Arc 19The Mountain King’s Return

Chu Tianshu reached Chang’an, killed four powerful clan leaders, and helped Hai Donglai prepare to hunt the locust-spreading Mountain King. During the Martial Exhibition of All Nations, Mountain King arrived and trapped Chu Tianshu in a hall as Mahalun waited to attack.

  • Chu Tianshu took the Mountain King Divine Drum to Chang’an, where he and Nie Hongxian uncovered an ambush and Chu killed Pei Dongcheng, Kong Tianrui, Li Ju, and Wu Chunlei.
  • Chu Tianshu helped Nie Hongxian confiscate the four clans’ estates, while Kong Longren was killed by a swarm of insects and told the Red Emperor to avenge him.
  • Hai Donglai revealed his search for Mountain King and his plan to strengthen a locust-targeting fungal powder, and Chu Tianshu gave him the drum’s Weapon Soul.
  • Chu Tianshu and Hai Donglai prepared for the Martial Exhibition, where Chu carved a sword technique for Guo Lingwei and the envoys gathered for the contests.
  • Agents provoked battles during the exhibition, Chu Tianshu rescued the Viking heir from the Ten Thousand Needle Iron Coffin, and Mofu dragged Nie Hongxian and Hai Donglai underground to fight them.
  • Chu Tianshu fought Mahalun, then sent Nie Hongxian to destroy the locusts as Mountain King attacked and compressed the hall around him.
  • Chu Tianshu linked his sword, saber, and Palm Thunder arts to prepare a strike against Mountain King while Mahalun waited at the hall doors.
Chapters 457–481 Vol. 5 Read

Ch. 457The Rhythm of Gathering and Scattering

Chu Tianshu discovered that the Mountain King Divine Drum’s power gathered and dispersed origin Qi, weakening experts by narrowing the gap between them. He planned to use the drum to draw unfamiliar origin Qi into himself for cultivation, after preparing medicine to protect his meridians.

  • Li Chenxiang explained that the Mountain King Divine Drum had caused people to bleed when a disciple struck it in the Kingdom of Chenla.
  • Chu Tianshu struck the drum and saw its Weapon Soul fragments gather and scatter, briefly making power leak from his finger and causing Su Xian and Li Chenxiang to feel their hearts skip.
  • Chu Tianshu realized the drum gathered surrounding origin Qi and then dispersed it, making experts lose power and reducing the advantage of the stronger side.
  • Chu Tianshu considered using the drum to draw unfamiliar origin Qi into himself and broaden his cultivation foundations.
  • Chu Tianshu decided to obtain pills for treating his meridians before trying the new cultivation method.

Ch. 458Nine Luminaries Shared Heart Mirrors, Kunlun Society

Pei Dongcheng and eight conspirators in the Kunlun Society discussed a mysterious newcomer in Nanzhao who had seized the Mountain King Divine Drum and rescued Cheng Xin. They decided to send Pei Dongcheng’s disciple to lead an expedition, with a Turk clansman as deputy, to take the drum and kill the newcomer.

  • The nine holders of the Shared Heart Mirrors gathered, and the Tubo member reported that an unknown newcomer had taken the Mountain King Divine Drum in Nanzhao.
  • The Tubo member said the newcomer had destroyed Zheng Tianchang’s palace, captured Fire Tree Dhuta, and rescued Cheng Xin, who called him granduncle.
  • The Dashi member urged the Kunlun Society to eliminate the newcomer and the conservative forces associated with Hai Donglai.
  • Pei Dongcheng agreed to send a powerful disciple to lead an expedition against the newcomer.
  • The Turk member offered his younger clansman as deputy, and the group agreed to meet, seize the drum, and kill.

Ch. 459A Letter of State

Cheng Xin asked Chu Tianshu to carry Nanzhao’s letter of state to Chang’an, requesting that Nanzhao be incorporated into the Great Tang, and Chu agreed. As Chu Tianshu continued cultivating with the Mountain King Divine Drum, a party of riders led by a striking woman approached the royal city.

