Chapter Summaries

Cao Yu received supplies and research materials from the Star Luo Empire, then flirted with the Snow Empress until the Ice Empress interrupted them. A week later, Xuan Ziwen arrived at the Soul Guidance Department with Bai Xiuxiu, who had come to see Cao Yu.

• Cao Yu accepted the title of Chancellor Cao and received materials, data, and an update on the Star Luo Empire’s Level 9 Fixed Soul Guidance Shells and Big Ivan Plan.
• Cao Yu told the Snow Empress he planned to return to help as the world grew less peaceful, then tried to kiss her.
• The Ice Empress interrupted and dragged Cao Yu away, but he immobilized her and kissed the Snow Empress again until the Ice Empress left in anger.
• The Snow Empress said the kiss had only been an act to make the Ice Empress give up, while Cao Yu urged her to keep acting with him.
• A week later, Xuan Ziwen brought Bai Xiuxiu to the Soul Guidance Department, and she bashfully reunited with Cao Yu.

Cao Yu showed Xuan Ziwen and Bai Xiuxiu the Soul Guidance Department’s aircraft and described plans to make air travel available to ordinary people. He then toured Shrek Academy with Bai Xiuxiu, leaving her happy but aware that he was holding back because many girls liked him.

• Cao Yu welcomed Bai Xiuxiu and Xuan Ziwen, then showed them the Soul Guidance Department’s gliders and unfinished airplanes.
• Cao Yu explained that airplanes could eventually carry ordinary passengers, and Xuan Ziwen praised their practical construction and affordable materials.
• Bai Xiuxiu asked whether Cao Yu had created the new technology, and he credited everyone involved.
• Cao Yu took Bai Xiuxiu around Shrek Academy, Sea God Lake, and the Inner Court while students commented on their pairing.
• Bai Xiuxiu enjoyed spending the day alone with Cao Yu and wondered what difference one more girl who liked him would make.

Cao Yu cultivated with Wang Dong'er, then gathered Huo Yuhao and the others to recruit them for Operation Big Ivan, a plan to develop nuclear weapons as a deterrent against the Sun Moon Empire. He arranged funding, equipment, personnel, and safety measures for their research.

• Cao Yu and Wang Dong'er joined hands to cultivate, and she kissed him before they focused on training together.
• Cao Yu summoned Huo Yuhao, He Caitou, Xuan Ziwen, Ye Xiaosheng, Chen Beifeng, and Ji Juechen to explain Operation Big Ivan.
• Cao Yu described fission and fusion weapons, and Xuan Ziwen was shocked by their destructive power and radioactive effects.
• Cao Yu said the Star Luo Empire had mass-produced hundreds of Level 9 Fixed Soul Guidance Shells, while Ji Juechen estimated that the weapons combined could devastate the Sun Moon Empire.
• He Caitou, Ye Xiaosheng, and Chen Beifeng agreed to help develop the weapons, and Cao Yu promised them a research area, funding, materials, machinery, staff, and protective clothing.

Cao Yu settled into the academy’s new experimental area, then spent the night with Ju Zi and Meng Hongchen before Mu En gave him a rare medicinal herb. He returned to the dormitory and spent the rest of the morning with Wang Dong'er.

• Cao Yu accepted Xuan Ziwen’s help with the experimental area, and Shrek Academy approved a space within half a day.
• Ju Zi and Meng Hongchen teased Cao Yu over Bai Xiuxiu and each asked him to spend the night with her, while Ke Ke watched enviously.
• Cao Yu spent three hours with Ju Zi and another three with Meng Hongchen, then left for the boys’ dormitory at dawn.
• Mu En teased Cao Yu about his unsteady walk and gave him a ten-thousand-year-old Subduing Dragon Herb to nourish his body.
• Cao Yu steeped a piece of the herb, then kissed Wang Dong'er when she mocked him for supposedly overexerting himself; they remained together until noon.

Luo Yan took leave from Shrek Academy to visit her family with Cao Yu, who proposed to her during their flight. They reached her home in Red Maple City and met her parents, who examined Cao Yu as a potential son-in-law.

• Luo Yan asked Yan Shaozhe for leave to visit her sister before the wedding, and Yan Shaozhe told her she could go with Cao Yu.
• Cao Yu met Luo Yan outside Shrek Academy, and they flew toward her home in the Star Luo Empire.
• Cao Yu proposed to Luo Yan aboard the Flying Soul Tool and fastened a necklace around her neck.
• Cao Yu and Luo Yan arrived at the Luo residence in Red Maple City, where the old steward welcomed them and escorted them to the main hall.
• Luo Tianqin and Meng Xi came out to meet the couple, and Cao Yu presented them with gifts.

