Danmei Recap
Danmei Novels Recap
by @queenslovebooks
Danmei Recap Home / Seven Seas Menu
Danmei Recap
Danmei Novels Recap
by @queenslovebooks
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi
Wei Wuxian, once a powerful figure in the cultivation world, dies following a battle at the Burial Mound, sparking widespread discussions and relief among cultivators who believe his death is well-deserved for his descent into demonic cultivation. Despite his death, fear lingers that his soul might return to wreak havoc, but peace remains for thirteen years. However, Wei Wuxian is resurrected into the body of Mo Xuanyu, a disgraced disciple who performed a sacrificial ritual for revenge. As he adapts to his new identity, Wei Wuxian wreaks havoc on the Mo family, encounters an evil spirit, and ultimately meets Lan Wangji, his former rival, who arrives just in time to subdue the spirit.As Wei Wuxian continues his journey in Mo Xuanyu's body, he confronts various dangers, including a soul-eating fiend and a mysterious dismembered corpse connected to his past. Alongside Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian investigates disturbances at Mount Dafan, fights spirits, and narrowly avoids confrontations with familiar figures from his past, including Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling. Lan Wangji repeatedly intervenes to prevent conflicts, and the duo embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets behind the dismembered corpse, encountering numerous challenges and allies along the way.Wei Wuxian's dynamic with Lan Wangji evolves as they travel together, investigating a dangerous ghost arm and dismembered body parts that lead them to a burial site filled with corpses. Their investigation uncovers connections to powerful clans, including the Nie and Jin clans, and the sinister practices that keep resentment at bay. Along the way, Lan Wangji's uncharacteristic moments of vulnerability and Wei Wuxian's playful demeanor add depth to their relationship, while they continue their quest to solve the mystery behind the scattered corpse and its connection to Wei Wuxian's turbulent past.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji arrive at the eerie and fog-covered Yi City, known for its funerary crafts and short-lived residents. They discover an abandoned city where unsettling encounters, including living corpses and paper effigies, create a tense atmosphere. They meet a group of juniors who have also been led to the city, likely manipulated by someone connected to the Yin Tiger Tally. Seeking refuge in a house filled with lifelike effigies, the group realizes they are trapped in a dangerous maze, stalked by supernatural entities.Inside the house, they encounter Xiao Xingchen, who is severely injured and poisoned. As walking corpses close in on them, Wei Wuxian animates paper effigies to fight off the attackers. However, the situation escalates when Song Lan, a fierce corpse controlled by black nails, attacks the group. Through Inquiry and Empathy, Wei Wuxian uncovers the tragic story of Xiao Xingchen, manipulated by Xue Yang into killing his friend, Song Lan, and ultimately taking his own life in despair. A-Qing, a blind girl who tried to warn Xiao Xingchen, also meets a tragic end at Xue Yang's hands.Xue Yang, revealed to be impersonating Xiao Xingchen, battles Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji in Yi City, but is eventually overpowered. With the help of Wen Ning and A-Qing’s phantom, they defeat Xue Yang, although he escapes with the aid of a mysterious figure. After discovering Xiao Xingchen’s body and learning the extent of Xue Yang’s manipulations, the group reflects on the tragic fates of Xiao Xingchen and A-Qing, while Song Lan vows to continue exorcising evil in their memory.
Wei Wuxian awakes in Lotus Pier, rescued by Jiang Cheng after their narrow escape. He reconnects with Jiang Yanli during his recovery, learning that the Wen Clan falsely claimed credit for slaying the Xuanwu of Slaughter. Tensions rise when Wen Chao's subordinate, Wang Lingjiao, demands punishment for Wei Wuxian, leading to a fierce battle between Madam Yu and Wen Zhuliu, the Core-Melting Hand. Madam Yu sacrifices herself to ensure Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian's escape, as they flee Lotus Pier devastated by the loss of their parents.Upon returning to Lotus Pier, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng discover the Wen Clan has taken control and that their family is dead. Overcome with grief and anger, Jiang Cheng lashes out at Wei Wuxian, blaming him for their misfortune, though they eventually grieve together. The two attempt to flee, but Jiang Cheng is captured and tortured, with his golden core destroyed by Wen Zhuliu. With Wen Ning's unexpected help, Wei Wuxian rescues Jiang Cheng, and they seek a way to restore his cultivation, leading them to Baoshan-sanren, while Wei Wuxian is ambushed and thrown into the cursed Burial Mounds by the Wen Clan.After surviving the Burial Mounds, Wei Wuxian reappears with a darker, more sinister demeanor, shocking Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng. Now using nefarious cultivation techniques, Wei Wuxian exacts brutal revenge on Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu, torturing them to death. Though his methods cause concern for Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian dismisses warnings about the dangers of his new path, choosing instead to focus on vengeance. The chapter ends with Wei Wuxian standing firm in his choices, while his relationships with Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng grow increasingly strained due to his unorthodox methods.
Lan Wangji confides in Lan Xichen about wanting to hide someone away in the Cloud Recesses, but his plans are interrupted by Jin Zixun’s drunken antics during a banquet. Wei Wuxian arrives, confronts Jin Zixun about capturing Wen Clan survivors, and forces him to reveal their location. Wei Wuxian and Wen Qing rush to Qiongqi Path, where they find the Wen captives in hard labor and Wen Ning dead, now a fierce corpse. Enraged, Wei Wuxian commands Wen Ning to kill the overseers, rescuing the survivors and leading them to safety with A-Yuan in tow.At a large gathering of cultivators, the clans discuss Wei Wuxian’s actions and the growing fear of his control over fierce corpses. Jiang Cheng, under pressure, decides to confront Wei Wuxian at the Burial Mounds, where he finds him protecting the Wen survivors. They argue over the repercussions of sheltering the Wen remnants, leading to a bitter duel between them. After the fight, Jiang Cheng publicly denounces Wei Wuxian, severing ties between him and the Jiang Clan as Wei Wuxian continues to protect the Wens.Months pass as Wei Wuxian lives peacefully at the Burial Mounds, taking care of A-Yuan and dealing with fierce corpses. Lan Wangji visits, and the two share a meal before trouble at the Burial Mounds forces them to subdue Wen Ning, who goes berserk. They bond over their shared concerns for the Wen survivors, but Wei Wuxian's growing reputation as a demonic cultivator attracts unwanted attention. Meanwhile, the cultivation world grows increasingly wary of Wei Wuxian's power, and Jiang Yanli’s wedding to Jin Zixuan brings mixed emotions, as Wei Wuxian reflects on his relationship with the Jiang siblings and his uncertain future.
Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning arrived at the Guanyin Temple, where they discovered a special barrier and encountered Lan Xichen. Wei Wuxian was forced to reveal himself and was captured by Jin Guangyao, who manipulated Lan Wangji into sealing his spiritual powers. As tensions rose, Wei Wuxian confessed his feelings for Lan Wangji, distracting Jin Guangyao. Jiang Cheng arrived, but Jin Guangyao's schemes continued, revealing deep secrets and reigniting conflicts. The emotional confrontation between Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian led to a moment of reconciliation amidst their lingering pain, while Jin Guangyao unearthed something sinister behind the temple.As Jin Guangyao unearthed a coffin, it was discovered to be empty and booby-trapped with poison, raising suspicions of interference from an unknown figure. Wei Wuxian and the others confronted Jin Guangyao and Su She, ultimately revealing that Su She was responsible for cursing Jin Zixun, leading to the tragic events of the Qiongqi Path Ambush. Chaos ensued as Nie Mingjue’s fierce corpse arrived at the temple, attacking Jin Guangyao. With help from Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, the group subdued Nie Mingjue, and Jin Guangyao was killed by the vengeful corpse, leaving the cultivators to deal with the aftermath of his crimes.In the aftermath of Jin Guangyao’s death, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji reflected on the events, with Wei Wuxian reuniting with Lan Sizhui, who revealed his true identity as Wen Yuan. Emotional moments followed as Wen Ning and Sizhui departed to bury their family's ashes. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji embraced their future together, solidifying their bond. As they wandered through Yunmeng and dealt with various hauntings, their relationship deepened with playful banter and moments of intimacy, leading them to a peaceful future of love and adventure together.
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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu
Xie Lian, once the revered crown prince of the prosperous Xianle kingdom, ascends to the heavens at 17 but is eventually cast down twice after his kingdom falls and his divine interventions backfire. Despite becoming a figure of ridicule, he ascends a third time, only to be met with sarcasm and immense debt. Assigned a mission involving missing brides near Mount Yujun, he partners with two reluctant subordinates, Nan Feng and Fu Yao. Disguised as a bride, Xie Lian discovers a ghost bride named Xuan Ji is behind the disappearances, driven by her unrequited love and betrayal by General Pei. The mission ends in tragedy when Xiao-Ying, a kind village girl, dies, and Xuan Ji is arrested and sealed away.Xie Lian returns to the mortal realm and sets up a small shrine in Puqi Village, where he meets San Lang, a mysterious red-clad youth with vast knowledge and unshakable confidence. As they grow closer, Xie Lian begins to suspect San Lang’s true identity, especially when he effortlessly defeats a skin puppet and fends off spirits during the Ghost Festival. Their bond deepens during a mission to Banyue Pass, where they uncover a deadly scheme involving the ghost of the Banyue state preceptor and Pei Xiu, a corrupt heavenly official. San Lang reveals himself to be the feared ghost king, Hua Cheng—Crimson Rain Sought Flower—one of the Four Great Calamities, who had been protecting and guiding Xie Lian all along.After confronting past betrayals and uncovering the truth about Banyue's downfall, Xie Lian chooses empathy and redemption over vengeance. He realizes that despite his many failures and losses, his compassion still sets him apart. Hua Cheng, impressed by Xie Lian’s resilience and sincerity, leaves him a crystal ring—a promise and token of loyalty—before vanishing. Xie Lian, touched and intrigued, reflects on the strange warmth growing between them, unsure of what lies ahead but comforted by the connection they’ve formed. The volume ends with lingering mystery and emotional resonance, setting the stage for a deeper relationship and further divine entanglements.
After the Banyue mission, Xie Lian is summoned to the Heavenly Realm where he’s accused of being manipulated by Hua Cheng, the feared Ghost King. Despite the suspicion, Xie Lian is sent to Ghost City with Wind Master Shi Qingxuan to investigate a distress signal. They discover the city is ruled by Hua Cheng himself, who treats Xie Lian with clear affection. When Crown Prince Lang Qianqiu bursts in to stop a cruel gambling act, chaos erupts. Xie Lian’s presence and Hua Cheng’s overt favoritism spark rumors, while Xie Lian quietly begins to uncover that the signal is connected to a missing Heavenly Official and a deeper mystery under Paradise Manor.Xie Lian and his allies discover Ming Yi, the Earth Master, secretly imprisoned beneath the manor. They flee after a massive fight with Hua Cheng, inadvertently burning down much of his estate. Back in the Heavenly realm, Lang Qianqiu publicly accuses Xie Lian of being Fangxin, the State Preceptor of Yong’an who massacred the royal family at the Gilded Banquet. Xie Lian confesses and requests banishment, but Jun Wu delays judgment. Later, Hua Cheng dramatically storms the heaven to retrieve Xie Lian, showing intense emotional reactions to his injuries. The two escape, and Xie Lian reflects on his tragic past, especially his bond with Lang Qianqiu, whom he once mentored before slaughtering his family for justice.Their journey leads them to Qi Rong, a grotesque, cannibalistic ghost and Xie Lian’s cousin, who reveals twisted truths about Prince An Le’s death and the banquet massacre. Lang Qianqiu executes Qi Rong’s clone in a rage, but is left shaken. The story spirals into emotional devastation as Xie Lian takes responsibility for everything, struggling with guilt, justice, and the loss of ideals. Hua Cheng comforts him, reaffirming his trust. In a tragic twist, Xie Lian discovers his mother’s desecrated tomb and is confronted again by Qi Rong, escalating the emotional stakes. Despite heartbreak, Xie Lian continues to choose kindness and defiance against corrupt systems, drawing both admiration and tragedy.
Xie Lian’s journey into the past begins with Yong’an’s devastating drought. After meeting Lang Ying, a starving man carrying his dead child, Xie Lian learns how deeply the kingdom has failed its people. He witnesses firsthand the corruption and classism that silenced their cries for help. In an act of defiance, he uses the Rain Master’s hat to bring water to Yong’an, but the effort is unsustainable. Tensions explode as refugees clash with the capital’s citizens, culminating in tragic deaths at the city gates. As rebellion brews, Human Face Disease—a grotesque plague born of sorrow and resentment—spreads, and Xie Lian is accused of giving false hope. Powerless to stop the collapse, he’s mentally and physically broken when his divine statue crumbles during an outbreak, marking the fall of both the Crown Prince and the kingdom of Xianle.War ignites as the Yong’an rebellion, led by Lang Ying, becomes an organized force. Xie Lian descends again to stop the violence, slaughtering thousands in a single battle and earning the blind trust of his people—who begin calling him a living god. But he feels hollow, slowly losing reverence for life. Amid eerie battles and the growing mystery of a masked figure who resembles his younger self, Xie Lian resists the temptation to curse Yong’an in return. The conflict crescendos when his attempts to stop the Human Face Disease fail, and the people turn on him. Overwhelmed, he falls from the city walls, physically breaking for the first time, symbolizing the shattering of his ideals and divine status. He is recalled to Heaven, disgraced, with his temples desecrated and faith nearly extinguished.In the present, Xie Lian lives quietly at Puqi Shrine with Guzi, Qi Rong, and Lang Ying. But when a pregnant woman becomes possessed by an evil spirit, Xie Lian is forced back into action. During an exorcism, he’s nearly overwhelmed until he is saved—kissed underwater—by Hua Cheng, who reveals himself in his full adult form. Their relationship deepens in Ghost City, where Hua Cheng gently tends to Xie Lian’s wounds and reveals he built the Thousand Lights Temple in his honor. Amid banter, vulnerability, and poetic moments, Xie Lian finds comfort and validation. Though haunted by past failure, the connection with Hua Cheng gives him new warmth and quiet hope.
Xie Lian and his allies are dragged into a terrifying investigation when the group’s teleportation is hijacked and they end up in Fu Gu Town, where they witness the grotesque Bloody Fire Social. The performance reveals a local legend: Scholar He, a man whose life was ruined by injustice and who later became the vengeful ghost Reverend of Empty Words. As the Reverend begins to mentally and spiritually torment Wind Master Shi Qingxuan, it’s revealed that his ascension was the result of a cruel fate transfer orchestrated by his brother, Shi Wudu, who sacrificed Scholar He to change Qingxuan’s destiny. This stolen fate drove Scholar He into madness and mass murder, and now he returns for revenge.Amid the chaos, it’s discovered that Earth Master Ming Yi has long been dead and was replaced by He Xuan—Ship-Sinking Black Water, one of the Four Calamities—who used his false identity to infiltrate Heaven and manipulate events. After a tense confrontation, He Xuan murders Shi Wudu in front of a devastated Shi Qingxuan, who loses his powers and his will to live. Meanwhile, Xie Lian’s relationship with Hua Cheng intensifies—marked by intimate moments, emotional vulnerability, and a spiritual breakdown that results in a passionate night between them. Despite their closeness, Xie Lian fears his feelings are too transparent and distances himself, unsure of how to handle the depth of their bond.Xie Lian is then sent on a mission with Quan Yizhen to locate the cursed Brocade Immortal, a blood-soaked robe that can control its wearer. Alongside Lang Ying, they discover that numerous counterfeit robes are being sold, and that the true Brocade Immortal is still at large. They uncover its tragic origin—a mentally disabled man tricked into mutilating himself out of misguided love—and realize the real threat is likely tied to unresolved grief and manipulation. As Mount Tonglu reopens, signaling the rise of another Supreme Ghost King, divine and ghostly powers clash again, and Xie Lian is once more drawn into a storm of corruption, vengeance, and buried secrets.
As Xie Lian and Hua Cheng journey deeper into Mount Tonglu, chaos erupts across the realms. Ling Wen escapes in the cursed Brocade Immortal robe, severing communication with the Upper Court. Hua Cheng temporarily loses his adult form due to ghost energy backlash, becoming a child while Xie Lian protects and comforts him. They flee from exorcists and hide in a ghost-run inn, which collapses after Hua Cheng kicks down an illusionary gold palace. In the ensuing brawl, Mu Qing is accused of evil cultivation, Jian Lan is revealed to be Lady Jian Lan from Xianle, and the fetus spirit Cuocuo is confirmed to be Feng Xin’s son. Amid confrontations, Jian Lan flees with the child, and Xie Lian, shaken by the web of personal entanglements, continues onward to Mount Tonglu.Inside the deadly mountain, Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, Pei Ming, and others encounter wave after wave of ghostly threats and ancient secrets. They are swallowed by sentient mountain spirits, forcing Hua Cheng to bind himself to Xie Lian with a red thread of fate. Trapped, they uncover haunting truths: Yin Yu once gave the cursed Brocade Immortal to Quan Yizhen, sparking tragedy, and Ling Wen is possessed by Bai Jing, the robe’s ghostly spirit. Pei Ming is wounded by his former sword-spirit Rong Guang, now a vengeful ghost. In the ruins of Wuyong, murals reveal a benevolent Crown Prince who mirrors Xie Lian uncannily—possibly his past life or spiritual twin—who failed to save his people from volcanic destruction. Xie Lian understands ancient Wuyong language without learning it, further deepening suspicions about his connection to the fallen kingdom.As tensions rise, Hua Cheng regains his adult form and rejoins the fight, helping subdue Ling Wen and fend off threats like Xuan Ji and Qi Rong. The Rain Master—revealed to be Queen Yushi—appears, sealing Xuan Ji and feeding the starving group with divine agriculture. Deeper in the mountain, they face shifting temples, ghost ambushes, and disturbing clues about the Wuyong Crown Prince’s fall from worship to ruin. A confrontation with Pei Ming’s resentful sword-spirit reveals painful truths about past betrayals. The group learns that the Kiln of Mount Tonglu—a live volcano—births new Supreme Ghost Kings through death and rebirth. As they approach the final layers, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng are separated from the group by sentient earth, clinging to the red string and each other as more buried truths, spiritual bonds, and ancient prophecies unravel in the shadows.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng find themselves exploring a strange underground chamber filled with veiled statues and eerie murals. The tension builds when Feng Xin and Mu Qing (disguised as Nan Feng and Fu Yao) confront Hua Cheng, unveiling that he has been secretly worshipping Xie Lian for centuries. They accuse Hua Cheng of obsession and madness when murals reveal he was the boy Xie Lian saved long ago, sparking his lifelong devotion. A brutal confrontation follows, ending in Hua Cheng slaughtering the fake Feng Xin and Mu Qing, who are revealed to be blood monsters. Amidst the chaos and emotions, Xie Lian finally acknowledges Hua Cheng’s unwavering feelings with a silent yet profound gesture—he hugs Hua Cheng from behind, offering acceptance and comfort after years of distance and ambiguity.Following that intimate moment, the story spirals into the past were Xie Lian was abducted and tortured by White No-Face. Trapped and stabbed by desperate civilians manipulated by the villain, Xie Lian is pierced over a hundred times without dying, unable to escape. The intense trauma and betrayal from the people he once swore to protect shatter his spirit. The pain births a wrathful ghost fire that incinerates the temple and everyone within. Xie Lian emerges broken and emotionally numb, slowly consumed by bitterness. He dons white funeral robes and a cry-smiling mask, fully embracing the identity of the White-Clothed Calamity, a ghost feared for destruction and plague, and begins to wage war on Yong’an.As the narrative races toward its climax, Xie Lian’s descent is interrupted by a single act of kindness—an ordinary man shielding him from rain with a bamboo hat. This small gesture reignites a spark of hope. Xie Lian kicks away White No-Face and stands up to fight, refusing to surrender to despair. However, he’s still overpowered, and it’s Wuming(Hua Cheng)—who sacrifices himself to absorb the plague in Xie Lian’s place. This final act of love devastates Xie Lian, but also inspires him to reject the darkness. In a cathartic ending, Jun Wu rescues him, and Xie Lian, now humbled and healing, returns to a quiet life. He continues forward with renewed strength and a red flower in hand—a symbol of Hua Cheng’s everlasting love.
Xie Lian becomes trapped in the Kiln, where White No-Face attempts once again to manipulate him by fusing a mask to his face and claiming to be his "teacher." During their confrontation, White No-Face confirms his identity as the Crown Prince of Wuyong and reveals painful truths, including that Lang Ying was the real Yong’an prince infected by Human Face Disease. Just as all hope seems lost, Xie Lian discovers a massive divine statue—crafted in his likeness by Hua Cheng—hidden in the Kiln. Awakening it with spiritual power, he escapes in dramatic fashion, reuniting with Hua Cheng outside. However, White No-Face is not defeated and unleashes the buried souls of Wuyong. A desperate escape on the moving statue through erupting Mount Tonglu leads them into battle against monstrous spirits and curses.The divine statue, powered by the united strength of four martial gods, becomes a last stand against the incoming horde of vengeful spirits. Xie Lian draws power from Hua Cheng through a kiss to keep the statue moving and wielding the gods' combined spiritual sword. Just when victory seems within reach, the statue collapses due to sabotage from within. Jun Wu then arrives and reveals his true identity as White No-Face, throwing the Upper Court into chaos. He imprisons Xie Lian, disables communication, and manipulates the heavenly officials. Meanwhile, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng uncover disturbing truths: Jun Wu was once the Crown Prince of Wuyong who fell from grace, created monsters in the Kiln, and orchestrated countless divine tragedies—including Xie Lian’s downfall—all in hopes of molding him into his twisted heir.As the final battle escalates, Jun Wu attacks the royal capital, targeting the human array protecting it. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng fight back with the restored divine statue, with help from martial gods and even Ghost City citizens. The fiery demonic giant Jun Wu controls clashes with the statue, but is ultimately destroyed after a divine sword forged from the souls of Wuyong’s three fallen generals is delivered from Mount Tonglu. However, Jun Wu escapes to the ruins of Wuyong, where Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, Mu Qing, and the State Preceptor pursue him. Tensions rise as betrayals surface, Mu Qing’s loyalties come into question, and the mysterious fetus spirit reappears. In the final scene, Xie Lian finds a wounded Feng Xin—who urgently shouts for Mu Qing to be seized, revealing a dangerous twist yet to unfold.
Tensions explode between Feng Xin and Mu Qing in the cursed armory beneath Mount Tonglu, accusing each other of betrayal. Xie Lian tries to mediate until Hua Cheng appears, confirming his identity through a private password and exposing Mu Qing’s cursed shackle—evidence of Jun Wu’s coercion. Mu Qing reluctantly confesses his actions during the Heavenly Capital’s chaos, which nearly cost Feng Xin his life. As weapons in the armory come alive, Mu Qing mysteriously vanishes, prompting the group to flee into a lava-flooded labyrinth. In a heart-stopping rescue, Xie Lian risks everything to save Mu Qing from falling to his death, only for White No-Face to drag both of them into the lava. Hua Cheng leaps in after them, setting the stage for a battle in the ancient Heaven-Crossing Bridge.The bridge, a ruined relic from the Kingdom of Wuyong, becomes the site of emotional revelations and harrowing survival. As Mu Qing opens up about his envy and regret, Feng Xin heroically saves him from being consumed by vengeful lava spirits. The trio reunites just in time to witness Hua Cheng battling White No-Face (Jun Wu). The fight escalates with Jun Wu unleashing his full power and aiming for Hua Cheng’s eye. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng fight in flawless unison until Hua Cheng sacrifices himself to shield Xie Lian. When Jun Wu boasts of his invincibility, Hua Cheng pours his soul into Xie Lian, breaking the centuries-old shackles sealing his power. Empowered, Xie Lian lands a decisive blow that shatters Jun Wu’s armor. With his old friend, the State Preceptor, beside him, Jun Wu finally lost—his madness giving way to a moment of human vulnerability.In the bittersweet aftermath, Hua Cheng disappears after exhausting his spirit, leaving behind only a butterfly and a red string. Months pass as Xie Lian quietly rebuilds his shrine and waits faithfully. Eventually, during a festival, Hua Cheng returns—alive and whole—reaffirming their eternal bond. The volume ends with heartwarming and hilarious extras: Xie Lian forgets everything and “meets” Hua Cheng again during amnesia, they chase down a rogue statue with indecent urges, and Xie Lian tries to plan the perfect birthday for Hua Cheng. Through laughter, pain, and devotion, the final volume celebrates love that transcends lifetimes, anchored by the promise: “I am forever your most devoted believer.”
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The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong
Luo Binghe, born of a demon father and human mother, endured a life of poverty and abuse before being taken in by the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, where he was cruelly treated by his master, Shen Qingqiu. During the Immortal Alliance Conference, Shen Qingqiu's schemes led to Luo Binghe's fall into the Endless Abyss. There, Luo Binghe unlocked his demonic powers, gained the mystical blade Xin Mo, and returned to take revenge, eventually rising as the Saintly Ruler of the Demon Realm. Meanwhile, Shen Yuan, a modern reader who despised the novel's poor writing, transmigrated into the body of Shen Qingqiu, determined to avoid his gruesome fate at the hands of Luo Binghe. However, bound by a System that penalizes him for acting out of character (OOC), Shen Qingqiu struggled to balance staying in character while secretly helping Luo Binghe.As Shen Qingqiu navigates his new life, he remains wary of the System’s restrictions, trying to gather B-Points and avoid triggering Luo Binghe’s wrath. Despite his attempts to stay in character, Shen Qingqiu subtly aids Luo Binghe, healing him from a demonic encounter, intervening in bullying incidents, and giving him a proper cultivation manual. As they embark on a mission to Shuang Hu City to combat the Skinner Demon, Shen Qingqiu cleverly manipulates events to protect Luo Binghe while maintaining his scummy persona. The System continues to play a significant role in guiding Shen Qingqiu's actions as he grows closer to Luo Binghe, who begins to express gratitude and loyalty toward him, complicating Shen Qingqiu’s plan to distance himself from the plot's tragic events.Shen Qingqiu's efforts to avoid his fate culminate at the Immortal Alliance Conference, where his growing bond with Luo Binghe makes it even harder for him to fulfill his villainous role. As Luo Binghe begins to rise in power, Shen Qingqiu faces the inevitable event of pushing him into the Endless Abyss, a moment that marks the turning point in their relationship. Despite completing this key plot point, Shen Qingqiu finds himself struggling with guilt and regret as Luo Binghe falls, knowing that this act will set Luo Binghe on a path of darkness. The chapter closes with Shen Qingqiu continuing to navigate the complex world of the novel, trying to survive while influencing the plot in ways that deviate from the original storyline.
After three years of wandering, Shen Qingqiu is summoned back to Cang Qiong Mountain to help investigate a mysterious plague in Jin Lan City. Alongside Liu Qingge and Mu Qingfang, they discover the plague is caused by demonic sowers infecting humans to create rotten flesh for demons. During their mission, Shen Qingqiu encounters Luo Binghe, who has returned early, much more dangerous and conflicted than before. Despite his growing resentment, Luo Binghe attacks Shen Qingqiu but stops short of killing him, leaving their relationship more strained and complex than ever. Shen Qingqiu's attempts to suppress his former disciple's advances lead to an unsettling mix of tenderness and cruelty from Luo Binghe.As the situation in Jin Lan City escalates, Shen Qingqiu finds himself wrongfully accused of colluding with demons and is imprisoned in Huan Hua Palace’s Water Prison. While enduring harsh conditions and torture, Luo Binghe periodically appears, torn between punishing and protecting his former master. With the help of allies like Gongyi Xiao and Shang Qinghua, Shen Qingqiu manages to escape and uncovers a deeper plot involving demonic forces and misunderstandings from his past. The tension between Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu reaches a peak when Luo Binghe’s obsession with his master leads to emotional confrontations, further complicating their relationship.After his escape, Shen Qingqiu faces mounting challenges, including a relentless pursuit by Luo Binghe and new threats from both demons and sects. He learns that his immortal body, which he used to create a new form, has been stolen, causing chaos among his allies and enemies alike. Luo Binghe’s siege on Cang Qiong Mountain escalates, with the ultimate goal of retrieving both Shen Qingqiu and his original body. Despite the ongoing tension, Shen Qingqiu manages to delay further conflict but realizes that his troubles with Luo Binghe are far from over, as unresolved feelings and lingering dangers continue to plague their lives.
Shen Qingqiu is taken to the Demon Realm by Luo Binghe and placed under house arrest in a palace reminiscent of Qing Jing Peak, where tension builds between them. Despite the comforts Luo Binghe provides, Shen Qingqiu grows increasingly frustrated with the situation. During a confrontation, they struggle physically, and Shen Qingqiu’s condition suddenly deteriorates due to mysterious pains, leading Luo Binghe to panic. Shen Qingqiu is then pulled into the Holy Mausoleum, where his soul is returned to his original body. He encounters Tianlang-Jun, Luo Binghe’s father, who seeks to merge the Demon and Human Realms for power, leading to a battle that leaves Luo Binghe severely injured.Luo Binghe’s obsession with Shen Qingqiu grows darker, influenced by the demonic sword Xin Mo, which accelerates the merging of the realms. Despite Shen Qingqiu’s attempts to reason with Luo Binghe, the situation spirals out of control, culminating in a battle between Luo Binghe and Yue Qingyuan. As the cave collapses, Shen Qingqiu helps his injured sect members escape while struggling with his own conflicted feelings for Luo Binghe. Shen Qingqiu later confronts Luo Binghe about his actions, comforting him amidst his emotional breakdown, which leads Luo Binghe to destroy Xin Mo, ending the crisis. Shen Qingqiu uses the System’s "Self-Saving" ability to survive the aftermath.The story concludes with Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe recovering after the battle. Luo Binghe’s love and obsession for Shen Qingqiu solidify, while Shen Qingqiu acknowledges their complex relationship. Despite opposition from the sect, Shen Qingqiu decides to leave Cang Qiong Mountain to accompany Luo Binghe, marking the beginning of their life together. The novel closes with Shen Qingqiu reflecting on the chaotic journey, the transformation of the story, and how their bond has deepened through trials, signaling the start of a new chapter in their relationship.
After returning to the Demon Realm, Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe find themselves in an escalating series of conflicts, both internal and external. Shen Qingqiu begins to notice strange behaviors in Luo Binghe, leading to a confrontation with a parallel version of Luo Binghe from another dimension. After a violent showdown between the two versions, Shen Qingqiu helps the real Luo Binghe overcome his insecurities, reaffirming their bond through intense moments of both physical and emotional connection. Their relationship deepens despite the chaotic challenges they face.Shen Qingqiu's memories delve deeper into his past traumas, including the torment of his early life and his complex relationships with figures like Yue Qingyuan and Liu Qingge. His interactions with them are marked by a mix of resentment, guilt, and unresolved tension, further complicated by the arrival of Luo Binghe. These memories offer a stark contrast to the present, where Shen Qingqiu navigates his feelings for Luo Binghe, while also dealing with the remnants of his past.The story reaches a pivotal point when Luo Binghe proposes to Shen Qingqiu, marking a significant emotional and physical turning point in their relationship. Despite the intense nature of their intimate moments, Shen Qingqiu ultimately accepts Luo Binghe's love and devotion, leading to a symbolic wedding. Their bond is solidified through both emotional vulnerability and deep affection, culminating in a new phase of their journey together, balancing the lingering challenges from their past with the promise of a shared future.
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by @queenslovebooks
The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
The story begins with Mo Ran, formerly known as Mo Weiyu, reflecting on his past filled with shame, power, and tyranny as the first emperor of the cultivation world. He dies in a rebellion led by Xue Meng, after which he wakes up as his 16-year-old self, realizing he's been reborn with memories of his cruel past. Determined to change his fate, he returns to his sect and reconnects with his cousin Xue Meng and his beloved Shi Mei.Mo Ran and his companions embark on a mission to uncover the dark secrets behind the deaths in Butterfly Town. They encounter Chu Wanning, Mo Ran's stern and powerful shizun, who becomes central to Mo Ran's conflicting feelings of hatred and longing. During their journey, they uncover tragic tales of betrayal and vengeance, leading to intense battles and deep emotional turmoil.As they delve into an underwater city filled with illusions, they discover the Heart-Pluck Willow, a powerful being that has been manipulating events. Mo Ran confronts his own desires and the realization that his feelings for Chu Wanning might be more complicated than he thought. In a deadly trial set by an imposter Gouchen, Mo Ran faces a blood hourglass that threatens his life, while Chu Wanning, disguised as Shi Mei, risks everything to save him, revealing the depth of their unspoken bond.
Mo Ran awakens in the holy weapon arsenal, finding that his previous injuries were part of a nightmare. Shi Mei and Xue Meng also wake up unharmed, though confused. Chu Wanning wakes last, emotionally distant after seeing Mo Ran's affection for Shi Mei. Their respite is brief as the Heart-Pluck Willow reappears, forcing them into a dangerous escape. Xue Meng successfully destroys the willow using the Ancestral Sword, but the arsenal collapses, leading to their escape with the help of Wangyue, a dragon who had guided them to the arsenal.After returning to Sisheng Peak, the group learns of the feathered tribe’s arrival in the mortal realm. The tribe selects them to train at Peach Blossom Springs to prepare for a looming calamity. Mo Ran, Shi Mei, Xue Meng, and Chu Wanning, who is in disguise as Xia Sini, endure intense training routines and deepen their relationships. Meanwhile, they encounter the ghostly threats in Lin’an City and navigate the complexities of the Peach Blossom Springs training while grappling with their pasts and present feelings.As they delve into the mysteries around them, Mo Ran’s past life memories resurface, including his connection to Chu Wanning and the people he once knew. In Lin’an, they confront the ghost king, and Mo Ran is forced to face the consequences of his previous life as Taxian-jun. The volume ends with a tense confrontation, revealing that Mo Ran’s past deeds are not as buried as he hoped, signaling further challenges and revelations ahead.
Mo Ran wakes up beside Chu Wanning, who is still asleep. Observing the peacefulness of the moment, he becomes absorbed in playing with Chu Wanning’s hair, which carries a faint floral scent. This simple action leads Mo Ran into a deep reflection on their past, recalling both tender and intimate memories from their time at Sisheng Peak's Wushan Palace. Overcome with nostalgia, Mo Ran kisses Chu Wanning's hair, revisiting the complexities of their relationship.Chu Wanning later wakes up, feeling refreshed after using Tapir Fragrance Dew, and finds Mo Ran missing. His search leads him to the bathing area, where steam rises behind the wooden screen. As he investigates, Mo Ran suddenly emerges from the bath barrel, startling Chu Wanning. Mo Ran had been underwater and didn't hear Chu Wanning calling him. The situation becomes awkward and unexpected as Chu Wanning processes the sight of a naked Mo Ran, who attempts to cover himself while Chu Wanning stands in stunned silence.In the subsequent chapter, Chu Wanning attends a gathering in a grand hall where he meets Li Wuxin from the Rufeng Sect. Shocked to see Chu Wanning present, Li Wuxin accuses him of being involved in dark magic and the deaths of five hundred civilians from Butterfly Town. Chu Wanning dismisses the accusations calmly, emphasizing that he did not commit the murders and is willing to address Li Wuxin's questions. His composed demeanor and authoritative presence are highlighted, as he positions himself in the Loyalty Hall with dignity, underscoring the strategic and confident way he handles the situation.
Lotus Pavilion to mourn. A procession, including Xue Zhengyong, Mo Ran, Xue Meng, Shi Mei, and the revered Master Huaizui, carries a coffin to the lotus pond for a revival spell due to its spiritual energy. As they conduct this ritual, Mo Ran reflects on his past life as Emperor Taxian-jun and the choices he made, contrasting them with Xue Meng's young master status. Before departing on a journey, Mo Ran receives gifts from Madam Wang and Shi Mei, setting the stage for his solo endeavors.Throughout his journey, Mo Ran sends letters to Xue Zhengyong, detailing his encounters and battles. In Blossom Crossing, he confronts an evil spirit and earns payment in silver notes. By the hundred and twentieth day, he writes about acquiring a high-quality spiritual stone to enhance Xue Meng’s Longcheng blade. In Snow Valley, he describes cultivating frost lotuses while overcoming a guarding ape monster. His letters often include small gifts and reflect his growing maturity, highlighting his evolving skills and mindset.During his travels, Mo Ran’s encounters stir complex emotions and challenge his perceptions. He meets Song Qiutong, whose presence brings back memories of betrayal and deceit from his past life. Despite his deep-seated revulsion toward her, he maintains a facade of politeness. Later, he witnesses a heated confrontation between Nangong Si and Ye Wangxi, which escalates into a physical altercation. Nangong Si accuses Ye Wangxi of using sorcery to gain favor, expressing deep resentment and frustration.
A rumor spreads about an affair between Ye Wangxi and Song Qiutong, causing a stir among Rufeng Sect’s guests. Chu Wanning learns of the gossip and tries to subtly warn Nangong Si, who remains oblivious. Chu Wanning and Mo Ran visit Moonwhistle Fields, joining a faewolf race that deepens Mo Ran's care for Chu Wanning. During a meal, Mo Ran’s thoughtful gesture of filleting a fish for Chu Wanning surprises him, and they discuss Song Qiutong’s chastity mark, casting doubt on the affair rumors.As Nangong Si's wedding preparations continue, Mo Ran gives Song Qiutong a bracelet and recalls his own failed marriage to her in his past life. The wedding eve brings many guests to Rufeng Sect, but a mysterious figure interrupts the celebration, accusing Song Qiutong and Ye Wangxi of an affair. The figure reveals shocking truths, including a voice-changing spell and Ye Wangxi's true gender, stirring further chaos among the guests.The story takes a dark turn as the mysterious figure reveals the truth about Rufeng Sect's sinister past, exposing Nangong Liu's crimes and Xu Shuanglin’s true identity as Nangong Xu, who seeks revenge for past betrayals. Using forbidden techniques, Xu Shuanglin orchestrates the sect's destruction, unleashing an apocalyptic fire that consumes Rufeng Sect. The survivors flee to safety, and the volume closes with Chu Wanning and Mo Ran sharing a pivotal moment that marks a shift in their relationship.
Chu Wanning wakes up early to find Mo Ran sleeping beside him, leading him to reminisce about the early days when Mo Ran joined Sisheng Peak. He recalls Mo Ran's persistence in becoming his disciple and how their relationship slowly developed, from Mo Ran's initial simple gestures to Chu Wanning finally accepting him. As they continue their journey with a group of refugees, their relationship deepens through subtle, shared moments that hint at the unspoken emotions between them.Mo Ran's growing affection for Chu Wanning becomes more evident. Despite the awkwardness between them, Mo Ran takes every opportunity to be close, resulting in quiet tension and longing. They navigate their evolving feelings, with Mo Ran openly expressing his desire to be with Chu Wanning, while the latter struggles with his emotions and uncertainties. Through shared glances and touch, the intensity of their bond becomes undeniable, culminating in a passionate night where they both confront their desires and insecurities.Threats from the cultivation world loom, including the schemes of Xu Shuanglin and the potential calamity involving undead cultivators. Mo Ran grapples with the darkness of his past life as Taxian-jun while trying to protect Chu Wanning and his comrades. Their relationship undergoes various trials, with Chu Wanning offering steadfast support and Mo Ran seeking redemption and forgiveness for his past actions. This volume builds the emotional tension between Chu Wanning and Mo Ran against a backdrop of impending conflicts, highlighting their struggle to reconcile their pasts with their growing love.
The cultivators' journey to Mount Jiao begins with intimate moments between Chu Wanning and Mo Ran, followed by a chaotic departure marked by Xue Meng's frustration and Master Ma's commercial antics. Upon arrival, they face deadly trials, including swarming snakes and reanimated corpses, revealing Xu Shuanglin's manipulation. Nangong Si confronts his resurrected ancestor and ultimately sacrifices himself, while Mo Ran grapples with his past and the group discovers Nangong Liu alive.The situation intensifies as Xu Shuanglin attempts to resurrect Luo Fenghua, leading to revelations about his twisted past and motivations. After his defeat, Mo Ran faces Hua Binan's treachery and reveals his own Rufeng Sect lineage. He then encounters Taxian-jun, his past self, and battles him before seeking out Chu Wanning and Master Huaizui, only to find Huaizui dead. The discovery of a memory scroll leads Mo Ran into illusions that reveal Huaizui's guilt-ridden past and Chu Wanning's true origins.Mo Ran witnesses Huaizui's transformation from a vengeful child to a repentant monk and learns that Chu Wanning was created from a sacred tree, meant to replace Chu Lan. The illusions continue, showing Chu Wanning's kindness towards a young Mo Ran and leading to a confrontation where Huaizui demands Chu Wanning's spiritual core. The illusions further reveal Chu Wanning's warning to Huaizui from Taxian-jun's timeline and the harrowing recreation of their past life's forced intimacy, forcing both Mo Ran and Chu Wanning to confront their shared history and the complexities of their identities.
Mo Ran, spiraling further into darkness, becomes increasingly twisted under the influence of the Flower of Eightfold Sorrows, a demon spell that slowly erodes his compassion and memories. Chu Wanning uncovers this truth and desperately time-travels to the past to try to alter their doomed fate. There, he transfers part of his soul into younger versions of himself and Mo Ran to curb the spell's power. Meanwhile, Shi Mei reveals his true self as Hua Binan and descends into madness, orchestrating the chaos that drives Mo Ran back into being Taxian-jun. His obsession with Chu Wanning turns increasingly perverse and violent, culminating in multiple near-assaults and psychological torment.As the present collapses into chaos, Mo Ran returns to Sisheng Peak and confesses his hidden past—he was never Xue Zhengyong’s nephew, but a battered orphan who murdered the real Mo Nian after being framed for rape and thrown into prison. This traumatic betrayal birthed his tyrannical past self. Despite this, he chooses to atone: he sacrifices his spiritual core to stop Shi Mei’s undead army, nearly dying in the process. Loyalty Hall turns on him regardless, showing the world’s unwillingness to forgive even the repentant. Chu Wanning, meanwhile, remains trapped between realities, psychologically shattered but still trying to save the man he once loved.The story culminates in a painful reunion between Chu Wanning and a revenant Mo Ran (Taxian-jun), who has been manipulated back into a puppet emperor. Despite possessing all his memories and twisted desires, he begins showing flickers of humanity, driven by longing and regret. Chu Wanning, though emotionally wrecked, holds onto the hope that Mo Ran’s soul is still salvageable. Their final scenes are a chaotic blend of love, obsession, trauma, and a desire for redemption—torn between the need to destroy the monster and the wish to protect the broken boy beneath.
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Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu
Yan Wushi and Yu Shengyan, two martial artists from the Huanyue Sect, traverse a perilous mountain path following a legendary duel between Qi Fengge of Xuandu Mountain and Hulugu, a Göktürk martial artist. The outcome of that duel spared Hulugu but set in motion future conflicts, as Hulugu remains a powerful adversary. As they discuss the duel, they encounter Shen Qiao, the defeated leader of Xuandu Mountain, critically injured after a battle with Hulugu’s disciple, Kunye. Despite Yu Shengyan's hesitation, Yan Wushi orders that Shen Qiao be saved with a revival pill, signaling his own dark intentions for Shen Qiao's future.Shen Qiao, now blind and amnesiac, falls under the manipulative care of Yan Wushi, who aims to break his spirit and corrupt his once-principled nature. Yu Shengyan deceives Shen Qiao into believing they are fellow disciples of the demonic Huanyue Sect, testing his trust and obedience. Shen Qiao’s gentle and composed demeanor surprises Yu Shengyan, but Yan Wushi remains intent on using Shen Qiao for his own purposes. As Shen Qiao regains strength, Yan Wushi involves him in a mission to assassinate a rival sect leader, further testing Shen Qiao’s morals and resolve.Despite his injuries and lost sight, Shen Qiao begins to recover both physically and mentally, challenging Yan Wushi’s manipulation. After a near-fatal confrontation with Mu Tipo, a prince intent on capturing Shen Qiao, Yan Wushi appears and mocks Shen Qiao for his vulnerability and forgiving nature. Throughout their journey, Yan Wushi continues to play a twisted game with Shen Qiao, testing his martial abilities, moral compass, and loyalty, ultimately dragging him deeper into the dangerous world of martial politics while simultaneously trying to uncover the secrets of the Zhuyang Strategy martial arts scroll.
At a banquet, Shen Qiao remains composed while Duan Wenyang, a Göktürk emissary, provokes the Su family, demanding the return of a sacred ring that once belonged to Hulugu, a legendary martial artist. After Madam Qin confesses her past with Hulugu and hands over the ring, tensions rise further as Duan Wenyang demands a family member be handed over. Su Qiao challenges Duan Wenyang but is easily defeated. Li Qingyu steps in, achieving sword intent, a rare martial feat, during their battle, though neither fighter emerges as a clear victor.The fight between Li Qingyu and Duan Wenyang ends inconclusively, despite Li Qingyu’s impressive display of sword intent. Duan Wenyang mocks Shen Qiao and others at the banquet, taunting them as weak and inferior. Later, Duan Wenyang attempts to take Su Wei hostage in a surprise attack, but Shen Qiao intervenes. In a fierce duel, Shen Qiao, despite his weakened state, reveals his mastery of sword intent, which surprises Duan Wenyang and forces him to retreat. This duel earns Shen Qiao admiration from those present, though it leaves him physically weakened.Shen Qiao is later kidnapped by Bai Rong, a demonic cultivator, who seeks the secrets of the Zhuyang Strategy. Despite his injuries, Shen Qiao manages to fend off her charm techniques and surprise her with his skill. Bai Rong retreats, leaving Shen Qiao exhausted. Guang Lingsan, leader of Fajing Sect, arrives, intending to use Shen Qiao as leverage against Yan Wushi. However, Yan Wushi arrives just in time, driving Guang Lingsan away. Despite Yan Wushi's manipulative nature, Shen Qiao’s internal injuries worsen, yet he refuses to abandon his principles, even as Yan Wushi offers him a way to regain his strength through demonic cultivation.
Shen Qiao arrives in Chang’an amidst rumors surrounding the Coiling Dragon Assembly and the famed Zhuyang Strategy, soon encountering Bai Rong, who offers him shelter. Despite her flirtatious advances and warnings about the dangers of pursuing Yan Wushi’s rescue, Shen Qiao remains resolute in his mission to protect Yan Wushi. Meanwhile, Yan Wushi faces a coordinated ambush by multiple martial experts, including Buddhist Master Xueting and Duan Wenyang. Though Yan Wushi fights valiantly, Guang Lingsan exploits a flaw in his martial arts, leaving him gravely injured and seemingly dead. Shen Qiao intervenes, deflecting further attacks on Yan Wushi’s body and preventing the others from desecrating his remains.Upon examining Yan Wushi, Shen Qiao discovers faint signs of life, prompting him to carry the unconscious Yan Wushi to a remote village for recovery. With the help of a local family, Shen Qiao tends to Yan Wushi, though his injuries—especially a cracked skull and disordered internal energy—are severe. Shen Qiao uses his own qi to assist Yan Wushi’s recovery, and though the process is slow, there is hope. As they heal, Shen Qiao ventures to gather more information in the capital, overhearing discussions of political unrest and slanderous rumors about his relationship with Yan Wushi. Confrontations with old acquaintances, including Yu Ai, further reveal the treacherous landscape of martial and political power struggles.Yan Wushi eventually regains consciousness, but his personality is fractured between his original, ruthless self and two gentler personas, “Xie Ling” and “A-Yan.” As they navigate these internal conflicts, Shen Qiao assists Yan in his gradual recovery while grappling with their complex dynamic. The two eventually depart on a perilous journey to obtain jade cistanche, a rare medicinal herb that could fully heal Yan Wushi’s injuries. Along the way, Shen Qiao experiences personal breakthroughs in his martial arts, solidifying his growth and determination to protect Yan Wushi despite the danger surrounding them. Their journey, however, remains fraught with threats from both martial enemies and political upheavals.
hen Qiao, accompanied by Yuwen Song, leaves Chang’an and heads toward Bixia Sect for refuge, taking the opportunity to teach Yuwen Song martial arts and impart wisdom along the way. While traveling, they attend a banquet in Runan, where Shen Qiao spots Guang Lingsan and, shockingly, Yan Wushi. However, Yan Wushi, who appears to have lost his memory, dismisses Shen Qiao’s presence, leaving Shen Qiao puzzled and concerned. Yan Wushi's erratic behavior continues when he confronts Shen Qiao later at the inn, hinting at deeper schemes involving powerful sects.At the Huang residence, Shen Qiao and Yan Wushi uncover secret dealings between the Huang family and the Göktürks, including an alliance with the Liuhe Guild’s deputy leader, Yun Fuyi. Yan Wushi reveals his manipulation of these factions for his own benefit, leaving Shen Qiao uneasy about his true intentions. Shen Qiao’s internal struggle deepens as Yan Wushi persistently teases him, testing the boundaries of their relationship while hinting at affection. Despite Shen Qiao's firm moral stance, their interactions grow increasingly complex, with Yan Wushi playing a dual role of protector and provocateur.As they journey to Bixia Sect, Yan Wushi continues to exert influence over Shen Qiao and the sect’s disciples, challenging them to improve while subtly inserting himself into Shen Qiao’s life. Shen Qiao wrestles with his emotions, balancing his gratitude toward Yan Wushi for saving him with his wariness of Yan’s manipulative tendencies. Their dynamic reaches a turning point when Yan Wushi makes romantic advances, which Shen Qiao firmly rejects. Nevertheless, Yan Wushi remains undeterred, expressing both playful affection and strategic foresight as he navigates the intricate political landscape surrounding them.
Shen Qiao, disguised as a maid, and Bian Yanmei infiltrate the palace to rescue the empress and her siblings from Yuwen Yun’s tyranny. However, their plan is disrupted when Buddhist Master Xueting, disguised within Yuwen Yun’s entourage, reveals himself, resulting in a fierce battle. Yan Wushi, also disguised, engages Xueting, while Shen Qiao takes Yuwen Yun hostage to ensure their escape. Although they manage to leave the palace with the empress, they discover that one of the empress’s brothers, Erlang, has been kidnapped by Chen Gong, further complicating their mission.In a tense confrontation with Chen Gong, Shen Qiao attempts to negotiate for Erlang’s release, but Chen Gong’s deceit leads to a fight. Shen Qiao manages to rescue Erlang and seriously injures Chen Gong. Unexpectedly, Puliuru Jian's son, Puliuru Ying, delivers the final blow, killing Chen Gong. Despite the mission’s success, the political landscape shifts as Puliuru Jian, aided by Yan Wushi and Shen Qiao, stages a coup, ousting Yuwen Yun from power and securing his own control over the empire, officially establishing the Sui Dynasty.Yan Wushi sustains internal injuries from his confrontations but continues to manipulate the jianghu and political factions to his advantage. Shen Qiao reflects on their growing bond, despite Yan Wushi’s unpredictable behavior and romantic advances. As Xuandu Mountain begins rebuilding, Shen Qiao focuses on restoring his sect and supporting Yan Wushi during his recovery. The two navigate their complex relationship while preparing for future challenges, including Yan Wushi’s imminent duel with Hulugu, a battle that will shape their fates and the balance of power in the martial world.
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Remnants of Filth: Yuwu
Mo Xi, a cold and disciplined general, was once close companions with Gu Mang, a charismatic and flirtatious comrade who later betrayed Chonghua by joining the enemy nation. Gu Mang’s fall from grace left Mo Xi conflicted with unresolved feelings of love and bitterness. When news arrives that Gu Mang will return to Chonghua as part of an armistice, Mo Xi is thrust into a tumultuous internal struggle over whether to seek revenge or come to terms with their past relationship, which was marked by deep intimacy and betrayal.Upon Gu Mang’s return, he is handed over to Wangshu-jun, and rumors of his deteriorated mental state and brutal treatment begin to circulate. Mo Xi, though filled with resentment, is drawn to Gu Mang’s tragic condition, and when he finally confronts him at Luomei Pavilion, he finds Gu Mang broken and enslaved. Gu Mang, now a shell of his former self, shows no recognition of Mo Xi, fueling Mo Xi’s rage, pity, and deep-seated longing. As Mo Xi navigates the emotional turmoil of their reunion, he learns that Gu Mang’s mind has been fractured by dark magic from the Liao Kingdom.As tensions rise, both on the battlefield and within the political sphere, Mo Xi finds himself increasingly drawn to protecting Gu Mang, despite accusations of lingering affections. Meanwhile, a series of violent incidents involving demonic forces and malevolent spirits sweep through Chonghua, intertwining with the mystery of Gu Mang’s broken mind. Mo Xi must balance his duties as a general with his desire to uncover the truth behind Gu Mang’s fate, all while confronting dangerous forces that threaten to tear them both apart.
Murong Chuyi, a powerful and aloof artificer, plays a key role in breaking the Hong Shao Sword and neutralizing the dangerous sword spirit of Li Qingqian, a former swordsman turned sword demon. His detached and cold demeanor contrasts sharply with Yue Chenqing's enthusiastic devotion to him. Despite their encounter with the sword demon, Murong Chuyi remains indifferent, only suggesting a way to resolve the demon's obsession and inviting the group to Yue Manor for further discussion. Mo Xi, observing this dynamic, reflects on how Yue’s admiration for Murong Chuyi mirrors his own lingering feelings toward Gu Mang, despite their complicated history.At Yue Manor, the group experiences Murong Chuyi's highly secure and mysterious artificing workshop. While exploring the Dream-Transfiguring Pool, they enter a shared dream that reveals the tragic backstory of Li Qingqian and Hong Shao. Li Qingqian, consumed by guilt and vengeance after the death of Hong Shao, becomes a sword demon, manipulated by the Liao Kingdom’s guoshi. Through the dream, Mo Xi learns about the deep-seated obsession that drives the sword demon, and the tragic fate of Li Qingqian, who dies in his quest for revenge against the Liao Kingdom.Following this, Mo Xi and Gu Mang's strained relationship continues to unfold, with Gu Mang beginning to recover fragments of his lost memories. As they navigate their unresolved emotions, Mo Xi's resentment toward Gu Mang for his past betrayal resurfaces, culminating in an emotional confrontation. Despite Mo Xi’s coldness, Gu Mang’s growing awareness of his past actions, combined with his feelings of guilt and regret, pushes him to seek Mo Xi’s forgiveness. However, Mo Xi remains conflicted, torn between his lingering affection for Gu Mang and the deep wounds left by his betrayal.
Gu Mang expresses sorrow, stating he doesn't believe he likes war either, while Mo Xi reflects on the devastating loss of his father during his childhood, an event that shaped his life and led to his deep resentment toward Gu Mang. Mo Xi recalls the excitement of his seventh birthday, shattered by the news of his father’s death, and the overwhelming grief he felt during the funeral, marking his first understanding of the true cost of war. This trauma fuels Mo Xi’s deep-seated anger and mistrust, believing Gu Mang betrayed Chonghua out of ambition and revenge.Overwhelmed by guilt and Mo Xi’s coldness, Gu Mang kneels before Mo Xi, asking for forgiveness and to be taught by him once more, hoping to atone for his past mistakes. Their exchange is interrupted by Murong Lian, who mocks Gu Mang’s desire to redeem himself and challenges him to kneel before every gravestone in Warrior Soul Mountain to prove his sincerity. Despite the harsh terms, Gu Mang agrees and begins his penance, showing his commitment to atoning for his crimes. Mo Xi, though conflicted, warns Gu Mang that no one will forgive him, but Gu Mang remains determined to make amends.Gu Mang’s public atonement lasts for four days, drawing crowds who mock and berate him, while Murong Lian continues to humiliate him. Despite collapsing from exhaustion, Gu Mang persists, and Mo Xi, still torn between his emotions, comforts him when he collapses at the end of his trial. Though Mo Xi remains emotionally conflicted, he silently supports Gu Mang by bringing him food and cleaning his hands, signaling a tentative reconciliation between them. Gu Mang’s persistence in seeking atonement and Mo Xi’s lingering feelings hint at the potential for healing, though the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.
Mo Xi and Gu Mang discover Wuyan, the Bat Queen, in a pavilion of bones, punishing a subordinate for failing to capture Rongrong. Weakened by her cultivation methods, Wuyan depends on Xueling Pills made from Rongrong's blood to sustain herself. Gu Mang, determined to find a way off the island, disguises himself and Mo Xi as bat demons. Gu Mang infiltrates Wuyan’s quarters, where she bathes in a blood pool. He observes her, hoping to uncover her vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses in her barrier.Gu Mang and Mo Xi narrowly avoid confrontation with bat demons and retreat to a secluded hut, where tensions between them flare. As Gu Mang extracts Wuyan’s Soul-Recording Spell, they learn about her tragic past, involving a failed love with an immortal named Chen Tang, which led to her hatred and obsession with men. Gu Mang compares Mo Xi’s feelings to Wuyan’s obsession, causing Mo Xi deep emotional pain as they reflect on their broken relationship. Despite the tension, the two share a physically intense encounter driven by an aphrodisiac, which only heightens their unresolved emotional turmoil.As they gather more clues about Wuyan’s motives and the barrier, Gu Mang successfully leads them off the island. Back at Chonghua, tension escalates as Mo Xi learns more about Gu Mang’s secret role as a spy. The emperor admits to destroying records that could clear Gu Mang’s name and reveals a hidden memory of Gu Mang weeping over his fallen comrades' graves. Mo Xi, deeply affected by the revelations, returns home, determined to protect and restore Gu Mang’s honor, but struggles with the emotional and physical toll of their shared history.
Mo Xi embraces Gu Mang, revealing he knows the truth of his suffering. Despite Gu Mang’s resistance, Mo Xi’s unwavering devotion breaks through his defenses, and Gu Mang finally confesses his long-suppressed feelings. Reconciled at last, they vow never to be separated again, though Gu Mang’s fading memories due to the Time Mirror’s effect become a growing concern. Meanwhile, war looms as the Liao Kingdom breaks the armistice, and Mo Xi is tasked with reclaiming Da’ze City. Gu Mang, refusing a leadership role, chooses to stay by his side as suspicions around Murong Lian’s hidden motives grow.Amid battle, Mo Xi’s forces seek to capture the Demonblood Beast’s soul, leading Gu Mang into a tense confrontation with the guoshi, who taunts him before summoning a new threat. Murong Lian, pursued by Liao cultivators, barely escapes but is struck down before reaching safety. Mo Xi intervenes, but the guoshi appears with an unconscious Gu Mang, demanding an exchange. Mo Xi outmaneuvers him but is accused of sheltering a traitor, deepening tensions within the army. Meanwhile, Gu Mang, struggling with memory loss, secretly records his past, while Murong Lian, critically wounded, insists on speaking with him.When assassins attack, Murong Lian is gravely injured, and Gu Mang is captured amid the chaos. In a dreamscape, Gu Mang recalls fragmented childhood memories and Murong Lian’s desperate attempts for approval, hinting at hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Mo Xi sets out to save Gu Mang, who has been reduced to a near-mindless shell after sacrificing parts of his soul. Determined to restore him, Mo Xi learns about a legendary soul-summoner in Lin’an and sets off with Gu Mang to find them. Meanwhile, Gu Mang retains only his trust in Mo Xi and writes in a memory journal filled with kindness, even toward those who hurt him. Their bond grows deeper as they travel, culminating in Gu Mang discovering he has a living cousin—Murong Chuyi, whose tragic past reveals he and Gu Mang are blood relatives, both sons of the doomed Chu family. This revelation comes amid rising political and personal tensions, as Murong Chuyi plans revenge against the Yue Clan patriarch for the destruction of his family.In a shocking turn, Murong Chuyi massacres the Yue Clan at Huntian Cave, but his vengeance spirals into tragedy. Mo Xi intervenes, but the situation unravels when Jiang Yexue, once thought a disabled ally, reveals himself as a cruel mastermind who manipulated everyone for power and control. He confesses to using demonic qi, orchestrating mass deaths, and psychologically tormenting Murong Chuyi for years. Chuyi ultimately sacrifices himself to stop him. Meanwhile, Murong Lian exposes the emperor’s mind-control schemes using fake medicine, and in a climactic moment, the emperor unleashes the soul-box containing part of Gu Mang’s soul, triggering a magical catastrophe. The emperor is defeated, but not before releasing the Demonblood Beast, leading to a full-scale war.As battle looms, Gu Mang, now fully healed and mentally restored, returns as commander of the Northern Frontier Army. Mo Xi discovers that Gu Mang had orchestrated the exposure of the puppet pill implanted in him and had never truly betrayed their country—his “treason” was a deep-cover mission all along. Their love is reaffirmed in emotional moments before the final fight. Gu Mang’s soul had been fused with the Demonblood Beast years ago as part of a secret plan to destroy it from within, setting up the story's climax. Together, Mo Xi and Gu Mang prepare to face the resurrected demon, the invading Liao army, and the final remnants of betrayal and vengeance left in the ashes of the empire.
Jiang Fuli reveals his past as Chen Tang and the horror of his twisted relationship with his former disciple Hua Po’an, who began as a lowly slave and rose through deception and hatred after discovering his royal bloodline. Despite Chen Tang's kindness, Hua Po’an corrupted the techniques he learned and rebelled using the Demonblood Beast. After Chen Tang sacrificed himself to stop the beast, Hua Po’an resurrected him by imprisoning his soul in another body and raping him to maintain eternal dominance. Su Yurou helped Chen Tang escape and gave him a new identity, Jiang Fuli, sealing his memories with the Reversal Stone. When Jiang Fuli regains everything, he gives the Reversal Stone to Mo Xi and asks him to go back in time to prevent Gu Mang’s mental destruction. Mo Xi agrees and returns to the past, where Gu Mang immediately senses who he is. Gu Mang insists Mo Xi must extract his soul to forge the key to the soul-box, an event that always had to happen to save the world.Mo Xi painfully rips Gu Mang’s soul to create the key, and the act breaks them both. Gu Mang stays conscious to comfort Mo Xi, and the two share an intimate farewell as Mo Xi fades back into the future. Mo Xi realizes he was the one who originally harmed Gu Mang, not the enemy kingdom, and carries that guilt with him into the final battle. He rides the Spiritblessed Beast into the Demonblood Beast’s blood sea and sacrifices himself to destroy the beast’s heart, cleansing the land and ending Hua Po’an’s reign. Jiang Fuli, during his own duel with Hua Po’an, finally denies their past by refusing to acknowledge him as his disciple. Mo Xi dies with the beast, fulfilling the prophecy, but in his final moment sees Gu Mang reaching for him through light and golden rain, welcoming him home.Instead of reincarnation or nothingness, Mo Xi wakes to find himself alive, resting on Gu Mang’s lap beneath the phoenix tree. Gu Mang explains that the Spiritblessed and Demonblood Beasts were two halves of the same being, and by merging their souls, they reversed the destruction and gained a second life. Gu Mang had pulled Mo Xi back from death, promising never to leave him behind again. They both remember everything, and their love—tested by war, time, possession, and pain—is finally free to exist without fear. As sunlight and petals fall around them, they lie together in peace. Mo Xi whispers that he’s finally come home.
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Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang
Chang Geng, a young boy living near the empire's borderlands, endures abuse from his adoptive mother, Xiu-niang. His godfather, Shen Shiliu, protects him and seems to be a simple, caring figure. However, as tension builds in the village and Chang Geng's dreams of his deceased mother intensify, it becomes clear that Shen Shiliu is not who he appears to be.Shen Shiliu reveals himself to be Gu Yun, a high-ranking military commander tasked with protecting the empire's borders. When their village is attacked, Gu Yun’s combat skills are unleashed, showcasing his true identity. Gu Yun takes Chang Geng away, understanding that the boy's hidden heritage is crucial to the empire's future. As they journey through the empire, Chang Geng learns about his own royal lineage and the ongoing political conspiracies that threaten the throne. The emperor's death sends shockwaves through the empire, and Chang Geng realizes his pivotal role in the struggle for power.Chang Geng’s relationship with Gu Yun deepens amidst the chaos. He learns about Gu Yun’s sacrifices and the heavy burden of leadership. As they uncover plots against the empire, Chang Geng is forced to confront his destiny and the harsh realities of their world. The story concludes with them stepping into the heart of political intrigue, prepared to face the enemies threatening the empire's stability.
The empire under Longan Emperor Li Feng tightens its grip on military power through new decrees, creating unrest among regional commanders. Gu Yun is assigned to escort the Tianlang Crown Prince Jialai Yinghuo and later manages growing tensions within the military. Chang Geng, traveling incognito, meets old acquaintances and reflects on his relationship with Gu Yun. Gu Yun and his companions face a bandit threat in the southern border, revealing a larger network of organized crime, which they engage in a series of skirmishes to weaken.As Gu Yun's team analyzes and dismantles the bandit network, they confront another challenge between Inspector General Kuai Lantu and Fu Zhicheng, both vying for military dominance in Nanzhong. The conflict escalates into a chaotic and intense battle in the southwestern mountains, with Fu Zhicheng leading an aggressive assault. Gu Yun uses this strife to his advantage, manipulating both sides while anticipating their moves. Meanwhile, Chang Geng uncovers truths about Gu Yun’s past, including his poisoning by a stray arrow during a northern conflict, deepening his understanding of Gu Yun’s complexity.Tensions rise as Gu Yun and Chang Geng deal with both internal and external threats. Amid growing unrest in the Western Regions and a brewing war with the Far Western navy, Gu Yun navigates court politics and implements strategies to protect the empire. The relationship between Gu Yun and Chang Geng deepens amidst the chaos, marked by emotional vulnerability and unspoken bonds. As the empire prepares for a significant military confrontation, battles rage on multiple fronts. With strategic brilliance, Gu Yun leads his forces against the Western invaders, culminating in a tense siege where the enemy faces psychological warfare in an eerily deserted city
The story opens with Western forces threatening the empire, demanding territory and tributes. Chang Geng learns of the dire military situation and rushes to Gu Yun, who has been injured. Despite his injury, Gu Yun focuses on strategizing against the Western envoy's demands. The city falls under siege, and Gu Yun and Chang Geng work together to defend it, launching a counterattack that temporarily holds the enemy at bay.Internal and external conflicts escalate as Gu Yun suffers a poisoning attempt, casting suspicion on various factions within the empire. Chang Geng uncovers crucial details about Gu Yun's past, complicating their relationship further. A new adversary, the "Wicked God," emerges, leading to a pivotal battle. Their forces manage a significant victory, but the internal strife and political maneuvering remain a constant threat.Chang Geng struggles with nightmares and fears as the war takes an emotional toll on him. He and Gu Yun have a heart-to-heart, confronting their complicated feelings. The story culminates in a major counterattack against the Western invaders. Despite achieving a victory, the characters suffer heavy losses. Gu Yun uncovers a deception within the enemy ranks, leading to a climactic decision that will influence the war's course.
After uncovering a web of conspiracies, Chang Geng and Gu Yun manage to dismantle the rebellion orchestrated by Yang Ronggui, Lü Chang, and Wang Guo. Using wit and deception, they outmaneuver their enemies, revealing imposters and exposing the treachery within the court. Gu Yun’s timely military intervention saves Emperor Li Feng from assassination, while Chang Geng, masquerading as a commoner, dismantles the Shahai Gang from within. Although victorious, Chang Geng’s encounter with the barbarians’ envoy triggers a wu’ergu attack, revealing a deeper plot to use him as a weapon. This results in a blood-soaked palace confrontation where Gu Yun shields him and demands the arrest of the barbarian third prince and the corrupt Wang Guo.As tensions escalate on both the northern and southern fronts, Gu Yun leads campaigns against the barbarian tribes while Chang Geng, still recovering, oversees national reforms. The Wolf King Jialai Yinghuo, desperate to provoke war, orchestrates suicide attacks and violet gold explosions, sacrificing his own people. Gu Yun sends Chen Qingxu and Cao Chunhua to infiltrate the barbarian capital. They stir a rebellion that is ultimately betrayed, but manage to survive. The climactic assault sees Gu Yun and his Black Iron Battalion destroy the barbarian capital. Jialai perishes in a collapsing temple infused with violet gold and shamanic rituals, effectively ending the Celestial Wolf Tribe’s reign of terror.With the dual-front wars quelled, peace slowly returns. Chang Geng’s reforms flourish, including the canal corridor and refugee resettlement projects. Despite the destruction, Great Liang’s navy and economy strengthen under his leadership. Gu Yun, physically worn and emotionally spent, remains by Chang Geng’s side. Their relationship deepens through mutual care, culminating in Chang Geng’s confession of love and future vision for the nation. As Fang Qin plots anew and northern envoys arrive under suspicious pretenses, it becomes clear the peace is only temporary.
Chang Geng (Prince Yan) and Gu Yun navigate a rapidly unraveling political and military crisis. Gu Yun discovers a “soul idol” crafted from human skin tied to Chang Geng’s deceased mother, which may hold secrets to curing the deadly wu’ergu poison afflicting him. Meanwhile, Chang Geng, despite being politically sidelined, outmaneuvers his opponents like Fang Qin by restoring economic confidence and diplomatic clout. When Emperor Li Feng’s court collapses financially and politically, he’s forced to recall Chang Geng, who quietly rises in power while rekindling his deeply emotional and romantic bond with Gu Yun. The steam locomotive, symbolizing national innovation, rolls out just as court enemies prepare for a deadly coup.The empire teeters during a coordinated assassination attempt: Emperor Li Feng is taken hostage, and Prince Yan and the crown prince are targeted for execution. Chang Geng survives, protects the heir, and kills the attackers with brutal efficiency. Fang Qin's faction forces Li Feng to denounce Chang Geng under duress—but before he can, loyalist forces storm in. Li Feng is fatally wounded, names Chang Geng his heir, and dies. Chang Geng ascends the throne as Emperor Li Min, purges corrupt officials, and races to the front lines to find Gu Yun, who had been gravely injured in battle. Their reunion is raw and heart-wrenching: Chang Geng sobs, accusing Gu Yun of planning to die without saying goodbye. Together, they lead the final strike that decisively ends the war.The volume closes with peace hard-won. Gu Yun and Chang Geng, wounded but alive, oversee the rebuilding of a modern, just empire. Chang Geng institutes sweeping reforms, while their romance matures into a quiet domestic life. Epilogues reveal tender moments, past traumas resolved, and deep bonds—like Gu Yun discovering the emperor’s hidden antidote in a prayer bead he'd carried for years. Chang Geng, now the Taishi Emperor, reforms governance over 18 years and lays the foundation for a peaceful, flourishing Great Liang. Their love endures past wars, betrayals, and years of longing—ending with warmth, legacy, and laughter.
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Guardian: Zhen Hun
Zhao Yunlan, the confident and charismatic head of the Special Investigations Department, being called to investigate a mysterious case on University Street. He arrives at a crime scene marked by a gruesome murder, with clear signs of supernatural involvement. His investigation soon leads him to cross paths with Shen Wei, a seemingly mild-mannered university professor with a hidden depth. From their first meeting, there is an unspoken tension between them, as Zhao Yunlan senses that Shen Wei is concealing more than he lets on.As the case unfolds, Zhao Yunlan's suspicions about Shen Wei grow. Despite Shen Wei's calm and composed demeanor, he displays moments of strength and knowledge that hint at a more complex identity. Shen Wei consistently appears in crucial moments, offering help yet maintaining an air of mystery. Zhao Yunlan is both intrigued and frustrated by Shen Wei's reluctance to reveal his true self, and this curiosity only deepens as they encounter increasingly dangerous supernatural phenomena together.Their interactions are charged with a blend of mutual fascination and unspoken attraction, creating a dynamic where Zhao Yunlan is drawn to Shen Wei's enigmatic nature. Despite their differences, an undeniable connection forms between them. As they navigate the dark and treacherous world of the supernatural, their relationship becomes central to the unfolding mystery, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their intertwined fates.
The story shifts its focus to Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei as they continue to navigate the complexities of their relationship and their involvement in the supernatural world. Guo Changcheng, while carrying out his duties, encounters a strange man with a black aura and a long tongue, hinting at the dangerous forces lurking in Dragon City. Meanwhile, Zhao Yunlan immerses himself in his work at the Special Investigations Department, where the staff grapples with an intricate case involving poisoned food, resentful spirits, and the mysterious phenomenon of karmic lines and merit marks.As Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei’s bond deepens, Shen Wei struggles with his emotions and the boundaries between their respective roles. He reflects on his connection with Zhao Yunlan, feeling a mix of tenderness, longing, and duty. Their interactions are filled with tension and subtle moments of affection, as Shen Wei carefully tends to Zhao Yunlan when he falls ill, revealing the depth of his care. However, Shen Wei is also torn by his responsibilities as the Soul-Executing Emissary, which often pull him away from Zhao Yunlan.Amidst the supernatural cases and investigations, the story delves into Shen Wei's struggle with his identity and his role in the Netherworld. The arrival of ominous warnings about the Great Seal and the reappearance of Ghost Face add a layer of urgency and danger to their situation. Zhao Yunlan, with his usual charisma and determination, continues to investigate the mysteries surrounding the supernatural events, even as he navigates the complexities of his relationship with Shen Wei. The tension between duty and personal desire looms large, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their intertwined fates and the challenges they must face together.
Zhao Yunlan woke feeling exhausted and experiencing a headache after dreaming about ancient events, including the toppling of Buzhou Mountain. Shen Wei, concerned for him, tends to his fever and brings him medication. Their conversation turns to Zhao Yunlan's unsettling memories of the past and his role in these ancient occurrences. As they delve into Zhao Yunlan’s visions, Shen Wei deflects some of his questions, hinting at greater mysteries and Zhao Yunlan’s connection to significant events like the destruction of the Path to Heaven.In the present, Zhao Yunlan is embroiled in complex dynamics involving his team, family, and his own shifting sense of reality. While planning to introduce Shen Wei to his parents, Zhao Yunlan faces tension with his father, who seems to be avoiding Shen Wei. As Valentine's Day unfolds, Zhao Yunlan reflects on Shen Wei’s long history of watching over him, and they confront the emotional weight of their connection. Amid this, they become involved in new cases, including a mysterious ritual linked to a tourist town, and Zhao Yunlan is haunted by dreams and feelings of fatigue that point toward a deeper connection to the supernatural.Meanwhile, the story introduces various characters who navigate the supernatural landscape alongside Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei. In the Netherworld, tensions rise as the Great Seal weakens, and the Reincarnation Cycle is threatened. Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei face formidable adversaries, including Ghost Face, as they try to understand the full extent of their intertwined fates and the consequences of ancient promises and vows. Throughout these trials, their bond is tested, leading to moments of introspection, revelation, and the potential for reconciliation as they confront the ghosts of their past and the looming threats of their present.
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Case File Compendium: Bing An Ben
An old faculty dormitory on a university campus becomes the setting for a young man's final visit to his teacher, Xie-laoshi. Struggling with financial difficulties and a facial deformity that has left him isolated, he plans to leave the university. That night, he confesses to past thefts driven by his resentment toward those who mocked him and gives Xie-laoshi a moving poem. Though they spend the evening together, he mysteriously disappears by morning. The next day, Xie-laoshi learns he had died in a storm seven days earlier, leaving her in shock and questioning the reality of their encounter.The narrative shifts to He Yu and his complex relationship with Xie Xue, a lecturer at Huzhou University and Xie Qingcheng's younger sister. He Yu joined the university to be close to Xie Xue, but tensions rise with the arrival of Xie Qingcheng, his former personal physician. Xie Qingcheng’s cold, authoritative demeanor clashes with He Yu’s simmering resentment, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their troubled history and unresolved emotions.As events unfold, the characters' lives intertwine, revealing secrets and hidden feelings. Xie Qingcheng’s failed marriage and his past with He Yu are gradually uncovered, while He Yu grapples with his feelings for Xie Xue and his conflicted emotions toward Xie Qingcheng. The story builds toward a dramatic climax involving a traumatic incident at Cheng Kang Psychiatric Hospital, entangling their fates and exploring themes of love, identity, and the haunting power of the past.
Xie Qingcheng revisits the old family home in Huzhou and faces complex emotions tied to his past. He grows suspicious of his sister Xie Xue’s recent behavior and her secretive visit to Auntie Li, which strains their sibling relationship. Meanwhile, He Yu and Xie Qingcheng's strained dynamic escalates, highlighted by an intense encounter involving mundane tasks, wontons, and lingering tensions from their past interactions. He Yu’s visit to the medical school also introduces academic pressures, emphasizing the challenge of balancing technological advancements with the need for meticulous human effort.Amid these personal entanglements, a sinister plot unfolds at Huzhou University. A hacker takes control of the Radio and Television Tower, broadcasting a threatening message titled "The 'Drop the Hanky' Game of Death," which sends the campus into panic. As the situation spirals, Xie Qingcheng and He Yu are thrust into the chaos, investigating the ominous events while dealing with their own unresolved issues. Their investigation reveals connections to a psychiatric hospital and introduces characters like Lu Yuzhu, whose involvement in a planned suicide attack hints at a larger, more dangerous conspiracy.As they delve deeper into the mystery, Xie Qingcheng’s professional principles and personal morals clash with the unexpected and brutal revelations. He faces challenges to his authority and the complexities of his relationships, especially with He Yu, who becomes increasingly entangled in the dark events. The volume concludes with a series of emotionally charged confrontations and a deepening sense of foreboding as Xie Qingcheng and He Yu prepare to confront the hidden truths behind the terror gripping the university.
Xie Qingcheng and He Yu’s already volatile relationship takes darker, more obsessive turns, exploring themes of psychological trauma, power struggles, and toxic dependence. After a disastrous one-night stand, Xie Qingcheng is consumed by shame and tries to distance himself from He Yu. However, He Yu, unable to reconcile his growing obsession, continually forces interactions through emotional manipulation, public provocations, and physical confrontations, asserting his control over Xie Qingcheng.Xie Qingcheng faces additional turmoil when he is accused of misconduct at his university, leading to his suspension. This external crisis mirrors his internal struggles as he grapples with He Yu's escalating possessiveness. He Yu’s actions, driven by jealousy—especially over Xie Qingcheng's friendship with Chen Man—and his inability to let go, blur the line between affection and coercion. Their toxic dynamic is rooted in their past, as He Yu reveals how Xie Qingcheng was once his sole source of emotional stability, a reliance that has now transformed into an unhealthy fixation.Amid their personal chaos, a murder on a film set unexpectedly traps them together in a life-threatening situation, forcing moments of reflection and raw vulnerability. As the floodwaters rise, He Yu confesses his feelings of betrayal and reliance on Xie Qingcheng, while Xie Qingcheng begins to acknowledge his own guarded emotions. These moments of tension, confession, and intimacy highlight the complexity of their relationship, marked by mutual pain and unresolved grievances. As the novel concludes, Xie Qingcheng prepares to reveal a long-hidden truth about their shared past, a revelation that could alter the dynamic between them forever.
Thirteen-year-old Xie Qingcheng, after the sudden, suspicious deaths of his police-officer parents, embarks on a desperate solo investigation during winter vacation. He suspects foul play, uncovers evidence like a strange earring, and arranges to meet a witness, but the meeting place is burned down, killing the contact. Traumatized and injured after a deliberate hit-and-run by a mysterious man, Xie is hospitalized and barely survives. For the first time, he confides this harrowing story to He Yu, revealing that everything changed the moment he met Dr. Qin Ciyan.Qin Ciyan, a brilliant but emotionally burdened neurosurgeon, saves Xie Qingcheng's life by illegally administering RN-13, an experimental regenerative drug he once opposed. This treatment grants Xie miraculous recovery but leaves him with severe side effects: scarring, emotional instability, and a foreshortened life expectancy. As a child clinging to his dying sister’s survival, Xie is willing to endure anything. Qin becomes a surrogate father, breaking ethical boundaries to preserve the boy's life while hiding the truth from everyone, even his own family. He Yu is stunned to learn that Xie was the mysterious "First Emperor" case—Patient Zero for RN-13.Post-recovery, Xie Qingcheng attempts to live a normal life, lying to his family about his condition. But his emotional and physical deterioration worsens, and he spirals into self-harm and suicidal behavior. Qin Ciyan intervenes again, providing both medical and emotional support. Xie eventually embraces his condition, enrolling in medical school and using himself as a living experiment to research RN-13. His suffering becomes the foundation of groundbreaking psychiatric study, culminating in the "First Emperor's Dossier." Yet he remains haunted by a ticking clock—his life is still expected to end by forty.
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The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish: Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong
Li Yu awakens to the shocking discovery that he has transformed into a carp and is now living in a palace pond. Struggling to adapt to his new fish form, he narrowly escapes being cooked when a palace servant tries to use him for soup. His desperate flailing leads to a chance encounter with Prince Jing, who unknowingly saves him from the clutches of a palace cat. Realizing he's part of the "Moe Pet System," Li Yu learns that his main quest is to become the beloved pet of Prince Jing, a figure destined to become a feared tyrant.As Li Yu navigates this bizarre situation, he works to win Prince Jing's favor through various antics, like performing tricks and interacting with the prince in playful ways. These efforts gradually earn him a place in Prince Jing's heart, leading to a series of charming and sometimes comical interactions. All the while, palace intrigue and danger loom around Prince Jing, forcing Li Yu to use his wit and system rewards to keep himself safe and maintain the prince's interest.Things take an unexpected turn when Li Yu discovers he can transform back into a human for short periods. During these moments, he secretly interacts with Prince Jing, adding complexity to their growing bond. Prince Jing starts to piece together the mystery of his unusual pet fish. The story reaches a pivotal moment when Li Yu, in human form, warns Prince Jing about a plot involving Concubine Qiu, proving his value and revealing his identity to the prince. This revelation sets the stage for a deeper and more intricate relationship between the two.
Prince Jing, intrigued by the carp spirit Li Yu, invites him to stay at his manor, masking his protective intentions under the guise of caring for his fish. Li Yu, relieved by this turn of events, settles into the manor, and their bond grows stronger. Prince Jing navigates palace politics while subtly shielding Li Yu, especially when a palace plot involving Concubine Qiu is uncovered. Li Yu cleverly causes a commotion during an audience with the emperor, helping to expose Concubine Qiu's wrongdoings, leading to her downfall and banishment.As Li Yu grows more comfortable, he starts to reciprocate Prince Jing's affections. However, the intrigue around the emperor's attention toward Prince Jing's fish grows, prompting the emperor to summon them to court multiple times. During one such summon, a plot by the third and sixth princes unfolds, but Li Yu cleverly reveals their trickery, saving Prince Jing from a potential political disaster. Throughout these events, Prince Jing becomes increasingly protective of Li Yu, showing his deepening feelings.In a lighter turn, Prince Jing constructs a luxurious new tank for Li Yu, further symbolizing his care. Despite this growing intimacy, Li Yu grapples with his feelings, oscillating between his role as a fish and his emerging love for Prince Jing. Their relationship progresses through these trials, with moments of tenderness and misunderstandings, setting the stage for a deeper bond as they navigate the dangerous waters of court politics together.
Li Yu and Prince Jing continue deepening their relationship as they travel, settle into their new home at Luofeng Village, and begin navigating threats together. Their bond strengthens through shared domestic life and intimacy, especially when Li Yu reveals his carp spirit identity. Prince Jing not only accepts the truth but supports Li Yu wholeheartedly. After surviving an assassination attempt and uncovering a conspiracy involving local nobles and bandits, Li Yu and Prince Jing defend the village with smart strategy and affectionately consummate their love. This culminates in Li Yu's accidental pregnancy due to a system skill called “One-Shot-and-Done,” leading to shock and eventual acceptance as he lays glowing fish eggs.The eggs hatch into four spirited baby fish boys—Dabao, Erbao, Sanbao, and Sibao—whom both Li Yu and Prince Jing raise together in a tender blend of hilarity and sweetness. With magical help, the babies later transform into human infants, prompting the emperor to recognize them and elevate Li Yu to consort status despite initial disapproval. Prince Jing and Li Yu have their grand wedding, but even on their wedding night, parenting duties interrupt romance. The babies' antics, including rolling off beds and demanding attention, highlight a joyful yet chaotic new chapter. Meanwhile, political enemies scheme in the capital, especially the jealous sixth prince Mu Tianxiao, but Prince Jing counters with a subtle takedown using exposed corruption.Li Yu undergoes a tribulation to gain a permanent human form, transforming first into a horrifying Manmer and later a stunning Merman. Despite a kidnapping attempt during the ritual, he’s rescued by Prince Jing, reaffirming their trust and love. As Li Yu gains new magical abilities and parenting tools (like a fish-baby monitoring system), the family continues thriving. The emperor, increasingly fond of his grandsons despite never meeting them, begins doting from afar. The volume ends on a heartwarming note as Li Yu embraces both his role as a consort and a father, finally calling Prince Jing by his name—Tianchi—symbolizing their complete emotional intimacy.
A sinister bloodline scandal explodes when Concubine Lu is caught with a man in her tent, prompting a demand for paternity tests on Prince Jing’s children. What begins as court gossip turns into a vicious plot led by the sixth prince to discredit Prince Jing and his sons. Li Yu suspects the sixth prince orchestrated everything and manages to subtly warn Prince Jing, which prompts a dramatic standoff with the emperor. Prince Jing and Li Yu outmaneuver the conspirators with clever manipulation of blood tests, revealing a conspiracy to falsify results. Dabao, their son, becomes a key figure in emotionally disarming the emperor and bravely offers his own blood multiple times for testing, which impresses and softens even the hardened emperor.The sixth prince’s web of deceit begins to unravel after a failed assassination attempt, and the emperor catches him red-handed. His consort Lady Liang is used as a pawn, nearly strangled in a desperate hostage situation that exposes the sixth prince’s ruthlessness. The climax reveals that the sixth prince was never the emperor’s son, but a plant by Consort Mei—Princess Langya of the fallen Loulan kingdom—who had been masquerading as Consort Zhang for years. Her plan? Overthrow the empire from within using her “son” as the puppet heir. The emperor is devastated, but Li Yu, in fish form, heroically delivers a tiger tally to rally reinforcements, saving Prince Jing and the emperor from a coup. Princess Langya is ultimately slain during the palace siege after trying to murder the emperor.After the chaos, Prince Jing collapses from long-term poisoning, which Li Yu traces back to his infancy. A daring investigation into the wet nurse Pu Liu reveals that he was poisoned via milk laced with a rare Loulan herb. With the help of an ancient prescription and risky treatment involving purging poison from his body, Prince Jing not only recovers but regains his voice—proving his muteness was induced. Their love deepens through these trials, and Li Yu becomes pregnant with their daughter (this time knowingly choosing human form, despite the pain). Meanwhile, jealous palace consort Chu Yanyu uncovers Li Yu’s true fish spirit identity and attempts to expose him using yao-revealing blood. Li Yu and Prince Jing set a trap, Chu Yanyu walks right into it, and Li Yu ends the volume wrapped in love, baby bumps, royal titles—and an increasingly horny, hilarious domestic life with a now-verbal Prince Jing.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 1
Chapter 1: Reincarnation
Wei Wuxian, the Yiling Patriarch, is declared dead following the Siege of the Burial Mound, led by the four great clans.
News of his death spreads quickly across the cultivation world, sparking discussions among prominent clans and rogue cultivators alike.
Many believe that Jiang Cheng, his shidi, was responsible for Wei Wuxian's death, with people praising the Jiang Clan of Yunmeng for their role in vanquishing him.
Wei Wuxian is widely condemned for betraying the Jiang Clan and embarrassing them by defecting, nearly leading them to destruction.
Speculations arise about Wei Wuxian's demise, with some believing his demonic cultivation backfired and caused him to be devoured alive by the ghosts he controlled.
Cultivators express satisfaction with his death, considering it karma for his actions, particularly his use of ghost generals.
While Wei Wuxian destroyed the Yin Tiger Tally before dying, preventing further harm to the world, many still view his death as justified due to his character and choices.
A brief moment of silence and caution arises when discussing the Yin Tiger Tally, reflecting lingering fears about its destructive potential.
Conversations shift to reflecting on Wei Wuxian's once-glorious past as a young master of a prestigious sect and his ultimate downfall.
The discussions reinforce the belief that the demonic path leads to ruin, and that Wei Wuxian’s fate was deserved due to his bad character.
Despite his death, anxiety lingers about the possibility of Wei Wuxian’s soul returning and seeking vengeance by taking over a new body.
The major clans conduct repeated soul-summoning rituals and heighten security, fearing his potential reincarnation.
For thirteen years, all remains peaceful, leading many to believe that Wei Wuxian truly perished and that his legacy has finally ended.
Wei Wuxian, once a powerful and feared figure, is now seen as just another legend, his influence gradually fading.
Chapter 2: The Intractable
Wei Wuxian awakens in a new body after being summoned via a sacrificial ritual.
He is kicked and berated by a youth named Mo Ziyuan, who ransacks the house.
Wei Wuxian realizes he has been reincarnated into the body of Mo Xuanyu, a disgraced former disciple from a cultivation sect.
Mo Xuanyu's background reveals he was driven mad and humiliated by his family, leading him to perform the sacrificial ritual for revenge.
The sacrificial ritual forces Wei Wuxian to fulfill Mo Xuanyu's vengeful wish, or else he will be destroyed.
Wei Wuxian finds remnants of Mo Xuanyu’s writings, describing his tragic life and mistreatment by the Mo family.
Wei Wuxian decides to explore the Mo Estate and encounters servants gossiping about the arrival of cultivators from the Lan Clan of Gusu.
Wei Wuxian interrupts a meeting between the Mo family and the Lan cultivators, causing a scene and accusing Mo Ziyuan of stealing his belongings.
Tensions escalate between Wei Wuxian and the Mo family, with Wei Wuxian threatening to retaliate if they continue to torment him.
Wei Wuxian causes more chaos by falsely insinuating that Mo Ziyuan has improper intentions toward him, humiliating the family in front of the Lan cultivators.
That night, Mo Ziyuan is found dead, his body shriveled and missing his left arm.
Wei Wuxian discovers Mo Ziyuan stole a spirit-attraction flag from the Lan cultivators, which caused his death by summoning an evil spirit.
The spirit begins killing others in the Mo Estate, including Mo Ziyuan's father and the servant A-Tong.
Each death causes the cuts on Wei Wuxian’s wrists, part of the sacrificial curse, to heal.
Wei Wuxian realizes that the spirit is possessing people and killing them by taking over their left arms.
Madam Mo is also possessed and killed by the spirit, which heals the final cut on Wei Wuxian’s wrist.
The Lan cultivators, led by Lan Sizhui, struggle to contain the spirit and the ghostly left arm.
Wei Wuxian raises the corpses of Madam Mo, Mo Ziyuan, and Mo Ziyuan’s father as fierce corpses and orders them to attack the left arm.
Despite their efforts, the ghostly arm is too powerful for them to fully subdue.
Just as Wei Wuxian is about to intervene, Lan Wangji arrives, playing the Eradication Tone on his guqin, which subdues the spirit and the left arm.
Wei Wuxian flees the scene, trying to avoid Lan Wangji's detection.
He finds a spotted donkey to escape on and leaves the Mo Estate before Lan Wangji can find him.
Chapter 3: The Prideful
Wei Wuxian realizes he made a mistake stealing the donkey because it is too picky and difficult to please.
The donkey refuses to eat anything but fresh grass and throws tantrums when it is not satisfied, causing Wei Wuxian problems on the road.
He misses his sword, imagining it now hangs as a trophy on a clan leader’s wall.
Wei Wuxian and the donkey reach a paddy field near a village, where the donkey refuses to move further, forcing him to stop.
A group of people with a compass pass by, avoiding Wei Wuxian because of his disheveled appearance. They are on a Night Hunt to track down a soul-eating fiend.
Wei Wuxian deduces that the group is from a small cultivation clan, and they plan to hunt a fiend on Mount Dafan.
The group takes a break, and a round-faced girl gives Wei Wuxian an apple as thanks for yielding space.
Wei Wuxian uses the apple to motivate the donkey, dangling it in front of the animal, causing it to run faster than any steed he’s seen before.
Wei Wuxian reaches Mount Dafan before dark and finds it full of tense cultivators, all searching for the fiend that has been eating the souls of the townspeople.
A debate ensues among the cultivators, some doubting the existence of the fiend because their compasses show no activity, while others point out that seven people have already lost their souls.
Wei Wuxian finds himself amused that his past creations, such as the Compass of Ill Winds, are still causing disagreements years after his death.
He investigates the area and overhears townspeople talking about strange incidents related to the old graveyard on Mount Dafan, where coffins were disturbed during a landslide.
Several townspeople, including a deadbeat, a girl named A-Yan, and her father, have lost their souls after strange events, leading Wei Wuxian to believe that a soul-eating fiend is involved.
Wei Wuxian learns that the townspeople believe their souls were lost due to the disturbance of the graves, and the fiend may be linked to the old graveyard.
Wei Wuxian moves on to Mount Dafan, where he encounters a group of cultivators who have fallen victim to a trap and are suspended in a net. They beg for help, but a rich young master from the Jin Clan of Lanling appears and mocks them instead of assisting.
Wei Wuxian is insulted by the young master, who recognizes him as the outcast Mo Xuanyu and calls him names, but Wei Wuxian decides to teach him a lesson.
Wei Wuxian uses a talisman to pin the young master to the ground and frees the trapped cultivators, who flee in fear.
Wei Wuxian realizes the young master is Jin Ling, Jiang Cheng’s nephew, and tries to deescalate the situation, knowing that angering Jiang Cheng could lead to more trouble.
Before Wei Wuxian can leave, Jiang Cheng arrives and berates Jin Ling for dawdling. Wei Wuxian tries to stay unnoticed, but Jin Ling reveals him.
Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian exchange hostile words, but before Jiang Cheng can strike, Lan Wangji intervenes.
Lan Wangji's arrival prevents a fight between Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji remains calm and composed, using his presence to defuse the situation.
Lan Wangji rebukes Jin Ling and helps the Lan Clan juniors stay focused on their mission, while Jiang Cheng continues to argue.
Jiang Cheng eventually leaves with Jin Ling, frustrated that he was unable to settle things with Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian continues his investigation on Mount Dafan and learns about the Shrine of the Heavenly Maiden, where villagers have worshiped a dancing stone statue that may be related to the fiend.
Inside the shrine, the Heavenly Maiden statue comes to life after being disturbed by the cultivators. Wei Wuxian realizes the statue is the soul-eating fiend in disguise.
The statue begins attacking cultivators, sucking out their souls despite their efforts to fight back with spiritual devices.
Wei Wuxian summons Wen Ning, the Ghost General, to fight the statue. Wen Ning’s appearance terrifies the cultivators, but he helps defeat the statue.
Despite the victory, Wen Ning’s presence causes fear and confusion among the cultivators, and some begin to question Wei Wuxian’s identity.
Lan Wangji intervenes again when Jiang Cheng tries to capture Wei Wuxian, preventing a confrontation between the two.
Wei Wuxian plays off the situation with humor, denying he is Wei Wuxian and claiming to be Mo Xuanyu, which frustrates Jiang Cheng.
Lan Wangji declares that he will take Wei Wuxian back to the Lan Clan, leaving Wei Wuxian surprised at Lan Wangji’s sudden intervention and calm demeanor.
Chapter 4: The Elegant Flirt
The Lan Clan Residence, also known as the Cloud Recesses, is described as a tranquil and mist-covered sanctuary.
Wei Wuxian cries in front of the main gate of the Cloud Recesses, clinging to a donkey as he tries to avoid being dragged inside.
Lan Wangji remains calm and indifferent to Wei Wuxian's antics, stating that he can be dragged inside once he's tired from crying.
Wei Wuxian laments the strictness of the Lan Clan and the four thousand rules on the Wall of Discipline.
Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui try to calm Wei Wuxian, reminding him that Lan Wangji brought him there for his own safety, given that Jiang Cheng wouldn't have let him go otherwise.
Wei Wuxian, in an attempt to escape the situation, teases that he might not be able to control himself around the many handsome men of the Lan Clan.
Lan Xichen, the leader of the Lan Clan, arrives and greets Lan Wangji, referring to him as looking happy, which Wei Wuxian finds unbelievable.
Lan Xichen mentions that their uncle is examining something from the Mo Estate.
Lan Wangji dismisses the idea of punishing Wei Wuxian and instructs for him to be taken to the Tranquility Room, which surprises the junior disciples.
Wei Wuxian explores the Tranquility Room, discovering it to be sparsely decorated and filled with the scent of sandalwood.
While in the room, Wei Wuxian stumbles upon a secret compartment containing jugs of Emperor's Smile, a liquor he once loved.
Wei Wuxian drinks two jugs and then decides to sneak out to find a jade travel token to escape the Cloud Recesses.
He finds the cold spring, where he discovers a set of folded robes and a man bathing in the cold water, revealing the man’s back covered in discipline whip scars.
Wei Wuxian realizes the man is Lan Wangji and is shocked to see such scars, especially the branding mark near his heart.
Lan Wangji attacks Wei Wuxian with his sword, Bichen, but Wei Wuxian dodges and runs away.
Wei Wuxian attempts to get punished by admitting he was peeping at Lan Wangji bathing, but Lan Wangji unexpectedly dismisses the junior disciples without punishing him.
Lan Wangji drags Wei Wuxian back to the Tranquility Room and throws him onto the bed.
Wei Wuxian notices Lan Wangji's slightly disheveled appearance, particularly the branding mark on his chest, which is identical to the one Wei Wuxian had in his past life.
Lan Wangji tells Wei Wuxian that he will sleep there and leaves to the adjacent room.
Wei Wuxian suspects Lan Wangji might know his true identity but dismisses the idea as unlikely.
Wei Wuxian tries to sneak into Lan Wangji’s room to find the jade travel token but ends up straddling Lan Wangji in an attempt to provoke a reaction.
Lan Wangji remains calm and immobilizes Wei Wuxian by making his body go limp.
Lan Wangji extinguishes the candle, leaving Wei Wuxian immobilized and confused.
Wei Wuxian reflects on his poor relationship with Lan Wangji, which started when he was fifteen and studying at the Lan Clan of Gusu with Jiang Cheng.
Lan Qiren, a strict and respected elder, is known for his rigid rules and training exceptional students. Despite his strictness, parents send their children to be educated by him.
Wei Wuxian jokes about how he will likely be a mark of shame on Lan Qiren's teaching career.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng are among several other young masters sent to study under Lan Qiren, including Nie Huaisang from the Nie Clan.
Wei Wuxian describes his more relaxed lifestyle at Yunmeng and how it's vastly different from the rigid structure of the Lan Clan.
Nie Huaisang warns Wei Wuxian not to provoke Lan Wangji, Lan Qiren's favorite disciple, who is stiff and strict like his uncle.
Wei Wuxian reveals that he met Lan Wangji the previous night after sneaking out to get Emperor’s Smile liquor. He offered to share it with Lan Wangji when caught, but Lan Wangji refused due to the prohibition of alcohol in the Cloud Recesses.
Despite breaking multiple rules, including sneaking out and drinking, Wei Wuxian brushes off the situation, even boasting about drinking in front of Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji enters the Orchid Room, where Wei Wuxian and the others are gathered, casting a cold glance at Wei Wuxian.
Lan Qiren begins lecturing the students on the numerous rules of the Lan Clan, singling out Wei Wuxian for questioning.
Wei Wuxian correctly answers all of Lan Qiren’s questions but is then asked how to handle a particularly difficult ghost. He hesitates to answer immediately, prompting Lan Qiren to have Lan Wangji explain the correct approach: deliverance, suppression, and obliteration.
Wei Wuxian introduces a controversial fourth option, suggesting to awaken resentment to use against the ghost. This idea enrages Lan Qiren, who throws books at him and calls him ignorant.
Wei Wuxian is kicked out of the class but feels no remorse, instead wandering around the Cloud Recesses and joking with his peers.
Nie Huaisang admires Wei Wuxian’s unconventional thinking but warns him not to actually pursue deviant paths of cultivation.
Wei Wuxian is punished by being ordered to copy the Lan Clan's "Highest Justice" chapter three times. Nie Huaisang initially offers to help him, but Lan Qiren forbids it, ensuring Wei Wuxian must copy the texts alone under supervision.
Lan Wangji is assigned to supervise Wei Wuxian during his punishment in the Lan Library Pavilion. Wei Wuxian grows bored quickly and attempts to annoy Lan Wangji by constantly talking to him and even addressing him by his birth name.
Lan Wangji remains stoic despite Wei Wuxian’s attempts to apologize and provoke a reaction. However, Lan Wangji finally silences him using a Lan silencing spell.
Over the next few days, Wei Wuxian tries to amuse himself by drawing pictures of Lan Wangji and sending them across the table, but Lan Wangji continually dismisses them.
Wei Wuxian swaps one of Lan Wangji's scrolls with erotica disguised as a Buddhist sutra, causing Lan Wangji to react angrily. This prank provokes Lan Wangji into telling Wei Wuxian to "get lost," a rare outburst that amuses Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian celebrates his victory, feeling triumphant for having successfully provoked a reaction from Lan Wangji.
Nie Huaisang admires Wei Wuxian’s boldness, while Jiang Cheng warns that Wei Wuxian will face more consequences later.
Lan Qiren leaves to attend a symposium, giving Wei Wuxian and the others a few days of freedom. They plan to have fun and hunt pheasants.
Wei Wuxian encounters Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji while they are preparing to leave for a mission to exterminate water ghosts. Wei Wuxian offers to help, and despite Lan Wangji's objections, Lan Xichen agrees to let them join.
Lan Wangji is perplexed by Lan Xichen’s decision to allow Wei Wuxian to accompany them, and Lan Xichen teases him by suggesting that Lan Wangji might have wanted Wei Wuxian’s company.
The group goes to Caiyi Town, a water town with a dense network of waterways, to deal with water ghosts.
Wei Wuxian buys two jugs of sticky rice liquor, teasing Lan Wangji, who cannot drink because of the Lan Clan’s strict rules.
The group boards sampans to investigate the water ghosts near Biling Lake.
Lan Xichen explains the recent increase in water ghosts in the area and how they’ve been capturing multiple ghosts using nets.
Wei Wuxian cleverly reveals that water ghosts are clinging to the bottom of his sampan by flipping it, surprising the others with his skill.
Lan Wangji is irritated by Wei Wuxian’s playful behavior but continues to suppress the water ghosts.
As the group encounters more water ghosts, Wei Wuxian uses his sword to aid in the fight, impressing Lan Wangji, who asks about his sword's name. Wei Wuxian jokingly reveals that his sword is named "Suibian" (Whatever).
A strange black shadow in the water catches their attention, but it isn't a human ghost, confusing the group.
Su She, a sect disciple, loses his sword to the water, which adds to the tension, but Lan Wangji manages to retrieve only a black robe from the water.
The group realizes they are dealing with a dangerous entity known as the Waterborne Abyss, a powerful force within the lake.
The Waterborne Abyss pulls Su She into the water, and Wei Wuxian rescues him with difficulty, with Lan Wangji helping stabilize them in the air using his sword, Bichen.
Lan Wangji refuses to physically touch Wei Wuxian while helping him, claiming that he doesn’t touch others.
Lan Xichen confirms that the Waterborne Abyss was likely driven to Caiyi Town by the Wen Clan of Qishan, a powerful and dominant clan in the cultivation world.
Despite knowing the Wen Clan is responsible, the group can do nothing about it due to the Wen Clan’s overwhelming power.
Wei Wuxian flirts with local women as they return to the town, teasing Lan Wangji by involving him in his playful banter.
Back at the Cloud Recesses, Wei Wuxian and the others throw a wild party, breaking numerous Lan Clan rules, which leads to Lan Wangji storming in and dragging Wei Wuxian to the ancestral hall for punishment.
Both Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are beaten with ferules as punishment. Despite Wei Wuxian’s wailing, Lan Wangji remains stoic throughout.
Lan Wangji also punishes himself since they both broke curfew together, shocking Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian recounts to the group how he got both himself and Lan Wangji outside the Cloud Recesses by physically latching onto him, forcing them both to break curfew.
Lan Xichen shows concern for Wei Wuxian’s injuries, giving him a remedy to recover faster.
Later, Wei Wuxian sneaks into the Cold Spring where Lan Wangji is meditating. Wei Wuxian joins him, claiming Zewu-jun allowed it for healing purposes.
Wei Wuxian repeatedly tries to get closer to Lan Wangji in the cold spring, even offering friendship, but Lan Wangji rejects his advances.
Wei Wuxian continues to tease Lan Wangji by talking about Yunmeng, their food, and offering to share erotica, but Lan Wangji sternly tells him to "get lost."
After returning from Qinghe, Lan Qiren scolds Wei Wuxian in front of everyone, condemning him as unruly, impossible, and shameless, but does not punish him further.
Lan Qiren focuses on solving the Waterborne Abyss issue, making his lectures shorter. Wei Wuxian takes advantage of this, leading the other students to fool around on the mountain more often.
Wei Wuxian teases Lan Wangji, noting that he had been watching them earlier, and hops into the Library Pavilion through the window to visit him.
Wei Wuxian brings two rabbits to Lan Wangji, teasing him that if he doesn’t take them, he’ll have them killed and roasted.
Lan Wangji initially refuses the rabbits, reminding Wei Wuxian of the Cloud Recesses rule prohibiting killing, but eventually asks for the rabbits after Wei Wuxian insists.
Wei Wuxian continues teasing Lan Wangji, commenting on the male rabbits' behavior, leading to Lan Wangji becoming flustered and physically throwing Wei Wuxian out of the Library Pavilion.
Lan Wangji shuts the window, trying to block out Wei Wuxian's laughter, but remains exasperated by the mess left behind and Wei Wuxian's lingering energy.
Lan Wangji stopped attending class after the erotica and rabbit incidents. Wei Wuxian was moved back to his original seat and had a half-month of peace.
Wei Wuxian and the other students found the story of the Lan Clan’s founding father, Lan An, interesting. He had been a monk who left the secular world for his cultivation partner, surprising the students with his romantic history.
During a discussion about ideal partners, Jin Zixuan was asked about his fiancée, Jiang Yanli. He expressed dissatisfaction with her, which angered Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng.
Wei Wuxian confronted Jin Zixuan, leading to a fight between them. Wei Wuxian punched Jin Zixuan, which escalated into a serious conflict.
Jiang Fengmian and Jin Guangshan were called to Gusu to resolve the matter. Jiang Fengmian proposed canceling the engagement between Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli, and Jin Guangshan agreed after considering the situation.
Wei Wuxian was punished for the fight, kneeling on the cobblestone path. Jiang Cheng visited him, and they discussed the situation.
Wei Wuxian joked about Jin Zixuan's humiliation but also revealed some tension between him and Jiang Cheng over their father’s treatment.
Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji, who had been sent to check on him during his punishment, causing more trouble by playing with an anthill.
That night, Wei Wuxian returned to Yunmeng with Jiang Fengmian.
Chapter 5: The Sunny Pair
Wei Wuxian woke up to find Lan Wangji gone, leaving him properly arranged on the bed. Wei Wuxian felt unsettled by the situation.
Lan Sizhui and Lan Jingyi knocked on Wei Wuxian's door, asking him to control his noisy donkey, Little Apple.
When Wei Wuxian arrived at the pasture, he saw a group of rabbits around Little Apple, which amused him. He joked about roasting the rabbits, which were kept by Lan Wangji.
A loud, alarming bell rang from the Nether Room, indicating a soul-summoning accident.
Wei Wuxian followed the juniors to the Nether Room, where the sect disciples were distressed. A disciple stumbled out, bleeding and speaking of an accident inside.
Wei Wuxian entered the Nether Room, finding Lan Wangji, who was still seated calmly, while the soul-summoning ritual had gone awry, summoning only the ghost arm from the Mo Manor.
Lan Qiren and other disciples had collapsed, bleeding from their apertures. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji worked together, using music to suppress the ghost arm’s energy.
Lan Qiren briefly regained consciousness in a fit of rage due to Wei Wuxian's terrible flute playing but quickly fainted again.
Despite the chaotic music, the arm was eventually suppressed, and the sect disciples rushed in to assist Lan Qiren and the others.
Wei Wuxian reassured Lan Sizhui, who felt guilty about summoning the ghost arm, telling him that the blame lay with whoever unleashed the arm.
Lan Wangji determined that the ghost arm was pointing toward the northwest, indicating the direction of either its remaining body parts or the culprit.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian prepared to descend the mountain to investigate further, with Wei Wuxian joking about them eloping, much to the horror and amusement of the disciples.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian traveled alone, following the pointing arm, which required daily "Rest" performances to pacify it. Wei Wuxian repeatedly tried to escape or provoke Lan Wangji but was always gently restrained.
The arm clenched into a fist near Qinghe, indicating that what it was pointing at was nearby. They followed its direction to a small city.
Wei Wuxian encountered a fake doctor selling cheap goods and Yiling Patriarch posters. While examining them, Jin Ling appeared, kicking the doctor for mentioning Wei Wuxian.
Jin Ling summoned his spirit dog to chase Wei Wuxian, who frantically hid behind Lan Wangji, terrified of the dog. Jin Ling fled as soon as Lan Wangji intervened.
The doctor mentioned strange occurrences near Xinglu Ridge, where a "Man-Eating Fortress" was rumored to exist. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji went to investigate.
In the forest at Xinglu Ridge, they encountered low-level walking corpses that fled in terror upon seeing Wei Wuxian. They then heard Jin Ling’s spirit dog howling crazily, which led them to a sealed stone fortress.
After entering the fortress through a hole in the wall, they found themselves in a maze-like structure filled with coffins, each containing a long saber. As they ventured deeper, they encountered intense spiritual disturbance.
Using the "Inquiry" technique, Lan Wangji discovered that Jin Ling's soul was within the stone fortress but could not locate his body.
Following directions from the spirit communication, they found Jin Ling buried alive within a wall. He was near death but was revived just in time.
Alongside Jin Ling’s body, they found multiple corpses hidden within the walls of the stone fortress, including a decayed female corpse and a child, indicating the walls were filled with bodies.
The fortress was a burial site for countless corpses, but its exact purpose and origins remained a mystery.
Chapter 6: The Malevolent
Jin Ling suddenly sat up unconsciously, walked back to the wall, and attempted to re-bury himself in the exact position he was previously found.
Wei Wuxian pulled him out again, feeling weirded out. The black-haired spirit dog started barking aggressively outside, signaling that something was wrong.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian rushed outside, and the dog brought them a piece of cloth from someone spying on them. Lan Wangji identified who it was.
Lan Wangji chased after the spy while Wei Wuxian took Jin Ling to a nearby inn and cleaned him up. During this, he found a curse mark on Jin Ling's leg that indicated something extremely wicked would come for him soon.
Jin Ling woke up and panicked upon realizing his clothes were removed, accusing Wei Wuxian of being a cut-sleeve. Wei Wuxian brushed it off playfully.
Wei Wuxian warned Jin Ling about the curse mark, but Jin Ling brushed it off and ran away.
Wei Wuxian tried to catch up to Jin Ling but instead overheard a conversation between Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling. Jiang Cheng scolded Jin Ling for going to Xinglu Ridge alone and for looking disheveled.
Wei Wuxian was discovered by Jiang Cheng, who immediately captured him with Zidian, paralyzing him. Jiang Cheng interrogated him in an inn while Jin Ling was ordered to watch over him.
Wei Wuxian tried to reason with Jiang Cheng, but their discussion became heated. Jiang Cheng's deep-seated hatred for Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning was evident.
Jin Ling lied to Jiang Cheng, claiming he had seen Wen Ning, which led Jiang Cheng to leave Wei Wuxian and set out to find the supposed Wen Ning.
Jin Ling helped Wei Wuxian escape using Zidian. They sneaked out of the inn and ran into the forest, with Wei Wuxian panicking upon seeing the black-haired spirit dog following them.
Jin Ling, feeling proud of his cleverness, was annoyed by Wei Wuxian's comments on his dog's name, Fairy. He refused to express gratitude for being saved but eventually ran off after Wei Wuxian apologized for what he said at Mount Dafan.
Wei Wuxian transferred Jin Ling's curse mark onto himself before Jin Ling woke up. When Jin Ling found out, he was furious and threatened Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian met up with Lan Wangji, who noticed the curse mark on Wei Wuxian's leg. Lan Wangji was concerned and asked if it had been transferred from Jin Ling.
They both returned to their inn and interrogated Nie Huaisang, who was the spy. Nie Huaisang confessed that the "Man-Eating Fortress" was actually a Saber Offerings Hall, part of his family's ancestral grave, designed to pacify the resentful sabers of past Nie Clan leaders.
The fortress was built to house fierce corpses that would balance the violent nature of the sabers, preventing them from causing havoc. Nie Huaisang admitted that graverobbers who had disturbed the balance were devoured by the fortress many years ago.
Nie Huaisang begged Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian not to reveal this secret, as it would destroy his family's already fragile reputation.
After Nie Huaisang left, Wei Wuxian noticed that the curse mark had spread further up his leg. Lan Wangji insisted on expelling it, but Wei Wuxian brushed it off.
The ghost arm they had been carrying in an evil-sealing pouch reacted violently, indicating that something connected to the curse mark triggered it.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji deduced that the ghost arm might be connected to the Nie Clan's Saber Offerings Hall, hinting that part of the arm's body could be buried there.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji returned to Xinglu Ridge early the next day, where Nie Huaisang was already trying to repair the damage from the previous day’s investigation.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji insisted on reopening the section of the wall where Jin Ling had been buried, despite Nie Huaisang’s protests. They began tearing down the wall again to continue their search.
Nie Huaisang swore that none of the corpses in the Saber Offerings Hall were missing limbs, but the investigation continued regardless. Wei Wuxian suggested they might find a corpse missing a leg instead of an arm.
Lan Wangji stopped Wei Wuxian from physically stripping the corpses and instead used Bichen’s sword qi to cut open their clothes and check for abnormalities.
They discovered a male corpse with legs stitched onto it. The stitches were faint but visible, indicating the legs belonged to another person.
The stitched legs were carefully removed and placed into an evil-sealing qiankun pouch. The legs were determined to belong to the same person as the ghost arm.
Nie Huaisang revealed that he had personally helped select some of the corpses for the Saber Offerings Hall, but he didn’t know who could have tampered with the bodies.
After leaving Xinglu Ridge, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji examined the legs and arm back at the inn. The limbs had the same skin color and reacted violently when placed near each other, indicating they were part of the same person, though the torso remained missing.
