Chapter Summaries

Mu Wanjun learned that the Mu Family would not provide resources to recruit Chen Ping'an because it was backing Mu Feiyu's push for the New Talent Rankings. Meanwhile, Chen Ping'an mastered the basics of the Golden Bell Shield and perfected the Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training, reaching Qi Blood Sixth Level.

• Mu Wanjun read the Mu Family's reply approving her plan to recruit Chen Ping'an but offering no cultivation resources, and she suspected the resources had been redirected to Mu Feiyu.
• Mu Wanjun reflected on the county's younger-generation rankings and the unequal support she received compared with Mu Feiyu.
• Chen Ping'an successfully initiated the Golden Bell Shield and considered how it could strengthen his defense once he had built a stronger foundation.
• Chen Ping'an continued cultivating while serving at the South Spring Neighborhood Pacification Office.
• Chen Ping'an perfected the Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training, absorbed Qi Blood into his marrow, and advanced to Qi Blood Sixth Level.

Gu Qingchan suspected Chen Ping'an was Senior Night Owl and secretly tested his cultivation, but the Golden Finger Panel concealed his true realm and cleared her suspicions. Chen Ping'an left the Gu Family and found a Xue Family servant waiting for him with a new invitation.

• The Xue Family elders learned Chen Ping'an had refused their Hundred Flowers Banquet invitation and ordered the steward to invite him again with a detailed explanation, presenting it as an invitation from Zirou.
• Gu Qingchan confronted Chen Ping'an, accusing him of being Night Owl, and probed his Mind and Spirit Platform and dantian with her spirituality and True Essence.
• Gu Qingchan found Chen Ping'an appeared to be a Profound Light Realm cultivator and concluded her suspicion was mistaken, though she continued wondering who Night Owl was.
• After leaving the Gu Family, Chen Ping'an realized the Golden Finger Panel had concealed his true realm and resolved to keep a wider gap between his displayed cultivation and his alternate identity.
• Chen Ping'an arrived at his courtyard and saw a Xue Family carriage and an old servant waiting to greet him.

At the Wishful Treasure Pavilion’s trading convention, Chen Ping'an bid against Chu Kuangxiong for the Seven Kill Heavenly Dipper Fist, while Gu Qingchan enforced the rules after Chu threatened him. The bidding dispute erupted into a fight, and Gu Qingchan immobilized Chu Kuangxiong with a Spirituality Secret Technique and a Top Divine Weapon.

• Lu Yuanzai auctioned a Mystic Rock Turtle Egg stained with suspected Mystic Armor Earth Dragon True Blood, and the bronze-skinned Great Grandmaster won it.
• The convention auctioned a Divine Weapon and a breakthrough precious medicine before presenting the Seven Kill Heavenly Dipper Fist as its final treasure.
• Chen Ping'an and Chu Kuangxiong competed for the Supreme Divine Skill, and Gu Qingchan warned Chu to stop threatening other bidders.
• Chu Kuangxiong kept bidding and threatening Chen Ping'an, so Gu Qingchan declared that she would suppress him for disrupting the convention.
• Gu Qingchan and Chu Kuangxiong fought, and she used Mystic Moon Soul Sever and Snow Soul Entanglement to bind him and demand that he yield.

Chen Ping'an arrived in Northern Cang to take up his post as Deputy Garrison Commander and met the officials and faction representatives gathered to welcome him. He turned Xue Kunsheng’s private welcome banquet into a public gathering, leaving Xue wary as they headed into the stronghold.

• Zhao Tieshan recognized Chen Ping'an as the Town Guardian, and Chen praised his patrol squad before Xiong Sanrang arrived to greet him.
• Xue Kunsheng welcomed Chen Ping'an with a large procession, and the stronghold’s officials and faction representatives knelt to salute their new superior.
• Gu Hongxiu tried to draw Chen Ping'an’s attention with an affectionate gaze, but he ignored her; Zhu Jiuhuan and Yan Sheng also greeted him.
• Xue Kunsheng invited Chen Ping'an to a welcome banquet, but Chen asked him to invite all the gathered factions, disrupting Xue’s plan to keep the reception private.
• As the procession entered Northern Cang, Chen Ping'an glanced back at Xue Kunsheng, who grew more wary while merchants learned that the new Deputy Garrison Commander had arrived.

