Chapter Summaries

Chen Ping'an reached the Inner Qi Third Stage and continued strengthening his martial arts while the Mu and Fang Families’ conflict intensified. Fang Rui was cleared of his crimes and released from South City Prison, where he vowed revenge against those who had made him suffer.

• Chen Ping'an broke through to Heavenly Rain Descends Crown, gaining the ability to send Inner Qi nearly two zhang beyond his body.
• Chen Ping'an kept a low profile, practiced the Flying Star Sword Technique and Great Vajra Palm, and heard reports of the Mu and Fang Families clashing.
• The Outer Town Pacification Office completed the process clearing Fang Rui, and he was released from South City Prison.
• Fang Rui berated his guards and Fang Shicheng, then threatened to repay his suffering a hundredfold and punish everyone involved.
• Chen Ping'an watched Fang Rui’s procession depart and feared that trouble lay ahead.

Chen Ping'an attended the Dragon Peace Grand Assembly’s negotiations and was selected to represent the Gu Family in the Yuheng Early Stage martial contest. He fought Wu Xiutong of the Azure Mist Sect and, after breaking through to Early Stage Perfection mid-battle, defeated him.

• Chen Ping'an attended the Two Provinces Exchange, where representatives argued over trade shares and other interests without reaching a settlement.
• After days of negotiations, the factions agreed to settle disputed boundary shares through martial contests, and Gu Rencheng asked Chen Ping'an to represent the Gu Family.
• The Azure Mist Sect entered Wu Xiutong, whose fallen cultivation and formidable combat strength made him a dangerous opponent in the Yuheng Early Stage contest.
• Chen Ping'an defeated his earlier opponents with Tyrant Saber and then fought Wu Xiutong to an even match for more than a hundred moves.
• Wu Xiutong used his Kaiyang Great Compassion Hand and a three-inch flying nail to corner Chen Ping'an, and the spectators expected him to lose.
• Chen Ping'an broke through to Yuheng Early Stage Perfection and struck Wu Xiutong down with Tyrant Saber, winning the match.

Chen Ping'an visited Spring Rain Pavilion in disguise to stir up trouble for the Town Pacification Office, enjoying the performances and the company of Peony. As patrons competed to reward the pavilion’s top courtesans, he made a conspicuously large offer that set the stage for further trouble.

• Chen Ping'an arrived at Spring Rain Pavilion dressed as a wealthy young master and chose a second-floor private room.
• Chen Ping'an selected Peony to serve him and watched the pavilion’s performances with her.
• Like Spring announced the patrons’ rewards as they competed for Peony, Magnolia, and Dream Butterfly.
• Chen Ping'an rewarded Magnolia Girl with twenty silver taels.

Chen Ping'an learned that he had ranked ninth on Great Qian’s Dragon and Tiger Rankings, while his Fierce-Eyed Vajra identity ranked nineteenth, and he continued advancing his cultivation as the news stirred Azure Dragon Province. After Seven Absolute Old Man decided to personally hunt him down, the Azure Dragon Province New Talent Rankings were updated, causing an even greater uproar.

• Huang Jingyao reported that preparations for the North Azure Grand Meet were nearly complete, and Chen Ping'an directed him to seek Lord Xue’s help if problems arose.
• Chen Ping'an reviewed the Dragon and Tiger Rankings, noted his ninth-place ranking and Fierce-Eyed Vajra’s nineteenth-place ranking, then focused on cultivating the Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art.
• News of Chen Ping'an’s ranking and feats spread across the provinces, prompting reactions from Fan Zhengheng, Liu Ziming, Mu Tianxiong, Wang Siyuan, Nangong Liu, and Seven Absolute Old Man.
• Wang Siyuan decided to pursue a Grandmaster breakthrough after cultivating the Thunderbolt Thundercloud Palm to Greater Accomplishment.
• Seven Absolute Old Man resolved to go to Northern Cang and personally kill Chen Ping'an before he could reach the Grandmaster Realm.
• Three days after the Dragon and Tiger Rankings update, the Azure Dragon Province New Talent Rankings were released and caused an even greater shock.

