Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Princess plans to support Chu Qing's entry into the Imperial Capital Martial Academy using her influence and a special armor.
• The First Prince requisitions the armor intended for Chu Qing, putting his plans in jeopardy.
• The Princess writes to the State City Principal, asking him not to support Chu Qing's entry into the Imperial Capital competition.
• Chu Qing insists on going to the Imperial Capital to compete, despite the Principal's reservations.
• Chu Qing visits Principal Shi Ji, who asks him to retrieve Ying Hongzhuang and the Acupoint Chart from the Imperial Palace if possible.

Character Developments

• The Princess shows determination and strategic thinking in supporting Chu Qing but faces setbacks due to the First Prince's actions.
• Chu Qing displays increased confidence and dominance, determined to compete in the Imperial Capital despite the challenges.
• Principal Shi Ji's mental state worsens, and his split personality becomes more prominent, focusing on drawing anatomical diagrams.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and influence, as seen in the Princess's and First Prince's actions.
• The importance of background and support in achieving one's goals, highlighted by Chu Qing's determination to compete despite his inferior background.
• The theme of mental health and its impact on individuals, as seen in Principal Shi Ji's deteriorating condition.

Character Interactions

• The Princess and the First Prince have opposing interests, with the Princess trying to protect Chu Qing's chances and the First Prince hindering them.
• Chu Qing and the State City Principal have a mentor-student relationship, with the Principal expressing concern for Chu Qing's safety and Chu Qing displaying determination to compete.
• Chu Qing and Principal Shi Ji have a complex relationship, with Chu Qing visiting Principal Shi Ji out of respect and Principal Shi Ji asking for a favor.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing visits Hua Yu before leaving, promising to return, driven by his desire to claim Stone Ridge Mountain's treasures.
• He meets Tang Wuming, who has gained significant power but lacks a strong backing. Chu Qing refuses to be his backer but offers guidance on governance and control.
• Chu Qing leaves for the Imperial Capital, with the Shi Residence and noble families preparing a grand entourage, including carriages loaded with wealth and tamed three-legged golden toads.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing remains focused on his goals, prioritizing the acquisition of Stone Ridge Mountain's treasures.
• Tang Wuming has grown ambitious but realizes his limitations, seeking Chu Qing's guidance to solidify his power.
• Hua Yu ponders the fate of those leaving for the Imperial Capital, expressing concern for their return.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Reality: Tang Wuming's ambition clashes with his limited abilities, highlighting the gap between his aspirations and reality.
• Power and Backing: The importance of having a strong backing is emphasized through Tang Wuming's struggle to maintain his power without one.
• The Imperial Capital's Allure and Rejection: The Imperial Capital represents wealth and opportunity, but also a potential barrier for those from the countryside, as seen through Hua Yu's and the maid's conversation.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and Hua Yu: Their brief interaction reveals Hua Yu's concern for Chu Qing's safety and her doubts about his return.
• Chu Qing and Tang Wuming: Their meeting showcases their mutual respect and Chu Qing's willingness to help Tang Wuming, despite refusing to be his backer.
• Hua Yu and her maid: Their conversation highlights Hua Yu's worries about those leaving for the Imperial Capital and the maid's attempt to reassure her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing departs for the Imperial Capital, escorted by noble families, including the Cui Family and Hua Family.
• King Shiyu and the noble families celebrate Chu Qing's departure, while the Princess Consort secretly follows Chu Qing's convoy.
• Chu Qing's convoy encounters a slow-moving convoy blocking the road, which belongs to the Cui Family.
• Chu Qing meets the Cui Family Daughter, who reveals she's also going to the Imperial Capital to compete for a spot in the Imperial Capital Martial Academy.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing remains focused on his cultivation and goals, even in the face of potential dangers on the road.
• The Cui Family Daughter shows curiosity and respect towards Chu Qing, acknowledging his achievements despite his ordinary background.
• King Shiyu displays relief and bitterness at Chu Qing's departure, while the noble families express joy and relief.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Determination: Chu Qing's decision to go to the Imperial Capital shows his ambition and determination to succeed, defying the expectations of the noble families.
• Social Hierarchy and Class: The contrast between Chu Qing's ordinary background and the noble families highlights the rigid social hierarchy and class system in the Empire.
• Respect and Recognition: The Cui Family Daughter's respect for Chu Qing's achievements, despite his background, suggests that actions and accomplishments can earn respect and recognition.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and the Cui Family Daughter: Their interaction shows mutual respect and curiosity, with the Cui Family Daughter acknowledging Chu Qing's achievements and seeking to understand how he opened the Heaven-Connecting Path.
• King Shiyu and the Noble Families: Their interaction reveals their relief and joy at Chu Qing's departure, highlighting their fear and intimidation of him previously.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing encounters a Cui family woman who offers to join forces to secure a spot at the Martial Academy.
• She warns him about the dangers and the need to form alliances due to the strength of Imperial Capital's Heaven-Connecting cultivators.
• Two Heaven-Connecting cultivators, Ma Liu and a long-haired youth, approach Chu Qing, challenging him.
• Chu Qing defeats Ma Liu effortlessly, demonstrating his superior skills and willpower.
• The long-haired youth offers to give Chu Qing his secret transmission to avoid a fight.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing: Shows exceptional combat skills, willpower, and confidence, dismissing the threats posed by other Heaven-Connecting cultivators.
• Cui Family Woman: Reveals her ambition to become a concubine to a powerful figure in the Imperial Capital, seeking a class leap.
• Ma Liu: Proves to be weak in combat, lacking in willpower and foundation, despite being a Heaven-Connecting cultivator.
• Long-haired Youth: Shows fear and humiliation after witnessing Ma Liu's defeat, offering his secret transmission to avoid a fight.