Cao Yu met Luo Yan’s parents, who warmly accepted him as their future son-in-law after learning he was the Cao Clan head’s son. He shared Luo Yan’s room that night, and over the following days he visited Luo Tianqin’s businesses and explored Red Maple City with Luo Yan.

• Luo Yan introduced Cao Yu to Luo Tianqin and Meng Xi, and Luo Tianqin recognized the imperial wine Cao Yu had brought.
• Cao Yu confirmed that his father was the current head of the Cao Clan, prompting Luo Tianqin to approve of him as a son-in-law.
• Luo Tianqin drank and talked with Cao Yu over lunch while Luo Yan, Luo Chuyou, and Meng Xi enjoyed their company.
• Luo Yan told Cao Yu that there were no spare rooms and invited him to share her room; her parents watched them leave together and approved.
• Luo Tianqin showed Cao Yu his auction house and other businesses, while Cao Yu and Luo Yan visited places around Red Maple City.

Luo Chuyou married Chu Heci, and both families celebrated with a wedding feast at Chu Heci’s family home. At the feast, Cao Yu teased Luo Yan and met Chu Xiaoxiao, a little girl who reminded him of an old man.

• Chu Heci arrived at the Luo residence and bowed to Luo Tianqin and Meng Xi before marrying Luo Chuyou.
• Luo Tianqin and Meng Xi offered the couple their betrothal gifts, and Luo Tianqin arranged an even larger dowry.
• Cao Yu promised Luo Yan that he would marry her after graduation, and Chu Heci led Luo Chuyou away from the Luo residence.
• Chu Heci brought Luo Chuyou to his family home, where their families and guests celebrated the wedding.
• Cao Yu ate at the children’s table and joked with Luo Yan before meeting Chu Xiaoxiao, who offered him a chicken drumstick.

After visiting Luo Yan's parents, Cao Yu took her to meet his family at the Cao Clan residence. His grandfather welcomed them and called Cao Xiang and Luo Lingyun home to meet their new daughter-in-law.

• At the Luo residence, Luo Tianqin asked when Cao Yu planned to marry Luo Yan, and Cao Yu said he would marry her after graduation.
• After spending several more days with Luo Yan's parents, Cao Yu left Red Maple City with her and stopped in Star Luo City to take her to his home.
• Cao Yu introduced Luo Yan to the Cao Clan guards, then his grandfather arrived from fishing and welcomed her as his granddaughter-in-law.
• Cao Yu's grandfather called Cao Xiang and told him to hurry home because Cao Yu had brought his wife.
• While waiting, Cao Yu told Luo Yan that his grandfather blasted fish out of the water when he was young, explaining why some fish in the creel were in pieces.

Cao Yu and Luo Yan visited the Cao Clan estate, where his family warmly welcomed her before the couple returned toward the academy. At Shrek Academy, the Soul Guidance Department successfully tested Cao Yu’s glider, demonstrating its altitude, speed, and weapons before it landed safely.

• Cao Xiang, Luo Lingyun, and Cao Yu’s grandfather welcomed Luo Yan and doted on her during the family visit, leaving Cao Yu feeling neglected.
• Cao Yu and Luo Yan left the Cao Clan estate the next morning and flew out of the Star Luo Empire.
• Xuan Ziwen and the Soul Guidance Department gathered at Shrek Academy to watch the glider’s test flight while Cao Yu was away visiting family.
• Pilot Luo Ji took off, climbed to several thousand meters, and reported that the glider was shaking before descending on the flight controller’s orders.
• Luo Ji fired the glider’s machine gun at Spearhead Mountain, confirmed that its systems worked, and landed safely to cheers from the gathered staff.

Cao Yu celebrated the successful test flight with the Soul Guidance Department, then became dean of Shrek Academy’s newly established Academy of Sciences. He addressed the academy’s students and invited them to ask questions about its purpose.

• Cao Yu hosted a banquet where Luo Ji described the thrill of piloting the aircraft, and Cao Yu encouraged him to prepare for future flights beyond the sky.
• Cao Yu celebrated with Ju Zi, Meng Hongchen, and the others as they sampled the food.
• Several months later, Cao Yu reluctantly accepted the title of dean after the Academy of Sciences became a separate institution from the Soul Guidance Department.
• Cao Yu joked with the Sea God Pavilion elders about being appointed dean, and they teased him about accepting the position.
• Cao Yu addressed the Academy of Sciences students, explained that he would answer their questions, and began to introduce the academy’s purpose.

