Chapter Summaries

Xiao Yan refined and absorbed the Fire Banyan Clan’s Flame Lingzhi, strengthening his body and Spiritual Strength, then continued honing his pill-refining skills. As the Xiao Clan’s affairs shifted around him, he began preparing to refine the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill using the Fire Banyan Branches he had gathered.

• Xiao Yan spent three days refining the Flame Lingzhi with his Heavenly Flames, then swallowed and absorbed the pure energy it released.
• One month later, Xiao Yan found that the Flame Lingzhi had improved his Spiritual Strength and made refining high-grade seventh-tier pills easier, though his Soul Origin showed no obvious change.
• The Xiao Clan’s younger members left to train as tensions with the Bai Clan rose, while Xiao Dingtian, Xiao Qian, and Xiao Jinghong remained on the back mountain without authority.
• The An Clan grew more prominent in Tianyang City, while the Zhao Clan declined after losing its leaders and falling out with Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Yan read the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill formula, recognized that its main ingredient was the Fire Banyan Branch, and began placing medicinal ingredients into the Luo Heavenly Cauldron.

Xiao Yan completed the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill after months of careful refinement, reaching the level of a Tier Seven High-Level Alchemist. The pill’s lightning gave the Northern King another chance to strengthen itself, while Xiao Siyu and Xiao Zhen acknowledged Xiao Yan’s progress.

• Xiao Yan carefully fused the refined medicinal liquids and nurtured them until the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill took shape.
• Xiao Siyu and other Xiao Clan members gathered when the pill’s fragrance and thunderclouds appeared above Xiao Yan’s residence.
• Xiao Siyu recognized that Xiao Yan had reached the Tier Seven High-Level Alchemist level before her.
• The Northern King intercepted the Pill Lightning, continuing to strengthen itself by battling the heavenly lightning.
• Xiao Zhen and Xiao Siyu congratulated Xiao Yan, who brushed off their praise as luck.

Xiao Yan watched the Northern King destroy Pill Lightning and evolve into a Peak Yuan Zong, then prepared to leave the Xiao Clan for the approaching Pill Gathering. He promised to find the Heaven Inquiry Pill for Bai Hua and departed with his clan urging him to win the championship.

• The Northern King shattered the Pill Lightning, absorbed its power, grew dragon scales and claws, and reached Peak Yuan Zong.
• Xiao Siyu praised the Northern King’s strength as Xiao Yan discussed their abilities with her.
• Xiao Yan learned the Pill Gathering was approaching and promised Bai Hua he would seek the Heaven Inquiry Pill to resolve the trouble inside him.
• Xiao Yan said farewell to Bai Hua, Lian'er, Xiao Chuhang, and the others as he prepared to travel to the Pill Tower.
• Xiao Chuhang reminded Xiao Yan that he represented the Xiao Clan and urged him to bring back the championship, and Xiao Yan firmly agreed.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Siyu set out for the Pill Refining Grand Meeting with Xiao Ming as their escort. While crossing the Twin Saint Mountain Range, Xiao Yan learned of its history and its connection to the Tribulation Crossing Sect before an enemy suddenly confronted them.

• Xiao Zhen explained that Xiao Ming would escort Xiao Yan and Xiao Siyu to protect them from hostile factions, and Xiao Yan asked the clan leaders to watch over Bai Hua and the others.
• Xiao Ming led Xiao Yan and Xiao Siyu away from the Xiao Clan, and the three traveled toward the Pill Region using teleportation arrays and flight.
• After a month of travel, the group crossed the snow-covered, poison-filled Twin Saint Mountain Range, which Xiao Yan learned had once been the Heavenly Capital Plain.
• Xiao Ming told Xiao Yan that the mountain range had been formed by a battle between two Yuan Sheng experts, including Yi Shengdu, the founder of the Tribulation Crossing Sect.
• A voice laughed as the group flew onward and told Xiao Yan that they had been waiting for him.