The ghost arm pointed them toward their next destination: southwest, leading them to the city of Yueyang.
Chapter 7: The Morning Dew
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji arrived in the bustling city of Yueyang.
Lan Wangji inquired about Jin Ling’s curse mark, which had slightly faded but would require finding the complete corpse or head to fully remove.
Wei Wuxian referred to the dismembered corpse they were tracking as their "good buddy" since they didn’t know his real identity.
Wei Wuxian speculated on the connection between the group that hid the corpse's legs and the one that threw the arm at Mo Manor. Lan Wangji agreed with his theory that the two groups were separate.
Wei Wuxian jested about his past actions and referred to Lan Wangji’s sobriquet with a mix of seriousness and humor.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian discussed the intricacies of finding information in the city, with Wei Wuxian suggesting taverns as good sources of rumors.
They entered a tavern district, where Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji about drinking. Wei Wuxian engaged with a tavern waiter, inquiring about strange happenings.
The waiter recounted a strange and terrifying event involving the extermination of the Chang Clan, who had been terrified to death one night after strange banging noises came from inside their residence.
Lan Wangji recalled the Chang Clan case and confirmed its connection to Wei Wuxian.
The waiter revealed that Xue Yang had been involved in the extermination of the Chang Clan and that Xiao Xingchen, Wei Wuxian’s mother’s martial brother, had been involved in tracking him down.
The story revealed Xiao Xingchen’s noble character, how he had brought Xue Yang to justice, and how the Jin Clan of Lanling protected Xue Yang because of his knowledge of the Yin Tiger Tally.
Xiao Xingchen’s attempts to punish Xue Yang were complicated by the Jin Clan’s political maneuvers and protections for Xue Yang.
The story further revealed the tragic fate of Xiao Xingchen and his friend Song Lan, with Xiao Xingchen blinding himself to save Song Lan after Xue Yang’s revenge.
Lan Wangji explained how Xue Yang had rebuilt a portion of the Yin Tiger Tally based on the remaining half left behind by Wei Wuxian, revealing the Jin Clan’s involvement in protecting him for this purpose.
The two speculated on the identity of the person who had hidden the corpse parts and how they were connected to both the Nie Clan and Lan Clan.
While investigating the Chang family cemetery, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji discovered someone digging up a grave.
They confronted the gravedigger, who fought using Lan Clan sword techniques, indicating a deep familiarity with the clan’s style.
The gravedigger used a transportation talisman to escape, but not before Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian managed to take the fake corpse the gravedigger had been trying to retrieve.
Upon examination, they realized the torso of their "good buddy" had been buried in the Chang family cemetery with fake limbs and a head made of cotton.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji concluded that the person behind the dismembered corpse was becoming increasingly desperate and would likely make further moves to hide the remaining body parts.
That night, Lan Wangji, under the influence of alcohol, revealed a more relaxed and uncharacteristic side, much to Wei Wuxian’s amusement.
Wei Wuxian summoned Wen Ning in secret, but Lan Wangji, in a drunk state, unexpectedly arrived and reacted with childish aggression toward Wen Ning.
After an amusing interaction, Lan Wangji, in his drunk state, refused to let Wei Wuxian play the flute for Wen Ning, and the two went back to the inn.
The next morning, Lan Wangji, embarrassed by the events of the night, asked Wei Wuxian about what had happened, leading to playful teasing.
As they discussed the case further, Wei Wuxian speculated that the dismemberment of the corpse had been done to create a balance between evil spirits and resentment, similar to the Nie Clan’s Saber Offerings Hall.
The two prepared to continue their search for the remaining body parts, now focusing on a ghost city in Shudong.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 2
Chapter 8: The Stalk of Grass Part 1
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji travel through a misty region and reach a small village.
They notice a path that is overgrown with weeds and find a weathered stone marker with only one legible word: "City."
Wei Wuxian speaks to some villagers, who reluctantly provide information about the road leading to a place called Yi City.
Yi City is known for its mortuaries and funerary crafts due to its residents' short lifespans and expertise in making coffins and other funeral goods.
The villagers rarely travel to or from Yi City, and the road to the city is deserted.
Wei Wuxian gives the villagers a small gift of rouge in exchange for the information.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji head toward Yi City, walking through dense fog, which grows thicker as they approach the city.
They reach the city gates, which are dilapidated and surrounded by oppressive mountains, giving off an ominous atmosphere.
Inside the city, thick fog and an eerie stillness prevail. They encounter no living souls and walk closer together due to the increasing danger.
Wei Wuxian stumbles upon a lifelike paper effigy of a human head used in funerary rites, which startles him.
A fast-moving shadow rushes past them, too quick to be human, leaving Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji on edge.
They hear footsteps in the fog and encounter a group of juniors, including Jin Ling, Lan Sizhui, and others from various clans, who were also led to Yi City.
The juniors reveal they have been stalked by something that makes the sound of bamboo tapping the ground, which has been following them since they arrived.
Wei Wuxian deduces that the group may be trapped in a recursive maze and suggests they seek shelter in one of the houses.
Despite their reservations, the group knocks on doors and eventually finds an occupied house.
An old lady opens the door slightly but is initially reluctant to let them inside. Wei Wuxian persuades her, and the group enters.
Inside, they find the house filled with paper effigies of people, menacingly lifelike but incomplete without their pupils dotted.
The old lady allows them to use the kitchen, which is filthy and reeks of decay, but they clean it and begin cooking glutinous rice congee to treat the juniors' corpse poisoning.
The juniors recount how they ended up in Yi City after being led by a series of strange dead cat incidents that targeted them during their Night Hunts.
Wei Wuxian connects their situation to his own experiences, suspecting that the Yin Tiger Tally may be involved and that someone intentionally led the juniors to meet him and Lan Wangji.
Wei Wuxian serves the spicy congee to the poisoned juniors, who suffer through the taste but manage to eat it.
While reflecting on Lan Wangji’s tolerance for spicy food, Wei Wuxian realizes that he may have misremembered some details from their past encounters.
As they continue, Lan Sizhui quietly informs Wei Wuxian that the door to the old lady’s room has opened, heightening the sense of impending danger.
Chapter 8: The Stalk of Grass Part 2
A gust of wind opens a door to a small room. Inside, Wei Wuxian finds the old lady doing stiff needlework.
He realizes the old lady is a "living corpse"—a still-breathing, stiff-bodied person who hasn't fully realized she's dead.
Living corpses are usually artificially created for control, making them better puppets than the dead.
The juniors panic as they hear the tapping of bamboo outside the house. Wei Wuxian peers through a crack in the door and sees white eyes glaring at him—a blind phantom girl.
He encourages the juniors to look and learn from the situation, despite their fear.
The girl, appearing blind and mute, tries to communicate but fails due to her missing tongue. She flees when the sound of frantic footsteps is heard approaching.
A man, pursued by walking corpses, rushes through the street. Despite killing some corpses, he is poisoned by their toxic powder.
Wei Wuxian summons two paper effigies, using the "Final Eyes Summoning" to animate them into powerful fighters. They decimate the corpses and carry the injured man inside.
The man is blind and possibly poisoned. Wei Wuxian recognizes his sword as Shuanghua, indicating that the man is Xiao Xingchen.
Xiao Xingchen is in a dire state but expresses no concern for his life, believing the situation hopeless. Wei Wuxian tries to help him recover with glutinous rice congee.
Just as the group tries to regroup, hundreds of walking corpses gather outside, threatening to overwhelm the paper effigies guarding the door.
Wei Wuxian uses a talisman to animate more paper effigies to battle the corpses.
As the corpses are finally defeated, a fierce corpse dressed in black Daoist robes breaks through the ceiling, attacking Jin Ling and the others.
Xiao Xingchen helps Jin Ling block the fierce corpse's attack but collapses from the poison.
The fierce corpse, revealed to be Song Lan, is strong and controlled by black nails in his temples.
Lan Sizhui performs Inquiry to question Song Lan's spirit, learning that Xiao Xingchen had killed Song Lan, but it's unclear why.
The juniors are shocked by this revelation and suspect the situation is more complex than it seems.
Just as they discuss Song Lan's control, Xiao Xingchen, who had been lying unconscious, suddenly sits up smiling, revealing himself as a potential threat.
Chapter 8: The Stalk of Grass Part 3
Song Lan hears a crisp sound that shatters the control over him. He frees himself from the Yin Musclemen and threatens Wei Wuxian and the juniors.
Wei Wuxian advises the juniors to leave, knowing they can't fight Song Lan.
The juniors hesitate but follow Wei Wuxian's instructions to exit, with Lan Sizhui leading them.
Xiao Xingchen takes an antidote for corpse toxin, revealing he had faked his injuries to deceive them.
He acknowledges Wei Wuxian as the Yiling Patriarch, confirming he knew his identity all along and claims to control Yi City's walking corpses.
Xiao Xingchen, who is actually Xue Yang in disguise, asks Wei Wuxian to restore a shattered soul he has trapped in a spirit pouch.
Wei Wuxian refuses, knowing the soul is too broken and unwilling to return to life.
Xue Yang drops the charade and removes his bandages, revealing his true identity.
Xue Yang had been impersonating Xiao Xingchen to manipulate the group, having even tricked Song Lan into following his orders.
Wei Wuxian deduces that Song Lan tried to warn them about Xue Yang during the Inquiry but couldn't communicate effectively.
Xue Yang and Wei Wuxian engage in a battle of wits and swordplay, but Xue Yang is outmatched when Lan Wangji arrives to assist.
Xue Yang draws his own sword, Jiangzai, and dual-wields it alongside Xiao Xingchen's sword, Shuanghua, but Lan Wangji overpowers him.
Wen Ning arrives after being summoned by Wei Wuxian and battles Song Lan outside, leading to a fierce fight between the two powerful corpses.
Xue Yang tries to attack Wei Wuxian during the chaos, but Lan Wangji intercepts and continues to push Xue Yang back.
Xue Yang uses his cunning to stall Lan Wangji, but the situation remains in Lan Wangji's favor.
As the battle continues, walking corpses approach in large numbers, putting the group in greater danger.
Wei Wuxian instructs the juniors to follow the sound of a bamboo pole tapping, which belongs to the blind phantom girl, A-Qing.
Wei Wuxian explains that the phantom girl had been trying to save them by leading them out of the city earlier, and they decide to follow her now.
As they follow A-Qing's phantom, they reach a charitable mortuary, where the phantom gestures for them to open a coffin.
Inside the coffin, they discover the real Xiao Xingchen's body, his eyes missing, confirming that Xue Yang had been impersonating him.
A-Qing, in her phantom form, tries to communicate with them but struggles without a voice.
Wei Wuxian decides to use Empathy, allowing A-Qing's spirit to possess him so he can relive her memories.
Through A-Qing's memories, Wei Wuxian learns she had once pretended to be blind to survive, but she eventually became truly blind after meeting Xiao Xingchen.
A-Qing had encountered Xiao Xingchen while pretending to be blind and ended up traveling with him. During their travels, they unknowingly rescued Xue Yang, who had been severely injured.
Xue Yang, recognizing that Xiao Xingchen didn't realize his true identity, took advantage of the situation and stayed with them while plotting to manipulate them further.
Despite A-Qing's attempts to warn Xiao Xingchen, Xue Yang's cunning allowed him to deceive and ultimately lead to Xiao Xingchen's demise.
Wei Wuxian realizes the tragic extent of Xue Yang's manipulation and cruelty, which had doomed both Xiao Xingchen and A-Qing.
Chapter 8: The Stalk of Grass Part 4
Xue Yang tests A-Qing by throwing something at her to check if she's truly blind.
A-Qing cleverly lets the object hit her without dodging, fooling Xue Yang.
Xue Yang and A-Qing banter, with Xue Yang giving her candy to keep her off guard.
Xue Yang tries to manipulate A-Qing with his friendly demeanor, but she remains suspicious.
Xue Yang draws his sword and silently aims it at A-Qing, testing her blindness again.
A-Qing remains calm and doesn't expose her ability to see, successfully avoiding the trap.
Xue Yang continues questioning A-Qing about Xiao Xingchen's whereabouts.
A-Qing and Xue Yang exchange more banter, with A-Qing testing Xue Yang without revealing her suspicions.
A-Qing becomes increasingly wary of Xue Yang and tries to warn Xiao Xingchen about him.
Xiao Xingchen dismisses A-Qing's concerns and continues to trust Xue Yang.
Xue Yang stays in the charitable mortuary, though he's mostly healed, raising further suspicions.
Xue Yang manipulates Xiao Xingchen into letting him join Night Hunts.
A-Qing secretly follows Xiao Xingchen and Xue Yang on Night Hunts, sensing Xue Yang's ill intentions.
A-Qing witnesses Xiao Xingchen killing living humans, believing them to be walking corpses due to Xue Yang's trickery.
A-Qing remains silent, terrified, but she understands Xue Yang's deception.
Xue Yang poisoned the villagers and cut out their tongues, making them appear as walking corpses.
Xiao Xingchen unknowingly kills them, thinking he's eradicating evil.
A-Qing realizes the extent of Xue Yang's manipulation and becomes determined to protect Xiao Xingchen.
Song Lan arrives in the village, searching for Xiao Xingchen.
A-Qing recognizes Song Lan and tells him about Xiao Xingchen's situation.
Song Lan becomes enraged upon learning about Xue Yang's presence and vows to confront him.
Song Lan confronts Xue Yang, but Xue Yang taunts him, revealing his manipulation of Xiao Xingchen.
A battle ensues between Song Lan and Xue Yang, with Xue Yang eventually overpowering Song Lan.
Xue Yang cuts out Song Lan's tongue, rendering him unable to speak.
Xiao Xingchen arrives, unaware of Song Lan's identity, and unknowingly kills his old friend, mistaking him for a walking corpse.
A-Qing is devastated by Song Lan's death but remains silent to avoid suspicion.
A-Qing prays for Song Lan's spirit and resolves to save Xiao Xingchen from Xue Yang's clutches.
Xue Yang returns to the charitable mortuary in a good mood, having successfully manipulated Xiao Xingchen again.
A-Qing fakes a tantrum about her appearance to divert Xue Yang's suspicions.
A-Qing plans to reveal Xue Yang's true identity to Xiao Xingchen, hoping he will flee.
A-Qing lies to Xiao Xingchen, claiming Xue Yang killed a woman, not wanting him to know he killed Song Lan.
A-Qing reveals that she isn't blind and has known all along that Xue Yang is the bad man staying with them.
Chapter 8: The Stalk of Grass Part 5
Each clap of thunder grew louder, and Xiao Xingchen was stunned by the noise.
Xiao Xingchen questioned A-Qing, asking if she could see.
A-Qing, fearful, admitted she wasn’t blind and had lied out of fear of being abandoned by Xiao Xingchen.
Xiao Xingchen began to bleed from his eyes as he became emotionally overwhelmed by the revelations.
Xiao Xingchen struggled to understand why Xue Yang had stayed with him for years without killing him immediately.
A-Qing urged Xiao Xingchen to flee with her, but he refused, saying he had to confront Xue Yang to protect the people of Yi City.
Xue Yang returned from grocery shopping, unaware of what had happened inside.
Xiao Xingchen instructed A-Qing to escape while he confronted Xue Yang.
Xue Yang entered the house, greeted by Xiao Xingchen stabbing him with his sword, Shuanghua.
A-Qing ran away but eventually circled back to spy on the confrontation between Xiao Xingchen and Xue Yang.
Xue Yang mocked Xiao Xingchen, revealing the traumatic story of his childhood and his vendetta against the Chang Clan.
Xiao Xingchen was horrified by Xue Yang's justification for his mass murders and atrocities.
Xue Yang taunted Xiao Xingchen further, revealing that many of the "walking corpses" they had killed together were actually living people.
Xiao Xingchen realized the truth—he had unknowingly killed innocent people, including his friend, Song Lan.
Xue Yang revealed that the corpse standing before Xiao Xingchen was Song Lan's, which broke Xiao Xingchen emotionally.
In his despair, Xiao Xingchen realized he had killed Song Lan with his own hands.
Devastated, Xiao Xingchen wept uncontrollably at Song Lan's feet, and Xue Yang mocked him with cruel laughter.
Xiao Xingchen, overwhelmed by guilt and grief, took his own life by slitting his throat with Shuanghua.
Xue Yang, seemingly stunned by Xiao Xingchen’s death, attempted to revive him by cleaning his body and preparing a resurrection ritual.
Despite his efforts, Xiao Xingchen did not come back to life, as his soul had shattered.
Xue Yang grew increasingly desperate, thrashing about the house in frustration when his ritual failed.
Xue Yang threatened Xiao Xingchen’s corpse, vowing to make Song Lan kill people if Xiao Xingchen didn't revive.
Xue Yang carried Xiao Xingchen's body away, mumbling about needing a spirit-trapping pouch to capture his soul.
A-Qing, who had been hiding, fled from Yi City after witnessing the tragedy and began searching for a strong cultivator to avenge Xiao Xingchen.
Xue Yang caught up to A-Qing and blinded her with powder before cutting out her tongue, killing her.
Wei Wuxian, through Empathy, witnessed all of these events unfold from A-Qing's perspective.
After experiencing A-Qing’s memories, Wei Wuxian vowed to kill Xue Yang for his actions.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji arrived at the final battle against Xue Yang outside Yi City.
Wen Ning subdued Song Lan, allowing Wei Wuxian to remove the nails in his head, which restored Song Lan's mind.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian continued their fight against Xue Yang.
A-Qing’s ghost aided Lan Wangji by tapping her bamboo pole, revealing Xue Yang’s location in the fog.
Lan Wangji delivered a fatal blow to Xue Yang, cutting off his arm, but Xue Yang escaped with the help of the mysterious gravedigger.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji found Xiao Xingchen’s body and retrieved his and A-Qing's shattered souls in spirit-trapping pouches.
Song Lan, having regained his mind, vowed to carry on Xiao Xingchen’s legacy by walking the world and exorcising evil spirits.
The juniors, moved by Xiao Xingchen and A-Qing's tragic fates, burned paper money in their honor, despite being scolded by a villager.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji discussed the aftermath and responsibilities of handling the situation in Yi City.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian had dinner together, and Wei Wuxian remarked on Lan Wangji's preference for plain food.
Chapter 9: The Allure
Wei Wuxian drank and was surprised when Lan Wangji joined him, finishing a cup of liquor before immediately falling asleep.
Wei Wuxian, amused and intrigued by Lan Wangji’s behavior, playfully whispered to him before getting interrupted by Wen Ning's voice from outside the window.
Wen Ning, regaining his senses, appeared at the window after falling from the eaves. Wei Wuxian met him outside, where they discussed the years Wen Ning was under control and how he found Wei Wuxian again after hearing his command.
Wen Ning mentioned hearing about the destruction of the Burial Mounds and how Jiang Cheng attacked it. Wei Wuxian clarified that his death was due to spiritual rebound, not Jiang Cheng’s actions.
Inside the tavern, Jin Ling angrily argued with Lan Sizhui and the juniors about demonic cultivators and Wei Wuxian, blaming him for his parents' deaths. Wen Ning, overhearing this, became visibly distressed, and Wei Wuxian reassured him.
Lan Wangji, now fully drunk, appeared and kicked Wen Ning before being stopped by Wei Wuxian.
Wen Ning left at Wei Wuxian’s suggestion, and Wei Wuxian tried to manage a drunk Lan Wangji, who tied Wei Wuxian’s hands with his forehead ribbon.
Despite Wei Wuxian’s attempts to get Lan Wangji to untie him, Lan Wangji only tied more knots, further indulging in his drunken antics by playing tag with Wei Wuxian.
After much playful chasing, Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji by kissing his hand, which caused Lan Wangji to back away shyly, though he continued to want to play tag.
Eventually, Lan Wangji willingly let Wei Wuxian catch him and seemed to expect another kiss, which Wei Wuxian reluctantly delivered, teasingly escalating the kisses until finally kissing Lan Wangji on the lips.
Realizing what had happened, Lan Wangji knocked himself unconscious by slapping his own forehead, leaving Wei Wuxian to free himself from the tight knots.
Wei Wuxian reflected on his teasing behavior and felt guilty for crossing a line but comforted himself with the thought that Lan Wangji wouldn’t remember anything when he sobered up.
The next morning, Lan Wangji applied medicine to Wei Wuxian’s wrists, acting as if nothing had happened, which reassured Wei Wuxian that Lan Wangji remembered nothing.
As they prepared to leave, the juniors shared farewells, and Wei Wuxian spoke to Jin Ling, encouraging him to be more cautious and advising him not to quarrel with Jiang Cheng.
Jin Ling questioned whether Wei Wuxian was really the infamous Wei Ying, to which Wei Wuxian deflected.
Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and the juniors continued their journey, with Lan Wangji deciding they would join Lan Xichen on a Night Hunt in Tan Prefecture.
Wei Wuxian wondered how Lan Wangji had recognized him as Wei Wuxian, but Lan Wangji implied it should be obvious, leaving Wei Wuxian puzzled.
The group arrived in Tan Prefecture and passed by a neglected but once-beautiful garden. The juniors explored it and discovered it was the famous garden of the Damsel of Annual Blossoms.
Lan Sizhui shared the story of the Damsel of Annual Blossoms, who rewarded excellent poetry with a magical flower but punished poor poetry by pelting people with flowers until they lost consciousness.
The juniors learned that Wei Wuxian had once annoyed the Damsel by repeatedly reciting bad poetry, getting pelted over twenty times before seeing her face.
The group decided to camp out in the garden. Wei Wuxian questioned the juniors about the meaning of the Lan Clan’s forehead ribbon, learning it symbolizes self-restraint and can only be touched or removed by one’s fated person.
Wei Wuxian was shocked and embarrassed by the significance of the forehead ribbon, reflecting on the many times he had touched Lan Wangji’s ribbon.
A flashback revealed an event from the past: Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji participated in an archery competition during a Qishan symposium. Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji by falsely claiming his forehead ribbon was crooked and accidentally pulled it off. Lan Wangji was deeply upset, but Wei Wuxian didn’t understand the significance at the time.
Back in the present, while Wei Wuxian was reflecting on the forehead ribbon, a headless corpse appeared in the garden, identified as the reassembled body parts they had been collecting.
The headless corpse, wearing funeral robes, searched for something—likely its missing head—by feeling around and smashing objects in frustration.
Wei Wuxian explained that the corpse couldn’t see or hear but could sense the presence of life and yang energy, so they put out the campfire and scattered to avoid detection.
The headless corpse pursued the juniors slowly, trying to grab their heads to see if one fit its body. Wei Wuxian diverted the corpse’s attention with rocks, allowing the juniors to escape.
Wei Wuxian called for Lan Wangji, who returned alongside Lan Xichen. Together, Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen, and Wei Wuxian used their musical instruments to subdue the fierce corpse, which eventually collapsed into pieces again.
Lan Xichen recognized the corpse as Nie Mingjue, the former leader of the Nie Clan, now dismembered and reanimated.
Wei Wuxian suggested that the person trying to collect Nie Mingjue’s body parts likely had connections to both the Lan and Nie Clans and didn’t want others to know about the dismemberment.
Lan Xichen defended their prime suspect, refusing to believe that this person could be responsible for such atrocities, despite evidence pointing in their direction. He trusted in the years of friendship and what he had witnessed personally.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji remained skeptical, understanding Lan Xichen's reluctance to accept the truth but believing that more investigation was needed into who had dismembered Nie Mingjue and why.
Chapter 10: The Beguiling Boy Part 1
The Grand Symposium hosted by the Jin Clan of Lanling at Golden Carp Tower was approaching, and Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian arrived, admiring the extravagant murals depicting Jin Guangyao's and Jin Zixuan's heroic deeds.
Jiang Cheng exchanged hostile words with Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji upon arrival, but Jin Guangyao intervened, personally greeting them and showing warmth to Lan Wangji.
During the banquet, Jin Guangyao's wife, Qin Su, appeared composed but grew increasingly troubled later, leading to her strange behavior.
Jin Ling had a brief confrontation with Wei Wuxian and other Jin disciples led by Jin Chan, but Wei Wuxian and Jin Ling fought them off using a new technique Wei Wuxian taught Jin Ling.
Wei Wuxian discovered from Jin Ling that Mo Xuanyu had been expelled from Golden Carp Tower for harassing Jin Guangyao, which led to awkwardness between Wei Wuxian and Jin Ling.
Wei Wuxian used the Papercut Incarnation spell to send a paper effigy to investigate the inner workings of Golden Carp Tower, slipping into Jin Guangyao's quarters unnoticed.
In Blooming Garden, Wei Wuxian overheard a drunken Nie Huaisang pleading with Jin Guangyao, while Lan Xichen remained troubled.
Wei Wuxian found a heavily sealed letter in Fragrance Palace, later witnessing Qin Su discovering it and having a breakdown. Qin Su confronted Jin Guangyao, accusing him of lying about the contents of the letter and their son, A-Song's death.
Jin Guangyao tried to comfort and manipulate Qin Su while she vomited and sobbed uncontrollably, seemingly repulsed by the revelations in the letter.
Qin Su, devastated, refused to reveal who had given her the letter, fearing for their safety. Jin Guangyao eventually subdued her, dragging her into a secret chamber behind a bronze mirror.
Wei Wuxian followed them into the secret chamber, discovering shelves filled with books, torture devices, and other treasures, including manuscripts written by Wei Wuxian himself on forbidden magic.
In the chamber, Wei Wuxian discovered Nie Mingjue's head, heavily sealed and hidden by Jin Guangyao. The powerful seals prevented Nie Mingjue's head from sensing his body's whereabouts.
Just as Wei Wuxian contemplated removing the seals, he was sucked against Nie Mingjue's forehead by an unexpected force.
Chapter 10: The Beguiling Boy Part 2
Lan Wangji observed Wei Wuxian while he was unconscious and touched his lips, reflecting on the earlier interaction with the paper effigy.
Wei Wuxian, while inhabiting the paper effigy in the secret chamber, was affected by Nie Mingjue's overwhelming resentment and found himself reliving a memory through Empathy.
The memory showed Nie Mingjue beheading Wen Xu, Wen Ruohan's eldest son, during the Sunshot Campaign, displaying his brutal and efficient battlefield tactics.
After the battle, Nie Mingjue discovered a terrified mother and daughter hiding from the carnage, and he reassured them they were safe, showing his compassionate side.
Nie Mingjue questioned his subordinates about the last person who left the previous battlefield, and they informed him it was Meng Yao (later Jin Guangyao).
Flashback to Meng Yao’s early life: Meng Yao, the son of a prostitute and Jin Guangshan, sought acceptance from his father but was cruelly rejected at Golden Carp Tower. He later joined the Nie Clan during the Sunshot Campaign.
Meng Yao worked diligently under Nie Mingjue’s command, gaining his favor and becoming his deputy envoy. Despite hardships and insults from other cultivators due to his background, Meng Yao persevered and earned Nie Mingjue's trust.
Lan Xichen visited the Nie Clan’s camp and recognized Meng Yao, showing kindness to him while others were disdainful. Lan Xichen encouraged Meng Yao to seek his father's approval at Golden Carp Tower, with Nie Mingjue offering a letter of recommendation.
Meng Yao left the Nie Clan to join his father’s forces at Golden Carp Tower. However, his superior at the Jin Clan mistreated him, taking credit for his work and insulting him, pushing Meng Yao to murder the man and frame the Wen Clan for it.
Nie Mingjue caught Meng Yao in the act of killing the Jin Clan cultivator and confronted him. Meng Yao tried to justify his actions, claiming he was forced to kill due to unbearable mistreatment.
Nie Mingjue saw through Meng Yao’s lies and demanded he confess to his crime at Golden Carp Tower. Meng Yao pretended to agree but then attempted to commit suicide in front of Nie Mingjue.
Meng Yao tricked Nie Mingjue by faking his suicide and stabbing him instead. Meng Yao fled, leaving Nie Mingjue wounded and furious.
Nie Mingjue’s anger at Meng Yao’s betrayal led him to become even more ruthless in battle. When Lan Xichen later arrived to help, Nie Mingjue recounted Meng Yao’s treachery, vowing vengeance if they ever met again.
Meng Yao disappeared entirely after betraying Nie Mingjue, leaving Nie Mingjue enraged whenever he was mentioned.
Wei Wuxian, while connected to Nie Mingjue through Empathy, witnessed a scene where Nie Mingjue and his men were captured by Wen Ruohan during a failed surprise attack on Yangquan, leading them to Nightless City as prisoners.
Meng Yao, now working for Wen Ruohan, approached the severely injured Nie Mingjue, mocking him before killing two of Nie Mingjue’s fellow cultivators for insulting the Wen Clan.
Meng Yao revealed that they were in Scorching Sun Palace, Wen Ruohan’s stronghold, and taunted Nie Mingjue with his saber, Baxia.
Meng Yao angered Nie Mingjue by bringing up the painful memory of his father’s death, caused indirectly by Wen Ruohan years prior.
In a rage, Nie Mingjue attempted to fight back, but Wen Ruohan’s overwhelming strength left him severely injured, with Meng Yao kicking him while he was down.
Wen Ruohan intervened before Nie Mingjue could kill Meng Yao, dragging Nie Mingjue across the hall and displaying his terrifying power by killing a disciple with just a gesture.
Despite Nie Mingjue’s best efforts to resist, he was beaten down by Wen Ruohan’s immense strength.
Meng Yao persuaded Wen Ruohan to send Nie Mingjue to Inferno Palace, Wen Ruohan's torture chamber, but before Wen Ruohan could act, something unexpected happened, leading to Wen Ruohan’s death.
Meng Yao was found helping a barely conscious Nie Mingjue escape from Nightless City, claiming Wen Ruohan was dead. Nie Mingjue, still suspicious, demanded his saber and accused Meng Yao of killing their fellow cultivators.
Meng Yao insisted he had no choice but to kill them to save Nie Mingjue’s life, causing Nie Mingjue to struggle between anger and gratitude.
Just as Meng Yao and Nie Mingjue’s fight escalated, Lan Xichen intervened, revealing that Meng Yao had been secretly feeding them information on Wen Clan movements and had orchestrated Wen Ruohan’s downfall.
Meng Yao confessed his actions during his time undercover, apologizing to Nie Mingjue for his past transgressions, while Lan Xichen defended Meng Yao’s actions as necessary for the mission.
Nie Mingjue, torn between his principles and gratitude, ultimately spared Meng Yao but remained deeply mistrustful of him.
After the Sunshot Campaign, Meng Yao gained widespread recognition for his undercover efforts and became sworn brothers with Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen, thanks in part to Lan Xichen’s influence.
At a Jin Clan banquet, Meng Yao, now known as Jin Guangyao, presented himself as a respected figure, and Xue Yang was revealed to be working with him.
Nie Mingjue expressed his distrust of Xue Yang, recognizing him as a notorious figure from Kui Prefecture, while Jin Guangyao evaded the topic.
Lan Wangji, Lan Xichen, and Nie Mingjue attended the banquet, where they encountered Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian, still arrogant and rebellious, clashed with Jin Zixuan, leading to a heated argument.
Wei Wuxian stormed off after the confrontation, and Lan Wangji attempted to approach him but hesitated, resulting in them passing each other without interaction.
The Three Zun were at the Impure Realm, where Lan Xichen played the guqin. Jin Guangyao joked about smashing his own guqin after hearing Lan Xichen play.
Jin Guangyao shared that his mother bought him fraudulent swordplay and cultivation manuals in hopes of preparing him for meeting his father. He taught himself how to play the guqin and swordplay.
Lan Xichen offered to teach Jin Guangyao the Purification Tone, despite Nie Mingjue’s warning not to divulge it to outsiders.
Nie Huaisang was caught obsessing over his collection of fans by Nie Mingjue, who demanded to know where his saber was. Nie Huaisang couldn't remember.
Jin Guangyao arrived and deflected Nie Mingjue's anger by defending Nie Huaisang's interests in the arts. Nie Huaisang showed great enthusiasm for Jin Guangyao's gifts, to Nie Mingjue’s frustration.
Nie Mingjue continued to criticize Nie Huaisang’s lack of interest in training and leadership, but Jin Guangyao encouraged Nie Mingjue to take a softer approach with his brother.
Jin Guangyao frequently visited the Impure Realm to play the Purification Tone, soothing Nie Mingjue’s growing resentment, but tension persisted between them.
Nie Mingjue grew suspicious of Jin Guangyao’s connection to Xue Yang, who had committed atrocities. Nie Mingjue demanded Xue Yang’s execution, but Jin Guangyao claimed he couldn’t disobey his father’s orders to protect Xue Yang.
Jin Guangyao defended himself against Nie Mingjue’s accusations of being untrustworthy and manipulative, highlighting his difficult position in the Jin Clan and his lack of resources compared to Nie Mingjue.
Nie Mingjue kicked Jin Guangyao down Golden Carp Tower after a heated confrontation, calling him the "son of a prostitute."
Lan Xichen intervened, trying to mediate between Nie Mingjue and Jin Guangyao. Jin Guangyao accepted blame and promised to kill Xue Yang within two months.
Nie Mingjue grew increasingly harsh with Nie Huaisang, demanding he improve his saber skills, but Nie Huaisang resisted, leading to a breakdown in their relationship.
Jin Guangyao continued to try to soothe the tension, playing the Purification Tone for Nie Mingjue, but Nie Mingjue’s resentment continued to build.
Nie Mingjue overheard Jin Guangyao venting to Lan Xichen, feeling betrayed by his complaints about being called the "son of a prostitute." This enraged Nie Mingjue, causing him to qi-deviate.
Nie Mingjue hallucinated that everyone around him was Jin Guangyao and began attacking people indiscriminately.
Nie Huaisang attempted to stop Nie Mingjue, but before Nie Mingjue collapsed, he briefly regained clarity and saw the real Jin Guangyao watching from a distance with tears in his eyes.
At the end of the hallucination, Wei Wuxian pulled himself out of the Empathy session, realizing he had little time left before returning to his physical body.
Chapter 10: The Beguiling Boy Part 3
Wei Wuxian, in his paperman form, encountered Jin Guangyao in a secret chamber. Jin Guangyao attacked him with his soft sword, Hensheng, a flexible and deadly weapon.
Paperman Wei narrowly dodged Jin Guangyao’s attacks and discovered his old sword, Suibian, on a shelf. Suibian responded to him, and the two swords, Hensheng and Suibian, fought against each other.
Wei Wuxian used the distraction to escape the chamber and returned to his body, which was in Lan Wangji’s presence. He quickly recovered, despite some initial dizziness, and decided to confront Jin Guangyao.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji headed for Fragrance Palace, where Jin Guangyao’s secret chamber was located. They barged in, raising the alarm, which attracted numerous cultivators, including Jin Ling.
Lan Xichen confronted Jin Guangyao and demanded that he open the secret chamber. Jin Guangyao hesitated but ultimately complied, opening the chamber to reveal a dagger instead of Nie Mingjue’s head.
Qin Su, Jin Guangyao’s wife, was in the chamber, seemingly calm despite the earlier conflict. However, she suddenly grabbed the dagger and stabbed herself in the stomach, committing suicide in front of everyone.
Jin Guangyao pretended to be shocked and distraught over his wife's death, accusing Wei Wuxian of causing it and indirectly revealing that Wei Wuxian was the Yiling Patriarch, not Mo Xuanyu.
Jin Guangyao manipulated the crowd with a convincing story about Wei Wuxian’s identity, and many cultivators, including Jin Ling, turned on Wei Wuxian.
Lan Wangji defended Wei Wuxian, and the two of them fled from Golden Carp Tower. Jin Ling, confused and hurt, confronted Wei Wuxian, stabbing him in the stomach out of anger and confusion.
Wei Wuxian was severely injured, but Lan Wangji carried him away on Bichen. Despite his pain, Wei Wuxian had a moment of emotional clarity, remembering that he had once carried Lan Wangji on his back in the past.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 3
Chapter 12: Sandu: The Three Poisons Part 1
Wei Wuxian awoke in Lotus Pier after being rescued from the underground cave by Jiang Cheng, who brought him back home.
Wei Wuxian reconnected with Jiang Yanli, who cared for him during his recovery. He learned that the Wens were falsely claiming credit for killing the Xuanwu of Slaughter, which had actually been slain by him and Lan Wangji.
Jiang Cheng expressed his frustration about not being able to slay the beast, showing his insecurity about living up to his family’s expectations.
Madam Yu interrupted a discussion between Jiang Fengmian, Wei Wuxian, and Jiang Cheng, chastising Wei Wuxian for constantly causing trouble and endangering the Jiang family.
Madam Yu and Jiang Fengmian argued over their treatment of Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian, with Madam Yu accusing Jiang Fengmian of favoring Wei Wuxian over his own son.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng had a heart-to-heart, with Wei Wuxian reassuring Jiang Cheng that Jiang Fengmian cared for him deeply, despite his stern treatment.
Their conversation was interrupted when a Jiang disciple was seized by the Wen Clan, led by Wang Lingjiao, who accused the disciple of mutinous intent based on a kite design.
Wang Lingjiao arrived at Lotus Pier and demanded punishment for Wei Wuxian, accusing him of disrespecting the Wen Clan during the Xuanwu incident.
Madam Yu whipped Wei Wuxian severely to appease Wang Lingjiao, though the punishment was not enough to satisfy her.
Wang Lingjiao demanded that Wei Wuxian’s right arm be cut off as further punishment, but Madam Yu eventually refused, revealing her growing anger.
Wang Lingjiao declared that Lotus Pier would be turned into an Overwatch Office for the Wen Clan, enraging Madam Yu.
Madam Yu slapped Wang Lingjiao and killed several Wen sect disciples, asserting her dominance and rejecting the Wen Clan’s control over Lotus Pier.
Wen Zhuliu, the Core-Melting Hand, arrived to protect Wang Lingjiao and engaged in a fierce battle with Madam Yu, who held her ground but was forced to retreat.
Madam Yu prepared Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng to flee, giving Jiang Cheng her spiritual weapon, Zidian, to protect him. She stayed behind to defend Lotus Pier.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were forced onto a boat and bound by Zidian to ensure their escape. Jiang Cheng was devastated, calling out for his mother.
As they drifted away, Jiang Fengmian returned, freeing them momentarily before ordering them to continue their escape while he went back to help Madam Yu.
Jiang Fengmian bid farewell to Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian, leaving them to continue their escape as he returned to Lotus Pier.
Jiang Cheng screamed in anguish as their boat sailed away, unable to return to help his parents.
Chapter 12: Sandu: The Three Poisons Part 2
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng escaped from Lotus Pier after being bound by Zidian and forced to flee by Madam Yu. They paddled back to Lotus Pier with their bare hands, hoping to return in time to help their parents.
Upon arriving, they found Lotus Pier surrounded by Wen Clan soldiers in blazing sun uniforms. They snuck in and witnessed piles of bodies of Jiang disciples in the drilling grounds, unable to tell if their parents were among them.
Wen Chao and Wang Lingjiao were nearby, gloating about their victory. Wang Lingjiao gloated over Yu Ziyuan’s death, mocking her marriage and her domineering personality.
Wen Chao, satisfied with his new control over Lotus Pier, ordered the removal of all symbols of the Jiang Clan and planned a feast to celebrate his conquest.
Overcome by grief and anger, Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian fled the scene but soon argued. Jiang Cheng, devastated by his parents’ death, blamed Wei Wuxian for saving Lan Wangji during the Xuanwu incident, thinking it brought disaster to their family.
Jiang Cheng violently attacked Wei Wuxian in his grief, attempting to strangle him, but soon broke down, crying for his lost parents. The two cried together, grieving the loss of their family and home.
The next day, they set off toward Meishan to find Jiang Yanli. Exhausted and starving, they entered a nearby city where Wei Wuxian left Jiang Cheng to find food. When he returned, Jiang Cheng was missing.
Wei Wuxian, fearing Jiang Cheng had gone back to Lotus Pier to retrieve their parents' bodies, ran back but found no sign of him.
Wei Wuxian, feeling powerless and overwhelmed, captured a Wen Clan disciple who turned out to be Wen Ning. Wen Ning revealed that he wanted to help Wei Wuxian save Jiang Cheng.
Wen Ning, who had seen Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng the previous day but kept silent, promised to help them escape, showing unexpected kindness.
Wen Ning retrieved the injured Jiang Cheng from inside Lotus Pier and handed him to Wei Wuxian, along with Zidian, which Wen Chao had taken from Jiang Cheng.
Wen Ning offered to help Wei Wuxian hide from the Wen Clan, knowing Wen Chao would soon be searching for them. He also promised to retrieve Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan’s bodies.
Wei Wuxian, despite his doubts, accepted Wen Ning’s help. Wen Ning guided them to a boat, treated Jiang Cheng's injuries, and helped them escape.
Wei Wuxian reflected on his earlier encounter with Wen Ning during the Qishan Grand Symposium, remembering how Wen Ning had been a skilled archer but too nervous to perform well in front of others.
Wen Ning, despite being part of the Wen Clan, proved to be a loyal and kind-hearted ally, aiding Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng during their time of need.
Wei Wuxian recalled his first encounter with Wen Ning while watching over the still-unconscious Jiang Cheng.
Wen Ning arranged for their transportation and hid them in the Yiling Overwatch Office, a Wen Clan-controlled property that Wen Ning believed would be the last place the Wen Clan would search for them.
Wei Wuxian remained suspicious of Wen Ning's motives despite his continued help and confronted him, but Wen Ning explained that he had no ill intentions.
Wen Ning's sister, Wen Qing, unexpectedly appeared. Wen Qing was a high-ranking member of the Wen Clan, and she discovered Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng hiding in the Overwatch Office.
Wen Qing covered for them and left, scolding Wen Ning for harboring them and warning him of the dangers.
Wen Ning explained that Wen Qing was helping out of gratitude and confirmed that they could stay temporarily.
Jiang Cheng awoke but was disturbingly calm and emotionally distant. He revealed that Wen Zhuliu had used his Core-Melting Hand to dissolve his golden core, making him powerless and unable to form a new one.
Jiang Cheng fell into despair, believing his life was now meaningless without his spiritual power and his ability to seek revenge.
Wei Wuxian, desperate to save his friend, decided to take Jiang Cheng to Baoshan-sanren, an immortal who could potentially help restore Jiang Cheng's golden core.
Jiang Cheng, clinging to this hope, agreed to go with Wei Wuxian. They traveled to the mountain, where Wei Wuxian instructed Jiang Cheng to blindfold himself and follow specific instructions to ensure Baoshan-sanren would help him.
Wei Wuxian watched Jiang Cheng ascend the mountain alone, while he took another path, hoping this journey would restore his friend's cultivation and bring them closer to vengeance.
Jiang Cheng spent seven days on the mountain, during which Wei Wuxian waited anxiously for his return in a small, remote town.
Wei Wuxian, exhausted and suspicious, entered a teahouse in the town but sensed something was off. He tried to leave but was ambushed by Wen Chao, Wen Zhuliu, and other Wen Clan members disguised as patrons.
Wen Chao and Wang Lingjiao discussed torturing Wei Wuxian, eager to dissolve his core like they did to Jiang Cheng, while Wei Wuxian taunted them, saying he hoped to return as a malicious ghost to haunt them.
Wen Chao hesitated, fearing Wei Wuxian might indeed turn into a vengeful ghost, but Wang Lingjiao insisted on going forward with the torture, claiming the Wen Clan could handle any ghost that might arise.
Wei Wuxian was beaten severely, coughing up blood and preparing for what he believed to be his imminent death, all while maintaining his defiant attitude.
Wen Chao, furious at Wei Wuxian's resistance, ordered his men to restrain him. Wen Zhuliu grabbed Wei Wuxian, and they took off on their swords, flying him to an ominous mountain called the Burial Mounds.
Wen Chao explained that the Burial Mounds, located in Yiling, were a cursed mountain filled with corpses and dark energy. It was said that no one who entered the mountain ever returned, either in body or soul.
With a final taunt, Wen Chao threw Wei Wuxian off his sword, sending him plummeting toward the cursed Burial Mounds below.
Chapter 13: Ill Winds
Wang Lingjiao had a nightmare about Wei Wuxian, waking up screaming, and expressed fears that he might have survived being thrown into the Burial Mounds and could return as a malicious ghost.
Wen Chao dismissed her concerns, assuring her that no one had ever survived the Burial Mounds and that even if Wei Wuxian had died, his soul would be trapped there.
Wang Lingjiao found out that Wen Xu, Wen Chao’s eldest brother, had been beheaded in the Sunshot Campaign, leading her to worry about her own safety and future with Wen Chao.
Feeling uneasy about her standing with Wen Chao, Wang Lingjiao decided to take inventory of her valuables. Upon opening her chest, she was horrified to find a pale child inside.
Terrified, Wang Lingjiao scrambled to put a talisman on her chest for protection, but when she looked again, the chest contained only her valuables. However, she soon saw the same pale child under her bed, staring at her with glowing eyes.
Wen Chao, frustrated with the situation and Wang Lingjiao’s repeated screams, became angry. When Wang Lingjiao appeared in his room with her face grotesquely distorted, begging for help, Wen Chao attacked her with a sword and a stool, but she continued to behave erratically, shoving pieces of the broken stool into her mouth.
Wen Chao attempted to escape through the window, but he suddenly noticed a figure dressed in black standing in the courtyard, illuminated by the moonlight.
Jiang Cheng was standing before a forest and met Lan Wangji. After exchanging greetings, they set off with their sects to raid the Overwatch Office where Wen Chao was hiding.
Two months earlier, they had raided Wen Chao’s “Education Office” to retrieve the confiscated swords, including Sandu and Bichen. Lan Wangji asked Jiang Cheng about Wei Wuxian’s whereabouts, but Jiang Cheng had no news.
Arriving at the Overwatch Office, they found it filled with corpses of Wen sect disciples, all of whom had died in various horrific ways. Lan Wangji noticed that the residence protection talismans had extra strokes, which changed their function from repelling evil to attracting it.
The pair did not find Wen Chao or Wen Zhuliu’s bodies and assumed they had fled towards Qishan. Jiang Cheng pursued them while Lan Wangji briefly returned to Gusu, later rejoining Jiang Cheng.
Lan Wangji revealed that the talismans had been reversed to summon evil creatures, implying that someone had manipulated the talismans to kill the Wen disciples.
As they continued their pursuit, they discovered that high-ranking Wen cultivators had been mysteriously killed in violent ways, leading them to believe the same person was responsible.
They eventually tracked Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu to a remote post station. Wen Chao had been horribly disfigured, bald, and scarred, while Wen Zhuliu tended to his injuries.
Wen Chao was paranoid and terrified, believing he could hear the sound of a flute, which Wen Zhuliu dismissed as the wind.
Wei Wuxian, now dressed in black and radiating a sinister aura, appeared at the post station. His appearance shocked Jiang Cheng and Lan Wangji, as he had undergone a significant change in demeanor.
Wei Wuxian taunted Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu, revealing that Wen Chao had been tortured and forced to eat his own flesh. Wen Chao's legs had been stripped of their flesh, and his fingerless hands suggested more gruesome torture.
Wei Wuxian was accompanied by a ghostly child and a pale-faced woman, both of whom attacked Wen Zhuliu when he tried to protect Wen Chao. The ghostly child chewed on Wen Zhuliu's hand, while the pale woman tore off Wen Chao's bandages, causing him immense pain.
Just as Wen Zhuliu lunged at Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji and Jiang Cheng intervened. Jiang Cheng used Zidian to strangle Wen Zhuliu, snapping his neck.
Jiang Cheng was overjoyed to see Wei Wuxian again after three months and scolded him for not returning sooner. Wei Wuxian explained he had been captured and thrown into a "hellhole" by the Wens but had managed to survive.
Lan Wangji questioned Wei Wuxian about the methods he used to manipulate nefarious creatures. Wei Wuxian dodged the question and implied that his methods were his own business.
Lan Wangji insisted that Wei Wuxian’s new cultivation path was dangerous and could harm both his body and nature. Wei Wuxian dismissed his concerns, claiming he was in control of his actions and that the methods were effective for killing the Wen sect.
Lan Wangji urged Wei Wuxian to return to Gusu with him, but Wei Wuxian refused, unwilling to be judged or punished by the Lan Clan for his unorthodox practices.
With Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu at their mercy, Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng reveled in their revenge. Wei Wuxian revealed that Wen Chao's high-pitched voice was due to his lover biting off his genitals when she went mad.
Wei Wuxian told Lan Wangji to leave, as what would follow was a personal matter between him, Jiang Cheng, and the Wens. Lan Wangji reluctantly departed but remained outside, keeping watch.
Later, a long, shrill scream pierced the night, signaling the end of Wen Chao and Wen Zhuliu’s lives as dawn began to break.
Chapter 14: Soft Part 1
Wei Wuxian, still asleep, clung to Lan Wangji, mumbling in his dreams about not wanting Lan Wangji to be mad and asking to be taken home. He woke up and awkwardly withdrew, realizing he had been clutching Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji checked Wei Wuxian’s wounds, confirming that he had been unconscious for four days. Thanks to the Lan Clan’s medicinal pills, Wei Wuxian had healed completely.
Lan Wangji returned Suibian, Wei Wuxian’s sword, to him. Wei Wuxian tried to unsheathe it but realized it had sealed itself off, further confirming his identity.
Wei Wuxian found out he was in the Cloud Recesses and learned that Lan Xichen was aware of his presence but had not revealed it to others or arrested him.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian discussed the whereabouts of Nie Mingjue's body and Jin Guangyao's suspicious behavior. Lan Xichen acknowledged that Jin Guangyao was putting on a flawless act.
Wei Wuxian played the song of purification that Jin Guangyao had used on Nie Mingjue, revealing that Jin Guangyao had altered the melody with a dangerous section from the Collection of Spirit Turmoil—a book of wicked songs from Dongying that could manipulate a person’s mind.
After discovering this, Lan Xichen felt conflicted, realizing Jin Guangyao had deceived him. He vowed to test the melody and deal with the truth, even if it meant acknowledging Jin Guangyao’s treachery.
Lan Xichen confided in Wei Wuxian about his parents' tragic love story, where his father, Qingheng-jun, confined his mother in a cottage after she killed his mentor. Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen were only allowed to visit her once a month until her death when Lan Wangji was six years old.
Wei Wuxian observed the bond between Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji, noting Lan Wangji's care and unwavering support for him.
Lan Wangji brought wine (Emperor’s Smile), and Wei Wuxian attempted to prank him by replacing it with water but ended up drinking the water himself, much to his frustration.
Lan Wangji alerted Wei Wuxian to an uninvited guest in the Cloud Recesses. They followed him to the Wintry Room, where they eavesdropped on Jin Guangyao's meeting with Lan Xichen.
Jin Guangyao returned his travel token to Lan Xichen, implying that his access to the Cloud Recesses had been revoked. He also informed Lan Xichen about anomalies involving corpses heading toward the Burial Mounds.
Jin Guangyao suspected that Wei Wuxian was preparing to use the Yin Tiger Tally again, and a second Siege of the Burial Mounds was imminent. He asked Lan Xichen to attend Golden Carp Tower for a meeting with other clans.
After Jin Guangyao left, Lan Xichen told Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian to go to the Burial Mounds while he attended the meeting at Golden Carp Tower, signaling the beginning of their respective missions.
Chapter 14: Soft Part 2
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji left the Cloud Recesses, encountering a group of white rabbits and Wei Wuxian's donkey, Little Apple. The rabbits showed a peculiar attachment to Lan Wangji.
As Wei Wuxian feigned injury, Lan Wangji lifted him onto the donkey. Wei Wuxian was reminded of a childhood memory of his parents, riding a donkey and being lifted onto his father's shoulders.
They traveled toward Yiling, taking a countryside route to avoid being detected. Wei Wuxian playfully asked Lan Wangji to hold Little Apple’s reins, reminiscing and enjoying the moment.
Wei Wuxian asked Lan Wangji about the song he had hummed to him in the cave of the Xuanwu of Slaughter. Lan Wangji revealed he composed it himself, and that he had never shared it with anyone else.
Along the way, they stopped at a farmhouse where Wei Wuxian, for unclear reasons, pushed Lan Wangji into a pile of straw to hide. As they eavesdropped on the homeowners, Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji by calling him "Lan-er-gege."
The couple inside the farmhouse discussed recent grave disturbances, linking them to the Yiling Patriarch. This conversation caused Wei Wuxian to reflect on his infamous past, feeling a weight of guilt.
Wen Ning appeared, disguised as a fierce corpse, to scare away the family so that Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji could leave the farmhouse. Wei Wuxian humorously complimented Wen Ning’s scare tactics.
Wen Ning revealed he had been secretly following them and had cleared fierce corpses from their path. He showed them a pit of dismembered corpses that he had fought to protect them.
The trio reached the Burial Mounds and found that sections of the wall meant to seal it off had been broken. They observed destruction, including headless stone beast statues meant to guard the area.
Wen Ning showed signs of emotion as they passed through the ruins of the huts where he once lived. A walking corpse emerged, manipulated by the Yin Tiger Tally, and Wen Ning swiftly tore it apart.
They continued fighting waves of walking corpses controlled by the Yin Tiger Tally as they ascended the mountain. Lan Wangji used his guqin to suppress the corpses, while Wen Ning fought them off physically.
After reaching a cave, they discovered over a hundred young disciples from various clans bound by Immortal-Binding Ropes. Among them were Jin Ling, Lan Sizhui, Lan Jingyi, and others.
Jin Chan, one of the disciples, insulted Wei Wuxian, blaming him for their capture, while Jin Ling and others tried to stop him. A fight broke out among the juniors, leading Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji to intervene and free them.
Lan Sizhui expressed complete trust in Wei Wuxian, who was touched by his faith. Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji freed the juniors and prepared to help them escape the cave.
Wen Ning scouted ahead to clear the way of corpses while the juniors, led by Lan Sizhui, followed. Despite their fears, the disciples began to leave the cave.
Suddenly, Jiang Cheng appeared at the entrance of the cave, having fought his way through the corpses. He attacked Wen Ning with Zidian, sending him flying into the cave wall.
The cave was soon surrounded by a couple of thousand cultivators, including Lan Qiren, who was visibly older and worn. Jiang Cheng called Jin Ling to his side, while Lan Qiren exchanged a brief, disappointed glance with Lan Wangji, understanding his unwavering stance.
A female cultivator questioned Lan Wangji’s loyalty, accusing him of being bewitched by Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji ignored her.
Jiang Cheng and Su She arrived with a crowd of cultivators. Su She accused Wei Wuxian of digging up corpses and taking hostages.
Wei Wuxian defended himself, claiming he saved the juniors, but the crowd scoffed at his words.
Wei Wuxian sarcastically asked about the absence of Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen. Su She revealed that Jin Guangyao had been seriously injured by an assassination attempt, and Lan Xichen was trying to save him.
Wei Wuxian found the news of Jin Guangyao’s injury amusing, recalling how Jin Guangyao faked injuries to kill Nie Mingjue.
Ouyang Zizhen timidly defended Wei Wuxian, suggesting he wasn't the culprit, but his father immediately rebuked him.
Wei Wuxian realized that nothing he said would change their minds, and that Lan Wangji’s association with him had diminished his credibility.
The first Siege of the Burial Mounds was recalled, led by Jin Guangshan, Jiang Cheng, Lan Qiren, and Nie Mingjue, with Jiang Cheng still showing hostility toward Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian took solace in Lan Wangji’s unwavering support, recognizing he was no longer standing alone.
Several cultivators stepped forward to accuse Wei Wuxian of personal wrongs: Yi Weichun claimed Wei Wuxian had maimed his leg; Fang Mengchen accused Wei Wuxian of killing his parents.
Another man, Sect Leader Yao, stated he had no personal grudge but was there to fight for righteousness, declaring that Wei Wuxian, as an enemy of the world, deserved to be condemned.
Inspired by Sect Leader Yao, more cultivators voiced their grievances against Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning, blaming them for various deaths and injuries, all while proclaiming their actions were in the name of justice.
The crowd grew fervent, believing they were on a righteous crusade to punish Wei Wuxian and eradicate evil.
Chapter 15: Peony for the Soon Departed
The story begins with a grand Siege Hunt event at Mount Baifeng, where various cultivation clans gathered to showcase their strength.
Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji of the Gusu Lan Clan arrived on horses, attracting admiration from the crowd, especially female cultivators who threw flowers at them.
Wei Wuxian playfully threw a flower at Lan Wangji, who confronted him but was teased by Wei Wuxian and the female cultivators around him.
Jiang Cheng, accompanying Wei Wuxian, apologized to Lan Xichen for Wei Wuxian’s antics, who dismissed it with humor.
The Nie Clan of Qinghe, led by Nie Mingjue and Nie Huaisang, made their grand entrance, with Nie Mingjue intimidating the crowd and Nie Huaisang taking a more leisurely approach.
When the Jiang Clan of Yunmeng arrived, Wei Wuxian reveled in the attention, much to Jiang Cheng’s annoyance. Jiang Yanli, watching from the observation deck, tossed flowers to her brothers, causing them both to smile.
Jin Zixuan made a grand entrance on horseback, impressing the crowd with his archery skills. Wei Wuxian mocked him, calling him a “colorful peacock,” which irritated Jiang Cheng.
Wei Wuxian showed off his archery skills by blindfolding himself and hitting the bullseye, drawing applause and jealousy from Jin Zixun, who challenged Wei Wuxian to keep the blindfold on for the entire hunt.
As Wei Wuxian strolled through the forest blindfolded, he was ambushed by someone who kissed him forcefully. He assumed it was a shy girl and didn’t fight back, though the mysterious kisser left before he could identify them.
When Wei Wuxian later encountered Lan Wangji in the forest, Lan Wangji was acting out of character, angrily destroying trees and telling Wei Wuxian to stay away. His uncharacteristic anger left Wei Wuxian puzzled.
Wei Wuxian joked about kissing, unknowingly teasing Lan Wangji, who appeared affected by the discussion.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji then spied on a conversation between Jin Zixuan and Jiang Yanli. Jin Zixuan awkwardly tried to make conversation with Jiang Yanli, revealing his feelings but doing so in a clumsy and conceited way.
Jin Zixuan accidentally insulted Jiang Yanli, causing Wei Wuxian to intervene, leading to a confrontation between Jin Zixuan and Wei Wuxian.
Lan Wangji stepped in to defuse the situation, stopping the fight between Jin Zixuan and Wei Wuxian.
Madam Jin, Jin Zixuan’s mother, arrived on the scene and tried to mediate, while Jin Zixun, Jin Zixuan’s cousin, taunted Wei Wuxian and criticized his use of demonic cultivation techniques to summon a large portion of the hunt's prey.
Jin Zixun accused Wei Wuxian of breaking the rules, but Jiang Yanli stood up for Wei Wuxian, defending his actions and calling out Jin Zixun for his unfairness. She even demanded an apology from Jin Zixun.
Jin Zixuan, flustered by the events, suddenly shouted out in front of everyone that it was his own desire, not his mother’s, to invite Jiang Yanli to the hunt. Embarrassed by his outburst, he fled into the forest, leaving everyone in shock.
Madam Jin chased after her son, leaving the scene in chaos as cultivators began leaving the hunt, dissatisfied with how events had unfolded.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Yanli left the scene together, while Lan Wangji watched them quietly.
Jin Guangyao and Lan Xichen arrived to try and settle the crowd, but the damage had already been done, with many cultivators abandoning the hunt in frustration.
Jiang Cheng, arriving late, heard gossip about how Wei Wuxian’s fame overshadowed the Jiang Clan of Yunmeng, leading to dark feelings of resentment and unease within him.
Following the collapse of the Wen Clan of Qishan, Nightless City was reduced to ruins, and cultivators migrated to cities like Lanling, Yunmeng, Gusu, and Qinghe.
Two months later, Lan Wangji walked through the streets of Yunmeng, receiving greetings from various cultivators.
Girls continuously threw flowers at Lan Wangji, which he collected in his arms, expressionless.
Wei Wuxian appeared from a nearby building and called out to Lan Wangji, teasing him for his reaction to the flowers.
Lan Wangji, after some hesitation, ascended the stairs to Wei Wuxian’s location.
Wei Wuxian invited Lan Wangji to drink, but Lan Wangji declined, reminding him that alcohol was forbidden for him.
Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji about his serious nature and invited him to sit, but Lan Wangji expressed concern about Wei Wuxian’s use of demonic cultivation, warning him about its dangers.
Wei Wuxian dismissed Lan Wangji’s concerns and hinted that Lan Wangji’s warnings were getting repetitive. Tension arose between them, but they ultimately parted on somewhat polite terms.
Wei Wuxian returned to Lotus Pier, where Jiang Cheng noticed his gloomy demeanor and correctly guessed that Wei Wuxian had run into Lan Wangji.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng discussed the possibility of Jiang Yanli being with Jin Zixuan. Wei Wuxian expressed his disdain for Jin Zixuan due to past grievances, but Jiang Cheng revealed that Jiang Yanli still had feelings for him.
Jiang Cheng reminded Wei Wuxian of an incident from their childhood involving Jiang Yanli, where she had taken care of both Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng after they’d gotten into trouble.
In a flashback, young Wei Wuxian was afraid of dogs and climbed a tree to escape them. Jiang Yanli found him and reassured him. Jiang Cheng, upset and jealous at the time, also got into trouble by falling into a pit while searching for Wei Wuxian.
Jiang Yanli carried both boys back to Lotus Pier, showing her caring and protective nature.
Wei Wuxian recalled this moment fondly, linking it to his favorite memory of Jiang Yanli making lotus root and pork rib soup for him and Jiang Cheng, which became a cherished comfort food for him.
Reflecting on these memories, Wei Wuxian wandered out of Lotus Pier to reminisce about the past and the stability he felt with the Jiang siblings.
As he walked through the bustling market, he encountered a familiar person, which surprised him greatly.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 4
Chapter 16: The Unruly Part 1
Lan Xichen noticed Lan Wangji was troubled and asked about it.
Lan Wangji revealed he wanted to bring someone back to the Cloud Recesses and hide them away, but the person was unwilling.
They overheard Jin Zixun scolding a young man in white, Su She, who had lost his way. Jin Guangyao defused the situation and praised Su She.
Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji attended a banquet at Golden Carp Tower, but the peace was interrupted by a drunken Jin Zixun, who insisted they drink with him.
Jin Zixun’s behavior was disrespectful, but Jin Guangyao attempted to intervene. Wei Wuxian suddenly arrived and drank the wine on Lan Wangji’s behalf.
Wei Wuxian confronted Jin Zixun, asking about the whereabouts of Wen Ning and other Wen Clan survivors that Jin Zixun had captured.
Jin Zixun denied knowing anything about Wen Ning, but Wei Wuxian revealed details of Jin Zixun using Wen survivors as bait during a Night Hunt.
A heated argument ensued, with Jin Guangshan stepping in to reprimand Wei Wuxian for intruding on the banquet and raising concerns about the Yin Tiger Tally.
Wei Wuxian retorted, accusing the Jin Clan of behaving like the Wen Clan by mistreating innocent Wen survivors.
Wei Wuxian threatened Jin Zixun, counting to three, which forced Jin Zixun to reveal that the Wen survivors were at Qiongqi Path.
Wei Wuxian and Wen Qing rushed to Qiongqi Path, where they found Wen Clan captives forced into hard labor. Wen Qing was searching for her brother, Wen Ning.
They encountered an elderly woman carrying a tattered Wen Clan flag, and Wen Qing learned that Wen Ning was missing.
Wen Qing searched the valley, calling for Wen Ning, but found no sign of him. The overseers were nervous at Wei Wuxian's presence.
Wei Wuxian used his flute, Chenqing, to summon Wen Ning, who appeared as a fierce corpse, badly injured and clearly dead.
Wen Qing broke down in tears upon seeing Wen Ning’s body and fainted. Wei Wuxian caught her and demanded to know who killed Wen Ning.
The overseers tried to lie, claiming Wen Ning died from an accident, but Wei Wuxian saw through their deception.
Wen Ning, now a fierce corpse, began killing the overseers under Wei Wuxian's command, exacting revenge for his death.
Wei Wuxian found other Wen Clan survivors locked up in a shack and helped them escape on horseback with Wen Qing and Wen Ning.
As they fled, Wei Wuxian took a child named A-Yuan from the elderly woman and led the group to safety, galloping into the night.
Chapter 16: The Unruly Part 2
A large gathering took place at Touchstone Pavilion, where around fifty family heads and cultivators, including Jiang Cheng, Nie Mingjue, Lan Xichen, and Lan Wangji, convened to discuss Wei Wuxian's actions.
Jin Guangyao reported that Wei Wuxian had led the Wen Clan survivors to the Burial Mounds and summoned fierce corpses to protect them.
Jiang Cheng apologized for Wei Wuxian’s behavior and explained that Wen Ning and Wen Qing had saved them during the Sunshot Campaign.
Nie Mingjue criticized Wen Qing for not opposing the Wen Clan's atrocities, and other family heads agreed, condemning the entire Wen Clan.
Jin Guangshan shifted the conversation, claiming Wei Wuxian was arrogant and disrespectful to Jiang Cheng and suggested he planned to break away from the Jiang Clan.
Jin Guangshan fabricated a story about Wei Wuxian insulting Jiang Cheng, but Lan Wangji interrupted, stating that Wei Wuxian had never disrespected Jiang Cheng.
The conversation escalated, with some family heads criticizing Wei Wuxian's background and his cultivation of the demonic path, while Mianmian defended him.
After Mianmian was mocked and insulted by her peers, she angrily quit her sect and left. Lan Wangji followed and showed her respect with a solemn bow before she departed.
Jin Guangshan implied that Wei Wuxian intended to break from the Jiang Clan and urged Jiang Cheng to take action against him.
Jiang Cheng decided to go to the Burial Mounds to confront Wei Wuxian, feeling pressure from the other clan leaders.
Jiang Cheng visited the Burial Mounds, where he found Wei Wuxian living among Wen Clan survivors, including women, children, and the elderly.
They discussed the Wen Clan survivors, and Jiang Cheng expressed disbelief that Wei Wuxian intended to settle at the Burial Mounds and grow crops.
Jiang Cheng inquired about Wen Ning, whom they found sealed in a cave as a fierce corpse. Wei Wuxian explained that he intended to awaken Wen Ning’s mind rather than refine him into a powerful fierce corpse.
Jiang Cheng grew angry, demanding that Wei Wuxian burn Wen Ning’s body and hand over the Wen Clan survivors to avoid further trouble.
Wei Wuxian refused, reminding Jiang Cheng of the Wens’ past kindness in saving them during their darkest times.
Jiang Cheng argued that defending the Wen survivors would bring universal condemnation and that Wei Wuxian’s actions would harm the Jiang Clan.
Wei Wuxian suggested that Jiang Cheng publicly cut ties with him to protect the Jiang Clan from being associated with his actions.
Jiang Cheng was furious and challenged Wei Wuxian to a fight, and they parted on bitter terms.
Three days later, Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian dueled in Yiling, with neither emerging as the victor. Wei Wuxian had Wen Ning break Jiang Cheng’s arm, while Jiang Cheng stabbed Wei Wuxian.
Following the duel, Jiang Cheng publicly declared that Wei Wuxian had defected from the Jiang Clan and that his future actions would no longer be associated with the Jiang Clan.
Chapter 17: Distance Part 1
Wen Ning gained a fearsome reputation after the fight, but Wei Wuxian remained unfazed by his injuries and returned to the Burial Mounds with potatoes, where Wen Qing berated him for not buying radish seeds.
Wei Wuxian and the Wen survivors lived peacefully on the Burial Mounds for several months, where Wei Wuxian took care of Wen Yuan (A-Yuan), played with him, and handled the fierce corpses on the mountain.
One day, Wei Wuxian took Wen Yuan to town to get supplies. Wen Yuan got lost in the crowd and accidentally bumped into Lan Wangji, who remained stoic as Wen Yuan cried.
Wei Wuxian found them, amused at Lan Wangji's helplessness with the child. Bystanders assumed Lan Wangji was the father, and when Wei Wuxian appeared, the crowd thought they were a family.
Lan Wangji ended up buying Wen Yuan toys to stop him from crying. The child grew attached to Lan Wangji, clinging to his leg, much to Wei Wuxian's amusement.
Wei Wuxian convinced Lan Wangji to join them for a meal at a restaurant, where they discussed recent events. Lan Wangji informed Wei Wuxian of the upcoming marriage between Jiang Yanli and Jin Zixuan, which left Wei Wuxian shocked and conflicted.
While eating, Wei Wuxian received an alert from a talisman indicating trouble at the Burial Mounds. Lan Wangji accompanied him and Wen Yuan back to the mountain.
Upon arriving, they discovered that the fierce corpses had broken free from the Demon-Quelling Cave, with Wen Ning going berserk after tearing off his talismans.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji worked together to subdue Wen Ning, with Wei Wuxian using his flute and Lan Wangji his guqin. After a struggle, Wen Ning regained consciousness, much to the joy and relief of Wen Qing and the Wen survivors.
After fulfilling his promise to Wen Qing that he would awaken Wen Ning’s mind, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji retreated to the Demon-Quelling Cave, where they discussed the challenges Wei Wuxian faced in maintaining control over the fierce corpses and the difficulties of walking the demonic path.
Wei Wuxian reflected on his inability to abandon the demonic path because of his commitment to protect the Wen survivors. Lan Wangji expressed concern about whether Wei Wuxian could maintain control, but Wei Wuxian dismissed the idea of losing control.
Wen Qing slapped Wei Wuxian hard enough to make him cough up blood, forcing him to expel the bad blood from his lungs. Lan Wangji panicked, but Wei Wuxian was fine.
The Wen survivors threw a feast in Wei Wuxian’s honor, thanking him for all he had done for them. They expressed their gratitude by sharing food and drink with him, and Wei Wuxian felt touched by their efforts, realizing that despite the darkness of the demonic path, there was light in the bonds he had formed with the Wen survivors.
As the evening progressed, Wen Qing noted Wei Wuxian's friendly relationship with Lan Wangji, which contradicted the rumors of their enmity.
Wei Wuxian offered to cook, but his culinary skills were terrible, much to Wen Qing’s frustration, and A-Yuan ended up crying after trying his food.
Chapter 17: Distance Part 2
The cultivation world quickly learned that Wei Wuxian had refined a powerful, conscious fierce corpse, Wen Ning, and feared that Wei Wuxian would create an army of such beings, threatening their way of life and their control over the cultivation world.
Despite the rumors, Wei Wuxian mainly used Wen Ning to help with manual labor, such as carrying goods up the mountain. However, Wei Wuxian’s growing reputation attracted many people wanting to join his supposed sect, which led to an influx of visitors to the Burial Mounds.
Wei Wuxian started using different routes to avoid the increasing number of visitors and managed to avoid conflicts despite his fame.
One day, while shopping in Yiling, Wei Wuxian encountered Jiang Cheng, who led him and Wen Ning into a secluded courtyard. Jiang Cheng dismissed Wen Ning rudely, revealing his lasting resentment toward the Wen Clan.
Inside the courtyard, Wei Wuxian was surprised to see Jiang Yanli dressed in her bridal robes. Jiang Yanli had come secretly to show her brother how she looked on her wedding day, as he couldn't attend due to his current situation.
Jiang Yanli asked Wei Wuxian to choose a courtesy name for her future son, which led to a playful argument between Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng over the name "Jin Rulan."
Jiang Yanli brought soup for Wei Wuxian, Jiang Cheng, and even Wen Ning, showing her kindness toward the latter despite his undead state.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng briefly discussed the injuries they inflicted on each other during their fight, with Jiang Cheng expressing his frustration that Wei Wuxian never heeded his warnings about the dangers he faced.
After some banter, Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli prepared to leave. They didn't want Wei Wuxian to see them off for fear of being seen by others and breaking the pretense they had maintained.
Wen Ning clutched the bowl of soup Jiang Yanli had given him, unable to consume it but cherishing the gesture nonetheless.
Wei Wuxian knew it would be a long time before he saw his family again, but he also anticipated reunions with others from his past.
Chapter 18: Night Flight Part 1
Inside Lanling City's largest Pavilion of Treasures, cultivators discussed the election of a Cultivation Chief and recent celebrations, including Jin Ling's one-month celebration.
Some discussed Wei Wuxian's invitation to the celebration, which caused shock and controversy due to his dark reputation.
Wei Wuxian, disguised in white, bought a gift for Jin Ling, a silver bell for protection, but kept the true gift a secret even from Wen Ning.
On their way back through Qiongqi Path, Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning were ambushed by Jin Zixun and 300 armed cultivators. Jin Zixun believed Wei Wuxian had cursed him with the malicious Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes curse.
Wei Wuxian denied the accusation, stating he never used such underhanded methods, but Jin Zixun didn't believe him and demanded he lift the curse or face death.
Jin Zixun crushed Wei Wuxian's gift for Jin Ling in front of him, enraging Wei Wuxian, but before a full confrontation, Jin Zixuan arrived and intervened, trying to stop the ambush.
Jin Zixuan was furious that he hadn't been informed of Jin Zixun's plot. Jin Zixun dismissed Jin Zixuan's objections, prioritizing his life over the family's honor, and continued the attack.
In the ensuing chaos, Wen Ning, who had gone berserk, suddenly killed Jin Zixuan by piercing his chest, shocking everyone, including Wei Wuxian, who lost control of Wen Ning.
Jin Zixuan died in Wei Wuxian’s arms, telling him that Jiang Yanli was waiting for him at Jin Ling’s celebration. Wei Wuxian was devastated by the unintentional death.
Panic broke out, and Jin Zixun ordered the cultivators to fire on Wei Wuxian. Wen Ning killed Jin Zixun, but Wei Wuxian was mentally broken, unable to comprehend what had happened.
Wei Wuxian woke up later in the Demon-Quelling Cave, realizing the gravity of what had transpired and the implications of Wen Ning's actions.
Blaming himself for the deaths, Wei Wuxian lashed out at Wen Ning, demanding to know what they were supposed to do now.
Wen Ning and Wen Qing, who had decided to surrender themselves to the Jin Clan, explained their plan to plead guilty to end the conflict.
Despite Wei Wuxian’s protests, Wen Qing paralyzed him with a needle, rendering him unable to stop them. They explained that by turning themselves in, they hoped to stop the Jin Clan’s retaliation against Wei Wuxian.
Wen Qing and Wen Ning said their goodbyes to Wei Wuxian, apologizing for the trouble they had caused and thanking him for everything before leaving to face their fate at Golden Carp Tower.
Chapter 18: Night Flight Part 2
Wei Wuxian lay paralyzed in the Demon-Quelling Cave for three days, regaining movement exactly after that period as Wen Qing predicted.
Once able to move, he rushed out of the Burial Mounds in a panic, unsure of where to go but eventually decided to retrieve Wen Qing and Wen Ning’s remains from Golden Carp Tower.
Upon sneaking into Golden Carp Tower, Wei Wuxian discovered Jiang Yanli grieving beside Jin Zixuan’s coffin with their infant son, Jin Ling, in her arms. Madam Jin, also in mourning, tried to console her.
Wei Wuxian accidentally alerted Madam Jin to his presence, leading her to call for the guards. Wei Wuxian fled without confronting Jiang Yanli.
Wandering aimlessly after his escape, Wei Wuxian overheard gossip from a group of cultivators about how Wen Ning went berserk at Golden Carp Tower, killing many, including members of the Gusu Lan Clan. They also mentioned that Wen Ning had been destroyed, reduced to ash.
The cultivators mocked and cursed Wei Wuxian, calling him a creator of monsters, which enraged him. He retaliated violently, summoning spirits to attack and terrorize the group.
After suppressing the crowd, Wei Wuxian left them pinned by spirits and vowed to confront the major clans at the Pledge Rally in Nightless City.
At Nightless City, the major clans held a ceremony led by Jin Guangshan, scattering the ashes of the Wen siblings and declaring their intent to kill Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian made a dramatic entrance, mocking the gathered clans and challenging their accusations, including the ambush at Qiongqi Path and the killing of Jin Zixuan.
Tensions escalated as Wei Wuxian and the clan leaders exchanged barbs, leading to open conflict. Wei Wuxian used his flute, Chenqing, to summon corpses from the ground, throwing the rally into chaos.
Lan Wangji attempted to stop Wei Wuxian using his guqin but was unsuccessful. The two nearly fought until Jiang Yanli’s voice suddenly interrupted the chaos, calling out to Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng frantically searched for Jiang Yanli amidst the battle. They found her, but she was fatally wounded by a fierce corpse under Wei Wuxian’s control.
Despite Lan Wangji’s help in destroying the corpse, Jiang Yanli was mortally injured. She used her last moments to ask Wei Wuxian to stop, expressing her love and concern for him.
A young cultivator, seeking revenge for his brother, mistakenly stabbed Jiang Yanli instead of Wei Wuxian. Jiang Yanli died in Wei Wuxian’s arms, devastating him and Jiang Cheng.
In a fit of rage, Wei Wuxian killed the young cultivator by snapping his neck, leading to further outrage from the assembled clan leaders.
Overwhelmed by grief and anger, Wei Wuxian retrieved the Yin Tiger Tally, an ominous and powerful object capable of controlling hordes of corpses, signaling his complete descent into darkness.
Chapter 19: Core of the Truehearted Part 1
The Nightless City Massacre is a legendary event where Wei Wuxian supposedly single-handedly slaughtered all three to five thousand cultivators present at the Pledge Rally, transforming the ruins of Nightless City into hell. Despite being the target, he retreated to the Burial Mounds unscathed.
Three months after the massacre, the major clans launched a siege on the Burial Mounds, slaughtering the Wen survivors and Wei Wuxian.
Back in the present, Wei Wuxian faces cultivators who hold him accountable for the Nightless City massacre. He denies killing all three thousand and corrects exaggerated accusations.
Su She suggests Wei Wuxian still controls fierce corpses, but Wei Wuxian points out that anyone could control them with the Yin Tiger Tally. He accuses the Jin Clan of secretly keeping Wen Ning alive after claiming he had been reduced to ash.
As a wave of fierce corpses attacks, the cultivators lose their spiritual powers and begin to bleed from their noses and mouths, rendering their talismans, swords, and instruments ineffective.
Lan Sizhui urges the group to take shelter in the Demon-Quelling Cave, where there is an incomplete array that could help ward off the fierce corpses. The cultivators are reluctant to trust Wei Wuxian, but eventually, many retreat into the cave.
Su She opposes entering the cave, raising suspicions about his intentions. Wei Wuxian’s remarks make others question Su She’s behavior.
Inside the cave, Lan Qiren repairs the array with his blood, creating a temporary barrier that holds off the fierce corpses. The cultivators are now trapped in the cave with no spiritual powers.
Wei Wuxian engages in conversation with Lan Wangji and the cultivators, trying to figure out why everyone lost their spiritual powers. After a series of discussions, it is revealed that Su She altered the battle music played by the Su Clan of Moling, which caused the cultivators to lose their spiritual powers.
Wei Wuxian tricks Su She into revealing that he still has spiritual power. Su She tries to destroy the array and uses a Transportation Talisman to escape.
The broken array causes the fierce corpse horde to pour into the cave. A bloody battle ensues, with the cultivators, including the juniors, fighting the corpses despite their weakened state. Wen Ning and Lan Wangji help hold the line.
As the battle intensifies, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji are surrounded. Just as the situation becomes dire, a new wave of bloody corpses emerges from the Blood Pool, attacking the fierce corpses.
The bloody corpses are revealed to be the remains of the Wen survivors who had been thrown into the Blood Pool during the previous siege of the Burial Mounds. They fight fiercely, protecting Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.
The Wen corpses eventually collapse into piles of ash after their fight, and Wen Ning tearfully collects their remains with the help of the juniors.
Fang Mengchen, still holding a grudge, accuses Wei Wuxian of trying to atone for his past crimes, but Wei Wuxian rebukes him, stating that he remembers his past actions as well.
The group realizes their spiritual powers are slowly returning, and they decide to regroup at Lotus Pier until they recover enough strength. Despite their history with Wei Wuxian, they reluctantly agree to let him and Lan Wangji join them on their journey back to Lotus Pier.
Chapter 19: Core of the Truehearted Part 2
The group returned to town in a weary state after the battle at the Burial Mounds.
They decided to travel by boat to Lotus Pier due to their depleted spiritual energy.
Lan Sizhui and other juniors struggled with seasickness on the decrepit boats.
Lan Sizhui saw Wen Ning clinging to the side of their boat, causing a brief scare.
The boys joked about Wen Ning looking like a sea turtle before Wen Ning climbed onto the boat.
Wen Ning approached Lan Sizhui and began questioning him about his name and family.
Wen Ning seemed excited when Lan Sizhui revealed that his name was given by Lan Wangji, implying a deeper connection.
Jin Ling became angry at Wen Ning due to Wen Ning's involvement in his father's death, leading to tension between the boys.
Jin Ling accidentally pushed Lan Sizhui, almost knocking him into the river.
Wen Ning caught Lan Sizhui and apologized for causing trouble.
Jin Ling, upset and feeling isolated, burst into tears, revealing deep emotional scars from being orphaned and friendless.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji arrived, with Wei Wuxian attempting to calm the situation, but Jin Ling continued to sob.
Jiang Cheng arrived on another boat and comforted Jin Ling, taking him away while glaring at Wen Ning and Wei Wuxian.
Sect Leader Ouyang scolded his son, Ouyang Zizhen, for defending Wei Wuxian publicly.
The boys reflected on the tension, feeling awkward about their reactions and emotions.
Lan Wangji carried an exhausted Wei Wuxian into the cabin, tenderly caring for him while the boys awkwardly watched.
The boys fled the cabin, feeling embarrassed by the intimate scene between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian.
Lan Sizhui bonded further with Wen Ning outside, while Wen Ning showed deep respect for Lan Wangji.
They arrived at Lotus Pier just before dawn, and the leaders convened to discuss the day's events.
Jiang Cheng was informed of two mysterious women waiting to speak with him, bearing valuable medicinal herbs.
Jiang Cheng brought the two women to Sword Hall to reveal their shocking stories.
The first woman, Sisi, recounted how she and other prostitutes were forced to engage with a dying Jin Guangshan as Jin Guangyao watched, leading to Jin Guangshan's death.
Sisi was the only survivor after the others were killed, and she had been held captive for eleven years before escaping and deciding to expose Jin Guangyao.
The second woman, Bicao, revealed that Jin Guangyao and his wife, Qin Su, were actually half-siblings, a secret she had kept for years.
Bicao had revealed the truth to Qin Su before her suicide, leading to the current scandal.
The room erupted in outrage as the cultivators condemned Jin Guangyao for his incestuous marriage and various other crimes.
Sect Leader Yao suggested attacking Golden Carp Tower in retaliation.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji expressed skepticism about the women's stories, but the crowd was too incensed to listen.
The cultivators praised Wei Wuxian, asking for his help with the Yin Tiger Tally, though Wei Wuxian felt uneasy about the sudden shift in public opinion.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji skipped the celebratory feast, opting instead to take a walk.
Chapter 19: Core of the Truehearted Part 3
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian took a walk outside Lotus Pier, where Wei Wuxian reminisced about his past and shared stories with Lan Wangji.
Wei Wuxian humorously struggled to treat Lan Wangji to pancakes, as he had no money.
They wandered around, with Wei Wuxian pointing out familiar landmarks, eventually climbing a tree from his childhood memories.
Wei Wuxian deliberately let himself fall from the tree, and Lan Wangji caught him, triggering an emotional moment between them.
They returned to Lotus Pier, where Wei Wuxian led Lan Wangji to the Jiang Clan's ancestral hall to pay respects to Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan's memorial tablets.
Wei Wuxian offered incense and kowtowed, reminiscing about being punished by kneeling there in the past.
Lan Wangji joined him in paying respects, and Wei Wuxian jokingly considered their bows to be wedding bows in front of Jiang Fengmian and Yu Ziyuan.
Jiang Cheng arrived and confronted Wei Wuxian, berating him for returning to Lotus Pier and bringing Lan Wangji.
Tensions escalated as Jiang Cheng accused Wei Wuxian of causing the downfall of Lotus Pier and criticized him for bringing Lan Wangji and Wen Ning, whom Jiang Cheng blamed for his family's destruction.
Jiang Cheng insulted Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji’s relationship, which enraged Wei Wuxian, leading to a heated argument.
Wei Wuxian used a talisman to strike Jiang Cheng, injuring him and sparking a brief fight between Jiang Cheng, Lan Wangji, and Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian suddenly collapsed, bleeding from his nose and mouth due to stress and exhaustion.
Lan Wangji tried to carry Wei Wuxian away, but Jiang Cheng demanded they stay, leading to another confrontation.
Wen Ning appeared and intervened, shielding Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji from Jiang Cheng’s attacks.
Wen Ning handed Jiang Cheng Wei Wuxian’s sword, Suibian, and instructed him to unsheathe it. Jiang Cheng successfully did so, shocking him, as Suibian had been sealed for years.
Wen Ning revealed that Jiang Cheng had been able to unsheathe the sword because he now possessed Wei Wuxian’s golden core, which had been transferred to him by Wen Qing years ago.
Jiang Cheng was in disbelief and denial, but Wen Ning provided specific details of the core transfer, explaining that Wei Wuxian had undergone the painful procedure, remaining conscious for its entire duration.
Jiang Cheng was devastated by the revelation and ran off with Suibian, looking deranged and conflicted.
Lan Wangji carried the unconscious Wei Wuxian to a boat, with Wen Ning following. They left Lotus Pier, drifting down the river in silence.
Wen Ning asked Lan Wangji not to tell Wei Wuxian about the core transfer revelation, as Wei Wuxian had kept it secret for years.
Lan Wangji agreed to keep the secret for now, though he was deeply affected by what he had learned.
Wen Ning thanked Lan Wangji for taking care of Lan Sizhui, whom Wen Ning was relieved to learn had survived the massacre years ago.
Lan Wangji reflected on the immense pain Wei Wuxian had endured during the core extraction process, leading to a somber conversation with Wen Ning about the sacrifices Wei Wuxian had made for Jiang Cheng.
Wei Wuxian finally woke up, signaling the end of the chapter.
Chapter 20: Day and Night Part 1
Wei Wuxian woke up on a boat with Lan Wangji and Wen Ning after fainting at Lotus Pier, suffering from a headache and coughing up blood.
Lan Wangji used his spiritual energy to help Wei Wuxian recover.
Wei Wuxian confirmed they had escaped Lotus Pier after a fight with Jiang Cheng, who had harshly insulted both Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.
Wei Wuxian tried to reassure Lan Wangji that Jiang Cheng’s words shouldn’t be taken to heart, but Lan Wangji seemed upset by the insults.
They decided to head to Yunping City, suspecting that Jin Guangyao’s hidden secrets were linked to the area.
Wei Wuxian was startled to realize Wen Ning had been rowing the boat silently, unaware of his presence the entire time.
They changed course toward a lotus pond, where Wei Wuxian stole lotus pods despite Lan Wangji’s knowledge that the pond belonged to someone.
Lan Wangji joined in, picking one lotus pod for Wei Wuxian, but warned there would be no next time.
After a few hours of floating, they reached Yunping City, where locals stared at the extraordinary appearances of Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji.
Boys playing in the water teased Wen Ning, splashing him and rocking the boat until Wei Wuxian distracted them by throwing lotus pods.
The trio strolled through the city, with Wen Ning disappearing due to his discomfort with crowds.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji visited a Guanyin Temple, suspecting it held secrets related to Jin Guangyao.
They discovered an array sealing something inside the temple, planning to unravel it at night when the temple was deserted.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji checked into a reputable inn. The proprietress assumed they wanted one room, and despite Wei Wuxian’s internal turmoil, Lan Wangji didn’t object.
Wei Wuxian secretly asked the innkeeper to bring strong liquor with dinner, hoping to learn more about Lan Wangji’s feelings.
Lan Wangji examined Wei Wuxian’s health, declaring there were no major issues, while Wei Wuxian reassured Lan Wangji about his brother, Lan Xichen, possibly being safe from Jin Guangyao’s plans.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian shared suspicions about Jin Guangyao’s uncharacteristic behavior, with Lan Wangji believing hidden motives were at play.
Wei Wuxian, anxious to learn Lan Wangji’s feelings, drank the strong liquor with him, and Lan Wangji fell into a drunken state.
Wei Wuxian mischievously poked and examined a docile, sleeping Lan Wangji but pulled back before crossing any serious lines.
Lan Wangji woke up, still intoxicated, and bit Wei Wuxian’s finger in response to his teasing.
A playful chase ensued as Lan Wangji, in his drunken state, attacked the floor with Bichen and pulled Wei Wuxian back by his collar.
Wei Wuxian managed to calm Lan Wangji down, hiding the damage they caused and joking that Lan Wangji needed to patch his torn robe.
Lan Wangji, trying to make amends, gave Wei Wuxian his money pouch but quickly took it back when Wei Wuxian jokingly claimed to be rich.
The two locked eyes in an intense moment, with Wei Wuxian’s heart racing as he tried to figure out Lan Wangji’s feelings.
Lan Wangji suddenly dragged Wei Wuxian outside the inn for an unknown reason, leaving behind a confused innkeeper and their uneaten dinner.
Chapter 20: Day and Night Part 2
Lan Wangji dragged Wei Wuxian out into the street and stopped at a house courtyard, where he mysteriously pointed out a chicken coop.
Lan Wangji jumped into the yard and stole a chicken, handing it to Wei Wuxian. He ignored Wei Wuxian's protests about stealing and continued stealing chickens.
Wei Wuxian noticed a chicken feather in Lan Wangji’s hair and laughed, but Lan Wangji was too focused on his actions to care.
Lan Wangji then leaped into a tree and began stealing jujubes. He was enthusiastic about collecting them and gave them to Wei Wuxian.
After Wei Wuxian jokingly praised Lan Wangji, Lan Wangji got upset and took back the jujubes and chickens, but eventually gave them back after Wei Wuxian sincerely asked for them.
Lan Wangji drew his sword and carved "Lan Wangji was here" on a wall, followed by graffiti of two little figures kissing.
Wei Wuxian realized Lan Wangji was recreating mischief that he had once done as a child, repeating stories Wei Wuxian had told him.
Wei Wuxian struggled to control the mischievous Lan Wangji and finally dragged him back to the inn, where he told the proprietress they found the chickens on their walk.
Wei Wuxian noticed Lan Wangji was covered in chicken feathers and dirt. Lan Wangji asked Wei Wuxian to wash his face, but Wei Wuxian suggested a full bath instead.
After Wei Wuxian prepared the bath, Lan Wangji stripped without hesitation, leaving Wei Wuxian shocked and flustered by seeing him fully naked for the first time.
Lan Wangji approached Wei Wuxian, but Wei Wuxian deflected by convincing him to bathe alone. However, Lan Wangji quickly got out of the bath and refused to continue without Wei Wuxian’s help.
Wei Wuxian, touched by Lan Wangji’s vulnerability, agreed to bathe him, carefully washing Lan Wangji while noticing the discipline whip scars and the brand on his body.
Wei Wuxian, despite being curious about the scars, decided not to ask Lan Wangji about them out of respect.
After washing Lan Wangji, Wei Wuxian’s playful teasing escalated into a physical and passionate encounter. Overcome by desire, they ended up intimately involved.
Wei Wuxian realized that Lan Wangji was still drunk and couldn’t fully consent, making him feel guilty after the passionate moment passed.
Lan Wangji, now sober, was visibly distressed, and Wei Wuxian was overcome with shame and regret for having taken advantage of him while he was intoxicated.
Both of them dressed silently, awkwardness and tension lingering between them. Wei Wuxian apologized to Lan Wangji, but Lan Wangji dismissed the apology.
The proprietress interrupted, informing them of damage caused by water leaking into the room below due to the broken bathtub. Lan Wangji paid for the damages, and Wei Wuxian asked for two separate rooms to avoid further discomfort.
Wei Wuxian, still consumed by guilt, fled the inn after Lan Wangji quietly returned to his own room. He couldn’t bear the weight of what had happened and the strain it placed on their relationship.
Wandering the streets, Wei Wuxian found the wall where Lan Wangji had scribbled graffiti. Reflecting on Lan Wangji’s playful drunkenness, he regretted his actions even more.
Wei Wuxian encountered Wen Ning, who was trying to scrape off the graffiti to avoid trouble for the townspeople.
Wen Ning noticed the physical signs of Wei Wuxian’s recent encounter with Lan Wangji, prompting Wei Wuxian to express regret and frustration over drinking.
Wei Wuxian confessed that he couldn’t live without Lan Wangji and struggled with his emotions, growing increasingly restless.
Desperate to release his pent-up feelings, Wei Wuxian told Wen Ning they were going to cause trouble, signaling his need for distraction and action amidst his emotional turmoil.
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Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi Vol. 5
Chapter 21: Hensheng: To Hate Life Part 1
Wei Wuxian and Wen Ning arrived at the Guanyin Temple, noticing a special barrier around it.
They found Lan Xichen inside, unbound but surrounded by monks and Jin cultivators.
Wei Wuxian sent Wen Ning to bring Lan Wangji.
Jin Ling and his dog Fairy arrived at the temple, with Fairy barking and alerting everyone.
Jin Ling climbed the wall, alerting the guards, but Wei Wuxian saved him from an arrow.
Wei Wuxian was forced to reveal himself and was captured by Jin Guangyao.
Inside the temple, Jin Guangyao manipulated Lan Wangji into sealing his spiritual powers by threatening Wei Wuxian with a guqin string.
Wei Wuxian, in a moment of desperation, loudly confessed his romantic feelings for Lan Wangji, which distracted Jin Guangyao and loosened his control.
Lan Wangji arrived to save Wei Wuxian, but Jin Guangyao still held the advantage.
Jiang Cheng arrived at the temple, rescuing Jin Ling from the monks.
Jiang Cheng engaged in battle but was stabbed by Jin Guangyao's softsword.
Jin Ling, Jiang Cheng, Wei Wuxian, and Lan Wangji sat awkwardly together in the temple, with Jiang Cheng severely injured.
Wei Wuxian reflected on the awkwardness of the situation, particularly his relationship with Jiang Cheng.
Jin Guangyao continued to unearth something buried behind the temple.
Lan Xichen revealed to Wei Wuxian that Lan Wangji had known about Wei Wuxian's memory loss and had never blamed him for anything.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji exchanged heartfelt confessions, confirming their love for each other.
Jin Guangyao dug up something behind the temple, creating tension as they waited for what would happen next.
Jiang Cheng confronted Wei Wuxian about the past, bringing up old grudges, including Wei Wuxian's broken promises and the core transplant.
Jiang Cheng broke down crying, expressing his frustrations and pain.
Wei Wuxian apologized, and they reached a moment of uneasy peace, though the emotional damage remained.
Nie Huaisang, who had been captured earlier, woke up in confusion.
Strange sounds and a foul smell began to emanate from the rear of the temple as something was unearthed, causing alarm among everyone inside.
Chapter 21: Hensheng: To Hate Life Part 2
Su She assists Jin Guangyao, who is suffering from a severe injury on his left hand and is poisoned. Jin Guangyao takes medicine and wraps his wrist to slow the toxin.
Jin Guangyao, Lan Xichen, Wei Wuxian, and others head to the temple’s rear grounds, discovering that the coffin they were guarding is empty, and a deadly poison has killed the nearby cultivators.
Wei Wuxian reveals that someone else had tampered with the site before Jin Guangyao arrived, causing Jin Guangyao great frustration.
Wei Wuxian implies that someone is secretly watching Jin Guangyao's every move.
Su She attempts to blame Wei Wuxian for the disturbance, but Wei Wuxian dismisses it and mentions previous events involving Jin Guangyao’s actions being exposed by others.
A monk reports that the ground was previously disturbed, confirming that someone had gotten to the coffin before Jin Guangyao.
Jin Guangyao realizes someone has beaten him and replaced what was in the coffin with poison, causing him to panic.
Wei Wuxian hints that Jin Guangyao is like the mantis being stalked by an unseen oriole, potentially a ghost or unseen figure.
Jin Guangyao instructs Su She and the others to prepare for departure while he recovers from his injuries.
Su She, badly injured from fighting Fairy earlier, receives treatment and continues serving Jin Guangyao loyally.
Lan Wangji notices something suspicious about Su She and orders him to turn around. Everyone sees that Su She bears the curse marks from casting the Thousand Sores and Hundred Holes spell, revealing him as the one who cursed Jin Zixun.
This revelation leads Wei Wuxian to realize that Su She had cursed Jin Zixun, leading to the Qiongqi Path Ambush and the series of tragic events, including Jin Zixuan’s death.
Jiang Cheng angrily accuses Jin Guangyao of orchestrating everything, from cursing Jin Zixun to the deaths that followed, clearing Wei Wuxian of responsibility.
Su She coldly admits to casting the curse out of his own hatred for arrogant people like Jin Zixun and Lan Wangji.
Wei Wuxian realizes that Su She was the disciple from earlier incidents and laughs at the absurdity of how the curse was not intended to frame him.
Jin Guangyao cynically explains that even if Su She hadn’t cursed Jin Zixun, Wei Wuxian would have still ended up being blamed for something else because of his personality.
Jin Guangyao reflects on how his father's neglect and favoritism fueled his ambition and bitterness, leading him to kill his father, wife, son, and brothers.
Lan Xichen questions Jin Guangyao about the Qiongqi Path Ambush and his other crimes. Jin Guangyao admits to many of them but tries to justify his actions as being out of necessity.
Jin Guangyao confesses to intentionally bumping into Jin Zixuan during the Qiongqi Path Ambush but denies foreseeing the deaths that followed.
Jin Ling confronts Jin Guangyao, asking why he had to kill his father, Jin Zixuan.
Jin Guangyao reveals deep-seated hatred for his father, Jin Guangshan, who treated him and his mother poorly, leading him to kill those favored by Jin Guangshan.
Jin Guangyao unexpectedly takes Jin Ling hostage using a guqin string he had hidden inside his body, planning to escape.
Lan Wangji swiftly cuts off Jin Guangyao’s hand, freeing Jin Ling and saving his life.
As chaos ensues, Nie Mingjue’s fierce corpse, sewn back together, arrives at the temple, sending Jin Guangyao into a panic.
Nie Mingjue attacks Jin Guangyao, but Wen Ning intervenes and is seriously injured while protecting Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling.
Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji attempt to subdue Nie Mingjue with their instruments, but his overwhelming resentful energy proves difficult to control.
Wei Wuxian tries to calm Nie Mingjue by whistling to him, hoping to make a connection despite the fierce corpse's violent nature.
Chapter 22: Hidden Edge
Lan Xichen stopped playing his guqin and tried to caution Wei Wuxian about Nie Mingjue’s potential reaction.
Lan Wangji reassured Lan Xichen not to worry, signaling Wei Wuxian would be fine.
Wei Wuxian began whistling a soothing tune that drew Nie Mingjue towards an empty coffin.
Nie Mingjue began approaching the coffin under the influence of Wei Wuxian's tune, but was interrupted by Su She.
Su She had Jin Guangyao on his back, while Nie Huaisang had been injured by Su She’s sword.
Lan Xichen disarmed Su She, and Nie Mingjue, recognizing Jin Guangyao, grew uncontrollable and went after him.
Su She made a final, powerful attack on Nie Mingjue, but his sword shattered, and Nie Mingjue killed Su She by crushing his chest.
Jin Guangyao witnessed Su She’s death but couldn’t rest, as Nie Mingjue continued to pursue him.
Jiang Cheng threw Wei Wuxian the flute, Chenqing, which Wei Wuxian used to assist Lan Wangji in subduing Nie Mingjue.
Together, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji forced Nie Mingjue into the coffin and sealed it, with Wei Wuxian drawing a sealing spell.
Nie Huaisang cried out in pain, seeking comfort from Lan Xichen for his leg wound.
Lan Xichen tended to Jin Guangyao’s injuries despite Wei Wuxian's warnings to be cautious, placing a silence spell on him to prevent speech.
Nie Huaisang suddenly warned Lan Xichen of an attack from Jin Guangyao, causing Lan Xichen to stab him in the chest.
Jin Guangyao, breaking the silence spell, accused Nie Huaisang of trickery and professed his innocence in the alleged attack.
Jin Guangyao expressed his bitterness and hatred towards Lan Xichen but claimed he never intended to harm him.
As Jin Guangyao attempted to flee, he triggered a ritual by bleeding onto the coffin, releasing Nie Mingjue.
Nie Mingjue seized Jin Guangyao by the neck and killed him by snapping his spine.
Lan Wangji used his guqin strings to seal Nie Mingjue back into the coffin.
Nie Huaisang showed suspicious behavior, raising Wei Wuxian's questions about his involvement in orchestrating events leading up to this confrontation.
Wei Wuxian suspected Nie Huaisang had manipulated Mo Xuanyu to perform the sacrificial ritual to resurrect Wei Wuxian, using him as a tool to take down Jin Guangyao.
Lan Xichen was left in shock, feeling conflicted about his relationship with Jin Guangyao and the truth behind his actions.
Jin Guangyao’s coffin was secured and buried deep to prevent further disturbances.
Jin Ling struggled with emotions, remembering Jin Guangyao’s past kindness, and was angered when Sect Leader Yao chastised him for crying over Jin Guangyao.
Lan Qiren arrived with reinforcements but was left fuming when he couldn’t find Lan Wangji or Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and Wen Ning slipped away unnoticed, while the juniors and others tried to make sense of the aftermath.
Jin Ling reflected on his mixed feelings of grief and anger, unable to reconcile his past with the tragic events that transpired.
Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling had a brief moment of understanding, though Jiang Cheng refrained from confessing his lingering thoughts about Wei Wuxian.
Chapter 23: Wangxian: Forgetting Envy
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji rode on Little Apple in the early morning, with Wei Wuxian snacking on an apple from the donkey's saddlebag.
Wei Wuxian mentioned learning through Empathy that Jin Guangyao's mother was cared for by Sisi, a friend, which likely led to Jin Guangyao sparing Sisi’s life.
Wei Wuxian refrained from telling Lan Xichen the truth, and Lan Wangji promised to inform him if asked in the future.
Lan Wangji hinted he had something important to tell Wei Wuxian but was interrupted when Lan Sizhui caught up to them.
Lan Sizhui confronted Wei Wuxian, remembering bits of his past, including the fact that Wei Wuxian had cooked poorly and buried him in a radish patch.
Sizhui then revealed that he remembered his original surname: Wen, and finally confirmed that he was Wen Yuan, the child Wei Wuxian had raised.
Wei Wuxian was stunned and emotional, realizing Lan Wangji had saved A-Yuan after the Burial Mounds incident.
Lan Sizhui became emotional and hugged Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji tightly, overwhelmed by feelings of both sadness and joy.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji shared a tender moment as they acknowledged their roles in raising Lan Sizhui.
Lan Sizhui revealed that Wei Wuxian had taught him mischievous things as a child, such as disguising erotica and paying attention to beautiful girls, much to Wei Wuxian’s embarrassment and Lan Wangji’s quiet amusement.
Lan Sizhui admitted that seeing the flute, Chenqing, triggered his memories, reminding him of his childhood.
Wei Wuxian teased Lan Sizhui about his younger years, including a moment when Sizhui called Lan Wangji his daddy in public, which embarrassed the boy further.
Wen Ning revealed that he had known about Sizhui’s identity but didn’t tell Wei Wuxian because Lan Wangji hadn’t instructed him to do so, leading to Wei Wuxian’s playful complaint about Wen Ning being too obedient to Lan Wangji.
The chapter ended with Lan Sizhui repeatedly apologizing to Lan Wangji in embarrassment.
Wen Ning and Lan Sizhui announced they would part ways from Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji to return to Qishan and bury their family's ashes. They planned to search for any of Wen Qing’s belongings to build a cenotaph in her honor.
Wei Wuxian offered to accompany them, but Wen Ning declined, saying Wei Wuxian had already done enough for them. Wen Ning planned to send Lan Sizhui back to the Cloud Recesses afterward and then decide on his own path.
Wei Wuxian was saddened by Wen Ning and Sizhui’s departure, realizing Wen Ning had his own life to lead now. However, he took comfort in knowing that Lan Wangji would stay by his side.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji discussed the future, and Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji by suggesting they could settle near the Cloud Recesses to stay close to Lan Sizhui.
Wei Wuxian reflected on how he had always said “thank you” to Lan Wangji in his past life whenever they parted, and it had always been followed by worsening circumstances. He realized they no longer needed to draw lines between themselves with such words.
Wei Wuxian suddenly kissed Lan Wangji, who initially remained stoic but eventually kissed him back passionately, fulfilling Wei Wuxian's earlier teasing about being "violently pinned to the ground."
Lan Wangji’s affection escalated, and he carried Wei Wuxian off the donkey before pinning him to the ground and kissing him intensely.
Wei Wuxian recognized a sense of deja vu and questioned Lan Wangji if he had kissed him during the Siege Hunt at Mount Baifeng when he had been blindfolded. Lan Wangji confirmed it had been him, leaving Wei Wuxian in disbelief but also amusement.
Lan Wangji admitted that at the time, he knew it was wrong to kiss Wei Wuxian but had acted on impulse. Wei Wuxian reassured him that he was happy it had happened, as it had been his first kiss.
The couple’s conversation turned intimate, and Lan Wangji began to undress Wei Wuxian and touch him in ways that led to their first sexual encounter. Lan Wangji, despite being a restrained and proper person, struggled to control his emotions and actions during the encounter.
The scene described Lan Wangji taking control, though he was apologetic and concerned about Wei Wuxian’s comfort. Wei Wuxian, on the other hand, encouraged him to continue despite the discomfort, enjoying the closeness and physical connection.
As they continued, Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji with playful words, even while enduring the intense physicality of their lovemaking. Lan Wangji, while frustrated with Wei Wuxian’s teasing, was also deeply affectionate and attentive to his needs.
The chapter culminated in a lengthy and passionate love scene, with Wei Wuxian alternating between teasing Lan Wangji and expressing his love for him. Lan Wangji, though focused on their physical connection, responded with warmth and devotion.
The chapter ended with Wei Wuxian playfully negotiating how often they could have sex in the future, jokingly trying to reduce the frequency to every four days, but Lan Wangji firmly insisted on "every day means every day."
Three months later, villagers and cultivators gathered on a mountain in Guangling to deal with haunting ghosts from abandoned graves.
As they explored the area, mutilated corpses began raining down from the sky, causing panic among the villagers and cultivators. The cultivators fled in fear.
A villager, lagging behind, encountered a man dressed in white—Lan Wangji—who reassured him before he fled as well.
Wei Wuxian, sitting leisurely in a tree, watched the chaos. When Lan Wangji appeared, Wei Wuxian teasingly pinned him to a tree, but Lan Wangji quickly restrained him.
Wei Wuxian playfully begged for mercy, which led to flirtatious banter between him and Lan Wangji. Wei Wuxian asked Lan Wangji to tie his hands with his forehead ribbon, which Lan Wangji did.
The two were interrupted by the cry of a child, who had seen them in a compromising position. Wei Wuxian realized it was the daughter of an old acquaintance, Mianmian, whom he had known in the past.
The child, also named Mianmian, ran back to her parents. Her mother, Luo Qingyang (the adult Mianmian), recognized Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian.
Wei Wuxian greeted Luo Qingyang and met her husband, a former merchant who accompanied her on Night Hunts. Wei Wuxian explained that the disturbances were caused by the villagers desecrating graves, not by malevolent spirits.
Wei Wuxian had scared the villagers earlier, ensuring they would stop robbing graves and the spirits would no longer retaliate.
The group had a friendly conversation before Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji took their leave. Wei Wuxian gave the little Mianmian evil-repelling money, which she accepted, despite not liking him for what she had witnessed earlier.
As they departed, Luo Qingyang explained to her daughter that Wei Wuxian had once saved her life, and Lan Wangji was known for helping those in need, regardless of the situation’s significance.
Her husband marveled at Lan Wangji’s dedication and asked why Luo Qingyang had never mentioned Wei Wuxian before, prompting her to reflect with a mysterious smile.
Wei Wuxian commented on how a young lady from their past now had a daughter, but was disappointed that the girl disliked him after seeing him with Lan Wangji.
Lan Wangji asked Wei Wuxian to return his forehead ribbon, and Wei Wuxian teasingly accused him of being jealous, mentioning how Lan Wangji had taken his perfume sachet in the past.
Wei Wuxian taunted Lan Wangji about stealing the sachet and teased him about their relationship, suggesting that Lan Wangji had secretly harbored feelings for him for years.
Lan Wangji countered by saying they were married after completing their three bows, and thus their relationship wasn’t improper. Wei Wuxian continued to joke, prompting Lan Wangji to kiss him to silence his teasing.
The next day, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji arrived at a small town in Guangling, where they took a break at a tavern after months of wandering and helping people with hauntings.
While at the tavern, they overheard cultivators gossiping about Jin Guangyao's downfall and his twisted actions, which reminded Wei Wuxian of the baseless rumors spread about him in the past.
The gossip turned darker when the group discussed the Yin Tiger Tally and whether it might be inside the sealed coffin with Jin Guangyao and Nie Mingjue. Wei Wuxian noticed a young man with a suspicious look in his eyes.
After leaving the tavern, Wei Wuxian played the flute, performing the song Lan Wangji had sung to him in the Cave of the Xuanwu of Slaughter. Lan Wangji complimented his memory.
Wei Wuxian reminisced about his mother’s advice to remember the good and not burden oneself with bad memories, a philosophy that helped him live freely.
Wei Wuxian playfully teased Lan Wangji again, declaring that his mother had said Lan Wangji was already his.
Lan Wangji revealed that the song they had been talking about was named "Wangxian," much to Wei Wuxian’s amusement. He burst out laughing but ultimately said he liked the name, and both agreed it was fitting.
They discussed returning to Gusu to visit Caiyi Town and enjoy some Emperor's Smile. Wei Wuxian suggested they might even sneak some liquor past Lan Qiren.
As they continued their journey, Wei Wuxian playfully maintained his balance on the donkey, calling Lan Wangji to look at him. Lan Wangji’s gaze remained fixed on Wei Wuxian, as it always would be from that moment on.
Extra 1: Family Banquet
Lan Wangji told Wei Wuxian to wait outside while he met with Lan Qiren to avoid causing his uncle further distress.
Wei Wuxian played with rabbits in the Cloud Recesses while waiting, encountering a shy female cultivator, which surprised him due to the clan’s conservatism. They briefly fed the rabbits together before Lan Wangji’s arrival scared her away.
Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji, leading to playful banter and antics. Lan Wangji mentioned that a family banquet would be held the next day.
They visited Lan Sizhui and the other juniors, who were being punished by doing handstands while copying family precepts due to their repeated offenses during Night Hunts.
Wei Wuxian learned that the juniors had involved Wen Ning in a Night Hunt and that Jiang Cheng had encountered him during this.
The family banquet was a silent, solemn affair with bland food and strict rules. Lan Wangji secretly helped Wei Wuxian by eating his portion of bitter medicinal soup.
Lan Xichen appeared distracted during the banquet, which caused Lan Qiren to huff in disapproval. The banquet ended without incident but left Wei Wuxian feeling unsatisfied and bored.
Wei Wuxian later sneaked off to talk to the juniors, learning more about Wen Ning’s situation and the interactions between Jiang Cheng and Jin Ling.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji spent a cozy evening together after Lan Wangji snuck out to get him spicy food from Caiyi Town. They shared playful banter and flirtation, eventually leading to an intimate moment.
The chapter concluded with Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji enjoying each other’s company behind closed doors, suggesting that private moments were the best "family banquets."
Extra 2: The Incense Burner
Wei Wuxian finds an incense burner in the Cloud Recesses' Treasure Pavilion that appears harmless.
He and Lan Wangji decide to examine it later but fall into a deep sleep.
They wake up in a dreamlike wilderness, where Wei Wuxian realizes he has the appearance from his former life.
They wander the woods and come across a familiar-looking cottage.
Inside the cottage, they find a version of Lan Wangji weaving fabric, and another version of Wei Wuxian returns from work in the fields.
Wei Wuxian realizes this is his dream from his former life, where he imagined a simple life of domesticity with Lan Wangji.
The dream shifts to the Cloud Recesses' Library Pavilion, where they observe younger versions of themselves.
Younger Wei Wuxian teases younger Lan Wangji with an erotic picture book, leading to a playful scuffle that turns into a dream-based swordfight.
In Lan Wangji's dream, he and Wei Wuxian's younger selves end up in a sexually charged situation that escalates into explicit sexual encounters.
Lan Wangji ties up younger Wei Wuxian and dominates him sexually, with Wei Wuxian enjoying the experience.
The dream continues with vivid and intense sexual activity, including both romantic and physically explicit interactions.
After waking up from the dream, they discuss the effects of the incense burner and how it continues to influence their dreams.
On subsequent nights, they fall into similar dreamscapes involving different stages of their relationship, from domestic life to sexual encounters.
Wei Wuxian confronts younger Lan Wangji in one dream, teasing him with future revelations about their relationship, including their eventual marriage.
The dreams blur the line between reality and fantasy, with Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji engaging in intimate encounters within the dreamscape.
The chapter culminates in the two waking up after each intense dream, with Wei Wuxian demanding that Lan Wangji stop spanking him during their sexual interactions.
Extra 3: Villainous Friends
Xue Yang is eating tangyuan at a roadside stall but gets upset with the meal's quality.
He kicks over the stall and leaves with a grin, intimidating the owner with his sword and walking away.
Jin Guangyao catches up to Xue Yang and chastises him for causing trouble, but Xue Yang remains nonchalant.
They continue walking and reach the Corpse Refinery, where Jin Guangshan is attempting to replicate Wei Wuxian’s Yin Tiger Tally with demonic cultivators.
Xue Yang has been successful in his corpse-refining work and has earned significant privileges from the Jin Clan, including use of the Corpse Refinery.
At the Corpse Refinery, Xue Yang commands two fierce corpses to fight. Growing bored, he orders them to decapitate themselves.
Jin Guangyao hands Xue Yang Wei Wuxian’s incomplete manuscripts, sparking Xue Yang’s interest.
Xue Yang asks for Wei Wuxian’s flute, Chenqing, but Jin Guangyao explains that Jiang Cheng has it and refuses to part with it.