Significant Themes

• The importance of individual capability and willpower in combat, as demonstrated by Chu Qing's dominance over other Heaven-Connecting cultivators.
• The ambition and class aspirations of cultivators, as seen in the Cui family woman's desire to become a concubine in the Imperial Capital.
• The dangers and challenges faced by cultivators on their journey, as highlighted by the Cui family woman's warnings about the Imperial Capital.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and the Cui Family Woman: They clash over their views on alliances and the purpose of their journey to the Imperial Capital.
• Chu Qing and Ma Liu: Chu Qing effortlessly defeats Ma Liu, demonstrating his superior skills and dismissing Ma Liu's threats.
• Chu Qing and the Long-haired Youth: The youth offers his secret transmission to avoid a fight with Chu Qing, showing fear and humiliation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing forces Ma Liu and the long-haired youth to acknowledge their weakness and take their Secret Transmissions to cultivate them properly.
• Chu Qing masterfully learns and perfects both the Slaying Horse Saber and the Poison Dragon Leg in a short time, injuring Ma Liu and the youth in the process.
• Chu Qing begins cultivating the Heaven-Connecting Path, improving his body's evolution and preparing for future transformations.
• Chu Qing decides to travel alone to the Imperial Capital due to the slow progress of the caravan, leaving the others to continue with the caravan.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing demonstrates his incredible talent and power, mastering Secret Transmissions quickly and perfectly.
• Ma Liu and the long-haired youth show improvement in their skills but still struggle against Chu Qing's power.
• The Cui Family girl reveals her desire to use Chu Qing's strength to help a certain Heavenly Pride in the Imperial Capital.