The Wei River Town Pacification Office rejected Chen Ping'an for the vacant White Stone City Commander post and appointed Fu Wanyu instead. Unaware of the decision, Chen Ping'an found the clear pool marked on the treasure map in the Azure Dragon Mountain Range.

• The Wei River Town Pacification Office debated who should replace Feng Shixian, and Old Liu argued that White Stone City’s strategic location made Chen Ping'an too inexperienced for the post.
• The office dropped Chen Ping'an from consideration and placed him on an observation list, then appointed Fu Wanyu as White Stone City Commander and Dragon Peace Trade Route Outer Perimeter Inspector.
• The office sent Fu Wanyu’s appointment letter to White Stone City while Chen Ping'an continued his search in the Azure Dragon Mountain Range.
• Chen Ping'an followed the treasure map to a secluded clear pool and recognized it as the marked site.

Chen Ping'an cultivated the Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill after absorbing the martial intent from a jade booklet, reaching Initiation and gaining a powerful defensive trump card. He estimated his strength could now contend with a Profound Light Middle Stage expert and might place him among the top fifteen on the New Talent Rankings.

• Chen Ping'an absorbed the jade booklet's martial intent and gained Cultivation Experience while understanding the Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill.
• Chen Ping'an reached Initiation, activated the skill, and tested its golden body and powerful strength.
• Chen Ping'an discovered the skill's activation consumed substantial physical strength and Profound Light, lasting about a quarter of an hour normally and under half an hour at most.
• Chen Ping'an estimated that the skill doubled his combat strength and could let him fight a Profound Light Middle Stage expert.
• Chen Ping'an guessed that his strength could earn him a place among the top fifteen, and perhaps the top ten, on the New Talent Rankings.

Chen Ping'an hid the three sabers left behind after killing Guan Yuping and Wan Yuanze, then tracked down the recovering Xing Rongzi. Xing Rongzi was imagining Gu Wu’s victory when Chen Ping'an appeared before him.

• Chen Ping'an found only Guan Yuping’s paired sabers and Wan Yuanze’s curved saber after their bodies and belongings were destroyed.
• Chen Ping'an concealed the sabers inside a boulder and continued toward his unfinished business.
• Xing Rongzi recalled how Guan Yuping’s intervention had disrupted his escape and left him injured after fighting Zhao Zhitin and Chu Long.
• Xing Rongzi planned to recover, defeat weakened enemies, and redeem his failures to the Heavenly Luo Sect.
• Xing Rongzi thought Gu Wu had already killed Reckless Saber, then saw Chen Ping'an standing before him.

After becoming White Stone City Commander, Chen Ping'an discovered that the city’s leading factions had snubbed his promotion ceremony. Their leaders met privately to plan how to reclaim businesses and revenues from the Town Pacification Office, believing it too weak to stop them.

• Chen Ping'an took his new post as White Stone City Commander and attended a modest promotion ceremony with representatives from the major factions.
• Chen Ping'an learned that the leading figures of the Three Great Families, alliances, and Iron Fist Gang had all skipped the ceremony, citing the same excuse.
• Song Huajie, He Xuan, Lu Guanghong, and other faction leaders mocked Chen Ping'an and dismissed the Town Pacification Office’s authority.
• Chu Mingwei and the other leaders discussed reclaiming gang businesses and renegotiating the Town Pacification Office’s businesses, shares, and cuts.
• The faction leaders toasted their belief that White Stone City would soon belong to them.