Two Jin Clan disciples bring in a cultivator named He Su, who has been accused of stirring trouble against the Jin Clan.
He Su accuses Jin Guangyao of setting him up and declares that his clan will oppose Jin Guangshan’s plans to become cultivation chief.
Jin Guangyao orders the capture of He Su’s entire clan, including women, children, and elders, and implies they were plotting against the Jin Clan.
Despite He Su’s protests of innocence, Jin Guangyao dismisses them and orders him gagged.
Xue Yang cuts out He Su’s tongue and locks him in a cage, expressing an interest in refining corpses using living humans, a practice Wei Wuxian avoided.
Xue Yang teases Jin Guangyao about a bruise on his temple, which Jin Guangyao explains was caused by Madam Jin, who is furious with Jin Guangshan’s behavior.
Jin Guangyao and Xue Yang search for Jin Guangshan at a brothel, where Jin Guangshan drunkenly complains about women with unrealistic fantasies and criticizes his past lover for having a son.
Xue Yang mocks Jin Guangyao for his fake smile after listening to Jin Guangshan's disparaging comments about him.
Jin Guangyao explains that he has no choice but to endure these insults, but Xue Yang suggests he would take a more violent approach.
The two continue walking and encounter a peddler whom Xue Yang had previously harassed. Xue Yang attempts to kick over his stall again but is stopped by Song Zichen, a Daoist cultivator.
Xue Yang and Song Zichen nearly fight, but Jin Guangyao intervenes and introduces Song Zichen and his companion, Xiao Xingchen, as virtuous cultivators.
Xiao Xingchen advises Xue Yang to exercise more restraint, but Xue Yang mocks him and remains defiant.
After Xiao Xingchen and Song Zichen leave, Xue Yang expresses his hatred for their self-righteousness and vows to one day gouge out Song Zichen’s eyes.
Jin Guangyao warns Xue Yang not to provoke virtuous cultivators, as they are relentless and hard to deal with.
The two part ways, with Jin Guangyao returning to Golden Carp Tower and Xue Yang heading back to the Corpse Refinery.
Extra 4: Gate Crasher
Three days prior, Young Master Qin hears frantic banging on his door late at night.
A servant climbs the wall to investigate, sees a blood-drenched monster in funeral clothes, and passes out in fear.
Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji, and Lan Sizhui visit the Qin residence after hearing about the incident.
Young Master Qin explains that the creature clawed at the door all night but failed to get inside.
Wei Wuxian deduces it is a fierce corpse that likely knew someone in the household when alive.
They leave after advising Young Master Qin to replace the door bolt but remain suspicious of him.
Later, Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian explain that residences have natural barriers to keep evil spirits out unless invited in.
The group notices inconsistencies in Young Master Qin's story; Wei Wuxian suspects he’s hiding something.
They return the next day after the fierce corpse reappears and manages to breach the front door, leaving red footprints throughout the courtyard.
Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian deduce that the fierce corpse has a broken leg, allowing it to hop higher than a normal one.
Young Master Qin reveals that the fierce corpse was once a servant he knew in childhood.
The servant attended school with the clan's juniors but was ostracized, leading to resentment.
Young Master Qin had a fight with the servant over a lost jade pendant, which led to the servant being beaten, possibly resulting in his broken leg.
Wei Wuxian suspects the servant’s death may have been indirectly caused by his broken leg, possibly leading to his transformation into a fierce corpse.
That night, the fierce corpse returns to the Qin residence, but instead of killing Young Master Qin, it attacks him lightly and places the missing jade pendant around his neck.
The fierce corpse, seemingly satisfied, leaves after delivering a single punch to Young Master Qin and returning the pendant.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji conclude that the fierce corpse only wanted to settle its lingering grudge by returning the pendant and expressing its frustration.
Young Master Qin is left unharmed aside from the punch, which leaves him unconscious.
Seven days later, news reaches Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji that Young Master Qin paid for the proper burial of a decayed body, presumably the remains of the fierce corpse, and his reputation is restored in the community.
Extra 5: The Iron Hook
The Bai residence had a haunted room known as the White Chamber, infamous for its unsettling reputation and inexplicable occurrences.
The White Chamber's construction halted due to strange events, and it was left stark white and cold, giving it an eerie presence.
Jin Ling narrated a story about the master of the Bai residence's father, who had a traumatic experience after peeking through the slit in the door as a child.
A burglar was found dead outside the White Chamber, with his veins bulging and his face ashen. It was concluded he died of fright after seeing something in the chamber.
The Bai family decided they needed help and approached the Jin Clan of Lanling for assistance in dealing with the evil inside the chamber.
Jin Ling led Wei Wuxian and a group of Lan Clan juniors to investigate the burglar’s death.
They examined the corpse, but Jin Ling concluded that the burglar’s soul could not be summoned because it had dissipated after death by fright.
The group went to inspect the White Chamber, but Jin Ling stayed outside, sitting at a tea stall.
Wei Wuxian sat with Jin Ling, and they discussed the Jin Clan’s declining power and Jin Ling’s struggles as its head.
Wei Wuxian advised Jin Ling to seek help from Jiang Cheng more often, leading to playful banter between them.
The group investigated local folklore and learned about a blacksmith named Hookhand, who was mutilated and killed by his wife. He became a vengeful spirit targeting beautiful women.
Wei Wuxian deduced that Hookhand was connected to the White Chamber’s haunting and examined the burglar’s corpse, finding an image of Hookhand in its eyes.
They ventured to find Hookhand’s iron hook, which was possessed. After capturing it, the group struggled to contain it, eventually smelting it in a stove.
Wei Wuxian suggested they spend the night in the White Chamber to confirm that the haunting was resolved, and Jin Ling volunteered.
Jin Ling spent a restless night in the White Chamber and saw a woman’s figure tied to a chair, with a face covered in bloody slashes.
The woman turned out to be a man disguised as a woman who had lured Hookhand into a trap.
The group concluded that the evil spirit in the White Chamber was the hero who had defeated Hookhand but had died in the process.
They realized that the hero’s spirit lingered because he was missing a part of his body—his tongue.
After a five-day search, the group found the hero’s missing tongue, burned it, and believed the case was closed.
However, two days later, the Bai residence was haunted again, this time by the agonized screams of a man.
Wei Wuxian explained that the hero’s true obsession was not just to be reincarnated but to finally release the screams he had suppressed while fighting Hookhand.
The haunting persisted for months until the hero’s grievances were satisfied, and he was able to move on, but the Bai residence’s reputation remained haunted due to the sleepless nights of its residents.
Extra 6: Lotus Seeds
Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng, along with other disciples, lounged around due to the heat, lying shirtless on the floor of Lotus Pier's Sword Hall.
They bickered playfully, disturbing the others, until Jiang Yanli arrived with watermelon, causing the boys to enthusiastically gather around and eat.
Wei Wuxian reminisced about Lan Wangji, telling stories about their interactions, which sparked more teasing and bickering between him and Jiang Cheng.
As they lounged, Madam Yu caught them shirtless and scolded Jiang Cheng, with Wei Wuxian getting the brunt of her anger, receiving a lash from her whip.
Wei Wuxian and the others fled to a boat and escaped to the lake, where they swam and played, overturning the boat and having a water fight.
Afterward, they decided to steal lotus seed pods from a nearby lake, a common mischief for the group, knowing the local farmers tolerated it.
While stealing the pods, they noticed an old man rowing a boat that was moving strangely fast, with Wei Wuxian spotting a water ghost helping the old man.
They encountered the water ghost, who was young and seemed harmless, only interested in lotus seed pods. The old man, grateful for the ghost's help, fed it pods, treating it kindly.
Despite getting hit by the old man's bamboo pole, Wei Wuxian let the water ghost go, realizing it hadn’t caused harm and was likely just fulfilling a lingering wish.
The boys rowed back with a bounty of stolen lotus seed pods, laughing and joking along the way, while Wei Wuxian pondered why he was always the one who got hit during their antics.
As they passed some farm girls who had brought them watermelon earlier, they tossed lotus seed pods to them, laughing and flirting lightheartedly.
Wei Wuxian sighed, lamenting how Lan Wangji had turned down his invitation to visit Yunmeng, joking about dragging him there someday to join in their mischief.
Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen practiced their training by doing upside-down handstands outside the Orchid Room, switching hands as part of their regimen.
While upside-down, Lan Wangji asked Lan Xichen if he had ever picked lotus seed pods, revealing Lan Wangji's unexpected knowledge that those with stems taste better, which intrigued Lan Xichen.
Two of Lan Wangji’s pet rabbits approached him, seeking his attention while he was still upside-down, nuzzling against his hand. Lan Xichen asked their names, but Lan Wangji remained silent, possibly refusing to disclose them.
After their training session ended, Lan Wangji brought up the idea of stir-frying watermelon rinds, claiming he heard it tasted good, which surprised Lan Xichen. They ultimately decided against trying it.
The next day, Lan Wangji left the Cloud Recesses alone and ventured into the bustling marketplace, which he found unfamiliar and crowded. People avoided him due to his austere appearance and cold expression.
Lan Wangji asked an old woman for directions to the nearest lotus lake. Despite her warning that the lake's owners didn’t allow entry at night, Lan Wangji thanked her and proceeded.
On his way, Lan Wangji encountered an injured farmer who had been gored by a bull. The surrounding farmers were struggling to lift a heavy shed roof to shelter the injured man from the rain.
Lan Wangji single-handedly lifted the roof, surprising the farmers, who couldn't explain why the shed was so heavy. Unbeknownst to them, an evil spirit was hanging from the roof, causing its weight to increase. The spirit tried to interact with Lan Wangji, but he ignored it.
After the rain stopped, Lan Wangji finally reached the lotus lake by sunset. However, the lotus-picker woman informed him that the lake was closed to visitors at night, as per the rules.
Despite being soaked from the rain and tired from the journey, Lan Wangji remained calm but disappointed. He explained that he was specifically seeking lotus seed pods with stems, which surprised the woman as she didn't believe there was a difference in taste.
After seeing how far Lan Wangji had come and his determination, the lotus-picker woman softened and eventually let him in for a short time to pick the lotus seed pods, but warned him to be quick so she wouldn't get in trouble.
After the rain, the magnolias in the Cloud Recesses bloomed beautifully, inspiring Lan Xichen to paint by the window.
Lan Wangji visited Lan Xichen, who invited him to try some lotus seed pods that had been brought up the mountain by their shufu.
Lan Wangji declined, stating he had already eaten some.
Lan Xichen was slightly surprised by this and watched Lan Wangji leave to return to the Tranquility Room after exchanging a few more words.
Later, when Lan Xichen went to practice his Purification Tone, he found a vase filled with lotus seed pods on the wooden veranda outside the building. The pods were arranged elegantly, with their long stems creating a pleasing display.
Lan Xichen, tempted to peel one of the lotus seed pods to test if those with stems really did taste better, ultimately resisted the urge, thinking that if Wangji enjoyed them so much, they must have been delicious.
Extra 7: Yunmeng
Lan Wangji returned to find Wei Wuxian surrounded by children, boasting about kicking a shuttlecock 1,600 times, though he had been blatantly cheating.
Wei Wuxian roped Lan Wangji into helping him prove his counting to the children, with Lan Wangji confirming Wei Wuxian's incorrect number to back him up.
Wei Wuxian won a bet against the children and received a skewer of candied hawthorns as a reward.
Wei Wuxian offered Lan Wangji the candied hawthorns, and after some hesitation, Lan Wangji ate one, causing Wei Wuxian to tease him about his reticence.
The pair strolled around town, with Wei Wuxian leading Lan Wangji to try various street snacks, some of which Lan Wangji found strange.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji sat down for lunch, but Wei Wuxian complained that the soup wasn’t as good as his shijie’s cooking. Lan Wangji asked detailed questions about cooking, raising Wei Wuxian's suspicions that Lan Wangji wanted to cook for him.
Wei Wuxian discovered that Lan Wangji had cooked the dishes at a previous family banquet, much to Wei Wuxian’s surprise.
Delighted, Wei Wuxian enthusiastically kissed Lan Wangji, and the pair shared a light-hearted moment in a secluded spot at the restaurant.
Later, they played a ring toss game, where Lan Wangji accurately snared Wei Wuxian with a ring instead of an object, leading to laughter.
They won a large porcelain turtle and an ugly stuffed donkey at the game, with Wei Wuxian struggling to decide where to place the turtle due to its unsightly appearance.
Wei Wuxian eventually suggested placing it in the Orchid Room as a symbol of Lan Wangji's defeat of the Xuanwu of Slaughter, which amused Lan Wangji.
In the end, the porcelain turtle was placed in the Orchid Room, and it became a mysterious presence during Lan Wangji's lessons with the juniors, though no one dared to ask about its significance.
Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji put away their newly acquired items and left, feeling triumphant.
Wei Wuxian insisted on showing Lan Wangji the beautiful scenery of Yunmeng's lotus lakes and wanted to take him out on a boat tour. However, they could only find a small, rickety boat.
Wei Wuxian joked about the boat capsizing and reassured Lan Wangji not to move too much. Lan Wangji promised to save him if he fell into the water.
As they floated through the lotus lakes, Wei Wuxian lounged with his legs almost in Lan Wangji’s lap, and they enjoyed the peaceful scenery together.
Wei Wuxian reminisced about the old man who used to grow lotus seed pods in the area and admitted to Lan Wangji that he had wanted him to visit Lotus Pier back then so the old man could hit him with his boat pole, which hurt worse than the Lan Clan’s disciplinary rod.
Lan Wangji smiled slightly at the memory, which made Wei Wuxian feel dizzy with affection.
Suddenly, the boat capsized, sending both of them into the water. They laughed about the incident and questioned who tipped the boat.
After surfacing, they embraced in the water and shared a kiss.
Wei Wuxian confessed that back then, he just wanted to hang out with Lan Wangji and was making excuses for it.
Lan Wangji helped Wei Wuxian back onto the boat and handed him a red cord.
Wei Wuxian asked if Lan Wangji had the same feelings for him back then, mentioning how his rejections had hurt his pride.
Lan Wangji subtly reassured Wei Wuxian that he wouldn’t deny him anything now, which caught Wei Wuxian off guard and made him flustered.
Wei Wuxian laughed at Lan Wangji's ability to casually say sweet things, asking for a warning next time so he could handle it better.
The chapter ended with their affectionate laughter and embraces, deepening their bond.
Extra 8: From Dawn till Dusk
Lan Wangji waited late into the night for Wei Wuxian's return, becoming anxious when he didn’t come back.
Just as Lan Wangji was about to leave the Tranquility Room, Wei Wuxian snuck in through the window and wriggled under the covers, dirty from being outside.
Wei Wuxian was cold and dirty but sought warmth and affection from Lan Wangji, who welcomed him despite the mess.
Wei Wuxian teased Lan Wangji with playful, suggestive behavior, but Lan Wangji remained concerned about his uncle, Lan Qiren, overhearing.
Lan Wangji eventually pinned Wei Wuxian down and initiated a passionate encounter, despite Wei Wuxian’s teasing and the potential for being heard.
After their intimate time together, Wei Wuxian, content and sleepy, resisted bathing until Lan Wangji insisted, leading to a playful discussion about their past broken bathtubs.
Lan Wangji fetched bathwater and tended to Wei Wuxian, who eventually started marking reports written by the Cloud Recesses juniors while soaking in the bath.
Wei Wuxian found Lan Jingyi’s report filled with mistakes, earning a "yi" grade from Lan Wangji, while Lan Sizhui received a top "jia" grade for his well-organized work.
Despite Wei Wuxian’s playful attitude, he gradually became sleepy from the day’s activities and their earlier lovemaking.
Lan Wangji tenderly dried Wei Wuxian and carried him to bed, joining him after a brief bath of his own.
Wei Wuxian mentioned his plans to take the juniors on more training exercises and asked Lan Wangji for money after spending it all at a restaurant with the boys.
Wei Wuxian finally fell asleep in Lan Wangji’s arms after a brief kiss and sleepily whispered goodnight.
Lan Wangji, filled with affection, quietly kissed Wei Wuxian on the forehead and whispered his own goodnight in return.
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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 1
Prologue: Heaven Official’s Blessing
A laughingstock existed among all the deities of heaven, known throughout the three realms.
Eight hundred years ago, the Kingdom of Xianle was a prosperous kingdom in the central plains.
Xianle was famous for its treasures: beautiful people, vibrant music and literature, gold and gems, and its infamous crown prince.
The crown prince was adored by the king and queen, who believed he would become a great ruler and have a name remembered throughout history.
Despite this, the crown prince had no interest in power, wealth, or ruling the kingdom.
Instead, he was solely focused on saving the common people, which was his personal ambition.
As a youth, he devoted himself to cultivation, and two notable stories from his early cultivation days became widely known.
When the crown prince was seventeen, a grand Shangyuan Heavenly Ceremonial Procession took place in Xianle.
The event was grand, with massive crowds, royals, warriors, maidens, and music, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
The crown prince was chosen to play the role of the God-Pleasing Warrior, an immense honor, representing the martial god Jun Wu, the Heavenly Emperor.
During the procession’s third round, a child fell from a tall city wall amidst the crowds watching the event.
The crown prince, dressed as the God-Pleasing Warrior, leapt into the air and caught the child mid-fall, saving him from death.
His golden mask fell off, revealing his face, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
While the people were overjoyed, the royal state preceptors saw the incident as a bad omen, fearing disaster because the procession was interrupted.
The preceptors asked the crown prince to face the wall in reflection for a month to balance the misfortune.
The crown prince refused, stating that saving a life was the right thing to do and that the heavens should not punish him for doing so.
He boldly declared that if the heavens condemned him, then the heavens were wrong.
The preceptors were frustrated but could not argue with him, recognizing his overwhelming confidence and influence as the crown prince, who had never faced defeat or rejection.
In the same year the crown prince was seventeen, there was a haunted bridge called Yinian, where a terrifying ghost appeared every few years to ask travelers three questions: “What is this place?” “Who am I?” “What is to be done?”
Incorrect answers led to the ghost devouring people, and no one knew the correct responses.
Hearing of this ghost, the crown prince went to the bridge and stood guard until the ghost appeared.
The crown prince answered the first question with “This place is the human world,” but the ghost corrected him, saying it was “the abyss.”
Knowing he would be wrong regardless, the crown prince attacked the ghost without waiting for the other two questions.
After a chaotic battle, the crown prince defeated the ghost and planted a flowering tree at the bridge.
A cultivator passing by saw this and asked what he was doing, to which the crown prince replied, “Body in the abyss, heart in paradise.”
The cultivator smiled, revealing himself as the Heavenly Emperor, who had descended to subdue the ghost personally.
The deities took notice of the crown prince, and the Heavenly Emperor praised him, saying his future was boundless.
That night, a celestial phenomenon occurred, storms raged, and the crown prince ascended to the heavens at seventeen.
His ascension shook the Heavenly Realm three times more than usual, a sign of his immense power.
The king and queen ordered temples and statues built in his honor, and his spiritual power grew as believers worshipped him.
Three years later, Xianle fell into chaos due to rebellion and tyranny.
The crown prince, despite warnings to avoid mortal conflicts, insisted on saving the common people, descending to the mortal world.
His intervention worsened the war, and a plague swept through the capital, leading to the fall of the kingdom.
The people turned against him, calling him useless, and destroyed his temples and statues in anger.
Eight thousand temples burned for seven days and nights, marking his fall from grace.
The crown prince was banished, his spiritual powers sealed, and he was cast back into the mortal realm, experiencing hunger, poverty, and filth for the first time.
He lost all dignity and resorted to stealing, cursing, and abandoning himself, even losing the loyalty of his closest servants.
His famous line, “Body in the abyss, heart in paradise,” was proven false as he could not maintain hope in his degraded state.
Many years later, he ascended to the heavens again, but this time he rampaged in the Heavenly Realm and was quickly banished again after only one incense time, the shortest ascension in history.
This second ascension was seen as a farce, and the Heavenly Realm now viewed him with contempt and caution, fearing he would go berserk.
However, instead of seeking revenge, the crown prince accepted his banishment, adapting by busking, playing instruments, singing, and collecting scraps to survive.
The deities were shocked by his fall, and being called the crown prince of Xianle became a curse.
Once noble and admired, the crown prince was now the laughingstock of the three realms, having failed more disastrously than any other heavenly official.
His divine statues were destroyed, his kingdom gone, and his followers vanished, leaving him forgotten and adrift.
After being banished twice, no one expected him to rise again, and his once-glorious life was reduced to a tragic memory.
Many years later, a huge rumble shook the sky, causing the heavens to tremble and the earth to crack.
Heavenly officials rushed out of their palaces, wondering who had ascended with such a dramatic entrance.
To their shock, it was revealed that the infamous crown prince, the laughingstock of the three realms, had ascended again.
The deities were stunned and in disbelief that he, after all his past failures, had ascended once more.
Chapter 1: The Scrap Immortal, Third Time Entering the Heavenly Capital
Xie Lian ascends to the heavens for the third time and is congratulated by Ling Wen for winning first place on the "Heavenly Official Most Hoped to Be Banished Down to the Mortal Realm" chart, earning 100 merits.
Ling Wen points out the destruction Xie Lian caused when he ascended: a bell fell and injured a martial god, and golden palace pillars collapsed from the tremors.
Xie Lian apologizes for the damage but has no way to pay the required eight million eight hundred and eighty thousand merits to fix the destruction.
Xie Lian remembers he hasn’t entered the communication array and mistakenly enters a channel where heavenly officials are betting how long he’ll stay before being banished again.
He accidentally enters the main communication array, where a martial god with a malicious tone addresses him, and it’s revealed the god is Mu Qing, Xie Lian’s former deputy general.
Mu Qing is upset because he was the one injured by the bell during Xie Lian’s ascension. Xie Lian apologizes.
Feng Xin, another former ally and martial god, is also affected by Xie Lian’s ascent, as Xie Lian damaged his palace. Feng Xin doesn't respond after learning Xie Lian ascended again.
Ling Wen informs Xie Lian that the Heavenly Emperor has a mission for him in the north, and offers to help him collect merits by accepting the task.
The mission involves addressing a large number of prayers from grand believers, and any merits earned will count towards Xie Lian’s total.
Xie Lian, lacking spiritual power in the mortal realm, declines the offer of spiritual devices and martial officials to help him, expecting no one would assist him due to his reputation.
Mu Qing reveals the mission is meant for Xie Lian, leading to no martial gods volunteering.
Xie Lian, accustomed to working alone, declines further assistance and prepares to leave for the mission.
Three days later, Xie Lian arrives at a small tea shop after getting lost on his way to Mount Yujun due to an accident during his descent from the heavens.
He observes a strange marriage procession passing by, where the participants look solemn and terrified, rather than joyful.
As Xie Lian watches the procession, a silver butterfly flutters by and briefly lands on his finger before flying away.
Two young men, Nan Feng and Fu Yao, suddenly appear at Xie Lian’s table. They are junior martial officials sent to assist him.
Xie Lian is notified by Ling Wen that the two officials volunteered to help, though they appear upset and not entirely enthusiastic.
Nan Feng is from the Palace of Nan Yang (Feng Xin’s domain), and Fu Yao is from the Palace of Xuan Zhen (Mu Qing’s domain), and it’s revealed that their respective generals did not know they were coming.
Despite their attitude, both claim they are “willing” to assist, though their expressions suggest otherwise.
Xie Lian explains the situation: many years ago, brides have been mysteriously disappearing at the foot of Mount Yujun. The first incident left no trace, but in a later case, only a partially eaten foot was found, hinting at something sinister happening during these wedding processions.
Chapter 2: Three Clowns, Night Discussion on the Palace of Tremendous Masculinity
In the past century, seventeen brides went missing around Mount Yujun, sparking rumors of a ghost groom who kidnapped brides and devoured the marriage procession.
The seventeenth bride was the daughter of a lord official who, despite assembling a heavily armed escort, still lost his daughter to the ghost groom.
The lord, in his desperation, conducted extensive religious services to get the attention of the heavens, which led to heavenly officials taking notice.
Nan Feng and Fu Yao, while still looking uncooperative, listen to Xie Lian’s explanation of the ghost groom and the events surrounding the missing brides.
As night falls, the trio decides to find a place to rest and come across a neglected Lord of Soil and Ground shrine.
Xie Lian asks the Lord of Soil and Ground for directions to a local Nan Yang temple, where they head to for shelter.
Upon arriving at the small but lively Nan Yang temple, they observe the temple's divine statue, which looks different from the actual god Feng Xin, but Xie Lian notes that distorted statues are common.
Fu Yao criticizes the craftsmanship of the statue, and this provokes Nan Feng. Tension rises between them.
A girl named Xiao-Ying comes to the temple to pray for the ghost groom’s capture, but Xie Lian notices that her skirt is torn, exposing her.
To spare her public humiliation, Xie Lian tosses his outer robe over her, but she mistakes him for a harasser and slaps him.
Xie Lian then explains to Nan Feng and Fu Yao that the injuries on his body were self-inflicted from his fall during his descent from the heavens.
They spot a cursed shackle around Xie Lian's neck, a mark of his twice-banished status.
To break the tension, they revisit the topic of why Nan Yang temples have so many female believers.
Fu Yao mocks Nan Feng by recounting the tale of how Feng Xin was once mistakenly titled “Ju Yang” (Tremendous Masculinity), leading to many women praying for sons and “masculinity” at his temples.
The bickering escalates into a fight, and they break the altar in the process. Xie Lian tries to mediate, telling them to respect their generals and work together.
Finally, Xie Lian prevents himself from eating a dirty steamed bun and urges them to focus on their mission instead of throwing food.
Xie Lian, Nan Feng, and Fu Yao return to the Little Shop of Chance Encounters the next day.
The tea master, observing the trio, muses that despite their good looks, they seem crazy for talking about gods, ghosts, and heavens.
Xie Lian asks for three cups of tea and sits by the window again, prompting Nan Feng to question why they returned to the shop for their discussions.
Xie Lian assures them that even if people overhear their conversation, they’ll just think they’re insane and won’t care.
Xie Lian asks for ideas on how to handle the ghost groom problem, and Fu Yao bluntly suggests killing it.
Xie Lian agrees that killing the creature is the solution but emphasizes that they need to figure out where the creature is, what it is, and how to kill it.
Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of gongs and drums from a wedding procession outside, and they notice another eerie bridal procession on the street.
This procession is filled with large, tense men who look terrified rather than celebratory, carrying a bridal sedan as if they are marching toward their deaths.
A sinister wind blows, lifting the curtain of the bridal sedan, revealing a dead bride inside with a broken neck, bright red lips, and bulging eyes.
The bride's head rolls off the sedan, followed by the headless body falling out onto the street.
Chapter 3: The Ghost Takes a Bride, the Crown Prince Mounts the Bridal Sedan
The wedding procession becomes chaotic when one of the sedan carriers accidentally steps on a puppet arm. The men in the procession panic, thinking the ghost groom has appeared, and draw their swords.
Xie Lian notices the severed head and body in the sedan are not real but wooden puppets, and Fu Yao insults the appearance of the fake bride.
Xie Lian speaks to the tea master, who explains the men are trying to lure the ghost groom for a reward from the father of a missing bride.
A young man named Xiao-Pengtou emerges from the procession, encouraging the group to search Mount Yujun for the ghost groom and kill it.
Xiao-Ying, the girl from the temple the previous night, appears and warns the group not to go to Mount Yujun, saying it's dangerous.
Xiao-Pengtou rudely dismisses her, revealing that he previously tried to convince her to act as a fake bride. He mocks her appearance and accuses her of wanting attention after her dress was slashed.
Xie Lian intervenes, striking Xiao-Pengtou and inviting Xiao-Ying inside the tea shop, but she leaves in tears.
Nan Feng breaks a pillar with his strength, intimidating the men in the procession and forcing them to flee.
Xie Lian borrows spiritual powers from Nan Feng to enter the communication array and updates Ling Wen on the situation. He praises the martial officials despite their difficult attitudes.
Ling Wen informs Xie Lian that the ghost groom has been classified as a "wrath," a dangerous ghost capable of slaughtering an entire city.
Xie Lian and the others realize that using a puppet as bait for the ghost groom won't work, as it requires a living person to lure it out.
Fu Yao suggests using a woman as bait, but Xie Lian rejects this, as it would endanger her life against the wrath-level ghost.
When Fu Yao suggests using a man as bait, both Fu Yao and Nan Feng look at Xie Lian, implying he should play the role of the bride.
Xie Lian appears disheveled in a wedding dress, prompting extreme reactions from Nan Feng and Fu Yao. Fu Yao suggests Xie Lian learn transformation magic, but it’s too late to learn now.
Xiao-Ying arrives with a white robe, offering to help tailor Xie Lian’s ill-fitting wedding dress and assist with makeup. After two incense burns' time, Xie Lian reemerges in full bridal attire.
Xie Lian mounts a red bridal sedan, which is escorted by Nan Feng and Fu Yao. The eight sedan carriers, military officers, mock the situation by making the ride bumpy.
As they travel deeper into Mount Yujun, Xie Lian hears eerie child-like laughter and singing that only he can hear. He realizes it’s a nursery rhyme about a bride, possibly a clue from the ghost groom.
Nan Feng and Fu Yao are unaware of the sounds, and Xie Lian tells them something is approaching. The wedding procession continues through an increasingly eerie environment.
A pack of wolves suddenly attacks, but worse, “binu” creatures appear—deformed, pestering beings that distract and entangle prey.
Xie Lian uses his magical silk band, Ruoye, to strangle the wolves and binu. Nan Feng and Fu Yao handle the remaining creatures and escort the military officers away to prevent further attacks on the sedan.
Left alone, Xie Lian prepares to confront the ghost groom. A mysterious man, dressed in red with silver vambraces and black boots, appears and offers Xie Lian his hand. Despite Xie Lian’s attempts to test him, the man is gentle and leads him forward.
The man shows no hostility, even controlling the wolves with a mere gesture. He later lifts Xie Lian’s veil, but when Xie Lian’s silk band strikes, the man disappears into thousands of silver butterflies.
Xie Lian finds a hidden building, which turns out to be a Temple of Ming Guang, the Martial God of the North. Inside, he discovers the bodies of the seventeen missing brides, all dressed in wedding gowns and smiling eerily.
As Xie Lian investigates, he hears strange thumping noises and realizes the ghost groom has returned. With no place to hide, Xie Lian joins the line of corpses, trying to blend in.
The ghost groom begins pulling off the brides’ veils, one by one. Xie Lian strikes with Ruoye, forcing the ghost groom to flee in a ball of black mist. Xie Lian gives chase but is interrupted by Xiao-Pengtou’s group, who have arrived on the mountain.
Mistaken for a bride by Xiao-Pengtou’s group, Xie Lian informs Nan Feng and Fu Yao to secure the area, suspecting the ghost groom may still be among them.
Nan Feng scans the crowd, and everyone is accounted for. Xiao-Pengtou accuses Xiao-Ying of being the ghost groom, but the crowd confirms they recognize everyone.
Fu Yao returns, finding no sign of the ghost groom. Xie Lian concludes that the ghost groom must still be among the crowd, leaving everyone on edge.
Chapter 4: Mountain-Locked Ancient Temple, Forest of Hanging Corpses
Fu Yao notices Xiao-Ying in the crowd and questions her presence. Xiao-Pengtou accuses her of being in cahoots with the ghost groom, and the crowd clears space around her.
Xiao-Ying insists she’s innocent and reminds Xie Lian of helping him with his bridal makeover, leaving Xie Lian embarrassed as the crowd gossips.
Xie Lian wonders why there’s only a Temple of Nan Yang at the foot of Mount Yujun, despite it being General Ming Guang’s territory, and suspects a deeper reason.
Xiao-Pengtou and others storm into the Temple of Ming Guang, ignoring Xie Lian’s warnings about the danger.
The group begins pulling veils off the brides’ corpses, searching for fresh bodies to claim rewards from grieving families.
A man starts harassing one of the corpses, but Xiao-Ying intervenes. Xiao-Pengtou tries to assault her, but she accidentally hits him with a rock, which actually came from outside the window, hurled by someone else.
A shadow is spotted outside the window, and Xie Lian pursues it into the forest, but he senses danger and warns others not to enter. Those who ignore him return soaked in blood, though it’s not their own.
Xie Lian shines a torch into the forest, revealing over forty corpses of military officers hanging upside down from trees, creating a forest of hanging corpses dripping with blood.
Nan Feng and Fu Yao recognize this as the work of the "Green Ghost," a near-supreme malevolent entity.
Xie Lian recounts his encounter with the mysterious youth and silver butterflies, which causes Fu Yao and Nan Feng to react with fear, as they realize the youth might be someone far more dangerous than the Green Ghost.
Fu Yao urges Xie Lian to leave, but Xie Lian refuses, insisting that someone needs to stay behind.
The group captures a boy wrapped in bandages, who they believe is the ghost groom. Xiao-Ying defends the boy, insisting he’s innocent and only steals food to survive.
Xiao-Pengtou accuses Xiao-Ying of being involved with the boy, but Xie Lian and Nan Feng step in, subduing Xiao-Pengtou to prevent further violence.
The bandaged boy reveals he’s not the ghost groom, and Xiao-Ying confirms he’s a local who sometimes steals food. Xie Lian believes the boy is unrelated to the ghost groom.
Xie Lian questions Xiao-Ying about the lack of other Temples of Ming Guang and learns that every attempt to build one resulted in mysterious fires, leading locals to switch to General Nan Yang.
Xie Lian suddenly realizes the ghost groom is hiding among the corpses of the brides. He urges Nan Feng to lend him spiritual power to subdue the eighteen brides, suspecting that one of them is actually the ghost groom in disguise.
Xie Lian and Nan Feng return to the Temple of Ming Guang, only to find the back of the hall empty, with the veils of the brides left behind.
Outside, the corpses of the brides, dressed in wedding attire, are closing in on the villagers. The villagers, terrified, scatter and flee.
Xie Lian uses Ruoye to distract some of the brides, and Nan Feng chases the seven that head toward the forest.
Xie Lian throws veils onto attacking brides, covering their eyes and stalling them, forcing them to fumble blindly.
Xie Lian creates a white protective circle with Ruoye and urges the villagers to enter. Xiao-Ying drags Xiao-Pengtou into the circle for safety.
More brides attack Xie Lian, but he successfully veils them, earning praise from the villagers.
While fighting, Xie Lian contacts Ling Wen for information about General Ming Guang and learns about Xuan Ji, a former lover of General Pei, who became possessive and jealous after their affair.
Xie Lian realizes the ghost groom is actually one of the brides hiding among the corpses.
He confronts Xuan Ji, who has broken legs and moves by dragging herself. She asks if General Pei sent him to find her.
Xuan Ji laments her betrayal of her kingdom for General Pei and demands why he won't see her. She becomes violent, crushing Xiao-Pengtou's skull and attacking Xie Lian.
Xiao-Ying tries to help Xie Lian but is thrown back by Xuan Ji and fatally injured. Xie Lian subdues Xuan Ji with Ruoye and comforts Xiao-Ying in her final moments. Xiao-Ying dies feeling she lived an unlucky life.
The sound of a bell tolls, knocking out the brides and villagers. General Pei Junior and his soldiers from the Palace of Ming Guang arrive.
Xuan Ji mistakes Pei Junior for the General Pei she waited for but realizes he is not the one. She curses General Pei for abandoning her and is taken away by Pei Junior's soldiers.
Pei Junior explains that Xuan Ji broke her own legs to keep General Pei, but he never intended to marry her. She died out of resentment to make him sad, but it never affected him.
Xie Lian reflects on the tragic fate of the innocent brides and military officers involved in the ghost groom case.
After the villagers repent for their greed, Nan Feng leads them down the mountain.
Xie Lian sits with the bandaged boy, comforting him. When the boy removes his bandages, Xie Lian is horrified by what he sees.
Chapter 5: Red-Clad Ghost, the Burning of the Martial and Civil Temples
The boy removes his bandages, revealing a face disfigured by burn scars with tiny faces writhing on his skin, remnants of the Human Face Disease.
Horrified by Xie Lian’s reaction, the boy flees into the woods. Despite Xie Lian's pursuit, the boy vanishes into the darkness of Mount Yujun.
Xie Lian returns to the Temple of Ming Guang, where Fu Yao has returned with reinforcements from the Palace of Xuan Zhen, helping remove the upside-down corpses.
Xie Lian explains to Nan Feng and Fu Yao that the boy has the Human Face Disease, a deadly plague that wiped out Xianle 800 years ago. Both are shocked.
Xie Lian assures them the boy isn’t contagious, but they fail to find him. The Palace of Ling Wen is informed, and they begin searching for the boy.
Xie Lian descends the mountain with Xiao-Ying’s body, entrusting her burial to someone else, and reflects on the physically exhausting and mentally draining case.
Fu Yao mocks Xie Lian for still wearing the wedding dress during the mission. Xie Lian realizes he had spoken with General Pei Junior while dressed that way.
Nan Feng and Fu Yao bicker, but Xie Lian thanks them for their help. They discuss the cold and ruthless nature of the gods in the Upper Court, particularly General Pei Junior’s ruthless actions, like slaughtering an entire city.
After reporting to Ling Wen, Xie Lian enters the communication array to discuss the Mount Yujun incident. Feng Xin, General Pei Junior, and other officials talk about Xuan Ji’s madness and her connection to Green Ghost Qi Rong.
Xie Lian learns Xuan Ji worked for Green Ghost Qi Rong, a lower-ranked but troublesome ghost. Qi Rong ordered the upside-down corpses as offerings.
Xie Lian shares his experience of hearing a child spirit's warning during the mission. Mu Qing says no child spirits were found at Mount Yujun.
Xie Lian asks about the mysterious young man in red with silver butterflies, causing a shocked silence in the communication array. Mu Qing identifies him as Hua Cheng, one of the Four Calamities, a notorious Ghost King.
Ling Wen explains the Four Calamities: Ship-Sinking Black Water, Night-Touring Green Lantern, White-Clothed Calamity (White No-Face), and Crimson Rain Sought Flower (Hua Cheng).
Hua Cheng, also known as Crimson Rain Sought Flower, is a feared and unpredictable Ghost King who once challenged thirty-five heavenly officials to battle and debate.
Hua Cheng defeated the martial gods and civil gods, then burned their temples in retaliation when they refused to honor their bet. This decimated the power of the heavenly officials involved and made Hua Cheng infamous.
Despite his ruthless reputation, Hua Cheng’s powers and influence are widely respected, feared, and even admired among heavenly officials.
Xie Lian reflects on how the silver butterfly that danced around him didn’t seem frightening, despite Hua Cheng's fearsome reputation.
Chapter 6: Clothes Redder than Maple, Skin White as Snow
Xie Lian enters the heavenly communication array, discussing his encounter with Hua Cheng at Mount Yujun. The officials are unsettled, knowing Hua Cheng’s reputation.
Xie Lian reports that Hua Cheng broke Xuan Ji’s enchantment and helped him enter the array. The officials express concern, as no one understands Hua Cheng’s motives.
Despite completing the northern case, Xie Lian receives discounted merits due to the mourning of the lord whose daughter died. However, he manages to repay most of his 8.88 million merit debt.
Xie Lian, now debt-free, tries to engage with other officials in the array, but his attempts to share wholesome advice often lead to awkward silence.
Frustrated by the lack of shrines in his honor, Xie Lian decides to worship himself, landing in Puqi Village, a small, scenic hamlet where he begins renovating a decrepit shack to build his shrine.
The villagers warmly welcome Xie Lian, donating materials and asking which god he plans to worship. He says it will be for the "Prince of Xianle," but none of them recognize the name.
Xie Lian leaves to gather supplies and, on the way back, hitches a ride on an old ox cart. He notices a youth lying on the hay who seems knowledgeable and engages in conversation with him.
The youth is dressed in a striking red tunic, with skin as white as snow, and exudes a carefree yet dangerous aura. He answers Xie Lian’s questions about gods and ghosts, showing particular disdain for the Water Master, whom he calls the "Water Tyrant."
Xie Lian asks about Crimson Rain Sought Flower (Hua Cheng). The youth explains that Hua Cheng once caused blood rain to fall by wiping out another ghost’s lair and shielded a flower from the rain with his umbrella.
The youth reveals that Hua Cheng is blind in one eye, which he gouged out himself in a moment of madness. He also says that a ghost’s weakness is typically their ashes, though no one has ever obtained Hua Cheng’s ashes.
The youth introduces himself as “San Lang” (third son) and claims he has no destination in mind after being kicked out by his quarrelling parents.
Xie Lian shares a steamed bun with San Lang as they continue talking, with Xie Lian growing more impressed by the youth’s knowledge and calm demeanor, despite his young appearance.
The ox cart suddenly stops in the forest, and the driver panics when he sees a group of green flames and headless figures approaching. Xie Lian realizes it’s the Zhongyuan Festival, the time when the gates to the underworld open.
Xie Lian summons Ruoye to protect the cart, and warns that they’ve encountered evil spirits, saying if they go down the wrong path, they’ll never return.
A group of headless ghosts in white prisoner garb approaches the ox cart, holding their own heads. Xie Lian instructs San Lang and the cart driver to stay silent as the ghosts pass.
San Lang feigns fear, but Xie Lian reassures him. Xie Lian then knocks out the panicked cart driver with a pressure point to keep him quiet.
As the ox cart moves forward, the headless ghosts argue humorously about their swapped heads and messy executions.
They encounter various ghosts celebrating the Zhongyuan Festival, the time when spirits and ghosts roam freely. Xie Lian regrets not checking the calendar before traveling.
The cart stumbles upon a scene of shattered ghost fires, and the surrounding ghosts become suspicious of Xie Lian, assuming he's a cultivator responsible for the broken fires.
Ghosts surround the ox cart, but Xie Lian urges the ox to flee. He throws stumbling talismans to slow the pursuing ghosts but eventually reaches a fork in the road where both paths seem dangerous.
Xie Lian attempts to use a fortune shaker to determine the correct path, but gets bad luck twice. San Lang takes the shaker, and his shake results in good luck, allowing them to choose the right path.
Despite choosing the "best of luck" path, the ghosts catch up and surround the cart again, accusing Xie Lian of destroying ghost fires. However, the ghosts suddenly freeze in terror and flee.
Xie Lian is confused about why the ghosts fled, unsure if it was his presence or something else. San Lang jokingly credits Xie Lian for scaring them away.
They safely reach Puqi Village, where Xie Lian invites San Lang to stay at his shrine for the night.
At Puqi Shrine, San Lang playfully shakes the fortune shaker and notes the absence of a statue for the god. Xie Lian decides to paint a portrait of himself for the shrine.
San Lang offers to help paint the portrait, claiming to know what the Prince of Xianle looks like, which surprises Xie Lian.
Xie Lian asks San Lang for his opinion on the Prince of Xianle. San Lang cryptically responds that Jun Wu must dislike the prince, referring to Xie Lian’s two banishments.
As they prepare to sleep, San Lang notices the cursed shackle on Xie Lian’s ankle but doesn’t comment. They lie down to rest, with San Lang keeping his distance.
Xie Lian wakes up to find San Lang missing, but notices a beautifully painted portrait of the Prince of Xianle on the altar.
Xie Lian is stunned by the accuracy of the painting, wondering how San Lang could know how to depict such a figure.
Outside, Xie Lian finds San Lang sweeping leaves, clearly disliking the sunlight, as he watches the sky with a bored expression.
Xie Lian offers to fix San Lang's crooked ponytail, and while doing so, he subtly checks San Lang's hair for signs that he might be a ghost, but finds nothing suspicious.
San Lang teases Xie Lian about touching his hair, hinting at a playful and flirtatious attitude.
After Xie Lian awkwardly reties San Lang's hair, making it even more crooked, they are interrupted by a loud commotion outside the shrine.
The village chief and a crowd of villagers rush to the shrine, addressing Xie Lian as "Great Immortal" and asking for blessings for various things, including wealth, marriage, and children.
Xie Lian is overwhelmed by the enthusiastic villagers, who offer food and incense in return for blessings, though he tries to explain that his shrine does not grant such requests.
San Lang watches the chaos unfold while casually eating water chestnuts and amusing himself.
Despite Xie Lian’s attempts to clarify that his shrine doesn’t offer blessings for wealth or marriage, the villagers leave abundant offerings of fruits, vegetables, rice, and noodles.
Xie Lian suspects that the unexpected turnout at the shrine is due to San Lang’s good luck.
Xie Lian decides to replace the shrine’s curtain, which has a protective seal he drew to ward off evil. However, he notices San Lang standing still, staring thoughtfully at the seal.
Xie Lian becomes concerned that the seal might be preventing San Lang from entering the shrine, and calls out to him, unsure of San Lang’s reaction to the protective ward.
Chapter 7: Puqi Shrine Talks, Guileful Tales of Banyue Pass
San Lang mentions that he’s heading out but assures Xie Lian he’ll be back soon.
Xie Lian prepares food in the shrine, creating two plates from the offerings left by the villagers.
San Lang returns, wearing a white undershirt, working on building a door for the shrine, impressing Xie Lian with his craftsmanship.
After installing the door, San Lang comments that if Xie Lian is going to draw a seal, it should be on a proper door, hinting that the previous seal didn’t affect him.
Xie Lian observes a tattoo on San Lang's arm, but San Lang brushes it off, saying he got it when he was young.
Xie Lian compliments San Lang’s painting of the Prince of Xianle and questions how he knew what the prince looked like. San Lang responds vaguely, saying he knows everything.
A group of villagers arrives, panicked and asking for help with a dying man they found, who turns out to be a cultivator.
The cultivator is disheveled and seems to have escaped from Banyue Pass, speaking incoherently about his escape and the dangers he witnessed.
Xie Lian brings the man into the shrine, calming him down, but grows suspicious as the man never asks for food or water despite his condition.
Xie Lian offers the cultivator water, and the strange sloshing sound he makes when drinking confirms that the man is an empty shell—a fabricated skin bag.
The cultivator attacks Xie Lian, but San Lang quickly stops him by throwing a chopstick that pins the man to the door.
The shell deflates, revealing it was controlled by a powerful being, likely meant to lure Xie Lian to Banyue Pass.
Xie Lian attempts to ask for information about Banyue Pass in the communication array, but the topic causes an awkward silence among the heavenly officials.
Ling Wen privately advises Xie Lian to avoid the matter of Banyue Pass, revealing that it is a sensitive issue, though she doesn’t provide details.
Xie Lian decides to go to Banyue Pass anyway, and San Lang insists on joining him.
As they prepare to leave, Nan Feng and Fu Yao arrive, having heard about Xie Lian’s plan and offering to help.
Nan Feng and Fu Yao are suspicious of San Lang, even preparing to attack him with divine energy, but Xie Lian stops them.
Nan Feng questions Xie Lian’s trust in San Lang, but Xie Lian remains calm, believing San Lang is not a threat despite his odd behavior.
San Lang shares the story of the Kingdom of Banyue and its state preceptor, a feared evil cultivator who might still haunt Banyue Pass.
Just as San Lang is about to continue, they are interrupted by a knock at the door, leading to the arrival of Nan Feng and Fu Yao, who volunteer to assist Xie Lian on his journey to Banyue Pass.
Despite lingering tensions between Nan Feng, Fu Yao, and San Lang, the group prepares to leave for Banyue Pass, where dangerous mysteries await.
Chapter 8: Shortened Distance, Adrift in Sandstorms
San Lang is intrigued by Xie Lian's knowledge and the existence of the Kingdom of Banyue, which he previously thought was just rogue records.
Nan Feng completes a teleportation array, and the group prepares to leave. Xie Lian recites a chant and opens the door, transporting them from Puqi Shrine to a quiet city avenue far away.
The group follows the North Star, traveling through the night toward the Gobi Desert. As they journey, they face extreme heat during the day, making travel difficult.
Xie Lian offers his bamboo hat to San Lang, who declines but smiles. They continue traveling together.
They come across an abandoned inn in the desert and decide to rest there during the hottest part of the day.
Xie Lian offers water to San Lang, and after drinking, San Lang playfully asks for more. Fu Yao interrupts, offering his own water bottle filled with Unmasking Water, meant to reveal San Lang's true identity if he’s not human.
San Lang, aware of their suspicions, plays along in a polite power struggle with Fu Yao, where both insist the other drink first. Eventually, San Lang drinks the Unmasking Water without hesitation and is unaffected, which surprises Fu Yao and Nan Feng.
San Lang mockingly comments that the water tastes bad and asks for Xie Lian's bottle again, subtly implying that he prefers Xie Lian's company.
Nan Feng escalates the situation by giving San Lang a sacred sword, "Hongjing," known for revealing the true form of non-human entities if unsheathed.
San Lang attempts to draw the sword, but when only a few centimeters of the blade are revealed, he laughs and remarks that the sword is broken.
Nan Feng, shocked, pulls the sword out and discovers that "Hongjing" has indeed been broken into pieces inside its sheath, a feat that should have been impossible.
The group is left stunned by San Lang's mysterious powers, as they continue to suspect him, but San Lang remains unfazed, casually deflecting their tests.
San Lang mocks Nan Feng and Fu Yao after they fail to expose him with the broken Hongjing sword.
Xie Lian observes an impending sandstorm and urges the group to move.
Xie Lian spots two mysterious figures—one in black, one in white—gliding across the sand near the inn.
The group sets out again but soon finds themselves struggling against a powerful, unnatural sandstorm.
Xie Lian notes the strange nature of the storm, but San Lang remains unbothered.
San Lang catches Xie Lian’s bamboo hat, which was nearly blown away, showcasing his agility.
The storm intensifies, and Xie Lian is carried away by a twister, prompting him to use Ruoye to secure himself.
Ruoye ties itself to San Lang, inadvertently dragging him into the storm, though San Lang remains calm.
Ruoye mistakenly grabs Nan Feng and Fu Yao as well, pulling all four of them into the twister.
Ruoye finally latches onto a giant boulder, pulling them out of the storm and bringing them to safety.
The group shelters inside a hollow boulder, discovering it might have been a manmade structure from Banyue.
Xie Lian finds a stone stele with an inscription in Banyue script, which San Lang helps him translate.
The inscription tells the story of a demoted captain from the Central Plains who was respected by both sides for saving lives but ultimately died in battle by stepping on his own bootlaces.
Xie Lian and San Lang translate more of the stele, revealing it is the tomb of the Central Plains general.
The group encounters a merchant caravan also seeking shelter from the sandstorm. The merchants explain they have a local guide named A-Zhao, who helped them avoid quicksand and find the cave.
San Lang playfully deceives the merchants into prostrating before the tomb, telling them it will grant good fortune.
The group discusses the possibility that the figures they saw earlier were the Banyue state preceptor and another powerful figure.
A sudden commotion erupts when a brightly colored, venomous scorpion-snake appears in the cave, startling everyone.
San Lang casually catches the dangerous creature with ease, showing no fear, and plays with it like a toy.
Xie Lian warns that scorpion-snakes are dangerous, and more could be nearby.
The scorpion-snake is revealed to be the totem of the Banyue state preceptor, capable of controlling them.
The group realizes they are surrounded by multiple scorpion-snakes, and chaos ensues.
Multiple scorpion-snakes slither into the cave without attacking, silently watching the group.
Nan Feng and Fu Yao launch fireballs, creating an explosion that prompts everyone to flee outside.
The group escapes the cave and notices the wind has calmed after the twister passed.
An elder merchant, Uncle Zheng, collapses from a scorpion-snake bite, with a small, unnoticed puncture wound rapidly spreading venom.
Xie Lian instructs everyone to check for wounds and uses Ruoye to help stop the venom’s spread.
A-Zhao assists by tying off the elder's arm, and Nan Feng gives him a pill to prolong his life for 24 hours.
San Lang explains that the shanyue plant is the antidote for scorpion-snake venom, but it only grows in Banyue territory.
The group realizes they must venture into the Kingdom of Banyue to retrieve the antidote.
Xie Lian attempts to use the heavenly communication array to call for help, but the signal is blocked by the evil aura near Banyue.
While the group is distracted, a scorpion-snake targets San Lang, but Xie Lian intercepts it, getting stung in the process.
San Lang reacts with intense concern and sucks the venom from Xie Lian’s wound, then crushes the attacking snake in a show of raw power.
Xie Lian assures everyone that they will retrieve the shanyue fern from Banyue and temporarily borrows A-Zhao as their guide.
The group sets off toward the ruins of Banyue, where they pass through an ancient city with high, decaying walls and a "Sinner’s Pit," a torturous jail filled with venomous creatures.
They hide when the mysterious women in white and black, seen earlier, walk through the city streets. Nan Feng creates a diversion to lead the women away.
Xie Lian, San Lang, and A-Zhao head toward the palace garden, believing the shanyue fern may grow there.
San Lang finds a small, clean shanyue fern and applies its powder to Xie Lian’s wound, which relieves the pain and swelling.
The merchants who followed them, led by Tian Sheng, begin picking larger ferns but scream when they hear a voice coming from the ground.
Xie Lian uncovers a human face buried in the mud, revealing that the shanyue ferns have been grown using live human "fertilizer."
The buried man claims he was captured by Banyue soldiers 50 or 60 years ago and buried alive.
San Lang had wisely avoided the larger ferns and used a smaller, cleaner one to treat Xie Lian, explaining that the human-fertilized ferns shouldn't be used.
The buried man reveals that someone in the group is someone he met 50 years ago, hinting that this person might be dangerous and capable of killing them all.
Chapter 9: Dallying HuaLian, Night Fall in Sinner’s Pit
Xie Lian tells the crowd to back away from the mud face, warning them not to listen.
A merchant sneaks back to retrieve herbs but is attacked by the mud face's long, blood-red tongue, which enters his ear and kills him.
The mud face eats a piece of the merchant's brain and cackles, calling it delicious.
Xie Lian is about to attack the mud face when a massive shadow, a soldier from Banyue, lands in front of him.
A group of Banyue soldiers, all massive and beast-like, surround Xie Lian and the others, but they don’t immediately attack.
The soldiers refer to their leader as “General” and say they won’t kill them immediately but plan to take them elsewhere.
The mud face begs the General to let him go home but is instead smashed by the General’s mace, revealing a skeleton beneath.
The mud face continues to deny that the skeleton is his body, insisting his long tongue is normal.
The General and soldiers begin herding Xie Lian and the others toward the Sinner’s Pit, a massive, eerie pit designed to trap the fallen forever.
The soldiers roar into the pit, and a chorus of savage responses echoes from the depths, causing the walls to tremble.
Kemo, the Banyue General, decides to throw two people into the pit, choosing A-Zhao as the first victim.
A-Zhao unexpectedly charges Kemo, pushing him toward the pit, but Kemo throws A-Zhao in instead. Horrifying sounds of A-Zhao being torn apart are heard from the pit.
The General then selects Tian Sheng as the next person to be thrown in, but Xie Lian offers to go first to protect the others.
Kemo questions Xie Lian's knowledge of the Banyue language. Xie Lian explains that he’s from the Central Plains and tries to reason with Kemo.
Before Tian Sheng can be thrown in, San Lang casually jumps into the pit without fear, telling Xie Lian not to worry.
Xie Lian is shocked and tries to follow, but Kemo grabs him by the collar. Xie Lian manages to drag Kemo into the pit with him.
As they fall, the corpse hanging from the pole suddenly moves and attacks the soldiers, sending them into the pit.
Ruoye can’t stop their fall, but Xie Lian is caught by San Lang at the bottom, who assures him everything is fine.
Kemo, still alive, yells in rage. Xie Lian realizes San Lang killed all the creatures in the pit and questions him about it.
Kemo reveals that the Banyue state preceptor, whom he once supported, betrayed Banyue by opening the city gates for the enemy.
Kemo explains his soldiers have been trapped in the pit for 200 years and that they devour humans to release their hatred and move on.
Kemo accuses the state preceptor of controlling the snakes that lure people into the city to become food for the soldiers.
Xie Lian learns that the girl in black is the actual Banyue state preceptor, and she confirms this when she jumps into the pit.
The state preceptor releases the array, allowing them to leave the pit, but Kemo tries to attack her.
Kemo demands to know why she betrayed Banyue, and she apologizes, saying the snakes no longer obey her.
Xie Lian recognizes the state preceptor as a girl named Banyue, a child he knew when he served as a captain in the Banyue army 200 years ago.
Banyue explains that she grew up bullied due to being of mixed blood and learned black magic in Yong’an, returning to Banyue as a powerful sorceress.
Kemo is furious at her betrayal, while Banyue reveals she opened the gates not out of hatred but for reasons she can’t explain yet.
Scorpion-snakes begin to appear in the pit, but they hesitate to approach Xie Lian and San Lang, possibly because of San Lang's presence.
Fu Yao creates a barrier of fire to keep the snakes at bay, but more snakes keep coming, falling into the pit.
Xie Lian suspects something else is controlling the snakes, not Banyue or San Lang.
Fu Yao accuses San Lang of being the cause of the snakes’ behavior, hinting that Xie Lian should already know San Lang’s true identity.
Chapter 10: Wind Master in White, Bellowing Sandstorms from Nowhere
Xie Lian stands in front of San Lang when Fu Yao questions why he’s beside him.
The fire created by Fu Yao is suddenly extinguished, plunging them into darkness.
San Lang mocks Fu Yao, and Xie Lian feels San Lang pull him close as snakes pour down, though San Lang reassures him not to move.
Fu Yao struggles against the snake attack, while San Lang confidently states that no snakes would approach them.
Kemo awakens and assumes Banyue sent the snakes to kill him.
Xie Lian realizes someone else is in the pit with them, as Fu Yao’s powers are restricted by an unknown force.
Banyue tries to speak but is suddenly silenced, confirming that there is a sixth person in the pit.
San Lang quickly dashes forward with Xie Lian while holding an umbrella, and they encounter the sixth person in the darkness, revealing it through the clash of weapons.
San Lang fights an unseen opponent, who Xie Lian recognizes as highly skilled.
Xie Lian deduces that the sixth person is General Pei Junior, disguised as A-Zhao, after Fu Yao mentions Xuan Ji, linking the events to Pei Xiu's past.
Xie Lian exposes Pei Xiu's involvement in the slaughter of the Kingdom of Banyue, realizing that Pei Xiu manipulated the scorpion-snakes and travelers for nearly 200 years.
Pei Xiu explains that he ordered Banyue to open the city gates to massacre the city’s inhabitants before they could launch a planned explosive retaliation against Yong’an.
A heated argument erupts between Pei Xiu and Kemo about the morality of their respective actions, with each side blaming the other for starting the conflict.
Pei Xiu admits he manipulated Banyue but justifies it by claiming the Banyue people were evil.
The Wind Master and a mysterious woman in black appear and blow everyone out of the pit with a gust of wind.
Xie Lian is surprised to find out the Wind Master is a heavenly official and not a monster, as he had suspected.
The Wind Master reveals that Pei Xiu was behind the deaths of countless travelers and tells Xie Lian not to get involved further.
Pei Xiu admits to the crimes but is ready to face the consequences in the heavens.
The Wind Master allows Xie Lian to take Banyue, acknowledging she had saved lives and did not harm anyone.
The Wind Master and Pei Xiu leave, and Xie Lian, San Lang, and Nan Feng return to Puqi Shrine.
Xie Lian reflects on the events and decides to cook as a reward for Nan Feng, but Nan Feng quickly leaves, using an excuse to avoid the meal.
San Lang, now confirmed to be Hua Cheng, stays with Xie Lian, humorously declaring he’s hungry.
Xie Lian calls him Hua Cheng, but Hua Cheng prefers being called San Lang.
Chapter 11: Poking the Ghost King, The Crown Prince Seeks Truth
Xie Lian addresses San Lang as "Crimson Rain Sought Flower," confirming that San Lang is the Ghost King, Hua Cheng.
Hua Cheng teases Xie Lian about how it feels to be addressed as "Your Highness," and Xie Lian reflects on how it feels different from others.
Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng if he was the groom who whisked him away on Mount Yujun, and Hua Cheng confirms it.
Hua Cheng reveals that he might have appeared specifically for Xie Lian, though Xie Lian teases him about having a lot of free time.
Xie Lian recognizes that Hua Cheng is unlike the rumors and identifies him as a supreme Ghost King due to his red clothes, fearlessness, and power.
Hua Cheng hints that Xie Lian could kick him out, but Xie Lian notes that Hua Cheng would likely just return if he wanted.
A clay pot containing Banyue tips over and rolls to the door, and Xie Lian follows it outside to find it standing on its own, as if gazing at the night sky.
Banyue, inside the pot, reveals she heard everything during the battle and asks about General Pei Junior’s fate, to which Xie Lian replies that wrongdoings will be punished.
Banyue recalls how Pei Junior had helped her before and how she opened the city gates by her own will, despite what others said.
Xie Lian tries to correct Banyue, stating that he hasn’t been a general for a long time, but she insists on calling him “General Hua.”
Banyue reminisces about Xie Lian’s past words about saving the common people, revealing that she had taken them to heart and wanted to do what was right, but feels she has failed.
Xie Lian admits that even now, he doesn’t know how to save the common people and feels like a failure himself.
Banyue stays in the pot to recover while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng return inside.
Xie Lian reflects that Banyue’s willingness to stay at Banyue Pass was due to her guilt over opening the gates, not because she became a wrath.
Hua Cheng explains that Pei Xiu used mortals to feed the Banyue soldiers because clones aren’t as powerful, and Xie Lian notes that Hua Cheng’s "clone" seemed strong, to which Hua Cheng admits he is in his true form.
Xie Lian, curious about Hua Cheng’s real face, inadvertently pokes his face, surprising both of them.
Hua Cheng laughs and tells Xie Lian that he will show his real face someday.
As they lie down to rest, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng talk about their respective realms. Hua Cheng confirms that he’s met other ghost kings, including Green Ghost Qi Rong, whom he despises.
Hua Cheng mentions that even Black Water Demon Xuan dislikes Qi Rong, and Xie Lian notes that Hua Cheng doesn’t seem close with many ghosts.
Xie Lian reflects on his past naïve statements about saving the world, which makes Hua Cheng laugh, but Hua Cheng also finds such ambitions brave, even if they’re foolish.
Hua Cheng questions whether Xie Lian would still want to see his real face if he were ugly. Xie Lian assures him that appearance wouldn’t change his feelings, but Hua Cheng teases him.
Hua Cheng promises that next time they meet, he will show Xie Lian his true appearance.
Xie Lian falls asleep, and when he wakes, Hua Cheng is gone.
Xie Lian finds a small silver chain with a crystal-clear ring left behind by Hua Cheng, just below his cursed collar.
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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 2
Chapter 12: In the Palace of Divine Might, Crown Prince Meets Crown Prince
Xie Lian finds a ring left by Hua Cheng, admires its beauty, and decides to wear it until he can ask about its significance.
After resting for a few days in Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian receives a message from Ling Wen to return to the heavens for an urgent matter.
Xie Lian suspects the meeting is about the Banyue Pass incident and heads to the Palace of Divine Might.
Walking along the Grand Avenue of Divine Might, Xie Lian notices that the other heavenly officials avoid him due to his involvement in General Pei Junior’s downfall.
Xie Lian witnesses another crown prince, Lang Qianqiu, who is from the Kingdom of Yong'an, which overthrew Xianle. Lang Qianqiu cheerfully greets Xie Lian without recognizing him.
Overhearing gossip from junior officials, Xie Lian learns that Lang Qianqiu is highly regarded compared to Xie Lian, especially because Yong’an is seen as stronger and more prosperous than Xianle.
Ling Wen meets Xie Lian and informs him that General Pei Junior’s punishment will likely be exile.
Xie Lian reaches the Palace of Divine Might, where he meets Jun Wu, the supreme martial god, who has returned from patrolling the realms.
The meeting begins, and General Pei Ming appears, bringing the body of Pei Junior’s clone (A-Zhao) as evidence.
Pei Ming reveals that during Pei Junior's interrogation, it was mentioned that a powerful, red-clad young man was with Xie Lian at Banyue Pass, hinting that this person was likely Hua Cheng.
Pei Ming demands to know who the red-clad youth was, putting Xie Lian in a difficult position.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing, Xie Lian's former subordinates, are called forward to confirm the wounds on A-Zhao’s body were inflicted by Hua Cheng’s cursed scimitar, Eming.
Xie Lian downplays his connection to Hua Cheng, trying to avoid implicating him while maintaining that Pei Junior’s actions were his own.
Despite Pei Xiu’s admission of guilt and the decision to exile him, Pei Ming continues to push for further investigation into Hua Cheng’s involvement.
Jun Wu eventually ends the meeting, exiling Pei Junior and leaving Xie Lian alone with him for further questioning.
In private, Jun Wu confronts Xie Lian about his association with Hua Cheng and warns him to be careful, particularly of Hua Cheng’s cursed weapon, Eming.
Jun Wu assigns Xie Lian a secret mission to investigate the recent appearance of a distress signal, a fire dragon, from the eastern mountains. This signal came from a heavenly official in danger.
The mission involves investigating Ghost City, a notorious place in the Ghost Realm, which is also Hua Cheng’s territory.
Xie Lian accepts the mission, despite the potential awkwardness of encountering Hua Cheng in Ghost City.
Jun Wu suggests Xie Lian take the Wind Master along for the mission, noting that they get along well.
After the meeting, Xie Lian is given a new Palace of Xianle but feels out of place in such grandeur and opts to wait outside.
The Wind Master Qingxuan arrives to accompany Xie Lian, and Xie Lian is surprised to learn that the Wind Master, who previously appeared as a woman, can also take a male form.
Chapter 13: Entering Ghost City, the Crown Prince Chances Upon the Ghost King
Xie Lian learns about the Wind Master’s backstory from his scroll. The Wind Master’s former name was Shi Qingxuan, and his brother is Shi Wudu, the Water Master, also known as the "Water Tyrant."
Shi Qingxuan has a sociable and generous personality, and he and his brother ascended as gods together, becoming a famous pair in the heavens.
Shi Qingxuan reveals that he doesn’t get along with Pei Ming and doesn’t care if their actions create a rift between Pei Ming and his brother.
Xie Lian is surprised to learn about the "Three Tumors" moniker, which refers to Pei Ming, Ling Wen, and the Water Master, all of whom have bad reputations in the heavenly court.
They arrive in a wilderness thick with yin energy and wait near a graveyard to follow ghosts to Ghost City.
A group of female ghosts dressed in funeral garb appears, and Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan follow them.
As they enter Ghost City, the female ghosts question who Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan are, but they pass themselves off as fellow ghosts.
Ghost City is a bustling, chaotic place filled with bizarre creatures, masked figures, and gruesome scenes, such as a butcher shop selling human meat and a strange street performer roasting a small ghost alive.
Xie Lian notices that Shi Qingxuan and the female ghosts have disappeared and begins searching for the Wind Master in the chaotic city.
While walking, Xie Lian is harassed by a female ghost who tries to seduce him, but he deflects her advances by claiming he has an "unspeakable affliction" and cannot get erect, which causes the crowd to laugh.
Xie Lian continues exploring and arrives at an extravagant gambling den with gaudy calligraphy on its entrance.
Inside, the gambling den is packed with strange creatures and ghosts betting on various games. One man screams after losing a bet, having both legs amputated.
A petite ghost attendant guides Xie Lian to the back of the hall, where he hears a familiar voice. It is Hua Cheng’s voice, slightly deeper than before, making Xie Lian realize that Hua Cheng is present in the gambling den.
Xie Lian spots a faint red figure lounging behind a screen curtain, recognizing Hua Cheng lying on a chair.
Chapter 14: Admiring the Flower through Red Clouds, a Heart Full of Affection
Xie Lian arrives at the Gambler’s Den and observes a man betting ten years of his daughter’s life.
The man wins his bet but wants to continue gambling, now betting for the death of his competitors and twenty years of his daughter’s life along with her marriage prospects.
Just as the man prepares to lift the gambling cup, Lang Qianqiu, the Crown Prince of Yong’an, breaks in, smashing the cup and accusing the man of having a cruel heart.
Lang Qianqiu’s rash actions lead to a confrontation, and he learns that the Gambler’s Den belongs to Hua Cheng, also known as Crimson Rain Sought Flower.
Hua Cheng, behind a red curtain, speaks to Lang Qianqiu, indicating he knows Lang Qianqiu’s identity as a heavenly official.
Hua Cheng engages in a power struggle with Lang Qianqiu, ultimately suspending him in the air and sealing his powers.
The crowd in the Gambler’s Den begins betting on Lang Qianqiu’s fate, with Hua Cheng offering Lang Qianqiu as a prize.
Xie Lian, realizing the danger, suggests trying to win Lang Qianqiu back through gambling. Shi Qingxuan supports this idea, but Xie Lian’s bad luck makes it seem impossible.
Hua Cheng changes the rules and offers to personally teach Xie Lian how to roll the dice. Under Hua Cheng’s guidance, Xie Lian progressively rolls higher numbers.
Despite the teasing, Hua Cheng allows Xie Lian to win the final round and releases Lang Qianqiu.
Hua Cheng then emerges from behind the curtain in his true form, a slightly older and taller version of San Lang, wearing a red eyepatch over one eye.
Xie Lian recognizes Hua Cheng’s true form and awkwardly presents the “prize” he owes— a half-eaten bun.
Hua Cheng accepts the bun with a grin and eats it, playfully watching Xie Lian as he leaves.
After escaping the Gambler’s Den, Xie Lian, Lang Qianqiu, and Shi Qingxuan discuss their next steps. Lang Qianqiu is determined that Xie Lian must not deceive Hua Cheng, believing that friendship should be honored.
Shi Qingxuan suggests that Xie Lian should visit Hua Cheng openly, pretending they came to visit him rather than investigate Ghost City.
A ruckus interrupts their conversation as a mob of creatures begins searching for someone with a "bandaged face." Xie Lian reassures his companions that they are not the targets, but a piercing cry suggests trouble is near.
Chapter 15: At Paradise Manor, Questions of Xianle
Xie Lian hears a sharp cry and rushes to find a group of ghosts beating a bandaged boy, who turns out to be the same boy from Mount Yujun.
Lang Qianqiu, acting impulsively again, jumps into the fight, causing more chaos. Xie Lian tries to help the boy, but the terrified boy runs away.
Xie Lian instructs Shi Qingxuan and Lang Qianqiu to hide for three days while he gives chase to the boy through the busy streets of Ghost City.
As Xie Lian chases the boy, he is held back by a group of ghosts, but a masked figure, the Waning Moon Officer, appears and disperses the crowd.
The Waning Moon Officer informs Xie Lian that Hua Cheng (Chengzhu) has requested his presence at Paradise Manor.
Xie Lian follows the Waning Moon Officer to a remote area where Paradise Manor is located. He notices a cursed shackle on the Waning Moon Officer's wrist, hinting at something unusual.
Entering Paradise Manor, Xie Lian sees Hua Cheng lounging on a black jade divan, absentmindedly playing with a golden foil palace.
Hua Cheng invites Xie Lian to sit, and they discuss why Hua Cheng pretended not to recognize Xie Lian at the Gambler's Den—Hua Cheng did it to avoid causing Xie Lian trouble in front of Lang Qianqiu and Shi Qingxuan.
Hua Cheng reveals this is his real appearance, and Xie Lian compliments him.
Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng for help in finding the bandaged boy, and Hua Cheng agrees without hesitation.
Xie Lian also thanks Hua Cheng for the silver ring he left him, and Hua Cheng downplays its significance but is pleased when Xie Lian keeps it.
The Waning Moon Officer brings the bandaged boy to Xie Lian, and the boy, starving, devours the food provided.
Xie Lian unwraps the boy's bandages and finds his face covered in deep red scars, evidence that the boy had cut off the human faces that once infected him.
Xie Lian asks the boy if he is from Xianle, but the boy reveals he is from Yong'an, contradicting what Xie Lian expected about the origin of the Human Face Disease.
Xie Lian has a flashback of the White-Clothed Calamity (White No-Face), a figure associated with disasters and plagues.
As Xie Lian tends to the boy, Hua Cheng advises him to rest. The boy is taken away, and Xie Lian is left to reflect.
Xie Lian notices that the Waning Moon Officer has a cursed shackle and decides to investigate, following him to a mysterious room with a magical lock.
Xie Lian deduces that two dice rolling sixes unlock the door but is unable to replicate it, deciding to report back to Hua Cheng later.
Hua Cheng returns, and Xie Lian keeps quiet about the Waning Moon Officer's suspicious behavior, waiting for more evidence.
Hua Cheng offers to show Xie Lian an armory filled with weapons. Xie Lian is excited but declines Hua Cheng's offer to take any weapons, preferring to simply admire them.
Xie Lian mentions the rumors about Hua Cheng's scimitar, Eming, and Hua Cheng confirms that the scimitar was forged through mysterious means but reassures Xie Lian not to worry.
Chapter 16: Borrowing Luck, Night Crawl in Paradise Manor
Xie Lian greets the eye on Hua Cheng's scimitar, Eming, which reacts positively, and Hua Cheng explains that Eming only likes a select few.
Xie Lian strokes Eming like a pet, finding it amusing that the cursed blade is so "cute" and harmless, contrary to its reputation.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss various legendary weapons and swords in detail, with Xie Lian in high spirits afterward.
The boy, now named Lang Ying, is cleaned up and rebandaged. Xie Lian offers to take him in as a disciple, promising safety and security. Lang Ying accepts.
A feast is prepared, but Lang Ying is hesitant to eat until Xie Lian encourages him.
Xie Lian is surprised when the woman serving wine turns out to be Shi Qingxuan in disguise.
Xie Lian accidentally drinks wine, breaking a vow, but brushes it off while feeling guilty.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss abstinence and gambling, with Hua Cheng teasingly offering to lend Xie Lian luck for future games.
Hua Cheng shows Xie Lian how to borrow his luck to win at dice, which amazes Xie Lian when he rolls two sixes.
Xie Lian feels guilty about borrowing luck from Hua Cheng, but Hua Cheng reassures him.
Shi Qingxuan sneaks into Xie Lian's guest chamber in his male form after struggling with his disguise. He expresses envy over Xie Lian's good fortune in being treated so well by Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan sneak out to investigate Paradise Manor and use the borrowed luck to roll two sixes and open a secret passage.
The passage leads to a dark tunnel and a long staircase descending into the abyss. The two enter, hoping to find more clues.
Xie Lian notices the cursed shackle on the Waning Moon Officer's wrist and questions Shi Qingxuan about any banished heavenly officials, learning about a Martial God of the West who was banished.
They find the path blocked by a stone wall. After rolling dice on a tile, they fall through a hidden trap door into a muddy tunnel filled with giant earthworms.
They fend off the worms with fire but realize the flames won't last. Just as the worms approach, they find another stone door and roll dice again, escaping the worm-infested tunnel.
They fall into a cramped hole in a tree, emerging in a forest where they are attacked by fierce spirits. After a brief battle, they escape.
They find another stone door, but Shi Qingxuan refuses to roll the dice again, believing his luck is terrible. Xie Lian rolls two sixes again, and they enter another dark stairway.
The new path leads them to the stench of blood and the heavy breathing of a man, who speaks coldly, saying, "I have nothing to say."
Chapter 17: Paradise to Ashes, the Second Coming of Fangxin
Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan find a man imprisoned in a dark tunnel, severely wounded but composed.
The man is Ming Yi, the Earth Master, who sent the distress signal. He pretends not to know Shi Qingxuan but is eventually carried out by him.
Ming Yi refuses to answer why he was imprisoned by Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian accidentally falls through a stone door into Hua Cheng’s armory, landing directly on top of him. Hua Cheng remains calm but clearly expects an explanation.
Lang Ying hides behind Xie Lian, while Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi also arrive. Shi Qingxuan suspects Hua Cheng is responsible for the missing heavenly official.
Xie Lian pleads for peace, but Hua Cheng reveals Ming Yi was a spy, working undercover as his subordinate for over ten years.
Hua Cheng explains that he suspected Ming Yi’s identity and confirmed it during the events at Banyue Pass.
Xie Lian tries to deescalate the situation, but Shi Qingxuan initiates an escape by summoning a powerful wind to blow open the armory’s roof.
Hua Cheng retaliates by using a fan made of golden foil, causing a deadly wind battle within the armory.
Lang Qianqiu arrives just in time, using his magnetizing sword to absorb the golden foil, and charges at Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian intervenes just before Lang Qianqiu and Hua Cheng’s blades clash, absorbing the impact of both attacks with a borrowed sword, which shatters.
The group escapes by creating a fire and using Shi Qingxuan’s wind to ascend through the roof. The fire spreads uncontrollably, burning down Paradise Manor.
Xie Lian feels guilty for destroying Hua Cheng’s armory and causing extensive damage to his residence.
Xie Lian’s right arm is severely injured from blocking Hua Cheng’s scimitar, but he downplays it as a minor wound.
The group returns to the Heavenly Capital, where they are met by Feng Xin and Mu Qing. Lang Qianqiu, however, remains in shock.
Lang Qianqiu, after regaining his senses, grabs Xie Lian’s wrist and accuses him of being the State Preceptor Fangxin, the evil cultivator who once brought ruin to Yong’an.
Lang Qianqiu is furious and reveals that he killed Xie Lian (as the State Preceptor) in the past, but now realizes Xie Lian is still alive.
The chapter ends with tension building, as the revelation of Xie Lian’s past identity threatens to cause major conflict among the heavenly officials.
Chapter 18: The Villainous State Preceptor, Gilded Banquet Awash in Blood
Feng Xin reacts with shock, while Mu Qing appears intrigued by Lang Qianqiu’s accusation that Xie Lian is the State Preceptor Fangxin.
Shi Qingxuan argues that Xie Lian couldn’t be Fangxin, as Lang Qianqiu had never seen Fangxin's face due to the preceptor always wearing a silver mask.
Pei Ming confirms the story of the Gilded Banquet, where Fangxin killed the entire royal family of Yong’an, sparing only Lang Qianqiu, who arrived late.
Lang Qianqiu accuses Xie Lian of being Fangxin, saying the massacre was revenge for Xianle’s downfall at the hands of Yong’an.
The heavenly officials speculate on Xie Lian's motivations, assuming the massacre was revenge against the Yong’an monarchy for overthrowing Xianle.
Jun Wu arrives, stopping Xie Lian's bleeding and asking for an explanation. Lang Qianqiu requests a duel, claiming Xie Lian killed his family.
Ling Wen explains the history of the Gilded Banquet, where Fangxin slaughtered the royal family in retaliation for Xianle’s fall. Lang Qianqiu confirms that Fangxin taught him swordsmanship, and he recognizes Xie Lian’s style.
Lang Qianqiu demands a duel to prove that Xie Lian is Fangxin, but Xie Lian refuses to fight, claiming he swore never to kill with a sword again.
Lang Qianqiu breaks his own right arm to match Xie Lian’s injury, insisting they duel with their left hands.
Xie Lian admits to being Fangxin and accepts responsibility for the Gilded Banquet Massacre, stunning the other heavenly officials.
Lang Qianqiu is furious and demands to know why Xie Lian slaughtered his family, believing it was an act of vengeance for Xianle’s fall.
The heavenly officials are shocked that Xie Lian, who had always seemed mild-mannered, committed such a heinous act.
Xie Lian requests that Jun Wu strip him of his godhood and banish him to the mortal realm, preferring this outcome to continuing the conflict with Lang Qianqiu.
Lang Qianqiu objects to Xie Lian’s request for banishment, wanting to resolve the matter through a duel instead.
Xie Lian refuses to fight Lang Qianqiu, stating that if they do, Lang Qianqiu will surely die.
Chapter 19: Enraged Nan Yang, Fistfight with Difficult Xuan Zheng
Xie Lian requests to be banished, stating that fighting Lang Qianqiu would be pointless, shocking the surrounding martial gods.
Lang Qianqiu insists that life and death don't matter to him, pushing for a duel.
Shi Qingxuan speaks up, pointing out the inconsistency that Xie Lian, if vengeful, would have killed Lang Qianqiu, the crown prince of Yong’an, during the attack, but instead, he defended him.
Shi Qingxuan defends Xie Lian, arguing that the accusations against him don’t make sense, though Pei Ming argues back that there are similarities to previous cases.
Xie Lian thanks Shi Qingxuan for his defense but asks him to stop and also to take care of the boy from the side palace and to help Banyue if Pei Ming causes trouble.
Jun Wu denies Xie Lian's request for banishment, instead deciding to detain him and personally interrogate him, surprising everyone as Jun Wu appears to shield Xie Lian.
Lang Qianqiu vows that no matter the result, he will duel Xie Lian after the interrogation.
Xie Lian is escorted to the Palace of Xianle for house arrest. He reminisces about the past, dreaming of being a cold, aloof state preceptor tutoring a young crown prince.
In his dream, he recalls a philosophical discussion with the crown prince about fighting and the nature of power, where he reveals a technique that absorbs an opponent's attack rather than dissolving it.
The dream shifts to a violent memory where Xie Lian, as the State Preceptor, kills the Yong’an king and queen, shocking the crown prince, who accuses him of betrayal. Xie Lian coldly responds that they deserved it.
Xie Lian wakes up disoriented and finds the dice from Paradise Manor in his clothes. He rolls them, but his luck has run out, getting snake eyes.
Mu Qing arrives, offering a high-grade healing potion for Xie Lian’s injury and showing passive-aggressiveness while asking about the truth behind the Yong’an massacre.
Feng Xin arrives, and he and Mu Qing quickly start a heated argument about loyalty, old grievances, and who left Xie Lian first, which escalates into a fistfight.
As the fight intensifies, Xie Lian tries to intervene, but before he can get help, the palace doors are kicked open, revealing a swarm of silver butterflies emerging from the darkness.
Chapter 20: Heavenly Palace Raid, a Short Salutation to Scare the Gods
Xie Lian is surprised when Hua Cheng’s silver butterflies do not attack him but instead target Feng Xin and Mu Qing, who struggle to defend themselves with spiritual shields.
Xie Lian, distracted by one of the butterflies, is suddenly pulled into darkness by Hua Cheng.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing are shocked by Hua Cheng’s audacity to cause trouble in the Heavenly Court, but Hua Cheng mocks them and closes the door to the Heavenly Palace, transporting himself and Xie Lian to a remote mountain valley.
The communication array is in chaos, with Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and other heavenly officials panicking over Xie Lian’s "kidnapping" by Hua Cheng. They report to Jun Wu and scramble to figure out what happened.
Hua Cheng enters the communication array through Xie Lian and greets the gods with a taunting message, causing the entire array to fall into stunned silence. His presence intimidates all the gods.
Hua Cheng threatens the gods indirectly, warning that if they want to chase him, they will regret it. The gods, frightened, go silent, unwilling to challenge him.
Xie Lian, still unsure of Hua Cheng’s intentions, wonders if Hua Cheng came to rescue him or if he is seeking payback for the destruction of Paradise Manor.
Xie Lian apologizes to Hua Cheng for not telling him the full truth about his visit to Ghost City and for inadvertently burning down the manor. He feels guilty and offers to repay Hua Cheng.
Hua Cheng, irritated, cuts off Xie Lian’s apology, insisting that Xie Lian owes him nothing and that it was he who injured Xie Lian’s arm.
Xie Lian tries to downplay his injury, but Hua Cheng’s anger intensifies, and the scimitar Eming at Hua Cheng’s waist begins to shake uncontrollably, as if it were crying.
Chapter 21: Adroit Dice Solely for the Safety of One
Xie Lian attempts to pet Hua Cheng’s scimitar Eming, but Hua Cheng avoids him and smacks the scimitar, which only makes it shake more.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing, after using dice to open the door, end up in increasingly dangerous and bizarre locations, including a women’s bath and a marsh full of Black Marsh Crocodiles.
Hua Cheng explains that the dice lead to whatever the roller fears most, confirming Feng Xin’s worst fears with the women’s bath.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing argue and fight as they face the challenges brought by the dice, much to the amusement of heavenly officials listening in the communication array.
Xie Lian jokes about rolling a two and seeing Hua Cheng, to which Hua Cheng replies that Xie Lian can see him anytime, regardless of the roll.
Lang Qianqiu interrupts Xie Lian and Hua Cheng’s path, throwing down Fangxin, a sword that was once Xie Lian’s, and demanding a duel.
Xie Lian reluctantly agrees to the duel and reclaims Fangxin, but he uses Ruoye to bind Lang Qianqiu, ending the duel before it begins.
Lang Qianqiu is furious at Xie Lian for using what he sees as a dishonorable tactic, accusing Xie Lian of having changed from his days as his honorable State Preceptor.
Xie Lian reminds Lang Qianqiu that he’s always been pragmatic and tells him to rethink his ideals about honor and battle.
Lang Qianqiu, still angry, demands an explanation for why Xie Lian killed his royal family, feeling betrayed after treating the remnants of Xianle fairly.
Lang Qianqiu recalls how he refused to allow the extermination of Xianle’s people after the massacre and struggles to understand Xie Lian’s actions.
Xie Lian listens to Lang Qianqiu’s impassioned speech, which declares that he will never become like Xie Lian, and finds it both admirable and humorous.
As Xie Lian and Hua Cheng prepare to leave, Lang Qianqiu is turned into a budaoweng doll by Hua Cheng’s spell.
Hua Cheng leads Xie Lian through a complex network of caves, disguised as green-flamed ghosts. They arrive at the lair of Green Ghost Qi Rong.
Qi Rong is introduced, cursing many gods and ghosts and revealing his vulgar nature. He uses a kneeling statue of Xie Lian as a footstool, enraging Hua Cheng.
Hua Cheng’s anger leads to a brutal confrontation where he violently smashes Qi Rong’s head into the ground, exposing his true face.
To Xie Lian’s shock, Qi Rong’s face is revealed to bear a striking resemblance to his own.
Chapter 22: What Is True and What Is False, An Irresolvable Situation
Qi Rong’s mask crumbles, revealing his face doesn't resemble Xie Lian’s much beyond some similar facial features.
Qi Rong sees Hua Cheng’s true form, immediately recognizing him due to the red robes.
Hua Cheng demands to know how Prince An Le died, but Qi Rong resists, leading Hua Cheng to repeatedly slam his head into the ground.
Hua Cheng questions Qi Rong on Prince An Le's death, prompting Qi Rong to reveal that Lang Qianqiu was the one who killed him.
Lang Qianqiu, emerging from a budaoweng doll, confronts Qi Rong, furious over the accusation.
Qi Rong accuses Lang Qianqiu of being ignorant, mocking his belief that Prince An Le died of illness.
Lang Qianqiu vehemently defends his parents and accuses Qi Rong of trying to divide Xianle and Yong’an.
Qi Rong mocks Lang Qianqiu and reveals a plot where Prince An Le planned to assassinate people at the Gilded Banquet.
Qi Rong boasts that Xie Lian killed Lang Qianqiu’s father and then goes on to insult Xianle and Yong’an.
Xie Lian, under Hua Cheng’s petrification spell, struggles to stop Qi Rong from spewing more damaging truths about the past.
Qi Rong taunts Lang Qianqiu with truths, including how Xie Lian killed Prince An Le.
Lang Qianqiu becomes increasingly distressed, believing both Xie Lian and Qi Rong betrayed him and his family.
Xie Lian tries to take full blame for everything, but Qi Rong continues to provoke and escalate the situation.
Lang Qianqiu is furious with Xie Lian, demanding the truth behind the events of the Gilded Banquet.
Hua Cheng releases Xie Lian from the petrification spell, but it’s too late, and the damage is done.
Qi Rong is eventually thrown into a boiling cauldron by Lang Qianqiu, an act of revenge for the massacre of his family.
Xie Lian expresses despair over the truth, questioning the value of knowing it and lamenting the situation.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that what he did was necessary and justified, but Xie Lian remains conflicted and anguished.
Chapter 23: In the Cannibal’s Lair, Ghost King Faces Heavenly Officials
Xie Lian looks at the statue resembling him and acknowledges his sense of failure.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian not to believe Qi Rong’s insults, calling him useless.
Xie Lian destroys the statue, breaking its crying face.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng search Qi Rong’s lair to free the humans captured for consumption, finding about three hundred prisoners.
As they free the captives, Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng how he knew Qi Rong was behind the Gilded Banquet plot.
Hua Cheng explains he deduced it based on Qi Rong’s hatred for Yong’an and his tendency to provoke and manipulate situations.
Hua Cheng shares his thought process, concluding that Qi Rong manipulated Prince An Le and was likely behind his suspicious death after the Gilded Banquet.
Xie Lian is impressed by Hua Cheng’s deduction skills and asks why he was so sure Qi Rong was the mastermind.
Hua Cheng responds that he believed in Xie Lian’s innocence, dismissing the idea that Xie Lian would act on negative thoughts.
Xie Lian warns Hua Cheng not to place too much hope in others, as it can lead to disappointment when the truth is revealed.
Hua Cheng expresses that for some people, the very existence of someone can be a source of hope, implying Xie Lian is such a person to him.
Xie Lian becomes curious about Hua Cheng’s true identity, sensing that Hua Cheng may be someone from his past.
Hua Cheng doesn't reveal much, but Xie Lian apologizes for pressing the question, understanding that ghosts typically keep their real identities secret.
Shi Qingxuan and Feng Xin arrive at the lair, with Shi Qingxuan initially mistaking Hua Cheng’s presence as a threat and trying to calm him.
Feng Xin pulls his bow on Hua Cheng, but Xie Lian steps between them. Hua Cheng pulls Xie Lian back protectively.
Shi Qingxuan plays along, pretending that Hua Cheng came to settle a score with the Heavens for the destruction of Paradise Manor.
Xie Lian reveals that Lang Qianqiu left to pursue Qi Rong, who is the true culprit behind the Gilded Banquet Massacre.
Feng Xin is shocked by the revelation and puts away his bow.
Feng Xin realizes that the Green Ghost Qi Rong is the same Qi Rong they knew from Xianle, which shocks him and Xie Lian as well.
The group reflects on Qi Rong’s past as Xie Lian’s cousin, who was rebellious and violent even in his youth.
Shi Qingxuan humorously points out Xie Lian’s impressive connections to various gods, demons, and ghosts, highlighting his unusual relationships.
Feng Xin advises Xie Lian to return to the Heavens and report the events, but Hua Cheng mocks Feng Xin for not being direct about his dislike of Xie Lian associating with ghosts.
Xie Lian mentions that there are still little ghosts to deal with in the lair, which Hua Cheng and Feng Xin debate handling.
Suddenly, Hua Cheng opens a crimson umbrella, predicting a change in the weather, and a rain of blood falls, drenching Feng Xin.
Hua Cheng closes the umbrella, and Shi Qingxuan helps a shocked Feng Xin clean up.
Xie Lian asks if Hua Cheng is returning to Ghost City, and Hua Cheng half-jokes that Xie Lian is welcome to follow him.
Xie Lian thanks Hua Cheng for his help with Lang Qianqiu, but Hua Cheng tells him to focus on doing what he wants to do.
Hua Cheng leaves, disappearing into the mountains as Xie Lian watches.
Chapter 24: In Search of the Past, Retracing Steps to Mount Taicang
Xie Lian feels renewed courage after Lang Qianqiu's departure and stands tall.
Shi Qingxuan compliments Xie Lian on his luck in befriending Hua Cheng.
Feng Xin continues wiping his face, now covered in white strands, and apologizes for his lack of skill compared to Hua Cheng.
The three conduct a final sweep of Qi Rong's lair before returning to the Heavenly Court.
Upon arriving, they find the streets filled with junior officials searching the area, and the main hall is buzzing with arguments about Hua Cheng.
An official questions why the Heavens would need to send a spy, while Shi Qingxuan points out that a connection spell was cast on Xie Lian’s palace without notice.
Pei Ming takes responsibility for the oversight as he was on duty that month.
Ling Wen relays a message from Lang Qianqiu, stating there’s another side to the Gilded Banquet Massacre story, and he will resolve the conflict himself. He also requests that Xie Lian's banishment request not proceed.
Heavenly officials are disappointed by the lack of confrontation and gossip as Lang Qianqiu drops the case against Xie Lian.
Jun Wu dismisses the officials after assigning security tasks to Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and Pei Ming.
Xie Lian remains behind and reports the full story of the Gilded Banquet Massacre to Jun Wu.
Jun Wu critiques Xie Lian's handling of the situation, pointing out his effort pleased no one and left him in a difficult position.
Xie Lian asks if Jun Wu sent the Earth Master to Ghost City as a spy, which Jun Wu confirms.
Jun Wu explains that he believed Hua Cheng had planted a spy in the Heavenly Realm, prompting him to send Ming Yi as a countermeasure.
Jun Wu expresses concerns about Hua Cheng's knowledge of Heavenly Realm affairs and warns Xie Lian to be cautious of Hua Cheng, despite their friendship.
Xie Lian defends Hua Cheng, arguing that he hasn't caused any major harm and wouldn't do so without reason.
Jun Wu advises Xie Lian to be wary and emphasizes the danger of the Supreme Ghost Kings, Hua Cheng and Black Water.
After leaving the Palace of Divine Might, Xie Lian decides to visit Mount Taicang instead of staying at the Palace of the Wind Master.
Xie Lian hikes to the summit of Mount Taicang, recalling the Royal Holy Temple, now in ruins after Xianle’s fall.
He encounters remnants of the Crown Prince Temple and enters a hidden underground mausoleum through an old well.
The underground palace is adorned with jewels and night pearls, reflecting like a starry sky.
Xie Lian reaches a crypt where two coffins stand, guarded by a figure dressed in extravagant clothing and a golden mask, though it is only a lifeless haystack.
He clears out rotten offerings from the coffins and speaks to his deceased parents, apologizing for not bringing any offerings.
Xie Lian reflects on his encounter with Qi Rong, expressing confusion about how to handle him.
Xie Lian hears soft weeping from his mother's coffin and initially hopes it’s her, but he quickly realizes it is someone else.
Inside the coffin, Xie Lian finds a trembling child wearing his mother's burial dress.
Horrified, Xie Lian demands to know what happened to his mother’s body but receives no answers from the terrified child.
Ashen powder falls from the dress, and Xie Lian realizes it’s the remains of his mother, reduced to dust after the dress was removed.
As Xie Lian processes the shock, a disguised figure attempts to stab him from behind, but he disarms and subdues the attacker.
The attacker is revealed to be the man Xie Lian saved from Qi Rong’s lair, now possessed by Qi Rong.
Qi Rong taunts Xie Lian, laughing and downplaying the desecration of his mother’s body, angering Xie Lian further.
Xie Lian beats Qi Rong, but Qi Rong only revels in the chaos, mocking Xie Lian for his anger and inability to act decisively.
Xie Lian, caught between rage and moral restraint, is further provoked by Qi Rong, who dares him to kill him.
Xie Lian draws Fangxin and swings it down toward Qi Rong.
Chapter 25: Upon the Grand Avenue of Divine Might, A Fleeting Glimpse of Beauty
The chapter opens with Xie Lian, dressed as the God-Pleasing Martial Warrior, defeating the demon on stage during a grand parade.
Cheers erupt from the massive crowd attending the Shangyuan Festival in Xianle, signaling excitement and celebration.
The ceremonial parade is ready to begin, but the State Preceptor realizes that Xie Lian, the Crown Prince, is missing from the procession.
Mu Qing, playing the demon, informs the State Preceptor that Xie Lian left, causing panic among the organizers.
Despite the delay, the State Preceptor orders the parade to start, hoping Xie Lian will return in time.
The parade begins with flower-scattering maidens and musicians, but the crowd becomes restless, wondering where the Crown Prince is.
Mu Qing performs impressively as the demon, though the crowd grows impatient, demanding to see Xie Lian.
Qi Rong, Xie Lian's cousin, yells from the platform, angrily questioning why Xie Lian hasn’t appeared.
Just when tension rises, Xie Lian dramatically descends from a high tower, making a grand entrance that wows the crowd.
Xie Lian and Mu Qing engage in an exciting, choreographed battle on stage, with Xie Lian embodying the heroic God-Pleasing Martial Warrior.
During the performance, Xie Lian notices that Mu Qing is attacking with full strength rather than just performing, making the fight more intense.
Xie Lian, impressed by the intensity, continues the battle until he disarms Mu Qing, declaring victory.
Just as Xie Lian prepares to end the performance, a commotion erupts as a child falls from a high place.
Without hesitation, Xie Lian leaps into the air and catches the child mid-fall, saving him.
The crowd is amazed by Xie Lian’s act of heroism, but his golden mask falls off, revealing his face to the public, a breach of tradition.
Despite the chaos caused by the interruption, Mu Qing helps Xie Lian recover the mask and continue the performance.
Xie Lian and Mu Qing conclude the performance with Xie Lian slaying the demon, much to the delight of the crowd.
After the parade ends, Xie Lian takes the child with him inside the palace, deciding to protect him from the chaos outside.
Back at the Royal Holy Temple, Xie Lian and Mu Qing are reprimanded by the State Preceptor for disrupting the ceremony and only completing three rounds of the procession.
The State Preceptor scolds Xie Lian for his improvised grand entrance and the dropped mask, but Xie Lian calmly defends his actions, explaining that saving the child was more important.
Xie Lian’s confident demeanor during the reprimand leaves the State Preceptor both frustrated and proud of his favorite disciple.
The chapter ends with Xie Lian reminding the State Preceptor that he had previously asked for permission for his entrance, turning to Mu Qing for confirmation.
Chapter 26: Lost Red Pearl, Inadvertently Luring the Red-Eyed
The chapter begins with Feng Xin confirming that Xie Lian had indeed mentioned his plan for the ceremonial descent, explaining that Mu Qing was supposed to deliver the message to the State Preceptor.
The State Preceptor accuses Mu Qing of intentionally withholding the message, believing he tried to sabotage the event.
Xie Lian defends Mu Qing, stating that it doesn’t make sense for Mu Qing to deliberately withhold information as it would be easily exposed later.
Mu Qing explains that he did deliver the message outside the State Preceptor’s window, but the guards had mocked him and prevented him from entering the palace.
The State Preceptors realize that they were distracted by playing cards at the time and likely didn’t hear Mu Qing’s message properly.
Despite tension, the matter is dropped as a misunderstanding, and the State Preceptor dismisses Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing.
Xie Lian returns to his quarters, where Mu Qing helps him remove his ceremonial garb. Xie Lian notices his earring is missing and jokes about the incident with the child from the parade.
Feng Xin mentions the child kicked him when he tried to help him, while Mu Qing worries that the child might have been dirty, marking the God-Pleasing costume.
Feng Xin offhandedly comments about theft, which causes Mu Qing to snap and break a broom, accusing Feng Xin of insinuating that he stole the earring.
Mu Qing storms out after a tense argument, and Xie Lian tries to calm things down, but Feng Xin remains frustrated and suspicious of Mu Qing.
Xie Lian admits to Feng Xin that Mu Qing had once taken a gold foil leaf when they first met at the Royal Holy Temple, which he had helped cover up to avoid further trouble for Mu Qing.
They search for Mu Qing and find him in the cherry wood being bullied by other trainees, accusing him of stealing fruit to give to his mother.
Xie Lian intervenes, claiming that Mu Qing was picking fruit under his command, which diffuses the situation and sends the other trainees away.
Mu Qing remains upset but reluctantly accepts Xie Lian's help, thanking him for his support.
The next day, Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing descend the mountain and encounter Qi Rong, who invites Xie Lian to ride in his golden carriage.
Qi Rong drives recklessly, almost causing accidents, and Feng Xin and Mu Qing struggle to control the horse and prevent any injuries.
After arriving at the palace, Xie Lian meets with his mother, the queen, who asks about the Heavenly Procession. Qi Rong becomes jealous of Mu Qing’s role in the ceremony and throws a teacup at him, but Xie Lian stops him.
Qi Rong’s reckless behavior continues, and Xie Lian decides to confiscate his golden carriage, causing Qi Rong to throw a tantrum.
Later, Xie Lian visits Mu Qing’s old neighborhood, where they see children begging Mu Qing for cherries. Mu Qing shares his fruit with the children.
Suddenly, chaos erupts as Qi Rong drives through the streets again, dragging a sack behind his carriage with a person inside.
Xie Lian cuts the rope and discovers the beaten and bloodied child from the previous day’s parade inside the sack.
Xie Lian orders Feng Xin to arrest Qi Rong, furious that Qi Rong nearly killed the child in a fit of revenge.
Xie Lian takes the child to the imperial doctors for treatment, where they are amazed at the child’s resilience despite severe injuries.
The child is revealed to be named “Hong,” but he refuses to reveal the right side of his face, claiming he is “ugly.”
The king and queen arrive at the medical office, and Qi Rong complains about his broken arm, which Feng Xin accidentally caused while trying to stop him.
The king reprimands Feng Xin for injuring Qi Rong, but Xie Lian takes full responsibility, defending Feng Xin’s actions as justifiable given the situation.
Qi Rong demands that Feng Xin break his own arm as punishment, but Xie Lian refuses, stating that if Feng Xin is punished, then Xie Lian should be as well, as Feng Xin acted under his orders.
Xie Lian's father, the King of Xianle, grows enraged as Xie Lian insists on taking responsibility for Feng Xin’s actions.
Tension between father and son is highlighted; Xie Lian has long disagreed with his father’s ideals, especially regarding royal authority, and this has caused a rift between them.
The king challenges Xie Lian to take Feng Xin’s place in punishment, and Xie Lian confidently accepts.
The queen tries to mediate between them, but the situation escalates.
Before things worsen, Feng Xin suddenly breaks his own arm to resolve the situation and kowtows three times to Qi Rong, pleasing him.
Qi Rong, though with a broken arm himself, leaves satisfied, feeling as if he won the conflict.
Xie Lian is furious but is held back by both Feng Xin and his mother to prevent further conflict.
The king leaves, appeased, while the queen expresses sorrow for what Feng Xin had to endure.
Mu Qing silently watches the events unfold, his expression unreadable.
Xie Lian’s anger simmers, but Feng Xin reassures him that the sacrifice was worth it to avoid further strain between Xie Lian and his father.
Xie Lian reflects on Qi Rong's troubled background. Qi Rong's mother was the queen's sister, who had eloped with a palace guard, only to live a tragic life before dying to save the queen.
The queen had promised to care for Qi Rong, but the circumstances made it difficult to properly discipline him, leading to his current unruly behavior.
Remembering the injured child, Xie Lian checks on him and apologizes for scaring him during the argument.
The imperial doctors confirm the child's wounds have been tended, but the child reveals he has no home, implying he’s homeless.
Xie Lian, feeling responsible, decides to bring the child back to Mount Taicang since he has no place to go.
Mu Qing suddenly interrupts, claiming the child is lying.
Chapter 27: To Ascend Is Human, to Fall Is Also Human
Xie Lian questions Mu Qing after he claims the child is lying about being homeless.
Mu Qing explains he knows most street children and has never seen this one; he also points out the child’s clothes are patched by an adult.
The child denies having a family, claiming his parents kicked him out after a quarrel.
Xie Lian decides to bring the child to Mount Taicang, suspecting his family cannot care for him.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing argue about who will carry the child, but the child insists on walking despite his injuries.
The group sneaks through back alleyways to avoid the townspeople after Qi Rong’s earlier chaos.
Xie Lian carries the child and notices he is unusually quiet and compliant, making Feng Xin remark on the child's behavior.
The group tries to stay low-profile, but a crowd recognizes Xie Lian and cheers him for his heroic actions, throwing him into the air in celebration.
Xie Lian is reassured by the crowd's admiration, which contrasts with the State Preceptor's warnings.
At Mount Taicang, the group encounters cultivators and disciples who react with curiosity to the child.
Xie Lian questions the child, who reveals his name is "Honghong-er," a nickname given by his late mother.
The group reaches the Palace of Divine Might, where the State Preceptor has been waiting for Xie Lian.
The State Preceptor offers two solutions for the Heavenly Ceremonial Procession incident: punish the child or have Xie Lian publicly repent and face the wall in reflection.
Xie Lian refuses both options, arguing that the people supported his decision to save the child and that repentance would send the wrong message.
Xie Lian questions the worship of gods, suggesting humans should admire but not grovel before them.
The State Preceptor and Deputy Preceptors are taken aback by Xie Lian’s defiant stance against the heavens.
Suddenly, alarms ring, and the group rushes to a black pagoda where soul-sealing jars have been shattered, releasing resentful spirits.
The spirits all head toward the Palace of Xianle, where Xie Lian realizes they are targeting the child.
The Palace of Xianle is on fire, and Feng Xin and Mu Qing struggle to hold off the spirits.
Xie Lian orders them to release their shield, identifying and destroying the strongest spirit, which causes the others to lose direction and retreat.
The State Preceptors investigate the child, discovering that he bears the Star of Solitude, a cursed fate that brings misfortune to everyone around him.
The child reacts violently, denying his fate, and clings desperately to Xie Lian for comfort.
Despite warnings from the State Preceptor, Xie Lian refuses to abandon the child.
Xie Lian contemplates the implications of the child’s cursed fate, but he remains determined to protect him.
The State Preceptor warns Xie Lian about the limitations of changing fate, comparing it to the impossible task of giving more water when only one cup exists.
The State Preceptor also expresses concern that Xie Lian’s early ascension could lead to trials he is not prepared for.
Xie Lian is given permission to descend Mount Taicang for further experience, as the State Preceptor believes he still has much to learn.
The chapter ends with the revelation that Xie Lian ascended to the heavens at the age of seventeen after defeating a ghost at Yinian Bridge, making him the Crown Prince of Xianle who ascended to the heavens amidst great thunder and lightning.
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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 3
Chapter 28: Fishing for Offerings, the Boor Meets the Crown Prince
A divine statue of the Crown Prince, Xie Lian, is unveiled in his honor as part of the eight-thousandth Temple of the Crown Prince.
Despite his popularity, Xie Lian secretly observes his worshippers, overhearing their confusion about the temple’s rule against prostrating.
Some visitors begin kneeling and praying despite Xie Lian’s preference for worship without groveling.
The overwhelming number of prayers frustrates Xie Lian, so he divides the workload between Feng Xin and Mu Qing.
Feng Xin is exasperated by the trivial prayers from devotees, particularly the abundance of female prayers about beauty and marriage.
Suddenly, the arrival of Qi Rong, Xie Lian’s cousin, causes the crowd to scatter in fear.
Qi Rong, now older and more arrogant, offers a prayer lamp, and Xie Lian recalls memories of their childhood.
Xie Lian reminisces about Qi Rong's early years when he idolized him, but over time, Qi Rong’s behavior worsened.
After offering his lamp, Qi Rong bumps into a ragged young man, Lang Ying, and insults him.
Lang Ying, undeterred, states that he needs to see the king to discuss an urgent matter.
Qi Rong mocks Lang Ying, but Lang Ying remains determined and unintentionally dives into a temple pond to retrieve coins.
Lang Ying is caught stealing the offering coins and explains that he needs them to save people in Yong’an, which is suffering from a drought and famine.
Lang Ying questions why the wealth and water in the temple can’t be used to help those in need.
Xie Lian is alarmed to hear about the drought in Yong’an and wonders why he hadn’t been informed.
Feng Xin also expresses confusion and suggests they consult Mu Qing about the situation.
Chapter 29: Toppled Golden Statue, the Boor Buries the Suffering Son
Lang Ying questions Qi Rong and the gods for ignoring the suffering of the people of Yong'an, expressing frustration that prayers and begging have not saved lives.
Qi Rong orders Lang Ying beaten for his disrespect, while Feng Xin discreetly softens the blows.
Lang Ying persists, questioning why neither the gods nor the king have time for the starving people of Yong'an and why wealth is wasted while they suffer.
Xie Lian calls Mu Qing to investigate, but Mu Qing confirms that he has not heard any prayers related to a drought in Yong'an.
Tensions arise between Feng Xin and Mu Qing over the lack of information, but Xie Lian defuses the situation.
To create a distraction and free Lang Ying, Xie Lian topples his own golden statue, causing a scene that prevents Qi Rong and the guards from noticing Lang Ying escape.
Lang Ying flees with Xie Lian following him into a forest, where he begins digging a hole.
Xie Lian, concerned, watches as Lang Ying drinks from a dirty puddle. He offers him clean water, and they speak.
Lang Ying reveals that he has been carrying the dead body of his young son, who died of hunger and thirst during their escape from Yong'an.
Xie Lian is devastated by the sight of the child's corpse and urges Lang Ying to bury him.
Lang Ying calmly buries his son, expressing a longing for his deceased wife, and Xie Lian is heartbroken by the tragedy.
After burying his son, Lang Ying prepares to return to Yong'an. Xie Lian gives him a precious red coral pearl to help him on his way.
Xie Lian sends Feng Xin and Mu Qing to investigate the situation in Yong'an, while he decides to confront the state preceptor about the disaster in the city.
Mu Qing reveals that only the wealthy have been able to visit temples and pray, leaving the suffering poor unheard.
Xie Lian, deeply upset by the situation, rushes to Mount Taicang to learn more about the disaster unfolding in Yong'an.
Chapter 30: God of Heaven Observes Mortal Matters
Xie Lian arrives at Mount Taicang, at the Royal Holy Temple, during evening lessons conducted by the state preceptors.
After the temple is cleared, Xie Lian urgently asks the State Preceptor about the drought in Yong'an and why his father hasn't prayed for help.
The State Preceptor reveals that the king is fully aware of the situation in Yong'an but had been advised not to pray for help, as it would be "pointless."
Xie Lian is frustrated and confused by this, believing that as the Crown Prince and a god, he should be able to help his people.
The State Preceptor explains that even though Xie Lian has ascended, he is powerless to make meaningful changes, warning that the people may one day turn against him.
Xie Lian insists that even small efforts to save lives are worth it and resolves to take action despite the State Preceptor's warnings.
The State Preceptor reveals he has seen Xie Lian's future, predicting that it is "pitch black," but Xie Lian dismisses this, determined to save his people.
The State Preceptor advises Xie Lian to see for himself how ineffective the current efforts to help Yong'an have been and why larger solutions, like diverting water from the east, might fail.
Xie Lian travels to the western region of Yong'an, witnessing the devastation firsthand, including the dry riverbeds, cracked land, and suffering people.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing meet up with Xie Lian, reporting that Yong'an has been suffering from a drought for two years, with wealthier families moving east and the poor left behind.
Mu Qing reveals that government officials have been skimming off disaster relief funds, worsening the crisis.
Xie Lian becomes enraged and vows to hold those responsible accountable, despite Mu Qing reminding him that interfering in mortal affairs is forbidden for heavenly officials.
Xie Lian suggests using divine methods to help, including visiting the Rain Master to bring rain to Yong'an, but Mu Qing warns that the entire Kingdom of Xianle is facing a water shortage.
Diverting water to the west could relieve Yong'an temporarily but may doom the eastern region, where the majority of Xianle's population resides.
Xie Lian realizes that his father chose to prioritize the eastern territories, as a drought in the east would result in an even greater catastrophe.
Mu Qing advises Xie Lian to let the king make the decisions, as there is no clear solution without risking a larger disaster.
Xie Lian is devastated by the sight of the suffering people in Yong'an and feels powerless to help, despite his status as a god.
He instructs Feng Xin and Mu Qing to continue delivering water to the people of Yong'an while he contemplates his next steps.
Mu Qing cautions Xie Lian that they can only help for a short time and that their efforts are insufficient to solve the long-term problem.
Chapter 31: To Meet You in the Mortal Realm, to Find Flowers Beneath the Rain
Xie Lian briefly pauses after Mu Qing's warning but proceeds to the capital of Xianle.
Xie Lian sneaks into the imperial palace, avoiding contact with his parents due to their strained relationship and his lack of solutions for Yong'an.
He overhears his parents discussing the Yong'an refugees and the problems they bring, with the king expressing concern about allowing more refugees into the capital.
Xie Lian realizes his father's hair has been graying from the stress of ruling, adding to his guilt.
The queen expresses longing for Xie Lian, lamenting how distant he has become since his ascension, but the king insists that Xie Lian should remain focused on his duties as a god.
Xie Lian, filled with emotions, retreats from the palace without revealing himself and resolves to investigate the drought situation further.
He disguises himself as a young cultivator and inspects the rivers in the capital, confirming that the water levels have dropped significantly, supporting Mu Qing’s earlier report.
While standing by the riverside in deep contemplation, it begins to rain in the capital, further highlighting the drought's severity in Yong'an.
A group of passersby offers Xie Lian an umbrella as he seeks shelter, and he later discovers a small, humble Shrine of the Crown Prince.
The shrine contains a crude clay statue of Xie Lian, holding a real flower in place of the original clay one, which intrigues him.
A young boy, covered in bandages, enters the shrine and replaces the old flower with a freshly picked one. Xie Lian recognizes the boy as potentially the same child he saved three years ago.
A group of children mock the boy, calling him "ugly freak" and taunting him about his mother, leading to a scuffle.
Xie Lian intervenes with an invisible force, scaring off the bullies and watching as the boy, bruised and injured, returns to the statue.
Xie Lian, moved by the boy's devotion and suffering, feels responsible for his well-being and debates how to help him.
As the boy prays to the clay statue, he expresses his despair, saying he wishes to kill everyone and himself because of his suffering.
Despite warnings from Mu Qing and Feng Xin, Xie Lian breaks heavenly rules by answering the boy's prayers.
Xie Lian tells the boy to live for him if he cannot find meaning in his life and thanks him for the beautiful flower offering.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing are shocked by Xie Lian's actions, but Xie Lian feels compelled to offer the boy hope in his moment of despair.
Chapter 32: Deficient Rain, the Rain Master Lends the Rain Hat
Feng Xin and Mu Qing struggle to stop Xie Lian from breaking the rules, but Xie Lian defends his actions, insisting that the boy’s condition improved after his intervention.
The boy begins eating the offerings, showing that Xie Lian's words had an impact.
Xie Lian declares his decision: he will go to other kingdoms to borrow water, while Feng Xin and Mu Qing are to stay and help the worst-affected areas in Yong'an.
Mu Qing reluctantly agrees to manage the prayers from the Temple of the Crown Prince in Xie Lian's absence, focusing on the most urgent cases.
Xie Lian travels to the Heavenly Capital, seeking to borrow spiritual devices from water gods, but all are mysteriously absent except the Rain Master.
He asks Nangong Jie for directions to the Rain Master's residence and inquires about the Rain Master's preferences, but she admits no one knows much about the Rain Master.
Xie Lian travels to the Rain Master's temporary residence, a humble farming village, and encounters a farmer who was once an ox.
