Chapter Summaries

Fang Zelin waited beside the Yongding River for a wise ruler, but was surprised when Jiuchuan arrived instead. The old friends reunited and discussed Yuanqing Prefecture’s safety amid the war among rival lords.

• Fang Zelin rode the white deer north and waited beside the official road for the person he expected to meet.
• Jiuchuan and Sanniang approached by carriage, and Sanniang warned that the man by the road might be dangerous.
• Fang Zelin and Jiuchuan recognized each other, and Fang Zelin explained that he was waiting for someone else.
• Fang Zelin quoted the saying “The highest goodness is like water” as Jiuchuan asked why he had been watching the river.
• Jiuchuan told Fang Zelin that players in Yuanqing Prefecture had destroyed a force that tried to seize their provisions, discouraging rival lords from attacking again.

Jiuchuan met Fang Zelin, who believed a divination had identified Jiuchuan as a wise ruler destined to wear a golden crown and urged him to consider founding a nation. Fang Zelin left on a white deer after revealing Jiuchuan’s wife came from a distinguished family and giving him a bottle of wine, leaving Jiuchuan stunned and confused.

• Children from the village Jiuchuan had helped caught up with his party and thanked him, placing a straw circlet on his head.
• Fang Zelin mistook the sunlit straw circlet for the foretold golden crown and asked Jiuchuan whether he wanted to become emperor.
• Fang Zelin explained that a divination had predicted he would meet a wise ruler, then pointed out that Jiuchuan could draw support from his wife’s aristocratic family, Sanniang’s martial reputation, and his ties to Blazing Summer.
• Jiuchuan’s wife admitted that she was from a distinguished family but had run away because her family opposed her marriage.
• Jiuchuan suspected Fang Zelin was behind the sword strike near Yuanqing Prefecture and the demon-slaying in Blazing Summer’s park, but Fang Zelin told him to keep quiet and consider launching an uprising.
• Fang Zelin gave Jiuchuan a bottle of Clear as Empty, mounted a white deer, and rode across the river, leaving Jiuchuan frozen in astonishment.

Jiuchuan discussed how to make use of his meeting with an immortal to strengthen his claim to the throne, while Fang Zelin returned to Yingping Peak and confirmed that preparations for a blessing rite could begin. He brought Daoist Qingyun and the others to his humble cultivation abode and went inside to fetch the immortal’s wine.

• Jiuchuan regretted that Fang Zelin had left before explaining how he should proceed, and his first wife proposed seeking support from her aristocratic family.
• Jiuchuan’s wife argued that they should tell people he had met an immortal, while Qiuyun pointed to the fragrant wine as evidence they could show her lineage.
• Jiuchuan and the women returned by carriage with the wine, while Fang Zelin rode a white deer back to Yingping Peak.
• Fang Zelin told Daoist Qingyun and the other visitors that he had met the wise ruler and that they could begin preparing the blessing rite.
• Fang Zelin led the Daoists through the Soul-Bewildering Formation to his wooden cabin, where they admired the simple surroundings.
• Fang Zelin went into the cabin and took the fine wine down from the shelf.

Fang Zelin hosted the Daoists with his fine wine and spirit rice, then prepared to perform a blessing ritual with their help. After three days of purification and meditation, he emerged as the auspicious hour approached.

• Fang Zelin shared his wines with the Daoists and announced that he had mostly comprehended the Blessing Technique.
• Daoist Qianji agreed to prepare the blessing ritual and instructed Fang Zelin to burn incense, bathe, and meditate for three days.
• Daoist Qingyun, Daoist Qianji, and the other Daoists prepared the altar and supplies, then waited for the auspicious hour.
• Daoist Lü served spirit rice and vegetables, and the Daoists were astonished by the rice's flavor and Spiritual Qi.
• After two days of meditation, Fang Zelin left the cottage as the Daoists stood ready to follow him to the ritual.

Fang Zelin performed the Blessing Technique and drew down a manifestation of the Heavenly Dao, successfully praying for blessings on Jiuchuan. After the Daoists celebrated and discussed his future disciples, Fang Zelin watered his spirit rice with the Lesser Cloud and Rain Technique, astonishing them.

• Fang Zelin recited a prayer for Jiuchuan while performing the Blessing Technique at the altar.
• A resonance of the Dao appeared, and the prayer burned away as Fang Zelin successfully contacted the Heavenly Dao.
• Daoist Qianji declared that blessings had descended on Jiuchuan, and Fang Zelin and the others expected him to pacify the realm.
• Daoist Lü joked that Fang Zelin’s future disciples would suffer after growing accustomed to his fine wine and spirit rice, while Fang Zelin said he was not ready to take disciples.
• Daoist Lü asked how Fang Zelin grew his spirit rice, and Fang Zelin realized he had forgotten to water it.
• Fang Zelin used the Lesser Cloud and Rain Technique over the paddy, causing the Daoists’ expressions to freeze.