Xiao Yan, Xiao Siyu, and Xiao Ming were confronted at Twin Saint Mountain by Green Demon and three other Yuan Zun experts from Ghost Fiend Gate. With the enemy surrounding them, Xiao Yan chose to fight rather than flee and summoned the Northern King, leaving their chance of survival uncertain.

• Green Demon appeared before Xiao Yan and revealed himself as a formidable Yuan Zun expert sent to capture him.
• Xiao Ming challenged Green Demon, and they exchanged blows; Xiao Ming revealed he had reached Six-Star Yuan Zun, while Green Demon was a Five-Star Yuan Zun.
• Green Demon summoned three more Yuan Zun experts, who spread out to surround Xiao Yan, Xiao Siyu, and Xiao Ming.
• Xiao Ming urged Xiao Yan and Xiao Siyu to escape into the poison barriers, but Xiao Yan refused and summoned the Northern King.
• Xiao Siyu agreed to stand and fight, and Xiao Ming accepted their resolve as the four enemies closed in.

Xiao Yan and his allies fought Green Demon’s forces, with Xiao Yan choosing to face a Two-Star Yuan Zun while Xiao Siyu and the Northern King engaged the other enemies. Xiao Yan used the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Transformations and the Great Dao of the Void to evade attacks, then began gathering the power of six Heavenly Flames.

• Green Demon sent Xiao Ming to fight him and ordered the other three Yuan Zun experts to attack Xiao Yan and his allies.
• Xiao Yan assigned the Northern King to face one Early Yuan Zun and asked Xiao Siyu to fight the other while he confronted the Two-Star Yuan Zun.
• Xiao Siyu used her Phoenix Fire Art to raise her strength beyond Nine-Star Yuan Zong and charged her opponent.
• Xiao Yan activated the Heavenly Fire Three Mysterious Transformations and dodged the Two-Star Yuan Zun’s first claw attack with an afterimage.
• Xiao Yan melted the enemy’s black chains with his Heavenly Flames and used the Great Dao of the Void to evade another claw strike.
• Xiao Yan pressed his six Heavenly Flames together between his palms and began gathering a terrifying force.

Xiao Yan evaded the Two-Star Yuan Zun while preparing a devastating Fire Lotus, then attacked the Ghost Fiend Gate fighters to relieve Xiao Siyu. The Fire Lotus detonated against the Two-Star Yuan Zun as the battlefield fell silent around the enormous blast.

• Xiao Yan repeatedly dodged the Two-Star Yuan Zun's attacks while Xiao Siyu began to falter against an Early Yuan Zun.
• Northern King's fight with a Yuan Zun grew more intense as Lei Yuan's power repaired his injuries and transformed his body.
• Xiao Yan began fusing a Fire Lotus, then struck the Two-Star Yuan Zun with its gathered power and used the clash to reach Xiao Siyu's opponent.
• Xiao Yan blasted the Early Yuan Zun away with Mountain and River Seal, then placed the Fire Lotus against the Two-Star Yuan Zun's chest as the latter attacked him.
• The Fire Lotus erupted in a vast wave of flame, forcing Xiao Ming, Green Demon, and the other fighters to withdraw and watch.

Xiao Yan’s Fire Lotus killed one Yuan Zun and left another near death, forcing Green Demon to retreat when Xiao Ming intervened. After recovering from his injuries, Xiao Yan prepared to continue onward, but the Northern King’s sudden transformation and increased speed surprised him.

• Xiao Yan’s Fire Lotus blast killed the two-star Yuan Zun and gravely wounded the early-stage Yuan Zun who had fought Xiao Siyu.
• Green Demon tried to attack Xiao Yan, but Xiao Ming froze the surroundings briefly and moved Xiao Yan and Xiao Siyu out of reach.
• Xiao Yan summoned six flames to deter Green Demon, who withdrew rather than risk fighting Xiao Ming and the Fire Lotus.
• Xiao Yan collapsed after Green Demon left, then spent several days refining pills and recovering from his injuries.
• Xiao Yan cleared a passage through the poison haze and prepared to leave with Xiao Siyu, then noticed the Northern King’s dramatically increased speed and changed appearance.