The farmer, who is part of the Rain Master's retinue, informs Xie Lian that the Rain Master doesn’t entertain guests and is currently injured, but he was expecting Xie Lian’s visit.
The farmer points out that the entire Heavenly Realm is aware of Xianle’s plight, and most officials are deliberately avoiding helping Xie Lian.
Xie Lian expresses his willingness to humble himself and persist in borrowing the Rain Master's spiritual device, even offering to kowtow at all eight thousand of his temples if necessary.
The farmer, amused by Xie Lian's resolve, hands him the Rain Master’s Hat, the spiritual device he sought, explaining that the Rain Master had already intended to lend it to him.
The farmer warns that while the hat can move rain, it cannot create water. Xie Lian must borrow water from other kingdoms, and using the hat will drain his spiritual power.
Grateful for the Rain Master's help, Xie Lian promises to repay the favor in the future and leaves with the spiritual device.
Xie Lian uses the Rain Master's Hat to transport water from a distant lake to the drought-stricken Yong'an village of Lang-Er, bringing much-needed rain to the villagers.
As the villagers rejoice, Mu Qing arrives with a grim expression, signaling that something serious has occurred.
Chapter 33: Closing the Capital Gates, Survival of Yong’an Barred
Mu Qing informs Xie Lian that he has been gone for days, and a mountain of prayers has piled up at the Temple of the Crown Prince.
Xie Lian explains that he brought water from the Kingdom of Yushi but realizes the rainstorm was shorter than expected.
Mu Qing warns Xie Lian about how much power it took to move the water and that he can’t keep up with both watering Yong’an and attending to his followers' prayers.
Xie Lian rushes back to the capital and finds imperial soldiers parading detained Yong'an refugees, causing tensions between Yong'an and the capital residents.
A fight broke out earlier between Yong’an refugees and capital residents over a missing dog, which escalated due to underlying tensions and led to several Yong'an men being arrested.
Lang Ying, the man Xie Lian helped earlier, is among the prisoners, but he remains silent as he's hit with food and insults from the crowd.
Xie Lian tries to intervene subtly by softening the rocks thrown at the prisoners, but the conflict continues.
The King of Xianle issues a decree ordering all Yong’an refugees to leave the capital, giving them travel funds but closing the gates of the city to them.
Thousands of Yong'an refugees gather outside the city gates, refusing to leave, unable to continue their journey, and hoping the gates will reopen.
The situation escalates when a Yong’an family with a sick child begs for help but is ignored by the soldiers. The father tries to scale the city wall, but the rope is cut by an officer, causing the father, child, and later the mother to die.
The deaths spark outrage among the refugees, leading to a near riot as they pound on the gates, demanding entry and denouncing the king.
Xie Lian arrives just as Lang Ying appears on top of the city wall, snapping the officer's neck who cut the rope, before throwing the officer's body down and jumping off the wall.
Lang Ying looks through Xie Lian, staring at the imperial palace as he lands.
From that moment, chaos spreads throughout the Kingdom of Xianle.
Chapter 34: Xianle in Chaos, Crown Prince Returns to the Mortal Realm
Yong’an refugees, cornered and desperate, return to fight the imperial soldiers, now acting more like bandits. Though many die, Lang Ying succeeds in stealing grain and weapons, boosting the refugees' morale.
The tactics of the refugees rapidly improve, and their raids become harder for the imperial soldiers to handle. More refugees join the cause, and Xie Lian can no longer passively watch.
Xie Lian goes to the Heavenly Capital and barges into a meeting with Jun Wu, demanding to return to the Mortal Realm. Despite Jun Wu’s warning about violating heavenly law, Xie Lian insists on descending to reduce casualties and promises to accept any punishment afterward.
Xie Lian returns to the Mortal Realm and confronts his parents. The queen is overjoyed to see him, but the king angrily questions why Xie Lian has returned, blaming him for the situation with Yong’an.
Xie Lian, frustrated, blames the king for mismanaging disaster relief and corruption. The king, in turn, accuses Xie Lian of ignorance, stating that ruling a nation is far more complex than Xie Lian understands.
The queen tries to mediate, explaining that while the king may not be perfect, he has done his best. She advises Xie Lian not to be too harsh, as governing a nation requires more than just a good heart.
Xie Lian realizes that the royal treasury is not limitless and that many of the eight thousand temples built in his honor were funded by people trying to curry favor, not solely by the king.
After leaving the palace, Xie Lian walks the streets of the imperial capital, encountering a large protest by citizens of Xianle demanding action against the Yong’an refugees.
Mu Qing reveals that tensions escalated when a Yong’an refugee attempted to kidnap a wealthy family’s daughter to force a marriage, further straining relations between the capital residents and the refugees.
Xie Lian begins to realize how complicated the situation has become, with both the residents and refugees deeply entrenched in their animosity.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Xie Lian refuses to abandon the situation, even as Mu Qing advises him to return to the heavens. Xie Lian decides to stay and confront the chaos.
Chapter 35: Quell Yong’an, Crown Prince Enters the Battlefield
Xie Lian descends to the Mortal Realm and is immediately surrounded by thousands of protesters on the Grand Avenue of Divine Might. The crowd recognizes him as the Crown Prince and a divine being, believing he has returned to drive out the Yong’an refugees.
Xie Lian proclaims he has returned to protect the Kingdom of Xianle and his people, but the crowd interprets his words as a promise to lead them against the Yong’an refugees. The citizens erupt in cheers, vowing to follow him.
With the king alerted, generals and soldiers break up the crowd, leaving behind a trampled flower, symbolizing Xie Lian’s purity and ideals being crushed by the weight of the situation.
Xie Lian and his father establish a tentative peace as they begin to work together to address the growing rebellion. However, Xie Lian learns how difficult ruling a nation truly is, as the officials are divided and slow to make decisions regarding the Yong’an refugees.
The Revolt of Yong’an continues to escalate, with the refugees growing more organized and stronger, led by Lang Ying. The Xianle court debates exterminating the refugees, but the lack of just cause complicates matters.
Xie Lian, as a martial god, must prove his worth on the battlefield, and many young men across the kingdom eagerly enlist in his army. Meanwhile, the refugees halt their small raids and begin preparing for a major offensive.
After two months of waiting, the Yong’an refugees launch a large-scale attack. Xie Lian, armed with only a short sword and no armor, easily defeats them within two hours, slaughtering thousands of men without staining his clothes.
The Xianle army celebrates their overwhelming victory, praising Xie Lian as a divine hero. However, Xie Lian feels unsettled by the ease with which he killed, realizing how fragile human life is, likening them to ants.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing express concern about the increasing strength of the Yong’an rebels, suspecting they have outside reinforcements. Xie Lian acknowledges the possibility but downplays the soldiers' celebration as necessary for morale.
Xie Lian continues creating rain for those still in Yong’an, despite Mu Qing's criticism that it no longer serves a practical purpose. Xie Lian insists his goal remains to help those suffering in Yong’an.
Xie Lian thanks Feng Xin and Mu Qing for their support, expressing hope that their efforts together will become a legendary story. However, the mood shifts when Xie Lian senses someone hiding nearby.
Xie Lian accidentally knocks a young soldier off the parapet during a confrontation. He manages to save the boy, and upon seeing his face in the moonlight, Xie Lian is shocked.
Chapter 36: Upon Beizi Hill, the Crown Prince Falls into the Devil’s Nest
Xie Lian rescues a wounded young soldier who had been sneaking around the area after the battle. Feng Xin recognizes him as a boy who charged aggressively during the battle.
Xie Lian suspects the boy is harmless, likely an eager devotee trying to get close to him, but the situation escalates when a surprise arrow is fired at Xie Lian from behind. The young soldier had tried to warn him by lunging at him.
Xie Lian catches the arrow and sees a distant figure—Lang Ying—retreating after the attack. Lang Ying’s presence is strange, and Xie Lian finds a cloth tied to the arrow that has Qi Rong’s name on it, indicating a possible kidnapping.
Xie Lian decides to pursue Lang Ying alone, suspecting a trap. Despite Xie Lian’s warning, the young soldier follows him for a while but is eventually left behind.
Xie Lian reaches Beizi Hill, where Yong’an forces are hiding. He finds Qi Rong hung upside down from a tree, severely beaten. As Xie Lian rescues him, Lang Ying attacks.
Xie Lian easily defeats Lang Ying and pins him down, offering to avoid further conflict if Yong’an stops attacking. Lang Ying refuses, stating that the Kingdom of Xianle must disappear.
Lang Ying’s resolve mirrors Xie Lian’s own when he was determined to defend his people, leading to a moment of reflection for Xie Lian.
Just as Xie Lian is about to kill Lang Ying, a strange figure wearing a ghastly white mask with one half smiling and the other half crying appears, swaying on a vine. The ground opens up, and Lang Ying is swallowed by a fissure.
The white-clothed figure vanishes after being attacked by Xie Lian. Unnerved by the situation and the ominous atmosphere, Xie Lian decides to leave, dragging Qi Rong with him.
Qi Rong demands that Xie Lian burn down the mountain and kill all the Yong’an rebels hiding there, but Xie Lian refuses, angered by Qi Rong’s bloodthirsty nature.
As they try to leave, they are attacked by a horde of binu, monstrous creatures. Xie Lian fights them off but realizes the situation is growing dangerous.
Xie Lian gives his sacred sword to Qi Rong, telling him and the young soldier to flee without looking back, as more powerful enemies are approaching.
Qi Rong runs away with the sword, but the young soldier stays to fight. After a tough battle, they defeat the binu, and Xie Lian praises the boy’s sword skills.
Xie Lian notes that the young soldier would be better suited to wielding a saber instead of a sword.
Chapter 37: Land of the Tender, Body of Gold Hard-Pressed Against Desire
Xie Lian advises the young soldier to switch to a saber, believing it would enhance his combat abilities based on his movements during battle.
They explore the area and discover a cave filled with binu devouring corpses of Yong’an civilians, including a young woman who is gravely injured but still alive.
The young woman accuses Xie Lian of killing her family before violently clinging to him and dying, leaving Xie Lian confused and unsettled.
Xie Lian inhales the scent of a Land of the Tender flower in the woman’s hair, a type of flower yao that drives men into a state of feverish desire and madness.
Realizing he's been poisoned by the Tender Fragrance, Xie Lian warns the young soldier to avoid inhaling the scent.
The Land of the Tenders, seductive flower yao, try to lure Xie Lian into losing control. He fights the poison’s effects while being tormented by their taunting.
Xie Lian asks the young soldier to help him leave but ultimately realizes it’s too dangerous to continue traveling. They retreat to a cave where Xie Lian sets up barriers.
Xie Lian struggles with the effects of the Tender Fragrance and realizes his cultivation method requires purity, meaning the flower yao are trying to make him fall from grace.
Desperate, Xie Lian orders the young soldier to leave and guard the cave entrance. As the flower yao taunt the boy, Xie Lian fights the poison inside the cave.
Xie Lian attempts to fight off the effects by injuring himself, realizing that both lust and murder are aggressive desires, but he accidentally worsens his state by using a contaminated sword.
The situation escalates, and Xie Lian drives a sword into his stomach to control his urges, effectively pinning himself to the ground.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing arrive just in time, having been alerted by Qi Rong, and they rescue Xie Lian, killing the flower yao.
After being comatose for three days, Xie Lian recovers and learns that other kingdoms are secretly supporting the Yong’an rebellion by providing supplies.
Xie Lian recalls the young soldier’s skill in battle and praises him, but Mu Qing and Feng Xin express doubts about appointing someone so young.
Later, Xie Lian encounters the young soldier in the city and learns that he was kicked out of the army, much to Xie Lian’s surprise, as he had instructed otherwise.
Their conversation is interrupted by a terrified scream from the Grand Avenue of Divine Might, signaling new danger approaching.
Chapter 38: From the Earth of Buyou Forest, Human Face Disease Emerges
A tall, burly man runs crazily through the streets, causing chaos.
The man collides with a carriage, splattering blood and passing out.
Xie Lian approaches, the man wakes up, begging for someone to kill him.
The man is restrained, revealing a second face on his cheek, an ugly, old man’s face.
Xie Lian unsheathes his sword to check if the man is a demon, but the reflection shows he’s human.
Bystanders confirm the man wasn’t always like this; the second face appeared suddenly.
Another man from the crowd reveals bumps on his chest, which turn out to be a woman’s face.
Xie Lian summons Feng Xin and Mu Qing, and orders the city to be searched for similar cases.
The city investigation reveals several people with faces growing on their bodies, especially women and youths.
Xie Lian suspects the disease is contagious and orders isolation of the affected individuals.
A quarantine camp is set up in Buyou Forest, where Lang Ying had previously buried his son.
Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing search the forest and find a rotting corpse of Lang Ying’s son, now monstrous and bloated.
Xie Lian burns the corpse, but they hear a signal of an enemy attack on the capital.
Xie Lian and Feng Xin return to defend the city, winning the battle, but there’s no sense of victory.
The disease, called Human Face Disease, spreads rapidly in the capital, and Xie Lian can’t focus on both creating rain for Yong'an and stopping the disease.
Hundreds are soon affected by the disease, causing chaos and fear.
Xie Lian begins visiting the quarantine camp daily, trying to alleviate symptoms with his powers but unable to cure the disease.
A young man Xie Lian once helped begs him to save him, as the faces on his body start moving and eating grass.
The disease spreads to the young man’s waist, and despite his pleas, Xie Lian orders his leg to be amputated to stop the infection.
Xie Lian personally amputates the leg, and the leg continues squirming, but he burns it.
The crowd, desperate and afraid, starts demanding similar treatment.
Xie Lian, exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed, tries to control the situation.
Patients start secretly amputating their own limbs, leading to deaths from blood loss.
Xie Lian’s patience wears thin, and when a patient accuses him of failing them, Xie Lian snaps and punches a tree in frustration.
The crowd’s murmurs grow, questioning Xie Lian’s power and his ability to help them.
Xie Lian flees to Beizi Hill, where he calls out the white-clothed creature, determined to face it.
The creature appears and taunts Xie Lian, claiming Xianle is doomed.
Xie Lian demands a solution to the Human Face Disease, and the creature offers a sinister method, which Xie Lian rejects.
Xie Lian removes the creature’s mask, only to see his own face underneath, shocking him.
Chapter 39: Gilded Figure, Exertion to Block Celestial Ruin
Xie Lian decapitates the white-clothed creature, realizing it was only an empty skin bag.
Despite Feng Xin's warnings, Xie Lian furiously slashes the shell of the creature, enraged that it used his face.
Feng Xin tries to calm Xie Lian, reminding him not to take the creature’s words to heart.
Xie Lian reveals the creature didn’t tell him how to cure Human Face Disease but instead explained how to inflict it.
The faces growing on infected people are the souls of dead Yong'an citizens, manipulated by enmity and confusion after their deaths.
The curse was empowered by the strong hatred of Yong'an soldiers towards the imperial capital, influenced by their losses during the drought and war.
Xie Lian explains Lang Ying’s son’s burial near the capital acted as the curse’s catalyst.
Mu Qing suggests that Xianle should cast the same curse on Yong'an, infecting them with Human Face Disease to break the curse's power.
Xie Lian vehemently rejects the idea, refusing to harm innocent civilians, despite Mu Qing pushing for it.
Mu Qing argues that Xianle's situation is desperate, while Xie Lian struggles with the moral dilemma.
Feng Xin, frustrated with Mu Qing’s attitude, accuses him of constantly criticizing Xie Lian and trying to prove himself superior.
The argument escalates, with Feng Xin calling Mu Qing opportunistic and accusing him of lacking loyalty to Xie Lian.
Xie Lian stops the argument but firmly rejects the idea of cursing Yong'an.
An earthquake strikes, shaking the palace and causing panic.
Xie Lian finds his cousin Qi Rong hiding in his chambers and takes him outside to safety.
The earthquake stops, but the Celestial Pagoda of the Xianle Palace begins to collapse.
Xie Lian summons the golden statue from the Royal Holy Temple on Mount Taicang.
The golden statue of the Crown Prince arrives, holding up the collapsing pagoda, saving countless lives.
Xie Lian, gazing at the statue, feels a moment of confusion as he watches the miraculous sight.
Chapter 40: Vow to Never Forget. Never!
Xie Lian watches as the giant golden statue struggles to hold up the Celestial Pagoda and realizes his spiritual power is waning.
Despite his efforts, Xie Lian is unable to maintain the statue’s strength, and it starts sinking under the weight of the pagoda.
The people cheer for Xie Lian, unaware of the immense burden he’s facing, believing he will save them.
Xie Lian feels his self-confidence slipping, realizing he no longer believes in his own power to save the kingdom.
Qi Rong appears and offers to curse Yong’an for Xie Lian, revealing he had overheard their previous conversation about the curse.
Qi Rong demands to know how to avoid Human Face Disease, but Xie Lian refuses to tell him, leading to a small disturbance in the crowd.
Xie Lian remains seated, desperately trying to support the pagoda, as more people come to worship the golden statue, further increasing the pressure on him.
Xie Lian’s parents visit him, with his mother heartbroken over his suffering, but Xie Lian reassures her that he’s fine, even though he’s not.
Xie Lian spots a small flower left by someone nearby, which briefly lifts his spirits.
The young man whose leg Xie Lian amputated reappears, crawling toward him with bloodied hands, revealing he’s been infected again despite the amputation.
A group of Human Face Disease patients from Buyou Forest surrounds Xie Lian, demanding a cure and accusing him of being a liar.
Overwhelmed by the crowd’s accusations and physical attacks, Xie Lian feels completely helpless and unable to defend himself.
The golden statue collapses under the strain, causing the Celestial Pagoda to fall, resulting in chaos as the disease victims and civilians flee.
Xie Lian runs to the city gates, where he witnesses the aftermath of destruction and the silhouette of the white-clothed figure in the distance.
In a desperate attempt to catch him, Xie Lian jumps from the city wall but breaks his leg upon landing.
After his leg heals, Xie Lian becomes a shadow of his former self, with each defeat leading to more, and the Human Face Disease spirals out of control.
The Heavenly Realm sends a message for Xie Lian to return, signaling his impending removal from the Mortal Realm.
Before leaving, Xie Lian insists on visiting the Royal Holy Temple, which has been desecrated along with many of his other temples.
At the temple, they encounter a young boy fiercely defending Xie Lian’s shrine, who had even replaced the destroyed statue with a hand-drawn picture of Xie Lian.
The boy declares his faith in Xie Lian, promising to rebuild grand temples for him in the future.
Xie Lian briefly appears before the boy but tells him to forget him, believing that soon no one will remember him.
The boy refuses, tearfully vowing that he will never forget Xie Lian, even as the trio departs the temple, leaving behind a heartfelt cry in the night.
Chapter 41: The Mid-Autumn Festival, Battling Lanterns on Moon-Watching Night
Xie Lian stabs the floor in frustration while Qi Rong mocks him for being unable to kill him.
Xie Lian threatens Qi Rong with Hua Cheng, causing Qi Rong to panic, fearing Hua Cheng's wrath.
Xie Lian refuses to deliver Qi Rong to the Upper Court because of Lang Qianqiu, who would likely kill Qi Rong if he knew where he was.
Guzi, the child accompanying Qi Rong, helps Xie Lian collect the ashes of his ancestors and tries to defend his "father," even though Qi Rong is possessed.
Xie Lian ties Qi Rong up and brings both Qi Rong and Guzi back to Puqi Shrine.
At Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian feeds Guzi and Qi Rong, while Qi Rong becomes fixated on the crystal ring around Xie Lian’s neck.
Qi Rong claims the ring is cursed, but Xie Lian ignores him, trusting the person who gave it to him.
Xie Lian realizes Qi Rong is trying to distract him and spots Pei Xiu hiding on the ceiling.
Pei Xiu attempts to steal Banyue, but after a brief fight with Xie Lian, he reluctantly throws the pot back.
Pei Ming appears, revealing his plan to drag Banyue back to the Upper Court for a new trial, and rebukes Pei Xiu for jeopardizing his future over a "little girl."
Pei Ming tries to open the pot, but it suddenly explodes, showering him with pickles.
Shi Qingxuan emerges from the pot, revealing she had hidden Banyue elsewhere to protect her.
Pei Ming leaves after threatening to track Banyue down, but backs off after learning she’s staying at the Rain Master's mountain retreat.
Shi Qingxuan explains the Rain Master once punished one of Pei Ming’s descendants, which left Pei Ming wary of the Rain Master.
Pei Xiu departs, and Xie Lian accepts Shi Qingxuan’s invitation to the Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet.
During the banquet, the gods play Drummed Flower Passing, where the person holding a cup of wine when the thunder stops must watch a play about themselves.
Pei Ming’s play depicts him flirting with a woman who turns out to be Ling Wen, causing embarrassment for both of them.
The next round targets Shi Wudu and presents a play where he is married to Shi Qingxuan, much to their horror.
The third round targets Quan Yizhen, who becomes furious when a play mocks his relationship with a treacherous follower.
Quan Yizhen storms off after smashing a wine cup, and the banquet continues.
Just as Xie Lian relaxes, someone unexpectedly hands him the white jade wine cup.
Chapter 42: Temple of a Thousand Lights Endlessly Illuminating the Lingering Night
Xie Lian receives the wine cup during the game, passed to him by accident due to Ming Yi.
Everyone assumes the play will involve Feng Xin or Mu Qing, but instead, it depicts Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, surprising the crowd.
The play is based on the events at the Kingdom of Banyue, likely written by the merchants Xie Lian encountered.
The heavenly officials are entertained by the portrayal of Hua Cheng, despite some inaccuracies and romantic overtones.
Shi Wudu criticizes Shi Qingxuan for her behavior and her preference for appearing in her female form.
The final event, the Battle of the Lanterns, begins, where heavenly officials compete based on the number of Blessings Lanterns offered by their followers.
The Rain Master receives only one lantern, offered by her own bull, as she discourages monetary offerings from her followers.
As the competition progresses, heavenly officials receive varying numbers of lanterns, with the top ten announced:
Quan Yizhen receives 421 lanterns.
Ming Yi receives 444 lanterns.
Shi Qingxuan receives 523 lanterns.
Ling Wen receives 536 lanterns.
Mu Qing and Feng Xin receive 573 and 572 lanterns, respectively, in close competition.
Pei Ming receives 580 lanterns, slightly lower than before due to Pei Xiu's exile.
Shi Wudu receives 718 lanterns, taking second place.
The crowd realizes the top ten are incomplete, and suddenly, 3,000 Blessings Lanterns appear, all for Xie Lian from a mysterious "Thousand Lights Temple."
The officials are shocked by the unprecedented number of lanterns, and it is speculated that Hua Cheng is responsible for the massive offering.
Jun Wu congratulates Xie Lian, and the banquet ends with Xie Lian in disbelief.
Xie Lian picks up Lang Ying, the boy from Paradise Manor, and goes to retrieve Qi Rong, who has been tormenting him throughout the chapter.
Qi Rong is tied up and being bitten by mosquitos as punishment.
On their way back to Puqi Village, Xie Lian sees the glow of the Blessings Lanterns lighting the way and feels immense gratitude.
Chapter 43: Pregnant with Evil, a New Unforeseen Disturbance
Xie Lian faces a food shortage at Puqi Shrine due to the additional mouths to feed (Guzi, Lang Ying, and Qi Rong).
He decides to collect scraps from the town but finds nothing, prompting him to perform street tricks to earn some food.
Xie Lian’s street performance doesn’t go well, and the crowd dismisses his handmade protection charms.
A commotion breaks out nearby as a wealthy merchant argues with a doctor about his wife’s sudden illness.
Xie Lian intervenes and discovers the woman is possessed by a black cloud of smoke inside her belly.
Using his sword, Fangxin, Xie Lian expels the black smoke, but the woman’s baby is gone—likely devoured by the evil spirit.
Xie Lian explains the difference between a miscarriage and the baby being devoured by an evil spirit.
The merchant recalls that his wife had a dream about a child calling her “Mom” before her belly swelled unnaturally.
Xie Lian investigates and learns about conflicts in the merchant’s household, including a history of abortion and concubine rivalries, which might have drawn the spirit.
The merchant fears for his pregnant concubine, and Xie Lian gives him protective instructions, including advising the concubine to avoid answering any child’s calls in dreams.
Xie Lian agrees to help and even offers the merchant a protection charm, urging him to call upon the Crown Prince of Xianle for protection.
That night, Xie Lian disguises himself as a pregnant woman, using the concubine’s hair in a spell to lure the spirit.
Xie Lian falls asleep and wakes up in an illusion, inside a blood-soaked, centuries-old pavilion.
He finds baby clothes and a protection charm from his past among the woman’s belongings, realizing the woman was once one of his believers.
A ghostly child spirit calls to him, asking to be held, but Xie Lian realizes the spirit is trying to sneak into his body.
The child spirit previously haunted Mount Yujun, making Xie Lian wonder if it is connected to those events.
The spirit tries to enter Xie Lian’s body, but he stays silent, refusing to acknowledge it, as acknowledging the spirit would give it permission to possess him.
The spirit tries to trick him by planting a needle trap, but Xie Lian remains stoic and continues to pursue it.
Xie Lian spots an illusion where Lang Ying and Guzi are at risk of being attacked by the black smoke, forcing him to break his silence and warn them.
The black smoke invades Xie Lian’s body as a result of speaking, and he tries to expel it by swallowing protection charms.
Xie Lian leaps into a nearby lake to avoid further possession, thinking of swallowing Fangxin if necessary to deal with the spirit.
As he sinks into the lake, he is suddenly caught by a pair of strong arms and feels something cold and soft covering his lips.
Chapter 44: Mind in Disarray, but Say Not That the Tender Heart Is Too
Xie Lian is shocked and overwhelmed when Hua Cheng suddenly kisses him underwater to transfer air and save him.
Hua Cheng swims them both to the surface, but the black smoke (child spirit) immediately attacks. Hua Cheng holds Xie Lian close and kisses him again, pressing their lips together to prevent the spirit from entering Xie Lian.
Hua Cheng’s silver butterflies arrive and fight off the black smoke, containing it.
After surfacing again, Hua Cheng takes Xie Lian to shore. Xie Lian, dazed and confused, babbles about looking for his bamboo hat and leaves, overwhelmed by the situation.
Xie Lian tries to run but twists his ankle and sees blood from a needle embedded in his foot.
Hua Cheng seizes Xie Lian’s ankle, intending to remove the needle, but Xie Lian panics. Despite Xie Lian's protests, Hua Cheng gently removes the boot and the needle, calming Xie Lian with soothing words.
The crowd of ghosts in Ghost City notices them, offering inappropriate help and making remarks, much to Xie Lian’s embarrassment. Hua Cheng angrily dismisses the crowd.
Hua Cheng carries Xie Lian into Ghost City to the newly rebuilt Paradise Manor and tends to Xie Lian’s wound.
After the needle is removed, Xie Lian comments on how strong the fetus spirit is, suspecting it must come from a sinister origin.
Hua Cheng agrees, noting that a normal fetus spirit wouldn't be this powerful, hinting that it may have been created through dark rituals.
Hua Cheng shows Xie Lian the captured fetus spirit, which resembles a malformed fetus with malformed organs.
Xie Lian suspects the fetus spirit was created by cutting open pregnant women and using their unborn children for magic. The fetus may have belonged to one of Xie Lian's worshippers, as it was found with his old protection charm.
Xie Lian asks to take the fetus spirit with him to investigate, as it may have connections to Mount Yujun, where he previously encountered it.
Hua Cheng insists on treating Xie Lian’s injuries first, but Xie Lian feels awkward and apologizes for his earlier reaction.
They change into dry clothes (with Xie Lian borrowing white robes from Hua Cheng) and head out into Ghost City, where they are greeted with overwhelming affection and offers from the local ghosts.
The ghost crowd offers strange and grotesque food items, amusing and embarrassing Xie Lian.
As Xie Lian tries to eat, the ghosts joke about his past claim that he "couldn’t get it up," referencing a previous encounter with Lan Chang.
Xie Lian becomes mortified, realizing Hua Cheng has overheard, and quickly tries to end the meal.
Hua Cheng teases Xie Lian about the rumor, but he promises not to bring it up again.
Xie Lian, recovering from the embarrassment, asks Hua Cheng about the location of Thousand Lights Temple, still unsure of its existence.
Chapter 45: To Compose in Nuit Blanche, Fragrance Added by Red Sleeves
Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng about the Thousand Lights Temple, suspecting Hua Cheng’s involvement, but Hua Cheng unexpectedly apologizes.
Hua Cheng reveals that he built the Thousand Lights Temple in Ghost City to entertain Xie Lian during the Mid-Autumn Festival and relieve his boredom during the banquet.
Xie Lian is deeply moved but reassured when Hua Cheng explains the temple was built a long time ago and only recently given purpose.
Hua Cheng invites Xie Lian to enter the temple, which lacks a divine statue or kneeling cushions.
Xie Lian asks about the missing establishment plaque, and Hua Cheng suggests that Xie Lian should write the plaque himself.
When Xie Lian encourages Hua Cheng to write instead, Hua Cheng hesitates and admits he doesn’t write well.
Hua Cheng tries to write, but Xie Lian struggles to suppress his laughter because Hua Cheng’s calligraphy is wild and chaotic.
Despite the poor writing, Xie Lian praises Hua Cheng's unique style with humorous commentary, while Hua Cheng half-jokingly calls it madness.
Hua Cheng asks Xie Lian to teach him how to write properly, leading Xie Lian to offer detailed calligraphy advice.
Xie Lian notices Hua Cheng is holding the brush incorrectly and reaches out to guide his hand.
As they write together, Hua Cheng deliberately messes with the brush’s path, causing the characters to come out crooked and playful, making Xie Lian exasperated but amused.
Xie Lian instructs Hua Cheng to write properly, but Hua Cheng continues pretending to be serious, making it clear he is teasing Xie Lian.
As they continue, Xie Lian notices a small flower sitting alone on the edge of the jade altar, drawing his attention.
Chapter 46: Bizarre Trick to Open Doors, Ghost Fetus Stolen
Xie Lian is momentarily stunned upon seeing a small flower on the altar, evoking an old, blurry memory.
Hua Cheng admits that he sought this flower, as it’s a type Xie Lian has always liked.
They finish their collaborative composition, and Hua Cheng playfully declares he’ll keep it for himself.
Suddenly, they hear screams of "fire" outside, signaling that Paradise Manor is on fire again.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng rush to Paradise Manor and discover the fire was a small one, quickly extinguished.
Xie Lian realizes the fire was likely a diversion, suspecting that the fetus spirit in the clay pot has been stolen.
Upon checking, they confirm the fetus spirit is missing from the pot, but Hua Cheng assures Xie Lian that it hasn’t gotten far.
Hua Cheng reveals that the doors of Paradise Manor trap thieves, making it impossible to steal anything without being caught inside.
They inspect the side chamber where the fetus spirit was last seen but find no signs of forced entry or a break-in.
Hua Cheng gathers all the ghosts present in Ghost City, dividing them into male and female groups to identify the thief.
Xie Lian notices Lan Chang, a female ghost who had previously mocked him, wearing a long dress, which is unusual for her.
Xie Lian deduces that Lan Chang has hidden the fetus spirit inside her own belly, as it is part of her body and thus allowed her to leave Paradise Manor undetected.
Lan Chang refuses to release the fetus spirit, pleading with Hua Cheng not to take her son away, despite the spirit causing her intense pain.
As Lan Chang’s belly swells with the spirit’s resurgence, a flash of golden light binds the fetus spirit, restraining it.
Xie Lian recognizes the belt restraining the spirit as a Golden Belt, an item of heavenly essence that only Upper Court officials possess.
Xie Lian realizes Lan Chang’s child might be the offspring of a heavenly official, as the fetus spirit is unnaturally powerful.
Lan Chang confesses that she has been searching for her son for centuries, but Xie Lian insists that the matter must be reported to the Heavenly Court.
Lan Chang is taken to the Palace of Divine Might in the Heavenly Capital, where the heavenly officials gather to address the situation.
Pei Ming is initially suspected of being the father due to his reputation, but Lan Chang denies that he is the father.
To everyone’s shock, Lan Chang accuses Xie Lian of being the father of the fetus spirit.
Chapter 47: Impetuous Matches, None Admits Amidst Conflicted Laughter
Lan Chang accuses Xie Lian of being the father of her ghost child, shocking everyone in the Heavenly Court, including Xie Lian himself.
Xie Lian is bewildered by the accusation and denies it, stating he would never leave someone he loved to suffer.
Jun Wu asks about the Golden Belt found on Lan Chang, and Mu Qing reveals that Xie Lian had over 40 Golden Belts during his time as the Crown Prince.
Xie Lian can't remember where the belts went, suggesting they were sold off during hard times.
Jun Wu suggests testing Xie Lian with a sword, Yanzhen, which can confirm purity by showing how blood interacts with it.
Xie Lian’s blood doesn't stain the sword, proving his innocence and dismissing the accusations.
Lan Chang then randomly accuses Ling Wen of being the father, which leads to ridicule and confusion among the officials.
Feng Xin, frustrated, declares that Lan Chang is crazy and causing trouble intentionally.
Lan Chang continues pointing fingers at various heavenly officials, causing chaos in the great hall, with everyone trying to avoid her accusations.
The officials decide that investigating the matter further is a waste of time, but Xie Lian believes something deeper is at play, noting Lan Chang's erratic behavior only started after entering the Palace of Divine Might.
After the meeting, Feng Xin warns Xie Lian to be wary of Mu Qing, as Lan Chang seemed afraid of him when he entered the hall.
Xie Lian doesn't believe Mu Qing is the father, noting that Mu Qing is focused on cultivation and wouldn't ruin his progress for a woman.
Xie Lian descends to Puqi Village and reassures the wealthy merchant that the monster is caught. The merchant is so impressed by Xie Lian that he promises to become a devoted worshiper and donate to his shrine.
Upon returning to Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian finds it cleaned and Qi Rong missing.
While inspecting the shrine, Xie Lian is attacked by Hua Cheng’s sentient weapon, Eming, but quickly deflects the attack. Eming appears to be trembling and agitated, leading Xie Lian to question what’s wrong with it.
Chapter 48: Fight for Commendation, Eming Battles Ruoye
Eming, Hua Cheng's scimitar, starts trembling violently after Xie Lian accidentally strikes it, calming only after Xie Lian apologizes and strokes the blade.
Hua Cheng arrives at Puqi Shrine, casually dressed, and returns Xie Lian's bamboo hat, which Xie Lian had lost at the wealthy merchant’s mansion.
Hua Cheng notices the two children, Guzi and Lang Ying, and interacts with them, but his gaze towards Lang Ying is cold and unfriendly.
Behind Puqi Shrine, Qi Rong is being dunked in the creek by Ruoye, refusing to leave the body he’s possessing. Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng for help, but Qi Rong remains defiant.
Xie Lian pulls Qi Rong out of the creek and gives him the meat pies Guzi brought back, noting that Hua Cheng had cast a petrification spell on Qi Rong.
Ruoye and Eming enter a playful competition as they help Xie Lian with cooking chores, chopping wood and cabbage. Eming smugly outperforms Ruoye.
Xie Lian, full of confidence in his cooking skills, prepares a meal for Hua Cheng. However, the smell is so terrible that Qi Rong starts screaming insults at Xie Lian, calling him "blackhearted."
Xie Lian doubts his cooking abilities but sees Hua Cheng serving himself a bowl of the food and eating it without complaint. Qi Rong is shocked by Hua Cheng’s apparent strength in enduring the meal.
Xie Lian forces Qi Rong to eat a bowl of the meal, which leads to Qi Rong screaming in agony, but he still refuses to leave the body he’s possessing.
Xie Lian feels a mix of relief and pride, as Hua Cheng, having eaten almost a full bowl, gives polite feedback that the taste is "a bit strong" and suggests making it milder next time.
Chapter 49: Stew of the Good Crown Prince, to Welcome Unexpected Guests
Xie Lian is embarrassed by his previous failed cooking attempt but resolves to handle the meal situation. However, village girls arrive with congee and roasted chicken, attracted by Hua Cheng's presence, much to Xie Lian’s amusement.
Qi Rong, still tied up outside, complains and taunts Hua Cheng but is silenced by the smell of Xie Lian’s reheated "Love for All Seasons" stew, which terrifies him.
After breakfast, Lang Ying helps with cleaning while Xie Lian prepares to tidy up the dishes himself.
Qi Rong starts flirting with women passing by, only for them to be revealed as Wind Master Shi Qingxuan and Earth Master Ming Yi, disguised as women. They arrive with urgent matters and knock on Puqi Shrine’s door.
Xie Lian hesitates to let them in, aware that Hua Cheng is inside, but ultimately has no choice. Inside, the two heavenly officials are shocked to see Hua Cheng.
Ming Yi, who had previously been a spy in Ghost City and had been tortured by Hua Cheng, grows tense, while Shi Qingxuan tries to defuse the situation.
Tensions rise, but Hua Cheng warns them to leave, especially targeting Ming Yi. A potential fight looms, but Shi Qingxuan suggests they resolve things with a meal.
To Xie Lian’s surprise, Hua Cheng agrees to sit down for the meal, calming the situation. Hua Cheng takes a bowl of the stew and praises it, encouraging Xie Lian.
Shi Qingxuan excitedly serves bowls of Xie Lian's stew to himself and Ming Yi, despite Ming Yi's reluctance. Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that the stew tastes better after following his advice.
Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi hesitantly taste the stew as Xie Lian waits anxiously for their reactions.
Chapter 50: Venerable of Empty Words, Mourning at the Celebration
Ming Yi collapses after eating Xie Lian’s stew, while Shi Qingxuan cries silently. When asked for feedback, Shi Qingxuan clutches Xie Lian's hands, sobbing.
Shi Qingxuan mistakenly strangles a broom, thinking it’s Ming Yi, while Xie Lian tries to calm him down.
Qi Rong, outside the shrine, laughs maniacally at the scene unfolding inside.
Hua Cheng casually remarks that the stew is fine and blames the heavenly officials' reactions on their taste buds. Xie Lian, feeling guilty, offers them water to help recover.
Once everyone recovers, Shi Qingxuan reveals he needs Xie Lian’s help with something important. He casts a soundproof spell and asks if Xie Lian has ever encountered a “Venerable of Empty Words,” a creature that curses people during their happiest moments.
Xie Lian explains his encounters with two Venerables of Empty Words, describing how to deal with them: stop them from speaking, ignore their curses, or remain strong and unaffected by their predictions.
Shi Qingxuan reveals his personal experience with a much stronger version called the "Reverend of Empty Words," which targeted him as a child. Despite tricking the creature, it recently resurfaced, threatening him again.
Shi Qingxuan explains that the Reverend of Empty Words cursed him and his family since childhood, making his life perilous. After his brother, Shi Wudu, ascended to the heavens, the Reverend went quiet, but now it has returned, threatening his brother’s life.
Xie Lian suggests Shi Qingxuan tell his brother, but Shi Qingxuan refuses, fearing it will distract Shi Wudu, who is about to face a Heavenly Tribulation.
Hua Cheng confirms that the Reverend of Empty Words is extremely strong and difficult to deal with.
Chapter 51: Three Gods, One Ghost, Reverend Nowhere in Sight (Part One)
Shi Qingxuan expresses his desire to deal with the Reverend of Empty Words himself but seeks Xie Lian’s help. Xie Lian agrees, but Hua Cheng insists on joining as well.
Shi Qingxuan plans to lure the Reverend out by creating celebratory events in the imperial capital, but Xie Lian suggests investigating its past victims for patterns.
Shi Qingxuan presents a scroll of the Reverend’s past victims, but Hua Cheng criticizes it, pointing out inaccuracies. Some of the deaths were attributed to Hua Cheng or Black Water Demon Xuan, not the Reverend.
Hua Cheng claims the scroll is a red herring, meant to mislead Shi Qingxuan. Xie Lian suggests the investigation was likely conducted by Ling Wen on behalf of Shi Wudu.
Hua Cheng explains that the Reverend also affects the families and friends of its victims, further deepening Shi Qingxuan's anxiety.
Despite his nervousness, Shi Qingxuan jokes about Ming Yi being in danger as his friend. Ming Yi, unamused, moves away from him.
Shi Qingxuan attempts to remain calm by proposing to drink and celebrate atop a tall tower to lure the Reverend, but Xie Lian advises him to wait as he prepares to leave.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that someone will take care of the shrine while he’s away. Ming Yi draws a Teleportation Array, and the group prepares to depart.
Before they leave, Shi Qingxuan asks about Qi Rong, surprised that the rude individual outside the shrine is the Green Ghost.
As they travel through the Teleportation Array, a voice—the Reverend of Empty Words—taunts them, saying they are heading toward a nightmare.
The group emerges in an unfamiliar, abandoned house, not the imperial capital as expected. Xie Lian suspects the Reverend has meddled with their destination.
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Chapter 52: Three Gods, One Ghost, Reverend Nowhere in Sight (Part Two)
Shi Qingxuan wonders if the Reverend tampered with the array, but Xie Lian dismisses this theory, explaining that interference after activation wouldn’t change their destination.
Shi Qingxuan briefly suspects Hua Cheng, but Hua Cheng deflects, suggesting that Ming Yi or Shi Qingxuan himself could have meddled. He points out that Ming Yi might have drawn the array wrong from the start.
Xie Lian suggests a possibility: someone tampered with the array from outside the shrine. Hua Cheng hints that there may have been another culprit outside, but he doesn’t elaborate.
The Reverend's cryptic words about this place becoming Shi Qingxuan’s "nightmare" puzzles the group. Ming Yi suddenly notices danger and saves Shi Qingxuan from being crushed by a falling temple plaque.
The plaque belongs to a ruined Temple of Wind and Water, desecrated and filled with destroyed statues of Shi Wudu and Shi Qingxuan.
Shi Qingxuan is shaken by the state of the temple, but Xie Lian encourages him to remain calm, explaining that the creature is trying to incite fear to gain power.
The group explores the small town and realizes it’s peaceful and modern, but they stick out too much, so they change their appearances to blend in with the locals.
Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng for his private communication password. Hua Cheng reveals it with a playful yet shocking phrase, explaining that he set it to deter people from contacting him, but he’s always open to Xie Lian.
The group ends up in Fu Gu, a town known for its Fire Social, a festive event. They learn that the festivities commemorate local traditions.
As they watch from the restaurant, a bizarre procession passes by. The participants are covered in blood, with weapons stuck in their skulls, appearing as if they’ve endured horrific deaths yet continue marching.
Chapter 53: Gods and Ghost Learn of the Bloody Fire Social
Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan witness a gruesome parade and realize it's a Bloody Fire Social, a rare and disturbing performance tradition.
The parade features actors with makeup and special effects mimicking severe injuries and gruesome deaths, confusing Shi Qingxuan, who initially thinks it's real.
Xie Lian explains that the Bloody Fire Social is a celebratory but violent event where the performances are so realistic they terrify onlookers, despite being a form of entertainment.
The name "Stabbing Ecstasy" is discussed, indicating that the parade is meant to evoke a sense of excitement and terror.
Xie Lian asks Shi Qingxuan to pay attention to the story being told in the parade, suspecting it might have something to do with why the Reverend of Empty Words brought them to witness the event.
The parade continues, featuring a black-clad man viciously killing people, with Xie Lian speculating that he is the protagonist and his victims are the antagonists.
Xie Lian wonders if the story has local significance and asks the waiter about the Bloody Fire Social’s origins.
The waiter shares a local legend about a scholar named He, who was extremely talented but plagued by misfortune. His family and fiancée were mistreated, leading him to go mad and murder everyone who had wronged him.
Scholar He’s actions, although violent, are celebrated annually because he killed the corrupt and oppressive members of society.
Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan contemplate whether Scholar He could be a previous incarnation of the Reverend of Empty Words, as such monsters are often born from extreme resentment.
Ming Yi suggests investigating the timeline of the legend to see if it aligns with the origins of the Reverend of Empty Words.
Suddenly, a voice taunts Shi Qingxuan from the crowd, causing him to leap into action, looking for the Reverend of Empty Words among the parade performers.
Shi Qingxuan, unable to identify the culprit, becomes enraged and is pulled out of the crowd by Ming Yi.
The group leaves the restaurant, and Shi Qingxuan expresses his frustration, jokingly telling Ming Yi not to be his best friend until he kills the Reverend.
Ming Yi denies ever being Shi Qingxuan’s best friend, which irritates him.
Xie Lian gives Shi Qingxuan earplugs, suggesting that the Reverend can't torment him if he can't hear its taunts, and they create a new communication array with a password.
Hua Cheng begins teasing Xie Lian through the communication array, causing Xie Lian to stumble while they continue their conversation.
Xie Lian then asks Hua Cheng to help test if someone is the Reverend of Empty Words.
Chapter 54: In the Temple of Wind and Water, Night Chatter to Discern Truth
Hua Cheng and Xie Lian arrive at the Temple of Wind and Water, where they observe Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi playfully bickering.
Xie Lian reveals he has a plan to test if Ming Yi is the Reverend of Empty Words by using a specific quirk of the creature: it lies once every three sentences.
Xie Lian starts a campfire, and the group sits around it. Shi Qingxuan suggests they play a game for entertainment, which Xie Lian encourages to set his plan into motion.
Xie Lian proposes a dice game where the winning team gets to ask the losing team questions or make them do something.
Teams are split: Xie Lian and Hua Cheng vs. Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi.
In the first round, Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi win. Shi Qingxuan jokingly orders Xie Lian and Hua Cheng to strip off each other’s outer robes, which they reluctantly do.
In the second round, Shi Qingxuan wins again and asks Hua Cheng a question: "What’s the worst suffering in the world?"
Hua Cheng answers that the worst suffering is watching your beloved be humiliated and being powerless to help.
Ming Yi asks Xie Lian what his biggest regret is, and Xie Lian answers that it’s his second ascension.
In the third round, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng finally win, and Xie Lian asks Ming Yi three key questions to test him.
Ming Yi answers the first two questions truthfully, but Xie Lian is waiting for the third answer to expose him as the Reverend of Empty Words.
Ming Yi correctly answers all three questions, proving he is not the Reverend.
However, Ming Yi suddenly grabs Xie Lian by the throat, accusing him of setting up the dice game for ulterior motives.
A strong gust of wind blows through the temple, and the divine statues on the altar begin to weep bloody tears, forming an ominous symbol on the ground.
Ming Yi destroys the statues to prevent further evil from manifesting, much to Shi Qingxuan’s dismay.
Xie Lian notices that the establishment plaque of the temple has also been altered, with the word "death" starting to form in blood.
Xie Lian covers Shi Qingxuan’s eyes to protect him from the curse, but soon a crowd of performers from the Bloody Fire Social barges into the temple.
The chaotic night parade is overwhelming, and real ghosts are mixed in with the performers.
Xie Lian realizes there’s a dangerous ghost in the crowd and uses Ruoye to strike it down, but the ghost qi is still present, making the situation dangerous.
With his spiritual power depleted, Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng for help, who gives him an overwhelming amount of power.
Xie Lian accidentally obliterates part of the temple with the spiritual power Hua Cheng gave him, leaving the roof destroyed.
Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi exit the temple, but Ming Yi reveals in the communication array that he wasn’t the one who pulled Shi Qingxuan to safety.
Xie Lian realizes something is wrong and urgently asks Shi Qingxuan who actually pulled him away from the chaos.
Chapter 55: Fight the Reverend, Crown Prince Takes Wind Master’s Place
Xie Lian urgently calls out to Shi Qingxuan, who has gone silent after being taken by the Reverend of Empty Words, but Shi Qingxuan finally responds with nervous laughter, saying he's fine but clearly terrified.
Shi Qingxuan explains that he hasn’t fought back or revealed that he knows the creature's presence, following Xie Lian's advice to stay calm and use a spiritual circle for protection.
Ming Yi suggests figuring out Shi Qingxuan's location, but Shi Qingxuan can't provide useful information, unsure of where he's being taken, and expresses frustration.
Xie Lian realizes the Reverend used a teleportation array, making it harder to track Shi Qingxuan, who could be anywhere in the world.
Despite the situation, Shi Qingxuan insists they keep this secret from his brother, the Water Master, who is preparing for his third Heavenly Tribulation.
Xie Lian proposes using the Soul-Shifting Spell to swap places with Shi Qingxuan and confront the Reverend himself. Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian to reconsider, but Shi Qingxuan agrees to the plan.
Xie Lian swaps souls with Shi Qingxuan, allowing him to take control of Shi Qingxuan's body and confront the Reverend directly.
Xie Lian immediately grabs the Reverend and begins attacking it, using Shi Qingxuan’s Wind Master fan, though he struggles to control the spiritual device effectively.
The Reverend of Empty Words attempts to curse Xie Lian, but his words have no effect since Xie Lian is immune to psychological manipulation, having experienced too much defeat in the past.
Hua Cheng advises Xie Lian to use the fan to create a whirlwind for him to locate Xie Lian's position.
The Reverend taunts Xie Lian, telling him someone is coming to die, which deeply unsettles Xie Lian as he fears for Hua Cheng’s safety.
Despite his anxiety, Xie Lian reassures Hua Cheng and continues fighting the Reverend.
Shi Qingxuan and Xie Lian switch back to their original bodies after Xie Lian sets up a protective spiritual array using Shi Qingxuan’s treasures.
Shi Qingxuan realizes he is at the Terrace of Cascading Wine, the place where he ascended.
Ming Yi discovers that the teleportation array points near the Terrace have been destroyed by the Reverend, forcing them to travel to the Terrace on foot.
As they approach the pavilion where Xie Lian set up the spiritual array, they notice the doors are ominously open, indicating something has gone wrong.
Chapter 56: From a Designed Prison, Doors Open to Greet the Ghost
Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and Ming Yi arrive at the small pavilion but find no trace of Shi Qingxuan, despite the spiritual devices and treasures still being in place.
Xie Lian realizes that Shi Qingxuan must have opened the doors himself, even though they had warned him not to. He suspects Shi Qingxuan was tricked through the private communication array, possibly by someone he trusted who knew his verbal password.
They conclude Shi Qingxuan may have been deceived into opening the doors by someone pretending to be a close acquaintance, as he wouldn’t have removed his earplugs otherwise.
Ming Yi suggests searching for another hour before reporting to Shi Wudu, Shi Qingxuan’s brother.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng continue their search, eventually reaching the Terrace of Cascading Wine, where Shi Qingxuan once ascended.
Hua Cheng leaves abruptly, stating he needs to take care of something, but doesn't explain further. He promises to return soon and tell Xie Lian something important.
Xie Lian finds Shi Qingxuan’s robe hanging from a balcony and rushes to the tallest pavilion, where he finds Shi Qingxuan unconscious.
Shi Qingxuan’s Wind Master fan is broken, and the walls of the pavilion are now bare, except for a chilling message: "WRETCHED BEGINNING, WRETCHED END," a curse that the Reverend of Empty Words bestowed on Shi Qingxuan at birth.
Ming Yi questions Hua Cheng’s whereabouts, but Xie Lian covers for him, saying Hua Cheng left to search for the Reverend of Empty Words and wasn’t involved.
Suddenly, Shi Wudu arrives in a grand golden carriage, accompanied by Pei Ming and Ling Wen, after Xie Lian reports the situation.
Shi Wudu is horrified to see his unconscious brother and even more disturbed by the cursed words written on the wall.
Despite their efforts, Shi Qingxuan remains unconscious until he finally wakes up, only to scream and shove Shi Wudu away in a panic.
Chapter 57: Teasing Words Befuddle Me and Also My Dear
Shi Wudu tries to calm down Shi Qingxuan after his outburst, but Shi Qingxuan violently rejects him, screaming in distress and telling everyone to leave.
Shi Qingxuan coughs up blood due to his mental and emotional state, alarming everyone. Shi Wudu checks his pulse and his expression turns grim, but he dismisses Xie Lian’s attempts to help, insisting that Shi Qingxuan is just ill.
Shi Qingxuan pleads with Xie Lian and Ming Yi to save him as Shi Wudu drags him away to the golden carriage, claiming it’s a family matter and denying the involvement of the Reverend of Empty Words.
Shi Wudu knocks Shi Qingxuan unconscious and leaves with him, Pei Ming, and Ling Wen, asking Xie Lian and Ming Yi to keep the matter quiet.
After they leave, Ming Yi agrees not to mention Hua Cheng’s involvement and heads off to check on Shi Qingxuan. Xie Lian decides to go look for Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian encounters thick evil qi on the road and sees an extravagant step-litter carried by four golden skeletons. They inform him that Hua Cheng sent them to escort him, and he boards the step-litter.
As they travel, the skeletons encounter wild ghosts blocking the road, but the ghosts quickly retreat upon realizing the litter belongs to Hua Cheng.
Hua Cheng joins Xie Lian in the litter, teasing him with a playful "want to get married?" which flusters Xie Lian, but Hua Cheng quickly dismisses it as a joke.
Xie Lian shares his concern that the situation with the Wind Master isn’t over, but Hua Cheng assures him that the matter is closed and warns Xie Lian to stay away from Shi Qingxuan, Shi Wudu, Ming Yi, Ling Wen, and Pei Ming.
Back at Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian receives a large stack of prayers and a massive donation of gold bars from Shi Wudu, which he suspects is a bribe to keep quiet about the situation.
Xie Lian tries to check on Shi Qingxuan through the communication array but gets no response. Ling Wen tells him that Shi Qingxuan isn’t seeing visitors.
Xie Lian sneaks into the Palace of the Wind and Water Masters and finds Shi Qingxuan tied to his bed, struggling, while Shi Wudu force-feeds him a mysterious black substance.
Chapter 58: Traversing Through Tunnels, Sword Hanging Above
Shi Wudu forcefully feeds medicine to Shi Qingxuan, but Shi Qingxuan resists violently, even asking to be left alone to die.
Shi Wudu insists that, as his brother, it's his responsibility to take care of him.
Shi Qingxuan expresses that he doesn’t want his Wind Master fan fixed, nor does he want to stay in the Upper Court. He wishes to descend to the Mortal Realm and live as a carefree vagabond.
Shi Wudu refuses and leaves suddenly after receiving a private message, telling Shi Qingxuan his rebellious behavior will no longer be tolerated after Shi Wudu’s third Heavenly Tribulation.
Xie Lian tries to enter the room but cannot open the sealed window. He calls out to Shi Qingxuan, who is tied up in bed.
Shi Qingxuan attempts to break the ropes but struggles, which confuses Xie Lian.
Suddenly, a figure crawls out from under the bed—it’s Ming Yi in a ghost mask.
Ming Yi easily snaps the ropes binding Shi Qingxuan. Shi Qingxuan gratefully greets Xie Lian, and they let him into the room.
Ming Yi inspects the rope and questions why Shi Qingxuan couldn’t break free. Xie Lian also notices something odd.
They discover that Shi Qingxuan has no spiritual power left in his body.
Shi Qingxuan denies that the medicine was responsible for his condition.
Xie Lian wonders if Shi Qingxuan has been banished, though it seems unlikely given the lack of shackles or widespread knowledge of such an event.
Shi Qingxuan suggests they escape while Shi Wudu is away. He crawls into a tunnel hidden under the bed.
Xie Lian and Ming Yi follow him into the tunnel, despite Ming Yi's suggestion that Xie Lian should stay out of it.
The tunnel was dug by Ming Yi, whose skills as a former mortal tradesman allowed him to create such secret paths.
As they crawl through the tunnel, Ming Yi asks if the Reverend of Empty Words is responsible for Shi Qingxuan’s condition, but Shi Qingxuan deflects the question.
Ming Yi warns them to be quiet, as a heavenly official is walking above their heads in a nearby temple.
They wait in silence, but Shi Qingxuan grows impatient, mouthing complaints about the unknown official's slow pace.
Suddenly, a sharp blade stabs through the tunnel from above, barely missing Xie Lian, signaling the presence of a martial god above them.
Chapter 59: Eve of the Last Day of Autumn, an Unscrupulous Substitution
Xie Lian warns Shi Qingxuan to dodge as a blade plunges into the ground, narrowly missing Shi Qingxuan thanks to Xie Lian's quick reaction.
Several more blades strike down, trapping them. Explosions follow, shaking the tunnel.
Ming Yi struggles to dig an escape tunnel with his rusty crescent shovel, while Shi Qingxuan frantically urges him to hurry.
Ming Yi eventually breaks through, and they burrow forward, with the hole behind them closing on its own.
As they near the surface, Xie Lian notices light leaking in, and they realize their pursuers are drilling through from above.
Ming Yi changes course, digging upward, hoping no one would spot them as they escape.
They emerge inside a palace, only to find a heavenly official, Quan Yizhen, sleeping soundly. He wakes up confused by their presence.
As they try to leave, Pei Ming grabs Shi Qingxuan’s ankle, scolding him for running away and reminding him of his brother’s anger.
Quan Yizhen unexpectedly helps Xie Lian’s group by hurling a bed at Pei Ming, allowing them to escape.
Shi Qingxuan grows weak, prompting Ming Yi to carry him on his back as they flee.
Xie Lian thanks Quan Yizhen as they leave, while Quan Yizhen continues attacking Pei Ming.
Xie Lian and his companions escape the Heavenly Court, and upon reaching Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian finds Hua Cheng half-naked, much to his embarrassment.
Xie Lian hurriedly tries to shield Hua Cheng from Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi’s view, awkwardly telling Hua Cheng to put on some clothes.
Hua Cheng, amused by Xie Lian’s reaction, complies and dresses calmly, while Shi Qingxuan awkwardly laughs off the situation.
The group quickly moves to another location, a peaceful countryside scene with farmland and a black ox, seeking refuge in a small cottage.
Xie Lian expresses concern about General Pei pursuing them, but Hua Cheng reassures them that they are safe in this land, under the protection of its powerful master.
Xie Lian, suspecting something deeper, asks Shi Qingxuan whether the Reverend of Empty Words is blackmailing him and his brother.
Shi Qingxuan’s pale reaction confirms Xie Lian’s suspicions.
Xie Lian suggests that Shi Qingxuan’s ascension might not have been natural and that Shi Wudu might have used underhanded means to secure it.
Xie Lian deduces that Shi Wudu transferred Shi Qingxuan’s misfortune to a mortal, Scholar He, to deceive the Reverend of Empty Words and allow Shi Qingxuan to ascend.
Scholar He, who suffered immense misfortune, likely died a gruesome death, taking on the fate meant for Shi Qingxuan.
Xie Lian concludes that Shi Qingxuan’s ascension was tied to the tragic events of the Bloody Fire Social, where Scholar He was the real victim.
Shi Qingxuan confirms that the night he ascended was the eve of Hanlu, connecting it to the timing of Scholar He’s death.
Xie Lian’s theory suggests that Shi Qingxuan’s ascension was not through his own merit but through the sacrifice of another.
Chapter 60: Gods Appointing Gods is Beneath Ghosts Devouring Ghosts
Xie Lian theorizes that Scholar He had the same name and birth details as Shi Qingxuan, which made him the perfect scapegoat for Shi Wudu’s plan to exchange Shi Qingxuan’s misfortune.
Shi Wudu, using his influence as the Water Master, found Scholar He, who was on the verge of ascension, and transferred Shi Qingxuan’s misfortune onto him, allowing Shi Qingxuan to ascend instead.
Shi Qingxuan grows uncomfortable as the group discusses his brother’s secret, especially in front of Hua Cheng. However, Hua Cheng assures him that he has nothing to do with the situation and implies that others in the Upper Court might know the secret.
Xie Lian questions Shi Qingxuan about the night at the Terrace of Cascading Wine and who called out to him. Shi Qingxuan admits it was the Reverend of Empty Words but doesn’t know how it obtained his verbal password.
Xie Lian suggests that someone may have leaked Shi Qingxuan’s password, possibly unintentionally, but it’s worth investigating.
Shi Qingxuan blames himself for the situation, feeling that none of it would have happened if he had ascended on his own.
Xie Lian shifts the conversation, proposing that the current "Reverend of Empty Words" is not the original monster that hunted Shi Qingxuan, but rather Scholar He, who devoured the original Reverend in a bid for revenge.
Xie Lian recalls that Scholar He, unlike the Reverend’s other victims, didn’t commit suicide but died from exhaustion. Scholar He likely fought back against the Reverend and, after his death, became a vengeful ghost who absorbed the Reverend’s powers.
Shi Qingxuan is shocked by Xie Lian’s theory that the current entity pursuing him is actually Scholar He, who has become He Xuan, an enhanced ghost with intelligence and power.
Shi Qingxuan struggles with how to confront his brother, unsure how to feel after learning the truth. He asks everyone to keep the secret for now, as he needs time to process and decide what to do.
Xie Lian and the group reflect on Shi Wudu’s actions, realizing that Shi Qingxuan’s fall from godhood isn’t an illness that can be cured unless another scapegoat is found, which Shi Wudu might attempt again.
Xie Lian suspects that the misinformation about the Reverend of Empty Words in Shi Qingxuan’s records might have been created by Shi Wudu with Ling Wen's help to hide the truth. It raises the question of whether others might have ascended using similar underhanded methods.
A sudden commotion outside the cottage alerts the group to Pei Ming’s arrival. Farmers and a black ox stand guard at the boundary, refusing to let Pei Ming enter.
The black ox transforms into a large man, revealing himself as a servant of the Rain Master, the ruler of Mount Yulong. He exchanges pleasantries with Pei Ming but makes it clear they have no involvement in Pei Jr.'s situation.
Pei Ming politely inquires whether Shi Qingxuan is hiding in their territory.
Chapter 61: Pass the Heavenly Tribulation, Waves Surge in the East Sea
Pei Ming enters Yushi Country, tramping over crops and causing a stir among the farmers, who demand an apology. He refuses, calling the crops weeds, but the ox argues otherwise.
Pei Ming informs Shi Qingxuan that his brother, Shi Wudu, is undergoing his Heavenly Tribulation over the East Sea and is in danger, unable to focus because he is worried about Shi Qingxuan.
Shi Qingxuan panics and wants to help his brother. He tries to connect to the spiritual communication array but remembers that he’s lost his powers and asks Xie Lian to verify Pei Ming's claims.
Xie Lian confirms through the array that Shi Wudu is indeed undergoing his trial, but a powerful spiritual field prevents anyone from reaching him.
Ming Yi blocks Shi Qingxuan from going to help Shi Wudu, silently questioning whether helping him pass the tribulation is right, given Shi Wudu's crime of changing fate.
Despite Ming Yi’s hesitation, Shi Qingxuan chooses to assist his brother and leaves with Pei Ming, thanking everyone for their help.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng decide not to follow, believing the matter is beyond them, but Xie Lian resolves to step in if their chosen actions are wrong.
Xie Lian hears through the spiritual communication array that over 200 fishermen have been pulled into the storm caused by Shi Wudu's tribulation and are in danger. Pei Ming is tasked with rescuing them.
Xie Lian volunteers to help despite his weakened spiritual power, convincing the others by mentioning his experience fishing in stormy seas.
Hua Cheng quickly gears up to join Xie Lian, and they head to the East Sea together.
Upon arriving at the stormy sea, they board a special ship and set out to rescue the fishermen. Pei Ming reluctantly allows Hua Cheng to join after Shi Qingxuan vouches for him.
The ship sails into the tempest, battling massive waves, lightning, and water dragons, while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng work to save fishermen from sinking boats using Ruoye.
As the ship approaches Shi Wudu, Xie Lian and Pei Ming see that Shi Wudu is barely holding off the storm’s water dragons and is losing control.
Pei Ming calls out to Shi Wudu, informing him that Shi Qingxuan has been found, and Shi Wudu, in his anger, barely regains enough control to suppress the storm for a moment.
Shi Wudu descends to the ship, furious with Shi Qingxuan for running away, but Shi Qingxuan remains conflicted about his brother's actions.
Pei Ming warns that Shi Wudu’s tribulation has only just begun and will last for seven days and nights, making this only the beginning of the trial.
Xie Lian and the group continue rescuing fishermen while Pei Ming charms some fisher-girls who are grateful for the rescue.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng share a meal while the others rest, but Xie Lian notices something strange— the ship seems to be moving slower and sinking lower in the water.
Upon inspection, the group realizes the ship’s hull is sinking unnaturally, despite no obvious damage.
Pei Ming suddenly realizes they have entered the territory of the Black Water Demon Lair, where ships immediately sink.
Chapter 62: Ships in the Lair of Ghosts Shall Sink
Xie Lian mistakenly refers to Black Water Demon Xuan as one of the Four Supremes, but Hua Cheng corrects him: Black Water is one of the Four Calamities.
Black Water Demon Xuan is a powerful ghost who controls the outer seas, and his domain, the Black Water Demon Lair, is a perilous place where everything that enters sinks.
Pei Ming tries to steer the ship back, but the rudder won’t budge. Ming Yi investigates the problem below deck but finds nothing broken or caught.
Hua Cheng explains that the ship has drifted into Black Water Demon Xuan's territory, where ships are doomed to sink. Only coffins, which have carried a corpse, can stay afloat in these waters.
Shi Wudu attempts to use his Water Master fan to summon currents from outside the demon lair to lift the ship, but the demon lair’s waters clash with the summoned current, creating a violent tug-of-war between the forces.
The ship is dragged into a giant whirlpool, causing the group to lose balance and nearly fall off the ship. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng fly into the air on Fangxin, while the others struggle on the spinning ship.
Ming Yi and Shi Qingxuan are forced to ride a shovel, while Pei Ming tries to locate Shi Wudu, who has disappeared.
Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian that flying in Black Water's domain will attract dangerous creatures. Soon after, they are attacked by massive skeletal bone dragons that rise from the sea.
Xie Lian uses his power to freeze one of the bone dragons and, with a whip-like motion, knocks down the others, breaking them into pieces.
Just as they think the danger has passed, Fangxin, Xie Lian's sword, runs out of power, and they both fall into the sea.
Xie Lian struggles in the water but is saved by Hua Cheng, who floats effortlessly despite being a ghost.
Bone dragons return to attack, but they retreat in fear when Hua Cheng clicks his tongue in annoyance. Hua Cheng jokingly refers to the bone dragons as useless pets.
Shi Wudu appears on top of a water dragon, battling the demon lair’s forces. Xie Lian searches for the others, but before he can find them, a massive wave engulfs him and Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian wakes up on a remote island, with Hua Cheng lying unconscious beside him. Despite trying to wake him up, Hua Cheng remains unresponsive.
Xie Lian begins to panic and checks Hua Cheng for injuries, eventually pressing his head to Hua Cheng’s chest, only to hear a heartbeat, surprising him.
Realizing Hua Cheng is in a human form, Xie Lian fears he may have been harmed. After hesitating, he decides to try something desperate.
With no other options, Xie Lian apologizes and nervously leans in to kiss Hua Cheng in an attempt to wake him.
Just as Xie Lian presses his lips to Hua Cheng’s, Hua Cheng's eyes snap open.
Chapter 63: Close the Casket, Coffin Boat Enters the Ghost Sea
Xie Lian, feeling nervous and guilty, kisses Hua Cheng to give him air, only to realize Hua Cheng is already awake.
After a tense moment, Xie Lian apologizes profusely and runs off into the forest, embarrassed. Hua Cheng chases after him, trying to calm him down.
Xie Lian is attacked by something in the forest, prompting him to grab Hua Cheng's hand and flee back to the beach.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that the creatures on the island won’t follow them to the beach.
Xie Lian realizes that they’re on Black Water Island, the heart of the Black Water Demon Lair. Hua Cheng confirms this, stating he has never been there but knows of it.
The two search for their companions but don’t find them on the island. They realize they need a coffin made from wood that carried the dead to float on the waters of the demon lair.
Hua Cheng suggests using a coffin made from trees on the island, with him inside, since he is technically a dead person.
They spend the day building a coffin and finish just before a storm approaches. They settle inside the coffin and float out into the sea.
Inside the coffin, Xie Lian is uncomfortable with how close they are, but Hua Cheng reassures him.
The coffin is violently tossed by a giant water dragon, and the two are flipped and shaken inside. Hua Cheng tells Xie Lian to hold on tight as they’re thrown around.
After enduring the chaos, they break out of the coffin, only to find themselves back on Black Water Island, where they see Shi Wudu and Pei Ming.
Pei Ming teases Xie Lian and Hua Cheng about their disheveled appearance after being trapped in the coffin together.
Shi Wudu senses that Shi Qingxuan is nearby and injured, and the group heads into the forest to find him.
As they proceed, they are attacked by arrows and ghost minions, but Pei Ming handles the threats easily.
Shi Wudu’s longevity lock pendant leads them to a lake at the center of the island. Xie Lian notices a reflection of a sinister black building in the lake, which does not appear in reality.
As Xie Lian calls attention to the reflection, a shadowy figure appears behind him and Hua Cheng.
Chapter 64: In the Nether Water Manor, Black Robes, White Bones
Xie Lian attacks the black shadow behind him, but it disappears like water. More shadowy figures appear in the lake's reflection, revealing the ghosts they couldn’t see.
Xie Lian realizes the reflection shows the ghosts, and Pei Ming swiftly defeats them. Shi Wudu sees Shi Qingxuan trapped in an iron prison, being dragged down by ghostly hands.
Shi Wudu leaps into the lake to save Shi Qingxuan, despite Pei Ming's warning that they are in Black Water Demon Xuan’s territory, where their powers are weakened.
Pei Ming takes a ghost's corpse to build a coffin boat to evacuate later, while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng dive into the lake.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng reach the iron prison on the other side of the lake. Shi Wudu is smashing the lock, unable to use his water powers in Black Water Demon Xuan’s domain.
Xie Lian kicks the lock open, and they enter the prison, finding it filled with insane, wailing humans. They don’t harass the group but flee in fear.
Shi Wudu finds Shi Qingxuan alive but surrounded by mad humans. Ming Yi is lying nearby, severely injured from the poisonous bonefish.
They realize the humans are not ghosts but real prisoners, and Shi Wudu plans to escape quickly.
They try to leave the lake, but the boundary keeps them trapped. They consider using a teleportation array in the rumored Nether Water Manor to escape.
Shi Qingxuan helps Ming Yi despite being told he’s too weak to help, showing the change in their dynamic as Shi Qingxuan asserts his independence.
The group reaches the Nether Water Manor, a grand black palace. Xie Lian tries to politely enter but is met with a skeleton in black robes upon opening the door.
The skeleton, possibly Black Water Demon Xuan, attacks Shi Wudu but is destroyed by Xie Lian. They explore the manor, finding a teleportation chamber, but it has a trap that only allows one person to teleport at a time.
They decide to send Shi Wudu first as his Heavenly Tribulation nears, and then Ming Yi prepares the array for the others.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng leave the manor together using the teleportation array and arrive safely at Puqi Shrine.
Xie Lian contacts the heavens to check if Shi Wudu and Shi Qingxuan returned safely but finds out they haven’t been seen since leaving the South Sea.
Xie Lian realizes something is wrong and suspects that Black Water Demon Xuan is involved. He uses the Soul-Shifting Spell to control Shi Qingxuan’s body, finding him running for his life from the madmen.
Xie Lian takes control of Shi Qingxuan’s body, helping him escape. They encounter Ming Yi, but Xie Lian becomes suspicious that he’s not the real Ming Yi.
Xie Lian realizes the person with them is actually Black Water Demon Xuan, who had killed the real Ming Yi and taken his place in the heavens long ago.
Just as Xie Lian finishes explaining this to Shi Qingxuan, a hand taps his shoulder.
Chapter 65: End the Deadlock, Water Master Battles Demon Xuan
Shi Qingxuan is paralyzed with fear after Ming Yi questions him, and Ming Yi forcefully pushes him to the ground, saving him from a water ghost.
Shi Qingxuan follows Ming Yi, feeling conflicted and fearful, as he starts piecing together the truth about Ming Yi’s identity.
Xie Lian realizes that the real Ming Yi is dead and that He Xuan (Black Water Demon Xuan) has been impersonating him all along.
He Xuan had devoured the Reverend of Empty Words, using its powers to manipulate and threaten Shi Qingxuan.
Xie Lian recalls moments from the past that hinted at He Xuan’s deception, including how Hua Cheng likely knew about the impersonation.
They follow Shi Qingxuan’s longevity lock, which vibrates, indicating Shi Wudu is injured.
Shi Qingxuan is reluctant to follow, but Ming Yi insists, leading them to a madman wearing Shi Wudu’s robes.
Shi Wudu ambushes He Xuan, injuring him, and flees with Shi Qingxuan.
He Xuan quickly recovers, and Shi Wudu realizes they cannot escape.
Shi Wudu loses his Water Master fan to He Xuan, and He Xuan reveals his true form as Black Water Demon Xuan.
He Xuan confronts Shi Wudu about the past, revealing Shi Wudu’s role in his death and the theft of his fate.
Shi Wudu offers to sacrifice himself, but He Xuan offers two choices: exchange Shi Qingxuan’s fate with a madman’s or kill Shi Qingxuan.
Shi Wudu chooses the second option, intending to kill Shi Qingxuan himself, but hesitates.
He Xuan stops him and tears off Shi Wudu’s arms, forcing him to kneel.
Shi Wudu mocks He Xuan, saying that despite everything, he won because he lived a life of luxury as a heavenly official.
He Xuan, enraged, decapitates Shi Wudu in front of Shi Qingxuan.
Shi Qingxuan is left in shock and despair, wishing for death, but He Xuan tells him to dream on.
Xie Lian's soul is pulled back to his body by Hua Cheng, who kisses him to retrieve the spiritual powers he lent.
Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian that outsiders cannot interfere in the situation, and Xie Lian agrees.
Xie Lian joins the heavenly officials to search for Shi Qingxuan and Shi Wudu, finding Pei Ming on the island, who had been preparing coffins.
They discover Shi Wudu's headless corpse but no trace of Shi Qingxuan.
Xie Lian suspects He Xuan has taken Shi Qingxuan or killed him and thrown his body into the sea.
Pei Ming reflects on Shi Wudu’s downfall, and Xie Lian explains He Xuan’s true identity as Black Water Demon Xuan.
Xie Lian returns to Puqi Shrine, and Hua Cheng reassures him that no one can fully understand Black Water's motivations due to his long isolation.
Xie Lian questions how He Xuan learned the truth about the fate exchange, and Hua Cheng explains that Shi Wudu had confirmed He Xuan’s death, leading He Xuan to investigate and impersonate the Earth Master.
Hua Cheng also reveals that He Xuan might not have killed the real Ming Yi, and someone else could be responsible for the fishermen’s deaths on the East Sea.
Chapter 66: Ache of Separation, the Agitated Heart Sends the Path of Ink Astray
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss a mysterious figure who seems to be pushing Xie Lian toward the center of every case, similar to the Banyue Pass incident.
Hua Cheng notices Guzi and Lang Ying playing outside without a care, contrasting the heavy situation surrounding them.
The shocking revelations about the Water Master’s deceit, the Wind Master being a fake, and the Earth Master being an impostor have shaken the heavenly realm.
A warrant is issued for Black Water Demon Xuan, who is revealed to have impersonated the Earth Master.
The Upper Court is rattled, and even Jun Wu seems overwhelmed. Few heavenly officials attend Shi Wudu’s quiet burial, marking the fall of the once-glorious Water Master.
Xie Lian reflects on the desecration of Wind and Water temples and feels melancholy, knowing the memories of these once-powerful gods will soon fade.
Pei Ming suggests that Xie Lian ask Hua Cheng to find out where Black Water Demon Xuan took Shi Qingxuan, but Xie Lian dismisses this idea, explaining that one Supreme Ghost King doesn't necessarily report to another.
Upon returning to Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian finds the villagers concerned about his “mad cousin,” Qi Rong, whom they believe is throwing a fit.
Xie Lian reassures the villagers that Qi Rong is safely locked up, and the village chief praises “Xiao-Hua” (Hua Cheng in disguise) for his helpfulness.
Inside the shrine, Qi Rong complains about feeling unwell, agitated like a tomcat, but Xie Lian can’t determine the cause.
Xie Lian is surprised to find the donation box full of gold bars, unsure who sent them.
Qi Rong grumbles about being treated as a "guard dog," but quiets down immediately when Hua Cheng enters the shrine.
Hua Cheng invites Xie Lian to Ghost City and suggests bringing Qi Rong along to extract his soul from the possessed body.
Despite Qi Rong’s objections, Hua Cheng turns him into a green budaoweng, and Guzi carries him as they all head to Ghost City.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng arrive in Ghost City, greeted warmly by the ghosts who recognize Xie Lian. They give away eggs from the Mortal Realm as souvenirs.
The ghosts mock Qi Rong, remembering his previous humiliating defeat in Ghost City, while Hua Cheng arranges for Qi Rong’s soul to be extracted without harming his host body.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng retreat to Thousand Lights Temple, where Hua Cheng humorously deflects Xie Lian’s praise for his sword skills, claiming he can’t practice calligraphy without Xie Lian’s help.
Xie Lian tries to teach Hua Cheng calligraphy, but is amused and exasperated by his poor writing skills.
Hua Cheng insists on copying the poem "Ache of Separation" over and over, stating that when he likes something, he never tires of it, even after a thousand times.
As they discuss Qi Rong’s recent agitation, Xie Lian senses something is wrong. He turns around to find Hua Cheng swaying on his feet, covering his right eye in pain.
The brush in Hua Cheng's hand drops, leaving an erratic ink trail on the paper, indicating something is seriously amiss with Hua Cheng.
Chapter 67: Mount Tonglu Reopens, the Agitation of Ghosts
Hua Cheng’s right eye begins throbbing painfully, and the engraved silver eye on Eming's hilt spins wildly.
Xie Lian attempts to approach Hua Cheng, but Hua Cheng warns him to stay back, fearing he might lose control.
Ghosts outside the temple start wailing in agony due to the disturbance caused by the reopening of Mount Tonglu.
Qi Rong, possessing a human body, is less affected by the disturbance and tries to escape, abandoning Guzi in the process.
Guzi chases after Qi Rong, begging him not to leave, but Qi Rong cruelly rejects him.
Xie Lian chases after Qi Rong, but is forced to return when Hua Cheng begins to lose control and throws everything off the table in a fit of rage.
Hua Cheng pulls Xie Lian into a tight embrace, confessing that he lied and begging him not to leave.
Qi Rong taunts Hua Cheng, gloating over his current state, but the ghosts defend Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian calms Hua Cheng, promising not to leave, as Hua Cheng's rage grows.
Hua Cheng pins Xie Lian down on the jade table, scattering objects, and kisses him deeply, transferring overwhelming spiritual power into Xie Lian.
Xie Lian struggles to handle the excessive power Hua Cheng is pouring into him but eventually manages to calm Hua Cheng by reciprocating the kiss and guiding the turbulent energy.
They share a passionate and intense embrace, crossing a line they hadn't before, before Hua Cheng finally calms down and falls asleep.
Xie Lian helps Eming's eye relax after the turmoil.
Hua Cheng wakes up, confused and worried about what happened, but Xie Lian reassures him that nothing serious occurred.
Hua Cheng reveals that Mount Tonglu has reopened, signaling the birth of a new Ghost King.
Xie Lian returns to the Heavenly Capital, where he notices the absence of Shi Wudu, Shi Qingxuan, and Ming Yi (all dead or missing).
Xie Lian meets Lang Qianqiu, who is noticeably thinner and gloomier.
Feng Xin explains that the thunder in the capital is due to the agitation caused by Mount Tonglu’s reopening.
Jun Wu gathers the heavenly officials and explains that Mount Tonglu is a deadly place where nefarious creatures gather to become supreme Ghost Kings.
Mount Tonglu opens every few centuries, initiating a slaughter until one ghost remains and becomes a new Supreme Ghost King.
Hua Cheng and Black Water were both born as Supreme Ghost Kings through this process.
The reopening of Mount Tonglu has caused chaos, and many dangerous creatures, including Xuan Ji, the fetus spirit, and the Brocade Immortal, have escaped and are heading there.
Jun Wu orders all martial gods to investigate their domains to apprehend the escaped creatures.
Xie Lian, without a domain, is assigned to work with Qi Ying (Quan Yizhen) to help manage the situation.
Chapter 68: The Besotted Boy, Brocade Immortal Forged of Blood
Jun Wu asks about Qi Ying's (Quan Yizhen) absence from the meeting, and Ling Wen explains that he hasn't been reachable for some time.
Xie Lian buys new robes for Lang Ying after a chilly autumn day at Puqi Shrine. Hua Cheng is in Ghost City, and Qi Rong has run off with Guzi, leaving only Lang Ying behind.
Xie Lian contemplates his recent interactions with Hua Cheng, recalling their decision to focus on their respective duties after Mount Tonglu reopened, which could lead to the rise of a new, unpredictable Supreme Ghost King.
While lost in thought, Xie Lian accidentally sets a fire in the kitchen, causing the stove to collapse. The villagers suggest calling Hua Cheng back, but Xie Lian brushes it off.
Xie Lian makes a random dish, "Riot of Colors Stir-Fry," which Lang Ying silently eats despite its terrible appearance, surprising Xie Lian.
Unable to sleep, Xie Lian notices a mysterious intruder sneaking into Puqi Shrine to stuff gold bars into the donation box, only to collapse after eating the bad food.
Xie Lian identifies the intruder as Quan Yizhen, who had previously filled the donation box with gold. Quan Yizhen admits he has a lot of gold, but refuses to take it back.
Lang Ying, acting uncharacteristically cold and unfriendly, tells Quan Yizhen to take the gold away.
Xie Lian informs Quan Yizhen about their mission to stop the Brocade Immortal, a cursed robe soaked in the blood of a besotted young man, that has become a dangerous spiritual weapon. The robe was recently stolen during the chaos caused by Mount Tonglu reopening.
Quan Yizhen eats more of Xie Lian's food and promptly collapses again, unable to continue with the mission.
Xie Lian drags Quan Yizhen to a corner to rest and decides to head out in search of the Brocade Immortal.
Later, Xie Lian overhears a woman knocking on doors in the village, offering to exchange a brand-new robe for old clothes. Realizing this could be the Brocade Immortal, he calls out to her.
The woman, seemingly beautiful but with a headscarf covering her eyes, presents a shining brocade robe. Xie Lian sets a trap using Ruoye, his spiritual weapon.
Ruoye attacks the woman, revealing that her youthful appearance was a disguise. She is actually an eighty-year-old hag, confirming she is connected to the Brocade Immortal.
Chapter 69: Separating Colors, Dyehouse Wide Open
Xie Lian confronts the Half-Maquillage Woman, a low-level ghost, who stole a fake Brocade Immortal.
The Half-Maquillage Woman bought the robe from Ghost City but had no information about the real Brocade Immortal.
Quan Yizhen helps by knocking down the Half-Maquillage Woman but reveals that the robe she stole is fake, as he has seen the real one before.
Ling Wen contacts Xie Lian to inform him of other sightings of ghosts with Brocade Immortal copies.
Ling Wen shares the history of Qi Ying (Quan Yizhen) and his former shixiong (martial brother) Yin Yu, who once ruled the West together.
Yin Yu gifted Quan Yizhen the Brocade Immortal in the past, but it was a trap that almost made Quan Yizhen harm himself. Jun Wu intervened, and Yin Yu was banished.
Xie Lian learns there are many counterfeit Brocade Immortals being sold in Ghost City, making it difficult to track the real one.
The group heads to an abandoned dyehouse where one of the fake Brocade Immortals was spotted.
Along the way, they meet golden skeletons offering a ride in a step-litter, which Quan Yizhen is eager to try, but it can only carry two people.
At the dyehouse, they meet a ghost-masked man (suspected to be Yin Yu) who has captured a group of ghosts selling fake Brocade Immortals.
Inside the dyehouse, they find nearly a hundred ghostly robes, all imbued with evil qi, but none are the real Brocade Immortal.
Quan Yizhen and Lang Ying try on the robes while Xie Lian gives commands to test if any are the Brocade Immortal.
None of the robes are the real one, and they work through the night to no avail.
Xie Lian requests Ling Wen to send someone to collect the robes.
As they rest, Xie Lian notices the shadow of a tall, disheveled man standing behind the rows of fabric, signaling a new threat.
Chapter 70: The Ninety-Ninth Ghost Robe Hidden in Danger
Xie Lian sees a silhouette behind the fabric, suspecting it to be the Brocade Immortal, but it disperses.
There is a knock on the door, and Ling Wen, in male form, arrives, saying she came personally to investigate.
Xie Lian explains that he saw the Brocade Immortal in the form of a tall young man but expresses confusion because the Brocade Immortal had not been seen for centuries.
Ling Wen suggests taking the ghost robes to the Palace of Ling Wen for inspection but is warned by Xie Lian that he wants to investigate further before handing them over.
Xie Lian suspects that Ling Wen might be the thief who stole the Brocade Immortal, recalling how the Half-Maquillage Woman arrived suspiciously and how Ling Wen seemed too quick to offer solutions that involved taking the robes.
Xie Lian connects the Half-Maquillage Woman’s arrival and the strange coincidence that led him to buy the Brocade Immortal disguised as a plain robe.
Xie Lian realizes that if he had sent the clothes to Ling Wen earlier, she could have easily taken the Brocade Immortal under the guise of examining them.
Ling Wen denies the accusation, but Xie Lian continues, revealing that her knowledge of the missing robe, specifically the one worn by Lang Ying, came without her actually seeing it.
Xie Lian catches Ling Wen off guard by presenting a random robe and pretending it was the replica of the one Lang Ying wore, showing that Ling Wen could not know what the real Brocade Immortal looked like unless she was its creator.
Xie Lian concludes that the Brocade Immortal would always appear as a headless, sleeveless cloth sack to its creator, and since Ling Wen knew the robe was missing, she must be the thief.
Chapter 71: Seen Through the Ghost King, Delights in Teasing the Ghost King
Xie Lian confronts Ling Wen, having uncovered her lies, and proposes taking the Brocade Immortal to the Palace of Divine Might to reveal the truth.
Ling Wen admits her bad luck in being caught by Xie Lian but does not outright confess. She asks to see the Brocade Immortal one last time before turning herself in.
Xie Lian, trusting Ling Wen under restraint by Ruoye, agrees to her request.
Pei Ming joins briefly, expressing unease around Xie Lian, feeling trouble follows him, but nothing further comes of the encounter.
Back at Puqi Shrine, Lang Ying is seen sweeping outside. Xie Lian enters the shrine and stops Quan Yizhen from overstuffing the donation box with gold bars.
Ling Wen asks to be left alone with the Brocade Immortal for a moment, and Xie Lian obliges.
While Xie Lian cooks, he playfully questions "Lang Ying" (secretly Hua Cheng in disguise) about which of the gods and ghosts he thinks are the handsomest and coolest, with Hua Cheng repeatedly answering in favor of "the one in red" (himself).
After some teasing, Hua Cheng reveals his true identity, admitting he had been hiding as Lang Ying to stay close to Xie Lian.
Hua Cheng explains that he sent the real Lang Ying to Ghost City for safekeeping.
Xie Lian warns Hua Cheng not to leave when a large group of cultivators and monks surround the shrine, hunting for Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian confronts the crowd outside. The cultivators, led by a man named Heaven’s Eye, mistakenly accuse Xie Lian of harboring strong ghost qi, confusing him with Hua Cheng.
Heaven’s Eye, using his powers, struggles to properly read Xie Lian, making strange observations like detecting ghost qi from Xie Lian’s lips, which baffles everyone present.
Chapter 72: My Puqi Shrine Will Collapse Supremely (Part One)
Heaven’s Eye accuses Xie Lian’s lips of emitting ghost qi due to residual traces from Xie Lian’s and Hua Cheng’s embrace at Thousand Lights Temple.
Xie Lian tries to deflect suspicion by claiming the ghost qi came from using the jar to pickle vegetables, but the monks and cultivators grow more aggressive and charge Puqi Shrine.
Xie Lian wakes Quan Yizhen by threatening to feed him more "Incorruptible Chastity Meatballs," and Quan Yizhen’s spiritual aura temporarily blinds Heaven’s Eye.
Hua Cheng, weakened due to Mount Tonglu's effects, is angry at the pursuing monks and cultivators but calms down when Xie Lian holds him, now appearing even younger.
Xie Lian fends off the monks and cultivators while asking Ruoye to bind them, but Ling Wen, having used the communication array to summon help, prepares to flee.
Ling Wen dons the Brocade Immortal, gaining immense power, and blows Quan Yizhen away in a fight. She’s able to deflect attacks effortlessly.
Xie Lian realizes Ling Wen's transformation is due to the Brocade Immortal, which enhances her power without draining her blood or harming her as it had previous wearers.
Quan Yizhen is impressed by the strength Ling Wen gains from the Brocade Immortal, and they engage in a destructive brawl, causing Puqi Shrine to collapse.
In a moment of desperation, Xie Lian delivers a grand, shameless speech, declaring himself "His Eminent Highness the Crown Prince" and scaring some monks and cultivators into kneeling.
Xie Lian tricks the mob by throwing his “Incorruptible Chastity Meatballs” at them, claiming they are poisonous, causing many to flee in panic.
As Ling Wen tries to escape, Xie Lian throws a meatball into her mouth, weakening the Brocade Immortal’s influence and forcing her to leave the scene, abandoning her fight with Quan Yizhen.
Quan Yizhen pursues Ling Wen, and Xie Lian cradles Hua Cheng, fleeing Puqi Shrine to report the situation to the Heavenly Court.
Xie Lian accidentally reports the situation to Ling Wen via the communication array before realizing she’s the one wearing the Brocade Immortal, leaving him speechless.
Xie Lian quickly informs the whole court about Ling Wen escaping with the Brocade Immortal.
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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 5
Chapter 73: My Puqi Shrine Will Collapse Supremely (Part Two)
Xie Lian tries to warn everyone in the spiritual communication array about Ling Wen being the creator of the Brocade Immortal, but the array is too chaotic, and his message gets lost.
Feng Xin finally responds to Xie Lian but is confused by the situation. Xie Lian tries to explain, but the communication array is abruptly destroyed by Ling Wen, leaving them disconnected.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that Jun Wu is in the heavens, and other officials will handle things now that the warning was given. The two continue fleeing from the religious masters who were chasing them.
Xie Lian realizes that Hua Cheng’s form has changed again, and Hua Cheng now looks like a small child, around eleven or twelve years old.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that his transformation is only temporary and related to the mountain opening. Once it's over, he’ll return to normal.
Xie Lian starts teasing Hua Cheng, pinching his cheeks and laughing about how cute he looks in his smaller form.
Hua Cheng confesses his discomfort with appearing in a weaker form and hates looking "useless," expressing that he wants to be the strongest.
Xie Lian comforts Hua Cheng, telling him it’s okay not to be strong all the time and that it’s fine to let Xie Lian protect him for once.
Hua Cheng, feeling a bit more at ease, promises Xie Lian that he’ll return to his usual self soon and asks him to wait.
The next day, they arrive at a small town, walking leisurely and chatting.
Xie Lian asks about Mount Tonglu’s impact on Ghost Kings, learning that Black Water, like Hua Cheng, reacts differently to the mountain’s opening, possibly by going into hibernation due to past trauma from hunger.
Xie Lian ponders why Black Water devours water ghosts, realizing he does so to destroy Shi Wudu's water magic.
They discuss Qi Rong, noting his attempts to imitate He Xuan’s habits of eating ghosts and Hua Cheng’s blood rain aesthetic, though Qi Rong’s actions are crude in comparison.
Xie Lian worries about the safety of Guzi and the Wind Master, unsure of their fates.
Hua Cheng mentions locking up Ghost City and leaking false information to protect it while they’re away, but both recognize that Ling Wen leaked real information about Hua Cheng's disguise.
Hua Cheng brings up the cultivator Heaven’s Eye, wondering why he claimed Xie Lian’s lips were covered in ghost qi. Xie Lian avoids answering.
Xie Lian takes Hua Cheng into a store and buys him new clothes, with Hua Cheng looking incredibly handsome despite being in a child’s form.
Hua Cheng, though not thrilled about the braid Xie Lian added to his hair, is patient, wanting to make Xie Lian happy.
At the store counter, Hua Cheng nonchalantly slaps down a piece of gold to pay for the clothes, impressing the shop owner and the surrounding ladies.
Just as they are about to leave, Hua Cheng spots a familiar figure in the crowd outside and quickly returns to Xie Lian, signaling something potentially concerning.
Chapter 74: Out in the Wilds, Rioting at the Shady Inn
Xie Lian grabs a robe and rushes with Hua Cheng to hide in the fitting room of a clothing store.
Heaven’s Eye and his mob of monks and cultivators approach the store and ask the crowd if they saw Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.
The mob enters the store and Heaven’s Eye pulls open the curtains, revealing Xie Lian disguised as a woman, who pretends to be shocked.
Heaven’s Eye and the monks are embarrassed and quickly retreat, giving Xie Lian the chance to flee with Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian runs with Hua Cheng through the streets, causing a commotion, while the mob chases them for hours until the monks are too tired to continue.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng spot an inn and decide to rest there, even though Xie Lian senses it is run by ghosts.
They enter the inn and order food, while the inn’s attendants behave suspiciously, with fake smiles plastered on their faces.
Hua Cheng reveals that the inn is a shady establishment run by ghosts, and Xie Lian smells the thick scent of fresh blood.
The mob arrives at the inn, demanding water and rushing to the toilet, still suffering from the effects of the Incorruptible Chastity Pellets.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng go upstairs to avoid detection, and Heaven’s Eye suspects something is wrong with the inn’s food but only notices greasy plates.
The mob complains about long hairs in their food, but the attendants lie, saying they are pig hairs.
Heaven’s Eye asks the attendants if they have seen Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, and the attendant reveals they are upstairs.
The mob sneaks upstairs, but they mistakenly target a room where Lan Chang is staying.
Lan Chang angrily confronts the mob, and Xie Lian recognizes her. Lan Chang is revealed to be hiding the dangerous fetus spirit.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng eavesdrop as the mob downstairs discusses their grievances against Hua Cheng, sharing various personal stories.
The situation in the inn grows chaotic as the mob realizes the attendants are ghosts and begin to fight them.
Qi Rong, who has possessed a man, is revealed to be running the inn, eating human flesh in the kitchen.
Xie Lian finds Guzi, who is safe but has a fever, locked in a firewood shed by Qi Rong.
As the chaos in the inn escalates, Fu Yao appears, chasing Lan Chang and the fetus spirit.
The fetus spirit attacks Fu Yao, and he and Xie Lian work together to fight it off.
Xie Lian confronts Qi Rong about Guzi’s fate and nearly kills him in anger, but Qi Rong reveals Guzi is unharmed.
Hua Cheng collapses the illusory inn with his powers, revealing it to be a simple cottage, and the mob is knocked out by the falling roof.
Feng Xin contacts Xie Lian through the spiritual array, informing him that the Upper Court is in chaos due to Ling Wen’s betrayal and Mu Qing’s escape.
Feng Xin explains that Mu Qing is being accused of creating the fetus spirit, and that the scar on his arm matches a bite from the fetus spirit.
Fu Yao overhears Xie Lian’s conversation and questions him, suspecting something is wrong.
Chapter 75: Sharp-Tongued with Pointed Teeth, Winds Devoured and Arrow Shredded
Xie Lian asks Fu Yao for any verbal password to contact the heavens, but Fu Yao refuses, stating everyone is too busy to help.
Hua Cheng informs Xie Lian that Guzi hasn’t eaten in two days and has a high fever, prompting Xie Lian to angrily confront Qi Rong about his neglect.
Lan Chang, despite her injuries, offers to help Guzi by cooling his fever with her ghostly powers, while Fu Yao prepares to leave with the captured fetus spirit.
Xie Lian quickly restrains Fu Yao, stating he knows Mu Qing is in trouble and wants to help him investigate to clear his name.
Fu Yao is enraged, accusing Xie Lian of wanting to mock Mu Qing, but Xie Lian insists that despite Mu Qing’s flaws, he has principles and wouldn’t commit the crime he’s accused of.
Fu Yao is skeptical and accuses Xie Lian of holding a grudge, but Hua Cheng defends Xie Lian, stating Mu Qing is ungrateful and should solve his problems alone.
Qi Rong interrupts the conversation by recognizing Lan Chang as Jian Lan, a former noblewoman from Xianle who was once considered for Xie Lian’s consort.
Jian Lan, ashamed of her past, refuses to acknowledge her former identity and angrily rejects Qi Rong’s taunts about her fall from grace.
Qi Rong insults Jian Lan, insinuating her child is the product of her time in a brothel, leading Jian Lan to slap him multiple times in fury.
Jian Lan and Qi Rong begin to brawl, with Jian Lan mercilessly beating Qi Rong while Xie Lian and Fu Yao ignore his pleas for help.
A sudden crack of thunder signals the arrival of Feng Xin, who tracked Xie Lian’s location and is surprised to find him holding Fu Yao and Hua Cheng in the form of a child.
Feng Xin is confused by Hua Cheng’s presence, but Xie Lian deflects, jokingly calling Hua Cheng his future son.
As Lan Chang tries to escape, Feng Xin shoots an arrow at her, prompting the fetus spirit, named Cuocuo, to break free from its bindings and attack.
Feng Xin shoots the fetus spirit, but Jian Lan desperately tries to save her child, though she is thrown back by the arrow’s power.
Feng Xin recognizes Jian Lan as someone from his past, and when he confronts her, she angrily denies her identity, accusing him of humiliating her by acknowledging her current state.
Qi Rong laughs hysterically, mocking Feng Xin, but Jian Lan shuts him up by stomping on him in rage.
As the fetus spirit attacks Feng Xin and bites his arm, the group realizes a shocking truth: the fetus spirit is Feng Xin's biological child with Jian Lan.
Chapter 76: I Decided the Path I Walk
Jian Lan denies that the fetus spirit is Feng Xin's child, but her evasiveness only deepens the suspicion.
Feng Xin is confused and conflicted about the situation, unsure how to respond to the fetus spirit's hostility.
Jian Lan tries to deflect the issue, claiming the child has nothing to do with Feng Xin, but her actions only fuel more doubts.
Qi Rong mocks Feng Xin's situation, claiming that the Nan Yang martial god's own son has become a ghost, but is silenced by Xie Lian and Jian Lan's physical retaliation.
Guzi wakes up and tries to protect Qi Rong, which stops Jian Lan from continuing her assault on Qi Rong.
Jian Lan flees with the fetus spirit, while Qi Rong escapes using Guzi as a shield to prevent Xie Lian from stopping him.
Feng Xin suffers from a severe emotional and physical toll, with the fetus spirit attacking him viciously before Jian Lan calls it off.
Xie Lian checks on Feng Xin's injuries, but Feng Xin is overwhelmed with emotions and lashes out, refusing to discuss Jian Lan and her child.
Fu Yao, initially restrained by Xie Lian, is eventually released. He asserts that his general tried to save the fetus spirit, but things spiraled out of control.
Feng Xin leaves, emotionally distraught, with Xie Lian noting that the Upper Court’s situation is worsening.
Fu Yao decides to pursue the fetus spirit, heading toward Mount Tonglu to capture it.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng finally find an inn to rest, and Xie Lian reflects on his past with Feng Xin, revealing that during his first banishment, he had pawned off many of his belongings, including a golden belt, to support Feng Xin.
Xie Lian expresses guilt for potentially contributing to Feng Xin's hardships, especially his possible loss of Jian Lan.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that Feng Xin's romantic misfortunes are not his fault, and the two share a lighthearted moment.
Their conversation is interrupted when Jun Wu unexpectedly appears in their room without them noticing.
Jun Wu explains that he has descended because of the dire situation in the Upper Court and proposes a drastic solution to infiltrate the gathering of ghosts at Mount Tonglu.
He reveals his plan to personally infiltrate Mount Tonglu and eliminate the strongest candidates to prevent a new ghost king from emerging.
Jun Wu asks Xie Lian to temporarily take over his duties in the Upper Court, which Xie Lian strongly protests, feeling unqualified for such a task.
Hua Cheng interjects, hinting that there may be another solution to the crisis at Mount Tonglu that doesn’t require Jun Wu’s direct involvement.
Chapter 77: Gates Open to Mount Tonglu, the Mass Gathering of Ghosts
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng begin their journey to Mount Tonglu, walking hand-in-hand through forests filled with bizarre creatures.
Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian to avoid Jun Wu, as his tasks always bring trouble, but Xie Lian assures him that this mission was not assigned by Jun Wu.
Xie Lian expresses concern over Hua Cheng accompanying him, but Hua Cheng reassures him that he is not forcing himself.
They continue their journey, encountering a growing crowd of ghosts and nefarious creatures heading to Mount Tonglu, some chanting in eager anticipation of becoming a ghost king.
Hua Cheng explains that groups may form alliances to survive Mount Tonglu’s trials, but betrayal is inevitable as strength increases with each kill.
As they approach Mount Tonglu, Hua Cheng disguises Xie Lian’s heavenly official scent by sharing his ghost scent through a touch.
The crowd of ghosts gets stuck at a steep bluff, unable to pass. Ghosts try to fly over or find a way around, but all attempts fail.
A ghost named Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade accuses Xie Lian and Hua Cheng of having a human scent, causing a commotion.
Xie Lian claims to be a Puppet Master, using Hua Cheng as his puppet to fool the crowd. The ghosts are impressed by Hua Cheng’s “realistic” appearance.
Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade brings out talismans to test if Xie Lian and Hua Cheng are human. Xie Lian successfully passes the test with Hua Cheng’s help.
The ghosts are about to settle down when Hua Cheng points out a cloaked figure who hasn’t removed their disguise. The figure removes the cloak, revealing an ordinary face, but Xie Lian suspects it’s a fake.
Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade suddenly collapses with a sword wound, confirming the presence of a heavenly official. The crowd erupts in chaos, suspecting each other.
The talismans on the ghosts’ foreheads explode, killing hundreds of nefarious creatures in a bloody massacre, leaving only a few survivors.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng realize they’ve unknowingly crossed the boundary into Mount Tonglu.
Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade is killed by a mysterious cloaked figure, who turns out to be Pei Ming in disguise.
Pei Ming reveals he was sent by Jun Wu to assist Xie Lian, though Hua Cheng points out that Pei Ming likely negotiated rewards for his help.
Xie Lian questions who attacked Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade earlier, as it wasn’t him or Pei Ming, raising suspicions of a third heavenly official’s presence.
They discover that Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade’s body has disappeared, and Hua Cheng warns that within Mount Tonglu, those who kill gain power. Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade had slaughtered nearly four hundred ghosts, making him extremely dangerous.
Chapter 78: Ambivalent Regrets, the Clear-Sighted General Snaps the Hateful Sword
Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and Pei Ming find themselves surrounded by corpses and black smoke as the path ahead reveals a black forest.
Hua Cheng is overheating, signaling that he is about to change back to his true form. Xie Lian sets up an array to shield Hua Cheng during his transformation, using Fangxin as the array’s lock.
Eming, Hua Cheng’s scimitar, appears shrunken in size, resembling a child, and eagerly offers itself to help but is rejected.
Pei Ming notices something odd and soon a bloodied cut appears on his cheek. He realizes that the attack is targeting him, not Xie Lian.
Pei Ming confronts the source of the attack: Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade, who returns to fight, even after being previously killed. The demon snaps Pei Ming's sword with his bare hands.
The fight between Pei Ming and the Swift-Blade demon continues, but the demon knows Pei Ming’s sword techniques too well, putting Pei Ming at a disadvantage.
Xie Lian opens the array to let Pei Ming retreat. Pei Ming admits that the broken sword he was using is not his spiritual weapon but a regular one.
The Swift-Blade demon reveals his identity as Mingguang, Pei Ming’s former sword that Pei Ming broke centuries ago. This explains the demon's intimate knowledge of Pei Ming’s fighting style.
The battle continues as Mingguang targets the array's lock (Fangxin), with Xie Lian and Pei Ming struggling to protect it. Kemo, a massive ghostly brute, appears and inadvertently aids Mingguang in attacking Fangxin.
Xie Lian tricks Mingguang into using an offensive Banyue hand gesture toward Kemo, causing Kemo to angrily attack Mingguang instead.
Kemo and Mingguang briefly fight before Kemo recognizes Xie Lian and Pei Ming, leading to renewed attacks on Fangxin. Mingguang calls for Kemo’s help, and they break the array together.
Mingguang’s upper half and lower half reunite, and they begin coordinating attacks again. Xie Lian uses Eming to hold off Mingguang’s sword, which continues to grow in size with each word of praise from Xie Lian.
Mingguang’s spiritual power increases, and Eming struggles against him. Pei Ming helps out by using Eming in a unique way to make it grow even longer.
Pei Ming breaks Mingguang’s sword again, successfully disarming him.
Banyue and Pei Xiu arrive to help, each assisting in the fight against Mingguang and Kemo. Banyue uses scorpion-snakes to overwhelm Kemo.
Pei Ming confronts Mingguang, realizing that he’s not the real Mingguang but Rong Guang, Pei Ming’s former deputy general. Rong Guang had used Pei Ming’s name to attempt a revolt centuries ago.
Pei Ming tells the story of his past, explaining how Rong Guang had led a failed rebellion in his name, and Pei Ming snapped his sword, Mingguang, to stop the insurrection.
Xie Lian reflects on how Pei Ming’s loyalty to his kingdom led to his final battle and eventual ascension.
Chapter 79: Panic Left and Right, East or West Road Undecided
Pei Xiu explains that Pei Ming both won and lost in his rebellion; he slaughtered his insurgent comrades, many of whom were longtime subordinates, and was later charged with treason by the King of Xuli.
Rong Guang’s resentment possessed the blood-soaked, broken sword, enabling his survival as a ghost.
Pei Ming suspects the ghost is Rong Guang, his former deputy general, not just the sword itself.
Xie Lian, Pei Ming, Hua Cheng (still unconscious), Banyue, and Pei Xiu continue their journey deeper into Mount Tonglu, avoiding minor ghosts along the way.
After emerging from the forest and entering the second layer, they encounter remnants of a ghost town, with signs of habitation like blackened, broken houses.
The group decides to rest at a fork in the road; Pei Xiu needs rest as he’s now mortal. Xie Lian takes care of Hua Cheng, who begins to cool down from his transformation.
Pei Ming teases Banyue about not knowing how to cook, but Xie Lian helps her prepare a meal.
While waiting for the food to cook, Pei Ming asks Xie Lian why he hasn’t asked the Emperor to remove his cursed shackles, and Xie Lian deflects by asking why Pei Ming never forged a new spiritual sword after breaking Mingguang.
Hua Cheng wakes up, now appearing as a teenager. He warns the group of something approaching from the east, prompting them to flee westward despite a large group of creatures heading their way.
Pei Xiu, returning from scouting, reports hearing over 500 ghosts approaching, but the group doesn’t encounter them. Instead, they find a field of corpses, all killed by a single entity.
A skull reveals that over a thousand ghosts were killed by a man in black to the west, and over two thousand were killed by a man in white to the east, making both directions dangerous.
The group continues west, avoiding the killer. They discover more ruins, now recognizing that these structures belonged to the long-lost Kingdom of Wuyong.
They rest by a well in a deserted town, and Banyue serves the group her cooking. Hua Cheng gamely eats it, while Pei Ming and Pei Xiu express mixed reactions.
Hua Cheng explains that Mount Tonglu’s territory was once inhabited by the people of Wuyong, a kingdom that disappeared over two thousand years ago.
Xie Lian recalls hearing about the "Crown Prince of Wuyong" from his state preceptor in his youth, who told him a story of a beloved prince who never ascended.
The group discovers large ox hoof prints, revealing that Lord Rain Master’s Guardian Steed fought a powerful enemy.
They reach a holy temple of Wuyong, and Hua Cheng reads ancient inscriptions on the temple, mentioning the "Eminent Crown Prince" of Wuyong.
Xie Lian realizes that the temple’s walls were burned, likely by the people of Wuyong themselves, who also slashed at the temple’s inscriptions.
Pei Ming gets bitten by one of Banyue’s scorpion-snakes, leading to some comedic exchanges.
Xie Lian discovers a face on the blackened temple wall, indicating there may still be something left of the ancient murals.
Chapter 80: Four Heavenly Kings Hidden on Darkened Walls
Xie Lian begins to uncover a face hidden beneath the charred walls of the temple. He speculates that uncovering these murals might reveal the origins of ghost kings and the forces behind them.
With the help of Hua Cheng's silver butterflies, the black layer covering the walls is chipped away, revealing a vibrant, colorful mural beneath.
The mural shows four levels: the heavens, a single figure (presumably the Crown Prince of Wuyong), four smaller heavenly officials, and countless people below them.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng deduce that the four figures on the third level must be heavenly officials appointed by the Crown Prince after his ascension.
Xie Lian believes this mural is relatively recent, painted within the last hundred years, despite the ancient setting.
The group wonders who could have left the mural and what message it was meant to convey.
Xie Lian decides to check more holy temples on their journey, convinced this mural is part of a larger story.
Pei Ming, who had gone outside earlier, is found missing. Hua Cheng uses a silver butterfly to monitor his movements.
They overhear Pei Ming and Ling Wen talking. Ling Wen (in his male form) and Pei Ming are trapped together by an unknown force.
Ling Wen warns Pei Ming that his actions have angered the Brocade Immortal (still attached to him) and blames himself for coming to Mount Tonglu willingly.
Xie Lian realizes that both Pei Ming and Ling Wen are trapped underground, possibly in a spacious area near water, based on the echoes and sounds they hear.
Ling Wen recounts being ambushed after a brief clash with Lord Rain Master and warns Pei Ming not to reveal his identity.
Their conversation is interrupted by a mysterious third voice, accusing Pei Ming and Ling Wen of hiding their true selves.
Chapter 81: Why Not Xuli, Why Not Jing Wen
Xie Lian overhears Pei Ming and Ling Wen encountering a mysterious man, who reveals himself as Jing Wen-zhenjun, the former top-ranking civil god and Ling Wen’s former superior.
Jing Wen has a grudge against Ling Wen for surpassing him in rank and for supposedly sabotaging his temples and reputation, blaming her for his decline.
Pei Xiu explains that Jing Wen was the one who first appointed Ling Wen to the heavens when she was a mortal, and their relationship became strained over time.
Hua Cheng recounts that Ling Wen (as Nangong Jie) won a contest with her essay "Need Not Xuli," which upset Jing Wen, who had entered the contest under a false name.
Ling Wen reveals that Jing Wen mistreated her after appointing her, making her run errands and refusing to promote her despite her hard work.
Jing Wen accuses Ling Wen of being unworthy because she is a woman, and they argue over their respective successes, with Ling Wen claiming her Palace of Ling Wen far surpassed Jing Wen's at its peak.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng attempt to find Pei Ming and Ling Wen by smashing the ground, eventually locating them in an underground cave where Jing Wen has possessed a statue of a eunuch slave.
Ling Wen breaks free from her restraints and destroys Jing Wen’s possessed statue, revealing that he has no power left.
Despite Jing Wen’s defeat, Ling Wen's Brocade Immortal (the cursed spirit in Ling Wen’s possession) continues to seek revenge, targeting Pei Ming.
Xie Lian and Pei Ming attempt to escape, but Ling Wen pursues them under the control of the Brocade Immortal.
They accidentally fall into a trap set by minor ghosts, but Ling Wen’s ghost fires threaten to destroy them.
Just as things seem dire, a whirlwind blows away the minor ghosts, and a mysterious blood rain begins to fall.
Xie Lian realizes the bloody rain has turned into flower petals, signaling Hua Cheng’s return.
Hua Cheng, now fully recovered and wielding his silver scimitar, rescues Xie Lian and announces his arrival.
Chapter 82: A Long Way to Travel, Blocked on Narrow Road
Xie Lian is relieved to see Hua Cheng and approaches him while holding back the urge to brush off flower petals on his shoulders. Hua Cheng explains he transformed blood rain into flower petals to avoid drenching Xie Lian.
Pei Ming, still trapped in the net, asks to be released, and Hua Cheng sends silver butterflies to free him.
Xie Lian confirms Ling Wen and the Brocade Immortal are subdued but unharmed, and Hua Cheng mentions that the Brocade Immortal did not want to fight him.
Pei Ming attempts to remove Ling Wen's robe but is injured by the Brocade Immortal’s defenses. Hua Cheng explains that the robe won’t let go of Ling Wen.
Pei Ming carries Ling Wen as they return to the town where Pei Xiu and Banyue are waiting. They discover the mural in the holy temple of Wuyong has vanished, as if it never existed.
Xie Lian concludes the mural was created by magic and suspects the creator feared discovery.
The group leaves the town, continuing their journey toward the Kiln of Mount Tonglu. Ling Wen regains consciousness but remains immobilized by a silver butterfly.
The group reaches a narrow valley with steep mountain bluffs on either side, where they find another holy Wuyong temple, suspiciously positioned in the middle of the path.
Inside the temple, they discover a new mural depicting the Crown Prince of Wuyong in meditation, surrounded by his four guardian deputies. Below him, the Mortal Realm is shown engulfed in flames and lava, hinting at a volcanic disaster.
Xie Lian realizes this is likely a prophetic dream the Crown Prince had before the fall of Wuyong, showing a volcanic eruption destroying the kingdom.
The mountain bluffs outside start moving, closing in on the temple. The group flees, breaking through walls as falling rocks and boulders rain down from above.
Hua Cheng casually follows with a red umbrella, protecting Xie Lian from the falling debris. Xie Lian thanks him, while the others complain about their lack of umbrellas.
Hua Cheng explains the mountains closing in are spiritual entities known as Old Age, Sickness, and Death, landmarks of Mount Tonglu that can move at will.
As the space narrows dangerously, Pei Ming wedges himself between the mountains to hold them back, with Pei Xiu and Banyue assisting by using their spiritual power.
Xie Lian comes up with the idea to dig downward to escape the collapsing mountains. He begins digging with Fangxin, while Hua Cheng reassures him that help is on the way.
The Earth Master Shovel suddenly appears, digging a hole for the group to escape. Xie Lian throws everyone down the hole as the mountains finally crush the temple above.
In the underground tunnel, Xie Lian mistakenly assumes the black-clad man wielding the shovel is Black Water, but Hua Cheng corrects him, revealing the man is Yin Yu, a former heavenly official.
The group continues following Yin Yu, who digs a path upward. As they emerge, they find themselves in a massive underground cave with multiple tunnels leading in different directions.
