Summary
Highlights
Xiao Duan awakens as the first son of the Zhenbei royal family, but is immediately ordered by his father to annul his engagement to Qingxuan and give her to his younger brother. It's then revealed that his dantian (spiritual energy core) was shattered three years prior, leaving him unable to cultivate, leading to his exile and mistreatment.
A 'Martial God Selection System' activates, offering Xiao Duan choices. He chooses to 'follow his heart' rather than retreat, and is rewarded with a 'Body of the God of Wushu' that repairs his dantian and grants him a million percent increase in cultivation speed. This instantly restores his strength.
Xiao Duan confronts his stepmother and brother, Xiao Lingtian, over their favoritism and past mistreatment. He also faces his fiancée, Ye Qingxuan, who tries to force him to sign an annulment. He repudiates her instead, showcasing newfound martial skill. His father, angered by his perceived defiance, disinherits him from the Zhenbei Royal Family.
Xiao Duan, now with a restored dantian, takes the academy entrance exam. While others like Xiao Lingtian display impressive but normal talents, Xiao Duan's talent overwhelms the testing instrument, revealing an unprecedented level beyond 'heavenly grade'. The Sword Immortal Academy, whose ancient treasure the Demon Sword recognized Xiao Duan, accepts him despite objections about his past. He gains the 'Linglong Sword Heart', granting immunity to illusions.
Xiao Lingtian and Ye Qingxuan mock Xiao Duan, betting that he will 'bark like a dog' if he loses the upcoming freshman competition due to his supposedly broken dantian. Xiao Duan accepts the bet. Soon after, he is targeted with an illusionary attack by men sent by his stepmother, but his Linglong Sword Heart protects him, and he gains immunity to all poisons.
The freshman competition involves hunting demons for their inner pills. Xiao Lingtian and Ye Qingxuan, confident in their 37 beginner demon pills, are shocked when Xiao Duan returns with 15 intermediate demon pills, equivalent to 150 beginner pills, securing first place. Xiao Duan then confronts a General Realm expert sent by his stepmother and Lingtian, easily defeating him with his 'Demon Slaying Against the Heavens' divine sword art.
Xiao Lingtian and Ye Qingxuan are forced to fulfill their bet and crawl and bark like dogs in public, much to their humiliation. Xiao Duan's father, the King of Zhenbei, intervenes, trying to force Xiao Duan to apologize. He reveals a framed mentor, Liu Sanji, accused of colluding with bandits. Xiao Duan chooses to defend Liu Sanji's honor, gaining 'Wuji Sword Intent' in the process, which further enhances his sword power and perception of evil.
Xiao Duan travels to Xiongwu City at the border to clear Liu Sanji's name, accompanied by Jasmine, his sword servant, and Lin Qingxian. He faces attempts on his life by Lin Sijiang and Zhao Tiangang, who are working with Xiao Lingtian and Ye Qingxuan. Xiao Duan confronts a group of bandits impersonating Bloodshed Village members, easily defeating them with his advanced sword skills.
Xiao Duan captures the real advisor of Bloodshed Village, Wen Buyeo, and brings him back to Xiongwu City. Wen Buyeo confirms Liu Sanji's innocence, clearing his name. Xiao Duan then leads an assault on Bloodshed Village, revealing that its leader, Blood Wolf, was colluding with the Demon God's Palace.
Xiao Duan's stepmother, Wen Wanrong, secretly stole the border map and sold it to the Demon God's Palace, leading to a massive demon invasion of Xiongwu City. He confronts Demon Lord and Wen Wanrong, revealing his Martial Sect realm power, which significantly surpasses everyone else. Using his 'Heavenly God's Dharma form', he defeats the Demon Lord and cleanses the city.
The Emperor officially strips the King of Zhenbei of his title due to his wife's treason. Xiao Duan, having saved Xiongwu City and settled his personal grievances, decides to return to the academy. He looks forward to continuing his cultivation with Jasmine and Lin Qingxian, embracing a life of strength and purpose.