  • Chu Tianshu checked Cheng Xin, Li Chenxiang, and Su Xian, then gave Cheng Xin a pill and advised him not to worry so much.
  • Cheng Xin asked Chu Tianshu to deliver Nanzhao’s letter of state requesting incorporation into the Great Tang, and Chu agreed to carry it to Chang’an.
  • Su Xian said his family had sought help from the Inner Guard and that Commander Nie Hongxian should arrive soon to witness the letter.
  • Chu Tianshu cultivated with the Mountain King Divine Drum and three pills, drawing in and refining unusual Qi until he felt close to reaching the Leakless Mystic Art.
  • Chu Tianshu nourished the Three-Seven Sword’s Weapon Soul while a party of riders led by a splendidly dressed woman approached the royal city.

Ch. 460A Heavenly Wolf's Howl, Three Swords Beyond the Mind

Nie Hongxian’s supposed Inner Guard party arrived in Nanzhao, but Chu Tianshu recognized a Tubo spy and exposed a coordinated ambush. He survived the attackers’ wolf-like Fist Intent and a three-strike sword assault, while the identities of the disguised commander and her allies remained uncertain.

  • Cheng Xin welcomed Nie Hongxian and her party, introduced Su Xian and Li Chenxiang, and led them to visit Chu Tianshu.
  • Chu Tianshu sensed Tubo origins in the rosy-cheeked deputy, and the man reacted, exposing himself as a spy.
  • The deep-set man unleashed a wolf-shaped Fist Intent while the red-clad woman attacked Chu Tianshu with a sword that struck in three successive changes.
  • Chu Tianshu repelled the attack, emerged from the shattered pavilion unharmed, and challenged the attackers to give their names.
  • The deep-set man identified himself as A'ertai, while the Tubo spy began to announce his own name.

Ch. 461Riding the Wind and Rain, Free and Unfettered

Chu Tianshu and Cheng Xin fought the Tubo-led killers, while a village girl unexpectedly killed the Tubo man and helped turn the battle. After Chu Tianshu defeated the woman in red and A'ertai, the village girl revealed herself as Nie Hongxian and greeted him as her Martial Uncle.

  • Su Xian was poisoned as the black-clad killers moved to seize him, but Cheng Xin took up Sanqi and cut down the attackers with his transformed Saber Intent.
  • A Tubo man charged Cheng Xin, but a village girl blocked the punch and killed him with her brush knife.
  • Chu Tianshu dragged the woman in red into the air, tore through her defenses, and killed her before dodging a stone thrown by A'ertai.
  • Chu Tianshu battled A'ertai, severed his leg with a sweeping kick, and struck him down with a powerful palm.
  • The village girl revealed that she was Nie Hongxian, then knelt and greeted Chu Tianshu as her Martial Uncle.

Ch. 462Thousand-Autumn Arena Competition, Martial Exhibition of All Nations

Chu Tianshu rescued Nie Hongxian, who explained how she had been delayed while investigating powerful clans and revealed her healing Weapon Soul ability. The group learned that Nie Hongxian’s master would return to Chang’an before the Martial Exhibition of All Nations, which was scheduled to take place for the sixth time this year.

  • Nie Hongxian explained that she had traveled alone after trouble on the road delayed her party and impostors took her identity.
  • Chu Tianshu drew poisoned blood from Su Xian and Li Chenxiang, while Nie Hongxian identified the poison as Fine Ink-Soaked Scroll Fragrance from the Hedong Pei Lineage.
  • Nie Hongxian revealed that her golden-ring Weapon Soul healed her faster as her injuries worsened.
  • Nie Hongxian said she had gathered evidence against powerful clans and planned to organize it in Chang'an before acting with her master.
  • Nie Hongxian said her master would return before October’s Martial Exhibition of All Nations, and Cheng Xin and Su Xian explained the event’s origins and its importance to Chang'an.

Ch. 463Then and Now, Mountain Collapse and Water Extinction

After learning about the political tensions surrounding the Myriad Nations Martial Arts Tournament and its venue on Mount Zhongnan, Chu Tianshu decided to travel to Chang'an. A discussion of Hai Donglai’s Mountain Collapse and Water Extinction martial art convinced Chu Tianshu to pursue Leakless Mystic Art before he arrived.

