Chapter Summaries

The “immortal” revealed its true form and overwhelmed the experts in Demon-Subduing City, but Chan Master Bukong and Martial Aunt Tiangu joined the battle. The immortal was struck down by the Ascension Platform’s remaining power as Bai Ningjie learned Yun Shuo had secretly prepared for their arrival and charged back into the fight.

• The “immortal” absorbed countless destinies and karmic ties, restoring its body and alerting powerful figures across the realm.
• The immortal shattered Yun Shuo’s formations, froze Bai Ningjie’s sword, and destroyed Zhen’ezi’s and Mingting’s spirit forms before entering Zhang Zhixian’s heavenly palace.
• Chan Master Bukong appeared in the form of two vast Buddhas and attacked the immortal with the Emptiness-Bliss Great Mudra.
• Martial Aunt Tiangu’s strike transformed the Ascension Platform’s remaining power into a sword shadow that blasted the immortal downward.
• Bai Ningjie realized Yun Shuo had arranged for Bukong and Tiangu to intervene, confronted him for keeping it secret, and charged at the immortal.

Hu Mang entered a state of comprehension after defeating the Thunder God and developed a new spear technique, Tribulation Breaking, that let him channel tribulation through his body and weapon. He wondered whether the insight was his own or came from the strange female voice, then looked up and saw that the battle above Demon-Subduing City was still raging.

• Daoist Yun Shuo identified Hu Mang as the outsider whose actions had disrupted the immortal’s scheme, while Tiangu, Martial Aunt Tiangu, and Bai Ningjie continued attacking the weakened immortal.
• Hu Mang repeatedly analyzed the previous Devil-Subduing Heavenly Soldier’s spear techniques, trying to understand how their second half had developed.
• The Dragon Eye showed Hu Mang a strange dragon consuming the patterns of tribulation, and a female voice gave him revised instructions on breaking tribulation with his body and weapon.
• Hu Mang combined devil-subduing principles, methods from On Tribulation Dao Qi Meridians, spear techniques, and divine-office development to create Tribulation Breaking.
• Hu Mang realized Tribulation Breaking required him to master tribulations, wondered whether the female voice had guided him, and looked up after hearing the battle overhead.

Hu Mang watched the female immortal fall after Bai Ningjie and several powerful fighters overwhelmed her, then intercepted Mingting as he rushed for the immortal legacy. Hu Mang seized the glowing fragment and escaped into the thunderclouds just before more powerful figures arrived.

• Hu Mang recognized the restored female immortal and realized she had created the Five Thunder God avatars using the female Thunder God's body.
• Bai Ningjie and the others trapped the female immortal; the Old Devil, Tiangu, and the two sword users helped break her defenses, and the executioner's blade severed her hand.
• The female immortal fell, and a fragment glowing with pure yang immortal light shot into the sky as Zhen'ezi, Mingting, Daoist Yun Shuo, Rogue Person Yunxiu, and Immortal Guest Zhenxia rushed toward it.
• Hu Mang blocked Mingting with a tribulation spear thrust that severed his arm, while Mingting escaped using the Blood Sacrifice Thunder Escape Technique.
• Hu Mang caught the glowing fragment, poured his remaining thunder power into it, and vanished into the clouds as terrifying presences descended upon the domain.

Hu Mang returned to Zhongshan Holy Land and learned his mother wanted him to come to Pine Mountain to receive belongings left by Xie Xianyu, though he suspected a blind date scheme. As his body and Divine Sense continued to grow stronger while he slept, he saw that Electronic Wooden Fish had been acquired for 50 million by Divine Communication.

• Hu Mang spoke with Uncle Ma about his completed construction project and his upcoming trip to Pine Mountain to fetch his mother.
• Mama Hu called to marvel at Hu Mang's recovery and insisted he visit Pine Mountain to receive things Xie Xianyu had left behind.
• Hu Mang avoided explaining his worsening soul and bodily heat, which he suspected came from his brief time as Thunder God and was advancing his cultivation.
• Hu Mang slept for another day, then messaged Gu Yunshu to ask about forming a high-grade Golden Core.
• Hu Mang saw a headline saying Divine Communication had acquired Electronic Wooden Fish for 50 million and reacted in shock.

