Arc 10Foundation and Homecoming

Chen Shuangbai completed Foundation Establishment, gained two Divine Abilities, and was registered as a True Disciple of the Jade Spring Sect. He returned to White Water County to strengthen his family’s cultivation lineage and settle the strained relationship with the Prefecture City Chen Clan.

  • Chen Shuangbai returned from the border and gave Yi Chongyue the Profound Yin Crystal Marrow, then resumed refining pills and studying incense.
  • Yi Chongyue taught Chen Shuangbai about Foundation Establishment and gathered the materials for his ritual artifact, which Yi Chongyue and Peng Yu forged before Chen Shuangbai entered seclusion.
  • Chen Shuangbai broke through to Foundation Establishment, formed a lake-like Dao foundation, and gained the Divine Abilities [Dew-Drinking Radiance] and [Fallen Toad Light].
  • Chen Shuangbai registered as a True Disciple, received sect rewards, and learned about the Jade Spring Sect’s origins and the other new Foundation Establishment cultivators.
  • Chen Shuangbai helped Lu Zhiyuan seek protection for uninvolved members of the Changlin Lu Lineage, then attended a banquet celebrating his and Fu Qianlan’s advancement.
  • Chen Shuangbai traveled to White Water County, presented cultivation methods to his clan, and arranged for Chen Mingxuan to become heir to his father’s line.
  • Chen Shuangbai accepted the Prefecture City Chen Clan’s apology and gifts, declared the past settled, and abolished the annual tribute between the clans.
Chapters 226–250 Vol. 3 Read

Ch. 226Collusion or Not, a Secret Plot at the Spirit Stronghold

Old True Person He and True Person Bo suspected the Heart-Eroding Stronghold and Spirit-Seeking Sect were coordinating their actions, while the stronghold’s leaders discussed their losses and the Jade Spring Sect master’s attempt to reach Nascent Soul. True Person Xuanguang revealed that his sect had deliberately played along and “lost” twice, hinting that it was preparing to act.

  • Old True Person He asked True Person Bo whether the two sects were colluding, and they discussed the suspicious timing of the clash and the possibility of forcing Zhenyangzi to appear.
  • Old True Person He praised Chen Shuangbai’s sword talent, and True Person Bo explained that Chen had chosen an alchemy-focused junior as his master.
  • At the Heart-Eroding Stronghold, True Person Bone-Corroding complained to True Person Xuanguang that losing five commanderies had badly hurt his sect.
  • True Person Xuanguang said the Spirit-Seeking Sect had confirmed that True Person Qingchen was attempting to break through to Nascent Soul.
  • True Person Bone-Corroding urged the Spirit-Seeking Sect to create trouble for the Jade Spring Sect, and True Person Xuanguang said his sect would act after deliberately playing along and losing twice.

Ch. 227Sword Shadows Like a Startled Swan, a Foundation Establishment Bandit Cultivator

Chen Shuangbai returned toward the Jade Spring Sect after demonstrating his ability to split one sword into sixteen, and planned to resume secluded cultivation. Near the sect border, Exalted Cultivator Wu confronted a newly Foundation Establishment bandit cultivator, while Chen Shuangbai suspected the man had another purpose besides plunder.

  • Chen Shuangbai recalled how he had studied and deduced Sword Light Differentiation until he could split one sword into sixteen, then used it against Pang Zhiyuan.
  • The Jade Spring Sect fortified the five commanderies for over a month before Exalted Cultivator Wu piloted the Flowing Light Cloud Boat back toward Sunken Jade Valley with the disciples.
  • Chen Shuangbai planned to reach Great Perfection of Qi Refining and show his master the profound yin crystal marrow when he returned.
  • At the border of the Jade Spring Sect and the Empty Sword Sect, Exalted Cultivator Wu sensed a provocation and left the cloud boat to confront a Foundation Establishment cultivator concealed by black Qi.
  • Exalted Cultivator Wu attacked the bandit cultivator, but his strange spells and escape technique kept her from pinning him down, and Chen Shuangbai suspected he had not come merely to plunder.