Xiao Yan discovered that the Northern King had transformed into a dragon man and reached Yuan Zun strength, then continued traveling with Xiao Ming and Xiao Siyu toward the Pill Region. The group arrived at Glazed City two months before the Pill Gathering, where they encountered a bustling gathering of alchemists and powerful figures.

• Xiao Yan tested the Northern King's new power and saw him shatter the void with a lightning-wreathed punch.
• Xiao Yan put the Northern King away, and he, Xiao Ming, and Xiao Siyu resumed their journey toward the Pill Region.
• Xiao Yan learned that Green Demon was an elder of the Ghost Gate but gave Xiao Ming a vague answer about why the group had been targeted.
• Xiao Yan and his companions traveled through several major cities and encountered many alchemists and powerful factions on their way to the Pill Tower's territory.
• Xiao Yan, Xiao Ming, and Xiao Siyu reached Glazed City and entered its crowded streets, where spiritual-strength walls surrounded the city.

Xiao Yan found an iron scroll containing a Soul Technique at a stall in Glazed City, but the seller demanded two high-grade Tier Seven pill formulas. After Xiao Ming identified the scroll as Soul Stone Iron Scroll, Xiao Yan’s interest rekindled.

• Xiao Yan and his companions walked through Glazed City, where he sensed many Yuan Zun experts and searched the street stalls for unusual treasures.
• Xiao Yan noticed an old man selling a lone black iron scroll, which had remained unsold for nearly a month.
• The old man drove away other prospective buyers with a shout imbued with spiritual pressure.
• Xiao Yan examined the scroll with his Spiritual Strength and found a Soul Technique hidden inside, blocked by an external restriction.
• The old man demanded two high-grade Tier Seven pill formulas, then mocked Xiao Yan for questioning the price.
• Xiao Ming stopped Xiao Siyu from confronting the old man and quietly told Xiao Yan the scroll was Soul Stone Iron Scroll.

Xiao Yan negotiated with an old vendor to trade for a Soul Stone Iron Scroll containing a Mid Intent Grade Soul Technique. After Xiao Yan finally secured the deal with an Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill and the Seven Lives Suspended Bone Pill formula, a woman suddenly snatched the scroll away.

• Xiao Ming recognized the iron scroll as a rare Soul Stone Iron Scroll, and the old vendor revealed it contained a Mid Intent Grade Soul Technique.
• Xiao Yan offered the Seven Lives Suspended Bone Pill formula and pills, but the old vendor refused and demanded something more valuable.
• Xiao Yan offered an Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill but refused to surrender its formula, then walked away when the old vendor would not accept his offer.
• The old vendor called Xiao Yan back, and Xiao Yan exchanged the Earth Spirit Tempering Fire Pill and Seven Lives Suspended Bone Pill formula for the scroll.
• As Xiao Yan reached for the scroll, a fair-handed woman pulled it toward herself and claimed she had chosen it first.

Xiao Yan fought Yao Shiling over the Soul Stone Iron Scroll and kept it despite the Yao Clan member’s attempt to seize it. After Xiao Ming drove off Yao Shiling’s Yuan Zun protector, the three left for Glazed City’s transportation formation, delayed on their way to Pill City.