Hu Mang learned that Electronic Wooden Fish had been acquired for 50 million, but discovered he had no agreement entitling him to any of the money. After deleting the app and moving on, he called back a missed call to Wang Zeyu, who was overseeing the final debugging of a project at the Mystic Shield Sect.

• Hu Mang watched a report explaining Electronic Wooden Fish’s acquisition and learned that its Lesser Bodhi feature had made the app valuable.
• Hu Mang tested Lesser Bodhi and realized its effects were weaker than his own cultivation because it lacked Buddhist merit evolution.
• Hu Mang asked his artificial-intelligence father whether they had signed an agreement and learned they had not, leaving him with no share of the acquisition money.
• Hu Mang deleted Electronic Wooden Fish, then returned a missed call from an unknown number.
• A receptionist brought Wang Zeyu his phone while he supervised the final debugging of a talisman-programming project, and Wang went to a neighboring office to answer the call.

Hu Mang learned that the Electronic Wooden Fish’s Bodhi Heart Method could be worth far more than its sale price and revealed that he had created and adapted it himself. After agreeing to visit Wang Zeyu’s company, he examined the cultivation methods and Buddhist artifacts he had brought back from Demon-Subduing City and considered making an app to help people abstain from lust.

• Wang Zeyu explained that the Divine Message Group had bought the Electronic Wooden Fish and that its Lesser Bodhi feature could be worth hundreds of millions as part of a Spirit Network ecosystem.
• Hu Mang told Wang Zeyu that he had supplied the Nine-Character Great Hand Seal and adapted it into the Electronic Wooden Fish’s Bodhi Heart Method.
• Wang Zeyu’s boss invited Hu Mang to visit the company and discuss helping him defend his rights.
• Hu Mang entered his cultivation room and reviewed the cultivation methods he had gained while competing for the position of Thunder God.
• Hu Mang emptied Jingtu’s Storage Bag, found a Wisdom King Aizen method among the Buddhist artifacts, and wondered whether he could make a Divine Sense app for abstaining from lust.

Hu Mang studied the Abstinence Wisdom King method, decided not to pursue its extreme cultivation route, and began assessing the Daoist and immortal treasures he had obtained. After opening a jade box containing a severed female immortal’s hand, he reflected on how his interference had changed the battle in Demon-Subduing City and left the immortal exposed.

• Hu Mang examined Wisdom King Aizen’s cultivation method and resolved to cultivate it without using the Rotten Bones Great Method or discussing it with his conveniently acquired father.
• Hu Mang planned to wear down the Divine Sense seal on Daoist Xuanyin’s Storage Bag, expecting his Golden Core-level Divine Sense to make the process much faster.
• Hu Mang opened a warm-jade box and endured the pressure from the severed hand of a female immortal by activating his Heavenly Eye.
• Hu Mang recognized the hand as the one Dao Ying had cut off with the executioner’s saber during the battle of immortals.
• Hu Mang considered how events in Demon-Subduing City might have unfolded without him and concluded that his interference had forced the immortal to emerge, leaving him to decide what to do with her hand.

Hu Mang kept the immortal's body secret and headed to Zhong Mountain for work, where he explored the holy land's abundant Spiritual Qi and received his work badge from Wang Zeyu. The chapter left him entering the Mystic Shield Sect and noticing its intelligent mechanical guards.

• Hu Mang decided to study the immortal's body privately, gave his dad two Lightning Crystals, and left home after reminding him not to open the door to strangers.
• Hu Mang rode a public flood dragon bus to Zhongshan Holy Land's core business district and found little useful information about the software acquisition online.
• Hu Mang scanned the district's Rosy Radiance Grade Spiritual Qi and used Unity of Heaven and Man to absorb a particularly concentrated clump.
• Wang Zeyu greeted Hu Mang and gave him a work badge talisman and a blank one for entering the sect.
• Hu Mang entered the Mystic Shield Sect with little interference from its formations and saw two intelligent steam-powered mechanical puppets guarding the entrance.