Ch. 228The mantis stalked the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind

A Foundation Establishment bandit attacked the Flowing Light Cloud Boat, but Yan Heng used the [Sharp Mountains and Embracing Rivers Painting] to capture him. After Exalted Cultivator Wu returned victorious, Chen Shuangbai reached Deer Deep Waters Peak and was praised by Yi Chongyue for his progress and swordsmanship.

  • A Foundation Establishment bandit attacked the Flowing Light Cloud Boat with dark light, overwhelming the Qi Refining cultivators' defenses.
  • Yan Heng activated the [Sharp Mountains and Embracing Rivers Painting] and sealed the bandit inside it, though the effort left her injured and exhausted.
  • Exalted Cultivator Wu returned after defeating the other bandit, and the Flowing Light Cloud Boat continued safely toward Sunken Jade Valley.
  • Chen Shuangbai arrived at Deer Deep Waters Peak and paid his respects to Yi Chongyue.
  • Yi Chongyue praised Chen Shuangbai's improved cultivation and his comprehension of Sword Light Differentiation.

Ch. 229A master's care, exchanging spiritual materials

Chen Shuangbai met with Yi Chongyue, who praised his achievements and discussed his prospects for Foundation Establishment. Chen Shuangbai showed his master the Profound Yin Crystal Marrow, and Yi Chongyue agreed to seek spiritual materials for his foundation ritual array.

  • Chen Shuangbai recounted his battles and ambushes to Yi Chongyue, who grew angry at the enemy’s boldness and praised Chen Shuangbai’s Sword Light Differentiation and ninth layer of Qi Refining.
  • Chen Shuangbai asked about the three first-grade geniuses from his intake, and Yi Chongyue said all three had reached late Qi Refining under the guidance of Foundation Establishment cultivators.
  • Chen Shuangbai presented Yi Chongyue with the lower second-tier Profound Yin Crystal Marrow and explained that he had obtained it through Zhao Shiyong at Phoenix Howling Ford.
  • Chen Shuangbai asked whether Zhao Shiyong’s master could divine the future, and Yi Chongyue described the Profound Firmament Sect’s Heavenly Secrets Technique legacy and reassured him that the sect posed no threat.
  • Yi Chongyue agreed to ask fellow cultivators about exchanging the crystal marrow for suitable foundation materials and to combine them with the sect’s treasury resources.

Ch. 230Within the Abyss Suppression Hall, the Dao of Alchemy and the Dao of Incense

Chen Shuangbai returned to Verdant Hills Stream and began combining his study of alchemy with the Dao of Incense. He experimented with Five-Incense Pills under moonlight, discovering that the process might work.

  • True Person Bo learned that the Fate-Governing Pavilion had been involved in an attack on Jade Spring disciples and warned Shi Yubai to stay alert to the Great Buddha Temple and Heart-Eroding Stronghold.
  • Chen Shuangbai reflected on Yi Chongyue’s support and resolved to repay his master for helping him obtain the Profound Yin Crystal Marrow.
  • Chen Shuangbai returned to Verdant Hills Stream, praised his four attendants’ care of the abode, and rewarded them with Qi-Nourishing Pills.
  • Chen Shuangbai gathered dried herbs and flowers and began refining Five-Incense Pills while studying the Dao of Incense.
  • Chen Shuangbai drew down moonlight with his Moon Lord Divine Manifestation, letting the seven incense pills absorb its mysteries and finding that the method might work.

Ch. 231Incense pills as gifts, treasures in the outer sect

After reconnecting with He Qi and Fu Qianlan, Chen Shuangbai gave them Five-Incense Pills he had made for practice. He Qi returned shortly afterward to buy more, explaining that the pills had become prized among outer disciples for helping them meditate and study cultivation methods.

  • Chen Shuangbai welcomed He Qi and Fu Qianlan to his cave abode after they arrived by flying boat.
  • He Qi complained that Chen Shuangbai had not visited him since entering the inner sect, and Chen Shuangbai apologized.
  • Fu Qianlan explained that He Qi had joined the Jade Guarding Hall and become a disciple of a wine master.
  • Chen Shuangbai gave He Qi and Fu Qianlan boxes of Five-Incense Pills as gifts.
  • He Qi returned less than two days later and asked Chen Shuangbai to sell him more Five-Incense Pills, saying outer disciples prized them for meditation and studying cultivation methods.

