Chapter Summaries

Lu Qing helped Xiao Tian break through to the Qi Blood Realm, then learned that turmoil was worsening in the County Town and warned his master to stay away. In the following days, the city descended further into violence while the Wei Residence remained untouched, leaving Lu Qing suspicious that a larger plot was unfolding.

• Lu Qing forced Xiao Tian to dodge a lethal-looking slash, helping him grasp the Qi-Blood Link and enter the Qi Blood Realm.
• Xiao Tian accidentally smashed Uncle Zhang the Second's fence and vegetable beds, paid him compensation, and returned to Da Ji.
• Lu Qing considered the strange reports about the Wei Clan's dead Innate ancestor and went to the Half-Mountain Courtyard to warn the Old Doctor about the County Town's unrest.
• The Old Doctor read Ma Gu's letter and agreed to avoid the city, while warning Lu Qing that the Black Wolf Gang might seek revenge.
• Lu Qing gathered more news from Xiao Tian as martial artists fought, seized local factions, and strengthened the Black Wolf Gang; the Wei Residence remained untouched amid the chaos.

Lu Qing broke through into the Tendons and Bones Realm and learned the Qi Burst Technique from the Wei Family Grand Steward’s secret manual. Meanwhile, the Wei Family Head sent his wife and son out of the city as the Wei Residence braced for the threat behind the standoff, until a thunderous shout sounded above it.

• Lu Qing carefully tempered his bones and fascia, completed the Tendons and Bones Realm forms of the Body Nourishing Fist, and entered the Tendons and Bones Realm.
• Lu Qing used his strange ability to learn the Qi Burst Technique from the Wei Family Grand Steward’s secret manual and decided to cultivate it after his breakthrough stabilized.
• The Wei Family Head learned that the Grand Steward had sent Madam and Young Master out of the city through an underground passage.
• The Wei Family Head told the Grand Steward that the Old Ancestor had been ambushed and escaped severely wounded, though his fate remained unknown.
• The Wei Family Head declared that the Wei Residence could defend itself, while he and the Grand Steward feared the Innate Realm figure behind the hostile martial artists.
• A thunderous shout suddenly rang out from above the Wei Residence.

Wei Xinghe resisted a mysterious Grandmaster’s demand to surrender the Wei Clan’s treasure, while worrying that his wife and child were being pursued. At the County Magistrate Residence, Zhi Rui revealed that the Wei Clan’s Madam and Young Master had not been captured yet.

• A mysterious expert threatened Wei Xinghe and the Wei Clan, claiming their Old Ancestor could not survive and warning that Wei Xinghe’s wife and child were in danger.
• Wei Xinghe and the chief steward concluded that the pursuers had discovered the tunnel through the abilities of Innate Realm beings, and Wei Xinghe kept the steward at the residence to direct the Silver Moon Battle Formation.
• After two days passed without an attack or news of a capture, Wei Xinghe and the chief steward began to believe that the Madam and Young Master had escaped.
• At the County Magistrate Residence, Yan Canghai asked Zhi Rui about the Wei Clan, while Zhi Rui explained that he had come to check whether anyone was defying the Holy Mountain’s prohibition.
• Zhi Rui told Yan Canghai that the Wei Clan’s Madam and Young Master had not been captured yet.

Ma Gu hid in the mountains while escorting the injured Madam Wei and Young Master Wei from their pursuers, and he struggled to keep them alive and concealed. He left Young Master Wei eating raw rabbit meat in a hidden cave while planning to search for herbs for Madam Wei’s fever.

• Ma Gu encountered Young Master Wei, Madam Wei, and the Silver Moon Guards as they fled their pursuers, and Guard Captain Pang persuaded him to escort the pair away.
• Ma Gu carried Madam Wei and led Young Master Wei into the deep mountains, where they hid in a cave after finding the routes out surrounded.
• Ma Gu returned to the cave with a rabbit and found Madam Wei unconscious with a fever and Young Master Wei panicking over her condition.
• Ma Gu choked Young Master Wei into silence, warned him to act responsibly, and said he would search for fever-reducing herbs the next day.
• Ma Gu gave Young Master Wei raw rabbit meat, and Young Master Wei reluctantly swallowed a slice to regain his strength.