Significant Themes

• The theme of acknowledging one's weakness and striving to improve is emphasized through Ma Liu and the long-haired youth's experiences.
• The power of determination and hard work is shown through Chu Qing's rapid progress in cultivating Secret Transmissions.
• The idea of fate and destiny is hinted at when Chu Qing mentions that the maids' fate is determined by Heaven.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing interacts with Ma Liu and the long-haired youth, pushing them to improve their skills through intense training and sparring.
• The Cui Family girl interacts with Chu Qing, expressing her desire for him to assist her in the Imperial Capital and showing concern for the safety of the caravan without him.
• Zhao Hongxiu interacts with Chu Qing, expressing worry about the caravan's safety without his protection.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing arrives at the Imperial Capital, where he meets the Cui Family Daughter who tries to convince him to join forces to secure a spot in the Imperial Capital Martial Academy by assisting an Imperial Capital Heavenly Pride.
• Chu Qing declines, preferring to try on his own. He encounters numerous convoys of Heaven-Connecting Martial Artists heading to the Imperial Capital.
• Chu Qing reaches the Imperial Capital, noting its vast size and the lush vegetation around it. He learns about the two layers of the Imperial Capital: the surface and the underground, with the latter being dangerous and forbidden.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing demonstrates his determination and independence, refusing to compromise his principles to secure a spot in the Martial Academy.
• The Cui Family Daughter shows ambition and cunning, suggesting a plan to secure a spot by assisting an Imperial Capital Heavenly Pride.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Principles: Chu Qing's ambition to enter the Martial Academy is fueled by his desire for progress and self-improvement, while the Cui Family Daughter's ambition is driven by a desire for status and power, leading to a clash of principles.
• The Imperial Capital's Power Dynamics: The Imperial Capital is portrayed as a place of intense competition and danger, with the Heavenly Prides from different cities vying for limited spots in the Martial Academy.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and the Cui Family Daughter have a tense interaction, with Chu Qing refusing to align with her plans.
• Chu Qing interacts briefly with the mysterious principal, who provides him with information about the Imperial Capital and warns him about the underground layer.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing and the mysterious Principal approach the Imperial Capital, discovering a massive city gate entrance.
• They learn that entering through different gates categorizes them into different social strata.
• Chu Qing insists on entering through the highest-level gate, Vermilion Bird Gate, despite the Principal's concerns about lacking connections.
• At the gate, they witness the process of entering the city, requiring either an identification token or a pass.
• A group of young nobles mocks Chu Qing and the Principal, nearly causing a commotion, but Chu Qing defuses the situation.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing demonstrates his confidence and resourcefulness, showing he has connections to enter through the high-level gate.
• The mysterious Principal reveals his past status and pride, nearly causing trouble at the gate.
• Chu Qing's calm and collected demeanor contrasts with the Principal's impulsiveness, showing his maturity and ability to handle situations.

Significant Themes

• Social hierarchy and its impact on one's status in the Imperial Capital.
• The importance of connections and influence in navigating the capital.
• Chu Qing's determination to enter the Martial Academy and achieve his goals.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and the mysterious Principal's dynamic changes as Chu Qing takes the lead, showing his capability and resourcefulness.
• The interaction with the young nobles highlights Chu Qing's calm and collected demeanor, contrasting with the Principal's impulsiveness.
• Chu Qing's interest in the young girl who mocks them hints at potential future interactions or conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing bribes Heavy Armored Soldiers to obtain Identity Tokens for him and the mysterious Principal, allowing them entry into the Imperial Capital through the Vermilion Bird Gate.
• They discover the stark contrast between the prosperous inner city and the impoverished outer areas, with different city gates restricting access based on status and identity.
• Chu Qing and the Principal visit the twelve departments and the Imperial Capital Martial Academy, finding them heavily guarded and difficult to infiltrate.
• They head to Manager Zhao's residence, finding it in a poor area with many people living in squalid conditions, awaiting work from the courtyard residents.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing demonstrates his resourcefulness and determination, using bribery to gain access to the Imperial Capital and showing adaptability to its complex social structure.
• The mysterious Principal reveals his past hardships, hinting at a potential backstory and growth.

Significant Themes

• Social Inequality: The Imperial Capital is shown to have vast disparities in wealth and status, with the prosperous inner city contrasting sharply with the impoverished outer areas.
• Access and Privilege: Different city gates and identity tokens control access to various parts of the Imperial Capital, highlighting the importance of status and identity.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing interacts with the Heavy Armored Soldiers, using bribery to gain their cooperation.
• He and the mysterious Principal discuss the Imperial Capital's layout and social structure, with Chu Qing drawing on his experiences from his previous life.
• They share a moment of understanding, with Chu Qing warning the Principal to keep a low profile.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing and the mysterious Principal arrive at the Imperial Capital's Tenth Ring, a grimy and poverty-stricken area.
• They navigate through densely packed earth buildings to reach Master Zhao's residence.
• Chu Qing finds Ming Yue and her sister in deplorable conditions, having fled from their family's persecution by local gangs.
• Ming Yue reveals that their family and other Stone Cauldron Prefecture nobles were targeted and plundered by Imperial Capital gangs.
• Chu Qing learns that Ming Yue's family is now under the threat of the Blood Saber Gang in the Tenth Ring.
• Chu Qing decides to take Ming Yue to the Blood Saber Gang's headquarters to clean up, despite Ming Yue's warnings about provoking gangs.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing: Demonstrates concern and determination to help Ming Yue and her family, showing his protective nature.
• Ming Yue: Shows resilience despite her family's ruin and her own harsh circumstances, but still relies on Chu Qing for help.
• The mysterious Principal: Reveals his power by subduing local gang members, hinting at his high cultivation level, but remains low-key at Chu Qing's request.

