The Immortal Ascension Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Immortal Ascension Synopsis
Han Li, a poor boy from a mountain village, accidentally stumbled onto the path of cultivation. As he progressed step by step toward success, he remained true to his humble origins, relying on his own strength and resilience. Despite frequent exclusion and schemes against him due to his ordinary background and mediocre aptitude, Han Li never thought of giving up. Instead, through perseverance and wisdom, he continuously advanced. In the end, Han Li triumphed over the demonic sects, broke through all obstacles, and successfully passed through the teleportation formation to a new continent, embarking on fresh adventures and challenges.
The Immortal Ascension Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Han Li, now a Core Formation Mid-Stage cultivator, initiated a hunt against a formidable Tier Six Demon Beast. He engaged the beast, striking it with his sword before unleashing his "Four Symbols: Black Tortoise Formation." After defeating the creature, he examined its inner core, noting its good quality. He then reflected that his journey into the world of cultivation began two hundred years ago, all because of a single flatbread and three bowls of borrowed flour.
Two centuries prior, in Wuligou Village, Qingniu Town, a young Han Li, then known as Er Lengzi, was awakened by his sister, who urged him to return home for fresh flatbreads. Han Li was astonished, wondering where the flour had come from, and learned that his father had borrowed it from Sixth Uncle and Madam Zheng.
His family, generations of farmers, relied on his Third Uncle, an outer disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, who was the most respected man in their village. His best friend, Zhang Tie, a chubby boy, also arrived with flatbreads, explaining that his father had borrowed flour from Uncle Niu to make them. It was a village rule that white flour flatbreads must be eaten before important journeys, even if the flour had to be borrowed.
The critical rule, however, was that borrowed items must always be returned. Han Li, now bearing his official name meaning "standing upright between Heaven and Earth," resolved to pass the Seven Mysteries Sect entrance exam, not only to repay the borrowed flour but also to change his family's destiny. The Seven Mysteries Sect's entrance exam was a grueling hike, with only the first seven participants to reach the summit being admitted.
Li Feiyu, a senior disciple, announced the results: Han Li placed eighth, and Zhang Tie came in ninth, both failing to qualify. As Han Li worried about how they would repay their family’s debt, Zhang Tie suddenly collapsed. Physician Mo, the renowned "divine healer" and savior of Sect Leader Wang, quickly assessed Zhang Tie, remarking that he had consumed too many flatbreads before hiking in the cold.
To Han Li’s surprise, Physician Mo revealed that he was there specifically to select disciples from among those who had failed, and he chose both Han Li and Zhang Tie to accompany him. Physician Mo led the two boys to Shenshou Valley, a place of beauty specially granted to him by Sect Leader Wang for saving his life. Noting their lingering stench, Physician Mo instructed them to bathe, adding "Divine Grass Dew" to their water as a deodorant.
Han Li felt a strange giddiness before both he and Zhang Tie drifted into sleep. Upon waking, Physician Mo explained that ordinary mortals accumulate impurities from the grains they consume, unable to absorb the true essence of Heaven and Earth, which causes their inherent "mortal stench." He stated that the Divine Grass Dew had cleansed them, making them feel refreshed.
Physician Mo then laid down three strict rules for their stay: they must be mindful of all matters in the valley, avoid contact with outsiders, and most importantly, diligently practice the mantra he would impart to them. Failure to adhere to these rules would result in their immediate dismissal. After securing their earnest commitment, Physician Mo offered them a meal, clarifying that the "Chun root" they ate was not merely for sustenance but for cultivation.
He instructed them to rise at dawn, cleanse themselves, and light incense to prepare for learning the mantra. Physician Mo began teaching them the mantra, explaining it was divided into several tiers and promising that mastering the first tier within three months would grant them formal discipleship and a monthly allowance. He sternly warned them against divulging the mantra to outsiders. After some time, Physician Mo assessed their progress.
He was pleased with Han Li’s cultivation, but found Zhang Tie completely unresponsive, dismissing him as "a blockhead," stating he would never be enlightened. Zhang Tie, desperate to stay, tearfully pleaded with Physician Mo, offering to perform any chore, from growing crops to making flatbreads or even washing his feet. Seeing Zhang Tie’s earnestness, Han Li interceded, declaring that if Zhang Tie was forced to leave, he would depart with him. Physician Mo reconsidered, agreeing to let Zhang Tie remain.
He offered to teach Zhang Tie a different technique called "Mammoth Skin," a powerful art that could grant "the power to move mountains" even at its initial stage, but required enduring immense suffering. Zhang Tie, unfazed, readily accepted the challenge. Physician Mo then allowed both boys to stay, instructing Han Li to concentrate solely on his mantra cultivation, while Zhang Tie was tasked with monitoring Han Li’s diligence.
An unseen companion, whom Physician Mo addressed as "Old Ghost," criticized his earlier medicinal preparations, insisting that "common goods" were hindering Han Li’s cultivation. Old Ghost demanded stronger remedies, but Physician Mo dismissed his concerns, claiming to know what he was doing. Soon after, Physician Mo prepared a unique herbal bath for Han Li, filled with "precious herbs," instructing him to soak for four hours and regulate his breathing using the mantra.
Zhang Tie was tasked with maintaining the water’s temperature. As Han Li immersed himself, an overwhelming heat enveloped his body, becoming almost unbearable. Zhang Tie, noticing Han Li's distress, urgently called for Physician Mo. Physician Mo, observing Han Li's intense state, sternly commanded him to persist in his cultivation. Han Li pushed through the pain, successfully breaking through the first tier of the mantra. Physician Mo was visibly pleased, affirming that indeed, the heavier dosage of medicine had proven effective.
He then promised Han Li more potent tonics and even new clothes, something Han Li had never worn before. Over a year passed within Shenshou Valley. Zhang Tie’s cultivation of Mammoth Skin involved countless arduous body-tempering sessions, leaving him constantly covered in cuts and bruises. As Physician Mo had forbidden Han Li from performing mundane tasks, Zhang Tie dutifully handled all the chores, including gathering herbs and cooking.
Han Li resolved to treat Zhang Tie well once they completed their training and left the mountain. Both boys diligently saved their monthly allowances, sending them back to their families in the village. The borrowed flour had long been repaid, and their families now enjoyed an abundance of buns and flatbreads, no longer needing to borrow from neighbors. As Han Li progressed, he broke through the second tier of his mantra cultivation.
True to his word, Physician Mo began teaching Han Li the arts of medicine, including herb refinement, prescription preparation, and acupuncture, imparting all his knowledge without reservation. Han Li’s monthly allowance more than doubled. He noticed that his vision and hearing had sharpened, and his mind had become more agile, confirming the profound effects of the mantra. Han Li continued to gather herbs in the surrounding forests, preparing for his deepening studies in medicine.
During one such outing, he discovered a peculiar small, green vial that shimmered beautifully but proved impossible to open or even damage with a sharp cleaver. He decided to keep it. Later, Han Li shared his philosophical insights regarding the mantra with Physician Mo, suggesting that true inner peace could only be found by accepting the inherent imperfections of the world.
Physician Mo reacted with unexpected anger, immediately confiscating all of Han Li’s books and forbidding him from further reading, demanding he focus exclusively on cultivation. Privately, Physician Mo then confronted Old Ghost, accusing him of allowing Han Li to read, which had led the boy to develop independent thoughts, making him difficult to control. Old Ghost scoffed, reminding Physician Mo that it was his own medical skills that had kept Han Li compliant within the valley.
Han Li, unsettled by Physician Mo’s sudden and unpredictable shift in demeanor, felt a premonition that something ominous was about to occur and resolved to be more guarded about his inner thoughts. The small green vial, Han Li discovered, possessed the remarkable ability to absorb moonlight, glowing faintly as it did so. This confirmed his theory that the vial functioned best in open, unobstructed spaces.
While its full purpose remained a mystery, Han Li felt he was closer to understanding it. One night, as he experimented with the vial, Han Li stumbled upon a clandestine meeting between Wu Yan, a disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, and members of the notorious Wild Wolves Gang. Han Li was aghast to overhear Wu Yan discussing a plot to betray the Seven Mysteries Sect by helping the gang rob a valuable birthday gift intended for King Qin's residence.
Horrified, Han Li planned to report the treachery. Suddenly, Physician Mo appeared, scolding Han Li for venturing outside the valley and involving himself in the trivial conflicts of mortals. He declared that Han Li’s life was infinitely more valuable than the entire Seven Mysteries Sect. Despite Han Li’s attempt to explain Wu Yan’s betrayal, Physician Mo summarily shoved Wu Yan off a cliff.
Physician Mo then ordered Han Li to return to his cultivation and rapidly reach the third tier, sternly warning that Han Li’s life belonged solely to him. Later, a distraught Zhang Tie rushed to Han Li, confirming that a Seven Mysteries Sect disciple had fallen from the mountain. Han Li was deeply disturbed, realizing his master had killed the man and pondering why he had so meticulously concealed his true abilities. Physician Mo, perceiving Han Li's turmoil, warned him that such a restless mind would hinder his cultivation progress, ominously adding that he would always be watching him.
Episode 2 Recap
Zhang Tie found it peculiar that despite living with Mo Juren for so long, they never knew he practiced martial arts. Han Li suggested everyone has secrets, just as they kept the Green Vial a secret from Mo Juren. Zhang Tie insisted Mo Juren treated Han Li like his own son, questioning Han Li's doubts, especially since Zhang Tie endured much pain training Mammoth Skin without complaint. Han Li pointed out Mo Juren had killed someone.
Zhang Tie justified it by explaining that Wu Yan was a member of the Wild Wolves Gang and a traitor to the Seven Mysteries Sect, therefore deserving of death. He also added that Mo Juren had done it to save Han Li. This only made Han Li question further why he was so important, but Zhang Tie emphasized Han Li's importance, reminding him that Mo Juren had taught him healing and reading, surely not to harm him.
Han Li then wondered if he had truly misunderstood Mo Juren. Noting Han Li's lack of progress in cultivation, which he attributed to inefficient herbs, Mo Juren decided to leave the mountain to find better ones. Han Li, concerned for Mo Juren’s health, offered to accompany him, but Mo Juren refused, instructing Zhang Tie to stay and supervise Han Li’s cultivation, warning of punishment if there was no progress upon his return.
For the next year or so, Mo Juren frequently left the valley for months at a time in search of herbs, and life returned to a deceptive calm. Four years later, Han Li discovered Li Feiyu collapsed by a stream. Observing Li Feiyu’s strange condition, Han Li used silver needles to temporarily seal his pressure points and inquired about any medications he had taken. Li Feiyu indicated a pill, which Han Li identified as the Bone Agony Pill.
He recognized it as a red, repugnant concoction made from Helan, Scorpion Flower, Blue Ant Eggs, and about thirty other rare herbs. Han Li explained that while the pill could unlock potential and enhance power, its major drawback was depleting one’s life force with severe side effects, causing excruciating pain and a wish for death. He urged Li Feiyu to stop taking it, estimating he had at most ten years left to live.
However, Li Feiyu insisted, and Han Li administered the pill. Li Feiyu then demanded a reason for Han Li to be spared. Han Li retorted that saving Li Feiyu’s life should be reason enough, admitting he had considered the risk of being silenced but was surprised by Li Feiyu’s quick turn. He swore secrecy, but Li Feiyu dismissed oaths as meaningless.
Han Li then revealed he was Mo Juren’s final disciple, an important fact because he studied medicine under Mo Juren and could alleviate Li Feiyu’s suffering, even if he couldn't save his life. With Li Feiyu’s blade still at his throat, Li Feiyu agreed to trust him, apologizing for his initial aggression and acknowledging the debt he owed Han Li for saving him and keeping his secret.
They agreed to meet at the same spot in three days, where Han Li would provide the medicine. Reflecting on the encounter, Han Li almost regretted his intervention and pondered Li Feiyu's comment about Mo Juren having many disciples, wondering why he had never seen any others. Upon Zhang Tie’s return from gathering wood, he informed Han Li that he had been sitting motionless for an entire day and night, making Zhang Tie think he was dead.
Han Li was surprised by the duration, attributing it to a dream-like trance during his cultivation, and wondered if it was related to the mantra he practiced. He then noticed Mo Juren seemed to have returned. Zhang Tie quickly called for Han Li, exclaiming that Mo Juren was dying. Han Li rushed to Mo Juren, who, disoriented, initially mistook Han Li for "Caihuai" but quickly recognized him.
Mo Juren gripped Han Li tightly, exclaiming that Han Li had ascended to the Third Tier of the Longevity Art. Han Li was surprised, describing his cultivation experience as a dream where a vortex on his stomach absorbed spiritual energy. Mo Juren confirmed it was not a dream but true meditation and inner eye, expressing immense joy and calling Han Li his "child" and "beloved disciple," declaring his hard work had paid off.
Zhang Tie retrieved a white vial from the herb cabinet as instructed by Mo Juren. Han Li felt an unsettling, greedy gaze from Mo Juren, as if he was viewing an object rather than a person. Han Li silently wondered if Mo Juren knew the Bone Agony Pill’s dangers, since even Li Feiyu understood them. After his breakthrough, Han Li met Li Feiyu as agreed, presenting a month’s supply of the Bone Agony Pill.
He explained he needed more time to gather the remaining herbs. Li Feiyu offered to pay, but Han Li declined money and his treasured blade, instead suggesting Li Feiyu owed him a favor, which Li Feiyu accepted, promising to assist Han Li with anything. Han Li then questioned why Li Feiyu took the pills, to which Li Feiyu explained he needed an "edge" to establish himself in the martial arts world.
He admitted that while he once didn't mind sacrificing longevity for immediate gains, he now had regrets but felt it was too late. Han Li pondered what Mo Juren might be striving for, if Li Feiyu sought the present. Later, Zhang Tie brought a pot for Mo Juren, who proposed a toast for the three of them.
Zhang Tie offered a heartfelt toast, expressing gratitude for Mo Juren teaching him Mammoth Skin and other skills, and for clearing his family’s debt, before becoming dizzy from the drink. Mo Juren told Han Li to take Zhang Tie back so he wouldn't have to coddle him. Han Li took Zhang Tie to bed, leaving a note instructing him to leave the mountain immediately and not return if Han Li wasn't back by morning.
Returning to Mo Juren, Han Li was asked to read Mo Juren’s pulse. Han Li found Mo Juren's pulse disorderly, with two energies disrupting his meridians, concluding that he was beyond cure and his days were numbered. Mo Juren acknowledged his own fragile health and decided to be honest with Han Li. He asked Han Li to guess his age, to which Han Li estimated sixty or seventy.
Mo Juren then revealed he was only thirty-seven after the new year, instructing Han Li to ask the third uncle of the Seven Mysteries Sect's outer disciple about "Wondrous Hands, Mo Juren of Lanzhou," confirming that he was indeed Mo Juren. Mo Juren then recounted his past: in his youth, he was an unparalleled healer, capable of curing any illness and removing any toxin.
However, he was harmed by despicable beings, and although his medical knowledge kept him alive, his body remained broken. He confessed that the Bone Agony Pills could only sustain him for another year, but he had found a cure: Han Li. He stated that only Han Li could save him now, implying it was time for Han Li to return the favor. Han Li asked if this was why Mo Juren had chosen him.
Mo Juren clarified that the mantra Han Li practiced had chosen him, as it required great fortune, which even Mo Juren himself lacked. He revealed he had tested dozens of children before Han Li, none of whom succeeded. Without Han Li, he would have accepted his demise, but now he would seize this second chance. He offered Han Li everything in the valley if Han Li cured him. Han Li, though surprised, was accused of regretting his apprenticeship.
Han Li asserted his loyalty and lack of betrayal but questioned why Mo Juren had never mentioned this before. Mo Juren then taught him his sixteen-character life motto: "Hide cleverness with clumsiness, do good with discretion, stay pure in this world of darkness, treat concession as a way to advance." He explained that if he had told Han Li everything upfront, Han Li wouldn't have remained loyal.
Han Li questioned what would happen if he failed to reach the Fourth Tier, reminding Mo Juren how difficult the mantra was to cultivate, stating that reaching Tier 4 in one year was "harder than being an immortal." Mo Juren cut him off, stating it wasn't a negotiation and ordered Han Li to continue cultivating, promising to find precious herbs, and reiterating the one-year deadline for Tier 4.
Han Li, reflecting on Mo Juren’s motto, burned the note he had left for Zhang Tie. He resolved to endure for another year, reach the Fourth Tier, cure Mo Juren, and then leave Shenshou Valley to open an apothecary, envisioning a comfortable life. Meanwhile, Mo Juren was speaking with a shadowy figure.
Mo Juren expressed his eagerness to proceed with his plans for Han Li immediately, but the shadowy figure warned against a premature forceful possession, asking if Mo Juren wished to become "formless" like them, and emphasizing that Mo Juren lacked time to find another disciple capable of cultivating the Longevity Art. Mo Juren insisted his body was failing, but the shadow, an Immortal disciple, refused to let Mo Juren, a mortal, die with him.
They agreed to wait a maximum of one year, after which Mo Juren would act regardless of Han Li's cultivation progress. Mo Juren then heard a noise. Han Li arrived, having realized Zhang Tie was missing. Han Li questioned Mo Juren about Zhang Tie's whereabouts. Mo Juren claimed Zhang Tie had asked for ten taels and left the mountain because he missed home. Han Li found this impossible, as Zhang Tie always informed him of his movements.
Mo Juren defended himself, claiming he wouldn't lie after confessing everything. Han Li insisted Zhang Tie wouldn't leave without a word and believed Mo Juren knew his whereabouts, threatening to leave and find Zhang Tie himself if Mo Juren didn't tell him. Mo Juren, acknowledging Han Li’s Third Tier abilities allowed him to sense his movements, then approached to take his pulse, offering to speak.
Mo Juren asked if Han Li missed home and recalled Han Li mentioning his younger sister from Qingniu Town. Han Li cut to the chase, stating Mo Juren simply needed to ask for help, as Han Li understood gratitude. He questioned why Mo Juren was resorting to coercion. Mo Juren acknowledged Han Li’s intelligence and prudence, but stated his "attachments" were their greatest weakness, admitting this was why he prevented Han Li from seeing Zhang Tie.
Mo Juren reiterated his offer: cure him, and Han Li would gain a life of riches. He then proposed a wager: who would die first—Mo Juren, Han Li, or the ones you hold dear? Han Li accepted the wager, agreeing to reach the Fourth Tier in a year to cure Mo Juren, on the condition that Mo Juren reveal Zhang Tie's location. Han Li also demanded more herbs, as Mo Juren's current supply was insufficient.
Mo Juren agreed to handle the herbs while Han Li focused on cultivation, but made him take another pill without explanation. Han Li simply stated he hoped Mo Juren remembered his promise next year. Han Li reflected that their master-disciple bond had ended that day, no longer what it was. Mo Juren then dropped all pretense, frequently leaving to gather herbs and returning visibly weaker each time.
Han Li wondered why things had turned out this way, feeling his previous carefree years were an illusion. He attempted to remove Mo Juren’s toxin but concluded only reaching Tier 4 would work, acknowledging its extreme difficulty. He vowed to find Zhang Tie. Han Li then noticed the Green Vial, which had been inactive, now contained liquid that had condensed from absorbed moonlight.
He wondered if it was safe to drink but quickly hid it when he saw Mo Juren’s bird observing him, pretending to cultivate. A rabbit drank from the diluted liquid and exploded. Han Li quickly discarded the remaining liquid, but the surrounding plants grew rapidly. Han Li realized the liquid was incredibly potent, making a common ginseng instantly age hundreds of years. He understood animals could not tolerate it, but it was perfect for maturing herbs.
Recognizing the limited supply of liquid, which required moonlight absorption, he decided to dilute it and use it in a secluded spot for mass cultivation and pill refining, using a wooden dummy to feign cultivation in the valley, seeing the liquid as his key to turning the tables. Han Li cultivated herbs to be several hundred years old, following pill recipes.
He decided to take both the Yellow Dragon Pill, which strengthened his power, and the Golden Marrow Pill, which boosted his meridian system. The combined, immense medicinal power nearly overwhelmed his meridians, forcing him to circulate his energy to break through. He reached the Fourth Tier of the Longevity Art, sensing the aura of all beings. He realized merely sensing them was not enough to contend with Mo Juren, concluding he needed to be stronger.
Han Li began refining poisons and researching hidden weapon techniques. He then met Li Feiyu, who expressed surprise at Han Li’s speed. Han Li asked Li Feiyu for a more subtle martial art, as Serpentine Art was too brutal for him. Li Feiyu asked if Han Li had offended someone and offered protection, but Han Li countered that no one could help him forever.
Han Li then asked if Li Feiyu’s master had taught him to use poison against enemies, acknowledging it as a valid strategy but emphasizing the need for more diverse means to defeat foes. Han Li specifically requested quick footwork, hidden weapon techniques, and moves that didn't rely on qi, mentioning "Misty Step." Li Feiyu realized Han Li wanted to learn his secret technique, warning him it took five years to even roughly master.
Han Li replied he didn't have much time but still wished to learn. Li Feiyu demonstrated some moves. Han Li concluded that he could no longer be naive; Mo Juren would not spare him even after being cured, so he needed sufficient self-defense capabilities.
Episode 3 Recap
As Han Li cultivated, he sensed Physician Mo's return, accompanied by an unfamiliar masked individual. When Mo inquired about his progress, Han Li, now at the fifth tier of the Longevity Art, concealed his true strength by making it appear he was only at the third. However, Mo saw through the deception.
He revealed that the medicine he had given Han Li was a Corpse Worm Pill, a concoction containing worm eggs that would hatch and devour Han Li's organs within a year if not suppressed by regular antidotes. As a veiled threat, Mo mentioned he had recently visited Qingniu Town and seen Han Li's family, noting his sister had grown into a lovely young woman. Undeterred, Han Li vowed to reach the fourth tier within three months.
Mo agreed to stay in the valley and provided Han Li with more pills, assuring him he would not be monitored but warning that failure meant death for them both. Mo also noted with surprise that Han Li had taught himself how to make poisons. Meanwhile, Han Li's friend, Li Feiyu, gave him a manual for the Blink Sword Technique.
Li Feiyu explained it was more of an assassination art than a traditional sword style, focused on using the environment, traps, and light to land a single fatal blow, making it perfect for someone like Han Li with little formal combat training. Han Li trained rigorously, eventually reaching the sixth tier of the Longevity Art, which sharpened his senses to an extraordinary degree.
His newfound speed astonished Li Feiyu during a sparring session, prompting his friend to joke that the student had surpassed the master. Li Feiyu gave Han Li a gift to complement the new technique and urged him to send for help if he ever faced trouble, insisting he shouldn't bear his burdens alone. Three months later, Han Li confronted Physician Mo, asking directly about Zhang Tie's fate. Mo cryptically suggested Han Li already knew the answer and invited him inside.
There, Mo admitted the deception, revealing he looked like a dying old man despite being only thirty-seven, his appearance ravaged by a strange poison he was constantly suppressing. He confirmed Han Li's true purpose was to become strong enough to cure him. Declaring their master-disciple relationship over, Mo prepared to fight. Han Li, having anticipated this, attacked with hidden poisons and techniques, catching Mo off guard.
However, Mo retaliated with his signature Silver Demon Palm, paralyzing Han Li with a potent toxin. With Han Li incapacitated, Mo summoned an Armored Puppet, explaining it was a human puppet he had refined, devoid of a soul and obedient only to his commands. When Han Li asked again about Zhang Tie, Mo chillingly confirmed that he had transformed their friend into the very puppet standing before them after Zhang Tie discovered his secret.
A mysterious voice urged Mo to act, and Mo assured the entity that the Seven Ghost Soul-Devouring Curse would succeed. Suddenly, both Physician Mo and the spirit, named Yu Zitong, invaded Han Li's consciousness to possess his body. Han Li fiercely resisted, asserting control over his own being. To their shock, they discovered Han Li had reached the sixth tier, not the fourth as Mo had led Yu Zitong to believe.