Gu Qingchan arrived at Three Forks Mountain for the Ten Thousand Demons Siege, where Chen Ping'an sensed her strength was close to that of a Top Grandmaster. The general assault began, and Gu Qingchan playfully blinked at Chen Ping'an before departing for her role in the attack.

• Gu Qingchan arrived at the western siege front and was greeted respectfully by Qu Zhaocheng and Yan Shibao.
• Chen Ping'an studied Gu Qingchan and sensed that her combat strength approached that of a Top Grandmaster.
• Qu Zhaocheng announced the general assault after a signal flared, and the divisions moved out according to plan.
• Gu Qingchan noticed Chen Ping'an staring at her, met his gaze, and playfully blinked at him.
• Chen Ping'an withdrew his gaze in confusion and left to lead elites in attacking the Ten Thousand Demons Sect Deputy Altar.
• Zhong Zeyu stood stunned after witnessing the exchange between Gu Qingchan and Chen Ping'an.

After defeating Guan Dongxiang and killing Thousand Leaf Phantom Hand, Chen Ping'an returned to Wei River City to a hero's welcome and read a letter from Gu Haoqing encouraging him to focus on cultivation and inviting him to visit Chen Er'ya. He considered building closer ties with the Gu Family and ended the night with Thousand Leaf Phantom Hand's head displayed above the city gates.

• News spread that Chen Ping'an had defeated Guan Dongxiang with one slash and killed Thousand Leaf Phantom Hand, shocking Wei River's factions.
• Fan Zhengheng welcomed Chen Ping'an back to the Town Pacification Office and tried to reconcile with him, but Chen Ping'an remained distant and soon left.
• A Postal Station courier delivered Chen Ping'an a sealed letter from Gu Haoqing, who urged him not to dwell on his stalled promotion and described Chen Er'ya's progress at Azure Dragon School.
• Chen Ping'an appreciated Gu Haoqing's thoughtfulness and considered pursuing closer ties with the Gu Family, while recognizing that he needed greater strength to meet them as an equal.
• That night, the Town Pacification Office hung Thousand Leaf Phantom Hand's head above Wei River City's gates and proclaimed the law's authority.

Chen Ping'an defeated and beheaded the injured Zuo Wumei after revealing his full strength and enduring a powerful saber strike with his hard-body techniques. The news spread through the South Spring Neighborhood Pacification Office, and Chen Ping'an reported the fight to Mu Wanjun.

• Zuo Wumei attacked Chen Ping'an with the Eighty-One Paths Swift Wind Saber, but Chen Ping'an revealed his Qi Blood Sixth Level Perfection and gained the upper hand.
• Zuo Wumei feigned an opening and unleashed his Swift Wind Quick Saber Strike, but Chen Ping'an endured the blow on his shoulder with his hard-body techniques.
• Chen Ping'an wounded Zuo Wumei, disrupted his defense, and beheaded him with a final saber strike.
• Chen Ping'an looted Zuo Wumei's belongings and summoned the night patrol constables to claim merit for the kill.
• The next day, news of Zuo Wumei's death spread through the South Spring Neighborhood Pacification Office, while Chen Ping'an reported the previous night's events to Mu Wanjun.

After Fang Rui was released, the Fang Family retaliated against Chen Ping'an and South City Prison through a series of official investigations and punishments. Chen Ping'an stayed focused on training as the inspection continued and Wang Changxu threatened his position.

• Chen Ping'an warned the Prison Guards to avoid isolated places after Fang Rui's release and went to look for Mu Wanjun, but she was absent.
• The Outer Town Pacification Office audited South City Prison's accounts, punished thirty-seven people, and deducted half a year's salary and merits from Chen Ping'an.
• The Outer Town Pacification Office launched a corruption investigation that implicated seventy or eighty constables and Prison Guards, cleared Chen Ping'an's merits, deducted another half year's salary, and put his Chief Constable Candidate status under review.
• Wang Changxu mocked Chen Ping'an and threatened to strip him of his position, but Chen Ping'an ignored him and went home to continue training Eight Steps Catching Cicadas.