Fang Zelin demonstrated that he knew the Heaven-approved Technique of Summoning Clouds and Bringing Rain, then discussed the Daoist Sect’s future with his fellow Daoists. The others learned that his Scripture of Salvation could help disciples enter Seeking Dao Mountain, and they planned to let their future disciples study it.

• Daoist Lü and the other Daoists were shocked to learn that Fang Zelin knew the Technique of Summoning Clouds and Bringing Rain, which required the Heavenly Dao’s approval.
• Fang Zelin invited the Daoists to drink and asked what they would do once a new dynasty was established.
• Daoist Qingyun said the Daoists would keep watch over the troubled world until it was peaceful, then return to the mountains and take in disciples.
• Daoist Qingyun explained that Fang Zelin’s Scripture of Salvation could help new disciples enter Seeking Dao Mountain, astonishing Daoist Lü and the others.
• Daoist Qingyun said disciples from all their lineages could read the scripture on Jade Void Mountain, and the Daoists welcomed the chance to use it to cultivate future disciples.

Jiuchuan’s growing support and extraordinary luck made his campaign to unite the realm advance far faster than expected. Wu Cunyi pledged allegiance and asked which immortal Jiuchuan had met, leaving the officers around them suspicious of his motives.

• Fang Zelin asked how long it would take Jiuchuan to pacify the realm, and Daoist Qingyun and Daoist Qianji predicted that heaven’s blessing would let him unite it within a year or two, perhaps sooner.
• Jiuchuan learned that Wu Cunyi had come to pledge allegiance after hearing of his encounter with an immortal, and he allowed Wu Cunyi to enter despite his subordinates’ concerns.
• The chapter described how Blazing Summer players supported Jiuchuan through military aid, assassinations, and promised rewards, while his army benefited from abundant provisions and unusually good fortune.
• Wu Cunyi knelt before Jiuchuan, declared himself his subject, and asked which immortal Jiuchuan had met.
• Jiuchuan’s officers rebuked Wu Cunyi and threatened him, but Wu Cunyi said he had asked only out of curiosity.

Wu Cunyi explained how he had met several immortals and revealed that he had once ignored the young immortal Meng Jiuchuan described. The revelation confirmed Meng Jiuchuan’s encounter and left him wondering whether Fang Zelin’s guidance had improved his luck.

• Several officers pleaded with Meng Jiuchuan to forgive Wu Cunyi, arguing that punishing a man who had surrendered could discourage others from doing the same.
• Meng Jiuchuan asked Wu Cunyi whether he had met several immortals, and Wu Cunyi nodded.
• Meng Jiuchuan described a handsome young immortal with a gourd at his waist, and Wu Cunyi froze in shock.
• Wu Cunyi wept and recounted how he had seen that young immortal but ignored him before meeting Immortal Lü, who treated the young immortal with great respect.
• Meng Jiuchuan wondered whether Fang Zelin’s guidance had brought him good fortune, while Wu Cunyi mourned the opportunity he had missed.

Meng Jiuchuan planned the next stage of his campaign after taking Wu Cunyi into his service, discussing rival feudal lords, demon-held lands, and the coming merger of the worlds. He left the meeting focused on unifying the realm and secretly savored a sip of fine wine.

• Meng Jiuchuan sent the others away and assigned Wu Cunyi a force to take control of Guyuan Commandery.
• Meng Jiuchuan and his trusted confidants reviewed a plan to trap the three feudal lords who were preparing to ally against him.
• Meng Jiuchuan asked about the lands beyond Great Jin, learned that demons blocked access to surrounding vassal states, and considered conquering them if the demons could be dealt with.
• Meng Jiuchuan's companions raised concerns about the coming world merger, and Meng Jiuchuan said they should first focus on pacifying the realm.
• After everyone left, Meng Jiuchuan secretly took a sip of fine wine and reflected that staying in this world might not be so bad.

As Meng Jiuchuan prepared to establish a dynasty, his court interpreted Fang Zelin’s fondness for water as a command to adopt Water Virtue and black robes. Fang Zelin noticed Meng Jiuchuan’s imminent enthronement and decided to attend, while Meng Jiuchuan wondered if his friend would appear.

• Meng Jiuchuan told his officials that Fang Zelin seemed fond of water, and the Grand Astrologer concluded the new dynasty should embody Water Virtue and honor black.
• Meng Jiuchuan approved predominantly black robes with red edging for the imperial family and officials.
• Meng Jiuchuan’s wives reminded him that Fang Zelin had likely helped his army win, and he hoped Fang Zelin would attend his enthronement.
• Fang Zelin saw the Purple Tetrarch Star shining brightly and inferred that Meng Jiuchuan would soon ascend the throne.
• Fang Zelin decided to attend the enthronement to witness the gathering of human race karmic fortune, then returned to cultivating.