Realizing Mo intended for them to weaken each other so he could claim the body for himself, Yu Zitong withdrew. In his final moments, Mo identified his co-conspirator, warning Han Li not to trust Yu Zitong and revealing two critical weaknesses: the spirit was vulnerable to the same poison Han Li had used, and he feared light. With that, Physician Mo died. Han Li awoke to find Mo's lifeless body.
The disembodied spirit of Yu Zitong appeared, offering Han Li a place in his prestigious cultivator clan in exchange for help finding a new body. Remembering Mo's warning, Han Li ignored the offer, opened the door to flood the room with light, and banished the terrified spirit. He then discovered a letter in which Mo explained the body-snatching was a desperate act.
He revealed that the Silver Demon Palm poison could be cured by his family heirloom, the Sunwarm Jade, and that he had left several months' worth of suppressive antidote. He pleaded for his innocent wife and daughter to be spared and confirmed that Zhang Tie, having learned his secret, was transformed into the soulless puppet. Deeply saddened, Han Li renamed the puppet, now his silent companion, "Qu Hun."
He then began studying Mo's texts, including an incomplete Longevity Art, the Object Control Spell, the Heaven’s Eye Spell, and the difficult Fireball Technique. Later, the Seven Mysteries Sect was besieged by the Wild Wolves Gang, whose leader, Jia Tianlong, demanded a ten-person deathmatch. Han Li, who had been planning to leave the sect, was intercepted by Li Feiyu. Mistakenly thinking Han Li had come to help, Li Feiyu pulled him along to defend the sect master.
Li Feiyu, Li Zhanling, and Liu Chong volunteered for the duel. However, the Wild Wolves Gang had enlisted a cultivator from the Ye family of Qinling, who easily defeated the sect's Mentor Lu. Recognizing the man as a cultivator, Han Li intervened. His Fireball Technique overpowered the enemy cultivator's defensive artifact. After the cultivator fled, Han Li confronted Jia Tianlong.
Ignoring the gang leader's desperate offers of wealth, Han Li executed him for his past atrocities but spared the other gang members. Sect Master Wang Juechu offered Han Li the position of Deputy Sect Master and his eventual succession, but Han Li declined, stating his intent to leave permanently.
Instead, he proposed a deal with three conditions: Wang Juechu must take Li Feiyu as his direct disciple and make him head of the Outer Blade Hall; he must persuade Elder Zhang to allow his daughter, Zhang Xiu'er, to marry Li Feiyu; and he must look after Han Li’s third uncle. Wang Juechu agreed to all terms. In return, Han Li gave him a rare Essence Pill. After striking the deal, Han Li bid farewell.
Li Feiyu vowed that his name would one day be famous throughout the Tiannan Continent and that Han Li could always call on him. As Han Li departed Shenshou Valley, he reflected on Mo's final words—to survive, to remember his mortal roots, and to see the world for him. He resolved that he would not die before his friend achieved his dream.
Episode 4 Recap
Han Li arrived in Jiayuan City, where he witnessed a skirmish between members of Lone Manor and the Black Bear Gang. He sought out a local shop assistant, Sun Ergou, to inquire about the Mo Residence. Sun Ergou informed Han Li that Physician Mo had recently passed away and that a man named Wu Jianming, a self-proclaimed final disciple who had been expelled from the Five-Color Sect, was now engaged to Yuzhu, the eldest Mo daughter.
The shop assistant added that the Mo family's entire fortune, including the rare Sunwarm Jade, was expected to be part of the dowry. Han Li, suffering from the escalating effects of the Silver Demon Palm poison, knew he needed the jade before the wedding. He secured a room at an inn for his companion, Qu Hun, instructing him to remain there until signaled, and then set off for the Mo Residence.
Upon reaching the Mo Residence, Han Li introduced himself to Mo Caihuan and Mo Fengwu as Physician Mo's final disciple, presenting a handwritten letter as proof. The skeptical sisters led him to the main hall to meet their mothers. There, he was introduced to Madam Li and the other three Madams, Liu, Yan, and Wang, as well as the three daughters: Yuzhu, Fengwu, and Caihuan.
The public portion of the letter identified Han Li as a trusted disciple sent to protect the family, with the promise that he could marry one of the daughters with the Sunwarm Jade as her dowry. Citing the late hour, the Madams sent Han Li to a guest room for the night, escorted by the three daughters.
Once he was gone, the Madams activated a secret message hidden within the letter using inner strength, which revealed that Physician Mo was dead. As he was being led away, Han Li managed to overhear snippets of their subsequent conversation, learning of his master's demise but failing to discern the identity of the killer. Meanwhile, the Mo daughters chattered about their father's promise of marriage, but Han Li politely dismissed their interest.
With his Silver Demon Palm poison flaring up more frequently and his antidote supply dwindling, his need for the Sunwarm Jade grew critical. He also overheard the Madams plotting against him, though their whispers were too faint for him to understand their plan. The next morning, the Madams had Nanny Wu prepare an elaborate breakfast for Han Li. During the meal, Fengwu teased him, and Han Li gifted her and Yuzhu Fragrance Pellets, a highly prized imperial medicine.
Madam Li then directly confronted Han Li, who admitted to killing Physician Mo but explained it was in self-defense, as his master had tried to kill him first. Madam Li stated they would overlook his actions if he agreed to assist them. Han Li agreed, swearing on Physician Mo’s spirit that he would complete their task in exchange for the Sunwarm Jade.
Their first target was Ouyang Feitian, the notorious leader of Lone Manor, known for his evil deeds and recent threats against the Mo family. They warned Han Li that Ouyang Feitian was a formidable martial artist, superior to Physician Mo, and heavily guarded. Han Li confronted Ouyang Feitian, who, recognizing Han Li as a cultivator, offered him a map of Tainan Valley—a legendary gathering place for immortals—to buy his life.
Han Li dismissed the offer, killed Ouyang Feitian, and took the map. The Madams were astonished by how quickly Han Li completed the task, complaining it had disrupted their ten-day plan to consolidate power. They claimed Ouyang Feitian's death had plunged Jiayuan City into chaos, fearing retaliation from the Jingjiao Sect and the Five-Color Sect, and accused Han Li of bringing new trouble upon them. They insisted he owed them further assistance.
Han Li refused to stay permanently but pressed them for another task to fulfill their oath. The Madams then demanded he eliminate Black Bear, a ruthless individual and the top contender for leadership of the Five-Color Sect. Han Li agreed, swiftly locating and killing him. Word of the Mo family's formidable "son-in-law" spread rapidly. Han Li then returned to the inn to retrieve Qu Hun, who had remained motionless and vigilant, and brought him back to the Mo Residence.
Upon Han Li's return with Qu Hun, the Madams warmly welcomed him but made excuses to delay handing over the Sunwarm Jade. They attempted to persuade him to stay permanently, offering him not only their three daughters in marriage but also control of the Mo family's vast wealth, including their businesses, ancestral medical texts, storeroom keys, and the weapon manuals and Sect Master Token from the Jingjiao Sect. Han Li adamantly refused, reiterating his sole demand for the Sunwarm Jade.
The Madams then reneged on their promise, revealing they knew he was poisoned with the Silver Demon Palm and would soon die without their help, unable to cultivate. They tried to strong-arm him into staying, arguing that they would be helpless without a man in the house and would rather die with him. Enraged by their deceit, Han Li threatened to burn down the Mo Residence.
As they continued to provoke him, his poison violently flared up, causing him to collapse. Amidst the chaos, the non-speaking girl who had previously given Han Li a medical book whispered a warning, revealing to him that the Madams' tears were a trick and they never intended to give him the jade or their daughters. As he fell, the Madams were heard calling for a sleeping drug to incapacitate him further.
Episode 5 Recap
Suffering from increasingly frequent bouts of cold poison, Han Li urgently needed the Sunwarm Jade. Mo Caihuan appeared at his door, explaining that his conspicuous guard, Qu Hun, made him easy to find. Expressing concern over his poor health, she presented him with the Sunwarm Jade, a family heirloom, insisting it was real. Han Li used it immediately and found it effective, as the blood he let out returned to a normal color, signaling his recovery.
When Han Li questioned how she obtained the jade, knowing her family would not part with it easily, Mo Caihuan explained that her mother and sisters, fearful of aggressors, wished for him to stay for protection. She also revealed the jade was her dowry, but having decided not to marry, she had no use for it. She offered him healing powders and pills, mentioning she had learned some healing from her father's books.
Han Li admitted that while he had been poisoned by her father, he had always trusted his words that the jade was the only cure. Mo Caihuan corrected him, stating Han Li had saved himself. She then briefly borrowed the jade to expose it to sunlight, hoping to restore its original white color, which Han Li agreed to. Before his departure, Han Li told Mo Caihuan that he could not take her with him.
Instead, he offered to leave Qu Hun behind to protect the Mo family until he found a suitable place for cultivation and could return for him. After Han Li left, Mo Caihuan discovered his farewell letter and was saddened by his departure, with Qu Hun now her protector. Meanwhile, Nangong Wan of the Moonshadow Sect emerged from a twenty-year cultivation session. She asked her senior, Nichang, about recent worldly affairs.
Despite Nichang's warnings about the dangers of mortal entanglement, Nangong Wan, whose cultivation of the Maiden Cycle Technique required her to follow her heart, felt compelled to intervene in injustices. She stated her intent to visit the six other sects and investigate the presence of dark cultivators before returning to host the upcoming Immortal Ascension Trials. Following a map, Han Li arrived at the mist-shrouded Tainan Valley, where he encountered Wan Xiaoshan.
Recognizing Han Li as a fellow rogue cultivator, Wan Xiaoshan suggested they travel together and explained that the valley's misty barrier opened only once every ten years. He clarified that independent cultivators like them are called "rogue cultivators," and that spirit stones serve as the universal currency in the cultivation world. Just as he finished his explanation, the barrier opened, and they entered the Tainan Bazaar, a three-day event.
As Han Li and Wan Xiaoshan explored the bazaar, Nangong Wan’s disciples reported that seven rogue cultivators had gone missing, with a Yan Clan Stronghold token found near a body. Concerned about rising tensions between rogue and clan disciples, Nangong Wan ordered her disciples to increase patrols. Soon after, Yan Ruyan, a prominent young woman from the Yan Clan Stronghold, arrived, escorted by a Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator.
Wan Xiaoshan explained to Han Li that her father, Yan Yunshan, was a powerful Core Formation Stage cultivator. Nangong Wan summoned Yan Ruyan and presented the token, implying her family's involvement in the killings. Yan Ruyan vehemently denied this, asserting that a servant's token had been stolen to frame her family. Acknowledging the manipulation, Nangong Wan advised her that the true culprits were trying to escalate the conflict between clan disciples and rogue cultivators, warning her to be cautious.
While exploring, a thief named Wu Jiuzhi stole Wan Xiaoshan’s money pouch. Han Li swiftly intervened, not only recovering the pouch but also taking Wu Jiuzhi's. Daoist Qingwen, a leader from the Azure Vein Society, stepped in to mediate, dismissing the theft as mischief. Though Han Li was suspicious, Wan Xiaoshan, aware of Daoist Qingwen’s reputation among rogue cultivators, agreed to return the pouch. Daoist Qingwen then invited them to a gathering of rogue cultivators to discuss the upcoming trials.
There, he displayed a map of the Yue Kingdom, pointing out the seven major sects: Moonshadow Sect, Spirit Beast Mountain, Saber-Shearing Sect, Clear Void Sect, Skyfort Castle, Yellow Maple Valley, and Giant Sword Sect. He lamented the precarious position of rogue cultivators, sparking a discussion about their struggle against the privileged clan disciples, who receive abundant resources.
They expressed resentment over having to risk their lives for a Foundation Pill, an elixir needed to advance from the Qi Refining Stage to the Foundation Establishment Stage. Wan Xiaoshan elaborated on the cultivation hierarchy, noting that while stages like Nascent Soul and Spirit Transformation exist, anything beyond is largely mythical.
He explained that 500 years ago, a rogue cultivator elder negotiated the Immortal Ascension Trials to give them a chance to enter the sects, but this also made them targets. Unbeknownst to the group, Nangong Wan had Daoist Qingwen under surveillance due to his growing influence. Qingwen then detailed the two upcoming trials: the Spirit Root Trial and the perilous Tianwu Arena Trial, urging everyone to secure a spot in the first.
He explained the five elements of spirit roots, noting that cultivators with four or five are "fake spirit roots" with limited potential, two or three are "true spirit roots," and a single-element "heavenly spirit root" is exceptionally rare. Han Li, who was unaware of his own, realized its importance. At the bazaar, Han Li discovered a complete set of his "Longevity Art" manual for sale by a sister and her four brothers, known as the "Five Mengs."
After some haggling and a show of intimidation from her brothers, who admitted to being former robbers, Han Li offered two strengthening pills instead of spirit stones. Impressed by the pills' value, the siblings accepted the trade and gifted him a tenfold storage pouch. Later, Han Li spotted a small fragment of a magic item that could hide spiritual aura, perfect for concealing his mysterious vial.
A young master named Lu attempted to acquire it cheaply, colluding with his friends to bid and then retract their offers as a "joke." When the seller was left frustrated, Han Li stepped in and offered two vials of high-grade Golden Marrow Pills, immediately sealing the deal. However, Lu confronted Han Li, accusing him of ruining his trade. Han Li retorted that he had simply made a fair offer, preparing for a confrontation.
Episode 6 Recap
Han Li, having purchased an item, was confronted by Lu Mingyuan, who accused him of ruining his opportunity and intended to fight him. Their altercation was cut short when Chen Qiaoqian intervened, reminding them that the spirit root test was about to begin and urging them to avoid trouble. Lu Mingyuan conceded, warning Han Li he wouldn't be so lucky next time, and left with his companion.
A young woman introduced herself as Han Yunzhi and, learning Han Li was also there for the spirit root test, invited him to go with her. The spirit root test was hosted by Nangong Wan of the Moonshadow Sect, representing the Seven Sects. As Han Li looked towards Nangong Wan, Wan Xiaoshan cautioned him, explaining that in the cultivation world, a clear hierarchy exists, and lower-level cultivators must not stare at higher-level ones like Core Formation grandmasters.
Many hopefuls came forward for testing. Yan Ruyan, the heiress of the Yan Clan, displayed a Heavenly spirit root, earning her invitations from all seven sects. She chose the Moonshadow Sect, which Wan Xiaoshan informed Han Li was currently the strongest of the Seven Sects. Wan Xiaoshan, possessing a Metal-Water-Fire-Earth quad spirit root, was rejected. Another cultivator, who was injured earlier, passed with a Water-Fire-Earth triple spirit root.
Lu Mingyuan, with a Fire-Wood dual spirit root, and Chen Qiaoqian, with a Water-Earth dual spirit root, both passed and chose Yellow Maple Valley. Lu Mingyuan then instructed Chen Qiaoqian to pass the spirit orb to Han Li. Han Li, with a Wood-Water-Fire-Earth quad spirit root, was also rejected. Following the test, Qingwen, another candidate who had failed to be selected, rallied the disillusioned rogue cultivators.
He proposed that if all rogue cultivators contributed their artifacts, talismans, and pills for collective use, they could stand a chance against the well-resourced clan disciples in the upcoming Tianwu Arena tournament. Qingwen offered his mid-grade whisk as an example, asserting that his Azure Vein Society aimed to establish a world where everyone was equal. Many rogue cultivators were swayed and offered their treasures.
Han Li, sensing a scam, claimed he wouldn't participate, but under pressure, he contributed a restorative pill before feigning a stomach ache to leave. Wan Xiaoshan later defended the rogue cultivators to Han Li, believing they were all one big family. Meanwhile, Qingwen was overheard confirming to his associates that the bazaar's barrier would prevent anyone from leaving until after the tournament, at which point they would take all the collected treasures, by force if necessary.
Sometime later, Han Yunzhi sought out Han Li, offering a variety of talismans in exchange for more pills to treat her ailing brother. Han Li found her talismans of little use but expressed interest in cinnabar and talisman paper. Han Yunzhi then offered him her family heirloom, a Golden Bamboo Brush, a precious tool for talisman making. Han Li gave her two bottles of pills, and she sweetened the deal with her remaining talismans, ink, and a Talisman Compendium.
She also gave Han Li a book called "Clear Stream Note," filled with cultivation world anecdotes. While reading it, Han Li discovered a passage about an "Ascension Token," which could grant the holder direct entry into a sect and a Foundation Pill, bypassing the spirit root test. He shared this with Wan Xiaoshan, who dismissed it as a rumor.
Unbeknownst to them, Nangong Wan was already aware of stolen tokens and the Azure Vein Society's involvement, planning to apprehend them after the tournament. At the Tianwu Arena, Qingwen lost his match to Lu Mingyuan. Despite Qingwen conceding, Lu Mingyuan attempted to deliver a fatal blow. Nangong Wan swiftly intervened, reminding Lu Mingyuan of the rules and sternly warning against any actions that would incite conflict between clan disciples and rogue cultivators.
After Lu Mingyuan received his Foundation Pill, Han Li reflected on his own path, realizing success in cultivation could come from meticulous planning and resourcefulness, not just innate talent. Wan Xiaoshan then approached a disheartened Qingwen, consoling him by mentioning the Ascension Token. Qingwen, surprised, explained the token's historical significance and pressed Wan Xiaoshan on how he knew of it.
Learning Han Li was the source, Qingwen immediately inquired about his whereabouts, causing Wan Xiaoshan to feign a stomach ache and flee. Han Li, aware of the danger the information posed, hid in a cave, planning to wait until the barrier lifted the next morning. He tore out the page about the token and burned it. Suddenly, a pursued Wan Xiaoshan stumbled into the cave, urging Han Li to run and warning him that Qingwen was dangerous before collapsing, dead.
His pursuers, Hu Pinggu and Wu Jiuzhi, cornered Han Li, demanding the "treasure." Knowing Qingwen was watching from the shadows, Han Li used a series of talismans to quickly defeat them. Qingwen then appeared, admitting he killed Wan Xiaoshan and used the others to test Han Li's strength. He threatened to frame Han Li for the three deaths, but Han Li countered by offering the Ascension Token to anyone who could kill Qingwen.
Before their fight could escalate, a powerful being known as the Ice Demon appeared. It declared that its master wanted Qingwen to live, meaning Han Li had to die. Unable to perceive the Ice Demon's movements, Han Li was forced to flee. As he escaped, a mysterious black-clothed figure emerged. The severely wounded Qingwen begged the figure for help to achieve Foundation Establishment.
The figure dismissed the Ascension Token as a mere "crumb" from the Seven Sects and agreed to grant his wish. Elsewhere, Nangong Wan sensed a powerful dark aura emanating from the area.
Episode 7 Recap
A Core Formation cultivator's impending arrival prompted a black-clad man to urge another person to quickly depart the area. As Nangong Wan appeared, she questioned what unruly creature dared to cause trouble. The black-clad man mused on the sudden appearance of such a fiend among rogue cultivators, wondering if it was the work of demonic sects. Nangong Wan then observed Han Li, noting his good fortune and concluding that a high-level cultivator must have intervened to save him.
Han Li, having narrowly escaped, realized the perilous nature of being a rogue cultivator and determined that to survive, he needed to join a legitimate sect. Before setting off for Yellow Maple Valley, Han Li briefly returned home, reflecting on his decision to leave the mortal world behind. He visited his family, including his third uncle who had come to take him to the Seven Mysteries Sect entrance exam.
He remembered his father, sixth uncle, Madam Zheng, and Gousheng’s families, who had all contributed to his journey, even pulling scallions for his farewell. He saw his younger sister, Xiaomei, now of marrying age. As he finally departed, he plucked a piece of cloud, intending it as a silent message of safety for his family.
Later, while searching for Yellow Maple Valley, an Ascension Token suddenly flew past him. He pursued it, only to stumble and fall, landing near a cluster of yellow maple leaves that signaled his arrival at the Yellow Maple Valley's entrance. Meanwhile, within Yellow Maple Valley, Mentor Fu Yunzi and Li Huayuan were engaged in a betting game, wagering on the number of new disciples being admitted that day.
Li Huayuan, eager to liven up the valley's atmosphere, had set up a betting pool for odd or even numbers of incoming disciples. Initially, with sixteen new disciples, Li Huayuan was set to lose his bet on an odd number. However, Liu Jing rushed in to report the arrival of a young man carrying a long-unseen Ascension Token. Upon hearing this, Li Huayuan quickly recalculated, realizing that sixteen plus one made seventeen, an odd number, securing his win.
He jubilantly seized his winnings, much to the chagrin of Mentor Fu Yunzi. Later, Sect Master Zhong Lingdao convened a meeting with the esteemed cultivators of Yellow Maple Valley, including Grandmaster Hongfu, Mentor Fu Yunzi, Mentor Wu Mian, and Li Huayuan, who had each brought valuable offerings. The primary discussion centered on the unexpected appearance of the Ascension Token. During this time, Foundation Establishment disciple Song Meng, along with Wu Xuan and their seventh junior sister, observed Han Li.
Song Meng voiced his discontent, arguing that someone with a pseudo spirit root like Han Li should not be granted a Foundation Pill by default, especially when he himself had to fight vigorously at Tianwu Arena to earn the right to one.
Despite his complaints and the junior disciples mocking Han Li's aptitude, the sect rules were clear: anyone bearing an Ascension Token, regardless of their background or aptitude, must be accepted into the sect and granted a Foundation Pill due to their ancestors' past merits. Sect Master Zhong noted that the annual Foundation Pill quota was already allocated, with one specifically reserved for the champion of the Tianwu Arena.
Li Huayuan proposed compensating the champion with gems instead, reasoning that they would have another opportunity for a Foundation Pill next year. Sect Master Zhong agreed to this resolution, then instructed Mentor Wu Mian to welcome Han Li into the valley.
Song Meng, as the Tianwu Arena champion, later received 300 gems as compensation, though he still expressed his dissatisfaction, lamenting that he was engaged to a girl from the Chen family who possessed many Foundation Pills, suggesting he could have obtained one from them. Mentor Wu Mian personally guided Han Li on a tour of Yellow Maple Valley, explaining the various essential locations and practices.
He pointed out the Qianji Hall, which housed basic cultivation manuals and alchemy recipes accessible by paying gems, and mentioned his own role there. He showed Han Li the living quarters for Qi Refining Stage disciples and explained that better accommodations in the rear mountain could be secured with sufficient gems or after reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage.
Han Li learned that he could earn gems by undertaking tasks at the Baiji Hall, such as caring for spirit beasts, supervising mining operations for spirit stones, or instructing new disciples at the Chuangong Pavilion. Mentor Wu also mentioned that Mentor Ye, who oversaw the Baiji Hall, had an eccentric personality. They then proceeded to Mentor Ye's area to collect Han Li's initial supplies.
Mentor Ye provided Han Li with an entry token (which Han Li activated by injecting a strand of spiritual power), a tenfold storage pouch, a Cultivation Basics manual, a set of daily refining tools, a Solarflame Sword, a Cold Moon Blade, and a yellow entry robe. Mentor Ye also informed Han Li that all future acquisitions of gear and tools, and the expenditure of gems, would be handled through him.
After receiving his supplies, Mentor Wu confirmed that, according to the sect's rules, Han Li was entitled to a Foundation Pill in advance due to possessing the Ascension Token. He cautioned Han Li to guard the pill carefully, as many coveted it, and it could not be replaced if lost. Han Li, curious, asked when he might be able to reach the Foundation Establishment Stage.
Mentor Wu advised him to cultivate diligently and to safeguard the pill, regardless of his future success in reaching that stage. Han Li, understanding the implied meaning regarding his pseudo spirit root, felt that even with the pill, his innate limitations might prevent him from ever truly using it. Later, Grandmaster Hongfu gathered the new disciples for a flying lesson, explaining that the vastness of Yellow Maple Valley necessitated the ability to fly.