  • Chu Tianshu discussed the Great Tang’s rivals and the dangers surrounding the Myriad Nations Martial Arts Tournament with Su Xian and Nie Hongxian.
  • Nie Hongxian explained that the tournament would be held on Mount Zhongnan, where powerful nations sent a few experts and younger fighters to represent them.
  • Chu Tianshu decided to go to Chang'an and took the Mountain King Divine Drum and Sanqi with him.
  • After eating with the others, Chu Tianshu learned that Nie Hongxian practiced the Water Extinction method from Hai Donglai’s Mountain Collapse and Water Extinction art.
  • Chu Tianshu assessed Hai Donglai’s likely strength and resolved to achieve Leakless Mystic Art on the way to Chang'an.

Ch. 464Hai Donglai's Deep Schemes, Du Fanchuan's Prophecy of the Suppression of Buddhism

Pei Dongcheng and Wu Chunlei suspected that Hai Donglai had found a way to extend his life, and they alarmed the Kunlun Society with their theory. On the journey to Chang'an, Chu Tianshu heard about the Great Tang’s suppression of Buddhism and Du Fanchuan’s mysterious prophecy.

  • Pei Dongcheng learned that Pei Ying’s assassination attempt in Nanzhao had failed and grieved her apparent capture.
  • Pei Dongcheng and Wu Chunlei discussed their setbacks and worried that Hai Donglai might survive beyond the usual lifespan of a Plain King and advance further.
  • Pei Dongcheng and Wu Chunlei proposed that Hai Donglai’s travels and the newly emerged elder in Nanzhao were connected to a plan to extend their lives, then called the Kunlun Society together.
  • The Kunlun Society reacted with alarm to the theory that Hai Donglai had found a way to prolong his life.
  • Chu Tianshu asked why so many monks aided the great clans, and Nie Hongxian and Su Xian explained the court’s crackdown on religious institutions and recounted Du Fanchuan’s final prophecy.
  • Nie Hongxian said Du Fanchuan’s Weapon Soul had survived his death and been inherited by one of his disciples.

Ch. 465A Multitude Outside the City, Intentions and Limbs Reversed

Chu Tianshu traveled with Nie Hongxian and the others to Chang'an, where he saw the crowds and clashes gathered outside the closed city gates. Feng Bohu brought Guo Lingwei to Nie Hongxian for help, and Chu Tianshu realized that Guo Lingwei’s intentions and actions had been reversed.

  • Nie Hongxian explained that Cao Mengzheng had inherited Du Fanchuan’s Weapon Soul and could predict some natural disasters months in advance.
  • Chu Tianshu played the divine drum beneath the stars, and Su Xian and Li Chenxiang sensed a subtle transformation taking place in him.
  • The group reached Chang’an after nightfall, and Su Xian and Li Chenxiang went to explore the crowds camped outside the city.
  • Chu Tianshu and Nie Hongxian watched Zoroastrian and Church of the East fighters stop their duel after recognizing Nie Hongxian, while Chu Tianshu sensed many other fights nearby.
  • Feng Bohu brought the uncoordinated Guo Lingwei to Nie Hongxian, and Chu Tianshu determined that Guo Lingwei’s actions and intentions had been reversed.

Ch. 466Whose Hand Could Overturn the Clouds and Rain?

Feng Bohu told Nie Hongxian how a mysterious martial artist restrained her and Guo Lingwei and ordered them to meet him at the ruins of Han Dynasty Chang'an. Chu Tianshu treated Guo Lingwei’s nerve disorder and decided to retrieve the rabbit lantern himself, leaving the group preparing to confront the mysterious figure.

  • Feng Bohu recounted how a powerful stranger immobilized her and Guo Lingwei at the western market and left instructions to seek Nie Hongxian and meet him outside the city.
  • Nie Hongxian realized the stranger had deliberately manipulated Guo Lingwei’s condition to draw them into a trap.
  • Chu Tianshu examined Guo Lingwei, explained that the stranger had twisted his nerves, and used silver needles to begin restoring them.
  • Nie Hongxian confirmed that Anxi had recovered after the fighting with Tubo, and Chu Tianshu reflected on the white-haired soldiers who had held their ground.
  • When Feng Bohu suggested waiting since Chu Tianshu could treat Guo Lingwei, Chu Tianshu said he would go retrieve the rabbit lantern for him.

Ch. 467A Whale Roaming the Seven Seas Battles a Giant Shark

The heads of the Four Great Aristocratic Clans gathered among the Han ruins to lure Nie Hongxian and her allies into a trap, and Li Ju shared a divination that seemed to promise their side victory. Chu Tianshu arrived alone, and Pei Dongcheng challenged him to fight.