Ch. 232A rare find, the Ning Country Zhang Clan

Chen Shuangbai learned that his Five-Incense Pills helped disciples overcome distractions during cultivation and passed the business of sharing them to He Qi and Lu Zhiyuan. After showing Yi Chongyue his progress in alchemy and incense, Chen Shuangbai asked why Adept Zhang Xian of the Ning Country Zhang Clan had visited, and Yi Chongyue turned to Shi Yubai to explain.

  • He Qi told Chen Shuangbai that the Five-Incense Pills had helped him pass a cultivation hurdle and that other disciples wanted to buy them.
  • Chen Shuangbai gave He Qi the remaining pills and told him to work with Lu Zhiyuan on sharing the proceeds, while cautioning him not to rely too much on external aids.
  • Chen Shuangbai continued studying alchemy and the Dao of Incense, and Yi Chongyue summoned him to Deer Deep Waters Peak.
  • Yi Chongyue introduced Chen Shuangbai to Adept Zhang Xian of the Ning Country Zhang Clan, then sent Chen Shuangbai to wait in the side hall.
  • Yi Chongyue praised Chen Shuangbai's cultivation and the Five-Incense Pills, then told Shi Yubai to explain why Adept Zhang had visited.

Ch. 233Founding a sect, a heartfelt devotion

Chen Shuangbai learned that a Golden Core cultivator planned to establish a sect near Ning Country and might need the Jade Spring Sect’s aid. Yi Chongyue prepared Foundation Establishment materials for Chen Shuangbai and explained the grades of Foundation Establishment, leaving him to consider what kind of foundation he could achieve.

  • Shi Yubai told Chen Shuangbai that Zhang was seeking help for his master, a Golden Core cultivator planning to establish a sect on an island near Ning Country’s estuary.
  • Shi Yubai said the new sect would likely face opposition from Ning Country’s three sects, and promised to take Chen Shuangbai along if he had attained Foundation Establishment by then.
  • After Shi Yubai left, Yi Chongyue tested Chen Shuangbai’s cultivation and pill refinement, then approved his study of the Dao of Incense after detecting moonlight power in his Five-Incense Pill.
  • Yi Chongyue gave Chen Shuangbai three water- and wood-aligned spirit materials and promised to gather two more for a Foundation Establishment ritual.
  • Yi Chongyue explained that Foundation Establishment depended on Law Power, character, and Dao heart, and that its grades ranged from Lower Vehicle to Higher Vehicle.
  • Yi Chongyue said Lower Vehicle cultivators usually had little hope of reaching Golden Core, while Chen Shuangbai had the aptitude to achieve at least Middle Vehicle Foundation Establishment.

Ch. 234Lower, middle, and higher vehicles: what is Foundation Establishment?

Yi Chongyue explained the differences between lower, middle, and higher vehicle Foundation Establishment to Chen Shuangbai, including how a phenomenon could grant Divine Abilities. Chen Shuangbai then shared incense pellets with fellow disciples to strengthen his ties in the sect and began visiting his martial uncles’ disciples.

  • Yi Chongyue explained that lower vehicle Foundation Establishment offered limited advancement, while middle vehicle Foundation Establishment provided a stable Dao foundation and a chance to pursue a Golden Core.
  • Yi Chongyue described higher vehicle Foundation Establishment, explaining that a phenomenon could accompany the forging of a Dao foundation and produce one or more Divine Abilities.
  • Chen Shuangbai gave Yi Chongyue incense pellets, then visited fellow disciples to share more and maintain his friendships in the sect.
  • Chen Shuangbai visited Peng Yu’s disciple Deng Yuxuan and gave her incense pellets before leaving to visit Shi Yubai’s disciples.
  • Chen Shuangbai met Han Su, who greeted him familiarly and complained that Shi Yubai had kept him from going down the mountain.

Ch. 235The Ritual Artifact Was Forged, the Attempt at Foundation Establishment Began

After emerging from seclusion, Chen Shuangbai showed Yi Chongyue his alchemy progress and received the completed Azure Mystery Gathered Verdure Foundation Establishment Ritual Artifact. On the twenty-sixth day of the eleventh month, he entered seclusion at Verdant Hills Stream to attempt Foundation Establishment.