She instructed them to choose a leaf and use it to soar over a nearby mountain, emphasizing that cultivation required breaking mental limitations. She also stated that successfully flying over the mountain would be a crucial test for their formal acceptance into Yellow Maple Valley. One disciple questioned whether belief alone would allow them to fly.
Grandmaster Hongfu responded by saying that while others' abilities didn't define their own, true cultivators remained steadfast in both praise and shame, letting their hearts guide their actions. While some disciples chose to cast aside the provided leaves, relying on their own abilities, Han Li struggled, at first using his leaf like a tug-of-war rope. He then attempted to harness the power of Heaven and Earth, though his flight was slow, more like a crawling insect than a soaring creature.
Li Huayuan observed Han Li's struggle. Grandmaster Hongfu then lamented that giving him a Foundation Pill seemed a waste given his talent, though she acknowledged Han Li's perseverance due to his awareness of his own mediocrity. Li Huayuan's companion remarked that with such limited talent, Han Li might grow old and die without ever needing the Foundation Pill. Finally, Sect Master Zhong Lingdao formally inducted the new disciples into Yellow Maple Valley.
He emphasized that their sole purpose was cultivation, urging them to focus intently and avoid causing trouble. He explained that the first major milestone in cultivation was reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, after which cultivators would absorb the essence of the sun, moon, earth, and heavens, no longer needing to consume mundane food or take in worldly impurities. Therefore, even at the Qi Refining Stage, they should begin practicing fasting.
One defiant disciple insisted on eating a flatbread, citing a Core Formation Grandmaster who loved food and carried all their utensils. Later, Mentor Wu taught the disciples Aura Concealment, demonstrating its ability to hide one's presence. Another disciple mocked Han Li for attempting to learn this skill. Mentor Ye also led a lesson on talisman crafting.
Episode 8 Recap
Following an earlier confrontation, Lu Mingyuan approached Chen Qiaoqian, expressing frustration that despite their betrothal, she remained distant, which he interpreted as her looking down on his background. When Chen Qiaoqian pointed out Han Li nearby, Lu Mingyuan's anger flared, as he blamed Han Li for taking the Foundation Establishment Pill that he believed was rightfully his. He attacked Han Li, threatening to kill him.
Mentor Wu intervened, reminding Lu Mingyuan that the pill's allocation was a decision made by the Sect Master and elders. He also noted that Lu Mingyuan had already accepted compensation gems and should not cause further trouble. Lu Mingyuan reluctantly departed, vowing the matter was not over. Mentor Wu then advised Han Li that the only way to secure the pill was to quickly reach the thirteenth tier of his cultivation and consume it.
Seeking another path, Lu Mingyuan secretly met with Mentor Ye to acquire a Foundation Establishment Pill. Though Mentor Ye confirmed he had access to one, he warned it would be expensive. Lu Mingyuan immediately offered 300 spirit stones, insisting the cost was nothing compared to the pill's value. Mentor Ye accepted the payment and told him to await news. Meanwhile, Han Li went to Mentor Wu to purchase ten cultivation books but was two spirit stones short.
Noticing a large lump on Mentor Wu's neck, Han Li offered to cure it in exchange for the two stones. Intrigued by Han Li's medical knowledge, Mentor Wu agreed. Han Li diagnosed the ailment as "fire poison" caused by Mentor Wu's prolonged time in the Earthly Fire Palace and explained it required an incision. Forgoing anesthetic, Mentor Wu urged Han Li to proceed. Han Li lanced the lump, releasing a bird-shaped fire spirit.
Healed and grateful, Mentor Wu offered Han Li a bag of spirit stones, but Han Li accepted only the two he owed, maintaining their agreement. Impressed, Mentor Wu suggested he take on sect tasks at Baiji Hall to earn more stones, authorizing him to use his name. At Baiji Hall, Han Li met Mentor Ye, who was absorbed in wood carving yet keenly aware of his presence. Mentor Ye suggested two dangerous but high-reward tasks, which Han Li declined.
When Han Li inquired about the Herbs Garden task, Mentor Ye warned that the herbs were extremely precious and that any damage would incur massive penalties, requiring both a commission and a security deposit. Seeing Han Li's lack of funds, Mentor Ye offered to buy his Foundation Establishment Pill for 250 spirit stones. When Han Li refused, Mentor Ye activated a powerful puppet, blocking the exit and leaving Han Li no choice.
Han Li surrendered the pill in exchange for the Herbs Garden task token, resolving to find another way to achieve Foundation Establishment by cultivating herbs and refining his own pills. Upon arriving at the Herbs Garden, Han Li was met by Mentor Ma, who immediately challenged him to count every herb in the garden to hold him accountable for any future losses.
While Han Li was meticulously counting, Dong Xuan'er appeared, also counting aloud and demonstrating a deep familiarity with the garden. Mentor Ma later dismissed her interaction with Han Li, explaining she was the direct disciple of a Core Formation cultivator and saw the world differently. Han Li reported his count of 7,177 plants, including the subterranean Jade Wyrm Root. Mentor Ma corrected him, revealing he held five additional plants, bringing the total to 7,182.
Declaring that Han Li had barely passed, he entrusted the garden to him before entering a seasonal seclusion, promising a generous reward after the harvest. During Mentor Ma's retreat, Han Li diligently cared for the garden. Mentor Wu visited occasionally, and Han Li continued to treat his minor ailments. In return, Mentor Wu taught him techniques such as Sound Transmission, the Freeze Art, and the Quicksand Quagmire Art, acknowledging Han Li's diligence compensated for his poor spiritual roots.
When Mentor Ma emerged from seclusion, he was pleased to find the garden thriving and paid Han Li for his work. Eager to learn alchemy, Han Li asked for some pill recipes. Though Mentor Ma initially refused, citing them as the fruit of decades of research, he eventually directed Han Li to Lushan Hall. He advised him to tell the manager, Elder Xu, that he was sent by Mentor Ma and to bring plenty of spirit stones.
At Lushan Hall, where every action required payment, Han Li met Elder Xu, a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Elder Xu immediately recognized him as the disciple with the Ascension Token and a pseudo-spiritual root. Seeking to maintain a low profile, Han Li requested that Elder Xu not mention his visit to others. Elder Xu then directed him on how to use the hall, pointing out the areas for refinement and for browsing texts, reminding him of the hourly cost.
Episode 9 Recap
Following his previous endeavor to acquire cultivation knowledge, Han Li sought out pill recipes at Lushan Hall. The steward, Elder Xu, noted that manually copying recipes was time-consuming and costly, as the hall charged by the hour. He offered to magically duplicate them for ten spirit gems per copy. Finding the initial recipes unsatisfactory, Han Li expressed his disappointment.
Elder Xu explained that superior recipes came at a higher price and were useless without a proper alchemy furnace, subtly suggesting Han Li purchase one from him. Han Li agreed to buy a 180-gem furnace, and in return, Xu gifted him a collection of recipes. Han Li was thrilled to discover the formula for the Foundation Establishment Pill, realizing he could now refine it himself.
In his secret garden, he used his small green vial to cultivate herbs but still lacked the key ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill: Jade Marrow Mushroom, Violet Monkey Blossom, and Celestial Essence Fruit. He successfully tested his new furnace, refining an Oblivion Pill and a Yellow Dragon Pill of improved purity. Later, Han Li overheard Xiang Zhili discussing the imminent opening of the Bloody Trial Ground.
Xiang explained that the trial was crucial for the Seven Sects' future, as it was the only source for the rare herbs needed to refine Foundation Establishment Pills. However, he also warned of the extreme danger, with a survival rate below fifty percent. Curious, Han Li learned from another disciple that the speaker was Xiang Zhili, the oldest Qi Refining cultivator in the valley, who had survived the trial multiple times but had yet to achieve Foundation Establishment.
Shortly after, the elders of the Seven Sects, including Nangong Wan and Fu Yunzi, gathered for a summit. As the Solunar Purification Pearl was to be transferred to the Moonshadow Sect, Nangong Wan interrupted. She presented two Foundation Establishment Pills from different eras, arguing that the trial ground's spiritual energy was diminishing, reducing the quality of herbs. She proposed sealing the trial ground for sixty years after the current opening, a significant increase from the usual five.
Other sect leaders vehemently disagreed, stating that a sixty-year interval would cripple their disciple development, as they lacked the Moonshadow Sect's large pill reserves. To prove her point, Nangong Wan had Hongfu activate the Solunar Purification Pearl. The pearl's light was visibly dimmer than in the past, confirming that the frequent openings had indeed depleted the area's spiritual energy. Hongfu and other elders supported Nangong Wan's proposal, acknowledging that the spiritual herbs were a finite resource being dangerously over-harvested.
Upon hearing this news, Han Li knew he could not wait sixty years and had to enter the trial this time. Han Yunzhi also revealed her intention to go, hoping to find the Solarflame Blossom to save her critically ill brother. Grandmaster Li Huayuan summoned his disciples, announcing only two of fifteen spots for the trial remained. After an older cultivator claimed one, Han Li secured the last spot.
Li Huayuan questioned Han Li's decision due to his low cultivation level, but Han Li asserted that his poor aptitude was precisely why he could not afford to wait sixty years. Impressed, Li Huayuan accepted him, telling the others they might get a chance if any of the chosen fifteen were eliminated in training. During training, Li Huayuan explained that disciples in the trial fell into three categories: the weak, the moderately skilled, and the truly powerful.
Counterintuitively, he stated that the weakest often had the highest survival rate because they knew their limits, whereas the strongest were prone to overconfidence and ruin. Separately, Nangong Wan entrusted the Solunar Purification Pearl to Yan Ruyan, instructing her to lead the team. She warned that the pearl's activation on the fourth day would signal a period of intense danger, as desperate disciples would resort to killing for treasures.
To prepare, Han Li adopted the alias "Li Feiyu" and visited the Treasure House. He exchanged thousand-year-old spirit herbs for a formidable arsenal, including the nine-bladed Mother-Child Blades, the defensive Mystic Iron Flying Shield, a powerful Thunder Ball, and a rare Golden Brick Talisman. While testing his new blades, he stumbled upon Lu Mingyuan confronting Chen Qiaoqian. Qiaoqian accused Lu Mingyuan of breaking their engagement after she had already given him her Foundation Establishment Pill.
Lu Mingyuan, seeking to win the favor of Dong Xuan'er to become Grandmaster Hongfu's disciple, trapped Qiaoqian with a Wind Bind spell. He confessed his intention to keep her pill and kill her to prevent her or her family from seeking revenge, leading Qiaoqian to condemn him as a traitor to the sect.
Episode 10 Recap
In Yellow Maple Valley, Lu Mingyuan confronted Chen Qiaoqian, stating his intent to pursue Dong Xuan'er for her resources. Chen Qiaoqian demanded the Foundation Pill back, declaring she would speak to her father about canceling their engagement. Enraged, Lu Mingyuan forcibly fed Chen Qiaoqian a Joyful Union Pill, refined with a lust poison from a Level 2 demon beast, expressing his eagerness to see its effects on her.
Han Li, who had been watching, wished to intervene but knew Lu Mingyuan's cultivation was superior. When Lu Mingyuan noticed Han Li, he declared his intention to eliminate him. Han Li engaged Lu Mingyuan in combat, but his newly acquired artifacts were not yet fully refined, preventing him from unleashing their true potential. Lu Mingyuan taunted Han Li for merely swinging them like common weapons.
Taking the taunt as a hint, Han Li used a Swift Travel Talisman as a projectile weapon, fatally striking Lu Mingyuan. Han Li then retrieved the Foundation Pill from Lu Mingyuan's body, recognizing the container as the one he had previously owned. Under the influence of the poison, Chen Qiaoqian became disoriented and embraced Han Li. Unable to snap her out of it, Han Li rendered her unconscious.
He deliberated on his actions, acknowledging that while he had acted heroically, killing a fellow disciple was a grave offense. Unwilling to silence her permanently, Han Li administered an Oblivion Pill to Chen Qiaoqian, ensuring she would forget the day's events, including his involvement. Meanwhile, in the Masked Moon Sect, Yan Ruyan's old illness resurfaced, leaving her comatose.
Her father, Yan Yunshan of the Yan Clan, desperately sought a Blood Spirit Flower from the dangerous Bloody Trial Ground to save her. Nangong Wan discussed the situation with her sect leader, revealing that Yan Ruyan was originally slated to lead the trial team. With Yan Ruyan incapacitated, Nangong Wan volunteered to go in her stead.
She aimed not only to retrieve the Blood Spirit Flower but also to secure another crucial item, a task she felt only she could safely complete. When the sect leader reminded her that only Qi Refining Stage disciples could enter, Nangong Wan explained that her Maiden Cycle Art allowed her to suppress her cultivation to the required level.
She emphasized her fondness for Yan Ruyan and the Yan Clan's century-long loyalty in defending the Yue Kingdom's border, affirming her resolve to succeed. Yan Yunshan, believing the Seven Sects were motivated by profit, prepared to offer the Yan Clan's quarry as payment for their help. Unexpectedly, Wang Chan, the Young Master of the Ghost Spirit Sect, arrived and questioned why Yan Yunshan would seek help from the Seven Sects, who monopolized the trial, instead of his Six Sects.
Yan Yunshan refused his offer. Undeterred, Wang Chan had his subordinates investigate and learned of Yan Ruyan's critical condition and the need for the Blood Spirit Flower. He was delighted, realizing that controlling the flower would give him leverage over the Yan Clan, a key strategic advantage in the impending war. On the day of departure, Chen Qiaoqian cast a curious glance at Han Li, leaving him to wonder if she retained any memory of their encounter.
Their master, Li Huayuan, explained that their entry into the Bloody Trial Ground would involve random teleportation. To help them regroup, the sect had implanted a Guiding Tether Art within each disciple, allowing them to sense fellow sect members nearby. He warned that this trial was a competition, with the number of spirit herbs collected influencing their sects' standing for the next sixty years.
Citing the Masked Moon Sect's abuse of power, he urged his disciples to prove Yellow Maple Valley's strength. At the same time, Wang Chan instructed his subordinates to prevent the Yan Clan from getting the Blood Spirit Flower and to eliminate elite disciples of the Seven Sects while remaining anonymous. With all preparations made, the sect leaders opened the entrance, and the disciples entered. Inside, Han Li found himself separated from his sect.
He heard Chen Qiaoqian calling out but remained hidden to protect the secret of his green vial, choosing to proceed alone. While he found common herbs, the ingredients for the Foundation Pill were not on his map. He then encountered Xiang Zhili traveling with disciples from other sects. Xiang Zhili explained that since each sect's map had different points of interest, collaboration was the wisest strategy.
He invited Han Li to join, but Han Li declined, claiming his abilities were too low to be of use, and quickly departed, puzzled by his senior's uncharacteristic behavior. As night fell, Han Li took refuge in a cave. He reflected on Xiang Zhili, who had entered the trial three times without reaching the Foundation Stage, and resolved not to suffer the same fate. A strange, bone-chilling rain began to fall, forcing him to use his spiritual energy for warmth.
Elsewhere, two elders observing the trial from outside made a wager on which sect would collect the most herbs. Nangong Wan, also watching, noted the high death toll and lamented the inconvenience of suppressing her cultivation. As the second day began, the Guiding Tether Art activated on several disciples, and their desperate pleas for help echoed through the trial grounds.
Episode 11 Recap
Han Li heard a junior sister's desperate cry for help and immediately intervened. He engaged an initial assailant, only for another man, Feng Yue, the notorious lunatic from Skyfort Castle, to join the fray. Han Li confronted Feng Yue, who wielded a Primordial Pearl and other artifacts. Han Li, in turn, used his own powerful artifacts, ultimately defeating Feng Yue and leaving him with nothing but ashes.
After the battle, Han Li discovered a pair of Cloud-Riding Boots that remarkably remained intact, recognizing them as valuable treasures, and decided to keep them. Later, Han Yunzhi was overjoyed to discover Violet Monkey Blossoms and called out to two senior brothers to share her find. However, these two individuals ruthlessly turned on her accompanying junior sister, killing her.
Han Yunzhi, quick-witted, used a high-grade stealth artifact to conceal herself, narrowly escaping the notice of the two treacherous cultivators, who then departed. Elsewhere, Han Li encountered Chen Qiaoqian, severely wounded by a demon beast. Chen Qiaoqian immediately recognized the Qingjiao Banner Han Li possessed, believing he was Lu Mingyuan, who had supposedly saved her before but also taken her Foundation Pill.
Han Li was startled to be recognized, attempting to explain that his artifact merely resembled the Qingjiao Banner and wasn't Lu Mingyuan's. Chen Qiaoqian vehemently disbelieved him, accusing him of denying his actions. Han Li then pointed out that she was poisoned and might be experiencing hallucinations, offering her a "detox" pill and promising to answer all her questions once she recovered. Chen Qiaoqian took the pill, which was, in fact, an Oblivion Pill designed to induce deep slumber.
Han Li realized he couldn't let Chen Qiaoqian discover his identity and resolved to find her a safe hiding place. Han Li soon encountered Han Yunzhi again, who was using her stealth artifact to evade pursuers. When Han Li's own pursuers closed in, Han Yunzhi used her artifact to help him remain hidden, allowing them to escape detection.
Han Li thanked her, and Han Yunzhi explained her predicament: her mystic pouch and map had been stolen after entering the Trial Ground, and she was desperately searching for a Solarflame Blossom to cure her brother's grave illness. She clarified that the two Spirit Beast Mountain cultivators she had seen earlier were not her sect mates. Han Li offered to guide her to where Solarflame Blossoms might be found, stating it was on his way, much to Han Yunzhi's excitement.
Han Li led Han Yunzhi to the central ring of mountains, where he believed most rare spirit herbs were located. Suddenly, a peculiar flying python appeared. Han Yunzhi recognized it as a spirit beast belonging to Zhong Wu, a senior from Spirit Beast Mountain, and suggested they go around to avoid a confrontation. However, Han Li insisted they were short on time and proceeded.
Zhong Wu then appeared, confronting them for killing his spirit python and immediately recognizing Han Li by the Cloud-Riding Boots, realizing he had killed Feng Yue. After a tense exchange, Zhong Wu, eyeing Han Li's valuable belt, proposed trading maps. Han Li agreed to exchange his map for Zhong Wu's maps from the Saber-Shearing Sect and Skyfort Castle.
After the exchange, Zhong Wu met with two accomplices and revealed Han Li and Han Yunzhi's objective to find Solarflame Blossoms for Han Yunzhi's brother at Solarflame Cave. He instructed them to ambush the pair, assuring them that Han Li and Han Yunzhi's cultivation was weak. Han Li and Han Yunzhi soon located a vast field of Solarflame Blossoms but were ambushed as predicted. The assailant, unable to defeat Han Li, spitefully incinerated the entire field of precious flowers.
Han Yunzhi was devastated, but Han Li quickly discovered a single miraculously surviving Solarflame Blossom. Overjoyed, Han Yunzhi asked how she could ever repay him, and Han Li, reminiscing about his own sister, playfully asked her to make him flatbreads once they exited the Trial Ground. Continuing his quest for Celestial Essence Fruit, an essential ingredient for the Foundation Pill, Han Li ventured into a stone temple that mysteriously blocked spiritual sense.
Shortly after, Nangong Wan arrived with her disciples, also seeking the Celestial Essence Fruit. Han Li quickly hid. The creature guarding the Celestial Essence Fruit, initially believed to be a Tier 1 Blackscale Python, had astonishingly undergone metamorphosis into a Tier 2 Blackflood Drake, equivalent to a Mid Foundation Establishment cultivator. The temple entrance then sealed, trapping everyone inside.
As the formidable Blackflood Drake overwhelmed Nangong Wan's disciples and cut off any escape, Nangong Wan, realizing Han Li was concealed, called him out, asserting that hiding would only lead to everyone's demise. Han Li emerged, admitting he was cautious due to concerns about her seizing his treasures, stating his meticulous nature had kept him alive this long. Nangong Wan, weakening from the struggle, urged him to deploy any powerful techniques he might possess.
Han Li revealed he possessed a potent talisman treasure that required time to activate. Nangong Wan agreed to bravely hold off the Blackflood Drake while Han Li prepared his attack. Han Li then began to activate his sect's prized Golden Brick Talisman. With Nangong Wan struggling fiercely to distract the relentless demon beast, Han Li painstakingly charged and finally unleashed the powerful talisman, ultimately subduing the Blackflood Drake.
Episode 12 Recap
After Han Li and Nangong Wan defeated the Blackflood Drake, Nangong Wan took its primordial spirit, intending to use it to guard her sect's gate. She told Han Li he could have the beast's body, noting its hide was tough and its parts were valuable.
Observing that Han Li had many artifacts for a Qi Refining cultivator, Nangong Wan teased him about potentially killing her for her treasures, to which Han Li replied that her "treasures" were mere "junk" to him. Annoyed by Han Li's clumsy attempts to dismantle the beast, Nangong Wan took over, explaining that the drake's horns and claws were valuable materials and that its inner core must be extracted first.
Despite feeling out of practice, her pride compelled her to handle it herself. However, instead of an inner core, she extracted a different, unknown organ. As she remarked that Han Li was lucky, a strange mist was released, causing both of them to lose consciousness. Urgent announcements from the elders echoed through the trial grounds, warning disciples that the portal would soon close, trapping anyone left inside for sixty years. Nangong Wan awoke disoriented, realizing she had overslept.
She quickly roused Han Li, stressing that they had to leave immediately. Internally, she debated killing Han Li to silence him. She then revealed the source of their unconsciousness: the drake was a rare male, and the organ she had touched was its lust sack, which released an aphrodisiac poison mist upon contact with a female. Nangong Wan warned him to keep quiet about the incident.
Han Li, understanding the gravity of the situation, agreed it was a misunderstanding and vowed that no third person would ever know. Nangong Wan then took a mysterious chest, to which Han Li had no objections. She claimed the Blood Spirit Flower for herself but allowed Han Li to keep the remaining spirit herbs, which included the Celestial Essence Fruit he had desperately sought. With time running out, they found their path blocked by rubble.
Nangong Wan admitted she knew a way to clear the path but her powers were completely drained from their recent ordeal, forcing Han Li to open the way. They dashed towards the exit as the elders' final warnings sounded. On their way, Han Li lamented the destruction of his Golden Brick Talisman after only two uses, but Nangong Wan called him a "moneygrubber," retorting that his life was just as important.
As they neared freedom, Han Li introduced himself, "I'm Han Li, 'Li' as in erecting a tombstone," and asked for her name. After some hesitation, she revealed her name was Nangong Wan, adding curtly that they would be strangers once outside. Han Li, however, made a solemn promise: if she ever faced danger, he would come to her aid. Nangong Wan dismissed him, telling him to look after himself and never seek her out.
Outside the Bloody Trial Ground, the elders debated closing the portal. Li Huayuan insisted on waiting a little longer, despite another elder's skepticism. Just then, Han Li emerged alone. Seeing that the Moonshadow Sect's elder, Mistress Ni Chang, had already departed with her disciples, Han Li assumed Nangong Wan had left. The portal then sealed, with only five disciples from Yellow Maple Valley having survived, a testament to the trial's danger.
Li Huayuan, pleased with his successful wager, approached Han Li to inquire about his gains. Han Li, cautious not to draw attention, presented only a few spirit herbs, including the Celestial Essence Fruit. As a result, Li Huayuan won his bet, much to the chagrin of the other elders who grudgingly paid up. Impressed, Li Huayuan asked Han Li how he had obtained the herbs.
Han Li explained that he had followed his master's advice to avoid conflict and, by sheer luck, had stumbled upon the aftermath of battles, collecting the herbs left behind by the dead. Finding Han Li both fortunate and humble, Li Huayuan formally accepted him as his direct disciple, telling him to address him as "Master" instead of "Grandmaster."