Ma Gu left the cave to search for medicine for the unconscious Madam Wei, but a Leather Armor Youth recognized him and pursued him through the mountains. With Ma Gu cornered and wounded at a waterfall ravine, a voice called out, “Master Ma?”

• After Young Master Wei worried over his mother through the night, Ma Gu promised to search for medicinal herbs and left the cave the next morning.
• Ma Gu found an herb beside a stream, but dodged an arrow fired by a Leather Armor Youth who demanded to know where he had hidden Madam Wei and Young Master Wei.
• The Leather Armor Youth attacked with Three Stars in a Row, and Ma Gu knocked aside one arrow, evaded the others, and fled into dense brushwood.
• The Leather Armor Youth fired a powerful Mystic Arrow that grazed Ma Gu, then pursued him after Ma Gu survived and continued running.
• Ma Gu tried to reach what he thought was a river, but arrived at a waterfall ravine, where the Leather Armor Youth wounded his shoulder and cornered him.
• As the Leather Armor Youth approached the despairing Ma Gu, someone nearby called him Master Ma.

Lu Qing intervened when Tong Canglang threatened the wounded Ma Gu and revealed that he had reached the Tendons and Bones Realm. He caught Tong Canglang off guard and gained the upper hand, but Tong survived behind his leather armor and resolved to kill Lu Qing.

• Lu Qing appeared beside the waterfall, and Ma Gu warned him to flee from Tong Canglang.
• Tong Canglang accused Ma Gu of hiding the Wei Clan's madam and young master, while Ma Gu denied involvement.
• Lu Qing assessed Tong Canglang's background and weakened condition, then concealed his War Blade as Tong charged at him.
• Lu Qing struck Tong Canglang and pursued him with successive attacks, but Tong's leather armor absorbed the first blow and he blocked the next with his short blade.
• Tong Canglang unleashed more Blood Qi Power to repel Lu Qing, and both he and the astonished Ma Gu realized that Lu Qing had reached the Tendons and Bones Realm.
• Tong Canglang, jealous and wary of Lu Qing's talent, decided that Lu Qing must die.

Lu Qing battled Leather Armor Youth, whose jealousy and murderous intent had driven him to attack. Lu Qing’s grandmaster-level saber technique overcame Leather Armor Youth’s strength and armor, and he killed him; a grieving voice then called him “Junior Brother.”

• Leather Armor Youth recalled murdering a talented junior brother out of jealousy and resolved to kill Lu Qing.
• Lu Qing refused Ma Gu’s offer to fight together and challenged Leather Armor Youth to test his strength.
• Lu Qing’s intricate saber technique cut Leather Armor Youth’s cheek and revealed his grandmaster-level mastery, destroying his opponent’s confidence.
• Leather Armor Youth tried to escape, then unleashed a secret technique and attacked Lu Qing with a life-for-life strike.
• Lu Qing evaded Leather Armor Youth’s weapon and armor, slashed through his exposed neck, and killed him as a grief-stricken voice cried out, “Junior Brother!!!”

After Lu Qing killed Tong Canglang, his senior brother Wang Qingshan arrived and attacked him, but Lu Qing’s masterful saber work forced Wang to retreat. Mistaking Lu Qing for a successor from a hidden sect, Wang tried to capture him, only for Xiao Li to appear and sever both of his hands.

• Lu Qing beheaded Tong Canglang, and Ma Gu was stunned by how easily he had defeated the Leather Armor Youth.
• Wang Qingshan arrived, mourned Tong Canglang, and attacked Lu Qing in revenge.
• Lu Qing used the Qi Burst Technique and his refined saber skills to force Wang Qingshan to retreat, impressing and confusing him.
• Wang Qingshan mistook Lu Qing for a hidden sect successor and decided to capture him for the Heavenly Azure Sect.
• Lu Qing called for Xiao Li as Wang Qingshan charged with Steel Knuckle Dusters, and Xiao Li’s invisible claw severed both of Wang’s hands.