Chen Ping'an returned to the Town Pacification Office after successfully collecting the Contribution Silver from Tiger Run Gambling House, astonishing the constables who had doubted him. Head Constable Zheng arrived as the crowd gathered, and the chapter ended with him rebuking them.

• Zheng Shiyong promised Cheng Yuan and Zhao Hu that they could join him in collecting Contribution Silver after Chen Ping'an failed, and warned them to be more careful.
• Zheng Shiyong entered the Town Pacification Office and learned from Tan Huacong that Chen Ping'an had already collected the Contribution Silver.
• Head Constable Zheng left his office to investigate the growing commotion and saw Chen Ping'an enter the Errand Office without greeting him.
• Old Fan and the other constables were mocking Chen Ping'an when he arrived and demanded to know where the Contribution Silver was.
• Chen Ping'an placed the silver and a receipt bearing Tiger Run Gambling House's seal on the table, proving he had collected the full amount.
• Head Constable Zheng rebuked the gathered constables from outside the Errand Office.

At the gathering, Gu Qingchan lent the Black Robe Old Monster—Chen Ping'an's incarnation—Origin Crystals to buy a Mystic Light Mirror, then openly sought his company and embraced him. Chen Ping'an rejected her and left after realizing she had secretly intercepted a trace of his aura, while onlookers concluded that Gu Qingchan favored him.

• Long Eyebrow Great Grandmaster and the Blazing Sun Pavilion Supreme Elder wondered about the Black Robe Old Monster's identity after seeing Gu Qingchan respond warmly to his Secret Voice Transmission.
• Gu Qingchan gave the Black Robe Old Monster nearly five hundred Origin Crystals so he could complete the purchase of the Mystic Light Mirror, prompting Zhu Changlie and other onlookers to connect him with rumors about Gu Qingchan's beloved.
• Chen Ping'an's incarnation tried to leave, but Gu Qingchan pressed close, pleaded with him to stay, and invited him to her Promotion Ceremony in half a month.
• When Gu Qingchan embraced him, Chen Ping'an used a flash of dark crimson force to throw her away, then departed after warning her with a piercing gaze.
• The gathered Grandmasters were stunned that Gu Qingchan had been rejected, while Chen Ping'an realized she had intercepted a faint trace of his aura and resolved to conceal his true foundation.

Chen Ping'an settled his affairs at the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office and remained in Azure Dragon Province City to await the Wishful Treasure Pavilion's Trading Convention. As the investigation into Xue Kunsheng's death began in Northern Cang, Chen Ping'an stayed behind to cultivate and refine Divine Weapons.

• Chen Ping'an met Zhong Zeyu, learned why he had been inspecting the Inner City Pacification Office, and received his congratulations about the Gu Family.
• Lu Yuanzai approved Chen Ping'an's request to remain in Azure Dragon Province City temporarily, while Feng Wuhen passed by in a state of despair without explaining what had happened.
• Chen Ping'an returned to his courtyard and resumed cultivating, while the Province Town Pacification Office assembled a powerful Reconnaissance Team to investigate Xue Kunsheng's death.
• Wang Lingzhi led the Reconnaissance Team to Northern Cang, and Chen Ping'an attended his send-off despite Wang Lingzhi's teasing remarks.
• Chen Ping'an refined the Azure Scale Soft Armor, continued studying the Beast Carving, and advanced the Seven Absolute Divine Skill toward minor mastery.
• Chen Ping'an awaited the opening of the Wishful Treasure Pavilion's Trading Convention.

Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an defeated Xue Guangyu aboard the Mist and Rain Painted Boat, then endured Xue Zirou’s apology and wine toasts while the banquet guests learned his identity and saw Cloud Dream Fairy in his arms. Xue Zirou’s scheme to drug him appeared to succeed, and she went to check on him as the festivities continued.