  • Chen Shuangbai returned to Verdant Hills Stream after visiting Han Su, then spent more than half a year consolidating his cultivation and studying alchemy and incense.
  • Chen Shuangbai checked his attendants’ accounts and left instructions for them to share his refined pills and incense with visiting friends.
  • Chen Shuangbai showed Yi Chongyue the Mystic Light Illuminating Life Pill he had refined, and Yi Chongyue praised its efficacy.
  • Yi Chongyue revealed that he had obtained the final material, azure radiance jade marrow, and gathered five spiritual materials for Chen Shuangbai’s Foundation Establishment ritual artifact.
  • Yi Chongyue and Martial Aunt Peng Yu forged the Azure Mystery Gathered Verdure Foundation Establishment Ritual Artifact and gave it to Chen Shuangbai.
  • Chen Shuangbai entered seclusion at Verdant Hills Stream to formally attempt Foundation Establishment.

Ch. 236Fifth Month Divine Aspect, Forging an Immortal Foundation

Chen Shuangbai used the [Azure Mystery Verdure-Accumulating Foundation Establishment Ritual Apparatus] and the newly formed Fifth Month Divine Aspect to break through to Foundation Establishment. Just as he prepared to stabilize his realm, both Moon Lord Divine Manifestations sent moonlight into his Dantian, triggering an unexpected change.

  • Chen Shuangbai prepared for Foundation Establishment, relying on his pure Law Power, powerful spiritual sense, and moonlight-nourished body.
  • The Lord of the First Month Divine Aspect drew down moonlight to clarify the Fifth Month Divine Aspect, which appeared with crimson hair and a vermilion leopard.
  • The two divine aspects and the ritual apparatus helped Chen Shuangbai absorb the essence of jade and Spirit Stones as he assailed the Foundation Establishment barrier.
  • Chen Shuangbai’s Law Power liquefied into a lake, his body transformed, and his spiritual sense became Divine Sense, completing his breakthrough into the Foundation Establishment Realm.
  • Before Chen Shuangbai could stabilize his new realm, the two Moon Lord Divine Manifestations sent their distinct streams of moonlight into his Dantian, and his sea of Qi surged with an unexpected change.

Ch. 237Foundation Establishment phenomenon draws every cultivator's gaze

Chen Shuangbai completed Foundation Establishment and produced a vast Dao foundation phenomenon that drew the Jade Spring Sect’s senior cultivators and Golden Core True Persons to Verdant Hills Stream. The chapter left Yi Chongyue and Peng Yu celebrating as the sect recognized Chen Shuangbai as an exceptional talent.

  • Chen Shuangbai drew in primordial Qi for about a year as he attempted Foundation Establishment, while Yi Chongyue watched over him and supplied additional resources.
  • As the commotion subsided, Peng Yu and Yi Chongyue sensed Chen Shuangbai’s Foundation Establishment success and celebrated.
  • A brilliant lake-like Dao foundation phenomenon appeared above Verdant Hills Stream, drawing the attention of senior Foundation Establishment cultivators across the sect.
  • True Person Bo and True Person Mei arrived, examined the phenomenon, and praised Chen Shuangbai as an outstanding talent and future pillar of the sect.
  • Yi Chongyue and Peng Yu identified Chen Shuangbai as the cultivator who had produced the phenomenon, and the gathered Foundation Establishment cultivators congratulated Yi Chongyue.

Ch. 238Reborn and remade, two Divine Abilities

Chen Shuangbai emerged from seclusion after successfully reaching Foundation Establishment and revealed that his breakthrough had granted him two Divine Abilities. After his master and Peng Yu departed, he examined the hidden offensive power of his second ability.

  • Chen Shuangbai emerged from his cave abode after his Foundation Establishment phenomenon faded and greeted Yi Chongyue and Peng Yu.
  • Chen Shuangbai confirmed that he felt well and privately told Yi Chongyue and Peng Yu that he had gained the Divine Ability [Dew-Drinking Radiance].
  • Yi Chongyue cautioned Chen Shuangbai to keep the details of his Divine Ability secret, then returned to Deer Deep Waters Peak after checking his condition.
  • Chen Shuangbai discovered that Zhiqi and Musheng had developed a sense for Qi and could become outer sect disciples, while Wenxiu and Shiyong had not.
  • After the attendants left, Chen Shuangbai revealed that he had gained a second Divine Ability, [Fallen Toad Light], a dark, offensive power.