Meng Jiuchuan founded the Great Qian Dynasty, while Fang Zelin and Daoist Lü observed the rise of human race karmic fortune and discussed its future. After Fang Zelin bid farewell to Meng Jiuchuan, the new emperor ordered an invasion of the surrounding vassal states, and Fang Zelin returned to the mountains to cultivate.

• Meng Jiuchuan established Great Qian in Youjing City, and Fang Zelin and Daoist Lü saw human race karmic fortune grow roughly fivefold.
• Daoist Lü warned Fang Zelin that the dynasty’s weakening karmic fortune might eventually attract demons, and the two discussed the Daoist Sect’s future strength.
• Daoist Lü left to return to the mountains, and Fang Zelin visited Meng Jiuchuan to bid farewell and warn him against seeking immortality for the sake of power.
• Meng Jiuchuan asked Fang Zelin to help with demons blocking the routes to the vassal states, and Fang Zelin told him the demons had fled and gave him a bottle of All Things in Spring.
• Meng Jiuchuan ordered troops to expand Great Qian by conquering the vassal states despite opposition from some ministers, while Fang Zelin flew away to resume cultivation.

Ten years after beginning his study of Turning Stone into Gold, Fang Zelin practiced the Law Technique and checked on the flourishing spirit rice and medicinal garden. Concerned that his wine gourd could not hold enough wine, he began trying to apply Universe in the Sleeve to it.

• Fang Zelin turned a rock completely into gold after ten years of studying Turning Stone into Gold.
• The medicine boy and white deer argued over who deserved credit for the medicinal plants’ growth, while the tiger demon sulked after hens plucked out his fur for their nests.
• Fang Zelin inspected the medicinal garden and spirit rice, which had expanded into a large field over the past ten years.
• The medicine boy pointed out that Fang Zelin’s small wine gourd could not carry all his accumulated wine jars.
• Fang Zelin decided to try applying Universe in the Sleeve to his wine gourd so it could hold more wine.

Fang Zelin welcomed Xiao Qin, who came to visit for his spirit rice and the music in his conch, while Zhang Weichu described Great Qian’s prosperity under Meng Jiuchuan. The chapter left Zhang Weichu reflecting on the flourishing age and why ghosts, gods, and immortals had become rare in the mortal world.

• Xiao Qin emerged from the river and visited Fang Zelin, asking to listen to his conch and enjoy his spirit rice.
• Fang Zelin let Xiao Qin take the conch from the cabin and suggested she bring another conch to copy its music, but she said she had only one.
• Zhang Weichu arrived and told Fang Zelin that the Underworld Bureau had been busy handling casualties from Great Qian’s wars against the vassal states.
• Zhang Weichu praised Meng Jiuchuan’s governance, describing how Great Qian had pacified the realm and restored farmland, irrigation, and roads.
• Zhang Weichu said that the flourishing age had reduced wrongful deaths and vengeful ghosts, while immortals such as Fang Zelin remained secluded from the mortal world.

Fang Zelin learned from Zhang Weichu that Great Qian had subdued the surrounding vassal states and reopened a road to the much larger Northern Liang. After hearing concerns that Northern Liang might attack, Fang Zelin saw no signs of war in the stars but decided to seek Daoist Qianji’s judgment.

• Fang Zelin and Zhang Weichu discussed how Fang Zelin’s cultivation had made Yingping Peak more spiritually beautiful, and Xiao Qin quoted Fang’s words about the mountain.
• Zhang Weichu told Fang Zelin that Great Qian had incorporated the surrounding vassal states, opened government roads, and that its ruler had five princes and seven princesses.
• Fang Zelin invited Zhang Weichu to stay for a meal and asked him about Northern Liang.
• Zhang Weichu described Northern Liang as a powerful dynasty several times larger than Great Qian and said Great Qian had reopened a road to it for friendly relations and trade.
• Zhang Weichu shared worries that Northern Liang might invade, while Fang Zelin said he had seen no signs of war in the stars and planned to consult Daoist Qianji.

A Northern Liang delegation entered Great Qian through Zhen'an Pass, seeking an audience with its sovereign and hoping to learn from the flourishing kingdom. Two Daoists accompanying them began their own journey of self-cultivation within Great Qian.

• The soldiers at Zhen'an Pass challenged the approaching Northern Liang delegation and inspected its envoy, Xu Chuanyi, his fish tally, and its goods before allowing them through.
• The Northern Liang envoys discussed their mission to study Great Qian’s governance and voiced concern about their own court’s complacency and border defenses.
• Two Daoists quietly entered Great Qian with the delegation, and the senior brother told the younger to temper his character on his own.
• The middle-aged Daoist said he had come to seek enlightenment in the Dao and would not return to his sect if he failed again.

