Beyond the Divine States

Chinese Name: 神国之上

Summary: The story follows Ning Changjiu, a young Taoist priest who, in his previous life at age 28, failed to ascend to immortality and was betrayed by his master, who severed his innate spirit. His soul is reborn 12 years earlier into his 16-year-old self, carrying fragmented memories and mysterious powers. Bound by an enigmatic shackle that traps him in the Entry Mystery Realm (Ru Xuan), Ning Changjiu embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind his past life’s death and his rebirth. Accompanied by his master Ning Qinshui and junior disciple Ning Xiaoling, he arrives in the imperial city of Zhao to exorcise demons, only to find himself entangled in a web of conspiracies.

Ning Changjiu possesses the “Tai Ming” authority and the bloodline of the Golden Crow (Jin Wu), a divine bird. With the aid of key female characters—Lu Jiajia, a swordmaster from the Heavenly Edict Sword Sect, and Zhao Xiang’er, the vengeful princess and empress of Zhao—Ning navigates a world of divine kingdoms and ancient gods. The narrative weaves dual storylines: one exploring Ning Changjiu’s quest to unravel his past and break his cultivation shackles, and another focusing on Zhao Xiang’er’s political struggle to restore her kingdom. Together, they confront the millennia-old schemes of the Twelve Divine Kingdoms and the Primordial Six Gods.

The novel blends xianxia tropes like reincarnation and martial arts with suspenseful mysteries, political intrigue, and emotional depth. It features vivid scenes, such as demon hunts in haunted mansions, sword battles that shatter formations, and surreal journeys through time and dreams. Key moments include Zhao Xiang’er’s stand atop Zhao’s rain-soaked capital, Ning Changjiu’s traversal of a decayed world to witness the dawn of history, and a climactic ascent under moonlight in the City of Ten Thousand Demons. Ultimately, Ning Changjiu and his allies defeat their divine adversaries, dismantle the old world order, and usher in a new era, with Ning overcoming his shackles to challenge divine authority.

Realms: Entry Mystery, Longevity, Purple Court, Five Realms, Immortal Ascension