Ch. 239Destructive Slaughter, a Precious Carriage Comes to Welcome Him

After achieving Foundation Establishment, Chen Shuangbai examined his new Divine Abilities and discovered that his Spirit Artifact had grown stronger. Qi Xuan arrived with a ceremonial procession to escort him to Jade Spring Peak for registration and investiture as a True Disciple.

  • Chen Shuangbai studied [Dew-Drinking Radiance] and [Fallen Toad Light] and considered how to cultivate them.
  • Chen Shuangbai found that his Law Artifacts had gained radiance and that the [Clear Waves Reflecting the Moon Banner] had advanced to mid-grade.
  • Chen Shuangbai manifested the Lord of the First Month and the Lord of the Sixth Month, then returned them to his Dantian.
  • Qi Xuan arrived at Verdant Hills Stream with a ceremonial procession and invited Chen Shuangbai to Jade Spring Peak for registration, investiture, and gifts.
  • Chen Shuangbai boarded the precious carriage, which departed for the heart of the sect as disciples watched.

Ch. 240Within the True Disciple Hall, the Sect's Secrets

Chen Shuangbai was formally registered as the Jade Spring Sect’s one hundred and seventy-third True Disciple. True Person Bo then revealed that the sect’s founding patriarch had come from another continent, leaving Chen Shuangbai eager to learn more about the sect’s origins.

  • Chen Shuangbai arrived at the True Disciple Hall with Yi Chongyue and met True Person Bo.
  • Chen Shuangbai honored the founding patriarch and entered his name and details into the sect’s register of True Disciples.
  • True Person Bo gave Chen Shuangbai a True Disciple Life Jade, which recorded his name after he placed a drop of blood on it.
  • True Person Bo told Chen Shuangbai that the Jade Spring Sect was not native to the Jing Kingdom and that its founding patriarch, Du Zhenliu, had come from another continent.

Ch. 241The founding patriarch's origins, generous rewards from the sect

True Person Bo told Chen Shuangbai how the Jade Spring Sect’s founder brought the Heavenly River Dao Lineage from the Eastern Splendor Continent, then discussed Chen’s alchemical progress and rewards. Chen became a first-tier Alchemist and received sect treasures, and the chapter ended with Du Zifeng arriving at Deer Deep Waters Peak to pay his respects as a junior.

  • True Person Bo explained that the Jade Spring Sect’s founder fled the Eastern Splendor Continent’s calamity and founded the sect after reaching the Celebrated Splendor Land.
  • Chen Shuangbai promised to preserve the founder’s instruction to remember the lineage and pass its history to future True Disciples.
  • Chen refined twelve Mystic Light Illuminating Life Pills for Yi Chongyue, earning praise as a first-tier Alchemist.
  • The Jade Spring Sect rewarded Chen with crystal sand, water moon jade crystal, a jade bell, and a divine cord.
  • Chen considered the sect’s suspicions and concluded that it was currently treating him with goodwill and investment.
  • Du Zifeng arrived at Deer Deep Waters Peak and bowed to Chen Shuangbai as True Disciple Senior Brother.

Ch. 242Tailor-made, four familiar faces

Chen Shuangbai welcomed Yao Jie, who had come to forge him a new sword now that he was a True Disciple. He learned that four other disciples had recently reached Foundation Establishment, leaving the sect with five new cultivators and a promising future.

  • Chen Shuangbai greeted Yao Jie warmly and thanked him for designing the Clear Waves Reflecting the Moon Banner and contributing its spiritual material.
  • Yao Jie told Chen Shuangbai that the sect had ordered him to forge a sword suited to Chen's increased strength and True Disciple status.
  • Yi Chongyue named the four other disciples who had reached Foundation Establishment: Yan Heng, Ding Chengyu, Fu Qianlan, and Wei Zheng.
  • Yi Chongyue explained that Ding Chengyu and Fu Qianlan achieved Higher Vehicle Foundation Establishment, while Yan Heng and Wei Zheng achieved Middle Vehicle Foundation Establishment.
  • Chen Shuangbai reflected that the five new Foundation Establishment cultivators could greatly strengthen the Jade Spring Sect if they survived to reach Golden Core.

