Chapter Summaries

Chen Ping'an and Mu Wanjun investigated Ten Thousand Demons Sect Ghost Face Marks found throughout South City Prison as the sect’s planned attack began. After explosions set fires across the city, Constable Head Shi revealed himself as an infiltrator and struck Mu Wanjun.

• Constable Head Shi showed Chen Ping'an a Ghost Face Mark in the prison, and Constable Head Min found marks in five locations, including near Wu Haihua's cell.
• Chen Ping'an ordered the prison searched and sent Constable Head Min to report the discovery to the South City Pacification Office.
• Mu Wanjun arrived with elite investigators, confirmed the marks belonged to the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, and explained that the sect’s infiltrators could strike within days.
• Chen Ping'an and Mu Wanjun inspected the marks, then heard explosions and saw fires break out across the city.
• Constable Head Shi suddenly attacked Mu Wanjun with an Inner Qi palm strike, shattering half of her shoulder blade.

Mu Wanjun proposed transferring Chen Ping'an to White Stone City to escape the Fang Family's pressure and take the vacant Deputy Commander position. After learning about the city's dangerous conflicts over the Dragon Peace Trade Route, Chen Ping'an agreed to go and asked Mu Wanjun to help arrange the transfer.

• Mu Wanjun explained that transferring from South City Prison could distance Chen Ping'an from its troubles and the Fang Family's schemes.
• Mu Wanjun identified the vacant White Stone City Town Pacification Office Deputy Commander position as a suitable opportunity for Chen Ping'an.
• Mu Wanjun offered to use her connections to support the transfer and warned Chen Ping'an that White Stone City was dangerous.
• Mu Wanjun explained that powerful local interests and the Ten Thousand Demons Sect had made White Stone City violent, and several Commanders and Deputy Commanders had died there.
• Chen Ping'an agreed to transfer to White Stone City and asked Mu Wanjun to help him.

Chen Ping'an and Lu Shengyang pursued a Ten Thousand Demons Sect criminal into Red Maple Mountain, where the criminal ambushed Chen Ping'an and Lu Shengyang revealed himself as a traitor. Chen Ping'an blocked Lu Shengyang’s hidden sword strike and said he had been wary of him from the beginning.

• Lu Shengyang introduced himself as a Universe Control Division envoy pursuing a powerful Ten Thousand Demons Sect elder, and Chen Ping'an joined the chase.
• Chen Ping'an and Lu Shengyang followed the fleeing burly man into Red Maple Mountain, gradually closing the distance despite his superior movement skill.
• The burly man attacked Chen Ping'an from behind a boulder, and Chen Ping'an met the strike with his saber.
• Lu Shengyang rushed in as if to help, then stabbed at Chen Ping'an with a concealed sword.
• Chen Ping'an deflected Lu Shengyang’s attack with his palm, and Lu Shengyang demanded to know when Chen Ping'an had seen through him.

Chen Ping'an killed Zheng Zhenwu and Zheng Shiyong after Zheng Zhenwu ambushed him, then returned home and considered how suspicion would not be enough to convict him. The next day, news of Zheng Zhenwu's death spread through South Spring Lane.

• Chen Ping'an snapped Zheng Shiyong's neck after Zheng Shiyong begged for mercy.
• Chen Ping'an left both corpses in the alley and returned home, where he talked with Chen Er'ya and practiced his blades and martial arts.
• Chen Ping'an reasoned that witnesses, Zheng Zhenwu's planned alibi, and his publicly displayed martial level would make it difficult to prove he had killed the two men.
• News spread that Head Constable Zheng had been found dead in an alley, causing an uproar across South Spring Lane.

Chen Ping'an bid farewell to Gu Qingcheng and, after sensing a terrifying vision within her spirit platform, reconsidered how many powerful rivals might exist. He then liquidated much of his wealth, resumed training, and told Er Ya he planned to return to Northern Cang, promising to take her out before he left.