Lu Qing and Xiao Li killed Wang Qingshan after he crippled both hands and made a final attempt to charge Lu Qing. Lu Qing and Ma Gu escaped to a concealed cave, where Lu Qing treated Ma Gu’s wound and they began to talk.

• Xiao Li crippled Wang Qingshan’s hands, and Wang Qingshan begged Lu Qing to spare him.
• Wang Qingshan activated his secret technique and charged Lu Qing, but Xiao Li pierced his chest and tore out his heart.
• Wang Qingshan asked whether Lu Qing came from a mysterious sect and requested to see Xiao Li before releasing his Blood Qi and dying.
• Lu Qing used his ability to confirm Wang Qingshan was dead, then searched his and Tong Canglang’s bodies for items.
• Lu Qing and Ma Gu left the valley and took refuge in a concealed mountain cave.
• Lu Qing treated Ma Gu’s shoulder wound, and Ma Gu asked how he had ended up there.

Lu Qing agreed to help Ma Gu rescue Madam Wei and her son, then used Xiao Li’s perception to evade Heavenly Azure Sect Martial Artists and reach their hiding place. He discovered that Madam Wei was near death from an infected wound and began considering how to treat her.

• Ma Gu told Lu Qing how the Heavenly Azure Sect had pursued him while he sought medicine for Madam Wei, and Lu Qing agreed to help repay the Wei Clan’s earlier favor.
• Lu Qing and Ma Gu set out for the hidden cave, with Xiao Li sensing nearby Martial Artists and helping them avoid danger.
• Ma Gu reunited with Young Master Wei and introduced Lu Qing, who had come to examine Madam Wei.
• Lu Qing examined Madam Wei and learned that her wound was severely infected and she was at death’s door.
• Lu Qing reassured Young Master Wei that he would do his utmost to save Madam Wei and considered using medicine he had prepared earlier.

Lu Qing used acupuncture and two drops of precious Medicinal Liquid to stabilize Madam Wei, while the White Robe Youth withdrew his group after finding their companions dead. As Lu Qing, Ma Gu, and Young Master Wei waited in the cave, Madam Wei finally woke.

• Lu Qing eased Madam Wei's pain with silver needles, then gave her two drops of Medicinal Liquid that quickly improved her breathing and fever.
• The White Robe Youth found Wang Qingshan and Lao Qi dead, feared the unknown killer, and ordered his group to return to Cang County.
• Lu Qing reassured Ma Gu and Young Master Wei that Madam Wei was out of danger, and the three waited in the cave.
• Ma Gu and Young Master Wei ate Lu Qing's pan-fried flatbreads, and Young Master Wei saved one for his mother.
• After another hour, Madam Wei moaned and woke from her long unconsciousness.

After Madam Wei recovered rapidly from her injuries thanks to Lu Qing’s medicinal liquid, Lu Qing and Ma Gu moved her and Young Master Wei through the mountains to a hidden chamber in Ma Gu’s residence in Da Ji. The group settled in temporarily, while the danger from the Heavenly Azure Sect remained unresolved.

• Madam Wei woke and learned that Lu Qing and Ma Gu had saved her and Young Master Wei, and Young Master Wei kowtowed to thank them.
• Lu Qing explained that the group needed to leave their cave, and Madam Wei’s strength returned quickly as the medicinal liquid healed her wound.
• After dark, Lu Qing carried Madam Wei while Ma Gu, Young Master Wei, and Xiao Li traveled with him through the mountains and emerged safely from the forest.
• Lu Qing ruled out the prefectural city and Nine Li Village as hiding places, so the group headed for Ma Gu’s residence in Da Ji.
• Ma Gu cleared his residence and led Lu Qing, Madam Wei, and Young Master Wei into a stocked hidden chamber beneath it.

After returning home, Lu Qing examined the spoils from killing Tong Canglang and Wang Qingshan, discovering valuable cultivation pills and a hidden technique on human skin paper. He learned the technique and realized it was an evil but powerful art that suited his Four Directions Saber.