Reflecting on the heavy losses, Li Huayuan was pleased by Han Li’s somber demeanor and genuine sadness for his fallen peers, seeing it as a sign of his good character. As a welcoming gift, he gave Han Li the Qingyuan Sword Manual, a technique suitable for the Qi Refining Stage. Han Li reported to Li Huayuan about the suspicious individuals from Spirit Beast Mountain he had encountered.
He detailed how they practiced ruthless toxic and demonic arts, focusing solely on killing—even their own sect members—rather than gathering herbs. Li Huayuan acknowledged the gravity of this information and cautioned Han Li to keep it a secret, suspecting a link to the high casualty count. Meanwhile, a troubled Nangong Wan found herself unable to open the mysterious chest.
Her maid, Qing'er, noted Nangong Wan's strange behavior since her return and reminded her that the Blood Spirit Flower she sent to the Yan Clan Stronghold should have arrived. Mistress Ni Chang, the Moonshadow Sect Leader, expressed concern over Nangong Wan's depleted powers. Nangong Wan attributed her state partly to the drake, but also revealed that someone had cut off her escape route during the fight.
She voiced her suspicion that demonic forces had infiltrated the Seven Sects and were responsible for the massive losses. At the Spirit Beast Mountain, Wang Chan of the Ghost Spirit Sect received a report from his subordinate, Zhong Wu, confirming that the Seven Sects had lost nearly 70% of their top Qi Refining disciples, severely weakening their foundation.
Wang Chan then tasked Zhong Wu with returning to the Seven Sects' territory to discreetly instigate cultivators to defect to the Ghost Spirit Sect. Meanwhile, two of his members who failed to retrieve the Blood Spirit Flower were kneeling in disgrace. Concurrently, at the Yan Clan Stronghold, Lord Yan and his aide, Elder Liu, were anxiously awaiting the Blood Spirit Flower for the ailing Yan Ruyan.
However, the Moonshadow Sect messenger delivering the flower was intercepted and killed by Wang Chan's forces. Shortly after, Elder Liu informed Lord Yan that Wang Chan had arrived, claiming he could save the Young Lady. Though wary, Lord Yan agreed to meet him. Wang Chan offered the Blood Spirit Flower he had stolen but argued it would only sustain life while damaging Yan Ruyan's cultivation foundation.
Instead, he proposed a superior Ghost Spirit Sect art that could not only cure her but also enhance her future cultivation. The price for this cure was an alliance between the Yan Clan and the Ghost Spirit Sect. Upon Han Li's return to his sect's residence, fellow disciples, including Dong Xuan'er, came to greet him. They joked that Han Li, who once called them "Mentors," was now their junior disciple under the same master.
Dong Xuan'er expressed relief at his safe return from the perilous trial. Seeing them together, other senior disciples playfully commented on their closeness, and Dong Xuan'er challenged Han Li to a future sparring match. Meanwhile, in her secluded cultivation, Nangong Wan was plagued by memories of Han Li. Vexed, she furiously declared that the first thing she would do upon emerging would be to kill him and erect a tombstone in his name, echoing his own introduction.
She resolved to refine ten or even twenty Foundation Pills to ensure her breakthrough. At the same time, Han Li used his green bottle to successfully ripen his spirit herbs, including the crucial Violet Monkey Blossom. With the ingredients and formula in hand, he had enough to refine over a dozen Foundation Pills. Having also reached the 13th tier of Qi Refining, all that remained was for him to achieve the Foundation Establishment Stage.
Episode 13 Recap
Han Li successfully cultivated numerous Foundation Pills using precious herbs like Violet Monkey Blossom, Celestial Essence Fruit, and Jade Marrow Mushroom. He mused that while talented cultivators might only need two pills, his own lack of talent due to his spiritual root demanded at least ten for a successful breakthrough. He consumed two pills to test them, but the medicinal properties proved overwhelmingly intense, causing him to lose consciousness.
Upon awakening, he continued to take the pills, feeling a powerful warmth in his body from the residual effects. He realized that with the accumulated energy from the pills, he would die if he failed to establish his foundation. Enduring immense pain as his body was cleansed and transformed, Han Li persevered, condensing his Qi into liquid. He ultimately succeeded in reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, and to his surprise, also advanced his Qingyuan Sword Manual to the fourth tier.
Meanwhile, Chen Qiaoqian was also preparing for her Foundation Establishment. During her cultivation, she reflected on the dangerous events that occurred before the Bloody Trial Ground and recalled seeing a familiar figure's back, realizing that Han Li was the one who had eliminated Senior Lu. As a new aura of power emanated from the valley, other disciples noticed the phenomenon, confirming the emergence of two new Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Chen Qiaoqian immediately sought out Mentor Xu, inquiring about the other newly-established cultivator. Mentor Xu revealed it was Han Li, expressing surprise at his unexpected success despite his supposedly fake spiritual root, and mentioned that Han Li had just left. Chen Qiaoqian quickly pursued Han Li, catching up to him to directly ask if he was the one who killed Senior Lu.
Han Li feigned ignorance, claiming he was not strong enough to defeat Senior Lu at that time, and that his survival in the Bloody Trial Ground was merely luck. As he walked away, Han Li secretly regretted not having given her more Oblivion Pills. Chen Qiaoqian, however, insisted she knew the truth even without his admission. Concurrently, within the Yan Clan stronghold, Wang Chan treated the gravely ill Yan Ruyan.
Elder Liu observed Wang Chan's technique and became alarmed, realizing it was an evil art that absorbed others' cultivation. He immediately reported his findings to Lord Yan, warning that the technique was against nature and would lead to dire consequences.
Lord Yan, however, was resolute, stating that Yan Ruyan, possessing a heavenly spirit root, was the only hope for the Yan Clan to produce a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator, which was essential for their clan's future and standing against the Seven Sects. He dismissed Elder Liu's concerns, emphasizing that cultivators below the Nascent Soul Stage were insignificant. Elder Liu requested time to investigate Wang Chan's background, arguing that even commoners check the groom's family before marriage.
Lord Yan reluctantly agreed but urged him to be swift. Elder Liu then met Wang Chan, demanding the 1,000 spirit stones they had agreed upon for his assistance in speaking highly of Wang Chan to Lord Yan. After receiving the payment, Elder Liu declared their agreement settled and stated his intention to leave the Yan Clan stronghold, wanting no further involvement.
However, Wang Chan, suspecting Elder Liu would betray him to the other sects, promptly killed him and reclaimed the spirit stones. A subordinate later reported Elder Liu's disappearance and presumed demise to Lord Yan, who calmly accepted the news. Wang Chan then met with Lord Yan, asserting that his prior actions, including treating and proposing marriage to Yan Ruyan, were merely pretexts to gauge Lord Yan's disposition.
He referenced an ancient promise, proposing that the Yan Clan rejoin his Ghost Spirit Sect. Lord Yan scoffed, reminding Wang Chan that the Yan Clan had separated from the Ghost Spirit Sect three hundred years ago and had no intention of returning. Wang Chan then revealed his true ambition: he claimed the Seven Sects had ruled the Yue Kingdom long enough and his sect could help Lord Yan become its future ruler, eliminating the need to beg for resources.
He disclosed that the Six Demonic Sects had already amassed an army and would soon attack, asserting that the Seven Sects would be easily crushed. He warned that the Yan Clan, situated on the border, would bear the brunt of the invasion. Lord Yan, however, remained skeptical, questioning Wang Chan's authority within the Ghost Spirit Sect, given his father's many children and the continued presence of his aunt, Hongfen. Wang Chan countered by revealing his exceptionally rare dark spirit root.
He explained that a union between his dark spirit root and Yan Ruyan's heavenly spirit root would be ideal for cultivating the Blood Spirit Spell, potentially allowing them to reach the Nascent Soul Stage. He promised that their future child would become the co-ruler of both the Ghost Spirit Sect and the Yan Clan. He emphasized that he personally needed the Yan Clan's friendship more than his father or aunt.
Finally, Lord Yan challenged Wang Chan to swear a Truedeath Oath with him, signaling his consideration of the proposal. Having successfully established his foundation, Han Li visited Mentor Ma at the Herbs Garden, expressing gratitude for Mentor Ma allowing him to tend the garden, which he credited as crucial to his breakthrough.
Mentor Ma advised Han Li that, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he should now address him as "Senior Brother Ma" and find his new master, Li Huayuan, as the garden was no longer suitable for him. Mentor Ma also thanked Han Li for a gift of pills that aided his moxibustion therapy. Han Li later formally met his new master, Li Huayuan, along with his senior siblings, Song, Wei Niang, and Wu Xuan.
Li Huayuan, dismissing elaborate rituals, immediately accepted Han Li as his disciple, urging him to cultivate diligently and uphold his master's reputation. Li Huayuan explained that cultivation was about defying destiny, requiring not just physical transformation but also mental and spiritual refinement. He stressed that while mortals had desires and obsessions that could lead to inner demons, true cultivation was about achieving "unobstructed thoughts" and "making peace with oneself," rather than forsaking desires.
He claimed this philosophy was key to his own success as the top Core Formation Stage cultivator in the sect. Han Li, still puzzled, sought clarification from his senior siblings. Song explained that the concept was not easily grasped, and that everyone's "obsessions" differed, giving examples like his own desire to eliminate evil and Wu Xuan's affection for Xuan'er.
During a sparring session to test Han Li's abilities, Song played his flute, and Han Li passed by correctly perceiving that "Silence is more profound than sound," demonstrating his newfound ability to sense spiritual power. Wei Niang then tasked Han Li with preventing a bird from flying without harming it; Han Li gently helped it escape, gaining her approval.
Finally, Wu Xuan tested Han Li's agility by throwing sandbags, which Han Li skillfully dodged, though Wu Xuan felt Han Li was holding back. Wu Xuan realized Han Li had reached the fourth tier of the Qingyuan Sword Manual, surprising his senior siblings, who knew it was usually trained only up to the third tier. They warned Han Li that from the fourth tier onwards, the technique caused power to dissipate every few days.
Han Li confirmed his progress had slowed, and his gathered spiritual power would gradually vanish. His seniors explained that while the manual was incomplete, with only the first nine tiers known to the sect, each tier expanded his meridians and deepened his energy pool, granting him greater power reserves than his peers, suggesting the dissipation was a unique side effect of the flawed but powerful technique.
Elsewhere, Hongfu informed her Grandmaster that the Clear Void Sect's investigation into the Bloody Trial Ground survivors revealed that half of them suspected Spirit Beast Mountain of being involved with demonic sects. She recalled that Spirit Beast Mountain, which originated from the Beast Taming Sect of the Six Demonic Sects three hundred years prior, had also advocated for changing the Trial Ground's opening date. The Grandmaster decided to summon them for interrogation.
The Grandmaster then met with Nangong Wan, congratulating her on recovering to the Core Formation Stage, though noting she had lost much cultivation. Nangong Wan attributed her losses to "the tombstone-erector," a curse aimed at Han Li. The Grandmaster expressed concern about Nangong Wan's troubled state and pressed her for details about what had transpired in the Trial Ground. Nangong Wan, disturbed by a flashback of her encounter with Han Li, deflected, blaming the bright sunlight.
The Grandmaster, seeing her unstable state, advised her to manage pending sect affairs to avoid developing inner demons. Nangong Wan later received a jade scroll from Yellow Maple Valley, an invitation from Li Huayuan to all Core Formation Stage cultivators of the Seven Sects for a strategic discussion.
She surmised Li Huayuan was just looking for companions for a casual gathering, but decided to attend, not only for the food but also to confirm if Han Li had revealed any secrets about her. She resolved that if he had, she would kill him, asserting that she would have to do it sooner or later anyway. Back in Yellow Maple Valley, Han Li reflected on the continuous dissipation of his power and the challenge of establishing his own cavern.
Remembering Mentor Ma's advice, he sought out a merchant at the Treasure House who specialized in spirit beasts. The merchant showed him a newly advanced Grade 2 Double-Pupil Mouse, boasting of its ability to locate herbs, steal spirit stones, and find secret realms. Despite the high price, Han Li purchased the mouse, keen to utilize its unique abilities.
Episode 14 Recap
As a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator, Han Li sought a personal cultivation cavern. His spirit beast, for which he had paid a hefty price, eventually led him to a remarkable location: a secluded spot with a natural spirit spring, a rare find that significantly enhanced cultivation. Han Li was pleased with his new discovery, even planning a secret garden to cultivate spirit herbs. However, his contentment was short-lived when he discovered a rabbit freely entering his cavern.
This revealed the inadequacy of the complimentary defense array he possessed, prompting him to seek a more reliable one. Han Li traveled to a market in Yuanwu Kingdom, a place known for its arrays and crafting masters. There, he put a Millennium Golden Glow Ganoderma up for auction to fund his search for a better array. During the auction, a man pursued by a group of cultivators swiftly activated a powerful array to block his pursuers.
Han Li, observing from a distance, was impressed by its efficacy. When the pursuers inquired if he had seen the man, Han Li deliberately pointed them in the wrong direction. The man, later identified as Qi Yunxiao, approached Han Li to express his gratitude, though Han Li stated his assistance came with conditions. Qi Yunxiao, an artifact crafter who specialized in forging while another master designed his arrays, warned Han Li against trying to acquire the array master's techniques.
Han Li then surprised Qi Yunxiao by asking if he desired another Millennium Spirit Herb. Intrigued, Qi Yunxiao invited Han Li to his Yunxiao Pavilion. After Han Li expressed disinterest in the displayed high-grade treasures, Qi Yunxiao revealed the very array he had used earlier: the Five Phases Reversing Array.
He admitted it was a semi-finished product, operating at only twenty percent of its full power due to insufficient spirit gems during its activation, but assured Han Li that even in its current state, it could easily withstand attacks from a Mid Foundation Establishment cultivator. He explained that a fully restored Five Phases Reversing Array could serve as a formidable Mountain Barrier for a small sect. Han Li questioned the array's effectiveness given its earlier performance.
Qi Yunxiao explained it was purely due to his lack of spirit gems at the time, not a flaw in the array itself. He then earnestly pleaded for five years to fully restore the array. Seeing Han Li's hesitation, Qi Yunxiao offered a profound personal artifact: the Yunxiao Heart Technique, a book containing his lifelong insights into artifact crafting.
He confessed that according to his family rules, inherited from an elder in the Divine Arms Sect, this technique could not be shared. However, he desperately needed the Millennium Spirit Herb as a life-saving catalyst. Han Li surmised that this person must be Qi Yunxiao's beloved, to which Qi Yunxiao admitted it was for a woman named Ruyin.
Han Li agreed to the terms, sealing the Yunxiao Heart Technique and promising to return it unopened if Qi Yunxiao fulfilled his promise. He then proposed a further business venture, presenting Qi Yunxiao with rare materials he had acquired from a Level 2 Blackflood Drake: its outer skin, sharp horns, venomous fangs, and potent venom. Qi Yunxiao, recognizing these as top-tier materials, enthusiastically agreed to forge high-grade artifacts.
He completed the task in just half a month, impressing Han Li with his efficiency. Among the forged artifacts were the Divine Wind Boat, a swift flying artifact; the Drake Daggers, crafted from its fangs; the White Scale Shield, made from its toughest outer scales; and the Azure Fire Miasma, condensed from its venom and designed to catch enemies off guard.
Meanwhile, Ye Fei, who had faked his death years ago, was confronted by a former subordinate from his time in the Bamboo Sect. The man questioned why Ye Fei was contacting old allies and demanded the return of the stolen Volume One of the Great Deployment Art. Ye Fei, after asserting his former authority as "Young Master," refused and killed the man. Han Li, who was passing by, accidentally made a noise.
Mistaking Han Li for an accomplice of his victim, Ye Fei quickly fled the area. Left alone, Han Li was then confronted by the deceased man's primordial spirit. It pleaded with Han Li to find it a new body to possess, offering the complete Great Deployment Art in return. Han Li, stating his deep-seated hatred for body possessors, refused and promptly destroyed the spirit.
Sometime later, Mentor Wu of the Yellow Maple Valley coincidentally uncovered Ye Fei's treachery, realizing he was a demonic spy collaborating with Demonic Dao cultivators disguised as Spirit Beast Mountain disciples. Ye Fei spotted Mentor Wu and immediately attempted to silence him. Han Li, returning to his cavern, stumbled upon the scene and intervened to rescue his mentor. Severely wounded, Mentor Wu urged Han Li to get medicine from his cavern, but quickly realized his end was near.
With his last breath, he desperately instructed Han Li to deliver a critical message to Sect Leader Zhong: Ye Fei was a traitor, other sects had likely been infiltrated by demonic spies, and they had to be stopped from coordinating an attack from within. He also specifically warned Han Li to be wary of Spirit Beast Mountain. As Mentor Wu succumbed to his injuries, Ye Fei pursued Han Li, declaring that Han Li, having witnessed too much, must also die.
Han Li quickly activated his Five Phases Reversing Array. Ye Fei acknowledged the array's power, offering to spare Han Li if he handed it over. Han Li defiantly refused. Ye Fei, confident despite the array's strength, began manipulating numerous puppets, sending them in relentless waves to breach the defense. Han Li braced himself, understanding that the array, still operating at only twenty percent of its power, might not hold out for long against such a sustained assault.
Episode 15 Recap
Upon arriving back at Yellow Maple Valley, Han Li found the rogue disciple Ye brazenly attacking the sect's defensive formation. Before Ye could break through, Hongfu, alerted by the commotion, intervened. Ye, who had been practicing dark arts and harming fellow disciples, proved no match for her. Han Li then recounted the full story: he had stumbled upon Ye attempting to silence Mentor Wu, who had discovered Ye meeting with members of the demonic sects.
Before succumbing to his injuries, Mentor Wu entrusted Han Li with a final message for the Sect Master, warning that the demonic sects had infiltrated the Seven Sects and that Spirit Beast Mountain was particularly suspicious. Hongfu acknowledged the gravity of the situation, assuring Han Li that the matter was beyond a Foundation Establishment disciple's purview and would be investigated. She also praised Han Li's cultivation progress, reminding him that the path of cultivation requires constant effort.
Later, Han Li respectfully buried Mentor Wu near his own cavern, reflecting on the man's genuine kindness, past guidance, and recalling how Wu had saved his life by telling him to switch a formation during a critical battle. Meanwhile, at the Yan Clan Stronghold, the elders convened to discuss their future.
They argued that the stronghold served as the Yue Kingdom's primary defense against the demonic sects and that defecting would leave the entire kingdom vulnerable, especially since their clan had only freed themselves from the grip of the Six Demonic Sects three centuries prior. Their debate was interrupted by the arrival of Wang Chan, representing his father, Sect Leader Wang Tiangu of the Ghost Spirit Sect. He dismissed the Seven Sects as former rebels who now hypocritically claimed righteousness.
He challenged their inaction regarding Young Lady Yan Ruyan's severe illness and their failure to provide the promised Blood Spirit Flower, suggesting their true motive was fear of the Yan Clan gaining a Nascent Soul cultivator. Wang Chan promised that if the Yan Clan returned to the Six Demonic Sects, they would be treated as equals, sharing cultivation resources and supreme techniques.
To quell the elders' skepticism, Wang Chan revealed he had sworn a Truedeath Oath with the Lord of the Yan Clan, staking his life on his promise to cure Yan Ruyan. This profound commitment swayed the elders, and Wang Chan sealed the new alliance by emphasizing their future as one family, sharing glory and ruin. Later, Hongfu engaged in a game of mahjong with fellow sect leaders, including Spirit Beast Mountain's Master Floating Clouds and her junior, Li Huayuan.
The conversation turned to the recent infiltration. Floating Clouds admitted a Qi Refining disciple named Zhong Wu was identified as the spy who led the demonic sects into the Bloody Trial Ground. However, Zhong Wu had mysteriously escaped before he could be interrogated, prompting Floating Clouds to issue a wanted notice. Hongfu expressed disbelief that a mere Qi Refining disciple could elude capture so easily.
She then revealed that a Foundation Establishment cultivator from her sect, the same Ye Han Li had encountered, had gone missing after being seen with suspicious individuals dressed like Spirit Beast Mountain disciples, raising her suspicions about Zhong Wu's involvement. She clarified her intent was not to cause trouble but to foster cooperation among the sects against their common enemy. Floating Clouds assured her that Spirit Beast Mountain would never fall under the control of demonic forces.
News of Yan Ruyan's impending marriage soon arrived. Nangong Wan found the announcement surprisingly sudden, given Yan Ruyan's previous disinterest in such matters. Li Huayuan summoned his disciples—Han Li, Song Meng, Weiniang, Jing, and Wu Xuan—to select a representative for the wedding. Hongfu had already designated Dong Xuan'er to attend from her side. When asked who would accompany her, all the disciples except Han Li and Wu Xuan discreetly recoiled.
Han Li also tried to step back, but Li Huayuan called him forward. Feigning humility, Han Li suggested Wu Xuan was far more suitable, citing his own low cultivation and lack of social grace, adding the burden of looking after Senior Dong Xuan'er. Li Huayuan promptly corrected him, reminding Han Li that Dong Xuan'er, having reached Foundation Establishment later, was his junior.
He then deferred to Hongfu, who chose Han Li after observing that he and Dong Xuan'er were uniquely able to converse normally, unlike others affected by her innate enchantment, and remarking on his steady and unremarkable appearance. Li Huayuan agreed, seeing a reflection of his younger self in Han Li. Upset at the prospect of funding his own wedding gift, Han Li sought an audience with Li Huayuan to request a benefit.
Honoring a previous promise, Li Huayuan presented him with a selection of cultivation techniques. Han Li dismissed the common "Restoration Technique" and "Phantom Technique," as his existing "Cyan Sword Technique" already included similar abilities. His attention was drawn to a mysterious silver page, strikingly similar to a golden page he had acquired from the Bloody Trial Ground. Intrigued, Han Li chose it, much to Li Huayuan's surprise.
Upon returning to his cavern, Han Li poured spiritual energy into the silver page, and it merged with his golden page, revealing the complete "Cyan Sword Technique." He also discovered instructions for crafting the "Qingzhu Swarm Sword," a powerful Core Formation Stage treasure, and an auxiliary art called "Triple Cycle Core Rebirth."
This daunting technique required a practitioner to disperse their cultivation and repeat the Foundation Establishment process three times to guarantee success in reaching the Core Formation stage, a brilliant but arduous method. Back in his cavern, Han Li contemplated his gift for the wedding. His senior disciples had earlier visited, suggesting either cultivation-aiding pills or nourishing beauty creams.
Reluctant to part with his valuable elixirs, Han Li decided to offer century-old spirit herbs, confident he could quickly cultivate more using his mysterious vial. Suddenly, Dong Xuan'er startled him by appearing inside his cavern, having used her enchantment to persuade Han Li's Twin-pupil Mouse to open his protective barrier. She playfully requested a spirit herb, which Han Li firmly refused.
During their journey, Dong Xuan'er explained she chose him as her companion because he was the only one unaffected by her innate charm. Han Li bluntly pointed out that others were merely reacting to her power, not acting of their own free will, causing her to feel misunderstood and lonely. He warned her that her careless use of the enchantment could lead to trouble, but she retorted that it was an inherent part of her, not a choice.
They agreed to a set of ground rules for their trip: to mind their own business and not bother each other. Upon their arrival at the Yan Clan Stronghold, a welcoming disciple named Feng Jun informed them that only rooms in the Lower City were available due to an unexpected number of guests. Dong Xuan'er subtly employed her enchantment on him. Immediately, his demeanor changed, and he swiftly provided them with the last available room in the Upper City.