• Chen Ping'an visited Gu Qingcheng to say goodbye, and she congratulated him on reaching the Grandmaster Realm and wished him well.
• Chen Ping'an secretly probed Gu Qingcheng's spirit platform, glimpsed a Golden Wheel, rosy clouds, a bright moon, an Ancient Sword, and Divine Firmament, then suffered a severe backlash.
• After Chen Ping'an left, Gu Qingcheng reflected that the Heavenly Mandate of the age might belong to Reckless Saber Chen Ping'an.
• Chen Ping'an resolved to cultivate faster, then used Gu Qingchan's Elder Token at the Wishful Treasure Pavilion to sell most of his gifts and raise his usable Origin Crystals past twenty thousand.
• Chen Ping'an returned to his courtyard and cultivated the Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art before Er Ya came home from school.
• Chen Ping'an told Er Ya he planned to return to Northern Cang, and promised to take her out for a stroll in two days before departing.

Chen Ping'an killed Fang Qixian after revealing the full power of his Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill, then took his Azure Rainbow Sword and three Origin Crystals. He returned to the inn, concealed what had happened, and left his subordinates to question the detained guests before their journey continued the next day.

• Chen Ping'an killed Fang Qixian with a single palm strike and stomped his body to ensure he was dead.
• Chen Ping'an searched Fang Qixian’s corpse and took the Azure Rainbow Sword and three Origin Crystals, worth about thirty thousand taels.
• Chen Ping'an destroyed the corpse and erased traces of the battle before returning to the inn.
• Chen Ping'an told the Town Pacification Office elites that the assassin had escaped, and they continued questioning the inn’s guests.
• Niu Li ordered the detained guests to cooperate, while three men who had seen the Town Pacification Office tokens feared Chen Ping'an’s status.

Gu Qingchan revealed her Mystic Maiden Heart Sutra and killed the Blood-robed Man, while the Gray-robed Old Man killed Situ Ba and began fighting her. Chen Ping'an entered the blood-pool chamber and recognized the battle’s opponent as a top grandmaster.

• The Blood-robed Man attacked Gu Qingchan while the Gray-robed Old Man overwhelmed the wounded Situ Ba.
• Gu Qingchan used the Mystic Maiden Heart Sutra and her Mystic Ice Divine Needles to kill the Blood-robed Man.
• The Gray-robed Old Man killed Situ Ba and attacked Gu Qingchan, but her Ice Lotus Treasure Lamp and needles helped her defend herself.
• Chen Ping'an killed another Ten Thousand Demons Sect elder while searching the deputy altar for fleeing survivors.
• Chen Ping'an sensed the grandmasters fighting, entered the blood-pool chamber, and recognized Gu Qingchan as a peerless beauty and the opponent as a top grandmaster.

Chen Ping'an met Zhao Zhitin, a Three-Imprint Universe Control Guard who offered help with Feng Shixian’s case. Zhao’s letter gave him details about Feng’s death and suggested that Patrol Envoy Guan Yuping was neglecting his duties and colluding with the Wei Family.

• Chen Ping'an encountered Zhao Zhitin, a Profound Light Realm expert waiting by the road, and stayed wary as Zhao identified himself as a Universe Control Guard.
• Zhao Zhitin showed Chen Ping'an his Three-Imprint token and said he wanted to help with the matter of Feng Shixian.
• Zhao Zhitin gave Chen Ping'an an envelope with contact details and departed.
• Chen Ping'an inspected the envelope and found information about Feng Shixian's death and injuries.
• Chen Ping'an read that Guan Yuping lived in Five Peaks Mountain City, neglected his duties, and was suspected of colluding with the Wei Family.

Chen Ping'an perfected the Dragon Elephant Overlord Body Art, strengthening his combat power and survival skills while continuing to cultivate the Soul Severing Saber. After receiving news of a Ten Thousand Demons Sect stronghold’s destruction, he learned that a far more dangerous branch helm was resisting the province-wide campaign across Li Yang, Earthfire County, and Wei River.

