Arc 1The Southern Heavenly Gate
Lu Li built a secret partnership with Great Xia, using its support to improve his cultivation and survive in the Azure Pool Sect while Group 749 developed ways to study spirit ore. After killing Ma Liu to protect his secret, Lu Li kept his distance from Great Xia, which formally supported his family and told Lu Yao that her brother was on a national mission.
- Lu Li contacted Great Xia through the jade pendant, and Li Yuanchao arranged for him to receive tools and later sent researchers a cultivation manual and Azure Gold Spirit Ore.
- Group 749 analyzed the Five Elements Instruction, and Wang Zhiwen sent Lu Li an improved method that helped him reach the Qi Refining Second Layer.
- Bai Yi’s breakthrough strengthened the Bai Household’s position, while Lu Li concealed his progress and planned to enter the outer sect after a cautious six-month wait.
- Group 749 expanded its Southern Heavenly Gate project, recruited experts, and began developing equipment and methods to purify spirit ore.
- Lu Li secretly contacted Great Xia in the mine, but Ma Liu overheard him and tried to exploit what he had discovered.
- Lu Li shot Ma Liu, hid his corpse in the jade pendant, and decided to reduce contact with Great Xia while he spent six months mining and cultivating discreetly.
- Li Yuanchao arranged formal support for Lu Li’s parents and sister, and soldiers told Lu Yao that Lu Li was serving on a strategic mission and secured her admission to Jinghua University.