Ch. 243Those who follow the Dao find many allies; trouble for the Lu Lineage

Chen Shuangbai arranged for Yao Jie to forge him a new flying sword, then visited Lu Zhiyuan as the Changlin Lu Lineage faced fallout from an illegal trade scheme. Lu Zhiyuan had feared he could not reach Chen, but Chen arrived at his door.

  • Chen Shuangbai asked Yao Jie to preserve the spirituality in Cold Spring and Green Parasol while forging a sword attuned to his cultivation, Dao foundation, and temperament.
  • Chen Shuangbai invited Du Zifeng to a feast and told Yi Chongyue that making friends across the sect was part of cultivation.
  • Lu Zhiyuan worried that a branch of the Changlin Lu Lineage had damaged the lineage’s reputation by slipping prohibited demonic-cultivation materials into a pill shipment.
  • Huang Shanglan told Lu Zhiyuan that Chen Shuangbai was in seclusion attempting Foundation Establishment, and Lu Zhiyuan feared the lineage’s standing and opportunities would suffer.
  • An attendant announced that Chen Shuangbai had come to see Lu Zhiyuan, who rushed to open the entrance restrictions.

Ch. 244Congratulations, Senior Brother; a Petition on Your Behalf

Chen Shuangbai visited Lu Zhiyuan and Huang Shanglan after successfully establishing his foundation, then helped them petition the sect over trouble caused by members of their clan. He sent the petition to the Jade Guarding Hall and asked the Changlin Lu Lineage to support his clan’s entry into the cultivation world.

  • Chen Shuangbai emerged from seclusion as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and Lu Zhiyuan and Huang Shanglan congratulated him with a formal salute.
  • Chen Shuangbai heard Lu Zhiyuan explain how members of the clan had caused trouble and learned that Lu Zhiyuan and Huang Shanglan had not been involved.
  • Chen Shuangbai advised Lu Zhiyuan to write a petition asking that uninvolved members of the Changlin Lu Lineage not be implicated.
  • Chen Shuangbai used a White Jade Crane to deliver the petition to the Jade Guarding Hall, relieving Lu Zhiyuan of his anxiety.
  • Chen Shuangbai asked the Changlin Lu Lineage to look after his clan, and Lu Zhiyuan promised to help them enter the cultivation world.

Ch. 245Golden Rings of One Heart, a Foundation Establishment Celebration

Chen Shuangbai gave Lu Zhiyuan and Huang Shanglan pills and matching protective rings before returning to celebrate his Foundation Establishment with friends at the Hundred Flavors Pavilion. The banquet began as Chen Shuangbai and Fu Qianlan arrived to find their guests already gathered.

  • Chen Shuangbai told Lu Zhiyuan and Huang Shanglan that he planned to visit his family and accepted their offer to prepare gifts for his relatives.
  • Chen Shuangbai gave Lu Zhiyuan and Huang Shanglan Mystic Light Illuminating Life Pills to aid their future Foundation Establishment and Golden Rings of One Heart for their protection.
  • Three days later, the Hundred Flavors Pavilion decorated for a banquet celebrating True Disciples Chen Shuangbai and Fu Qianlan, while news spread of Chen Shuangbai's Foundation Establishment, Divine Ability, and appointment as a True Disciple.
  • Chen Shuangbai arrived at the banquet and found his friends already gathered, then Fu Qianlan arrived and announced that the banquet should begin.

Ch. 246Returning home to visit family, a Cloud Horse carriage

After celebrating with his friends, Chen Shuangbai prepared to return to White Water County as a Foundation Establishment cultivator. His master supplied cultivation methods for the White Water Chen Clan and arranged a Cloud Horse carriage with attendants, and Chen Shuangbai set off after stopping at the outer sect.

  • At the feast, He Qi lamented that his friends had advanced beyond him, and Chen Shuangbai urged him to keep cultivating and brew spiritual wine.
  • Chen Shuangbai flew to Deer Deep Waters Peak and learned that his master was busy refining a pill.
  • Uncle Zhong gave Chen Shuangbai three cultivation methods his master had selected for the White Water Chen Clan.
  • Uncle Zhong arranged four attendants and a Cloud Horse carriage for Chen Shuangbai's journey home, and Chen Shuangbai accepted the arrangements.
  • The carriage stopped at the outer sect, where Lu Zhiyuan handed Chen Shuangbai several Storage Bags and publicly saw him off.