After Chen Ping'an destroyed the Quicksand Gang and killed Yin Zisheng and Shen Taiyuan, White Stone City’s factions assessed his strength and maneuvered for the gang’s territory. Chen ordered the Crocodile Gang to surrender the fugitive Duan Peng by the end of the day, while the Town Pacification Office began confiscating the Quicksand Gang’s assets.

• Chu Mingwei learned that Chen Ping'an had killed Yin Zisheng and Shen Taiyuan, then ordered the Chu Family to seize the Quicksand Gang’s vacant territory.
• Luan Xiong and the Blood Oath Alliance discussed Chen Ping'an’s strength and welcomed the Quicksand Gang’s destruction as an opportunity to claim its profits.
• Duan Peng sought refuge with Guan Baxian, who offered him shelter and tried to recruit him into the Crocodile Gang.
• Chen Ping'an arrived at the Quicksand Gang’s headquarters as Shan Qiwang reported that 127 members had been executed and most of the others captured.
• Chen Ping'an ordered Shan Qiwang to demand Duan Peng’s surrender from the Crocodile Gang before the end of the day, warning that it would face the consequences otherwise.
• The Town Pacification Office continued ransacking and tallying the Quicksand Gang’s property as Chen Ping'an’s victory restored the constables’ morale.

Fang Qixian realized Chen Ping'an had been Rui'er’s killer and swore to kill him, while Chen Ping'an focused on training as White Stone City settled down. Chen Ping'an was promoted to Patrol Deputy Envoy of the outskirts of the Dragon Peace Trade Route while retaining his command in White Stone City.

• Fang Qixian concluded that Chen Ping'an had been strong enough to kill Ding Tong and was Rui'er’s killer, then vowed to kill him.
• Chen Ping'an trained in the Flying Star Sword Technique and the Great Vajra Palm as the Chu Family and Town Pacification Office restored order in White Stone City.
• Chen Er'ya refused to learn martial arts and said she wanted to learn Kingly and Overlordly Arts.
• The Wei River Town Pacification Office promoted Chen Ping'an to Patrol Deputy Envoy of the outskirts of the Dragon Peace Trade Route and Deputy Commander rank while he retained command of the White Stone City Town Pacification Office.

After defeating Cao Yingxiong, Chen Ping'an assessed how far his strength had advanced and reflected on the schemes that kept ordinary people powerless. He returned to Red Maple Market, where he received a report on the aftermath, accepted Huang Zhishu’s gift, and began writing official documents.

• Chen Ping'an considered his spoils and concluded that his ordinary strength could suppress Cao Yingxiong, while his divine skills let him kill a Pseudo-Grandmaster in one move.
• Chen Ping'an reflected that the Ten Thousand Demons Sect's followers had been sacrificed by their elders and wondered whether Old Chen's injuries had also been arranged by people at the top.
• You Yongming anxiously waited for Chen Ping'an, then greeted him when he returned to Red Maple Market and reported that the attack was under control and a suspicious man had been captured.
• Huang Zhishu welcomed Chen Ping'an, apologized for the attack, and presented him with a jade box, which Chen Ping'an accepted.
• Chen Ping'an entered a prepared study and began writing official documents.

Chen Ping'an left Xue Kunsheng to host the North Azure Grand Meet while he relaxed by a pond and recalled his reunion with Mu Wanjun. As Li Xiangjun continued to weigh the Holy Sect’s abandoned plans, Chen Ping'an summoned Xiong Sanrang.

• Chen Ping'an assigned Xue Kunsheng to manage the Grand Meet, and Xue Kunsheng welcomed the visiting factions in his stead.
• Mu Tianxiong brought the Mu Family to pay respects to Chen Ping'an, then left Mu Wanjun behind to meet him privately.
• Chen Ping'an and Mu Wanjun reunited, and he gave her the Hundred Treasures Sachet from the Gu Family.
• Mu Wanjun teased Chen Ping'an about rumors that he was keeping a Mandarin Duck Pavilion courtesan in his courtyard, and he hurried to explain himself.
• Li Xiangjun considered the Holy Sect’s decision to cancel its operation and resolved to wait for another opportunity.
• Chen Ping'an asked Li Xiangjun to call Xiong Sanrang over.