  • Pei Dongcheng, Wu Chunlei, Kong Tianrui, and Li Ju waited in a ruined courtyard while their forces watched potential allies of Nie Hongxian.
  • Li Ju revealed a divination verse that the clan heads interpreted as a favorable omen for their plan to seize the Divine Drum and kill their enemies.
  • Wu Chunlei spotted Chu Tianshu approaching, and Chu landed on the bamboo pole outside the courtyard.
  • Li Ju asked whether Chu had allowed Nie Hongxian to seek help, and Pei Dongcheng challenged him to fight.

Ch. 468Three-Soul Weapon Method, Mystic Art and Divine Blade

Chu Tianshu fought Pei Dongcheng, Wu Chunlei, Kong Tianrui, and Li Ju, revealing the power of his Leakless Mystic Art and true meridians. He killed Pei Dongcheng with one saber slash, while Wu Chunlei and Kong Tianrui were forced back and Li Ju remained poised to act.

  • Pei Dongcheng drew his sword and unleashed a formation of black smoke at Chu Tianshu, who sent his emerald rabbit lantern away and used spinning false bodies to gather the smoke into cocoons.
  • Wu Chunlei retreated into a wooden building and attacked with enormous vines, but Chu Tianshu seized them and sent his power through the plants to disrupt Wu Chunlei through their connection.
  • Kong Tianrui attacked Chu Tianshu with both palms, burned his hand on Chu Tianshu's thumb, and retreated; Li Ju noticed the danger and halted.
  • Pei Dongcheng charged with his sword as Chu Tianshu drew his saber, and Chu Tianshu's slash pierced Pei Dongcheng and his sword with saber Qi, destroying all three of his souls.

Ch. 469River-Overturning, Sea-Upsetting, Leakless True Force

Chu Tianshu killed Pei Dongcheng and fought Kong Tianrui and Li Ju, who revealed their formidable fist arts and unusual control over their bodies. After Li Ju escaped with a severe leg wound, Kong Tianrui blocked Chu Tianshu and prepared to attack him with cell-targeting palm force.

  • Chu Tianshu killed Pei Dongcheng with a slash, while Kong Tianrui shed the skin on his arm to remove the Samadhi Divine Fire.
  • Kong Tianrui explained how he could suspend and revive activity in his body, and Chu Tianshu recognized the technique as Leakless True Force.
  • Li Ju attacked Chu Tianshu with water streams from underground, slowing his charge as Kong Tianrui moved behind him.
  • Chu Tianshu used Great Void Formless Sha Fire to break through Li Ju's water curtain, but Li Ju saw his true movement and dodged.
  • Li Ju enlarged his body to survive Chu Tianshu's follow-up strike, took a wound to his right leg, and retreated as he shrank again.
  • Kong Tianrui blocked Chu Tianshu and reached for his wrist and elbow, confident that his precise palm force could kill him.

Ch. 470Dragon King Comes Ashore, Swallowing Mountains and Rivers

Chu Tianshu defeated Kong Tianrui and Li Ju in a destructive battle that ranged from the ancient city ruins to the wilderness. After confirming Li Ju was dead, Chu Tianshu checked his token and realized another powerful evil spirit remained to be captured.

  • Kong Tianrui fought Chu Tianshu at close quarters until strange eyes opened along Chu Tianshu’s left arm and unleashed warped vitality that weakened him.
  • Li Ju used the forbidden move of Dragon King Coming Ashore Fist to renew his qi and blood, then controlled Kong Tianrui’s movements as the two attacked Chu Tianshu together.
  • Chu Tianshu drew in many kinds of qi and fought both men with overwhelming internal power, driving their battle through buildings and out of the ancient city.
  • Chu Tianshu struck Kong Tianrui flying, broke Li Ju’s arm, and punched through his chest; Li Ju returned to giant form, spoke about his failed divination, and died.
  • Chu Tianshu checked his token, saw that Pei Dongcheng’s Weapon Soul counted as a powerful evil spirit, and realized another evil spirit was still out there.