Ch. 247The main household's origins, bringing glory to the family

Chen Shuangbai returned to White Water County after reaching Foundation Establishment and learned that the main Chen household had migrated from the Xu Kingdom. His homecoming banquet proclaimed the Chen Household’s renewed standing, and he ended the night meeting with his grandfather and second uncle.

  • During the journey south, Chen Shuangbai asked Su Lan about the cultivation lineages of Ling River Commandery and learned that the main Chen household had migrated from the Xu Kingdom.
  • Chen Shuangbai arrived openly in White Water County, where Old Master Chen and the clan welcomed him as their Foundation Establishment cultivator.
  • The Chen Household held a grand banquet for Chen Shuangbai, celebrating his return and announcing its renewed prominence to the county.
  • After the guests departed, Chen Shuangbai met with Old Master Chen and the current household head, his second uncle Chen Moyan, in the study.

Ch. 248Greater and Lesser Branches, Adopting Lineage Children

After returning to the White Water Chen Clan as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Chen Shuangbai gave his family cultivation methods and established rules for organizing the clan’s lineages and supporting members with Spirit Roots. The chapter ended with him inspecting two boys chosen as possible adopted heirs to continue his father’s line.

  • Chen Shuangbai reviewed the household accounts and advised Chen Moyan to govern with affection and authority.
  • Chen Shuangbai presented cultivation methods bestowed by his master and discussed the clan’s child studying at the Spring-Venerating Daoist Academy, Chen Yizhao.
  • Chen Shuangbai declared that Chen Yizhao should join the greater branch and that branches without Spirit Root descendants for three generations would become lesser branches.
  • Chen Shuangbai said future children with Spirit Roots could be adopted under his father’s name and could not marry out or become live-in sons-in-law.
  • Old Master Chen and Chen Moyan selected Chen Mingxuan and Chen Minglang as candidates to continue Chen Shuangbai’s father’s line.
  • Chen Shuangbai examined the two boys in the ancestral hall and told them to raise their heads.

Ch. 249The ancestral flame continued, visitors from the main household

Chen Shuangbai chose Chen Mingxuan as the eldest branch’s heir and warned him to uphold the family line. After his aunts and visitors from the commandery-city Chen Clan arrived, he confronted their representative over the main household’s intentions.

  • Chen Shuangbai selected Chen Mingxuan, who kowtowed to his family’s spirit tablets and was formally adopted as the eldest branch’s heir.
  • Chen Shuangbai told Chen Mingxuan to call him big brother and to continue the ancestral flame and honor his elders.
  • Chen Shuangbai used Law Power and medicinal pills to care for his grandfather and Chen Moyan.
  • Chen Wanru and Chen Wanying returned to the White Water Chen Clan, accompanied by visitors from the commandery-city main household.
  • Chen Shuangbai appeared in the main hall, accepted the visitors’ respectful greetings, and asked what the main household meant by its gift of a jade ruyi Law Artifact.

Ch. 250An apology and the end of subordination

Chen Shuangbai accepted the Prefecture City Chen Clan’s apology but ended its subordinate relationship with the White Water Chen Clan and abolished their tribute arrangement. He then welcomed his two aunts home, though Chen Wanying remained hesitant to stay.

  • Chen Wenhe offered support and gifts on behalf of the Prefecture City Chen Clan, admitting its past wrongdoing and asking Old Master Chen for forgiveness.
  • Chen Wenhe presented three genuine Life-Extension Pills, and Chen Shuangbai accepted the apology gifts on behalf of the White Water Chen Clan.
  • Chen Shuangbai declared the past settled but ended the master-subordinate distinction between the clans and abolished the annual tribute.
  • Chen Shuangbai had Su Lan escort Chen Wenhe and Chen Wenli to the guest courtyard.
  • Chen Shuangbai invited Chen Wanru and Chen Wanying to stay at home; Chen Wanru agreed, while Chen Wanying hesitated.
Arc 10 of 37
Arc 10 of 37