Hu Mang visited the Mystic Shield Sect in Zhong Mountain and explained how the Electronic Wooden Fish company had used his Buddhist cultivation method. Sister Yu asked about the method’s registration and any agreements, and Hu Mang admitted there were none.

• Hu Mang recalled moving to Zhong Mountain as a child and said the bronze steam-mechanical guards reminded him of his hometown, Pine Mountain.
• Hu Mang detected level 77 Spiritual Qi in the Mystic Shield Sect and listened as Wang Zeyu explained the company’s firewall work for individual cultivators.
• Wang Zeyu introduced Hu Mang to Sister Yu, who led him into a meeting room to discuss the Electronic Wooden Fish company’s cultivation software.
• Hu Mang said he had completed a Buddhist cultivation method from an overseas fragment and that the company had used his cultivation data without his permission.
• Sister Yu learned that Hu Mang had not registered the method with Heavenly Gate and had signed no contracts or oaths, leaving no other witnesses to the collaboration.

Hu Mang declined to fight over the profits from his Cultivation Method data, but his Golden Core-level Demon-Subduing True Intention impressed Sister Yu. Their discussion of the method was interrupted by the arrival of Huang Liang, the company’s inner demon firewall developer.

• Hu Mang said he would not force his way into sharing the profits made from the cultivation data.
• Sister Yu’s office defenses clashed with Hu Mang’s Demon-Subduing True Intention, and Wang Zeyu realized Hu Mang’s strength had reached the Golden Core level.
• Hu Mang explained that the Bodhi State of Mind came from the Chan School Great Hand Seal and might incorporate a Daoist Demon-Subduing True Intention.
• Sister Yu asked whether Hu Mang had the source code for the method and whether the other party would struggle to deduce it.
• Huang Liang rushed into the office after the inner demon defenses activated, and Sister Yu introduced him to Hu Mang.

Hu Mang heard Sister Yu explain why her company wanted his help against Divine Sense Group, then toured the workplace with Wang Zeyu and tried Divine Sense Programming. He remained noncommittal about helping, but discovered that the programming system let him assemble a virtual Heart-Cleansing Talisman with his Divine Sense.

• Sister Yu showed Hu Mang that Divine Sense planned to release ten free cultivation method programs, five of which competed with her company's planned paid products, and offered to pay him twice whatever he earned from a lawsuit settlement.
• Wang Zeyu vouched for Sister Yu and Huang Liang, but Hu Mang avoided answering and asked to see the workplace instead.
• After Hu Mang and Wang Zeyu left, Huang Liang and Sister Yu discussed how Hu Mang had noticed their attempt to recruit him and speculated about why he would not sell his Bodhi Heart Method updates directly to Divine Sense Group.
• Wang Zeyu toured Hu Mang through the workplace and let him try Divine Sense Programming.
• Hu Mang used his Divine Sense to combine three rune units into a virtual Heart-Cleansing Talisman, which still needed Spiritual Qi and network feedback to activate.

Hu Mang visited Huang Liang’s testing center and learned that its Devil Entry Software used simulated inner and external devils. He proposed using a devil-path State of Mind to suppress heart fire during cultivation, then demonstrated the Mysterious Yin Devil Moon to Huang Liang and Wang Zeyu.

• Hu Mang agreed to inspect Huang Liang’s testing center after Wang Zeyu explained that Huang Liang was in charge.
• Huang Liang led Hu Mang and Wang Zeyu to the testing center and explained that a simulator generated standardized devilish thoughts using Spirit Network viruses.
• Hu Mang proposed using a State of Mind from a top-tier devil-path mental cultivation method to suppress inner devils and heart fire.
• Huang Liang and Wang Zeyu questioned whether devil cultivation required a State of Mind, and Hu Mang illuminated them with the Mysterious Yin Devil Moon.

