in Huang Xiao and insisted that Li Chaoxun was the true successor and a better match, prompting Zhangsun Youyue to tell her to stop.

Zhangsun Youyue discussed Huang Xiao’s uncertain identity and expected arrival at the Imperial Province Ranking Contest, then decided to send Li Chaoxun away by telling him Sword God Yi had reached the Imperial City. Xiao Qing worried about the plan and the risks of leaving Zhangsun alone with Ling.

• Xiao Qing urged Zhangsun Youyue to consider accepting Li Chaoxun, but Zhangsun wrote the word “successor” and affirmed that Huang Xiao could be Senior Li’s successor even if he was not his personal disciple.
• Zhangsun said Huang Xiao’s Heavenly Demon Skill and unusual internal power left his identity unclear, and she believed he would attend the Imperial Province Ranking Contest.
• Zhangsun turned away Li Chaoxun when he came to visit, and he left after wishing her well.
• Zhangsun decided she needed to send Li Chaoxun away and planned to tell him that Sword God Yi had arrived in the Imperial City so he would go challenge him.
• Xiao Qing warned Zhangsun that the plan could be discovered and that Ling might pose a danger, but Zhangsun said she trusted her judgment and her strength.

Zhangsun Youyue maneuvered Li Chaoxun into leaving to seek Sword God Yi, while she stayed behind with Huang Xiao. After Li Chaoxun departed, Zhangsun Youyue asked Huang Xiao when he planned to go to the Imperial City, and he saw a chance to avoid her.

• Xiao Qing wondered whether Huang Xiao had taken Phoenix Blood for himself, and Zhangsun Youyue reasoned that he might still need it despite having used it at Mist Mountain.
• Zhangsun Youyue received a messenger pigeon’s note about Sword God Yi’s whereabouts and gave it to Li Chaoxun, who decided to leave at once to challenge him.
• Zhangsun Youyue said she would stay behind to cultivate in seclusion, and Li Chaoxun warned Huang Xiao not to harm her before departing for the Imperial City.
• Li Chaoxun vented his frustration by splitting a large tree, then consoled himself that defeating Sword God Yi might earn Zhangsun Youyue’s admiration.
• Zhangsun Youyue asked Huang Xiao when he would leave for the Imperial City, and Huang Xiao considered using her planned seclusion to get away from her.

Huang Xiao agreed to travel to the Imperial City with Zhangsun Youyue, while growing more convinced that she had recognized his identity. Before they could leave, a Deputy Gang Leader of the Fallen Help stormed into the courtyard looking for the killer of one of his men, and Huang Xiao confronted him.

• Huang Xiao agreed to travel with Zhangsun Youyue, despite worrying that she might know who he really was.
• Demon Phoenix told Huang Xiao there was a strong chance Zhangsun Youyue had recognized him and might be curious about his origins.
• Zhangsun Youyue questioned Huang Xiao about his swordsmanship, saber skills, and flute playing as they prepared to leave.
• A Deputy Gang Leader of the Fallen Help arrived with more than a dozen men and demanded to know where the person who had killed someone the previous day had gone.
• Huang Xiao pointed out the Deputy Gang Leader as the one responsible for the broken gate and told the shop assistant to make the innkeeper demand compensation from him.

Huang Xiao used two flute sound arts to defeat the Fallen Help's Deputy Gang Leader and his subordinates, leaving Zhangsun Youyue and Xiao Qing astonished by his power. Afterward, he named the pieces Bright Moon Tide-Rising Song and Heavenly Dragon Roar, concealing the word “Demon” from the latter.

• The Deputy Gang Leader confronted Huang Xiao, Zhangsun Youyue, and Xiao Qing while demanding information about the killer.
• At Zhangsun Youyue's suggestion, Huang Xiao began playing the Bright Moon Tide-Rising Song, whose notes overwhelmed the Deputy Gang Leader's subordinates and killed them.
• The Deputy Gang Leader charged Huang Xiao, who changed to the Heavenly Demon Dragon Roar and blasted him backward with the force of the music.
• The Deputy Gang Leader died with blood pouring from his seven orifices, while Zhangsun Youyue and Xiao Qing reacted with shock and awe.
• Huang Xiao told Zhangsun Youyue that his pieces were called Bright Moon Tide-Rising Song and Heavenly Dragon Roar.