Significant Themes

• Fate and fortune's capriciousness: The once-wealthy and influential Ming Yue family is now reduced to poverty and desperation, illustrating the theme of fate's unpredictability.
• Power dynamics: The Imperial Capital's gangs hold significant power, oppressing even noble families from other regions, highlighting the importance of strength and influence.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and Ming Yue: Their reunion is emotional, with Chu Qing comforting and protecting Ming Yue, while Ming Yue expresses her family's plight and warns Chu Qing against causing trouble.
• Chu Qing and the mysterious Principal: Their dynamic is unusual, with the Principal displaying immense power but acting as Chu Qing's subordinate, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue.
• Ming Yue and the local gang members: Ming Yue's interactions with the Blood Saber Gang members reveal her family's desperate situation and the gangs' oppressive nature.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing, Ming Yue, and the mysterious Principal encounter the Blood Saber Gang, who harass them.
• Chu Qing uses his intimidating presence and Black Gold tickets to bribe the gang leaders, initially seeking to retrieve a painting scroll peacefully.
• The gang leaders refuse to return the painting, instead demanding Ming Yue and the Black Gold in exchange for it.
• Chu Qing refuses, leading to a standoff.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing: Shows his power and influence, initially trying to resolve the situation peacefully but stands his ground when pushed.
• Ming Yue: Stands by Chu Qing's side, displaying courage and loyalty.
• Han Fei (gang leader): Reveals his greed and disrespect for others, pushing the situation towards conflict.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and corruption within the martial world.
• The struggle between keeping a low profile and asserting one's power.
• The value of friendship and loyalty.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and Ming Yue: Show a strong bond, with Ming Yue supporting Chu Qing's decisions.
• Chu Qing and the mysterious Principal: The Principal's presence and actions intimidate others, but Chu Qing blames him for the current situation.
• Chu Qing and Han Fei: Their interaction highlights the power imbalance and Han Fei's greed, leading to a tense standoff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing and Ming Yue encounter the Blood Saber Gang at an inn.
• Han Fei, the leader of the gang, demands black gold and women, threatening Chu Qing.
• Chu Qing lures Han Fei and his men into the inn, where he and the mysterious Principal massacre them.
• Chu Qing orders the nearby poor to loot the inn, spreading the word that the new Blood Saber Gang members will be the looters.
• Chu Qing leaves the Imperial Capital to find Jiang Wu, who offered help in his previous visit to the city gate.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing: Demonstrates ruthlessness and cunning in eliminating the Blood Saber Gang. He remains calm and focused on his goals, even amidst chaos.
• Ming Yue: Shows loyalty and trust in Chu Qing, despite the danger they're in. They're also knowledgeable about the Imperial Capital's dynamics.
• Han Fei: Reveals his greed and arrogance, underestimating Chu Qing and paying the price.
• Jiang Wu: Shows himself to be a broker of services, connecting clients with capable individuals for a fee.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Chu Qing's actions challenge the local power structure, as seen in his confrontation with the Blood Saber Gang and his meeting with Jiang Wu.
• Survival and Adaptation: Chu Qing and Ming Yue must navigate the harsh environment of the Imperial Capital, using their wits and resources to survive.
• The Price of Greed: Han Fei's greed for wealth and women leads to his downfall.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and Ming Yue: They form a strong bond, with Ming Yue showing unwavering trust in Chu Qing, and Chu Qing protecting and providing for Ming Yue.
• Chu Qing and Han Fei: Their interaction highlights Chu Qing's strategic mind and Han Fei's overconfidence and underestimation of Chu Qing.
• Chu Qing and Jiang Wu: Their meeting suggests a potential alliance, with Jiang Wu offering his services as a broker, and Chu Qing seeking information.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing arrives in the Imperial Capital and is mocked by a young woman.
• He hires Jiang Wu to teach her a lesson and find accommodation for his incoming friends.
• Chu Qing secretly visits the young woman's residence, killing her and everyone in the mansion.
• He returns to the Tenth Ring and meets Manager Zhao, who briefs him about the Imperial Capital's rules and recent events, including an imperial envoy's arrival and reduced street fights.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing: Shows no mercy towards those who disrespect him, demonstrating his ruthless side.
• Jiang Wu: Proves to be a useful contact in the Imperial Capital, offering services for a high price.
• Manager Zhao: Has changed his demeanor to be more respectful and cautious, understanding the Imperial Capital's rules and power dynamics.