Huang Liang and Sister Yu considered how to pursue a deal with Hu Mang over his demonic-deviation software, while Hu Mang met Duanmu Ming and Professor Duanmu Cheng. Professor Duanmu explained that the “Return to the Ruins” was an unproven archaeological theory about a great tribulation guided by ten ancient immortals.

• Huang Liang told Sister Yu that the mysterious visitor had left after Wang Zeyu saw him off, and they discussed persuading their sect’s senior figures to support a deal with Hu Mang.
• Huang Liang reminded Sister Yu that Hu Mang still needed to agree to work with them and that they had not settled the Electronic Wooden Fish dispute or its compensation.
• Hu Mang left before dining with the Mystic Shield Sect because Duanmu Ming had sent a distress message, and Hu Mang also had other obligations before his mother’s arrival.
• Hu Mang reunited with Duanmu Ming and Professor Duanmu Cheng, lifted the boy and gave him spicy strips, then waited while Professor Duanmu studied the ancient booklet.
• Hu Mang asked Professor Duanmu about the booklet’s reference to the Return to the Ruins, and Professor Duanmu said it was an unproven archaeological theory about a great tribulation guided by ten immortals of High Antiquity.

Professor Duanmu explained that ancient records and the possibility of innate acupoints fueled debate over whether survivors of High Antiquity existed. Back home, Hu Mang wondered if humanity came from another planet, then discovered his “free dad” wanted to travel with him and could use Ghost Makeup to appear alive.

• Professor Duanmu told Hu Mang that the Ten Lords’ titles came from the five immortals and five creatures of High Antiquity.
• Professor Duanmu explained how Turbid Qi could block acupoints and argued that innate acupoints might indicate inherited High Antiquity bloodlines.
• Hu Mang returned home, packed his clothes, and wondered whether people descended from the ancient immortals and creatures had migrated from another planet.
• Hu Mang’s “free dad” told him he wanted to take the 9:30 flight to Pine Mountain with him.
• Hu Mang’s “free dad” transformed his appearance with Ghost Makeup, leaving Hu Mang astonished that he could use the technique.

Hu Mang learned that the Devil Liberation method could let him replace bones with part of an immortal’s body, but the plan required three Devil Meridians and the highest grade of Corpse Liberation. He arranged to pursue the sword art needed for that liberation and left Doctor Sun with a drawing that revealed clues about innate acupoints.

• Hu Mang agreed to bring Xie Xianyu along and heard that his cheap dad had developed the Devil Liberation concept.
• Hu Mang’s cheap dad estimated that the bone-replacement plan had a 21% chance of success, rising to 34% if two additional quantities were established.
• Hu Mang learned he needed three Devil Meridians and the highest grade of Corpse Liberation, which required a sword art with about 92% compatibility.
• Hu Mang arranged to meet someone in the north who could help with Sword Liberation, then suspected his cheap dad had withheld the information until asked.
• Doctor Sun recognized that Hu Mang’s drawing resembled the visible state of innate acupoints, while another man at the airport examined a staff member in surprise.

Hu Mang switched to a private flight and joined Xiao Hu on his customized flying sword, which accelerated to extreme speed without upsetting him. Xiao Hu noticed Hu Mang’s composure and recognized him as a second-generation member of the Flying Sword Gang.

• Hu Mang learned that private flights required inspections of cultivators, flying Spirit Artifacts, and passengers, then changed from a public route to a private one.
• Hu Mang noticed Xiao Hu’s dyed white hair and realized his interest lay in modifying flying swords.
• Xiao Hu summoned his customized azure flying sword, and Hu Mang boarded behind him.
• Xiao Hu accelerated until Sword Qi Thunder Sound and blurred scenery surrounded them, but Hu Mang remained calm.
• Xiao Hu asked whether Hu Mang had cultivated a mind-related method, and Hu Mang asked if Xiao Hu belonged to the Flying Sword Gang.
• Xiao Hu recognized Hu Mang as a second-generation member of the Flying Sword Gang.