• Xiao Yan bought the Soul Stone Iron Scroll, but Yao Shiling of the Yao Clan tried to claim it by offering more and then reaching for it.
• Xiao Yan stopped Yao Shiling, overpowered him in their clash, and revealed strength that made Yao Shiling recognize him as a Nine-Star Yuan Zong.
• Yao Shiling attacked Xiao Yan with Bright Fire Slash, but Xiao Yan crushed the technique and punched him into the crowd.
• A Yuan Zun expert intervened on Yao Shiling’s behalf, but Xiao Ming blocked him and forced him to retreat after he recognized Xiao Ming of the Xiao Clan.
• Xiao Yan secured the iron scroll, and Yao Shiling left with the old man after threatening revenge.
• Xiao Yan, Xiao Ming, and Xiao Siyu departed for the transportation formation in Glazed City, delayed on their way to Pill City.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Siyu unlocked the Soul Stone Iron Scroll and learned the Mid Intent Grade Soul Technique Soul Shattering Finger, but found no other techniques hidden inside. Xiao Siyu offered to take Xiao Yan to seek a chance opportunity the next day.

• Xiao Yan broke the restriction on the Soul Stone Iron Scroll and revealed the Soul Shattering Finger inheritance to Xiao Siyu.
• Xiao Siyu demonstrated how the technique concentrated Spiritual Strength into an invisible attack that tore through space.
• Xiao Yan searched the scroll for nearly an hour but found no other Soul Techniques.
• Xiao Ming said he did not know the scroll's details and suggested they ask Xiao Mingyuan.
• Xiao Siyu offered to take Xiao Yan to seek a chance opportunity, and he asked whether one could be found there.

Xiao Yan and his companions arrived in Pill City, the Pill Tower’s imposing headquarters, and entered after passing through its barrier. Xiao Siyu led Xiao Yan to the testing hall to try the Nine-Character Soul Stele, where Xiao Ming used a clan jade token to secure them entry.

• Xiao Yan reflected on the Ghost Gate’s move against him and thought of Xun’er, who remained in its hands.
• Xiao Yan, Xiao Ming, and Xiao Siyu traveled from Glazed City to Pill City and were awed by the city suspended above a vast lake.
• Xiao Ming led the group through Pill City’s barrier, while Xiao Siyu explained the city and the rumored opportunity in the Nine-Character Soul Stele.
• The three reached the crowded testing hall, where Xiao Ming presented a clan jade token and an elderly man escorted them inside.

Xiao Yan and his companions entered the Pill Tower with the Xiao Clan’s jade token, then found Qianqian and Mu Leng being harassed by three men. Xiao Yan stopped the attack and reunited with his old friends.

• Xiao Siyu explained that the jade identity slip represented the Xiao Clan and earned respect from the Pill Tower.
• Xiao Yan, Xiao Siyu, and the Pill Tower Elder passed through the crowd toward the grand hall.
• Xiao Yan saw a burly young man and a petite girl arguing with three men who were cutting the queue.
• The thin man revealed Yuan Zong strength, overwhelmed the Six-Star Origin Emperor Mu Leng, and knocked back the Origin King Qianqian.
• Xiao Yan appeared beside Qianqian, stopped the thin man, and sent him flying back to his companions.
• Xiao Yan recognized Qianqian and Mu Leng, who were delighted to see him again.

Xiao Yan reunited with Murong Qianqian and Mu Leng at the Pill Tower gathering, then protected them from three men who had harassed them. The Pill Tower Elder let Xiao Yan bring his friends along and punished the three men by sending them to the back of the queue.

• Xiao Yan reunited with Murong Qianqian and Mu Leng, who had come to the Central Region for the Pill Tower gathering.
• Murong Qianqian asked about Bai Hua, and Xiao Yan explained that Bai Hua had stayed behind to look after Lian'er and their companions.
• Three Four-Star Yuan Zong men confronted Xiao Yan, but he drove them back with his Peak Yuan Zong presence.
• Xiao Yan asked the Pill Tower Elder to let Murong Qianqian and Mu Leng join him, and the Elder agreed.
• The Pill Tower Elder ordered the three men to leave the line and queue again at the back.