Xie Lian realizes they are lost in a labyrinth of caves. They choose a tunnel to explore, but soon discover that the rest of their group has mysteriously vanished, leaving only Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.
Chapter 83: Same Grave in Life, No Resting in Peace in the Earth
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng retrace their steps to find Pei Ming and the others but are blocked by a new stone wall that wasn’t there before.
Hua Cheng confirms the wall is real, not an illusion. They consider breaking through it.
Hua Cheng ties a red string connecting his finger to Xie Lian’s as a precaution, ensuring they remain linked and can find each other if separated.
They hear distant sounds of someone punching the mountain, suggesting the presence of a martial god.
Following the sound, they discover a scorpion-snake stuck in a wall and later find a half-bodied man embedded in the stone, still breathing but without a lower body.
Xie Lian realizes Hua Cheng is missing, but the red string connecting them remains unbroken. He follows the string and is swallowed by the mountain spirit.
Inside the mountain, Xie Lian finds Hua Cheng. Both had entered the mountain spirit’s "stomach" while searching for each other.
Hua Cheng explains that the mountain spirit is attempting to digest them, but they will eventually escape.
They deduce that the half-bodied man outside is likely Qi Ying, who was also partially swallowed by the mountain spirit.
Hua Cheng sends a silver butterfly to check on Qi Ying, who is alive but asleep.
Through Hua Cheng’s silver butterfly, Xie Lian sees a black figure approaching Qi Ying, which turns out to be Yin Yu.
Chapter 84: The Jade Refuses to Be a Thrown-Away Brick
Yin Yu appears, wielding the Earth Master Shovel, and sees Quan Yizhen stuck in the wall.
Quan Yizhen tries to free himself but gets further swallowed by the mountain spirit, leaving only his head exposed.
Yin Yu is hesitant but approaches Quan Yizhen with the shovel, looking like he's about to harm him.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss whether Yin Yu intends to kill Quan Yizhen, with Hua Cheng noting that Yin Yu's intent to kill isn’t strong enough yet.
A flashback shows a younger Yin Yu and Quan Yizhen’s first encounter, where a young Quan Yizhen disrupts training by throwing mud and stones at disciples.
Yin Yu, showing patience, tries to deal with the wild child, eventually offering to train him.
Yin Yu reprimands the other disciples, explaining that Quan Yizhen is talented but misunderstood, urging them to work harder rather than envy him.
In the present, Yin Yu hesitates to hurt Quan Yizhen, and instead swings the shovel, stunning but not killing him.
Another flashback reveals the tensions between Yin Yu and Quan Yizhen as they grew older, with Yin Yu often defending Quan Yizhen from the frustrations of other disciples.
The narrative shifts to a scene in Heaven where Yin Yu is overshadowed by Quan Yizhen's growing fame and influence after his ascension.
Yin Yu is mistaken for Quan Yizhen at a formal banquet, causing public embarrassment and further fueling his resentment.
Jian Yu, Yin Yu’s subordinate, voices his anger over how Quan Yizhen receives favoritism and benefits, while Yin Yu feels trapped and unable to compete.
Yin Yu becomes more bitter, especially when Quan Yizhen innocently continues to show up, asking for help and birthday presents, completely oblivious to Yin Yu’s growing resentment.
In a moment of anger, Yin Yu unknowingly gives Quan Yizhen a cursed object (the Brocade Immortal), which causes Quan Yizhen to become even more powerful and dangerous.
Yin Yu struggles to retrieve the cursed armor but fails as the situation spirals out of control.
Quan Yizhen, under the influence of the Brocade Immortal, fights multiple martial gods, wreaking havoc in Heaven.
Yin Yu commands Quan Yizhen to stop, inadvertently telling him to "go die" in a fit of frustration, which Quan Yizhen attempts to do, almost killing himself.
Jun Wu intervenes, subduing Quan Yizhen and demanding an explanation from Yin Yu.
Yin Yu is overwhelmed by guilt and despair, while Jian Yu confesses his part in the Brocade Immortal incident, trying to take the blame.
Yin Yu is ultimately condemned for the events, and both he and Jian Yu are bound and taken away.
A flashback reveals that Yin Yu’s frustrations stem from feeling inadequate compared to Quan Yizhen despite his hard work and talent, leading to his tragic downfall.
In the present, Yin Yu digs Quan Yizhen out of the wall but knocks him unconscious with the shovel.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, still trapped, overhear a mysterious voice on the other side of the wall that Xie Lian recognizes as his old State Preceptor, discussing the Crown Prince’s fate and suggesting that Xie Lian is beyond saving.
Chapter 85: Riddle of the Mysterious State Preceptor Confounds Minds
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng eavesdrop on a mysterious voice that sounds like Xie Lian’s former state preceptor.
The voice refers to "the other two" and mentions bringing them to the Kiln within two days, intending to "take care" of them.
Xie Lian suspects the state preceptor is talking to the mountain spirit itself, rather than a person.
The state preceptor expresses concern about "the Crown Prince" awakening, leaving Xie Lian confused, as it could refer to him or the Crown Prince of Wuyong.
Explosions and tremors rock the mountain as Yin Yu digs Quan Yizhen out of the wall.
Quan Yizhen, pretending to be unconscious, tricks Yin Yu and reveals he knew Yin Yu’s identity all along.
Yin Yu panics and tries to flee while Quan Yizhen excitedly pursues him.
The mountain spirit, under the command of the state preceptor, starts running, heading toward the Kiln at incredible speed.
Xie Lian realizes that the mountain spirit is transporting them to the Kiln and that the state preceptor's conversation was one-sided because he was speaking to the mountain.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng blow their way out of the mountain, but the state preceptor is gone.
Yin Yu catches up to them, grateful to be saved, and they see the mountain spirit running at high speed.
They deduce that the state preceptor is commanding the mountain to deliver them to the Kiln, and they have two days to figure things out.
Xie Lian is troubled by the mention of "awakening" and wonders if the state preceptor's talk about the Crown Prince refers to him or the Crown Prince of Wuyong.
Xie Lian speculates that the state preceptor might be connected to the four mountain spirits of Old Age, Sickness, Death, and possibly Birth.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that he is not someone else and that they will face whatever comes together.
They regroup with Pei Ming, Pei Xiu, and Banyue, who were also spat out by the mountain spirit.
Ling Wen and the Brocade Immortal are still missing, prompting a search.
The group sees that the mountain spirit is running toward the Kiln, saving them time but leading them straight into danger.
They stop near the ruins of a buried Wuyong city, where Hua Cheng reveals that the city was buried in volcanic ash during the fall of Wuyong.
The group descends into the city, and Hua Cheng reveals the red string connecting him and Xie Lian is hidden but still intact.
Xie Lian is comforted by the fact that the string remains and they can sense each other's safety.
As they explore the city, Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng not to take unnecessary risks, and Hua Cheng agrees.
Pei Ming and Banyue discover something strange, leading the group to investigate.
Chapter 86: Saint Born Under the Ominous Star
Pei Ming and the group enter a residence in search of water and discover a well surrounded by stone statues of people who had perished from volcanic ash.
Xie Lian notices that the statues resemble people rather than sculptures, frozen in their last moments of life.
He deduces that the volcanic ash suffocated and preserved these people, forming stone shells around their decayed bodies.
Inside the house, Xie Lian finds a family of three—parents clutching their child, all turned to ash statues. He is puzzled by their hand positions, as if they are holding something.
Hua Cheng breaks apart the statues, revealing that the remains have rotted away, but the jewelry and other belongings remain intact.
Xie Lian finds three identical pendants in the ash, each engraved with a celestial drawing of the "Ominous Star"—a bad omen. Hua Cheng explains that the Crown Prince of Wuyong was born under this celestial phase.
Xie Lian realizes the coincidence that he, too, was born under the same star, which unsettles him.
The group moves on to the Holy Temple of Wuyong, where they encounter three murals depicting key events in the Crown Prince’s life.
The first mural shows the Crown Prince of Wuyong warning his court about a volcanic eruption, rejecting the idea of expanding territory to save the kingdom.
The second mural depicts a bloody battle, with the Wuyong soldiers ravaging other nations. The Crown Prince is shown halting their violence, enraged by their actions.
Pei Ming remarks that this would have caused tension, as soldiers would likely resent a leader who stops them from winning battles.
The third mural reveals the Crown Prince’s solution: building a massive bridge connecting the heavens to bring his people to safety in the Heavenly Realm.
Hua Cheng explains that this was akin to appointing a large number of mortals to the heavens temporarily, but Pei Ming questions the feasibility due to the immense spiritual power required.
Xie Lian grows increasingly disturbed, recognizing similarities between himself and the Crown Prince of Wuyong, along with their shared connection to the Ominous Star.
They leave the temple to search for Yin Yu, who hasn’t returned from finding water. Xie Lian picks up an antique jar to collect water.
As they reach a subterranean stream, Xie Lian prepares to drink from the jar but is warned by Hua Cheng not to.
A creature hiding in the jar lunges at Xie Lian, who throws the jar, breaking the ancient artifact.
Strange voices emerge from the darkness, calling out in pain, repeating phrases like "so hot" and "save me." Xie Lian is alarmed, thinking they are calling for him.
Hua Cheng reveals that the area is infested with corpse-eating rats that have consumed the decayed bodies of the Wuyong people, gaining the ability to speak with human voices.
Xie Lian realizes that the rats are repeating the final words of the people they consumed, but is confused when he can understand them.
Xie Lian becomes alarmed when he realizes the rats should be speaking the Wuyong language, yet he can understand them perfectly.
Chapter 87: Jealous Ghost King, Three Questions on Where the Friendship Lies
Hua Cheng repeats the words of the corpse-eating rats, but Xie Lian cannot understand them when spoken by Hua Cheng, despite understanding them earlier.
Hua Cheng explains that Xie Lian had understood the emotions of the dead rather than the language itself, implying someone had transferred these memories and emotions into Xie Lian.
Hua Cheng suggests that someone from Xie Lian’s past who met specific criteria—absolute trust and power over him—could have passed these memories. He asks Xie Lian to think of candidates.
Xie Lian identifies three potential candidates: his master, Jun Wu, and White No-Face. Each of them could have fit the conditions for such a transfer.
Xie Lian admits that he fears White No-Face deeply but kept this fear hidden from others during the past.
Hua Cheng comforts Xie Lian, stating that fear is necessary for courage.
Xie Lian mentions a fourth person he trusts the most but insists this person has nothing to do with the memories of the dead.
Hua Cheng, curious, asks who this fourth person is, but Xie Lian hesitates to reveal it, feeling embarrassed.
Hua Cheng’s demeanor becomes a bit odd and distant, prompting Xie Lian to wonder if he should reveal the person.
The silver butterflies return after a fierce battle with the corpse-eating rats, and Xie Lian thanks them, causing them to swarm him excitedly.
Hua Cheng calms the butterflies, and the two continue searching for Yin Yu.
Hua Cheng, still curious, asks if the fourth person is Feng Xin or Mu Qing, which Xie Lian quickly denies.
Before Xie Lian can reveal the identity of the person he trusts the most, the scout butterflies' light disappears, and darkness envelops them.
Hua Cheng and Xie Lian hide as a strange dragging sound approaches.
They spot Xuan Ji, the ghost bride, in wedding robes, holding Guzi, a living child, as she drags herself through the streets of the underground city.
Chapter 88: Ghost Fire Top, the Unlocking Incantation
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng spot Xuan Ji carrying Guzi, who complains about feeling sick after drinking the water.
Xuan Ji brings Guzi back to a large house, where Qi Rong is lounging, surrounded by stone statues and hostages, including Yin Yu.
Qi Rong has placed green ghost fires over his captives’ heads, using a Ghost Fire Lock to prevent their escape.
Qi Rong is eating a human arm when Guzi accuses him of eating "bad things" again, annoying Qi Rong.
Xuan Ji complains about having to take care of Guzi, but Qi Rong insists on keeping him around to fatten him up for later consumption.
Qi Rong reveals that Yin Yu told him he’s a servant of Yushi Huang (the Rain Master), but Xuan Ji remains suspicious of Yin Yu’s ghostly aura.
Qi Rong rants about his plans to cultivate power at the Kiln and become stronger than the other ghost kings and heavenly officials.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng decide to trick Qi Rong into revealing the unlocking incantation for the Ghost Fire Locks using Guzi.
Guzi, coached by Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, asks Qi Rong if the ghost fires can be removed. Qi Rong brags about his ability to lock and unlock them at will.
Qi Rong curses Xie Lian, unknowingly revealing that cursing him is the unlocking incantation.
Xuan Ji becomes suspicious after hearing Pei Ming’s voice (manipulated by Hua Cheng) and rushes out, distracted by jealousy.
Guzi successfully tricks Qi Rong into demonstrating the unlocking incantation by cursing Xie Lian.
Xie Lian tries to use the incantation himself but fails because Qi Rong must say it for the Ghost Fire Locks to be removed.
Qi Rong, in his arrogance, accidentally curses himself, releasing Yin Yu and the farmers.
Hua Cheng punches Qi Rong into the ground, subduing him completely, and Yin Yu captures him as a green budaoweng.
After dealing with Qi Rong, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian realize something might be happening at the holy temple and rush back.
Chapter 89: Resentful Female Ghost, Flames of Jealousy Burn the Affection
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng overhear Pei Ming's voice through a silver butterfly as Xuan Ji approaches, laughing maniacally.
Xuan Ji, having figured out she was tricked, backtracks to find Pei Ming instead of returning to Qi Rong.
Pei Ming initially doesn't recognize Xuan Ji, enraging her further, believing he’s trying to insult her.
Xuan Ji accuses Pei Ming of having a new lover when she sees Banyue, making both Banyue and Pei Ming confused.
Xuan Ji attempts to attack the group but is repelled by Ruoye’s protection circle, leading her to topple the Wuyong holy temple, causing a collapse.
Pei Ming protects Pei Xiu and Banyue from the falling debris but is then stabbed by Rong Guang, who had escaped from a shattered ghost-sealing pot.
Xuan Ji, now inside the protection circle, tries to strangle Pei Ming while Banyue intervenes to protect him.
Pei Ming denies having any romantic relationship with Banyue, but Xuan Ji, consumed by jealousy, refuses to believe him.
Xuan Ji grows increasingly violent, threatening Pei Ming, who tries to reason with her, but she pushes Rong Guang's sword deeper into Pei Ming's chest.
Xuan Ji demands Pei Ming swear eternal loyalty to her, but Pei Ming refuses, cursing his fate to die at the hands of a “nutty ghost woman.”
Just as Xie Lian prepares to intervene, Hua Cheng stops him, saying help is on the way.
Xuan Ji freezes as a woman riding a black ox, the current Rain Master (Yushi Huang), arrives, stopping Xuan Ji’s attack.
Pei Ming, surprised, recognizes her as Queen Yushi, the last ruler of the Kingdom of Yushi and the current Rain Master.
Chapter 90: The Last Princess, Throat Slit Before the Palace Gates
Xuan Ji is paralyzed by the power of the Yulong sword, which the Rain Master wields, as it forces obedience from traitors of Yushi like Xuan Ji.
Rong Guang tries to stab Pei Ming again, but Hua Cheng uses his powers to shrink the Mingguang sword, rendering it useless.
The Rain Master advises Xuan Ji to let go of her hatred and obsession, but Xuan Ji refuses and berates her, accusing her of unrightfully becoming queen.
Banyue seizes the moment and traps Xuan Ji in a ghost-sealing pot, effectively ending her threat.
Xie Lian checks on Pei Ming, who is wounded but not fatally. Pei Ming jokes with Xie Lian about how long they had been watching.
Pei Ming expresses concern about the strength of the seal on the Mingguang sword, and Hua Cheng assures him it’s secure unless activated with intent.
The farmers who had been saved from Qi Rong rush to thank the Rain Master for her assistance.
Xie Lian exchanges formalities with the Rain Master, recalling how she helped him during Xianle’s drought.
Rong Guang, unsealed for a moment, mocks Pei Ming for needing to be saved by a woman, but Xie Lian quickly reseals his mouth to avoid further commentary.
The group prepares to ascend Mount Tonglu, and Pei Ming treats his wounds while the Rain Master plants crops to feed everyone, showcasing her control over agriculture.
Guzi wakes up and cries for Qi Rong, now trapped in a budaoweng, but calms down after receiving the figurine.
The Rain Master warns Xie Lian about a dangerous young man wrapped in bandages she encountered on her way, but the identity of this figure remains unclear.
Pei Ming refuses the Rain Master’s offer to lend him her sacred Yulong sword, likely out of pride and embarrassment.
Hua Cheng sets up hammocks for himself and Xie Lian to rest, and they discuss why Pei Ming might have declined the Rain Master’s offer.
Xie Lian notices a scar on the Rain Master’s neck, leading Hua Cheng to explain her backstory.
The Rain Master was an overlooked princess of Yushi, sent to cultivate at the Temple of Yulong. During Xuli’s invasion, her siblings squabbled over how to avoid taking responsibility for defending the kingdom.
The Rain Master requested to succeed the throne and sacrificed herself by slitting her own throat to save her people, leading to her ascension as the Rain Master.
Pei Ming had once helped her down from a roof during a visit to the temple, but he quickly forgot her among many other women.
Xie Lian realizes why Pei Ming reacted so awkwardly when offered the sacred Yulong sword, due to the guilt and history between him and the Rain Master.
Chapter 91: Ride the Black Ox, Flying Hooves on Mount Tonglu
Rong Guang mocks Pei Ming for being too afraid to accept the Yulong sword from the Rain Master, thinking it would remind him of her sacrifice, but Xie Lian silences him with another talisman.
Pei Ming signals for everyone to get ready to continue their journey.
The Rain Master offers Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and Pei Ming a ride on her black ox to the foot of Mount Tonglu. The ox grows larger to accommodate them all.
Xie Lian learns that the black ox was originally a door knocker at the Temple of Yulong, absorbing human qi and ascending alongside the Rain Master.
During the ride, Pei Ming is humorously thrown off the ox several times, while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng remain comfortably seated.
They arrive at the foot of Mount Tonglu, which is now above ground, its city having resurfaced after numerous earthquakes.
Pei Ming notes that the tallest building is likely the palace or temple, but Hua Cheng corrects him, saying the temple is atop the mountain.
As they prepare to explore, a corpse-eating rat attacks the ox, and the Rain Master swiftly kills it with Yulong. The rat cries out for Xie Lian, but Hua Cheng silences it, preventing Xie Lian from hearing more distressing voices.
Thousands of corpse-eating rats swarm them, drawn to the Rain Master. She mounts the ox and leads the rats away, scattering rice to keep them occupied.
Pei Ming insists on helping the Rain Master, unwilling to let a woman handle the task alone, despite her clear competence. He leaves to chase after her.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng continue onward, finally reaching the red slopes of Mount Tonglu, where the trees are stained with blood and the smell of death lingers.
Inside the fourth Wuyong Temple, they find one intact mural, but the other two have been slashed and destroyed by an unknown person.
The remaining mural depicts a horrifying figure with three faces, suffering from the Human Face Disease, which shocks Xie Lian and brings back traumatic memories.
Hua Cheng comforts Xie Lian, urging him to think logically. They conclude that someone destroyed the previous murals, leaving this one either because it didn’t matter or because it was added afterward.
Hua Cheng suggests that the mural might be a lie, and all the murals they’ve seen could be fabrications.
Hua Cheng reveals a third possibility: the mural-destroyer might still be hiding in the temple with them right now, having been interrupted just before destroying the last mural.
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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 6
Chapter 92: Cave of Ten Thousand Gods—Faces of the Ten Thousand Gods Hidden
Hua Cheng suggests there might be someone hiding in the grand hall, making Xie Lian suspicious.
Xie Lian notices a stone statue with a half-crying, half-smiling face resembling White No-Face’s mask and attacks it, but after Hua Cheng reassembles the statue's fragments, the face appears normal, leaving Xie Lian confused.
They decide not to wait for Pei Ming and leave the temple, climbing Mount Tonglu on foot because flying is impossible.
As they ascend, the snow becomes deeper and the climb more difficult, with Xie Lian almost falling into a hidden hole, but Hua Cheng saves him.
While climbing, they hear loud arguing and see Nan Feng and Fu Yao fighting amidst the snow, shouting at each other.
Xie Lian tries to stop them, but before he can, they accidentally cause an avalanche.
Xie Lian rescues Nan Feng and Fu Yao using Ruoye, but he and the others are eventually caught in the avalanche, separating him from Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian digs himself out of the snow and, lost in the snowy landscape, calls out for Hua Cheng, Nan Feng, and Fu Yao but receives no response.
He encounters a man wearing a White No-Face mask in his dream and awakens in an unfamiliar cave.
Xie Lian finds a divine statue with a veiled face in the cave, which resembles a cultivation chamber. He’s about to uncover the statue's face when Hua Cheng arrives.
Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian not to touch the veils on the statues, suggesting it could lead to complications. They leave the chamber to explore.
As they explore, Xie Lian notices that all the statues have veiled faces, and he remarks that they don’t seem to depict the Crown Prince of Wuyong, as Hua Cheng suggested.
Xie Lian hears voices from another tunnel and insists on investigating despite Hua Cheng’s warnings.
Xie Lian finds Nan Feng and Fu Yao trapped at the bottom of a pit covered in spider silk. He attempts to help them but gets caught in the web as well.
The three of them are bound by the tough silk, and Fu Yao is frustrated, while Xie Lian finds the web ticklish, laughing uncontrollably.
Nan Feng and Fu Yao start arguing again, revealing personal grievances, including accusations about past behaviors involving loyalty and personal relationships.
Xie Lian, having already deduced Nan Feng and Fu Yao's true identities as Feng Xin and Mu Qing, politely turns away to avoid the awkwardness of their argument.
The two realize that Xie Lian has known their identities for a long time and confront him, with Mu Qing feeling embarrassed and betrayed that Xie Lian watched them act without saying anything.
Chapter 93: Cave of Ten Thousand Gods—Faces of the Ten Thousand Gods Revealed
Mu Qing confronts Xie Lian, accusing him of finding amusement in his situation, and lashes out in frustration.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing argue, while Xie Lian tries to calm the situation and offers to free them from the silk bindings using his teeth.
Mu Qing refuses Xie Lian's help, causing more tension between the group.
Xie Lian reassures Mu Qing and Feng Xin that Hua Cheng will come to their aid because they are connected by a spiritual red string.
Hua Cheng arrives, saves Xie Lian, but initially ignores Mu Qing and Feng Xin, showing favoritism toward Xie Lian.
Feng Xin’s sword is retrieved, and Xie Lian awkwardly addresses the exposure of their identities, causing a brief silence.
The group explores a cave filled with divine statues covered by veils, leading to suspicions about the god being worshipped there.
Mu Qing attempts to remove a veil but is stopped by Hua Cheng, who warns of potential dangers in tampering with the statues.
The group continues their journey, with tension building between Mu Qing and Hua Cheng, especially regarding trust and authority.
A heated argument escalates, and Mu Qing and Feng Xin devise a plan to separate Xie Lian from Hua Cheng, suspecting something is wrong with him.
Mu Qing and Feng Xin drag Xie Lian away, blocking the passage behind them and accusing Hua Cheng of being suspicious, particularly noting a red coral pearl in his hair, which once belonged to Xie Lian.
Xie Lian is doubtful about their suspicions, believing Hua Cheng wouldn't do anything harmful to him.
Mu Qing reveals that he believes Hua Cheng harbors feelings for Xie Lian, citing his obsessive behavior and connection to the past.
The group encounters divine statues resembling Xie Lian, causing great unease.
They also uncover murals depicting Hua Cheng following Xie Lian throughout history, fueling their suspicions about Hua Cheng's intentions.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing criticize Hua Cheng’s obsessive behavior, accusing him of being fixated on Xie Lian for centuries.
Hua Cheng catches up with the group and confronts them, but is enraged by their accusations, leading to a brief but intense battle.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing are bound by white silk again, this time created by Hua Cheng’s wraith butterflies, confirming the connection between the silk and Hua Cheng’s powers.
Mu Qing reveals he expelled Hua Cheng from Xianle's army, further intensifying Hua Cheng’s hatred for him.
The battle ends with Feng Xin and Mu Qing being overpowered, and Hua Cheng expresses frustration with their insults.
As tensions rise, Xie Lian is paralyzed by a Command Talisman placed on him by Mu Qing to prevent him from siding with Hua Cheng.
Hua Cheng carries Xie Lian away, but struggles internally with the confrontation and Xie Lian’s perceived reaction to the revelations.
Despite the chaos, Xie Lian begins to understand the depth of Hua Cheng’s devotion, noting the murals and statues that reveal Hua Cheng’s lifelong admiration and obsession.
Xie Lian is eventually freed from the talisman, and when he sees Feng Xin and Mu Qing mortally wounded, he realizes they are impostors.
The real threat, White No-Face, is revealed as the one impersonating Feng Xin and Mu Qing, having manipulated the situation all along.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng escape and face the challenge of stopping White No-Face, who poses a significant danger due to his resurrection and newfound power.
Despite the looming danger, Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian of his loyalty, and the two deepen their understanding of each other, solidifying their bond.
The chapter ends with the revelation of Lang Ying's gruesome fate, pierced through by one of the Xie Lian statues, signaling White No-Face’s continued presence and malice.
Chapter 94: From the Sealed Kiln, One Supreme Shall Emerge
Lang Ying appears impaled on a sword in the Cave of Ten Thousand Gods.
Xie Lian hesitates to save him, realizing something is wrong.
"Lang Ying" is actually White No-Face in disguise, using the distraction to hide under the divine statue’s veil.
White No-Face reveals that he devoured Lang Ying’s spirit to recover his strength.
He fully transforms back into his own form, admitting he consumed Lang Ying.
White No-Face taunts Hua Cheng and Xie Lian, hinting at secrets behind Lang Ying’s motives.
Xie Lian, enraged by White No-Face's insinuations, destroys the sword of the God-Pleasing Crown Prince statue in anger.
White No-Face escapes, and Xie Lian apologizes to Hua Cheng for damaging the statue.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng rush to stop White No-Face from entering the Kiln.
As they ascend the mountain, an enormous avalanche occurs, but they push through.
They reach the Kiln’s mouth and see the volcano closing, indicating White No-Face has entered.
Hua Cheng explains that the Kiln will close early if an entrant has a high chance of breaking through, as happened with him.
Xie Lian decides to enter the Kiln to stop White No-Face, and Hua Cheng agrees to accompany him.
Before jumping into the Kiln, Hua Cheng passionately kisses Xie Lian, lending him spiritual power in case of emergency.
They jump into the Kiln together, but halfway down, Hua Cheng disappears from Xie Lian's grasp.
Xie Lian lands alone in the darkness of the Kiln and lights a palm torch to search for Hua Cheng.
He encounters White No-Face, who tells him they are alone inside the Kiln.
White No-Face reveals that he sent Hua Cheng outside the Kiln, leaving Xie Lian trapped with him.
White No-Face taunts Xie Lian, implying Hua Cheng might not want to be with him after seeing what Xie Lian will become.
Xie Lian attacks White No-Face in anger, but White No-Face easily dodges his strikes and mocks him.
White No-Face wounds Xie Lian, slamming him into the ground and taunting him further.
White No-Face reveals that he doesn't intend to emerge from the Kiln as a supreme ghost—he wants Xie Lian to.
He explains the "Third Path": Xie Lian could kill himself, become a supreme ghost, and defeat White No-Face to break through the Kiln.
Xie Lian is horrified, understanding that White No-Face has been manipulating him all along.
White No-Face presents Xie Lian with a crying-smiling mask, like the one he wears.
Xie Lian is terrified and tries to reject the mask, but White No-Face forces it onto his face.
Chapter 95: Penny for a Wandering Soul on Lantern Night
Xie Lian wakes up from a nightmare where his parents commit suicide, and he almost follows them but is haunted by White No-Face.
He realizes he’s lying on a straw mat, feeling the cursed shackle around his neck, a mark of his banishment, which seals his powers and prevents him from aging or dying.
Feng Xin brings breakfast, but Xie Lian refuses the bland, dry buns, still unaccustomed to mortal needs like eating.
Mu Qing reminds Xie Lian of a previous time he nearly fainted from not eating, pushing him to take food seriously, though Xie Lian deflects the tension between Feng Xin and Mu Qing.
The trio struggles to find work since Xie Lian’s identity must remain hidden. They observe buskers but dismiss busking as an option due to its degrading nature.
They hear rumors of soldiers searching for the remaining Xianle royals, leading them to rush back to their hidden cottage in a mountain forest where Xie Lian’s parents are hiding.
Xie Lian warns his mother about the smoke from her cooking attracting attention, prompting the decision to move again.
Xie Lian avoids seeing his father, not wanting to face the shame of their fallen statuses, but reassures his mother that they’ll move her and the king later that day.
The group tries to eat his mother’s poorly cooked congee, which Mu Qing describes as tasting like bran water.
They find temporary work filling in a muddy field, despite feeling the effects of the terrible food. After a grueling day, they feel demoralized by the pittance earned.
They witness a group of men hauling a stone statue of Xie Lian, now repurposed for stepping on as a “God of Misfortune” to guarantee good fortune. The trio is outraged, and Xie Lian attacks one of the men, sparking a fight.
After being chased off, Mu Qing complains about the lost earnings, leading to an argument with Feng Xin about enduring humiliations. Xie Lian quiets them, urging focus on the task of moving his parents.
Mu Qing announces his decision to leave, citing his responsibility to care for his own mother and differing opinions on their current situation. Xie Lian reluctantly lets him go.
As Mu Qing leaves, Feng Xin expresses his anger and vows never to abandon Xie Lian. Xie Lian tries to make peace with the departure, feeling shaken by the loss of a close companion.
While wandering by a river, Xie Lian sees lanterns floating for the Zhongyuan Festival, a reminder of the past festivals he used to enjoy.
Xie Lian encounters a shady old man selling ghost lanterns, which trap spirits. After scaring away two children, Xie Lian buys all the lanterns with his remaining money to release the trapped souls.
After releasing the ghosts, one spirit remains behind, recognizing Xie Lian. The spirit, a former Xianle soldier, reveals that he died in battle and wishes to protect his beloved, despite his death.
The nameless ghost refuses to move on, wanting to protect his beloved without revealing his presence. Touched by the ghost’s devotion, Xie Lian reflects on his own failures and loss of faith in himself.
The ghost declares his undying loyalty to Xie Lian, reminding him of the soldiers' old slogan that dying in battle for the crown prince is the greatest honor.
Overwhelmed, Xie Lian tries to push the ghost away, telling him that believing in him will only bring disaster. The ghost insists that he will never leave Xie Lian, but Xie Lian, broken by his experiences, no longer believes in anyone, especially himself.
Chapter 96: Hero Defeated by a Penny
Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and the king and queen flee to another city, where Xie Lian continues trying to earn money after Mu Qing’s departure.
Xie Lian struggles to keep track of their finances without Mu Qing, and the situation worsens with the queen's increasing involvement in household chores, including cooking and washing.
The queen's hands are injured from washing clothes, which Mu Qing used to do, and Xie Lian feels guilty for not taking better care of her.
The queen asks Xie Lian to get medicine, revealing the king is seriously ill and coughing up blood, which shocks Xie Lian.
Xie Lian decides to pawn his prized sword, Hongjing, to buy medicine for his father, despite Feng Xin’s protests.
They pawn the sword, purchase medicine, and Xie Lian begins cooking to spare his mother from the task, managing to make edible food.
The soldiers of Yong’an are tightening security in the city, and Xie Lian's family needs to flee again, but the king’s illness worsens, making it difficult for him to move.
Running out of money and resources, Xie Lian and Feng Xin consider busking despite previous reluctance.
Feng Xin starts busking with his archery skills, earning money, but a mishap occurs when he accidentally damages a brothel's property with an arrow, leading to a chase by angry brothel madams.
Xie Lian nearly gets dragged into the brothel as payment for the damages, but he and Feng Xin manage to escape after a chaotic chase through the city.
The duo moves to a different location to busk, earning enough money to cover food and medicine, but they attract the attention of local street performers, who challenge them for “stealing business.”
The street performers propose a competition involving shattering boulders on their chests to determine who stays. Xie Lian wins by stacking three slabs and having Feng Xin smash them with a hammer, impressing the crowd.
Despite Xie Lian’s victory, the street performer leader refuses to back down, stacking four slabs and injuring himself in the process. Xie Lian concedes, not wanting to cause further harm.
Xie Lian and Feng Xin abandon the area, realizing they can’t continue busking there. Back at the cottage, the queen informs them that the king’s condition has worsened, and they can’t move cities for the time being.
Xie Lian, out of resources and unsure how to proceed, leaves the cottage to "think of something," telling Feng Xin to stay behind and guard the cottage.
Chapter 97: Blocking the Mountain Path, Crown Prince Fails at Robbery
Xie Lian leaves Feng Xin behind, promising to think of a way to earn money, but instead heads to a remote mountain road, intending to steal from wealthy travelers to provide for his family.
After waiting in a tree for hours, Xie Lian struggles to attack the passersby because each traveler either seems too poor, too old, or too sympathetic.
Finally, a middle-aged, wealthy-looking man passes, and Xie Lian reluctantly decides to rob him. He leaps down, demands money, and scares the man, who flees into the woods screaming for help.
The man stumbles upon a group of heavenly officials in the woods—Xie Lian realizes in horror that he’s been caught trying to rob someone by other gods, some of whom recognize him.
The heavenly officials assume that Xie Lian is robbing due to desperate circumstances and assure him that they won’t tell anyone, leaving him humiliated and ashamed.
Devastated, Xie Lian returns home without having stolen anything. When Feng Xin asks what happened, Xie Lian refuses to explain and tells him he won’t go out busking anymore, fearing he might be recognized.
Overwhelmed by shame, Xie Lian’s mind spirals, fearing what the Upper Court and his parents would think if they knew about his failed robbery attempt.
In a panic, Xie Lian runs to a graveyard, where he finds two jugs of liquor left as offerings. He starts drinking heavily, hoping to warm himself and forget his shame.
A ghost fire, possibly the same one from before, appears and circles around Xie Lian anxiously, unable to touch him. Xie Lian, now tipsy and groggy, notices the ghost fire and finds it amusing in his drunken state, asking what it’s doing.
Chapter 98: Thirty-Three Heavenly Officials Fight Over Blessed Land
Xie Lian drunkenly stumbles into a graveyard, falls into an empty burial pit, and curses for the first time in his life out of frustration.
He struggles to climb out of the pit, finally does, but collapses outside from exhaustion, feeling cold and alone.
A small ghost fire tries to help Xie Lian by getting close, but it can't warm him.
Feng Xin finds Xie Lian after two days and reveals that Xie Lian was drunk, smashing stalls and confronting Yong’an soldiers, although luckily no serious consequences occurred.
Feng Xin, injured from street performers attacking him, brushes it off and continues busking alone, leaving Xie Lian guilt-ridden.
Xie Lian decides to search for a quiet land rich in spiritual energy to cultivate alone and tells Feng Xin to take care of his parents while he's gone.
Xie Lian discovers an ideal blessed land and is overjoyed, but is soon interrupted by a group of 30 heavenly officials who also want to cultivate there.
The heavenly officials pressure Xie Lian to leave, suggesting he will absorb too much of the spiritual energy. They also subtly mock him for his past, particularly for the robbery incident.
Xie Lian refuses to leave, causing tension. The officials threaten him, accusing him of trying to take the spiritual land for himself.
A fight breaks out between Xie Lian and the martial heavenly officials. Despite only wielding a branch, Xie Lian holds his own.
The officials accuse Xie Lian of controlling ghost fire that attacks one of them, though Xie Lian denies it.
Mu Qing arrives, now a heavenly official in the Lower Court, which shocks Xie Lian. Despite Xie Lian's plea for support, Mu Qing sides with the heavenly officials and asks him to leave.
Xie Lian, humiliated after being pushed to the ground, gathers his belongings and leaves the mountain, dashing away in anger and shame.
Mu Qing approaches Xie Lian after the fight, offering his hand, but Xie Lian throws mud at him in frustration, unable to accept his help. Mu Qing leaves, frustrated.
Xie Lian sits alone until nightfall, surrounded by ghost fires, when a white-clad man with a half-smiling mask suddenly appears, greeting him ominously.
Chapter 99: Warm Words of a Cold Ghost Beguile the Lost Child
Xie Lian is shocked to see White No-Face appear and immediately feels terrified.
He tries to attack but is quickly overpowered. White No-Face grabs Xie Lian by the head, but instead of crushing him, embraces him and speaks pitying words.
Xie Lian tries to fight back, removing White No-Face’s mask, but the entity remains unshaken and declares that Xie Lian will eventually come to his side.
White No-Face hints that no one will understand Xie Lian or stay by his side forever, except for him, further unsettling Xie Lian.
Xie Lian accuses White No-Face of harming his parents and Feng Xin, but White No-Face leaves without providing any answers.
Before losing consciousness, Xie Lian sees White No-Face speaking to a ghost fire.
Xie Lian wakes up, panicked, and rushes back home, afraid for his family’s safety.
He finds Feng Xin and Mu Qing at the house, but when Mu Qing tries to explain his actions, Xie Lian angrily rejects his help and throws the provisions Mu Qing brought.
A heated argument ensues between Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing. Mu Qing apologizes, but Xie Lian drives him away in a fit of rage.
Feng Xin learns that Xie Lian committed robbery, which shocks him, but Xie Lian refuses to explain further, locking himself in his room out of shame.
Two days later, Xie Lian, still shaken, finds himself imagining a mask on his face in the mirror, but Feng Xin can’t see it, which causes Xie Lian to panic.
White No-Face begins tormenting Xie Lian by appearing in various places, only visible to him.
Xie Lian, feeling isolated and paranoid, overhears his parents and Feng Xin discussing his mental state, which makes him lash out and run away.
Xie Lian tries to confront White No-Face, but is continuously evaded. White No-Face taunts Xie Lian, claiming he has no power and no one worthy of saving.
White No-Face continues to manipulate Xie Lian, pushing him toward despair, and warns that Xie Lian will regret not joining him.
White No-Face knocks Xie Lian unconscious.
Xie Lian wakes up bound on an altar, surrounded by a crowd of people staring at him, while a ghost fire hovers above him.
Chapter 100: A Heart Pierced By a Hundred Swords, A Wrath Ghost Takes Form
Xie Lian realizes he is bound to the altar by the white silk he usually uses to cover his face, exposing his identity to the crowd.
The disfigured victims of Human Face Disease surround the temple, causing panic inside.
White No-Face reveals to the crowd that Xie Lian knows the cure for Human Face Disease, which involves murder.
The crowd becomes suspicious of Xie Lian, especially when White No-Face confirms that soldiers were immune to the disease because they had killed.
White No-Face reveals the secret of gaining immunity to the crowd, causing chaos.
A couple, fearing for their child, is the first to stab Xie Lian with a black sword given by White No-Face, apologizing profusely.
Other people, seeing the child’s lesions fade, begin to take turns stabbing Xie Lian to avoid contracting the disease.
Despite some resistance from a street performer who argues against the murders, the crowd eventually gives in to fear and desperation.
Xie Lian is stabbed repeatedly, enduring excruciating pain while unable to die due to his immortal body.
White No-Face mocks Xie Lian, claiming that the people are simply revealing their true nature under pressure.
As the situation spirals out of control, with more people infected and stabbing Xie Lian, the street performer is revealed to have contracted the disease and flees.
The crowd turns fully against Xie Lian, accusing him of bringing the plague and robbing someone previously.
Xie Lian is stabbed over and over again by the crowd, which descends into a frenzy, ignoring his screams of agony.
Xie Lian’s consciousness begins to fracture under the torment, but he cannot die.
A ball of ghost fire, which had been with him, explodes into a massive fire that consumes the temple, killing everyone inside.
From the fire, a young man materializes, kneeling in devastation, unable to face the destruction.
White No-Face leaves the scene, cackling, as the entire forest and mountain tremble in grief, marking the birth of a wrath ghost.
Chapter 101: With Neither Grief Nor Joy, White Cloth Brings Calamity to this World
Xie Lian is in a dazed state, unsure if he's awake or asleep.
White No-Face gives Xie Lian a black sword, calling it a gift.
Xie Lian, apathetic, takes the sword and walks out of the Temple of the Crown Prince, with White No-Face giving him back the white silk he once used to cover his face.
Xie Lian sees his reflection in a stream and notices his body has fully healed from the stabbings, but he is sickened and vomits upon finding the corpse of the street performer, who died trying to smash himself to death.
Feng Xin finds Xie Lian, angry at his long absence, punches him, and takes him back to the hideout.
Xie Lian is greeted by his parents, who look even more aged, and he tries to pretend that everything is normal.
Xie Lian gives Feng Xin the black sword, telling him to pawn it, but Feng Xin refuses, saying he no longer needs the money.
Xie Lian and Feng Xin return to street performing, but their audience is less interested, and a heckler insults Xie Lian.
Enraged, Xie Lian violently throws the heckler, threatening to kill him, shocking Feng Xin and scattering the crowd.
Feng Xin tries to stop Xie Lian from killing the heckler, but Xie Lian dismisses the man as a "filthy peasant" deserving of death, revealing a dark change in his character.
Xie Lian argues with Feng Xin, refusing to acknowledge that he has changed, and storms off to his room.
Xie Lian’s mother tries to comfort him with food, but Xie Lian lashes out, frustrated by her attempts to help.
Xie Lian leaves that night and returns with stolen goods from a wealthy household, shocking Feng Xin, who questions what Xie Lian has become.
Xie Lian admits to robbing people, telling Feng Xin that it’s pointless to keep suffering in poverty.
Hurt and disillusioned, Feng Xin leaves, despite Xie Lian’s one-in-a-million hope that he would stay.
Xie Lian is devastated by Feng Xin’s departure but pushes away his emotions.
The next morning, Xie Lian realizes that his parents have hanged themselves using his white silk band.
Xie Lian is broken by their deaths, smashing his head against the wall in anguish.
Xie Lian tries to hang himself with the white silk, but it becomes animated and loosens, turning into a spirit from the accumulated resentment.
In his madness, Xie Lian hears celebrations for Yong’an’s new royal capital, further fueling his hatred.
Xie Lian curses Yong’an and all its people, swearing vengeance as the mask of White No-Face begins to take form on his face.
Xie Lian descends into the ruins of Xianle’s former capital, speaking to the spirits of fallen soldiers and victims of Human Face Disease, rousing their hatred.
The spirits answer his call, and a great evil forms, a White-Clothed Calamity born from Xie Lian’s despair and hatred.
As Xie Lian’s transformation into a wrath ghost nears completion, a black-clad young man arrives and kneels before him, addressing him as "Your Highness."
Chapter 102: White-Clothed Ghost Appoints Black Warrior as General
A young black-clad warrior with a crescent-eyed smile mask kneels before Xie Lian, recognizing him as "Your Royal Highness," despite Xie Lian insisting he is not.
The black-clad warrior, who has no name, catches Xie Lian’s white silk band as it attacks, revealing his great strength and chilling qi.
Xie Lian names the black-clad warrior "Wuming" (meaning "No Name") and invites him to follow, promising to give him what he wants.
Wuming swears loyalty to Xie Lian, and they set off for the Palace of Yong’an.
Arriving at the Palace of Yong’an, Wuming breaks through several defense arrays designed to ward off evil spirits, allowing them to proceed unhindered.
Xie Lian and Wuming enter the palace and find the new king of Yong’an, Lang Ying, alone.
Xie Lian subdues Lang Ying by grabbing him by the hair, but hears the strange sound of a baby crying.
Upon investigating, Xie Lian discovers that Lang Ying has two faces growing on his chest: one of a woman, and one of a baby. Lang Ying claims they are his wife and son, planted on him by White No-Face.
Lang Ying explains that White No-Face promised his wife would return if he did this, but she still cannot speak. He has been harboring their spirits on his body, which has left him weak and sickly.
Lang Ying thanks Xie Lian for the red coral pearl given long ago but dies shortly after.
Furious that Lang Ying died without Xie Lian enacting his revenge, Xie Lian draws his sword to destroy the spirits on Lang Ying's body, but Wuming swiftly dismembers Lang Ying’s corpse.
A young boy, the Crown Prince of Yong’an, arrives at the scene and screams for help. Wuming knocks him unconscious before dealing with the palace guards, swiftly killing them.
Xie Lian orders Wuming to burn the palace, which is set ablaze, mirroring the destruction of Xianle’s palace.
Xie Lian and Wuming retreat to the ruined Temple of the Crown Prince at Lang-Er Bay, where Xie Lian meditates, still tormented by the vengeful spirits he harbors.
Wuming kneels before Xie Lian, ready to follow his next orders.
Chapter 103: Nameless Ghost Offers a Nameless Flower
Xie Lian, distracted and tormented by the screams of vengeful spirits, orders Wuming not to address him as "Your Highness."
Wuming suggests they must curse someone soon as the souls of the dead cannot wait, but Xie Lian insists on waiting three days for the full moon to maximize the plague’s power.
White No-Face appears, mocking Xie Lian for burying his parents in foreign soil and reveals he gave them a proper burial in the Xianle Royal Mausoleum.
Xie Lian, conflicted and disgusted, is unable to understand White No-Face's motives. White No-Face expresses happiness at Xie Lian's current state, suggesting Xie Lian is becoming more like him.
White No-Face taunts Xie Lian, accusing him of hesitation and lack of resolve in unleashing the curse on Yong'an, pinning him to the ground and planting doubts in his mind.
White No-Face reminds Xie Lian of past failures, mocks his inability to protect or avenge his family and citizens, and threatens to repeat his suffering.
White No-Face advises Xie Lian that if he cannot save the common people, he should destroy them, suggesting this will earn their reverence.
After White No-Face leaves, Xie Lian discovers a small white flower placed on his broken divine statue, which enrages him. Wuming denies placing it, but Xie Lian grows furious at the perceived mockery.
Xie Lian tells Wuming that he will personally unleash the plague but has something to do first. He abruptly stabs himself with the black sword in the abdomen.
The next day, Xie Lian falls from the sky, landing in a busy street with the black sword still impaling him. A crowd gathers but hesitates to help due to fear of bad luck or contracting the plague.
Despite the crowd recognizing him as the former Crown Prince of Xianle, they abandon him in the street, and Xie Lian remains lying in a human-shaped crater all day and night, ignored.
At night, White No-Face appears again, mocking Xie Lian for expecting someone to help him pull out the sword and questioning what Xie Lian is trying to prove by lying there.
Chapter 104: Man in Abyss Receives a Bamboo Hat in the Rain
Xie Lian angrily tells White No-Face that no one will help him, but that’s none of White No-Face's business.
White No-Face mocks Xie Lian for lying in the pit seeking attention and reminds him that the plague of Human Face Disease will fall on him by sunset if he doesn't unleash it.
Xie Lian remains in the pit, ignored by the passing crowd. Children poke at him, but their parents scold them.
A water merchant almost gives Xie Lian water, but his wife stops him.
Rain begins to fall, further drenching Xie Lian, and White No-Face returns to mock him again.
White No-Face pulls the black sword from Xie Lian’s stomach and reminds him that no one will help him.
Xie Lian hears footsteps and a man with a bamboo hat accidentally falls into the pit. He curses Xie Lian for causing him to spill his rice but eventually puts his bamboo hat on Xie Lian’s head before leaving.
This act of kindness rejuvenates Xie Lian. When White No-Face mocks him again, Xie Lian kicks him away and declares his resolve, shouting that he is the crown prince.
Xie Lian battles White No-Face but realizes he cannot win due to White No-Face’s overwhelming strength.
White No-Face taunts Xie Lian, accusing him of causing his own downfall and offering him the black sword to unleash the plague.
Xie Lian refuses to give in, claiming he will save as many people as possible, even if it means enduring more suffering.
White No-Face loses patience and forces Xie Lian to summon the plague, unleashing a sea of vengeful spirits in the sky.
Xie Lian offers the crowd the black sword, telling them to stab him to prevent the plague, but no one steps forward.
The water merchant stops the crowd from stabbing Xie Lian, and an argument breaks out. The plague begins to descend, causing chaos.
Xie Lian calls the vengeful spirits to himself, preparing to take on the curse alone, but they are suddenly redirected.
Wuming appears, holding the black sword, and absorbs the vengeful spirits, sacrificing himself in the process.
White No-Face reveals that Wuming was Xie Lian’s last believer, who died protecting him. Wuming’s soul has now been dispersed.
Enraged, Xie Lian attacks White No-Face, but White No-Face easily overpowers him and tries to force a mask onto Xie Lian to start the cycle again.
Just as White No-Face is about to succeed, Jun Wu arrives, defeating White No-Face and saving Xie Lian.
Xie Lian asks Jun Wu to banish him to the Mortal Realm again as punishment for unleashing the second plague.
Xie Lian requests to be bound with cursed shackles, sealing his powers and dispersing his luck, effectively becoming a true God of Misfortune.
Jun Wu agrees and they spar, resulting in Xie Lian’s second banishment from the heavens.
Xie Lian starts a new life in the Mortal Realm, doing odd jobs like cooking and construction. He finds humor in the temples built for Mu Qing and Feng Xin, while continuing to live simply with his white silk band and bamboo hat.
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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 7
Chapter 105: Dominate Heaven and Earth, Divine Being Breaks Through the Kiln
Xie Lian is trapped in the Kiln with White No-Face, who tries to convince him to work together, offering guidance and friendship. Xie Lian rejects him, showing open disgust.
Xie Lian suspects White No-Face is the Crown Prince of Wuyong. White No-Face confirms Lang Ying, the infected, was Yong’an's first crown prince.
Xie Lian continues questioning White No-Face, who admits he manipulated Lang Ying by telling him the truth, but consumed him entirely.
Xie Lian confronts White No-Face, calling him the Crown Prince of Wuyong. White No-Face becomes hostile, confirming Xie Lian’s suspicion.
White No-Face attacks Xie Lian, but Xie Lian dodges. White No-Face reveals the black sword’s original name is "Zhuxin."
Xie Lian sees a huge human face in the stone of the Kiln, realizing it’s part of a giant stone divine statue that Hua Cheng had sculpted.
Xie Lian uses his spiritual power to activate the statue, which comes to life, and he uses it to break out of the Kiln.
As Xie Lian breaks through, he calls out for Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng appears, embracing Xie Lian and expressing his worry.
Hua Cheng helps Xie Lian remove the cry-smiling mask. They both realize that the giant stone statue of Xie Lian, carved by Hua Cheng, helped them escape.
As the divine statue begins moving, White No-Face reappears. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng prepare to face him, but lava starts flowing from the Kiln, threatening them.
Xie Lian directs the divine statue to run, but it starts to slow, exhausted from using too much spiritual power.
Hua Cheng kisses Xie Lian, transferring spiritual energy, which rejuvenates Xie Lian and the statue, allowing them to escape the lava.
As they flee, they encounter the mountain spirits, "Old Age, Sickness, and Death," which attack the divine statue.
Xie Lian fights back, but the giant statue is unarmed because Hua Cheng hadn’t carved a blade for it. They decide to flee instead of fighting.
The group reaches the Wuyong River, where Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and others are waiting. Xie Lian commands the divine statue to pick them up.
As the group flees, Yin Yu reports that the creatures inside the Kiln, including empty-shelled people and corpse-eating rats, are rampaging to escape.
Hua Cheng warns that Mount Tonglu's barrier has been broken, likely by White No-Face, allowing the vengeful spirits inside the Kiln to escape into the outside world.
Chapter 106: Taking the Helm, Four Martial Gods Transform into a Sword
Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and the others realize they must stop the vengeful spirits from escaping Mount Tonglu, or a third epidemic of Human Face Disease will begin.
Xie Lian wonders how to fight back effectively without a sword for the giant statue. Hua Cheng suggests combining the powers of four martial gods to form a sword.
Pei Ming, Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and Quan Yizhen agree to fuse their powers and transform into a sword of spiritual light.
The giant stone statue grabs the newly formed sword and begins fighting back, destroying countless vengeful spirits with ease.
Xie Lian, controlling the statue, begins to tire as his spiritual power runs low. Desperate, he kisses Hua Cheng to borrow more spiritual power, shocking the martial gods.
With renewed energy, the giant statue continues its rampage, but the vengeful spirits begin fleeing.
The statue suddenly stumbles and collapses because White No-Face has secretly destroyed its leg.
Xie Lian tries to command the statue to stand again, but it’s severely damaged and unable to fight further. The vengeful spirits rejoice and scatter, seemingly escaping to the outside world.
Just as things seem dire, beams of blinding white spiritual light pierce through the black clouds, destroying many vengeful spirits.
The light is revealed to be the power of Jun Wu, who has arrived to confront the situation.
Chapter 107: White Emperor Comments on the Mysterious State Preceptor
The vengeful spirits begin to dissipate under the light of a martial god clad in white armor—Jun Wu, who arrives to help.
The group, including the martial gods in the sword array, disbands and expresses relief at Jun Wu’s presence.
Jun Wu explains that the Rain Master informed him of the broken Mount Tonglu barrier, prompting him to arrive.
Xie Lian informs Jun Wu that White No-Face has returned, but they are unsure of his location.
The vengeful spirits vanish into the underground holy temple of Wuyong, and Jun Wu uncovers a massive Teleportation Array drawn by White No-Face.
The group realizes White No-Face sent the vengeful spirits to major population centers, with the royal capital confirmed as a target.
Hua Cheng locates the other areas affected by the spirits, and Jun Wu assigns different martial gods to investigate them. Feng Xin is sent south, Pei Ming north, and Quan Yizhen west (accompanied by Yin Yu for explanation).
Mu Qing, under detention for suspicion of creating the fetus spirit, is ordered to return to the Upper Court. He protests his innocence, but Jun Wu refuses to release him until the truth is revealed.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng head to the royal capital through a Teleportation Array.
Xie Lian contacts Jun Wu through the communication array and asks about his former master, the State Preceptor of Xianle.
Jun Wu reveals that the State Preceptor was far more powerful and ancient than Xie Lian imagined, possibly older than Jun Wu himself.
After Xianle fell, Jun Wu personally neutralized the State Preceptor, but he escaped.
Jun Wu explains that the reason for neutralizing the State Preceptor was because he sought to awaken something within Xie Lian, hinting at the master’s hidden, sinister intentions.
Chapter 108: Search for Five Hundred, Abrupt Meeting with an Old Friend
Jun Wu hesitates before discussing Xie Lian’s master and suspects that Xie Lian’s experiences in Mount Tonglu relate to him.
Their conversation is interrupted as Jun Wu faces the three mountain spirits and warns Xie Lian to be cautious if he ever encounters his master, who is no ordinary person.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng walk the streets of the royal capital, observing the vengeful spirits above. They realize that reinforcing the city’s spiritual barrier is necessary to prevent a calamity.
Xie Lian devises a plan to use the yang energy of five hundred living people to strengthen the barrier, but they must be willing volunteers with strong willpower.
Hua Cheng suggests trying to find people, but notes that gathering volunteers will be difficult.
Xie Lian encounters Heaven’s Eye and the group of monks and cultivators. He asks for their help, but they remain distrustful and unwilling to assist.
After the monks follow them at a distance, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng head to the slums, where they find beggars living in poverty.
Xie Lian asks the beggars for help in reinforcing the barrier, but they are initially indifferent and refuse to volunteer, questioning why they should help protect a city that neglects them.
A beggar with a bad leg, who eventually reveals himself as Shi Qingxuan (formerly the Wind Master), steps forward to volunteer.
Shi Qingxuan rallies some of the beggars to join Xie Lian's efforts, with more than two hundred agreeing to help. He offers them a meal after the job is done as an incentive.
Xie Lian is surprised to find that Shi Qingxuan, though down on his luck, retains his upbeat personality and offers assistance. Shi Qingxuan explains that his current condition was caused by his own bad luck, not by He Xuan.
The group forms a large human circle in the capital’s main avenue as part of Xie Lian’s trap to lure the vengeful spirits.
Xie Lian explains that the array won’t stop the spirits from entering the city but will concentrate them in one area, where they can be dealt with.
Chapter 109: Two Simple Lines, Ghost King Excites the Battle Spirit
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng position themselves at the center of the human array, preparing to trap the vengeful spirits.
Xie Lian explains to the volunteers that the spirits will target them if they run or if the circle breaks. A few dozen people, fearing the danger, leave the circle.
Heaven’s Eye and his group appear, warning the volunteers that they can't trust Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, which causes tension.
Hua Cheng cleverly provokes the beggars' pride by implying that they are capable of saving the world, igniting their determination.
The beggars refuse to back down, arguing with the spiritual masters, and stand firm in the circle to prove themselves.
As the vengeful spirits descend, Xie Lian tells everyone to blow air forward to confuse the spirits, aided by Hua Cheng's camouflage spell.
The vengeful spirits are lured into the array and find themselves trapped. Hua Cheng’s silver butterflies protect him and Xie Lian from harm, and the spirits are slaughtered by the butterflies.
The spirits begin attacking the beggars, who hold their ground despite their fear, while Xie Lian runs around reinforcing weak spots in the array.
As the array weakens, spiritual masters like Heaven’s Eye decide to join the fight, strengthening the circle with talismans and adding more people to it.
More monks, cultivators, and disciples arrive to support the array, increasing the group’s numbers and boosting everyone’s morale.
Xie Lian realizes the tide is turning in their favor and encourages everyone to keep holding the line, as they now have enough people to destroy the spirits.
As they count the number of participants, Hua Cheng points out that the count is wrong—there are 317 people in the array, one more than expected.
Chapter 110: Seeking Affection, the Ghost King Fakes Displeasure
Xie Lian realizes there is an extra person in the human array, confirmed by Hua Cheng’s accurate headcount.
Unsure who it is, Xie Lian plans to flush out the intruder by herding the vengeful spirits with Hua Cheng’s wraith butterflies, without alarming the crowd.
The plan works, and Xie Lian pulls the intruder from the circle, revealing him to be his former master, State Preceptor Mei Nianqing.
Mei Nianqing, upon being exposed, tries to strangle Xie Lian but is quickly thwarted by Hua Cheng.
Mei Nianqing attempts to flee but is blocked by Ruoye and a sword thrown by Jun Wu, who arrives from Mount Tonglu.
Jun Wu explains that he temporarily stabilized Mount Tonglu with a new barrier, though White No-Face has escaped.
Xie Lian confirms that Mei Nianqing was one of the Four Guardians of Wuyong and suspects White No-Face might be the Crown Prince of Wuyong.
Jun Wu decides to take Mei Nianqing to the heavens for interrogation, while Hua Cheng insists on staying behind to handle the remaining vengeful spirits.
Shi Qingxuan, unaware of the seriousness, interrupts, but eventually leaves when asked, giving Xie Lian and Hua Cheng a moment alone.
Hua Cheng, faking displeasure, hints at feeling lonely with Xie Lian going back to the heavens, leading Xie Lian to give him a kiss on the cheek.
Hua Cheng playfully teases Xie Lian, saying the farewell isn’t as passionate as when Xie Lian borrowed spiritual power from him.
Xie Lian, worried he might be misunderstood, jumps into Hua Cheng's arms and gives him a full kiss.
Shi Qingxuan interrupts again, causing Xie Lian to flee the scene awkwardly.
Chapter 111: Evil Enters the Mirror, Nowhere to Hide
Xie Lian, after his interaction with Hua Cheng, feels embarrassed as he walks through the Heavenly Capital with swollen lips, causing strange looks from other heavenly officials.
The atmosphere in the Palace of Divine Might is tense due to the ongoing chaos from Mount Tonglu, with various heavenly officials already back from their tasks.
Lang Qianqiu demands Jun Wu hand over Qi Rong, the ghost responsible for his clan's destruction.
Mu Qing, in a rage, barges into the hall and demands to confront Jian Lan, accusing her of plotting against him.
A chaotic argument ensues between Mu Qing, Feng Xin, and others regarding Jian Lan’s role in the fetus spirit slandering Mu Qing.
Jun Wu summons Jian Lan, who arrives carrying the fetus spirit. The confrontation intensifies, with Mu Qing’s frustration boiling over.
Jun Wu allows Xie Lian to present the captured State Preceptor, Mei Nianqing, to the hall.
Xie Lian recounts the events of Mount Tonglu and Wuyong, revealing that White No-Face is the Crown Prince of Wuyong. The officials are shocked, having never heard of Wuyong.
Mei Nianqing confirms that White No-Face is indeed the Crown Prince of Wuyong, causing the hall to stir with disbelief and gossip about Xie Lian possibly being connected to White No-Face through a split soul.
Xie Lian starts doubting himself, questioning whether he could be White No-Face, but Hua Cheng reassures him telepathically, clearing his mind.
As the situation escalates, Mei Nianqing attempts to assassinate Jun Wu, but Xie Lian catches the sword just before it strikes. The assassination fails.
Mei Nianqing shouts for everyone to look at Jun Wu, who is revealed in a mirror-like sword reflection to have a twisted face with multiple smaller faces—evidence of White No-Face’s identity.
A massive battle breaks out as the martial gods attack Jun Wu, but all are swiftly defeated, leaving only Xie Lian standing while Jun Wu grips his wrist.
Jun Wu reveals his dominance over the Heavenly Capital, isolating it and preventing communication with the outside.
Ling Wen, now loyal to Jun Wu, arrives wearing the Brocade Immortal, and she begins organizing martial guards to imprison the other heavenly officials in their respective palaces.
Jun Wu escorts Xie Lian to the Palace of Xianle, where Xie Lian tries to think of an escape but realizes he’s helpless under Jun Wu’s watchful gaze.
Jun Wu allows Xie Lian to contact Hua Cheng but manipulates the conversation, forcing Xie Lian to act as though everything is fine.
Hua Cheng, however, realizes something is wrong despite Xie Lian’s reassurances and sends Shi Qingxuan to perform a Soul-Shifting Spell, allowing them to communicate.
Shi Qingxuan relays Hua Cheng’s words, indicating that Hua Cheng is suspicious of Jun Wu and has a plan to infiltrate the Heavenly Capital using someone’s help.
Just as Xie Lian finishes discussing their next steps, he senses someone else approaching.
Chapter 113: Forks in the Road, Spirits Alarm the Underground of the Heavenly Capital
Xie Lian, ready to defend himself, recognizes Yin Yu emerging from a hole in the room, holding a shovel. Yin Yu invites him to escape through the tunnel.
Yin Yu had used the Earth Master Shovel, a spiritual device, to dig a tunnel beneath the Heavenly Capital, helping officials escape the confinement imposed by Jun Wu.
Xie Lian is confused at first, but follows Yin Yu into the tunnel leading underground, though he feels a subconscious sense of unease, likely stemming from Shi Qingxuan, who is currently sharing his body through the Soul-Shifting Spell.
As they move deeper underground, Yin Yu explains his plan to hide the injured martial gods and allow them to recover in secret, away from Jun Wu’s control.
Shi Qingxuan, still in Xie Lian's body, relays Hua Cheng's advice that trying to break out of the Heavenly Capital under Jun Wu's watch is dangerous and could be a death sentence.
Yin Yu leaves Xie Lian alone in the tunnel to retrieve other heavenly officials, but after a long time, he doesn't return.
Growing concerned, Xie Lian decides to search for Yin Yu, despite Hua Cheng’s warning through Shi Qingxuan to stay put.
Xie Lian senses something dangerous lurking behind him but pretends not to notice, realizing that someone—or something—has been silently following him.
After moving through the dark tunnels, Xie Lian encounters a fork in the path. He chooses a direction after consulting with Shi Qingxuan, but it leads him in a circle, returning him to the starting point.
Realizing something strange is happening, Xie Lian ventures down the other tunnel, encountering more forks in the road. Despite the increasing danger, he keeps moving forward.
They hear something pursuing them from behind. Xie Lian uses Ruoye to block the creature while he and Shi Qingxuan continue through the narrow passage, but they reach a point where they can no longer move forward.
Just as Xie Lian prepares to retreat, he feels a chilling presence, and someone in the darkness places a hand on his head. He is knocked unconscious.
Xie Lian wakes up, bound tightly by Ruoye and sitting in a chair. The knots in Ruoye are so tangled that the spiritual weapon is unable to assist him.
Jun Wu emerges from behind, speaking to Xie Lian with a disturbingly gentle tone, calling him "naughty" for causing chaos in the Heavenly Capital and likening him to a mischievous mouse for sneaking underground.
The fetus spirit is at Xie Lian’s feet, glaring maliciously at him.
Jun Wu reveals that he has captured Yin Yu, and Xie Lian sees a mirror that shows Yin Yu’s reflection. By Yin Yu’s side, Quan Yizhen lies unconscious, badly beaten.
Xie Lian demands to know what Jun Wu is planning, but Jun Wu is calm, leaving Xie Lian to guess what his next move will be.
Chapter 114: Unable to Be Perfect, a Heart Filled with Regrets
Yin Yu tries to wake Quan Yizhen, who is badly beaten and slurring his words. Xie Lian realizes he is in the Palace of Qi Ying and that Yin Yu was captured when searching for Quan Yizhen.
Xie Lian attempts to communicate with Shi Qingxuan but learns Jun Wu has barred the Soul-Shifting Spell, isolating him.
Jun Wu enters Quan Yizhen's palace, easily knocking out Quan Yizhen again. He begins manipulating Yin Yu, pointing out how Yin Yu is often seen as inferior to Quan Yizhen and questioning his loyalty to the Ghost Realm.
Jun Wu offers Yin Yu a deal: he can return to the Upper Court with a prestigious position and have all of Quan Yizhen’s spiritual power if he betrays him.
Yin Yu, conflicted, is unable to resist Jun Wu’s manipulation. He momentarily seems to accept the offer, asking Jun Wu if he can truly take all of Quan Yizhen's spiritual power without it being stolen back.
Quan Yizhen begins to suffer as Jun Wu transfers his spiritual power to Yin Yu, causing Quan immense pain.
Despite being granted immense power, Yin Yu hesitates. He looks at Quan Yizhen, who continues to suffer, and ultimately decides to go back on the deal.
Yin Yu admits that he resents Quan Yizhen but does not wish to harm him. He refuses to accept power he hasn’t earned and expresses his desire to return to the heavens only if it’s through his own effort.
Jun Wu, unbothered by Yin Yu’s defiance, reveals that he left the cursed shackle on Yin Yu, which begins draining his blood and killing him.
Xie Lian breaks free from his bindings and rushes to find Yin Yu, who is now severely weakened. Quan Yizhen apologizes and cries over Yin Yu’s suffering.
Yin Yu admits his frustrations, feeling inadequate compared to Quan Yizhen and reflecting on his resentment. Despite his regrets, he acknowledges that he was never able to be perfect or kind.
Xie Lian comforts Yin Yu, assuring him that he has done well and that his efforts were not in vain, even though Yin Yu feels it is unfair that he is dying.
Yin Yu dies with lingering regrets, wishing he could have been a god, leaving Xie Lian mourning the loss and reflecting that the world has no true gods.
Chapter 115: Breaking the Standstill, a Well-Timed Gift
Xie Lian realizes that the cursed shackle taken by Jun Wu likely trapped Yin Yu’s soul, and he rushes to retrieve it.
Xie Lian confronts Jun Wu in the Palace of Divine Might, attempting to seize the cursed shackle, but Jun Wu plays with him, enjoying Xie Lian’s frustration and anger.
Jun Wu taunts Xie Lian, and when Xie Lian becomes disrespectful, Jun Wu tightens the cursed shackle around Xie Lian’s neck, causing him to choke.
Xie Lian recalls the state preceptor's attempt to remove his cursed shackle during their earlier encounter.
While suffocating, Xie Lian clutches the crystal ring around his neck, realizing its significance.
Jun Wu, while communicating with someone through the spiritual array, lies to them about the state of the Heavenly Capital, claiming it’s locked down due to Black Water’s infiltration.
Jun Wu reveals that someone is coming to the Heavenly Capital and advises Xie Lian to stay obedient.
Xie Lian tidies himself as Jun Wu expects him to act normally in front of the guest.
The Rain Master arrives at the Palace of Divine Might, bringing gifts for Xie Lian. Despite the lockdown, Jun Wu allows her entry.
Xie Lian receives a tightly wrapped package from one of the Rain Master's farmers and realizes there’s something important about the person delivering it.
After the Rain Master leaves, Jun Wu takes the package from Xie Lian, revealing his paranoia.
Back at the Palace of Xianle, Hua Cheng appears, revealing that he had been disguised as the farmer delivering the package. He had ensured his presence wouldn't be noticed by Jun Wu.
Hua Cheng and Xie Lian discuss the Rain Master’s unique position, which makes it difficult for Jun Wu to act against her, as she is responsible for managing agriculture in the mortal world.
The two of them decide to find the state preceptor to answer Xie Lian’s questions.
As they sneak through the Heavenly Capital, they see Jian Lan chasing after her son, the fetus spirit, near the Palace of Nan Yang where Feng Xin is imprisoned.
Jian Lan scolds the fetus spirit, and it spits out a large white radish—the souvenir gifted by the Rain Master.
The fetus spirit throws the radish at Feng Xin’s face, leading to a confrontation between Feng Xin and Jian Lan.
Jian Lan angrily criticizes Feng Xin for failing her and their son, blaming him for the fetus spirit’s condition and recalling their difficult past together.
Feng Xin tries to defend himself, admitting his exhaustion during those years but insisting that he wanted to help her.
Jian Lan reveals that she sent him away to save him from the burden of trying to support her while also serving Xie Lian.
Feng Xin realizes the depth of their struggles, including his attempts to buy her freedom and the failure of his protection charms.
Despite the harsh words, Feng Xin insists he still wants to take care of both Jian Lan and their son.
Jian Lan accuses Feng Xin of scorning their son, questioning whether he can truly accept the fetus spirit as his child, which Feng Xin hesitates to answer.
The chapter ends with Jian Lan’s challenge to Feng Xin: whether, as a heavenly official, he dares to recognize the deformed fetus spirit as his son, knowing the immense social and spiritual consequences that would follow.
Chapter 116: The Path Shan’t Go Astray, but the Mandates Are All the Same
Jian Lan stops Feng Xin from claiming the fetus spirit as his son, stating that even if he accepts, she might not want him as the father.
Jian Lan scolds the fetus spirit for its behavior, then leaves the Palace of Nan Yang with it, ignoring Feng Xin's calls.
Feng Xin is left exhausted and alone in the palace, glaring at the bitten radish left behind by the fetus spirit.
Hua Cheng changes the subject, reminding Xie Lian of the fetus spirit's involvement at Mount Yujun, where it gave Xie Lian clues through a nursery rhyme, likely under Jun Wu's orders.
Hua Cheng reveals that his wraith butterflies have located the state preceptor, who is being held in the Palace of Ling Wen.
They note that Ling Wen, with the Brocade Immortal, is currently a martial god as well as a civil god, making infiltration difficult.
Hua Cheng explains that they must wait for Ling Wen to remove the Brocade Immortal, as it drains spiritual power when worn.
Ling Wen is seen switching from her male form to her true form, leaving the Brocade Immortal behind in a side chamber.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng decide to target the side chamber to retrieve the Brocade Immortal before confronting Ling Wen.
Upon entering the chamber, they find a chest full of nearly identical black robes, making it difficult to identify the real Brocade Immortal.
Hua Cheng assures Xie Lian that Jun Wu is occupied with interrogating Mu Qing and they have time.
Xie Lian decides to try on each robe while Hua Cheng gives him orders to test which one is the real Brocade Immortal, as it forces obedience.
Hua Cheng humorously orders Xie Lian to "borrow spiritual power" from him, but Xie Lian refuses, quickly realizing it’s not the right robe.
After several jokes from Hua Cheng, they continue trying the robes, but none seem to work.
Xie Lian worries that the Brocade Immortal might not be present, though Hua Cheng points out the evil qi in the chest indicates it’s there.
They realize the Brocade Immortal might not work on either of them due to their unique natures, leaving them stumped.
Chapter 117: Hard to Put On, Harder to Take Off
Xie Lian, frustrated by his inability to identify the Brocade Immortal, suggests taking the entire chest of robes with them.
As they prepare to leave, Ling Wen walks into the side chamber, spotting Xie Lian and Hua Cheng. She immediately attempts to communicate with Jun Wu.
Hua Cheng swiftly creates a ward around the chamber, preventing her from contacting anyone.
Ling Wen reveals that Xie Lian is already wearing the Brocade Immortal, which had disguised itself as his white robe, replacing his original one.
Ling Wen had cleverly tricked Xie Lian into putting on the Brocade Immortal and now has control over him.
Ling Wen tests her control by ordering Xie Lian not to attack her, and despite Xie Lian's resistance, he involuntarily nods.
Ling Wen attempts to use Xie Lian to threaten Hua Cheng by ordering Xie Lian to attack Hua Cheng if he tries to harm her.
Hua Cheng, unfazed, releases a wraith butterfly that paralyzes Ling Wen before she can issue further commands.
Ling Wen’s previous order forces Xie Lian to attack Hua Cheng despite his own will.
Xie Lian, under the Brocade Immortal’s control, delivers a powerful blow to Hua Cheng’s chest.
After the strike, Hua Cheng grips Xie Lian’s wrist and calmly states that the command has been fulfilled and the control released.
Xie Lian, deeply concerned, asks if Hua Cheng is hurt, as he had used nearly three-quarters of his strength in the attack.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that he is fine, complimenting the strength of the blow and stating that Xie Lian could match even Jun Wu if not for the cursed shackles.
Xie Lian touches his neck, feeling the cursed shackles that bind him.
Hua Cheng asks Xie Lian why he didn’t remove the cursed shackles when he had the chance, and Xie Lian vaguely answers that it was to remind himself of certain things.
Xie Lian admonishes Hua Cheng for recklessly taking the blow, suggesting he could have restrained him instead. Hua Cheng teasingly points out that Xie Lian has a bad habit of taking beatings too.
Xie Lian, feeling guilty, tries to change the subject, realizing that while they found the Brocade Immortal, they now have to figure out how to take it off of him.
Chapter 118: Centuries of Pain, Millennia of Suffering
Xie Lian realizes he can't remove or destroy the Brocade Immortal while wearing it, so he decides to keep it on for the time being.
Ling Wen is incapacitated and transformed into a small doll by Hua Cheng, and they leave her behind.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng sneak into the main hall of the Palace of Ling Wen, hearing the state preceptor lamenting loudly.
They discover the state preceptor not in distress but fully absorbed in a card game with animated paper dolls, showcasing his carefree attitude despite the situation.
After finishing his card game, the state preceptor begins answering Xie Lian’s pressing questions about Jun Wu and the Crown Prince of Wuyong.
The state preceptor confirms Jun Wu is White No-Face and the former Crown Prince of Wuyong, who destroyed the Kingdom of Xianle.
The state preceptor reveals that Jun Wu was once like Xie Lian, a beloved and revered crown prince who sought to save his people by building a Heaven-Crossing Bridge.
However, the eruption of Mount Tonglu and the people’s discontent led to the downfall of Wuyong. Jun Wu’s attempts to prevent war and save his people were met with betrayal and desertion by his closest allies.
After the bridge collapsed and millions of people died, the people of Wuyong turned against Jun Wu, leading to the desecration of his temples and his banishment from the heavens.
In his madness, Jun Wu turned to human sacrifices and threw his three closest companions into the Kiln, which led to their faces growing on his own body as they haunted him.
The state preceptor recounts how he discovered this horrifying transformation when he removed Jun Wu’s mask, revealing the three faces growing on him.
After confronting Jun Wu, the state preceptor fled Wuyong, which was later destroyed by the volcano's eruption, and lived in hiding for centuries.
The state preceptor confirms that Jun Wu created the current Heavenly Court, massacred the previous dynasty's officials, and used the Kiln to forge dark beings out of his hatred and resentment.
Xie Lian learns that the creature known as White No-Face was formed from Jun Wu’s suppressed emotions and that Jun Wu had been trying to create a perfect heir in Xie Lian.
The state preceptor also reveals that the family of three whose deaths sparked the Xianle war were empty-shelled fakes created by Jun Wu, another manipulation.
The state preceptor explains that the Kiln produced many dark creatures, including the Reverend of Empty Words and the ghost at Yinian Bridge, which Xie Lian unknowingly provoked by uttering the phrase "Body in the abyss, heart in paradise."
Chapter 119: The White Emperor Sets Deadly Tests in Secret
Xie Lian is shocked to learn that his phrase “Body in the abyss, heart in paradise” deeply impacted Jun Wu and led to a series of events.
The state preceptor reveals that the Kiln can produce not just monsters, but also curses, explaining the “Star of Solitude” misfortune Hua Cheng had been born under.
Xie Lian is unsettled to realize that Hua Cheng likely didn’t live past eighteen due to this curse, but Hua Cheng remains calm and reassures Xie Lian.
The state preceptor explains that Jun Wu has been testing Xie Lian throughout his life, hoping to shape him into a version of himself, someone who would make ruthless choices.
Despite these manipulations, Xie Lian consistently made different choices, refusing to be shaped into Jun Wu’s heir.
Hua Cheng adds that Jun Wu probably used Xie Lian as a tool to diminish the power of other heavenly officials, especially Pei Ming and Shi Wudu, all while watching Xie Lian closely.
It’s revealed that Jun Wu likely knew about Shi Wudu’s fate-switching but allowed him to continue until it became convenient to expose him.
The state preceptor also suspects that Jun Wu intentionally left the Kiln’s spirits unchecked, creating chaos to strengthen his own spiritual power by increasing the prayers from mortals in need.
The state preceptor recounts his efforts to stop Jun Wu’s plans, including using Feng Xin's sword Hongjing to expose Jun Wu’s lesions, but was ultimately captured.
Xie Lian reflects on how Jun Wu had led him to believe he might be the reincarnation of the Crown Prince of Wuyong, in an effort to make Xie Lian repeat his fate.
Hua Cheng continues to assert that Xie Lian and Jun Wu are not alike, despite the state preceptor’s previous belief that they were.
The state preceptor confronts Hua Cheng about his insincere smile, misinterpreting the relationship between him and Xie Lian.
The state preceptor mistakenly assumes Xie Lian’s closeness with Hua Cheng is because he had “changed his ways” after avoiding women for so long, leading to comedic confusion.
Despite the misunderstanding, the state preceptor expresses concern about Xie Lian getting involved with a Supreme Ghost King, suggesting that Hua Cheng’s evil qi and bad fortune are overwhelming.
Hua Cheng overhears the state preceptor’s comments, jokingly responding about his supposed "bad fortune," and reveals his identity as the Star of Solitude, leaving the state preceptor stunned.
Chapter 120: Meet the Ghost King, Hiding in the Palace of Crown Prince
The state preceptor realizes Hua Cheng is the same child born under the Star of Solitude, stunned by the revelation that he had grown into the Supreme Ghost King.
The state preceptor warns Xie Lian about Hua Cheng's obsession, claiming he's been "stalking" Xie Lian for 800 years, urging Xie Lian to be cautious.
Xie Lian quickly changes the subject to avoid further embarrassing discussion about Hua Cheng's affection and their bond.
Hua Cheng senses someone approaching, and the group hides as Qi Rong, freshly freed from prison, enters the palace with Guzi, bragging about his power in the Heavenly Realm.
Qi Rong vandalizes the Palace of Ling Wen with graffiti and spits on the floor, while Guzi tries to keep him in check.
After Qi Rong leaves, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian descend from their hiding spot, and they prepare to act before Jun Wu’s next move.
Hua Cheng detects Jun Wu heading towards the Palace of Xianle, forcing Xie Lian and him to quickly make their way back.
The Rain Master briefly distracts Jun Wu, allowing Xie Lian and Hua Cheng to return and prepare for Jun Wu’s arrival.
Xie Lian pretends to be asleep, while Hua Cheng hides under the bed covers just before Jun Wu enters the room.
Jun Wu questions Xie Lian about his disobedience and comments on the Brocade Immortal he is wearing, but he doesn't find Hua Cheng hiding under the covers.
Jun Wu summons Xie Lian to follow him, leaving Xie Lian tense as they exit the room.
Jun Wu leads Xie Lian to the Palace of Ming Guang, where Pei Ming is embroiled in a chaotic brawl with Xuan Ji, Banyue, Pei Xiu, and others.
Jun Wu proposes a deal to Pei Ming: if he helps break the human array in the royal capital, he will be reinstated as the Martial God of the North.
Pei Ming hesitates, noting that Hua Cheng guards the array, but Jun Wu hints at using non-violent methods to break it, suggesting that Pei Ming could manipulate the situation to his advantage.
Xie Lian realizes that Jun Wu is plotting to destroy the human array while Hua Cheng is distracted.
Chapter 121: Coiling and Encircling, Silver Butterflies and Blessings Lanterns Shield
Xie Lian explains to Pei Ming that breaking the human array would cause a third outbreak of Human Face Disease, leading to catastrophic disaster.
Pei Ming hesitates but is cornered by Jun Wu, who gives him a choice: break the array or be at the mercy of Xuan Ji, Rong Guang, and Kemo.
The three ghosts, eager for revenge, attack Pei Ming, and sounds of a violent struggle are heard from the palace.
Xie Lian is dragged away by Jun Wu before he can intervene.
Jun Wu brings Xie Lian to Lang Qianqiu’s Palace of Tai Hua, where Qi Rong is summoned as part of Jun Wu's scheme.
Jun Wu offers Lang Qianqiu a choice: break the human array, and he’ll hand over Qi Rong for revenge, or Lang Qianqiu will become Qi Rong's next victim.
Qi Rong is terrified at the prospect of being handed over to Lang Qianqiu, who has been hunting him for years.
Xie Lian becomes enraged at Jun Wu’s manipulation, accusing him of forcing impossible choices onto people.
Jun Wu tempts Xie Lian, offering to remove the cursed shackles sealing his powers if he agrees to break the array.
Hua Cheng suddenly appears, holding Eming’s blade to Jun Wu's neck, warning him to back off from Xie Lian.
Xie Lian breaks Lang Qianqiu's barrier, telling him to flee, but Lang Qianqiu charges at Qi Rong in a fit of rage.
Qi Rong threatens to kill Guzi if Lang Qianqiu approaches, using the child as a shield.
Suddenly, a fire breaks out in the Heavenly Capital, and Xie Lian realizes Jun Wu has set the entire city ablaze, trapping all the heavenly officials.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng flee the palace as Jun Wu is briefly trapped in a cocoon of silver butterflies.
Lang Qianqiu begins freeing heavenly officials, but they remain trapped within the fiery city as their spiritual powers are still sealed.
Amid the chaos, a massive tremor shakes the capital, and a giant divine statue, many times larger than the palaces, appears on the main avenue.
The giant statue, surrounded by millions of silver butterflies and Blessings Lanterns, has somehow flown to the Heavenly Capital despite Xie Lian not controlling it.
Chapter 122: Turning the World Upside Down, Battling the Fiery Demonic Fortress in the Sky
The giant divine statue, restored by Hua Cheng, rises into the sky with Xie Lian and the heavenly officials aboard.
The divine statue begins flying, allowing them to escape the Heavenly Capital, which is burning and transforming into a demonic fortress.
Jun Wu breaks free from the silver butterflies and starts a massive fire in the Heavenly Capital, causing panic.
The Heavenly Capital transforms into a fiery, demonic fortress that begins chasing the giant divine statue.
As they flee, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian guide the divine statue to move faster, but Jun Wu and the demonic fortress continue gaining on them.
The heavenly officials are initially passive, but the state preceptor urges them to lend their spiritual power to the divine statue to help it fly faster.
Hua Cheng brings them to the Black Water Demon Lair, where they encounter Black Water's bone dragons, who attack the demonic fortress with water.
The battle intensifies as the fiery demonic fortress splits into pieces and reassembles into a gigantic fiery figure, much larger than the giant divine statue.
The heavenly officials panic, but Xie Lian and Hua Cheng prepare for a confrontation with the fiery giant.
Xie Lian receives a Bone Dragon Whip from Hua Cheng, which he uses to attack the fiery giant.
A fierce battle ensues between the giant divine statue and the fiery giant. The heavenly officials assist by providing spiritual power, while Xie Lian uses the Bone Dragon Whip to subdue the giant.
Quan Yizhen joins the fight, taking control of one of the bone dragons, but he gets caught in the flames and is nearly destroyed.
The fiery giant is temporarily subdued and dragged into the sea, but it rises again, dragging the divine statue toward the boiling sea.
Xie Lian frees Quan Yizhen from danger, but the bone dragons are badly damaged.
The fiery giant vanishes after using a Teleportation Array, leaving Xie Lian and the others worried.
Hua Cheng reveals that Jun Wu has teleported to the royal capital, where Shi Qingxuan is guarding the human array.
Chapter 123: With Burning Flames of Hell, Ghosts and Gods Descend Upon the Royal Capital
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that they don’t need to clean up the Black Water Demon Lair, as it will take care of itself.
Yin Yu’s body, along with Quan Yizhen and other survivors, are carried away by bonefish, while the other bonefish collect the fallen bone dragon pieces.
Xie Lian immediately commands the divine statue to pursue Jun Wu, despite the heavenly officials' reluctance.
Hua Cheng activates a teleportation array, and they are transported above the royal capital, where the fiery demonic giant descends upon the city.
Shi Qingxuan tries to calm the panicking people by claiming the gods will stop the giant before it causes harm.
Xie Lian fights to pull the fiery demonic giant away from the capital, while heavenly officials join the human array to prevent the vengeful spirits from breaking out.
One of the fiery giant’s legs falls but explodes into harmless sparks midair, revealing that Pei Ming is alive and in fighting form.
Pei Ming, wielding the sword Mingguang, joins the fight and confronts the fiery demonic giant, showing his resilience even after being boiled and burned.
Rong Guang and Pei Ming bicker as they fight, while Pei Ming presses the attack on Jun Wu inside the Palace of Divine Might.
Qi Rong, hiding near the palace, suffers injuries from the growing flames and finally decides to flee with Guzi, who is severely burned.
Guzi, unconscious and injured, pleads with Qi Rong to leave the capital and find a better life elsewhere.
Jun Wu ignores Qi Rong’s pleas, and a fireball nearly kills both Qi Rong and Guzi. Pei Ming tries to help but is overpowered by Jun Wu.
The Rain Master intervenes, extinguishing the flames on Pei Ming and catching him as he falls, while the battle between Pei Ming and Jun Wu continues.
Guzi's condition worsens, and Qi Rong panics, unsure how to care for him. Xie Lian urges Qi Rong to leave for the child’s sake, but Qi Rong resists.
Jun Wu shoots another fireball at Qi Rong, engulfing him and Guzi in flames. Pei Ming criticizes Jun Wu for harming a child, but Jun Wu shows no remorse.
A torrential rain from the Rain Master helps to extinguish some of the fires, though the flames around the demonic giant persist.
Hua Cheng uses a clone to maintain the human array and assist Shi Qingxuan, lending him spiritual power by force to help repel the fiery rocks raining from the sky.
Shi Qingxuan, with the Wind Master Fan returned, successfully blows away the falling meteors, impressing the onlookers who realize he is a true god.
An army of corpse-eating rats and empty-shelled people arrives from Mount Tonglu, sent by Jun Wu to destroy the human array.
The citizens of Ghost City, led by nefarious creatures, join the fight and overwhelm the invading rats.
Xie Lian faces the fiery demonic giant, which now draws a sword. Though Xie Lian’s divine statue struggles, a sword forged from the bodies of the three mountain spirits is teleported to aid them.
Xie Lian's divine statue wields the powerful sword and, in one strike, cuts through the fiery demonic giant’s weapon, causing it to shatter into pieces.
The fiery demonic giant is subdued, and Xie Lian carefully lands the pieces in a remote location, ensuring no harm comes to the capital or its people.
The battle appears to be over, but Jun Wu is missing, and Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and others begin searching the wreckage.
Lang Qianqiu discovers the remnants of Qi Rong, now reduced to a small ball of green ghost fire, as Guzi begs for his father’s life.
Lang Qianqiu snuffs out Qi Rong’s ghost fire, and Guzi, heartbroken, searches the ashes for any trace of his father.
Xie Lian reflects on his feelings toward Qi Rong, realizing that while he once hated him, now he feels only weariness and contempt.
Despite their search, Jun Wu’s whereabouts remain unknown, and Shi Qingxuan asks about the absence of Nan Yang (Feng Xin) and Xuan Zhen (Mu Qing), who have been missing since leaving the Heavenly Capital.
Chapter 124: Exquisite Dice, Apprehension from Rolling a One (Part One)
Xie Lian wonders if Feng Xin and Mu Qing might have been left behind in the Heavenly Capital or possibly captured by Jun Wu.
The state preceptor suggests Jun Wu has gone to Mount Tonglu, the domain where he is most powerful, and that's likely where he wants Xie Lian to follow.
Shi Qingxuan expresses fear about going to Mount Tonglu, but Xie Lian reassures him, though the state preceptor warns they won’t face the same challenges as before.
Hua Cheng insists that he and Xie Lian are enough for the journey, but the state preceptor insists they’ll need more help, though many martial gods are either injured or unavailable.
Mu Qing suddenly appears and offers to help, revealing that he’s been around the whole time, though no one had noticed.
The state preceptor and Hua Cheng both show visible disdain toward Mu Qing, though they don’t refuse his help.
Hua Cheng rolls a one on his dice, a bad omen, implying extreme danger ahead, but he brushes it off, saying that it’s just a reference and that he determines the danger himself.
Xie Lian feels uneasy about the roll and tells Hua Cheng to stay by his side so he can protect him.
The group proceeds to Mount Tonglu, where they find the environment devastated by the recent volcanic eruption, with lava streams flowing through the landscape.
They are blocked by a river of molten lava and notice empty-shelled people floating in it, flushed out from the royal capital of Wuyong.
Mu Qing crosses the river first using the empty-shelled people as stepping stones. Hua Cheng helps the state preceptor cross next, despite the state preceptor’s reluctance.
Xie Lian follows but gets caught by an empty-shelled person, and Hua Cheng rushes to his aid. Together, they make it safely across.
They arrive at the partially buried Palace of Wuyong and begin exploring the underground areas, where the atmosphere feels like a massive mausoleum.
Hua Cheng’s sword, Eming, becomes unusually agitated, spinning its silver eyeball wildly, but Hua Cheng remains calm.
The group encounters the fetus spirit Cuocuo, who snickers and hurls a sticky substance at Mu Qing before fleeing.
Mu Qing claims to see the fetus spirit go down a dark, narrow corridor, but Hua Cheng doubts his claim.
As they progress down the corridor, Xie Lian notices the growing presence of a cold, murderous aura. He tries to confirm with the state preceptor, but when he turns around, both the state preceptor and Hua Cheng have vanished.
Xie Lian checks the red string on his finger, confirming Hua Cheng is still alive, but worries about Hua Cheng’s earlier ominous roll of the dice.
He and Mu Qing hear the sound of a man breathing, leading them to discover Feng Xin, who is injured but alive.
Feng Xin wakes and is shocked to see Xie Lian, but as they speak, he suddenly yells for Xie Lian to seize Mu Qing, indicating danger from him.
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Heaven Official's Blessing: Tian Guan Ci Fu Vol. 8
Chapter 125: Exquisite Dice, Apprehension from Rolling a One (Part Two)
Feng Xin accuses Mu Qing of attacking him from behind in the Heavenly Capital, knocking him out, and leaving him for dead.
Xie Lian questions how Feng Xin can be sure it was Mu Qing if he was knocked out instantly.
Feng Xin insists that he recognized Mu Qing’s shadow as the attacker and stands by his accusation.
Mu Qing denies the accusation and argues that the chaos in the Heavenly Capital could have distorted shadows, making it impossible to be sure it was him.
Feng Xin insists that he can recognize Mu Qing from his fighting style and shadow alone, while Mu Qing continues to deny being the attacker.
Xie Lian attempts to mediate, asking both to reveal something only the three of them would know, like what they argued about on the snowy mountain, but neither responds.
Feng Xin clarifies that he doesn’t think Mu Qing is an impostor; he just believes Mu Qing attacked him out of malice.
As the argument intensifies, Mu Qing and Feng Xin begin to physically fight, but Xie Lian notices the atmosphere growing more ominous.
Xie Lian realizes they are in an armory, and the intense murderous aura comes from the vast array of weapons around them.
Xie Lian tries to bind both Feng Xin and Mu Qing with Ruoye to stop the fight, but suddenly feels a cold presence behind him.
He is pulled backward into someone's embrace, and it turns out to be Hua Cheng, who had returned and caught him.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing are alarmed, unsure if Hua Cheng is the real one, but Xie Lian verifies Hua Cheng’s identity by exchanging a verbal password.
Hua Cheng accuses Mu Qing of being suspicious and reveals that Mu Qing has a cursed shackle on his wrist, placed there by Jun Wu.
Mu Qing admits he attacked Feng Xin but insists it was to knock him out and save him from the flames in the Heavenly Capital.
Mu Qing explains that the fetus spirit ambushed him while he was trying to save Feng Xin, which is why Feng Xin ended up in the current location.
Hua Cheng presses Mu Qing further, asking what Jun Wu had said to him and whether he is working for him, but Mu Qing denies this, explaining that Jun Wu wanted him to harm Xie Lian, which he refused to do.
Tension escalates when Mu Qing admits to being summoned by Jun Wu but insists he is not working for him, despite the cursed shackle.
The armory's weapons begin to move on their own, filled with murderous intent after being dormant for too long.
As the situation becomes more dangerous, Mu Qing suddenly vanishes from the armory without a trace, leaving Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and Feng Xin behind.
The group realizes they are trapped, and the weapons are about to attack, threatening to kill them unless they find a way to stop the riot of the weapons.
Hua Cheng, showing concern, stops Xie Lian from using his sword, asking darkly what he plans to do with it.
Chapter 126: Hundred-Yard-High Cliffs, Thousands Tilt over Lavafalls
Xie Lian draws his sword, intending to defend himself against the weapons in the armory, but Hua Cheng panics, thinking Xie Lian might harm himself, and orders him to put it down.
Xie Lian reassures Hua Cheng that he wouldn't harm himself and jokes about the situation, which upsets Hua Cheng even more. Xie Lian apologizes, promising not to joke about it again.
Hua Cheng uses Eming to slash apart the weapons attacking them. Afterward, a door appears, allowing them to leave the armory.
Hua Cheng, Xie Lian, and Feng Xin exit and continue their search for the state preceptor and Mu Qing, with Hua Cheng still suspicious of Mu Qing.
Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng if he thought Xie Lian was going to stab himself earlier. Hua Cheng doesn’t respond directly, but Xie Lian reassures him that he wouldn’t do that.
As they move deeper into the palace, the temperature rises. They soon realize that lava is flooding into the palace.
The group spots Mu Qing running ahead and tries to stop him. Mu Qing refuses to stop and runs away as the lava approaches.
Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Hua Cheng use empty-shelled people in the lava to cross the molten stream like stepping stones, following Mu Qing.
The group catches up to Mu Qing just as he reaches a cliff where the lava falls into a deep chasm. Mu Qing loses his balance and falls but manages to grab onto a saber embedded in the rocks.
Mu Qing struggles to hold on as the lava threatens to burn him. He hesitates to ask for help but eventually calls out to Xie Lian, pleading for him to believe that he didn't mean any harm.
Xie Lian remembers a time when he had begged Mu Qing to believe him long ago, and this moment triggers his memories of that time.
Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian not to risk his life to save Mu Qing, reminding him that Mu Qing may have already surrendered to Jun Wu, and if so, Jun Wu would rescue him.
Xie Lian, despite the danger and the warnings, decides to save Mu Qing. He uses Ruoye to catch Mu Qing just as he falls from the saber.
Xie Lian uses Fangxin as a stepping stone to reach Mu Qing and pulls him up from the cliff. They stand together on the hilt of the saber embedded in the rocks.
As Xie Lian prepares to return to safety with Mu Qing, the saber loosens, causing both of them to fall. Xie Lian manages to catch the saber again, but he tells Mu Qing that only one of them can stay on the saber.
Xie Lian throws Mu Qing toward Fangxin to save him, while he remains on the saber. Mu Qing lands on Fangxin, realizing that Xie Lian had planned this move to save him.
As Xie Lian prepares to make the jump back, White No-Face appears from the lava, grabbing Xie Lian and pulling him into the molten stream.
Hua Cheng jumps after them in an attempt to save Xie Lian, but the lava is dangerously close below.
Chapter 127: Upon the Heaven-Crossing Bridge, Three Idiots Return to Olden Times
Xie Lian wakes up on a bridge after being pulled into the lava by White No-Face. Mu Qing is nearby, and they realize they are on the Heaven-Crossing Bridge, built by the Crown Prince of Wuyong.
Xie Lian asks about Hua Cheng, but Mu Qing confirms Hua Cheng isn’t there. Mu Qing had also been teleported before falling into the lava.
Xie Lian helps Mu Qing, whose limbs are injured, and they continue crossing the unstable bridge.
Mu Qing asks why Xie Lian isn't suspicious of him, and Xie Lian replies that he believes Mu Qing didn't lie about his situation. Xie Lian insists he knows Mu Qing well enough to trust him, despite their complicated history.
The bridge begins to collapse behind them, forcing Xie Lian to carry Mu Qing and run forward. They encounter fire pillars created by molten vengeful spirits from Wuyong, who try to drag them down into the lava.
As they continue, Mu Qing urges Xie Lian to leave him behind so he can fight the vengeful spirits while Xie Lian escapes. Mu Qing jumps off, landing on a piece of the collapsing bridge and begins attacking the spirits.
Before Mu Qing is overwhelmed by the spirits, Xie Lian throws Ruoye to save him, but Mu Qing cannot jump high enough to catch it.
Feng Xin arrives just in time, grabbing Mu Qing and helping Xie Lian pull both of them up from the lava.
The three continue along the bridge, exchanging their experiences. Feng Xin reveals how he found them, expressing frustration at their reckless behavior. He hadn’t seen Hua Cheng either.
Feng Xin overhears Mu Qing’s earlier confession about wanting to be friends with Xie Lian and teases him, while Mu Qing becomes increasingly embarrassed and angry.
Xie Lian tries to calm them both down as they revert to their usual bickering. They continue crossing the bridge, searching for Hua Cheng, while their old grievances resurface in a mix of arguments and banter.
Chapter 128: Bloody Rain Sought Flower, Vicious Battle Against White No-Face
Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing encounter more molten vengeful spirits as they make their way across the Heaven-Crossing Bridge. Feng Xin successfully repels the spirits with his bow, and they leap across the damaged bridge to continue their journey.
Xie Lian becomes increasingly worried about Hua Cheng’s safety. Mu Qing hints that Hua Cheng may have fallen into the lava, but Xie Lian refuses to believe it.
They find fragments of Hua Cheng's wraith butterflies and the aftermath of a vicious battle, including blade marks left by Eming, Hua Cheng’s scimitar.
Xie Lian rushes ahead, stumbling in panic but eventually hears the sounds of battle. Feng Xin and Mu Qing follow, and they witness a fight between Hua Cheng and White No-Face.
White No-Face’s mask is cracked, and Hua Cheng is fully engaged in the fight, no longer smiling and focused on his opponent. The intense battle sends lava waves surging from below.
White No-Face taunts Hua Cheng, but Xie Lian shouts encouragement, causing Hua Cheng to briefly smile at Xie Lian before resuming the fight.
During the fight, Hua Cheng breaks White No-Face’s sword, revealing his power and control. White No-Face continues to taunt them, warning them of the seriousness of the situation.
White No-Face recovers the sword Fangxin, which originally belonged to the Crown Prince of Wuyong, and removes his mask, revealing himself as Jun Wu.
Jun Wu’s power increases after taking off his mask, and he targets Hua Cheng, attempting to gouge out his right eye repeatedly. Xie Lian joins the fight to protect Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian realizes Hua Cheng has been protecting him all along. In a tense moment, Xie Lian directs Hua Cheng in battle, and the two fight back-to-back against Jun Wu.
Jun Wu shifts his focus to Xie Lian, attacking with deadly precision. Xie Lian is saved when Hua Cheng intercepts an attack, getting impaled by Zhuxin, Jun Wu's sword.
Despite being a ghost and unaffected by pain, Hua Cheng’s protective actions leave Xie Lian distressed. Jun Wu taunts Xie Lian, bringing up painful memories of Xie Lian’s dark past and a ghost named Wuming.
Xie Lian becomes deeply unsettled by Jun Wu’s words, fearing Hua Cheng’s reaction to his past. However, Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian, promising to stay by his side no matter what.
Jun Wu dismisses their bond, comparing it to broken promises from his own past. He continues to grow stronger, shifting his attacks solely onto Xie Lian, while Hua Cheng tries to protect him.
The chapter ends with Jun Wu doubling in speed and power, relentlessly targeting Xie Lian as Eming continues to block his strikes.
Chapter 129: Crack the White Armor; Curious Magic Shatters the Cursed Shackles
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng face Jun Wu, who wears impenetrable white armor and dominates the battle.
Despite the armor’s defenses, Xie Lian directs Hua Cheng to strike a specific spot on Jun Wu's side, beneath the ribs, where a weak point exists from a previous fight eight hundred years ago. Hua Cheng successfully slices through, drawing blood.
However, Jun Wu shows no pain and quickly heals. He grabs Xie Lian by the throat and threatens to drop him into the lava.
Jun Wu slams Xie Lian into a wall repeatedly, demanding he change his ways. Xie Lian defiantly refuses, despite the pain.
Jun Wu’s increasingly violent actions prompt the state preceptor to plead for mercy, but Jun Wu dismisses him, revealing his long-standing frustration with Xie Lian's defiance.
Just as Jun Wu is about to continue his attack, Hua Cheng strikes, cutting off Jun Wu’s hand and rescuing Xie Lian.
Jun Wu reattaches his hand and continues his assault, injuring both Mu Qing, whose cursed shackle tightens painfully, and Feng Xin, who is pierced by the arrows he had shot at Jun Wu.
The Heaven-Crossing Bridge starts collapsing as Xie Lian, severely injured, clings to Hua Cheng.
As Jun Wu advances, Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian, telling him he can win and that he's stronger than Jun Wu.
Hua Cheng pours an immense amount of his spiritual power into Xie Lian, shattering the cursed shackles that had bound him for eight hundred years.
Chapter 130: Smiling as Red Robes Fade
Mu Qing is shocked that so much spiritual power was used to shatter the cursed shackles, an unprecedented feat.
Hua Cheng encourages Xie Lian to fight again. Xie Lian, with newfound strength, easily counters Jun Wu’s blade, even punching him and drawing blood.
Jun Wu decides to fight with his bare fists. Despite Xie Lian's power, Jun Wu dislocates his arm and continues to overpower him.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing, despite their injuries, attempt to steal Xie Lian's sword, Fangxin, from the lava. The State Preceptor catches them from falling into the lava, and Mu Qing retrieves the sword after narrowly escaping the molten spirits.
Feng Xin's son, the fetus spirit, attacks the molten spirits to help. Feng Xin retrieves his arrows, continuing to fight.
Jun Wu seizes Xie Lian, but Hua Cheng reminds Xie Lian that he knows a move Jun Wu doesn’t. Xie Lian slams Jun Wu into a wall, shattering his white armor.
Xie Lian stabs Jun Wu through the heart with Fangxin, incapacitating him. Despite the mortal wound, Jun Wu tries to cast a final spell, but the State Preceptor intervenes, pleading with Jun Wu to stop the fight.
The State Preceptor tries to reason with Jun Wu, reminding him of his past and asking what more he wants. Jun Wu, confused and weakened, relents.
The State Preceptor comforts Jun Wu, reminiscing about their past in the Kingdom of Wuyong. Jun Wu is too weak to fight back and finally seems to accept defeat.
Xie Lian removes Fangxin, and Hua Cheng smiles from afar, waiting for Xie Lian to come to him.
The State Preceptor chooses to stay with Jun Wu, unwilling to leave him again, while Xie Lian places his bamboo hat on Jun Wu’s face to shield him from the rain.
Mu Qing kicks his broken cursed shackle into the lava, and Feng Xin's fetus spirit crawls to Jun Wu’s side in an eerie display of submission.
Xie Lian runs into Hua Cheng's arms, overwhelmed with emotion and relieved they’ve won. Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that he knew Xie Lian would win.
Xie Lian tries to confess to Hua Cheng about his past, but Hua Cheng reveals that he already knew, implying that he was Wuming, the ghost from Xie Lian's past.
Xie Lian realizes that Hua Cheng had been with him all along, and the two embrace emotionally.
However, Hua Cheng begins to fade, having overexerted his spiritual power. Despite Xie Lian’s efforts to return the power, Hua Cheng’s red robes become transparent.
Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that he will return, disappearing into a flurry of silver butterflies. A single butterfly lingers on Xie Lian, leaving behind a red string on his finger.
The scene shifts to the heavenly officials at Mount Taicang, discussing the rebuilding of the Heavenly Capital. Pei Ming comments on Mu Qing’s sarcastic behavior and the absence of Ling Wen.
Lord Rain Master arrives at the temporary Upper Court summit, and the scene ends as someone announces the arrival of another "Your Highness."
Chapter 131: Atop Mount Taicang, Thousands of Kinds of Dust Settle
Xie Lian arrives at Mount Taicang, greeting the other heavenly officials. They are extremely polite and careful in their interactions with him.
Lord Rain Master also arrives, bringing produce and special silk that can help repair Ruoye, Xie Lian’s weapon.
Feng Xin offers to help with Ruoye’s repair, and Mu Qing reluctantly agrees to stitch it up despite his complaints.
Pei Ming, still recovering from his injury, struggles with his pride after being saved multiple times by the Rain Master, making their interactions awkward.
The Rain Master asks about Xuan Ji, and Xie Lian reveals she had dissipated, likely having come to terms with her past and let go of her resentment.
Xie Lian escorts the Rain Master to the temporary dungeon, where Pei Xiu and Banyue are guarding. They confirm Xuan Ji’s disappearance, leaving behind her red bridal robe.
After the Rain Master performs a service for Xuan Ji, Xie Lian leaves her and encounters Jian Lan, who is sneaking away with the fetus spirit (Cuocuo).
Xie Lian gives Jian Lan a protection charm to help control Cuocuo’s grudge and advises her to invoke his name while using it. She accepts but chooses to leave, saying she no longer wants to burden Feng Xin.
Jian Lan reflects on her relationship with Feng Xin, revealing that while she once loved him, too much time has passed, and she doesn't want to be a burden or charity case.
Xie Lian, moved by her words, silently disagrees, believing in "forever" and the existence of lasting love, a belief he holds dear.
After Jian Lan departs, Xie Lian returns to Mount Taicang and searches for Feng Xin but instead encounters Lang Qianqiu.
Lang Qianqiu reveals that he has a coral pearl, a treasure passed down in his family, which matches the one Xie Lian gave to Lang Ying. He returns it to Xie Lian after learning its origins.
Xie Lian realizes this pearl was once part of a pair, with the other belonging to Hua Cheng, leaving him feeling a mixture of emotions.
As Xie Lian reflects on the pearl’s significance, Feng Xin calls out with excitement, summoning everyone to the foot of the mountain.
Chapter 132: How My Lord Aches for the Flower, How I Ache for My Lord
Feng Xin captures Ling Wen as she tries to steal the Brocade Immortal. She is brought to the conference hall where the heavenly officials confront her.
Instead of punishing her, they dump an overwhelming amount of paperwork on her to organize. Ling Wen, exhausted, completes all the reports after a grueling day and night.
Xie Lian rescues Ling Wen from further paperwork and questions her about why the Brocade Immortal didn’t affect Hua Cheng. Ling Wen explains that Hua Cheng's deep, unwavering love and devotion for Xie Lian made the cursed robe ineffective.
Ling Wen also points out the significance of the ring around Xie Lian’s neck, which contains Hua Cheng’s ashes, a rare and powerful token of love in the ghost world.
Xie Lian realizes Ling Wen had taken the Brocade Immortal to Mount Tonglu in an attempt to help Bai Jing, the spirit trapped within the robe, become a supreme ghost and regain his senses.
Afterward, Mu Qing delivers the repaired Ruoye, and Xie Lian praises his craftsmanship. Mu Qing offers Xie Lian to move to the new Heavenly Capital, but Xie Lian declines, saying he’s waiting for Hua Cheng to return.
Xie Lian spends his days in solitude on Mount Taicang, tending to a simple cottage and planting flowers in anticipation of Hua Cheng’s return.
He waits for months, often visited by Feng Xin, Mu Qing, Shi Qingxuan, and ghosts from Ghost City, but the person he longs for never arrives.
On the Shangyuan Festival, Xie Lian recalls his first meeting with Hua Cheng, reflecting on their long history.
As he ascends the mountain path, Xie Lian notices Blessings Lanterns lighting the way. When he reaches his cottage, he sees a man in red—Hua Cheng—releasing the last lantern.
Overcome with emotion, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng run toward each other, finally reuniting in an embrace after their long separation.
Xie Lian swears again that he believes in Hua Cheng, confident that their bond transcends time, and that Hua Cheng would always return to him.
Chapter 133: By the Heaven Official’s Blessing, No Paths Are Bound
Puqi Shrine is rebuilt after its collapse, with villagers using Quan Yizhen’s gold bars to fund the construction. The new shrine is much more lavish and gaudy, and Xie Lian is busy serving food to guests.
Quan Yizhen eventually takes back the remaining gold bars after some convincing from Hua Cheng.
Heavenly officials, led by Mu Qing, visit the shrine but leave quickly, disturbed by its decor and cautious of Hua Cheng’s return. They’re on edge due to the incessant tolling of the Upper Court's bell, caused by Hua Cheng’s return during the Shangyuan Festival.
Mu Qing scolds Xie Lian for letting Hua Cheng’s antics disrupt the Upper Court, but Xie Lian brushes it off.
Feng Xin arrives and overhears junior officials gossiping about his personal life, causing him to angrily correct rumors about his wife and son.
Shi Qingxuan leads a crowd of beggars to the shrine for a promised meal. The beggars had helped with the human array and now claim their reward of chicken leg noodle soup.
Heaven’s Eye voices concern about sensing evil qi, but Shi Qingxuan reassures him that it’s normal since they’re in Hua Cheng’s territory.
Xie Lian checks the kitchen to find ghosts helping with the cooking, including a rooster spirit bathing in the soup. Despite this, the food is safe, and the kitchen ghosts claim it has longevity-boosting effects.
Heaven’s Eye, still suspicious, points out that Xie Lian is radiating evil qi from within his body, embarrassing him. This leads Feng Xin and Mu Qing to suspect the reason but say nothing. Shi Qingxuan doesn’t understand the implications.
Hua Cheng appears and lightens the mood, guiding Xie Lian outside to escape the chaos inside the shrine.
The two walk hand in hand, discussing the shrine's noise and the possibility of it collapsing again. Hua Cheng dismisses the concern, saying they can always build a new one.
Later that night in Thousand Lights Temple, Xie Lian works on a calligraphy copybook for Hua Cheng, helping him practice writing despite Hua Cheng’s poor handwriting. They write a poem together, filled with romantic undertones.
Xie Lian realizes that a tattoo on Hua Cheng’s arm, which he had once mistaken for foreign writing, is actually Xie Lian’s name, tattooed in Hua Cheng’s messy handwriting from childhood.
Hua Cheng affirms his devotion to Xie Lian, with the tattoo symbolizing his lifelong commitment and admiration.
The chapter ends with a folk tale about the Scrap Immortal (Xie Lian) and the Red-Robed Ghost King (Hua Cheng), describing their unique powers and the legend of their worshippers. Together, their strength and blessings are unbeatable, a reflection of their deep bond.
Chapter 134: Extra 1 Lantern Riddles on Yuanxiao Night
Xie Lian walks along the street during the Shangyuan Festival, carrying a large sack of items he’s collected for a living.
He stops at a street stall called "He Family Snacks" and orders a bowl of yuanxiao, reflecting on how he didn’t like it as a child but can’t recall the taste now.
When he realizes he doesn’t have enough money to pay, the owner offers the bowl for free, feeling sorry for him.
The family running the stall is happily waiting for a missing family member to return and share yuanxiao, highlighting Xie Lian’s loneliness.
Flashback ends, and Xie Lian is walking with Hua Cheng in Ghost City, who apologizes for "overdoing it" the previous night, flustering Xie Lian.
The streets are decorated with vibrant red lanterns, each bearing riddles. Ghosts encourage Xie Lian to solve them, and he answers several riddles quickly, impressing the crowd.
The crowd grows overly enthusiastic, hyping up Xie Lian’s riddle-solving abilities. Xie Lian eventually realizes the riddles are all part of a playful scheme, as their answers form the phrase "My husband, Hua Cheng."
The ghosts scatter in fear after Hua Cheng gives them a look, leaving Xie Lian and Hua Cheng to walk back to Thousand Lights Temple.
Hua Cheng denies any involvement in the prank, and Xie Lian jokes that Hua Cheng would have made the riddles say "My husband, San Lang."
They arrive at the temple, where Hua Cheng has set up a table with two bowls of yuanxiao. He invites Xie Lian to eat with him.
Xie Lian hugs Hua Cheng tightly, and they share the moment together. After many years, Xie Lian is finally able to recall the taste of yuanxiao.
Chapter 135: Extra 2 The Strange Amnesiac Adventures of His Highness the Crown Prince (Part One)
Xie Lian wakes up in an unfamiliar inn, confused and in pain, wearing a simple robe. His body is sore, and he notices red marks all over his skin, leading him to realize that someone had taken advantage of him while he was unconscious.
He panics upon discovering that his spiritual powers are gone, which means he's broken his precepts as a cultivator. He also cannot find Feng Xin or Mu Qing, increasing his confusion and distress.
Xie Lian leaves the inn in a hurry and meets a local Lord of Soil and Ground who recognizes him and offers help. Xie Lian asks him to find Feng Xin and Mu Qing.
Feng Xin and Mu Qing eventually arrive, but they seem different—older and wearing unfamiliar clothes. They act strangely when Xie Lian mentions the events from the previous night, as if he is missing key memories.
Xie Lian realizes something is wrong and suspects both Feng Xin and Mu Qing are impostors, leading him to flee.
As Xie Lian runs, he recalls the name "Hua Cheng," which stirs a strange feeling in him, though he can’t remember who Hua Cheng is.