• Lu Qing thanked Xiao Li for helping him defeat Wang Qingshan and promised her plenty of fish before they returned home.
• Lu Qing inspected Tong Canglang’s damaged armor and learned it was made from the hide of a nearly extinct White Horned Savage Bull.
• Lu Qing found twenty-five Bone Forging Tendon Changing Pills and thirty Qi Accumulation Pills among the medicine bottles taken from Tong Canglang and Wang Qingshan.
• Lu Qing recognized that the pills likely came from the Heavenly Azure Sect and decided to stay hidden in the village to avoid the consequences of killing its disciples.
• Lu Qing used his ability to download and learn the secret art concealed on the Innate Human Skin Paper, then discovered it was evil, powerful, and compatible with his Four Directions Saber.

Lu Qing studied the dangerous Killing Body Qi Accumulation Art and accelerated his cultivation with a Bone Forging Tendon Changing Pill, while the Heavenly Azure Sect investigated the deaths of Tong Canglang and Wang Qingshan. After days of steady progress, he sensed that Old Doctor had broken through.

• Lu Qing learned that the Killing Body Qi Accumulation Art cultivated destructive Deathly Silent Killing Qi but required an Inner Organs Realm body, so he set it aside for later.
• Lu Qing swallowed a Bone Forging Tendon Changing Pill and practiced the Body Nourishing Fist until he had refined its medicinal power, bringing him close to Tendons and Bones Minor Accomplishment.
• Wang Cangyi questioned the White Robe Youth about Tong Canglang and Wang Qingshan's deaths, then ordered Xiong Er to investigate who had killed them.
• Lu Qing avoided visiting Da Ji and focused on cultivation and studying medicine with Master, refining one Bone Forging Tendon Changing Pill each day.
• Lu Qing arrived at Half-Mountain Courtyard and sensed that Old Doctor's aura had changed; Old Doctor confirmed that he had made a breakthrough.

Lu Qing learned that the Old Doctor had tempered his Divine Soul Power and planned to attempt the Innate Realm breakthrough in three days, then gave him Li Weitian’s Inheritance Jade Slip. During the same three days, Lu Qing reached Tendons and Bones Minor Accomplishment and prepared to witness his master’s breakthrough.

• The Old Doctor told Lu Qing that studying the Innate Method alongside the Medicine Saint’s Qing Nang Medical Classic had helped him temper his Divine Soul Power ahead of schedule.
• Lu Qing presented the Old Doctor with Li Weitian’s Inheritance Jade Slip, and the Old Doctor read some of the information before his weak Divine Soul Power forced him to stop.
• The Old Doctor announced that he would spend three days adjusting his essence, qi, and spirit before attempting to enter the Innate Realm, while Lu Qing revealed he was nearing Tendons and Bones Minor Accomplishment.
• Lu Qing returned home, let Xiao Yan and Xiao Li continue playing Gomoku, and devoted the next few days to cultivation.
• On the morning of the third day, Lu Qing broke through into Tendons and Bones Minor Accomplishment while practicing the Fierce Tiger Fist in the bamboo forest.
• Lu Qing reflected on how tendons and bones dispersed force and looked forward to watching the Old Doctor attempt his Innate Realm breakthrough the next day.

Old Doctor Chen broke through from the Acquired Realm into the Innate Realm in the Half-Mountain Courtyard, with Lu Qing, Xiao Yan, and Xiao Li watching. After completing his transformation and regaining his former appearance by restraining his blood and qi, he faced Lu Qing’s questions about the new realm.

• Lu Qing brought Xiao Yan and Xiao Li to the Half-Mountain Courtyard to watch Old Doctor Chen attempt his breakthrough.
• Old Doctor Chen opened and stabilized his Dantian Qi Apertures, then drew in Heaven and Earth Primal Qi and refined it into Innate Qi.
• White mist gathered around Old Doctor Chen as he transformed, while Lu Qing, Xiao Yan, and Xiao Li received the blessing of observing his breakthrough.
• Old Doctor Chen’s transformation lasted more than three quarters of an hour, and he emerged looking decades younger beneath a plum tree covered in white blossoms.
• Old Doctor Chen restrained his blood and qi to restore his gray hair and wrinkles, then Lu Qing asked what distinguished the Innate Realm from the Acquired Realm.