Han Li, observing this, was visibly displeased. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Chan witnessed the exchange from a distance, musing on Dong Xuan'er's "innate enchantment" and wondering if she was connected to "that old monster," hinting at a sinister plan. Later, at their assigned inn, the innkeeper informed them that only one room remained. Han Li suggested they stay separately, offering to find lodging elsewhere to avoid her. Frustrated, Dong Xuan'er insisted they adhere to their agreed-upon rules of non-interference.
Han Li relented, reasoning that the inn should be safe enough given the presence of many Seven Sects disciples and regular patrols. While Han Li was settling in, two cultivators, Wuyouzi from Clear Void Sect and Ba Chushui from Giant Sword Sect, approached him.
After jokingly mistaking Dong Xuan'er for his companion, a fact Han Li quickly corrected, they shared a disturbing rumor: an evil spirit was preying on mortals and low-level cultivators, taking pleasure in their deaths, with nightly fatalities reported for the past three months. They noted that despite a Core Formation cultivator's presence, the Lord of the Yan Clan seemed preoccupied with the wedding, though he had supposedly activated a powerful protective array for the ceremony.
Wuyouzi and Ba Chushui revealed their true purpose in attending was to hunt this evil spirit, inviting Han Li to join them. Han Li politely declined, citing the need to rest, but internally resolved to investigate the unsettling rumors himself.
Episode 16 Recap
Wang Chan brought a secret concoction from the Ghost Spirit Sect, capable of preserving spiritual power, to give to Yan Ruyan. Her father, Lord Yan, questioned Wang Chan about his interest in a woman from Yellow Maple Valley he was seen observing. Wang Chan denied any romantic interest, stating the woman was merely useful for gathering information and assured Lord Yan that his own true identity remained a secret.
Given the recent influx of cultivators into the city for the wedding, Lord Yan decided it was best to postpone their plan against the commoners in the Lower City to avoid any unforeseen complications before the ceremony. Wang Chan agreed. Meanwhile, Mo Caihuan visited an apothecary to buy two stalks of Moongazing Grass with 20 spiritual gems, only to be told by the supplier that the price had increased significantly due to high demand from visiting cultivators.
When she offered to buy seeds instead, the supplier dismissed the idea, citing the weak spiritual energy in the Lower City. He then propositioned her, offering her unlimited herbs if she agreed to become his concubine. Mo Caihuan refused and tried to leave, but he pursued her until Han Li intervened, rescuing her from the supplier's harassment. Mo Caihuan brought Han Li back to her own small apothecary, and they reconnected after a decade.
When Han Li asked about her family, Mo Caihuan sorrowfully revealed that they were all gone. Three years prior, the Five-Color Sect, having secured a powerful new ally, slaughtered her entire family overnight to seize their assets, leaving her as the sole survivor. She also explained that several months before the massacre, their companion Qu Hun had lost control of his senses and run off into the mountains, and she was unable to find him.
Now, she runs the apothecary alone and is content with her simple life. Han Li expressed his concern for her safety, but she reassured him she could protect herself. He offered to fill a prescription for her and insisted she contact him if she ever needed help. Elsewhere, Dong Xuan'er sat alone, distressed by her innate enchanting abilities, which she felt brought her nothing but trouble and robbed her of her freedom.
Two cultivators, Wuyouzi of the Clear Void Sect and Ba Chushui of the Giant Sword Sect, noticed her sadness and approached, offering her wine to lift her spirits. After a brief philosophical exchange about the moon's reflection in her cup, they introduced themselves. They revealed they were not in the city for the wedding but to investigate evil presences. They left her the wine and departed to watch the fireworks.
As fireworks lit up the sky, a tearful Mo Caihuan asked Han Li if it was truly impossible for someone without a spiritual root to become a cultivator, and he confirmed it was. Just then, Han Li heard Dong Xuan'er using her enchantment on a large crowd and sensed she was in trouble. He urged Mo Caihuan to go home, giving her some mystic herb seeds and powerful pills beneficial for mortals.
He advised her to either use them herself or sell them for a high price and told her to leave a message for him at his inn if she needed anything. A masked individual attempted to abduct Dong Xuan'er in the dark but mistakenly grabbed Mo Caihuan. Confused, Mo Caihuan began repeating Dong Xuan'er’s enchanted phrases, claiming to be her. The attacker, believing he had the right person, mockingly played along before Han Li arrived to intervene.
A visibly drunk Dong Xuan'er, who had stumbled upon the scene, declared that the two men should fight, and she would leave with the winner. Han Li engaged the masked man, noting his strange techniques. As city patrols approached, alerted by the commotion, the attacker fled. Han Li took a disoriented Dong Xuan'er back to their inn and gave her medicine, explaining that the masked man had used her own enchantment against her, causing damage to her spirit.
She worriedly asked if he would tell her master about the incident, lamenting that she never intends to cause trouble. Han Li promised to keep it a secret and that he would stand guard for the night. He instructed her to stay close to him during the ceremony the next day, as he had sensed the attacker stalking her in the city and had an ominous feeling about the upcoming event.
The next morning, at a quarry in the Yan Clan stronghold, Xuan Yue of the Moonshadow Sect arrived to collect his sect's monthly payment of spiritual stones. He noticed heightened security and learned from a guard it was for the young lady's wedding to a "foreign cultivator." Suddenly, the stronghold's defensive formation activated, and the guard urged Xuan Yue to flee.
Simultaneously, at the Moonshadow Sect's headquarters, the Grandmaster received grave news: the Ghost Spirit Sect had completely destroyed the Jiang and Cheqi Kingdoms. She ordered the elders to convene an emergency meeting at Yellow Maple Valley, signaling that war was imminent. On the day of the wedding, Han Li and Dong Xuan'er met up with Wuyouzi and Ba Chushui. As they walked toward the venue, Han Li’s sense of unease grew.
Inside, they noted the absence of Lord Yan and the strange, vacant look on Yan Ruyan’s face. Han Li was shocked to recognize the groom as the masked man he had fought the previous night, confirming his suspicion that the ceremony was a trap. Wang Chan and Yan Ruyan appeared before the guests. Wang Chan welcomed everyone and declared the banquet would begin, at which point a powerful formation sealed the hall. The cultivators found their spiritual power completely suppressed.
Han Li immediately identified the trap as the Ghost Spirit Sect's infamous Blood Spirit Spell and yelled for everyone to run. They fought their way through guards toward the exit. Wang Chan activated the spell, mockingly thanking the guests for their "gifts" and challenging the righteous sects to sacrifice their power to save the Yan Clan's heiress. Lord Yan appeared, acknowledging that his clan was now past the point of no return.
The trapped cultivators' life force was drained and funneled into Yan Ruyan, who, despite the massive influx of power, remained unconscious. Enraged, Lord Yan reminded Wang Chan of their "Truedeath Oath," threatening him if Yan Ruyan wasn't saved. Wang Chan, unconcerned, noted that a few cultivators had escaped and declared he would hunt them down to "feed" them to his new wife, promptly setting off in pursuit as Han Li and Dong Xuan'er saw figures rapidly closing in on them.
Episode 17 Recap
As Han Li and Dong Xuan'er fled the city, they were spotted by Mo Caihuan. After Han Li explained they were being pursued by enemies from Yan Clan Stronghold, Mo Caihuan offered to guide them through an old, secret waterway she knew. However, the path ended in a dead end just as their pursuers closed in.
Dong Xuan'er, after a brief introduction with Mo Caihuan, urged her to escape on her own while she and Han Li held off the enemy. Realizing she would only be a hindrance, Mo Caihuan reluctantly left, wishing them safety. While the escape was underway, the elders of the Seven Sects, convened by Hongfu at Yellow Maple Valley, were discussing the recent fall of the Jiang and Cheqi Kingdoms to demonic forces.
Their meeting was interrupted by the arrival of Nangong Wan and her disciple, Xuan Yue. Xuan Yue had just returned from investigating Yan Clan Stronghold and reported to Nangong Wan that the stronghold had allied with the demonic sects, using a wedding as a pretense to activate two grand arrays and trap all the attending Seven Sect disciples. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Nangong Wan immediately brought Xuan Yue to present his findings to the assembled elders.
Meanwhile, Han Li's cultivation powers returned as they escaped the city's array, but he and Dong Xuan'er were immediately confronted by Wang Chan in an open field. Han Li falsely introduced himself as Li Feiyu of Yellow Maple Valley and taunted Wang Chan, who deployed a blood mist and trapped them in another array.
With their flying talismans rapidly depleting, Han Li used his last one to send Dong Xuan'er to safety, ensuring he could at least account for her survival to his seniors. Left alone, Han Li engaged in a fierce battle with Wang Chan. He deployed various artifacts, including the Cyan Mirror and Azure Drake Banner, and used the Cyan Sword Technique.
Despite acknowledging Wang Chan's superior cultivation, Han Li managed to wound him and force his retreat by unleashing a poisonous Azure Smoke, which he had created from Blackflood Drake venom acquired in the Bloody Trial Ground. Han Li, however, was also heavily injured in the exchange.
Back at the elders' meeting, Xuan Yue's full report confirmed that all Seven Sect disciples at the wedding had been killed, and Nangong Wan warned that the demonic sects' true goal was the conquest of all of Yue Kingdom, not just the borderlands. Elsewhere, Yan Ruyan awoke from her coma to learn from her father that she had been married to Wang Chan, heir to the Ghost Spirit Sect, and their clan had officially joined the demonic side.
Horrified, she accused her father of betrayal, but he justified his actions by revealing that the Seven Sects had abandoned them and that Wang Chan had used the blood of countless Seven Sect cultivators in a Blood Spirit Spell to save her life. He told her she could never return to the righteous path and that, with her heavenly spirit root, she was now the clan's only hope for the future, destined to become their first Nascent Soul cultivator.
After the main meeting, Hongfu and other elders privately questioned Nangong Wan, sensing she had held back information. Nangong Wan admitted she learned from a demonic cultivator that several Core Formation cultivators within the Seven Sects had already defected, warning them to be wary of traitors.
She then proposed a three-pronged strategy for the war: first, Nascent Soul elders from each sect must engage their demonic counterparts to contain the highest level of conflict; second, Core Formation cultivators must lead the main forces on all fronts, a duty which Hongfu and Li Huayuan accepted for Yellow Maple Valley; and third, elite Foundation Establishment disciples must form scout teams to rescue survivors and gather intelligence, with Xuan Yue leading the Masked Moon Sect's team.
When Hongfu expressed concern for Dong Xuan'er, Li Huayuan voiced his faith in his exceptionally cautious disciple, Han Li, believing he would have ensured their survival. Hongfu remained skeptical given Han Li's lower cultivation, while Nangong Wan, upon hearing his name, also grew worried for his fate. Han Li later reunited with a waiting Mo Caihuan. He confirmed that while he hadn't killed Wang Chan, he had severely injured him.
Sensing a great war was imminent, he gave Mo Caihuan a pouch of pills, urging her to use them to settle down safely in the Imperial Capital. Saddened by their fleeting reunions and her own mortality, Mo Caihuan tearfully asked if having a spirit root would have allowed her to stay by his side. When Han Li remained silent, a response she noted was characteristic of him, she embraced him one last time.
As Han Li walked away after their parting, his injuries overcame him, and he collapsed, coughing blood, leaving a distraught Mo Caihuan to rush to his side. Meanwhile, a disciple reported back to Nangong Wan that they had rescued two royal children from the fallen kingdoms. The disciple also witnessed the demonic sects forcibly testing all commoners for spiritual aptitude and conscripting anyone with a spirit root, including children, as disposable fodder for the front lines.
Nangong Wan condemned the inhumane practice and resolved to raise any rescued children with potential within the sect. At the Ghost Spirit Sect, Wang Chan formally introduced himself as Yan Ruyan's husband. She vowed to kill him, to which he mockingly suggested they engage in dual cultivation to increase her power for her eventual revenge. Soon after, Wang Chan's aunt arrived, congratulating him on his success but chiding him for being injured by a "no-name from Yellow Maple Valley."
Citing his injuries and new marriage, she informed him it was his father's will that he remain behind from the front lines, revealing that their armies had already been reinforced by the newly conscripted mortals. After she left, Wang Chan grimly told Yan Ruyan that his aunt was the one person who most wished for his death, a complex dynamic he suggested she would have to get used to in her new family.
Back at Yellow Maple Valley, the sect master called for volunteers to join the Seven Sects' scout teams. Chen Qiaoqian, feeling indebted to the sect for her Foundation Pill and wanting to help her friends, stepped forward for the dangerous mission. The sect master approved, assigning her and Wu Xuan to the team led by the Masked Moon Sect's Xuan Yue.
Concurrently, a formal decree was issued to all Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining disciples of Yellow Maple Valley, ordering them to report to the front lines and fight the demonic sects without retreat or surrender, officially marking the beginning of the war.
Episode 18 Recap
Xuan Yue and Lv Tianmeng, two cultivators from the Moonshadow Sect and Spirit Beast Mountain, discussed plans to ditch the Yellow Maple Valley cultivators they were supposed to be allied with. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of an injured Dong Xuan'er, a Yellow Maple Valley disciple, who desperately urged them to save Han Li, warning he was in grave danger.
Chen Qiaoqian, also from Yellow Maple Valley, quickly decided Dong Xuan'er needed immediate medical attention and tasked Wu Xuan, another disciple, with escorting her back to Yellow Maple Valley. Dong Xuan'er safely reached Yellow Maple Valley, where she reported to her master, Li Huayuan, and Hongfu, Li Huayuan's senior martial sister. She frantically recounted how the Yan Clan Stronghold Lord had sided with the demonic sects, and Han Li had bravely fought to cover her escape.
Li Huayuan reassured her that Han Li was resourceful and had likely found a way to escape on his own, promising to send Liu Jing to search for him. Hongfu expressed her concern for Han Li's safety, while Li Huayuan dismissed her worries, confident in Han Li's abilities. He also advised Hongfu not to worry about Dong Xuan'er's identity being exposed, vowing to protect them both.
Meanwhile, Han Li, having successfully escaped the Yan Clan Stronghold, encountered Chen Qiaoqian, Xuan Yue, and Lv Tianmeng. Xuan Yue informed Han Li that their mission had changed; they were now ordered to seize a nearby gem quarry belonging to the Yan Clan Stronghold before the demonic sects could. Chen Qiaoqian suggested Han Li, who appeared injured, should return to the Valley to recover.
However, Lv Tianmeng, brandishing an official dispatch from the coalition, insisted Han Li join them, arguing that all Foundation Establishment disciples were assigned tasks. Sensing something was amiss—given their small number, securing and holding a quarry seemed impossible—Han Li reluctantly agreed to join them.
Upon arriving at the quarry, which was lightly guarded by mortals and low-level cultivators, Xuan Yue and Lv Tianmeng instructed Han Li and Chen Qiaoqian to establish defensive arrays while they claimed they would scout the surrounding area for any remaining demonic forces. In reality, Xuan Yue and Lv Tianmeng planned to secretly plunder the gem quarry, discussing how the wealth would be "fairly earned" after the Yan Clan's betrayal.
Han Li, suspicious of their clandestine behavior, used his Great Deployment Art to enhance his spiritual sense and prepared a puppet to scout the mine tunnels. He realized that both the Yan Clan and the demonic sects would not easily abandon such a valuable resource, and prepared for a fierce fight. Later, as Chen Qiaoqian and her disciples busily set up the defensive arrays, Han Li checked on her, reassuring her that his injuries had healed.
He expressed his concern that their current defenses would be insufficient against a potential demonic army led by Core Formation cultivators, especially with the two seniors, Xuan Yue and Lv Tianmeng, still unaccounted for. Chen Qiaoqian agreed with his assessment. Han Li then proposed they divide their efforts: Chen Qiaoqian should stay to manage the defensive arrays, while he would search for Xuan Yue and Lv Tianmeng.
While scouting the mine with his puppet, Han Li's probe encountered Wang Chan and his demonic forces. Wang Chan, upon sensing the puppet's strong spiritual presence and its quick retreat, immediately suspected it was 'Li Feiyu'. His subordinate confirmed the quarry had been occupied by cultivators from the Seven Sects, further solidifying Wang Chan's belief that 'Li Feiyu' was there. As the demonic forces approached, a Yellow Maple Valley emergency flare lit up the sky, signaling an imminent attack.
Inside the quarry, Han Li overheard Xuan Yue and Lv Tianmeng discussing their scheme to abandon their allies, leaving only two of their own disciples each behind to maintain appearances while they escaped with the pilfered gems. Recognizing their deceit and superior cultivation, Han Li realized he had to escape before they discovered his presence.
As Wang Chan's forces launched their assault, Chen Qiaoqian quickly ordered her disciples to channel their spiritual stones into the Four-Menace Array, activating the primary defense. Wang Chan, determined to break through, ordered his subordinates to deploy the powerful Blue-Sun Blaze, a rare and valuable magic fire. Despite his subordinate's concerns about wasting such a precious resource, Wang Chan insisted, believing the target to be 'Li Feiyu' and the Seven Sects' elite.
The Blue-Sun Blaze unleashed a devastating assault, its power comparable to a Core Formation cultivator's strike. Chen Qiaoqian and her disciples struggled to hold the line. Remembering Han Li's earlier advice to retreat into the quarry if things turned critical, she ordered everyone to pour their remaining spiritual stones into the array to buy precious time.
As she directed her disciples to fall back into the maze-like tunnels of the mine, preparing to be the last one to retreat, Xuan Yue and Lv Tianmeng, preparing to flee with their ill-gotten gains, suddenly spotted Han Li.
Episode 19 Recap
With his target still hiding in the mine, Wang Chan ordered his men to find him even if it meant digging up the entire cave. A subordinate pointed out the tunnels were a complex labyrinth, but Wang Chan dismissed the hiding cultivators as mere "vermin" that should be dealt with accordingly. Inside, the cultivators mocked the demonic sects, confident they were safe unless their enemies could blow up the mountain.
Ignoring a subordinate's warning that destroying the quarry would anger his aunt, Wang Chan took this as an incentive and unleashed a powerful Earthquake Talisman. As the mountain shook violently and the quarry began collapsing, the cultivators, including Lv Tianmeng and Xuan Yue, fled deeper into the tunnels, remarking that the demonic sects were mad to destroy their own property, likely to erase all evidence of their activities.
After the tremors subsided, Lv Tianmeng and Xuan Yue discovered Han Li and called him out. Annoyed to have run into them, Han Li feigned relief at their safety. He claimed he had barely escaped the collapse and hadn't seen any other disciples. He created an excuse to leave, mentioning Yellow Maple Valley's Soul-Tethering Technique that allowed disciples to locate one another, stating his intent to find Chen Qiaoqian.
However, Lv Tianmeng and Xuan Yue insisted he join them, suggesting they first find an exit together before searching for Chen Qiaoqian. Han Li reluctantly agreed, knowing they would almost certainly kill him to silence him once they escaped and began planning a preemptive strike. Elsewhere, Wang Chan entered the destroyed mine to search for his target.
After his subordinate located the body of a Clear Void Sect disciple, Wang Chan remained fixated on the man with the surname Li, certain he was too cunning to die with a "fool." Just then, the subordinate announced the discovery of a hidden spirit stone vault belonging to the Yan Clan. Recognizing his father-in-law's penchant for secret stashes, Wang Chan claimed the entire trove as his wife's dowry.
His subordinate fumed internally, realizing Wang Chan had ordered the mine's destruction despite knowing his target was not there. As Han Li's group ventured deeper, they sent a scout from the Moonshadow Sect, Junior Luo, into an open area, only for him to be killed instantly. This confirmed Han Li's suspicion that the place was dangerous and his companions were formidable.
A massive Level 4 White Jade Spider emerged and, during the battle, mutated into an even more dangerous Blood Jade Spider. Lv Tianmeng urged Xuan Yue to trap the beast with his artifact so he could finish it with a powerful Talisman Treasure. Han Li noted Lv Tianmeng's wealth of artifacts but also sensed the deep mistrust between the two. As Lv Tianmeng prepared his ultimate attack, the spider broke free, revealing Xuan Yue had only pretended to trap it.
Realizing the betrayal, Lv Tianmeng was swiftly killed by the beast. Xuan Yue then revealed himself to Han Li, proposing a partnership. He called Lv Tianmeng a fool obsessed with spirit stones who had planned to kill them both for the loot. Xuan Yue claimed those stones were nothing compared to the true treasure in the cave: a teleport array leading beyond the Tiannan Continent.
When he asked if Han Li was curious about the world beyond, Han Li coldly replied that the last person who asked him that was now dead. Their conversation was cut short as the spider burst through a wall. Xuan Yue tried to flee, but Han Li used a puppet and Xuan Yue's own Cyan Mirror to distract the beast. Unleashing his Cyan Sword Technique, Han Li defeated the weakened spider. Xuan Yue also perished in the chaos.
After the fight, Han Li discovered a clutch of glowing Blood Jade Spider eggs, which he carefully collected. He then found a hidden cave containing the damaged long-distance teleport array Xuan Yue had mentioned. Nearby lay a skeleton that crumbled to dust at his touch, along with some ancient pills and a Greater Teleport Command Seal, which he suspected was the key to repairing the formation.
Reflecting on how greed and ambition turn to dust, Han Li realized the immense value of his discovery and decided to keep it secret, sealing the cave to return to later. Making his way out, Han Li found an injured Chen Qiaoqian trapped under a rock. He freed her and gave her a pill, but she soon lost consciousness. He carried her to safety.
When she awoke, she began speaking of Lu Mingyuan, much to Han Li's relief, as he realized she didn't fully recall the truth of Lu's death at his hands. Chen Qiaoqian confessed that the incident with Lu Mingyuan had made her reject her family's arrangements and seek her own path on the front lines.
To protect his secrets and ensure her safety, Han Li gave her more pills, claiming they were for her injuries but had secretly mixed in Oblivion Pills to make her forget the events in the mine, including the teleport array and the spirit stone vault. Exhausted from the recent battles, Han Li decided against returning to Yellow Maple Valley, opting instead to find a secluded place in the Golden Drum Plains to recuperate and consolidate his power.
Episode 20 Recap
Nangong Wan expressed her desire to lead disciples into battle, but Nichang strongly advised against it, explaining that the Six Demonic Sects were far too powerful for the Seven Sects to defeat. She urged Nangong Wan to preserve their strength rather than engaging in a losing battle. Nangong Wan, however, worried about the demonic sects capturing spirit-rooted mortals if they occupied the Yue Kingdom, insisting that they could not stand by idly.
Nichang then revealed a crucial secret: the Seven Sects' Nascent Soul elders had previously confronted Grandmaster Yunlu of the Six Demonic Sects and suffered a defeat. To prevent the war from escalating further, both sides had agreed that no Nascent Soul cultivators would participate in the current conflict. This revelation stunned Nangong Wan, who realized the war's outcome was predetermined, leading her to question the meaning behind the sacrifices of the low-level disciples.
Recognizing Nangong Wan's unwavering resolve, Nichang granted her one year to act as she wished—be it slaying demons or saving mortals—promising not to interfere, though support from the sect would be limited due to it being a Grand Elder's decision. Nangong Wan gratefully accepted, stating that if the war's end was already set, her mission was to save as many people as possible within that year.
One year later, the conflict had evolved into a prolonged stalemate, with large-scale attacks giving way to constant skirmishes. Han Li, now a Mid Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator, observed that the demonic sects were primarily sending low-level cultivators. He viewed these ongoing battles as a valuable opportunity to consolidate his cultivation, sharpen his skills, and acquire resources.
Meanwhile, Nangong Wan, burdened by the secret knowledge of the war's predetermined outcome, pondered her arrangements to secure safe passage for the royal heirs of the Jiang and Cheqi Kingdoms to the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, a route she had prepared for her Moonshadow Sect. She expressed her continued feeling of being a helpless observer, unable to change anything or save everyone, lamenting the unfair sacrifice of low-level disciples fighting a battle with a known, tragic end.