• Chen Ping'an perfected the Dragon Elephant Overlord Body Art, advancing to Jade Balance Early Stage Perfection and gaining strength comparable to a Jade Balance Middle Stage Grandmaster.
• Chen Ping'an practiced the Soul Severing Saber Technique and decided to conceal his growing strength until he reached the Jade Balance Middle Stage.
• Chen Ping'an received word that You Yongming had helped destroy a Ten Thousand Demons Sect stronghold at Five Peaks Mountain and sent praise and further instructions.
• Fan Zhengheng summoned Chen Ping'an and showed him a secret report describing heavy resistance and a Li Yang Brigade Commander's assassination during the campaign against the Ten Thousand Demons Sect.
• Chen Ping'an and Fan Zhengheng concluded that the suspected Ten Thousand Demons Sect Branch Helm spanning Li Yang, Earthfire County, and Wei River was far more formidable than an ordinary stronghold.

Chen Ping'an studied the Three Points of Human Tribulation Finger while news of his victory over the Heavenly Luo Sect Branch spread through Wei River Town. He successfully began cultivating the divine skill, leaving him with a new technique to develop despite lacking its martial intent.

• Chen Ping'an devoted several days to studying the Three Points of Human Tribulation Finger while Zhao Zhitin and Chu Long recovered.
• Liu Yuanhua received Chen Ping'an's report about the branch's suppression and blamed Guan Yuping for failing to provide intelligence or lead the operation.
• Noble families and other forces learned that Chen Ping'an had killed Gu Wu, the Soul Severing Spear, and speculated that he possessed Profound Light combat strength.
• Chen Ping'an recognized that the finger technique's powerful attacks could make up for his weaker killing power and offer a hidden trump card.
• Chen Ping'an completed a Cosmic Orbit for the technique and gained one point of Cultivation Experience, confirming he could cultivate it without its martial intent.

Chen Ping'an defeated Seven Absolute Old Man in a fierce battle, then collected his inheritance, weapons, and other treasures. As he recovered and examined his windfall, he discovered a strange carving that slowly devoured spirituality and resolved to investigate it later.

• Chen Ping'an overwhelmed Seven Absolute Old Man with his attacks and resisted the old man's Bewildering Heart Art before striking him down.
• As he died, Seven Absolute Old Man gave Chen Ping'an the Inheritance Jade Book containing the completed Seven Absolute Divine Skill and declared himself satisfied with his death.
• Chen Ping'an confirmed Seven Absolute Old Man was dead, took his divine weapons and possessions, and carried away his corpse before leaving the devastated battlefield.
• While resting, Chen Ping'an assessed his injuries and realized the battle had badly weakened his spirituality, exposing his need for stronger spiritual defenses.
• Chen Ping'an searched Seven Absolute Old Man's Thousand Mechanisms Pouch and found thousands of Origin Crystals, valuable treasures, and handwritten martial arts insights.
• Chen Ping'an discovered a beast carving that slowly devoured spirituality and decided to investigate it later, then set off toward a safer place with his spoils.

Liu Yuanhua reviewed reports of Ten Thousand Demons Sect activity and Chen Ping'an’s actions in Five Peaks Mountain City, then learned that Chen Ping'an had broken into the Profound Light Realm and displayed Middle Stage combat power. The Wei River Town Pacification Office unanimously recommended Chen Ping'an for Vice Commander Candidate, while Li Pingjiang resolved to go kill him if he did not return within two days.