Huang Xiao’s Heavenly Demon Dragon Roar clashed with the Rebirth Mantra of two Small Buddha Temple monks, and he defeated them without resorting to Heavenly Demon True Qi. The injured monks, Yonglian and Yongxu, appeared in the courtyard and confronted him over the corpses.

• Zhangsun Youyue and Huang Xiao recognized the Buddhist chanting as the Rebirth Mantra, and Huang Xiao answered it with his flute.
• Yonglian’s chanting faltered, so Yongxu joined him, but Huang Xiao escalated his flute through the eighth roar.
• The two monks screamed and their chanting stopped, ending the Sound Arts contest with Huang Xiao standing firm.
• Yonglian and Yongxu entered the courtyard, identified themselves as Small Buddha Temple monks, and accused Huang Xiao of disrupting harmony by killing people.
• Huang Xiao rejected their accusation and said he had fought back because the Fallen Help members had come to kill him.

Huang Xiao and Zhangsun Youyue faced questions from Yonglian and Yongxu after Huang Xiao defeated them in Sound Arts, while Chenwu exposed the monks’ resentment over their damaged reputation. Chenwu joined Huang Xiao and Zhangsun Youyue on their journey to the Imperial City, leaving the Small Buddha Temple monks behind.

• Yonglian and Yongxu questioned whether the dead men belonged to the Demonic Path, but Zhangsun Youyue reminded them that Huang Xiao had overwhelmed them in Sound Arts.
• Chenwu arrived and taunted Yonglian and Yongxu for claiming to disdain the Dragon Rankings despite lacking disciples strong enough to compete.
• Huang Xiao tried to leave with Zhangsun Youyue, but Yonglian stopped him and again demanded to know whether his flute music was a demonic Sound Art.
• Chenwu explained that the monks resented Huang Xiao for defeating them and damaging their reputation as unmatched in Sound Arts among their peers.
• Chenwu asked to accompany Huang Xiao and Zhangsun Youyue to the Imperial City, and Zhangsun Youyue welcomed him.

After Yonglian and Yongxu lost to Huang Xiao, they planned to use their Dragon Rankings connections against him. Meanwhile, Yao Qiu sought permission to avenge his murdered son, and Chao Jue decided to investigate the matter himself.

• Yonglian and Yongxu agreed to enlist Jia Kong and their other allies to keep Huang Xiao off the Dragon Rankings, while planning to investigate him and the woman traveling with him.
• Yao Qiu raged over his son's murder as Deputy Hall Master Peng arrived with Chao Jue and heard the account of what happened.
• Yao Qiu asked to avenge his son immediately, and Deputy Hall Master Peng agreed to speak on his behalf in exchange for benefits.
• Yao Qiu recognized Chao Jue's standing in the Heavenly Demon Hall and offered the Fallen Help's services.
• Chao Jue decided to go see the man who killed Yao Qiu's son, despite Deputy Hall Master Peng's warning, and ordered Peng Ku not to follow.

Peng Ku assigned Yao Qiu to protect Chao Jue during his journey to the Imperial City, while Huang Xiao and his companions continued toward the Ranking Contest. After Chenwu reflected on Brother Ling’s abilities and his own Mind-Reading Technique, Huang Xiao and Chenwu caught a concealed pursuer, leaving the man captured and unable to flee.

• Peng Ku ordered Yao Qiu to keep Chao Jue safe, and Yao Qiu agreed to accompany him while concealing his identity.
• Huang Xiao, Zhangsun Youyue, Xiao Qing, and Chenwu rested at a tea stall and discussed their journey to the Imperial City.
• Huang Xiao and Chenwu left the stall after sensing someone nearby, and Zhangsun Youyue followed with Xiao Qing.
• Huang Xiao and Chenwu raced ahead, and Chenwu considered Brother Ling’s abilities and the risks of using his Mind-Reading Technique.
• Huang Xiao and Chenwu chased a man into the woods, sealed his acupoints, and demanded to know why he had been spying on them.