A young Daoist and his senior brother traveled to Zhen'an Pass, where they discussed the region’s past and the dwindling generations of its cultivation sects before parting ways. Meanwhile, Fang Zelin visited Ancient Cloud Temple to consult Qianji and learned that the ferret spirit was still undergoing painful refinement after ten years.

• The middle-aged Daoist and his youngest junior brother discussed rumors of a battle near Zhen'an Pass and the declining sects of Great Qian.
• The middle-aged Daoist encouraged his junior brother to cultivate diligently, then left him to continue his worldly tempering alone.
• Fang Zelin departed Yingping Peak for Ancient Cloud Temple to visit Qianji and observe the greater currents of the world through the stars.
• An Ancient Cloud Temple disciple welcomed Fang Zelin and explained that the ferret spirit was still being refined in the Pill Furnace so its human race karmic fortune could be extracted.
• Fang Zelin was astonished that the refinement had not finished even after ten years.

Fang Zelin visited Daoist Qianji and asked about the tensions between Great Qian and Northern Liang, then learned that Northern Liang’s cultivation sects were much stronger than those in Great Qian. He also asked about the snow ferret spirit’s prolonged karmic-fortune refinement, which was still harming the spirit despite his devotion to Minglian.

• Daoist Qianji told Fang Zelin that disciples from many sects had studied the Scripture of Salvation and entered Seeking Dao Mountain.
• Fang Zelin asked whether Great Qian’s dealings with Northern Liang might lead to war, and Daoist Qianji advised him that cultivators should not interfere in human affairs.
• Fang Zelin accepted the advice and reflected that he still needed to cultivate in accordance with the Dao.
• Daoist Qianji explained that Northern Liang’s sects had grown stronger than Great Qian’s because its cultivators had enjoyed more generations of peaceful cultivation.
• Fang Zelin asked about the snow ferret spirit, and Daoist Qianji said the spirit’s ten years of refinement had not produced karmic fortune and might damage his foundation and lifespan.
• Daoist Qianji said the snow ferret spirit kept enduring the painful refinement because seeing Minglian renewed his resolve.

Fang Zelin accepted Daoist Qianji’s invitation to stay at the Ancient Cloud Temple and discovered its Sword Pavilion, where Bearing the Heavens provoked the stored swords. The chapter ended as the pavilion’s blades prepared to resist Bearing the Heavens’ imposing presence.

• Fang Zelin agreed to stay at the Ancient Cloud Temple and shared lunch with Daoist Qianji.
• Fang Zelin explored the temple and followed Bearing the Heavens’ unusual ripple to the Sword Pavilion.
• A temple disciple explained that the pavilion stored treasured and damaged swords, whose accumulated sword momentum created its sharp aura.
• Fang Zelin entered the Sword Pavilion and examined its carefully preserved blades.
• Bearing the Heavens released its imposing presence, angering the swords, and mocked them for their unrestrained sharpness.

Bearing the Heavens tried to teach the Sword Pavilion’s treasured swords to rein in their sharpness, but their resistance sent them flying away with it. After weeks of waiting and worrying about explaining the loss to Daoist Qianji, Fang Zelin saw Bearing the Heavens return with the swords, which appeared profoundly changed.

• Bearing the Heavens tried to suppress and instruct the treasured swords, but their sword forces gathered and grew stronger in resistance.
• Bearing the Heavens burst through the Sword Pavilion’s roof, and all the treasured swords flew after it into the sky.
• The disciples of Ancient Cloud Temple saw the empty Sword Pavilion but decided not to chase the swords, trusting Senior Fang had a reason.
• Fang Zelin stayed at Ancient Cloud Temple, grew increasingly anxious as Bearing the Heavens remained away, and struggled to explain the missing swords to Daoist Qianji.
• After another month passed, Fang Zelin heard sword cries and saw Bearing the Heavens return with the treasured swords, which had been transformed by their journey.

Bearing the Heavens returned Ancient Cloud Temple’s treasured swords transformed into spiritual flying swords, and Fang Zelin agreed to teach the disciples how to ride them. After studying the technique overnight, he demonstrated a flying sword before the disciples and invited one of them to try controlling it.

• Bearing the Heavens returned the Sword Pavilion’s treasured swords after tempering and reforging them with lightning and its Spiritual Power.
• Fang Zelin learned that Bearing the Heavens had devised a Sword Riding Technique to control the newly spiritual swords.
• Daoist Qianji asked Fang Zelin to teach the temple’s disciples, and Fang Zelin scheduled the lesson for the next morning before the Divine Martial Hall.
• Fang Zelin studied the technique overnight, then brought a flying sword from the Sword Pavilion to teach the assembled disciples.
• Fang Zelin explained that the disciples needed a method to control the spiritual swords and invited one of them to try.