At the Golden Drum Plains, Elder Chen praised Han Li's impressive recent achievements: having vanquished five Qi Refining cultivators and one Foundation Establishment cultivator from the formidable Demonic Flame Sect in just three days. Elder Chen noted it was Han Li's seventeenth Foundation Establishment-level kill, and presented him with a merit jade slip to exchange his war credits, which Han Li intended to use for ancient texts. Chen Qiaoqian greeted Han Li, congratulating him on his rapid cultivation progress.
However, other Chen family cultivators, who had only managed two Foundation Establishment kills as a trio, expressed resentment, feeling Han Li was looking down on them. Despite their complaints, Elder Chen, recognizing Han Li's immense potential, advised Chen Qiaoqian to recruit him. Chen Qiaoqian then approached Han Li, inviting him to serve as a Chen family guest elder, offering a deposit and annual tribute.
Han Li, citing his modest cultivation and talent, politely declined, expressing concern that he might hinder the clan, and refused the spiritual stones. Nangong Wan was seen observing this exchange from a distance. Nearby, Wang Chan's subordinate reported a failure to locate a specific individual. Wang Chan then spotted Dong Xuan'er and approached her, identifying her by the unique jade pendant she wore, which she stated her master gave her.
He recognized the pendant and claimed it signified that Fairy Hongfu, Dong Xuan'er's master, still held memories of "him"—implied to be Wang Chan's father or a close relative. He asserted his kinship, declaring that Dong Xuan'er should call him "cousin," and intended to take her to meet their family. Dong Xuan'er vehemently resisted, calling him a "demon" and proudly stating that her master was Fairy Hongfu, the top Core Formation cultivator of Yellow Maple Valley.
Despite her protests, Wang Chan forcibly took her away, remarking that the Joyful Union Sect now owed the Ghost Spirit Sect a significant favor. Han Li then met his seniors, Wu Xuan and Weiniang. Wu Xuan jokingly suggested that if Han Li had no romantic interest in Dong Xuan'er, he should "give" her to him, a notion Weiniang quickly dismissed.
Weiniang informed Han Li that Dong Xuan'er, who had been confined by Mentor Hongfu for a long time, had recently arrived at the Golden Drum Plains. They also conveyed that their master, Li Huayuan, a Core Formation cultivator, was present and seeking Han Li for an important discussion, leading Han Li to deduce that the increased presence of Core Formation cultivators indicated a worsening war situation.
Han Li found Li Huayuan and Hongfu engaged in a heated dispute with Wangyu, the shopkeeper of Treasure House. Li Huayuan and Hongfu accused Wangyu of being a "rip-off" for exploiting wartime shortages by selling supplies at exorbitant prices. They reminded him of their past support, including funding his Treasure House and Hongfu providing him with Foundation Pills.
Wangyu defended his prices, citing the high costs of wartime operations and supply acquisition, and argued that as Core Formation cultivators, they could not understand the struggles of low-level cultivators like him, despite his evident wealth. Li Huayuan then proposed a mahjong game with a wager: if he and Hongfu won, Wangyu would have to sell the supplies at half price. Wangyu initially tried to decline, claiming it wasn't his lucky day, but was eventually persuaded.
Han Li was then pulled into the game by Li Huayuan, who secretly instructed him via telepathy. During the mahjong game, Hongfu expressed admiration for Han Li's rapid cultivation progress to the Mid Foundation Establishment Stage within a year. Li Huayuan boasted about Han Li's good luck. Wangyu consistently won rounds, much to the frustration of Li Huayuan and Hongfu, who accused him of cheating by passing tiles too obviously.
Ultimately, Wangyu conceded and agreed to sell the supplies at half price. As the game concluded, Li Huayuan subtly teased Wangyu about his apparent feelings for Hongfu, advising him to pursue her. After the game, Han Li saw Wangyu off. Wangyu acknowledged Han Li's cultivation progress since their last encounter, advised him against rushing his cultivation, and assured him that he respected Han Li's secrets.
Wangyu then presented Han Li with a VIP token for Treasure House, entitling him to a ten percent discount on all items, which Li Huayuan light-heartedly deemed stingy. Meanwhile, Wu Xuan and Weiniang reported to Li Huayuan and Hongfu that they had discovered Dong Xuan'er's hair ribbon on the battlefield. Xuan'er had left alone that morning and had not returned.
Hongfu was distraught, fearing Dong Xuan'er had fallen into the hands of demonic cultivators, and insisted on immediately going to search for her. Li Huayuan stopped her, instructing her to remain to hold the line, while dispatching others to assist Hongfu in her search. Li Huayuan then summoned Han Li and assigned him a confidential personal mission: to travel to the capital of the Yue Kingdom.
He revealed that a senior brother, who had once saved his life, tragically perished during a trial, leaving behind a mortal son. Li Huayuan had sworn an oath to ensure the prosperity of this family line, who were now in their fourth generation and resided in the capital. He explained that although cultivation conflicts typically did not involve mortals, the demonic sects had recently attacked mortal kingdoms like Jiang and Cheqi, raising concerns for the safety of this particular family.
Li Huayuan provided Han Li with the Qin family genealogy and instructed him to discreetly protect them, emphasizing that this was a private request, as the sect strictly forbade interference in mortal affairs. Han Li, while acknowledging that a journey to the capital would remove him from the perilous battlefield, expressed reluctance to depart the Golden Drum Plains, citing the accumulated war merits he would forfeit.
Li Huayuan, seeing through Han Li's subtle bargaining, assured him that the mission would be officially recognized as a sect duty, guaranteeing that his war merits would remain secure. He praised Han Li's cautious nature, stating that it was precisely why he trusted him with such a crucial task. Li Huayuan wrote a letter for Han Li to deliver to the current head of the Qin family and provided him with a Telepathy Talisman for communication.
To ensure discretion, he arranged for Han Li to travel with Nangong Wan of the Moonshadow Sect aboard her Celestial Moon Ark, as she was passing through the area, a surprising arrangement for Han Li.
Episode 21 Recap
Following his master Li Huayuan's instructions to protect the Qin family in the capital, Han Li journeyed by ark, arranged to travel alongside Nangong Wan and other disciples. During the voyage, he overheard discussions about the ongoing war. A fellow disciple offered him recovery pills, and a female disciple asked him to buy cosmetics from the Moxiang Abode in the capital, cautioning him to keep it secret from Senior Liu.
Noticing Nangong Wan, Han Li chose to feign ignorance, recalling their previous agreement from the forbidden land. This visibly irritated Nangong Wan, who internally fumed at his lack of greeting, considering him beneath her attention despite her advanced cultivation. Upon reaching Yuanwu Kingdom, Han Li disembarked early, prompting a disciple to question his departure before reaching the capital. Han Li, citing other commitments, entrusted the disciple with an Ageless Pill to deliver to Senior Nangong.
Nangong Wan was initially offended by the gift, wondering if Han Li thought she was old, but eventually accepted it, instructing the disciple to keep it secret from her senior sister. Han Li, meanwhile, was heading to find Qi Yunxiao and his array master to inquire about an ancient teleport array. Han Li soon arrived at an auction in Yuanwu Kingdom. Inside, he observed various items, including a top-grade Flamecloud Sword and Ageless Pills from the Joyful Union Sect.
His attention was drawn to a Millennium Golden Glow Ganoderma, which was up for auction without a starting bid. Han Li recognized it as the one he had previously sold to Treasure House, leading him to suspect that the auction's backer was Wang Yu (or the "shady merchant uncle" as per his internal thought).
During the bidding, the Artifact Crafter Qi Yunxiao dramatically entered, declaring his intent to acquire the Ganoderma to save a life and offering two high-grade arrays in exchange. Despite his plea, Qi Yunxiao was forcibly ejected by guards. Outside, he was ambushed by cultivators from the powerful Fu Clan of Yuanwu. Han Li intervened, saving Qi Yunxiao and his companion, Xin Ruyin, who had been injured in the scuffle.
Upon entering their residence, Xin Ruyin expressed her gratitude, revealing that Qi Yunxiao often spoke of Han Li and that the Millennium Spirit Herb he had previously provided was used in her treatment. Qi Yunxiao, concerned for Han Li's safety, warned him about the Fu Clan, urging him to leave. However, Han Li assured them he had erased all traces of their encounter and suggested Qi Yunxiao and Xin Ruyin find a quiet place to lay low.
Han Li then presented them with an ancient teleport array diagram, seeking their expertise. Xin Ruyin, a skilled array master, was amazed by its existence, confirming its ability to teleport across vast distances, but noted it required a Greater Teleport Command Seal to withstand spatial turbulence. She regretfully informed Han Li that the array was incomplete, missing a crucial part, and its repair would necessitate numerous high-grade materials and involve a secret art.
She also mentioned her own ailing health as an impediment to helping. Han Li immediately offered to cover all costs for the repairs, even offering another Millennium Golden Glow Ganoderma for the trade. Qi Yunxiao eagerly urged Xin Ruyin to accept, believing her illness could be cured. However, Xin Ruyin confessed that her condition, the Dragon Roar Body, was innate; her meridians would gradually wither with cultivation, rendering it incurable by medicine.
She felt blessed to have lived so long and didn't want to waste Han Li's spirit herb, also expressing concern that the ancient teleport array would attract attention from the rising demonic sects. Understanding her unspoken fear of being abandoned or silenced once her use was over, Han Li dispelled her doubts.
He explained that he was a free spirit who disliked conflict but, with the world entering a chaotic era, he sought the ancient teleport array as a personal escape route. Han Li also revealed his knowledge of medicine, assuring her that no disease was truly incurable, only yet to be understood.
Both Han Li and Qi Yunxiao encouraged Xin Ruyin not to lose hope, emphasizing that with the array, they could go anywhere, and a cure for her would be found. Reassured, Xin Ruyin then asked if Han Li would take them with him if a time of grave danger truly arrived, to which Han Li readily agreed.
Upon arriving in the bustling capital, Han Li reflected on its deceptive tranquility amidst the chaotic cultivation world, wondering how long such peace could last. He observed a little girl named Cui'er playfully running from her grandpa, Xiao Zhen. Han Li noticed that Xiao Zhen, a Qi Refining Stage cultivator, was using Aura Concealment, which piqued his interest. Xiao Zhen, unable to perceive Han Li's true power, immediately prostrated himself, apologizing profusely for his perceived offense.
Han Li calmly reassured him, stating that he had memorized Xiao Zhen's unique aura and would seek him out again after completing his current business. Before leaving, Han Li inquired about the location of the Qin Residence. Han Li arrived at the Qin Residence, encountering a hostile gatekeeper before being formally received by the patriarch, Prime Minister Qin Yan.
Qin Yan, recognizing Han Li's status as a cultivator, expressed his gratitude, recalling his late father's prophecy that Master Li would aid the family during a coming disaster. Han Li confirmed his purpose, stating that he was sent by his master to help the Qin family survive an impending catastrophe and would be staying for a few days. To maintain secrecy, he proposed they refer to each other as uncle and nephew.
Meanwhile, Qin Yan's wife and son, Qin Fei, openly discussed their suspicions, viewing Han Li as another potential swindler. Their butler, however, reported that Prime Minister Qin Yan had become gravely serious and dismissed all servants after reading a letter from Han Li, a reaction he had never witnessed before. Qin Fei, filled with arrogance, even demanded that the butler throw out Qin Gui, the gatekeeper.
That night, Han Li noticed that the unique aura he had marked on Xiao Zhen had suddenly vanished from its last known location, indicating a recent incident. He soon found Cui'er amidst a chaotic scene, her grandpa Xiao Zhen having been forcibly taken. Cui'er revealed that her grandpa, along with other rogue cultivators, had been abducted by the Black Fiend Cult, who promised to share a secret technique to bypass the need for Foundation Pills and achieve breakthroughs.
Desperate, Cui'er pleaded with Han Li to save Xiao Zhen, offering him a priceless book containing the Aura Concealment technique or even her servitude. Han Li, however, initially refused, stating he couldn't help her. Cui'er, heartbroken and frustrated, accused him of being a hypocrite who, like other powerful cultivators, didn't care for the fate of rogue cultivators.
She remorsefully blamed herself and Han Li, believing that if he hadn't shown interest in her grandpa's Aura Concealment, Xiao Zhen wouldn't have left the city that night. Despite Cui'er's pleas, Han Li remained resolute in his initial refusal to intervene. When the Qin Residence's steward, Steward Wang, approached, Han Li swiftly used a spell to render Cui'er invisible, instructing her to wait.
He then internally mused that the abducted rogue cultivators were likely kept alive for some purpose, probably held in different, separate locations due to the sheer number. Steward Wang informed Han Li that Prime Minister Qin Yan wished for his presence in the front hall, as Prince Xin had sent an invitation for a banquet, and the Prime Minister intended for Han Li to accompany him.
At the lavish banquet, Prince Xin introduced a cultivator, Wu Sanxing, who demonstrated a basic fireball technique with remarkable precision. Han Li, observing Wu Sanxing, detected a strong demonic aura but noted that his cultivation was actually quite weak, only a Tier 5 Qi Refiner, suggesting he posed little threat. He also observed that, apart from Wu Sanxing, the other attendees seemed to be mortals. It was then that Han Li noticed Mo Caihuan present at the event.
As Han Li moved through the banquet, he encountered Mo Caihuan. She identified the performer, Wu Sanxing, as the Sect Leader of the Five-Color Sect, the man responsible for the massacre of her entire clan, and declared her intention for immediate revenge. Han Li intervened, warning her that confronting him now would be suicidal given his dangerous, demonic cultivation.
Mo Caihuan, acknowledging the risk, chose to defer her vengeance, vowing to approach it strategically, step by step, as Han Li and her father had taught her, until she could find a weakness and ultimately kill him, regardless of the time or method required. She also confessed her long-held feelings for Han Li and her determination to live a meaningful life despite being a mortal. Recognizing her unwavering resolve, Han Li led Mo Caihuan to Wu Sanxing's room.
Han Li confronted the cultivator, stating that his operations had been compromised and demanding he confess his guilt. Wu Sanxing, identifying himself as a rogue cultivator named Wu Sanxing and nervously admitting his "Fire Control Technique" was a self-taught trick to deceive mortals, offered it to Han Li in a bid to appease him. Han Li silently noted Wu Sanxing's shrewdness and experience in dealing with the mortal world.
Episode 22 Recap
A cunning minor cultivator from the Prince's estate pledges his allegiance to Han Li, offering his Fire Control Technique. Han Li, observing the man's worldly nature, agrees to trade techniques and pills for it. The cultivator, recognizing Han Li as a senior from Spirit Beast Mountain, requests a pill to help break through a bottleneck, and Han Li provides two bottles of Yellow Dragon Pills.
In return, Han Li tasks him with monitoring the Young Prince and Steward Wang, whom he suspects of colluding with demonic sects. Meanwhile, Han Li and Cui'er visit Mo Caihuan. Cui'er initially dismisses Mo Caihuan as a mere mortal, but Han Li defends her capabilities. At Mo Caihuan's bustling apothecary, its success is credited to the popular Fragrance Pellets Han Li taught her to make, which have also proven invaluable for gathering information.
Han Li warns Mo Caihuan to cease contact with Steward Wang and erase any traces of her investigations, and she reassures him of her caution. Mo Caihuan later shows Han Li a map detailing several suspicious locations, which she deduced from logistics records indicating large supply shipments. Cui'er corroborates this, noting that two cultivators went missing near one of the suspected strongholds in the south of the city, and expresses her admiration for Mo Caihuan's intelligence.
Seeing their budding friendship, Han Li asks Mo Caihuan to look after the talented but naive Cui'er, subtly implying that Cui'er would also serve as a protector. Mo Caihuan understands and accepts. Before departing, Han Li gives her a protective talisman. Elsewhere, the Meng siblings, bound by a restrictive blood curse from the Black Fiend Cult, despair over their captive sister. They are being forced to lure and capture rogue cultivators for the cult.
Han Li discovers them and swiftly overwhelms them. They confess their coercion, admitting they only captured the rogue cultivators, who are still alive and imprisoned. Seeking atonement, the Five Meng agree to help Han Li by locating all Black Fiend Cult strongholds in the city. They soon report back with the locations, and Han Li leads a rescue mission. Inside one stronghold, Cui'er emotionally reunites with her grandfather, Wu Sanxing.
The Five Meng recognize Han Li from the Tainan Bazaar years ago, noting his vastly increased cultivation, but choose not to reveal his past identity, respecting the unspoken rules of the cultivation world. Meanwhile, Wang Chan of the Ghost Spirit Sect presents Dong Xuan'er to Grandmaster Yunlu, gaining an audience with a rare Violet Pearl. Grandmaster Yunlu, a man, notes Dong Xuan'er's striking resemblance to her mother.
When Dong Xuan'er expresses her aversion to the demonic path, Yunlu dismisses the distinction, revealing that the Seven Sects were once branches of the Six Demonic Sects. He identifies Dong Xuan'er's natural "gift of enchantment" as a perfect match for the Joyful Union Sect's techniques. Wang Chan then subtly mentions Li Feiyu to unsettle Dong Xuan'er. She is stunned to learn that Grandmaster Yunlu is her biological father and wonders if her master, Hongfu, is the mother he speaks of.
Elsewhere, a distraught Hongfu worries about Dong Xuan'er's disappearance, fearing she has met "that person," while Li Huayuan promises to widen the search. Han Li's group arrives at another Black Fiend Cult stronghold. He dismisses the defensive array as a simple earth-element formation and casually breaks through. Inside, a cultist identifies Han Li as the one who raided their branch outpost.
Han Li confronts Steward Wang, who reveals he is Prince Xin's son and tries to invoke the rule protecting royalty. Han Li brushes this off and asks about Mo Juren. Mistaking Han Li for an avenger, Steward Wang boasts of annihilating Mo Juren's clan simply because they were rivals in fame. Disgusted by his disregard for mortal life, Han Li rejects Wang's desperate offer of his demonic transformation technique and kills him.
Episode 23 Recap
Meng Da and his companions faced peril after encountering a member of the Black Fiend Cult who had transformed into a monstrous, bull-like creature. Overwhelmed, Meng Da initially suggested a retreat, but Han Li arrived and engaged the transformed cultist. Seeing Han Li fight, Meng Da's group returned to assist him. The cultist, later identified as Tie Luo, was severely wounded and forced to flee.
Tie Luo reported his failure to the secluded Black Fiend Cult Master, confirming his opponent's strength was around the Mid-Foundation Establishment Stage, an opponent he couldn't defeat even in his Beast Form. The Master attributed the incident to the arrogance of the captured Protector Wang and the Young Prince. He declared he was nearing the end of his seclusion and forbade any large-scale actions that might attract the attention of the Seven Great Sects before his breakthrough.
After healing Tie Luo, the Master noticed a tracking mark Han Li had placed on him. Tie Luo cunningly suggested leaving the mark to lure Han Li into a trap, a plan the Master approved, intending to use Han Li's blood to aid his own cultivation. Meanwhile, Wu, a member of Meng Da's group, was found to have been tricked into consuming a dangerous substance. Han Li determined he could save her life but not her arm.
Tragically, she took her own life, and a scroll for the Mystic Yin Art was found among her belongings. Grateful for Han Li's help, Meng Da's group offered him their looted valuables. Han Li insisted they keep the items as a parting gift, stating the challenges ahead were too dangerous for them and dissolving their partnership.
Though they pleaded to follow him, Han Li declined, explaining they were now exposed in the Imperial Capital, and urged them to live long lives. Before leaving, he gave Meng Da a Telepathy Talisman for future communication. Han Li then sent a message to his master, Li Huayuan, detailing the Black Fiend Cult's operations and infiltration of the royal palace, requesting strong reinforcements. Li Huayuan and his senior sister, Hongfu, discussed the matter.
While Hongfu felt it was good for the disciples to be away from the main front, Li Huayuan decided to send Liu Jing, Wu Xuan, Song Meng, and Weiniang to the capital to "preserve their strength." In an internal monologue, Han Li reflected on his Cyan Sword Technique reaching Tier 6 and the signs of dissipation, considering using the risky Triple Cycle Core Rebirth technique to break through to the Late Foundation Stage.
He also pondered the Black Fiend Cult's demonic transformation and their use of a pill like the Blood Condensing Five-Element Pill, noting the severe side effects. Soon after, Liu Jing, Song Meng, Wu Xuan, and Weiniang arrived, pretending to be ordinary mortals as instructed. Han Li explained that the Black Fiend Cult uses blood sacrifices and that its master was in seclusion. If the master achieved his breakthrough, the cult would become unstoppable.
Liu Jing and Song Meng agreed they must act, but Wu Xuan, the sixth senior, strongly objected to entering the imperial palace, citing strict sect rules against interfering with mortal kingdoms. Han Li argued that the cult was exploiting these rules and that even the emperor might be their puppet. When Wu Xuan refused to yield, he departed, leaving the group. Weiniang then proposed recruiting Chen Qiaoqian, who was on a family mission in nearby Nanwu City.
Chen Qiaoqian readily agreed to help. The group then enjoyed the Lantern Festival, where Chen Qiaoqian, envious of mortal life, shared her thoughts with Han Li. Nearby, Mo Caihuan observed them, quietly reflecting that cultivators and mortals belong to different worlds before departing. Meanwhile, a drunk Wu Xuan lamented his companions' decision to break the rules. The Qin family's Young Master, believing Han Li's companions were freeloaders, ordered his men to beat Wu Xuan.
Wu Xuan used a strange technique that terrified the Young Master, who fled screaming, "Monster!" Immediately after, members of the Black Fiend Cult appeared and captured Wu Xuan, who failed to escape and warn the others. The captured Wu Xuan was presented to the Cult Master, who was delighted to receive a Foundation Establishment cultivator, intending to use his blood essence for his breakthrough.
Back at the Qin Residence, a steward begged Han Li to help the Young Master, who had returned in a state of madness. Han Li instantly cured him and cryptically warned Mr. Qin that things would change after tonight, advising him to make preparations. Han Li then revealed to his allies that the tracking mark on Tie Luo hadn't moved, confirming it was a trap. He proposed a new plan: turn the tables by splitting into two groups.
Weiniang and Chen Qiaoqian would go to the Royal Bedchambers to rescue the Emperor, while Han Li, Liu Jing, and Song Meng would locate the Cult Master's hiding place and attack their vital point to draw out their reinforcements for an ambush. Before the operation, Chen Qiaoqian spoke privately with Han Li, asking if he was the one who had saved her at Yellow Maple Valley before the Bloody Trial.
She insisted she felt a connection to him despite her hazy memories, possibly due to an Oblivion Pill, and confided that her engagement was a family arrangement she cared nothing for. She then asked Han Li to accompany her to Baili Mountain to see the wildflowers if they survived the night. When she pressed him, asking if he wanted her to remember their past, Han Li agreed.
Episode 24 Recap
Han Li briefs his companions on the four Foundation Establishment Blood Guards they will face. He explains that while their Demonic Transformation secret art drastically increases their cultivation, it has significant weaknesses: it requires time to activate within a Blood Cocoon, and upon transformation, the user loses their rationality. Han Li plans to exploit this by having the main group engage and delay the Blood Guards, allowing the two female cultivators to proceed with their mission.
Elsewhere, a Black Fiend Cult elder, forced to stand guard, complains about his lazy and disrespectful comrades. The ambush is sprung, and Han Li's group engages the cultists. The Chen brothers are tasked with handling the lower-level cultivators, while Han Li, Liu Jing, and Song Meng pursue a more powerful enemy. The cultist elder finds himself overwhelmed and desperately calls for his allies, Tie Luo and Qingwen, for aid.
In response, a transformed Tie Luo arrives, telling the beleaguered elder to undergo his own transformation while he holds the line. The elder then absorbs the spiritual energy from several nearby disciples to fuel his own demonic transformation. Seeing this, an eager Song Meng declares the newly transformed beast as his opponent. As the battle rages, Liu Jing engages in a fierce duel with Tie Luo, taunting him for his regenerative abilities.