Ch. 471Opening the Door to Thieves, a Proper Use

Chu Tianshu killed Wu Chunlei after explaining that Wu’s Wild Weapon Soul left him vulnerable to the Great Void internal force, then crushed the golden bowl. Nie Hongxian urged Chu Tianshu to join her in seizing the four defeated clans’ estates before their allies could react.

  • Nie Hongxian intercepted Wu Chunlei as he fled, while the lingering effects of Chu Tianshu’s power repeatedly disrupted Wu’s senses.
  • Chu Tianshu caught up with Wu Chunlei and used his Heavenly Eye to immobilize him before killing him with a sword-finger strike.
  • Chu Tianshu explained that Wu Chunlei’s reliance on a Wild Weapon Soul had opened his heart-soul to the Great Void internal force, then crushed the golden bowl.
  • Chu Tianshu examined the weapon traits and mused about using the Wuding River Sword’s effect to help cultivate spiritual medicines, though the sword had already turned to ash.
  • Nie Hongxian reflected that four major experts had fallen in one night and grabbed Chu Tianshu, urging him to help confiscate their estates immediately.

Ch. 472Though the Stone Blossomed, Its Heart Was Full of Impurities; a Lantern Passed Through the Woods, Its Chivalrous Affection Enduring

Yang Jungong learned that Chu Tianshu had killed the leaders of the four great clans, then helped mobilize the Left Golden Guard as Chu and Nie Hongxian raided the clans’ Chang’an residences. After uncovering Kong Tianrui’s martial notes and visiting all four estates, Chu returned to Guo Lingwei, who had recovered, carrying the lantern Feng Bohu wanted.

  • Yang Jungong spotted the giant Li Ju’s corpse beyond Chang’an and ordered the Inner Guard, Minister Tian, and the Left Golden Guard to respond.
  • Nie Hongxian told Yang Jungong that Chu Tianshu had killed Li Ju, Pei Dongcheng, Wu Chunlei, and Kong Tianrui, then guided Chu toward the Kong residence.
  • Chu Tianshu subdued the Kong household, found Kong Tianrui’s notes on the Stone Flower Colorless Palm, and visited the main residences of all four clans.
  • Guo Lingwei recovered from his injuries while Su Xian, Li Chenxiang, and Feng Bohu waited with him south of Chang’an.
  • Chu Tianshu returned from the woods with the lantern and told Feng Bohu she could embrace Guo Lingwei because his needles could be removed.

Ch. 473Returning to Lingnan in Pieces

Kong Longren returned to Lingnan after the upheaval in Chang'an, hoping to reclaim his standing as a Kong Clan patriarch, but a swarm of insects ambushed and killed him. A man in red arrived afterward and learned from Kong Longren's dying words that the attacker was him, whom he called the Red Emperor.

  • Kong Longren walked along a Lingnan riverbank, reflecting on his return from Chang'an and his hopes of regaining influence as a clan patriarch.
  • Kong Longren struck at the irritating insects with his martial will, but their buzzing swelled into a massive swarm that swept toward him.
  • Kong Longren crossed the river to evade the swarm, then discovered a human-shaped figure covered in insects standing behind him.
  • Kong Longren unleashed a burst of force and produced twenty-three colorless flowers, but he screamed as the flowers collapsed and the insects withdrew.
  • A black-haired man in white and red arrived with a red umbrella and found Kong Longren's mangled body scattered along the bank.
  • Kong Longren used his final moments to tell the man that the attacker was him and begged the Red Emperor to avenge him.

Ch. 474The Mystery of the Banner He Pointed To

While helping Nie Hongxian examine mirrors seized from the four clans, Chu Tianshu discovered they shared an unusual Weapon Soul. Hai Donglai then explained that Du Fanchuan’s prophecy about a Buddhist banner pointed to a locust plague and revealed that Mountain King had become a monster that spread locusts, leaving Chu Tianshu to suspect a failed attempt at reaching Returning Light.

  • Chu Tianshu examined the mirrors Nie Hongxian had found in the four clans’ residences and sensed that their shared Weapon Soul connected them, but warned that he could not safely change its master.
  • Hai Donglai returned and guessed that Chu Tianshu came from another world, then remarked that Mountain King’s drum had fallen into Chu Tianshu’s hands.
  • Hai Donglai explained that Du Fanchuan’s prophecy about a Buddhist banner had led him to investigate locust plagues as the likely threat to the Great Tang.
  • Hai Donglai said he had encountered Mountain King seven years earlier as a locust-like monster that spread locusts and made them toxic to birds.
  • Chu Tianshu suspected Mountain King had failed to break through to Returning Light and feared what might have happened if Hai Donglai had attempted the same breakthrough.