He enters a city and sits in a teahouse, where he becomes unsettled by a provocative song being sung by a songstress. The song causes him to experience fragmented memories of intimacy, which further confuse him.
A group of men harasses the songstress, prompting Xie Lian to intervene and chase them off. He then stands guard while the songstress continues to sing.
Across the street, Xie Lian notices a strikingly handsome man in red, who raises a flagon to him before disappearing. Xie Lian feels an inexplicable attraction to the man.
When Xie Lian looks back, he finds the man in red sitting across from him, grinning and asking to be treated to a cup of wine.
Chapter 136: Extra 2 The Strange Amnesiac Adventures of His Highness the Crown Prince (Part Two)
Xie Lian is approached by the man in red who had toasted him from afar. The man introduces himself as "San Lang."
Xie Lian politely refuses San Lang’s offer of wine, explaining that he abstains from alcohol. San Lang teases him about his distressed expression and stays seated at his table.
San Lang reveals that most people never even get to see his face and insists on sitting with Xie Lian. They exchange names, though Xie Lian gives the false surname "Hua."
Xie Lian notices a red coral pearl in San Lang's hair and feels strangely affected by it, as if he has a physical reaction to it. San Lang teases him, saying the pearl was a gift from his spouse.
Xie Lian feels uncomfortable around San Lang, sensing an undercurrent of lasciviousness in the man's behavior, and decides to leave.
After wandering the streets, Xie Lian grows hungry but realizes he has no money. Coincidentally, he finds some gold foil on the ground and, after waiting to see if anyone claims it, decides to use it to buy a steamed bun.
As Xie Lian is about to eat the bun, San Lang reappears and steals it. The two engage in a playful scuffle over the bun, and Xie Lian becomes more frustrated, eventually falling and feeling pain from a sensitive injury.
San Lang shows genuine concern for Xie Lian’s well-being, but Xie Lian, embarrassed, brushes him off. San Lang apologizes and offers to treat Xie Lian to a meal.
During the meal, San Lang watches Xie Lian intently, making him uncomfortable again. They discuss an evil creature that San Lang detects on Xie Lian, and San Lang pins the creature—a white silk band—to the table, neutralizing it.
Xie Lian asks San Lang if he knows someone named Hua Cheng. San Lang refers to Hua Cheng as a madman and a devotee of the Crown Prince of Xianle (Xie Lian).
San Lang explains that Hua Cheng believes the Crown Prince will become a god, though Xie Lian finds this amusing and asks where he can meet Hua Cheng.
As they continue talking, Xie Lian notices a red string tied around San Lang’s finger, which reminds him of a vision of intertwined hands from earlier.
Chapter 137: Extra 2 The Strange Amnesiac Adventures of His Highness the Crown Prince (Part Three)
Xie Lian realizes that San Lang is Hua Cheng and confronts him in anger for hiding the truth.
Xie Lian is furious over the red string and accuses San Lang of tricking him, remembering a similar string from a prior incident.
San Lang maintains his calm demeanor, denying wrongdoing, and attributes the red strings to a local custom related to Hua Cheng and his beloved.
The confrontation is interrupted by onlookers, who explain that the red string is a local tradition inspired by Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian feels embarrassed for misunderstanding and apologizes to San Lang, who reassures him and dismisses the incident as a coincidence.
San Lang discovers that the gold foil Xie Lian had used earlier was actually his, but he shows no anger and brushes it off as destiny.
They resume their meal after San Lang generously offers to pay for the damages Xie Lian caused during the earlier confrontation.
Xie Lian hesitantly confesses that something happened to him but struggles to articulate it. San Lang gently presses for details, but Xie Lian avoids discussing the mortifying incident.
San Lang explains that Hua Cheng is currently unavailable as he is caring for his ailing beloved, but promises Xie Lian will meet him in a few days.
San Lang invites Xie Lian to stay at his mansion, offering him shelter, and Xie Lian shyly calls him "gege," making San Lang visibly pleased.
Xie Lian spends the night at San Lang’s luxurious mansion but is troubled by vivid, hazy dreams. Upon waking, he finds a mysterious ring on a silver chain around his neck.
During a bath, Xie Lian encounters a sentient scimitar with an eye, which seems to be San Lang’s spiritual weapon. San Lang chastises the weapon for bothering Xie Lian.
That night, Xie Lian overhears San Lang giving orders to a subordinate to capture a troublesome monster and decides to handle the matter himself to help San Lang.
Xie Lian successfully tracks down the monster, a budaoweng, and captures it without difficulty. The monster had swallowed something important to San Lang.
After the battle, Xie Lian overhears people speaking about a "Scrap Immortal" named Xie Lian, and he is shocked to learn that 800 years have passed and that he has become a scrap collector.
Horrified by the revelation of the fall of Xianle and the passage of centuries, Xie Lian panics, running through the streets in despair.
San Lang finds Xie Lian and reassures him, but Xie Lian accuses him of lying and deceiving him about the truth.
Despite Xie Lian’s anger and fear, San Lang comforts him, reminding him that he has survived the past and that they will face the future together.
San Lang helps Xie Lian recover his lost memories, and Xie Lian finally remembers their long history together and the deep bond they share.
Xie Lian regains consciousness after the memory restoration and acknowledges Hua Cheng as his most devoted believer, while Hua Cheng reaffirms his unwavering devotion to Xie Lian.
They promise to never be separated again, and Hua Cheng jokes about how he had been playing with Xie Lian during his amnesia, though Xie Lian is slightly embarrassed by his behavior during that time.
Chapter 138: Extra 3 The Ghost King’s Bedtime Story
Hua Cheng has fallen ill, which is surprising since ghost kings aren’t expected to get sick. Xie Lian finds him slightly feverish and worries about him.
Despite his illness, Hua Cheng teases Xie Lian, but Xie Lian insists on staying to take care of him until he gets better.
Hua Cheng tries to persuade Xie Lian to join him on the altar where they often “tumble,” but Xie Lian stays focused on his task, preparing Hua Cheng’s calligraphy copybook.
Hua Cheng admits that calligraphy practice makes him feel worse and instead suggests that Xie Lian read him something.
Xie Lian produces an old book he found and offers to read stories to Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng dismisses it at first, thinking it contains tales about other heavenly officials, but he perks up when Xie Lian reveals the book is actually about them.
Xie Lian begins reading a folktale about the “Great Ghost King” (Hua Cheng) and the “Scrap Immortal” (Xie Lian). The story details a humorous and fantastical version of their relationship.
The story tells of a lonely Great Ghost King waiting for his bride and a brave Scrap Immortal disguising himself as a bride to confront him. Instead of being terrifying, the Ghost King is revealed to be gentle and handsome.
The Scrap Immortal tries to uncover the secrets of two forbidden houses on the Ghost King’s mountain. He’s told he needs "something found on the Ghost King" to enter one house and "something burning but not found on him" to enter the other.
The Scrap Immortal schemes to gather what he needs to enter the houses, including kissing the Ghost King to "steal" his essence. Eventually, they consummate their marriage, fulfilling the conditions to unlock the house.
Inside the first house, the Scrap Immortal finds not trapped brides, but the remains of wicked grooms who had abandoned their brides. The Ghost King was testing them all along, capturing only the despicable men.
Misunderstandings resolved, the Scrap Immortal and the Ghost King consummate their marriage again. However, the heavenly officials attack the mountain, but the couple fights them off.
The story ends with the revelation that the "burning" key needed for the second house was the Ghost King’s ardent love for the Scrap Immortal.
Xie Lian is left speechless by the absurdity and inappropriate nature of the story, which humorously exaggerates their relationship.
Hua Cheng finds the story hilarious and points out that while some details are wrong, others, such as calling Xie Lian "gege" and receiving him in a wedding sedan, are accurate.
Despite his embarrassment, Xie Lian reads another story from the book at Hua Cheng’s pleading, as Hua Cheng pretends his head still hurts, enjoying every moment of the absurd stories.
Chapter 139: Extra 4 Oh Goodness! The Cave of Ten Thousand Gods
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng share an intimate moment, but Xie Lian suddenly remembers the Cave of Ten Thousand Gods and asks about the divine statues inside after Mount Tonglu’s eruption.
Hua Cheng assures Xie Lian that the statues are fine due to a protective ward and reluctantly agrees to take Xie Lian there the next day.
Hua Cheng seems to work Xie Lian harder that night, and Xie Lian falls asleep exhausted.
Xie Lian wakes up alone, realizes Hua Cheng is missing, and discovers a teleportation array that leads him to the Cave of Ten Thousand Gods.
Xie Lian explores the cave and encounters several animated statues of himself, each reflecting different stages of his life, as his spiritual power unintentionally brings them to life.
The statues, including one of Xie Lian performing a sword dance and another drunk, offer directions to help him find Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian finally reaches a cavern where a divine statue lies writhing in pain under a white cloth. It represents a version of Xie Lian who was poisoned by the Land of the Tenders.
Hua Cheng appears and admits he came to the cave to hide this particular statue because it was experiencing the agony of desire from the poison.
The animated statue continues to suffer, and Hua Cheng proposes using a ghost king statue he recently sculpted to "neutralize" the poison.
Xie Lian, initially hesitant, gives his blessing to the plan, and the ghost king statue brings relief to the poisoned divine statue.
The two statues fuse together in the process, becoming inseparable.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng rush to the New Heavenly Capital after discovering the divine statue escaped and headed toward Feng Xin’s palace.
Feng Xin mistakes the divine statue for Xie Lian and is shocked by its near-naked state. The statue steals a sword and runs off to Mu Qing’s palace.
Mu Qing is also confused and angry about the appearance of the divine statue in his palace.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng finally catch up to the statue in Mu Qing’s garden, where it is trying to stab itself to "detoxify" the poison.
Hua Cheng's ghost king statue intervenes and fuses with the divine statue, neutralizing the effects of the poison.
Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing are mortified by the situation, but Xie Lian and Hua Cheng return the fused statues to the Cave of Ten Thousand Gods.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng then decide to sculpt companions for the rest of the divine statues, ensuring every version of Xie Lian has a Hua Cheng by its side.
The chapter ends with a heartfelt promise between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng that they will always recognize and remain devoted to each other, no matter how many statues exist.
Chapter 140: Extra 5 The Ghost King’s Birthday
A major event is approaching, causing excitement in Ghost City: Hua Cheng's birthday.
Xie Lian is shocked to learn about Hua Cheng’s birthday, as it’s never been celebrated seriously before, and Hua Cheng doesn’t seem to care about it.
Xie Lian decides to make this birthday special for Hua Cheng and give him a memorable day.
He asks the ghosts of Ghost City for gift ideas, but they provide bizarre and unhelpful suggestions.
One ghost suggests a love potion, but Xie Lian rejects it, stating that love should come from the heart.
Another ghost offers a child-bearing pill, which also leaves Xie Lian speechless.
Realizing that none of the ghost suggestions are helpful, Xie Lian decides to plan a surprise celebration for Hua Cheng’s birthday and leaves to think about what gift to give on his own.
Xie Lian is preoccupied with finding the perfect birthday gift for Hua Cheng, and his worry is visible on his face.
Hua Cheng notices Xie Lian acting oddly while keeping him company during his writing practice.
Hua Cheng asks if Xie Lian is worried about something and offers to help solve the problem.
Xie Lian tries to mask his concern and urges Hua Cheng to continue writing.
Hua Cheng comments that Xie Lian has been acting more compliant than usual, which Xie Lian brushes off.
Xie Lian, still unsure of what to gift, asks Hua Cheng in a roundabout way if he ever feels like he's missing anything.
Hua Cheng is confused, genuinely believing he lacks nothing, which embarrasses Xie Lian.
Afraid that Hua Cheng is starting to catch on, Xie Lian suddenly shoves Hua Cheng onto the bed.
Though surprised, Hua Cheng is amused and doesn't mind, and the situation escalates, ending any further questioning.
Xie Lian, still struggling to come up with a gift for Hua Cheng, seeks help from his two former subordinates, Feng Xin and Mu Qing.
The three of them meet in a run-down temple to brainstorm gift ideas for Hua Cheng.
Feng Xin, having been married before, is pressured for ideas, but admits he only ever gave his wife one gift—a golden belt, which Xie Lian had originally given him.
Mu Qing sarcastically suggests Xie Lian give Hua Cheng a golden belt, but Xie Lian doesn't have any left since he pawned them centuries ago.
Mu Qing tells Xie Lian to make something himself, and Xie Lian agrees but admits he doesn't know how.
After four hours of struggling, Xie Lian's attempt to embroider a belt leaves his fingers pricked and wrapped in bandages, and the result is a belt with two large, poorly-embroidered heads that look like potatoes.
Mu Qing harshly criticizes the belt, pointing out that the design makes it unsuitable for public wear.
Xie Lian, discouraged but determined, tries to "fix" the belt by adding flower petals around the heads, making them resemble flower heads.
Feng Xin defends Xie Lian's effort, but Mu Qing bluntly says Xie Lian lacks the talent for this.
Feeling embarrassed by the belt's appearance, Xie Lian decides to keep it for himself instead of giving it to Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian, still struggling to find a suitable birthday gift for Hua Cheng, seeks advice from Shi Qingxuan.
Shi Qingxuan enthusiastically shares his expertise on rare treasures and suggests the Starry Sky Flagon, a precious object that reflects the sea of stars and absorbs spiritual energy.
Xie Lian realizes he had already broken the Starry Sky Flagon last month, and Hua Cheng had dismissed it as a petty trinket.
Xie Lian asks for other suggestions, and Shi Qingxuan suggests the Eight Corners Brush, a brush made from a magic beast’s tail and jade bamboo spirit. Xie Lian recognizes this as the brush Hua Cheng uses daily and often kicks away.
Shi Qingxuan continues suggesting more rare treasures, but Xie Lian realizes that all of these items are either already in Hua Cheng’s possession or treated casually by him.
Xie Lian concludes that rare treasures won’t work as a birthday gift, as Hua Cheng already has access to all of them, and thus, the search for the perfect present continues.
Xie Lian, desperate for a gift idea, had asked everyone he could think of, but none offered a helpful suggestion.
Quan Yizhen suggested gold bars, which Hua Cheng didn't need. Pei Ming could only think of gifts for women, and Ling Wen was too swamped with work to offer anything useful.
With no good ideas and only two days until Hua Cheng’s birthday, Xie Lian spent a sleepless night thinking about the perfect gift.
By morning, Xie Lian decided on what to give, though he didn’t reveal what it was.
As Xie Lian tried to quietly leave bed to carry out his plan, Hua Cheng woke up and pulled him back.
Hua Cheng, with a sleepy and affectionate demeanor, questioned Xie Lian about why he was up so early, clearly wanting to keep him in bed.
Xie Lian, flustered, made excuses, claiming there was a prayer to answer and insisting that Hua Cheng stay behind and practice his writing.
Hua Cheng innocently agreed, letting Xie Lian go while watching him leave with a knowing smile, clearly amused by his behavior.
Xie Lian traveled to the wilderness and gathered the materials he needed for Hua Cheng’s birthday gift.
He visited the state preceptor at Mount Tonglu, finding him mid-card game with empty-shelled people. The state preceptor, on the verge of losing, eagerly agreed to help Xie Lian.
Xie Lian asked for guidance on crafting a Xianle-style longevity lock like the one he wore in childhood, but the state preceptor scolded him for stressing over something as trivial as a birthday present.
The state preceptor hinted that Xie Lian himself was the best gift Hua Cheng could receive, which Xie Lian rejected, feeling it was vain.
The state preceptor reminisced about Xie Lian’s youthful accomplishments, but Xie Lian, embarrassed, stopped him.
Xie Lian expressed his insecurities, feeling that he wasn’t good enough for Hua Cheng despite his accomplishments.
The state preceptor, trying to help, suggested asking Jun Wu, who was imprisoned under Mount Tonglu, for guidance on crafting the longevity lock.
After a long silence, Xie Lian decided against consulting Jun Wu.
Xie Lian returned to Ghost City after spending half a day at Mount Tonglu, just hours before Hua Cheng's birthday.
The ghosts secretly decorated Ghost City for Hua Cheng's surprise birthday celebration while pretending nothing was amiss.
Xie Lian forged a special longevity lock as Hua Cheng’s birthday present.
Hua Cheng stayed inside Thousand Lights Temple all day, practicing calligraphy, in an unusually good mood.
Xie Lian began experiencing sharp, unexplained heart pains but kept it hidden from Hua Cheng, hoping the pain would pass after the birthday celebration.
As the celebration began, Hua Cheng was led outside by Xie Lian, who surprised him with the decorated streets and a gift of the longevity lock.
The ghosts cheered loudly and chaotically, celebrating Hua Cheng’s birthday.
Xie Lian presented the longevity lock to Hua Cheng, but just as Hua Cheng was about to respond, Xie Lian collapsed from the worsening heart pain.
Hua Cheng panicked and tried to find out what was wrong with Xie Lian, but even after checking his pulse, he couldn’t detect anything wrong.
Xie Lian, overwhelmed by excruciating heart pain, passed out in Hua Cheng’s arms, feeling guilty for collapsing during the birthday celebration.
Xie Lian woke up in Thousand Lights Temple, feeling disoriented and in pain. He tried to claw at his own chest from the pain but was stopped by Hua Cheng, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing.
Hua Cheng’s proximity seemed to intensify Xie Lian’s heart pain, so Hua Cheng reluctantly retreated, which lessened Xie Lian’s pain.
Mu Qing and Feng Xin held Xie Lian down to prevent him from hurting himself, but Xie Lian experienced waves of heart pain whenever he thought of Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian revealed that he had visited the State Preceptor’s Tomb recently to retrieve a silver mask he once wore, which he melted and forged into the longevity lock for Hua Cheng’s birthday present.
Lang Qianqiu appeared, revealing that he had nailed Xie Lian into a coffin at the State Preceptor’s Tomb as revenge after the Gilded Banquet incident. The mask had absorbed Xie Lian’s blood, and the blood was now causing the heart pain after being reabsorbed into his body through the forged longevity lock.
Despite the pain, Xie Lian refused to let go of Hua Cheng, insisting on being by his side.
Hua Cheng, desperate to relieve Xie Lian’s suffering, crushed the longevity lock in his hand, destroying the source of the pain.
With the lock destroyed, Xie Lian’s pain eased, but he still felt a lingering heartache as he looked at Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian, now free from the curse, bid farewell to Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and Lang Qianqiu, heading back to Ghost City with Hua Cheng.
On the way, Xie Lian felt embarrassed because of Feng Xin's question about why Xie Lian's heart reacted so strongly to Hua Cheng.
Mu Qing explained that Xie Lian’s blood, which had been separated from him for so long, caused the turmoil when reabsorbed because of his emotional unrest, which led to intense pain whenever he thought of or saw Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian, embarrassed, realized his intense feelings for Hua Cheng had caused him to lose composure. Despite the curse being lifted, thinking of Hua Cheng still made his heart race.
Hua Cheng asked Xie Lian how long he had been trapped in the coffin, but Xie Lian couldn’t remember the exact duration, recalling only the endless pain and despair.
Xie Lian apologized to Hua Cheng for ruining his birthday with the curse and for having to destroy the longevity lock gift.
Hua Cheng reassured Xie Lian that the true gift was his declaration that he wanted to see Hua Cheng even if it caused him pain, which made Hua Cheng incredibly happy.
They embraced, and Hua Cheng expressed his happiness but insisted he never wanted Xie Lian to bear that kind of pain again.
Xie Lian and Hua Cheng returned to Ghost City, where the ghosts were relieved and turned their concern into a celebratory atmosphere.
They entered Thousand Lights Temple and discovered that many new items had been added to the temple, which turned out to be birthday gifts for Hua Cheng.
Xie Lian excitedly pointed out the various gifts from different people, such as fresh vegetables from Lord Rain Master, gifts from Qingxuan, and one from General Pei.
Hua Cheng showed no interest in the gifts and suggested throwing them out, but Xie Lian stopped him, insisting they represented well-wishes.
Among the gifts, Xie Lian found a love potion and a child-bearing pill, which shocked him. He tossed them aside, while Hua Cheng showed interest, but Xie Lian quickly stopped him from investigating further.
Xie Lian, after much internal debate, gave Hua Cheng the belt he had personally made as a replacement for the destroyed longevity lock.
Hua Cheng found the belt hilarious, laughing uncontrollably, but showed his appreciation by kissing Xie Lian and complimenting him excessively, which embarrassed Xie Lian to the point where he pretended to be dead on the bed.
The next morning, Hua Cheng wore the belt proudly, intending to head out while wearing it. Xie Lian, horrified, tackled him and pleaded for him not to show it in public.
After much begging, Hua Cheng agreed to wear it reversed, hiding the embroidered side to spare Xie Lian the public embarrassment.
The incident on Hua Cheng's birthday—where Xie Lian fainted—caused a stir, and news spread across the realms that Xie Lian was truly in love with Crimson Rain Sought Flower.
The full implications of the story became widely known, but that was a tale for another day!
Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong
The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong Vol. 1
Chapter 1: Scum
Luo Binghe was born to the Demon Realm’s Saintly Ruler and a human mother, abandoned at birth and floated down the Luo River.
Rescued by a washerwoman, Luo Binghe grew up in poverty, enduring hardships and humiliation.
His adopted mother died before he could offer her food he struggled to acquire.
Luo Binghe was taken in by the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect and apprenticed under Shen Qingqiu, who secretly resented Luo Binghe's exceptional talent.
Shen Qingqiu continuously abused Luo Binghe, subjecting him to humiliation and sabotage.
At age seventeen, Luo Binghe participated in the Immortal Alliance Conference, where Shen Qingqiu schemed against him, causing him to fall into the Endless Abyss.
In the Abyss, Luo Binghe discovered his true origins as a hybrid between demon and human and found the mystical blade Xin Mo.
Luo Binghe unleashed his demonic blood, cultivated otherworldly techniques, and vowed revenge.
Luo Binghe returned to the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, where he began his dark path, systematically eliminating his enemies.
He inherited the position of Saintly Ruler in the Demon Realm and led a campaign of destruction against the Human Realm's righteous sects.
Luo Binghe united the three realms, amassed a large harem, and became a legendary figure.
Shen Yuan, a modern reader, despised this novel for its plot holes and poor writing, but finished it out of frustration with its endless mysteries and lack of payoffs.
After cursing the novel, Shen Yuan died, only to wake up in the body of Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe’s scum villain master.
A System activated, informing Shen Yuan that he had transmigrated into the novel, bound to the character of Shen Qingqiu.
He must act in character or risk punishment.
Shen Yuan resolved to avoid his original fate, which involved being tortured and mutilated by Luo Binghe.
His plan to cling to Luo Binghe's favor triggered warnings from the System for being out of character (OOC).
Shen Yuan realized he had to maintain Shen Qingqiu’s abusive persona until he could unlock the OOC feature.
When Shen Yuan asked about Luo Binghe’s whereabouts, Yue Qingyuan, the sect leader, revealed that Shen Qingqiu had just finished beating Luo Binghe and locked him in the woodshed, leaving Shen Yuan horrified.
Shen Yuan, in his previous life, was a well-off second-generation rich kid who lacked pressure or competition, with no personal drive to excel beyond mediocrity.
He never understood why villains like Shen Qingqiu would dig their own graves when they had everything they needed.
Shen Qingqiu had both training and reputation but acted bitterly and obsessively toward Luo Binghe, constantly scheming to torment him.
Shen Yuan concluded that Shen Qingqiu's character was overly rotten due to poor writing, as villains were rampant in the novel.
Shen Qingqiu was described as having a refined, scholarly appearance, preserved by his cultivation level, but still couldn't compare to Luo Binghe's attractiveness.
Shen Yuan, now in Shen Qingqiu’s body, faced an OOC (Out of Character) warning from the System when he considered visiting Luo Binghe, who was locked in the woodshed.
Shen Qingqiu summoned his disciple Ming Fan, a classic cannon fodder character and Luo Binghe’s frequent tormentor, to bring Luo Binghe to him.
Shen Qingqiu examined the System’s mechanics, which involved earning B-Points by fixing plot holes, improving character intelligence, and ensuring the main character's satisfaction.
Luo Binghe entered the room, injured and limping, but still maintained a respectful and dignified demeanor, showcasing his noble spirit despite the abuse.
Shen Qingqiu gave Luo Binghe medicine but did so with a mocking tone to avoid being flagged by the System for going too OOC.
Luo Binghe, still innocent at this stage, expressed gratitude and vowed to work harder, unaware of Shen Qingqiu’s internal panic about the protagonist’s future vengeance.
Shen Qingqiu reminisced about Luo Binghe’s tragic background and future revenge-driven persona, recalling passages from the novel where Luo Binghe swore to return his humiliation a hundredfold.
Shen Qingqiu asked Luo Binghe about his cultivation progress, knowing that Luo Binghe had been given a fake manual and couldn’t advance properly.
Shen Qingqiu resisted the temptation to teach Luo Binghe proper techniques due to the System’s OOC warnings.
Shen Qingqiu dismissed Luo Binghe, waving him away after confirming his age (fourteen) and reflecting on the numerous incidents where Luo Binghe had been punished during his time as Shen Qingqiu’s disciple.
Shen Qingqiu ended the encounter, feeling overwhelmed and requesting to be left alone.
Shen Qingqiu accepted his fate in the novel world of Proud Immortal Demon Way, deciding to make the best of his situation while striving to avoid becoming Luo Binghe’s future victim.
He acknowledged that in this male power fantasy novel, all women were destined to fall for the protagonist, Luo Binghe, leaving no chance for Shen Qingqiu to pursue any relationships.
Shen Qingqiu set his goals: to work with the System, accumulate B-Points, unfreeze the OOC function, and avoid triggering his own demise.
Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, where Shen Qingqiu resides, is composed of twelve peaks. Qing Jing Peak, his domain, is a peaceful, scholarly environment that suits Shen Qingqiu’s outward persona.
Shen Qingqiu passed his disciples, maintaining his cold, aloof demeanor while concealing his internal struggle to remember their names and roles from the original novel.
Shen Qingqiu practiced his sword technique in secret, testing out the power of his weapon, Xiu Ya, and confirming that he had inherited the original Shen Qingqiu’s cultivation abilities.
After unleashing a powerful sword strike, Shen Qingqiu created a deep ditch in the ground and was thrilled with his abilities, thinking he might stand a chance of escaping from Luo Binghe’s wrath in the future.
Shen Qingqiu hid when he heard footsteps approaching and witnessed Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying arriving at the scene.
Ning Yingying, Shen Qingqiu’s youngest female disciple, addressed Luo Binghe affectionately, sparking Ming Fan’s jealousy. Ming Fan, a notorious tormentor of Luo Binghe, attempted to impress Ning Yingying with a jade ornament, which she rejected.
Ning Yingying carelessly revealed that Luo Binghe had a cherished jade Guanyin pendant, a keepsake from his mother, unknowingly causing Ming Fan to target it.
Ming Fan seized the jade pendant and mocked Luo Binghe, labeling it a worthless counterfeit, which triggered Luo Binghe’s deep-seated trauma and anger.
Despite Luo Binghe’s attempts to defend himself, he was outmatched by Ming Fan and his lackeys, who beat him up. Ning Yingying, unaware of the seriousness of the situation, inadvertently worsened things.
Shen Qingqiu, bound by the System to stay in character, was unable to intervene directly. Instead, he used a minor technique, “Plucking Leaves, Flying Flowers,” to discreetly injure Ming Fan and stop the beating.
The System penalized Shen Qingqiu for his actions, deducting B-Points for going out of character, but he managed to minimize the loss.
After Ming Fan and his lackeys retreated, Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying searched for the missing jade pendant, but to no avail.
Shen Qingqiu, knowing where the pendant was, waited until they left before retrieving it from a tree branch.
The System rewarded Shen Qingqiu with a B-Point boost for obtaining the key item, the fake jade Guanyin pendant, restoring his lost points and even granting him a bonus.
Meanwhile, Luo Binghe discovered a bloodstained leaf, hinting that he had some awareness of Shen Qingqiu’s hidden interference.
Shen Qingqiu recovered from his fever while Yue Qingyuan, the sect leader, visited him frequently, expressing concern for his well-being.
Shen Qingqiu reflected on how scummy the original Shen Qingqiu was for betraying such a kind and caring senior brother.
Yue Qingyuan reminded Shen Qingqiu that he had previously agreed to lead his disciples to Shuang Hu City as part of their training.
The System issued a beginner-level quest for Shen Qingqiu to complete the training at Shuang Hu City. Reluctantly, Shen Qingqiu accepted the quest.
Shen Qingqiu inspected himself before departing, ensuring that his appearance was elegant, cultured, and in line with the original Shen Qingqiu’s persona.
Ming Fan efficiently handled the preparations for the trip, and they set off with a carriage for Shen Qingqiu and horses for the disciples.
Shen Qingqiu noticed that Luo Binghe was among the disciples handling luggage, and Shen Qingqiu couldn’t help but appreciate Luo Binghe’s earnest attitude despite his hardships.
Ming Fan orchestrated a situation where Luo Binghe was left without a horse, hoping to humiliate him. Ning Yingying offered to share her horse with Luo Binghe, further complicating matters.
Shen Qingqiu intervened to prevent Luo Binghe from riding with Ning Yingying, calling Luo Binghe into his carriage instead, surprising everyone.
Shen Qingqiu cleverly justified this decision to the System, arguing that he acted to maintain Ning Yingying’s respect for him as her teacher, thus avoiding an OOC deduction for helping Luo Binghe.
The System attempted to penalize him for going out of character but ultimately could not enforce the deduction due to Shen Qingqiu’s reasoning.
Shen Qingqiu internally celebrated his small victory over the System while Luo Binghe, surprised by his master's behavior, sat quietly in the carriage, unsure of what to make of the situation.
At one point, Luo Binghe caught Shen Qingqiu smiling at him, which made him feel both awkward and intrigued, though Shen Qingqiu quickly stopped smiling when the System deducted B-Points for being OOC.
Chapter 2: Mission
Shen Qingqiu, having learned his lesson about avoiding OOC penalties, spent the rest of the journey to Shuang Hu City maintaining a stone-faced expression.
Upon arrival, the party took up residence at the mansion of Old Master Chen, the city’s richest man. Two of Old Master Chen’s concubines had been victims of the Skinner Demon, and he begged for Shen Qingqiu’s help in protecting his remaining concubine.
Shen Qingqiu excused himself from socializing, leaving Ming Fan to handle the conversation with Old Master Chen, while he retreated to his room, maintaining his aloof master persona.
Ning Yingying tried to coax Shen Qingqiu into accompanying her to the market, but he declined, citing the need to prepare for dealing with the Skinner Demon.
Shen Qingqiu felt trapped by the System’s restrictions on his behavior and spent his time pretending to meditate, feeling bored and frustrated.
Ming Fan later reported to Shen Qingqiu about his investigation, showing talismans saturated with demonic energy, confirming that the Skinner Demon was of the demon race.
Shen Qingqiu gave a standard heroic line about enacting justice on the demon, which Ming Fan enthusiastically supported. Shen Qingqiu was satisfied with Ming Fan as a disciple, though he pitied his inevitable fate as cannon fodder.
Luo Binghe interrupted their conversation, panicking and reporting that Ning Yingying had gone missing after they visited the market together. Despite his efforts to find her, she had vanished, and he pleaded with Shen Qingqiu for help.
Shen Qingqiu remained calm and took charge, sending Ming Fan to gather help while he and Luo Binghe set off to find Ning Yingying.
Following a faint thread of demonic energy, Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe ended up at a cosmetics shop, but the trail went cold. Shen Qingqiu speculated whether the Skinner Demon could be a woman but found no leads at the shop.
Frustrated by the lack of progress, Shen Qingqiu activated the System’s easy mode, spending 100 B-Points to locate the source of the demonic energy.
The enhanced trail led them to an abandoned house, marked by ominous white paper lanterns and a decayed appearance, typical of a haunted house.
Shen Qingqiu ordered Luo Binghe to return to the manor to gather the disciples, but before Luo Binghe could respond, a strong gust of foul wind blew the gates open, signaling the presence of something dangerous inside the abandoned house.
Shen Qingqiu woke up to find himself and his disciples, Luo Binghe and Ning Yingying, tied up and held captive by the Skinner Demon, who turned out to be Die-er, Old Master Chen's concubine.
The System deducted 50 B-Points from Shen Qingqiu due to his failure in the battle, leaving him distressed.
Shen Qingqiu was horrified to realize he had been stripped naked to his waist and bound, which embarrassed him greatly.
The Skinner Demon taunted them and revealed her true identity and methods, explaining how she wore the skins of her victims to avoid detection. She intended to use Luo Binghe's and Shen Qingqiu’s skins to repair her damaged martial abilities.
Shen Qingqiu cleverly stalled for time by questioning Die-er, taking advantage of her need to explain everything. He revealed Die-er's motives and forced her to consider targeting Luo Binghe instead of him.
As Die-er prepared to strike Luo Binghe, a ceiling beam suddenly and coincidentally fell, injuring her and loosening Luo Binghe's restraints, allowing him to escape.
Shen Qingqiu guided Luo Binghe to strike the final blow by retrieving Shen Qingqiu’s sword, Xiu Ya, and cutting the immortal-binding cables, freeing Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu delivered the final blow to Die-er, killing her and completing his first-ever demon elimination.
Luo Binghe, shaken by the encounter, questioned Shen Qingqiu’s earlier actions. Shen Qingqiu reassured him ambiguously, renewing Luo Binghe's loyalty and admiration for his master.
The System rewarded Shen Qingqiu with increased favor points from Ning Yingying, a high-level item (the Immortal-Binding Cable), 200 B-Points for completing the beginner-level quest, and unfroze the OOC feature.
Shen Qingqiu was elated with his success, feeling a rush of satisfaction and prepared to cling to the male lead’s favor as the next step in his survival strategy.
Shen Qingqiu returned to Cang Qiong Mountain and immediately went to report his progress to Yue Qingyuan on Qiong Ding Peak.
Yue Qingyuan greeted him warmly and checked Shen Qingqiu's pulse to ensure his health, revealing a deep concern for his well-being.
Shen Qingqiu reported that the trip had been unsatisfactory, as his disciples had not encountered the Skinner Demon.
Shen Qingqiu then requested permission to enter secluded cultivation in the Ling Xi Caves, a special cultivation spot on Qiong Ding Peak, citing preparation for the upcoming Immortal Alliance Conference.
Yue Qingyuan momentarily hesitated before agreeing to Shen Qingqiu’s request, though Shen Qingqiu noticed a slight change in Yue Qingyuan’s expression.
Before entering seclusion, Shen Qingqiu gave Luo Binghe a real cultivation manual, explaining that it was tailored to Luo Binghe’s unique constitution.
Luo Binghe was deeply moved by this gesture, believing that Shen Qingqiu had given him special attention, which left him emotionally shaken.
Shen Qingqiu, however, felt uncertain about Luo Binghe's thoughts and rubbed his forehead, thinking the boy was likely overthinking the situation.
Shen Qingqiu entered the Ling Xi Caves for secluded cultivation and found himself in a serene yet eerie environment, marred by previous violent conflicts.
While cultivating, Shen Qingqiu sensed someone nearby entering a severe qi deviation and decided to investigate.
He discovered a cultivator in white suffering from rampant spiritual energy, wildly attacking the surroundings, and identified the person as Liu Qingge, Master of Bai Zhan Peak.
Initially wanting to flee, Shen Qingqiu was forced to engage when Liu Qingge attacked him. Shen Qingqiu managed to knock Liu Qingge down with a single palm strike, surprising himself with his strength.
Realizing Liu Qingge was on the verge of a breakdown, Shen Qingqiu reluctantly helped stabilize his spiritual circulation, thus saving his life.
The System confirmed that Shen Qingqiu had altered the "Liu Qingge’s Death" scenario, awarding him B-Points and decreasing his villainous reputation.
Shen Qingqiu expressed faux remorse for their past conflicts and suggested they become closer as sect siblings, though Liu Qingge was deeply suspicious and resistant to the idea.
Despite Liu Qingge’s visible discomfort, Shen Qingqiu left after offering help in the future, but Liu Qingge was left confused and repulsed by the unexpected turn of events.
Shen Qingqiu finished his secluded cultivation, advancing in his spiritual training.
After leaving the caves, he found Qiong Ding Peak under attack by demons, led by Demon Saintess Sha Hualing.
Sha Hualing proposed a three-match competition to settle the conflict.
Shen Qingqiu easily defeated Elder Single Arm in the first match without using his hands, impressing the disciples.
Liu Mingyan lost to Sha Hualing in the second match despite her best efforts, leading to a tied score.
Shen Qingqiu reluctantly chose Luo Binghe to fight in the third match against Elder Sky Hammer, a massive demon wielding a poisonous hammer.
Despite a brutal fight, Luo Binghe eventually found an opening and won the match, impressing both sides and gaining the attention of female leads Liu Mingyan and Sha Hualing.
Elder Sky Hammer, enraged by his loss, attempted a final attack on Luo Binghe. Shen Qingqiu intercepted and defeated the demon but was injured by the spikes on his armor, which were laced with the deadly poison "Without a Cure."
Despite his efforts to reassure his disciples, the poison was spreading, cutting off his spiritual flow.
Sha Hualing tried to provoke Shen Qingqiu into a life-and-death exchange, but Liu Qingge arrived in time, defeating her and forcing the demons to retreat.
Shen Qingqiu collapsed due to the poison, but not before reassuring Luo Binghe that he knew he would win the fight. Luo Binghe, filled with guilt and sorrow, supported him as Shen Qingqiu lost consciousness.
The System rewarded Shen Qingqiu with points for increasing his character's depth, but Shen Qingqiu was left horrified at the situation as he blacked out.
Chapter 3: Favor Points
Shen Qingqiu wakes up in his bed at Qing Jing Peak after an unknown period of time.
Ming Fan enters with a tray, and upon seeing Shen Qingqiu awake, begins crying hysterically.
Luo Binghe stands hesitantly at the door but doesn’t enter until Shen Qingqiu invites him in.
Luo Binghe kneels before Shen Qingqiu, expressing guilt and devotion, misunderstanding Shen Qingqiu’s intentions.
Luo Binghe pledges to serve Shen Qingqiu wholeheartedly from that day forward.
Shen Qingqiu, confused by Luo Binghe’s sudden change in attitude, invites him to rise.
Luo Binghe asks if Shen Qingqiu has an appetite and offers to make food for him.
Shen Qingqiu, despite being inedia, agrees out of his love for good food.
Luo Binghe brings Shen Qingqiu a well-prepared congee, and Shen Qingqiu praises Luo Binghe’s cooking.
Luo Binghe offers to cook for Shen Qingqiu every day, which makes Shen Qingqiu recall how Luo Binghe used this skill to charm women in the original novel.
Shen Qingqiu, after Luo Binghe leaves, consults the System about the unavoidable “Endless Abyss” scenario, confirming he cannot prevent it without losing satisfaction points.
Yue Qingyuan, Mu Qingfang, and Liu Qingge visit Shen Qingqiu to check on his condition.
Mu Qingfang confirms that while Shen Qingqiu is poisoned with “Without a Cure,” it can be managed with spiritual energy and medicine.
They discuss the demon invasion at the Immortal Alliance Conference and the events leading to Shen Qingqiu’s injury.
Liu Qingge observes Shen Qingqiu's strange behavior and suspects possession due to his uncharacteristically kind actions.
Shen Qingqiu defends Luo Binghe to Liu Qingge, praising his potential and asking Liu Qingge to support him in the future.
Ming Fan vents his frustration at Luo Binghe in the kitchen, assigning him extra chores.
Luo Binghe, instead of feeling bitter, is motivated by Shen Qingqiu’s belief in him and silently vows to work harder.
Several peak lords visit Shen Qingqiu, offering condolences and gifts.
Shen Qingqiu is later dragged into a dream realm with Luo Binghe by the “Dream Demon” Meng Mo.
The dream realm traps them in a distorted version of Luo Binghe’s traumatic memories.
Luo Binghe struggles emotionally as the dream forces him to relive his abusive past, particularly memories of being beaten by bullies and his mother’s illness.
Shen Qingqiu repeatedly prevents Luo Binghe from attacking the illusions to protect him from the mental damage caused by Meng Mo’s dream manipulation.
Despite Shen Qingqiu’s efforts, Luo Binghe loses control, and his spiritual blast hits Shen Qingqiu, injuring him.
Luo Binghe is horrified by the realization that he hurt Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu comforts Luo Binghe, explaining that it was better he took the attack than Luo Binghe getting hurt.
Luo Binghe becomes determined to grow stronger to protect Shen Qingqiu.
Meng Mo appears and tries to tempt Luo Binghe to cultivate the demonic path, promising great power.
Luo Binghe refuses Meng Mo, stating that he cannot betray Shen Qingqiu by embracing demonic cultivation.
Meng Mo eventually admits that he seeks to use Luo Binghe as a host to stabilize his own deteriorating spirit.
Luo Binghe agrees to Meng Mo’s teachings but refuses to acknowledge him as a master, vowing his loyalty only to Shen Qingqiu.
Back in the real world, Shen Qingqiu reflects on the danger of the dream realm while Luo Binghe is relieved that Shen Qingqiu is unharmed.
Shen Qingqiu reassures Luo Binghe that not all demons are inherently evil and that they, like humans, can have varying natures.
Luo Binghe is encouraged by Shen Qingqiu’s words and vows to become stronger.
Shen Qingqiu invites Luo Binghe to move into the side room in the Bamboo House to be closer, secretly happy about the prospect of being cared for by Luo Binghe.
Luo Binghe, overwhelmed with joy, impulsively hugs Shen Qingqiu, which surprises and embarrasses him.
Luo Binghe begins preparing food for Shen Qingqiu regularly, and their bond deepens as he moves into the Bamboo House.
Shen Qingqiu continues to balance his role as Luo Binghe’s teacher while trying to avoid the tragic events he knows are fated to happen, including the Endless Abyss scenario.
Chapter 4: Conference
Shen Qingqiu spends his days idly on Qing Jing Peak, enjoying a peaceful routine of playing the guqin, reading, calligraphy, painting, and cultivation.
He spars with Liu Qingge occasionally, enjoys Luo Binghe’s cooking, and reports to Yue Qingyuan, maintaining his lifestyle of idleness.
Shen Qingqiu receives the invitation for the Immortal Alliance Conference, which he had momentarily forgotten about.
The Immortal Alliance Conference is a major event in the novel, a turning point where Luo Binghe begins his ascent to power, leading to the revelation of his demonic heritage and his eventual blackening.
The Conference is also the moment when Shen Qingqiu will have to throw Luo Binghe into the Endless Abyss, a pivotal plot event.
Luo Binghe has been progressing rapidly under Meng Mo’s guidance in the dream realm and has taken on more responsibilities, completing tasks on and off the mountain.
Shen Qingqiu begins to worry that he’s doted on Luo Binghe too much and wonders if he can still fulfill his role as a villain when the time comes to send Luo Binghe into the Abyss.
Shen Qingqiu constantly praises Luo Binghe for completing various tasks, further softening his heart toward him.
Ming Fan notices that Shen Qingqiu’s appetite has waned in Luo Binghe’s absence and offers to prepare congee, but Shen Qingqiu declines, lost in his thoughts.
Luo Binghe returns unexpectedly from his mission, stating that he missed Shen Qingqiu and rushed back to be by his side.
Shen Qingqiu struggles with his emotions, knowing the Immortal Alliance Conference is approaching and that he will have to face the unavoidable fate of throwing Luo Binghe into the Abyss.
Luo Binghe offers to prepare a list of Qing Jing Peak’s participating disciples for the Conference, which Shen Qingqiu delegates to Yue Qingyuan, showing how much he relies on Luo Binghe for such tasks.
Shen Qingqiu asks Luo Binghe if he wants to become the strongest, even if it means facing immense pain and tribulations.
Luo Binghe resolutely answers that he wants to be strong to protect those important to him, reaffirming his determination.
Shen Qingqiu struggles internally with the knowledge that Luo Binghe must endure great suffering to fulfill his fate but resigns himself to the inevitability of the plot.
Despite his attempts to prepare himself mentally for Luo Binghe’s eventual downfall and transformation, Shen Qingqiu feels no joy at the thought, even though he knows it’s necessary for the story’s progression.
Three days later, the disciples of Cang Qiong Mountain's Twelve Peaks prepare their participant rosters and head to the Immortal Alliance Conference.
The conference is held at Jue Di Gorge, a remote and complex mountain range, and is a major event for young cultivators to showcase their talents.
The peak lords and senior members do not participate, leaving the spotlight to the younger generation. Around one hundred individuals set out for the conference.
Traveling by carriage and horseback, Shen Qingqiu opts for a carriage, disdaining the discomfort of horse riding.
Shen Qingqiu shares a carriage with Qi Qingqi, the fierce and straightforward master of Xian Shu Peak, who teases him for his pampered lifestyle.
Shen Qingqiu casually summons Luo Binghe to bring snacks, which Luo Binghe does with enthusiasm, offering a snack to Qi Qingqi.
Luo Binghe rides alongside the carriage, attentively watching over Shen Qingqiu, while Liu Qingge passes by with a disdainful "humph."
Shen Qingqiu enjoys dragon’s beard candy and offers some to Qi Qingqi, who feels indignant that someone like Shen Qingqiu raised such a perfect disciple.
Qi Qingqi points out that even Liu Mingyan, another talented disciple, is riding a horse, implying that Shen Qingqiu should feel embarrassed for choosing a carriage.
Shen Qingqiu gazes admiringly at Liu Mingyan’s beauty as she rides her horse, noting her ethereal appearance.
Luo Binghe becomes visibly upset at Shen Qingqiu’s attention on Liu Mingyan, feeling jealous and possessive.
In response to Shen Qingqiu’s lingering gaze, Luo Binghe rides up to Liu Mingyan, greets her politely, and begins chatting with her, all while growing increasingly annoyed.
Luo Binghe deliberately speeds up his horse to distance himself and Liu Mingyan from Shen Qingqiu's watchful eyes.
Shen Qingqiu is disappointed when he can no longer watch their interaction, but he realizes that Luo Binghe may be entering a rebellious phase as he starts hiding his interactions with women.
Jue Di Gorge is described as a vast, dangerous area with complex terrain, hosting the Immortal Alliance Conference for over a thousand participants.
The four major sects—Cang Qiong Mountain, Zhao Hua Monastery, Tian Yi Temple, and Huan Hua Palace—dominate the event, though many smaller sects also participate.
Huan Hua Palace hosts the conference, and the rules are established: participants must collect prayer beads from slain demonic creatures to rank on a leaderboard, with strict rules against fighting or stealing beads from other disciples.
Shen Qingqiu places a bet of five thousand spirit stones on Luo Binghe winning, causing a stir among the cultivators, even though Luo Binghe’s reputation is relatively unknown.
The participants enter the gorge in groups, and spirit eagles monitor their progress. Gongyi Xiao quickly takes the lead in the rankings, but Shen Qingqiu is confident Luo Binghe will rise to the top later.
Luo Binghe is seen protecting a group of weaker disciples, including women from Huan Hua Palace, slowing his progress in the rankings. Shen Qingqiu internally criticizes him for being too kind.
As Luo Binghe tries to balance protecting the disciples with advancing in the competition, a demonic creature, Nu Yuan Chan, appears, killing several participants in a gruesome manner by draining them of their flesh and blood.
Luo Binghe displays his prowess by using fire to drive the creature back into the water, but the situation grows chaotic as more powerful demonic beasts attack various groups across the gorge.
The conference descends into chaos as demonic beasts far more dangerous than expected, including bone eagles and ghost-head spiders, begin attacking the disciples.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that someone has orchestrated this disaster to eliminate the new talent of the cultivation world. Yue Qingyuan forbids the barrier around the gorge from being lifted, as it would allow the demonic beasts to escape and endanger nearby villages.
Cang Qiong Mountain sect members and other sects volunteer to enter the gorge to rescue the disciples and eliminate the beasts.
Shen Qingqiu joins the rescue effort despite his unresolved illness from the Without a Cure poison. He reunites with Luo Binghe and the others, just in time to defeat a ghost-head spider that had been devouring disciples.
As more ghost-head spiders appear, Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe fight together to protect the group. Despite their efforts, Shen Qingqiu’s spiritual energy falters due to his illness.
They reach a safe zone protected by the mystical Thousand-Leaves Fresh-Snow Lotus, which repels demonic beasts. Luo Binghe expresses a desire to use the lotus to cure Shen Qingqiu’s poison, but Shen Qingqiu dismisses the idea.
Shang Qinghua, secretly a spy for the demons, appears and tries to act innocent, but Shen Qingqiu recognizes him as the one responsible for releasing the demonic beasts.
The Endless Abyss, a dangerous and chaotic boundary between the Human and Demon Realms, opens, signaling the arrival of more dangerous entities.
Mobei-Jun, a powerful demon who will eventually become Luo Binghe’s subordinate, arrives unexpectedly, disrupting the situation. He engages Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe in a fierce battle.
Mobei-Jun effortlessly overpowers Shen Qingqiu and releases the seal on Luo Binghe’s demonic bloodline, setting off a transformation in him. Despite this, Luo Binghe manages to hold his own for a time against Mobei-Jun.
After Mobei-Jun leaves, Shen Qingqiu confronts Luo Binghe about his demonic cultivation. Luo Binghe, desperate to explain himself, is heartbroken as Shen Qingqiu forces him to the edge of the Endless Abyss.
Shen Qingqiu unintentionally stabs Luo Binghe during their confrontation. Though he doesn’t want to kill him, he still forces Luo Binghe to fall into the Endless Abyss.
Luo Binghe’s expression as he falls into the abyss leaves a lasting impression on Shen Qingqiu, marking the beginning of their inevitable conflict and Luo Binghe’s rise to power.
After the cultivators cleared the demons from Jue Di Gorge, they arrived at the scene where the spatial rift caused by the Endless Abyss had closed.
Shen Qingqiu stabilized the injuries of everyone who had passed out, though he neglected his own. He appeared wretched, covered in blood, with a pale, expressionless face.
Yue Qingyuan checked Shen Qingqiu's pulse and then had Mu Qingfang examine him due to his expertise.
Sect leaders and cultivators gathered their disciples for further treatment.
Liu Qingge noticed that Luo Binghe was missing and asked Shen Qingqiu about his whereabouts, but Shen Qingqiu remained silent, focusing instead on picking up the shattered pieces of Luo Binghe's broken sword, Zheng Yang.
Ming Fan and Ning Yingying recognized the fragments of the sword, realizing it was indeed Luo Binghe’s weapon. Ning Yingying burst into tears, fearing the worst.
Whispers spread among the crowd, with some realizing the broken sword meant that Luo Binghe might have perished, causing mixed reactions of sorrow, shock, pity, and even a few people rejoicing in his misfortune.
Despite his usual disdain for Luo Binghe, Ming Fan felt sorrow for Shen Qingqiu, who had clearly favored the disciple. The atmosphere at Qing Jing Peak became gloomy.
Qi Qingqi and her Xian Shu Peak disciples were also moved by the loss.
Liu Qingge attempted to comfort Shen Qingqiu, suggesting that although his disciple was gone, he could always accept more. Shen Qingqiu, while understanding the sentiment, felt like rolling his eyes at the comment.
Shen Qingqiu finally acknowledged the situation, announcing that Luo Binghe had fallen to the demons and perished.
The Immortal Alliance Conference was a disaster, with heavy casualties across all sects, particularly Huan Hua Palace, which lost nearly a hundred participants.
Cang Qiong Mountain suffered the least damage, with about thirty injured. Many lower-level cultivators from smaller sects and clans perished.
Despite the tragedy, the gold-inscribed tablet still displayed Luo Binghe’s name in first place, though he had died, his sword broken.
Qing Jing Peak received ten thousand spirit stones as Shen Qingqiu had bet on Luo Binghe winning first place at the conference.
Shen Qingqiu, however, felt conflicted about the winnings, as Luo Binghe usually handled such matters for him. He instructed Ming Fan to store them away.
The Qing Jing Peak disciples, led by Ning Yingying, became concerned when they heard Shen Qingqiu calling for Luo Binghe. They feared Shen Qingqiu was losing himself in grief.
Ning Yingying confronted Shen Qingqiu, pleading with him to care for his remaining disciples and not to despair over Luo Binghe’s death. Shen Qingqiu reassured her that he wasn’t grieving deeply and had merely slipped up in calling Luo Binghe’s name.
Shen Qingqiu reflected on how Ning Yingying had matured, surprising him given her depiction in the original novel as immature and burdensome.
Shen Qingqiu buried the broken pieces of Luo Binghe’s sword, Zheng Yang, behind the Bamboo House and erected a sword mound as a tribute.
The System congratulated Shen Qingqiu for completing the key quest “Luo Binghe’s Fall and Rebirth,” awarding him 10,000 satisfaction points. However, Luo Binghe’s heartbreak points caused his satisfaction points to reset to zero.
Frustrated by this turn of events, Shen Qingqiu summoned Shang Qinghua to the Bamboo House for a confrontation.
Shen Qingqiu hinted at Shang Qinghua’s involvement in the disaster at Jue Di Gorge, accusing him of bringing demonic creatures into the Human Realm.
Shen Qingqiu revealed that he knew Shang Qinghua’s true identity as “Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky,” the author of Proud Immortal Demon Way, stunning Shang Qinghua, who confessed by his reaction.
Both Shen Qingqiu and Shang Qinghua were shocked by this revelation, with Shen Qingqiu angrily confronting him about his role as the creator of the chaotic world they were living in.
Chapter 5: Bai Lu
Shang Qinghua accidentally exclaimed “WTF!” when Mobei-Jun appeared, raising Shen Qingqiu’s suspicions about him.
Shen Qingqiu deduced that Shang Qinghua had intentionally avoided unleashing the Black Moon Rhinoceros-Python to hinder Luo Binghe’s fall into the Abyss, suspecting Shang Qinghua was trying to alter the plot.
They confronted each other about their shared transmigration, realizing they both had memories of being readers of the original story.
Shen Qingqiu suggested a plan involving a plant Shang Qinghua had created in the original novel, hinting it might solve their current predicament.
Shang Qinghua struggled to remember the plant’s location, but by the next day, he pinpointed it on a map, and they set off to find it.
During their journey, they encountered eerie occurrences, including sightings of a woman slithering like a snake, which unsettled Shang Qinghua.
Shang Qinghua and Shen Qingqiu found themselves walking in circles in Bai Lu Forest, discovering they were trapped within Huan Hua Palace’s protective array.
Shen Qingqiu's System had entered Hibernation Mode, as it had been disconnected from Luo Binghe, leaving Shen Qingqiu unable to acquire or lose B-Points.
They were joined by Gongyi Xiao, a talented disciple from Huan Hua Palace, who assisted them in navigating the array.
The group reached a cave, where the rare Sun-Moon Dew Mushrooms grew, nourished by an underground lake of unsullied morning dew.
Shen Qingqiu carefully harvested the mushrooms, but just as he finished, a snake-like creature with a pale face attacked him from the lake.
Gongyi Xiao and Shen Qingqiu managed to fight off the creature, which was agile and boneless, escaping into the water.
They discovered the creature had been living off the dew water in the cave, explaining its presence and the hostility it showed when they disturbed the mushrooms.
Shen Qingqiu theorized that the creature was unable to approach the mushrooms directly due to its sensitivity to sunlight and moonlight.
Shen Qingqiu advocated for sparing the creature, as it had not harmed any humans and was merely living in the cave.
The chapter ended with the creature eyeing a tiny Sun-Moon Dew Mushroom sprout with determination, indicating its deep connection to the cave and the mushrooms.
After exiting Bai Lu Forest, Gongyi Xiao invited Shen Qingqiu and Shang Qinghua to Huan Hua Palace, but Shen Qingqiu declined, not wanting to cause any complications regarding property rights over the Sun-Moon Dew Mushrooms.
Shang Qinghua and Shen Qingqiu politely refused Gongyi Xiao's invitation and promised a future visit instead, with Shen Qingqiu accidentally almost referring to Luo Binghe as his disciple before correcting himself to say Ming Fan.
Gongyi Xiao believed Shen Qingqiu was deeply grieving Luo Binghe’s death, further sympathizing with Shen Qingqiu's supposed sorrow over losing his beloved disciple.
Gongyi Xiao parted from the two, frequently looking back at Shen Qingqiu with sympathy, awkwardness, and admiration, thinking he had witnessed deep master-and-disciple grief.
Shang Qinghua teased Shen Qingqiu, suggesting that Shen had genuinely adored Luo Binghe and perhaps even considered him as his precious disciple, referring to rumors about Shen Qingqiu calling out Luo Binghe’s name after his death.
Shen Qingqiu grew increasingly annoyed by Shang Qinghua’s insinuations, feeling his image was being tarnished by such gossip.
Shang Qinghua pushed further, asking how Shen Qingqiu viewed Luo Binghe, noting Shen Qingqiu’s consistent defense of Luo Binghe in the original novel.
Shen Qingqiu dismissed the conversation, quickly diverting attention back to the practical matter of continuing their journey and making Shang Qinghua drive again.
Reflecting on their success in harvesting the mushrooms, Shen Qingqiu felt confident that the mushrooms would be enough to save his life, though he acknowledged the chaotic nature of the plot, knowing things could still go wrong in the future.
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The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong Vol. 2
Chapter 6: Jin Lan
Three years passed with Shen Qingqiu treating his poison and occasionally visiting Qing Jing Peak, but mostly wandering the outside world until an urgent notice from Yue Qingyuan summoned him back to Cang Qiong Mountain.
Upon his return, Shen Qingqiu was greeted warmly by his disciples, particularly Ming Fan and Ning Yingying, who had grown significantly.
Shen Qingqiu attended a meeting with the other peak lords and their disciples at Qiong Ding Peak, where Yue Qingyuan discussed the mysterious closing of Jin Lan City.
A merchant escaped from Jin Lan City and reported a terrifying plague within, but died shortly after reaching Zhao Hua Monastery, decaying rapidly into a skeleton.
Multiple sects, including Huan Hua Palace and Tian Yi Temple, sent disciples to investigate, but none returned.
Cang Qiong Mountain sect was requested to assist, and it was decided that Shen Qingqiu, Liu Qingge, and Mu Qingfang would lead the investigation into Jin Lan City.
Upon reaching Jin Lan City, they discovered that flying into the city was impossible due to a barrier cast by Zhao Hua Monastery. They used an underground river to enter.
Along the underground river, they encountered floating skeletons wrapped in black cloth, suggesting the severity of the plague.
They were confronted by a young man, Yang Yixuan, who warned them to leave the city, but they proceeded to meet with Master Wu Chen, who had also been infected by the plague.
Wu Chen revealed that the plague caused severe festering and eventual decay into a skeleton. He also noted that the disease rapidly progressed if the infected tried to leave the city.
Mu Qingfang theorized that the plague might not be a natural disease, but possibly something else, and he needed to examine more patients.
They encountered more infected people in the city and discovered that even though many people were infected, some individuals, like Yang Yixuan, were not, raising further questions.
Shen Qingqiu surmised that the plague was caused by demonic sowers, who infected humans to create rotten flesh for demons to consume. Sowers were thought to be nearly extinct.
In a brothel, Shen Qingqiu and Gongyi Xiao discovered a disguised sower, confirming Shen Qingqiu’s suspicions.
To develop a cure, Shen Qingqiu requested to take the sower’s body for study, and Luo Binghe, who suddenly reappeared in the city, agreed to deliver the body to him.
Luo Binghe had returned two years earlier than expected, having been saved by Qin Wanyue of Huan Hua Palace. He was now a favored disciple there, though he had kept his identity hidden from Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu was shocked by Luo Binghe’s sudden return and the change in his temperament, which was far colder and more dangerous than before.
As Shen Qingqiu reflected on his former disciple’s return, he was ambushed by Luo Binghe, who confronted him and expressed resentment over how he had been treated.
Luo Binghe accused Shen Qingqiu of hating him and the demon race, and after a tense exchange, he physically attacked Shen Qingqiu, choking him and nearly killing him.
Just as Shen Qingqiu prepared to use his life-saving item, the fake jade Guanyin, Luo Binghe abruptly stopped his assault, confusing Shen Qingqiu.
Luo Binghe’s behavior became increasingly erratic, alternating between tenderness and cruelty. He forced Shen Qingqiu to drink his blood as a form of punishment, leaving Shen Qingqiu horrified and uncertain about Luo Binghe’s true intentions.
Shen Qingqiu returns to Jin Zi Weapons Shop in a daze after experiencing disturbing effects from drinking Luo Binghe's blood, tossing and turning throughout the night.
He recalls that heavenly demons could control their blood to inflict various consequences on others, such as poisoning, parasitic infestation, and mind control.
Shen Qingqiu falls into a restless sleep but is awakened by Yang Yixuan, who announces that Jin Lan City's gates have been opened after capturing all the red monsters (sowers).
Yang Yixuan, though grieving his father’s death, expresses joy that the city was saved overnight.
Shen Qingqiu wonders how the sowers were caught so quickly, especially since he feels physically unwell from the night before.
Shen Qingqiu joins other cultivators in a plaza where seven sowers are quarantined in a barrier created by Zhao Hua Monastery.
Liu Qingge reveals that Luo Binghe caught five sowers, while he only caught two, leading Liu Qingge to question Shen Qingqiu about Luo Binghe’s training during his absence.
Various sect leaders, including Yue Qingyuan and Huan Hua Palace's Old Palace Master, arrive alongside Luo Binghe, who appears glowing and invigorated in the morning light.
Shen Qingqiu is feeling awful due to his encounter with Luo Binghe's blood and tries to deflect attention when questioned about his appearance by Yue Qingyuan and Mu Qingfang.
The governor of Jin Lan City leads a group of citizens to thank Luo Binghe for his efforts, kneeling before him and offering undying loyalty, completely overshadowing the efforts of others like Liu Qingge and Mu Qingfang.
Luo Binghe humbly downplays his role, crediting the joint efforts of all sects, though Shen Qingqiu notices Luo Binghe’s gaze briefly flicker toward him.
Discussion turns to how the sowers should be dealt with, and Shen Qingqiu suggests burning them with fire to prevent further spread of the plague.
Some cultivators protest this method, but the citizens of Jin Lan City, enraged by the loss of life, demand that the sowers be burned.
A petite sower suddenly cries out for Shen Qingqiu to save her, claiming she was only following his orders, causing suspicion and chaos among the crowd.
The Old Palace Master and other cultivators start questioning Shen Qingqiu’s involvement with the demons, suggesting he may have colluded with them.
Qi Qingqi defends Shen Qingqiu, stating the sower is framing him, but the Old Palace Master insists that Shen Qingqiu must explain himself.
A Huan Hua Palace disciple adds to the accusations by pointing out that Shen Qingqiu’s infection from the plague disappeared unnaturally quickly, raising further suspicion about his actions.
Shen Qingqiu is caught off guard by this accusation, realizing that Luo Binghe left traces of his demonic influence on him deliberately.
The Old Palace Master presses further, stating that rumors from Shen Qingqiu’s own sect members suggest he has a history of abusing his disciples, specifically Luo Binghe.
Qin Wanyue steps forward, accusing Shen Qingqiu of sending Luo Binghe into a dangerous battle with a demonic elder while still a young disciple, framing it as grievous harm.
Shen Qingqiu counters by reminding the crowd that he once saved Luo Binghe from the poisoned armor, asking Luo Binghe to corroborate his claim.
Luo Binghe acknowledges Shen Qingqiu's protection in the past, but his response is vague and layered with deeper implications.
The situation escalates when a woman named Qiu Haitang suddenly appears and accuses Shen Qingqiu of being her former lover and the murderer of her brother.
Qiu Haitang recounts a tragic story of how Shen Qingqiu, once her betrothed, killed her family after being taken in as a slave and later pursued immortality under the tutelage of the infamous demonic cultivator Wu Yanzi.
Her accusations shock the crowd, further sullying Shen Qingqiu’s reputation and reinforcing the idea that he has a dark past.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that all these accusations—from the sower’s claim, the Huan Hua Palace’s disciple’s testimony, and now Qiu Haitang’s denouncement—are snowballing into a larger narrative that paints him as a villainous character.
The Old Palace Master suggests detaining Shen Qingqiu in Huan Hua Palace’s Water Prison for trial, while Liu Qingge and Yue Qingyuan protest and argue for a shorter detention period.
Despite their resistance, Shen Qingqiu surrenders and agrees to be detained, believing the truth will eventually clear his name.
Yue Qingyuan almost draws his sword to defend Shen Qingqiu, but Shen Qingqiu intervenes to prevent a full-scale conflict between Cang Qiong Mountain Sect and Huan Hua Palace.
As Shen Qingqiu is led away, bound by immortal-binding cables, he communicates with Shang Qinghua, signaling a plan to delay the trial and potentially grow Dew Mushrooms as part of his strategy.
The leaders eventually agree on a trial date of one month, though Shen Qingqiu knows his situation is precarious with Luo Binghe controlling Huan Hua Palace and the looming threat of torture in the Water Prison.
Chapter 7: Water Prison
Shen Qingqiu is blindfolded and led by Huan Hua Palace disciples into the Water Prison, though he notes it’s unnecessary given how complex the maze leading to the prison is.
The air in the Water Prison is damp and the ground slippery, forcing Shen Qingqiu to rely on the disciples guiding him.
Shen Qingqiu asks Gongyi Xiao if he is allowed any contact with outsiders while waiting for his trial, to which Gongyi Xiao responds that only those with an authorization pass can visit him.
Shen Qingqiu inquires about the fate of the sowers, and Gongyi Xiao explains they were burned and Zhao Hua Monastery performed rites for their souls.
The pock-faced disciple, who seems to have a personal grudge against Shen Qingqiu, mocks him again, questioning whether he still hopes to leave the Water Prison.
Shen Qingqiu dismisses the disciple's rudeness, acknowledging his status as a prisoner and allowing the disciple to act as he pleases.
Shen Qingqiu’s blindfold is removed, revealing a giant stone cave with a dark, murky lake beneath it. Dim yellow torches light the walls, reflecting in the rippling water.
An artificial platform made of a jade-like stone is situated in the center of the lake, and Gongyi Xiao uses a ring of keys to raise a stone path from the lakebed, allowing access to the platform.
The pock-faced disciple throws a stone into the lake, which floats momentarily before sizzling and corroding rapidly, indicating the lake is filled with an extremely corrosive liquid that can dissolve anything.
Shen Qingqiu is astounded by the lethality of the liquid, questioning how Huan Hua Palace, a righteous sect, could possess such a dangerous substance.
Shen Qingqiu cautiously walks the stone path to the platform, aware that falling into the lake would result in a painful death with no remains left behind.
Once Shen Qingqiu reaches the platform, Gongyi Xiao triggers the mechanism again, causing the stone path to sink back into the lakebed, trapping Shen Qingqiu on the platform.
Shen Qingqiu considers whether a sword could help him escape, but soon realizes the futility of such thoughts when dark, murky water descends around the platform, creating an airtight barrier that seals him in.
Shen Qingqiu acknowledges that Huan Hua Palace’s Water Prison is indeed as inescapable as its reputation suggests, with even a fly unable to leave the impenetrable barrier.
Shen Qingqiu is woken by a basin of cold water splashing over him, disoriented and shivering due to the cold and the immortal-binding cables restricting his meridians.
The adjustable path leading to his stone platform is raised, and a maiden dressed in pink, the Little Palace Mistress, appears with a whip, ready to interrogate him.
The Little Palace Mistress accuses Shen Qingqiu of being a demon realm colluder and blames him for being cruel to Luo Binghe, despite him not admitting to such crimes.
Shen Qingqiu tries to reason with her, but she is consumed by her emotions and her belief in Luo Binghe’s unspoken suffering.
In her anger, she attacks Shen Qingqiu with her whip. Despite his best efforts to dodge, his clothes are torn, and he is cornered on the stone platform.
Just as Shen Qingqiu braces for a strike, Luo Binghe appears and catches the whip mid-air, stopping the Little Palace Mistress. His expression is icy and menacing.
Luo Binghe destroys the Little Palace Mistress’s whip, reducing it to metal scraps, and commands her to leave. She is heartbroken and upset, feeling betrayed by Luo Binghe, and flees in tears.
Left alone with Luo Binghe, Shen Qingqiu feels tense, expecting further pain or interrogation. However, Luo Binghe surprisingly refrains from physical punishment.
Shen Qingqiu tries to appeal to Luo Binghe’s desire for revenge, suggesting that Luo should wait until after the trial to punish him for maximum satisfaction, but Luo Binghe's response is colder than expected.
Luo Binghe questions why Shen Qingqiu is so certain that the trial will find him guilty and seems frustrated by Shen Qingqiu’s lack of trust in him.
Luo Binghe bitterly accuses Shen Qingqiu of viewing him differently because of his demon heritage, reflecting his deep-seated insecurities.
Shen Qingqiu asks Luo Binghe why he has aligned himself with Huan Hua Palace, but Luo Binghe avoids answering, growing increasingly agitated.
Luo Binghe suddenly asks Shen Qingqiu if he regrets pushing him into the Endless Abyss. Shen Qingqiu doesn't answer, leaving Luo Binghe disappointed and hurt.
Shen Qingqiu is prompted by the System to choose a response, with options that would escalate or defuse the situation. He chooses to remain silent, causing Luo Binghe to express his frustration but ultimately back down.
Luo Binghe, upset by Shen Qingqiu's silence and perceived rejection, triggers the heavenly demon blood inside Shen Qingqiu, causing him immense pain and discomfort as if insects are crawling inside his organs.
Shen Qingqiu, unable to bear the pain, activates a System item, which triggers a "Small Scenario Pusher" that leads to a strange turn of events.
In a moment of confusion, Shen Qingqiu’s robe tears, leaving him partially exposed. Luo Binghe, startled, abruptly retreats and throws his own robe at Shen Qingqiu to cover him.
Luo Binghe, visibly upset by the situation, releases his anger by attacking the cave walls and lake, creating massive craters and waves.
After his tantrum, Luo Binghe leaves the cave, vowing to watch Shen Qingqiu’s downfall during the upcoming trial.
Shen Qingqiu, left shivering in the cold, reluctantly wraps himself in Luo Binghe’s discarded robe for warmth, feeling conflicted about the entire interaction.
Shen Qingqiu tries to meditate in the Water Prison but is interrupted by Gongyi Xiao, who is startled to see him wearing Luo Binghe's robe.
Gongyi Xiao hesitantly inquires if Luo Binghe did something to Shen Qingqiu, hinting at misunderstanding the situation, which embarrasses Shen Qingqiu.
Gongyi Xiao delivers a letter from Shang Qinghua written in poorly composed Chinglish. The letter explains that the Sun-Moon Dew Mushroom is ready but will rot soon due to an overuse of "fertilizer."
Shen Qingqiu realizes he must escape the Water Prison within seven days to get the mushroom but struggles to convince Gongyi Xiao to help him escape.
Shen Qingqiu destroys the letter to prevent evidence of the plan and struggles with the bindings restricting him.
Gongyi Xiao eventually helps Shen Qingqiu by cutting the immortal-binding cables, freeing him and returning Shen Qingqiu’s sword, Xiu Ya.
After some convincing, Gongyi Xiao agrees to help Shen Qingqiu escape. However, they are stopped by the Water Prison’s automatic defense mechanism, which requires someone to stay on the stone platform for the others to leave.
Shen Qingqiu captures the pock-faced disciple to use as a weight, allowing him and Gongyi Xiao to leave.
Gongyi Xiao, out of sympathy, gives Shen Qingqiu his outer robe, allowing Shen Qingqiu to discard Luo Binghe's robe.
They navigate through Huan Hua Palace’s maze-like prison until they reach the outskirts of Bai Lu Forest.
Shen Qingqiu insists Gongyi Xiao return to avoid further trouble, promising to meet him later in Hua Yue City.
Shen Qingqiu travels to Hua Yue City during a festival but is forced to hide his identity as a fugitive, as the city is filled with sect members searching for him due to a bounty placed on him by Huan Hua Palace.
He encounters a strange child who calls him "Shizun," only to realize the child is a manifestation of Luo Binghe's lingering influence in a dream realm created by Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu becomes trapped in a nightmarish dream realm filled with faceless people and past memories, including distorted visions of Liu Qingge and Yue Qingyuan's tragic deaths.
As the dream shifts, Shen Qingqiu encounters younger versions of Luo Binghe and experiences a distorted reenactment of his past teachings with Luo Binghe, where Luo Binghe mocks Shen Qingqiu's fighting style.
Luo Binghe's frustration and anger manifest in an attack on Shen Qingqiu, but the dream world begins to fall apart as Luo Binghe’s mythical sword, Xin Mo, causes backlash.
Shen Qingqiu manages to escape the dream realm by recognizing Luo Binghe's vulnerability due to the sword’s recoil.
After escaping the dream realm, Shen Qingqiu reflects on how he inadvertently glimpsed Shen Jiu's childhood memories during the dream but dismisses them as insignificant to his current self.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that more sects have arrived in Hua Yue City due to his wanted status and adopts a disguise to avoid capture.
He encounters Liu Qingge in the city and intends to follow him but is distracted by an argument involving Ning Yingying and Ming Fan from Qing Jing Peak, who are being confronted by the Little Palace Mistress and her followers from Huan Hua Palace.
The argument escalates into a fight, and Ning Yingying is slapped by the Little Palace Mistress, angering Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu intervenes secretly to stop the fight by disabling the Little Palace Mistress’s whip, but the situation remains tense as both sides prepare for further conflict.
Chapter 8: Death
Shen Qingqiu notices a strange disciple within the crowd of Huan Hua Palace disciples, suspecting they are not who they seem due to their unusual appearance and behavior.
During the brawl between Ning Yingying and the Little Palace Mistress, Shen Qingqiu stealthily intervenes by using an old cat to create a distraction and subtly manipulates Ning Yingying’s movements to land two slaps on the Little Palace Mistress.
The Little Palace Mistress, shocked by being slapped, questions who dared to interfere. Shen Qingqiu points out the strange disciple, drawing attention to him.
The odd disciple is revealed to be a sower, a type of demonic creature, disguised as a human. The sower attacks, and Shen Qingqiu defends the Qing Jing disciples, fighting off the sower despite his poison-flaring up and his abilities malfunctioning.
Ning Yingying and Ming Fan recognize Shen Qingqiu despite his disguise, and the Qing Jing disciples celebrate their reunion. However, the battle with the sower continues.
Shen Qingqiu’s poison causes his spiritual powers to malfunction, but after several failed attempts, he finally ignites a fire and burns the sower to death. His disguise is completely blown.
The Little Palace Mistress confronts Shen Qingqiu again, accusing him of killing her sect members and specifically blaming him for the death of Ma-shixiong and Gongyi Xiao. Shen Qingqiu is shocked to learn Gongyi Xiao has died.
The Little Palace Mistress and the Huan Hua Palace disciples attack Shen Qingqiu, believing him to be responsible for the deaths, though he denies involvement and tries to defend himself.
Qing Jing Peak disciples, led by Ning Yingying, defend Shen Qingqiu and fight back against Huan Hua Palace disciples.
Shen Qingqiu retreats to the rooftop, where he is met by Liu Qingge, who comes to his aid. Liu Qingge flies Shen Qingqiu to the tallest building in the city as they attempt to escape the escalating conflict.
However, Luo Binghe appears and confronts Shen Qingqiu, demanding that he come with him. Shen Qingqiu questions Luo Binghe about the deaths of the Huan Hua Palace disciples, including Gongyi Xiao, suspecting Luo Binghe is responsible.
Luo Binghe denies responsibility for the murders but expresses deep resentment and frustration towards Shen Qingqiu for abandoning him and betraying him.
A fight breaks out between Luo Binghe and Liu Qingge, but Luo Binghe is limited in his abilities due to the dangerous backlash from his sword, Xin Mo, and his internal struggle with the demonic energy.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that if Luo Binghe loses control of Xin Mo, it could result in catastrophe. To stop Luo Binghe’s internal conflict and prevent mass destruction, Shen Qingqiu uses the last of his spiritual energy to stabilize Luo Binghe, sacrificing himself in the process.
Shen Qingqiu’s spiritual energy is completely depleted, and he falls off the building, his body now fragile and lifeless. Luo Binghe catches him but is devastated by the realization that Shen Qingqiu has sacrificed himself for him.
The Qing Jing Peak disciples arrive, and Ning Yingying and Ming Fan are heartbroken to see Shen Qingqiu dead. They blame Luo Binghe for his death, even though he didn’t directly kill him.
Luo Binghe is left in shock and denial, holding Shen Qingqiu’s body, confused and regretful over everything that has transpired.
Ning Yingying reminds Luo Binghe of the kindness Shen Qingqiu had shown him in the past and asks him to stop calling him "Shizun," as Shen Qingqiu has already repaid everything.
Luo Binghe, filled with grief and guilt, realizes the depth of Shen Qingqiu’s sacrifice and reflects on how he had misunderstood Shen Qingqiu’s actions, lamenting his mistakes and the consequences they have wrought.
Chapter 9: Borderlands
The borderlands between the Demon Realm and the Human Realm are desolate and sparsely populated, with only a few human garrisons remaining to guard against demon attacks.
A newcomer arrives at a teahouse in the borderlands and joins the conversation with a few others gathered there.
They discuss the ongoing conflict between Cang Qiong Mountain Sect and Huan Hua Palace, fueled by the tension between the two sects over Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe.
It is revealed that Luo Binghe forced Shen Qingqiu to self-detonate in Hua Yue City and now refuses to return his body to Cang Qiong Mountain, even kidnapping Mu Qingfang to try and revive Shen Qingqiu.
The group debates the rumors about Luo Binghe and his demon heritage, and they are unsure whether Shen Qingqiu was wrongfully accused or deserved his fate.
Suddenly, knocking is heard at the door, and a mysterious figure appears outside, leading to chaos as the group realizes there is an intruder among them.
The intruder is a demonic entity that attacks the group, but another mysterious person arrives and fights it off, saving them.
The rescuer turns out to be Shen Qingqiu, who had successfully used the Sun-Moon Dew Mushroom to return to life after truly self-detonating during the events in Hua Yue City.
Shen Qingqiu’s revival involved a complex plan with Shang Qinghua, where his soul was transferred into the Dew Mushroom to cultivate a new body in the borderlands.
Shen Qingqiu reflects on his resurrection, noting that his new body is filled with immense spiritual energy, and he finds himself adjusting to it after being buried for five years.
Shen Qingqiu accidentally almost introduces himself as Shen Qingqiu but decides to use his old online alias, "Peerless Cucumber," instead.
As Shen Qingqiu leaves the teahouse, the people inside struggle to remember his name, coming up with comically incorrect guesses like "Peerless Chrysanthemum" and "Peerless Crazy Flower."
Shen Qingqiu, now disguised and under a new identity, continues his journey, realizing he might need to reconsider his new alias.
Shen Qingqiu decides to embrace his new life with a dramatic flair, equipping himself with a folding fan and taking on a lofty persona while questioning some minor demons.
The demons reveal that they often steal small trinkets from the Human Realm to trade back in the Demon Realm, where everyday human objects are considered valuable due to the lack of craftsmanship and resources in the Demon Realm.
Shen Qingqiu criticizes the demons for taking advantage of the poor conditions in the borderlands, despite the fact that he himself had stolen clothes and a fan to avoid looking disheveled.
The leader of the demons introduces himself as "Six Balls," explaining that his father named him because he was "six balls heavy" when born. The other demons have equally ridiculous names.
Shen Qingqiu reflects on how fortunate it is that Luo Binghe wasn’t raised by demon commoners, as he might have been given an absurd name like "Heavenly Pillar-Jun" due to his reputation.
While interacting with the demons, Shen Qingqiu discovers a sword tassel that belonged to Liu Mingyan, the female lead and a powerful cultivator from Cang Qiong Mountain.
The demons explain that they found the tassel after an "important person" passed through the area with their subordinates, though they couldn't provide many details about the person's identity.
Shen Qingqiu briefly wonders if the important person could be Luo Binghe, but ultimately dismisses the idea, reasoning that Luo Binghe wouldn't be sneaking through the borderlands.
Shen Qingqiu becomes concerned that Liu Mingyan might have been captured by this mysterious figure, something that hadn’t occurred in the original story.
Considering his connection to Liu Mingyan as Liu Qingge’s sister and Qi Qingqi’s disciple, Shen Qingqiu decides he cannot ignore the situation and must investigate further.
He asks the demons to lead him to the rift in the boundary between the Human and Demon Realms to pursue answers.
Shen Qingqiu hides in the treetops, watching a distorted patch of air where a youth in black emerges, clearly a Bai Zhan Peak disciple.
Sha Hualing appears, taunting the youth while trying to capture him. The youth is bound by immortal-binding cables but fights back.
Shen Qingqiu intervenes, cutting Sha Hualing’s nails as a warning and later using his spiritual energy to repel her attack, sending her flying.
Sha Hualing flees through the rift back to the Demon Realm, leaving the youth behind. Shen Qingqiu frees him from the cables.
The youth introduces himself as Yang Yixuan, Liu Qingge’s disciple. Shen Qingqiu is surprised as Liu Qingge never took in disciples.
Yang Yixuan explains Liu Qingge has lost every fight against Luo Binghe. He also fell into Sha Hualing's trap because she seduced him by taking off her clothes.
Shen Qingqiu and Yang Yixuan enter the Demon Realm through the spatial rift, discovering the lair, Chi Yun Cave, and Sha Hualing pacing around.
Liu Mingyan is captured, but she resists Sha Hualing’s attempts to make her kneel, even when Sha Hualing removes her veil.
Shen Qingqiu intervenes again, sending Sha Hualing flying, but she manages to scratch him despite his previous trimming of her nails.
Yang Yixuan releases the other prisoners, including three Daoist nuns, crucial to Luo Binghe's cultivation, thereby disrupting the original plot.
Shen Qingqiu notices Qiu Haitang among the prisoners, but she doesn't recognize him due to his different appearance.
Sha Hualing calls for reinforcements, binding Shen Qingqiu with an oversized immortal-binding net. However, Shen Qingqiu uses his immense spiritual energy to break free.
Just as Shen Qingqiu escapes, Luo Binghe arrives, disappointed in Sha Hualing for capturing Cang Qiong Mountain Sect disciples despite his orders not to.
Sha Hualing bargains with Luo Binghe, promising that the person she captured (Shen Qingqiu) had unparalleled spiritual energy, hoping to secure a deal.
Shen Qingqiu runs in terror after hearing the familiar voice of the System reactivating, despite having switched bodies.
The System, though malfunctioning, is trying to reconnect to him after being near Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu encounters Liu Mingyan and Yang Yixuan, who had not yet returned to Cang Qiong Mountain. They reassure him they are relieved to see him safe.
Shen Qingqiu, Liu Mingyan, and Yang Yixuan sit down in a tea shop, where they overhear Lu Liu gossiping about the relationship between Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu.
Lu Liu describes a rumor, claiming that Luo Binghe had impure, romantic feelings for Shen Qingqiu during their time together as master and disciple, leading to a bizarre story about unrequited love and hate.
Lu Liu explains that Luo Binghe confessed his love to Shen Qingqiu during the Immortal Alliance Conference, was rejected, and in despair tried to force Shen Qingqiu to submit. Shen Qingqiu rejected him, leading to their conflict.
According to the story, Shen Qingqiu couldn’t bear to reveal the truth about Luo Binghe, so he protected his disciple’s reputation by claiming he was killed by demons.
Lu Liu further embellishes that Luo Binghe spent years improving his martial abilities and eventually came back to capture Shen Qingqiu and imprison him in the Water Prison of Huan Hua Palace for personal revenge.
The story culminates with Luo Binghe being portrayed as jealous and vengeful, leading to a confrontation with Liu Qingge and Shen Qingqiu's self-detonation in Hua Yue City.
Shen Qingqiu is horrified by the absurd story but decides to leave the tea shop after hearing enough of the embellished and wildly inaccurate tale.
Yang Yixuan and Liu Mingyan are left in a daze by the gossip, while Shen Qingqiu urges them to eat quickly and leave the town before their views on life are further distorted by the wild rumors.
Chapter 10: Huan Hua
Shen Qingqiu escorts Liu Mingyan and Yang Yixuan out of the borderlands and takes a different direction to avoid further confrontation.
Sha Hualing appears and confronts Shen Qingqiu, revealing she had poisoned him by spiking his food with heavenly demon blood.
Shen Qingqiu begins to feel the effects of the blood, causing intense pain as the heavenly demon blood starts to take control of his body.
Luo Binghe arrives through a spatial rift, startling Shen Qingqiu, who tries to avoid recognition by his former disciple.
Sha Hualing attempts to explain herself to Luo Binghe, fearing his wrath because Shen Qingqiu’s face resembles someone from his past. She confesses her mistake but is punished by Luo Binghe, who strangles her with an incorporeal force.
Despite not recognizing Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe uses the heavenly demon blood inside him to drain his spiritual energy, bringing him close to death. He then pulls away upon being reminded of the Holy Mausoleum.
Sha Hualing saves her life by reminding Luo Binghe of their shared goal regarding the Holy Mausoleum, which causes him to spare both her and Shen Qingqiu.
Luo Binghe leaves, opening a spatial rift and abandoning Shen Qingqiu and Sha Hualing in the Demon Realm, but Sha Hualing forces Shen Qingqiu to follow her through the rift.
Shen Qingqiu enters Huan Hua Palace with Sha Hualing, now disguised as a human. They observe Luo Binghe being cold and indifferent to the Little Palace Mistress, who is upset and confronts him.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that Luo Binghe’s harem has fallen apart, with the women in his life living in misery or being reduced to mere shadows of their former selves.
Shen Qingqiu checks his System and notices that, despite the deteriorating relationships with the female characters, his B-Points have increased significantly due to subverting typical tropes of female martyrdom and brainless love interests.
Shen Qingqiu accidentally gets sucked into Luo Binghe’s dream realm, reliving memories of their master-disciple relationship on Qing Jing Peak.
In the dream, Shen Qingqiu observes a younger, more naive Luo Binghe, who still holds fond memories of their time together, despite being repeatedly punished by Shen Qingqiu.
Luo Binghe unexpectedly appears in the dream and mistakes Shen Qingqiu for a dream figure, expressing longing for his shizun. Shen Qingqiu responds in a kind manner to maintain the illusion.
Luo Binghe kisses Shen Qingqiu in the dream, revealing his deep emotional attachment. Shen Qingqiu realizes that Luo Binghe’s satisfaction points have been tied to him rather than any romantic pursuits with the women in his life.
Shen Qingqiu awakens in Huan Hua Palace to alarms signaling an intruder—Liu Qingge has entered the palace, enraged and ready to fight Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu rushes to stop Liu Qingge from confronting Luo Binghe, knowing it could lead to disastrous consequences.
Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe face off in Huan Hua Pavilion, with Liu Qingge furious and prepared to battle Luo Binghe, who appears disheveled and ready to fight back.
Chapter 11: Corpse
Shen Qingqiu observes a violent confrontation between Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe, whose left arm is holding a lifeless body—Shen Qingqiu’s own corpse from his previous life.
Liu Qingge confronts Luo Binghe about what he has done, having stumbled upon Luo Binghe holding Shen Qingqiu’s corpse in a compromising position, both figures in minimal clothing.
Luo Binghe calmly responds to Liu Qingge’s accusations, suggesting that he would not do such things with an outsider, implying a deeper connection between him and the corpse.
The two begin an intense spiritual energy battle, both cautious not to damage the corpse, which Luo Binghe is fiercely protective of.
Shen Qingqiu, seeing the chaos, assists Liu Qingge by merging his spiritual energy with his, forcing Luo Binghe to let go of the corpse.
Luo Binghe looks on helplessly as Liu Qingge grabs the corpse and flees. Luo Binghe’s expression is devastated, revealing his emotional attachment to Shen Qingqiu's body.
During the battle, the pavilion collapses, revealing the swords Zheng Yang and Xiu Ya, which had been stored there after being broken in the past.
Shen Qingqiu feels pity for Luo Binghe but knows he must get Liu Qingge and his old corpse to safety to prevent any further disturbing developments.
Despite trying to escape, Shen Qingqiu hesitates, feeling conflicted as he witnesses Luo Binghe’s pain. However, Luo Binghe notices him, and his gaze turns murderous.
Before Luo Binghe can act, Shen Qingqiu is suddenly snatched up by a fast-moving shadow, which takes him away to safety.
Luo Binghe, frustrated and emotionally unhinged after losing both Shen Qingqiu’s corpse and the battle, lashes out violently, sending Sha Hualing flying and causing her to cough up blood.
Sha Hualing reports that the intrusion had been assisted by another party who broke the maze array before Liu Qingge's arrival. Despite this information, Luo Binghe remains fixated on retrieving Shen Qingqiu’s body and orders Mobei to be summoned, vowing to pursue them himself.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that Luo Binghe had been gentle while using the blood mites in his body before, as the current pain Luo Binghe is causing him is excruciating, making him wish for death.
Shen Qingqiu is dragged to safety by someone, but he's in too much pain to respond or walk properly due to the blood mites raging inside him.
The person who rescued him lowers him to the ground and tries to assess his condition, speaking in a gentle and refreshing voice, indicating they are a young man.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that Luo Binghe was never truly malicious before when using the blood mites and had been treating him with a certain degree of care.
Shen Qingqiu briefly reflects on how his situation has spiraled into this bizarre scenario, wondering how things had gone so wrong, blaming Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky for writing such a convoluted situation.
As Shen Qingqiu rolls around in pain, the young man touches his body to comfort him, and surprisingly, his touch seems to alleviate the pain caused by the blood mites.
The young man accidentally touches Shen Qingqiu inappropriately while trying to help, causing Shen Qingqiu to react awkwardly due to his recent traumatic experiences with Luo Binghe.
Despite his discomfort, Shen Qingqiu encourages the young man to continue touching him as it provides relief from the pain.
The young man lifts Shen Qingqiu and forces a liquid down his throat, despite Shen Qingqiu trying to resist. The liquid quickly neutralizes the blood mites' effects, and the pain dissipates almost immediately.
Shen Qingqiu panics and demands to know what the young man gave him to drink, realizing the liquid was heavenly demon blood, as only heavenly demon blood can counteract the effects of heavenly demon blood.
Shen Qingqiu is horrified that he has now consumed heavenly demon blood from two different sources, making him a unique and unparalleled case in history.
After this revelation, Shen Qingqiu lets out a laugh and collapses face-first, overwhelmed by the situation.
Shen Qingqiu finds himself in a scene filled with blood and corpses, with Luo Binghe standing among them, mechanically killing his own dream realm constructions.
Luo Binghe looks distressed and wipes at the blood on his face, embarrassed to be seen by Shen Qingqiu in this state. He throws away his sword and hides his bloodstained hands behind him.
Luo Binghe expresses guilt and self-loathing, saying he has failed to keep Shen Qingqiu's body safe and calls himself useless.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that Luo Binghe’s self-destructive behavior is a form of self-discipline and comfortingly tells him that what's lost is lost, trying to ease his pain.
Luo Binghe reveals that the only thing left for him is Shen Qingqiu's body, suggesting that for five years, Luo Binghe had clung to Shen Qingqiu's corpse out of obsession.
Luo Binghe’s bitterness grows, and he becomes more unstable, using his sword to massacre the remnants of his dream realm creations while blaming himself for failing Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu tries to calm him down and reminds him that this destructive behavior is no different from self-harm, which Luo Binghe acknowledges.
Luo Binghe admits that he knows this is all a dream and that only in dreams can Shen Qingqiu still scold him.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that he can’t continue leading Luo Binghe on and decides to be more emotionally distant, pulling away and adopting a more aloof demeanor.
Luo Binghe, in desperation, embraces Shen Qingqiu from behind, refusing to let go even when Shen Qingqiu angrily orders him to.
Luo Binghe tries to explain and apologize for his actions, including his role in trapping Shen Qingqiu in the Water Prison, and admits his regrets.
Shen Qingqiu feels pity for Luo Binghe, realizing the absurdity of the situation where Luo Binghe’s feelings have developed in a direction Shen Qingqiu never anticipated.
Shen Qingqiu loses his resolve to be harsh and instead gently pats Luo Binghe’s head, acknowledging how much Luo Binghe has suffered due to their complex relationship.
Shen Qingqiu notices scars on Luo Binghe’s hands and chest, realizing that Luo Binghe had preserved the wounds inflicted by Shen Qingqiu in past confrontations as a form of emotional attachment rather than hatred.
Shen Qingqiu begins to understand that Luo Binghe is a deeply emotional and sensitive person, far more delicate and affected by their interactions than he had ever realized.
As Shen Qingqiu reflects on his misunderstandings of Luo Binghe, he fails to notice the twisted smile beginning to form on Luo Binghe’s face, signaling that his actions may not be entirely innocent.
Chapter 12: Zhuzhi
Shen Qingqiu wakes up in a room with a gauzy white canopy, attended by a young man who helped him during the Huan Hua Palace incident.
The young man is revealed to be Zhuzhi-Lang, a servant of Tianlang-Jun and part of the snake demon race, though now in human form. Zhuzhi-Lang confirms that he knows Shen Qingqiu’s true identity.
Zhuzhi-Lang mentions that he cannot completely remove the heavenly demon blood from Shen Qingqiu’s body, but his own blood will neutralize its effects, especially if they go to the Demon Realm.
Shen Qingqiu is surprised by Zhuzhi-Lang’s expectation that he will accompany him to the Demon Realm, but he is unwilling to go and tries to leave. However, Zhuzhi-Lang’s snakes prevent him from escaping.
Shen Qingqiu learns that Zhuzhi-Lang is the son of Tianlang-Jun’s sister and a snake demon from the southern border of the Demon Realm. This makes him Luo Binghe’s senior cousin.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that Zhuzhi-Lang was in Huan Hua Palace on official business, likely related to Luo Binghe, but Zhuzhi-Lang evades directly answering questions about his true mission.
Shen Qingqiu attempts to escape from Zhuzhi-Lang by tricking him into entering a brothel and using realgar wine (a snake repellent) to incapacitate him. He buys up the town’s entire supply of realgar wine with Zhuzhi-Lang’s own money and poisons the air, weakening Zhuzhi-Lang’s snake form.
Zhuzhi-Lang is forced to transform into his true form, a giant green snake, and Shen Qingqiu leads the snake away from populated areas.
Once the snake is too weak to move, Shen Qingqiu bids Zhuzhi-Lang goodbye and flees.
Shen Qingqiu rents a flying sword using Zhuzhi-Lang’s money and heads back to Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, thinking of how much trouble he’s already in, especially with recent gossip linking him and Luo Binghe in inappropriate ways.
Chapter 13: Coercion
Shen Qingqiu arrives at the foot of Cang Qiong Mountain and learns that the sect has been under siege for two days by demon soldiers led by Luo Binghe.
He rushes to Qiong Ding Peak, where the summit is in ruins from the battles. There is a tense standoff between the sect’s disciples and the demon army.
Inside Qiong Ding Hall, Yue Qingyuan and Liu Qingge are injured, while Luo Binghe and Mobei-Jun stand in opposition. Luo Binghe demands the sect's nameplate and Shen Qingqiu’s immortal body, which Cang Qiong Mountain refuses to give.
Qi Qingqi accuses Luo Binghe of betraying the sect, causing his own shizun to self-detonate and desecrating his corpse. Luo Binghe remains indifferent, stating his intention to take the nameplate and stall the sect into submission.
Mobei-Jun throws Shang Qinghua into the standoff, causing a slapstick chase with Qi Qingqi. Shang Qinghua reveals to the sect that Shen Qingqiu had used the Sun-Moon Dew Mushroom to create a new body, and both the corpse in the hall and the living Shen Qingqiu are real.
Shen Qingqiu intervenes as Liu Qingge and Luo Binghe prepare to clash. Luo Binghe captures him, declaring, "Caught you, Shizun," and the sect realizes Shen Qingqiu is alive.
Luo Binghe admits he intentionally stalled the siege to draw Shen Qingqiu out. He refuses to leave without both Shen Qingqiu and his original body, which is being guarded by the sect.
Qi Qingqi suddenly announces that Shen Qingqiu’s immortal body has disappeared. Several disciples guarding the body were poisoned and incapacitated, though the poison is unknown and not of Luo Binghe’s doing.
This mysterious theft of the body shocks both sides, and Luo Binghe vows to find it. He agrees to drop the siege at Shen Qingqiu’s request but remains resolute in his pursuit.
As Luo Binghe prepares to leave, Liu Qingge, despite his injuries, challenges him, unwilling to let him depart so easily.
Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong
The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong Vol. 3
Chapter 14: House Arrest
Shen Qingqiu is taken to the Demon Realm by Luo Binghe, who brings him to a residence similar to Shen Qingqiu’s Bamboo House on Qing Jing Peak.
The two share an awkward, tense silence as they walk through the underground palace, with Shen Qingqiu growing frustrated by the situation and Luo Binghe's behavior.
Luo Binghe tries to check the heavenly demon blood in Shen Qingqiu but realizes it no longer responds to him, hinting at Shen Qingqiu's "fortuitous encounter" (Zhuzhi-Lang’s intervention).
Luo Binghe allows Shen Qingqiu freedom within the underground palace, and when Shen Qingqiu asks to see him as little as possible, Luo Binghe’s heart is visibly hurt.
Luo Binghe reiterates his belief that strength is necessary to keep what he desires, and he swears to never let Shen Qingqiu escape again.
Left alone, Shen Qingqiu questions the system about his progress and point values, and he exchanges points for a "Small Scenario Pusher: Luxury Edition," but is frustrated by this unnecessary feature.
Shen Qingqiu finds that Luo Binghe has ordered the demons to plant bamboo and has arranged for familiar meals. Shen Qingqiu realizes that Luo Binghe is behind these comforts, deepening his frustration.
Shang Qinghua visits and delivers Shen Qingqiu’s restored sword, Xiu Ya, before awkwardly fleeing when Luo Binghe arrives.
Luo Binghe expresses regret for deceiving Shen Qingqiu in the dream realm but insists his feelings were genuine. Shen Qingqiu doubts his words, still reeling from the previous betrayals.
Their confrontation escalates into a physical struggle when Luo Binghe attempts to take advantage of Shen Qingqiu, who fights back and manages to briefly subdue Luo Binghe before they continue brawling.
During the struggle, Shen Qingqiu lands a punch on Luo Binghe, receiving 500 satisfaction points from the system, indicating Luo Binghe’s masochistic tendencies.
The brawl ends abruptly when Shen Qingqiu experiences a severe, mysterious pain that causes his body to convulse violently. He sees disjointed, chaotic visions and feels his soul being torn apart.
Luo Binghe panics, trying to help Shen Qingqiu but finding no abnormalities. As Shen Qingqiu's condition worsens, Luo Binghe frantically calls for the guards, terrified for Shen Qingqiu’s life.
Chapter 15: Holy Mausoleum
Shen Qingqiu wakes up in a stone coffin, trapped in the Holy Mausoleum of the demon race, realizing he's been returned to his original body.
He deduces that his soul was pulled from his Dew Mushroom body and returned to his original corpse as part of a ritual in the Holy Mausoleum, a restricted area for demons.
Shen Qingqiu explores the mausoleum, avoiding blind corpses, which are sensitive to light, and last-breath candles that ignite based on breathing.
He accidentally triggers a group of blind corpses by moving near one of the candles and is forced to flee.
Shen Qingqiu enters a hall containing a locked coffin and knocks on it, which responds with a voice, revealing the occupant is alive.
The occupant of the coffin, Tianlang-Jun, begins to rise, revealing himself as the father of Luo Binghe. He resembles his son but shows a distinct, eerie smile.
Tianlang-Jun has an authoritative, kingly presence, even as he reveals that his body is falling apart due to the Dew Mushroom body Zhuzhi-Lang gave him. He casually reattaches his severed arm, indicating that his new body is unstable.
Zhuzhi-Lang confirms that he had summoned Shen Qingqiu to the Demon Realm to protect him from the destruction of the human sects, a plan that involves wiping out the four major sects, including Cang Qiong Mountain Sect.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that Tianlang-Jun views Luo Binghe not as a son but as a potential vessel for a body transfer to restore his power.
Tianlang-Jun reveals that Zhuzhi-Lang orchestrated events in Jin Lan City to force Shen Qingqiu to break ties with the Human Realm.
A tremor shakes the mausoleum, and it’s revealed that Luo Binghe has broken into the Holy Mausoleum using 200 Black Moon Rhinoceros-Pythons to destroy the barrier.
Luo Binghe arrives, looking bloodied and furious, intent on taking Shen Qingqiu away. He fights Tianlang-Jun but is easily overpowered, suffering a severe injury that causes him to spit blood.
Tianlang-Jun reveals his lack of care for Luo Binghe as his son, even considering taking Luo Binghe’s body for his own use.
Shen Qingqiu attempts to fight back and protect Luo Binghe, but his efforts are disrupted by Tianlang-Jun’s overwhelming strength.
Tianlang-Jun engages Luo Binghe in a brutal fight, using his immense power to injure him severely, while Shen Qingqiu tries to reason with Tianlang-Jun.
Shen Qingqiu accidentally grabs Zhuzhi-Lang instead of Luo Binghe during their escape and is unable to assist Luo Binghe during the fight.
Shen Qingqiu and Zhuzhi-Lang enter the Hall of Fury, triggering dangerous anti-theft mechanisms, including a deadly magma attack that engulfs Tianlang-Jun.
Shen Qingqiu finally meets up with Luo Binghe again, who is in a weakened state, with multiple severe injuries from Tianlang-Jun’s earlier assault.
Luo Binghe helps Shen Qingqiu navigate through the Hall of Fury and Hall of Sorrow, which they manage to escape quickly.
They enter a final corridor where Luo Binghe, despite his condition, takes charge of leading Shen Qingqiu to safety, though he collapses from exhaustion and injuries before they can escape fully.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that Luo Binghe has pushed himself beyond his limits, suffering from severe physical damage and possible poison or fever, leaving him unconscious and in dire need of help.
Chapter 16: Melting Ice
After Luo Binghe passes out, the suppressive effect of his presence fades, causing the blind corpses to stir and surround them.
Shen Qingqiu fights off the blind corpses while carrying Luo Binghe, using Xiu Ya but struggling with spiritual energy depletion.
Realizing they can't stay in the corridor, Shen Qingqiu drags Luo Binghe into a preparation chamber full of coffins, hoping to hide from the blind corpses.
With no time to find separate coffins, Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe hide together in the same coffin, with Luo Binghe lying on top of him.
Blind corpses enter the chamber and search meticulously, coming dangerously close to their hiding spot.
Shen Qingqiu notices Luo Binghe’s heavenly demon mark of sin glowing, attracting attention. To hide the glow, he presses his mouth against Luo Binghe’s forehead, resembling a kiss.
The blind corpse nearly touches Luo Binghe, but Shen Qingqiu manages to reposition them just in time, preventing discovery.
After the blind corpses leave, Shen Qingqiu prepares to push Luo Binghe into a sitting position but is startled by an unknown voice in the chamber.
The voice belongs to Meng Mo, who appears in human form. Shen Qingqiu recognizes him and asks for help in entering Luo Binghe's dream realm to wake him up.
Meng Mo reveals he cannot wake Luo Binghe, as his spirit is in complete chaos due to years of overexertion from soul-summoning rituals and battles, leaving him stuck in a deep dreamlike state.
Shen Qingqiu accepts that he must protect Luo Binghe alone and prepares to wake up and find a way out of the Holy Mausoleum.
Meng Mo expresses frustration that Luo Binghe respects Shen Qingqiu as his Shizun despite all his efforts to mentor him, while Luo Binghe refuses to acknowledge Meng Mo as a teacher.
Meng Mo warns Shen Qingqiu that the mausoleum is filled with dangers and suggests he will struggle to protect Luo Binghe alone.
Shen Qingqiu wakes up in the coffin with Luo Binghe still on top of him and decides to head toward the far east end of the mausoleum to find the place where Luo Binghe broke through the barrier.
As they journey, the corridor begins to change, with vegetation and a forest-like environment emerging as they enter a tomb filled with dangerous plants.
Shen Qingqiu protects them from a sneak attack by catching a sword with his bare hand, severely injuring himself.
He realizes the attackers are Qiu Haitang and the Old Palace Master, the former now vengeful, and the latter crippled and limbless but still powerful.
The Old Palace Master reveals that he was responsible for investigating Shen Qingqiu’s past and worsening his reputation, explaining that his grudge stems from Luo Binghe rejecting his mentorship and marriage to his daughter.
The Old Palace Master’s spiritual attacks overwhelm Shen Qingqiu, but Shen Qingqiu refuses to abandon Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu notices the Old Palace Master’s unnatural fixation on Luo Binghe, who reminds him of his former disciple, Su Xiyan.
The Old Palace Master’s obsession with Su Xiyan is revealed to have been deeply inappropriate, explaining his twisted attachment to Luo Binghe.
As the Old Palace Master grows more deranged, he is infected by the Ties That Bind, a demonic plant that sprouts from flesh when one uses spiritual energy.
Qiu Haitang also suffers from a breakdown, ranting about her past suffering and her complex feelings toward Shen Qingqiu before fleeing the mausoleum in a state of madness.
Shen Qingqiu continues on with Luo Binghe, ignoring the Old Palace Master’s final attempts to stop them.
The Old Palace Master succumbs to the Ties That Bind, his head sprouting with fleshy growths as he dies a gruesome death.
Shen Qingqiu escapes with Luo Binghe, determined to find a way out of the mausoleum despite his injuries.
Shen Qingqiu hears Tianlang-Jun's voice through a voice-transmitting spell, mocking him for playing a game of hide-and-seek and hinting at their inevitable encounter.
Shen Qingqiu notices that the Ties That Bind sprouts have spread to his leg, following his blood vessels and threatening to immobilize him.
Tianlang-Jun is aware of Shen Qingqiu's plan to escape the Holy Mausoleum by heading east through the barrier's tear, unsettling Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu realizes he needs to act quickly before the demonic plant fully takes root. Despite the immense pain, he rips out the sprouts from his leg, tearing a chunk of his flesh in the process.
The pain is excruciating, leaving Shen Qingqiu gasping and unable to wipe the sweat from his face. His condition is now far worse than before, with blood pouring from his leg.
Knowing that Tianlang-Jun is likely on his way, Shen Qingqiu decides not to continue eastward with Luo Binghe, fearing they would encounter Tianlang-Jun and Zhuzhi-Lang.
After leaving the primeval forest-like tomb hall, Shen Qingqiu finds another chamber and selects a clean stone coffin for Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu gently settles Luo Binghe into the coffin, checking his condition. Luo Binghe remains unconscious, his forehead burning hot, and the red mark on his forehead continues to glow brighter.
Shen Qingqiu places Xin Mo beneath Luo Binghe’s hand, preparing for the next steps, and closes the coffin to keep him safe.
Tianlang-Jun and Zhuzhi-Lang find Shen Qingqiu standing in the center of a mausoleum hall, badly injured and covered in blood, yet waiting for them.
Tianlang-Jun expresses surprise at Shen Qingqiu’s condition, noting how bad it has gotten in such a short time. Shen Qingqiu claims that Luo Binghe left.
Tianlang-Jun and Zhuzhi-Lang become immobilized by a freezing trap in the mausoleum, thanks to the ice powers of the Mobei clan's tomb.
Shen Qingqiu had lowered his body temperature to avoid freezing, but Tianlang-Jun and Zhuzhi-Lang get trapped in ice, slowing them for at least an hour.
Shen Qingqiu uses this opportunity to escape, but Zhuzhi-Lang activates the blood he previously fed to Shen Qingqiu, causing excruciating pain.
As Shen Qingqiu tries to keep moving, Zhuzhi-Lang’s blood wreaks havoc in his body, forcing him to struggle against the overwhelming sensation of the blood mites attacking his organs.
Luo Binghe suddenly appears, having woken up, and finds Shen Qingqiu suffering from the blood attack. He helps support Shen Qingqiu and shatters some of the ice surrounding Tianlang-Jun and Zhuzhi-Lang.
Luo Binghe confronts Shen Qingqiu for associating with Tianlang-Jun and Zhuzhi-Lang, revealing his anger. Shen Qingqiu retorts angrily before trying to leave, but Luo Binghe stops him, noticing tears on Shen Qingqiu's face.
Luo Binghe realizes Shen Qingqiu has suffered greatly to protect him and expresses remorse, begging forgiveness.
Shen Qingqiu tries to brush off Luo Binghe’s concerns, feeling awkward at the attention, but Luo Binghe insists on staying close to him, refusing to let go.
They manage to reach the exit of the Holy Mausoleum, where Luo Binghe, now fully recovered, cuts open a rift in space with his sword, allowing them to escape.
Outside, Tianlang-Jun and Zhuzhi-Lang pursue them. Luo Binghe confronts Zhuzhi-Lang for feeding Shen Qingqiu his blood, while Tianlang-Jun mocks the situation, revealing his desire for Luo Binghe’s sword.
Despite negotiations, Tianlang-Jun betrays his agreement with Luo Binghe and orders Zhuzhi-Lang to snatch Shen Qingqiu.
Zhuzhi-Lang transforms into his serpent form and swallows Shen Qingqiu whole, while Tianlang-Jun dismisses any notion of honor or keeping promises, reminding Shen Qingqiu that demons care little for such things.
Chapter 17: Tianlang
Shen Qingqiu wakes up on top of a giant serpent traveling through the southern border of the Demon Realm, surrounded by an army of demons led by Tianlang-Jun.
Shen Qingqiu discovers his right arm is overgrown with fleshy sprouts from the Ties That Bind, which Zhuzhi-Lang begins burning off using hot coals.
Zhuzhi-Lang awkwardly clarifies that his intentions toward Shen Qingqiu are purely professional, not like Luo Binghe’s romantic ones.
Tianlang-Jun casually questions Shen Qingqiu if he has dual-cultivated with Luo Binghe, revealing he has been influenced by a Human Realm song called Mother! Fucking! Regret! Of! Chunshan!.
Tianlang-Jun reveals his plan to use Luo Binghe’s sword, Xin Mo, to merge the Demon Realm with the Human Realm, echoing a plotline from the original novel where Luo Binghe does the same.
Shen Qingqiu realizes merging the realms would cause endless conflict, and Tianlang-Jun justifies it as necessary despite the chaos it would bring.
Shen Qingqiu questions Tianlang-Jun's feelings about Luo Binghe and learns Tianlang-Jun feels "sorry" for him, but he holds little affection due to Luo Binghe's half-human heritage.
That night, Luo Binghe sneaks into Shen Qingqiu’s tent in person after traveling from the northern border. He throws himself on top of Shen Qingqiu and kisses him passionately, refusing to leave despite the danger.
Zhuzhi-Lang arrives to continue burning the Ties That Bind, forcing Luo Binghe to hide under the blankets.
Shen Qingqiu struggles to hide Luo Binghe while dealing with Zhuzhi-Lang’s treatment. The situation becomes increasingly chaotic and awkward as Luo Binghe continues to interfere.
Tianlang-Jun suddenly arrives in the tent, causing an even more awkward misunderstanding when he sees Zhuzhi-Lang and Shen Qingqiu tangled together, assuming something inappropriate is happening between them.
Liu Qingge arrives in the southern border, fighting his way through demons in a grand spectacle to rescue Shen Qingqiu.
A massive battle erupts between Tianlang-Jun, Liu Qingge, Luo Binghe, and the demon army. Zhuzhi-Lang intervenes to help Shen Qingqiu by suppressing the blood mites in his body.
Seizing the opportunity, Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe escape with Liu Qingge using their swords, leaving the battle behind.
After the escape, Tianlang-Jun remarks on Shen Qingqiu's perceived preferences for complicated relationships, humorously assuming Shen Qingqiu enjoys being involved with multiple people at once.
Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe, and Liu Qingge flee from the battle and head toward the borderlands.
Liu Qingge questions why Shen Qingqiu brought Luo Binghe with him and expresses distrust of Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu tries to defuse the situation, apologizing for Luo Binghe’s past mistakes and expressing trust in him, which causes Luo Binghe to be visibly happy.
Liu Qingge attacks Luo Binghe, but Luo Binghe gets dizzy from lingering effects of his previous injuries, concerning Shen Qingqiu.
After the trio crosses into the Human Realm, Shen Qingqiu suggests resting before proceeding further, to which Liu Qingge reluctantly agrees.
They stop at an inn where an argument ensues over the number of rooms; Luo Binghe manipulates the situation, claiming not to have enough money, resulting in them only getting two rooms.
Shen Qingqiu avoids sharing a room with either Luo Binghe or Liu Qingge, instead leaving them in a tense standoff.
Shen Qingqiu finds some booklets in his room and begins reading. The System suddenly notifies him that he has earned enough satisfaction points to receive a key item.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that the item, which reduces anger points, was locked behind a threshold, and that he no longer needs it.
The System also alerts Shen Qingqiu to an upcoming important quest at Zhao Hua Monastery, leaving him curious and concerned.
Just as Shen Qingqiu is contemplating the implications of this new quest, there is a light knock on his door.
Chapter 18: Origins
Shen Qingqiu assumes Luo Binghe is knocking at his door but is surprised to see it’s Liu Qingge instead.
Liu Qingge gives Shen Qingqiu a folding fan from Qing Jing Peak and questions Shen Qingqiu’s relationship with Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu admits he isn’t sure how his relationship with Luo Binghe became so complicated, claiming he misunderstood Luo Binghe initially.
Liu Qingge reminds Shen Qingqiu of Luo Binghe’s past destructive actions, and Shen Qingqiu defends Luo Binghe, hoping not to misunderstand him again.
Liu Qingge, concerned about the rumors, asks Shen Qingqiu why he defends Luo Binghe, to which Shen Qingqiu responds with a desire for clarity rather than blind defense.
Liu Qingge, frustrated, leaves after seeing something unusual, making Shen Qingqiu confused.
The next morning, Shen Qingqiu wakes up to find Luo Binghe in his room, acting as he did when he was Shen Qingqiu’s disciple on Qing Jing Peak.
Luo Binghe continues to serve Shen Qingqiu breakfast and makes the bed, expressing that he never thought Shen Qingqiu had expelled him as a disciple.