Qingwen also appears on the battlefield, surprising Han Li. Qingwen reveals he knows about Han Li's entry into Yellow Maple Valley via an Ascension Token and his advancement to mid-Foundation Establishment. He taunts Han Li, blaming him for Wu Jiuzhi's current transformed state and vowing to avenge Wan Xiaoshan. Meanwhile, Song Meng confronts Tie Luo, who correctly identifies Song Meng's family's martial arts background. Tie Luo bitterly criticizes cultivators for orchestrating mortal wars while feigning neutrality, causing immense suffering.
To end his fight, Liu Jing activates his life-bound treasure by burning his own source blood, a profound sacrifice that shocks Han Li. With this immense power, Liu Jing completely incinerates General Tie Luo, leaving not even his mystic pouch behind. In the chaos of the battle, a transformed Blood Guard attacks Chen Rong, inflicting him with a lethal corpse poison. His brother is left devastated as Chen Rong succumbs.
Understanding that they cannot leave the body behind, Liu Jing advises cremation. The surviving brother performs the rites, promising to take his brother's ashes home, and implores the others not to tell Chen Qiaoqian about her cousin's death yet, wishing to break the news to her himself later. The group proceeds deeper into the palace and discovers Emperor Yue, held captive by the Black Fiend Cult.
The Emperor explains that a Beguiling Mist in the palace causes mortals to fall into a deep sleep, and he fears his court has perished. He was only awakened when Chen Qiaoqian and Weiniang found him and gave him a sobering pill. Han Li advises the Emperor to stay with them for safety.
Later, Liu Jing confronts Song Meng, revealing he knows Song Meng has been deliberately suppressing his cultivation, only advancing after Liu Jing did so as not to cause him distress. Liu Jing confesses that an old poison injury has damaged his foundation, making it impossible for him to ever reach the Core Formation stage. He implores Song Meng and Weiniang, both exceptionally talented, not to let his own misfortune hinder their potential.
Their advance is halted by a new black-clad figure who takes a set of Blood Condensing Five-Element Pills from Chen Rong's body. Han Li instantly deduces this is not the Black Fiend Cult leader but the final, fire-element Blood Guard. The guard then swiftly captures the exhausted Liu Jing. As Weiniang cries out in alarm, Song Meng restrains her, warning that any rash action will only endanger Liu Jing further. The Blood Guard confirms this, chillingly stating that Liu Jing is about to die and demands their surrender.
Episode 25 Recap
Weiniang desperately calling out to Liu Jing, who is enveloped in a blood cocoon and transforming into a fiend cultivator. As the danger escalates, a voice warns everyone to run. The brother of the man Han Li is fighting sacrifices himself, stating "Let me help you one last time," causing the man's spiritual power to surge rapidly.
Han Li immediately senses the immense power increase and urges Chen Qiaoqian and the others to retreat to the bamboo grove and set up an array, promising to lure the opponent there. Despite a companion's protest, Han Li insists that they cannot afford more deaths and that their plan requires time, so he will stall the powerful adversary alone.
The formidable opponent, the Black Fiend Cult Master, also known as Emperor Yue, laments underestimating Han Li but declares it's not too late to deal with him. Han Li narrowly dodges a powerful attack, recognizing he almost died. Emperor Yue expresses surprise at Han Li's profound True Essence for a Mid Foundation Establishment cultivator, finding it "intoxicating."
He demands Han Li's name, but Han Li retorts by asking if Emperor Yue ever asked for the names of the rogue cultivators he killed. Emperor Yue proudly admits to carving their names on a tower, viewing them as mere "stepping stones" for his grand ambition. Han Li prolongs the conversation to buy time for the array setup.
He questions Emperor Yue's ambition, given his status as a king, but Emperor Yue scoffs, calling mortals "worthless ants" in the eyes of cultivators. He claims that the Seven Sects preach superiority while ignoring the countless bodies they stand on, and that they set the rule preventing mortal kings from cultivating. He laments that despite having spirit roots, he and his brother were forced to practice the "demonic blood sacrifice" to avoid being puppets.
Han Li challenges his hypocrisy, pointing out that using others as stepping stones for his own immortality makes him a "vile demon" who has disgraced his family and even sacrificed his own brother. Enraged, Emperor Yue acknowledges Han Li's skill at provocation and declares the time for talk is over. Sensing enough time has passed, Han Li feigns a retreat towards the bamboo grove where Chen Qiaoqian, Weiniang, and Song Meng are ready.
Emperor Yue pursues, arrogantly believing he is safe as long as he doesn't enter the grove. However, Han Li reveals that Emperor Yue was caught in the array the moment he gave chase and activates the formation. Trapped within the Wood, Fire, Metal, Water, and Earth arrays, Emperor Yue is tormented by visions of the individuals he sacrificed, who relentlessly pursue him for vengeance. He screams for them to let go, calling them mere "shells" for his spirit pills.
A vision of his brother even appears, questioning why he had to die for the Emperor's ambition. Despite the array's power, Emperor Yue's obsession is profound. Song Meng comments on Han Li's incredible array, noting it can only hold him temporarily and that a talisman treasure is needed. Terrifyingly, Emperor Yue begins to absorb the array's rich elemental energy, planning to "regenerate with blood" and "forge a baleful core," believing his soul is immortal.
Recognizing the dire situation, Weiniang takes charge. Han Li tries to stop her, knowing the talisman treasure was a gift from Liu Jing. Weiniang confirms that the Phoenix Talismans are a matching pair, forged from the same treasure Liu Jing had acquired. She explains that since Emperor Yue can regenerate from blood, only complete incineration will stop him. She asks Han Li to open the array.
As he complies, Weiniang unleashes the Phoenix Talismans, whose flames consume Emperor Yue as he cries out in defeat. Weiniang grimly remarks on the beautiful color of the fiend's burning blood, the result of his desperate quest for the Blood Condensing Five-Element Pills. After Emperor Yue is incinerated, Han Li collects the Blood Condensing Five-Element Pills, a hidden weapon that wounded him, and other treasures that survived the intense flames, recognizing their extraordinary quality.
Song Meng approaches, informing Han Li that they found Wu Xuan's body in a hidden chamber, and he appeared to have suffered immensely before death. Song Meng then hands Han Li a book found in Emperor Yue's lair, which contains the Fiend Transformation Art, the method for the Blood Condensing Five-Element Pills, and the Avatar technique. He advises Han Li to study it for reference but warns him not to get lost in its dark path.
Han Li promises to eventually destroy the book, recalling his Master's teaching that techniques are neither good nor evil; it is the user's heart that determines their nature. Song Meng acknowledges Han Li's maturity before they prepare to part ways, noting that Chen Qiaoqian has left to report to her clan and Zhong Weiniang is escorting Liu Jing's relics home, with Song Meng accompanying her. Weiniang, still grieving Liu Jing's sudden death, is comforted by Song Meng.
She mentions that Liu Jing, an orphan, always spoke highly of Song Meng. Song Meng dismisses his status as a young master, revealing that Liu Jing once saved his life. He recounts how a dark cultivator infiltrated his family and planned to use him for experiments. Liu Jing intervened, becoming the fiend's test subject in his place. This heroic act left Liu Jing with a permanent injury that prevented him from ever reaching the Core Formation Stage.
Weiniang is shocked, realizing this explains Liu Jing's deep hatred for demonic cultivators. Song Meng explains Liu Jing kept this a secret to always show Weiniang his best side, and they agree to take him home. Reflecting on the battle, Han Li realizes the adversity led him to a breakthrough, reaching the Late Foundation Establishment Stage. He has also unraveled the secrets of the Mystic Yin Art, realizing it is a sinister technique from outside the Tiannan Continent.
He feels fortunate not to have consumed the Blood Condensing Five-Element Pills, understanding they require the blood aura of Foundation Establishment fiend cultivators to mature, making their five previous wielders mere "living incubators." He also learns that while the pills offer a 30% chance of Core Formation, the result is a "false core," preventing further breakthroughs and risking a descent into a beast-like state.
Han Li muses on the futility of such an existence but finds the Avatar technique described in the book worthy of study. An Elder sends a message, scolding Han Li for the chaos and ordering him back to Yellow Maple Valley. Han Li dismisses the messenger. Cui'er appears, revealing that Steward Wang's hidden riches were found by Mo Caihuan and distributed to the poor. She delivers artifacts from the slain rogue cultivators, which Mo Caihuan felt Han Li should handle.
Cui'er explains Mo Caihuan is busy caring for a premature baby girl, Yingning, left behind by a rescued cultivator who died in childbirth. Cui'er then asks to become Han Li's disciple. Though impressed by her sincerity, Han Li refuses to take disciples. Instead, he gives her a jade token and instructs her to find a senior named Ma in Yellow Maple Valley.
Han Li then writes a farewell letter to Mo Caihuan, leaving her a bottle of Ageless Pills and several recipes for strength-enhancing pills. He states he is embarking on a long journey and asks her to forget him. As Han Li prepares to leave, the Qin family steward, Qin Gui, rushes to him with food and wine. Qin Gui expresses his respect and begs Han Li to one day return and inherit the family business.
To end the matter, Han Li reveals his cultivator nature, causing the steward to fall to his knees in awe, recognizing him as "Immortal Han" and vowing to build a shrine in his honor. Han Li arrives in Jiayuan City, noting it remains unchanged. He decides he must find Qu Hun before returning to his sect.
In a tavern, a boastful waiter named Sun Ergou reveals that the Mo family was wiped out by the Five-Color Sect after their old master died. Han Li then notices a bell hanging in the tavern, recognizing it as one he gave to Qu Hun. The tavern owner, out of respect for Han Li's connection to the Mo family, gives him the bell for free.
In return, Han Li leaves a talisman on the counter that "repels evil" and promises that "good people are always rewarded," before vanishing instantly. Astonished, the owner realizes he has met an immortal and joyfully renames his establishment the "Immortal's Blessing" tavern.
Episode 26 Recap
Han Li ventured up the mountain, finally locating Qu Hun in a dwelling. He was surprised to sense spiritual power radiating from the man, suggesting a cultivation level of Tier 6 or 7 in the Qi Refining Stage. This immediately brought hope, making Han Li wonder if Zhang Tie had truly returned. His thoughts were interrupted by a little girl, Yue, who came in calling the man "Father" and mentioning medicine for her mother.
The family seemed to be living an ordinary life. Later that night, Han Li returned to confront the man. He directly accused him of not being Zhang Tie and of having taken someone else's body, including the family he now claimed. The man initially feigned ignorance, claiming he had lost all his memories five years ago after falling off a cliff, only vaguely recalling a friend's voice calling his name. Han Li, however, was not fooled.
He asserted that while the man bore a striking resemblance to Zhang Tie, his eyes revealed a calculating nature that Zhang Tie never possessed. Han Li also noticed Zhang Tie's life-bound artifact on the man. Just as Han Li demanded the man vacate the body, his wife and daughter emerged, drawn by the commotion.
Han Li and the man quickly put on an act of being old friends, convincing the mother and child to return inside and close the door, saving face for the moment. With the family gone, Han Li pressed for answers, promising no harm if the man confessed. The man admitted he was a cultivator who had been gravely injured in a battle five years prior, forcing his primordial spirit to leave his damaged body.
Desperate, he found Zhang Tie's empty vessel and possessed it. However, his cultivation was severely diminished after the transference. To avoid his powerful enemy, he disguised himself as an ordinary blacksmith, built a life in the city, and eventually married and had a daughter, experiencing a peaceful five years. Han Li feigned familiarity, asking about a Senior Zhong Wu from Spirit Beast Mountain, a sect the man initially claimed to be from.
Han Li then revealed that Zhong Wu had severed ties with Spirit Beast Mountain long ago, and bound the man, exposing his lie. Under pressure, the man finally confessed that he was a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, one of the Six Demonic Sects. He explained that his weakened state prevented him from returning to his sect, fearing his own brethren, and that he had grown to appreciate his peaceful life as a blacksmith.
Han Li countered the man’s notion of peace by revealing that the Six Demonic Sects had already taken over the eastern region of the Yue Kingdom, and that their so-called peace was fleeting. The Beast Taming Sect disciple, a demonic cultivator, then advised Han Li to make his own plans, as the Seven Sects were destined to lose the ongoing war.
Han Li expressed skepticism about any prior agreement, but the man explained that cultivators are inherently selfish, and backstabbing is common. He boasted that the Seven Sects’ alliance had been thoroughly infiltrated, revealing that Spirit Beast Mountain served as the Beast Taming Sect's mole. He exposed the widely known tale of Spirit Beast Mountain defecting to the Seven Sects and seemingly killing two demonic Core Formation cultivators as a deception.
He clarified that the "fallen" cultivators were merely Foundation Establishment cultivators temporarily boosted to appear as Core Formation cultivators using secret techniques, designed to gain the Seven Sects' trust and enable the infiltration. To spare his life, the Beast Taming Sect disciple offered Han Li his hidden artifacts, gems, and crucial jade slips detailing his sect's dealings with Spirit Beast Mountain. Han Li, wary of another trick, secured the man and ventured alone to the specified cave.
There, he was ambushed by a formidable Goldenback Demon Mantis, a powerful demon beast equivalent to a Core Formation cultivator. The battle was fierce, and Han Li barely managed to defeat the creature using a special item, noting the extensive damage to his Mother-Child Blades. He suspected the mantis belonged to the Beast Taming Sect man, suggesting the man might be a hidden Core Formation cultivator, as no ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator could control such a powerful beast.
To his frustration, the mystic pouch he retrieved was empty, confirming the man’s treachery. Han Li returned to the man, who was astonished that the Goldenback Demon Mantis had failed to kill him. Recognizing Han Li's power, the man acknowledged him as a Core Formation cultivator and admitted defeat was no dishonor, revealing that he himself was indeed a former Core Formation cultivator.
Han Li observed items associated with the man, such as a Blood Spirit Drill, the Verdant Sword (a Core Formation Stage artifact), a Spirit Companion, and a Golden Core, confirming the man's past cultivation level. As his family approached, drawn by the commotion, the man desperately pleaded for their lives, claiming their innocence. Han Li, however, informed him that his demonic aura was already draining their life force.
The man, anticipating this, revealed that his remaining cultivation was sealed within a "broken core," which, if consumed by his wife and daughter, would restore their vitality and extend their lives. He then gently knocked them unconscious, expressing a flicker of unexpected humanity for the two mortals he had come to care for.
Before his demise, he confirmed that the promised items, including proof of his sect's collusion with Spirit Beast Mountain and his identity token, were on his true body in the cave. Han Li honored his request, and the man passed away, leaving a final instruction for his family to forget everything upon waking. Han Li returned to the cave, where he discovered the true remains of the Beast Taming Sect cultivator.
He found a mystic pouch containing a Spirit Companion Beast Egg and a copy of the "Compendium of Mystical Insects." He observed that the Goldenback Demon Mantis was ranked 73rd among the mystical insects, while a Gold-devouring Bug was ranked 12th, and resolved to study how to breed and command them. He also recovered the jade slips and letters detailing the Beast Taming Sect's secret communications with Spirit Beast Mountain. He then returned with Qu Hun's body.
Meanwhile, at the front lines, several elders, including Li Huayuan, Fu Yunzi, and Elder Han, gathered to discuss the dire situation of the Seven Sects. Fu Yunzi, ever the one to lighten the mood, proposed a game of mahjong using demon beast tiles to relieve stress, prompting amused exasperation from his peers.
The elders then shifted to serious matters, discussing reconnaissance reports indicating a major demonic offensive was expected at the start of the next month and strategizing a counterattack on the enemy's rear lines. Han Li, from a secluded location, sent a confidential message to his master, Li Huayuan. He informed him of his safe return to the valley and his discovery of the collusion between Spirit Beast Mountain and the Beast Taming Sect, along with the evidence.
He noted that the Sect Master, fearing military morale might be affected, chose to keep the matter undisclosed. However, Han Li, concerned for Li Huayuan and other mentors on the front lines, decided to violate protocol by sending this private warning, urging his master to be vigilant and to find a way to prevent the worst possible outcome as the great war approached.
While preparing for the impending conflict, Han Li observed the rapid growth of the creatures hatched from the Spirit Companion Beast Egg. He noticed that the Goldenback Demon Mantis armor he had collected was already too small, which, along with their immense appetite, confirmed his suspicion that these Spirit Companions were expensive to raise. He decided he would need to visit the Herbs Garden to gather necessary resources.
Soon after, Han Li received a message from Chen Qiaoqian, reminding him of their prior agreement to meet and admire flowers beneath Baili Mountain. Han Li met with Chen Qiaoqian, who shared her poignant life story. She spoke of her mother, who was also married into the Chen family through a political alliance, never truly knowing her husband, and who cherished simple wild chrysanthemums above all else.
Chen Qiaoqian revealed the stark reality for women in noble families like hers, whose lives are not their own but are dedicated to serving their clans' interests. She confessed that she was soon to be married to the son of the Qi family, a man she had never met, as a strategic alliance for the Chen family amidst the escalating war.
She expressed her deep envy for Weiniang and Senior Liu, who, despite their tragic end, had at least experienced love and freedom, unlike her own trapped existence. Overwhelmed, she questioned why her fate was decided for her like a commodity and why the entire clan's safety rested on her shoulders, lamenting that no one had ever asked what she truly wanted.
She then leaned on Han Li, asking if he was planning something and if he could take her away to any place where she could be truly free. Han Li remained silent, prompting Chen Qiaoqian to comment on his composure. She then presented him with a beautifully embroidered robe, suggesting it was fitting for a Late Foundation Stage cultivator and noting its embedded purification and water-repelling arrays. In return, Han Li offered her some beauty-enhancing pills he had refined himself.
Chen Qiaoqian accepted, light-heartedly hoping they were not "weird" concoctions. As the time came for her to depart the valley, she bid Han Li farewell. Han Li watched her leave, silently hoping she would ultimately find the freedom she sought.
Episode 27 Recap
At the Clear Void Sect, a disciple was preparing to deliver a missive addressed to Li Huayuan of Yellow Maple Valley when Elder Han of Spirit Beast Mountain abruptly halted him. She chastised him for abandoning his post, warning that a demonic sect raid would leave their defenses vulnerable. When the disciple explained that all other cultivators were occupied with battle preparations, Elder Han stated she had business with Li Huayuan anyway and would deliver the missive herself. Despite the disciple's apprehension, he handed over the sealed message. Once the disciple departed, Elder Han callously destroyed the missive, revealing her true allegiance. Shortly after, the Grandmaster of the demonic sects was congratulated, having received intelligence from Spirit Beast Mountain about the Seven Sects' battle plans, indicating their impending surprise attack.
Han Li then arrived at Mentor Ma’s residence, where Mentor Ma and Cui'er were packing. Cui'er excitedly greeted Han Li, who, as her new Martial Uncle, presented her with pills to strengthen her Qi Refining Stage foundation. Mentor Ma welcomed Han Li. Han Li expressed his gratitude to Mentor Ma for taking him in and giving him pills when he first joined the sect. Mentor Ma shared his concerns about the Yellow Maple Valley, revealing that many aged spirit herbs had been collected by Baiji Hall in the past two months, suggesting a dire situation on the front lines. He admitted he was preparing to leave, having cultivated the medicinal garden for years and refusing to watch it be drained dry. He advised Han Li that this war was pointless, fought for land and resources, with Nascent Soul cultivators remaining aloof while lower-ranked disciples sacrificed their lives. He urged Han Li to always have an escape route and prioritize his own life. Han Li was deeply moved by Mentor Ma's honesty and generosity, especially when Mentor Ma offered him all the remaining spirit herbs they had painstakingly cultivated. As Mentor Ma departed, Han Li wondered if he would ever see his senior again, contemplating the bleak future for peaceful cultivation if the Seven Sects were defeated.
Meanwhile, Li Huayuan and Hongfu discussed the impending battle. Hongfu expressed a premonition of something bad, but Li Huayuan confidently reassured her that with the Seven Sects going all out, they had at least a 50% chance of winning. He then led his disciples, including Song Meng and Weiniang, into the fray. Simultaneously, Han Li was packing his cavern, regretting that he couldn't take the spirit spring or his cultivation cave with him, but meticulously gathering every spirit herb he had grown for the Core Formation Stage, understanding their irreplaceable value.
On the chaotic battlefield, Song Meng and Weiniang became separated from their allies. They encountered Elder Han of Spirit Beast Mountain, who was joined by two formidable demonic cultivators, colloquially known as Hongfen and Skull. Song Meng accused Elder Han of betraying the Seven Sects. Elder Han then offered Song Meng and Weiniang a chance to surrender, citing her friendship with their master. Song Meng defiantly refused to betray the Yellow Maple Valley, proclaiming himself the fourth disciple of Li Huayuan and prepared to die. Weiniang, heartbroken by the loss of her beloved Jing, chose to fight alongside Song Meng, stating she had no reason to live without him. Just as the demonic cultivators prepared to deliver the final blow, Fu Yunzi intervened, swiftly rescuing Song Meng and Weiniang. He then mockingly challenged Elder Han and the demonic couple, accusing them of ganging up on two youngsters. The demonic couple, particularly the female, were enraged by Fu Yunzi's interference, ordering him to be killed. Fu Yunzi, however, displayed his formidable skills, evading their attacks and engaging them in battle.
Back at Yellow Maple Valley, the Dragonfell Bell tolled 81 times, signaling a catastrophic defeat and impending invasion. The Sect Master gathered the remaining disciples, announcing that Spirit Beast Mountain and Skyfort Castle had defected, leading to the collapse of the allied forces and devastating casualties among Foundation Establishment cultivators. The demonic sects were now rapidly advancing. The disciples were in despair, some accusing the Sect Master of not believing Han Li's earlier warnings. Han Li himself silently lamented that despite his efforts to warn the Sect Master and send a missive to Li Huayuan about Spirit Beast Mountain's treachery, the warnings seemingly went unheeded. The Sect Master then urged everyone to beseech Grand Elder Linghu, the sect's revered Nascent Soul Grandmaster, for help. As everyone knelt and pleaded, Grandmaster Linghu appeared, mocking their prostration. She sternly refused to fight for them, claiming she was no match for the demonic Nascent Soul cultivators and valued her peaceful cultivation. She declared Yellow Maple Valley's imminent downfall and urged them to disperse. Disappointed, the Sect Master begged her to save the sect's centuries-old legacy, but Grandmaster Linghu scornfully dismissed their pleas, stating she would not risk her life for those who were weaker than their enemies just because they knelt and called her "Grandmaster." Panic ensued among the disciples, but Sect Master Zhong managed to rally some of them, reminding them of the Mountain Barrier and urging them to fight together. Amidst the chaos, Han Li received a secret telepathic message: those who wished to live were to gather at Qianji Hall in 15 minutes, with no exceptions for tardiness. He realized this was a separate, secret plan.
Han Li soon met Li Huayuan. Han Li was relieved to see his master alive and well, having worried about him during the battle. He apologized for the deaths of Senior Wu and Senior Liu during the Black Fiend Cult incident, blaming himself for their demise. Li Huayuan reassured him, revealing that Song Meng and Weiniang had already informed him about the cult's deep infiltration into the mortal world and the double threat posed by the invading demonic sects. He expressed his relief that Han Li had returned safely. Han Li inquired about Song Meng and Weiniang, learning that they had become separated and their situation was uncertain. Li Huayuan then emphasized the importance of the upcoming meeting, revealing he had personally begged to secure Han Li a coveted spot.