Chen Ping'an broke through to the Profound Light Middle Stage and revealed the details of his strength to the Wei River Town Pacification Office. His report changed officials’ views of him, while Mu Wanjun received a letter from him in Wei River South City.

• Chen Ping'an reached the Profound Light Middle Stage, achieved Bronze Body Indestructible, and gained the confidence to face top Profound Light High Realm experts.
• Officials at the Wei River Town Pacification Office debated Chen Ping'an's cautious actions and criticized his visit to the Chu Family.
• Liu Yuanhua read Chen Ping'an's report and intelligence, learned he was under twenty-one and at Inner Energy Third Stage, and urged the office to reassess his value.
• Xiao Die delivered Chen Ping'an's sealed letter to Mu Wanjun, who began reading it.

Chen Ping'an was summoned from home to the South City Pacification Office by Chang Zheng, where he met Chief Constable Mu Wanjun again. The chapter leaves him face-to-face with the powerful superior whose interest had helped bring about their meeting.

• Chen Ping'an stayed at the office until the end of his shift and noticed Cheng Yuan and Zhao Hu looking displeased about his Contribution Silver, though they later seemed more relaxed.
• Chen Ping'an returned home, ate with Chen Er'ya, and prepared to practice before Chang Zheng arrived with orders to bring him to the South City Pacification Office.
• Chen Ping'an accepted Chang Zheng's invitation and left after telling Chen Er'ya he expected to return by Xu Hour.
• Chang Zheng escorted Chen Ping'an through the imposing South City Pacification Office, where Chen Ping'an observed that many of its constables had entered the Martial Path.
• A Constable Head led Chen Ping'an upstairs to meet Chief Constable Mu Wanjun, who recognized him and remarked that she had not expected them to meet again.

Shen Shi Kang publicly punished Head Constable Zheng and expelled Cheng Yuan, Zhao Hu, and Fan Lin for conspiring against Chen Ping'an. He then promoted Chen Ping'an to Reserve Constable, leaving the crowd stunned and Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong confused and resentful.

• Shen Shi Kang reprimanded Head Constable Zheng for neglecting his duties and fined him three months' salary, ordering him to face the wall for three days.
• Shen Shi Kang revoked Cheng Yuan, Zhao Hu, and Fan Lin's constable status and expelled them from the Town Pacification Office.
• Cheng Yuan, Zhao Hu, and Fan Lin blamed Zheng Shiyong for ordering them to bring down Chen Ping'an as constables dragged them away.
• Chen Ping'an recognized that Shen Shi Kang's intervention was likely motivated by political caution rather than justice, and judged Head Constable Zheng's punishment too lenient.
• Shen Shi Kang praised Chen Ping'an's work and contribution in collecting Contribution Silver, then promoted him to Reserve Constable.

Chen Ping'an killed Rogue Liu Er and his two lackeys after they had bullied Nannan, then searched their home and hid his gains near the large Ashamed Tree. He left the stash concealed beneath a pile of rubble and continued home without being noticed.

• Rogue Liu Er tried to escape through a window, but Chen Ping'an struck him with a Flying Locust Stone and subdued him.
• After Rogue Liu Er recognized Chen Ping'an and pleaded for mercy, Chen Ping'an killed him for bullying Nannan.
• Chen Ping'an searched Rogue Liu Er's body, then returned inside and killed the two lackeys before searching the room for silver coins.
• Chen Ping'an crushed Rogue Liu Er's corpse with a millstone and tidied the courtyard to obscure the evidence.
• Chen Ping'an hid the Black Cloth Bag and the other gains beneath rubble near the large Ashamed Tree, then left after checking that no one was nearby.