Shen Qingqiu tells Luo Binghe that he must apologize to the sect for his past actions.
Luo Binghe mentions they don't need to return to Cang Qiong Mountain and suggests going to Zhao Hua Monastery instead.
Liu Qingge bursts into the room, confirming that something important is happening at Zhao Hua Monastery, where all sect leaders are gathering for a discussion.
The trio heads to Zhao Hua Monastery, where they see numerous sects already assembled.
The discussion at Zhao Hua Monastery is centered around a shared dream about Tianlang-Jun causing destruction, prompting the sect leaders to discuss how to prevent it.
During the discussion, the monks reveal details about Tianlang-Jun and his relationship with Su Xiyan, Luo Binghe’s mother, uncovering that Luo Binghe is the child of Tianlang-Jun.
This revelation sparks controversy and disgust among the sect leaders, who condemn Su Xiyan for birthing a half-demon child.
Luo Binghe vehemently denies that Tianlang-Jun is his father, showing visible distress and emotional turmoil over his origins being exposed.
Shen Qingqiu comforts Luo Binghe, though the situation escalates as Wu Wang condemns Luo Binghe and Su Xiyan’s actions.
The monks apprehend demons hiding in Zhao Hua Monastery, assuming they are aligned with Luo Binghe, sparking a fight.
Luo Binghe defends Shen Qingqiu, declaring that any attacks against him should not involve Shen Qingqiu.
Yue Qingyuan and Liu Qingge intervene in the battle, subtly protecting Shen Qingqiu while deflecting attacks from others.
Luo Binghe tries to convince Shen Qingqiu to leave with him, but Shen Qingqiu insists on staying behind to resolve the situation.
Luo Binghe reluctantly leaves after Shen Qingqiu promises to find him later, but tensions remain high at the monastery.
The monks criticize Shen Qingqiu for siding with Luo Binghe, but Shen Qingqiu deflects their accusations while preparing to take responsibility for his actions.
The System informs Shen Qingqiu that his quest to raise Luo Binghe’s righteous image has failed, leading to a penalty where all his satisfaction points are drained.
Shen Qingqiu collapses from dizziness due to the System’s punishment, ending the chaotic situation at Zhao Hua Monastery.
Shen Qingqiu wakes up to find himself in a desolate dream realm resembling a completely destroyed Qing Jing Peak.
He realizes that he is undergoing the System's punishment, with no support or guidance from the System during the scenario.
Shen Qingqiu encounters a figure that looks like Luo Binghe but behaves very differently. This version is cold, cruel, and detached, similar to the original Luo Binghe from Proud Immortal Demon Way after he had fully darkened.
Shen Qingqiu quickly realizes this is not his world’s Luo Binghe due to the tone and demeanor.
This version of Luo Binghe toys with Shen Qingqiu, treating him with disdain and curiosity, which unsettles Shen Qingqiu.
When Shen Qingqiu tries to escape, the dark Luo Binghe blocks his path and casually tears off Shen Qingqiu’s right arm, leaving Shen Qingqiu in excruciating pain.
Shen Qingqiu's body instinctively retaliates with spiritual energy, but Luo Binghe easily disperses it with a single strike.
Shen Qingqiu tries to crawl away, but Luo Binghe catches up to him and caresses his leg, hinting at turning him into a "human stick" (disabling him by removing limbs).
Despite Shen Qingqiu’s desperate pleas, Luo Binghe begins torturing him further by causing agonizing pain in his left thigh, suggesting that they have "done this before" and implying that more torture will follow.
Shen Qingqiu can no longer bear the excruciating pain and begins to scream in sheer agony, fully immersed in the horror of the punishment scenario.
Chapter 19: Shen Jiu
Shen Qingqiu is abruptly pulled out of the punishment by the System with the pain vanishing.
He finds himself in a familiar dream realm, Meng Mo's cave, where Meng Mo explains that he rescued Shen Qingqiu after detecting he was at risk of his spirit being torn apart.
Meng Mo admits that he tried multiple times to pull Shen Qingqiu out but only succeeded at the last moment.
Shen Qingqiu thanks Meng Mo for the help, and Meng Mo begrudgingly acknowledges that Shen Qingqiu had helped Luo Binghe before, thus indirectly helping him.
Shen Qingqiu, still shaken, asks why Luo Binghe hasn’t appeared in his dreams. Meng Mo explains that Luo Binghe’s powers have grown to the point that Meng Mo can no longer enter his dream realm.
Shen Qingqiu suspects that Luo Binghe hasn’t appeared because of how powerful and isolated his thoughts have become.
Shen Qingqiu brings up the incident with Qiu Haitang and confirms that Meng Mo had meddled with her dreams in the Holy Mausoleum by showing her someone else's memories.
Shen Qingqiu requests Meng Mo to show him those memories, believing they are Shen Jiu's, his body's original owner's memories. Meng Mo agrees.
Shen Qingqiu is transported into fragmented memories of Shen Jiu’s past.
Shen Jiu is shown as a young boy who is abused by the Qiu family, specifically by Qiu Haitang's older brother.
The memory cuts to Shen Jiu being beaten and mistreated, with Young Master Qiu threatening him, showing the cruelty Shen Jiu endured.
Qiu Haitang is portrayed as a naive, kind girl, contrasting with her brother’s treatment of Shen Jiu. Despite this, Shen Jiu remains cold and distant toward her.
Another memory shows Shen Jiu talking to "Qi-ge," another boy who seems to be his friend. Qi-ge is planning to escape the situation by joining a cultivation sect and promises to return to rescue Shen Jiu.
Shen Jiu shows signs of envy and longing to leave with Qi-ge, but he remains trapped by the Qiu family.
A later memory reveals that Shen Jiu, now older, murders Young Master Qiu in a fit of rage and desperation after years of abuse.
After killing Young Master Qiu, Shen Jiu slaughters numerous guards and male servants in a cold and calculated manner but spares the women.
The memory further shows that after the massacre, Shen Jiu sets fire to the Qiu estate, burning it to the ground.
Shen Jiu is then approached by a mysterious figure, “Senior Wu Yanzi,” who appears to have influenced Shen Jiu's actions and offers to take him away for cultivation.
Shen Jiu shows reluctance, standing before the burning estate, but ultimately decides to follow Wu Yanzi, casting aside his past and the life he led.
Shen Qingqiu recalls that the youth who promised to save him would never return, noting that vows to "come back" often result in abandonment.
He reflects on how both he and Qi-ge had been naive and overly optimistic about their future.
Shen Qingqiu understands why Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky (the author) cut down the original outline of Shen Jiu's character—handling a character who was both tragic and scummy could have caused flame wars among readers.
He reflects on Qiu Haitang's tragic fate, feeling that her descent into bitterness was unjust and that her death was undeserved.
The memory becomes distorted, and the System warns that memory fragmentation is causing data loss. Shen Qingqiu manages to stop the data loss at 10% by "smacking" the system notification.
The memory resumes, and Shen Qingqiu finds himself witnessing little Luo Binghe digging a hole in a canyon during Cang Qiong Mountain's recruitment trial.
Shen Qingqiu realizes this is the moment when Luo Binghe first entered the sect. The trial required the participants to dig holes, though Shen Qingqiu remembers the author's attempts to justify this in the original story.
Yue Qingyuan and Shen Jiu (the original Shen Qingqiu) watch over the trial from above, with Liu Qingge joining them briefly.
Liu Qingge points out that Luo Binghe is the most talented among the participants, but refuses to personally take him as a disciple, preferring to let talented individuals seek out Bai Zhan Peak on their own.
Shen Jiu decides he wants Luo Binghe as his disciple, despite his history of treating talented students poorly. Yue Qingyuan reluctantly agrees to this, showing how much he tolerates Shen Jiu's behavior.
Ning Yingying enthusiastically brings Luo Binghe to Qing Jing Peak, where he expresses his excitement and gratitude to become Shen Jiu's disciple.
Shen Jiu, filled with envy toward Luo Binghe's talents and background, douses him with tea and coldly walks away, leaving Luo Binghe humiliated and confused.
Ming Fan threatens Luo Binghe with punishment if he dares to stand up, further crushing the boy's spirits.
Luo Binghe cries for the first time since his mother's death and would never cry again in Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, no matter how much abuse he suffers.
Shen Qingqiu, unable to physically interact with Luo Binghe in this memory, tries to comfort him, expressing deep sorrow for the boy's suffering.
As Luo Binghe continues to kneel obediently, clutching a jade pendant to his chest, Shen Qingqiu mentally vows that "Shizun will never hit you again" before the memory fades into darkness.
Shen Qingqiu wakes up to the sight of a white bed curtain with tassels, confused by the sudden change in scenery.
Yue Qingyuan is sitting beside him and mentions that Shen Qingqiu had been crying and calling out Luo Binghe's name in his sleep.
Shen Qingqiu feels embarrassed and tries to explain but is unable to find a convincing excuse.
Yue Qingyuan reassures him that no explanation is necessary and informs Shen Qingqiu that he had been unconscious for five days.
The System notifies Shen Qingqiu that the plot hole-filling completion rate for Shen Jiu is only 70%, leaving him frustrated over the remaining 30%, especially after 10% was lost due to memory fragmentation.
Shen Qingqiu, now alert, urgently tells Yue Qingyuan that Tianlang-Jun might use the first snow of the Luo River as the time and place to create a portal and merge the two realms.
When Yue Qingyuan questions how Shen Qingqiu knows this, Shen Qingqiu awkwardly avoids answering, pleading for trust instead.
Yue Qingyuan tells Shen Qingqiu to rest and leaves him, though Shen Qingqiu is restless after sleeping for five days.
Shen Qingqiu searches for his outer robe but is suddenly approached from behind, a hand covering his eyes.
It turns out to be Luo Binghe, who pulls Shen Qingqiu onto the bamboo couch, teasing him and kissing his eyelids.
Luo Binghe playfully tells Shen Qingqiu not to shout, warning that they could be discovered by Qing Jing Peak members, which could ruin Shen Qingqiu's already tarnished reputation.
Luo Binghe asks if Shen Qingqiu missed him, expecting a standard cold response, but Shen Qingqiu, recalling a painful memory of Luo Binghe's past, is unable to muster his usual resistance.
Shen Qingqiu, overwhelmed by emotion, silently nods instead of pushing Luo Binghe away.
Chapter 20: Impending War
Luo Binghe is caught off guard when Shen Qingqiu nods in response to missing him, having braced himself for rejection.
Shen Qingqiu realizes the implication of his nod and feels embarrassed, wanting to deny it but unable to.
Luo Binghe becomes emotional, clinging to Shen Qingqiu and kissing the corner of his mouth softly, overjoyed by Shen Qingqiu’s acknowledgment.
Luo Binghe expresses how much he missed Shen Qingqiu, and Shen Qingqiu questions why Luo Binghe hadn't visited him in the dream realm. Luo Binghe responds that he thought Shen Qingqiu would find him annoying.
Shen Qingqiu feels conflicted as he realizes he has grown used to Luo Binghe’s presence, despite finding it bothersome in the past.
Luo Binghe admits to Shen Qingqiu that seeing him smile happily with others made him feel like Shen Qingqiu didn’t miss him.
They share a moment where Shen Qingqiu lightly scolds Luo Binghe for being a "little beast" but in a playful manner, showing the deep bond that has formed between them.
Luo Binghe continues to show affection, reaffirming his loyalty to Shen Qingqiu, stating that he is only Shen Qingqiu’s "little beast."
Shen Qingqiu warns Luo Binghe about the upcoming battle with Tianlang-Jun, but Luo Binghe remains indifferent, expressing that he only acknowledges Shen Qingqiu as his family.
Luo Binghe offers to help Shen Qingqiu during the fight with Tianlang-Jun, making it clear that he is ready to assist without hesitation.
Shen Qingqiu tries to avoid the subject of how he knows so much about Tianlang-Jun's plans, offering vague excuses about reading records.
Just as Shen Qingqiu becomes overwhelmed by Luo Binghe's questions, Ning Yingying and other disciples arrive, forcing him to push Luo Binghe out the window to avoid being seen.
Qi Qingqi and other sect members enter, questioning Shen Qingqiu's well-being after his five-day sleep. Qi Qingqi teases Shen Qingqiu, complaining about how troublesome he is.
Shen Qingqiu is forced to navigate their concerns and avoid mentioning Luo Binghe's presence. Liu Qingge suspects something and scans the room for intruders but finds nothing.
Ning Yingying tearfully asks Shen Qingqiu never to leave again, deeply affected by his absence. Shen Qingqiu comforts her, feeling touched by her loyalty.
Liu Qingge suddenly detects a shift in the atmosphere, going to the window where he realizes that it has started to snow, signaling an important event is about to occur.
Shen Qingqiu wakes up early after staying up all night and rushes out of the Bamboo House when he hears the alarm bells ringing.
All disciples gather at Qiong Ding Peak in silence, preparing for the upcoming threat.
Inside the hall, the peak lords examine a white crystal mirror showing the Demon Realm’s Mai Gu Ridge merging with the human realm over the Luo River, signifying the merging of the two realms.
Yue Qingyuan announces that the merging process is progressing quickly and orders the peak lords to gather two-thirds of their inner disciples to move out immediately.
Shen Qingqiu tries to leave with the others, but Yue Qingyuan insists he stay behind, hinting that he might use force to stop him.
As they argue, massive flaming boulders fall from the sky, crashing toward Cang Qiong Mountain. Yue Qingyuan shatters them with his sword Xuan Su, dispersing the debris.
The sight of hellish scenes in the sky alarms everyone; Yue Qingyuan orders the disciples to prepare for evacuation and asks Zhao Hua Monastery for help.
Yue Qingyuan insists Shen Qingqiu go to the Luo River with the rest of the disciples, as he will stay behind to hold off the impending danger.
Liu Qingge drags Shen Qingqiu away, assuring him that Yue Qingyuan will catch up after the reinforcements arrive.
Thousands of swords fly through the air, carrying the disciples to the Luo River in a beautiful but ominous scene as the realms begin to merge.
At the Luo River, the Zhao Hua Monastery monks and other sects have already arrived. Yue Qingyuan thanks them for their help, but the monks reveal that they were aided by Luo Binghe.
Luo Binghe arrives with his allies, including Mobei-Jun and Sha Hualing, and announces that he is willing to help the cultivation world repel the merge because of Shen Qingqiu.
Despite initial skepticism, Luo Binghe’s offer is accepted, and he positions himself as an ally, causing mixed reactions among the various sect members.
Luo Binghe freezes part of the Luo River to create a foundation for the barrier setup, earning him the crowd’s grudging respect.
Shen Qingqiu awkwardly acknowledges Luo Binghe’s help, trying to remain composed under the stares of the other sect leaders and disciples.
Yue Qingyuan coordinates the defense efforts while the sects plan their next steps. Liu Qingge and Bai Zhan Peak are assigned to hold off the demon beasts.
Shen Qingqiu, Luo Binghe, and others prepare to search for Xin Mo in Mai Gu Ridge, knowing they must destroy it to stop the merge.
Luo Binghe insists on flying with Shen Qingqiu, claiming he has forgotten how to fly with spiritual energy, so Shen Qingqiu reluctantly agrees.
The group arrives at Mai Gu Ridge and begins searching the ominous landscape filled with eerie trees and lurking demonic creatures.
Thanks to Luo Binghe’s presence, the demonic creatures flee or hide as they progress through the ridge without any significant resistance.
They quickly find a cave covered in black qi that seems to be the source of the disturbance. Cautioning the group, they decide to investigate.
Mobei-Jun kicks Shang Qinghua into the cave as the "investigator," and a terrified scream erupts from within the cave after a long silence, signaling danger ahead.
Chapter 21: Always Together
Shen Qingqiu rushes into the cave with others, finding Tianlang-Jun seated with Shang Qinghua nearby, Xin Mo emitting black qi and purple miasma from a crack in the rocks.
Tianlang-Jun's body is severely decayed, with necrosis covering half his face and missing an arm, making him appear far from the powerful figure Shen Qingqiu had expected.
Zhuzhi-Lang appears to defend Tianlang-Jun, but he too looks disfigured, with scales covering his body, reminiscent of his half-man, half-snake form.
Tianlang-Jun recognizes Yue Qingyuan and comments on his memory during their previous encounter but explains his memory sharpened due to being sealed for over a decade.
Yue Qingyuan attacks, causing part of the cave to collapse, revealing a snowy, frozen landscape outside. Southern border demons are already arriving below.
A chaotic battle ensues as the group engages Tianlang-Jun and Zhuzhi-Lang. Several cultivators are poisoned by Zhuzhi-Lang’s venomous body.
Mobei-Jun arrives, rescuing Shang Qinghua from Zhuzhi-Lang's attack and delivering a brutal beatdown to Zhuzhi-Lang.
Despite being outnumbered and severely weakened, Tianlang-Jun taunts his opponents, but Luo Binghe interrupts the battle, severing Tianlang-Jun's remaining arm with a powerful blow of demonic qi.
Zhuzhi-Lang attempts to aid Tianlang-Jun but is stopped by Luo Binghe, who impales him with Zheng Yang. Tianlang-Jun collapses, and it seems the battle is over.
Master Wu Chen reveals the truth about Su Xiyan, stating that she had been forced to drink poison by the Old Palace Master after refusing to deceive Tianlang-Jun, despite her initial intentions to use him.
Tianlang-Jun is devastated by this revelation, finally realizing that Su Xiyan never intended to betray him and had resisted until the end.
As Tianlang-Jun reflects on the tragic misunderstandings, he admits defeat, stating that his efforts had all been in vain. He falls back, leaving a sorrowful impression.
Xin Mo continues to emit black qi as the merging of the realms persists. Yue Qingyuan moves to stop it, but Tianlang-Jun reveals that he is no longer supplying it with demonic qi—Luo Binghe is.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that Luo Binghe has been lying about his intentions and is the true source of the merging crisis, driven by his desire to possess Shen Qingqiu and eliminate his ties to Cang Qiong Mountain.
Luo Binghe confesses his deep pain and jealousy, stating that he hates how no one has ever chosen him over others. His mental state deteriorates further, his emotions warped by Xin Mo.
Shen Qingqiu tries to reason with Luo Binghe, but Luo Binghe insists that if Cang Qiong Mountain is destroyed, Shen Qingqiu will have no choice but to stay with him.
As the situation becomes more desperate, Yue Qingyuan draws Xuan Su, initiating a fierce battle with Luo Binghe, who is now in a berserk state due to Xin Mo’s influence.
Shen Qingqiu manages to pull Xin Mo from the wall, but Mai Gu Ridge continues its descent toward the frozen Luo River, indicating that the crisis is far from over.
Yue Qingyuan traps Luo Binghe in a barrier, urging Shen Qingqiu to escape with Xin Mo. However, before Shen Qingqiu can act, the ground beneath them collapses, sending the entire cave tumbling down.
Shen Qingqiu digs Yue Qingyuan out from under rubble, noticing that Yue is injured and bleeding internally. Yue asks about the others, but Shen Qingqiu only finds debris and no sign of Master Wu Chen or Tianlang-Jun.
Yue Qingyuan’s condition deteriorates, and he reveals that his sword, Xuan Su, consumes his life force whenever drawn, explaining why he rarely unsheathes it. This stems from a cultivation mishap in his youth.
Yue Qingyuan confesses regret over past impulsive decisions, including failing to save Shen Qingqiu (then Shen Jiu) from tragedy at Qiu Manor, due to being trapped in the Lingxi Caves.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that Yue Qingyuan is the same person as Yue Qi, Shen Jiu’s childhood friend. This revelation explains why Yue has always been protective and patient with Shen Qingqiu.
Yue continues to apologize for the past, deeply regretful that circumstances prevented him from returning in time to save Shen Jiu, despite his efforts.
Shen Qingqiu receives multiple notifications from the System, indicating the completion of various plot points and characters, including Zhuzhi-Lang, Tianlang-Jun, Su Xiyan, and both Shen Qingqiu and Yue Qingyuan themselves.
Shen Qingqiu reflects on Luo Binghe’s descent into madness, acknowledging that he failed to notice Luo Binghe's growing insecurity and sense of abandonment, exacerbated by Xin Mo’s influence.
Shen Qingqiu tries to keep Yue Qingyuan awake, but Yue slips deeper into his injuries, lamenting that Shen Qingqiu never calls him by his childhood name, Qi-ge, even though that’s what he longs to hear.
Shen Qingqiu refuses to fulfill Yue’s last wish, fearing that doing so will signal his death, and drags Yue along in hopes of finding help.
They encounter Master Wu Chen, who is also injured and carrying the unconscious Wu Wang. Shen Qingqiu asks Wu Chen to take Yue Qingyuan and Wu Wang to safety.
Wu Chen reminds Shen Qingqiu that inner demons arise from obsessions, hinting that Luo Binghe’s madness stems from his obsession with Shen Qingqiu, which cannot be easily cured.
Shen Qingqiu resolves to confront Luo Binghe and handle the situation himself, aware that he is the key to resolving Luo Binghe's inner turmoil.
The interior of Mai Gu Ridge has collapsed, and Shen Qingqiu struggles through the rubble, finding Zhuzhi-Lang and Tianlang-Jun severely injured but still alive.
Zhuzhi-Lang is gravely wounded, with his snake form battered and missing scales. Tianlang-Jun is deteriorating further, barely holding on.
Shen Qingqiu removes Zheng Yang from Zhuzhi-Lang's body, aiding him and showing concern despite his past indifference.
Tianlang-Jun reveals that Luo Binghe has been following Shen Qingqiu all along, and Shen Qingqiu turns to find Luo Binghe watching him silently.
Luo Binghe, under Xin Mo's influence, is hallucinating and begins attacking imaginary enemies around Shen Qingqiu, while the mountain continues to collapse.
Shen Qingqiu uses the System’s "Small Scenario Pusher" to try to help but falls into the collapsing ground. Luo Binghe protects Shen Qingqiu from falling debris, even while in a delusional state.
Luo Binghe regains some clarity and pleads with Shen Qingqiu for comfort, revealing his mental turmoil and pain. Shen Qingqiu comforts him with words and a kiss, which briefly stabilizes him.
As Luo Binghe’s mental state deteriorates, he begins an intense sexual encounter with Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu endures the pain and draws demonic energy from Luo Binghe’s body into his own to stop Mai Gu Ridge's descent.
Despite the brutal nature of the encounter, Shen Qingqiu focuses on helping Luo Binghe, who becomes more affectionate and remorseful as the act continues. Shen Qingqiu reassures him that everything will be alright.
Shen Qingqiu retrieves the jade Guanyin and gives it back to Luo Binghe, calming him further. He explains to Luo Binghe that Su Xiyan, Luo’s mother, did love him and sacrificed everything to ensure his survival, countering Luo’s belief that he was unwanted.
Shen Qingqiu tells Luo Binghe that he is drawing away Xin Mo's energy for him, and only him, so that Luo Binghe can live a healthy, clear-minded life, free from the sword's control.
Luo Binghe, emotionally overwhelmed, breaks down in tears and destroys Xin Mo, deciding that being alive without Shen Qingqiu would be meaningless to him.
Just as Shen Qingqiu contemplates their potential "dying together," the System offers him a chance to activate a new ability: "Self-Saving."
Shen Qingqiu reflects on how Proud Immortal Demon Way has transformed from a male power fantasy into a bizarre love story after his transmigration into the novel.
The System informs Shen Qingqiu that he has been upgraded to a beginner-level VIP account with a "Self-Saving" ability that can restore his life bar to full once.
Shen Qingqiu is concerned about Luo Binghe potentially killing himself if he uses the ability and asks about Luo Binghe's condition, but the System doesn't allow inquiries.
Shen Qingqiu is shown his achievement history, which highlights various milestones like avoiding landmines, cutting filler, and filling plot holes. The novel is now categorized as women's fiction, explaining the bizarre plot shifts.
Shen Qingqiu is suddenly pulled out of the virtual space and finds himself surrounded by his disciples and fellow sect members, including Liu Qingge.
Liu Qingge initially tells Shen Qingqiu that Luo Binghe is dead, scaring him, but it turns out that Luo Binghe is alive. Luo had almost died but was stopped just in time.
Shen Qingqiu learns that after destroying Xin Mo, Mai Gu Ridge exploded, and both he and Luo Binghe fell into the Luo River. Liu Qingge fished them out, and they were found clutching each other tightly, which caused a stir.
Shen Qingqiu worries about Yue Qingyuan, but Qi Qingqi and Mu Qingfang assure him that Yue Qingyuan is fine and recovering.
Shang Qinghua returns, revealing that he has been reinstated as An Ding Peak Lord thanks to Luo Binghe's influence. He and Shen Qingqiu discuss the distorted plot of the novel and Shang Qinghua’s satisfaction with how things have turned out.
Shen Qingqiu meets with Yue Qingyuan, who is recovering well. Yue Qingyuan tells Shen Qingqiu that Cang Qiong Mountain will always be his home.
Shen Qingqiu notices Luo Binghe standing alone on the outskirts of Qiong Ding Peak. He rushes to meet him, and the two share a heartfelt reunion.
Shen Qingqiu reprimands Luo Binghe for not staying by his side but reassures him that he welcomes him despite the rest of Cang Qiong Mountain being hostile toward him.
Shen Qingqiu decides to leave Cang Qiong Mountain with Luo Binghe, promising to accompany him wherever he goes from now on.
The sect members are shocked by Shen Qingqiu's decision, but he is determined to leave with Luo Binghe.
The novel concludes with Shen Qingqiu reflecting on the chaotic journey, the transformation of the story, and how, despite everything, the relationship between him and Luo Binghe has only just begun.
Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong
The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong Vol. 4
Chapter 22: Bing-mei and Bing-ge’s Ultimate Showdown
Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe leave Cang Qiong Mountain and head to Luo Binghe’s demon headquarters at the northern border of the Demon Realm, where the previously dead bamboo has now flourished.
During the first ten days after their arrival, Luo Binghe clings to Shen Qingqiu constantly, but soon starts to restrain himself, using his duties as an excuse to avoid spending time with Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu believes Luo Binghe is sulking because he refused to share a bed with him.
Shen Qingqiu decides to look for Luo Binghe and enters his private hall, where no one else is allowed. Upon entering, Shen Qingqiu unexpectedly finds a heavily injured Luo Binghe stumbling in, covered in blood.
Luo Binghe, shocked to see Shen Qingqiu in his inner hall, collapses into Shen Qingqiu’s arms. Luo Binghe insists Shen Qingqiu leave, but Shen Qingqiu refuses and offers to take him back to Cang Qiong Mountain for safety.
Luo Binghe forcefully pushes Shen Qingqiu away and tries to send him off alone, but Shen Qingqiu insists on helping him and brings him back to Qing Jing Peak.
Upon arriving at the Bamboo House, Shen Qingqiu surprises his disciples Ning Yingying and Ming Fan, who are inside cleaning. Shen Qingqiu hushes them to avoid alerting Liu Qingge or others about Luo Binghe’s presence.
Shen Qingqiu tends to Luo Binghe’s injuries, discovering that the wounds seem unusual, likely caused by demonic energy. Luo Binghe remains silent and wary throughout the treatment, avoiding Shen Qingqiu’s attempts to comfort him.
Just as Shen Qingqiu continues healing Luo Binghe, Liu Qingge arrives, having been summoned by Ming Fan. Liu Qingge enforces the new rule barring Luo Binghe from Cang Qiong Mountain but ultimately agrees to let Luo Binghe stay after Shen Qingqiu intervenes.
Liu Qingge warns that Luo Binghe should deal with his own mess and leaves. Luo Binghe quietly watches Shen Qingqiu during their interaction, his demeanor thoughtful and guarded.
Shen Qingqiu reassures Luo Binghe that he is safe at Qing Jing Peak, even allowing him to defend himself against Bai Zhan Peak disciples if necessary, as long as he doesn’t kill them.
Luo Binghe’s behavior becomes increasingly strange, and when Shen Qingqiu tenderly suggests that he rest and recover, Luo Binghe suspiciously repeats "Shizun" to test Shen Qingqiu’s reaction.
Shen Qingqiu helps Luo Binghe settle into bed and falls asleep beside him, believing he has reassured Luo Binghe and calmed his mood.
However, in the darkness, “Luo Binghe” silently watches Shen Qingqiu, gripping a strand of his hair, his expression turning increasingly sinister and excited, as if he has discovered something cruel and amusing.
Shen Qingqiu had a restless night full of tortuous, repetitive dreams about various past events.
Luo Binghe woke up first, looking much healthier, while Shen Qingqiu was tired from having unconsciously passed spiritual energy into Luo Binghe throughout the night.
Luo Binghe left the bed voluntarily, which surprised Shen Qingqiu, who was used to Luo Binghe clinging to him. Shen Qingqiu suggested Luo Binghe wear his old clothes, still stored in the side room.
In the side room, Luo Binghe found a tidy, organized space with neatly folded robes and accessories. Shen Qingqiu, still fatigued, stayed in bed and remarked about his bad sleep.
Shen Qingqiu beckoned Luo Binghe over and began brushing his hair, teasingly making a tiny braid. Luo Binghe repeatedly called Shen Qingqiu “Shizun,” enjoying the term of address, until Shen Qingqiu playfully swatted him.
Shen Qingqiu left to visit Bai Zhan Peak, leaving Luo Binghe behind at the Bamboo House with instructions to be good and wait for his return.
As Luo Binghe opened the door, Ning Yingying approached. She was alarmed by Luo Binghe calling her “Yingying” instead of “Ning-shijie,” scolding him for disregarding seniority.
Luo Binghe tried to ask Ning Yingying something, but she misinterpreted his intent and handed him a broom and whisk, thinking he wanted to do chores. Frustrated, Luo Binghe left for Xian Shu Peak.
At Xian Shu Peak, Luo Binghe was welcomed warmly by the disciples. He encountered Liu Mingyan, who greeted him and excused herself to deal with Taoist guests, leaving Luo Binghe to wait.
While waiting, Luo Binghe noticed a small book hidden under scrolls on Liu Mingyan's desk. Curious, he pulled it out and was surprised to find it was an embarrassing booklet authored by "Sleeping Willow Flower."
Shen Qingqiu returned from Bai Zhan Peak to find Luo Binghe waiting for him in the Bamboo House, giving him an intense, unsettling gaze.
Luo Binghe pulled Shen Qingqiu into his arms and began behaving intimately, but something felt off. Shen Qingqiu soon realized this wasn’t the real Luo Binghe.
The impostor "Luo Binghe" initiated a forceful kiss and tried to overpower Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu, unsettled by the smooth skin without scars, fought back.
As they struggled, Shen Qingqiu asked about the real Luo Binghe’s whereabouts. The impostor was confident but distracted by Shen Qingqiu’s trick.
The real Luo Binghe suddenly arrived, dressed in black, wielding a heavily sealed Xin Mo sword, and immediately demanded that the impostor unhand Shen Qingqiu.
A brief but intense confrontation occurred between the real and fake Luo Binghes, with both using spiritual blasts.
Shen Qingqiu realized that the impostor was the original Luo Binghe from Proud Immortal Demon Way, summoned through Xin Mo’s power from a parallel universe.
The real Luo Binghe explained that he had been trapped in Xin Mo’s rift after a battle with the original, unable to return until now.
The original Luo Binghe, dissatisfied with the attention Shen Qingqiu gave to the real one, became confrontational, taunting and provoking both Shen Qingqiu and the real Luo Binghe.
A fight broke out between the two Luo Binghes, with Shen Qingqiu intervening to support the real one. They began to overpower the original together.
The original Luo Binghe made lewd comments about Shen Qingqiu, suggesting he could give him more pleasure than the real one, enraging Luo Binghe.
Luo Binghe nearly drew Xin Mo in a fit of anger, but Shen Qingqiu quickly warned him against it.
The two Luo Binghes engaged in a brutal confrontation, matching each other blow for blow, resulting in broken arms and legs for both.
Shen Qingqiu intervened, trying to stop the fight, but the original Luo Binghe taunted Shen Qingqiu with suggestive comments, angering the real Luo Binghe.
The original used his heavenly demon blood to control Shen Qingqiu’s blood mites, causing Shen Qingqiu intense discomfort. The real Luo Binghe tried to counter the effect.
During the chaos, the original Luo Binghe stole Xin Mo and prepared to use it, but Shen Qingqiu cleverly distracted him with an attack using flying bamboo leaves.
The original, injured and cornered, managed to open a dimensional rift using Xin Mo’s power and retreated back to his own world, leaving Shen Qingqiu and the real Luo Binghe victorious.
Luo Binghe, upset by the original’s mocking comments about his lack of sexual prowess, sought reassurance from Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu, though embarrassed, agreed to “explore” together after healing Luo Binghe’s injuries.
Despite his inexperience, Luo Binghe initiated intimacy with Shen Qingqiu, but Shen Qingqiu took over, trying to make Luo Binghe feel good. Their intimate encounter grew intense, and Shen Qingqiu was overwhelmed by both pain and pleasure.
While they were in the middle of this, Qing Jing Peak disciples returned from their run and almost interrupted them, but luckily, they decided not to investigate the hole in the Bamboo House.
After the disciples left, Luo Binghe confessed his fears of becoming like the original Luo Binghe and expressed his insecurity about losing Shen Qingqiu. Shen Qingqiu reassured him, promising never to abandon him again.
Luo Binghe's stamina was overwhelming due to both his demonic blood and male lead traits, lasting far longer than Shen Qingqiu had expected.
After a prolonged session, Luo Binghe finally climaxed, filling Shen Qingqiu with hot fluids, bringing Shen Qingqiu back to his senses.
Shen Qingqiu felt exhausted and sore, his walls swollen and painful from the prolonged activity.
Luo Binghe, although he had finished, continued to relieve Shen Qingqiu’s front, but Shen Qingqiu only wanted to sleep, being too tired to continue.
When Luo Binghe sought feedback, Shen Qingqiu bluntly told him it was awful.
Luo Binghe, instead of being discouraged, joyfully agreed that it was awful and asked Shen Qingqiu to help him further explore and improve.
Chapter 23: Recalling an Experience of Fighting Succubi with Great Master Liu
The story takes place after Shen Qingqiu kicked Luo Binghe into the Abyss.
Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge were on a mission to deal with succubi.
Shen Qingqiu warned Liu Qingge to be cautious because the succubi targeted vigorous men like him, but Liu Qingge insisted on coming along.
They reached a cave where succubi resided and were confronted by a group of young succubi. Liu Qingge quickly resorted to violence, scaring the girls into crying.
Madam Meiyin, the leader of the succubi, appeared and invited them into her cave. She promised to bring out Young Master Huang, the man they were there to rescue, but Shen Qingqiu realized she had no intention of doing so.
Madam Meiyin flirted with Liu Qingge, asking if he had a cultivation partner, which left him flustered. Shen Qingqiu teased him while trying to keep a straight face.
Madam Meiyin offered to tell Shen Qingqiu’s fortune regarding love. She told him that his fated partner was younger, of lower status, and someone with whom his relationship had changed after a significant event.
Liu Qingge grew more agitated as Madam Meiyin described the person as being deeply in love with Shen Qingqiu. Liu Qingge firmly declared that the fortune was inaccurate.
Suddenly, a fight broke out between them and the succubi. The succubi resorted to their usual tactic of removing their clothes en masse, trying to mesmerize the two men.
Shen Qingqiu was flustered and tried to avert his eyes, while Liu Qingge fought off the succubi without any reaction to their nudity.
After the fight, Shen Qingqiu noticed that Liu Qingge was acting strangely—he had been affected by the succubi’s Mesmerizing Fragrance, a powerful aphrodisiac.
Shen Qingqiu tried to give Liu Qingge space to deal with his situation, but Liu Qingge became increasingly agitated and demanded Shen Qingqiu stay and let him vent his frustration through a fight.
Shen Qingqiu distracted Liu Qingge by reminiscing about their first meeting at the sword trials, where Liu Qingge had beaten him.
Shen Qingqiu then tricked Liu Qingge by kicking him into a cold rose-petal-filled bath, hoping to cure him of the aphrodisiac’s effects.
Liu Qingge retaliated by pulling Shen Qingqiu into the bath as well, leaving both of them drenched.
Liu Qingge’s mind cleared, and he expressed his frustration that Shen Qingqiu had asked him how he felt only to retaliate with the bath.
Chapter 24: Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu Part 1
Shen Jiu kicks a black dish away, starting an argument with a group of young beggar boys led by a youth named Shiwu.
Shiwu confronts Shen Jiu, accusing him of always hogging the best begging spots on the street.
Shen Jiu threatens Shiwu, ready for a fight, but is stopped by Yue Qi, an older boy who is close to Shen Jiu and tries to diffuse the situation.
Shiwu continues to provoke Shen Jiu, and a fight nearly breaks out. However, Yue Qi intervenes, dragging Shen Jiu away and suggesting they find another spot to beg.
Shen Jiu resists, determined to hold his ground, but eventually agrees to leave with Yue Qi.
Yue Qi reflects on their past: they had been orphans, forced to beg on the streets with a fabricated story about their deceased family. Shen Jiu, though vicious and aggressive, had become a money-maker for them because of his pitiful appearance and ability to cry convincingly.
As they were about to leave, the street was suddenly filled with panic as a young noble, Young Master Qiu, rode in on a horse, followed by his guards.
Shen Jiu and Yue Qi stepped aside to avoid trouble, but the other children stayed behind. Young Master Qiu spotted them and ordered his guards to chase them away.
Shiwu, feeling bold after claiming Shen Jiu's spot, stood his ground and yelled at the guards. In response, Young Master Qiu struck Shiwu across the face with a whip, narrowly missing his eye.
Shiwu collapsed, frightened and in pain, while Young Master Qiu mocked the children, stating that his family had built the street, so he had every right to control it.
Some of the other children were also taken by the guards, which prompted Yue Qi to want to go back and help them.
Shen Jiu, though initially amused by Shiwu's misfortune, tried to convince Yue Qi to leave it alone, arguing that Young Master Qiu wouldn't kill the children, only beat them.
Despite Shen Jiu's protests, Yue Qi, feeling responsible as the oldest, insisted on going back to help the others. Shen Jiu reluctantly followed after him.
Chapter 24: Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu Part 2
Qiu Jianluo enjoys tormenting Shen Jiu, finding his reactions amusing, like kicking a dog that doesn't fight back.
After purchasing Shen Jiu, Qiu Jianluo had him locked up and scrubbed clean by guards, leaving Shen Jiu looking pitiful but more presentable.
Qiu Jianluo asks Shen Jiu if he can read and write. Shen Jiu writes a "seven" and a "nine" correctly but only knows how to copy patterns, surprising Qiu Jianluo with his skill.
Feeling entertained and fond of Shen Jiu, Qiu Jianluo praises him and starts plotting to educate Shen Jiu, thinking of turning him into a brother-in-law by marrying him off to his younger sister, Qiu Haitang, who adores Shen Jiu.
Qiu Jianluo threatens Shen Jiu regularly, reminding him to behave or face consequences, emphasizing how much he owes the Qiu family for letting him "play human."
Shen Jiu grows increasingly disgusted with Qiu Jianluo but remains obedient to avoid beatings. He recalls how his first encounter with Qiu Jianluo had been the only time he'd managed to anger the young master.
During that encounter, Yue Qi had tried to save Shiwu, almost colliding with Qiu Jianluo’s horse. Shen Jiu had used rudimentary immortal arts to stab the horse, but Qiu Jianluo, a skilled rider, stayed in the saddle.
Shiwu betrayed Shen Jiu by revealing his interference in the incident, despite Shen Jiu's actions saving Shiwu’s life. Shen Jiu resents Shiwu and believes he deserved to be trampled to death instead of being saved by Yue Qi.
As Shen Jiu endures daily torment from Qiu Jianluo, he holds onto bitter thoughts of revenge and betrayal, waiting for someone to keep a promise to rescue him from his suffering.
Chapter 24: Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu Part 3
Shen Jiu often wondered why Yue Qi never returned to find him, imagining various tragic fates for him, from being caught by traffickers to starving to death.
Shen Jiu fantasized about finding Yue Qi’s remains and giving him a proper burial or rescuing him from hardship, even though Shen Jiu was suffering himself.
However, the reunion between Shen Jiu and Yue Qi was not what he expected: Shen Jiu was looting dead bodies at the Immortal Alliance Conference when Yue Qi, now Yue Qingyuan, appeared.
Shen Jiu's immediate reaction was panic, releasing a firework to signal danger. Yue Qingyuan, shocked by Shen Jiu’s appearance, began to gather spiritual energy to stop him from escaping.
Shen Jiu’s master, Wu Yanzi, appeared and dismissed Yue Qingyuan as no threat despite Shen Jiu urging them to escape. Wu Yanzi and Yue Qingyuan engaged in combat, with Yue Qingyuan proving to be an equal match despite his inexperience.
Just as Wu Yanzi prepared to use a deadly talisman, Shen Jiu stabbed him from behind, killing him to save Yue Qingyuan.
The two escaped together, resting against a tree after the intense fight. Shen Jiu noticed how Yue Qingyuan had become powerful, poised, and well-dressed—nothing like the suffering person Shen Jiu had imagined.
Shen Jiu confronted Yue Qingyuan, asking why he never returned to rescue him. Yue Qingyuan could only offer a quiet apology, admitting that he had let Shen Jiu down.
Shen Jiu was overcome with cold fury, thinking about how Yue Qingyuan had ascended to greatness while he remained a beaten, gutter rat.
Shen Jiu bitterly declared that Yue Qingyuan’s apologies were worthless, realizing that he would have preferred to find Yue Qi dead and forgotten than see him alive, powerful, and thriving as Yue Qingyuan.
Chapter 24: Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu Part 4
Shen Jiu, now Shen Qingqiu, harbored deep hatred toward many people, especially Liu Qingge. Liu Qingge's exceptional talents, success, and background filled Shen Qingqiu with jealousy and resentment.
During Cang Qiong Mountain's annual martial arts tournament, Shen Qingqiu lost to Liu Qingge, who defeated him with ease. This fueled Shen Qingqiu's anger, and he repeatedly threatened to kill Liu Qingge, though Liu Qingge never took the threat seriously.
One day, after an incident in a brothel, Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge had another confrontation. Liu Qingge looked down on Shen Qingqiu, which made Shen Qingqiu even more enraged.
Yue Qingyuan intervened, pulling Shen Qingqiu away and scolding him for his behavior. Shen Qingqiu retorted that Cang Qiong Mountain's rules didn’t forbid visiting brothels, justifying his actions.
Yue Qingyuan was concerned for Shen Qingqiu, believing that his lifestyle was damaging his cultivation. However, Shen Qingqiu was more focused on his rivalry with Liu Qingge and his own frustrations.
It was revealed that the conflict had escalated after a Bai Zhan Peak disciple followed Shen Qingqiu into the brothel, mocked him, and was beaten by Shen Qingqiu. Liu Qingge, angered by the incident, came seeking revenge. Yue Qingyuan prevented the situation from escalating further.
Yue Qingyuan expressed concern about Shen Qingqiu’s well-being at Qing Jing Peak. Shen Qingqiu deflected, hiding his deep-rooted trauma and his need for comfort from women, which stemmed from his past abuse.
Shen Qingqiu then confronted Yue Qingyuan about the past, asking if Yue would ever give up his position as sect leader for him. He sarcastically suggested he would rather wait to inherit Qing Jing Peak.
Shen Qingqiu was deeply irritated by Yue Qingyuan calling him "Xiao-Jiu," a name associated with his painful past. Shen Qingqiu demanded that Yue Qingyuan never use that name again, rejecting any association with his former identity.
Chapter 24: Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu Part 5
Shen Qingqiu finally couldn’t handle his anxiety and visited Qiong Ding Peak, a place he usually avoided, especially because he disliked interacting with Yue Qingyuan.
The annual martial arts tournament forced Shen Qingqiu to spend time near Yue Qingyuan, which he found uncomfortable. Yue Qingyuan always used these moments to ask Shen Qingqiu questions about his well-being, which annoyed him.
Shen Qingqiu applied for permission to cultivate in the Ling Xi Caves, which were filled with abundant spiritual energy but isolated from the outside world. He hoped to achieve a breakthrough, as his progress had been stalled for a long time, causing him great stress and frustration.
Shen Qingqiu was deeply anxious about his lack of progress in cultivation, especially since his peers like Yue Qingyuan, Liu Qingge, and Qi Qingqi had all achieved Core Formation. He felt immense pressure and paranoia, believing others were secretly discussing his failures and hoping to replace him.
As he meditated in the Ling Xi Caves, Shen Qingqiu’s anxiety worsened, leading to a violent surge of spiritual energy within him. Just as he panicked, Yue Qingyuan appeared behind him, calming him by sending him spiritual energy.
Yue Qingyuan’s presence surprised Shen Qingqiu, who angrily questioned why Yue Qingyuan was in the caves. Yue Qingyuan urged Shen Qingqiu to calm down and regulate his breathing.
Shen Qingqiu noticed the cave was scarred with countless slashes and bloodstains, as if someone had struggled violently before dying. He asked Yue Qingyuan if someone had been shut inside the cave during a qi deviation or some other desperate situation, but Yue Qingyuan gave only a vague response.
As Shen Qingqiu continued to investigate the walls, he commented that it seemed like whoever had been trapped inside the cave had struggled to escape for a long time before dying.
Shen Qingqiu became alarmed when he noticed that Yue Qingyuan’s hand, which was passing spiritual energy to him, was trembling slightly. When asked what was wrong, Yue Qingyuan gave a brief and evasive reply, causing Shen Qingqiu to feel uneasy.
Chapter 24: Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu Part 6
Shen Qingqiu awakened in the Water Prison, feeling the coolness of his wounds and realizing that Yue Qingyuan was tending to him, trying to heal him with spiritual energy.
Shen Qingqiu wondered how Yue Qingyuan had gained access, considering Luo Binghe’s cruelty, but reasoned that Yue Qingyuan’s status as sect leader must have afforded him some level of courtesy.
Despite receiving help, Shen Qingqiu remained filled with venomous anger towards Luo Binghe, cursing him for his cruelty. Yue Qingyuan sighed at Shen Qingqiu’s stubbornness and asked why he still refused to reflect on his mistakes.
Shen Qingqiu defiantly rejected any responsibility for the situation, insisting that Luo Binghe’s evil nature would have led to calamity regardless of his actions.
Yue Qingyuan asked if Shen Qingqiu had truly killed Liu Qingge. Shen Qingqiu coldly confirmed it, even taunting Yue Qingyuan for arriving too late to stop it.
Yue Qingyuan remained calm and expressed regret, asking if Shen Qingqiu had ever considered that if he had treated Luo Binghe differently from the start, none of this tragedy would have occurred. Shen Qingqiu laughed bitterly, stating that the situation was far beyond redemption and that there was no changing the past.
Yue Qingyuan appeared devastated by Shen Qingqiu’s words, aging visibly in Shen Qingqiu’s eyes. Despite this, Shen Qingqiu remained filled with pity for him but did not relent.
Shen Qingqiu declared that his heart was full of hatred and malice, blaming himself for the terrible fate he now faced. Yue Qingyuan, in a moment of desperation, offered his sword, Xuan Su, to Shen Qingqiu and asked him to kill him if he still harbored such hatred.
Shen Qingqiu harshly mocked Yue Qingyuan, telling him that killing him would not resolve his hatred. He laughed at the notion that Yue Qingyuan thought he could be a solution to his festering malice.
Yue Qingyuan tried to call Shen Qingqiu “Xiao-Jiu,” but Shen Qingqiu furiously rejected the name. Yue Qingyuan, defeated, silently continued to send spiritual energy to Shen Qingqiu’s wounds but didn’t speak again.
Shen Qingqiu coldly thanked Yue Qingyuan for his help and ordered him to leave, telling him to never appear before him again.
Yue Qingyuan silently complied, leaving Shen Qingqiu alone in the Water Prison, carrying the weight of their fractured relationship with him as he walked away.
Chapter 24: Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu Part 7
Shen Qingqiu, imprisoned and tortured in Huan Hua Palace’s Water Prison, waits for days, staring at the cellar entrance.
Luo Binghe eventually arrives, taunting Shen Qingqiu about how he successfully lured Yue Qingyuan into a trap using a letter of blood that Shen Qingqiu had written under duress.
Luo Binghe claims that Yue Qingyuan is dead, having been poisoned by arrows, but he brought back Yue’s sword, Xuan Su, as a memento for Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu initially refuses to believe Luo Binghe, thinking he is lying, but his mind begins to unravel as he grapples with Yue Qingyuan’s death.
Luo Binghe sits in his usual chair, enjoying his control over Shen Qingqiu’s suffering and mocking him further, but Shen Qingqiu only sneers in response.
Frustrated by Shen Qingqiu’s reaction, Luo Binghe accuses him of pretending to be insane and responds violently by severing Shen Qingqiu’s left arm, causing excruciating pain and eliciting tortured screams.
Despite the agony, Shen Qingqiu mocks Luo Binghe, accusing him of being an ungrateful bastard and crediting himself for Luo Binghe’s success.
Luo Binghe, though initially enraged, calms down and cruelly declares that Shen Qingqiu’s death won’t come easily. He intends to prolong Shen Qingqiu’s suffering as punishment for his past evils.
Luo Binghe then throws down the shattered remains of Yue Qingyuan’s sword, Xuan Su, which devastates Shen Qingqiu. He crawls toward the fragments, realizing that Yue Qingyuan is truly dead.
Shen Qingqiu’s mind shatters as he reflects on how he created the monster Luo Binghe and blames himself for Yue Qingyuan’s tragic fate, believing Yue should never have died like this.
The chapter ends with Shen Qingqiu consumed by despair and guilt, feeling that the threads of fate that once connected him to Yue Qingyuan have passed each other by without ever truly converging.
Chapter 25: Bamboo Branch Poem
Zhuzhi-Lang, a half-man, half-snake creature, lives as an outcast on the southern border, despised even by other demons for his ugly appearance.
His existence revolves around survival—slithering for food and water, fighting other demons, and facing constant harassment due to his grotesque form.
One day, Tianlang-Jun, an extraordinary demon noble, encounters Zhuzhi-Lang. Tianlang-Jun comments on his ugliness but without true disgust, marking a shift in Zhuzhi-Lang’s typically harsh treatment.
Tianlang-Jun reveals that Zhuzhi-Lang's mother, who was his sister, has died. He has come to fulfill her last wish, which is to see Zhuzhi-Lang.
Tianlang-Jun gives Zhuzhi-Lang command over an army of black-armored generals who are mindless, fearless, and relentless soldiers.
After Tianlang-Jun prepares to leave, Zhuzhi-Lang instinctively follows him despite being told not to.
Zhuzhi-Lang persists in following Tianlang-Jun, even defending him from enemies, despite his own weak abilities. Eventually, Tianlang-Jun acknowledges his presence.
Tianlang-Jun, after seeing Zhuzhi-Lang's continued loyalty, transforms him into a human form, giving him limbs and a body of a youth around sixteen years old.
Despite this newfound form, Zhuzhi-Lang is unable to speak and is overwhelmed with emotion, shedding tears as he experiences a deep transformation both physically and emotionally.
Zhuzhi-Lang, despite his unwavering loyalty, reflects that Tianlang-Jun, his lord, might not be particularly sharp-minded.
For a long time, Zhuzhi-Lang remained unnamed while serving Tianlang-Jun until one day Tianlang-Jun haphazardly named him "Zhuzhi-Lang."
Zhuzhi-Lang was given the opportunity to live freely but chose to serve Tianlang-Jun loyally, acting as an errand boy and traveling companion.
Tianlang-Jun loved humans and spent much time in the Human Realm, fascinated by their culture, which often led to lavish, irresponsible spending. Zhuzhi-Lang would assist him but remained concerned about the financial strain.
Tianlang-Jun formed a relationship with Su Xiyan, a powerful and dangerous woman from Huan Hua Palace. Despite her cold demeanor and hidden ambitions, Tianlang-Jun became deeply infatuated with her.
Zhuzhi-Lang felt uneasy about Su Xiyan, recognizing her as a significant threat, but Tianlang-Jun disregarded any warnings and continued to indulge in his fascination with her.
This blind passion for Su Xiyan ultimately led to Tianlang-Jun’s downfall when he was betrayed and sealed beneath Bai Lu Mountain for over a decade.
During his imprisonment, Tianlang-Jun's attitude toward humanity shifted from admiration to hatred, as he often expressed a desire to kill humans.
Zhuzhi-Lang reverted to his snake form due to the loss of Tianlang-Jun's power but continued to stay by his lord's side, despite being told to leave.
Tianlang-Jun, once noble and elegant, was now trapped, suffering both physically and mentally. His condition worsened as his body decayed while remaining fully conscious.
Zhuzhi-Lang continued to serve Tianlang-Jun silently, carrying water from Dew Lake to cleanse his lord’s wounds, though the situation grew increasingly desperate and hopeless.
Zhuzhi-Lang and Tianlang-Jun were unaware of Luo Binghe’s existence for years. They didn’t learn about Su Xiyan’s disappearance either.
Upon seeing Luo Binghe for the first time at the southern border, Zhuzhi-Lang was shocked and immediately reported back to Tianlang-Jun, leading to the events of the Holy Mausoleum battle.
Tianlang-Jun discussed with Zhuzhi-Lang whether Luo Binghe was more like him or like Su Xiyan. They both acknowledged that Luo Binghe’s emotional dependency mirrored Tianlang-Jun’s own tendencies.
Tianlang-Jun expressed relief that Luo Binghe’s attachment was to Shen Qingqiu, believing that Shen would not seal Luo Binghe as Tianlang-Jun himself had been sealed.
Tianlang-Jun teased Zhuzhi-Lang about his potential interest in Shen Qingqiu, playfully suggesting that Zhuzhi-Lang should “steal” Shen Qingqiu’s attention from Luo Binghe.
Zhuzhi-Lang was embarrassed by Tianlang-Jun’s teasing, which was rooted in Tianlang-Jun’s belief that Zhuzhi-Lang needed to find someone new to follow after Tianlang-Jun’s inevitable death.
Tianlang-Jun’s body was deteriorating due to reckless use of his demonic energy, leading Zhuzhi-Lang to constantly repair his lord’s failing limbs.
Tianlang-Jun candidly admitted that he would likely lose in any confrontation with Luo Binghe and suggested that Zhuzhi-Lang should follow Shen Qingqiu after his death.
Despite Tianlang-Jun’s insistence, Zhuzhi-Lang remained loyal and refused to consider leaving his lord, even though Tianlang-Jun persistently urged him to let go and move on.
Tianlang-Jun’s conversations became increasingly nonsensical, as if he were testing Zhuzhi-Lang’s devotion and pushing him to seek his own path. However, Zhuzhi-Lang steadfastly remained by his side, refusing to give up on him.
Tianlang-Jun expressed to Shen Qingqiu that despite everything, he couldn’t bring himself to hate humans, finally admitting that his true feelings had never changed.
Zhuzhi-Lang was quietly happy for Tianlang-Jun, relieved that his lord no longer needed to force himself to hate.
Amidst the chaos of the crumbling Mai Gu Ridge, Tianlang-Jun commented on Zhuzhi-Lang’s appearance, noting that it didn’t look good.
Zhuzhi-Lang, despite its weakened state, resolved to use its remaining strength to ensure Tianlang-Jun didn’t die with it, wanting to spare him from such a fate.
As Mai Gu Ridge disintegrated, Zhuzhi-Lang, in its enormous snake form, plunged into the Luo River with a resounding crash.
Shen Qingqiu missed part of what Tianlang-Jun said; after stating that he couldn’t hate humans, Tianlang-Jun quietly added, "But why is loving a person such a difficult thing?"—heard only by Zhuzhi-Lang.
In its final moments, Zhuzhi-Lang couldn’t muster a smile or words but silently agreed with its lord, acknowledging the truth that while loving might be difficult, making one's heart stop loving was even harder.
Chapter 26: Airplane's Fortuitous Encounter Part 1
Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky is a prolific author known for writing popular yet heavily criticized stallion novels, including "Proud Immortal Demon Way." He maintains an intense writing pace, updating 10,000 words daily and releasing bursts of 25,000 words on weekends.
His work is described as a "popcorn novel"—easy and entertaining to read, but often lacking depth. It garners polarized reactions, with fans loving it for its excitement and detractors criticizing its lack of logic and excessive harem-building.
One day, while writing his latest chapter, Airplane stumbles upon an online forum where people are debating his novel. The conversation includes both supporters and critics, with some criticizing the shallow writing and others defending it as fun despite its flaws.
Peerless Cucumber, a frequent commenter and critic of Airplane’s work, expresses both disdain and reluctant affection for the novel, pointing out its flaws while continuing to read it.
Amused by the forum debates, Airplane recognizes Peerless Cucumber’s contradictory relationship with his work—someone who harshly criticizes it but can't stop reading. He humorously likens Peerless Cucumber to someone in a love-hate relationship with the story.
While laughing at this realization, Airplane accidentally knocks over his instant noodles, spilling them all over his keyboard and causing a chain reaction that ends with his laptop shutting off. In horror, he realizes that he may have lost his almost-completed update. In a panic, he tries to fix the situation but ends up electrocuting himself when he touches the power strip.
Chapter 26: Airplane's Fortuitous Encounter Part 2
Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky, now in the body of Shang Qinghua, an outer disciple of An Ding Peak, is stuck in the lowly position of a servant, moving heavy goods for Qing Jing Peak while constantly cursing his fate.
Shang Qinghua, aware that his eventual fate in the original novel is to serve and be discarded by Mobei-Jun, entertains fantasies of escaping the cultivation world but is constrained by a mysterious System that deducts points for rule violations.
While transporting goods with other outer disciples, Shang Qinghua's cart gets stuck, and the surrounding air suddenly freezes. Mobei-Jun, in a foul mood, appears, causing chaos and killing all the disciples except Shang Qinghua, who desperately clings to Mobei-Jun's thighs and pledges loyalty.
Mobei-Jun, injured and exhausted from a recent battle with Huan Hua Palace, eventually collapses, and Shang Qinghua seizes the opportunity to help him. He patches up Mobei-Jun's wounds and drags him to an inn, where they share a room.
Shang Qinghua spends the next few days attending to Mobei-Jun’s needs, suffering constant mistreatment but keeping himself alive by staying useful. He patches Mobei-Jun’s clothes, fetches water, and endures being kicked off the bed multiple times.
One night, while fanning Mobei-Jun and tending to his wounds, Shang Qinghua accidentally falls asleep beside him. Mobei-Jun awakens, but before anything disastrous happens, Shang Qinghua wakes up in time to avoid punishment.
After surviving the ordeal, Shang Qinghua returns to Cang Qiong Mountain with the remaining disciples. He pretends to faint to avoid suspicion and difficult questions from his shixiongs and sect leaders.
After returning to his new room as an inner disciple, Shang Qinghua is shocked to find Mobei-Jun waiting for him in his bed. Despite his attempts to reason with Mobei-Jun, the demon lord claims the bed for himself.
Shang Qinghua resigns himself to his fate, enduring another beating from Mobei-Jun and sleeping on the floor, all while continuing to serve his demonic master. He reflects on his situation, accepting that his life now belongs entirely to Mobei-Jun.
Three days after Mobei-Jun's sudden arrival and stay at the Leisure House, Shang Qinghua is relieved when Mobei-Jun leaves without anyone in the sect discovering his presence.
Shang Qinghua reflects on how absurdly powerful Mobei-Jun's stealth ability is, allowing him to stay unnoticed on An Ding Peak for three days despite being a demon.
Feeling free and joyful after Mobei-Jun’s departure, Shang Qinghua returns to his usual work, only to receive another mission from the An Ding Peak Lord, which involves handling dangerous tasks like delivering supplies during battles.
Although Shang Qinghua believes Mobei-Jun has forgotten about him, Mobei-Jun's influence remains. On several occasions, when Shang Qinghua is in danger, he is unexpectedly rescued by demonic creatures that seem to be connected to Mobei-Jun, keeping him safe.
Shang Qinghua realizes that staying close to powerful figures like Mobei-Jun has proven essential to his survival and muses that clinging to a powerful protector is not only useful but necessary for staying alive in the dangerous cultivation world.
Chapter 26: Airplane's Fortuitous Encounter Part 3
Shang Qinghua receives a new command from the Great System: become the An Ding Peak head disciple within three years.
He devises a plan to sabotage the current head disciple by ruining flatcakes the disciple makes for the other peaks, causing the peak lord to lose faith in him.
Shang Qinghua successfully replaces the head disciple by showcasing his own skills, following the logic of "if you can't be the best, be the worst."
As head disciple, Shang Qinghua now faces more responsibilities and more dangerous missions, including descending the mountain with Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge for a quest.
On the quest, Shang Qinghua tries to explain the danger of a well creature to Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge, but both ignore him and investigate the well themselves.
Shang Qinghua is forced to look into the well and sees his reflection beckoning him, prompting the creature to attack.
During the ensuing battle, Liu Qingge and Shen Qingqiu start fighting each other out of frustration, leaving Shang Qinghua to play dead to avoid further danger.
The well creature is eventually sealed away, and Liu Qingge refuses to travel back with them, choosing a different route to avoid Shen Qingqiu.
Shang Qinghua observes Shen Qingqiu acting suspiciously on the return journey, including holding his book upside down, which he points out.
Shen Qingqiu, embarrassed by his mistake, becomes furious and almost draws his sword on Shang Qinghua, who narrowly avoids conflict.
Shang Qinghua advises Shen Qingqiu to stay calm in the future if someone falls into a qi deviation, emphasizing that trying to help impulsively will only make things worse.
Shen Qingqiu dismisses the advice but remains mystified by Shang Qinghua’s cryptic warning, unaware that Shang Qinghua is speaking from a deeper understanding of the situation.
Shang Qinghua is promoted to Peak Lord of An Ding Peak and no longer has to bow to anyone, though his life remains busy.
Shen Qingqiu recovers from illness, and a secret meeting is held on Qiong Ding Peak. Ten out of twelve Peak Lords, including Shang Qinghua, attend to discuss Shen Qingqiu's recent strange behavior.
Yue Qingyuan reveals that Shen Qingqiu had a harmonious conversation with him for two hours, which is highly unusual given their fraught relationship.
Other Peak Lords note that Shen Qingqiu's behavior has changed drastically, showing concern for disciples and self-sacrifice, actions that are out of character for him.
Shang Qinghua suspects possession but Wei Qingwei states that Shen Qingqiu visited the sword trials terrace three times, and no signs of demonic energy were detected.
Mu Qingfang suggests that Shen Qingqiu might have lost his memory after a qi deviation, which could explain his altered personality.
The Peak Lords conclude that Shen Qingqiu has lost his memory and adjourn the meeting, celebrating the positive change.
Shang Qinghua visits Bai Zhan Peak and learns that Shen Qingqiu has been sparring with Liu Qingge, leading to increased injuries among Bai Zhan Peak disciples.
Shen Qingqiu engages in sparring with Liu Qingge, losing multiple times but remaining calm and reflective, which shocks Shang Qinghua.
After sparring, Shen Qingqiu and Shang Qinghua receive sacks containing short-haired beasts as a gift from Liu Qingge, as a return for tea leaves Shen Qingqiu had given him.
Shen Qingqiu's disciples are surprised by the short-haired beasts and debate whether to keep them as pets or eat them.
Shang Qinghua is astonished by Shen Qingqiu's uncharacteristic kindness toward Luo Binghe, who clings to him affectionately. Shen Qingqiu encourages Luo Binghe to train harder to surpass Bai Zhan Peak disciples.
Shang Qinghua is left bewildered by Shen Qingqiu's new, caring persona and fears the strange turn of events will eventually lead to flirtatious banter between Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe.
Luo Binghe is in a bad mood, having captured Shen Qingqiu but only imprisoning him without further action, which frustrates him given his stallion novel origins.
Shang Qinghua, observing Binghe's frustration, is shocked that his protagonist hasn’t acted as he expected based on the original work. He feels pity for Binghe’s restrained situation.
In the underground palace assembly hall, Sha Hualing, Shang Qinghua, Mobei-Jun, and other demons are present while Luo Binghe poses a veiled question about how to express his feelings to someone he likes.
The demons are uncertain how to respond to this human concept of romance. Mobei-Jun suggests beating the person up as a solution, which Luo Binghe dismisses.
Sha Hualing sarcastically suggests asking Meng Mo, but Shang Qinghua laughs and ends up being drawn into the conversation.
Luo Binghe asks Shang Qinghua for advice on how to make someone understand romantic intentions. Shang Qinghua, nervous, advises Binghe to be "clingy" and persistent, explaining that eventually, the other person will respond.
Shang Qinghua further explains that to gain Shen Qingqiu’s affection, Binghe should be obedient, respectful, and appeal to Shen Qingqiu’s sense of dignity as a teacher, despite the idea being absurd in a demon realm setting.
Sha Hualing is outraged by Shang Qinghua’s suggestion that Binghe should act weak and obedient to gain affection, deeming it unworthy of a demon lord, but Binghe seems to take Shang Qinghua’s advice seriously.
Shang Qinghua concludes his long-winded advice on romantic tactics, avoiding Sha Hualing’s ire while seeking protection from Mobei-Jun.
Mobei-Jun taps Shang Qinghua lightly on the head, seeming in a good mood after hearing Shang Qinghua's advice.
Shang Qinghua, confused but relieved, follows Mobei-Jun out of the assembly hall, happy to escape Sha Hualing's deadly gaze.
Chapter 26: Airplane's Fortuitous Encounter Part 4
Mai Gu Ridge explodes into chaos, as per Shang Qinghua's original outline.
Shang Qinghua saves Mobei-Jun in midair during the explosion, surprising both himself and Mobei-Jun, as it contradicts Mobei-Jun’s belief that Shang Qinghua only cared about his own survival.
Mobei-Jun’s treatment of Shang Qinghua improves, and Shang Qinghua is allowed to return to Cang Qiong Mountain, keeping his position as An Ding Peak Lord.
Shang Qinghua realizes the System considers his task complete and offers him a return to his original world. He’s torn between returning to his past life and staying.
While Shang Qinghua considers leaving, Mobei-Jun drags him to the northern border of the Demon Realm, where Mobei-Jun is preparing to inherit the clan's martial aspect from his deceased father.
Linguang-Jun, Mobei-Jun’s treacherous uncle, arrives, intending to disrupt the succession and steal power for himself. A confrontation ensues.
Mobei-Jun’s inheritance ceremony requires him to absorb his father’s martial aspect over seven days, during which he is vulnerable. Linguang-Jun plans to attack during this period.
Mobei-Jun begins absorbing the martial aspect, but Linguang-Jun attacks, injecting demonic energy into Mobei-Jun, hindering his progress.
Shang Qinghua, in a moment of courage, defends Mobei-Jun by creating a protective fire circle using Black Sun Tinder, temporarily preventing Linguang-Jun from attacking.
Linguang-Jun attempts to collapse the ice fortress to crush Mobei-Jun, forcing Shang Qinghua to confront him directly.
Shang Qinghua endures severe injuries but buys enough time for Mobei-Jun to deal a critical blow to Linguang-Jun, forcing him to flee.
After the battle, both Mobei-Jun and Shang Qinghua collapse from exhaustion, with Mobei-Jun still struggling to absorb the martial aspect.
Shang Qinghua, injured and frustrated, confronts Mobei-Jun about years of mistreatment, venting his grievances and even tugging on Mobei-Jun's cheeks in a moment of audacious defiance.
Despite Mobei-Jun’s threats, Shang Qinghua prepares to leave, bidding an emotional farewell, acknowledging that meeting Mobei-Jun had been a significant experience for him.
Shang Qinghua has had access to the "Return Home" function for a month but keeps procrastinating by choosing "Maybe Next Time" due to his uncertainty about leaving.
He avoids returning to Cang Qiong Mountain, fearing Mobei-Jun's potential anger. He lives frugally, wandering without purpose, having lost access to his savings.
Shang Qinghua unexpectedly encounters Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu living a peaceful, cottagecore life in a bamboo house. Shang Qinghua marvels at their comfort while lamenting his own difficult situation.
Shang Qinghua is surprised to see Luo Binghe, once a dominant protagonist, kneading dough for noodles.
Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu, though initially reluctant, allow Shang Qinghua to stay and eat noodles. Shang Qinghua is grateful for the meal, reflecting on the enduring friendship he shares with Shen Qingqiu.
After eating, Shang Qinghua leaves to avoid overstaying, not wanting to witness any potential intimate moments between the pair.
Shang Qinghua slips on ice while walking, and Linguang-Jun appears, revealing he has been hunting Shang Qinghua to take revenge for his defeat at the ice fortress.
Linguang-Jun attacks Shang Qinghua, but just as Shang Qinghua is about to be killed, Mobei-Jun arrives in time, saving him and severely injuring Linguang-Jun.
Mobei-Jun expresses frustration at Shang Qinghua for attempting to avoid him. Mobei-Jun insists on taking Shang Qinghua with him, even though Shang Qinghua tries to explain that he wants to return to his original world.
Mobei-Jun offers to let Shang Qinghua hit him back, to keep him from leaving. However, when Shang Qinghua hesitates, Mobei-Jun takes it as reluctance, forcing Shang Qinghua to follow him instead.
Mobei-Jun eventually carries Shang Qinghua on a handcart after Shang Qinghua injures his leg during Linguang-Jun's attack.
Shang Qinghua reflects on the strangeness of Mobei-Jun's behavior, especially when Mobei-Jun agrees to make him noodles. Shang Qinghua is astonished by Mobei-Jun's uncharacteristic willingness to cater to him.
Inspired by the events, Shang Qinghua decides to start writing again under his pen name, Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky, planning to capitalize on popular trends and write a new explicit, boundary-pushing story.
The chapter ends with Shang Qinghua enjoying his ride on the handcart, content in the chaotic, unpredictable life he's living with Mobei-Jun pulling him along.
Chapter 27: Deep Dream
Shen Qingqiu awakens in Luo Binghe's dream realm and recognizes his surroundings as Huan Hua Palace, though Luo Binghe is absent.
Shen Qingqiu encounters a memory of Mu Qingfang being summoned to Huan Hua Palace by Luo Binghe to examine Shen Qingqiu’s preserved corpse.
In the memory, Mu Qingfang and Luo Binghe argue about the hopelessness of reviving Shen Qingqiu, with Mu Qingfang warning that Luo Binghe’s daily infusion of spiritual energy merely prevents the corpse from decaying but will ultimately fail.
Luo Binghe becomes frustrated with Mu Qingfang’s lack of solutions and forcibly expels him from Huan Hua Pavilion, ordering him to stay until he thinks of a way to revive Shen Qingqiu.
Left alone with the corpse, Luo Binghe calls out "Shizun" and gazes at the body with deep longing and sadness. Shen Qingqiu watches as Luo Binghe undresses both himself and the corpse.
Luo Binghe holds the corpse close, pressing their bodies together, but he does not engage in any inappropriate behavior. He transfers spiritual energy into the body, temporarily restoring its color and appearance from the effects of livor mortis.
Shen Qingqiu reflects on the scene and remembers how, once before, he had similarly comforted Luo Binghe when he was younger.
Shen Qingqiu, resting in his Bamboo House, hears Luo Binghe tossing and turning and sneaking out in the middle of the night.
Shen Qingqiu follows Luo Binghe and finds him outside, shirtless and applying medicine to his body covered in bruises from cultivation and bullying by Bai Zhan Peak disciples.
Shen Qingqiu scolds Luo Binghe for not running from the bullies, and Luo Binghe, afraid of causing trouble, tries to downplay the injuries.
Shen Qingqiu takes Luo Binghe back inside and insists on applying the medicine for him despite Luo Binghe’s embarrassed protests.
As Shen Qingqiu massages Luo Binghe’s bruises and transfers spiritual energy to heal him, Luo Binghe grows increasingly flustered and uncomfortable.
Luo Binghe, overwhelmed by the intimate physical contact, panics, thrashes around, and eventually bolts out of the Bamboo House, apologizing profusely to Shen Qingqiu.
Shen Qingqiu chases after Luo Binghe, who refuses to stop, eventually throwing himself into a pond to cool down.
Shen Qingqiu, confused and exasperated by Luo Binghe's behavior, orders him to get out of the cold water, but Luo Binghe refuses and insists on staying.
Shen Qingqiu clears the area of onlooking disciples and, despite Luo Binghe's protests, wades into the pond, lifts Luo Binghe out, and carries him back to the Bamboo House.
As they return, Luo Binghe, still anxious, insists on going back to the woodshed, but Shen Qingqiu reprimands him for acting as if something unforgivable had happened.
Luo Binghe feels deep embarrassment over his actions during the night he ran into the pond after Shen Qingqiu's healing attempt, considering it a dark moment in his past.
Shen Qingqiu, in later years, often teases Luo Binghe about that night, but Luo Binghe, having matured, brushes it off and explains it away.
Luo Binghe admits that during that time, he was young and easily swayed by his emotions, especially around the person he admired most—Shen Qingqiu. The close physical contact had overwhelmed him, and his body had reacted in ways he couldn't control.
Despite his embarrassment, Luo Binghe now expresses those feelings openly to Shen Qingqiu, explaining that he was afraid Shen Qingqiu would notice his reactions.
Shen Qingqiu recalls Luo Binghe's rare moments of shyness while sharing this confession, finding it amusing at the time.
However, as Shen Qingqiu reflects on the current situation—where Luo Binghe is holding his lifeless body—he can no longer find the memory amusing and is weighed down by the gravity of the present.
Shen Qingqiu remains trapped in Luo Binghe's dream realm, which mirrors the monotony and cold loneliness of Luo Binghe's life at Huan Hua Palace.
Luo Binghe spends most of his time in Huan Hua Pavilion, even handling important demonic affairs and cooking elaborate meals, as if Shen Qingqiu might wake up any day.
Shen Qingqiu observes Luo Binghe's dedication and loneliness, noting how Luo Binghe goes through the motions as if still waiting for Shen Qingqiu to return.
One day, Luo Binghe returns to the pavilion injured from a fight with Liu Qingge but acts as if nothing is wrong, burning his bloodstained robe before entering.
Luo Binghe confesses his despair, telling the lifeless body of Shen Qingqiu that he won't be able to hold on much longer, even though Shen Qingqiu knows Luo Binghe will continue to wait for nearly two thousand more days.
The emotional pain becomes overwhelming for Shen Qingqiu, and he tries to reach out to Luo Binghe but realizes that he can't touch him in this dream state.
Shen Qingqiu is suddenly awakened by Luo Binghe, who is concerned that he caused his shizun to experience a nightmare. Luo Binghe frantically checks if Shen Qingqiu is injured or in pain.
Shen Qingqiu, still disoriented from the dream, impulsively kisses Luo Binghe, which surprises him but quickly turns into an intense moment of passion.
Shen Qingqiu takes the lead, pushing Luo Binghe down, undoing their robes, and expressing how much he feels for Luo Binghe, causing Luo Binghe to lose his composure and warning that he might not be able to be gentle.
Shen Qingqiu teasingly responds that he will gladly endure the pain, deepening the intimate moment between them.
Chapter 28: Return to Childhood
Shen Qingqiu wakes up alone, sore and sticky from the previous night’s activities.
Confused by Luo Binghe’s absence, Shen Qingqiu finds a much smaller version of Luo Binghe—around five or six years old—sleeping beside him.
Luo Binghe had suffered a qi deviation during his cultivation the night before, which caused him to de-age into a child.
Shen Qingqiu realizes that this plot point had been in the original novel but hadn’t occurred until now.
Luo Binghe informs Shen Qingqiu that he has less than a tenth of his martial power left, making him vulnerable.
Shen Qingqiu decides they should leave the Demon Realm to avoid danger from Luo Binghe’s enemies.
Shen Qingqiu, still sore from the previous night, struggles to move but heads to the hot springs to clean up.
Chibi Luo Binghe tries to help Shen Qingqiu with the soap but struggles because of his small size, evoking memories of Luo Binghe’s early days on Qing Jing Peak.
Shen Qingqiu pulls Luo Binghe into his arms and teases him by squishing his face.
Luo Binghe instinctively tries to shove Shen Qingqiu down, but his small body is powerless, leading to frustration.
Shen Qingqiu teases Luo Binghe about the previous night’s events, but Luo Binghe accuses him of initiating it, which embarrasses Shen Qingqiu.
The scene ends with Luo Binghe slipping underwater after Shen Qingqiu lets him go.
Shen Qingqiu decides that hiding in the Human Realm is safer than returning to Cang Qiong Mountain, where Luo Binghe would be vulnerable to attacks.
They settle in a prosperous town, where Shen Qingqiu takes a job at an academy, much to Luo Binghe’s displeasure.
Luo Binghe is jealous that Shen Qingqiu is teaching other students and annoyed that people mistake him for Shen Qingqiu’s son, especially since he can’t act on his feelings due to his de-aged form.
Luo Binghe waits for Shen Qingqiu outside their home, sulking while surrounded by children who admire him.
A group of local married women arrives, excited to matchmake Shen Qingqiu with their female relatives.
Luo Binghe angrily rejects the matchmaking, making it clear that Shen Qingqiu doesn’t need a wife since he already has him.
The women insist that Shen Qingqiu needs a new wife to help run his household and take care of Luo Binghe, to which Shen Qingqiu politely declines.
As tensions escalate, Shen Qingqiu uses talismans to knock the women unconscious to prevent Luo Binghe from causing any harm.
They hastily abandon their new home, fleeing the town to avoid further complications.
Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe are forced to flee to Cang Qiong Mountain after leaving the town due to the matchmaking debacle.
As they ascend the mountain, a stair sweeper notices them, recognizes Luo Binghe in his child form, and runs away to spread rumors.
Shen Qingqiu carries a tired Luo Binghe up the stairs, and they are greeted by a mix of shock and confusion from the Qing Jing Peak disciples.
Ming Fan and Ning Yingying, along with the other disciples, mistakenly believe that Luo Binghe is Shen Qingqiu’s biological son.
Liu Qingge arrives and confronts Shen Qingqiu, mistakenly thinking he and Luo Binghe had a child together.
After clearing up the misunderstanding, Shen Qingqiu explains that Luo Binghe suffered a qi deviation, leading to his de-aged state.
Shen Qingqiu is forced to punish his disciples for their wild assumptions and gossip.
Shen Qingqiu attends a meeting with the peak lords, during which he learns of the strict new rules, including the banning of novels like Regret of Chunshan and Song of Bingqiu.
After the meeting, several peak lords insist on visiting Qing Jing Peak to see Luo Binghe in his child form, leading to Shen Qingqiu reluctantly allowing them to see him.
The peak lords find amusement in Luo Binghe's de-aged form, which has aged him by another two years overnight.
Shen Qingqiu later returns to find Luo Binghe organizing the books on Qing Jing Peak, and they have a heart-to-heart conversation about their feelings.
Luo Binghe expresses his insecurities about being unable to protect Shen Qingqiu in his current state, fearing he can't compete with others for his affection.
Shen Qingqiu reassures Luo Binghe that he would never leave him and affirms that he doesn't need to "win" him back.
The chapter ends with a tender moment where Luo Binghe, frustrated by his current limitations, pounces on Shen Qingqiu, unable to follow through with his intentions, resulting in a cry of frustration.
Chapter 29: Regret of Chunshan and Song of Bingqiu
Luo Binghe is now back in his original form after recovering at Cang Qiong Mountain for over a month.
Luo Binghe shows Shen Qingqiu a smutty booklet titled Regret of Chunshan, which depicts an explicit and highly exaggerated romantic relationship between a fictional version of them.
Shen Qingqiu is mortified by the contents, which includes detailed scenes of non-consensual encounters, with one particularly shocking scene taking place in a water prison.
Luo Binghe continues to read the story aloud and even expresses amusement at how different the fictional version of himself is, insisting that he would never actually behave in such a forceful way.
Despite his embarrassment and horror, Shen Qingqiu gets curious about the booklet’s content, only to be further appalled by the graphic depictions of their relationship.
Luo Binghe, now filled with enthusiasm after reading the explicit materials, expresses his desire to "practice" some of the new techniques described in the booklet.
Shen Qingqiu, though extremely flustered, agrees to let Luo Binghe experiment, albeit with some reservations, and sets the condition that they do it from behind to preserve some semblance of dignity.
Luo Binghe eagerly agrees, pulling out a jar of wine to use as a prop, inspired by the story he had read.
Luo Binghe proceeds to pour the wine into Shen Qingqiu’s body through unconventional means, leading to a series of increasingly intense and humiliating experiences for Shen Qingqiu.
The intense scene culminates in Shen Qingqiu feeling overwhelmed by the sensations caused by the wine and Luo Binghe's actions, all while Luo Binghe eagerly follows the instructions from the explicit booklet.
Despite the discomfort and humiliation, Shen Qingqiu ultimately indulges Luo Binghe’s newfound enthusiasm, unable to resist his disciple’s fervent desire to test out his new knowledge.
Shen Qingqiu is left bewildered and exhausted, questioning what exactly Luo Binghe had read that had inspired such fervor.
Chapter 30: Honeymoon
Shen Qingqiu and Luo Binghe meet Madam Meiyin, who runs a business in Shuang Hu City. She complains about a past encounter where Liu Qingge caused damage to her establishment.
Luo Binghe gets jealous and questions Shen Qingqiu about his time with Liu Qingge, thinking something happened between them. Shen Qingqiu reassures him, with humorous back-and-forth attempts to calm him.
Madam Meiyin reveals that she once tried to use an aphrodisiac on Liu Qingge, further fueling Luo Binghe's jealousy, although Shen Qingqiu insists nothing inappropriate happened.
They are asked to investigate the Chen Manor, which has been haunted by a spirit for years after the death of the Skinner Demon. Upon arriving, they meet the old master who recognizes them from their previous visit.
Luo Binghe assumes his role as Shen Qingqiu’s attentive disciple during the investigation, while Shen Qingqiu admires his "badass" demeanor, though they continuously exchange affectionate glances.
As they investigate, Luo Binghe tries to hold Shen Qingqiu’s hand and flirt, but Shen Qingqiu playfully avoids him.
They encounter the spirit of the Skinner Demon, now a black fog that fails to recognize Shen Qingqiu at first. After some bickering, the fog remembers him and bitterly mocks him, even laughing at Shen Qingqiu's current relationship with Luo Binghe.
The Skinner Demon experiences satisfaction, believing that Shen Qingqiu’s relationship with Luo Binghe is his karmic retribution. The demon then dissipates, its sense of justice fulfilled.
After the spirit is dealt with, Luo Binghe eagerly reminds Shen Qingqiu of his earlier promise to grant him one request. Luo Binghe wants to tie Shen Qingqiu up with immortal-binding cables, referencing his past dreams. Shen Qingqiu initially rejects the idea, leaving Luo Binghe disappointed but persistent.
Despite Luo Binghe's attempts to guilt Shen Qingqiu into complying, Shen Qingqiu remains firm, pushing him aside and leaving the scene. He internally acknowledges that Luo Binghe might truly be his karmic retribution.
Chapter 31: 100 Random Questions on Luo-Shen's Affinity
Airplane Shooting Towards the Sky (Shang Qinghua) receives a bizarre questionnaire from the System and convinces Shen Qingqiu to participate with Luo Binghe.
The interview begins with basic questions like names, ages, and personalities, but quickly devolves into humorous and awkward exchanges.
Shen Qingqiu describes Luo Binghe as a clingy crybaby, while Luo Binghe praises Shen Qingqiu as gentle and strong.
The questionnaire delves into their relationship, asking when they first met, first impressions, what they like and dislike about each other, and how they address each other.
Luo Binghe admits he’d like to be called by endearing terms like a husband, while Shen Qingqiu tries to gloss over the question.
Questions about their relationship escalate into absurd territory, including queries about their first date (Luo Binghe says Huan Hua Palace Water Prison), intimate details about their romantic life, and how many times they engage in physical activities.
Shang Qinghua becomes increasingly bewildered as Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu reveal more about their dynamic. Luo Binghe expresses attachment and possessiveness, while Shen Qingqiu tries to downplay or deflect the embarrassing questions.
Awkwardly intimate questions continue, with Luo Binghe expressing a desire to be tied up with immortal-binding cables, while Shen Qingqiu remains mortified.
The pair continues to humorously answer the increasingly bizarre questions, including their preferences, habits, and past encounters, but they draw the line at some of the more explicit ones.
Shang Qinghua is frustrated when the duo leaves the questionnaire unfinished, and he laments over his lost quest points as they exit, leaving the scattered papers behind.
Chapter 32: Wedding
Shen Qingqiu notices that Luo Binghe hasn't followed him and sees him staring at something in the distance.
Curious, Shen Qingqiu asks what Luo Binghe is looking at, and Luo Binghe seems distracted, responding vaguely.
Shen Qingqiu looks in the same direction and sees a wedding procession with a crowd gathering around the newlyweds.
Shen Qingqiu initially suspects something supernatural is happening but doesn’t detect anything out of the ordinary.
Luo Binghe walks over to the wedding scene and takes some wedding candies from the young maids, who are mesmerized by his appearance.
He returns to Shen Qingqiu, satisfied with the candy, and they continue walking together.
Shen Qingqiu notices that Luo Binghe is still preoccupied with the wedding and teases him, asking if there’s something special about it.
Luo Binghe replies that he is simply sharing in the good fortune, though it seems to mean more to him.
Shen Qingqiu, curious, asks if Luo Binghe has never thought about getting married, noting that Luo Binghe should have had such aspirations, especially as the protagonist of a stallion novel.
Luo Binghe admits that he never imagined marriage having anything to do with him in the past.
Shen Qingqiu teases Luo Binghe, asking if he now believes marriage is relevant to him, but Luo Binghe remains silent, hinting at his deeper feelings.
Shen Qingqiu notices that Luo Binghe is acting strange after a recent event, being more energetic and causing Shen Qingqiu physical discomfort due to their intimate activities.
They return to Cang Qiong Mountain for a visit, where sect members, especially Qi Qingqi, notice Luo Binghe's odd behavior.
Shen Qingqiu is puzzled by Luo Binghe’s behavior but dismisses it until they return to the Bamboo House, where Luo Binghe trips over the threshold, making Ming Fan point it out.
Shen Qingqiu sends the disciples away, only for Luo Binghe to suddenly propose to Shen Qingqiu, catching him completely off guard.
Luo Binghe, nervous and vulnerable, fears rejection but still insists on asking Shen Qingqiu to marry him.
Shen Qingqiu is shocked by the proposal but also secretly happy, although he doesn’t respond immediately.
Luo Binghe becomes increasingly emotional, thinking Shen Qingqiu is going to reject him, and Shen Qingqiu finally says that he was about to say yes.
Luo Binghe is overjoyed, and they go through a simplified wedding ceremony with wine, exchanging affectionate gestures and getting into the mood.
Luo Binghe insists on following traditional wedding customs, including spreading a white sheet, which embarrasses Shen Qingqiu, but he reluctantly agrees.
They engage in an intense, intimate encounter, with Luo Binghe being careful but ultimately causing some discomfort to Shen Qingqiu.
Luo Binghe, thrilled by Shen Qingqiu’s compliance, continues despite causing some bleeding, which alarms Shen Qingqiu but doesn’t stop Luo Binghe from becoming emotionally attached and calling him "wife."
Shen Qingqiu eventually relents to calling Luo Binghe "husband" in the heat of the moment, which makes Luo Binghe incredibly happy.
The next morning, Shen Qingqiu is mortified by the previous night's events and struggles to speak due to the strain.
Luo Binghe, energized and loving, offers to make breakfast, but Shen Qingqiu, embarrassed, impulsively calls Luo Binghe "husband" again, which surprises Luo Binghe.
Shen Qingqiu, feeling even more embarrassed, brushes it off, and they delay breakfast to enjoy a moment of peace together.
Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun Vol. 1
Chapter 1: This Venerable One Dies
Mo Ran, once known as Mo Weiyu, reflects on his life filled with ridicule, shame, and eventual tyranny as the emperor of the cultivation world.
A puppy gifted to Mo Ran grows old and dies, symbolizing the passage of time and Mo Ran's increasing disillusionment with life.
Mo Ran becomes the first emperor of the cultivation world, ruling with an iron fist, drowning the world in blood, and crushing opposition.
Mo Ran names the years of his reign with absurd titles like "Wang Ba: Tortoise," "Gua: Croak," and "Ji Ba: Cease Battle," highlighting his disregard for tradition and decorum.
After years of tyranny, a massive rebel army forms to overthrow Mo Ran, gathering at the foot of Sisheng Peak, where Mo Ran’s palace stands.
Xue Meng, a former disciple of the same sect as Mo Ran, is determined to save his imprisoned shizun, despite the fear and hesitation of the other leaders.
Xue Meng confronts Mo Ran in the palace, discovering that Mo Ran has already poisoned himself and is near death.
Mo Ran reveals that their shizun, whom Xue Meng desperately wants to save, has already been killed by Mo Ran due to a deep-seated grudge.
As Mo Ran lays dying, he tells Xue Meng that their shizun’s body is preserved in the Red Lotus Pavilion, urging him to go see it before it’s too late.
Xue Meng rushes to the pavilion, leaving Mo Ran to die alone. Mo Ran, wracked with pain, transports himself to the base of the Heaven-Piercing Tower to die in an unmarked grave.
The rebel army invades the palace, only to find it empty. Xue Meng discovers his shizun’s body has turned to ashes, and Mo Ran’s corpse lies cold before the Heaven-Piercing Tower.
Chapter 2: This Venerable One Lives
Mo Ran awakens in a brothel, confused and disoriented, recalling his death and wondering why he is alive.
He realizes he has been reborn into his 16-year-old self, recognizing his surroundings as a familiar brothel near Sisheng Peak, where he spent much time in his youth.
Mo Ran discovers he is lying next to Rong Jiu, a former lover who had died of a sexually transmitted disease in his previous life.
Confirming his suspicion of rebirth, Mo Ran checks his reflection in a mirror and sees his younger self.
Rong Jiu attempts to seduce Mo Ran, but Mo Ran, now with the mind of his 32-year-old self, feels disgusted, remembering Rong Jiu's betrayal in his past life.
Mo Ran pretends to be affectionate, playing along to avoid suspicion, while secretly harboring resentment.
He contemplates harming Rong Jiu as revenge for past betrayals but stops himself, realizing he now has the chance to change his fate.
Mo Ran decides to let go of his old grudges, symbolically tossing a shard of broken porcelain out the window.
He steals all of Rong Jiu’s valuables, deciding not to pay him, and leaves the brothel.
As Mo Ran departs, he reflects on the new life ahead of him, filled with opportunities to avoid past mistakes, and anticipates reuniting with his uncle, aunt, cousin Xue Meng, shizun, and especially Shige.
Chapter 3: This Venerable One’s Shige
Mo Ran, newly reborn, checks if his cultivation powers have carried over but realizes they haven't. However, he remains confident in his ability to cultivate again.
He adjusts his demeanor to match that of a fifteen-year-old and begins his journey back to his sect at Sisheng Peak.
Along the way, Mo Ran stops in Wuchang Town, near Sisheng Peak, and enters a busy restaurant to eat. He orders several dishes, including bon bon chicken and spicy beef tripe.
While eating, Mo Ran overhears a storyteller recounting the history of Sisheng Peak, but he quickly loses interest since he's already familiar with the tale.
Outside the restaurant, Mo Ran notices a group of street performers with a caged creature they claim is a mythical pixiu, but he immediately recognizes it as a scam.
Despite the obvious scam, the performance draws a crowd of gullible onlookers, which amuses Mo Ran.
The crowd's attention is further captured by the arrival of a mysterious black-cloaked figure and a distressed woman on horseback. The woman identifies the "pixiu" as her son, revealing that the performers had abducted and disfigured children to pass them off as mythical creatures.
The black-cloaked figure attempts to reason with the performers, who respond by attacking them. Mo Ran recognizes the cloaked figure as a fellow disciple from Sisheng Peak but initially decides not to intervene, finding the sect's righteous tendencies annoying.
As the fight continues, Mo Ran loses interest and prepares to leave the restaurant. However, when he hears the black-cloaked figure's voice, he realizes it's his beloved Shi Mei.
Overcome with emotion, Mo Ran immediately rushes to help Shi Mei, knocking away the attackers with a powerful strike and kneeling beside Shi Mei, his voice trembling as he confirms their identity.
Chapter 4: This Venerable One’s Cousin
Shi Mei, despite his name, is a male disciple of Sisheng Peak. He was an orphan found by the sect leader, who named him Shi Mei, thinking it was a humble name that would bring an easier life.
Mo Ran is deeply affected upon seeing Shi Mei alive again, struggling to contain his emotions, as Shi Mei was someone he had cherished and loved deeply in his past life.
Shi Mei, oblivious to Mo Ran's inner turmoil, gently scolds Mo Ran for wanting to fight the cultivators, emphasizing his preference for reasoning and forgiveness.
The group of rogue cultivators, after being bested by Mo Ran, pleads for mercy, and Shi Mei orders them to apologize to the woman whose children they had abducted.
Mo Ran helps Shi Mei onto a horse, and they ride back to Sisheng Peak together, with Mo Ran feeling elated at the unexpected reunion with Shi Mei, reinforcing his belief that they are meant to be together.
As they arrive at the foot of Sisheng Peak, they encounter Xue Meng, Mo Ran's younger cousin, who is impatiently waiting for Mo Ran's return.
Xue Meng, a proud and talented youth, is dressed in full armor, displaying his haughty and flamboyant nature, which Mo Ran finds both amusing and annoying.
A flashback reveals the tense relationship between Mo Ran and Xue Meng. Mo Ran, an illegitimate child, was initially looked down upon by Xue Meng, who was praised as a prodigy and the "darling of the heavens."
Despite Xue Meng's disdain, Mo Ran's natural talent quickly surpassed Xue Meng's, creating jealousy and tension between the cousins.
As they exchange insults, Xue Meng expresses his disdain for Mo Ran, calling him a "dog rolling in the mud," while Mo Ran mocks Xue Meng for his flashy appearance and behavior.
Shi Mei, feeling awkward, tries to diffuse the tension, asking Xue Meng why he was waiting outside. Xue Meng reveals he was waiting specifically for Mo Ran, surprising him and leaving Mo Ran momentarily speechless.
Chapter 5: This Venerable One Isn’t a Thief
Mo Ran and Xue Meng arrive at Loyalty Hall, where Mo Ran discovers that Rong Jiu, the man he previously robbed, has come to Sisheng Peak to complain.
Rong Jiu, weeping dramatically, is comforted by a burly man named Chang Da, who accuses Mo Ran of stealing Rong Jiu's money.
Madam Wang, the lady of Sisheng Peak, is clearly uncomfortable and unsure how to handle the situation without her husband's presence.
Mo Ran denies the accusations, claiming he doesn't know Rong Jiu or Chang Da, and questions why he would need to steal.
Chang Da lists the stolen items and demands that Mo Ran be searched. Mo Ran challenges Chang Da, saying that if nothing is found, Chang Da must crawl away from Sisheng Peak as an apology.
Despite his hesitation, Chang Da orders the search, but they find nothing on Mo Ran.
Xue Meng, fed up with the situation, angrily steps in, breaking Chang Da's finger and ordering the pair to leave Sisheng Peak.
As they leave, Xue Meng remains suspicious of Mo Ran and demands an explanation. Mo Ran maintains his innocence, but Xue Meng doesn’t believe him.
Xue Meng uses a spiritual technique to reveal the stolen items hidden by Mo Ran using Sisheng Peak's concealing technique, confirming Mo Ran's guilt.
Mo Ran tries to downplay the situation, but Xue Meng reprimands him, highlighting that Mo Ran's actions violate sect rules.
Mo Ran’s confidence fades as he remembers the strict elder at Sisheng Peak who would not tolerate his behavior. He tries to escape before the elder can find out.
Mo Ran runs away, fearing the severe punishment he would face if caught by the elder, knowing that he is not yet powerful enough to defend himself.
Chapter 6: This Venerable One’s Shizun
Xue Meng catches Mo Ran using his knowledge of Sisheng Peak's shortcuts and drags him to the backwoods, where the barrier between the mortal realm and the ghost realm is ruptured.
Mo Ran realizes why Madam Wang was in the main hall instead of someone else—Chu Wanning, his shizun, is busy repairing the barrier.
The backwoods are filled with evil spirits as a large breach in the barrier opens, and Chu Wanning is seen fighting off ghosts and repairing the barrier with his immense spiritual power.
Chu Wanning’s appearance and strength evoke a mix of fear, resentment, and twisted excitement in Mo Ran, who recalls their past life where Chu Wanning was his most formidable opponent.
Chu Wanning quickly assesses that Mo Ran is causing trouble and asks for an explanation, with Xue Meng reporting Mo Ran’s crimes of theft and debauchery.
Chu Wanning coldly disciplines Mo Ran by whipping his cheek with Tianwen, a holy weapon disguised as a willow vine, drawing blood.
Mo Ran tries to lie and deny the accusations, but Chu Wanning uses Tianwen to bind and interrogate him, forcing the truth out through intense pain.
Mo Ran confesses to both theft and debauchery, unable to withstand Tianwen’s interrogation, leaving him exhausted and humiliated.
Chu Wanning orders Mo Ran to be taken to Yanluo Hall for penance and to be publicly punished on the Platform of Sin and Virtue before the entire sect at dawn, shocking Xue Meng.
Mo Ran harbors deep hatred for Chu Wanning, recalling how he had begged Chu Wanning to save Shi Mei in their past life, only to be ignored.
Mo Ran's thoughts of revenge against Chu Wanning slip out while under Tianwen's influence, revealing his desire to humiliate and violate his shizun.
Chu Wanning, stunned by Mo Ran's thoughts, withdraws Tianwen and leaves, stating that he needs to fix the "broken" holy weapon, leaving Mo Ran dreading his potential demise.
Xue Meng is left confused, while Mo Ran, terrified and in despair, realizes he may have sealed his own fate with his earlier thoughts.
Chapter 7: This Venerable One Likes Wontons
The setting is Sisheng Peak, a newly established cultivation sect with unusual and sometimes humorous names for its locations and facilities, reflecting its humble origins.
Mo Ran is brought to the Platform of Sin and Virtue to be punished publicly for his crimes of theft, debauchery, and deception. He is to receive eighty strikes, copy the sect rules one hundred times, and spend a month in confinement.
Despite the serious charges, many disciples plead for leniency on Mo Ran's behalf, citing fabricated stories of his kindness and virtue, hoping to gain favor.
Chu Wanning, Mo Ran's shizun, listens to the pleas but uses his holy weapon, Tianwen, to interrogate the disciples, exposing their lies. Each lying disciple is punished with ten strikes, plus an extra lash from Chu Wanning.
Mo Ran, punished and in pain, reflects on his situation while lying on his bed, feeling resentful toward Chu Wanning but comforted by the presence of Shi Mei, who visits him with handmade wontons.
Shi Mei’s gentle care and the familiar taste of his wontons deeply move Mo Ran, reminding him of his past life and his promise to protect Shi Mei in this one.
Mo Ran reminisces about a time in his previous life when Chu Wanning tried to make wontons for him after Shi Mei's death, which Mo Ran perceived as an insult, leading to a confrontation.
The chapter ends with Mo Ran feeling a mix of tender affection for Shi Mei and deep resentment toward Chu Wanning, vowing to challenge Chu Wanning in this lifetime.
Chapter 8: This Venerable One Gets Punished
Mo Ran spent three days bedridden, recovering from his punishment, only to be summoned to the Red Lotus Pavilion for manual labor as part of his penance.
The Red Lotus Pavilion, known among the disciples as "Red Lotus Hell" or the "Pavilion of Broken Legs," is Chu Wanning's residence, infamous for being a dangerous place where few leave unscathed.
Despite advice from a sympathetic junior to avoid further punishment by faking continued illness, Mo Ran decides to face Chu Wanning rather than risk another encounter with the terrifying holy weapon, Tianwen.
Upon arriving at the pavilion, Mo Ran is struck by the lavish and pristine surroundings, which he finds excessive and irritating, though he grudgingly acknowledges Chu Wanning's genius in cultivation and mechanical engineering.
Inside the pavilion, Mo Ran finds the room in complete disarray, filled with blueprints, mechanical parts, and sawdust. Chu Wanning is busy working on a project, the "Holy Night Guardian," an automaton designed to protect common folk from demonic incursions.
Chu Wanning instructs Mo Ran to clean the chaotic room. Mo Ran is shocked by the extent of the mess, especially since Chu Wanning hasn’t cleaned in a year.
After half a day of cleaning, Mo Ran is exhausted and frustrated, particularly by the mountain of laundry Chu Wanning has left unwashed for months.
They take a break for lunch at Mengpo Hall, where Chu Wanning sits alone in a corner as usual, with no one daring to approach him.
Mo Ran joins him and intentionally annoys Chu Wanning by loudly eating ribs and tossing bones into Chu Wanning's bowl. Chu Wanning, disgusted and furious, leaves the meal early, abandoning his food.
Back at the Red Lotus Pavilion, Chu Wanning assigns Mo Ran the daunting task of wiping down and cataloging every book in the pavilion’s extensive library before the next morning, effectively trapping Mo Ran there overnight and ruining his plans to meet Shi Mei.
Frustrated and resentful, Mo Ran contemplates burning all of Chu Wanning’s books but then begins scheming an even more malicious plan.
Chapter 9: This Venerable One Is Not an Actor
Mo Ran finds himself cleaning and cataloging books in Chu Wanning’s library, which is filled with dry and tedious material.
Bored and mischievous, Mo Ran begins doodling explicit images in several of the books, thinking Chu Wanning will never discover them among the thousands of volumes.
Mo Ran is so absorbed in his antics that he doesn’t notice Shi Mei arriving. Shi Mei, surprised by the state of the library, offers to help Mo Ran and brings him dinner, consisting of a variety of dishes.
Mo Ran, overjoyed by Shi Mei's visit, devours the meal and feels comforted by Shi Mei's presence, even allowing Shi Mei to change his bandages.
As they talk, Mo Ran expresses his determination to protect Shi Mei from any harm, including from Chu Wanning.
Shi Mei offers to help Mo Ran with the task of cataloging, but before they can start, Chu Wanning unexpectedly arrives, catching them off guard.
Chu Wanning reprimands them for breaking the rules, especially targeting Shi Mei for sneaking into the Red Lotus Pavilion. Despite their attempts to explain, Chu Wanning coldly instructs Shi Mei to copy the sect rules ten times as punishment and leaves.
Mo Ran is left to finish the task alone. After completing his work late into the night, he discovers Chu Wanning asleep, surrounded by mechanical parts.
Mo Ran observes Chu Wanning's vulnerable state while asleep and is momentarily confused by Chu Wanning's earlier anger.
Amused by the situation, Mo Ran decides to play a prank on the sleeping Chu Wanning, slapping the air near his face as a form of mock punishment.
Chu Wanning suddenly wakes up and catches Mo Ran in the act, asking what he is doing.
Panicking, Mo Ran quickly fabricates an excuse, claiming he was killing mosquitoes for Chu Wanning, trying to avoid further punishment.
Chapter 10: This Venerable One Goes on His First Mission
Mo Ran manages to avoid punishment after his prank on Chu Wanning and heads back to his room to rest.
The next day, after morning classes, Mo Ran enjoys breakfast with Shi Mei and Xue Meng. Xue Meng mockingly comments on Mo Ran’s survival after visiting the Red Lotus Pavilion, leading to their usual bickering.
Shi Mei attempts to mediate between Mo Ran and Xue Meng, while also expressing sympathy for Chu Wanning, who often eats alone in silence, isolated by his intimidating presence.
Mo Ran dismisses Shi Mei’s concern, mocking Chu Wanning’s temper, though he internally acknowledges Chu Wanning’s loneliness.
Mo Ran’s period of confinement ends, and he is summoned by Madam Wang, who informs him that it’s time for him to take on his first exorcism mission.
Mo Ran is excited to learn that the mission involves going to Butterfly Town, a place he remembers from his past life where he had an intimate moment with Shi Mei under the influence of a demonic poison.
Madam Wang warns Mo Ran to be careful during the mission, emphasizing the importance of his safety. Mo Ran dismisses her concerns, eager to start the mission.
Mo Ran invites Shi Mei to join the mission, and the two report to Chu Wanning. The three set off on horseback for Butterfly Town.
Upon arrival, they witness a ghost marriage procession, a local tradition where the deceased are symbolically married. Chu Wanning explains the practice and its significance.
The group proceeds to meet their client, Landlord Chen, who explains the terrifying events plaguing his family since they unearthed a red coffin during construction.
Landlord Chen describes how each of his sons has met with misfortune or death, leaving only his youngest son alive but terrified for his life.
Chu Wanning questions the family about the events and learns that a mysterious ancestral tablet with the name of their youngest son, Chen Yanji, has appeared in their shrine. The tablet seems to predict who will die next, causing panic within the family.
The chapter ends with Chu Wanning showing great interest in the mysterious tablet and asking Madam Chen if the inscription, "A living member of the Chen-Sun clan," refers to her, hinting at a deeper mystery.
Chapter 11: This Venerable One Is Gonna Smooch, Rejoice!
Madam Chen, terrified, denies writing on the memorial tablet and insists she wouldn’t curse her own child. Chu Wanning suggests that she may have done it unknowingly in her sleep.
Chu Wanning channels his spiritual energy into the memorial tablet, causing blood to ooze from it, and the spirit inside to scream as the writing fades. He crushes the tablet in his hand, shattering it completely.
Chu Wanning instructs the Chen family to stay in the courtyard and warns Madam Chen to stay awake, as the spirit could possess her if she falls asleep. He reassures her that her son is safe "for now" and states that the demon must be captured.
Madam Chen-Yao offers to guide the group to the site where the red coffin was exhumed. They head to the northern mountains where the overgrown and silent area gives way to a clearing marked by a grave-sealing rock.
Chu Wanning destroys the rock with Tianwen, revealing a twelve-foot-tall wooden coffin that bursts from the ground, radiating strong demonic energy.
The coffin lid opens, revealing the naked corpse of Madam Chen-Yao’s husband, who should have been buried at the ancestral grave. She is devastated and confused by the sight of his undressed body in the red coffin.
Mo Ran, recalling his past life, begins analyzing the situation, noting the lack of decomposition in the corpse, the absence of demonic energy, and the persistent fragrance of the Hundred Butterfly Fragrance on the body.
Chu Wanning agrees with Mo Ran's observations but remains silent as Mo Ran continues to explain. Mo Ran eventually jokes about Chu Wanning’s brevity in speech and asks for praise, which Chu Wanning acknowledges with a simple "Mn."
Suddenly, the fragrance thickens, and a dense white fog envelops the area, marking the onset of an illusory realm. Madam Chen-Yao’s scream is cut off as she vanishes into the fog.
Chu Wanning places a tracking enchantment on Mo Ran’s forehead before heading off to investigate, leaving Mo Ran alone in the fog.
As the fog disperses, Mo Ran finds himself in an intricate and elegant garden, an illusory realm similar to one he encountered in his past life.
Mo Ran recalls how, in his previous life, he kissed Shi Mei for the first and only time within this illusion. Determined to not let the opportunity slip away this time, he resolves to find Shi Mei and get his fill of smooches.
Chapter 12: This Venerable One Kissed the Wrong Person... WTF...
Mo Ran wanders the illusory realm, growing increasingly agitated due to the strong scent of Hundred Butterfly Fragrance, which heightens emotions and drives him to seek out water from a spring.
Remembering his past life, where he had kissed Shi Mei after drinking the spring water, Mo Ran eagerly seeks out the spring again, drinks from it, and starts feeling the same effects.
Just as he’s about to lose consciousness, someone pulls him out of the water. Believing it to be Shi Mei, Mo Ran eagerly kisses the person who rescued him, driven by the potion’s effects and his own desires.
Mo Ran aggressively kisses and undresses the person, but something feels off. The person suddenly retaliates with a burst of spiritual energy, throwing Mo Ran aside and revealing a furious Chu Wanning, not Shi Mei.
Chu Wanning, enraged, lashes Mo Ran with Tianwen, leaving him bloodied and realizing he had made a huge mistake.
As Mo Ran recovers from the beating, he notices that Chu Wanning looks disheveled and alluring, triggering unwanted memories of their entanglements from the past life.
Chu Wanning, visibly upset but composed, orders Mo Ran to keep the incident a secret and explains that the illusion makes people see the person they most want to see.
Mo Ran, horrified by the realization that he might have kissed Chu Wanning in his previous life as well, follows Chu Wanning as they investigate a noise ahead in the illusory realm.
The two arrive at a brightly lit manor where a wedding banquet is being held. To their shock, the guests are faceless, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the illusion.
Chapter 13: This Venerable One’s Bride
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning discover a group of faceless ghosts at a wedding banquet. They hide as a procession of corpses, led by a golden boy and jade maiden, arrives at the manor. The procession includes Shi Mei and Madam Chen-Yao, who appear unconscious.
Chu Wanning warns Mo Ran not to act hastily and reveals that a barrier surrounds the courtyard. They join the procession, following the golden boy and jade maiden into the courtyard.
Inside, the corpses are paired up as brides and grooms. Mo Ran and Chu Wanning follow the process, trying to avoid detection.
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning enter side rooms where they are dressed in wedding attire. Mo Ran receives a secret communication from Chu Wanning through a haitang blossom, explaining that the ghost mistress of ceremonies, who delights in conducting ghost weddings, created the illusory realm.
Chu Wanning tells Mo Ran to follow the golden boy and jade maiden and assures him that Shi Mei is safe.
After changing into wedding clothes, Mo Ran realizes he might be paired with Chu Wanning for the ceremony. He switches places in line with Madam Chen-Yao, hoping to be paired with Shi Mei.
Meanwhile, Chu Wanning also switches places with Shi Mei, intending to protect him from potential danger.
As Chu Wanning reaches the end of the corridor, a ghost attendant mistakenly addresses him as a "lady" and covers his face with a red veil, preparing him for the ceremony.
Chapter 14: This Venerable One Gets Married
Chu Wanning, with a red veil over his face, is led by a ghost attendant to the reception pavilion. Mo Ran, expecting to see Shi Mei, is shocked to find Chu Wanning standing across from him as the “bride.”
The golden boy and jade maiden begin a ghostly wedding ceremony, reciting a ghastly verse. Mo Ran struggles to hold back laughter at the situation, while Chu Wanning suppresses his anger.
The ceremony proceeds, and Mo Ran is instructed to lift Chu Wanning's veil with a fan. As he does so, he notices Chu Wanning's fierce glare, but also a fleeting moment of attraction and confusion.
Mo Ran reflects on his past life, recalling the three terrible acts he committed against Chu Wanning: murder, humiliation, and a deeply regrettable act. These memories haunt him, but he tries to focus on the present.
The ceremony continues with the cleansing rite, where Mo Ran and Chu Wanning wash each other’s hands. Chu Wanning, annoyed, pours water on Mo Ran’s sleeve, but Mo Ran, lost in memories, barely reacts.
The ceremony moves to the meat-sharing and winecup-crossing rites. Chu Wanning is visibly angry but continues to follow through with the ritual.
During the ritual bowing, Chu Wanning surprisingly kneels down, completing the required bows to heaven and earth, parents, and each other. They accidentally bump heads while bowing, adding to the awkwardness.
The jiefa rite follows, where Chu Wanning and Mo Ran cut locks of each other’s hair to symbolize their union. Mo Ran worries about Chu Wanning using the hair for revenge but complies.
The ceremony concludes, but the official announces the "auspicious hour" and instructs them to enter the bridal chamber. Mo Ran panics, realizing the gravity of the situation, and contemplates fleeing the marriage, fearing Chu Wanning's wrath if they consummate anything.
Chapter 15: This Venerable One’s First Time Seeing This Kind of Wedding Night Unveiling
Mo Ran contemplates fleeing the wedding but decides against it, considering Shi Mei's presence. He is frustrated with the ghost mistress of ceremonies for being overly diligent in overseeing the wedding night.
The golden boy and jade maiden guide Mo Ran and Chu Wanning to a large scarlet coffin, which is meant to serve as their "bridal chamber." Mo Ran realizes that the wedding night ritual involves being sealed in the coffin together, not an actual consummation.
Chu Wanning enters the coffin first, followed by Mo Ran, who has to squeeze into the limited space, causing irritation between the two. The golden boy and jade maiden seal them inside the coffin after singing an eerie elegy.
Inside the coffin, Chu Wanning erects a soundproofing barrier to ensure privacy. The two bicker over space, with Chu Wanning demanding Mo Ran to move over multiple times.
The coffin is lifted and carried by the ghostly procession, swaying with each step. Mo Ran is concerned about Shi Mei and Madam Chen-Yao, who are likely in a similar situation, but Chu Wanning reassures him.
Chu Wanning explains that the ghost procession is likely heading to the temple outside of town, where the ghost mistress of ceremonies will appear to draw "merits" from the newlywed couples. He also mentions that the Chen family may be hiding something from them.
Mo Ran asks about the red coffin and the deaths in the Chen family, but Chu Wanning is unsure, suspecting that the family may have hidden information. He explains the difference between deities and gods, implying that the ghost mistress might have acted at the behest of someone, possibly not alive.
The coffin suddenly tilts, causing Mo Ran to fall into Chu Wanning's chest. Mo Ran is immediately reminded of Chu Wanning's familiar scent, which triggers memories and intense feelings within him, causing a physical reaction.
Chapter 16: This Venerable One Is Stunned
Mo Ran finds himself in a highly uncomfortable and compromising situation, trapped in a coffin with Chu Wanning. The familiar scent of Chu Wanning triggers memories of their past life, stirring up intense and conflicting emotions within Mo Ran.
Despite his urges, Mo Ran tries to maintain control and repeatedly apologizes to Chu Wanning as the coffin continues to shake, causing him to roll into Chu Wanning's arms multiple times.
Chu Wanning eventually uses his arm to block Mo Ran from hitting the coffin walls again, ensuring Mo Ran’s comfort without making direct contact.
The coffin is carried through Butterfly Town, and Chu Wanning speculates that they are being taken to the temple outside of town, where the ghost mistress of ceremonies will likely appear to draw "merits" from the newlywed couples.
Mo Ran notices a difference between the scent of the Hundred Butterfly Fragrance and the incense burned in the illusory realm and realizes that the scent in the temple is not the same as the one in Chen-gongzi’s coffin.