Significant Themes

• The importance of status and social class in the Imperial Capital.
• The ruthless nature of the Imperial Capital's power dynamics.
• The impact of external influences (like the imperial envoy) on the city's internal affairs.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and the young woman: Their brief encounter leads to her demise.
• Chu Qing and Jiang Wu: They form a business-like relationship, with Chu Qing hiring Jiang Wu's services.
• Chu Qing and Manager Zhao: They catch up on recent events, with Manager Zhao providing valuable insights into the Imperial Capital.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Manager Zhao arrives in the Imperial Capital, finding it vastly different from Stone Rock County, and struggles to adapt.
• Chu Qing offers to teach Zhao Wuji (Manager Zhao) Secret Transmissions and provides him with Secret Medicine to improve his cultivation.
• Chu Qing learns that Wang Yinyang has reached the Third Limit, which surprises him.
• Chu Qing plans to use Black Gold to gather information and prepare for future missions, despite the mysterious Principal's reservations.

Character Developments

• Manager Zhao (Zhao Wuji): He goes from being proud and dismissive of Chu Qing to humbly accepting his help, realizing the unpredictability of life.
• Chu Qing: He continues to demonstrate his strategic thinking and long-term planning, aiming to prepare for future challenges.
• Ming Yue: She shows loyalty and eagerness to help Chu Qing, even offering to perform a sword dance for him.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation and Change: Manager Zhao struggles to adapt to the Imperial Capital, highlighting the theme of change and the need to adapt to new circumstances.
• Power Dynamics: The shift in power dynamics between Chu Qing and Manager Zhao illustrates the theme of power and its influence on relationships.
• Long-term Planning: Chu Qing's strategic thinking emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and preparation.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and Manager Zhao: Their relationship evolves from one of superiority and inferiority to one of mutual respect and assistance.
• Chu Qing and Ming Yue: They display a close, almost familial bond, with Ming Yue showing eagerness to help Chu Qing and please him.
• Chu Qing and the Mysterious Principal: They have a mentor-mentee relationship, with the Principal providing guidance and advice to Chu Qing.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The mysterious Principal meets with the Princess to discuss Chu Qing's future.
• Chu Qing goes to the Brocade Division to take on missions for points, which can be exchanged for recommendation letters.
• The mysterious Principal's old friend agrees to help him but secretly plots against him.

Character Developments

• The mysterious Principal shows dedication to helping Chu Qing, seeking multiple recommendation letters to ensure his safety.
• Chu Qing demonstrates initiative by seeking a recommendation letter independently.
• The mysterious Principal's old friend reveals his deceitful nature, plotting to betray his friend and use his resources for his grandson.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: The old friend's betrayal highlights the theme of trust and its fragility, especially among those who once shared a bond.
• Ambition and Talent: The mysterious Principal's desire to prove his talent and Chu Qing's determination to succeed despite humble origins emphasize the theme of ambition and the opportunity for talent to rise above circumstances.