• Chen Ping'an sent Xue Guangyu flying with one strike, and Xue Zirou stopped her brother from attacking him again.
• Xue Guangyu’s shout revealed Chen Ping'an’s identity, and guests across the Azure Fall River speculated about his clash with the Xue siblings and his closeness to Cloud Dream Fairy.
• Xue Zirou apologized to Chen Ping'an and served him wine; he teased her, and she eventually drank with him before leaving after he grabbed her wrist.
• Xue Zirou revealed that she had used an Yin Yang Wine Pot to give Chen Ping'an wine laced with Clear Wind Love Silk Powder, hoping to damage his marriage alliance with the Gu Family.
• Xue Zirou headed toward the fifth-floor rooms to check whether the drug had taken effect while the courtesans resumed their performances.

Chen Ping'an reunited with Chen Er'ya in Azure Dragon Province City and learned of her rapid academic and martial progress. After promising to choose her courtesy name at her Coming-of-Age Ceremony, he perfected the Soaring Dragon Movement Technique and gained its secret skill, Riding the Clouds and Mist, just as a splendid carriage arrived at the courtyard.

• Chen Ping'an sensed experts guarding the courtyard and entered to surprise Chen Er'ya, who recognized him and joyfully called him Brother.
• Chen Er'ya and Peony told Chen Ping'an that Er Ya had entered Azure Dragon School's Inner Dormitory as its youngest student and quickly caught up with her classmates.
• Chen Er'ya asked Chen Ping'an to bestow a courtesy name upon her, and he promised to do so at her Coming-of-Age Ceremony next year.
• Chen Ping'an learned that Chen Er'ya had reached Qi Blood Second Level Perfection and Peony had reached Qi Blood Fourth Level, then rewarded Peony with cultivation pills.
• Chen Ping'an cultivated through the night, perfected the Soaring Dragon Movement Technique, inscribed a third Spirit Pattern, and gained the secret skill Riding the Clouds and Mist.
• A red sandalwood carriage decorated with gold and gemstones stopped outside the courtyard as Chen Ping'an prepared to cultivate the Seven Absolute Divine Skill.

Chen Ping'an approached the North Azure Stronghold as its newly appointed deputy garrison commander, while Xue Kunsheng’s attempt to undermine his authority backfired. As Chen Ping'an neared the gates, a patrol leader recognized him and knelt to pay his respects.

• Xue Kunsheng’s planned show of force faltered when the stronghold’s faction leaders hurried to welcome Chen Ping'an, making his authority appear stronger.
• Wu Zicheng completed the strict entry inspection and entered the North Azure Stronghold, intending to report to his clan elder.
• Chen Ping'an surveyed the stronghold and considered how the North Azure Town Pacification Office shared power with the local factions.
• A patrol squad passed Chen Ping'an on the trade road, and its scar-faced leader, Zhao Tieshan, recognized him and knelt in formal salute.

Chen Ping'an accepted the Gu Family’s dowry inheritance and chose the incomplete Supreme Divine Skill Tyrant Saber over the complete Purple Cloud Saber Art. After comprehending its inheritance, he used his Golden Finger Panel to gain 64 points of cultivation experience and continued practicing.

• Gu Qingchan offered Chen Ping'an the Purple Cloud Saber Art and Tyrant Saber, explaining that Tyrant Saber was a Supreme Divine Skill but lacked sixty percent of its artistic conception.
• Chen Ping'an chose Tyrant Saber, and the Gu Family Elders gave him its Inheritance Jade Book while discussing the marriage alliance and assigning Gu Qingchan to monitor his progress.
• The Elders teased Gu Qingchan about rumors of a moonlit tryst with the Black Robe Old Monster, and her silence made them suspect the rumors were true.
• Chen Ping'an opened the Inheritance Jade Book, comprehended Tyrant Saber Intent, and gained 64 experience points, leaving the skill short of Initiation.
• Chen Ping'an decided to keep practicing Tyrant Saber and circulated his True Essence along its cultivation path.

Chen Ping'an received a two-rank promotion to Deputy Commander and learned that Mu Wanjun had invited him to dine with the Mu Family. As he prepared to return to Wei River County City, he visited Old Man Hao in White Stone City and heard how much the city had improved under its new Commander.