Ch. 475A Trace of Saber Intent Commands White Bones, a Glimmer of Rainbow Light Confounds the Heavenly Secrets

Mahalun and Aduoluo sought Dharma Master Zengming’s help to conceal their identities and support their coming operation in Chang’an. Zengming used his life to cast a spell, attaining rainbow body, while Cao Mengzheng discovered that the spell had disrupted the Imperial Astronomical Bureau’s divinations.

  • Mahalun and Aduoluo rode into the Ancient City of Zhangzhung and met Dharma Master Zengming at a temple.
  • Mahalun explained that four holders of the Nine Luminaries Shared Heart Mirrors had died and feared the Imperial Astronomical Bureau would identify the remaining holders in Chang’an.
  • Dharma Master Zengming tested Mahalun with a dragonfly, and Mahalun demonstrated powerful Saber Intent by animating a yak’s bones.
  • Dharma Master Zengming agreed to disrupt the Bureau’s divinations and influence events in favor of the operation, then sacrificed himself and attained rainbow body.
  • Cao Mengzheng saw the divination fail, sensed rainbow light from the northwest, and angrily denounced those who had obscured the workings of heaven.

Ch. 476You Veil Heaven's Secrets, I Tread the Fields

Hai Donglai explained that the transformed Mountain King had been changing locusts and causing them to survive winter, so he wanted to use the Mountain King Divine Drum to strengthen a fungal culture capable of killing them. Chu Tianshu gave him the drum and named the culture Green General, while Hai Donglai hoped its effects would draw the Mountain King out.

  • Hai Donglai told Chu Tianshu that the transformed Mountain King had eluded divination and that he had kept his search from the great families.
  • Hai Donglai explained that Guan Changling’s notes had inspired him to develop a poison that targeted locusts after observing how the Mountain King changed them.
  • Hai Donglai revealed that his fungal powder lagged behind the mutations and that he needed the Mountain King Divine Drum’s Weapon Soul to strengthen it.
  • Chu Tianshu explained that the drum’s Weapon Soul carried the Mountain King’s essence and mutation, then gave the drum to Hai Donglai.
  • Hai Donglai said the cultivated powder could grow on its own and that a mass die-off of locusts might lead the Mountain King to him.
  • Chu Tianshu named the fungal culture Green General, and Hai Donglai approved the name.

Ch. 477Testing Three Supreme Arts on Mount Zhongnan

Chu Tianshu watched Hai Donglai demonstrate the Mountain Collapse and Water Extinction Palm on a cliff, then used what he had learned to test his own inner force. Hai Donglai explained that his unfinished struggle with the Mountain King still kept him a hair’s breadth short of Leakless Innate Nature, while Chu Tianshu ended the demonstration by carving a slogan into the cliff.

  • Hai Donglai showed Chu Tianshu the Seven Martial Competition Mountains and explained the strength, speed, and endurance contests planned for the Martial Exhibition of All Nations.
  • Hai Donglai described how his Mountain Collapse and Water Extinction Palm used the properties and waveforms of materials, then destroyed the lower and upper halves of a cliff with two palm strikes.
  • Hai Donglai told Chu Tianshu that he had achieved Leakless True Force but remained just short of Leakless Innate Nature because his unfinished conflict with the Mountain King had become a knot in his heart.
  • Chu Tianshu used his Heavenly Eye and inner force to shape more than a hundred rocks into stone cones and drive them into the cliff as the characters “Ten Thousand Nations Compete In Martial Arts.”

Ch. 478Heavenly Wolf and Demon Locusts, the Prelude Nears Its End

Envoys investigating the ruined cliff suspected the Red Emperor had fought or sparred there, while the Turk envoy secretly nurtured ambitions for his people to rule the Great Tang. A locust-covered monster followed a strange rainbow thread toward Chang'an, and Chu Tianshu offered Guo Lingwei a sword technique to teach in Anxi if he won the upcoming speed contest.