Character Interactions

• The mysterious Principal and the Princess discuss Chu Qing's future, showing the Princess's concern for Chu Qing's safety and the Principal's dedication to helping him.
• The mysterious Principal and his old friend reunite, revealing the old friend's resentment and hidden agenda.
• Chu Qing interacts with Brocade Envoys, showing his determination and naivety in the face of the Brocade Division's reality.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing, a new member of the Brocade Division, demands high-point missions instead of the low-level ones he's given.
• Xiao Juan, a division leader, refuses and threatens him, leading to a tense standoff.
• Chu Qing uses the Witness Technique on Xiao Juan, causing her to lose consciousness and become a living dead person later that night.
• Chu Qing visits the Anomaly Division, where he's swarmed by Black Robed Figures hoping to recruit him for their teams.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing: Shows assertiveness in demanding better missions and uses the powerful Witness Technique, revealing his formidable abilities.
• Xiao Juan: Initially arrogant and threatening, she becomes a living dead person after Chu Qing uses the Witness Technique on her.

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: Chu Qing's display of power shifts the balance in his interactions with Xiao Juan and the Black Robed Figures at the Anomaly Division.
• Consequences of Actions: Xiao Juan's threats towards Chu Qing lead to severe consequences, highlighting the importance of careful action and speech.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing vs. Xiao Juan: Their interaction escalates from a mission dispute to a life-altering confrontation, with Chu Qing emerging dominant.
• Chu Qing vs. Black Robed Figures: The Black Robed Figures' eagerness to recruit Chu Qing showcases their desire for his strength and the competitive nature of the Anomaly Division.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing learns about the Anomaly Division, which handles anomalies within the Imperial Capital and surrounding areas.
• The division's ranks are: Gray Robe (criminals), Black Robe (formal/temporary workers), White Robe (administrators), Gold Robe, Red Robe, and Purple Robe.
• Chu Qing joins as a temporary Black Robe worker and is directed to the library to study anomalies.
• He discovers that anomalies can be mobile, fixed, or unconscious, and learns methods to deal with them.
• Chu Qing decides to accept a mission immediately to test his Golden Toad Money's effectiveness against anomalies.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about anomalies and the Anomaly Division.
• He demonstrates confidence in his ability to handle anomalies, thanks to his Golden Toad Money.
• The Black Robed Figures and White Robe workers show concern for Chu Qing's safety, warning him about the dangers of anomalies and the need for preparation.