Xiao Yan arrived at the Pill Tower with Xiao Siyu, Xiao Ming, Mu Leng, and Murong Qianqian, where he learned more about the Nine-Character Soul Stele and the gathering’s attendees. After Yao Shiling mocked a failed test, Xiao Yan questioned the stele’s promised opportunity, and a young man from the Huoxun Clan joined the conversation.

• A Pill Tower elder welcomed Xiao Yan’s group and led them into the hall, leaving Mu Leng and Murong Qianqian astonished by the respect shown to Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Yan told Mu Leng and Murong Qianqian about his ties to the Xiao Clan and learned that Zhou Tai had joined the Xiao Gate.
• Xiao Yan noticed Yao Shiling’s hostility and examined the Nine-Character Soul Stele, while Xiao Siyu identified the nearby red-haired youth and his companions as members of the Huoxun Clan.
• A young alchemist failed to find anything in the stele after lighting its characters up to seven, and Yao Shiling mocked him.
• Xiao Siyu explained that even Pill Tower members had found nothing in the stele, while Xiao Yan questioned why a Tier Eight Alchemist would seek its rumored opportunity.
• A young Huoxun clansman approached Xiao Yan’s group after hearing him question the stele.

Xiao Yan met Huoxun Mingcheng at the Nine-Character Soul Stele and learned that the stele’s opportunity might require a Tier Eight Alchemist to unlock. After Huoxun Mingcheng and Yao Shiling demonstrated their soul levels, Xiao Yan was called forward to take his turn.

• Huoxun Mingcheng greeted Xiao Ming, Xiao Siyu, and Xiao Yan, then discussed the Nine-Character Soul Stele with Xiao Yan.
• Huoxun Mingcheng said the stele contained an opportunity but seemed impossible to open without a Tier Eight Alchemist.
• A young woman from the Qi Clan of the Southern Territory tested at the Tier Six High-Level Alchemist level, impressing Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Siyu explained that the Huoxun Clan was the Pill Tower’s foremost clan, and Huoxun Mingcheng tested at Tier Seven High-Level.
• Yao Shiling tested at Tier Seven Mid-Level and regained some confidence after Huoxun Mingcheng’s result.
• The Pill Tower Elder called Xiao Yan forward, and Xiao Yan rose to try the test.

Xiao Yan discovered how to probe the Nine-Character Soul Stele’s inscriptions and revealed himself as a seventh-tier High-Level Alchemist. Yao Shiling left the hall in anger after Xiao Siyu reminded him to keep his word.

• Xiao Yan pressed his palm to the stele and realized its inscriptions, rather than its size, might hold the inheritance.
• Xiao Yan focused his Spiritual Strength on the eighth and ninth characters, then withdrew his hand after the character beneath his palm shone brightly.
• The hall learned Xiao Yan was a seventh-tier High-Level Alchemist, and the crowd reacted with shock.
• Yao Shiling glared at Xiao Yan as Xiao Siyu mocked him about keeping his word.
• Yao Shiling and the old man left the hall, and Xiao Yan asked Xiao Siyu what had happened.

Xiao Yan and his companions completed their alchemist tests and settled into the residence arranged by the Pill Tower. There, Xiao Yan used what he had learned from the Nine-Character Soul Stele to unlock the Soul Stone Iron Scroll, revealing a High Intent Grade secret art.

• Xiao Siyu tested as an alchemist and impressed the crowd, while Mu Leng later tested as a Tier Six High-Level Alchemist.
• Xiao Ming led the group from the hall to their Pill Tower residence, where he strengthened the protective barrier around the estate.
• Murong Qianqian teased Xiao Siyu about the men staring at her, and the group continued to the residence's main hall.
• Xiao Siyu asked Xiao Yan whether he had learned anything from the Nine-Character Soul Stele, and he said he now knew how to unlock the Soul Stone Iron Scroll.
• Xiao Yan lit every rune on the scroll with his Spiritual Strength, revealing the words High Intent Grade secret art.