Later, Han Li arrived at Qianji Hall, observing that everyone present was at least a Mid Foundation Establishment cultivator, realizing these were the remaining elites of the Yellow Maple Valley. Grandmaster Linghu was already there. She confirmed the front line's collapse and the demonic sects' imminent arrival with threats of total annihilation. Hongfu then stepped forward, explaining that Grandmaster Linghu's earlier dismissive performance was a deliberate ruse to weed out cowards, ensuring only the loyal and capable remained for the true evacuation. She announced that Grandmaster Linghu had contacted the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, a powerful faction in Tiannan, who had agreed to provide refuge. Hongfu, along with Li Huayuan, would lead the disciples in batches to this safe haven. Grandmaster Linghu then elaborated on the Soul-Burning Spell, explaining she had enhanced it with a telepathic function, allowing communication and tracking within a 100-li radius as long as the spell's light remained. She cautioned them that the journey as refugees would be difficult and urged them to proceed with utmost caution.
As Han Li prepared for his departure, he bid a silent farewell to his hard-won cultivation cave, acknowledging the perilous, possibly fatal, journey ahead. He brought Qu Hun along, confident that his attendant's cultivation would make him a capable companion. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Chan, accompanied by his subordinate, had arrived in Yellow Maple Valley. He was searching for "Li Feiyu" but learned from a Yellow Maple Valley disciple roster, which his subordinate had acquired, that his true name was Han Li. Enraged by the deception, the Young Master immediately ordered a full assault on Yellow Maple Valley, offering a substantial reward for Han Li's capture.
Hongfu soon led the first group of evacuating disciples, including Han Li and Qu Hun, explaining that Li Huayuan and Sect Master Zhong would lead a later group to avoid drawing too much attention from such a large party. Hongfu expressed her personal disappointment at their inability to reverse the tide of the war, despite her and Li Huayuan's presence. Han Li then revealed that he had, in fact, accidentally learned of Spirit Beast Mountain's betrayal earlier and had warned Sect Master Zhong, even sending a missive to Li Huayuan. Hongfu was surprised, noting that she and Li Huayuan had never received such a message, but she praised Han Li's composure and revealed that Grandmaster Linghu had specifically instructed her to ensure Han Li's evacuation, regretting that another favored disciple, Xuan'er, did not share Han Li's good fortune.
As they neared a potentially compromised area, Han Li asked Hongfu about their plan if they encountered demonic forces. Hongfu produced an artifact called the Wind Cloud Banner, explaining it would conceal their tracks and prevent them from being discovered. Shortly after their departure, Li Huayuan arrived at the rendezvous point. He inquired about Hongfu's group, and a disciple confirmed that Hongfu had already departed with a portion of the disciples, following Grandmaster Linghu's specific orders. Li Huayuan, still troubled by something, decided to stay behind to verify a matter, instructing the others to proceed without him.
Episode 28 Recap
Li Huayuan approached the Yellow Maple Valley Grandmaster, inquiring why she had sent Senior Hongfu away. The Grandmaster subtly confirmed that "that person" had visited, prompting Li Huayuan's surprise. The Grandmaster then questioned if Li Huayuan still remembered the first lesson she taught him upon his initiation: that the highest state of cultivation involves absolute detachment, letting go of desire, and knowing when to give up.
Li Huayuan affirmed his memory of these teachings, including the Grandmaster's assertion that without clear thoughts, cultivation is pointless. He acknowledged the Grandmaster's strategy to sacrifice a little to preserve the sect, admitting he couldn't have devised such a plan himself. However, Li Huayuan pressed further, asking if Senior Hongfu and his disciple Han Li were aware of this arrangement.
When the Grandmaster hesitated, Li Huayuan declared he would ask Hongfu directly if she was willing to be handed over to Yunlu, whom he accused of slaughtering innocents and planning Yellow Maple Valley's destruction, stating Hongfu would rather die than fall into his hands. The Grandmaster clarified that it was a "trade," not a "betrayal."
Meanwhile, Han Li and his group found themselves under attack by the Demonic Flame Sect's Skyfire Spell, with each lava drop hitting like a Foundation Stage strike. Hongfu rallied them, urging them to defend together and hold their ground, assuring them that their "Wind Cloud Banner" artifact would prevent them from being tracked. As two Core cultivators from the demonic sects approached, Hongfu stepped forward to confront them.
One of the cultivators, introducing himself as Skull from the Ghost Spirit Sect, insulted her age and appearance. Hongfu noticed Fu Yunzi's aura on them, and Skull's companion confirmed they had faced the old Daoist, returning Fu Yunzi's whisk as a relic. Hongfu offered to overlook their earlier rudeness for returning the keepsake, but insisted on taking her disciples with her. Skull revealed they were there for Hongfu, calling the disciples "extras."
Realizing the true target, Hongfu declared battle, instructing her disciples, including Han Li and Qu Hun, to immediately break out, save themselves, and regroup at the spot marked by the Soul-Binding Spell. As Hongfu engaged the demonic cultivators, Han Li and his group escaped. Han Li led them towards the pre-arranged meeting spot, hoping for safety, but upon arrival, he found several injured disciples and realized the demonic cultivators had already ambushed the location.
He quickly deduced there would be no one coming to pick them up and took charge, telling the surviving disciples to follow him. Just as a demonic cultivator recognized Han Li, identifying him as Han Li and not Li Feiyu, and prepared to strike, Li Huayuan appeared. He saved Han Li, expressing relief and a hint of frustration at how difficult Han Li had been to find.
After confirming Hongfu had stayed behind to stall the demonic cultivators, Li Huayuan praised Han Li's efforts. He then gave Han Li a mystic pouch containing supplies and spiritual gems, asking him to distribute them among his senior siblings if he encountered them. Additionally, he gave Han Li a personal copy of his cultivation insights, specifically for him to study when attempting to break through to the Core Formation Stage.
Han Li hesitated, suggesting Li Huayuan distribute them himself upon his safe return, but Li Huayuan brushed off his concerns, explaining it was merely "travel funds." He then advised Han Li to heal and prepare himself, emphasizing that the upcoming battle was for Core cultivators, and Han Li should quickly leave Yue Kingdom to escape the demonic sects' reach. As Li Huayuan prepared to depart, Han Li questioned if he truly had to go.
Li Huayuan confessed his mission was incredibly dangerous and he might not return, but he had his reasons, stating that "the longer one lives, the more one realizes some things in this world matter more than your own life, like certain people." He then used his power to remove the Soul-Binding Spell from Han Li, considering it a debt repaid by Yellow Maple Valley, and urged him to leave Yue Kingdom to see the beautiful sights for him.
Elsewhere, Wang Chan, having survived an encounter with a Core cultivator, vowed to kill Han Li himself as he headed to regroup with their Grandmaster at Yellow Maple Valley. Meanwhile, Hongfu was still battling the demonic cultivators who sought to capture her while allowing her disciples to be harmed. Li Huayuan arrived, providing Hongfu with a high-grade pill for healing and confirming Han Li's safety.
Hongfu revealed that the Yellow Maple Valley Grandmaster had likely evacuated the other disciples, and that the deal between their Grandmasters, including the Soul-Binding Spell placed on them, was all part of a pre-arranged trade. Hongfu stated that trading her capture for the safety of Yellow Maple Valley was a deal worth making.
Hongfu then gave Li Huayuan Fu Yunzi's whisk, commenting that the demonic cultivator gave it to her but Fu Yunzi would likely prefer Li Huayuan to keep it. They reminisced about their youth, recalling mischievous acts like sneaking into Clear Void Sect for spirit herbs and accidentally destroying a pot of Fu Yunzi's newly refined pills, causing him to cry for days. The demonic forces had breached Yellow Maple Valley's Mountain Barrier, signaling its fall.
Li Huayuan, resolute, declared that as long as they lived, Yellow Maple Valley persisted, and intended to clear a path home. Soon after, Yunlu, accompanied by Wang Chan and Dong Xuan'er, arrived on the scene. Wang Chan’s aunt gloated, believing their Grandmaster’s presence guaranteed their enemies’ demise. Yunlu informed everyone that Yellow Maple Valley was finished and he would honor his pact with Grandmaster Linghu: Hongfu would stay, and everyone else must retreat.
He congratulated his daughter, Dong Xuan'er, on Han Li becoming her inner demon, saying it would hinder her cultivation, but she pleaded with her father not to kill Han Li, instead asking him to allow Wang Chan to face him. Upon seeing Li Huayuan, Wang Chan identified him as the Core cultivator who had saved Han Li. Li Huayuan attempted to persuade Hongfu to leave, but she urged him to go instead.
Resolute, Li Huayuan declared that death was the only outcome at this point and bravely challenged Yunlu. When Yunlu refused to engage, citing his agreement with Linghu, Li Huayuan challenged his audacity as a Nascent Soul cultivator, then proposed a wager: if he could force Yunlu to make a move, Yunlu would have to release Hongfu. Hongfu, knowing Li Huayuan was no match, tried to dissuade him.
Li Huayuan, despite Hongfu's warnings, pressed his attack on Yunlu, accusing him of being cold-hearted and arrogant, and shamelessly destroying homes and lives for personal gain. Dong Xuan'er pleaded with both of them to stop, urging her father to heal. Li Huayuan, however, reflected on a lesson he learned on his first day in cultivation: that the world's iron law dictates the strong take what they want while the weak must bow.
He declared that if that was all the world offered, it was meaningless. With a final surge of power, Li Huayuan shattered his own core, forcibly boosting his cultivation to a devastating level. This extreme act compelled Yunlu to make a move to defend himself. Victorious, Li Huayuan exclaimed that he had won, and then his eyes closed, his life force fading. Hongfu cradled him, insisting they were going home.
Dong Xuan'er implored Hongfu to come with them, but Hongfu, seeing Dong Xuan'er had grown, told her she must now walk her own path. Yunlu, initially moving to seize Hongfu, was restrained by Dong Xuan'er's desperate intervention. After the tragic battle, the Moonshadow Sect Grandmaster, Nangong Wan, received an urgent report that Yellow Maple Valley had fallen to the demonic sects.
Her attendant confirmed that Grandmaster Linghu had retreated with elite disciples, Core cultivator Li Huayuan had died in battle, and Cultivator Hongfu had fled. Despite her own recent injuries and her sect master's instruction not to overexert herself, Nangong Wan immediately called for a team, stating her intention to go to Yellow Maple Valley herself.
She also inquired about the fate of the Foundation and Qi Refining disciples, learning that one group, led by Hongfu, had been almost entirely wiped out in an ambush. Reflecting on Han Li's escape from the clutches of the demonic sects, she mused that if he had truly died, it would be too easy for him. Despite still suffering from internal injuries from a Core cultivator's attack, Nangong Wan resolved to personally investigate.
She ordered that the Moonshadow Sect would offer aid to any struggling Yellow Maple Valley disciples and then announced she would enter secluded cultivation, allowing no one to disturb her without permission.
Episode 29 Recap
Nangong Wan arrived at Yellow Maple Valley, noting the lingering scars of war. She hoped the valley's leaves would soon turn red again, signifying a return to peace. Unsure of Han Li's cavern location, she decided to inquire around. Meanwhile, Hongfu had returned to Yellow Maple Valley and laid Li Huayuan to rest beneath the snow mountain.
As Nangong Wan approached, Hongfu reminisced that Huayuan loved gazing at the snow mountain when he first joined the sect, and they had promised to return together. She believed he would be glad to return to this place now, though she grieved sending him off in such a way, having lost a drinking companion who loved the Masked Moon Sect's Drunken Immortal Dew liquor.
Nangong Wan asked about Hongfu's future plans, noting that Yellow Maple Valley's people had gone to the Nine Kingdoms Alliance. Hongfu declared herself a rogue cultivator, stating that neither the demonic sects nor Yellow Maple Valley's past affairs concerned her any longer. However, she had promised Huayuan to look after his disciples, especially his favorite youngest one, who was now missing.
Nangong Wan identified him as Han Li, a young man she had met before, remarking on his unassuming appearance but clever methods that had caught her attention. Hongfu agreed, describing him as unique despite his ordinary talent and often blessed with good fortune, even mentioning that Dong Xuan'er had missed him dearly after their trip to the Yan Clan Stronghold. Seeing it as Huayuan's last wish, Nangong Wan offered to help find Han Li.
Hongfu initially declined, saying she planned to search for them after handling current matters, but Nangong Wan insisted, explaining that she had nothing else to do as the Masked Moon Sect was negotiating peace with the demonic sects. Hongfu then accepted her help and thanked her. Han Li awoke to find Song Meng and Senior Zhong by his side, along with a silent, imposing man, one of Song Meng's friends. Song Meng offered him water.
Han Li inquired about the fate of the Yellow Maple Valley cultivators. Song Meng revealed the grim news: the Seven Sects had lost the war due to betrayal by Spirit Beast Mountain and Skyfort Castle. He delivered the heartbreaking update that their Master Huayuan, in a valiant effort to defend Yellow Maple Valley, had sacrificed his Golden Core in a battle against Grandmaster Yunlu and had passed away.
Han Li was stunned, realizing that Huayuan must have already resolved to die when he sought out Hongfu, seeking to find peace with himself. Song Meng then asked Han Li about his intentions, suggesting they regroup with other disciples and retaliate against the demonic sects.
Han Li explained that Master Huayuan had removed a Tracking Spell from him before his departure, making it clear that the demonic sects had always known their movements, implying a deep betrayal within their own sect. He believed that with their current strength, they were powerless to change the situation and expressed his unwillingness to be used as a pawn any longer, desiring a different path in life. Song Meng and Weiniang agreed with his sentiments.
Song Meng suggested they seek out Hongfu for guidance, but understanding Han Li's free spirit, he encouraged him to go wherever he pleased, reminding him that even if Yellow Maple Valley was gone, they, as disciples, still remained, and should strive to meet again someday. Han Li then bid his senior brother and sister farewell. Han Li sought out Qi Yunxiao, only to discover that he had already died.
Xin Ruyin explained that her husband, Qi Yunxiao, had succumbed to severe injuries sustained while fleeing from the Fu clan, who had relentlessly pursued him to this place. Xin Ruyin presented Han Li with two precious items: Qi Yunxiao's "Yunxiao Heart Technique," with all its restrictions removed, and her own comprehensive notes on array formations, alongside rare array scrolls.
She implored Han Li for a promise to avenge them against the Fu clan, notorious for their ruthless acts of robbery, murder, and exploitation in Yuanwu Kingdom. Han Li, rising to his feet, gave his word that he would seek justice for them when he possessed sufficient power. He also offered to alleviate Xin Ruyin's suffering from her Dragon Roar Body by refining pills for her, having found some recipes that, while not a cure, could provide some relief.
He offered to stay a few days for this purpose. Xin Ruyin gratefully accepted, promising to hand over the teleportation array to him once she completed its repairs. Three days later, Han Li returned to find that Xin Ruyin had passed away. She had left a letter explaining that the ancient array's repair demanded the life essence of an array master.
She had managed to partially mend and decipher it, but the ancient array's incomplete records meant she could not determine its exact destination. She expressed her trust in Han Li's good fortune to navigate any perils and requested that he bury her next to her husband in the mountain behind the hut he had built for her, which she considered her true home. Han Li honored her final wish.
Han Li then entered the forbidden area, noticing the surprisingly lax security, which suggested the demonic sects were unaware of the teleportation array's presence. Moments later, Wang Chan and his men pursued a gravely wounded Nangong Wan into the area. Wang Chan, recognizing Nangong Wan, commented on her resilience despite her injuries, subtly implying she might be responsible for recent captive escapes. Nangong Wan, irritated, snapped back at him.
She was inwardly frustrated, realizing she was only there because she had been looking for Han Li and wondering what he was doing in such a place. Wang Chan ordered Elder Gui and Elder Tong to attack, reminding them of their renewed allegiance to him. He then commanded his men to circle through the forest and cut off Nangong Wan's escape route from the cliff behind.
As the confrontation unfolded, Han Li discreetly ambushed one of Wang Chan's men, donned his uniform, and infiltrated the group. When Nangong Wan was close, Han Li suddenly emerged and seized Dong Xuan'er as a hostage, forcing Wang Chan to allow them to leave. Nangong Wan instructed Han Li to meet her a hundred li to the west. As Han Li and Dong Xuan'er made their escape, Dong Xuan'er recognized him, and Han Li removed his mask.
Han Li questioned her presence with the demonic sects. Dong Xuan'er revealed that Grandmaster Yunlu was her father, and Hongfu was her mother. Her mother had a past with her father, who concealed his identity; by the time her mother learned the truth, she was already deeply in love and pregnant with Dong Xuan'er. She explained that her father had forcibly erased her Yellow Maple Valley cultivation inheritance but her progress under his tutelage had been rapid.
However, she had heard that mastering his technique would drastically alter her personality, potentially making her forget even Han Li. Han Li reassured her, emphasizing that what mattered most was for her to remember who she was.
Dong Xuan'er then asked Han Li to leave her there, asserting that she would handle her father and buy him and Nangong Wan more time, playfully warning him not to get caught by Wang Chan again, hinting at Wang Chan's strange obsession with him. Han Li bade her farewell. Han Li proceeded to the agreed-upon meeting point a hundred li to the west, where he found Nangong Wan severely injured. He quickly reassured her, vowing that he would not let her die.
Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
Han Li gazed anxiously at the unconscious Nangong Wan, vowing to keep her safe as long as he drew breath. Unexpectedly, before he could aid her, Nangong Wan, still unconscious, activated the Rebirth Art. A powerful backlash surged, enveloping Han Li. She embraced him tightly, her grip like iron, making it impossible for him to break free. Han Li felt his spiritual power rapidly draining, like a broken dam.
He struggled desperately to escape, even attempting to deploy the Five Phases Array, but being pinned beneath Nangong Wan prevented the array from functioning effectively. In his struggle, he felt a sudden sharp pain as Nangong Wan bit him. At that moment, a mix of helplessness and resolve washed over him. He ceased resisting, accepting that everything he had gained that day would now be returned to her.
The following morning, light filtered into the cave as Nangong Wan stirred awake. She was startled to find herself embracing Han Li. Before he awoke, she secretly probed his spiritual power, her face falling when she discovered his spiritual core was completely empty. Realizing she had caused this by unconsciously using the Rebirth Art, which drained energy from anyone who touched her, she felt utterly mortified.
Her first instinct was to flee the embarrassing situation, but the thought that Han Li might die if she left made her hesitate. After much deliberation, she decided to stay, secretly vowing to kill him later if the incident ever came to light. Meanwhile, in a dream, Han Li found himself before his Master, Li Huayuan. Li Huayuan expressed surprise at Han Li's predicament, given his many life-saving skills.
He jokingly warned Han Li that he might not find a suitable cultivation partner in the future, to which Han Li retorted that Li Huayuan himself had remained solitary. Becoming serious, Han Li then asked Li Huayuan what he considered more important than life itself.
Li Huayuan smiled, explaining that there was no single answer to "Dao"; each person's path was unique, and they must define their own enlightenment, but the crucial thing was to remember one's origin and initial purpose. Li Huayuan embraced Han Li, urging him to return to reality, reminding him that he had many important tasks to complete and no time to waste there.
Han Li pondered this, but when he looked up to reply, Li Huayuan had vanished, his voice echoing in the air, "The world holds many beautiful sights. I hope you will see them on my behalf." Han Li awoke from his stupor, shocked to find his spiritual power completely depleted. Nangong Wan had also awakened. Han Li, full of indignation, accused her of draining his spiritual power, feeling she had repaid his kindness with malice.
Nangong Wan, unwilling to reveal her true identity, claimed to be Nangong Ping, Nangong Wan's sister. She not only refused to admit fault but also adopted a scolding tone, chastising Han Li for his recklessness and asserting that he deserved what happened. Han Li found some truth in her words and ceased his accusations, lamenting only the loss of his cultivation and wondering when he could recover it. Nangong Ping, feeling a sense of responsibility, secretly resolved to repay him.
Just then, Han Li was overcome with a headache and began to sway. Nangong Ping rushed to check on him, but the dizzy Han Li accidentally pushed her onto the stone bed, where she, too, lost consciousness. Unable to move Han Li, Nangong Ping remained slumped beside him, and both drifted into a deep sleep. Days passed as the sun and moon cycled overhead. Han Li awoke from hunger, searching the cave for food, only to find it empty.
To his surprise, Nangong Ping conjured an entire set of pots and pans from her spatial storage. Han Li then realized the rumors of a gluttonous Core Formation Stage cultivator who traveled with cooking utensils referred to her. Han Li, having slept for several days, realized his life was safe. Though his cultivation had fallen to the Qi Refining Stage, he noted it surprisingly aligned with the Triple Cycle Core Rebirth, making it a blessing in disguise.
He then prepared a delicious meal using the available ingredients, making an invigorating broth from spirit water and herbs, and flatbread. Nangong Ping, intrigued by his culinary skills, eagerly requested a piece of the flatbread and expressed curiosity about his future plans. Han Li, still cautious, refrained from mentioning the teleport array, sensing that she was not the Nangong Wan he knew.
To compensate for her actions, Nangong Ping offered Han Li two choices: either a supply of spirit stones and cultivation resources, or an invitation to join the Moonshadow Sect to help him recover his cultivation faster. After careful consideration, Han Li chose the spirit stones, politely declining the offer to join her sect, stating he preferred his autonomy.
As Han Li prepared to leave with the spirit stones, Nangong Ping stopped him, insisting they first eliminate some demonic cultivators before he departed. Han Li used his Five Phases Array to exit the cave. Nangong Ping complimented the array's versatility but noted its lack of offensive power. Han Li explained it was a gift from a friend, and Nangong Ping speculated the creator was likely a woman who disliked combat, which Han Li did not deny.
Shortly after Han Li and Nangong Ping left, Wang Chan and his subordinates arrived at the cave. They found the stove fire long extinguished, indicating their quarry had been gone for some time. Wang Chan was enraged, indignant that they had leisurely eaten there. His subordinate speculated about Dong Xuan'er's possible involvement and connection to the fugitives. Suddenly, Wang Chan realized the black-clad figure was Han Li and was furious that Moonshadow Sect members were also involved.
In a fit of rage, he smashed everything in the cave. When his subordinate attempted to flatter him, Wang Chan misinterpreted the smile as mockery and furiously ordered his men to search every inch of the surrounding 500 li to capture Han Li, declaring Han Li had become his inner demon. Han Li quickly arrived at the quarry and initiated the ancient teleport array.
Soon after, Wang Chan and his forces arrived, with Wang Chan loudly ordering Han Li's capture, specifically emphasizing not to damage the teleport array. Han Li urgently called Qu Hun into the array, intending to depart together. As Wang Chan's subordinates swarmed forward like a tide, Han Li commanded Qu Hun to fully protect the array while he himself turned to face the attackers head-on.
Seeing this, Wang Chan furiously ordered his men to break the array, and a multitude of cultivators surged forward, attacking ferociously. Han Li knew this was the critical moment and unleashed his puppets to engage the enemy. However, Qu Hun suddenly ceased charging the array, and Han Li was flung out of it. Han Li realized there was an insufficient supply of spirit stones.
He quickly gathered the fallen spirit stones from the ground, flew back into the array, and managed to stabilize it just as it was about to fail. Wang Chan, observing that Han Li was on the verge of collapsing, brazenly charged forward alone, intent on killing Han Li. His subordinate attempted to dissuade him, but Wang Chan ignored them. Within the array, Han Li's consciousness engaged in a fierce battle with Wang Chan.
Ultimately, Han Li emerged victorious over Wang Chan. The teleport array activated, and as Han Li departed, he silently vowed to Wang Chan that their score was not settled and he would one day return. A powerful beam of light shot skyward from the teleport array, visible to Nangong Wan, Chen Qiaoqian, and others, each displaying a look of relief and satisfaction.
Wangyu gazed up at the ascending light, murmuring to the sky as if addressing the "old gambler" in the heavens, informing him that his disciple had "ascended." In the new world, by a river, the sun slowly rose, casting golden light upon the water. Han Li, initially transparent, gradually materialized fully onto a stone wall. Gazing at the beautiful scenery before him, Han Li felt content, confirming that the view here was indeed splendid.