Huang Xiao and his companions captured a skilled man who had secretly followed them, and Zhangsun Youyue identified him as Ding Shiba, a Ding Grade Hidden Demon Guard from the Demon Hall. The group learned about the Guard’s role and hierarchy, while questions remained about the mysterious Elders’ Council and the approaching Thousand-Year Period.

• Huang Xiao dislocated the follower’s jaw and removed his human-skin mask, revealing a young man who refused to talk.
• Zhangsun Youyue said Chenwu could use his Mind-Reading Art, prompting the captive to agree to answer some questions.
• Ding Shiba identified himself as a Ding Grade Hidden Demon Guard, and Huang Xiao explained that he did not sense any demonic cultivation in him.
• Chenwu and Zhangsun Youyue explained that the Hidden Demon Guard was an intelligence division serving the Demon Hall’s mysterious Elders’ Council and outlined its five grades.
• Huang Xiao asked whether the Elders’ Council was the Demon Hall’s strongest force, and Chenwu said its strength and membership were unknown as the Thousand-Year Period approached.

Huang Xiao and Zhangsun Youyue questioned Ding Shiba and learned that powerful forces from several Jianghu paths had secretly gathered around Imperial Province. Chenwu revealed that Shangqing Temple and Bishui Palace were investigating the operation, but its purpose remained unknown as the Imperial Province Ranking Contest approached.

• Ding Shiba explained that he had been ordered to watch powerful Righteous Path experts entering Imperial Province, though he knew little about the plan behind the order.
• Chenwu revealed that Shangqing Temple had sent him and other experts to Imperial Province on an assignment related to the secret operation, while Zhangsun Youyue learned that Bishui Palace had also sent investigators without informing her.
• Chenwu said that the Sword Pavilion and other sects from the Righteous Path, Evil Dao, Monster Dao, and Ghost Dao had secretly deployed numerous experts near and within Imperial Province.
• Chenwu warned Huang Xiao and Zhangsun Youyue that something major was likely to happen during the Imperial Province Ranking Contest and that the Sword Pavilion might interfere.
• Ding Shiba realized that the unusual presence of Jianghu experts from multiple paths around Imperial Province was connected to the operation.

Huang Xiao and the others questioned Ding Shiba about the Demon Hall’s three young masters and learned that Pang Yi, Chao Jue, and Lou Feishang had all reached the Half-Step Martial Realm and mastered the fourth form of their saber arts. The chapter leaves Huang Xiao assessing Pang Yi as a formidable rival, though his own ninth-stage Heavenly Demon Skill gives him some chance against him.

• Ding Shiba confirmed that Pang Yi, Chao Jue, and Lou Feishang were the Demon Hall’s candidates for the Ranking Contest and that all three had reached the Half-Step Martial Realm.
• Ding Shiba revealed that all three young masters’ demonic arts remained at the eighth stage, while Pang Yi’s God-Burying Demonic Art made him far stronger than the other two.
• Ding Shiba said Pang Yi had a strong chance of becoming the next Demon Hall Master, and Zhangsun Youyue suggested that his death could leave the position to Chao Jue or Lou Feishang.
• Huang Xiao asked about Pang Yi’s saber technique, and Ding Shiba revealed that all three young masters had mastered the fourth form of their saber arts.
• Huang Xiao concluded that Pang Yi remained a formidable opponent, but his own ninth-stage Heavenly Demon Skill gave him some chance of keeping pace.

Huang Xiao and his companions questioned Ding Shiba about Pang Yi and the Demon Hall’s plans, then released him and discussed the Sword Pavilion’s involvement. Chenwu hurried to report the intelligence, while Zhangsun Youyue and Huang Xiao continued toward the Imperial City and talked about the upcoming Ranking Contest.