Cao Yu finished a talk at Shrek Academy, then celebrated with his girlfriends before graduating alongside his companions. Mu En gave him a Storage Ring as an advance wedding gift and said he would not be able to attend Cao Yu’s wedding.

• Cao Yu chose Xiao Rongyu to ask the first question, and explained that he promoted scientific knowledge to offer people more paths beyond becoming Martial Soul Masters or Soul Engineers.
• After the talk, students crowded Cao Yu to ask for his phone number, but he refused and fled on his Flying Soul Tool.
• Cao Yu’s girlfriends teased him about his popularity over dinner and took turns feeding him grilled skewers until he was stuffed.
• As July arrived, Cao Yu and his companions reached graduation, and the Sea God Pavilion elders showed their reluctance to see them leave.
• Mu En gave Cao Yu a Storage Ring containing medicinal herbs and Soul Bones as an advance bride price, and asked Xuan Zi and the other elders to attend Cao Yu’s wedding in his place.

Cao Yu returned to the Star Luo Empire, reunited with Xu Jiawei and the Retirement Group, and asked for the official post they had promised him. After Xu Jiawei agreed he could become prime minister, Cao Yu hurried off to see Xu Jiujiu, who was dressing up for his arrival.

• Cao Yu and his companions left Shrek Academy and flew toward the Star Luo Empire, promising to return someday.
• Cao Yu arrived at the palace and reunited with Xu Jiawei and the Retirement Group.
• Cao Yu asked Xu Jiawei for an official post, and Xu Jiawei agreed that he could become prime minister after resting for a few days.
• Liu Kongzhu praised Cao Yu's contributions to the empire and supported appointing him prime minister.
• Xu Jiujiu rushed to her chambers to dress up for Cao Yu, and her maid Chunxue teased her about blushing.

Cao Yu and Xu Jiujiu reunited, then settled on January next year for their wedding during a family banquet. As they strolled through the empire’s bustling marketplace, Xu Jiujiu asked whether its people were living happily, and Cao Yu reflected that some might be suffering unseen.

• Cao Yu reunited with Xu Jiujiu in her bedchamber, and they spent the afternoon together.
• At Xu Jiawei’s family banquet, Xu Tianshui offered several auspicious wedding dates, and Cao Yu chose January next year.
• Cao Yu and Xu Jiujiu walked along the imperial city walls and discussed the empire’s technological progress.
• Xu Jiujiu flew down with Cao Yu to browse the crowded marketplace and asked whether the people were living happily.
• Cao Yu replied that although many people might be happy, others could be suffering in hidden corners.

Cao Yu prepared to attend morning court and reflected on the Imperial Academy, his students, and the Cao Clan’s past enemies. He arrived at the Star Luo Imperial Palace on the old blue ox, where Xu Jiawei gave him a seat before court began.

• Cao Yu got ready for morning court and considered the Imperial Academy’s growth, its teachers, and its financial aid for poor students.
• Cao Yu remembered Cao Tian and his son, whose graves he had visited with a group the previous year, and checked on the old blue ox and its nine calves.
• Cao Yu rode the old blue ox through Star Luo City toward the palace, dodging pedestrians along the way.
• Shen Cheng and other officials greeted Cao Yu, then asked why he had chosen to ride an ox instead of using a Flying Soul Tool.
• Xu Jiawei welcomed Cao Yu and offered him an upholstered armchair, surprising the assembled officials.

At court, Xu Jiawei defended rising military spending and asked Chancellor Cao Yu to weigh in, while Cao Yu backed the empire’s military preparations. The court then addressed deadly Soul Beast attacks near the Star Dou Great Forest, and Xu Jiawei ordered new weapons and defenses for frontier towns.

• He Xukun warned Xu Jiawei that military spending exceeded seventy percent of national expenditures and proposed cutting it.
• Su Wu argued that the Sun Moon Empire’s border clashes and political situation required increased military preparations, and Xu Jiawei said the spending was his decision.
• Xu Jiawei asked Cao Yu for his views, and Cao Yu supported military spending as essential to the empire’s defense.
• Shen Cheng reported that Soul Beast attacks near the Star Dou Great Forest had killed over a hundred people, seriously injured fifty-six, and left more than seventy missing.
• Xu Jiawei ordered new-model weapons and defensive fortifications for frontier towns and assigned Shen Cheng to oversee the response.