The Old Doctor explained Innate Pressure and the cultivation of Innate True Qi after breaking through into the Innate Realm. Lu Qing revealed that he had angered a powerful enemy by rescuing Ma Gu and Madam Wei, then absorbed the breakthrough’s Primal Qi White Mist through prolonged practice and reached another breakthrough.

• The Old Doctor demonstrated Innate Pressure and warned Lu Qing to treat Innate Realm Martial Warriors with caution.
• Lu Qing told the Old Doctor he had killed two Heavenly Azure Sect disciples while rescuing Ma Gu, Madam Wei, and her children, likely drawing the attention of their Innate Realm controller.
• The Old Doctor decided to study Li Weitian’s inheritance and explained how Innate True Qi gained its attribute through cultivation.
• The Old Doctor saw through Xiao Li’s invisibility and warned her against mischief, while Lu Qing realized the ability could not fool Innate Realm Martial Warriors.
• After returning home, Lu Qing practiced the Body Nourishing Fist to absorb the Primal Qi White Mist, and his tendons and bones crackled as he broke through again.

Lu Qing broke through to Tendons and Bones Major Accomplishment, then discovered that Xiao Yan and Xiao Li had gained remarkable talents after absorbing Primal Qi White Mist. He took them fishing, where a sudden strike at the Strange Fish Fishing Spot suggested another rare fish had taken the bait.

• Lu Qing reached Tendons and Bones Major Accomplishment, and Grandpa Zhang and the villagers were reassured when he explained the strange sounds and surging force.
• The next morning, Lu Qing discovered that Xiao Yan had awakened Ice Muscle Jade Bone and carried a trace of an Innate Dao Body, while Xiao Li showed signs of evolving into an Innate Spirit Beast.
• Lu Qing promised to take Xiao Li fishing for more fish, and Xiao Yan and Xiao Li joined him after breakfast.
• Lu Qing brought the little ones to the Strange Fish Fishing Spot and cast a Blood Apricot baited hook into the river.
• After the float remained still for a long while, it suddenly plunged beneath the surface, and Lu Qing gripped the rod as Xiao Li watched in excitement.

Lu Qing caught a rare Dragon Whisker Fish for Xiao Li, then learned that a large group of Martial Artists had arrived at Da Ji. He discovered the Black Wolf Gang was confronting Ma Gu over the destruction of Happy Life Stronghold and was about to search Ma Gu’s residence, where Madam Wei and her son were hidden.

• Lu Qing caught a Dragon Whisker Fish with Blood Apricot bait and gave it to Xiao Li, then took Xiao Yan and Xiao Li to another fishing spot.
• Xiao Li sensed unfamiliar Martial Artists nearby, so Lu Qing returned Xiao Yan to the village and went to Da Ji to investigate.
• Lu Qing overheard Ma Gu confronting Fang De, the Black Wolf Gang leader, about the gang’s destroyed Happy Life Stronghold and the deaths of its members.
• Fang De accused Ma Gu’s family of hiding people from the stronghold and ordered his gang to search the residence, despite Ma Gu’s efforts to stop him.
• Fang De attacked Ma Gu with a powerful punch as the Black Wolf Gang members moved to enter the residence.

Lu Qing intervened when Black Wolf attacked Ma Gu, then revealed that he had destroyed Happy Life Stronghold and killed the Black Wolf Gang's Eighth Leader. After Black Wolf unleashed his Black Wolf Fist, Lu Qing answered with a devastating Fierce Tiger Fist strike that pierced Black Wolf's chest.

• Black Wolf attacked Ma Gu, but Lu Qing hurled a stone that forced Black Wolf to abandon his strike and shattered the stone with his fist.
• Lu Qing revealed himself and admitted he had destroyed Happy Life Stronghold, then killed the Eighth Leader with his own flying dart.
• Black Wolf threatened Lu Qing and his family, then ordered the gang to bombard him with weapons and projectiles.
• Lu Qing evaded the barrage and landed safely after redirecting Black Wolf's punch, then said he would use Black Wolf to practice fist and leg techniques.
• Black Wolf attacked with his Black Wolf Fist, but Lu Qing countered with Fierce Tiger Heart-Piercing and blasted a hole through Black Wolf's chest.