As they arrive at the temple, the ghost mistress of ceremonies descends from the altar, displaying a graceful yet eerie appearance. It begins to bless the corpses inside the coffins, granting them posthumous marriages.
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning watch as the ghost mistress officiates a ghost marriage, and the corpses inside the first opened coffin begin to engage in an indecent display of affection.
Mo Ran is stunned by the spectacle, shocked that even in death, the corpses can be so vigorous in their actions.
Chapter 17: This Venerable One’s Shizun Got Injured; This Venerable One Really...
Mo Ran is initially amused by the absurdity of the ghost mistress of ceremonies, who, with just a wave of her hand, could make even dead bodies engage in sexual acts, increasing her power by feeding off the "merits" from these ghost marriages.
Chu Wanning, embarrassed and disgusted by the scene, tries to shield Mo Ran from the sight and sounds, but Mo Ran insists on observing the ghost mistress’s capabilities, albeit with a teasing attitude.
The ghost mistress, hungry for more power, prepares to compel all the corpses in the coffins to engage in similar acts simultaneously, alarming Mo Ran as Shi Mei is trapped in one of the coffins.
As the ghost mistress senses something off in the coffin containing Chu Wanning and Mo Ran, she attacks, piercing the coffin with her claws and injuring Chu Wanning as he shields Mo Ran with his body.
Chu Wanning endures the excruciating pain in silence, preventing the ghost mistress from realizing they are still alive. After ensuring the ghost mistress is convinced, he prepares to strike back.
Chu Wanning bursts out of the coffin, snapping the ghost mistress’s neck with Tianwen, revealing her true form as a celestial spirit. Mo Ran assists by striking the ghost mistress with his hidden blade.
The battle escalates as the ghost mistress summons hordes of golden boys, jade maidens, and undead corpses to attack them. Mo Ran and Chu Wanning fend off the onslaught, with Mo Ran desperately searching for Shi Mei among the crowd.
Despite the overwhelming numbers, Mo Ran eventually spots Shi Mei and Madam Chen-Yao among the corpses. Chu Wanning instructs Mo Ran to rescue them while he prepares to unleash a powerful attack using Tianwen to destroy the ghost mistress and the surrounding area.
As Chu Wanning can only use one arm due to his injury, he warns Mo Ran to retreat quickly, as he plans to destroy everything in the vicinity to ensure the ghost mistress is vanquished.
Chapter 18: This Venerable One Once Begged You
Chu Wanning prepares to unleash the full power of Tianwen's wide-range killing technique, known as Wind, which obliterates everything within its range. Mo Ran, knowing the devastation that Wind can cause, buys Chu Wanning time by using the last of his exorcism talismans before taking Shi Mei and Mistress Chen to safety.
Despite the searing pain from his injury, Chu Wanning activates Wind, generating a massive golden vortex that pulls in and destroys everything within its reach, including the ghost mistress, corpses, and nearby objects.
Once the storm subsides, Chu Wanning is left standing alone in a desolate wasteland, surrounded by shattered bones and debris. He remains composed despite his injuries and walks over to check on his disciples.
Mo Ran, holding Shi Mei in his arms, is reminded of a traumatic memory from his past life, when Shi Mei died in his arms while Chu Wanning refused to help. The memory triggers intense emotions of hatred and vengeance in Mo Ran, but he suppresses them upon seeing Chu Wanning's injury.
Shi Mei regains consciousness, much to Mo Ran's relief. Chu Wanning administers a poison-cleansing pill to Shi Mei and instructs Mo Ran to take both Shi Mei and Mistress Chen back to the Chen Manor. Chu Wanning himself heads back to the manor to confront the Chen family.
Upon arriving at the Chen Manor, Chu Wanning finds Madam Chen possessed and attacking her family. Despite his severe injuries, Chu Wanning traps Madam Chen inside a barrier and questions Landlord Chen about the identity of the ghost possessing his wife. Landlord Chen denies knowing anything.
Chu Wanning uses Tianwen to interrogate the ghost possessing Madam Chen, forcing the spirit to manifest in a barrier with Chu Wanning. The ghost fire travels along Tianwen to Chu Wanning, revealing the ghost’s form: a young girl of about seventeen or eighteen, who appears before Chu Wanning in a beam of white light.
Chapter 19: This Venerable One Will Tell You a Story
The chapter begins with Chu Wanning using the Restoration Barrier to communicate with the spirit of a young girl, Luo Xianxian. Within this barrier, the spirit regains the character and appearance she had in life.
Luo Xianxian, initially confused and disoriented, slowly recalls that she is dead. Chu Wanning asks if she has any grievances, to which she responds tearfully, questioning if he is there to bring her justice.
Luo Xianxian reveals that she was once a resident of Butterfly Town, the daughter of a scholar who had passed away from tuberculosis. She was left alone after his death, with no relatives or place to go.
She explains that she was mistreated by the Chen family, who deceived her father and took his secret formula for fragrance, then forced her out of the town. Desperate and with nowhere else to turn, she ended her life.
Luo Xianxian recounts her life, starting from when she was five years old. She lived in Butterfly Town with her father and was neighbors with the Chen family, including Chen Bohuan, the eldest son.
One night, a young man, covered in blood and seemingly mentally disturbed, stumbled into her yard. Despite being frightened, Luo Xianxian gave him water.
The young man noticed a tangerine tree in the yard and, driven by a mix of anger and desperation, demanded that Luo Xianxian pick the tangerines for him, despite her refusal to steal from her neighbors.
The young man, growing increasingly aggressive, chopped down the tangerine tree, destroyed the fruits, and forced Luo Xianxian to eat them. Throughout the encounter, he displayed signs of deep-seated resentment and bitterness.
The young man, in a mix of rage and sorrow, revealed his hatred for "philanthropists, gentlemen, and heroes." He then fed Luo Xianxian tangerines piece by piece while humming a tune, before disappearing into the night, leaving her terrified and alone.
The chapter ends with the mess left behind by the young man, who seemed to have a tragic and tormented past, hinted at by his parting words: "There was a man from Linyi whose heart died at twenty."
Chapter 20: This Venerable One Will Tell You a Story (Pt. 2)
The next morning, the Chen family returned home to find their tangerine tree chopped down and its fruits scattered. They immediately blamed Luo Xianxian, believing she had stolen the tangerines and destroyed the tree out of jealousy.
Scholar Luo, Luo Xianxian’s father, confronted her and, despite her tearful denials, punished her severely, believing she had stolen and lied. Luo Xianxian was left to kneel outside without food as punishment.
That night, Chen Bohuan, the eldest son of the Chen family, secretly visited Luo Xianxian and gave her a mantou to eat, expressing sympathy and assuring her that he believed she didn’t steal anything. This marked the beginning of a close relationship between the two.
Some time later, news spread about a murder in a neighboring village, committed by a blood-soaked bandit who terrorized a family. The dates matched the night Luo Xianxian had met the lunatic, confirming her story and clearing her name.
With the misunderstanding resolved, the Chen and Luo families grew closer. Madam Chen, impressed by Luo Xianxian’s beauty and character, arranged an engagement between her and Chen Bohuan.
Time passed, and Scholar Luo eventually created the "Hundred Butterfly Fragrance," a scent that lasted for one hundred days. However, he refused to sell it, considering it beneath his dignity.
Madam Chen, however, saw the potential for profit and, after Scholar Luo’s death, pressured Luo Xianxian into giving her the formula. Luo Xianxian, believing in Madam Chen’s kindness, agreed and helped her interpret the formula.
Using the formula, the Chen family became wealthy and influential, moving into a large new home. Although Luo Xianxian lived with them, she was hidden from the public eye, and no one knew she was actually married to Chen Bohuan.
As the Chen family’s status rose, Madam Chen began to regret the engagement, finding Luo Xianxian too simple and dull. Her dissatisfaction grew, especially after Young Mistress Yao, a wealthy governor’s daughter, noticed and became interested in Chen Bohuan.
Chapter 21: This Venerable One Will Tell You a Story (Pt. 3)
Young Mistress Yao, captivated by Chen Bohuan, immediately pestered her father, the governor, to arrange a marriage with him. Since the wedding between Chen Bohuan and Luo Xianxian had been kept secret, the governor believed Chen was unmarried.
The governor proposed the marriage, which left Landlord Chen and Madam Chen in a panic. They regretted their previous decision to marry Chen Bohuan to Luo Xianxian and now saw an opportunity to elevate their family's status through a marriage with Young Mistress Yao.
Landlord Chen and Madam Chen argued about how to resolve the situation, with Madam Chen proposing to annul the marriage with Luo Xianxian by pretending it never happened and forcing her out of the house.
Landlord Chen hesitated, knowing their son was in love with Luo Xianxian, but Madam Chen assured him she would take care of it.
Madam Chen faked a grave illness, claiming to be possessed by a ghost. A priest was summoned, who falsely declared that someone within the family was cursing her. The accusation was subtly directed at Luo Xianxian.
The Chen brothers pressured Luo Xianxian to leave, citing their mother's "illness" as her fault. Though distressed, Luo Xianxian refused to leave.
The Chen brothers eventually resorted to violence, attacking and beating Luo Xianxian before throwing her out into the snow on a frigid night, threatening her not to return.
Luo Xianxian, beaten and alone, crawled through the snow to the temple of the ghost mistress, seeking refuge. In her despair, she knelt before the statue of the ghost mistress, lamenting her fate and the broken promises of her marriage.
As she froze, she recalled her wedding to Chen Bohuan and the love they once shared, realizing that no one would believe her if she claimed to be his wife. She longed for the comfort and protection he once offered but felt utterly abandoned.
Luo Xianxian died in the temple, her body found the next day by townspeople. Her last thoughts were of her love for Chen Bohuan and the injustice she suffered, pleading to the ghost mistress that she hadn't lied about her marriage.
Chapter 22: This Venerable One’s Shizun Is About to Get Angry
After hearing Luo Xianxian's tragic story, Chu Wanning was filled with rage and wanted to punish the Chen family. However, he restrained himself to continue listening to Luo Xianxian’s tale within the Restoration Barrier.
Luo Xianxian's spirit encountered a lady resembling the ghost mistress after her death. This figure offered to unite Luo with Chen Bohuan in death, but Luo Xianxian refused, not wanting to harm him. The ghost mistress then advised her to visit the living world on the seventh day to reassess her feelings.
On the seventh day, Luo Xianxian’s spirit returned to Chen Manor and discovered the house festively decorated for Chen Bohuan’s engagement to Young Mistress Yao. She realized that Chen Bohuan was preparing to marry someone else, breaking his promise to her.
Overwhelmed by the betrayal, Luo Xianxian witnessed Chen Bohuan, now gaunt and exhausted, preparing for the proposal. She tried to reach out to him, but he could not see her. She then overheard the Chen brothers discussing their mother’s deception and felt deep betrayal and sorrow.
Consumed by hatred and despair, Luo Xianxian returned to the ghost mistress’s temple and begged to become a malicious ghost to seek vengeance on the Chen family. The ghost mistress granted her wish, turning her into a vengeful spirit.
Luo Xianxian, controlled by the ghost mistress, went on to possess Madam Chen and murder the Chen family. Chen Bohuan was buried in the red coffin to fulfill Luo Xianxian’s wish to be buried with him, and the coffin was placed where his new house was to be built as a curse.
Chu Wanning deduced that the paper ghost bride in the illusory realm was intended to serve as Luo Xianxian’s corporeal form, as only she could be buried with Chen Bohuan. Luo Xianxian’s spirit had scattered when Chu Wanning opened the coffin, causing the shift in the coffin’s energy.
Inside the Restoration Barrier, Luo Xianxian, now free of her maliciousness, tearfully confessed that she never wanted to harm anyone, including Chen Bohuan. She pleaded with Chu Wanning to believe that she was innocent and had never lied.
Moved by her sorrow, Chu Wanning assured her that he believed her, which brought her some comfort. He then ended the Restoration Barrier.
Outside the barrier, Chu Wanning confronted the Chen family, particularly Landlord Chen and the youngest son, demanding to know if they still denied recognizing the voice that had possessed Madam Chen.
Chapter 23: This Venerable One Couldn’t Stop Him
Landlord Chen and his youngest son attempted to deny any knowledge of Luo Xianxian, but Chu Wanning saw through their lies and confronted them with intense anger.
Chu Wanning's harsh interrogation and threatening demeanor frightened the Chen family, particularly Landlord Chen, who eventually confessed his actions.
Chu Wanning lashed out at Landlord Chen with Tianwen, disgusted by his lies and manipulative behavior. Landlord Chen tried to defend himself by claiming they had no choice due to their fear of offending the governor’s daughter.
Landlord Chen attempted to manipulate Chu Wanning by invoking the reputation of Sisheng Peak, demanding protection as a client. Chu Wanning, however, was unfazed and returned the payment, showing that he was not bound by their manipulations.
Chu Wanning's whipping of Landlord Chen shocked Mo Ran and Shi Mei, who tried to intervene. Mo Ran was particularly alarmed by Chu Wanning's disregard for the sect's rules and the severity of his actions.
Despite the interventions, Chu Wanning's anger led him to continue lashing Landlord Chen. Shi Mei, moved by pity, tried to protect the old man, but ended up being struck by Tianwen himself, resulting in a deep gash on his face.
The situation escalated as Shi Mei was injured, and Mo Ran was left torn between stopping Chu Wanning and his concern for Shi Mei's well-being.
Chapter 24: This Venerable One Declares a Cold War
Chu Wanning lashed out at Landlord Chen but stopped when Shi Mei, injured by Tianwen, pleaded for mercy.
Mo Ran was furious at Chu Wanning for Shi Mei’s injury, and they had a tense confrontation.
Chu Wanning was silent and didn’t apologize for injuring Shi Mei, creating a rift between him and Mo Ran.
Landlord Chen thanked Shi Mei, portraying him as the savior while Chu Wanning was seen as the villain.
Chu Wanning instructed the Chen family to atone by honoring Luo Xianxian and correcting the claims about the Hundred Butterfly Fragrance.
Chu Wanning and his disciples stayed at an inn for the night due to their injuries and to ensure no lingering spirits caused further harm.
Mo Ran was reminded of the wedding robes he and Shi Mei were still wearing from the ghost wedding, leading to an awkward moment.
Chu Wanning removed his wedding robes in a dramatic display, ripping them apart with spiritual energy.
Once alone, Chu Wanning treated his severely injured shoulder in silence, struggling with the pain.
Chu Wanning found a brocade pouch containing the locks of hair from the ghost wedding and wrestled with his feelings for Mo Ran.
Mo Ran knocked on Chu Wanning’s door, interrupting his self-reproach and intensifying the emotional tension.
Chapter 25: This Venerable One Really Can’t Stand Him!
Chu Wanning, despite his initial reluctance, allowed Mo Ran into his room after a day of cold silence between them.
Mo Ran noticed Chu Wanning's poorly bandaged wound and offered to help, feeling conflicted emotions toward his shizun.
Mo Ran apologized for his earlier outburst at the Chen Manor, but Chu Wanning, feeling wronged, remained distant and silent.
Despite his irritation, Chu Wanning eventually allowed Mo Ran to rebandage his wound, though the atmosphere remained tense.
Mo Ran questioned Chu Wanning about his actions at the Chen Manor, to which Chu Wanning replied simply that he was angry. Mo Ran criticized Chu Wanning's approach, which further strained their relationship.
The conversation grew tense as Mo Ran insisted Chu Wanning should apologize to Shi Mei for accidentally hurting him. Chu Wanning, stubborn and feeling cornered, refused and ordered Mo Ran to leave.
Mo Ran, frustrated with Chu Wanning's inability to apologize, stormed out and went to check on Shi Mei instead.
After a brief conversation with Shi Mei, where Mo Ran expressed his annoyance with Chu Wanning's temper, he decided to cook a meal for Shi Mei in the inn’s kitchen.
Mo Ran spent several hours preparing a meal, but when it was time to invite others to eat, he deliberately chose not to call Chu Wanning, still holding a grudge against his shizun.
Chapter 26: This Venerable One’s First Meeting With Him
Mo Ran initially didn't invite Chu Wanning to join him and Shi Mei for the meal he prepared but eventually did so out of respect for his shizun’s position.
The meal consisted of handmade noodle soup with a rich broth that Mo Ran had simmered for hours, specifically tailored to Shi Mei’s love for spicy food.
While Shi Mei enjoyed the meal, Chu Wanning was visibly displeased, criticizing the soup for being too spicy and unpalatable, and ultimately left the table without eating.
Mo Ran, who knew Chu Wanning couldn’t tolerate spicy food but had forgotten in the moment, felt frustrated and embarrassed by Chu Wanning's harsh critique.
Chu Wanning returned to his room, lying down and feeling weak due to his injuries and lack of food, but his mind was preoccupied with memories of his first meeting with Mo Ran.
The memory flashback to their first encounter:
Chu Wanning was preoccupied with examining a weapon he was forging when the elders discussed Mo Ran’s arrival at Sisheng Peak.
Mo Ran, who had recently been saved by the sect leader, was brought to the Heaven-Piercing Tower, where all the elders had gathered for him to choose a teacher.
Despite Chu Wanning’s formidable reputation and aloofness, Mo Ran boldly and immediately chose him as his teacher, surprising everyone.
This encounter left a lasting impression on Chu Wanning, though he didn’t show it at the time. Mo Ran’s lively and direct nature starkly contrasted with Chu Wanning’s cold demeanor, setting the stage for their complex future relationship.
Chapter 27: This Venerable One Will Make You a Bowl of Noodles
Chu Wanning was caught off guard when Mo Ran suddenly approached him, grabbing his wrist and asking if he could be his disciple. Chu Wanning was visibly flustered, unaccustomed to such boldness and familiarity.
Despite Chu Wanning's immediate rejection, Mo Ran persisted, stating that he liked Chu Wanning the most based on appearance alone and wanted him as a teacher. This left Chu Wanning confused and somewhat unsettled.
When asked why he chose Chu Wanning, Mo Ran responded that Chu Wanning seemed the gentlest and most easygoing of the elders—a statement that baffled both Chu Wanning and the other elders, given Chu Wanning’s reputation for being anything but gentle.
After the incident, Chu Wanning retreated to his room, where he struggled with hunger, pain, and confusion over Mo Ran’s behavior. He tried to rest but was haunted by memories of his first encounter with Mo Ran and the unexpected connection that had formed.
Mo Ran, feeling guilty about Chu Wanning’s injury, brought him a bowl of plain noodles that he had the inn’s cook prepare. He ensured it wasn’t spicy and contained none of the ingredients Chu Wanning disliked. Mo Ran left the room after delivering the meal, leaving Chu Wanning to eat in silence.
Despite being famished, Chu Wanning hesitated for a long time before finally eating the now-cold noodles, reflecting on the complex emotions and interactions between him and Mo Ran.
The group returned to Sisheng Peak, passing through Butterfly Town, where the locals gossiped about the Chen family’s scandal. Shi Mei noticed that the townspeople were rebuilding the temple and expressed concern about the potential dangers of another ghost deity forming.
Upon returning to Sisheng Peak, Chu Wanning instructed his disciples to report to Loyalty Hall while he went to the Discipline Court to receive punishment for his actions during the mission.
The Jielü Elder, who was responsible for enforcing discipline, was shocked by Chu Wanning’s insistence on receiving the full punishment for his transgression. He attempted to dismiss the matter, but Chu Wanning remained adamant, kneeling in front of the hall and demanding the punishment be carried out according to the rules.
Chapter 28: This Venerable One’s Mind Is a Bit of a Mess
The news of Chu Wanning being punished for breaking the rules spread quickly throughout the sect, causing concern and disbelief among the disciples.
Xue Meng was particularly distressed upon hearing that his shizun was enduring two hundred strikes and rushed to the Discipline Court to intervene, only to find Chu Wanning already in the midst of his punishment.
Chu Wanning, kneeling with his back straight, insisted on receiving the full punishment without any leniency, despite being injured and bleeding heavily.
The Jielü Elder, tasked with administering the punishment, was conflicted but continued as Chu Wanning requested, leading to a scene of intense physical and emotional strain.
Xue Meng, unable to bear seeing his shizun suffer, attempted to intervene but was blocked by a barrier created by Chu Wanning, who sternly ordered him to leave.
Xue Meng, Mo Ran, and Shi Mei all knelt outside the hall in silent support of Chu Wanning, showing their devotion despite being powerless to stop the punishment.
After the two hundred strikes were finally completed, the barrier was removed, and Xue Meng rushed to Chu Wanning's side, furiously confronting the Jielü Elder for not holding back, while Mo Ran was shocked by the extent of Chu Wanning's injuries.
Mo Ran experienced a surge of conflicting emotions, including anger, loathing, and confusion, as he struggled with his complicated feelings toward Chu Wanning, ultimately choosing not to follow him and Xue Meng as they left.
Shi Mei suggested they go after Chu Wanning, but Mo Ran declined, feeling that he couldn't help and that his presence would only add to the chaos, leaving him with a troubled and conflicted mind.
Chapter 29: This Venerable One Doesn’t Want You to Die
Mo Ran lay awake in bed, his thoughts consumed by memories of Chu Wanning, unable to sleep as he reflected on his complex feelings toward his shizun.
He recalled his first impression of Chu Wanning, admiring his gentle and focused demeanor under a flowering tree at Sisheng Peak, but this admiration soon turned to resentment due to Chu Wanning's harsh treatment.
Mo Ran had once sought Chu Wanning's approval and respect, but his efforts were met with indifference, leading him to harbor deep-seated resentment and hatred toward his shizun.
As Mo Ran’s resentment grew, he provoked Chu Wanning to garner his attention, but Chu Wanning remained cold and unresponsive, never giving him the recognition he desperately sought.
In his previous life, after becoming Emperor Taxian-jun, Mo Ran had exacted his revenge by tormenting Chu Wanning, draining his blood slowly as part of a cruel execution during his coronation ceremony.
Despite his desire for revenge, Mo Ran was unsettled when Chu Wanning, on the verge of death, showed a hint of pity and regret, apologizing to Mo Ran and leaving him conflicted.
In a fit of rage and confusion, Mo Ran decided he didn’t want Chu Wanning to die and rushed to save him, taking him to the Red Lotus Pavilion to heal him, realizing that his hatred was tied to Chu Wanning’s existence.
Back in the present, unable to sleep, Mo Ran decided to visit Chu Wanning, who was kneeling in Yanluo Hall as part of his punishment.
Mo Ran watched Chu Wanning from outside the hall, feeling conflicted and unsure of why he had come, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave.
The chapter ends with Mo Ran standing outside the window all night, watching Chu Wanning kneel in silence, both of them separated by the red lattice window and the unspoken distance between them.
Chapter 30: This Venerable One Doesn’t Want to Eat Tofu
The news of Chu Wanning’s punishment spread quickly among the disciples at Sisheng Peak, with exaggerated rumors about his harsh treatment and the two hundred strikes he endured.
During morning classes, the disciples gossiped about the event, much to Xue Meng's frustration, as he couldn’t stop the chattering despite his irritation.
Mo Ran, exhausted from staying up all night, was berated by Xue Meng, leading to a petty argument between the two.
After three days of kneeling in reflection, Chu Wanning began his three-month confinement at Sisheng Peak, during which he was assigned menial tasks, including chores at Mengpo Hall.
The Mengpo Hall supervisor was nervous about having Chu Wanning perform such tasks but assigned him to wash vegetables.
Chu Wanning, unaware of the expectations around his status, diligently washed cabbages at a small stream, causing passing disciples to be shocked at the sight.
Despite his effort, Chu Wanning took too long, and by the time he returned, the cabbages were no longer needed for the meal, leading to a frustrated inquiry about why he was asked to wash them.
The supervisor, flustered, suggested Chu Wanning make tofu and cabbage stew, which Chu Wanning agreed to, despite not being very skilled in cooking.
When the disciples arrived for their meal, they were horrified to find that the tofu and cabbage stew Chu Wanning made was unappetizing and resembled an inedible black mass.
None of the disciples dared to ask for Chu Wanning’s stew, and they respectfully greeted him with nervousness but avoided his dish entirely.
Feeling disheartened, Chu Wanning noticed that despite his efforts, no one wanted to eat what he had prepared.
When Xue Meng, Mo Ran, and Shi Mei arrived, Xue Meng cheerfully greeted Chu Wanning and asked about his condition, only for Chu Wanning to unexpectedly ask Xue Meng if he wanted to eat his tofu, leaving Xue Meng speechless.
Chapter 31: This Venerable One’s Uncle
Xue Meng, eager to impress his shizun, requested three servings of the charred tofu Chu Wanning prepared, promising to eat it all without wasting any.
Mo Ran, feeling competitive, requested six servings of the tofu to outdo Xue Meng, despite his initial hesitation.
Shi Mei, not wanting to be left out, also asked for three servings, leading to all three disciples suffering from food poisoning the next day.
On the second day, the Jielü Elder suggested that Chu Wanning help with sweeping and polishing the pillars of Naihe Bridge instead of assisting at Mengpo Hall.
Chu Wanning diligently completed his tasks, but as it began to rain, he created a barrier over Naihe Bridge to shield the disciples returning from classes.
The disciples mistakenly credited the Xuanji Elder for the barrier, praising him as they passed by, unaware it was Chu Wanning’s doing.
Mo Ran, observing Chu Wanning from the bridge, recognized the barrier as Chu Wanning's work and tossed his umbrella to Chu Wanning, asking him to use a spell to protect him as well.
Chu Wanning created a barrier for Mo Ran, who humorously misidentified the flower patterns on it, which Chu Wanning corrected before leaving.
The rain continued for four days, and when it cleared, Xue Zhengyong, the master of Sisheng Peak and Xue Meng’s father, returned after more than two months away.
Xue Zhengyong’s arrival was bold and unannounced, and he immediately began bantering with his family, showcasing his unique fan with the phrases “Xue is Beautiful” and “Others are Ugly.”
Mo Ran and Xue Meng assisted Madam Wang in preparing medicine for Chu Wanning, and Mo Ran, seeking to avoid further questions about Chu Wanning’s punishment, volunteered to deliver the medicine himself.
Xue Zhengyong engaged in a bout of mutual flattery with Xue Meng, discussing various disciples from other sects, including Mei Hanxue from Kunlun Taxue Palace, before turning his attention to his wife, Madam Wang.
Mo Ran, seizing the opportunity, left the couple to their reunion and took the medicine to the Red Lotus Pavilion, where he discovered Chu Wanning bathing in the lotus pond along with the silhouettes of two other people.
Chapter 32: This Venerable One Will Baby You a Bit; Will That Do?
Mo Ran was shocked and enraged when he discovered Chu Wanning bathing in the lotus pond with what appeared to be two other figures. Overcome with jealousy and confusion, he rushed into the pond, only to find that the two figures were automatons, not people.
The automatons were performing the Flower Spirit Sacrifice technique, healing Chu Wanning's wounds. Mo Ran's abrupt intrusion disrupted the spiritual array, causing Chu Wanning's wounds to worsen dramatically.
Mo Ran quickly acted to stop the damage, but Chu Wanning's condition deteriorated rapidly, bleeding heavily as the wounds reopened. Mo Ran carried the unconscious Chu Wanning back to his room, panicking at the sight of his severe injuries.
Mo Ran treated Chu Wanning's wounds, cutting away the infected flesh and applying medicine, all while cursing him for his stubbornness and pride. Despite his harsh words, Mo Ran couldn't help but care for Chu Wanning, recalling their complicated past.
After dressing Chu Wanning's wounds and ensuring he was comfortable, Mo Ran attempted to feed him medicine, but Chu Wanning, still unconscious, struggled to swallow it.
Mo Ran, frustrated yet concerned, stayed by Chu Wanning's side through the night, even though he tried to convince himself not to care. He eventually fell asleep holding Chu Wanning, comforting him through his feverish tossing and turning.
In his sleep, Mo Ran's emotions from his past life resurfaced, blurring the line between hatred and longing. He held Chu Wanning tenderly, mumbling comforting words and calling him by his name.
The next morning, Chu Wanning woke up to find Mo Ran lying next to him, startled and confused. Mo Ran, still half-asleep, murmured nonsensical requests and even kissed Chu Wanning's lips before asking to hold him a little longer, leaving Chu Wanning speechless.
Chapter 33: This Venerable One Is Off to Fetch His Weapon
Chu Wanning was stunned when Mo Ran, half-asleep, kissed him and muttered affectionately. Though Chu Wanning wanted to reprimand him, he was too flustered to speak and instead buried his face in the quilt, overwhelmed with a mix of emotions.
Once composed, Chu Wanning dressed and calmly woke Mo Ran, instructing him to attend morning classes. Mo Ran, confused about how he ended up in Chu Wanning's bed, was relieved to escape without further questioning.
Xue Zhengyong learned of Chu Wanning's punishment and was furious, but his wife, Madam Wang, calmed him down. She prepared medicine for Chu Wanning, which Xue Zhengyong delivered to him at Naihe Bridge.
Xue Zhengyong expressed concern over Chu Wanning's strictness with Mo Ran, fearing Chu Wanning might look down on his nephew due to his difficult upbringing. Chu Wanning reassured him that he did not judge Mo Ran's background and was committed to his role as a teacher.
Chu Wanning's three months of confinement ended, and he gathered his disciples to inform them that they would journey to Dawning Peak to summon their own weapons, a significant milestone in their cultivation.
Chu Wanning explained the legend of Jincheng Lake at Dawning Peak, where mythical beasts would offer a weapon to those who could successfully thaw the lake's surface with their spiritual power.
Xue Meng was excited at the prospect, asking Chu Wanning about his experience. Chu Wanning shared that a kunpeng had brought him a weapon after asking for a simple meat bun, though he warned that not all requests from mythical beasts were so easy to fulfill.
Chu Wanning hinted at a darker memory associated with Jincheng Lake, recalling a disappointing display of heartlessness he had witnessed there. He reflected on the rarity of people who could resist the temptation of power to stay true to their principles.
To shift the conversation, Xue Meng asked about Chu Wanning's experience with his holy weapons, to which Chu Wanning, slightly irritated, responded that he possessed three, leaving his disciples curious about each one's story.
Chapter 34: This Venerable One Falls Out of Favor
Chu Wanning revealed to his disciples that he possessed three holy weapons, but preferred not to use the other two. This revelation stirred different reactions in his disciples: Xue Meng was in awe, Mo Ran was contemplative, and Shi Mei seemed fascinated.
Xue Meng expressed a desire to see Chu Wanning’s other weapons, but Chu Wanning stated that Tianwen was sufficient and hinted at the danger and responsibility of using the other weapons.
Shi Mei expressed doubts about his ability to summon a weapon at Dawning Peak, fearing embarrassment. Chu Wanning reassured him, stating that fights were not Shi Mei’s strength and that it was okay to refuse challenges.
The group set off on a journey to Dawning Peak. Along the way, they stopped at Dai City, a bustling and affluent place in the upper cultivation realm.
At the inn, the group faced a shortage of rooms and had to share. Mo Ran wanted to room with Shi Mei, but Xue Meng resisted, leading to playful bickering. Chu Wanning ultimately decided that Xue Meng would room with him, leaving Mo Ran visibly displeased.
Mo Ran’s frustration was rooted in his expectation that Chu Wanning would choose him, revealing his subconscious possessiveness and jealousy. This decision left Mo Ran feeling like a neglected stray pup, confused and angry over the unexpected choice.
Chapter 35: This Venerable One Slips
Mo Ran was lying in bed, listening through the thin walls to the sounds coming from the next room where Chu Wanning and Xue Meng were staying. He misinterpreted their conversation and the sounds he heard, becoming increasingly anxious and jealous.
Mo Ran heard Xue Meng mentioning something being tight and Chu Wanning groaning, which led him to jump to the wrong conclusion about what was happening.
Unable to contain his curiosity, Mo Ran knocked on their door and found out that they were simply changing Chu Wanning’s bandages, which had stuck to his wounds.
Embarrassed by his assumptions, Mo Ran tried to cover up his mistake when Shi Mei returned with passes to a hot spring.
Despite his reservations, Mo Ran joined the others at the hot spring, but he was anxious about being around Chu Wanning in such a vulnerable setting.
At the hot spring, Mo Ran became overwhelmed by Chu Wanning’s appearance, triggering memories of their past life. He struggled with his emotions, feeling guilty for his physical reaction.
Mo Ran tried to avoid Chu Wanning by sinking into the water, but when he resurfaced, he accidentally splashed water onto Chu Wanning’s face.
The situation became even more awkward when Mo Ran, trying to back away, slipped and fell into Chu Wanning’s arms.
Chapter 36: This Venerable One Has Probably Lost His Mind
Mo Ran accidentally fell into Chu Wanning’s arms in the hot spring, causing a surge of physical attraction and intense internal conflict.
The close contact made Mo Ran highly aware of his unresolved feelings and desires for Chu Wanning, leading to overwhelming embarrassment and confusion.
Chu Wanning, too, felt unsettled by the encounter, especially as he noticed Mo Ran’s reaction. He quickly distanced himself, but the situation left both of them rattled.
Mo Ran handed Chu Wanning a towel to wipe his face, but the tension between them only grew. Mo Ran tried to cover his discomfort by focusing on mundane tasks like choosing a fragrance bar for the bath.
Mo Ran’s thoughts became increasingly chaotic as memories of their past life together flooded back. He struggled to reconcile his intense physical reactions with his emotional attachment to Shi Mei.
Unable to control his urges, Mo Ran returned to his room and, overwhelmed with guilt and shame, tried to relieve himself while desperately thinking of Shi Mei instead of Chu Wanning.
Mo Ran was tormented by his uncontrollable attraction to Chu Wanning, despite his deep-seated feelings for Shi Mei.
Chu Wanning, lying in bed that night, also wrestled with his thoughts, unable to believe that Mo Ran might have feelings for him. He quickly dismissed the idea, considering it too far-fetched.
The next morning, both Mo Ran and Chu Wanning pretended nothing had happened, though they were both deeply affected by the previous night’s events.
As they prepared to climb Dawning Peak, Chu Wanning bought winter cloaks for his disciples. He was particularly careful in his choices, revealing a softer, more considerate side of himself.
Xue Meng was surprised to receive a cloak with purple trim, a color he disliked, but he accepted it without complaint.
The group finally reached the foot of Dawning Peak, where Mo Ran was flooded with memories of his past life, including his declaration of conquest and his ill-fated marriage to Song Qiutong.
Mo Ran was reminded of the disillusionment and emptiness of his past ambitions, realizing that his desires were ultimately unfulfilled fantasies.
As they began their ascent, Mo Ran offered to carry Shi Mei, recalling how he had carried his bride in his past life. Chu Wanning overheard and scolded Mo Ran for the offer, showing a flash of jealousy.
Mo Ran and Shi Mei exchanged a look, acknowledging Chu Wanning’s stern demeanor, with Mo Ran jokingly mouthing to Shi Mei that Chu Wanning was petty and heartless, only to be immediately rebuked by Chu Wanning.
Chapter 37: This Venerable One Meets a God
The group finally arrived at Dawning Peak, where they were greeted by the breathtaking sight of the snow-covered Jincheng Lake, illuminated by the full moon.
Xue Meng excitedly offered to go first in the attempt to break the ice and seek a weapon, but Chu Wanning deemed him too rash and declined his request.
Shi Mei volunteered to go first instead, but despite his best efforts, he was unable to break the ice, leaving him disappointed.
Next, it was Mo Ran's turn. Unlike his previous life, he approached the task with a sense of calm familiarity, knowing what awaited him.
Mo Ran summoned his blade, Bugui, from the depths of the lake. As expected, the lake’s ice shattered, and an enormous turquoise-black dragon emerged, holding a pitch-black blade in its jaws.
The dragon, however, did not immediately hand over the blade as it had in Mo Ran's past life. Instead, it seemed puzzled by Mo Ran’s soul, detecting two additional shadows within him and asking if Mo Ran was mortal, divine, or demonic.
Mo Ran assured the dragon he was human, albeit one who had been reborn. The dragon remained perplexed but agreed to give Mo Ran the blade after peering into his soul.
When the dragon used its technique, it revealed the presence of two distinct figures within Mo Ran's soul: Shi Mei and Chu Wanning. This revelation stunned Mo Ran, leaving him confused and disturbed.
Before Mo Ran could process this discovery, the surface of Jincheng Lake split apart, and a herd of ox-headed beasts emerged. They were soon followed by the arrival of Gouchen the Exalted, the legendary god of weaponry.
Gouchen, appearing as a man with a pleasant demeanor, acknowledged Mo Ran’s rare spiritual power and invited him to the bottom of the lake to select a weapon better suited to him than Bugui.
Mo Ran, shocked by the unexpected opportunity, hesitated but then agreed, asking Gouchen to also grant Shi Mei a weapon if he successfully completed the task.
Gouchen agreed and lifted the barrier, inviting all three disciples to join him. As they approached, Gouchen recognized Chu Wanning, leading to a moment of surprise and curiosity on his part.
Chapter 38: This Venerable One Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Gouchen the Exalted recognized Chu Wanning from his previous visit to Jincheng Lake, recalling the purity and depth of his spiritual strength. Chu Wanning confirmed his satisfaction with the weapon Tianwen and mentioned his other weapon, Jiuge, which he rarely used due to its chilling temperament.
Gouchen instructed the old dragon, Wangyue, to return to the depths while Chu Wanning cast water-repelling charms on his disciples. The group then entered the freezing waters of Jincheng Lake, where they could move as easily as on land, revealing a vast underwater world.
The lake bottom was a vibrant and bustling city, filled with various creatures and spirits living in harmony. The group marveled at the strange sights, including a rabbit spirit riding a tiger, among other unusual scenes.
Gouchen led the group through the city's marketplace, where they saw vendors selling all sorts of exotic goods, from fish-blood mantou to squid ink brow-filler. The group also encountered a fuban, a rare creature extinct in the outside world, gathering rocks obsessively.
Gouchen took the group to his residence, an expansive courtyard behind a large seashell. The residence was filled with merfolk servants, as it was shared with Wangyue, the old dragon and crown prince of the eastern seas.
The group reached a massive, ancient weeping willow at the heart of the courtyard. The tree was over a hundred thousand years old and had cultivated into a spirit. Xue Meng accidentally plucked a leaf from the tree, causing it to bleed, but Gouchen used his spiritual energy to heal the tree.
The entrance to the holy weapon arsenal was inside the hollow of the ancient willow. Gouchen dispelled the barriers guarding the entrance and led the group inside, noting that the arsenal might be small and messy.
As the group prepared to enter the arsenal, Chu Wanning instinctively took the lead, reminding Mo Ran of how his shizun always positioned himself at the vanguard during missions. This behavior, which Mo Ran once saw as arrogance, now seemed to hint at something deeper.
Chapter 39: This Venerable One Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
The group entered the hollow of the ancient tree and descended a narrow passage to reach the arsenal of holy weapons. Contrary to Gouchen’s description, the arsenal was vast, filled with countless magnificent weapons, and towered shelves that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky.
Gouchen encouraged Xue Meng and Shi Mei to choose any weapon they liked, while he focused on helping Mo Ran find a suitable weapon. However, none of the weapons they tried resonated with Mo Ran.
Gouchen then summoned a fox spirit named Ji Baihua, who brought a mysterious golden brocade box called Ever-Yearning. Ji Baihua explained that the box could only be opened by one person who was destined to be the most important in Mo Ran’s life, someone he deeply loved and who loved him in return.
Mo Ran, confident that Shi Mei was the one, offered the box to him. However, nothing happened when Shi Mei touched the box, leaving Mo Ran confused and concerned.
Suddenly, Chu Wanning, without gloves and unaware of the box's significance, took Ever-Yearning from Shi Mei. The box responded to Chu Wanning’s touch, and the yin-yang koi design on the box came to life, unlocking it.
To Mo Ran’s shock, the box contained a glowing willow vine that resembled Tianwen, Chu Wanning's holy weapon. The revelation left Mo Ran questioning everything, as he struggled to understand how Chu Wanning could be the one destined to open the box, challenging his beliefs about who he truly cared for.
Chapter 40: This Venerable One Cannot Believe This—What the Hell?
Mo Ran discovers that the weapon inside Ever-Yearning is a golden willow vine identical to Chu Wanning's Tianwen. Both vines, though originally one, are now two distinct weapons.
Gouchen the Exalted explains that these willow vines are part of the five supreme holy weapons, representing the wood element. The original wood elemental weapon split in two during its creation, leading to the existence of two identical weapons, each meant to be wielded by a spiritual essence of wood.
When Mo Ran inadvertently names his new weapon "Ah! What the Hell?!" due to his surprise, the name becomes permanently inscribed on the weapon.
Despite Mo Ran’s embarrassment over the name, Xue Meng and Shi Mei choose their own weapons—a longsword and a short flute, respectively—though neither weapon immediately submits to them.
The group returns to Gouchen’s estate for a banquet, where they indulge in food and drink. Mo Ran, tipsy, reflects on the strangeness of Chu Wanning being the one to open Ever-Yearning, struggling to reconcile his feelings for his shizun.
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning have a sparring match with their willow vines, Jiangui and Tianwen. Although Mo Ran has never used a willow vine before, he performs admirably, though he’s ultimately exhausted and overwhelmed by Chu Wanning's skill.
Later that night, Mo Ran falls asleep while examining Jiangui. He wakes up in an unfamiliar stone room, his wrist cut and bleeding. The room is dark, damp, and confined, leaving Mo Ran disoriented and alarmed.
Chapter 41: This Venerable One Kisses the Wrong Person Again...
Mo Ran awakens in a small, plain stone cell with three walls and bars emitting a magical red light. His hands and feet are shackled, and his spiritual powers are suppressed. Two merfolk enter the cell, ignoring Mo Ran’s demands for answers and placing a figure wrapped in red fox fur next to him on the bed.
The merfolk imply that the person next to Mo Ran is someone he likes, leading Mo Ran to believe it might be Shi Mei. They leave, leaving Mo Ran in silence, his mind racing with conflicted emotions.
Mo Ran's anxiety turns to horror as the figure begins to stir. To his shock, it’s not Shi Mei, but Chu Wanning, who seems to be under some kind of spell or control. Mo Ran is conflicted, both aroused and filled with rage at the sight of Chu Wanning, who appears to have been violated.
Overcome with a mix of emotions, Mo Ran questions who could have done this to Chu Wanning, his possessiveness and anger blinding him to the reality of the situation.
As Chu Wanning, under the influence of the spell, leans in to kiss Mo Ran, he is overwhelmed by the situation. However, just as things escalate, Mo Ran hears someone calling his name.
The real Chu Wanning appears outside the cell, holding a cursed talisman, revealing that the Chu Wanning in the cell is actually a corpse under the control of a forbidden technique, the Zhenlong Chess Formation.
Chu Wanning frees Mo Ran from the cell and explains that the Gouchen they met is an imposter who uses illusions and the Zhenlong Chess Formation to control others. He also reassures Mo Ran that Shi Mei and Xue Meng are safe, though they were also drugged and imprisoned elsewhere.
The Zhenlong Chess Formation is a powerful forbidden technique that uses living and dead beings as chess pieces, controlling them from a distance. The technique, combined with the illusion magic from a Qingqiu fox fur artifact, created the convincing illusion that led Mo Ran to mistake the corpse for Chu Wanning.
Mo Ran, still shaken, asks Chu Wanning how he realized Gouchen was a fake.
Chapter 42: This Venerable One Is a Little Uneasy
Chu Wanning explains how he knew Gouchen was an imposter: He mentions that a true god would use living beings, not the dead. Additionally, the fake Gouchen couldn’t detect that Chu Wanning possessed two holy weapons, which raised his suspicions.
Mo Ran's confusion: Mo Ran is puzzled as to how the fake Gouchen could create holy weapons. Chu Wanning clarifies that the origin of the weapons in Jincheng Lake is unknown, and the weapons given to Xue Meng and Shi Mei were fake. However, Jiangui, Mo Ran’s weapon, is real.
The impostor's goal: Chu Wanning reveals that the fake Gouchen’s ultimate target is Mo Ran, not just the acquisition of holy weapons. He speculates that this might be related to the willow tree in the courtyard, which could be one of the three heavenly willow branches Gouchen brought to the mortal realm.
Escape from the dungeon: Chu Wanning and Mo Ran make their way out of the dungeon, passing through a path that leads to the courtyard where a giant willow tree stands. There, they find three coffins, one empty, and the other three containing the bodies of Chu Wanning, Shi Mei, and Xue Meng.
The coffin's purpose: Chu Wanning explains that the coffins are designed to drain the cultivation of those inside to nourish the giant willow tree. He reveals that the bodies in the coffins are actually those of demons, whom he defeated while pretending to be unconscious.
Searching for Shi Mei and Xue Meng: Chu Wanning and Mo Ran set out to find the others, but they are not at the agreed meeting place. Chu Wanning uses a tracking spell to locate them, leading them to the marketplace they visited earlier.
Realization of the illusion: As they enter the marketplace, Mo Ran notices that everything looks exactly as it did the previous day, down to the actions and words of the market’s inhabitants. Chu Wanning confirms Mo Ran’s suspicion that the entire scene is an illusion, likely created by the Zhenlong Chess Formation.
The chilling truth: Chu Wanning points out that for the impostor to control everyone in the lake, they must all be dead. This realization sends a shiver through Mo Ran, as the implications of the situation become clear.
Chapter 43: This Venerable One Is a Sacrificial Offering?!
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning hear a shrill voice from behind them and see the fuban struggling under its heavy pile of rocks, heading towards the apothecary.
An elderly merman with a golden tail, different from the one seen before, removes the rocks from the fuban’s back, causing the fuban to explode into blood, which diffuses into the water.
The illusion of the market shatters, revealing that all the monsters and creatures were dead, their bodies now decaying and filling the water with a miasma of blood, obscuring visibility.
Despite the dire situation, Chu Wanning and Mo Ran stay close, holding hands as they summon their holy weapons, Tianwen and Jiangui.
They notice white spots of light on the ground where the fuban's rocks had been. The elderly merman gestures for them to pick one rock each, which they do, triggering a teleportation spell that transports them back to the arsenal of holy weapons.
Reunited with Xue Meng and Shi Mei, who were also teleported there, Chu Wanning and Mo Ran exchange greetings. Chu Wanning, feeling nauseous from the teleportation, holds Mo Ran’s hand throughout the ordeal.
Mo Ran immediately lets go of Chu Wanning’s hand upon seeing Shi Mei, causing Chu Wanning to feel a pang of disappointment, though he hides it well.
A disfigured figure emerges from the crucible pool in the arsenal, bound by chains and badly mutilated. The figure, unable to speak, uses a wave of molten metal to form ancient Cangjie script in the air, asking for help.
Chu Wanning translates the message, revealing that the figure is the spirit of the Heart-Pluck Willow, which was brought to Jincheng Lake by the real Gouchen the Exalted. The willow tree has been under the control of the fake Gouchen, who slaughtered everything in the lake and used the Zhenlong Chess Formation to control their remains.
The Heart-Pluck Willow explains that it was able to regain temporary consciousness due to the awakening of Tianwen and Jiangui. It reveals that the fake Gouchen’s goal is to extend the willow’s life by offering Mo Ran, a spiritual essence of wood, as a sacrificial offering.
Mo Ran learns that he was chosen because the younger the sacrificial offering, the better. The offering must be sated in their desires and taken without awareness to prevent resentful energy from accelerating the willow’s withering.
Mo Ran realizes that the fake Gouchen used the fox spirit monster, disguised as Chu Wanning, to satiate his desires as part of the sacrificial ritual.
Chu Wanning, misunderstanding Mo Ran’s embarrassed reaction, scolds him for being "shameless," unaware of the specifics of Mo Ran's thoughts.
The chapter ends with the arsenal of holy weapons shaking violently, prompting Xue Meng to yell in alarm as they brace for whatever is coming next.
Chapter 44: This Venerable One Doesn’t Want to Owe You
The Heart-Pluck Willow, struggling to maintain control, signals to Chu Wanning that he is about to lose consciousness and urges them to destroy him quickly.
Despite Xue Meng’s warnings, Chu Wanning approaches the Heart-Pluck Willow, who uses his remaining strength to write on Chu Wanning's palm, advising them to draw lots, break the nightmare, and not lose sight of their hearts.
The Heart-Pluck Willow then collapses back into the crucible, and nine fiery pillars rise, releasing four tokens into the air. Chu Wanning cautions the group, taking the first token, but it is blank.
Mo Ran’s token, however, bears the word "blass," which Chu Wanning identifies as "blood hourglass," and a massive copper hourglass with thorny vines descends from the ceiling.
Chu Wanning orders Mo Ran to discard the token, but the token sticks to Mo Ran’s hand. Thorny vines shoot out, and Chu Wanning pushes Mo Ran out of the way, taking the brunt of the attack himself.
Mo Ran is stunned, recalling the many conflicting memories of Chu Wanning—both the cruel and the kind. Chu Wanning, gravely injured, insists on trading tokens with Mo Ran, but Mo Ran refuses, not wanting to owe him a favor.
As the vines attack again, Mo Ran shields Chu Wanning, taking the hit and being dragged to the copper hourglass, where he is bound to a cross.
The hourglass drains Mo Ran’s blood, and a holy weapon, Gouchen’s sword, stabs him in the chest, causing blood to fill the hourglass.
A powerful waterfall separates Mo Ran from the others, and Chu Wanning, desperate to reach him, repeatedly attempts to break through the barrier, despite his severe injuries.
Shi Mei and Xue Meng watch in distress as Chu Wanning weakens further, but his efforts are in vain. Suddenly, a sword slashes through the waterfall, and a voice declares itself as Gouchen the Exalted, accusing them of trespassing in his arsenal.
Chapter 45: This Venerable One Knew You Would Come
Xue Meng angrily reacts to the voice of Gouchen the Exalted, accusing them of trespassing. Shi Mei explains that the voice is a recorded message, manipulated by the fake Gouchen.
The voice of Gouchen continues, stating that they must undertake a trial to prove their virtue by resisting illusions. If they fail, Mo Ran will bleed out and die.
Chu Wanning, Shi Mei, and Xue Meng are forced into a dream illusion, leaving Mo Ran alone as the blood hourglass.
Mo Ran, slowly losing consciousness from blood loss, wonders who among them would wake up to save him. He doubts Xue Meng and Chu Wanning but hopes Shi Mei will remember him.
As Mo Ran nears unconsciousness, Shi Mei appears, crossing the burning ground to reach him, determined to save him despite the pain.
Unbeknownst to Mo Ran, it's actually Chu Wanning in Shi Mei’s body due to the Heart-Pluck Willow's magic, which switched their consciousnesses.
Chu Wanning struggles to climb the thorny vine to reach Mo Ran, enduring pain and injuries, but Mo Ran believes it is Shi Mei making the sacrifice.
Chu Wanning, in Shi Mei’s body, manages to reach Mo Ran and pulls the sword from his chest, freeing him from the hourglass.
As Mo Ran collapses, he confesses his feelings for Shi Mei, not realizing it’s actually Chu Wanning, who responds with a soft, ambiguous "Me too" before Mo Ran loses consciousness.
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The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun Vol. 2
Chapter 46: This Venerable One Awakens
Mo Ran wakes up inside the holy weapon arsenal, unharmed despite the previous life-threatening events. He discovers that the injuries he suffered were part of a nightmare and that none of them had real wounds.
Overjoyed, Mo Ran checks on Shi Mei, who also awakens unharmed. Mo Ran embraces Shi Mei, apologizing for making him suffer, but Shi Mei is confused and doesn't remember any pain, only a dream about his parents.
Xue Meng also wakes up and is initially disoriented, thinking he’s still in a dream. He realizes the reality when Mo Ran recounts the events, but all are surprised to find that Chu Wanning is still asleep.
Chu Wanning finally wakes up, but his gaze is distant and cold. He reaches out to Mo Ran, but upon seeing Mo Ran holding Shi Mei’s hand, his expression cools further.
Chu Wanning, suppressing his emotions, explains that the trial was likely Gouchen’s way of testing them and dismisses Shi Mei's confusion about rescuing Mo Ran as a wiped memory.
Chu Wanning reflects on his unrequited feelings for Mo Ran, realizing that Mo Ran's affection is solely for Shi Mei. He suppresses his emotions further, resigning himself to a life of solitude and emotional detachment.
Xue Meng suddenly notices the Heart-Pluck Willow reemerging from the crucible, controlled and wielding Gouchen’s sacred blade. Chu Wanning urgently orders them to flee.
As they attempt to escape, the Heart-Pluck Willow uses the Temptation of the Heart technique, whispering manipulative thoughts into their minds to sway them.
Xue Meng is lured by the promise of a powerful holy weapon, causing him to slow down and turn back toward the weapon. Mo Ran and Shi Mei try to stop him, but the voice in Xue Meng’s head grows more persuasive.
Just as Xue Meng is about to succumb to the temptation, he snaps out of it, grabs the Ancestral Sword, and uses it to stab the Heart-Pluck Willow, breaking the spell.
The Heart-Pluck Willow, regaining consciousness, silently thanks Xue Meng for stopping him before dissipating into millions of sparkles. The Ancestral Sword is also destroyed in the process.
As the holy weapon arsenal begins to collapse, Shi Mei calls out for them to leave quickly. Xue Meng discards the destroyed sword and exits the collapsing arsenal with the others, leaving the ruins behind.
Chapter 47: This Venerable One Feels Like Something Is Off
After escaping the holy weapon arsenal, Chu Wanning and his disciples rest in a corridor outside. Everyone is exhausted and injured, except Xue Meng, who seems deeply troubled and lost in thought.
Xue Meng approaches Chu Wanning, questioning if the holy weapon he chose was a fake. Overcome with emotion, he collapses into Chu Wanning's arms, devastated by the realization that he may never possess a holy weapon and achieve his ambitions in the cultivation world.
Chu Wanning comforts Xue Meng, gently telling him that he’s already great, but Xue Meng is crushed, knowing that without a holy weapon, his future in the cultivation world is bleak.
Mo Ran observes the scene with a heavy heart, reflecting on the emotional toll this journey has taken on all of them, especially Xue Meng, who must now face a future without the glory he once thought was assured.
As they leave the arsenal, they witness the Heart-Pluck Willow collapsing into the crucible, marking the end of the ancient tree spirit. The destruction of the holy weapon arsenal sets off a chain reaction, causing chaos in Jincheng Lake as the merfolk assume their original forms to survive the turmoil.
Mo Ran narrowly avoids being struck by a sea dragon’s tail. Suddenly, a massive black dragon named Wangyue appears, offering to ferry them to safety as the lake begins to collapse.
The group climbs onto Wangyue’s back, holding on tightly as the dragon soars out of the lake and into the sky. They eventually land safely on the shore of Jincheng Lake, where they witness the lake’s surface melting and the dragons within crumbling into dust as black chess pieces rise from the water.
Mo Ran realizes that the Zhenlong Chess Formation was controlling everything in the lake, and he grows increasingly uneasy, sensing that something is off about this timeline.
Wangyue, now in human form, reveals that he was the elderly merman who led them to the arsenal. He explains that he had no choice but to rely on them to overcome the Heart-Pluck Willow, as the fake Gouchen was using the tree spirit’s power to practice forbidden techniques.
Wangyue admits that while he was not fully controlled by the fake Gouchen, part of him was influenced, which is why he acted as he did. He reveals that the fake Gouchen lacked the strength to control living beings and had resorted to controlling the dead instead.
Chu Wanning suggests that the fake Gouchen might not have been able to take precautions against Wangyue because he didn’t have the strength to do so, hinting that there might be more to this mysterious figure than they initially thought.
Chapter 48: This Venerable One’s Old Dragon
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning realize that the fake Gouchen is not only an impostor but also a corpse controlled by a puppeteer. The true identity of the one behind the events remains hidden.
The fake Gouchen reappears in a grotesque, decaying state. He taunts Chu Wanning, refusing to reveal his true identity but hinting that he came back from the dead to take revenge on the righteous.
Chu Wanning identifies the fake Gouchen as a "white chess piece," a special type of puppet in the Zhenlong Chess Formation that can act independently but is still controlled by its master.
The fake Gouchen warns Chu Wanning that destroying the Heart-Pluck Willow won’t stop him, as he can find other sources of spiritual energy. He then fixates on Mo Ran with malice, implying that he is not the only one who knows the three forbidden techniques.
The fake Gouchen disintegrates as his spiritual energy is exhausted, leaving behind a jade-white chess piece that falls into Jincheng Lake.
With the Heart-Pluck Willow gone, Wangyue, who also relied on the ancient tree spirit’s energy, collapses and nears death.
Wangyue, in his final moments, recalls his duty to guard Jincheng Lake for millennia and the agreement he made with Gouchen the Exalted. He expresses his regret for being unable to see the world beyond the lake and makes a last request to Mo Ran to retrieve a branch of plum blossoms from the mountain, something he cherished in his youth.
Wangyue dies, and the characters reflect on the ancient dragon’s long life, his loyalty to Gouchen, and the demise of the holy weapons and merfolk of Jincheng Lake.
Mo Ran reflects on his past life, remembering the powerful long blade given to him by Wangyue. He feels a deep sense of regret, realizing that the original blade had likely been destroyed by the Heart-Pluck Willow before he could obtain it in this life.
The group returns to Sisheng Peak after resting in Dai City. Xue Meng, feeling ashamed and defeated, avoids telling his parents about his failure to obtain a holy weapon. Chu Wanning immerses himself in researching alternative ways to help Xue Meng.
Chu Wanning is plagued by questions about the fake Gouchen’s true identity, his motives, and the meaning behind the final words spoken by the white chess piece.
Despite his serious injury, Chu Wanning continues to research late into the night, ignoring Xue Zhengyong’s concerns about his health.
Exhausted, Chu Wanning falls asleep and dreams vividly. In the dream, he finds himself shackled in Loyalty Hall, unable to move. Mo Ran appears, but instead of helping, he approaches Chu Wanning with a disturbing smile, gripping his jaw and leaving the dream unresolved.
Chapter 49: This Venerable One’s Shizun Is Always So Mad
Chu Wanning experiences an intense and disturbing dream where an older, domineering version of Mo Ran forcefully kisses him and makes aggressive advances, leaving Chu Wanning shaken and unable to resist.
In the dream, Mo Ran taunts Chu Wanning, suggesting that he should offer himself to gain what he desires. Chu Wanning, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar and humiliating feelings, is unable to defend himself against Mo Ran’s advances.
As Mo Ran in the dream becomes more forceful, Chu Wanning’s body reacts against his will, further deepening his shock and disbelief. Despite his anger and horror, he is powerless to stop what is happening.
Just as the situation escalates, Chu Wanning suddenly awakens in the library of the Red Lotus Pavilion. Disoriented and still affected by the dream, he instinctively slaps the real Mo Ran, who had been trying to wake him.
Mo Ran, confused and hurt by the slap, questions why Chu Wanning is so angry, to which Chu Wanning, still flustered from the dream, harshly tells him to leave. However, Mo Ran informs him that it is already morning, and they are late for practice.
Embarrassed and unsettled, Chu Wanning quickly composes himself and heads to the Platform of Sin and Virtue with Mo Ran, where Xue Meng and Shi Mei have been waiting. He struggles internally with the lingering effects of the dream and the shame it brought him.
Upon arrival, Chu Wanning instructs Mo Ran and Shi Mei to spar, while he has a private conversation with Xue Meng. He reassures Xue Meng about his potential, despite the loss of the holy weapon at Jincheng Lake, and encourages him to prepare for the upcoming Spiritual Mountain Competition.
Xue Meng, feeling relieved and motivated by Chu Wanning’s confidence in him, vows to continue training hard. Chu Wanning’s words boost his spirits, restoring some of his lost confidence.
After easing Xue Meng’s worries, Chu Wanning approaches the practice field, only to be startled by something he sees as he turns the corner toward where Mo Ran and Shi Mei are sparring.
Chapter 50: This Venerable One Likes You
Chu Wanning, a lover of weapons, is outraged by the sight of Mo Ran misusing Jiangui, a holy weapon, by shrinking it to the size of a hair tie and using it in a childish game with Shi Mei.
Mo Ran ties Jiangui around Shi Mei's finger to test if it has the truth-extracting power of Tianwen. Despite Shi Mei's hesitation, he goes along with Mo Ran’s playful insistence.
Mo Ran, feeling uneasy after the events at Jincheng Lake, particularly about the box Ever-Yearning that Shi Mei couldn’t open, uses the opportunity to ask Shi Mei some questions.
Mo Ran starts with light questions, asking Shi Mei’s opinions on Xue Meng and Chu Wanning. Shi Mei admits that Xue Meng is a good person but tactless, and that Chu Wanning is a good but short-tempered teacher who had been kind to him when others were not.
Mo Ran, feeling insecure, dismisses Chu Wanning’s kindness towards Shi Mei as mere duty, and grows frustrated when Shi Mei speaks fondly of Chu Wanning, recalling a past incident where Chu Wanning had shared his umbrella with him in the rain, even though he got soaked himself.
When Mo Ran asks Shi Mei what he thinks of him, Shi Mei hesitates, and Jiangui’s power forces him to confess that he thinks Mo Ran is great. Mo Ran, touched and relieved, expresses his affection for Shi Mei, telling him that he is very fond of him and wants to make him happy.
As Mo Ran moves to touch Shi Mei, Chu Wanning, who has been secretly watching, strikes Mo Ran with Tianwen, furious at their distraction from training. He coldly rebukes Mo Ran, accusing him of slacking off and letting his success with Jiangui go to his head.
Chu Wanning orders Shi Mei to spar with him and tells Mo Ran to practice, warning him that if he can’t last at least ten moves against him later, he’ll be punished by copying the book of meditation techniques three hundred times. Mo Ran, knowing the difficulty of the task, feels resigned to his fate.
Chapter 51: This Venerable One’s Shizun... Pfft Ha Ha Ha
For three days, Chu Wanning is even more sullen and irritable than usual, avoiding Mo Ran and others, trying to suppress his complicated feelings, particularly his jealousy and longing.
Chu Wanning struggles internally with his feelings for Mo Ran, trying to convince himself that they are inappropriate and unnecessary, yet he can't shake them.
Time passes, and as the end of the year approaches, Chu Wanning returns to Sisheng Peak from dealing with monsters. He is uncomfortable with the cold as snow starts falling.
Upon entering Loyalty Hall to report to Xue Zhengyong, Chu Wanning unexpectedly encounters Mo Ran alone. The interaction makes Chu Wanning uncomfortable, especially recalling his recurring, vivid dreams about Mo Ran.
Mo Ran, unaware of Chu Wanning's inner turmoil, naturally dusts snow off Chu Wanning and tries to dry his hair, which causes Chu Wanning to feel even more conflicted and uneasy.
Chu Wanning dismisses Mo Ran’s concern, insists on taking care of himself, and leaves Loyalty Hall, feeling disturbed by Mo Ran's actions and their own complex dynamic.
Mo Ran tries to help Chu Wanning by offering him an umbrella when it starts snowing heavily, but Chu Wanning refuses, insisting he doesn’t need help.
In a display of frustration and pride, Chu Wanning uses his spiritual energy to create a barrier against the snow, showing off his power but also revealing his emotional turmoil.
Mo Ran realizes that Chu Wanning might have overheard his conversation with Shi Mei at the practice field, understanding that Chu Wanning is upset about it.
Chu Wanning, refusing to discuss the matter further, leaves Mo Ran behind, only to fall sick shortly after returning to the Red Lotus Pavilion, suffering from a cold and fever.
The next day, Chu Wanning wakes up feeling strange, only to realize with shock that he has physically shrunk, becoming much smaller than his usual self.
Chapter 52: This Venerable One Doesn’t Even Get an Appearance
Xue Zhengyong is practicing with his sword when he receives a message via a haitang blossom, instructing him to go to the Red Lotus Pavilion.
Upon arriving, Xue Zhengyong is shocked to find that Chu Wanning has been transformed into a five- or six-year-old child, likely due to a curse from the ancient willow vine that injured him at Jincheng Lake.
Xue Zhengyong finds the situation amusing and struggles to contain his laughter, much to Chu Wanning’s irritation.
Chu Wanning reluctantly agrees to let Xue Zhengyong fetch Madam Wang for help. Madam Wang examines Chu Wanning and suggests that the condition might be caused by a self-healing secretion from the willow vine, advising him to rest and see if his condition improves.
Chu Wanning decides to go into seclusion at the Red Lotus Pavilion, instructing Xue Zhengyong to look after his disciples in the meantime.
After three days with no change, Chu Wanning grows restless and decides to take a walk around Sisheng Peak to clear his mind.
While wandering, he encounters Xue Meng in the bamboo forest, where Xue Meng is practicing swordplay. Xue Meng, not recognizing Chu Wanning, orders him to leave, but Chu Wanning refuses.
Xue Meng becomes irritated and tries to scare Chu Wanning by launching bamboo spikes at him, but Chu Wanning effortlessly destroys them with a flick of a bamboo leaf, stunning Xue Meng.
Chu Wanning criticizes Xue Meng’s swordplay, instructing him to start over and follow the rhythm of the melody Chu Wanning plays on the leaf.
Despite his initial anger, Xue Meng eventually humbles himself and practices according to Chu Wanning’s instructions, finally mastering the maneuver after several attempts.
Xue Meng, impressed, asks Chu Wanning which elder’s disciple he is, and Chu Wanning claims to be a disciple of the Xuanji Elder.
Xue Meng dismissively refers to the Xuanji Elder as the "Rubbish King," but Chu Wanning takes it in stride, leading to a discussion about the nicknames the disciples have for the elders.
Chapter 53: This Venerable One’s Cousin Is Certainly Not Very Smart
Xue Meng explains to Chu Wanning (in his child form) that all the elders at Sisheng Peak have nicknames given by the disciples. He offers to take Chu Wanning for a late-night snack and explain more.
As they walk, Xue Meng asks Chu Wanning's name. Chu Wanning, in disguise, gives the name "Xia Sini," which Xue Meng fails to recognize as a pun meaning "Scare you to death."
Xue Meng, unaware of Chu Wanning's true identity, suggests that Chu Wanning should quit being Xuanji's disciple and become his junior under Chu Wanning, offering to ask his shizun to take him on.
Their conversation is interrupted when Mo Ran arrives, calling Xue Meng "Mengmeng" and teasing him. Mo Ran notices Chu Wanning and finds him oddly familiar, but Chu Wanning stays silent to avoid being recognized.
Xue Meng, annoyed, tells Mo Ran that Chu Wanning is his new friend and that they are going for a late-night snack. Mo Ran insists on joining them, much to Xue Meng’s annoyance.
The trio heads to Wuchang Town, where they choose a gudong soup joint for their meal. Xue Meng orders the food, assuming Chu Wanning can handle spicy food, but Chu Wanning quietly requests a twin pot (half-spicy, half-mild) since he can't handle spicy food.
Xue Meng questions Chu Wanning about his background and expresses surprise that someone so young is away from home. Mo Ran joins the conversation, pointing out that Chu Wanning shares a preference for non-spicy food with their shizun, Chu Wanning.
As they eat, Mo Ran and Xue Meng bicker playfully, with Mo Ran teasing Xue Meng about the pig brain he’s searching for in the soup. Chu Wanning watches them argue while enjoying his mild soup and sweet soy milk.
Mo Ran notices Chu Wanning's fondness for sweets and orders him more soy milk, commenting that Chu Wanning’s tastes are similar to their shizun's.
The conversation eventually returns to the topic of elder nicknames, and Chu Wanning (disguised as Xia Sini) casually asks what the disciples call the Yuheng Elder, eager to learn what they think of him.
Chapter 54: This Venerable One Squabbles Over Pastries
Xue Meng explains that their shizun, Chu Wanning, is the only one on Sisheng Peak without any nicknames because no one dares to joke about him. However, Mo Ran disagrees, saying that Chu Wanning actually has many nicknames, such as "Bai Wuchang," "Little Napa Cabbage," "Big Mantou," and "Little Widow," all because he only ever wears white.
Xue Meng becomes angry upon hearing these nicknames, while Chu Wanning, who is still disguised as a child, listens silently, barely managing to maintain his composure.
Mo Ran teases Xue Meng further by revealing that the female disciples have even more flowery nicknames for Chu Wanning, comparing him to various delicate and pure things, which leaves both Xue Meng and Chu Wanning speechless.
After their meal, Chu Wanning is escorted back to the Xuanji Elder’s quarters by Xue Meng and Mo Ran. Xue Meng asks if they can meet again at the bamboo forest, but Chu Wanning, unsure of when he'll return to his original form, only gives a noncommittal answer.
The next morning, Chu Wanning wakes up still in his child’s body and decides to visit Xue Zhengyong to discuss his condition. He admits that he’s been cultivating for over ten days with no change and asks for help.
Xue Zhengyong suggests asking the Tanlang Elder for assistance, despite Chu Wanning’s reluctance. After a brief confrontation, Tanlang confirms Madam Wang’s diagnosis that Chu Wanning's condition was caused by the ancient willow’s sap and could take years to reverse unless Chu Wanning refrains from using spiritual techniques.
Tanlang taunts Chu Wanning, offering to help if he begs properly, but Chu Wanning refuses with a biting remark, leaving in frustration.
Chu Wanning isolates himself in the Red Lotus Pavilion, claiming to be in seclusion. Meanwhile, the secret of his condition is kept among a few trusted individuals, and his disciples grow concerned about his prolonged absence.
Chu Wanning in his child form, now called Xia Sini, becomes a regular part of the group with Mo Ran, Xue Meng, and Shi Mei. They often share meals, during which Chu Wanning gets into a playful dispute with Mo Ran over pastries, showing a rare lighter side.
The light-hearted mood is shattered when a gathering whistle is heard across Sisheng Peak, signaling an emergency. The four disciples rush to the Loyalty Square, where the entire sect has assembled.
Xue Zhengyong appears with six stunning women, envoys of the feathered tribe from Zhuque, the land of immortals, signaling something serious and unexpected. The disciples are left stunned and anxious as they try to comprehend the significance of this event.
Chapter 55: This Venerable One Feels Uneasy
The feathered tribe, a half-immortal, half-fae people residing in Peach Blossom Springs, had come to the mortal realm. Known for their immense power, they often intervened during times of crisis in the cultivation world.
Mo Ran recalls how, in his previous life, the arrival of the feathered tribe had marked the beginning of Shi Mei's tragic fate. Mo Ran, now aware of the impending disaster, becomes anxious, especially as events seem to be progressing differently from his past life.
Xue Zhengyong informs the gathered disciples that the feathered tribe has come to select individuals with strong spiritual energy to train at Peach Blossom Springs to help avert a looming calamity. The news excites most of the disciples, but Mo Ran remains uneasy, fearing for Shi Mei's safety.
Mo Ran remembers how Shi Mei had died in the previous timeline during a battle to repair the barrier between the mortal and ghost realms, a death he blamed on Chu Wanning. These memories fill Mo Ran with resentment and a deep-seated hatred for his shizun.
As the selection process begins, one of the envoys unexpectedly chooses Mo Ran, something that hadn’t happened in his previous life. Mo Ran is initially shocked but then relieved, hoping that his presence at Peach Blossom Springs might prevent Shi Mei’s tragic fate.
The selected disciples, including Mo Ran, Shi Mei, Xue Meng, and Chu Wanning (disguised as Xia Sini), are gathered before Loyalty Hall. Xue Meng is surprised to be chosen, and the group is informed they will travel to Peach Blossom Springs after the New Year.
Mo Ran, while initially overjoyed at the thought of accompanying Shi Mei, feels uneasy as he passes the sealed-off Red Lotus Pavilion where Chu Wanning has been in seclusion. He wonders if his shizun will emerge before they leave for Peach Blossom Springs.
Mo Ran speaks to "Xia Sini," expressing concern about Chu Wanning’s prolonged seclusion and the severity of his injuries from Jincheng Lake. When asked if he misses his shizun, Mo Ran is taken aback by the question but does not provide a clear answer.
Chapter 56: This Venerable One Is Busy Wrapping Dumplings
Mo Ran reflects on the question of whether he misses Chu Wanning. Despite his deep resentment from his previous life, he acknowledges that Chu Wanning has continuously protected and cared for him in this lifetime. Mo Ran realizes that Chu Wanning's injuries have often been due to his own actions.
Chu Wanning feels a brief moment of warmth from Mo Ran’s words but is quickly disillusioned when Mo Ran expresses a desire to help Chu Wanning recover and not be in debt. Chu Wanning feels his hope for something more than a master-disciple relationship being crushed.
Chu Wanning responds with a resigned smile, acknowledging that Mo Ran is his disciple and that everything done for him is voluntary, which contrasts with his own unfulfilled hopes.
Mo Ran, noticing Chu Wanning’s downcast mood, comments on how Chu Wanning appears serious despite his youth. He laughs and pats Chu Wanning on the head, which initially causes Chu Wanning to laugh as well.
As Mo Ran continues to pat Chu Wanning, he notices that Chu Wanning’s laughter fades and tears well up in his eyes. Chu Wanning quietly asks Mo Ran to stop, expressing a desire to end their playful interaction.
Mo Ran, oblivious to the shift in Chu Wanning’s emotions, continues to interact with him in a carefree manner, unaware of the impact his actions have on his shidi.
Chapter 57: This Venerable One Listens to You Play the Guqin Once Again
Despite Chu Wanning’s initial clumsiness in wrapping dumplings, he successfully produces neatly formed, round dumplings. This surprises his disciples, who are astonished to see their shizun engaged in such a mundane activity.
The three disciples express their shock and amazement. They comment on how unexpected it is that Chu Wanning knows how to make dumplings, revealing their surprise at his culinary skills.
Chu Wanning, although he maintains his usual expressionless demeanor, shows slight embarrassment with the pinkening of his ears. He explains that making dumplings is similar to crafting automatons, indicating that his skill comes from his technical background rather than culinary expertise.
Mo Ran, observing Chu Wanning, is reminded of a past event. He recalls a time from his previous life when Chu Wanning had made wontons, which were subsequently destroyed by Mo Ran in a fit of rage. This memory is poignant for Mo Ran, as it contrasts sharply with the current scene.
Mo Ran remembers the specific incident when he had lost his composure after Shi Mei’s death and ruined the wontons Chu Wanning had prepared. Chu Wanning, with flour on his face, had silently picked up the discarded wontons and thrown them away, showing a quiet resignation and unfamiliarity.
Mo Ran is deeply affected by the memory of Chu Wanning’s silent response. He realizes that he never truly understood or wanted to understand Chu Wanning’s feelings during that time. The recollection makes him reflect on Chu Wanning’s emotional state and how he has always been somewhat oblivious to his shizun’s true feelings.
Mo Ran contrasts this past memory with the present scene, where Chu Wanning’s current calm demeanor while making dumplings evokes a sense of nostalgia and regret. The contrast between the past and present highlights Mo Ran’s internal struggle with his feelings toward Chu Wanning and the complexities of their relationship.
Chapter 58: This Venerable One Feels a Little Hazy
Mo Ran, who normally has a high tolerance for alcohol, drinks excessively to mask his anxiety and feigned nonchalance. He consumes five jars of pear-blossom white wine, leading to a state of hazy consciousness.
After getting drunk, Mo Ran is helped back to his room by Shi Mei, who assists him in collapsing onto his bed. In his inebriated state, Mo Ran tries to call out for Shi Mei but ends up murmuring Chu Wanning’s name instead.
The habit of addressing Chu Wanning is deeply ingrained in Mo Ran, stemming from his past experiences. His intoxicated state makes him call out for Chu Wanning, revealing his true, muddled feelings.
Chu Wanning, who had been carrying Xue Meng back to his room, arrives with a bowl of sobering soup just in time to hear Mo Ran’s slurred calls. He is taken aback and tries to convince himself he must have misheard, given that Mo Ran typically calls him “Shizun.”
Chu Wanning recalls a past moment at the Red Lotus Pavilion when Mo Ran had called out “Wanning” in his sleep and even kissed him lightly. This memory stirs a hope within Chu Wanning that Mo Ran might have some genuine affection for him.
Chu Wanning struggles with his feelings and tries to suppress any budding hope or fantasy. He is aware of his own hesitance and emotional complexity when it comes to matters of the heart.
Shi Mei, observing the scene, looks at Chu Wanning with uncertainty and addresses him, but ultimately decides not to press the matter further. He acknowledges Chu Wanning’s presence and takes his leave, trusting him to care for Mo Ran.
Chapter 59: This Venerable One Is Only So Simple
The group, including Mo Ran, Shi Mei, Xue Meng, and Xia Sini, departs from the Yangtze River port on a self-navigating ferry. The vessel is protected by a barrier as they set out to sea.
Mo Ran and Shi Mei have an opportunity to spend time together without their shizun present. Mo Ran finds himself less excited about this than he anticipated.
Xue Meng and Xia Sini retire for the night, leaving Mo Ran and Shi Mei alone on the deck. Mo Ran lies on the deck, looking up at the starry sky, while Shi Mei joins him with dried fish they had bought earlier. They chat and snack together.
Shi Mei expresses concern that their journey to Peach Blossom Springs might prevent them from attending the Spiritual Mountain Competition. He notes that while it doesn’t matter to him, Mo Ran and the young master would miss an opportunity to make a notable debut.
Mo Ran dismisses the importance of reputation and competition, stating that learning valuable skills at Peach Blossom Springs to protect those he cares about is more important.
Shi Mei smiles warmly, appreciating Mo Ran's perspective and comments that Shizun would be pleased to hear Mo Ran’s sentiments.
Mo Ran inquires about Shi Mei’s happiness, to which Shi Mei responds positively, affirming his contentment.
Mo Ran observes Shi Mei, feeling a sense of admiration and contemplation. Despite his usual tendency to entertain more worldly thoughts, he finds it difficult to think of Shi Mei in such a manner, attributing this to Shi Mei’s pure and unattainable nature.
As Mo Ran continues to gaze at Shi Mei, Shi Mei notices and tucks a stray strand of hair behind his ear, smiling at Mo Ran’s lingering look.
Chapter 60: This Venerable One Discovers a Secret
Enhanced by spells, the ferry reaches the Port of Yangzhou by the next morning. Envoys are present at the harbor to welcome them, with well-bred horses prepared.
The party has breakfast at the harbor. The feathered tribe, not needing sustenance, rests with their eyes closed while the deckhands, having risen early, eat and observe the newcomers with curiosity.
Mo Ran overhears some deckhands discussing the newcomers. They identify the travelers as people from the lower cultivation realm, noting the emblem on their vambraces, which resembles the one on the Holy Night Guardians, an invention by the Yuheng Elder of Sisheng Peak.
The deckhands speculate about the Yuheng Elder's power compared to their own sect leader, Jiang. Mo Ran, though unable to fully understand their dialect, notices that Chu Wanning comprehends the conversation.
Chu Wanning feels comforted to hear that his invention, the Holy Night Guardian, is being recognized and used in the common world. This news inspires him to think about future projects, including designing lighter wheelbarrows to further benefit people.
After breakfast, the group departs quickly and reaches their next destination, the foot of a new location, within a few hours.
Chapter 61: This Venerable One Is Really Great?
Mo Ran and Xue Meng meet a dignified young man who introduces himself as Ye Wangxi from Rufeng Sect. Ye Wangxi carries himself with a composed and dignified demeanor, his eyes shining like scattered starlight.
Xue Meng, who has a reputation for being unruly and lacking in manners, asks Ye Wangxi’s name without using honorifics and questions his reputation. His comment about Ye Wangxi not being well-known reflects his usual disregard for social etiquette.
Mo Ran, recognizing Ye Wangxi’s significant status and future potential, discreetly tugs at Xue Meng’s sleeve to signal him to be more respectful. Mo Ran introduces himself and Xue Meng, downplaying Xue Meng’s rudeness by calling him his “ill-mannered little brother.”
Despite Xue Meng’s rudeness, Ye Wangxi remains calm and polite, addressing Mo Ran and Xue Meng without showing any sign of offense. He responds courteously and continues the conversation without escalating the situation.
Mo Ran is aware of Ye Wangxi’s future prominence. In their previous lifetime, Ye Wangxi was known to be an exceptional talent, second only to Chu Wanning in the cultivation world. Mo Ran’s respectful behavior is driven by his recognition of Ye Wangxi’s significant status and abilities.
Xue Meng reacts strongly to being called Mo Ran’s “little brother” and expresses his annoyance, further highlighting his rebellious nature. Mo Ran continues to manage the situation diplomatically, emphasizing that Ye Wangxi should not be troubled by Xue Meng’s attitude.
Chapter 62: This Venerable One Arrives at Ancient Lin’an
The rigorous daily training schedule begins before dawn. Mo Ran's favorite part is feather-gathering in the Ancestral Abyss, where they collect golden feathers. Following this, the group meditates in Zhurong Cave, using the cave’s yang energy to temper their inner spiritual energy. They then practice demon suppression with the feathered tribe and engage in practice matches at Asura Arena. The day concludes with lectures on The Demon Compendium and The Art of Exorcism at Stargazing Cliffs.
Mo Ran prioritizes helping Shi Mei, who struggles with qinggong and might not have enough to eat. Mo Ran ensures Shi Mei receives half of his harvested feathers daily, highlighting his concern and support for his friend.
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning grow closer during this period. They engage in various activities together, including Chu Wanning playing tunes on a leaf while Mo Ran listens, and Chu Wanning feeding fish while Mo Ran holds an umbrella. Their growing bond is evident as they spend time together in different settings.
When it rains, Mo Ran and Chu Wanning walk along a limestone footpath under an oil-paper umbrella. Mo Ran shows care by carrying Chu Wanning on his back when rainwater accumulates, with Chu Wanning clinging quietly to him. This act of kindness demonstrates Mo Ran’s protective and affectionate nature towards Chu Wanning.
The routine of daily training and interactions becomes a significant part of Mo Ran’s and Chu Wanning’s lives, reflecting their growing friendship and the structured, disciplined environment they are part of.
The chapter showcases Mo Ran’s personal growth and his evolving relationship with Chu Wanning, indicating a deepening of their bond amidst the demanding training and routine of Peach Blossom Springs.
Chapter 63: This Venerable One Sees...Whom?!
Lin’an City is portrayed as being deeply embroiled in war, with blood congealed on the ground, crumbled walls, ruined houses, and withered greenery suffocated by the miasma of malicious ghosts.
Mo Ran is initially disoriented by the scene of devastation. He sees fresh entrails hanging from a pagoda tree, with crows feeding on them. Beneath the tree, a middle-aged man's corpse lies with his stomach torn open and his eyeballs pecked away.
Despite his past life’s revelry in bloodshed, Mo Ran now feels an unexpected sense of sympathy upon witnessing such scenes. He reflects on whether his true nature has changed, as he had once enjoyed causing similar devastation.
Mo Ran hears the sound of galloping hooves and sees a dust cloud approaching, indicating the arrival of riders in the war-torn area. He instinctively pulls Chu Wanning behind him, but they find no place to hide.
The riders, numbering about a dozen, appear in a uniform style: white attire with bright red patterns, helmets adorned with feathers, and circlets of entwined dragons. Their horses are thin and starved, but the riders themselves remain spirited despite their grim appearance.
The riders’ attire and equipment are stained yet neat, and their determination and spirit stand out in the dire circumstances.
Chapter 64: This Venerable One Tells Shidi a Story
Mo Ran sees a small child, about three or four years old, approaching from the stone steps of the residence. The child is holding a bamboo pinwheel, dressed simply with a jade pendant, a lock of entrusted name for good fortune, and a red silk protection amulet.
The child resembles Mo Ran’s little shidi in appearance, prompting Mo Ran to speculate that the Chu family from two hundred years ago might be related to Chu Wanning and that they could be distant relatives.
Chu Wanning, who has always been uncertain about his origins and childhood, ponders the possibility that this Chu-gongzi could be his ancestor.
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning approach the front of the line, where Chu-gongzi is about to hand Mo Ran a talisman. Chu-gongzi looks up and notices Mo Ran, displaying a gentle and refined demeanor.
Chu Xun, the governor's son, introduces himself with a warm and friendly smile, in stark contrast to Chu Wanning’s usual severity. He inquires about Mo Ran's origins.
Mo Ran, feeling unsettled by the resemblance and Chu Xun’s penetrating gaze, responds awkwardly, stating he is from Sichuan.
Chu Xun acknowledges the distance with a smile but shifts his attention toward Chu Wanning, suggesting he may be assessing the situation or making a connection with Chu Wanning.
Chapter 65: This Venerable One’s Story Is Super Bad
Mo Ran starts a story about a poor child who works for a landlord, performing various laborious tasks and receiving minimal sustenance.
The child is given only three pieces of flatbread each day, which he is grateful for, despite the hard work and poor conditions.
While taking the ox out to graze, the child encounters a mad dog that bites the ox's leg. The landlord, enraged, beats the child and demands that he kill the dog to make up for the injury.
The child, fearing for his safety and livelihood, kills the dog and returns with it, only to discover that the dog was the favorite pet of the county master.
The landlord, knowing the county master’s influence, is terrified of the repercussions and decides not to give the child his flatbread. He also threatens to turn the child over to the county master if needed.
Chu Wanning, who has been listening to the story with his eyes closed, finds the story unreasonable and expresses his frustration.
Mo Ran explains that such situations are often dictated by power and influence, reflecting on the unfairness of the world.
Mo Ran continues the story, but Chu Wanning becomes increasingly disinterested and frustrated with the narrative.
Chapter 66: This Venerable One Sees the Heavenly Rift for the First Time
On the second day, Lin'an City remains quiet. Chu Xun organizes a meticulous evacuation plan, ensuring that the number of straw men used as decoys matches the population. The citizens are preparing to flee to Putuo, following Chu Xun's instructions.
Mo Ran observes the scene from the governor’s residence gate and comments on the effectiveness of Chu Xun’s strategy. He speculates that the plan would only fail if someone had leaked information to the ghosts, implying the need for a potential betrayal.
Mo Ran realizes that Chu Wanning (his shidi) is missing and looks for him. He finds Chu Wanning having wandered off to watch a group of riders preparing for departure.
Mo Ran encounters Chu Xun’s young son, who is sitting alone and looking dejected. The boy, holding a kite stuck in a tree, asks Mo Ran for help retrieving it.
Mo Ran uses his qinggong to climb the tree, retrieve the kite, and return it to the child. The boy thanks him and seems pleased.
Mo Ran takes the opportunity to ask about the boy’s mother. The child reveals that she is in the mountains behind the city, always resting there and only visited during the spring bloom.
Mo Ran is intrigued and puzzled by this information. He reflects on how Chu Xun, being so preoccupied with the evacuation and the city's safety, may not have the chance to tend to his family.
The boy’s simple and innocent responses make Mo Ran contemplate the personal sacrifices and hidden aspects of Chu Xun’s life amidst the turmoil of war.
Mo Ran is left with a sense of unease and curiosity about the situation of Chu Xun’s family and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his wife's extended rest in the mountains.
Chapter 67: This Venerable One’s Heartfelt Anguish
The City God Temple stands at the boundary of Chu Xun’s protective barrier, with the barrier stopping at the temple's stairs.
Inside the temple, the scene is grim. Flickering candles cast weak light over a dozen ghosts with corporeal forms, who are lined up on either side of the temple. A woman dressed in red is tied up and facing away from the onlookers, staring up at a statue on the altar.
Xiaoman is present, holding Chu Xun’s young son, Chu Lan, who is visibly distressed. Mo Ran, witnessing this disturbing sight, feels a surge of anxiety and moves to intervene but is stopped by Chu Wanning.
Chu Wanning warns Mo Ran that the ghosts are already dead, and the current scene is an illusion. He advises Mo Ran to avoid getting involved to prevent personal harm.
Chu Xun, desperate and anguished, calls out for his son, pleading for him to be released. He is visibly distraught and confused, demanding Xiaoman let Chu Lan go.
Xiaoman, holding Chu Lan tightly, shows signs of inner conflict. His trembling hands and visible veins suggest his reluctance despite his outward appearance of composure.
Observers from the governor’s residence, having arrived at the scene, react with shock and anger at the sight. They are appalled by the situation involving Chu Xun’s son.
Xiaoman cuts the ropes binding the red-robed woman, who slowly turns around. She is revealed to be beautiful and elegant, but her face is unsettling, hinting at the true horror behind the scene.
Chapter 68: This Venerable One Can’t Bear It
Chu Lan's death and the illusion continue to plague the survivors.
The survivors, still in shock, prepare to leave for Putuo Mountain with the dawn approaching.
Chu Xun, deeply affected by the loss of his family, appears emotionally numb and detached.
The people of Lin’an express concern about Chu Xun’s state and the feasibility of their escape plan.
Mo Ran observes the anxiety and genuine sympathy among some survivors for Chu Xun.
The ghost king's voice interrupts the night, addressing not Chu Xun but the entire city, casting doubt on their escape plan.
The ghost king warns that reaching Putuo Mountain in one day is impossible and questions Chu Xun’s ability to protect them.
The ghost king's taunts and threats instill fear in the survivors, causing distress and panic among the children and adults alike.
Chu Xun stands apart, ignoring the ghost king's provocations and remaining stoic.
The ghost king denounces human nature as inherently vile, suggesting that Chu Xun’s apparent kindness is only a facade.
Survivors face mounting fear and uncertainty as they prepare for the journey to Putuo Mountain, with doubts about their safety and reliance on Chu Xun.
The city remains in turmoil as the survivors await the final moments before their departure, grappling with both their loss and the ominous threats from the ghost king.
Chapter 69: This Venerable One Will Learn From You, Heh Heh
Mo Ran reflects on the differences between Chu Xun and Chu Wanning, noting the disparity between the scars they bear.
He reassures himself that Chu Xun and Chu Wanning are not the same person, despite their similarities in appearance and principles.
Mo Ran feels a sense of relief, considering the emotional strain he would experience if Chu Xun were actually Chu Wanning.
The chaos in Lin’an without Chu Xun’s protection becomes evident as night falls.
The ghost king’s threats prove true: the city is engulfed in violence and horror.
Blood fills the moat, and the sounds of suffering and zombie attacks permeate the night.
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning take refuge in a dilapidated house, having carefully secured it.
The interior of the house is covered in dust, indicating it has been abandoned for some time.
From their hiding spot, Mo Ran and Chu Wanning witness the ongoing destruction and hear the disturbing sounds of the city under siege.
Chapter 70: This Venerable One Returns
Chu Wanning proves he is not easily threatened by effortlessly defending himself against Xiaoman's attack.
Xiaoman’s hands are severed, and he retreats in pain and shock, revealing Chu Wanning’s formidable skill.
Chu Wanning, visibly enraged and pale, is initially speechless but eventually reassures Mo Ran that he is not injured and prefers to handle himself.
Mo Ran is impressed by Chu Wanning’s skills and offers to help, but Chu Wanning insists on contributing from the sidelines and provides pointers on weapons.
Chu Wanning’s sincerity and skill are evident, and he asks Mo Ran to trust him, albeit in a somewhat endearing manner.
Mo Ran is momentarily flustered by Chu Wanning’s unexpected cuteness, leading him to bury his face in his hands, reflecting on the situation.
Chapter 71: This Venerable One’s Been Framed
Mo Ran is shocked to find that the weapon responsible for Eighteen’s death resembles his own weapon, Jiangui, raising suspicions of a duplicate or frame-up.
As Mo Ran is contemplating this, Chu Wanning arrives and warns him to put Jiangui away, but it’s too late.
A crowd of feathered tribe members and cultivators from various sects, including Xue Meng, Ye Wangxi, and Shi Mei, arrives at the cave.
They find Eighteen murdered, with Mo Ran and a child appearing battered. Mo Ran, covered in blood and holding Jiangui, is surrounded by the chaotic scene.
The crowd erupts in accusations, calling Mo Ran a murderer and expressing outrage and panic.
Mo Ran is overwhelmed by the situation and begins to doubt his own reality, feeling as if the nightmare of Lin’an’s bloodshed from two hundred years ago is repeating itself.
In his confusion and desperation, Mo Ran attempts to explain that he is not responsible, but the situation continues to spiral out of control.
Chapter 72: This Venerable One Stews Soup
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning are locked up in a cave for the night, trying to pass the time. Chu Wanning remains calm and composed, while Mo Ran is restless and bored.
Mo Ran, unable to settle down, repeatedly complains about being bored and suggests various activities, but Chu Wanning is indifferent and suggests sleeping.
Mo Ran persistently tries to engage Chu Wanning by tugging at his cheeks and asking him to play. Chu Wanning initially ignores him but eventually responds out of frustration.
Mo Ran introduces Chu Wanning to the game of cat’s cradle, which he learned from his sisters. He explains the game and demonstrates how to play with the string.
Although Chu Wanning is grumpy and reluctant, he sits up and attempts to learn the game from Mo Ran, who patiently guides him through the instructions.
Despite the tense situation, the interaction between Mo Ran and Chu Wanning offers a brief moment of lightheartedness, contrasting with their otherwise grim circumstances. The chapter ends with them engaging in the game, adding a touch of normalcy to their confinement.
Chapter 73: This Venerable One Is Confused
Mo Ran encounters Xue Meng for the first time since his detention. He greets Xue Meng with a smile, remembering Xue Meng's earlier defense of him.
Xue Meng reacts with shock and disgust at Mo Ran's smile, expressing his displeasure with a contemptuous attitude. He questions what there is to smile about and criticizes Mo Ran.
Mo Ran is taken aback by Xue Meng’s reaction and is momentarily at a loss for words. Shi Mei, sensing the tension, tries to lighten the mood by addressing Xue Meng and asking who has annoyed him.
Xue Meng vents his frustration, using a series of strong and negative adjectives. He is particularly enraged by Da-shixiong, whom he curses vehemently.
Mo Ran and Shi Mei listen as Xue Meng continues his tirade against Da-shixiong, displaying his anger in graphic terms.
Shi Mei interrupts Xue Meng's rant when she notices a group of lady cultivators who admire Da-shixiong approaching. Xue Meng, alarmed by their presence, quickly retreats, showing a mix of disdain and fear.
Chapter 74: This Venerable One’s Fault
Mo Ran is initially dumbstruck and embarrassed when he realizes he is holding a handkerchief with a haitang flower sewn on it, but he can't remember why he has it. He frantically searches for an explanation.
After a moment of panic, Mo Ran recalls that the handkerchief belongs to Xia-shidi, not Shizun. He takes it from Shi Mei, apologizing for the confusion.
Shi Mei is silent and hasn't expressed any desire for the handkerchief. Mo Ran explains that he must have mistakenly taken Xia-shidi’s handkerchief from the drying rack, feeling relieved that he didn’t mistakenly take Shizun’s possession.
Shi Mei, maintaining a calm demeanor, acknowledges the situation and suggests they go pick up Xia-shidi.
As they head towards the cave, Shi Mei begins to slow down and stumbles on a rock. Mo Ran catches him and notices Shi Mei’s pale complexion.
Shi Mei downplays his condition, attributing it to not eating much for lunch and feeling faint. Despite his reassurances, Mo Ran grows increasingly concerned about Shi Mei’s well-being.
Chapter 75: This Venerable One Is Illiterate, Deal With It
The crowd becomes increasingly agitated, staring at Jiangui and the bloody willow vines wrapped around the murdered victims. Accusations of cruelty and calls for Mo Ran's execution fill the air.
The Elder Immortal questions Mo Ran about the murders. Despite his denial, she remains unmoved and instructs her followers to seize him.
Shi Mei emerges from his room to find Mo Ran being restrained with magical bindings and immortal-binding rope by high-level members of the feathered tribe. Shi Mei is shocked and distressed by the sight.
Shi Mei asks Mo Ran what happened. Mo Ran advises him to stay calm and go find Uncle Xue Zhengyong and the Xuanji Elder to help resolve the situation.
Shi Mei leaves to seek assistance, while Mo Ran stands alone, facing the angry crowd. He remains composed despite the hostile environment.
In the midst of the chaos, someone from the crowd spits at Mo Ran.
Chapter 76: This Venerable One Meets That Guy Again
Chu Wanning, who isn’t one for overly sentimental gestures, dismisses Mo Ran’s question as trivial. He uses a wind spell to send off a haitang flower for scouting.
The flower returns with a golden amulet indicating the location of the Ancestral Abyss. Chu Wanning and Mo Ran prepare to investigate this location.
The Ancestral Abyss is known for its dangerous fiery depths, and Chu Wanning casts a concealment barrier to avoid detection by the feathered tribe as they approach.
At the abyss, they see an eerie red light and a cliffside densely packed with sleeping owls. Chu Wanning theorizes that the stories of dangerous flames might be exaggerated.
Mo Ran questions the reality of the danger, but Chu Wanning decides to test it by throwing something in. Instead of a rabbit, Chu Wanning retrieves a branch of peach blossoms.
By throwing the delicate peach blossoms into the abyss, Chu Wanning aims to confirm that the supposed "fierce flames" are not actually hazardous if the blossoms survive.
Chapter 77: This Venerable One Feels Very Awkward
Chu Wanning and Mo Ran have been traveling extensively and decide to rest at an inn in a small town.
After several days of hasty travel, Chu Wanning sits alone in his room, examining a porcelain bottle containing golden pills. These pills are a new medication from Tanlang that allows Chu Wanning to regain his adult form for seven days. He reflects on Tanlang's warning that intense emotions might affect the medication’s effectiveness.
Mo Ran, having just bathed, enters Chu Wanning's room in a bathrobe, and asks if he can sleep on Chu Wanning's floor for the night. Mo Ran expresses dissatisfaction with his own room but is vague about the reason.
Chu Wanning, who is caught off guard and tries to maintain his composure, notices Mo Ran’s discomfort but is unsure of the exact cause.
Chapter 78: This Venerable One’s Shizun Has a Nightmare
Chu Wanning and Mo Ran spend the night at an inn. Mo Ran, exhausted, quickly falls asleep on the floor, while Chu Wanning struggles with restless thoughts before finally falling into a troubled slumber.
Chu Wanning’s dream begins with him kneeling in the snow during a bleak winter day. The sky is overcast and heavy with clouds, casting a gray pallor over the land.
The snow has accumulated past Chu Wanning's ankles, and despite the thick sky-blue cloak lined with fur that he wears, the cold still penetrates.
Chu Wanning notices the intricate silver thread patterns on the cloak, which feels familiar but he can’t quite place.
Despite his efforts to move, Chu Wanning finds himself unable to rise. His body feels unresponsive and heavy, even as snow accumulates on his shoulders and ice forms on his eyelashes.
An elderly voice speaks from behind him, identifying itself as Liu-gong. The voice expresses concern that His Imperial Majesty won’t see Chu Wanning today and suggests they return to the pavilion.
Chu Wanning, still kneeling and unable to turn around, responds with a weary and resolute tone. He thanks Liu-gong and insists that he will stay in the snow, dismissing the concern.
Liu-gong, a figure of considerable age and apparent loyalty, offers to keep Chu Wanning company despite his protests. The voice is filled with concern and reluctance.
As Liu-gong walks away, the sound of crunching snow signifies his departure. However, he soon returns, holding an umbrella over Chu Wanning's head to shield him from the falling snow.
Chu Wanning feels a mix of gratitude and sadness, recognizing the depth of Liu-gong’s loyalty and the burden of his own isolation and duty.
The dream emphasizes Chu Wanning’s inner conflict and sense of responsibility. The snow, the cold, and the unyielding position highlight his feelings of loneliness and the weight of his commitments.
The dream sequence concludes with Chu Wanning’s continued kneeling in the snow, a poignant reminder of his past trials and the sacrifices made in the name of duty and honor.
Chapter 79: This Venerable One’s Shizun Is an Actor
Mo Ran, familiar with Chu Wanning’s character, is initially skeptical about the claim that Chu Wanning’s son is Xia Sini. Despite his doubts, Mo Ran decides to play along with Chu Wanning’s game, feigning surprise and disbelief with exaggerated responses like, “Oh heavens,” and “I can’t believe Shizun is actually a playboy.”
Mo Ran finds the situation amusing and entertaining, though he remains unclear about Chu Wanning’s true intentions. He continues to tease Chu Wanning, enjoying the playful dynamic between them.
At a teahouse, Mo Ran takes the opportunity to poke fun at Chu Wanning. He playfully questions Chu Wanning about why he won’t acknowledge Xia-shidi as his child, to which Chu Wanning responds that the timing isn’t right and it depends on Xia-shidi himself.
Chu Wanning’s serious and enigmatic answers only add to Mo Ran’s amusement. Mo Ran struggles to maintain a straight face and expresses mock pity for Xia-shidi.
While traveling on horseback, Mo Ran snaps a willow branch to distract himself and continues his playful questioning. He asks Chu Wanning about Shiniang (Xia Sini’s mother), specifically inquiring if she is pretty.
Chu Wanning, caught off guard by the question, chokes on his response and hastily clears his throat. He downplays Shiniang’s appearance, saying she is “all right,” which surprises Mo Ran. Mo Ran had expected someone who could catch Chu Wanning’s eye to be more impressive.
Chu Wanning’s discomfort and attempts to handle Mo Ran’s probing questions contribute to the chapter’s humorous tone, showcasing their dynamic relationship and Chu Wanning’s struggle to maintain his composure under Mo Ran’s relentless teasing.
Chapter 80: This Venerable One’s Ex-Wife... Is Here
The chapter opens with Ye Wangxi, who had previously stayed with Mo Ran at Peach Blossom Springs, making a grand entrance. He is dressed in the colors of Rufeng Sect, wearing a blue cloak with silver crane embroidery, and a silver incense bell hangs at his waist. His attire and demeanor reflect a blend of refined elegance and heroism.
Ye Wangxi is greeted by Xuanyuan Pavilion’s chief steward, who shows deference to him. The steward informs Ye Wangxi that a booth has been reserved for Rufeng Sect, and Ye Wangxi is led to the upper floors of the pavilion.
As Ye Wangxi and his entourage ascend to the upper floors, the remaining guests in the hall begin to whisper among themselves, curious about the new arrival. They speculate about the identity and significance of Ye Wangxi.
Mo Ran, observing the situation, questions Chu Wanning about Ye Wangxi, wondering if he is familiar to him. Chu Wanning admits that Ye Wangxi looks familiar but cannot recall where he has seen him before.
Mo Ran provides additional context, mentioning that Ye Wangxi had stayed in the same residence as him at Peach Blossom Springs and noting Ye Wangxi’s respectable abilities. Mo Ran also speculates that Ye Wangxi’s status within Rufeng Sect must be significant if he was chosen to represent the sect.
Chu Wanning explains that Rufeng Sect comprises seventy-two cities, and thus, it is possible for him to be unfamiliar with every member of the sect, despite the fact that Ye Wangxi appears to be someone of importance.
The chapter builds intrigue around Ye Wangxi’s identity and his role within Rufeng Sect, while also highlighting Mo Ran’s curiosity and Chu Wanning’s struggle to place him.
Chapter 81: This Venerable One’s Bugui!
Ye Wangxi arrives at Xuanyuan Pavilion dressed in Rufeng Sect colors, wearing a blue cloak embroidered with a crane and a silver incense bell hanging from his waist. His appearance is refined and elegant compared to his usual valiant heroism.
The chief steward of Xuanyuan Pavilion greets Ye Wangxi and leads him to a reserved booth on the upper floors. The crowd below observes and whispers about Ye Wangxi’s identity and purpose.
Mo Ran, who is with Chu Wanning, notices Ye Wangxi and expresses curiosity about his identity and role. Mo Ran reflects on Ye Wangxi’s previous stay at Peach Blossom Springs and questions whether Chu Wanning knows him.
Chu Wanning admits that Ye Wangxi seems familiar but cannot recall the details. He is intrigued but remains uncertain about Ye Wangxi's background.
The Second Pavilion Master announces the starting bid for an item at ten million gold. The bidding quickly becomes competitive, with several participants raising the stakes.
The bids rise rapidly as participants place increasingly higher amounts. The crowd reacts with surprise and excitement as the bids reach notable figures.
Ye Wangxi places a bid that dramatically increases the price. The bid of twenty-five million gold causes several bidders to withdraw, and the atmosphere becomes tense.
The Xuan booth on the second floor places a staggering bid of thirty-five million gold. The pavilion master announces this bid, causing gasps and speculation among the audience about the bidder’s identity and the source of their wealth.
The crowd is astonished by the high bid, with many commenting on the excessive amount and speculating that the bidder must be affiliated with one of the ten great sects. The high stakes and financial power on display add to the drama.
Chu Wanning inquires whether Mo Ran has sufficient funds for the auction. Mo Ran, who is shocked by the high bid and the unexpected appearance of Song Qiutong, realizes that he is financially unprepared for the competition.
Mo Ran expresses his concerns about the…
Chapter 82: This Venerable One Can’t Believe It
The scene opens outside the Fragrance Inn on Rainbell Isle, where the innkeeper, adorned with pearl bracelets and munching on fried melon seeds, waits for the auction to end. The innkeeper is adept at reading her guests' needs and expects a quiet day with limited business since many cultivators would not be staying overnight.
As the auction nears its end, the innkeeper prepares for a potential influx of customers by instructing her waiter to clean the tables and prepare extra melon seeds for the evening.
A black-and-white silhouette approaches quickly, and as it nears, the innkeeper realizes it is a handsome cultivator dressed in black, urgently carrying someone in his arms. The cultivator bursts into the inn in a state of panic.
The cultivator, Mo Ran, demands a room in a frantic and aggressive manner. His abrupt and intense behavior catches the staff off guard, leading to confusion among the inn’s workers.
Mo Ran’s shouting and urgency cause the waiter to be momentarily stunned and unsure how to respond. He is overwhelmed by the unexpected situation and Mo Ran's demanding presence.
A young woman’s voice emerges from behind Mo Ran, apologetic and soothing. She attempts to calm the situation and address Mo Ran’s needs. The woman’s demeanor contrasts with Mo Ran’s agitation, and her voice is described as difficult to stay angry at.
Mo Ran’s actions and the arrival of the young woman add a dramatic and urgent tone to the scene, setting up a situation that promises further developments.
Chapter 83: This Venerable One Wants You
The chapter opens with Mo Ran in a state of intense agitation. He is overwhelmed by a mix of rage and desperation as he tightly grips Chu Wanning’s throat, trying to extract a response.
Mo Ran’s mind is in turmoil, and he fears that if Chu Wanning were to complete a specific phrase—particularly, if he were to say “in life or in death”—it would confirm his worst fears. The gravity of the situation is evident in Mo Ran’s violent reaction.
Chu Wanning, unable to breathe properly, suffers from the intense pressure Mo Ran is applying. His face turns red, and he grows weaker as he struggles against Mo Ran's grip.
Mo Ran eventually regains a semblance of control and releases Chu Wanning. Chu Wanning collapses onto the bed, and the visible bruises on his neck make Mo Ran realize the severity of his actions.
Overcome with guilt and confusion, Mo Ran tries to speak but is unable to find the right words. He stumbles through attempts to call out to Chu Wanning, eventually uttering a strained “You.”
Mo Ran reflects on recent events, struggling to reconcile his feelings. He recalls that Chu Wanning had never acted strangely in this lifetime and questions why he would have spoken as he did.
Mo Ran is haunted by the dying words Chu Wanning had spoken in a past life: “It was I who wronged you.” He grapples with the notion that these words might have been genuine and questions whether Chu Wanning’s compassionate sentiments were sincere or merely a means to an end.
Mo Ran had never believed that Chu Wanning could truly admit to his wrongdoings or show genuine compassion. This disbelief is compounded by his conviction that Chu Wanning had always looked down on him and never treated him with honesty.
Despite these reflections, Mo Ran still feels no regret about his actions. He turns away slowly, wrestling with his conflicting emotions and the painful realization that he might have been wrong about Chu Wanning’s true feelings.
Chapter 84: This Venerable One Stole a Kiss and You Don’t Even Know
Chu Wanning wakes up to find Mo Ran lost in thought at the table. Mo Ran is staring blankly, his gaze vacant as he rests his cheek in his hand, illuminated by the flickering candlelight.
Chu Wanning tries to get up but finds he lacks the strength. He watches Mo Ran silently, who remains unaware that Chu Wanning has regained consciousness.
Chu Wanning reflects on the shocking revelation that Mo Ran has learned about Xia Sini potentially being Chu Wanning’s child. He questions how such a thing could be true, given his aloof and particular nature. The thought of him having a child, especially in their past life, seems improbable.
Mo Ran struggles with confusion and frustration over the situation. He bangs his head against the table and groans in despair, overwhelmed by the complexity of the situation and his inability to make sense of it.
Chu Wanning, still observing, notices Mo Ran's distress and calls out to him with a soothing but slightly hoarse voice. Mo Ran is startled and quickly stands, moving towards Chu Wanning’s bed.
Mo Ran sees a small tear on Chu Wanning’s lower lip and recalls his loss of control the previous night. Embarrassed and flustered, Mo Ran's face turns red as he remembers his actions.
The chapter delves into the emotional and psychological turmoil both characters are experiencing. Chu Wanning grapples with the implications of Mo Ran’s shock and his own past actions, while Mo Ran is consumed by confusion and regret over the situation and his own behavior.
Chapter 85: This Venerable One Isn’t Someone You Can Simply Get Rid of with a Mere Fifteen Hundred Gold
The innkeeper's apologetic voice is heard as she tries to placate a demanding guest. She suggests that they cannot simply evict all guests but offers a private room, the Returning Fog Pavilion, as a solution for the wealthy guest.
The guest responds angrily, overturning tables and chairs in frustration. He dismisses the innkeeper’s offer and insists on paying fifteen hundred gold to have the other guests removed immediately, deriding the names of the offered rooms.
The innkeeper tries to placate him further, offering a smaller but elegant room with added entertainment for free, but the guest is insistent.
Mo Ran finds the situation amusing, noting that fifteen hundred gold is a trivial amount to him compared to his past wealth. He laughs and comments to Chu Wanning about the guest's misguided belief that he could simply get rid of them with such a sum.
Chu Wanning, intrigued, lifts the bamboo curtain to see what is happening downstairs and witnesses the commotion. The guest's aggressive behavior and the innkeeper's attempts to accommodate him provide a stark contrast to Mo Ran’s nonchalant demeanor.
Chapter 86: This Venerable One’s Ex-Wife Isn’t Low-Maintenance
Ye Wangxi appears visibly taken aback but maintains his composure when confronted by Nangong Si. He clarifies that he is at Xuanyuan Pavilion on the sect leader's orders to purchase an item, not to follow Nangong Si.
Mo Ran and Chu Wanning realize that Ye Wangxi is there for the holy weapon, leading to a mutual understanding between them.
Nangong Si is upset and feels overshadowed by Ye Wangxi’s presence. He questions why Ye Wangxi is tasked with retrieving items instead of him, implying that Nangong Si is capable of handling such tasks himself.
Ye Wangxi calmly explains that he is calling Nangong Si “A-Si” because it was instructed by the sect leader, not out of personal disrespect. He suggests that Nangong Si should address any grievances with his father rather than taking it out on him.
Nangong Si reacts angrily, accusing Ye Wangxi of being overly familiar and not knowing his place. He asserts that despite any pretense, Ye Wangxi will never be his equal due to their different social standings.
Ye Wangxi responds with quiet humility, acknowledging the disparity between them but not aspiring to be Nangong Si’s equal. His demeanor shows a mixture of restraint and underlying emotion.
Nangong Si seems somewhat mollified by Ye Wangxi's respectful response and drinks from his jar of wine. The scene highlights the tension and complex dynamics between the characters, particularly the class distinctions and personal grievances.
Chapter 87: This Venerable One Doesn’t Want You to Take Any More Disciples
The little dragon, Zhu Jiuyin, returns swiftly and triumphantly from outside, excitedly announcing that it has detected numerous magical traces in the inn.
Mo Ran playfully interacts with the dragon, teasing it about its paper-like nature and imaginary traits. The dragon, whose tail is made of paper, playfully smacks Mo Ran’s hand, which only tickles him.
The dragon insists on its grandeur and announces itself as the Dragon of the Candle, rejecting the term "paper" and asserting its mythical status. It identifies itself as Zhu Jiuyin, declaring its impressive capabilities.
Mo Ran finds the dragon's grandiose claims amusing and humorously pretends not to understand, further irritating the dragon.
Zhu Jiuyin becomes increasingly agitated, performing dramatic gestures and even bumping into a candlestick. The resulting flicker of the flame causes Mo Ran to steady the candle, but the dragon, in a fit of frustration, bites Mo Ran’s hand.
Mo Ran nonchalantly picks up the dragon by its tail and throws it onto Chu Wanning’s robes. The dragon, annoyed, tries to complain to Chu Wanning about being mistreated by Mo Ran.
Chu Wanning, uninterested in the dragon’s antics, disregards its complaints and focuses on other matters. The scene underscores the playful and comedic interactions among the characters, highlighting the lighthearted side of their relationships.
Chapter 88: This Venerable One Meets Another One Reborn
Mo Ran’s attention is drawn to a mysterious figure appearing at the end of the hall. The figure is clad in a floor-length, gold-patterned black cloak and a black silk curtain conceals his face. He holds a narrow, black blade, Bugui.
The cloaked figure speaks coolly, revealing that he knows Mo Ran’s identity, though his own remains unknown. His voice is distorted, adding to the sense of foreboding.
Mo Ran tries to stay composed and questions the figure's intentions, identifying himself merely as a disciple of Sisheng Peak.
The figure then reveals knowledge of Mo Ran's past life as Taxian-jun, the Emperor of the Mortal Realm, who was infamous for his brutality and betrayal. He describes Mo Ran's past deeds, including the slaughter of his teacher, family, and countless others, and his ultimate fall from grace.
The figure identifies Mo Ran as Mo Weiyu, a name associated with extreme evil and deserving of suffering, further heightening Mo Ran’s agitation.
Mo Ran’s composure shatters as he is overwhelmed by the figure's accusations and the resurfacing of his past sins. His demeanor shifts from youthful to a ruthless, fiendish glare, ready to confront the mysterious figure aggressively.
The chapter ends with Mo Ran on the verge of attacking the figure, driven by rage and a sense of being provoked by his past sins and current identity.
Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / Remnants of Filth: Yuwu
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / Guardian: Zhen Hun
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish: Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish: Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish: Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong
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Danmei Recap Home / Sevenseas Menu / The Disabled Tyrant’s Beloved Pet Fish: Canji Baojun De Zhangxin Yu Chong
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