• Ding Shiba told Huang Xiao that Pang Yi had reached the eighth stage of the God-Burying Demonic Art and mastered the Fourth Form of its saber technique.
• Zhangsun Youyue released Ding Shiba, and he left after confirming they were letting him go.
• Chenwu explained that the Demon Hall and Sword Pavilion’s involvement required caution, then departed to report the matter to Shangqing Temple’s elders.
• Zhangsun Youyue decided to send a letter to Bishui Palace, and she and Huang Xiao agreed to continue to the Imperial City for the Ranking Contest.
• Zhangsun Youyue asked Huang Xiao whether he thought he could defeat Pang Yi, and Huang Xiao avoided giving a firm answer.

Huang Xiao and Zhangsun Youyue discussed the strength of Pang Yi, Li Chaoxun, and Jiang Liuli as they traveled toward the Imperial City for the Ranking Contest. A day later, two Demonic Path figures blocked their way, and Huang Xiao recognized the young man's weapon as an imitation of the Supreme Demon Saber.

• Zhangsun Youyue asked whether Huang Xiao could defeat Pang Yi, and Huang Xiao said he was preparing for the possibility that Pang Yi had advanced beyond the strength they knew.
• Zhangsun Youyue asked about Li Chaoxun and Jiang Liuli; Huang Xiao said he and Li Chaoxun had both held back, and that Jiang Liuli was strong but still far below Li Chaoxun.
• Huang Xiao and Zhangsun Youyue continued toward the Imperial City, each uneasy about what awaited them there: Huang Xiao needed the final three stages of the Heavenly Demon Skill, while Zhangsun Youyue worried about the Sword Pavilion's plan and Bishui Palace.
• A day later, Huang Xiao, Zhangsun Youyue, and Xiao Qing encountered an old Demonic Path expert and a young man who had come to block their way.
• Huang Xiao sensed that the old man had recently entered the void martial realm, then recognized the young man's saber as an imitation of the Supreme Demon Saber.

Huang Xiao identified Chao Jue of the Heavenly Demon Hall and Yao Qiu of the Fallen Help, while Zhangsun Youyue and Chao Jue recognized each other. Chao Jue claimed Zhangsun Youyue as his opponent and sent Yao Qiu after Huang Xiao, leaving Zhangsun concerned as the confrontation began.

• Huang Xiao sensed that Chao Jue was a young Half-Step Martial Realm expert who practiced the Heavenly Demon Skill, and told Zhangsun Youyue that Yao Qiu was connected to the Fallen Help.
• Zhangsun Youyue recognized Chao Jue, and he identified her as Zhangsun Youyue of Bishui Palace.
• Yao Qiu decided to avoid harming Zhangsun Youyue but blamed Huang Xiao for his son's and deputy's deaths and intended to attack him.
• Zhangsun Youyue mentioned Pang Yi, provoking Chao Jue's resentment, and Chao Jue assigned her to himself while directing Yao Qiu to deal with Huang Xiao.
• Xiao Qing challenged Chao Jue's confidence, and Zhangsun Youyue looked to Huang Xiao with concern.

Huang Xiao led Yao Qiu away from Zhangsun Youyue and the others, then confronted him in a secluded place, provoking him over his refusal to avenge his son against powerful enemies. When Yao Qiu tried to deflect Huang Xiao’s finger force, its unexpected strength forced him to step back.

• Huang Xiao mocked Yao Qiu about his son and prepared to face him while Zhangsun Youyue drew the Illusory Water Sword to fight Chao Jue.
• Huang Xiao suddenly fled from Yao Qiu, leaving Zhangsun Youyue and Chao Jue behind to face each other.
• Yao Qiu chased Huang Xiao until Huang Xiao stopped beside a quiet river and called the area a suitable burial ground.
• Huang Xiao accused Yao Qiu of fearing powerful enemies, and Yao Qiu admitted he could not avenge his son against the true killers because of their backing.
• Huang Xiao pointed at Yao Qiu and launched a finger force; Yao Qiu tried to disperse it but was surprised by its power and forced back a step.