• Liu Yuanhua ordered Rising Origin City to strengthen patrols and defenses against the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, and directed cities across the region to monitor its criminals.
• Liu Yuanhua read Chen Ping'an’s report about suppressing Wu Tianqi and worried that the Wu Family would retaliate against him.
• Liu Yuanhua received Chen Ping'an’s letter announcing his breakthrough into the Profound Light Realm, and news of Chen Ping'an’s strength soon shocked Wei River County’s families and rivals.
• The Wei River Town Pacification Office unanimously recommended Chen Ping'an for Vice Commander Candidate and submitted the promotion for provincial review.
• Li Pingjiang learned that Chen Ping'an had reached Profound Light Middle Stage combat power and decided to travel to Five Peaks Mountain City to kill him if he did not return within two days.

Xiong Sanrang arrested members of both patrol forces after their clash, and Chen Ping'an’s order escalated into a direct challenge to Northern Cang’s powerful factions. As Yan Sheng prepared to press the confrontation, he learned that Chen Ping'an had mobilized over two hundred men to demand an explanation from the Blood Saber Sect.

• Xiong Sanrang subdued the Joint Patrol Squad members and defended the arrests to Ma Yuanbang as Heaven's thunderous punishment.
• Zhu Jiuhuan expected Chen Ping'an to release the arrested patrolmen later, while Gu Hongxiu suspected Yan Sheng had engineered the dispute to damage Chen Ping'an's authority.
• Yan Sheng decided to continue his plan to establish the Shadowless Saber Sect's authority after Chen Ping'an arrested everyone.
• Yan Sheng's men reported that Chen Ping'an was leading at least two hundred Town Pacification Office forces toward the Blood Saber Sect to demand an explanation.

After Chen Ping'an killed Tong Jin, the Universe Control Division impeached him and demanded a review of his post. Chen Ping'an finished refining the Mystic Ice Silkworm Armor, considered how to overcome his movement-technique weakness, and went to read the Wei River Town Pacification Office's response.

• Liu Yuanhua worried that Tong Jin's death could spark a confrontation between the Universe Control Division and the Town Pacification Office, while rumors spread that Chen Ping'an had reached the Peak Realm.
• Liu Ziming was shaken by Chen Ping'an's strength, and Mu Wanjun worried about the trouble he might face.
• The Universe Control Division impeached Chen Ping'an as Outer Perimeter Patrol Envoy of the Trade Route and demanded that the Wei River Town Pacification Office review his appointment.
• Chen Ping'an completed refining the Mystic Ice Silkworm Armor and assessed his strengthened defenses, his ability to fight Grandmasters, and his need for a better movement technique.
• Yuan Zutong told Chen Ping'an about the impeachment and a letter from the Wei River Town Pacification Office, and Chen Ping'an went to his office to read it.

Chen Ping'an rejected Xue Mingde’s invitations and left Li Yang County with Fan Zhengheng, while secretly noticing that Tao Yan'er carried a gu worm. The chapter ended with Xue Family Grandmaster Xue Shishun sensing the worm’s agony and predicting Chen Ping'an’s death.

• Chen Ping'an left Xue Mingde’s promotion feast early and refused an invitation to the following luncheon.
• Xue Mingde took Chen Ping'an’s repeated refusals as a final rejection and vowed to kill him.
• Fan Zhengheng returned with Tao Yan'er, a courtesan from Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, and Chen Ping'an agreed to depart the next morning.
• Chen Ping'an sensed a worm hidden in Tao Yan'er's belly as the convoy left Li Yang County City.
• Xue Shishun inspected a suffering gu worm in a Black Jar and declared that Chen Ping'an had made the wrong choice.

Little Tiger Lord and his gang came to Chen Ping'an’s home to demand repayment of his late father’s loan. Chen Ping'an negotiated ten more days to pay, while concealing his resolve and concern for Chen Er'ya.

• Little Tiger Lord forced open Chen Ping'an’s courtyard gate and confronted him over the debt.
• Chen Ping'an reminded Little Tiger Lord that the loan was not due for nearly half a year and asked for more time to repay it.
• Little Tiger Lord’s lackey Liu Er threatened Chen Ping'an, but Little Tiger Lord silenced him and offered a five-day extension.
• Chen Ping'an persuaded Little Tiger Lord to extend the deadline to ten days, agreeing to repay fourteen taels of silver.
• After Little Tiger Lord and his men left, Chen Ping'an dropped his smile and reflected that he had deliberately feigned panic to avoid drawing attention.