  • The envoys found a cliff wrecked by two attacks, and several of them speculated that the Red Emperor had returned or sparred there.
  • Su Xian and Li Chenxiang recognized a familiar presence and quietly left, while the Turk envoy watched them depart and dreamed of Turk rule over the Great Tang.
  • A monster covered in insects followed a rainbow thread toward Chang'an, deciding to approach despite sensing a presence it disliked there.
  • Su Xian and Li Chenxiang joined Chu Tianshu, Hai Donglai, Guo Lingwei, and Feng Bohu at a meal, where they discussed the approaching Martial Exhibition of All Nations and Guo Lingwei's entry in the speed contest.
  • Chu Tianshu carved a sword technique into a flower of frozen wine and promised Guo Lingwei he could teach it freely in Anxi if he won.

Ch. 479Chaos Erupts!

The Martial Exhibition of All Nations began on Mount Zhongnan as Chu Tianshu and Hai Donglai watched the opening contests and suspected that hidden enemies would exploit the gathering. After a contestant sabotaged a poison-endurance event and an attack on the Imperial Astronomical Bureau was reported, the chapter ended with the highest setting activated on a Ten Thousand Needle Iron Coffin containing a Viking Duke’s son.

  • Hai Donglai explained the tournament’s customs to Chu Tianshu as officials and soldiers assembled for the opening ceremony.
  • Tian Zhu delivered the proclamation, and the martial contests began amid cheers, betting, and displays of colored smoke.
  • Chu Tianshu studied the endurance events as contestants were pulled from poison vats when the physicians judged them in danger.
  • A white-head-wrapped contestant secretly kicked a Church of the East expert in a poison vat, provoking a confrontation between the Great Qin envoy and a Zoroastrian elder.
  • Nie Hongxian reported that the Imperial Astronomical Bureau had been attacked, but Hai Donglai said Cao Mengzheng was already safely hidden.
  • An official activated the Ten Thousand Needle Iron Coffin’s highest setting, and Chu Tianshu remembered that a Viking Duke’s son had entered it.

Ch. 480Who Would Kill Whom First

Chu Tianshu and the others faced a coordinated uprising as spies triggered fighting across the martial competition grounds, while Tian Zhu betrayed Hai Donglai and Mofu pulled them into a dark tunnel. The attackers then targeted Chu Tianshu, who confronted Mahalun as the Mountain King arrived.

  • Chu Tianshu used Sanqi to rescue the Viking heir from the iron coffin, while Nie Hongxian and Hai Donglai suspected the Directorate of Construction official had sabotaged the mechanism.
  • Fights erupted across the mountains, and Hai Donglai realized the Dashi Empire had planted agents among the envoys to provoke the clashes.
  • Tian Zhu attacked Nie Hongxian and then Hai Donglai, but Mofu opened a dark tunnel and pulled them underground, where the two fought Hai Donglai together.
  • A Persian swordsman used Saber Intent to deflect Chu Tianshu's attack, then Mahalun arrived and struck at him with a lightning-charged saber.
  • Chu Tianshu met Mahalun's blow with Sanqi and challenged his assumption that Hai Donglai was harder to kill.

Ch. 481Mighty Fists and Monstrous Strength Throw the Spirits into Turmoil, the Divine Sword Cuts Down Mountains and Extinguishes Water

Chu Tianshu fought Mahalun and the transformed Mountain King on the mountaintop, using his sword and martial arts to counter their attacks. As Mountain King trapped him inside a shrinking hall and Mahalun waited outside, Chu Tianshu unified his sword, saber, and palm techniques and prepared a decisive divine sword strike.

  • Chu Tianshu and Mahalun clashed blades, and Chu Tianshu struck Mahalun with a fiery burst that sent him flying through the wind and dust.
  • Chu Tianshu swept Nie Hongxian off the mountain and ordered her to destroy the locusts while he faced Mountain King.
  • Mountain King struck Chu Tianshu with both palms, forcing him backward into the hall, then used his Mountain-Moving and Shape-Molding Fist to compress the building around him.
  • Mahalun returned to the hall doors, ready to attack as soon as Chu Tianshu escaped Mountain King's technique.
  • Chu Tianshu linked his sword, saber, and Palm Thunder arts, spun his divine sword around himself, and gathered his strength for a strike to cleave the mountain and extinguish the water.
Arc 19 of 27
Arc 19 of 27