Licking the Way of the Mortal World

In a world ruled by cultivation power, rigid hierarchies, and the survival-of-the-strongest creed, Jiang Muchen—a poor, overlooked disciple at the mighty Mortal Pavilion (Hongchen Pavilion)—awakens to an unconventional path: the Dao of Empowerment, a philosophy reborn from the ruins of “flattering for survival.” After suffering a humiliating public shaming, Muchen encounters the lingering soul of an ancient master of human-relationship strategies. From him, Muchen inherits the “Ten Thousand-Spirit Resonance Art,” a system built on insight, reciprocity, and value creation. Instead of bending the knee to power, he learns to amplify the strengths and unmet needs of others—turning discarded disciples, neglected elders, and overlooked clans into a vast network of alliances. As Muchen’s influence grows, so does the hostility of Xiao Chen, the Pavilion’s privileged young master. Their clash soon escalates from petty suppression to ideological warfare: Empowerment vs. Domination. Collaboration vs. Tyranny. Resonance vs. Control. Across ten volumes, Muchen’s journey expands far beyond the Pavilion: Rise of a New Philosophy Through countless trials, Muchen founds the Muchen Society, later evolving into the continent-shaking Common-Esteem Alliance—an organization dedicated to uplifting “cold-door” cultivators from poor backgrounds, offering training, resources, and dignity previously denied by the old order. Allies Forged Through Resonance Muchen’s sincerity draws powerful companions from every corner of the world: Su Qingwu, the prodigious Saintess who becomes his most steadfast partner. Murong Xueli, an ice-born aristocrat whose loyalty reshapes her entire clan. Nangong Feiyue, Dongfang Qingluan, Shijia Mingkong, and others—each empowered, not controlled, by Muchen’s philosophy. Through diplomacy, shared interests, and mutual respect, he unites sects, clans, and even demonic factions that had been enemies for millennia. A Shadow Growing in the Dark But empowerment is not welcomed by all. Xiao Chen secretly aligns with the resurrecting Ancient Demon Clan, using chaos to reinforce hierarchical rule. His ascent culminates in a catastrophic coup within the Mortal Pavilion—one that nearly annihilates the sect. In the Pavilion’s darkest moment, Muchen reveals the truth behind Xiao Chen’s corruption, igniting a civil war that reshapes the destiny of all Nine Provinces. Toward the Ultimate Truth With the Pavilion in ruins and the continent under demonic siege, Muchen learns the hidden past of the ancient Immortal-Demon War—and the reason the path to ascension has been sealed for ages. To reopen it, he must gather the scattered fragments of the Heavenly Dao, surviving apocalyptic secret realms where time, space, fate, and soul intertwine. His “resonance” grows into a power capable of unifying the will of all beings—the Ten Thousand-Spirit Common-Esteem Art. The Last Battle for All Beings Atop the towering Red-Dust Mountain, Muchen forms the unprecedented Universal Common-Esteem Grand Formation, channeling the hope of millions. The final confrontation with the Demon Emperor demands everything: alliances, sacrifice, forgiveness—even Xiao Chen’s last act of redemption. A New Era, A New Dao With the demonic gate sealed and the heavenly road reopened, the Nine Provinces rebuild under the principles of fairness and empowerment. Muchen and his closest companions ascend together as equals, leaving behind the Common-Esteem Codex and the Muchen Academy to guide future generations. The legend closes not with an ending, but a beginning— for the Upper Realm awaits, vast and turbulent, a workplace of gods and immortals where the Path of Empowerment has only just begun.