Hu Mang traveled from Zhong Mountain to Demon Metropolis with Xiao Hu and reached a sword cultivation training center in Peace District. There, Gu Yunshu met a familiar challenger wielding a heavy spear, and their clash activated the floor’s spirit-suppressing runes.

• Hu Mang discussed Golden Core modifications and swordsmanship Compatibility with Xiao Hu, who hoped to reach 70% Compatibility or someday use a flying sword with Sword Realm built in.
• Xiao Hu flew Hu Mang to Demon Metropolis Skyline Airport and left to take jobs and visit local sword friends.
• Hu Mang arrived at a sword dao cultivation training center in Peace District, where students trained and staff handled classes, equipment, and assessments.
• Gu Yunshu prepared a heavy refined-iron spear for a familiar male challenger, and their weapons met in a clash that triggered the floor’s spirit-suppressing runes.

Gu Yunshu and Hu Mang fought a fierce duel, each using their weapon and martial skill to answer the other’s attacks. Their final clash shattered both weapons and the floor’s spirit-suppressing runes, leaving them alive and trading jokes.

• Hu Mang attacked Gu Yunshu with three successive spear techniques, and Gu Yunshu evaded or deflected the first two before revealing an opening in his Sword Domain.
• Hu Mang seized the opening and unleashed a new spear strike, prompting Gu Yunshu to abandon his gentle manner and meet it with a sword thrust.
• The spear and sword collided, shattering the spirit-suppressing runes across the floor and breaking both weapons.
• Gu Yunshu regretted not bringing Listening to the Tide, while Hu Mang laughed, discarded his broken spear, and teased Gu Yunshu about his looks.

Hu Mang met Gu Yunshu in Demon Metropolis, sensed Gu Yunshu’s sword technique, and learned that he had developed Golden Nature. Gu Yunshu gave Hu Mang a notebook about condensing a complete Golden Nature, while Hu Mang arranged a gathering with his brothers that evening.

• Hu Mang and Gu Yunshu discussed their friendship and agreed to meet Hu Mang’s Fourth Brother in Demon Metropolis.
• Hu Mang sensed Gu Yunshu’s One Sword Breaks Ten Thousand Laws and recognized that Gu Yunshu was showing less than its full strength.
• Gu Yunshu realized Hu Mang had comprehended Golden Nature and explained its importance to advancing beyond an Industrial Golden Core.
• Gu Yunshu gave Hu Mang a notebook containing his insights from condensing a Golden Core six times.
• Hu Mang’s Fourth Brother agreed to attend the gathering, joked about bringing his mother-in-law to meet male college students, and exchanged banter with Third Brother.

Hu Mang gave Gu Yunshu the Corpse Liberation Book, and Gu Yunshu explained several paths to attaining a high-grade Golden Core. Hu Mang then joined Wen Fan and the others, where talk turned to Wen Fan’s wealthy in-laws and potential matchmaking.

• Hu Mang told Gu Yunshu he had found the Corpse Liberation Book in Shen Yan’s tomb overseas, and Gu Yunshu recognized its value.
• Gu Yunshu explained that cultivators could pursue high-grade Golden Cores through major sects or the Heavenly Gate civil service system, though each path carried risks or obligations.
• Bai Rui asked about Hu Mang’s spear technique and Compatibility, and Gu Yunshu estimated that Hu Mang’s Compatibility was above 80%.
• Hu Mang and Gu Yunshu joined Wen Fan and the others, and they learned that Wen Fan’s mother-in-law was a wealthy Nascent Soul cultivator with two unmarried daughters.
• Wen Fan offered to introduce the daughters to Hu Mang and Gu Yunshu, and then greeted the nearby “convenient dad.”