Chen Ping'an began his tenure as South City Prison's commanding officer, asserting authority over deputy warden Chu Qirong and learning the prison's layout and staff. He recognized Fu Yuanming as the greater threat and resolved to keep cultivating until he could face him without fear.

• Chen Ping'an challenged Chu Qirong to a contest for the prison warden's position, but Chu Qirong declined to fight and swallowed his resentment.
• Chen Ping'an reassured the Prison Guards that existing rules would remain, then invited Pang Miao for drinks; Pang Miao declined and left, judging that Chen Ping'an had real ability.
• When Chu Qirong tried to leave, Chen Ping'an ordered him to accompany him around South City Prison, and Chu Qirong reluctantly introduced the personnel and security arrangements.
• After the tour, Chen Ping'an watched Chu Qirong leave on time and identified Fu Yuanming, the South City Pacification Office's Deputy Chief Constable, as the real threat.
• Chen Ping'an decided that his strength was insufficient and vowed to continue cultivating until he could act without scruples.

Chen Ping'an looked into Xu Renchang’s imprisonment and decided he should serve the full seven-day term required by precedent. His inquiry alarmed Constable Head Min, who confronted Xu JinKui and left him terrified that his son had offended someone powerful.

• Xu JinKui asked Chen Ping'an to help his imprisoned son, and Chen agreed to look into the matter.
• Constable Head Min agreed to release Xu Renchang after Xu JinKui entertained him at a restaurant.
• Chen Ping'an learned Xu Renchang had served five of the seven days required for his street brawl and decided he should serve the remaining two days.
• The Squad Leader wondered what Chen Ping'an’s questions meant, while Constable Head Min learned that Chen had investigated Xu Renchang.
• Constable Head Min angrily told Xu JinKui that his request had nearly ruined him, leaving Xu JinKui shaken by the attention his son had attracted.

Chen Ping'an prepared to leave the South Spring Neighborhood Pacification Office for South City Prison while cultivating and breaking through to the Inner Qi Realm. He tested his new Inner Qi, realized his reserves were tiny, and relied on his Golden Finger Panel to help him catch up with veteran experts.

• Chen Ping'an chose Zeng Jihe to accompany him to South City Prison, while Monkey Head and Da Shan stayed behind to develop their standing at the South Spring Neighborhood Pacification Office.
• Chen Ping'an used accumulated experience to advance the Swift Wind Saber Technique to initiation.
• Chen Ping'an opened his dantian Qi Sea and reached Inner Qi First Level, Qi Sea Initial Transformation.
• Chen Ping'an tested how Inner Qi enhanced his eyesight and hearing, but nearly exhausted his small reserves.
• Chen Ping'an concluded that accumulating Inner Qi would take time and trusted his Golden Finger Panel to help him progress.

Chen Ping'an returned to Wei River County City as the newly promoted patrol deputy envoy and went to the Wei River Town Pacification Office to report for duty and receive orders. His arrival drew attention from the city’s major powers, who began considering how to approach him.

• Mu Wanjun learned that Chen Ping'an ranked 91st on the New Talent Rankings while Mu Feiyu failed to make the list.
• Chen Ping'an entered Wei River County City with his group, using his official token to pass through the gates without inspection.
• Chen Ping'an sent his subordinates to an inn and went directly to the Wei River Town Pacification Office to report for duty.
• Deng Yi, a steward of the Dispatch Office, welcomed Chen Ping'an respectfully and escorted him inside as onlookers recognized his identity.
• The major powers learned Chen Ping'an had returned, and several considered visiting him or winning him over; one remarked that the Mu Family had once nearly pursued a marriage alliance with him.