• Chen Ping'an received his appointment as Deputy Commander and decided to return to Wei River County City to complete the procedures.
• Chen Ping'an received Mu Wanjun's second reply, which invited him to a meal at the Mu Family.
• Chen Ping'an visited Old Man Hao's stall, where the elder welcomed him and spoke about how the city had become more peaceful.
• Old Man Hao praised the newly appointed Commander for bringing the city's gangs and lineages under control, unaware that Chen Ping'an was the Commander.
• Old Man Hao refused payment for Chen Ping'an's meal, and Chen Ping'an thanked him before leaving.

Chen Ping'an collected the remaining Spirit Spring water and reflected on the valuable treasures and resources he had gained from the Demon Lord's Secret Realm and his exchanges with Qu Feiyan. Realizing Qu Feiyan might identify him and that their Shared Injury Mechanism made them mutual weaknesses, he resolved to grow stronger and hoped she would remain safe.

• Chen Ping'an gathered dozens of bottles and jars of Spirit Spring water, worth several thousand Origin Crystals, and reviewed his gains, including the Illusory Dream Pearl and the Turbulent Phoenix Dance, Yin-Yang Pivot.
• Chen Ping'an assessed the Black Mystic Iron Mask he had received for Qu Feiyan's veil as a near-Treasure and considered his trade of her scent pouch for Thousand-Year Stone Milk, Exploding Essence True Pills, and other rare supplies a major profit.
• Chen Ping'an worried that Qu Feiyan could connect his real name and similar appearance in the Illusory Dream to his true identity, and feared she might capture him if they met again.
• Chen Ping'an reasoned that Qu Feiyan would avoid exposing their Shared Injury Mechanism to an elder protector or other Heavenly Luo Sect members, since it could leave her vulnerable to rivals.
• Chen Ping'an decided he needed to become strong enough to reach Unity of Heaven and Man, Martial Dao Celestial, and wished that nothing would happen to Qu Feiyan.

Chen Ping'an visited the Azure Dragon Province Town Pacification Office after the Gu Family’s intervention settled the dispute over his actions in Northern Cang. He stood firm against Deputy Division Head Ning Zhengyue and returned home to cultivate, wary of the powerful official but confident in his growing strength.

• Chen Er'ya left for school alone, while Chen Ping'an watched her go and trusted the Gu Family guards to protect her.
• Gu Qingchan's breakthrough to Great Grandmaster strengthened the Gu Family's influence and helped settle the Province Town Pacification Office's dispute over Chen Ping'an.
• Chen Ping'an entered the Province Town Pacification Office, showed his command plaque to constable Li Tianbao, and passed Wang Lingzhi, whom he provoked by mentioning his future marriage match.
• Deputy Division Head Ning Zhengyue reprimanded Chen Ping'an over Yan Sheng, Qi Guangshan, and the refused summons, but Chen defended his actions as upholding the Town Pacification Office's laws and left when Ning dismissed him.
• Chen Ping'an recalled his tense meeting with Ning Zhengyue and his strange encounter with Zhong Zeyu, then began cultivating.

Chen Ping'an recovered from his first Iron Cloth practice, then shared a nourishing dinner with Chen Er'ya and resumed training. He earned another cultivation point, bringing Iron Cloth to 2/5 while remaining uninitiated.

• Chen Ping'an stopped practicing when the pain and damage to his skin became severe, and Chen Er'ya brought him water.
• Chen Ping'an told Chen Er'ya to eat the rice while he slept, then asked her to buy beef and eggs for dinner.
• Chen Ping'an woke after several hours, ate a steamed bun, and helped Chen Er'ya cook a meal with meat, vegetables, rice, soup, and eggs.
• Chen Ping'an urged Chen Er'ya to eat the beef and promised their lives would improve, and the siblings shared dinner.
• Chen Ping'an resumed Iron Cloth practice despite the pain and gained a point, raising his progress to 2/5.