Significant Themes

• Anomalies: Terrifying yet manageable threats that require specific knowledge and tools to handle.
• Risk vs. Reward: Chu Qing's eagerness to accept a mission immediately highlights the potential risks and rewards of his actions.
• Knowledge and Preparation: The importance of studying and gathering materials before facing anomalies is emphasized.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing interacts with Black Robed Figures, learning about the division's ranks and tasks.
• He speaks with a White Robe worker, who warns him about the dangers of accepting a mission too soon.
• A Maidservant guides Chu Qing in the library, showing him recommended books on anomalies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing decides to focus on the Anomaly Division to obtain a recommendation letter for the Imperial Capital Martial Academy.
• A murder case occurs in the Imperial Capital, with the entire family of Xiao Juan from the Brocade Division wiped out. Xiao Juan becomes a living dead person.
• Jiang Ziliu, a Gold Badge Constable in the Martial Enforcement Division, leads the investigation. He deduces that the killer is an expert using a rare Witness Technique.
• The investigation reveals that Xiao Juan had a conflict with a masked man, and Jiang Ziliu decides to close the case due to the potential involvement of powerful entities.
• Wei Sheng, one of Jiang Ziliu's subordinates, is diagnosed with a severe poison that will kill him in eleven days.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing: Shows determination to enter the Imperial Capital Martial Academy, even if it means joining the dangerous Anomaly Division.
• Jiang Ziliu: Demonstrates his expertise in investigation and deduction, but also shows caution in dealing with powerful entities.
• Wei Sheng: Reveals his opportunistic nature in taking advantage of Xiao Juan's situation, and later faces a severe health crisis.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the fear of powerful entities.
• The consequences of offending the wrong people.
• The desperation to enter prestigious institutions like the Imperial Capital Martial Academy.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and the mysterious Principal: They discuss Chu Qing's plan to join the Anomaly Division, with the Principal expressing concern but ultimately supporting Chu Qing's decision.
• Jiang Ziliu and his subordinates: Jiang Ziliu leads the investigation, deducing the killer's identity and deciding to close the case to avoid trouble. His subordinates, including Wei Sheng, follow his orders.
• Wei Sheng and his subordinates: Wei Sheng takes advantage of Xiao Juan's situation, and later, his subordinates help him settle her in a house. Wei Sheng also seeks medical help for his mysterious illness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing visits the Anomaly Division in the morning, wearing a black robe instead of a mask.
• He learns about the different windows for materials, information, and transactions.
• He chooses a gray robe for a mission, with the white robe advising him to choose the last corridor and be cautious.
• Chu Qing inspects the gray robes, finding the stronger ones in the lower-numbered corridors.
• He selects the first ten gray robes for his mission, each demanding a Secret Transmission in exchange for their help.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing demonstrates his wealth and generosity by freely giving away Secret Transmissions.
• The gray robes show their eagerness and desperation to participate in the mission due to Chu Qing's generosity.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between black robes (choosers) and gray robes (chosen) are explored.
• The value of Secret Transmissions as rewards for dangerous missions is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing interacts with the white robe at the window, learning about the gray robes' hierarchy and their demands.
• He negotiates with the first ten gray robes, agreeing to their terms and selecting them for his mission.
• The gray robes, both chosen and not, display their eagerness to participate in the mission due to Chu Qing's generosity.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Qing and his team of Gray Robes arrive at Nigou Village to investigate an anomaly causing people to commit suicide by jumping into a dry well.
• Upon entering the village, the Gray Robes hear a woman's crying, which Chu Qing cannot hear.
• The Gray Robes, one by one, are compelled to jump into the well due to the crying, but they survive each fall due to their cultivation levels.
• Chu Qing approaches the well, and the crying stops, allowing the Gray Robes to regain control of their bodies.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing: He is revealed to be the new leader of the Anomaly Division, prioritizing mission points over the type of anomaly. He is curious and willing to experiment with the anomaly, showing a lack of concern for his team's safety.
• Gray Robes: They are revealed to be Third Limit experts, capable of surviving the falls into the well. They display fear and despair as they are compelled to jump, showing their vulnerability despite their cultivation levels.

Significant Themes

• Curiosity vs. Caution: Chu Qing's curiosity leads him to experiment with the anomaly, putting his team at risk, while the Gray Robes display caution and fear.
• Powerlessness: The Gray Robes feel powerless against the anomaly's influence, highlighting their vulnerability despite their cultivation levels.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and the Gray Robes: Chu Qing shows a lack of concern for his team's safety, treating them as expendable in his experiment. The Gray Robes, on the other hand, display fear and desperation as they are compelled to jump into the well.
• Gray Robes among themselves: They display camaraderie, trying to save each other from jumping into the well, but ultimately fail to resist the anomaly's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Gray Robes, led by Chu Qing, investigate a dry well where people have been jumping to their deaths.
• They discover a skeleton at the bottom, surrounded by yellow eels, which they believe caused the anomaly.
• The anomaly suddenly disappears, and the Gray Robes suspect Chu Qing's involvement.
• Chu Qing and the Gray Robes move on to investigate Peach Blossom Mountain, where people have been disappearing.
• A Gray Robe scouts the mountain and becomes entranced by an anomaly in the form of colorful smoke, leading to his near-death experience.

Character Developments

• Chu Qing demonstrates his ability to see anomalies that others can't, enhancing his mysterious aura and the Gray Robes' respect for him.
• The eighth Gray Robe shows bravery and determination in scouting the mountain but falls victim to the anomaly's deception.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perception and reality is explored through Chu Qing's ability to see anomalies that others can't.
• The danger of underestimating anomalies and the importance of caution in investigating them is highlighted through the eighth Gray Robe's near-death experience.

Character Interactions

• Chu Qing and the Gray Robes work together to investigate anomalies, with Chu Qing taking the lead due to his unique abilities.
• The Gray Robes show curiosity and respect towards Chu Qing, while also displaying a sense of camaraderie among themselves.
• The eighth Gray Robe's interaction with the colorful smoke anomaly showcases the danger and deception present in the anomalies they investigate.