Xu Jiawei taught Cao Yu how to balance court factions and explained his strategy of allowing corrupt officials like He Xukun to amass wealth before confiscating it when the empire needed funds. Cao Yu then helped Xu Jiawei review state affairs, leaving the chapter with the two working through a large pile of documents.

• Xu Jiawei dismissed court and advised Cao Yu to balance the civil and military officials.
• Xu Jiawei asked Cao Yu about He Xukun, and Cao Yu recognized that Xu had been letting him grow wealthy before taking his fortune.
• Xu Jiawei explained that he wanted Cao Yu to learn the “art of raising pigs” and warned him to raise another target before moving against He Xukun.
• Xu Tianshui and Liu Kongzhu revealed that He Xukun’s family fortune could exceed the treasury many times over, and Xu Jiawei explained that an impending war would make it useful to seize.
• Xu Jiawei took Cao Yu to handle state affairs, and Cao Yu spent several hours reviewing documents until his eyes ached.

Cao Yu struggled through his first day of imperial paperwork, then visited Xiao Xiao at night and spent the night with her. The next morning, he went to the Imperial Academy, where students mistook him for a teacher.

• Cao Yu complained about the heavy workload while Xu Jiawei explained the duties of governing the Star Luo Empire.
• Cao Yu returned to the Cao Clan estate and ate dinner with his family.
• Cao Yu drew Xiao Xiao’s card and went to her bedroom, where they talked and kissed.
• Cao Yu woke to find Xiao Xiao gone, then went to the Imperial Academy after breakfast.
• Students at the Imperial Academy greeted Cao Yu and wondered whether he would teach them.

Cao Yu visited Jiang Nannan, then checked on a student team developing humanoid Soul Tools and arranged funding and support for their research. Xu Jiawei trapped him into reviewing palace documents, but Cao Yu still met Jiang Nannan that evening.

• Cao Yu visited Jiang Nannan at the Imperial Academy, and they agreed to meet that night.
• Cao Yu found Cao Goudan and five other students researching humanoid Soul Tools and advised them to develop computers and networks first.
• Cao Yu promised to connect the team with the Imperial Capital Research Institute and fund their project.
• Cao Yu went to the imperial palace, where Xu Jiawei made him work through piles of documents.
• After a full day of work, Cao Yu went to see Jiang Nannan that evening.

Cao Yu prepared for his January 12 wedding while he and his fiancées notified their families and friends. Wang Dong'er’s two fathers learned of the wedding, and Niu Tian and Tai Tan planned to attend and try to persuade her to delay it.

• Xu Jiawei gave Cao Yu a long break from court work so he could prepare for the wedding.
• Cao Yu called Xuan Zi and Xuan Ziwen to invite their groups, and Xuan Ziwen told Huo Yuhao, He Caitou, Ji Juechen, Bai Xiuxiu, and the others.
• Wang Dong'er told her Second Dad she was marrying Cao Yu, while Meng Hongchen and Cao Yu’s other fiancées notified their relatives.
• Cao Yu’s parents arranged wedding dresses, and Cao Yu increased his cultivation and spent more time with Wang Dong'er as he aimed to reach Soul Douluo before the wedding.
• Niu Tian and Tai Tan worried that they could not contact Wang Dong'er’s parents and decided to attend the wedding and see whether they could convince her to wait.

Cao Yu returned from the Star Dou Great Forest after breaking through to Soul Douluo, and the Cao Clan held a lavish wedding banquet for him and thirteen brides. The wedding bows began with Xu Jiujiu, and the ceremony continued with the next bride.

• Cao Yu absorbed the Golden Blazing Pig's Soul Ring, broke through to Soul Douluo, and left the Star Dou Great Forest.
• Di Tian, Xiong Jun, the Scarlet King, and Bi Ji discussed Little Gold's decision to marry Cao Yu.
• The Cao Clan welcomed a crowd of guests to its wedding banquet in Star Luo City, where Shrek Academy presented an enormous collection of gifts.
• Cao Yu and thirteen brides appeared before the guests, drawing astonished reactions.
• Cao Yu and Xu Jiujiu completed their wedding bows, and Xu Jiawei urged Cao Yu to treat his sister well.
• Tang Yichuan and his wife took their places as the next bride prepared to bow with Cao Yu.