Chen Ping'an rested after practicing Iron Cloth, reassured Chen Er'ya about their looming debt, and planned how to prepare for repayment. The next morning, he reported for duty at the South Spring Neighborhood Pacification Office and waited with Hou Fugui and Da Shan until Head Constable Zheng arrived.

• Chen Ping'an told Chen Er'ya to eat well while he was on duty and said he had a way to handle the debt due to Little Tiger Lord in ten days.
• Chen Ping'an considered household needs, collecting a half-tael debt from Uncle Pan's family, and preparing for the possibility that Little Tiger Lord might change the repayment deadline.
• Chen Ping'an reported for roll call at the South Spring Neighborhood Pacification Office and waited in a corner after greeting several acquaintances.
• Hou Fugui joined Chen Ping'an, and the two called Da Shan over to greet them.
• The constables fell silent when Head Constable Zheng entered the office.

Chen Ping'an advanced his Iron Cloth practice to 3/5 but found his body could not handle two sessions close together, so he planned to train again in the morning. He began practicing before dawn while Chen Er'ya prepared him hot porridge.

• Chen Ping'an practiced Iron Cloth and raised his progress to 3/5, leaving two points before entry.
• Chen Ping'an rested and attempted another session that night, but stopped when the pain threatened to break his skin.
• Chen Ping'an washed up and went to sleep after chatting with Chen Er'ya about their household supplies and daily life.
• Chen Ping'an rose before dawn to practice Iron Cloth, and Chen Er'ya woke and cooked him a bowl of porridge.

After Rogue Liu Er’s gang robbed and terrorized Chen Er'ya, Chen Ping'an advanced to the Tendon Transformation Realm and went to confront them at night. He burst into Rogue Liu Er’s home and swiftly incapacitated two of the three rogues, leaving the confrontation unresolved.

• Rogue Liu Er decided to retaliate against Chen Ping'an after dark, while Chen Ping'an comforted Chen Er'ya after the gang stole her money and ruined their food.
• Chen Ping'an practiced Flying Locust Stone until he reached Minor Accomplishment, advancing to Qi Blood Third Level, the Tendon Transformation Realm.
• After hearing Rogue Liu Er and his lackeys threaten him and Chen Er'ya, Chen Ping'an followed them to Rogue Liu Er’s home that night.
• Chen Ping'an kicked in the door and struck down two rogues, crushing one’s chest and breaking the other’s leg.

Chen Ping'an learned that someone had tried to target his younger sister and decided to punish the factions he blamed for mistaking his retreat for weakness. He defeated Chu Mingwei in one move and ordered him to summon the other leaders for tea.

• Cheng Renjing told Chen Ping'an that an intruder had tried to sneak into his residence, but Chen Er'ya was safe and the culprit was in custody.
• Enraged, Chen Ping'an vowed to strike back and led Town Pacification Office elites to surround the Chu Family estate.
• Chu Mingwei confronted Chen Ping'an and demanded an explanation for his arrival.
• Chen Ping'an attacked Chu Mingwei and defeated him with a single move, placing his saber at Chu Mingwei's neck.
• Chen Ping'an ordered Chu Mingwei to summon the patriarchs and gang leaders of the other factions for tea.

Chen Ping'an defeated the Ten Thousand Demons Sect elders, but the wounded Gray-robed Old Man died by suicide before Cao Yingxiong could capture him. Cao Yingxiong arrived at the scene and met Chen Ping'an, disappointed that the elder’s death reduced his merit.

• Chen Ping'an pierced the Gray-robed Old Man with a spear and pursued him as he tried to flee.
• A deafening roar disrupted the Gray-robed Old Man’s True Qi and caused him to collapse.
• Cao Yingxiong arrived, recognized the Gray-robed Old Man as a Ten Thousand Demons Sect elder, and moved to capture him.
• The Gray-robed Old Man shattered his own heart meridian and died rather than be captured.
• Chen Ping'an landed before Cao Yingxiong, whose expression was unpleasant because the death reduced his merit.